Effects of core retrieval, handling, and preservation on hydrate-bearing samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kneafsey, T. J.; Lu, H.; Winters, W. J.; Hunter, R. B.

2009-12-01

Recovery, preservation, storage, and transport of samples containing natural gas hydrate cause changes in the stress conditions, temperature, pressure, and hydrate saturation of samples. Sample handling at the ground surface and sample preservation, either by freezing in liquid nitrogen (LN) or repressurization using methane, provides additional time and driving forces for sample alteration. The extent to which these disturbances alter the properties of the hydrate bearing sediments (HBS) depend on specific sample handling techniques, as well as on the sample itself. HBS recovered during India’s National Gas Hydrate Program (NGHP) Expedition 01 and the 2007 BP Exploration Alaska - Department of Energy - U.S. Geological Survey (BP-DOE-USGS) Mount Elbert (ME) gas hydrate well on the Alaskan North Slope provide comparisons of sample alterations induced by multiple handling techniques. HBS samples from the NGHP and the ME projects were examined using x-ray computed tomography. Mount Elbert sand samples initially preserved in LN have non-uniform short “crack-like” low-density zones in the center that probably do not extend to the outside perimeter. Samples initially preserved by repressurization show fewer “crack-like” features and higher densities. Two samples were analyzed in detail by Lu and coworkers showing reduced hydrate saturations approaching the outer surface, while substantial hydrate remained in the central region. Non-pressure cored NGHP samples show relatively large altered regions approaching the core surface, while pressure-cored-liquid-nitrogen preserved samples have much less alteration.

Stratospheric measurements of ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases using AirCores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laube, Johannes; Leedham Elvidge, Emma; Kaiser, Jan; Sturges, Bill; Heikkinen, Pauli; Laurila, Tuomas; Hatakka, Juha; Kivi, Rigel; Chen, Huilin; Fraser, Paul; van der Veen, Carina; Röckmann, Thomas

2017-04-01

Retrieving air samples from the stratosphere has previously required aircraft or large balloons, both of which are expensive to operate. The novel "AirCore" technique (Karion et al., 2010) enables stratospheric sampling using weather balloons, which is much more cost effective. AirCores are long (up to 200 m) stainless steel tubes which are placed as a payload on a small balloon, can ascend to over 30 km and fill upon descent, collecting a vertical profile of the atmosphere. Retrieved volumes are much smaller though, which presents a challenge for trace gas analysis. To date, only the more abundant trace gases such as carnon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) have been quantified in AirCores. Halogenated trace gases are also important greenhouse gases and many also deplete stratospheric ozone. Their concentrations are however much lower i.e. typically in the part per trillion (ppt) molar range. We here present the first stratospheric measurements of halocarbons in AirCores obtained using UEA's highly sensitive (detection limits of 0.01-0.1 ppt in 10 ml of air) gas chromatography mass spectrometry system. The analysed air originates from a Stratospheric Air Sub-sampler (Mrozek et al., 2016) which collects AirCore segments after the non-destructive CO2 and CH4 analysis. Successfully measured species include CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113, CFC-115, H-1211, H-1301, HCFC-22, HCFC-141b, HCFC-142b, HCFC-133a, and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). We compare the observed mixing ratios and precisions with data obtained from samples collected during various high-altitude aircraft campaigns between 2009 and 2016 as well as with southern hemisphere tropospheric long-term trends. As part of the ERC-funded EXC3ITE (EXploring stratospheric Composition, Chemistry and Circulation with Innovative Techniques) project more than 40 AirCore flights are planned in the next 3 years with an expanded range of up to 30 gases in order to explore seasonal and interannual variability in the stratosphere. References Karion et al., J. Atmos. Ocean. Technol., 27(11), 1839-1853, 2010 Mrozek et al., Atmos. Meas. Tech., 9, 5607-5620, 2016

A Critical Role for Protein Degradation in the Nucleus Accumbens Core in Cocaine Reward Memory

PubMed Central

Ren, Zhen-Yu; Liu, Meng-Meng; Xue, Yan-Xue; Ding, Zeng-Bo; Xue, Li-Fen; Zhai, Suo-Di; Lu, Lin

2013-01-01

The intense associative memories that develop between cocaine-paired contexts and rewarding stimuli contribute to cocaine seeking and relapse. Previous studies have shown impairment in cocaine reward memories by manipulating a labile state induced by memory retrieval, but the mechanisms that underlie the destabilization of cocaine reward memory are unknown. In this study, using a Pavlovian cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) procedure in rats, we tested the contribution of ubiquitin-proteasome system-dependent protein degradation in destabilization of cocaine reward memory. First, we found that polyubiquitinated protein expression levels and polyubiquitinated N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion (NSF) markedly increased 15 min after retrieval while NSF protein levels decreased 1 h after retrieval in the synaptosomal membrane fraction in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core. We then found that infusion of the proteasome inhibitor lactacystin into the NAc core prevented the impairment of memory reconsolidation induced by the protein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin and reversed the effects of anisomycin on NSF and glutamate receptor 2 (GluR2) protein levels in the synaptosomal membrane fraction in the NAc core. We also found that lactacystin infusion into the NAc core but not into the shell immediately after extinction training sessions inhibited CPP extinction and reversed the extinction training-induced decrease in NSF and GluR2 in the synaptosomal membrane fraction in the NAc core. Finally, infusions of lactacystin by itself into the NAc core immediately after each training session or before the CPP retrieval test had no effect on the consolidation and retrieval of cocaine reward memory. These findings suggest that ubiquitin-proteasome system-dependent protein degradation is critical for retrieval-induced memory destabilization. PMID:23303053

Logging-while-coring method and apparatus

DOEpatents

Goldberg, David S.; Myers, Gregory J.

2007-11-13

A method and apparatus for downhole coring while receiving logging-while-drilling tool data. The apparatus includes core collar and a retrievable core barrel. The retrievable core barrel receives core from a borehole which is sent to the surface for analysis via wireline and latching tool The core collar includes logging-while-drilling tools for the simultaneous measurement of formation properties during the core excavation process. Examples of logging-while-drilling tools include nuclear sensors, resistivity sensors, gamma ray sensors, and bit resistivity sensors. The disclosed method allows for precise core-log depth calibration and core orientation within a single borehole, and without at pipe trip, providing both time saving and unique scientific advantages.

Logging-while-coring method and apparatus

DOEpatents

Goldberg, David S.; Myers, Gregory J.

2007-01-30

A method and apparatus for downhole coring while receiving logging-while-drilling tool data. The apparatus includes core collar and a retrievable core barrel. The retrievable core barrel receives core from a borehole which is sent to the surface for analysis via wireline and latching tool The core collar includes logging-while-drilling tools for the simultaneous measurement of formation properties during the core excavation process. Examples of logging-while-drilling tools include nuclear sensors, resistivity sensors, gamma ray sensors, and bit resistivity sensors. The disclosed method allows for precise core-log depth calibration and core orientation within a single borehole, and without at pipe trip, providing both time saving and unique scientific advantages.

Results of Laboratory Tests on Surficial Sediments from the Upper Continental Slope Northern Gulf of Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Booth, James S.

1979-01-01

The purpose of this report is to present the results of geo­technical, textural, and chemical tests performed on samples from the upper Continental Slope, northern Gulf of Mexico.The samples were collected by a piston corer up to 12 m (40 ft.} in length with a head weight of 908 kg (one ton}. The inside diameter of the C. A. B. liner was 89 mm (3.5 inches}. Upon retrieval, the cores were cut in 1.5 m sections, examined for evidence of disturbance, then, if in acceptable condition, were sealed and placed in their in situ vertical position in a refrigerated van. Once ashore, the sections were opened, sealed with wax, recapped and stored as before.The cores were split lengthwise for analysis. One half of the core was X-rayed and the radiograph was carefully examined as a further check for disturbance. This half was then archived. The other half of the core was used for the laboratory work.

Soil Moisture Retrieval with Airborne PALS Instrument over Agricultural Areas in SMAPVEX16

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colliander, Andreas; Jackson, Thomas J.; Cosh, Mike; Misra, Sidharth; Bindlish, Rajat; Powers, Jarrett; McNairn, Heather; Bullock, P.; Berg, A.; Magagi, A.;

Working memory retrieval as a decision process

PubMed Central

Pearson, Benjamin; Raškevičius, Julius; Bays, Paul M.; Pertzov, Yoni; Husain, Masud

2014-01-01

Working memory (WM) is a core cognitive process fundamental to human behavior, yet the mechanisms underlying it remain highly controversial. Here we provide a new framework for understanding retrieval of information from WM, conceptualizing it as a decision based on the quality of internal evidence. Recent findings have demonstrated that precision of WM decreases with memory load. If WM retrieval uses a decision process that depends on memory quality, systematic changes in response time distribution should occur as a function of WM precision. We asked participants to view sample arrays and, after a delay, report the direction of change in location or orientation of a probe. As WM precision deteriorated with increasing memory load, retrieval time increased systematically. Crucially, the shape of reaction time distributions was consistent with a linear accumulator decision process. Varying either task relevance of items or maintenance duration influenced memory precision, with corresponding shifts in retrieval time. These results provide strong support for a decision-making account of WM retrieval based on noisy storage of items. Furthermore, they show that encoding, maintenance, and retrieval in WM need not be considered as separate processes, but may instead be conceptually unified as operations on the same noise-limited, neural representation. PMID:24492597

Working memory retrieval as a decision process.

PubMed

Pearson, Benjamin; Raskevicius, Julius; Bays, Paul M; Pertzov, Yoni; Husain, Masud

2014-02-03

Working memory (WM) is a core cognitive process fundamental to human behavior, yet the mechanisms underlying it remain highly controversial. Here we provide a new framework for understanding retrieval of information from WM, conceptualizing it as a decision based on the quality of internal evidence. Recent findings have demonstrated that precision of WM decreases with memory load. If WM retrieval uses a decision process that depends on memory quality, systematic changes in response time distribution should occur as a function of WM precision. We asked participants to view sample arrays and, after a delay, report the direction of change in location or orientation of a probe. As WM precision deteriorated with increasing memory load, retrieval time increased systematically. Crucially, the shape of reaction time distributions was consistent with a linear accumulator decision process. Varying either task relevance of items or maintenance duration influenced memory precision, with corresponding shifts in retrieval time. These results provide strong support for a decision-making account of WM retrieval based on noisy storage of items. Furthermore, they show that encoding, maintenance, and retrieval in WM need not be considered as separate processes, but may instead be conceptually unified as operations on the same noise-limited, neural representation.

The Quality of Reporting of Abstracts in Physical Therapy Literature is Suboptimal: Cross-Sectional, Bibliographic Analysis.

PubMed

Richter, Randy R; Sebelski, Chris A; Austin, Tricia M

2016-09-01

The quality of abstract reporting in physical therapy literature is unknown. The purpose of this study was to provide baseline data for judging the future impact of the 2010 Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement specifically referencing the 2008 Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement for reporting of abstracts of randomized controlled trials across and between a broad sample and a core sample of physical therapy literature. A cross-sectional, bibliographic analysis was conducted. Abstracts of randomized controlled trials from 2009 were retrieved from PubMed, PEDro, and CENTRAL. Eligibility was determined using PEDro criteria. For outcomes measures, items from the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement for abstract reporting were used for assessment. Raters were not blinded to citation details. Using a computer-generated set of random numbers, 150 abstracts from 112 journals comprised the broad sample. A total of 53 abstracts comprised the core sample. Fourteen of 20 Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials items for both samples were reported in less than 50% of the abstracts. Significantly more abstracts in the core sample reported (% difference core - broad; 95% confidence interval) title (28.4%; 12.9%-41.2%), blinding (15.2%; 1.6%-29.8%), setting (47.6%; 32.4%-59.4%), and confidence intervals (13.1%; 5.0%-25.1%). These findings provide baseline data for determining if continuing efforts to improve abstract reporting are heeded.

What is the correlation of in vivo wear and damage patterns with in vitro TDR motion response?

PubMed Central

Kurtz, Steven M.; Patwardhan, Avinash; MacDonald, Daniel; Ciccarelli, Lauren; van Ooij, André; Lorenz, Mark; Zindrick, Michael; O’Leary, Patrick; Isaza, Jorge; Ross, Raymond

2008-01-01

Background Context Total disc replacements (TDRs) have been used to reduce pain and preserve motion. However, the comparison of polyethylene wear following long-term implantation to those tested using an in vitro model had not yet been investigated. Purpose The purpose of this study was to correlate wear and damage patterns in retrieved TDRs with motion patterns observed in a clinically validated in vitro lumbar spine model. We also sought to determine whether one-sided wear and motion patterns were associated with greater in vivo wear. Study Design This two-part study combined the evaluation of retrieved total disc replacements with a biomechanical study using human lumbar spines. Patient Sample 38 CHARITÉ lumbar artificial discs were retrieved from 32 patients (24 female, 75%) after 7.3 years average implantation (range: 1.8 to 16.1y). The components were implanted at L2/L3 (n=1), L3/L4 (n=2), L4/L5 (n=20), and L5/S1 (n=15). All the implants were removed due to intractable back pain and/or facet degeneration. In addition, they were removed due to subsidence (n=10), anterior migration (n=3), core dislocation (n=2), lateral subluxation (n=1), endplate loosening (n = 2), and osteolysis (n=1). In parallel, 7 new implants were evaluated at L4-L5 and 13 implants at L5-S1 in an in vitro lumbar spine model. Outcome Measures Retrieval analysis included evaluation of clinical data, dimensional measurements and assessment of the extent and severity of PE surface damage mechanisms. In vitro testing involved the observation of motion patterns during physiological loading. Methods For the retrievals, each side of the PE core was independently analyzed at the rim and dome for the presence of machining marks, wear, and fracture. 35 cores were further analyzed using MicroCT to determine whether the wear was one-sided, or symmetrically distributed. For the in vitro study the new implants were tested under physiologic loads (flexion-extension with a compressive follower preload) using a validated cadaveric lumbar spine model. The center of the prosthesis was 2 mm posterior to the mid-point of the vertebral body endplate in mid-sagittal plane. Motion patterns of the in vitro-tested implants were tracked using sequential video-flouroscopy. Results Substantial variability was observed in the wear patterns of the retrievals. 15/35 retrieved cores (43%) displayed one-sided wear patterns. The median dome penetration was 0.2 mm (range: 0.06 to 0.9 mm) and the median penetration rate was 0.04 mm/y (range: 0.01 to 0.2 mm/y). No significant difference in penetration or penetration rate was observed between retrievals with one-sided and symmetric wear patterns (p >0.05). Significant correlations were observed between implantation time and penetration (rho = 0.46, p = 0.004) and penetration rate (rho = −0.48, p = 0.003). In the in vitro study, there was clear visual evidence of motion at both articulations in 8/20 implantations. In additional 8/20 cases, there was some evidence of motion at both articulations; however, the predominant motion occurred at the top articulation. In 4/20 implantations motion could be visually detected only at the top articulation. Core entrapment and pinching was observed in 7/20 cases as the segment was extended, and was associated with visual evidence of core bending or deformation in 5/20 cases. PMID:18317190

The subsurface geology of Río Tinto: material examined during a simulated Mars drilling mission for the Mars Astrobiology Research and Technology Experiment (MARTE).

PubMed

Prieto-Ballesteros, Olga; Martínez-Frías, Jesús; Schutt, John; Sutter, Brad; Heldmann, Jennifer L; Bell, Mary Sue; Battler, Melissa; Cannon, Howard; Gómez-Elvira, Javier; Stoker, Carol R

2008-10-01

The 2005 Mars Astrobiology Research and Technology Experiment (MARTE) project conducted a simulated 1-month Mars drilling mission in the Río Tinto district, Spain. Dry robotic drilling, core sampling, and biological and geological analytical technologies were collectively tested for the first time for potential use on Mars. Drilling and subsurface sampling and analytical technologies are being explored for Mars because the subsurface is the most likely place to find life on Mars. The objectives of this work are to describe drilling, sampling, and analytical procedures; present the geological analysis of core and borehole material; and examine lessons learned from the drilling simulation. Drilling occurred at an undisclosed location, causing the science team to rely only on mission data for geological and biological interpretations. Core and borehole imaging was used for micromorphological analysis of rock, targeting rock for biological analysis, and making decisions regarding the next day's drilling operations. Drilling reached 606 cm depth into poorly consolidated gossan that allowed only 35% of core recovery and contributed to borehole wall failure during drilling. Core material containing any indication of biology was sampled and analyzed in more detail for its confirmation. Despite the poorly consolidated nature of the subsurface gossan, dry drilling was able to retrieve useful core material for geological and biological analysis. Lessons learned from this drilling simulation can guide the development of dry drilling and subsurface geological and biological analytical technologies for future Mars drilling missions.

The Subsurface Geology of Río Tinto: Material Examined During a Simulated Mars Drilling Mission for the Mars Astrobiology Research and Technology Experiment (MARTE)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prieto-Ballesteros, Olga; Martínez-Frías, Jesús; Schutt, John; Sutter, Brad; Heldmann, Jennifer L.; Bell Johnson, Mary Sue; Battler, Melissa; Cannon, Howard; Gómez-Elvira, Javier; Stoker, Carol R.

2008-10-01

The 2005 Mars Astrobiology Research and Technology Experiment (MARTE) project conducted a simulated 1-month Mars drilling mission in the Río Tinto district, Spain. Dry robotic drilling, core sampling, and biological and geological analytical technologies were collectively tested for the first time for potential use on Mars. Drilling and subsurface sampling and analytical technologies are being explored for Mars because the subsurface is the most likely place to find life on Mars. The objectives of this work are to describe drilling, sampling, and analytical procedures; present the geological analysis of core and borehole material; and examine lessons learned from the drilling simulation. Drilling occurred at an undis closed location, causing the science team to rely only on mission data for geological and biological interpretations. Core and borehole imaging was used for micromorphological analysis of rock, targeting rock for biological analysis, and making decisions regarding the next day's drilling operations. Drilling reached 606 cm depth into poorly consolidated gossan that allowed only 35% of core recovery and contributed to borehole wall failure during drilling. Core material containing any indication of biology was sampled and analyzed in more detail for its confirmation. Despite the poorly consolidated nature of the subsurface gossan, dry drilling was able to retrieve useful core material for geological and biological analysis. Lessons learned from this drilling simulation can guide the development of dry drilling and subsurface geological and biological analytical technologies for future Mars drilling missions.

High-resolution probing of inner core structure with seismic interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Hsin-Hua; Lin, Fan-Chi; Tsai, Victor C.; Koper, Keith D.

2015-12-01

Increasing complexity of Earth's inner core has been revealed in recent decades as the global distribution of seismic stations has improved. The uneven distribution of earthquakes, however, still causes a biased geographical sampling of the inner core. Recent developments in seismic interferometry, which allow for the retrieval of core-sensitive body waves propagating between two receivers, can significantly improve ray path coverage of the inner core. In this study, we apply such earthquake coda interferometry to 1846 USArray stations deployed across the U.S. from 2004 through 2013. Clear inner core phases PKIKP2 and PKIIKP2 are observed across the entire array. Spatial analysis of the differential travel time residuals between the two phases reveals significant short-wavelength variation and implies the existence of strong structural variability in the deep Earth. A linear N-S trending anomaly across the middle of the U.S. may reflect an asymmetric quasi-hemispherical structure deep within the inner core with boundaries of 99°W and 88°E.

Using High and Low Resolution Profiles of CO2 and CH4 Measured with AirCores to Evaluate Transport Models and Atmospheric Columns Retrieved from Space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Membrive, O.; Crevoisier, C. D.; Sweeney, C.; Hertzog, A.; Danis, F.; Picon, L.; Engel, A.; Boenisch, H.; Durry, G.; Amarouche, N.

2015-12-01

Over the past decades many methods have been developed to monitor the evolution of greenhouse gases (GHG): ground networks (NOAA, ICOS, TCCON), aircraft campaigns (HIPPO, CARIBIC, Contrail…), satellite observations (GOSAT, IASI, AIRS…). Nevertheless, precise and regular vertical profile measurements are currently still missing from the observing system. To address this need, an original and innovative atmospheric sampling system called AirCore has been developed at NOAA (Karion et al. 2010). This new system allows balloon measurements of GHG vertical profiles from the surface up to 30 km. New versions of this instrument have been developed at LMD: a high-resolution version "AirCore-HR" that differs from other AirCores by its high vertical resolution and two "light" versions (lower resolution) aiming to be flown under meteorological balloon. LMD AirCores were flown on multi-instrument gondolas along with other independent instruments measuring CO2 and CH4 in-situ during the Strato Science balloon campaigns operated by the French space agency CNES in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency in Timmins (Ontario, Canada) in August 2014 and 2015. First, we will present comparisons of the vertical profiles retrieved with various AirCores (LMD and Frankfurt University) to illustrate repeatability and impact of the vertical resolution as well as comparisons with independent in-situ measurements from other instruments (laser diode based Pico-SDLA). Second, we will illustrate the usefulness of AirCore measurements in the upper troposphere and stratosphere for validating and interpreting vertical profiles from atmospheric transport models as well as observations of total and partial column of methane and carbon dioxide from several current and future spaceborne missions such as: ACE-FTS, IASI and GOSAT.

Diagenetic effects on magnetic minerals in a Holocene lacustrine sediment core from Huguangyan maar lake, southeast China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Xudong; Wang, Yong; Bian, Liu; Shen, Ji

2016-09-01

Post-depositional reductive diagenesis usually results in partial or entire cleansing of the pristine palaeomagnetic signal, therefore, its intensity is important to be assessed for sediments that are in the purpose of retrieving palaeomagnetic information. Grain size, rock magnetic and geochemical studies on the entire core, along with scanning electron microscope observations and X-ray diffraction analyses for representative samples were carried out on a Holocene sediment core retrieved from the deep water part of Huguangyan maar lake (HGY), southeast China. The pristine magnetic mineral assemblage of the studied core is domianted by superparamagnetic (SP) and stable single domain titanomagnetite, and high coercivity minerals are not detectable. Based on down-core variations of the average grain size (MZ), total organic carbon (TOC), detrital elements (Al, Ti, Fe and Mn) and the concentration and mineralogy of magnetic minerals, the studied core could be divided into three subsections. The uppermost subsection is the least affected by diagenesis, with detrital titanomagnetite as the dominant magnetic mineral. This is owing to low TOC contents, but high detrital input generated by weak Asian summer monsoon intensity during the late Holocene. The intermediate subsection shows down-core progressively enhanced dissolution of detrital titanomagnetite, and concomitant formation of authigenic pyrite and siderite, which indicates down-core progressively enhanced diagenesis generated by down-core progressive increasing TOC content, but decreasing detrital input as the result of down-core progressively strengthened Asian summer monsoon intensity. The pristine magnetic mineral assemblage has been profoundly modified in the lowermost subsection. At certain positions of the lowermost subsection, detrital titanomagnetite has been even completely dissolved via diagenesis, giving place to authigenic pyrite and siderite. High TOC content, but low detrital input generated from strong Asian summer monsoon intensity during the early Holocene are accountable for intensive diagenesis in the lowermost subsection. Complete erasing of detrital magnetic input signal at certain positions of the lowermost subsection, and considerable formation of authigenic siderite indicate that palaeomagnetic records of the studied core have been significantly compromised. The studied core has relatively higher TOC content, lower detrital matter content, calmer sedimentary environments, and less DO available at its water-sediment interface than the cores retrieved at relatively shallower water depths, which all contribute to its relatively stronger diagenesis. Progressive thickening of the upper two subsections with increasing water depth is owing to progressive increase in sedimentation rate with increasing water depth, which is the key factor in determining the thickness of each diagenetic subsection of cores from HGY. It would be better that lake sediments for palaeomagnetic investigations collected at a water depth shallower than the depth of its thermocline.

Tank 241-AZ-102 Privatization Push Mode Core Sampling and Analysis Plan

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

RASMUSSEN, J.H.

1999-08-02

This sampling and analysis plan (SAP) identifies characterization objectives pertaining to sample collection, laboratory analytical evaluation, and reporting requirements for samples obtained from tank 241-AZ-102. The purpose of this sampling event is to obtain information about the characteristics of the contents of 241-AZ-102 required to satisfy the Data Quality Objectives For TWRS Privatization Phase I: Confirm Tank TIS An Appropriate Feed Source For High-Level Waste Feed Batch X(HLW DQO) (Nguyen 1999a), Data Quality Objectives For TWRS Privatization Phase 1: Confirm Tank TIS An Appropriate Feed Source For Low-Activity Waste Feed Batch X (LAW DQO) (Nguyen 1999b), Low Activity Waste andmore » High Level Waste Feed Data Quality Objectives (L&H DQO) (Patello et al. 1999) and Characterization Data Needs for Development, Design, and Operation of Retrieval Equipment Developed through the Data Quality Objective Process (Equipment DQO) (Bloom 1996). The Tank Characterization Technical Sampling Basis document (Brown et al. 1998) indicates that these issues, except the Equipment DQO apply to tank 241-AZ-102 for this sampling event. The Equipment DQO is applied for shear strength measurements of the solids segments only. Poppiti (1999) requires additional americium-241 analyses of the sludge segments. Brown et al. (1998) also identify safety screening, regulatory issues and provision of samples to the Privatization Contractor(s) as applicable issues for this tank. However, these issues will not be addressed via this sampling event. Reynolds et al. (1999) concluded that information from previous sampling events was sufficient to satisfy the safety screening requirements for tank 241 -AZ-102. Push mode core samples will be obtained from risers 15C and 24A to provide sufficient material for the chemical analyses and tests required to satisfy these data quality objectives. The 222-S Laboratory will extrude core samples, composite the liquids and solids, perform chemical analyses, and provide subsamples to the Process Chemistry Laboratory. The Process Chemistry Laboratory will prepare test plans and perform process tests to evaluate the behavior of the 241-AZ-102 waste undergoing the retrieval and treatment scenarios defined in the applicable DQOs. Requirements for analyses of samples originating in the process tests will be documented in the corresponding test plan.« less

HELIOS–RETRIEVAL: An Open-source, Nested Sampling Atmospheric Retrieval Code; Application to the HR 8799 Exoplanets and Inferred Constraints for Planet Formation

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

Lavie, Baptiste; Mendonça, João M.; Malik, Matej

We present an open-source retrieval code named HELIOS–RETRIEVAL, designed to obtain chemical abundances and temperature–pressure profiles by inverting the measured spectra of exoplanetary atmospheres. In our forward model, we use an exact solution of the radiative transfer equation, in the pure absorption limit, which allows us to analytically integrate over all of the outgoing rays. Two chemistry models are considered: unconstrained chemistry and equilibrium chemistry (enforced via analytical formulae). The nested sampling algorithm allows us to formally implement Occam’s Razor based on a comparison of the Bayesian evidence between models. We perform a retrieval analysis on the measured spectra ofmore » the four HR 8799 directly imaged exoplanets. Chemical equilibrium is disfavored for HR 8799b and c. We find supersolar C/H and O/H values for the outer HR 8799b and c exoplanets, while the inner HR 8799d and e exoplanets have a range of C/H and O/H values. The C/O values range from being superstellar for HR 8799b to being consistent with stellar for HR 8799c and being substellar for HR 8799d and e. If these retrieved properties are representative of the bulk compositions of the exoplanets, then they are inconsistent with formation via gravitational instability (without late-time accretion) and consistent with a core accretion scenario in which late-time accretion of ices occurred differently for the inner and outer exoplanets. For HR 8799e, we find that spectroscopy in the K band is crucial for constraining C/O and C/H. HELIOS–RETRIEVAL is publicly available as part of the Exoclimes Simulation Platform (http://www.exoclime.org).« less

Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory Falling Snow Estimates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skofronick Jackson, G.; Kulie, M.; Milani, L.; Munchak, S. J.; Wood, N.; Levizzani, V.

2017-12-01

Retrievals of falling snow from space represent an important data set for understanding and linking the Earth's atmospheric, hydrological, and energy cycles. Estimates of falling snow must be captured to obtain the true global precipitation water cycle, snowfall accumulations are required for hydrological studies, and without knowledge of the frozen particles in clouds one cannot adequately understand the energy and radiation budgets. This work focuses on comparing the first stable falling snow retrieval products (released May 2017) for the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory (GPM-CO), which was launched February 2014, and carries both an active dual frequency (Ku- and Ka-band) precipitation radar (DPR) and a passive microwave radiometer (GPM Microwave Imager-GMI). Five separate GPM-CO falling snow retrieval algorithm products are analyzed including those from DPR Matched (Ka+Ku) Scan, DPR Normal Scan (Ku), DPR High Sensitivity Scan (Ka), combined DPR+GMI, and GMI. While satellite-based remote sensing provides global coverage of falling snow events, the science is relatively new, the different on-orbit instruments don't capture all snow rates equally, and retrieval algorithms differ. Thus a detailed comparison among the GPM-CO products elucidates advantages and disadvantages of the retrievals. GPM and CloudSat global snowfall evaluation exercises are natural investigative pathways to explore, but caution must be undertaken when analyzing these datasets for comparative purposes. This work includes outlining the challenges associated with comparing GPM-CO to CloudSat satellite snow estimates due to the different sampling, algorithms, and instrument capabilities. We will highlight some factors and assumptions that can be altered or statistically normalized and applied in an effort to make comparisons between GPM and CloudSat global satellite falling snow products as equitable as possible.

Comparison between core temperatures measured telemetrically using the CorTemp® ingestible temperature sensor and rectal temperature in healthy Labrador retrievers

PubMed Central

Osinchuk, Stephanie; Taylor, Susan M.; Shmon, Cindy L.; Pharr, John; Campbell, John

2014-01-01

This study evaluated the CorTemp® ingestible telemetric core body temperature sensor in dogs, to establish the relationship between rectal temperature and telemetrically measured core body temperature at rest and during exercise, and to examine the effect of sensor location in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract on measured core temperature. CorTemp® sensors were administered orally to fasted Labrador retriever dogs and radiographs were taken to document sensor location. Core and rectal temperatures were monitored throughout the day in 6 resting dogs and during a 10-minute strenuous retrieving exercise in 6 dogs. Time required for the sensor to leave the stomach (120 to 610 min) was variable. Measured core temperature was consistently higher than rectal temperature across all GI locations but temperature differences based on GI location were not significant (P = 0.5218). Resting dogs had a core temperature that was on average 0.4°C above their rectal temperature with 95% limits of agreement (LoA) between 1.2°C and −0.5°C. Core temperature in exercising dogs was on average 0.3°C higher than their concurrent rectal temperature, with LoA of +1.6°C and −1.1°C. PMID:25320380

Comparison between core temperatures measured telemetrically using the CorTemp® ingestible temperature sensor and rectal temperature in healthy Labrador retrievers.

PubMed

Osinchuk, Stephanie; Taylor, Susan M; Shmon, Cindy L; Pharr, John; Campbell, John

2014-10-01

This study evaluated the CorTemp(®) ingestible telemetric core body temperature sensor in dogs, to establish the relationship between rectal temperature and telemetrically measured core body temperature at rest and during exercise, and to examine the effect of sensor location in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract on measured core temperature. CorTemp(®) sensors were administered orally to fasted Labrador retriever dogs and radiographs were taken to document sensor location. Core and rectal temperatures were monitored throughout the day in 6 resting dogs and during a 10-minute strenuous retrieving exercise in 6 dogs. Time required for the sensor to leave the stomach (120 to 610 min) was variable. Measured core temperature was consistently higher than rectal temperature across all GI locations but temperature differences based on GI location were not significant (P = 0.5218). Resting dogs had a core temperature that was on average 0.4°C above their rectal temperature with 95% limits of agreement (LoA) between 1.2°C and -0.5°C. Core temperature in exercising dogs was on average 0.3°C higher than their concurrent rectal temperature, with LoA of +1.6°C and -1.1°C.

Aerobic microbial taxa dominate deep subsurface cores from the Alberta oil sands.

PubMed

Ridley, Christina M; Voordouw, Gerrit

2018-06-01

Little is known about the microbial ecology of the subsurface oil sands in Northern Alberta, Canada. Biodegradation of low molecular weight hydrocarbons by indigenous microbes has enriched high molecular weight hydrocarbons, resulting in highly viscous bitumen. This extreme subsurface environment is further characterized by low nutrient availability and limited access to water, thus resulting in low microbial biomass. Improved DNA isolation protocols and increasingly sensitive sequencing methods have allowed an in-depth investigation of the microbial ecology of this unique subsurface environmental niche. Community analysis was performed on core samples (n = 62) that were retrieved from two adjacent sites located in the Athabasca Oil Sands at depths from 220 to 320 m below the surface. Microbial communities were dominated by aerobic taxa, including Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter. Only one core sample microbial community was dominated by anaerobic taxa, including the methanogen Methanoculleus, as well as Desulfomicrobium and Thauera. Although the temperature of the bitumen-containing subsurface is low (8°C), two core samples had high fractions of the potentially thermophilic taxon, Thermus. Predominance of aerobic taxa in the subsurface suggests the potential for in situ aerobic hydrocarbon degradation; however, more studies are required to determine the functional role of these taxa within this unique environment.

Utilizing the International GeoSample Number Concept during ICDP Expedition COSC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conze, Ronald; Lorenz, Henning; Ulbricht, Damian; Gorgas, Thomas; Elger, Kirsten

2016-04-01

The concept of the International GeoSample Number (IGSN) was introduced to uniquely identify and register geo-related sample material, and make it retrievable via electronic media (e.g., SESAR - http://www.geosamples.org/igsnabout). The general aim of the IGSN concept is to improve accessing stored sample material worldwide, enable the exact identification, its origin and provenance, and also the exact and complete citation of acquired samples throughout the literature. The ICDP expedition COSC (Collisional Orogeny in the Scandinavian Caledonides, http://cosc.icdp-online.org) prompted for the first time in ICDP's history to assign and register IGSNs during an ongoing drilling campaign. ICDP drilling expeditions are using commonly the Drilling Information System DIS (http://doi.org/10.2204/iodp.sd.4.07.2007) for the inventory of recovered sample material. During COSC IGSNs were assigned to every drill hole, core run, core section, and sample taken from core material. The original IGSN specification has been extended to achieve the required uniqueness of IGSNs with our offline-procedure. The ICDP name space indicator and the Expedition ID (5054) are forming an extended prefix (ICDP5054). For every type of sample material, an encoded sequence of characters follows. This sequence is derived from the DIS naming convention which is unique from the beginning. Thereby every ICDP expedition has an unlimited name space for IGSN assignments. This direct derivation of IGSNs from the DIS database context ensures the distinct parent-child hierarchy of the IGSNs among each other. In the case of COSC this method of inventory-keeping of all drill cores was done routinely using the ExpeditionDIS during field work and subsequent sampling party. After completing the field campaign, all sample material was transferred to the "Nationales Bohrkernlager" in Berlin-Spandau, Germany. Corresponding data was subsequently imported into the CurationDIS used at the aforementioned core storage facility. This CurationDIS assigns IGSNs on samples newly taken in the repository in the identical fashion as done in the field. Thereby, the parent-child linkage of the IGSNs is ensured consistently throughout the entire sampling process. The only difference between ExpeditionDIS and CurationDIS sample curation is using the name space ICDP and BGRB respectively as part of the corresponding ID string. To prepare the IGSN registry, a set of metadata is generated for every assigned IGSN using the DIS, which is then exported from the DIS into one common xml-file. The xml-file is based on the SESAR schema and a proposal of IGSN e.V. (http://schema.igsn.org). This systematics has been recently extended for drilling data to achieve additional information for future retrieval options. The two allocation agents GFZ Potsdam und PANGAEA are currently involved in the registry of IGSNs in the case of COSC drill campaigns. An example for the IGSN registration of the COSC-1 drill hole A (5054_1_A) is "ICDP5054EEW1001" and can be resolved using the URL http://hdl.handle.net/10273/ICDP5054EEW1001. Opening the landing page for the complete COSC core material for this particular hole showcases graphically a hierarchical tree entitled "Sample Family". An example of an IGSN citation associated with a COSC sample set is featured on an EGU-2016 poster presentation by Ulrich Harms, Johannes Hierold et al. (EGU2016-8646).

Characterization engineering status report october 1998 - december 1998

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

BOGER, R.M.

1999-05-13

Characterization Engineering (CE) continues to make progress in support of the project goal of characterizing the Hanford high-level waste tanks. Two core sampling systems were operational during this reporting period-push mode core sampling system No. 1 and rotary mode core sampling system No. 4. The availability average for core sampling systems No. 1 , No. 3 and No. 4, combined, was 45 percent, down from 79percent for the previous quarter and 58 percent for FY 1998. System No. 2 did not have scope during the quarter, and availability was not hacked. System No. 3 was out of service the entiremore » quarter for corrective maintenance. Two tanks were core sampled during the reporting period, and 24 samples were retrieved. Core sample recovery increased slightly during the quarter. System No. 1 average sample recovery increased from 80percent to 81 percent, The rotary mode core sampling average recovery increased to 62 percent from 55 percent for the previous quarter. sampling six tanks, one more than scheduled. Vapor Sampling was utilized in support of the sluicing of tank 241-C-106 and for emissions monitoring of three exhaust stacks. Increased support was provided for Vapor Sampling the Standard Hydrogen Monitoring Systems. The sampling was necessary due to freezing problems with the field-installed systems. Preparations are continuing for the Light-Duty Utility Arm (LDUA) deployment with configuration and minor hardware upgrades. The LDUA Operational Readiness Review continues. The oversight of the Nested, Fixed-Depth Sampler system development has started to increase in order to ensure that a usable system is received when the project is completed. To improve configuration control, 92 drawing sheet revisions were completed along with the generation of nine new drawing sheets. The number of outstanding Engineering Change Notices increased slightly because of the addition of more drawings into the project. continues to develop. Organizational responsibilities are being identified and documented as well as the scope and deliverables. Finishing Plant was completed, and the final reviews to authorize starting work have begun. Significant progress was made in other areas as well. Grab Sampling completed The stewardship of the Long Length Contaminated Equipment Removal equipment The engineering and work planning for opening tank 241-2361 at the Plutonium.« less

Overview and Scientific Agenda of Global Precipitation Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Eric A.; Einaudi, Franco (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

This paper addresses the status of the Global Precipitation Mission (GPM) currently planned for launch in the 2007-2008 time frame. The GPM notional design involves a 9-member satellite constellation, one of which wilt be an advanced TRMM-like "core" satellite carrying a dual-frequency Ku-Ka band radar (DFPR) and a TMI-like radiometer. The other eight members of the constellation will be considered daughters of the core satellite, each carrying some type of passive microwave radiometer measuring across the 10.7 - 85 GHz ,frequency range - likely to include a combination of lightweight satellites and co-existing operational/Experimental satellites carrying passive microwave radiometers (i.e., SSM/I and AMSR-E & -F). The constellation is designed to provide no worse than 3-hour sampling at any spot on the globe using sun-synchronous orbit architecture for the daughter satellites, with the core satellite providing relevant measurements on internal cloud-precipitation microphysical processes and the "training-calibrating" information for retrieval algorithms used on daughter satellite measurements. The GPM is organized internationally, currently involving a partnership between NASA in the US, NASDA in Japan, and ESA in Europe (representing the European community nations). The mission is expected to involve additional international participants, sister agencies to the mainstream space agencies, and a diverse collection scientists from academia, government, and the private sector, A critical element in understanding the scientific thinking which has motivated the GPM project is an understanding of what scientific problems TRMM has and has not been able to address and at what scales. The TRMM satellite broke important scientific ground because it carried to space an array of rain-sensitive instruments, two of which were specifically designed for physical precipitation retrieval. These were the 9-channel TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) and the 13.8 GHz Precipitation Radar (PR). By the same token, because TRMM is a single satellite in a low inclination, low altitude, non-sun-synchronous orbit, it cannot provide global coverage or regular diurnal sampling. These features are essential for many current scientific inquiries involving physical processes of climate and the global water cycle, the modeling of hydrometeorological-biogeochemical cycling, and coupled land-atmosphere/ocean-atmosphere exchanges. Moreover, TRMM has not been able to retrieve explicit properties of the drop size distribution (DSD), a final major barrier to making accurate rain measurements, because the single frequency TRMM radar cannot measure differential reflectivity. which is a minimal requirement for attacking rain retrieval within the framework of extinction cross-section-dependency. GPM is expected to surmount much of the DSD retrieval problem because its core satellite wilt have the capacity to make differential reflectivity measurements with its Ku-Ka band radar (13.6 - 35 GHz) called DFPR - being developed by NASDA/CRL in Japan. This paper will provide an overview of the above issues as well as present a discussion on the expected measurement improvements.

Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission: Precipitation Processing System (PPS) GPM Mission Gridded Text Products Provide Surface Precipitation Retrievals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stocker, Erich Franz; Kelley, O.; Kummerow, C.; Huffman, G.; Olson, W.; Kwiatkowski, J.

2015-01-01

In February 2015, the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission core satellite will complete its first year in space. The core satellite carries a conically scanning microwave imager called the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI), which also has 166 GHz and 183 GHz frequency channels. The GPM core satellite also carries a dual frequency radar (DPR) which operates at Ku frequency, similar to the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar, and a new Ka frequency. The precipitation processing system (PPS) is producing swath-based instantaneous precipitation retrievals from GMI, both radars including a dual-frequency product, and a combined GMIDPR precipitation retrieval. These level 2 products are written in the HDF5 format and have many additional parameters beyond surface precipitation that are organized into appropriate groups. While these retrieval algorithms were developed prior to launch and are not optimal, these algorithms are producing very creditable retrievals. It is appropriate for a wide group of users to have access to the GPM retrievals. However, for researchers requiring only surface precipitation, these L2 swath products can appear to be very intimidating and they certainly do contain many more variables than the average researcher needs. Some researchers desire only surface retrievals stored in a simple easily accessible format. In response, PPS has begun to produce gridded text based products that contain just the most widely used variables for each instrument (surface rainfall rate, fraction liquid, fraction convective) in a single line for each grid box that contains one or more observations.This paper will describe the gridded data products that are being produced and provide an overview of their content. Currently two types of gridded products are being produced: (1) surface precipitation retrievals from the core satellite instruments GMI, DPR, and combined GMIDPR (2) surface precipitation retrievals for the partner constellation satellites. Both of these gridded products are generated for a.25 degree x.25 degree hourly grid, which are packaged into daily ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) files that can downloaded from the PPS FTP (File Transfer Protocol) site. To reduce the download size, the files are compressed using the gzip utility.This paper will focus on presenting high-level details about the gridded text product being generated from the instruments on the GPM core satellite. But summary information will also be presented about the partner radiometer gridded product. All retrievals for the partner radiometer are done using the GPROF2014 algorithmusing as input the PPS generated inter-calibrated 1C product for the radiometer.

GPM Mission Gridded Text Products Providing Surface Precipitation Retrievals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stocker, Erich Franz; Kelley, Owen; Huffman, George; Kummerow, Christian

2015-04-01

In February 2015, the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission core satellite will complete its first year in space. The core satellite carries a conically scanning microwave imager called the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI), which also has 166 GHz and 183 GHz frequency channels. The GPM core satellite also carries a dual frequency radar (DPR) which operates at Ku frequency, similar to the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar), and a new Ka frequency. The precipitation processing system (PPS) is producing swath-based instantaneous precipitation retrievals from GMI, both radars including a dual-frequency product, and a combined GMI/DPR precipitation retrieval. These level 2 products are written in the HDF5 format and have many additional parameters beyond surface precipitation that are organized into appropriate groups. While these retrieval algorithms were developed prior to launch and are not optimal, these algorithms are producing very creditable retrievals. It is appropriate for a wide group of users to have access to the GPM retrievals. However, for reseachers requiring only surface precipitation, these L2 swath products can appear to be very intimidating and they certainly do contain many more variables than the average researcher needs. Some researchers desire only surface retrievals stored in a simple easily accessible format. In response, PPS has begun to produce gridded text based products that contain just the most widely used variables for each instrument (surface rainfall rate, fraction liquid, fraction convective) in a single line for each grid box that contains one or more observations. This paper will describe the gridded data products that are being produced and provide an overview of their content. Currently two types of gridded products are being produced: (1) surface precipitation retrievals from the core satellite instruments - GMI, DPR, and combined GMI/DPR (2) surface precipitation retrievals for the partner constellation satellites. Both of these gridded products are generated for a .25 degree x .25 degree hourly grid, which are packaged into daily ASCII files that can downloaded from the PPS FTP site. To reduce the download size, the files are compressed using the gzip utility. This paper will focus on presenting high-level details about the gridded text product being generated from the instruments on the GPM core satellite. But summary information will also be presented about the partner radiometer gridded product. All retrievals for the partner radiometer are done using the GPROF2014 algorithm using as input the PPS generated inter-calibrated 1C product for the radiometer.

Fluid Interactions with Explosion-Induced Fractures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swanson, E.; Sussman, A. J.; Wilson, J.; Broome, S.

2016-12-01

Fluids can chemically interact with the fractures they flow through, a process that may affect the movement of fluids in the subsurface. This is a topic of interest to a large variety of research areas, including (but not limited to) production of oil and gas, contaminant tracking, geothermal energy production, CO2 sequestration, and nuclear test monitoring. A study performed as part of the Source Physics Experiment, designed to look at the effects of underground chemical explosions, provides a rare opportunity to compare cores from pre-shot and post-shot rock, from damage created in situ. We present data on the variability of microfracture density with distance from the explosion, as well as the occurrence of fractures that either open or contain clay infill. We find that both open and filled fractures occur more frequently within the post-shot samples (by a factor of up to 4x), with similar spatial distributions. This calls into question the validity of the commonly made assumption that all filled fractures were present prior to the explosive shot, and only open fractures can represent explosion-induced damage. These results suggest that fluid-rock interactions might have a significant influence on the permeabilities that result from explosions, even within a few weeks. Additional data on the mechanical properties of the pre-shot and post-shot core samples show an unexpected pattern during unconfined compressive strength tests: the samples retrieved following 2 successive shots failed at higher stresses than did samples retrieved after 1 shot. We present these results, along with some evidence this behavior may arise from trace differences in water content during testing.

The NASA EV-2 CYGNSS Small Satellite Constellation Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruf, C. S.; Gleason, S.; Jelenak, Z.; Katzberg, S. J.; Ridley, A. J.; Rose, R.; Scherrer, J.; Zavorotny, V.

2012-12-01

The NASA EV-2 Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) is a spaceborne mission focused on tropical cyclone (TC) inner core process studies. CYGNSS attempts to resolve the principle deficiencies with current TC intensity forecasts, which lies in inadequate observations and modeling of the inner core. The inadequacy in observations results from two causes: 1) Much of the inner core ocean surface is obscured from conventional remote sensing instruments by intense precipitation in the eye wall and inner rain bands. 2) The rapidly evolving (genesis and intensification) stages of the TC life cycle are poorly sampled in time by conventional polar-orbiting, wide-swath surface wind imagers. CYGNSS is specifically designed to address these two limitations by combining the all-weather performance of GNSS bistatic ocean surface scatterometry with the sampling properties of a constellation of satellites. The use of a dense constellation of nanosatellite results in spatial and temporal sampling properties that are markedly different from conventional imagers. Simulation studies will be presented which examine the sampling as functions of various orbit parameters of the constellation. Historical records of actual TC storm tracks are overlaid onto a simulated time series of the surface wind sampling enabled by the constellation. For comparison purposes, a similar analysis is conducted using the sampling properties of several past and present conventional spaceborne ocean wind scatterometers. Differences in the ability of the sensors to resolve the evolution of the TC inner core are examined. The spacecraft and constellation mission are described. The signal-to-noise ratio of the measured scattered signal and the resulting uncertainty in retrieved surface wind speed are also examined.

Proteomic analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue by MALDI imaging mass spectrometry

PubMed Central

Casadonte, Rita; Caprioli, Richard M

2012-01-01

Archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue collections represent a valuable informational resource for proteomic studies. Multiple FFPE core biopsies can be assembled in a single block to form tissue microarrays (TMAs). We describe a protocol for analyzing protein in FFPE -TMAs using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MAL DI) imaging mass spectrometry (IMS). The workflow incorporates an antigen retrieval step following deparaffinization, in situ trypsin digestion, matrix application and then mass spectrometry signal acquisition. The direct analysis of FFPE -TMA tissue using IMS allows direct analysis of multiple tissue samples in a single experiment without extraction and purification of proteins. The advantages of high speed and throughput, easy sample handling and excellent reproducibility make this technology a favorable approach for the proteomic analysis of clinical research cohorts with large sample numbers. For example, TMA analysis of 300 FFPE cores would typically require 6 h of total time through data acquisition, not including data analysis. PMID:22011652

Surface Soil Moisture Retrieval Using SSM/I and Its Comparison with ESTAR: A Case Study Over a Grassland Region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jackson, T.; Hsu, A. Y.; ONeill, P. E.

1999-01-01

This study extends a previous investigation on estimating surface soil moisture using the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) over a grassland region. Although SSM/I is not optimal for soil moisture retrieval, it can under some conditions provide information. Rigorous analyses over land have been difficult due to the lack of good validation data sets. A scientific objective of the Southern Great Plains 1997 (SGP97) Hydrology Experiment was to investigate whether the retrieval algorithms for surface soil moisture developed at higher spatial resolution using truck-and aircraft-based passive microwave sensors can be extended to the coarser resolutions expected from satellite platform. With the data collected for the SGP97, the objective of this study is to compare the surface soil moisture estimated from the SSM/I data with those retrieved from the L-band Electronically Scanned Thinned Array Radiometer (ESTAR) data, the core sensor for the experiment, using the same retrieval algorithm. The results indicated that an error of estimate of 7.81% could be achieved with SSM/I data as contrasted to 2.82% with ESTAR data over three intensive sampling areas of different vegetation regimes. It confirms the results of previous study that SSM/I data can be used to retrieve surface soil moisture information at a regional scale under certain conditions.

Mechanical and electromagnetic properties of northern Gulf of Mexico sediments with and without THF hydrates

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lee, J.Y.; Santamarina, J.C.; Ruppel, C.

2008-01-01

Using an oedometer cell instrumented to measure the evolution of electromagnetic properties, small strain stiffness, and temperature, we conducted consolidation tests on sediments recovered during drilling in the northern Gulf of Mexico at the Atwater Valley and Keathley Canyon sites as part of the 2005 Chevron Joint Industry Project on Methane Hydrates. The tested specimens include both unremolded specimens (as recovered from the original core liner) and remolded sediments both without gas hydrate and with pore fluid exchanged to attain 100% synthetic (tetrahydrofuran) hydrate saturation at any stage of loading. Test results demonstrate the extent to which the electromagnetic and mechanical properties of hydrate-bearing marine sediments are governed by the vertical effective stress, stress history, porosity, hydrate saturation, fabric, ionic concentration of the pore fluid, and temperature. We also show how permittivity and electrical conductivity data can be used to estimate the evolution of hydrate volume fraction during formation. The gradual evolution of geophysical properties during hydrate formation probably reflects the slow increase in ionic concentration in the pore fluid due to ion exclusion in closed systems and the gradual decrease in average pore size in which the hydrate forms. During hydrate formation, the increase in S-wave velocity is delayed with respect to the decrease in permittivity, consistent with hydrate formation on mineral surfaces and subsequent crystal growth toward the pore space. No significant decementation/debonding occurred in 100% THF hydrate-saturated sediments during unloading, hence the probability of sampling hydrate-bearing sediments without disturbing the original sediment fabric is greatest for samples in which the gas hydrate is primarily responsible for maintaining the sediment fabric and for which the time between core retrieval and restoration of in situ effective stress in the laboratory is minimized. In evaluating the impact of core retrieval on specimen properties, it is also important to consider how far removed hydrate-bearing samples are from hydrate stability conditions. ?? 2008 Elsevier Ltd.

Calpain-GRIP Signaling in Nucleus Accumbens Core Mediates the Reconsolidation of Drug Reward Memory.

PubMed

Liang, Jie; Li, Jia-Li; Han, Ying; Luo, Yi-Xiao; Xue, Yan-Xue; Zhang, Yàn; Zhang, Yán; Zhang, Li-Bo; Chen, Man-Li; Lu, Lin; Shi, Jie

2017-09-13

Exposure to drug-paired cues causes drug memories to be in a destabilized state and interfering with memory reconsolidation can inhibit relapse. Calpain, a calcium-dependent neutral cysteine protease, is involved in synaptic plasticity and the formation of long-term fear memory. However, the role of calpain in the reconsolidation of drug reward memory is still unknown. In the present study, using a conditioned place preference (CPP) model, we found that exposure to drug-paired contextual stimuli induced the activation of calpain and decreased the expression of glutamate receptor interacting protein 1 (GRIP1) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core, but not shell, of male rats. Infusions of calpain inhibitors in the NAc core immediately after retrieval disrupted the reconsolidation of cocaine/morphine cue memory and blocked retrieval-induced calpain activation and GRIP1 degradation. The suppressive effect of calpain inhibitors on the expression of drug-induced CPP lasted for at least 14 d. The inhibition of calpain without retrieval 6 h after retrieval or after exposure to an unpaired context had no effects on the expression of reward memory. Calpain inhibition after retrieval also decreased cocaine seeking in a self-administration model and this effect did not recover spontaneously after 28 d. Moreover, the knock-down of GRIP1 expression in the NAc core by lentivirus-mediated short-hairpin RNA blocked disruption of the reconsolidation of drug cue memories that was induced by calpain inhibitor treatment. These results suggest that calpain activity in the NAc core is crucial for the reconsolidation of drug reward memory via the regulation of GRIP1 expression. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Calpain plays an important role in synaptic plasticity and long-term memory consolidation, however, its role in the reconsolidation of drug cue memory remains unknown. Using conditioned place preference and self-administration procedures, we found that exposure to drug-paired cues induced the activation of calpain and decreased glutamate receptor interacting protein 1 (GRIP1) expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core. The inhibition of calpain activity in the NAc core immediately after retrieval disrupted the reconsolidation of cocaine/morphine cue memory that was blocked by prior GRIP1 knock-down. Our findings indicate that calpain-GRIP signaling is essential for the restabilization process that is associated with drug cue memory and the inhibition of calpain activity may be a novel strategy for the prevention of drug relapse. Copyright © 2017 the authors 0270-6474/17/378938-14$15.00/0.

Consistent Measurement and Physical Character of the DSD: Disdrometer to Satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Petersen, Walt; Thurai, Merhala; Gatlin, Patrick; Tokay, Ali; Morris, Bob; Wolff, David; Pippitt, Jason; Marks, David; Berendes, Todd

2017-01-01

Objective: Validate GPM (Global Precipitation Measurement) Drop Size Distribution Retrievals: Drop size distributions (DSD) are critical to GPM DPR (Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar)-based rainfall retrievals; NASA GPM Science Requirements stipulate that the GPM Core observatory radar estimation of D (sub m) (mean diameter) shall be within plus or minus 0.5 millimeters of GV (Ground Validation); GV translates disdrometer measurements to polarimetric radar-based DSD and precipitation type retrievals (e.g., convective vs. stratiform (C/S)) for coincident match-up to GPM core overpasses; How well do we meet the requirement across product versions, rain types (e.g., C/S partitioning), and rain rates (heavy, light) and is behavior physically and internally consistent?

A Neural Network Model of Retrieval-Induced Forgetting

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Norman, Kenneth A.; Newman, Ehren L.; Detre, Greg

2007-01-01

Retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF) refers to the finding that retrieving a memory can impair subsequent recall of related memories. Here, the authors present a new model of how the brain gives rise to RIF in both semantic and episodic memory. The core of the model is a recently developed neural network learning algorithm that leverages regular…

A Mars Sample Return Sample Handling System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, David; Stroker, Carol

2013-01-01

We present a sample handling system, a subsystem of the proposed Dragon landed Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission [1], that can return to Earth orbit a significant mass of frozen Mars samples potentially consisting of: rock cores, subsurface drilled rock and ice cuttings, pebble sized rocks, and soil scoops. The sample collection, storage, retrieval and packaging assumptions and concepts in this study are applicable for the NASA's MPPG MSR mission architecture options [2]. Our study assumes a predecessor rover mission collects samples for return to Earth to address questions on: past life, climate change, water history, age dating, understanding Mars interior evolution [3], and, human safety and in-situ resource utilization. Hence the rover will have "integrated priorities for rock sampling" [3] that cover collection of subaqueous or hydrothermal sediments, low-temperature fluidaltered rocks, unaltered igneous rocks, regolith and atmosphere samples. Samples could include: drilled rock cores, alluvial and fluvial deposits, subsurface ice and soils, clays, sulfates, salts including perchlorates, aeolian deposits, and concretions. Thus samples will have a broad range of bulk densities, and require for Earth based analysis where practical: in-situ characterization, management of degradation such as perchlorate deliquescence and volatile release, and contamination management. We propose to adopt a sample container with a set of cups each with a sample from a specific location. We considered two sample cups sizes: (1) a small cup sized for samples matching those submitted to in-situ characterization instruments, and, (2) a larger cup for 100 mm rock cores [4] and pebble sized rocks, thus providing diverse samples and optimizing the MSR sample mass payload fraction for a given payload volume. We minimize sample degradation by keeping them frozen in the MSR payload sample canister using Peltier chip cooling. The cups are sealed by interference fitted heat activated memory alloy caps [5] if the heating does not affect the sample, or by crimping caps similar to bottle capping. We prefer cap sealing surfaces be external to the cup rim to prevent sample dust inside the cups interfering with sealing, or, contamination of the sample by Teflon seal elements (if adopted). Finally the sample collection rover, or a Fetch rover, selects cups with best choice samples and loads them into a sample tray, before delivering it to the Earth Return Vehicle (ERV) in the MSR Dragon capsule as described in [1] (Fig 1). This ensures best use of the MSR payload mass allowance. A 3 meter long jointed robot arm is extended from the Dragon capsule's crew hatch, retrieves the sample tray and inserts it into the sample canister payload located on the ERV stage. The robot arm has capacity to obtain grab samples in the event of a rover failure. The sample canister has a robot arm capture casting to enable capture by crewed or robot spacecraft when it returns to Earth orbit

A passage retrieval method based on probabilistic information retrieval model and UMLS concepts in biomedical question answering.

PubMed

Sarrouti, Mourad; Ouatik El Alaoui, Said

2017-04-01

Passage retrieval, the identification of top-ranked passages that may contain the answer for a given biomedical question, is a crucial component for any biomedical question answering (QA) system. Passage retrieval in open-domain QA is a longstanding challenge widely studied over the last decades. However, it still requires further efforts in biomedical QA. In this paper, we present a new biomedical passage retrieval method based on Stanford CoreNLP sentence/passage length, probabilistic information retrieval (IR) model and UMLS concepts. In the proposed method, we first use our document retrieval system based on PubMed search engine and UMLS similarity to retrieve relevant documents to a given biomedical question. We then take the abstracts from the retrieved documents and use Stanford CoreNLP for sentence splitter to make a set of sentences, i.e., candidate passages. Using stemmed words and UMLS concepts as features for the BM25 model, we finally compute the similarity scores between the biomedical question and each of the candidate passages and keep the N top-ranked ones. Experimental evaluations performed on large standard datasets, provided by the BioASQ challenge, show that the proposed method achieves good performances compared with the current state-of-the-art methods. The proposed method significantly outperforms the current state-of-the-art methods by an average of 6.84% in terms of mean average precision (MAP). We have proposed an efficient passage retrieval method which can be used to retrieve relevant passages in biomedical QA systems with high mean average precision. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Defining Lithological Units by Cuttings, Core and Logging Data at Site C0009A in the Nankai Trough, Japan: IODP Expedition 319

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Efimenko, N.; Schleicher, A. M.; Buchs, D. M.; Buret, C.; Kawabata, K.; Boutt, D. F.; Underwood, M.; Araki, E.; Byrne, T. B.; McNeill, L. C.; Saffer, D. M.; Eguchi, N. O.; Takahashi, K.; Toczko, S.; Scientists, E.

2009-12-01

The use of cuttings as an alternative or addition to core material is broadly debated in on-shore and off-shore drilling expeditions. Expedition 319 is the first IODP based Nankai Trough Seismogenic Zone Experiment (NanTroSEIZE) project using the riser-drilling method to collect cutting and core samples for scientific studies. One major scientific objective for this site was to characterise the lithology and deformation history of the Kumano forearc basin sediments and its underlying units through comparison of (i) cuttings, (ii) core, (iii) measurements while drilling, and (iv) wireline logging data. Cuttings were retrieved from each 5 m intervals from 703.9 to 1604 m, and cores were recovered from 1509.7 to 1593.9 m below sea floor. As core availability was limited, the study of cuttings was a crucial step in improving our understanding of their potential and limits for lithostratigraphical interpretations compared to core. Mineralogical and chemical analysis of cuttings and core, wireline logging data, and gamma ray data from MWD were available to define four lithostratigraphic units. These units are composed of mud and mudstone with coarser silty and sandy interbeds, and volcanic ash/tuff. Consistency between unit boundaries determined from cuttings and those determined from log data is good in terms of depth, with typical mismatches of less than 10m. Three significant problems affecting the preservation of cuttings were (1) mixing of cuttings as they travel from the drill face to the surface, (2) alteration of natural mineral and structure signatures, and (3) possible contamination from natural clay minerals with the polymer/bentonite drill mud. These difficulties can be overcome in part through the analysis of cuttings of similar sizes (1-4 mm), guided by the analyses of bulk cuttings. A more accurate quantitative characterisation of cuttings through the use of digital imaging might improve the description of lithofacies. Although the quality of cuttings is affected by caving and drilling mud contamination, our results clearly indicate that cuttings retrieval is a viable alternative to coring in ocean drilling. However, to improve the precision of lithostratigraphical observations and interpretations in critical intervals, the study of cores is needed.

Coil Migration, Malposition, Stretching and Retrieval

PubMed Central

Abe, T.; Hirohata, M.; Tanaka, N.; Uchiyama, Y.; Morimitsu, H.; Kojima, K.; Hayabuchi, N.

2000-01-01

Summary In this educational program for complicated coil placements, we report several cases of coil malposition, migration, and retrieval. We emphasize that a decrease in the expected one-to-one motion of the coil is the earliest sign of a possible imminent complication, and the over the core wire technique with a fixed-loop snare (Gooseneck microsnare) is a very effective potential solution for elongated coil retrieval. PMID:20667237

USGS leads United States effort in Mallik Well

USGS Publications Warehouse

2002-01-01

This winter, in the extremely cold, far reaches of the upper Northwest Territory of Canada, there is an international consortium of researchers participating in a program to study methane hydrates. The researchers are currently drilling a 1200 m-deep production research well through the permafrost. It is one of three wells located in the Mackenzie Delta, on the shore of the Beaufort Sea. Two observation wells were drilled adjacent to the main production test well earlier this year.Research objectives for the program focus on two themes: (1) the assessment of the production and properties of gas hydrates, and (2) an assessment of the stability of continental gas hydrates given warming trends predicted by climate change models. Of particular interest is the physical response of the gas hydrate to depressurization and thermal production stimulation. Cores are being taken from the well, and scientists hope to retrieve at least 200 m of core, including all the gas hydrate-rich intervals. Once cored, the samples are transported 200 kilometers over ice roads to Inuvik. Nearly 60 researchers are examining the cores for everything from geophysical parameters to microbiological analyses.

Retrieval of Mir Solar Array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rutledge, Sharon K.; deGroh, Kim K.

1999-01-01

A Russian solar array panel removed in November 1997 from the non-articulating photovoltaic array on the Mir core module was returned to Earth on STS-89 in January 1998. The panel had been exposed to low Earth orbit (LEO) for 10 years prior to retrieval. The retrieval provided a unique opportunity to study the effects of the LEO environment on a functional solar array. To take advantage of this opportunity, a team composed of members from RSC-Energia (Russia), the Boeing Company, and the following NASA Centers--Johnson Space Center, Kennedy Space Center, Langley Research Center, Marshall Space Flight Center, and Lewis Research Center--was put together to analyze the array. After post-retrieval inspections at the Spacehab Facility at Kennedy in Florida, the array was shipped to Lewis in Cleveland for electrical performance tests, closeup photodocumentation, and removal of selected solar cells and blanket material. With approval from RSC-Energia, five cell pairs and their accompanying blanket and mesh material, and samples of painted handrail materials were selected for removal on the basis of their ability to provide degradation information. Sites were selected that provided different sizes and shapes of micrometeoroid impacts and different levels of surface contamination. These materials were then distributed among the team for round robin testing.

AirCore-HR: a high-resolution column sampling to enhance the vertical description of CH4 and CO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Membrive, Olivier; Crevoisier, Cyril; Sweeney, Colm; Danis, François; Hertzog, Albert; Engel, Andreas; Bönisch, Harald; Picon, Laurence

2017-06-01

An original and innovative sampling system called AirCore was presented by NOAA in 2010 Karion et al.(2010). It consists of a long ( > 100 m) and narrow ( < 1 cm) stainless steel tube that can retain a profile of atmospheric air. The captured air sample has then to be analyzed with a gas analyzer for trace mole fraction. In this study, we introduce a new AirCore aiming to improve resolution along the vertical with the objectives to (i) better capture the vertical distribution of CO2 and CH4, (ii) provide a tool to compare AirCores and validate the estimated vertical resolution achieved by AirCores. This (high-resolution) AirCore-HR consists of a 300 m tube, combining 200 m of 0.125 in. (3.175 mm) tube and a 100 m of 0.25 in. (6.35 mm) tube. This new configuration allows us to achieve a vertical resolution of 300 m up to 15 km and better than 500 m up to 22 km (if analysis of the retained sample is performed within 3 h). The AirCore-HR was flown for the first time during the annual StratoScience campaign from CNES in August 2014 from Timmins (Ontario, Canada). High-resolution vertical profiles of CO2 and CH4 up to 25 km were successfully retrieved. These profiles revealed well-defined transport structures in the troposphere (also seen in CAMS-ECMWF high-resolution forecasts of CO2 and CH4 profiles) and captured the decrease of CO2 and CH4 in the stratosphere. The multi-instrument gondola also carried two other low-resolution AirCore-GUF that allowed us to perform direct comparisons and study the underlying processing method used to convert the sample of air to greenhouse gases vertical profiles. In particular, degrading the AirCore-HR derived profiles to the low resolution of AirCore-GUF yields an excellent match between both sets of CH4 profiles and shows a good consistency in terms of vertical structures. This fully validates the theoretical vertical resolution achievable by AirCores. Concerning CO2 although a good agreement is found in terms of vertical structure, the comparison between the various AirCores yields a large and variable bias (up to almost 3 ppm in some parts of the profiles). The reasons of this bias, possibly related to the drying agent used to dry the air, are still being investigated. Finally, the uncertainties associated with the measurements are assessed, yielding an average uncertainty below 3 ppb for CH4 and 0.25 ppm for CO2 with the major source of uncertainty coming from the potential loss of air sample on the ground and the choice of the starting and ending point of the collected air sample inside the tube. In an ideal case where the sample would be fully retained, it would be possible to know precisely the pressure at which air was sampled last and thus to improve the overall uncertainty to about 0.1 ppm for CO2 and 2 ppb for CH4.

The effect of acidified sample storage time on the determination of trace element concentration in ice cores by ICP-SFMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uglietti, C.; Gabrielli, P.; Lutton, A.; Olesik, J.; Thompson, L. G.

2012-12-01

Trace elements in micro-particles entrapped in ice cores are a valuable proxy of past climate and environmental variations. Inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry (ICP-SFMS) is generally recognized as a sensitive and accurate technique for the quantification of ultra-trace element concentrations in ice cores. Usually, ICP-SFMS analyses of ice core samples are performed by melting and acidifying aliquots. Acidification is important to transfer trace elements from particles into solution by partial and/or complete dissolution. Only elements in solution and in sufficiently small particles will be vaporized and converted to elemental ions in the plasma for detection by ICP-SFMS. However, experimental results indicate that differences in acidified sample storage time at room temperature may lead to the recovery of different trace element fractions. Moreover, different lithologies of the relatively abundant crustal material entrapped in the ice matrix could also influence the fraction of trace elements that are converted into elemental ions in the plasma. These factors might affect the determination of trace elements concentrations in ice core samples and hamper the comparison of results obtained from ice cores from different locations and/or epochs. In order to monitor the transfer of elements from particles into solution in acidified melted ice core samples during storage, a test was performed on sections from nine ice cores retrieved from low latitude drilling sites around the world. When compared to ice cores from polar regions, these samples are characterized by a relative high content of micro-particles that may leach trace elements into solution differently. Of the nine ice cores, five are from the Tibetan Plateau (Dasuopu, Guliya, Naimonanyi, Puruogangri and Dunde), two from the Andes (Quelccaya and Huascaran), one from Africa (Kilimanjaro) and one from the Eastern Alps (Ortles). These samples were decontaminated by triple rinsing, melted and stored in pre-cleaned low-density polyethylene bottles, and kept frozen until acidification (2% v/v ultra-pure HNO3). Determination of twenty trace elements (Ag, Al, As, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sn, Ti, Tl, U, V, and Zn) was repeated at different times after acidification using the same aliquot. Analyses show a mean increase of 40-50% in trace element concentration in all the samples during the first 15 days of storage after acidification, except Al, Fe, V and Cr, which show a larger increase (90-100%). After 15 days the trace element concentrations reach generally stable values (with small increases within measurement uncertainty), except for the Naimonanyi and Kilimanjaro samples which continue to increase. In contrast, Ag concentration decreases after one week, likely due to its low stability in the acidified solution that may depend on the Cl- concentration. We froze the samples 43 days after the acidification. After two weeks the samples were melted and re-analyzed by ICP-SFMS in two different laboratories as an inter-calibration exercise. The results show a good correspondence between the measured concentrations determined by the two instruments and a consistent additional increase of 20-30% of measured trace element concentrations in almost all samples.

Digital Preservation and Deep Infrastructure; Dublin Core Metadata Initiative Progress Report and Workplan for 2002; Video Gaming, Education and Digital Learning Technologies: Relevance and Opportunities; Digital Collections of Real World Objects; The MusArt Music-Retrieval System: An Overview; eML: Taking Mississippi Libraries into the 21st Century.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Granger, Stewart; Dekkers, Makx; Weibel, Stuart L.; Kirriemuir, John; Lensch, Hendrik P. A.; Goesele, Michael; Seidel, Hans-Peter; Birmingham, William; Pardo, Bryan; Meek, Colin; Shifrin, Jonah; Goodvin, Renee; Lippy, Brooke

2002-01-01

One opinion piece and five articles in this issue discuss: digital preservation infrastructure; accomplishments and changes in the Dublin Core Metadata Initiative in 2001 and plans for 2002; video gaming and how it relates to digital libraries and learning technologies; overview of a music retrieval system; and the online version of the…

Laboratory measurements of the seismic velocities and other petrophysical properties of the Outokumpu deep drill core samples, eastern Finland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elbra, Tiiu; Karlqvist, Ronnie; Lassila, Ilkka; Høgström, Edward; Pesonen, Lauri J.

2011-01-01

Petrophysical, in particular seismic velocity, measurements of the Outokumpu deep drill core (depth 2.5 km) have been carried out to characterize the geophysical nature of the Paleoproterozoic crustal section of eastern Finland and to find lithological and geophysical interpretations to the distinct crustal reflectors as observed in seismic surveys. The results show that different lithological units can be identified based on the petrophysical data. The density of the samples remained nearly constant throughout the drilled section. Only diopside-tremolite skarns and black schists exhibit higher densities. The samples are dominated by the paramagnetic behaviour with occasional ferromagnetic signature caused by serpentinitic rocks. Large variations in seismic velocities, both at ambient pressure and under in situ crustal conditions are observed. The porosity of the samples, which is extremely low, is either intrinsic by nature or caused by decompaction related to fracturing during the core retrieval. It is noteworthy that these microfractures have dramatically lowered the VP and VS values. From the measured velocities and density data we have calculated the seismic impedances, Young's modulus and Poisson's ratios for the lithological units of the Outokumpu section and from these data the reflection coefficients for the major lithological boundaries, evident in the surveyed section, were determined. The data show that the strong and distinct reflections visible in wide-angle seismic surveys are caused by interfaces between diopside-tremolite skarn and either serpentinites, mica schist or black schist.

Laboratory Seismic Monitoring and X-ray CT imaging of Supercritical CO2 Injection in Reservoir Sand: WESTCAB King Island Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakashima, S.; Kneafsey, T. J.; Nakagawa, S.; Harper, E. J.

2013-12-01

The Central Valley of California contains promising locations for on-shore geologic CO2 storage. DOE's WESTCARB (West Coast Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership) project drilled and cored a borehole (Citizen Green Well) at King Island (near Stockton, CA) to study the CO2 storage capability of saline and gas-bearing formations in the southwestern Sacramento Basin. Potential reservoirs encountered in the borehole include Domengine, Mokelumne River (primary target), and Top Starkey formations. In anticipation of geophysical monitoring of possible CO2 injection into this particular borehole and of the long-term migration of the CO2, we conducted small-scale CO2 injection experiments on three core samples retrieved from the well (Mokelumne River sand A and B) and from a mine outcrop (Domengine sandstone). During the experiment, a jacketed core sample (diameter 1.5 inches, length 4.0-6.0 inches) saturated with brine- (1% NaCl aq.) was confined within a pressure vessel via compressed nitrogen to 3,500-4,000psi, and supercritical CO2 was injected into the core at 2,000-2,500psi and 45-60 degrees C. The CO2 pressure and temperature were adjusted so that the bulk elastic modulus of the CO2 was close to the expected in-situ modulus--which affects the seismic properties most--while keeping the confining stress within our experimental capabilities. After the CO2 broke through the core, fresh brine was re-injected to remove the CO2 by both displacement and dissolution. Throughout the experiment, seismic velocity and attenuation of the core sample were measured using the Split Hopkinson Resonant Bar method (Nakagawa, 2012, Rev. Sci. Instr.) at near 1 kHz (500Hz--1.5 kHz), and the CO2 distribution determined via x-ray CT imaging. In contrast to relatively isotropic Mokelumne sand A, Domengine sandstone and Mokelumne sand B cores exhibited CO2 distributions strongly controlled by the bedding planes. During the CO2 injection, P-wave velocity and attenuation of the layered samples changed irregularly, roughly corresponding to the sequential invasion of the compliant fluid in the sedimentary layers revealed by the CT images. The overall behavior the seismic waves and the final CO2 saturation of the cores, however, were similar for all three cores used in this experiment.

A model for enhancing Internet medical document retrieval with "medical core metadata".

PubMed

Malet, G; Munoz, F; Appleyard, R; Hersh, W

1999-01-01

Finding documents on the World Wide Web relevant to a specific medical information need can be difficult. The goal of this work is to define a set of document content description tags, or metadata encodings, that can be used to promote disciplined search access to Internet medical documents. The authors based their approach on a proposed metadata standard, the Dublin Core Metadata Element Set, which has recently been submitted to the Internet Engineering Task Force. Their model also incorporates the National Library of Medicine's Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) vocabulary and MEDLINE-type content descriptions. The model defines a medical core metadata set that can be used to describe the metadata for a wide variety of Internet documents. The authors propose that their medical core metadata set be used to assign metadata to medical documents to facilitate document retrieval by Internet search engines.

A Model for Enhancing Internet Medical Document Retrieval with “Medical Core Metadata”

PubMed Central

Malet, Gary; Munoz, Felix; Appleyard, Richard; Hersh, William

1999-01-01

Objective: Finding documents on the World Wide Web relevant to a specific medical information need can be difficult. The goal of this work is to define a set of document content description tags, or metadata encodings, that can be used to promote disciplined search access to Internet medical documents. Design: The authors based their approach on a proposed metadata standard, the Dublin Core Metadata Element Set, which has recently been submitted to the Internet Engineering Task Force. Their model also incorporates the National Library of Medicine's Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) vocabulary and Medline-type content descriptions. Results: The model defines a medical core metadata set that can be used to describe the metadata for a wide variety of Internet documents. Conclusions: The authors propose that their medical core metadata set be used to assign metadata to medical documents to facilitate document retrieval by Internet search engines. PMID:10094069

Historical ecology of the northern Adriatic Sea: Field methods and coring device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haselmair, Alexandra; Gallmetzer, Ivo; Tomasovych, Adam; Stachowitsch, Michael; Zuschin, Martin

2014-05-01

For an ongoing study on the historical ecology of the northern Adriatic Sea, the objective was to retrieve a high number of sediment cores at seven sampling stations spread across the entire basin. One set of cores is intended for sediment analyses including radiometric Pb-sediment-dating, grain size, TOC, TAC and heavy metal analyses. The other set of cores delivered enough shelly remains of endo- or epibenthic hard part producers (e.g. molluscs, crustaceans, echinoderms) to enable the reconstruction of death assemblages in core layers from top to bottom. The down-core changes of such assemblages record ecological shifts in a marine environment that has endured strong human impacts over several centuries. A 1.5 m-long core could, according to the available sedimentation data for the area, cover up to 2000 or even more years of ecological history. The coring method had to meet the following requirements: a) deliver 1.5-m-long cores from different sediment settings (mud to sand, reflecting a wide range of benthic habitats in the northern Adriatic); b) enable quick and easy deployment to ensure that multiple cores can be taken at the individual sampling stations within a short time; c) be relatively affordable and allow handling by the researchers themselves, potentially using a small vessel in order to further contain the operating costs. Two types of UWITEC™ piston corers were used to meet these requirements. A model with 90 mm of diameter (samples for sediment analysis) and another one with 160 mm, specifically designed to obtain the large amount of material needed for shell analysis, successfully delivered a total of 54 cores. The device consists of a stabilizing tripod and the interchangeable coring cylinders. It is equipped with a so-called hammer action that makes it possible, at least for the smaller cylinder, to penetrate even harder sediments. A closing mechanism of the corer retains the sediment in the cylinder upon extraction; it works either automatically through hydraulic pressure once the final core-length is reached, or can be triggered manually anytime from the surface using a connected hose and water pump. The whole coring device weighs less than 300 kg and can readily be transported in a van. It can easily be assembled, disassembled and operated by two to three persons after a brief training. With a newly designed, very simple and effective slicing device, the cores can be sliced in an upright position directly on board after extraction. This type of corer can be highly recommended for any smaller coring operations on lakes, streams, or at sea.

Evolution of petrophysical properties of across natural faults: a study on cores from the Tournemire underground research laboratory (France)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonnelye, Audrey; David, Christian; Schubnel, Alexandre; Wassermann, Jérôme; Lefèvre, Mélody; Henry, Pierre; Guglielmi, Yves; Castilla, Raymi; Dick, Pierre

2017-04-01

Faults in general, and in clay materials in particular, have complex structures that can be linked to both a polyphased tectonic history and the anisotropic nature of the material. Drilling through faults in shaly materials allows one to measure properties such as the structure, the mineralogical composition, the stress orientation or physical properties. These relations can be investigated in the laboratory in order to have a better understanding on in-situ mechanisms. In this study we used shales of Toarcian age from the Tournemire underground research laboratory (France). We decided to couple different petrophysical measurements on core samples retrieved from a borehole drilled perpendicularly to a fault plane, and the fault size is of the order of tens of meters. This 25m long borehole was sampled in order to perform several types of measurements: density, porosity, saturation directly in the field, and velocity of elastic waves and magnetic susceptibility anisotropy in the laboratory. For all these measurements, special protocols were developed in order to preserve as much as possible the saturation state of the samples. All these measurements were carried out in three zones that intersects the borehole: the intact zone , the damaged zone and the fault core zone. From our measurements, we were able to associate specific properties to each zone of the fault. We then calculated Thomsen's parameters in order to quantify the elastic anisotropy across the fault. Our results show strong variations of the elastic anisotropy with the distance to the fault core as well as the occurrence of anisotropy reversal.

Major refit of R/V MARION DUFRESNE and giant sediment corer improvements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leau, Hélène; Réaud, Yvan

2015-04-01

The french Research Vessel MARION DUFRESNE is equipped with a unique sediment coring facility, called CALYPSO, developed initially by Yvon BALUT at the French Polar Institute, Paul-Emile Victor (IPEV) that operates the vessel 217 days per year in all oceans. The CALYPSO sediment corer retrieves routinely 50 m long undisturbed sediment cores in any water depths, and presently holds the worldwide record of the longest core ever retrieved, that is 64.5 m. This vessel is then a fantastic opportunity for the paleoceanographic community to carry out expeditions at sea. Over the last 20 years, many international IMAGES coring expeditions were organized in all the ocean basins around the world on board the R/V MARION DUFRESNE. More than 1500 cores were retrieved, leading to major advances in the paleoceanography and paleoclimatology of the Late Quaternary. The vessel will celebrate her 20th anniversary in 2015 and will undergo a major refit on hull & machineries, public spaces, as well as scientific equipment. The coring capacity is currently being developed to further improve - The length of the retrievable core, with an objective of 75 m long core in routine - The quality of the sediment un-disturbance with a specially designed coring cable with controlled minimum elasticity - The safety of the operations at sea - The quality control of the operations with a suite of sensors and software allowing a detailed monitoring of the coring operation - The time requested for each operation - The environment data collection, in the same time as the coring operations The detailed description of the upgrades will be presented. They consist in a new suite of acoustic sensors that will be integrated on board the vessel during the 4 months ship yard stay from April to July 2015, amongst which a KONSBERG EM122 multibeam echo-sounder and a SBP 120-3 sub-bottom profiler, both mounted on a gondola fitted under the hull of the vessel. This equipment will allow the highest quality images of the seabed and upper sediment, allowing accurate survey of the coring targets. Scientific deck equipment, such as coring winch and associated A frame, hydrological winch and deployment system, will be upgraded, the coring operating equipment being brought up to 45 t SWL. The ship side will be modified to allow the deployment of 75 m long corer. Finally, the laboratories will be renovated and the main PC room will be redistributed in order to offer more space to the scientific party and secure a new IT dedicated room. The vessel will undergo a series of tests at sea before being available to the scientific community again from January 2016. As before her midlife refit, IPEV wishes to carry on training programs such as "University at Sea" and EGU supported "Teachers at sea" program in association with future paleoceanographic activities.

CO 2 Mineral Sequestration in Naturally Porous Basalt

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

Xiong, Wei; Wells, Rachel K.; Horner, Jake A.

2018-02-27

Continental flood basalts are extensive geologic features currently being evaluated as reservoirs that are suitable for long-term storage of carbon emissions. Favorable attributes of these formations for containment of injected carbon dioxide (CO2) include high mineral trapping capacity, unique structural features, and enormous volumes. We experimentally investigated mineral carbonation in whole core samples retrieved from the Grand Ronde basalt, the same formation into which ~1000 t of CO2 was recently injected in an eastern Washington pilot-scale demonstration. The rate and extent of carbonate mineral formation at 100 °C and 100 bar were tracked via time-resolved sampling of bench-scale experiments. Basaltmore » cores were recovered from the reactor after 6, 20, and 40 weeks, and three-dimensional X-ray tomographic imaging of these cores detected carbonate mineral formation in the fracture network within 20 weeks. Under these conditions, a carbon mineral trapping rate of 1.24 ± 0.52 kg of CO2/m3 of basalt per year was estimated, which is orders of magnitude faster than rates for deep sandstone reservoirs. On the basis of these calculations and under certain assumptions, available pore space within the Grand Ronde basalt formation would completely carbonate in ~40 years, resulting in solid mineral trapping of ~47 kg of CO2/m3 of basalt.« less

Characterization of Vadose Zone Sediment: RCRA Borehole 299-E33-338 Located Near the B-BX-BY Waste Management Area

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

Lindenmeier, Clark W.; Serne, R. Jeffrey; Bjornstad, Bruce N.

2003-09-11

This report summarizes data collected from samples in borehole 299-E33-338 (C3391). Borehole 299-E33-338 was drilled for two purposes. One purpose was for installation of a RCRA ground-water monitoring well and the other was to characterize the in situ soils and background porewater chemistry near WMA B-BX-BY that have been largely uncontaminated by tank farm and crib and trench discharge operations. This borehole was drilled just outside the southeast fence line of the B tank farm. The borehole was drilled between July 23 and August 8, 2001 to a total depth of 80.05 m (275.75 ft) bgs using the cable-tool methodmore » (Horton 2002). The water table was contacted at 77.5 m (254.2 ft) bgs and the top of basalt at 82.6 m (271 ft) bgs. Samples to the top of basalt were collected via a drive barrel/splitspoon, before switching to a hard tool to drill 5 feet into the basalt. Nearly continuous core was obtained down to a depth of ~78.6 m (258 ft) bgs. Two hundred and two 2-ft long by 4-in diameter cores were retrieved, which accounts for ~75% the total length of the borehole. Each 2-ft splitspoon contained two 1-ft lexan-lined core segments. The lithology of this borehole was summarized onto a field geologist's log by a CH2M HILL Hanford Group, Inc. geologist (L. D. Walker); subsequently visual inspection of the cores was performed in the laboratory by K. A. Lindsey (Kennedy/Jenks), K. D. Reynolds (Duratek), and B. N. Bjornstad (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory), who also collected 24 samples for paleomagnetic analysis. Subsamples were taken from all 102 cores for moisture content (Table B.1). In addition, 21 core subsamples were collected from a depth of geological interest for mineralogical and geochemical analysis. Data from these samples allow for comparison of uncontaminated versus contaminated soils to better understand the contributions of tank wastes and other wastewaters on the vadose zone in and around WMA B-BX-BY.« less

Archaeology of Archaea: geomicrobiological record of Pleistocene thermal events concealed in a deep-sea subseafloor environment.

PubMed

Inagaki, F; Takai, K; Komatsu, T; Kanamatsu, T; Fujioka, K; Horikoshi, K

2001-12-01

A record of the history of the Earth is hidden in the Earth's crust, like the annual rings of an old tree. From very limited records retrieved from deep underground, one can infer the geographical, geological, and biological events that occurred throughout Earth's history. Here we report the discovery of vertically shifted community structures of Archaea in a typical oceanic subseafloor core sample (1410 cm long) recovered from the West Philippine Basin at a depth of 5719 m. Beneath a surface community of ubiquitous deep-sea archaea (marine crenarchaeotic group I; MGI), an unusual archaeal community consisting of extremophilic archaea, such as extreme halophiles and hyperthermophiles, was present. These organisms could not be cultivated, and may be microbial relicts more than 2 million years old. Our discovery of archaeal rDNA in this core sample, probably associated with the past terrestrial volcanic and submarine hydrothermal activities surrounding the West Philippine Basin, serves as potential geomicrobiological evidence reflecting novel records of geologic thermal events in the Pleistocene period concealed in the deep-sea subseafloor.

NASA CYGNSS Tropical Cyclone Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruf, Chris; Atlas, Robert; Majumdar, Sharan; Ettammal, Suhas; Waliser, Duane

2017-04-01

The NASA Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) mission consists of a constellation of eight microsatellites that were launched into low-Earth orbit on 15 December 2016. Each observatory carries a four-channel bistatic scatterometer receiver to measure near surface wind speed over the ocean. The transmitter half of the scatterometer is the constellation of GPS satellites. CYGNSS is designed to address the inadequacy in observations of the inner core of tropical cyclones (TCs) that result from two causes: 1) much of the TC inner core is obscured from conventional remote sensing instruments by intense precipitation in the eye wall and inner rain bands; and 2) the rapidly evolving (genesis and intensification) stages of the TC life cycle are poorly sampled in time by conventional polar-orbiting, wide-swath surface wind imagers. The retrieval of wind speed by CYGNSS in the presence of heavy precipitation is possible due to the long operating wavelength used by GPS (19 cm), at which scattering and attenuation by rain are negligible. Improved temporal sampling by CYGNSS is possible due to the use of eight spacecraft with 4 scatterometer channels on each one. Median and mean revisit times everywhere in the tropics are 3 and 7 hours, respectively. Wind speed referenced to 10m height above the ocean surface is retrieved from CYGNSS measurements of bistatic radar cross section in a manner roughly analogous to that of conventional ocean wind scatterometers. The technique has been demonstrated previously from space by the UK-DMC and UK-TDS missions. Wind speed is retrieved with 25 km spatial resolution and an uncertainty of 2 m/s at low wind speeds and 10% at wind speeds above 20 m/s. Extensive simulation studies conducted prior to launch indicate that there will be a significant positive impact on TC forecast skill for both track and intensity with CYGNSS measurements assimilated into HWRF numerical forecasts. Simulations of CYGNSS spatial and temporal sampling properties for observing the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) and Convectively Coupled Equatorial Waves (CCEW) indicate that it will allow for improved characterization of MJO temporal variability and of the major CCEW modes. The EGU 2017 presentation will include an overview of the CYGNSS mission, a report on current mission status, and summaries of the simulation studies performed regarding TC forecasts and MJO and CCEW characterization.

Strategic retrieval, confabulations, and delusions: theory and data.

PubMed

Gilboa, Asaf

2010-01-01

Based on Moscovitch and Winocur's "working with memory" framework, confabulation is described as a deficit in strategic retrieval processes. The present paper suggests that only a confluence of deficits on multiple memory-related processes leads to confabulation. These are divided into three categories. Core processes that are unique to confabulation and required for its evolution include: (1) an intuitive, rapid, preconscious "feeling of rightness" monitoring, (2) an elaborate conscious "editor" monitoring, and (3) control processes that mediate the decision whether to act upon a retrieved memory. The second category is deficits on constitutional processes which are required for confabulation to occur but are not unique to it. These include the formation of erroneous memory representation, (temporal) context confusion, and deficits in retrieval cue generation. Finally, associated Features of confabulations determine the content "flavour" and frequency of confabulation but are not required for their evolution. Some associated features are magnification of normal reconstructive memory processes such as reliance on generic/schematic representations, and positivity biases in memory, whereas others are abnormal such as perseveration or source memory deficits. Data on deficits in core processes in confabulation are presented. Next, the apparent correspondences between confabulation and delusion are discussed. Considering confabulation within a strategic memory framework may help elucidate both the commonalities and differences between the two symptoms. Delusions are affected by a convergence of abnormal perception and encoding of information, associated with aberrant cognitive schema structure and disordered belief monitoring. Whereas confabulation is primarily a disorder of retrieval, mnemonic aspects of delusions can be described as primarily a disorder of input and integration of information. It is suggested that delusions might share some of the associated features of confabulation but not its core and constitutional processes. Preliminary data in support of this view are presented.

Estimating surface soil moisture from SMAP observations using a Neural Network technique.

PubMed

Kolassa, J; Reichle, R H; Liu, Q; Alemohammad, S H; Gentine, P; Aida, K; Asanuma, J; Bircher, S; Caldwell, T; Colliander, A; Cosh, M; Collins, C Holifield; Jackson, T J; Martínez-Fernández, J; McNairn, H; Pacheco, A; Thibeault, M; Walker, J P

2018-01-01

A Neural Network (NN) algorithm was developed to estimate global surface soil moisture for April 2015 to March 2017 with a 2-3 day repeat frequency using passive microwave observations from the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite, surface soil temperatures from the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System Model version 5 (GEOS-5) land modeling system, and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer-based vegetation water content. The NN was trained on GEOS-5 soil moisture target data, making the NN estimates consistent with the GEOS-5 climatology, such that they may ultimately be assimilated into this model without further bias correction. Evaluated against in situ soil moisture measurements, the average unbiased root mean square error (ubRMSE), correlation and anomaly correlation of the NN retrievals were 0.037 m 3 m -3 , 0.70 and 0.66, respectively, against SMAP core validation site measurements and 0.026 m 3 m -3 , 0.58 and 0.48, respectively, against International Soil Moisture Network (ISMN) measurements. At the core validation sites, the NN retrievals have a significantly higher skill than the GEOS-5 model estimates and a slightly lower correlation skill than the SMAP Level-2 Passive (L2P) product. The feasibility of the NN method was reflected by a lower ubRMSE compared to the L2P retrievals as well as a higher skill when ancillary parameters in physically-based retrievals were uncertain. Against ISMN measurements, the skill of the two retrieval products was more comparable. A triple collocation analysis against Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) and Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) soil moisture retrievals showed that the NN and L2P retrieval errors have a similar spatial distribution, but the NN retrieval errors are generally lower in densely vegetated regions and transition zones.

Cloud Retrieval Intercomparisons Between SEVIRI, MODIS and VIIRS with CHIMAERA PGE06 Data Collection 6 Products

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wind, Galina; Riedi, Jerome; Platnick, Steven; Heidinger, Andrew

2014-01-01

The Cross-platform HIgh resolution Multi-instrument AtmosphEric Retrieval Algorithms (CHIMAERA) system allows us to perform MODIS-like cloud top, optical and microphysical properties retrievals on any sensor that possesses a minimum set of common spectral channels. The CHIMAERA system uses a shared-core architecture that takes retrieval method out of the equation when intercomparisons are made. Here we show an example of such retrieval and a comparison of simultaneous retrievals done using SEVIRI, MODIS and VIIRS sensors. All sensor retrievals are performed using CLAVR-x (or CLAVR-x based) cloud top properties algorithm. SEVIRI uses the SAF_NWC cloud mask. MODIS and VIIRS use the IFF-based cloud mask that is a shared algorithm between MODIS and VIIRS. The MODIS and VIIRS retrievals are performed using a VIIRS branch of CHIMAERA that limits available MODIS channel set. Even though in that mode certain MODIS products such as multilayer cloud map are not available, the cloud retrieval remains fully equivalent to operational Data Collection 6.

Estimation of winter wheat canopy nitrogen density at different growth stages based on Multi-LUT approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhenhai; Li, Na; Li, Zhenhong; Wang, Jianwen; Liu, Chang

2017-10-01

Rapid real-time monitoring of wheat nitrogen (N) status is crucial for precision N management during wheat growth. In this study, Multi Lookup Table (Multi-LUT) approach based on the N-PROSAIL model parameters setting at different growth stages was constructed to estimating canopy N density (CND) in winter wheat. The results showed that the estimated CND was in line with with measured CND, with the determination coefficient (R2) and the corresponding root mean square error (RMSE) values of 0.80 and 1.16 g m-2, respectively. Time-consuming of one sample estimation was only 6 ms under the test machine with CPU configuration of Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2430 @2.40GHz quad-core. These results confirmed the potential of using Multi-LUT approach for CND retrieval in winter wheat at different growth stages and under variables climatic conditions.

Validation of SMAP surface soil moisture products with core validation sites

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The NASA Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission has utilized a set of core validation sites as the primary methodology in assessing the soil moisture retrieval algorithm performance. Those sites provide well-calibrated in situ soil moisture measurements within SMAP product grid pixels for diver...

Structure and builtup of the Middle Bengal Fan at 8°N from multichannel seismic surveys and the IODP Expedition 354 drilling transect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spiess, V.; Bergmann, F.; Schwenk, T.; Lantzsch, H.; Bahk, J. J.; Weber, M. E.; France-Lanord, C.; Klaus, A.

2016-12-01

IODP Expedition 354 to the Bengal Fan drilled a 320 km long e-W transect at 8°N with 7 drill sites, fully covering the uppermost 150-200 meters of fan deposits at distances of 50 km, originating from Himalayan mountain ranges and the Ganges-Brahmaputra river system. A major goal of this transect approach was to ensure a continuous record of turbiditic material delivered over the last appx. 1 million year, considering frequent longitudinal depocenter shifts of the active channel. By extensively utilizing the new half-APC coring technique, high quality and high recovery cores could be retrieved representing a wide range of grain sizes from hemipelagic deposits through clay rich turbidites to coarse silt and sandy units. Up to medium sand grain sizes were retrieved within the basal units of levees, which correspond to high-reflectivity units in high-resolution multichannel seismic profiles. Finely laminated sections with mm to cm-thick turbidites represents levee formations. At Site U1453 for example, core logging and downhole logging data confirm the representative sampling based on a very good match of several physical property data sets. An expanded section was cored at Site U1454, where the presumably currently active channel has built a levee, which likely represents major sediment supply within the last 30 kyr. A spatial grid of seismic and echosounder data in the vicinity of the active channel reveals a high spatial variability in sedimentation rates and distinct depocenter shifts in response to changes in channel geometry. Site U1452 has provided a full record a levee growth including interlevee sedimentation, sandy basal units characterized by a lobe formation, and a pronounced fining upward trend following the phase of channel erosion and levee builtup. From all sites, detailed comparisons of physical and sedimentological shipboard results with seismic data will be presented. Expedition 354 has provided a unique sample and data set to better understand fan deposition and channel-levee growth including silt and sand grain sizes. It will also provide valuable constraints on the volume, nature and composition of suspension flows contributing to fan growth in the Middle Bengal Fan.

Spatial and seasonal variations of elemental composition in Mt. Everest (Qomolangma) snow/firn

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Shichang; Zhang, Qianggong; Kaspari, Susan; Qin, Dahe; Cong, Zhiyuan; Ren, Jiawen; Mayewski, Paul A.

In May 2005, a total of 14 surface snow (0-10 cm) samples were collected along the climbing route from the advanced base camp to the summit (6500-8844 m a.s.l.) on the northern slope of Mt. Everest (Qomolangma). A 108 m firn/ice core was retrieved from the col of the East Rongbuk Glacier (28.03°N, 86.96°E, 6518 m a.s.l.) on the north eastern saddle of Mt. Everest in September 2002. Surface snow and the upper 3.5 m firn samples from the core were analyzed for major and trace elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Measurements show that crustal elements dominated both surface snow and the firn core, suggesting that Everest snow chemistry is mainly influenced by crustal aerosols from local rock or prevalent spring dust storms over southern/central Asia. There are no clear trends for element variations with elevation due to local crustal aerosol inputs or redistribution of surface snow by strong winds during the spring. Seasonal variability in snow/firn elements show that high elemental concentrations occur during the non-monsoon season and low values during the monsoon season. Ca, Cr, Cs, and Sr display the most distinct seasonal variations. Elemental concentrations (especially for heavy metals) at Mt. Everest are comparable with polar sites, generally lower than in suburban areas, and far lower than in large cities. This indicates that anthropogenic activities and heavy metal pollution have little effect on the Mt. Everest atmospheric environment. Everest firn core REE concentrations are the first reported in the region and seem to be comparable with those measured in modern and Last Glacial Maximum snow/ice samples from Greenland and Antarctica, and with precipitation samples from Japan and the East China Sea. This suggests that REE concentrations measured at Everest are representative of the background atmospheric environment.

Faulting processes in active faults - Evidences from TCDP and SAFOD drill core samples

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

Janssen, C.; Wirth, R.; Wenk, H. -R.

The microstructures, mineralogy and chemistry of representative samples collected from the cores of the San Andreas Fault drill hole (SAFOD) and the Taiwan Chelungpu-Fault Drilling project (TCDP) have been studied using optical microscopy, TEM, SEM, XRD and XRF analyses. SAFOD samples provide a transect across undeformed host rock, the fault damage zone and currently active deforming zones of the San Andreas Fault. TCDP samples are retrieved from the principal slip zone (PSZ) and from the surrounding damage zone of the Chelungpu Fault. Substantial differences exist in the clay mineralogy of SAFOD and TCDP fault gouge samples. Amorphous material has beenmore » observed in SAFOD as well as TCDP samples. In line with previous publications, we propose that melt, observed in TCDP black gouge samples, was produced by seismic slip (melt origin) whereas amorphous material in SAFOD samples was formed by comminution of grains (crush origin) rather than by melting. Dauphiné twins in quartz grains of SAFOD and TCDP samples may indicate high seismic stress. The differences in the crystallographic preferred orientation of calcite between SAFOD and TCDP samples are significant. Microstructures resulting from dissolution–precipitation processes were observed in both faults but are more frequently found in SAFOD samples than in TCDP fault rocks. As already described for many other fault zones clay-gouge fabrics are quite weak in SAFOD and TCDP samples. Clay-clast aggregates (CCAs), proposed to indicate frictional heating and thermal pressurization, occur in material taken from the PSZ of the Chelungpu Fault, as well as within and outside of the SAFOD deforming zones, indicating that these microstructures were formed over a wide range of slip rates.« less

A Brunhes-Matuyama polarity transition record from anoxic sediments in the South Atlantic (Ocean Drilling Program Hole 1082C)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamazaki, T.; Oda, H.

2001-08-01

A paleomagnetic study was performed on Hole 1082C sediment cores taken during the Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 175 in the South Atlantic in order to obtain a high-resolution Brunhes-Matuyama (B/M) polarity transition record. An average sedimentation rate was as high as 10 cm/kyr. The cores consist of strongly anoxic sediments, which is common for the areas of large material supply. Anoxic sediments, which are geochemically quite active, were considered to be unsuitable for studies on detailed behavior of the geomagnetic field such as polarity transitions. For global site distribution, however, it is necessary to make efforts to retrieve paleomagnetic records from such sediments. A continuous record of directional changes around the transition was obtained from U-channel samples after cleaning by stepwise alternating-field (AF) demagnetization. Consistency of the record was checked using discrete samples taken from the other half of the cores. The coring-induced magnetic overprint of radial-inward direction, which has often been reported from ODP piston-cores, was negligibly small in our cores. Relative paleointensity variation was estimated from remanent intensities of the discrete samples normalized by artificial remanences. Our record shows following features of the B/M transition similar to those already reported by previous studies. A zone of large directional fluctuations with low paleointensities occurs just before the main transition (788 to 795 ka based on the oxygen-isotope stratigraphy), which would correspond to the "precursor" of Hartl and Tauxe (1996). The virtual geomagnetic poles (VGPs) at the precursor lie along the so-called preferred longitudinal bands over the north-south Americas and Australia-east Asia. After the main transition from the reversed to normal polarity, VGPs stayed in the middle-to-high latitudes over the North America with an intermediate paleointensity for about 5~kyrs, and then moved in the vicinity of the North Pole with full recovery of intensity. Such behavior was reported by Oda et al. (2000). These similarities suggest that the anoxic sediments at Site 1082 could record the behavior of the geomagnetic field rather faithfully, although the remanence may be of chemical origin.

MISR CMVs and Multiangular Views of Tropical Cyclone Inner-Core Dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, Dong L.; Diner, David J.; Garay, Michael J; Jovanovic, Veljko M.; Lee, Jae N.; Moroney, Catherine M.; Mueller, Kevin J.; Nelson, David L.

2010-01-01

Multi-camera stereo imaging of cloud features from the MISR (Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer) instrument on NASA's Terra satellite provides accurate and precise measurements of cloud top heights (CTH) and cloud motion vector (CMV) winds. MISR observes each cloudy scene from nine viewing angles (Nadir, +/-26(sup o), +/-46(sup o), +/-60(sup o), +/-70(sup o)) with approximatel 275-m pixel resolution. This paper provides an update on MISR CMV and CTH algorithm improvements, and explores a high-resolution retrieval of tangential winds inside the eyewall of tropical cyclones (TC). The MISR CMV and CTH retrievals from the updated algorithm are significantly improved in terms of spatial coverage and systematic errors. A new product, the 1.1-km cross-track wind, provides high accuracy and precision in measuring convective outflows. Preliminary results obtained from the 1.1-km tangential wind retrieval inside the TC eyewall show that the inner-core rotation is often faster near the eyewall, and this faster rotation appears to be related linearly to cyclone intensity.

Luminescence signal profiling: a new proxy for sedimentologically "invisible" marine Mass Transport Deposits (MTDs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

López, Gloria I.; Bialik, Or; Waldmann, Nicolas

2017-04-01

When dealing with fine-grained, organic-rich, colour-monotone, underwater marine sediment cores retrieved from the continental shelf or slope, the initial visual impression, upon split-opening the vessels, is often of a "disappointing" homogeneous, monotonous, continuous archive. Only after thorough, micro- to macro-scale, multi-parameter investigations the sediment reveals its treasures, initially by performing some measurements on the intact core itself, hence depicting for the first time its contents, and subsequently by carrying out the destructive, multi-proxy sample-based analyses. Usually, routine Multi-Sensor Core Logger (MSCL) measurements of petrophysical parameters (e.g. magnetic susceptibility, density, P-Wave velocity) on un-split sediment cores are the first undertaken while still on-board in the field or back at the laboratory. Less often done, but equally valuable, are continuous X-Ray and CT scan imaging of the same intact archives. Upon splitting, routine granulometry, micro- and macro-fossil and invertebrate identification, total organic / inorganic carbon content (TOC / TIC), amid other analyses take place. The geochronology component is also established usually by AMS 14C on selected organic-rich units, and less common is Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating used on the coarser-grained, siliciclastic layers. A relatively new tool used in Luminescence, the Portable OSL Reader, employed to rapidly assess the luminescence signal of untreated poly-mineral samples to assist with targeted field sampling for full OSL dating, was used for the first time in marine sediment cores as a novel petrophysical characterization tool with astonishing results. In this study, two 2 m-long underwater piston sediment cores recovered from 200 m depths on the continental shelf off-southern Israel, were subjected to pulsed-photon stimulation (PPSL) obtaining favourable luminescence signals along their entire lengths. Astoundingly, luminescence signals were obtained on both, already split-opened cores. Both cores depicted the monotonous characteristics of homogeneousness down-core as per most of the results obtained from the non-destructive and destructive tests. One of the cores showed several small higher energy events, including a Mass Transport Deposit (MTD) within its first 10 cm, only fully visible on the CT scan imaging, the PPSL profile and particle size distribution plot. This initial investigation demonstrates the feasibility and usefulness of luminescence profiling as a new sedimentological and petrophysical proxy to better visualize homogeneous yet complex, fine-grained, underwater archives. Moreover, it helps to understand the continuity of the stratigraphy and linearity of deposition of the sediment, besides assisting on the estimation of relative ages provided that good OSL ages are obtained throughout the recovered archive.

Mount Elbert Gas Hydrate Stratigraphic Test Well, Alaska North Slope: Coring operations, core sedimentology, and lithostratigraphy

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rose, K.; Boswell, R.; Collett, T.

2011-01-01

In February 2007, BP Exploration (Alaska), the U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Geological Survey completed the BPXA-DOE-USGS Mount Elbert Gas Hydrate Stratigraphic Test Well (Mount Elbert well) in the Milne Point Unit on the Alaska North Slope. The program achieved its primary goals of validating the pre-drill estimates of gas hydrate occurrence and thickness based on 3-D seismic interpretations and wireline log correlations and collecting a comprehensive suite of logging, coring, and pressure testing data. The upper section of the Mount Elbert well was drilled through the base of ice-bearing permafrost to a casing point of 594??m (1950??ft), approximately 15??m (50??ft) above the top of the targeted reservoir interval. The lower portion of the well was continuously cored from 606??m (1987??ft) to 760??m (2494??ft) and drilled to a total depth of 914??m. Ice-bearing permafrost extends to a depth of roughly 536??m and the base of gas hydrate stability is interpreted to extend to a depth of 870??m. Coring through the targeted gas hydrate bearing reservoirs was completed using a wireline-retrievable system. The coring program achieved 85% recovery of 7.6??cm (3??in) diameter core through 154??m (504??ft) of the hole. An onsite team processed the cores, collecting and preserving approximately 250 sub-samples for analyses of pore water geochemistry, microbiology, gas chemistry, petrophysical analysis, and thermal and physical properties. Eleven samples were immediately transferred to either methane-charged pressure vessels or liquid nitrogen for future study of the preserved gas hydrate. Additional offsite sampling, analyses, and detailed description of the cores were also conducted. Based on this work, one lithostratigraphic unit with eight subunits was identified across the cored interval. Subunits II and Va comprise the majority of the reservoir facies and are dominantly very fine to fine, moderately sorted, quartz, feldspar, and lithic fragment-bearing to -rich sands. Lithostratigraphic and palynologic data indicate that this section is most likely early Eocene to late Paleocene in age. The examined units contain evidence for both marine and non-marine lithofacies, and indications that the depositional environment for the reservoir facies may have been shallower marine than originally interpreted based on pre-drill wireline log interpretations. There is also evidence of reduced salinity marine conditions during deposition that may be related to the paleo-climate and depositional conditions during the early Eocene. ?? 2010.

Performance of the Falling Snow Retrieval Algorithms for the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Skofronick-Jackson, Gail; Munchak, Stephen J.; Ringerud, Sarah

2016-01-01

Retrievals of falling snow from space represent an important data set for understanding the Earth's atmospheric, hydrological, and energy cycles, especially during climate change. Estimates of falling snow must be captured to obtain the true global precipitation water cycle, snowfall accumulations are required for hydrological studies, and without knowledge of the frozen particles in clouds one cannot adequately understand the energy and radiation budgets. While satellite-based remote sensing provides global coverage of falling snow events, the science is relatively new and retrievals are still undergoing development with challenges remaining). This work reports on the development and testing of retrieval algorithms for the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission Core Satellite, launched February 2014.

Hawaiian hot spot dynamics as inferred from the Hf and Pb isotope evolution of Mauna Kea volcano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blichert-Toft, Janne; Weis, Dominique; Maerschalk, Claude; Agranier, Arnaud; Albarède, Francis

2003-02-01

The present work reports multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) measurements of the isotopic compositions of Hf and Pb in the first 3 km of the deep core retrieved by the Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project. The measurements cover all the samples from the standard geochemical reference set, glasses from the deep hole, and replicates from the pilot hole. Both Hf and Pb are less radiogenic in Mauna Loa compared to Mauna Kea. The transition between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa lavas in the deep core is progressive for ɛHf and 208Pb/204Pb, but a sharp discontinuity is observed for 208Pb*/206Pb*. There is no correlation between the alkalinity of the samples and isotopic composition. In detail, the Hf isotope compositions of samples from the pilot hole are not all identical to those of the HSDP-2 core for samples retrieved from a similar depth, suggesting that steep topography existed at the time of emplacement or that a different eruptive sequence was recorded. The strong correlation between 208Pb*/206Pb* and 3He/4He (He data from M. D. Kurz et al. (Rapid helium isotopic variability in Mauna Kea shield lavas from the Hawaiian Scientific Drilling Project, submitted to Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems, 2002)) requires the episodic incorporation of a component that resembles the basalts erupted by either Kilauea or the Loihi eruptive centers (this component is referred to as K/L). The data suggest that some 500 kyr ago, Mauna Kea was tapping a mantle source similar to that tapped by Kilauea today. Isotopic variability of Pb and He cannot be accounted for by radiogenic ingrowth in a closed system, but requires the mixing of mantle source components with distinct outgassing histories. The time series of isotopic and concentration data in Mauna Kea samples spanning about 350,000 years of age indicate the recurrence of geochemical patterns in the melting column. Ignoring the most recent alkalic samples, we find that the dominant fluctuations of ɛHf and 207Pb/204Pb correspond to a period of 50,000 years. For La/Yb, Zr/Nb, 87Sr/86Sr, 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/206Pb, and 208Pb/206Pb, a dominant period of ca. 18,000 years is obtained. Once provision is made for the existence of harmonics, the consistency between the isotopic spectrum of the pilot hole and the HDSP-2 core is very good. The input of the K/L component does not seem to be periodic. We use these recurrence intervals in conjunction with the upwelling rate deduced from buoyancy flux and seismic evidence of the maximum dimension of scatterers to constrain the radius of the Hawaiian plume conduit to be in the range of 10-50 km and the upwelling velocity to be in the range of 0.13-3 m/yr. Plausible vertical length scales of heterogeneities in the conduit are 6.5-160 km.

An innovative piston corer for large‐volume sediment samples

PubMed Central

Haselmair, Alexandra; Stachowitsch, Michael; Zuschin, Martin

2016-01-01

Abstract Coring is one of several standard procedures to extract sediments and their faunas from open marine, estuarine, and limnic environments. Achieving sufficiently deep penetration, obtaining large sediment volumes in single deployments, and avoiding sediment loss upon retrieval remain problematic. We developed a piston corer with a diameter of 16 cm that enables penetration down to 1.5 m in a broad range of soft bottom types, yields sufficient material for multiple analyses, and prevents sediment loss due to a specially designed hydraulic core catcher. A novel extrusion system enables very precise slicing and preserves the original sediment stratification by keeping the liners upright. The corer has moderate purchase costs and a robust and simple design that allows for a deployment from relatively small vessels as available at most marine science institutions. It can easily be operated by two to three researchers rather than by specially trained technicians. In the northern Adriatic Sea, the corer successfully extracted more than 50 cores from a range of fine mud to coarse sand, at water depths from three to 45 m. The initial evaluation of the cores demonstrated their usefulness for fauna sequences along with heavy metal, nutrient and pollutant analyses. Their length is particularly suited for historical ecological work requiring sedimentary and faunal sequences to reconstruct benthic communities over the last millennia. PMID:28111529

Surface soil moisture retrieval using the L-band synthetic aperture radar onboard the Soil Moisture Active Passive satellite and evaluation at core validation sites

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This paper evaluates the retrieval of soil moisture in the top 5-cm layer at 3-km spatial resolution using L-band dual-copolarized Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data that mapped the globe every three days from mid-April to early July, 2015. Surface soil moisture ...

Aquifer Recharge Estimation In Unsaturated Porous Rock Using Darcian And Geophysical Methods.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nimmo, J. R.; De Carlo, L.; Masciale, R.; Turturro, A. C.; Perkins, K. S.; Caputo, M. C.

2016-12-01

Within the unsaturated zone a constant downward gravity-driven flux of water commonly exists at depths ranging from a few meters to tens of meters depending on climate, medium, and vegetation. In this case a steady-state application of Darcy's law can provide recharge rate estimates.We have applied an integrated approach that combines field geophysical measurements with laboratory hydraulic property measurements on core samples to produce accurate estimates of steady-state aquifer recharge, or, in cases where episodic recharge also occurs, the steady component of recharge. The method requires (1) measurement of the water content existing in the deep unsaturated zone at the location of a core sample retrieved for lab measurements, and (2) measurement of the core sample's unsaturated hydraulic conductivity over a range of water content that includes the value measured in situ. Both types of measurements must be done with high accuracy. Darcy's law applied with the measured unsaturated hydraulic conductivity and gravitational driving force provides recharge estimates.Aquifer recharge was estimated using Darcian and geophysical methods at a deep porous rock (calcarenite) experimental site in Canosa, southern Italy. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) profiles were collected from the land surface to water table to provide data for Darcian recharge estimation. Volumetric water content was estimated from resistivity profiles using a laboratory-derived calibration function based on Archie's law for rock samples from the experimental site, where electrical conductivity of the rock was related to the porosity and water saturation. Multiple-depth core samples were evaluated using the Quasi-Steady Centrifuge (QSC) method to obtain hydraulic conductivity (K), matric potential (ψ), and water content (θ) estimates within this profile. Laboratory-determined unsaturated hydraulic conductivity ranged from 3.90 x 10-9 to 1.02 x 10-5 m/s over a volumetric water content range from 0.1938 to 0.4311 m3/m3. Using these measured properties, the water content estimated from geophysical measurements has been used to identify the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity indicative of the steady component of the aquifer recharge rate at Canosa.

Automated semantic indexing of figure captions to improve radiology image retrieval.

PubMed

Kahn, Charles E; Rubin, Daniel L

2009-01-01

We explored automated concept-based indexing of unstructured figure captions to improve retrieval of images from radiology journals. The MetaMap Transfer program (MMTx) was used to map the text of 84,846 figure captions from 9,004 peer-reviewed, English-language articles to concepts in three controlled vocabularies from the UMLS Metathesaurus, version 2006AA. Sampling procedures were used to estimate the standard information-retrieval metrics of precision and recall, and to evaluate the degree to which concept-based retrieval improved image retrieval. Precision was estimated based on a sample of 250 concepts. Recall was estimated based on a sample of 40 concepts. The authors measured the impact of concept-based retrieval to improve upon keyword-based retrieval in a random sample of 10,000 search queries issued by users of a radiology image search engine. Estimated precision was 0.897 (95% confidence interval, 0.857-0.937). Estimated recall was 0.930 (95% confidence interval, 0.838-1.000). In 5,535 of 10,000 search queries (55%), concept-based retrieval found results not identified by simple keyword matching; in 2,086 searches (21%), more than 75% of the results were found by concept-based search alone. Concept-based indexing of radiology journal figure captions achieved very high precision and recall, and significantly improved image retrieval.

Decoding the content of recollection within the core recollection network and beyond.

PubMed

Thakral, Preston P; Wang, Tracy H; Rugg, Michael D

2017-06-01

Recollection - retrieval of qualitative information about a past event - is associated with enhanced neural activity in a consistent set of neural regions (the 'core recollection network') seemingly regardless of the nature of the recollected content. Here, we employed multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA) to assess whether retrieval-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) activity in core recollection regions - including the hippocampus, angular gyrus, medial prefrontal cortex, retrosplenial/posterior cingulate cortex, and middle temporal gyrus - contain information about studied content and thus demonstrate retrieval-related 'reinstatement' effects. During study, participants viewed objects and concrete words that were subjected to different encoding tasks. Test items included studied words, the names of studied objects, or unstudied words. Participants judged whether the items were recollected, familiar, or new by making 'remember', 'know', and 'new' responses, respectively. The study history of remembered test items could be reliably decoded using MVPA in most regions, as well as from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, a region where univariate recollection effects could not be detected. The findings add to evidence that members of the core recollection network, as well as at least one neural region where mean signal is insensitive to recollection success, carry information about recollected content. Importantly, the study history of recognized items endorsed with a 'know' response could be decoded with equal accuracy. The results thus demonstrate a striking dissociation between mean signal and multi-voxel indices of recollection. Moreover, they converge with prior findings in suggesting that, as it is operationalized by classification-based MVPA, reinstatement is not uniquely a signature of recollection. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Satellite Sampling and Retrieval Errors in Regional Monthly Rain Estimates from TMI AMSR-E, SSM/I, AMSU-B and the TRMM PR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fisher, Brad; Wolff, David B.

2010-01-01

Passive and active microwave rain sensors onboard earth-orbiting satellites estimate monthly rainfall from the instantaneous rain statistics collected during satellite overpasses. It is well known that climate-scale rain estimates from meteorological satellites incur sampling errors resulting from the process of discrete temporal sampling and statistical averaging. Sampling and retrieval errors ultimately become entangled in the estimation of the mean monthly rain rate. The sampling component of the error budget effectively introduces statistical noise into climate-scale rain estimates that obscure the error component associated with the instantaneous rain retrieval. Estimating the accuracy of the retrievals on monthly scales therefore necessitates a decomposition of the total error budget into sampling and retrieval error quantities. This paper presents results from a statistical evaluation of the sampling and retrieval errors for five different space-borne rain sensors on board nine orbiting satellites. Using an error decomposition methodology developed by one of the authors, sampling and retrieval errors were estimated at 0.25 resolution within 150 km of ground-based weather radars located at Kwajalein, Marshall Islands and Melbourne, Florida. Error and bias statistics were calculated according to the land, ocean and coast classifications of the surface terrain mask developed for the Goddard Profiling (GPROF) rain algorithm. Variations in the comparative error statistics are attributed to various factors related to differences in the swath geometry of each rain sensor, the orbital and instrument characteristics of the satellite and the regional climatology. The most significant result from this study found that each of the satellites incurred negative longterm oceanic retrieval biases of 10 to 30%.

Rock and Core Repository Coming Digital

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maicher, Doris; Fleischer, Dirk; Czerniak, Andreas

2016-04-01

In times of whole city centres being available by a mouse click in 3D to virtually walk through, reality sometimes becomes neglected. The reality of scientific sample collections not being digitised to the essence of molecules, isotopes and electrons becomes unbelievable to the upgrowing generation of scientists. Just like any other geological institute the Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research GEOMAR accumulated thousands of specimen. The samples, collected mainly during marine expeditions, date back as far as 1964. Today GEOMAR houses a central geological sample collection of at least 17 000 m of sediment core and more than 4 500 boxes with hard rock samples and refined sample specimen. This repository, having been dormant, missed the onset of the interconnected digital age. Physical samples without barcodes, QR codes or RFID tags need to be migrated and reconnected, urgently. In our use case, GEOMAR opted for the International Geo Sample Number IGSN as the persistent identifier. Consequentially, the software CurationDIS by smartcube GmbH as the central component of this project was selected. The software is designed to handle acquisition and administration of sample material and sample archiving in storage places. In addition, the software allows direct embedding of IGSN. We plan to adopt IGSN as a future asset, while for the initial inventory taking of our sample material, simple but unique QR codes act as "bridging identifiers" during the process. Currently we compile an overview of the broad variety of sample types and their associated data. QR-coding of the boxes of rock samples and sediment cores is near completion, delineating their location in the repository and linking a particular sample to any information available about the object. Planning is in progress to streamline the flow from receiving new samples to their curation to sharing samples and information publically. Additionally, interface planning for linkage to GEOMAR databases OceanRep (publications) and OSIS (expeditions) as well as for external data retrieval are in the pipeline. Looking ahead to implement IGSN, taking on board lessons learned from earlier generations, it will enable to comply with our institute's open science policy. Also it will allow to register newly collected samples already during ship expeditions. They thus receive their "birth certificate" contemporarily in this ever faster revolving scientific world.

Assessment of Version 4 of the SMAP Passive Soil Moisture Standard Product

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

O'neill, P. O.; Chan, S.; Bindlish, R.; Jackson, T.; Colliander, A.; Dunbar, R.; Chen, F.; Piepmeier, Jeffrey R.; Yueh, S.; Entekhabi, D.;

Improve Biomedical Information Retrieval using Modified Learning to Rank Methods.

PubMed

Xu, Bo; Lin, Hongfei; Lin, Yuan; Ma, Yunlong; Yang, Liang; Wang, Jian; Yang, Zhihao

2016-06-14

In these years, the number of biomedical articles has increased exponentially, which becomes a problem for biologists to capture all the needed information manually. Information retrieval technologies, as the core of search engines, can deal with the problem automatically, providing users with the needed information. However, it is a great challenge to apply these technologies directly for biomedical retrieval, because of the abundance of domain specific terminologies. To enhance biomedical retrieval, we propose a novel framework based on learning to rank. Learning to rank is a series of state-of-the-art information retrieval techniques, and has been proved effective in many information retrieval tasks. In the proposed framework, we attempt to tackle the problem of the abundance of terminologies by constructing ranking models, which focus on not only retrieving the most relevant documents, but also diversifying the searching results to increase the completeness of the resulting list for a given query. In the model training, we propose two novel document labeling strategies, and combine several traditional retrieval models as learning features. Besides, we also investigate the usefulness of different learning to rank approaches in our framework. Experimental results on TREC Genomics datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework for biomedical information retrieval.

A detailed Holocene glacial-periglacial reconstruction based on multidisciplinary studies of a 60 m permafrost core from central Svalbard

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hvidtfeldt Christiansen, Hanne; Elberling, Bo; Gilbert, Graham L.; Thiel, Christine; Murray, Andrew; Buylaert, Jan-Pieter; Dypvik, Henning; Lomstein, Bente; Hovgaard, Jonas; Christensen, Anne T.; Mørkved, Pål T.; Reigstad, Laila J.; Fromreide, Siren; Seidenkrantz, Marit-Solveig

2014-05-01

During summer 2012, a 60 m sedimentary permafrost core was retrieved from the lower part of the Adventdalen Valley, central Svalbard, as part of the Longyearbyen CO2 project. The core was taken in 3 m long sections, with 20 % core loss, and reached the sedimentary bedrock (Lower Cretaceous). Thus our samples had the potential to represent the entire Quaternary and reflect changes in the sedimentary environments through time. The stratigraphy and sedimentology of the core was first investigated, to establish an overall geological model for the sampling site. The general stratigraphy encompasses a layer of basal till at the bottom of the core. This is overlain by marine sediments documenting a transition from glacial-proximal to open-marine conditions. Subsequently, a thick package of deltaic sediments records the progradation of the local river system. Finally, aeolian sediments, characterizing the modern environment, form the top few meters of the core. The ice content of the permafrost is generally low. Gravimetric water content generally ranges between 20% and 40%, but is considerably higher in some ice-rich layers. High resolution optically stimulated luminescence dating of the core sediment shows that deposition was very fast and took place primarily during the mid Holocene, with very rapid sedimentation of around 4 m/ka. With the onset of aeolian deposition (around 3-4 ka) the sedimentation rate decreased significantly to 1m/ka. The microbial diversity and activity of the core are being studied displaying decreasing activity with depth. Microbial community and functional gene numbers indicate variations with depth and geochemistry. Incubation studies have been performed primarily on the upper 30 m, and indicate a potential CO2 production from all depth intervals being studied. The potential for using foraminifer studies for both dating and palaeoenvironmental reconstructions are evaluated with the intension of comparison with previous studies of marine sediment cores both from the fjords in the Svalbard area and from the Barents Sea and Fram Strait region. This multidisciplinary approach is allowing us to build the first detailed palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the Holocene glacial-periglacial interaction in the lowlands of central Svalbard; this includes a detailed reconstruction of the permafrost conditions.

A Graph Theoretical Approach to Study the Organization of the Cortical Networks during Different Mathematical Tasks

PubMed Central

Klados, Manousos A.; Kanatsouli, Kassia; Antoniou, Ioannis; Babiloni, Fabio; Tsirka, Vassiliki; Bamidis, Panagiotis D.; Micheloyannis, Sifis

2013-01-01

The two core systems of mathematical processing (subitizing and retrieval) as well as their functionality are already known and published. In this study we have used graph theory to compare the brain network organization of these two core systems in the cortical layer during difficult calculations. We have examined separately all the EEG frequency bands in healthy young individuals and we found that the network organization at rest, as well as during mathematical tasks has the characteristics of Small World Networks for all the bands, which is the optimum organization required for efficient information processing. The different mathematical stimuli provoked changes in the graph parameters of different frequency bands, especially the low frequency bands. More specific, in Delta band the induced network increases it’s local and global efficiency during the transition from subitizing to retrieval system, while results suggest that difficult mathematics provoke networks with higher cliquish organization due to more specific demands. The network of the Theta band follows the same pattern as before, having high nodal and remote organization during difficult mathematics. Also the spatial distribution of the network’s weights revealed more prominent connections in frontoparietal regions, revealing the working memory load due to the engagement of the retrieval system. The cortical networks of the alpha brainwaves were also more efficient, both locally and globally, during difficult mathematics, while the fact that alpha’s network was more dense on the frontparietal regions as well, reveals the engagement of the retrieval system again. Concluding, this study gives more evidences regarding the interaction of the two core systems, exploiting the produced functional networks of the cerebral cortex, especially for the difficult mathematics. PMID:23990992

A Graph theoretical approach to study the organization of the cortical networks during different mathematical tasks.

PubMed

Klados, Manousos A; Kanatsouli, Kassia; Antoniou, Ioannis; Babiloni, Fabio; Tsirka, Vassiliki; Bamidis, Panagiotis D; Micheloyannis, Sifis

2013-01-01

The two core systems of mathematical processing (subitizing and retrieval) as well as their functionality are already known and published. In this study we have used graph theory to compare the brain network organization of these two core systems in the cortical layer during difficult calculations. We have examined separately all the EEG frequency bands in healthy young individuals and we found that the network organization at rest, as well as during mathematical tasks has the characteristics of Small World Networks for all the bands, which is the optimum organization required for efficient information processing. The different mathematical stimuli provoked changes in the graph parameters of different frequency bands, especially the low frequency bands. More specific, in Delta band the induced network increases it's local and global efficiency during the transition from subitizing to retrieval system, while results suggest that difficult mathematics provoke networks with higher cliquish organization due to more specific demands. The network of the Theta band follows the same pattern as before, having high nodal and remote organization during difficult mathematics. Also the spatial distribution of the network's weights revealed more prominent connections in frontoparietal regions, revealing the working memory load due to the engagement of the retrieval system. The cortical networks of the alpha brainwaves were also more efficient, both locally and globally, during difficult mathematics, while the fact that alpha's network was more dense on the frontparietal regions as well, reveals the engagement of the retrieval system again. Concluding, this study gives more evidences regarding the interaction of the two core systems, exploiting the produced functional networks of the cerebral cortex, especially for the difficult mathematics.

Deep permeability of the San Andreas Fault from San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) core samples

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morrow, Carolyn A.; Lockner, David A.; Moore, Diane E.; Hickman, Stephen H.

2014-01-01

The San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) scientific borehole near Parkfield, California crosses two actively creeping shear zones at a depth of 2.7 km. Core samples retrieved from these active strands consist of a foliated, Mg-clay-rich gouge containing porphyroclasts of serpentinite and sedimentary rock. The adjacent damage zone and country rocks are comprised of variably deformed, fine-grained sandstones, siltstones, and mudstones. We conducted laboratory tests to measure the permeability of representative samples from each structural unit at effective confining pressures, Pe up to the maximum estimated in situ Pe of 120 MPa. Permeability values of intact samples adjacent to the creeping strands ranged from 10−18 to 10−21 m2 at Pe = 10 MPa and decreased with applied confining pressure to 10−20–10−22 m2 at 120 MPa. Values for intact foliated gouge samples (10−21–6 × 10−23 m2 over the same pressure range) were distinctly lower than those for the surrounding rocks due to their fine-grained, clay-rich character. Permeability of both intact and crushed-and-sieved foliated gouge measured during shearing at Pe ≥ 70 MPa ranged from 2 to 4 × 10−22 m2 in the direction perpendicular to shearing and was largely insensitive to shear displacement out to a maximum displacement of 10 mm. The weak, actively-deforming foliated gouge zones have ultra-low permeability, making the active strands of the San Andreas Fault effective barriers to cross-fault fluid flow. The low matrix permeability of the San Andreas Fault creeping zones and adjacent rock combined with observations of abundant fractures in the core over a range of scales suggests that fluid flow outside of the actively-deforming gouge zones is probably fracture dominated.

Statistics of Storm Updraft Velocities from TWP-ICE Including Verification with Profiling Measurements

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

Collis, Scott; Protat, Alain; May, Peter T.

2013-08-01

Comparisons between direct measurements and modeled values of vertical air motions in precipitating systems are complicated by differences in temporal and spatial scales. On one hand, vertically profiling radars more directly measure the vertical air motion but do not adequately capture full storm dynamics. On the other hand, vertical air motions retrieved from two or more scanning Doppler radars capture the full storm dynamics but require model constraints that may not capture all updraft features because of inadequate sampling, resolution, numerical constraints, and the fact that the storm is evolving as it is scanned by the radars. To investigate themore » veracity of radar-based retrievals, which can be used to verify numerically modeled vertical air motions, this article presents several case studies from storm events around Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, in which measurements from a dual-frequency radar profiler system and volumetric radar-based wind retrievals are compared. While a direct comparison was not possible because of instrumentation location, an indirect comparison shows promising results, with volume retrievals comparing well to those obtained from the profiling system. This prompted a statistical analysis of an extended period of an active monsoon period during the Tropical Warm Pool International Cloud Experiment (TWP-ICE). Results show less vigorous deep convective cores with maximum updraft velocities occurring at lower heights than some cloudresolving modeling studies suggest. 1. Introduction The regionalization of global climate models has been a driver of demand for more complex convective parameterization schemes. A key readjustment of the modeled atmosphere« less

Characterization and assessment of different algorithms for retrieval of mean square slopes from GNSS-R measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clarizia, Maria Paola; Ruf, Christopher; Gommenginger, Christine

2013-04-01

Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) exploits signals of opportunity from navigation constellations (e.g. GPS, GLONASS, Galileo), scattered by the surface of the ocean, to retrieve the surface wind and wave fields. GNSS-R represents a true innovation in remote sensing, and it is receiving a growing interest from the scientific community. Its main advantages lie in the dense space-time sampling capabilities, the ability of L-band signals to penetrate well through rain, and the possibility of simple, low-cost/low-power GNSS receivers. These recognized strengths of GNSS-R recently led to the approval of the NASA EV-2 Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS), a spaceborne mission focused on tropical cyclone (TC) inner core process studies. CYGNSS attempts to resolve the problem of inadequate observations and modeling of the inner core, which represents the principal deficiency with current TC intensity forecasts, and which can be overcome with GNSS-R. The present study focuses on the information content about the sea surface roughness and wind speed, that is contained in spaceborne GNSS-R Delay-Doppler Maps (DDMs). A number of algorithms for the retrieval of Mean Square Slopes (MSS) - representative of the surface roughness - are analyzed. These include existing algorithms based on least-square fitting procedures (e.g. 2D least-square fitting of DDMs, using the Zavorotny-Voronovich DDM theoretical model), or based on direct observables (e.g. DDM volume), as well as "new" algorithms, which make use of waveforms derived from the DDM, which have thusfar been unexploited (e.g. integrated delay and Doppler waveforms). The analysis is carried out using simulated DDMs generated by the mature forward model end-to-end simulator developed for CYGNSS. A comparison of the results obtained for different retrieval algorithms will be presented. In particular, the performance of the algorithms considered is investigated and characterized for the case of significant non-uniform wind field across the scattering area, such as will be encountered in and near tropical cyclones. The impact of each algorithm, as well as of other parameters (e.g. the extent of the DDM), on the sensitivity of the results to non-uniform winds will be presented. The results are directly relevant to CYGNSS, where the ultimate objective is to produce standard gridded maps of retrieved wind fields from raw DDM measurements. The value of this research is twofold, in that it addresses the choice of the best algorithms to retrieve MSS and ultimately wind speed in extreme and non-uniform wind conditions, and also provides a first assessment of the data compression requirements and strategies that will be applied to DDMs for the CYGNSS mission.

Quaternary radiolarian biostratigraphy in the subarctic northeastern Pacific (IODP Expedition 341 Site U1417) and synchroneity of bioevents across the North Pacific

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsuzaki, Kenji M.; Suzuki, Noritoshi

2018-01-01

Expedition 341 of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) retrieved sediment cores spanning the time interval between the Pleistocene and Miocene from the southern Gulf of Alaska. Onboard Pleistocene radiolarian biostratigraphy is hereby refined by increasing the sampling resolution. The 178 core samples from the upper 190 m CCSF-B (Composite Core Depth Scale F-B) of Site U1417 contained faunal elements similar to the northwestern Pacific; for example, the three biozones in the northwestern Pacific (i.e., Eucyrtidium matuyamai, Stylatractus universus and Botryostrobus aquilonaris) were also recognized in the Gulf of Alaska, spanning 1.80-1.13 Ma, 1.13-0.45 Ma, and the last 0.45 Myr, respectively. Based on the age model that we used in this study and the shipboard paleomagnetic reversal events, the first occurrences (FOs) of Amphimelissa setosa and Schizodiscus japonicus in the northeastern Pacific were preliminarily determined to be 1.48 and 1.30 Ma, respectively. The last occurrence (LO) of Eucyrtidium matuyamai and the FO of Lychnocanoma sakaii, both well-established bioevents in the northwestern Pacific, were dated at 0.80 and 1.13 Ma, respectively. The LO of E. matuyamai is a synchronous event at 1.05 ± 0.1 Ma in the North Pacific, while the FOs of A. setosa and S. japonicus at 1.48 and 1.30 Ma, respectively, are significantly older than what has been found elsewhere.

Elastic anisotropy of core samples from the Taiwan Chelungpu Fault Drilling Project (TCDP): direct 3-D measurements and weak anisotropy approximations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Louis, Laurent; David, Christian; Špaček, Petr; Wong, Teng-Fong; Fortin, Jérôme; Song, Sheng Rong

2012-01-01

The study of seismic anisotropy has become a powerful tool to decipher rock physics attributes in reservoirs or in complex tectonic settings. We compare direct 3-D measurements of P-wave velocity in 132 different directions on spherical rock samples to the prediction of the approximate model proposed by Louis et al. based on a tensorial approach. The data set includes measurements on dry spheres under confining pressure ranging from 5 to 200 MPa for three sandstones retrieved at a depth of 850, 1365 and 1394 metres in TCDP hole A (Taiwan Chelungpu Fault Drilling Project). As long as the P-wave velocity anisotropy is weak, we show that the predictions of the approximate model are in good agreement with the measurements. As the tensorial method is designed to work with cylindrical samples cored in three orthogonal directions, a significant gain both in the number of measurements involved and in sample preparation is achieved compared to measurements on spheres. We analysed the pressure dependence of the velocity field and show that as the confining pressure is raised the velocity increases, the anisotropy decreases but remains significant even at high pressure, and the shape of the ellipsoid representing the velocity (or elastic) fabric evolves from elongated to planar. These observations can be accounted for by considering the existence of both isotropic and anisotropic crack distributions and their evolution with applied pressure.

Determination of subsurface fluid contents at a crude-oil spill site

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hess, K.M.; Herkelrath, W.N.; Essaid, H.I.

1992-01-01

Measurement of the fluid-content distribution at sites contaminated by immiscible fluids, including crude oil, is needed to better understand the movement of these fluids in the subsurface and to provide data to calibrate and verify numerical models and geophysical methods. A laboratory method was used to quantify the fluid contents of 146 core sections retrieved from boreholes aligned along a 120-m longitudinal transect at a crude-oil spill site near Bemidji, Minnesota, U.S.A. The 47-mm-diameter, minimally disturbed cores spanned a 4-m vertical interval contaminated by oil. Cores were frozen on site in a dry ice-alcohol bath to prevent redistribution and loss of fluids while sectioning the cores. We gravimetrically determined oil and water contents using a two-step method: (1) samples were slurried and the oil was removed by absorption onto strips of hydrophobic porous polyethylene (PPE); and (2) the samples were oven-dried to remove the water. The resulting data show sharp vertical gradients in the water and oil contents and a clearly defined oil body. The subsurface distribution is complex and appears to be influenced by sediment heterogeneities and water-table fluctuations. The center of the oil body has depressed the water-saturated zone boundary, and the oil is migrating laterally within the capillary fringe. The oil contents are as high as 0.3 cm3 cm-3, which indicates that oil is probably still mobile 10 years after the spill occurred. The thickness of oil measured in wells suggests that accumulated thickness in wells is a poor indicator of the actual distribution of oil in the subsurface. Several possible sources of error are identified with the field and laboratory methods. An error analysis indicates that adsorption of water and sediment into the PPE adds as much as 4% to the measured oil masses and that uncertainties in the calculated sample volume and the assumed oil density introduce an additional ??3% error when the masses are converted to fluid contents.

Automated Semantic Indexing of Figure Captions to Improve Radiology Image Retrieval

PubMed Central

Kahn, Charles E.; Rubin, Daniel L.

2009-01-01

Objective We explored automated concept-based indexing of unstructured figure captions to improve retrieval of images from radiology journals. Design The MetaMap Transfer program (MMTx) was used to map the text of 84,846 figure captions from 9,004 peer-reviewed, English-language articles to concepts in three controlled vocabularies from the UMLS Metathesaurus, version 2006AA. Sampling procedures were used to estimate the standard information-retrieval metrics of precision and recall, and to evaluate the degree to which concept-based retrieval improved image retrieval. Measurements Precision was estimated based on a sample of 250 concepts. Recall was estimated based on a sample of 40 concepts. The authors measured the impact of concept-based retrieval to improve upon keyword-based retrieval in a random sample of 10,000 search queries issued by users of a radiology image search engine. Results Estimated precision was 0.897 (95% confidence interval, 0.857–0.937). Estimated recall was 0.930 (95% confidence interval, 0.838–1.000). In 5,535 of 10,000 search queries (55%), concept-based retrieval found results not identified by simple keyword matching; in 2,086 searches (21%), more than 75% of the results were found by concept-based search alone. Conclusion Concept-based indexing of radiology journal figure captions achieved very high precision and recall, and significantly improved image retrieval. PMID:19261938

A prospective randomised study of a rotary powered device (OnControl) for bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

PubMed

Swords, Ronan T; Anguita, Javier; Higgins, Russell A; Yunes, Andrea C; Naski, Michael; Padmanabhan, Swaminathan; Kelly, Kevin R; Mahalingam, Devalingam; Philbeck, Thomas; Miller, Larry; Puga, Tatiana A; Giles, Francis J; Kinney, Marsha C; Brenner, Andrew J

2011-09-01

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy is an invasive procedure associated with morbidity and mortality risk. We compared a powered bone marrow aspiration and biopsy device to the traditional method by relatively assessing pain scores, procedure times, biopsy capture rates, quality of material retrieved, and safety and operator satisfaction. Two large academic medical centres participated in this trial. Patients were randomised to have procedures carried out using the powered system or the manual technique. A visual analogue scale pain score was recorded immediately following skin puncture and once again at the end of the procedure for each patient. Procedure time was measured from skin puncture to core specimen acquisition. Pathologic assessment of 30 randomised samples was carried out. Operator satisfaction with devices was measured on a scale of 0-10, with 10 as the highest rating. Five operators from two sites enrolled 50 patients (powered, n=25; manual, n=25). Groups were evenly matched, with no significant differences in the means for age, weight and height. The powered system was superior to the manual system with respect to patient perceived pain from needle insertion (2.6±2.0 vs 4.1±2.5, p=0.022) and procedural time (100.0±72.8 s vs 224.1±79.0 s, p<0.001). Overall pain scores at the end of both procedures were comparable (3.2±2.2 vs 3.8±3.0, p=0.438). No complications were observed in either arm of the study. Blinded pathologic analysis of the specimens retrieved revealed that cores obtained using the powered system were longer and wider than those obtained using the manual technique (25.4±12.3 mm² vs 11.9±5.6 mm², p=0.001). For marrow aspiration, no difference was seen between groups for clot/particle spicules or smear spicules. Operator assessment favoured the use of the powered device. Results of this trial suggest that the use of a powered bone marrow biopsy device significantly reduces needle insertion pain and procedural time when compared to a manual technique. The superior size and overall quality of core specimens retrieved by the powered device provides more material for pathologic evaluation, thereby increasing diagnostic yield and reducing the need for repeat procedures.

Innovative technology summary report: Houdini{trademark} I and II remotely operated vehicle

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

NONE

1998-07-01

The US Department of Energy (DOE) is responsible for cleaning up and closing 273 large, aging, underground tanks the department has used for storing approximately 1 million gal of high- and low-level radioactive and mixed waste. The waste`s radioactivity precludes humans from working in the tanks. A remote-controlled retrieval method must be used. The Houdini robot addresses the need for vehicle-based, rugged, remote manipulation systems that can perform waste retrieval, characterization, and inspection tasks. Houdini-I was delivered to ORNL in September 1996, deployed in a cold test facility in November, and first deployed in the gunite tanks in June 1997.more » Since then, it has seen continuous (still on-going) service at ORNL, providing a critical role in the cleanup of two gunite tanks, W-3 and W-4, in the GAAT NTF. Houdini-I has proven rugged, capable of waste retrieval, and able to withstand high reaction force operations such as wall core sampling. It`s even able to operate while hanging, which was the case when Houdini was used to cut and remove cables and steel pipes hanging below manways in Tank W-3. Based upon the lessons learned at ORNL, Houdini`s design has been completely overhauled. A second generation system, Houdini-II, is now being built.« less

Earth's core and inner-core resonances from analysis of VLBI nutation and superconducting gravimeter data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosat, S.; Lambert, S. B.; Gattano, C.; Calvo, M.

2017-01-01

Geophysical parameters of the deep Earth's interior can be evaluated through the resonance effects associated with the core and inner-core wobbles on the forced nutations of the Earth's figure axis, as observed by very long baseline interferometry (VLBI), or on the diurnal tidal waves, retrieved from the time-varying surface gravity recorded by superconducting gravimeters (SGs). In this paper, we inverse for the rotational mode parameters from both techniques to retrieve geophysical parameters of the deep Earth. We analyse surface gravity data from 15 SG stations and VLBI delays accumulated over the last 35 yr. We show existing correlations between several basic Earth parameters and then decide to inverse for the rotational modes parameters. We employ a Bayesian inversion based on the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm with a Markov-chain Monte Carlo method. We obtain estimates of the free core nutation resonant period and quality factor that are consistent for both techniques. We also attempt an inversion for the free inner-core nutation (FICN) resonant period from gravity data. The most probable solution gives a period close to the annual prograde term (or S1 tide). However the 95 per cent confidence interval extends the possible values between roughly 28 and 725 d for gravity, and from 362 to 414 d from nutation data, depending on the prior bounds. The precisions of the estimated long-period nutation and respective small diurnal tidal constituents are hence not accurate enough for a correct determination of the FICN complex frequency.

Calibration Plans for the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bidwell, S. W.; Flaming, G. M.; Adams, W. J.; Everett, D. F.; Mendelsohn, C. R.; Smith, E. A.; Turk, J.

2002-01-01

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) is an international effort led by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the U.S.A. and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) for the purpose of improving research into the global water and energy cycle. GPM will improve climate, weather, and hydrological forecasts through more frequent and more accurate measurement of precipitation world-wide. Comprised of U.S. domestic and international partners, GPM will incorporate and assimilate data streams from many spacecraft with varied orbital characteristics and instrument capabilities. Two of the satellites will be provided directly by GPM, the core satellite and a constellation member. The core satellite, at the heart of GPM, is scheduled for launch in November 2007. The core will carry a conical scanning microwave radiometer, the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI), and a two-frequency cross-track-scanning radar, the Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR). The passive microwave channels and the two radar frequencies of the core are carefully chosen for investigating the varying character of precipitation over ocean and land, and from the tropics to the high-latitudes. The DPR will enable microphysical characterization and three-dimensional profiling of precipitation. The GPM-provided constellation spacecraft will carry a GMI radiometer identical to that on the core spacecraft. This paper presents calibration plans for the GPM, including on-board instrument calibration, external calibration methods, and the role of ground validation. Particular emphasis is on plans for inter-satellite calibration of the GPM constellation. With its Unique instrument capabilities, the core spacecraft will serve as a calibration transfer standard to the GPM constellation. In particular the Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar aboard the core will check the accuracy of retrievals from the GMI radiometer and will enable improvement of the radiometer retrievals. Observational intersections of the core with the constellation spacecraft are essential in applying this technique to the member satellites. Information from core spacecraft retrievals during intersection events will be transferred to the constellation radiometer instruments in the form of improved calibration and, with experience, improved radiometric algorithms. In preparation for the transfer standard technique, comparisons using the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) with sun-synchronous radiometers have been conducted. Ongoing research involves study of critical variables in the inter-comparison, such as correlation with spatial-temporal separation of intersection events, frequency of intersection events, variable azimuth look angles, and variable resolution cells for the various sensors.

Reduced Hippocampal Functional Connectivity During Episodic Memory Retrieval in Autism

PubMed Central

Cooper, Rose A.; Richter, Franziska R.; Bays, Paul M.; Plaisted-Grant, Kate C.; Baron-Cohen, Simon

2017-01-01

Abstract Increasing recent research has sought to understand the recollection impairments experienced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, we tested whether these memory deficits reflect a reduction in the probability of retrieval success or in the precision of memory representations. We also used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study the neural mechanisms underlying memory encoding and retrieval in ASD, focusing particularly on the functional connectivity of core episodic memory networks. Adults with ASD and typical control participants completed a memory task that involved studying visual displays and subsequently using a continuous dial to recreate their appearance. The ASD group exhibited reduced retrieval success, but there was no evidence of a difference in retrieval precision. fMRI data revealed similar patterns of brain activity and functional connectivity during memory encoding in the 2 groups, though encoding-related lateral frontal activity predicted subsequent retrieval success only in the control group. During memory retrieval, the ASD group exhibited attenuated lateral frontal activity and substantially reduced hippocampal connectivity, particularly between hippocampus and regions of the fronto-parietal control network. These findings demonstrate notable differences in brain function during episodic memory retrieval in ASD and highlight the importance of functional connectivity to understanding recollection-related retrieval deficits in this population. PMID:28057726

Paleomagnetic and Magnetostratigraphic Studies in Drilling Projects of Impact Craters - Recent Studies, Challenges and Perspectives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fucugauchi, J. U.; Velasco-Villarreal, M.; Perez-Cruz, L. L.

2013-05-01

Paleomagnetic studies have long been successfully carried out in drilling projects, to characterize the borehole columns and to investigate the subsurface structure and stratigraphy. Magnetic susceptibility logging and magnetostratigraphic studies provide data for lateral correlation, formation evaluation, azimuthal core orientation, physical properties, etc., and are part of the tools available in the ocean and continental drilling programs. The inclusion of continuous core recovery in scientific drilling projects have greatly expanded the range of potential applications of paleomagnetic and rock magnetic studies, by allowing laboratory measurements on core samples. For this presentation, we concentrate on drilling studies of impact structures and their usefulness for documenting the structure, stratigraphy and physical properties at depth. There are about 170-180 impact craters documented in the terrestrial record, which is a small number compared to what is observed in the Moon, Mars, Venus and other bodies of the solar system. Of the terrestrial impact craters, only a few have been studied by drilling. Some craters have been drilled as part of industry exploration surveys and/or academic projects, including notably the Sudbury, Ries, Vredefort, Manson and many other craters. As part of the Continental ICDP program, drilling projects have been conducted on the Chicxulub, Bosumtwi, Chesapeake and El gygytgyn craters. Drilling of terrestrial craters has proved important in documenting the shallow stratigraphy and structure, providing insight on the cratering and impact dynamics. Questions include several that can only be addressed by retrieving core samples and laboratory analyses. Paleomagnetic, rock magnetic and fabric studies have been conducted in the various craters, which are here summarized with emphasis on the Chicxulub crater and Yucatan carbonate platform. Chicxulub is buried under a kilometer of younger sediments, making drilling an essential tool. Oil exploration included several boreholes, and additionally we have drilled 11 boreholes with continuous core recovery. Contributions and limitations of paleomagnetism for investigating the impact age, crater stratigraphy, cratering, ejecta emplacement, impact dynamics, hydrothermal system and post-impact processes are discussed.

Reinstated episodic context guides sampling-based decisions for reward.

PubMed

Bornstein, Aaron M; Norman, Kenneth A

2017-07-01

How does experience inform decisions? In episodic sampling, decisions are guided by a few episodic memories of past choices. This process can yield choice patterns similar to model-free reinforcement learning; however, samples can vary from trial to trial, causing decisions to vary. Here we show that context retrieved during episodic sampling can cause choice behavior to deviate sharply from the predictions of reinforcement learning. Specifically, we show that, when a given memory is sampled, choices (in the present) are influenced by the properties of other decisions made in the same context as the sampled event. This effect is mediated by fMRI measures of context retrieval on each trial, suggesting a mechanism whereby cues trigger retrieval of context, which then triggers retrieval of other decisions from that context. This result establishes a new avenue by which experience can guide choice and, as such, has broad implications for the study of decisions.

Drilling Fluid Contamination during Riser Drilling Quantified by Chemical and Molecular Tracers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Inagaki, F.; Lever, M. A.; Morono, Y.; Hoshino, T.

2012-12-01

Stringent contamination controls are essential to any type of microbiological investigation, and are particularly challenging in ocean drilling, where samples are retrieved from hundreds of meters below the seafloor. In summer 2012, Integrated Ocean Drilling Expedition 337 aboard the Japanese vessel Chikyu pioneered the use of chemical tracers in riser drilling while exploring the microbial ecosystem of coalbeds 2 km below the seafloor off Shimokita, Japan. Contamination tests involving a perfluorocarbon tracer that had been successfully used during past riserless drilling expeditions were complemented by DNA-based contamination tests. In the latter, likely microbial contaminants were targeted via quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays using newly designed, group-specific primers. Target groups included potential indicators of (a) drilling mud viscosifiers (Xanthomonas, Halomonas), (b) anthropogenic wastewater (Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Methanobrevibacter), and (c) surface seawater (SAR 11, Marine Group I Archaea). These target groups were selected based on past evidence suggesting viscosifiers, wastewater, and seawater as the main sources of microbial contamination in cores retrieved by ocean drilling. Analyses of chemical and molecular tracers are in good agreement, and indicate microorganisms associated with mud viscosifiers as the main contaminants during riser drilling. These same molecular analyses are then extended to subseafloor samples obtained during riserless drilling operations. General strategies to further reduce the risk of microbial contamination during riser and riserless drilling operations are discussed.

Chemical contamination in aquatic ecosystems.

PubMed

Iwata, Hisato; Kim, Eun-Young; Yamauchi, Masanobu; Inoue, Suguru; Agusa, Tetsuro; Tanabe, Shinsuke

2007-03-01

The 21st Century's Center of Excellence (COE) Program "Coastal Marine Environmental Research" in Ehime University, funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Government of Japan, started its activities in October 2002. One of the core projects of the COE Program in Ehime University is "studies on environmental behavior of hazardous chemicals and their toxic effects on wildlife". This core project deals with studies of the local and global distribution of environmental contaminants in aquatic ecosystems, retrospective analysis of such chemicals, their toxicokinetics in humans and wildlife, molecular mechanisms to determine species-specific reactions, and sensitivity of chemically induced effects, and with the development of methodology for risk assessment for the conservation of ecological and species diversity. This presentation describes our recent achievements of this project, including research on contamination by arsenic and organohalogen pollutants in the Mekong River basin and molecular mechanisms of morphologic deformities in dioxin-exposed red seabream (Pagrus major) embryos. We established the Environmental Specimen Bank (es-BANK) in Ehime University in 2004, archiving approximately 100000 cryogenic samples containing tissues of wildlife and humans that have been collected for the past 40 years. The CMES homepage offers details of samples through online database retrieval. The es-BANK facility was in operation by the end of 2005.

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

Wagner, B.

A specially designed wire line retrievable continuous coring system cored its initial project wells to total depth in hard rock formations in less than half the time that would have been required by conventional coring rigs. The hybrid wire line coring systems have since been used on other wells in similar lithologies, with a total of 38,000 m (124,640 ft) of hole cored and with penetration rates averaging 2.27 m/hr (7.45 ft/hr). This paper reports that Parker Drilling Co. designed the hybrid rigs and has recently been contracted to wire line core several holes for oil and gas exploration inmore » the Congo. The first core hole has been completed to 1,490 m, and total depth was reached in 21 days. The rig is now being mobilized to a second hole in the Congo.« less

Post-fusion structural changes and their roles in exocytosis and endocytosis of dense-core vesicles

PubMed Central

Chiang, Hsueh-Cheng; Shin, Wonchul; Zhao, Wei-Dong; Hamid, Edaeni; Sheng, Jiansong; Baydyuk, Maryna; Wen, Peter J.; Jin, Albert; Momboisse, Fanny; Wu, Ling-Gang

2014-01-01

Vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane generates an Ω-shaped membrane profile. Its pore is thought to dilate until flattening (full-collapse), followed by classical endocytosis to retrieve vesicles. Alternatively, the pore may close (kiss-and-run), but the triggering mechanisms and its endocytic roles remain poorly understood. Here, using confocal and STED imaging of dense-core vesicles, we find that fusion-generated Ω-profiles may enlarge or shrink while maintaining vesicular membrane proteins. Closure of fusion-generated Ω-profiles, which produces various sizes of vesicles, is the dominant mechanism mediating rapid and slow endocytosis within ~1–30 s. Strong calcium influx triggers dynamin-mediated closure. Weak calcium influx does not promote closure, but facilitates the merging of Ω-profiles with the plasma membrane via shrinking rather than full-collapse. These results establish a model, termed Ω-exo-endocytosis, in which the fusion-generated Ω-profile may shrink to merge with the plasma membrane, change in size, or change in size then close in response to calcium, which is the main mechanism to retrieve dense-core vesicles. PMID:24561832

A better understanding of POLDER's cloud droplet size retrieval: impact of cloud horizontal inhomogeneity and directional sampling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shang, H.; Chen, L.; Bréon, F.-M.; Letu, H.; Li, S.; Wang, Z.; Su, L.

2015-07-01

The principles of the Polarization and Directionality of the Earth's Reflectance (POLDER) cloud droplet size retrieval requires that clouds are horizontally homogeneous. Nevertheless, the retrieval is applied by combining all measurements from an area of 150 km × 150 km to compensate for POLDER's insufficient directional sampling. Using the POLDER-like data simulated with the RT3 model, we investigate the impact of cloud horizontal inhomogeneity and directional sampling on the retrieval, and then analyze which spatial resolution is potentially accessible from the measurements. Case studies show that the sub-scale variability in droplet effective radius (CDR) can mislead both the CDR and effective variance (EV) retrievals. Nevertheless, the sub-scale variations in EV and cloud optical thickness (COT) only influence the EV retrievals and not the CDR estimate. In the directional sampling cases studied, the retrieval is accurate using limited observations and is largely independent of random noise. Several improvements have been made to the original POLDER droplet size retrieval. For example, the measurements in the primary rainbow region (137-145°) are used to ensure accurate large droplet (> 15 μm) retrievals and reduce the uncertainties caused by cloud heterogeneity. We apply the improved method using the POLDER global L1B data for June 2008, the new CDR results are compared with the operational CDRs. The comparison show that the operational CDRs tend to be underestimated for large droplets. The reason is that the cloudbow oscillations in the scattering angle region of 145-165° are weak for cloud fields with CDR > 15 μm. Lastly, a sub-scale retrieval case is analyzed, illustrating that a higher resolution, e.g., 42 km × 42 km, can be used when inverting cloud droplet size parameters from POLDER measurements.

Symbolic Model of Perception in Dynamic 3D Environments

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-11-01

can retrieve memories , work on goals, recognize visual or aural percepts, and perform actions. ACT-R has been selected for the current...types of memory . Procedural memory is the store of condition- action productions that are selected and executed by the core production system...a declarative memory chunk that is made available to the core production system through the vision module . 4 The vision module has been

A Detailed Examination of the GPM Core Satellite Gridded Text Product

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stocker, Erich Franz; Kelley, Owen A.; Kummerow, C.; Huffman, George; Olson, William S.; Kwiatowski, John M.

2015-01-01

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission quarter-degree gridded-text product has a similar file format and a similar purpose as the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3G68 quarter-degree product. The GPM text-grid format is an hourly summary of surface precipitation retrievals from various GPM instruments and combinations of GPM instruments. The GMI Goddard Profiling (GPROF) retrieval provides the widest swath (800 km) and does the retrieval using the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI). The Ku radar provides the widest radar swath (250 km swath) and also provides continuity with the TRMM Ku Precipitation Radar. GPM's Ku+Ka band matched swath (125 km swath) provides a dual-frequency precipitation retrieval. The "combined" retrieval (125 km swath) provides a multi-instrument precipitation retrieval based on the GMI, the DPR Ku radar, and the DPR Ka radar. While the data are reported in hourly grids, all hours for a day are packaged into a single text file that is g-zipped to reduce file size and to speed up downloading. The data are reported on a 0.25deg x 0.25 deg grid.

Bibliometric analysis of literature in cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases rehabilitation: growing numbers, reducing impact factor.

PubMed

Ugolini, Donatella; Neri, Monica; Cesario, Alfredo; Marazzi, Giuseppe; Milazzo, Daniele; Volterrani, Maurizio; Bennati, Luca; Bonassi, Stefano; Pasqualetti, Patrizio

2013-02-01

To explore temporal trends, geographic distribution, and socioeconomic determinants of scientific production in the field of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease (CCD) rehabilitation. Citations from 1967 to 2008 were downloaded from the PubMed database. Core of the search strategy was the key word cardiovascular diseases in the Medical Subject Headings major field with the subheading rehabilitation. Journal Citation Reports was used to assign an impact factor (IF). Demographic and economic data were retrieved from the International Monetary Fund. All articles retrieved were included in the bibliometric analysis. The search strategy was validated on a random sample of the articles retrieved. The search quality reflected the level of error of the PubMed database. Publications retrieved were 10,379 and have grown 8.6 times in 40 years, faster than the all-diseases rehabilitation field (7.8 times), with a particularly steep growth for cerebrovascular diseases in the last 15 years (5 times). However, in the last decade, the articles' quality (IF) decreased. From 1994 to 2008, 3466 citations were retrieved; 44.4% came from the European Union and 30.3% from the United States. The highest mean IF was reported for France (4.127). The United Kingdom and some relatively small northern European Union countries had the best ratio of IF (sum) to resident population or to gross domestic product. The most frequently used key word was stroke, and 3 journals (Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Clinical Rehabilitation, and Stroke) published one quarter of the articles. The overall scientific production in the field of CCD rehabilitation showed a steep growth in the last decade, especially because of cerebrovascular research. In the same period, a decrease in the overall IF was observed. The European Union and the United States contributed 3 of every 4 articles in the field, although some Asian countries showed promising performance. Copyright © 2013 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the Consistency among In Situ and Remote Sensing Measurements of CO2 over North America using the CarbonTracker-Lagrange Regional Inverse Modeling Framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andrews, A. E.; Trudeau, M.; Hu, L.; Thoning, K. W.; Shiga, Y. P.; Michalak, A. M.; Benmergui, J. S.; Mountain, M. E.; Nehrkorn, T.; O'Dell, C.; Jacobson, A. R.; Miller, J.; Sweeney, C.; Chen, H.; Ploeger, F.; Tans, P. P.

2017-12-01

CarbonTracker-Lagrange (CT-L) is a regional inverse modeling system for estimating CO2 fluxes with rigorous uncertainty quantification. CT-L uses footprints from the Stochastic Time-Inverted Lagrangian Transport (STILT) model driven by high-resolution (10 to 30 km) meteorological fields from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. We have computed a library of footprints corresponding to in situ and remote sensing measurements of CO2 over North America for 2007-2015. GOSAT and OCO-2 XCO2 retrievals are simulated using a suite of CT-L terrestrial ecosystem flux estimates that have been optimized with respect to in situ atmospheric CO2 measurements along with fossil fuel fluxes from emissions inventories. A vertical profile of STILT-WRF footprints was constructed corresponding to each simulated satellite retrieval, and CO2 profiles are generated by convolving the footprints with fluxes and attaching initial values advected from the domain boundaries. The stratospheric contribution to XCO2 has been estimated using 4-dimensional CO2 fields from the NOAA CarbonTracker model (version CT2016) and from the Chemical Lagrangian Model of the Stratosphere (CLaMS), after scaling the model fields to match data from the NOAA AirCore surface-to-stratosphere air sampling system. Tropospheric lateral boundary conditions are from CT2016 and from an empirical boundary value product derived from aircraft and marine boundary layer data. The averaging kernel and a priori CO2 profile are taken into account for direct comparisons with retrievals. We have focused on North America due to the relatively dense in situ measurements available with the aim of developing strategies for combined assimilation of in situ and remote sensing data. We will consider the extent to which interannual variability in terrestrial fluxes is manifest in the real and simulated satellite retrievals, and we will investigate possible systematic biases in the satellite retrievals and in the model.

Knowledge Economy Core Journals: Identification through LISTA Database Analysis.

PubMed

Nouri, Rasool; Karimi, Saeed; Ashrafi-rizi, Hassan; Nouri, Azadeh

2013-03-01

Knowledge economy has become increasingly broad over the years and identification of core journals in this field can be useful for librarians in journal selection process and also for researchers to select their studies and finding Appropriate Journal for publishing their articles. Present research attempts to determine core journals of Knowledge Economy indexed in LISTA (Library and Information Science and Technology). The research method was bibliometric and research population include the journals indexed in LISTA (From the start until the beginning of 2011) with at least one article a bout "knowledge economy". For data collection, keywords about "knowledge economy"-were extracted from the literature in this area-have searched in LISTA by using title, keyword and abstract fields and also taking advantage of LISTA thesaurus. By using this search strategy, 1608 articles from 390 journals were retrieved. The retrieved records import in to the excel sheet and after that the journals were grouped and the Bradford's coefficient was measured for each group. Finally the average of the Bradford's coefficients were calculated and core journals with subject area of "Knowledge economy" were determined by using Bradford's formula. By using Bradford's scattering law, 15 journals with the highest publication rates were identified as "Knowledge economy" core journals indexed in LISTA. In this list "Library and Information update" with 64 articles was at the top. "ASLIB Proceedings" and "Serials" with 51 and 40 articles are next in rank. Also 41 journals were identified as beyond core that "Library Hi Tech" with 20 articles was at the top. Increased importance of knowledge economy has led to growth of production of articles in this subject area. So the evaluation of journals for ranking these journals becomes a very challenging task for librarians and generating core journal list can provide a useful tool for journal selection and also quick and easy access to information. Core journal list and beyond core journal list obtained from this study can be used by librarians and researchers in this field.

Assessment of Mars Atmospheric Temperature Retrievals from the Thermal Emission Spectrometer Radiances

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoffman, Matthew J.; Eluszkiewicz, Janusz; Weisenstein, Deborah; Uymin, Gennady; Moncet, Jean-Luc

2012-01-01

Motivated by the needs of Mars data assimilation. particularly quantification of measurement errors and generation of averaging kernels. we have evaluated atmospheric temperature retrievals from Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) radiances. Multiple sets of retrievals have been considered in this study; (1) retrievals available from the Planetary Data System (PDS), (2) retrievals based on variants of the retrieval algorithm used to generate the PDS retrievals, and (3) retrievals produced using the Mars 1-Dimensional Retrieval (M1R) algorithm based on the Optimal Spectral Sampling (OSS ) forward model. The retrieved temperature profiles are compared to the MGS Radio Science (RS) temperature profiles. For the samples tested, the M1R temperature profiles can be made to agree within 2 K with the RS temperature profiles, but only after tuning the prior and error statistics. Use of a global prior that does not take into account the seasonal dependence leads errors of up 6 K. In polar samples. errors relative to the RS temperature profiles are even larger. In these samples, the PDS temperature profiles also exhibit a poor fit with RS temperatures. This fit is worse than reported in previous studies, indicating that the lack of fit is due to a bias correction to TES radiances implemented after 2004. To explain the differences between the PDS and Ml R temperatures, the algorithms are compared directly, with the OSS forward model inserted into the PDS algorithm. Factors such as the filtering parameter, the use of linear versus nonlinear constrained inversion, and the choice of the forward model, are found to contribute heavily to the differences in the temperature profiles retrieved in the polar regions, resulting in uncertainties of up to 6 K. Even outside the poles, changes in the a priori statistics result in different profile shapes which all fit the radiances within the specified error. The importance of the a priori statistics prevents reliable global retrievals based a single a priori and strongly implies that a robust science analysis must instead rely on retrievals employing localized a priori information, for example from an ensemble based data assimilation system such as the Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter (LETKF).

Physical Samples Linked Data in Action

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, P.; Arko, R. A.; Lehnert, K.; Bristol, S.

2017-12-01

Most data and metadata related to physical samples currently reside in isolated relational databases driven by diverse data models. How to approach the challenge for sharing, interchanging and integrating data from these difference relational databases motivated us to publish Linked Open Data for collections of physical samples, using Semantic Web technologies including the Resource Description Framework (RDF), RDF Query Language (SPARQL), and Web Ontology Language (OWL). In last few years, we have released four knowledge graphs concentrated on physical samples, including System for Earth Sample Registration (SESAR), USGS National Geochemical Database (NGDC), Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS), and Earthchem Database. Currently the four knowledge graphs contain over 12 million facets (triples) about objects of interest to the geoscience domain. Choosing appropriate domain ontologies for representing context of data is the core of the whole work. Geolink ontology developed by Earthcube Geolink project was used as top level to represent common concepts like person, organization, cruise, etc. Physical sample ontology developed by Interdisciplinary Earth Data Alliance (IEDA) and Darwin Core vocabulary were used as second level to describe details about geological samples and biological diversity. We also focused on finding and building best tool chains to support the whole life cycle of publishing linked data we have, including information retrieval, linked data browsing and data visualization. Currently, Morph, Virtuoso Server, LodView, LodLive, and YASGUI were employed for converting, storing, representing, and querying data in a knowledge base (RDF triplestore). Persistent digital identifier is another main point we concentrated on. Open Researcher & Contributor IDs (ORCIDs), International Geo Sample Numbers (IGSNs), Global Research Identifier Database (GRID) and other persistent identifiers were used to link different resources from various graphs with person, sample, organization, cruise, etc. This work is supported by the EarthCube "GeoLink" project (NSF# ICER14-40221 and others) and the "USGS-IEDA Partnership to Support a Data Lifecycle Framework and Tools" project (USGS# G13AC00381).

Retrieval Analysis of the Emission Spectrum of WASP-12b: Sensitivity of Outcomes to Prior Assumptions and Implications for Formation History

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oreshenko, Maria; Lavie, Baptiste; Grimm, Simon L.; Tsai, Shang-Min; Malik, Matej; Demory, Brice-Olivier; Mordasini, Christoph; Alibert, Yann; Benz, Willy; Quanz, Sascha P.; Trotta, Roberto; Heng, Kevin

2017-09-01

We analyze the emission spectrum of the hot Jupiter WASP-12b using our HELIOS-R retrieval code and HELIOS-K opacity calculator. When interpreting Hubble and Spitzer data, the retrieval outcomes are found to be prior-dominated. When the prior distributions of the molecular abundances are assumed to be log-uniform, the volume mixing ratio of HCN is found to be implausibly high. A VULCAN chemical kinetics model of WASP-12b suggests that chemical equilibrium is a reasonable assumption even when atmospheric mixing is implausibly rigorous. Guided by (exo)planet formation theory, we set Gaussian priors on the elemental abundances of carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen with the Gaussian peaks being centered on the measured C/H, O/H, and N/H values of the star. By enforcing chemical equilibrium, we find substellar O/H and stellar to slightly superstellar C/H for the dayside atmosphere of WASP-12b. The superstellar carbon-to-oxygen ratio is just above unity, regardless of whether clouds are included in the retrieval analysis, consistent with Madhusudhan et al. Furthermore, whether a temperature inversion exists in the atmosphere depends on one’s assumption for the Gaussian width of the priors. Our retrieved posterior distributions are consistent with the formation of WASP-12b in a solar-composition protoplanetary disk, beyond the water iceline, via gravitational instability or pebble accretion (without core erosion) and migration inward to its present orbital location via a disk-free mechanism, and are inconsistent with both in situ formation and core accretion with disk migration, as predicted by Madhusudhan et al. We predict that the interpretation of James Webb Space Telescope WASP-12b data will not be prior-dominated.

Retrieval Analysis of the Emission Spectrum of WASP-12b: Sensitivity of Outcomes to Prior Assumptions and Implications for Formation History

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

Oreshenko, Maria; Lavie, Baptiste; Grimm, Simon L.

We analyze the emission spectrum of the hot Jupiter WASP-12b using our HELIOS-R retrieval code and HELIOS-K opacity calculator. When interpreting Hubble and Spitzer data, the retrieval outcomes are found to be prior-dominated. When the prior distributions of the molecular abundances are assumed to be log-uniform, the volume mixing ratio of HCN is found to be implausibly high. A VULCAN chemical kinetics model of WASP-12b suggests that chemical equilibrium is a reasonable assumption even when atmospheric mixing is implausibly rigorous. Guided by (exo)planet formation theory, we set Gaussian priors on the elemental abundances of carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen with themore » Gaussian peaks being centered on the measured C/H, O/H, and N/H values of the star. By enforcing chemical equilibrium, we find substellar O/H and stellar to slightly superstellar C/H for the dayside atmosphere of WASP-12b. The superstellar carbon-to-oxygen ratio is just above unity, regardless of whether clouds are included in the retrieval analysis, consistent with Madhusudhan et al. Furthermore, whether a temperature inversion exists in the atmosphere depends on one’s assumption for the Gaussian width of the priors. Our retrieved posterior distributions are consistent with the formation of WASP-12b in a solar-composition protoplanetary disk, beyond the water iceline, via gravitational instability or pebble accretion (without core erosion) and migration inward to its present orbital location via a disk-free mechanism, and are inconsistent with both in situ formation and core accretion with disk migration, as predicted by Madhusudhan et al. We predict that the interpretation of James Webb Space Telescope WASP-12b data will not be prior-dominated.« less

Development INTERDATA 8/32 computer system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sonett, C. P.

1983-01-01

The capabilities of the Interdata 8/32 minicomputer were examined regarding data and word processing, editing, retrieval, and budgeting as well as data management demands of the user groups in the network. Based on four projected needs: (1) a hands on (open shop) computer for data analysis with large core and disc capability; (2) the expected requirements of the NASA data networks; (3) the need for intermittent large core capacity for theoretical modeling; (4) the ability to access data rapidly either directly from tape or from core onto hard copy, the system proved useful and adequate for the planned requirements.

Natural gas hydrate in sediments imaged by cryogenic SEM: Insights from lab experiments on synthetic hydrates as interpretive guides.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stern, L. A.; Kirby, S. H.

2006-12-01

In the investigation of natural gas hydrates, distinguishing in situ grain textures and microstructures from artifacts produced during retrieval, storage, and examination can be quite challenging. Using cryogenic scanning electron microscopy, we investigated the physical states of gas hydrates produced in our lab as well as of those in drill core of hydrate-bearing sediment from marine and Arctic permafrost environments. Here, we compare grain and pore structures observed in samples from the Cascadia margin (courtesy IODP Expedition 311), McKenzie River Delta (Mallik Well 5L-38), and Gulf of Mexico (RSV Marion Dufresne 2002), with those present in hydrocarbon hydrates grown in our laboratory and subjected to controlled P-T conditions. The following trends are apparent for the natural gas hydrates imaged to-date: (1) Samples typically contain massive domains of polycrystalline gas hydrate that in turn contain isolated gas-filled pores that are sometimes lined with euhedral hydrate crystals. Pores are typically 5 50 microns in diameter and occupy roughly 10-30 percent of the domain. Grain sizes, where visible, are commonly 20 to 50 microns. (2) Hydrate grain boundaries, particularly near the exposed sample surface, are often replaced by a nanoporous material. Based on its location and behavior, this material is presumed to be gas-charged porous ice produced by hydrate decomposition along grain surfaces. In some samples, grains are instead bounded by a framework of dense, tabular material embedded within the sample, best revealed upon sublimation of the hydrate. Their composition is yet unknown but may be salt or carbonate-bearing minerals. (3) Where hydrate grows into clayey sediments, the clays typically arrange with platelets subparallel around the pods or veins of hydrate. (4) Domains of nano-to-micro- porous water ice are also seen in all recovered natural samples, presumed to be hydrate decomposition product produced during drill-core retrieval and handling. Based on lab experiments, we believe the initial liquid product is frozen as a result of the local temperature reduction accompanying the endothermic dissociation reaction. The porous texture is then preserved by liquid nitrogen quenching. (5) Samples from both marine and permafrost environments also display closely juxtaposed regions of dense and porous hydrate and ice. Although the close association of these regions remains puzzling, lab tests verify that dense hydrate can exhibit such porous appearance along it's surface after even minor decomposition at cold conditions (below 273 K). In turn, companion experiments show that nanoporous hydrate anneals to a densely crystalline habit at conditions within the hydrate stability region above 273 K, suggesting that nanoporous gas hydrate is not stable at most in situ natural conditions.

Method of retrieving a liquid sample, a suction lysimeter, a portable suction lysimeter, a lysimeter system, and a deep lysimeter

DOEpatents

Hubbell, Joel M.; Sisson, James B.

2003-08-26

A method of retrieving a liquid sample comprises providing a portable lysimeter including a semi-permeable membrane and a chamber in fluid communication with the semi-permeable membrane; making a hole at a site from which a liquid sample is desired; evacuating the chamber by applying a vacuum to the chamber; lowering the portable lysimeter into the hole; obtaining a sample in the chamber; and retrieving the lysimeter from the bore; wherein it is not necessary to backfill the bore. A portable lysimeter includes a semi-permeable member and a chamber in fluid communication with the semi-permeable membrane.

Digital adaptive optics confocal microscopy based on iterative retrieval of optical aberration from a guidestar hologram

PubMed Central

Liu, Changgeng; Thapa, Damber; Yao, Xincheng

2017-01-01

Guidestar hologram based digital adaptive optics (DAO) is one recently emerging active imaging modality. It records each complex distorted line field reflected or scattered from the sample by an off-axis digital hologram, measures the optical aberration from a separate off-axis digital guidestar hologram, and removes the optical aberration from the distorted line fields by numerical processing. In previously demonstrated DAO systems, the optical aberration was directly retrieved from the guidestar hologram by taking its Fourier transform and extracting the phase term. For the direct retrieval method (DRM), when the sample is not coincident with the guidestar focal plane, the accuracy of the optical aberration retrieved by DRM undergoes a fast decay, leading to quality deterioration of corrected images. To tackle this problem, we explore here an image metrics-based iterative method (MIM) to retrieve the optical aberration from the guidestar hologram. Using an aberrated objective lens and scattering samples, we demonstrate that MIM can improve the accuracy of the retrieved aberrations from both focused and defocused guidestar holograms, compared to DRM, to improve the robustness of the DAO. PMID:28380937

Improvements for retrieval of cloud droplet size by the POLDER instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shang, H.; Husi, L.; Bréon, F. M.; Ma, R.; Chen, L.; Wang, Z.

2017-12-01

The principles of cloud droplet size retrieval via Polarization and Directionality of the Earth's Reflectance (POLDER) requires that clouds be horizontally homogeneous. The retrieval is performed by combining all measurements from an area of 150 km × 150 km to compensate for POLDER's insufficient directional sampling. Using POLDER-like data simulated with the RT3 model, we investigate the impact of cloud horizontal inhomogeneity and directional sampling on the retrieval and analyze which spatial resolution is potentially accessible from the measurements. Case studies show that the sub-grid-scale variability in droplet effective radius (CDR) can significantly reduce valid retrievals and introduce small biases to the CDR ( 1.5µm) and effective variance (EV) estimates. Nevertheless, the sub-grid-scale variations in EV and cloud optical thickness (COT) only influence the EV retrievals and not the CDR estimate. In the directional sampling cases studied, the retrieval using limited observations is accurate and is largely free of random noise. Several improvements have been made to the original POLDER droplet size retrieval. For example, measurements in the primary rainbow region (137-145°) are used to ensure retrievals of large droplet (>15 µm) and to reduce the uncertainties caused by cloud heterogeneity. A premium resoltion of 0.8° is determined by considering successful retrievals and cloud horizontal homogeneity. The improved algorithm is applied to measurements of POLDER in 2008, and we further compared our retrievals with cloud effective radii estimations of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The results indicate that in global scale, the cloud effective radii and effective variance is larger in the central ocean than inland and coast areas. Over heavy polluted regions, the cloud droplets has small effective radii and narraw distribution due to the influence of aerosol particles.

Impact of cloud horizontal inhomogeneity and directional sampling on the retrieval of cloud droplet size by the POLDER instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shang, H.; Chen, L.; Bréon, F. M.; Letu, H.; Li, S.; Wang, Z.; Su, L.

2015-11-01

The principles of cloud droplet size retrieval via Polarization and Directionality of the Earth's Reflectance (POLDER) requires that clouds be horizontally homogeneous. The retrieval is performed by combining all measurements from an area of 150 km × 150 km to compensate for POLDER's insufficient directional sampling. Using POLDER-like data simulated with the RT3 model, we investigate the impact of cloud horizontal inhomogeneity and directional sampling on the retrieval and analyze which spatial resolution is potentially accessible from the measurements. Case studies show that the sub-grid-scale variability in droplet effective radius (CDR) can significantly reduce valid retrievals and introduce small biases to the CDR (~ 1.5 μm) and effective variance (EV) estimates. Nevertheless, the sub-grid-scale variations in EV and cloud optical thickness (COT) only influence the EV retrievals and not the CDR estimate. In the directional sampling cases studied, the retrieval using limited observations is accurate and is largely free of random noise. Several improvements have been made to the original POLDER droplet size retrieval. For example, measurements in the primary rainbow region (137-145°) are used to ensure retrievals of large droplet (> 15 μm) and to reduce the uncertainties caused by cloud heterogeneity. We apply the improved method using the POLDER global L1B data from June 2008, and the new CDR results are compared with the operational CDRs. The comparison shows that the operational CDRs tend to be underestimated for large droplets because the cloudbow oscillations in the scattering angle region of 145-165° are weak for cloud fields with CDR > 15 μm. Finally, a sub-grid-scale retrieval case demonstrates that a higher resolution, e.g., 42 km × 42 km, can be used when inverting cloud droplet size distribution parameters from POLDER measurements.

From Rock to Magmatic Timescales in 25 Hours: Near-Real Time Petrological Volcanic Eruption Monitoring Tested with Basaltic Icelandic Tephras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Couperthwaite, F.; Morgan, D. J.; Thordarson, T.; Shea, T.; Harvey, J.

2016-12-01

Diffusion modeling of erupted crystals is routine for investigating pre-eruptive timescales within magma storage bodies and magma transport systems. The technique typically produces results some time after a volcanic eruption has commenced. This contribution employs a user-friendly, easy-to-use method for deployment in near-real time during an eruption, enabling rapid timescale assessment whilst retaining reliability. A `stress test' was undertaken to simulate analysis during an evolving eruption involving multiple tephra layers, to test method performance and assess the rapidity with which timescale data could be retrieved. The first tephra cycle was completely processed in 25 working hours, significantly faster than current traditional methods. Traditional limitations include slow data processing rates, the measurement of crystal orientations and sectioning angles, crystal shape uncertainties, and the possibilities of crystal growth and/or changing boundary conditions. These constraints have been considered for the new methodology with corrections applied at a crystal population level. Tephra samples from Vatnaöldur, Iceland were the study material for the stress test. 39 magmatic timescales from Mg-Fe interdiffusion across 25 olivine crystals were retrieved from the basal tephra layer representing eruption onset. Timescales range from 400 days to 160 days with olivine cores giving Forsterite (Fo) values of 82-84 and rim values 79 indicating a single olivine population showing normal zoning (Mg-rich core). The distribution of timescales is consistent with a single pulse of magma migrating from depth into a shallow system 1year before eruption onset. Magma arrival slows, then ceases by 5 months before eruption with no new magma entering the system in the days and weeks immediately before eruption. At the time of abstract submission, work is ongoing regarding the signals from later tephra units, but preliminary results indicate tapping of a source with longer crustal residence. Being able to retrieve this information within a day or so of the start of an eruption has exciting implications for eruption monitoring and hazard mitigation.

A high throughput geocomputing system for remote sensing quantitative retrieval and a case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Yong; Chen, Ziqiang; Xu, Hui; Ai, Jianwen; Jiang, Shuzheng; Li, Yingjie; Wang, Ying; Guang, Jie; Mei, Linlu; Jiao, Xijuan; He, Xingwei; Hou, Tingting

2011-12-01

The quality and accuracy of remote sensing instruments have been improved significantly, however, rapid processing of large-scale remote sensing data becomes the bottleneck for remote sensing quantitative retrieval applications. The remote sensing quantitative retrieval is a data-intensive computation application, which is one of the research issues of high throughput computation. The remote sensing quantitative retrieval Grid workflow is a high-level core component of remote sensing Grid, which is used to support the modeling, reconstruction and implementation of large-scale complex applications of remote sensing science. In this paper, we intend to study middleware components of the remote sensing Grid - the dynamic Grid workflow based on the remote sensing quantitative retrieval application on Grid platform. We designed a novel architecture for the remote sensing Grid workflow. According to this architecture, we constructed the Remote Sensing Information Service Grid Node (RSSN) with Condor. We developed a graphic user interface (GUI) tools to compose remote sensing processing Grid workflows, and took the aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieval as an example. The case study showed that significant improvement in the system performance could be achieved with this implementation. The results also give a perspective on the potential of applying Grid workflow practices to remote sensing quantitative retrieval problems using commodity class PCs.

Similar patterns of neural activity predict memory function during encoding and retrieval.

PubMed

Kragel, James E; Ezzyat, Youssef; Sperling, Michael R; Gorniak, Richard; Worrell, Gregory A; Berry, Brent M; Inman, Cory; Lin, Jui-Jui; Davis, Kathryn A; Das, Sandhitsu R; Stein, Joel M; Jobst, Barbara C; Zaghloul, Kareem A; Sheth, Sameer A; Rizzuto, Daniel S; Kahana, Michael J

2017-07-15

Neural networks that span the medial temporal lobe (MTL), prefrontal cortex, and posterior cortical regions are essential to episodic memory function in humans. Encoding and retrieval are supported by the engagement of both distinct neural pathways across the cortex and common structures within the medial temporal lobes. However, the degree to which memory performance can be determined by neural processing that is common to encoding and retrieval remains to be determined. To identify neural signatures of successful memory function, we administered a delayed free-recall task to 187 neurosurgical patients implanted with subdural or intraparenchymal depth electrodes. We developed multivariate classifiers to identify patterns of spectral power across the brain that independently predicted successful episodic encoding and retrieval. During encoding and retrieval, patterns of increased high frequency activity in prefrontal, MTL, and inferior parietal cortices, accompanied by widespread decreases in low frequency power across the brain predicted successful memory function. Using a cross-decoding approach, we demonstrate the ability to predict memory function across distinct phases of the free-recall task. Furthermore, we demonstrate that classifiers that combine information from both encoding and retrieval states can outperform task-independent models. These findings suggest that the engagement of a core memory network during either encoding or retrieval shapes the ability to remember the past, despite distinct neural interactions that facilitate encoding and retrieval. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Towards the Development of a Global Precipitation Measurement Mission Concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shepherd, J. M.

2001-12-01

The scientific success of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and additional satellite-focused precipitation retrieval projects have paved the way for a more advanced global precipitation mission. A comprehensive global measuring strategy is currently under study-Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM). The GPM study could ultimately lead to the development of the Global Precipitation Mission. The intent of GPM is to address looming scientific questions arising in the context of global climate-water cycle interactions, hydrometeorology, weather prediction and prediction of freshwater resources, the global carbon cycle, and biogeochemical cycles. This talk overviews the status and scientific agenda of this proposed mission currently planned for launch in the 2007-20008 time frame. GPM is planning to expand the scope of precipitation measurement through the use of a constellation of 6-10 satellites, one of which will be an advanced TRMM-like "core" satellite carry dual-frequency Ku-Ka band radar and a microwave radiometer (e.g. TMI-like). The other constellation members will likely include new lightweight satellites and co-existing operational/research satellites carrying passive microwave radiometers. The goal behind the constellation is to achieve no worse than 3-hour sampling at any spot on the globe. The constellation's orbit architecture will consist of a mix of sun-synchronous and non-sun-synchronous satellites with the "core" satellite providing measurement of cloud-precipitation microphysical processes plus "training calibrating" information to be used with the retrieval algorithms for the constellation satellite measurements. The GPM is organized internationally, currently involving a partnership between NASA in the US, NASDA in Japan, and ESA in Europe (representing the European community). The program is expected to involve additional international partners, other federal agencies, and a diverse collection of scientists from academia, government, and the private sector.

Towards the Development of a Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission Concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shepherd, Marshall; Starr, David OC. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The scientific success of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and additional satellite-focused precipitation retrieval projects have paved the way for a more advanced global precipitation mission. A comprehensive global measuring strategy is currently under study - Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM). The GPM study could ultimately lead to the development of the Global Precipitation Mission. The intent of GPM is to address looming scientific questions arising in the context of global climate-water cycle interactions, hydrometeorology, weather prediction and prediction of freshwater resources, the global carbon cycle, and biogeochemical cycles. This talk overviews the status and scientific agenda of this proposed mission currently planned for launch in the 2007-2008 time frame. GPM is planning to expand the scope of precipitation measurement through the use of a constellation of 6-10 satellites, one of which will be an advanced TRMM-like "core" satellite carry dual-frequency Ku-Ka band radar and a microwave radiometer (e.g. TMI-like). The other constellation members will likely include new lightweight satellites and co-existing operational/research satellites carrying passive microwave radiometers. The goal behind the constellation is to achieve no worse than 3-hour sampling at any spot on the globe. The constellation's orbit architecture will consist of a mix of sun-synchronous and non-su n -synchronous satellites with the "core" satellite providing measurement of cloud-precipitation microphysical processes plus "training calibrating" information to be used with the retrieval algorithms for the constellation satellite measurements. The GPM is organized internationally, currently involving a partnership between NASA in the US, NASDA in Japan, and ESA in Europe (representing the European community). The program is expected to involve additional international partners, other federal agencies, and a diverse collection of scientists from academia, government, and the private sector.

The Complex Refractive Index of Volcanic Ash Aerosol Retrieved From Spectral Mass Extinction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reed, Benjamin E.; Peters, Daniel M.; McPheat, Robert; Grainger, R. G.

2018-01-01

The complex refractive indices of eight volcanic ash samples, chosen to have a representative range of SiO2 contents, were retrieved from simultaneous measurements of their spectral mass extinction coefficient and size distribution. The mass extinction coefficients, at 0.33-19 μm, were measured using two optical systems: a Fourier transform spectrometer in the infrared and two diffraction grating spectrometers covering visible and ultraviolet wavelengths. The particle size distribution was measured using a scanning mobility particle sizer and an optical particle counter; values for the effective radius of ash particles measured in this study varied from 0.574 to 1.16 μm. Verification retrievals on high-purity silica aerosol demonstrated that the Rayleigh continuous distribution of ellipsoids (CDEs) scattering model significantly outperformed Mie theory in retrieving the complex refractive index, when compared to literature values. Assuming the silica particles provided a good analogue of volcanic ash, the CDE scattering model was applied to retrieve the complex refractive index of the eight ash samples. The Lorentz formulation of the complex refractive index was used within the retrievals as a convenient way to ensure consistency with the Kramers-Kronig relation. The short-wavelength limit of the electric susceptibility was constrained by using independently measured reference values of the complex refractive index of the ash samples at a visible wavelength. The retrieved values of the complex refractive indices of the ash samples showed considerable variation, highlighting the importance of using accurate refractive index data in ash cloud radiative transfer models.

User's Manual for the New England Water-Use Data System (NEWUDS)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Horn, Marilee A.

2003-01-01

Water is used in a variety of ways that need to be understood for effective management of water resources. Water-use activities need to be categorized and included in a database management system to understand current water uses and to provide information to water-resource management policy decisionmakers. The New England Water-Use Data System (NEWUDS) is a complex database developed to store water-use information that allows water to be tracked from a point of water-use activity (called a 'Site'), such as withdrawal from a resource (reservoir or aquifer), to a second Site, such as distribution to a user (business or irrigator). NEWUDS conceptual model consists of 10 core entities: system, owner, address, location, site, data source, resource, conveyance, transaction/rate, and alias, with tables available to store user-defined details. Three components--site (with both a From Site and a To Site), a conveyance that connects them, and a transaction/rate associated with the movement of water over a specific time interval form the core of the basic NEWUDS network model. The most important step in correctly translating real-world water-use activities into a storable format in NEWUDS depends on choosing the appropriate sites and linking them correctly in a network to model the flow of water from the initial From Site to the final To Site. Ten water-use networks representing real-world activities are described--three withdrawal networks, three return networks, two user networks, two complex community-system networks. Ten case studies of water use, one for each network, also are included in this manual to illustrate how to compile, store, and retrieve the appropriate data. The sequence of data entry into tables is critical because there are many foreign keys. The recommended core entity sequence is (1) system, (2) owner, (3) address, (4) location, (5) site, (6) data source, (7) resource, (8) conveyance, (9) transaction, and (10) rate; with (11) alias and (12) user-defined detail subject areas populated as needed. After each step in data entry, quality-assurance queries should be run to ensure the data are correctly entered so that it can be retrieved accurately. The point of data storage is retrieval. Several retrieval queries that focus on retrieving only relevant data to specific questions are presented in this manual as examples for the NEWUDS user.

Do-It-Yourself Device for Recovery of Cryopreserved Samples Accidentally Dropped into Cryogenic Storage Tanks

PubMed Central

Mehta, Rohini; Baranova, Ancha; Birerdinc, Aybike

2012-01-01

Liquid nitrogen is colorless, odorless, extremely cold (-196 °C) liquid kept under pressure. It is commonly used as a cryogenic fluid for long term storage of biological materials such as blood, cells and tissues 1,2. The cryogenic nature of liquid nitrogen, while ideal for sample preservation, can cause rapid freezing of live tissues on contact - known as 'cryogenic burn'2, which may lead to severe frostbite in persons closely involved in storage and retrieval of samples from Dewars. Additionally, as liquid nitrogen evaporates it reduces the oxygen concentration in the air and might cause asphyxia, especially in confined spaces2. In laboratories, biological samples are often stored in cryovials or cryoboxes stacked in stainless steel racks within the Dewar tanks1. These storage racks are provided with a long shaft to prevent boxes from slipping out from the racks and into the bottom of Dewars during routine handling. All too often, however, boxes or vials with precious samples slip out and sink to the bottom of liquid nitrogen filled tank. In such cases, samples could be tediously retrieved after transferring the liquid nitrogen into a spare container or discarding it. The boxes and vials can then be relatively safely recovered from emptied Dewar. However, the cryogenic nature of liquid nitrogen and its expansion rate makes sunken sample retrieval hazardous. It is commonly recommended by Safety Offices that sample retrieval be never carried out by a single person. Another alternative is to use commercially available cool grabbers or tongs to pull out the vials3. However, limited visibility within the dark liquid filled Dewars poses a major limitation in their use. In this article, we describe the construction of a Cryotolerant DIY retrieval device, which makes sample retrieval from Dewar containing cryogenic fluids both safe and easy. PMID:22617806

Do-It-Yourself device for recovery of cryopreserved samples accidentally dropped into cryogenic storage tanks.

PubMed

Mehta, Rohini; Baranova, Ancha; Birerdinc, Aybike

2012-05-11

Liquid nitrogen is colorless, odorless, extremely cold (-196 °C) liquid kept under pressure. It is commonly used as a cryogenic fluid for long term storage of biological materials such as blood, cells and tissues (1,2). The cryogenic nature of liquid nitrogen, while ideal for sample preservation, can cause rapid freezing of live tissues on contact - known as 'cryogenic burn' (2), which may lead to severe frostbite in persons closely involved in storage and retrieval of samples from Dewars. Additionally, as liquid nitrogen evaporates it reduces the oxygen concentration in the air and might cause asphyxia, especially in confined spaces (2). In laboratories, biological samples are often stored in cryovials or cryoboxes stacked in stainless steel racks within the Dewar tanks (1). These storage racks are provided with a long shaft to prevent boxes from slipping out from the racks and into the bottom of Dewars during routine handling. All too often, however, boxes or vials with precious samples slip out and sink to the bottom of liquid nitrogen filled tank. In such cases, samples could be tediously retrieved after transferring the liquid nitrogen into a spare container or discarding it. The boxes and vials can then be relatively safely recovered from emptied Dewar. However, the cryogenic nature of liquid nitrogen and its expansion rate makes sunken sample retrieval hazardous. It is commonly recommended by Safety Offices that sample retrieval be never carried out by a single person. Another alternative is to use commercially available cool grabbers or tongs to pull out the vials (3). However, limited visibility within the dark liquid filled Dewars poses a major limitation in their use. In this article, we describe the construction of a Cryotolerant DIY retrieval device, which makes sample retrieval from Dewar containing cryogenic fluids both safe and easy.

Greater Working Memory Load Results in Greater Medial Temporal Activity at Retrieval

PubMed Central

Quiroz, Yakeel T.; Hasselmo, Michael E.; Stern, Chantal E.

2009-01-01

Most functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies examining working memory (WM) load have focused on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and have demonstrated increased prefrontal activity with increased load. Here we examined WM load effects in the medial temporal lobe (MTL) using an fMRI Sternberg task with novel complex visual scenes. Trials consisted of 3 sequential events: 1) sample presentation (encoding), 2) delay period (maintenance), and 3) probe period (retrieval). During sample encoding, subjects saw either 2 or 4 pictures consecutively. During retrieval, subjects indicated whether the probe picture matched one of the sample pictures. Results revealed that activity in the left anterior hippocampal formation, bilateral retrosplenial area, and left amygdala was greater at retrieval for trials with larger memory load, whereas activity in the PFC was greater at encoding for trials with larger memory load. There was no load effect during the delay. When encoding, maintenance, and retrieval periods were compared with fixation, activity was present in the hippocampal body/tail and fusiform gyrus bilaterally during encoding and retrieval, but not maintenance. Bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal activity was present during maintenance, but not during encoding or retrieval. The results support models of WM predicting that activity in the MTL should be modulated by WM load. PMID:19224975

Uniform Atmospheric Retrievals of Ultracool Late-T and Early-Y dwarfs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garland, Ryan; Irwin, Patrick

2017-10-01

A significant number of ultracool (<600K) extrasolar objects have been discovered in the past decade thanks to wide-field surveys such as WISE. These objects present a perfect testbed for examining the evolution of atmospheric structure as we transition from typically hot extrasolar temperatures to the temperatures found within our Solar System.By examining these types of objects with a uniform retrieval method, we hope to elucidate any trends and (dis)similarities found in atmospheric parameters, such as chemical abundances, temperature-pressure profile, and cloud structure, for a sample of 7 ultracool brown dwarfs as we transition from hotter (~700K) to colder objects (~450K).We perform atmospheric retrievals on two late-T and five early-Y dwarfs. We use the NEMESIS atmospheric retrieval code coupled to a Nested Sampling algorithm, along with a standard uniform model for all of our retrievals. The uniform model assumes the atmosphere is described by a gray radiative-convective temperature profile, (optionally) a gray cloud, and a number of relevant gases. We first verify our methods by comparing it to a benchmark retrieval for Gliese 570D, which is found to be consistent. Furthermore, we present the retrieved gaseous composition, temperature structure, spectroscopic mass and radius, cloud structure and the trends associated with decreasing temperature found in this small sample of objects.

Grain-scale imaging and compositional characterization of cryo-preserved India NGHP 01 gas-hydrate-bearing cores

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stern, Laura A.; Lorenson, T.D.

2014-01-01

We report on grain-scale characteristics and gas analyses of gas-hydrate-bearing samples retrieved by NGHP Expedition 01 as part of a large-scale effort to study gas hydrate occurrences off the eastern-Indian Peninsula and along the Andaman convergent margin. Using cryogenic scanning electron microscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, and gas chromatography, we investigated gas hydrate grain morphology and distribution within sediments, gas hydrate composition, and methane isotopic composition of samples from Krishna–Godavari (KG) basin and Andaman back-arc basin borehole sites from depths ranging 26 to 525 mbsf. Gas hydrate in KG-basin samples commonly occurs as nodules or coarse veins with typical hydrate grain size of 30–80 μm, as small pods or thin veins 50 to several hundred microns in width, or disseminated in sediment. Nodules contain abundant and commonly isolated macropores, in some places suggesting the original presence of a free gas phase. Gas hydrate also occurs as faceted crystals lining the interiors of cavities. While these vug-like structures constitute a relatively minor mode of gas hydrate occurrence, they were observed in near-seafloor KG-basin samples as well as in those of deeper origin (>100 mbsf) and may be original formation features. Other samples exhibit gas hydrate grains rimmed by NaCl-bearing material, presumably produced by salt exclusion during original hydrate formation. Well-preserved microfossil and other biogenic detritus are also found within several samples, most abundantly in Andaman core material where gas hydrate fills microfossil crevices. The range of gas hydrate modes of occurrence observed in the full suite of samples suggests a range of formation processes were involved, as influenced by local in situconditions. The hydrate-forming gas is predominantly methane with trace quantities of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons of primarily microbial origin. The composition indicates the gas hydrate is Structure I.

AES and SIMS analysis of non-metallic inclusions in a low-carbon chromium-steel.

PubMed

Gammer, Katharina; Rosner, M; Poeckl, G; Hutter, H

2003-05-01

In the final step of secondary metallurgical steel processing, calcium is added. Besides Mg, Ca is the most powerful deoxidiser and desulfurisation agent. It reacts with dissolved oxygen and sulfur and reduces oxides and sulfides thereby forming non-metallic inclusions. Within this paper we present the analysis of such inclusions in a low-carbon chromium-steel. Depending on the time of quenching of the steel sample, different structures were revealed by REM, Auger and SIMS: If the steel was quenched immediately after Ca-addition, non-metallic inclusions that appeared to have "cavities" could be detected with SEM. SIMS investigations of these particles showed ring-shaped structures and revealed that the ring is made up of Al, Ca, Mg, O and S. No secondary ions however could be retrieved from the core inside the ring, thus leaving the nature of the "cavities" unclear. If the steel sample was quenched 3 min after Ca addition, inclusions did not have a ring-shaped structure but a compact one.

Microbial sequences retrieved from environmental samples from seasonal arctic snow and meltwater from Svalbard, Norway.

PubMed

Larose, Catherine; Berger, Sibel; Ferrari, Christophe; Navarro, Elisabeth; Dommergue, Aurélien; Schneider, Dominique; Vogel, Timothy M

2010-03-01

16S rRNA gene (rrs) clone libraries were constructed from two snow samples (May 11, 2007 and June 7, 2007) and two meltwater samples collected during the spring of 2007 in Svalbard, Norway (79 degrees N). The libraries covered 19 different microbial classes, including Betaproteobacteria (21.3%), Sphingobacteria (16.4%), Flavobacteria (9.0%), Acidobacteria (7.7%) and Alphaproteobacteria (6.5%). Significant differences were detected between the two sets of sample libraries. First, the meltwater libraries had the highest community richness (Chao1: 103.2 and 152.2) and Shannon biodiversity indices (between 3.38 and 3.59), when compared with the snow libraries (Chao1: 14.8 and 59.7; Shannon index: 1.93 and 3.01). Second, integral-LIBSHUFF analyses determined that the bacterial communities in the snow libraries were significantly different from those of the meltwater libraries. Despite these differences, our data also support the theory that a common core group of microbial populations exist within a variety of cryohabitats. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00792-009-0299-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Episodic specificity induction impacts activity in a core brain network during construction of imagined future experiences

PubMed Central

Madore, Kevin P.; Szpunar, Karl K.; Addis, Donna Rose; Schacter, Daniel L.

2016-01-01

Recent behavioral work suggests that an episodic specificity induction—brief training in recollecting the details of a past experience—enhances performance on subsequent tasks that rely on episodic retrieval, including imagining future experiences, solving open-ended problems, and thinking creatively. Despite these far-reaching behavioral effects, nothing is known about the neural processes impacted by an episodic specificity induction. Related neuroimaging work has linked episodic retrieval with a core network of brain regions that supports imagining future experiences. We tested the hypothesis that key structures in this network are influenced by the specificity induction. Participants received the specificity induction or one of two control inductions and then generated future events and semantic object comparisons during fMRI scanning. After receiving the specificity induction compared with the control, participants exhibited significantly more activity in several core network regions during the construction of imagined events over object comparisons, including the left anterior hippocampus, right inferior parietal lobule, right posterior cingulate cortex, and right ventral precuneus. Induction-related differences in the episodic detail of imagined events significantly modulated induction-related differences in the construction of imagined events in the left anterior hippocampus and right inferior parietal lobule. Resting-state functional connectivity analyses with hippocampal and inferior parietal lobule seed regions and the rest of the brain also revealed significantly stronger core network coupling following the specificity induction compared with the control. These findings provide evidence that an episodic specificity induction selectively targets episodic processes that are commonly linked to key core network regions, including the hippocampus. PMID:27601666

Wireline Deep Drill for the Exploration of Icy Bodies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paulsen, G.; Zacny, K.; Mellerowicz, B.; Craft, J.; Bar-Cohen, Y.; Beegle, L.; Sherrit, S.; Badescu, M.; Corsetti, F.; Ibarra, Y.

2013-01-01

One of the most pressing current questions in space science is whether life has ever arisen anywhere else in the universe. Water is a critical prerequisite for all life-as-we-know-it, thus the possible exploration targets for extraterrestrial life are bodies that have or had copious liquid: Mars, Europa, and Enceladus. Due to the oxidizing nature of Mars' surface, as well as subsurface liquid water reservoirs present on Europa and Enceladus, the search for evidence of existing life must likely focus on subsurface locations, at depths sufficient to support liquid water or retain biologic signatures. To address these questions, an Auto-Gopher sampler has been developed that is a wireline type drill. This drill is suspended on a tether and its motors and mechanisms are built into a tube that ends with a coring bit. The tether provides the mechanical connection to a rover/lander on a surface as well as power and data communication. Upon penetrating to a target depth, the drill is retracted from the borehole, the core is deposited into a sample transfer system, and the drill is lowered back into the hole. Wireline operation sidesteps one of the major drawbacks of traditional continuous drill string systems by obviating the need for multiple drill sections, which add significantly to the mass and the complexity of the system (i.e. penetration rate was 40 cm per hour). Drilling to 2 meter depth and recovering of cores every 10 cm took a total time of 15 hours (a single step of drilling 10 cm and retrieving the core was 45 minutes). Total energy to reach the 2 m depth was 500 Whr. The Weight on Bit was limited to less than 70 Newton. The core recovery was 100%.

An historical assessment of trace metal accumulation in Lake Champlain, Vermont

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

Mecray, E.L.; King, J.W.

1993-03-01

The Lake Champlain watershed, with its increased land use, shoreline development, and population, is being threatened by pollutants in the water column and bottom sediments. A comprehensive study is currently being conducted to characterize the bottom sediments of the lake for toxicity and to reconstruct the history of pollutant inputs. Surface sediment samples were collected from 30 stations and analyzed for metal (Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb, Ni, Mn, Fe, Cd, Al, and Ag) concentrations to determine the contaminated regions of the lake. Once the contaminated regions were determined, a Nemesis corer was used to retrieve sediments cores averaging 1 metermore » in length from 10 sites within Lake Champlain. Grain size and metal analyses were conducted at one and two cm intervals down the cores. Grain size data, in combination with metal and radiometric stratigraphy, can serve as an indicator of changing land use in the watershed. The grain size in some cores has a fining upward trend indicating increased land use and soil erosion. Downcore variations in metal concentrations reveal two different regimes. The concentration at depth remain consistently low and are inferred to correspond with the natural background levels. In contrast, the upper section of the cores show abrupt increases in metal concentrations which are attributed to increased anthropogenic inputs. Radiometric ([sup 210] and [sup 137]Cs) and pollen chronostratigraphy of these cores indicates that the increased metal concentrations and the changes in grain size recorded in the upper most sediments is related to increased human disturbance beginning in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This study demonstrates that the historical record of pollution inputs to Lake Champlain can be reconstructed from the sediment sequences.« less

Effects of fluid-rock interactions on faulting within active fault zones - evidence from fault rock samples retrieved from international drilling projects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janssen, C.; Wirth, R.; Kienast, M.; Yabe, Y.; Sulem, J.; Dresen, G. H.

2015-12-01

Chemical and mechanical effects of fluids influence the fault mechanical behavior. We analyzed fresh fault rocks from several scientific drilling projects to study the effects of fluids on fault strength. For example, in drill core samples on a rupture plane of an Mw 2.2 earthquake in a deep gold mine in South Africa the main shock occurred on a preexisting plane of weakness that was formed by fluid-rock interaction (magnesiohornblende was intensively altered to chlinochlore). The plane acted as conduit for hydrothermal fluids at some time in the past. The chemical influence of fluids on mineralogical alteration and geomechanical processes in fault core samples from SAFOD (San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth) is visible in pronounced dissolution-precipitation processes (stylolites, solution seams) as well as in the formation of new phases. Detrital quartz and feldspar grains are partially dissolved and replaced by authigenic illite-smectite (I-S) mixed-layer clay minerals. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) imaging of these grains reveals that the alteration processes and healing were initiated within pores and small intra-grain fissures. Newly formed phyllosilicates growing into open pore spaces likely reduced the fluid permeability. The mechanical influence of fluids is indicated by TEM observations, which document open pores that formed in-situ in the gouge material during or after deformation. Pores were possibly filled with formation water and/or hydrothermal fluids suggesting elevated fluid pressure preventing pore collapse. Fluid-driven healing of fractures in samples from SAFOD and the DGLab Gulf of Corinth project is visible in cementation. Cathodoluminescence microscopy (CL) reveals different generations of calcite veins. Differences in CL-colors suggest repeated infiltration of fluids with different chemical composition from varying sources (formation and meteoric water).

Oxygen and hydrogen stable isotope content in daily-collected precipitation samples at Dome C, East Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dreossi, Giuliano; Stenni, Barbara; Del Guasta, Massimo; Bonazza, Mattia; Grigioni, Paolo; Karlicek, Daniele; Mognato, Riccardo; Scarchilli, Claudio; Turchetti, Filippo; Zannoni, Daniele

2016-04-01

Antarctic ice cores allow to obtain exceptional past climate records, thanks to their water stable isotope content, which provides integrated tracers of the atmospheric water cycle and local climate. Low accumulation sites of the East Antarctic plateau provide the oldest ice core records, with the record-breaking EPICA Dome C drilling covering the last eight climate cycles. However, the isotope-temperature relationship, commonly used to derive the temperature, may be characterized by significant geographical and temporal variations. Moreover, post-depositional effects may further complicate the climate interpretation. A continuous series of precipitation data is needed in order to gain a better understanding of the factors affecting the water stable isotopes in Antarctic precipitation at a specific site. In this study, we use the first and so-far only multi-year series of daily precipitation sampling and isotope measurements from the French-Italian Concordia Station, located at Dome C in East Antarctica (75°06'S 123°21'E; elevation: 3233 m a.s.l.; mean annual temperature: -54.5°C; snow accumulation rate: 25 kg m-2 yr-1), where the oldest deep Antarctic ice core has been retrieved. Surface air temperature data have been provided by the US automatic weather station (AWS), placed 1.5 km away from the base, while tropospheric temperature profiles are obtained by means of a radiosonde, launched once per day by the IPEV/Italian Antarctic Meteo-climatological Observatory. The new dataset also enables us for the first time to study the isotope-temperature relationship distinguishing between different types of precipitation, namely diamond dust, hoar frost and snowfall, identified by the observations carried out by the winter-over personnel collecting the snow samples. Here we present the complete data series of water stable isotopes in precipitation at Dome C spanning the time period from 2008 to 2014, in the framework of the PNRA PRE-REC project.

Physical Validation of TRMM TMI and PR Monthly Rain Products Over Oklahoma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fisher, Brad L.

2004-01-01

The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) provides monthly rainfall estimates using data collected by the TRMM satellite. These estimates cover a substantial fraction of the earth's surface. The physical validation of TRMM estimates involves corroborating the accuracy of spaceborne estimates of areal rainfall by inferring errors and biases from ground-based rain estimates. The TRMM error budget consists of two major sources of error: retrieval and sampling. Sampling errors are intrinsic to the process of estimating monthly rainfall and occur because the satellite extrapolates monthly rainfall from a small subset of measurements collected only during satellite overpasses. Retrieval errors, on the other hand, are related to the process of collecting measurements while the satellite is overhead. One of the big challenges confronting the TRMM validation effort is how to best estimate these two main components of the TRMM error budget, which are not easily decoupled. This four-year study computed bulk sampling and retrieval errors for the TRMM microwave imager (TMI) and the precipitation radar (PR) by applying a technique that sub-samples gauge data at TRMM overpass times. Gridded monthly rain estimates are then computed from the monthly bulk statistics of the collected samples, providing a sensor-dependent gauge rain estimate that is assumed to include a TRMM equivalent sampling error. The sub-sampled gauge rain estimates are then used in conjunction with the monthly satellite and gauge (without sub- sampling) estimates to decouple retrieval and sampling errors. The computed mean sampling errors for the TMI and PR were 5.9% and 7.796, respectively, in good agreement with theoretical predictions. The PR year-to-year retrieval biases exceeded corresponding TMI biases, but it was found that these differences were partially due to negative TMI biases during cold months and positive TMI biases during warm months.

Treatment for Lexical Retrieval Impairments in Primary Progressive Aphasia: A Research Update with Implications for Clinical Practice.

PubMed

Croot, Karen

2018-07-01

Lexical retrieval impairments (also known as anomia or word-finding deficits) are an early and prominent symptom in primary progressive aphasia (PPA), causing distress and frustration to individuals with PPA and their communication partners, and prompting research on lexical retrieval treatment. This paper reviews the research on lexical retrieval treatment in PPA from the earliest reports in the 1990s to early 2018 and considers the implications of this research for clinical practice. The number of published studies has increased markedly over the past decade, consisting primarily of behavioral studies, with rapid recent growth in noninvasive brain stimulation studies. Five general treatment techniques were identified in the behavioral studies, described here as standard naming treatment, Look, Listen, Repeat treatment, cueing hierarchies, semantically focused treatments, and lexical retrieval in context. Across techniques, behavioral studies targeting difficult-to-retrieve items typically report immediate gains, and there is evidence these gains can be maintained over months to years by some participants who continue with long-term treatment. There is also evidence that prophylactic treatment supports retrieval of treated items compared with untreated items. There is limited evidence for generalization of treatment to untreated items, suggesting the primary aim of lexical retrieval treatment in this population is to maintain retrieval of a core vocabulary for as long as possible. Language and cognitive assessment and piloting of the intended treatment can inform decisions about treatment selection and participant suitability for long-term lexical retrieval treatment. The paper concludes with some questions to guide clinical decision making about whether to implement or continue with a behavioral lexical retrieval treatment. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

A method to precisely measure Ar isotopes and Xe/Kr ratios in air trapped in ice cores for simultaneous ice core dating and mean ocean temperature reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Y.; Ng, J.; Higgins, J. A.; Kurbatov, A.; Clifford, H.; Spaulding, N. E.; Mayewski, P. A.; Brook, E.; Bender, M. L.; Severinghaus, J. P.

2017-12-01

Antarctic efforts are underway to find and retrieve ice cores older than 800 thousand years (kyr) by both shallow drilling in "blue ice" areas and classic deep ice coring. Ice stratigraphy at "blue ice" sites is typically disordered, and the high cost of deep drilling mandates rapid reconnaissance drilling (e.g. RAID) with very small sample size. Both approaches therefore require methods of absolute dating on a single piece of ice without stratigraphic context. Here we present a dating method modified from Bender et al. (2008; PNAS) to precisely measure the isotopic composition of argon (36Ar, 38Ar, and 40Ar) in air bubbles trapped in the ice, which changes over time in a known way. Our method has an analytical uncertainty of 110 kyr (1σ) or 10% of the age of the sample, whichever is greater. We measured Ar isotopes from the Allan Hills blue ice areas, East Antarctica, where 1 Ma ice was previously found by Higgins et al. (2015; PNAS). Results show ice as old as 2.7±0.3 million years, but the ice column is stratigraphically disturbed. Hence Allan Hills ice core records should be viewed as a series of "climate snapshots" rather than a continuum. Xenon-to-krypton (Xe/Kr) ratios are also measured in the same aliquot of extracted gas to reconstruct mean ocean temperature (Shackleton et al., 2016; Fall AGU). Preliminary mean ocean temperature in ice older than 1 Ma ranges from -0.3 to -1.2 deg. colder than present with an uncertainty of 0.24 deg., which agrees well with other Pleistocene ocean temperature records (e.g. Rohling et al., 2014; Nature and Elderfield et al., 2012; Science). The observed range is 40% of the glacial-interglacial variability in the 100-kyr climate cycles ( 2 deg.), close to the 50% reduction in the glacial-interglacial δ18O amplitude across the Mid-Pleistocene Transition. Finally, Xe/Kr ratios are found to correlate positively with δD of the ice, implying a coupling between the global ocean temperature and Antarctic temperature throughout the Pleistocene.

Phase Retrieval on Undersampled Data from the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bolcar, Matthew R.; Mentzell, Eric

2011-01-01

Phase retrieval was applied to under-sampled data from a thermal infrared imaging system to estimate defocus across the field of view (FOV). We compare phase retrieval estimated values to those obtained using an independent technique.

A Multi-Channel Method for Retrieving Surface Temperature for High-Emissivity Surfaces from Hyperspectral Thermal Infrared Images

PubMed Central

Zhong, Xinke; Labed, Jelila; Zhou, Guoqing; Shao, Kun; Li, Zhao-Liang

2015-01-01

The surface temperature (ST) of high-emissivity surfaces is an important parameter in climate systems. The empirical methods for retrieving ST for high-emissivity surfaces from hyperspectral thermal infrared (HypTIR) images require spectrally continuous channel data. This paper aims to develop a multi-channel method for retrieving ST for high-emissivity surfaces from space-borne HypTIR data. With an assumption of land surface emissivity (LSE) of 1, ST is proposed as a function of 10 brightness temperatures measured at the top of atmosphere by a radiometer having a spectral interval of 800–1200 cm−1 and a spectral sampling frequency of 0.25 cm−1. We have analyzed the sensitivity of the proposed method to spectral sampling frequency and instrumental noise, and evaluated the proposed method using satellite data. The results indicated that the parameters in the developed function are dependent on the spectral sampling frequency and that ST of high-emissivity surfaces can be accurately retrieved by the proposed method if appropriate values are used for each spectral sampling frequency. The results also showed that the accuracy of the retrieved ST is of the order of magnitude of the instrumental noise and that the root mean square error (RMSE) of the ST retrieved from satellite data is 0.43 K in comparison with the AVHRR SST product. PMID:26061199

A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Novel Sheath Cryoprobe for Bronchoscopic Lung Biopsy in a Porcine Model.

PubMed

Yarmus, Lonny B; Semaan, Roy W; Arias, Sixto A; Feller-Kopman, David; Ortiz, Ricardo; Bösmüller, Hans; Illei, Peter B; Frimpong, Bernice O; Oakjones-Burgess, Karen; Lee, Hans J

2016-08-01

Transbronchial forceps biopsy (FBx) has been the preferred method for obtaining bronchoscopic lung biopsy specimens. Cryoprobe biopsy (CBx) has been shown to obtain larger and higher quality samples, but is limited by its inability to retrieve the sample through the working channel of the bronchoscope, requiring the bronchoscope to leave the airway for sample retrieval. We evaluated a novel device using a sheath cryobiopsy (SCBx). This method allows for specimen retrieval through the working channel of the bronchoscope, with the scope remaining inside the airway. This prospective, randomized controlled, single-blinded porcine study compared a 1.1-mm SCBx probe, a 1.9-mm CBx probe, and 2.0-mm FBx forceps. Assessment of histologic accessibility, sample quantity and quality, number of attempts to acquire and retrieve samples, cryoprobe activation time, fluoroscopy activation time, technical feasibility, and complications were compared. Samples adequate for standard pathologic processing were retrieved with 82.1% of the SCBx specimens, 82.9%% of the CBx specimens, and 30% of the FBx specimens. The histologic accessibility of both SCBx (P = .0002) and CBx (P = .0003) was superior to FBx. Procedure time for FBx was faster than for both SCBx and CBx, but SCBx was significantly faster than CBx (P < .0001). Fluoroscopy time was lower for both SCBx and CBx compared with FBx. There were no significant bleeding events. SCBx is a feasible technique providing a higher quality lung biopsy specimen compared with FBx and can successfully be retrieved through the working channel. Human studies are needed to further assess this technique with additional safety data. Copyright © 2016 American College of Chest Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Towards improved cirque glacier reconstructions: differentiating glacial- from non-glacial sediments by means of environmental magnetism.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kvisvik, Bjørn Christian; Paasche, Øyvind; Olaf Dahl, Svein

2014-05-01

Skriufonnen, a small cirque glacier (0.4 km2) in Southern Norway, has been monitored for the last 10 years, revealing a short response time to on-going climate change. This is the only remaining glacier in the central mountain massif known as Rondane where investigations of past climate variability are scarce. A series of short (HTH, n=8) and long (piston, n=6) cores from two lakes located downstream of Skriufonnen were retrieved and sediments were dated and analysed. In order to complement and validate lake sediment interpretations i.e., the potential connection to glacier variability, a number of soil samples was collected from the surrounding catchment. The six 110 mm piston cores (< 3.1 m length) and eight sediment surface cores were analysed for grain size distribution, geochemical elements (ITRAX XRF-scanning), organic matter content (LOI), magnetic parameters (magnetic susceptibility; surface and bulk), anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM) and Saturation Isothermal remanent magnetizations (sIRM). Consistent age-depth relationships were obtained by AMS-C14 and Pb210 dates showing that the cores cover at least the last 10 000 years. High-resolution analysis (XRF and MS) reveals centennial trends, but also distinct changes in frequency and amplitude. A quiescent period during the Holocene Thermal Optimum (9-6 ka) is followed by a sudden onset of Neoglacial (3.8 ka) activity peaking at 2.4 ka. The Little Ice Age (LIA) peaked at 1800 AD. A weak magnetic signal is observed in all cores. This is explained by the fact that Rondane is made of Sparagmite, an arkosic sandstone partly consisting of metamorphosed sandstone and conglomerate with high content of quarts (SiO2) (between 80 to 87 %) and Feldspar. The Sparagmite is resistant to chemical weathering, making the soils dry and sandy. Catchment sediment samples, running in a transect all the way up from the lakes to the glacier snout were sieved into various size classes (250, 125, 63, 38, 20 μm) prior to measuring bulk susceptibility (Ξbulk) at 293K and 77K. The ratio between the two measurements indicates the relative amount of paramagnetic versus ferromagnetic minerals, and results indicate not only that the finest fractions increase in strength as one gets closer to the glacier front, but also that there are long periods in the cores which is dominated by paramagnetic minerals. The approach employed here suggests that the combination of catchment samples with high-resolution analysis of lake sediment cores provide a more accurate reconstruction of past glacier variability, and has resulted in the first continuous cirque glacier reconstruction from this area.

An Automated, Low Mass, Low Power Drill for Acquiring Subsurface Samples of Ground Ice for Astrobiology Studies on Earth and on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Briggs, G. A.; McKay, C.; George, J.; Derkowski, G.; Cooper, G.; Zacny, K.; Baker, R. Fincher; Pollard, W.; Clifford, S.

2003-01-01

As a project that is part of NASA s Astrobiology Technology & Instrument Development Program (ASTID), we are developing a low mass (approx.20kg) drill that will be operated without drilling fluids and at very low power levels (approx.60 watts electrical) to access and retrieve samples from permafrost regions of Earth and Mars. The drill, designed and built as a joint effort by NASA JSC and Baker-Hughes International, takes the form of a down-hole unit attached to a cable so that it can, in principle, be scaled easily to reach significant depths. A parallel laboratory effort is being carried out at UC Berkeley to characterize the physics of dry drilling under martian conditions of pressure, temperature and atmospheric composition. Data from the UCB and JSC laboratory experiments are being used as input to a drill simulation program which is under development to provide autonomous control of the drill. The first Arctic field test of the unit is planned for May 2004. A field expedition to Eureka on Ellesmere Island in Spring 2003 provided an introduction for several team members to the practical aspects of drilling under Arctic conditions. The field effort was organized by Wayne Pollard of McGill University and Christopher McKay of NASA ARC. A conventional science drill provided by New Zealand colleagues was used to recover ground ice cores for analysis of their microbial content and also to develop techniques using tracers to track the depth of penetration of contamination from the core surface into the interior of the samples.

Description of core samples returned by Apollo 12

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindsay, J. F.; Fryxell, R.

1971-01-01

Three core samples were collected by the Apollo 12 astronauts. Two are single cores, one of which (sample 12026) was collected close to the lunar module during the first extravehicular activity period and is 19.3 centimeters long. The second core (sample 12027) was collected at Sharp Crater during the second extravehicular activity period and is 17.4 centimeters long. The third sample is a double core (samples 12025 and 12028), which was collected near Halo Crater during the second extravehicular activity period. Unlike the other cores, the double-drive-tube core sample has complex layering with at least 10 clearly defined stratigraphic units. This core sample is approximately 41 centimeters long.

Evaluation of Cloud-resolving and Limited Area Model Intercomparison Simulations using TWP-ICE Observations. Part 1: Deep Convective Updraft Properties

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

Varble, A. C.; Zipser, Edward J.; Fridlind, Ann

2014-12-27

Ten 3D cloud-resolving model (CRM) simulations and four 3D limited area model (LAM) simulations of an intense mesoscale convective system observed on January 23-24, 2006 during the Tropical Warm Pool – International Cloud Experiment (TWP-ICE) are compared with each other and with observed radar reflectivity fields and dual-Doppler retrievals of vertical wind speeds in an attempt to explain published results showing a high bias in simulated convective radar reflectivity aloft. This high bias results from ice water content being large, which is a product of large, strong convective updrafts, although hydrometeor size distribution assumptions modulate the size of this bias.more » Snow reflectivity can exceed 40 dBZ in a two-moment scheme when a constant bulk density of 100 kg m-3 is used. Making snow mass more realistically proportional to area rather than volume should somewhat alleviate this problem. Graupel, unlike snow, produces high biased reflectivity in all simulations. This is associated with large amounts of liquid water above the freezing level in updraft cores. Peak vertical velocities in deep convective updrafts are greater than dual-Doppler retrieved values, especially in the upper troposphere. Freezing of large rainwater contents lofted above the freezing level in simulated updraft cores greatly contributes to these excessive upper tropospheric vertical velocities. Strong simulated updraft cores are nearly undiluted, with some showing supercell characteristics. Decreasing horizontal grid spacing from 900 meters to 100 meters weakens strong updrafts, but not enough to match observational retrievals. Therefore, overly intense simulated updrafts may partly be a product of interactions between convective dynamics, parameterized microphysics, and large-scale environmental biases that promote different convective modes and strengths than observed.« less

QADATA user's manual; an interactive computer program for the retrieval and analysis of the results from the external blind sample quality- assurance project of the U.S. Geological Survey

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lucey, K.J.

1990-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey conducts an external blind sample quality assurance project for its National Water Quality Laboratory in Denver, Colorado, based on the analysis of reference water samples. Reference samples containing selected inorganic and nutrient constituents are disguised as environmental samples at the Survey 's office in Ocala, Florida, and are sent periodically through other Survey offices to the laboratory. The results of this blind sample project indicate the quality of analytical data produced by the laboratory. This report provides instructions on the use of QADATA, an interactive, menu-driven program that allows users to retrieve the results of the blind sample quality- assurance project. The QADATA program, which is available on the U.S. Geological Survey 's national computer network, accesses a blind sample data base that contains more than 50,000 determinations from the last five water years for approximately 40 constituents at various concentrations. The data can be retrieved from the database for any user- defined time period and for any or all available constituents. After the user defines the retrieval, the program prepares statistical tables, control charts, and precision plots and generates a report which can be transferred to the user 's office through the computer network. A discussion of the interpretation of the program output is also included. This quality assurance information will permit users to document the quality of the analytical results received from the laboratory. The blind sample data is entered into the database within weeks after being produced by the laboratory and can be retrieved to meet the needs of specific projects or programs. (USGS)

Environment Study of AGNs at z = 0.3 to 3.0 Using the Japanese Virtual Observatory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shirasaki, Y.; Ohishi, M.; Mizumoto, Y.; Takata, T.; Tanaka, M.; Yasuda, N.

2010-12-01

We present a science use case of Virtual Observatory, which was achieved to examine an environment of AGN up to redshift of 3.0. We used the Japanese Virtual Observatory (JVO) to obtain Subaru Suprime-Cam images around known AGNs. According to the hierarchical galaxy formation model, AGNs are expected to be found in an environment of higher galaxy density than that of typical galaxies. The current observations, however, indicate that AGNs do not reside in a particularly high density environment. We investigated ˜1000 AGNs, which is about ten times larger samples than the other studies covering the redshifts larger than 0.6. We successfully found significant excess of galaxies around AGNs at redshifts of 0.3 to 1.8. If this work was done in a classical manner, that is, raw data were retrieved from the archive through a form-based web interface in an interactive way, and the data were reduced on a low performance computer, it might take several years to finish it. Since the Virtual Observatory system is accessible through a standard interface, it is easy to query and retrieve data in an automatic way. We constructed a pipeline for retrieving the data and calculating the galaxy number density around a given coordinate. This procedure was executed in parallel on ˜10 quad core PCs, and it took only one day for obtaining the final result. Our result implies that the Virtual Observatory can be a powerful tool to do an astronomical research based on large amount of data.

A Physical Validation Program for the GPM Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Eric A.

2003-01-01

The GPM mission is currently planned for start in the late 2007 - early 2008 time frame. Its main scientific goal is to help answer pressing scientific problems arising within the context of global and regional water cycling. These problems cut across a hierarchy of scales and include climate-water cycle interactions, techniques for improving weather and climate predictions, and better methods for combining observed precipitation with hydrometeorological prediction models for applications to hazardous flood-producing storms, seasonal flood draught conditions, and fresh water resource assessments. The GPM mission will expand the scope of precipitation measurement through the use of a constellation of some 9 satellites, one of which will be an advanced TRMM-like core satellite carrying a dual-frequency Ku-Ka band precipitation radar and an advanced, multifrequency passive microwave radiometer with vertical-horizontal polarization discrimination. The other constellation members will include new dedicated satellites and co-existing operational/research satellites carrying similar (but not identical) passive microwave radiometers. The goal of the constellation is to achieve approximately 3-hour sampling at any spot on the globe -- continuously. The constellation's orbit architecture will consist of a mix of sun-synchronous and non-sun-synchronous satellites with the core satellite providing measurements of cloud-precipitation microphysical processes plus calibration-quality rainrate retrievals to be used with the other retrieval information to ensure bias-free constellation coverage. A major requirement before the retrieved rainfall information generated by the GPM mission can be used effectively by prognostic models to improve weather forecasts, hydrometeorological forecasts, and climate model reanalysis simulations is a capability to quantify the error characteristics of the retrievals. A solution for this problem has been upheld in past precipitation missions because of the lack of suitable error modeling systems incorporated into the validation programs and data distribution systems. An overview of how NASA intends to overcome this problem for the GPM mission using a physically-based error modeling approach within a multi-faceted validation program is described. The solution is to first identify specific user requirements and then determine the most stringent of these requirements that embodies all essential error characterization information needed by the entire user community. In the context of NASA s scientific agenda for the GPM mission, the most stringent user requirement is found within the data assimilation community. The fundamental theory of data assimilation vis-a-vis ingesting satellite precipitation information into the pre-forecast initializations is based on quantifying the conditional bias and precision errors of individual rain retrievals, and the space-time structure of the precision error (i.e., the spatial-temporal error covariance). By generating the hardware and software capability to produce this information in a near real-time fashion, and to couple the derived quantitative error properties to the actual retrieved rainrates, all key validation users can be satisfied. The talk will describe the essential components of the hardware and software systems needed to generate such near real-time error properties, as well as the various paradigm shifts needed within the validation community to produce a validation program relevant to the precipitation user community.

Optical detection of three modes of endocytosis at hippocampal synapses

PubMed Central

Chanaday, Natali L

2018-01-01

Coupling of synaptic vesicle fusion and retrieval constitutes a core mechanism ensuring maintenance of presynaptic function. Recent studies using fast-freeze electron microscopy and capacitance measurements reported an ultrafast mode of endocytosis operating at physiological temperatures. Here, using rat hippocampal neurons, we optically monitored single synaptic vesicle endocytosis with high time resolution using the vesicular glutamate transporter, synaptophysin and the V0a1 subunit of the vacuolar ATPase as probes. In this setting, we could distinguish three components of retrieval operating at ultrafast (~150–250 ms, ~20% of events), fast (~5–12 s, ~40% of events) and ultraslow speeds (>20 s, ~40% of events). While increasing Ca2+ slowed the fast events, increasing temperature accelerated their time course. In contrast, the kinetics of ultrafast events were only mildly affected by these manipulations. These results suggest that synaptic vesicle proteins can be retrieved with ultrafast kinetics, although a majority of evoked fusion events are coupled to slower retrieval mechanisms. PMID:29683423

Bilateral Alternating Auditory Stimulations Facilitate Fear Extinction and Retrieval.

PubMed

Boukezzi, Sarah; Silva, Catarina; Nazarian, Bruno; Rousseau, Pierre-François; Guedj, Eric; Valenzuela-Moguillansky, Camila; Khalfa, Stéphanie

2017-01-01

Disruption of fear conditioning, its extinction and its retrieval are at the core of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Such deficits, especially fear extinction delay, disappear after alternating bilateral stimulations (BLS) during eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. An animal model of fear recovery, based on auditory cued fear conditioning and extinction learning, recently showed that BLS facilitate fear extinction and fear extinction retrieval. Our goal was to determine if these previous results found in animals can be reproduced in humans. Twenty-two healthy participants took part in a classical fear conditioning, extinction, and extinction recall paradigm. Behavioral responses (fear expectations) as well as psychophysiological measures (skin conductance responses, SCRs) were recorded. The results showed a significant fear expectation decrease during fear extinction with BLS. Additionally, SCR for fear extinction retrieval were significantly lower with BLS. Our results demonstrate the importance of BLS to reduce negative emotions, and provide a successful model to further explore the neural mechanisms underlying the sole BLS effect in the EMDR.

Bilateral Alternating Auditory Stimulations Facilitate Fear Extinction and Retrieval

PubMed Central

Boukezzi, Sarah; Silva, Catarina; Nazarian, Bruno; Rousseau, Pierre-François; Guedj, Eric; Valenzuela-Moguillansky, Camila; Khalfa, Stéphanie

2017-01-01

Disruption of fear conditioning, its extinction and its retrieval are at the core of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Such deficits, especially fear extinction delay, disappear after alternating bilateral stimulations (BLS) during eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. An animal model of fear recovery, based on auditory cued fear conditioning and extinction learning, recently showed that BLS facilitate fear extinction and fear extinction retrieval. Our goal was to determine if these previous results found in animals can be reproduced in humans. Twenty-two healthy participants took part in a classical fear conditioning, extinction, and extinction recall paradigm. Behavioral responses (fear expectations) as well as psychophysiological measures (skin conductance responses, SCRs) were recorded. The results showed a significant fear expectation decrease during fear extinction with BLS. Additionally, SCR for fear extinction retrieval were significantly lower with BLS. Our results demonstrate the importance of BLS to reduce negative emotions, and provide a successful model to further explore the neural mechanisms underlying the sole BLS effect in the EMDR. PMID:28659851

Uniform Atmospheric Retrievals of Ultracool Late-T and Early-Y dwarfs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garland, Ryan; Irwin, Patrick

2018-01-01

A significant number of ultracool (<600K) extrasolar objects have been unearthed in the past decade thanks to wide-field surveys such as WISE. These objects present a perfect testbed for examining the evolution of atmospheric structure as we transition from typically hot extrasolar temperatures to the temperatures found within our Solar System.By examining these types of objects with a uniform retrieval method, we hope to elucidate any trends and (dis)similarities found in atmospheric parameters, such as chemical abundances, temperature-pressure profile, and cloud structure, for a sample of 7 ultracool brown dwarfs as we transition from hotter (~700K) to colder objects (~450K).We perform atmospheric retrievals on two late-T and five early-Y dwarfs. We use the NEMESIS atmospheric retrieval code coupled to a Nested Sampling algorithm, along with a standard uniform model for all of our retrievals. The uniform model assumes the atmosphere is described by a gray radiative-convective temperature profile, (optionally) a self-consistent Mie scattering cloud, and a number of relevant gases. We first verify our methods by comparing it to a benchmark retrieval for Gliese 570D, which is found to be consistent. Furthermore, we present the retrieved gaseous composition, temperature structure, spectroscopic mass and radius, cloud structure and the trends associated with decreasing temperature found in this small sample of objects.

Transuranic Waste Program Framework Agreement - December Deliverable July 2012

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

Jones, Patricia

Framework agreement deliverables are: (1) 'DOE/NNSA commits to complete removal of all non-cemented above-ground EM Legacy TRU and newly generated TRU currently-stored at Area G as of October 1, 2011, by no later than June 30, 2014. This inventory of above-ground TRU is defined as 3706 cubic meters of material.' (2) 'DOE commits to the complete removal of all newly generated TRU received in Area G during FY 2012 and 2013 by no later than December 31, 2014.' (3) 'Based on projected funding profiles, DOE/NNSA will develop by December 31, 2012, a schedule, including pacing milestones, for disposition of themore » below-ground TRU requiring retrieval at Area G.' Objectives are to: (1) restore the 'Core Team' to develop the December, 2012 deliverable; (2) obtain agreement on the strategy for below ground water disposition; and (3) establish timeline for completion of the deliverable. Below Grade Waste Strategy is to: (1) Perform an evaluation on below grade waste currently considered retrievable TRU; (2) Only commit to retrieve waste that must be retrieved; (3) Develop the Deliverable including Pacing Milestones based on planned commitments; (4) Align all Regulatory Documents for Consistency; and (5) answer these 3 primary questions, is the waste TRU; is the waste retrievable, can retrieval cause more harm than benefit?« less

43 CFR 3593.1 - Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

.... (d) When drilling on lands with potential for encountering high pressure oil, gas or geothermal... 43 Public Lands: Interior 2 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings...) EXPLORATION AND MINING OPERATIONS Bore Holes and Samples § 3593.1 Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings...

43 CFR 3593.1 - Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

.... (d) When drilling on lands with potential for encountering high pressure oil, gas or geothermal... 43 Public Lands: Interior 2 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings...) EXPLORATION AND MINING OPERATIONS Bore Holes and Samples § 3593.1 Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings...

43 CFR 3593.1 - Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

.... (d) When drilling on lands with potential for encountering high pressure oil, gas or geothermal... 43 Public Lands: Interior 2 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings...) EXPLORATION AND MINING OPERATIONS Bore Holes and Samples § 3593.1 Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings...

43 CFR 3593.1 - Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

.... (d) When drilling on lands with potential for encountering high pressure oil, gas or geothermal... 43 Public Lands: Interior 2 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings...) EXPLORATION AND MINING OPERATIONS Bore Holes and Samples § 3593.1 Core or test hole cores, samples, cuttings...

Phase retrieval by coherent modulation imaging

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

Zhang, Fucai; Chen, Bo; Morrison, Graeme R.

Phase retrieval is a long-standing problem in imaging when only the intensity of the wavefield can be recorded. Coherent diffraction imaging (CDI) is a lensless technique that uses iterative algorithms to recover amplitude and phase contrast images from diffraction intensity data. For general samples, phase retrieval from a single diffraction pattern has been an algorithmic and experimental challenge. Here we report a method of phase retrieval that uses a known modulation of the sample exit-wave. This coherent modulation imaging (CMI) method removes inherent ambiguities of CDI and uses a reliable, rapidly converging iterative algorithm involving three planes. It works formore » extended samples, does not require tight support for convergence, and relaxes dynamic range requirements on the detector. CMI provides a robust method for imaging in materials and biological science, while its single-shot capability will benefit the investigation of dynamical processes with pulsed sources, such as X-ray free electron laser.« less

Phase retrieval by coherent modulation imaging

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Fucai; Chen, Bo; Morrison, Graeme R.; ...

2016-11-18

Phase retrieval is a long-standing problem in imaging when only the intensity of the wavefield can be recorded. Coherent diffraction imaging (CDI) is a lensless technique that uses iterative algorithms to recover amplitude and phase contrast images from diffraction intensity data. For general samples, phase retrieval from a single diffraction pattern has been an algorithmic and experimental challenge. Here we report a method of phase retrieval that uses a known modulation of the sample exit-wave. This coherent modulation imaging (CMI) method removes inherent ambiguities of CDI and uses a reliable, rapidly converging iterative algorithm involving three planes. It works formore » extended samples, does not require tight support for convergence, and relaxes dynamic range requirements on the detector. CMI provides a robust method for imaging in materials and biological science, while its single-shot capability will benefit the investigation of dynamical processes with pulsed sources, such as X-ray free electron laser.« less

Phase retrieval by coherent modulation imaging.

PubMed

Zhang, Fucai; Chen, Bo; Morrison, Graeme R; Vila-Comamala, Joan; Guizar-Sicairos, Manuel; Robinson, Ian K

2016-11-18

Phase retrieval is a long-standing problem in imaging when only the intensity of the wavefield can be recorded. Coherent diffraction imaging is a lensless technique that uses iterative algorithms to recover amplitude and phase contrast images from diffraction intensity data. For general samples, phase retrieval from a single-diffraction pattern has been an algorithmic and experimental challenge. Here we report a method of phase retrieval that uses a known modulation of the sample exit wave. This coherent modulation imaging method removes inherent ambiguities of coherent diffraction imaging and uses a reliable, rapidly converging iterative algorithm involving three planes. It works for extended samples, does not require tight support for convergence and relaxes dynamic range requirements on the detector. Coherent modulation imaging provides a robust method for imaging in materials and biological science, while its single-shot capability will benefit the investigation of dynamical processes with pulsed sources, such as X-ray free-electron lasers.

Biomarker evidence for Archean oxygen fluxes (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hallmann, C.; Waldbauer, J.; Sherman, L. S.; Summons, R. E.

2010-12-01

Knowledge of deep-time organismic diversity may be gained from the study of preserved sedimentary lipids with taxonomic specificity, i.e. biomarker hydrocarbons (e.g. Brocks and Summons, 2003; Waldbauer et al., 2009). As a consequence of long residence times and high thermal maturities however, biomarker concentrations are extremely low in most ancient (Precambrian) sediment samples, making them exceptionally prone to contamination during drilling, sampling and laboratory workup (e.g. Brocks et al., 2008). Outcrop samples most always carry a modern overprint and deep-time biogeochemistry thus relies on drilling operations to retrieve ‘clean’ sediment cores. One such effort was initiated by NASA’s Astrobiology Institute (NAI): the Archean biosphere drilling project (ABDP). We here report on the lipids retrieved from sediment samples in drill hole ABDP-9. Strong heterogeneities of extractable organic matter - both on a spatial scale and in free- vs. mineral-occluded bitumen - provide us with an opportunity to distinguish indigenous lipids from contaminants introduced during drilling. Stratigraphic trends in biomarker data for mineral-occluded bitumens are complementary to previously reported data (e.g. S- and N-isotopes, molybdenum enrichments) from ABDP-9 sediments (Anbar et al., 2007; Kaufman et al., 2007; Garvin et al., 2009) and suggest periodic fluxes of oxygen before the great oxidation event. Anbar et al. A whiff of oxygen before the great oxidation event. Science 317 (2007), 1903-1906. Brocks & Summons. Sedimentary hydrocarbons, biomarkers for early life. In: Schlesinger (Ed.) Treatise on Geochemistry, Vol. 8 (2003), 63-115. Brocks et al. Assessing biomarker syngeneity using branched alkanes with quaternary carbon (BAQCs) and other plastic contaminants. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 72 (2008), 871-888. Garvin et al. Isotopic evidence for a aerobic nitrogen cycle in the latest Archean. Science 323 (2009), 1045-1048. Kaufman et al. Late Archean biospheric oxygenation and atmospheric evolution. Science 317 (2007), 1900-1903. Waldbauer et al. Late Archean molecular fossils from the Transvaal Supergroup record the antiquity of microbial diversity and aerobiosis. Precambrian Research 169 (2008), 28-47.

Post-Flight Evaluation of PICA and PICA-X - Comparisons of the Stardust SRC and Space-X Dragon 1 Forebody Heatshield Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stackpoole, M.; Kao, D.; Qu, V.; Gonzales, G.

2013-01-01

Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator (PICA) was developed at NASA Ames Research Center. As a thermal protection material, PICA has the advantages of being able to withstand high heat fluxes with a relatively low density. This ablative material was used as the forebody heat shield material for the Stardust sample return capsule, which re-entered the Earths atmosphere in 2006. Based on PICA, SpaceX developed a variant, PICA-X, and used it as the heat shield material for its Dragon spacecraft, which successfully orbited the Earth and re-entered the atmosphere during the COTS Demo Flight 1 in 2010. Post-flight analysis was previously performed on the Stardust PICA heat shield material. Similarly, a near-stagnation core was obtained from the post-flight Dragon 1 heat shield, which was retrieved from the Pacific Ocean. Materials testing and analyses were performed on the core to evaluate its ablation performance and post-flight properties. Comparisons between PICA and PICA-X are made where applicable. Stardust and Dragon offer rare opportunities to evaluate materials post-flight - this data is beneficial in understanding material performance and also improves modeling capabilities.

Retrospective Analysis of the Outcome of Ridge Preservation with Anorganic Bovine Bone Minerals: Microcomputed Tomographic Assessment of Wound Healing in Grafted Extraction Sockets.

PubMed

Bakhshalian, Neema; Freire, Marcelo; Min, Seiko; Wu, Ivy; Zadeh, Homayoun H

A total of 68 extraction sockets were grafted with anorganic bovine bone mineral and covered by dense polytetrafluoroethylene membrane. Quantitative analysis of three-dimensional microcomputed tomography imaging of core samples retrieved after a mean of 21.0 ± 14.2 weeks revealed 40.1% bone volume fraction (bone volume [BV]/total volume [TV]) and 12% residual graft. Evidence of de novo bone formation was observed in the form of discrete islands of newly formed bone in direct apposition to graft particles, separated from parent bone. Anterior sockets exhibited a significantly higher percentage of residual graft compared to premolar sockets (P = .05). The BV/TV and percentage of residual graft correlated well with histomorphometric analysis of the same sites, but not with implant outcomes.

Exploring Arctic history through scientific drilling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

ODP Leg 151 Shipboard Scientific Party

During the brief Arctic summer of 1993, the Ocean Drilling Program's research vessel JOIDES Resolution recovered the first scientific drill cores from the eastern Arctic Ocean. Dodging rafts of pack ice shed from the Arctic ice cap, the science party sampled sediments north of 80°N latitude from the Yermak Plateau, as well as from sites in Fram Strait, the northeastern Greenland margin, and the Iceland Plateau (Figure 1).The sediments collected reveal the earliest history of the connection between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans through the Nordic Seas. The region between Greenland and Norway first formed a series of isolated basins, sometimes with restricted deep circulation, that eventually joined and allowed deep and surface Arctic Ocean water to invade the region. A record was also retrieved that shows major glaciation in the region began about 2.5 m.y.a.

Applying Advances in GPM Radiometer Intercalibration and Algorithm Development to a Long-Term TRMM/GPM Global Precipitation Dataset

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berg, W. K.

2016-12-01

The Global Precipitation Mission (GPM) Core Observatory, which was launched in February of 2014, provides a number of advances for satellite monitoring of precipitation including a dual-frequency radar, high frequency channels on the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI), and coverage over middle and high latitudes. The GPM concept, however, is about producing unified precipitation retrievals from a constellation of microwave radiometers to provide approximately 3-hourly global sampling. This involves intercalibration of the input brightness temperatures from the constellation radiometers, development of an apriori precipitation database using observations from the state-of-the-art GPM radiometer and radars, and accounting for sensor differences in the retrieval algorithm in a physically-consistent way. Efforts by the GPM inter-satellite calibration working group, or XCAL team, and the radiometer algorithm team to create unified precipitation retrievals from the GPM radiometer constellation were fully implemented into the current version 4 GPM precipitation products. These include precipitation estimates from a total of seven conical-scanning and six cross-track scanning radiometers as well as high spatial and temporal resolution global level 3 gridded products. Work is now underway to extend this unified constellation-based approach to the combined TRMM/GPM data record starting in late 1997. The goal is to create a long-term global precipitation dataset employing these state-of-the-art calibration and retrieval algorithm approaches. This new long-term global precipitation dataset will incorporate the physics provided by the combined GPM GMI and DPR sensors into the apriori database, extend prior TRMM constellation observations to high latitudes, and expand the available TRMM precipitation data to the full constellation of available conical and cross-track scanning radiometers. This combined TRMM/GPM precipitation data record will thus provide a high-quality high-temporal resolution global dataset for use in a wide variety of weather and climate research applications.

Polysemy in Sentence Comprehension: Effects of Meaning Dominance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Foraker, Stephani; Murphy, Gregory L.

2012-01-01

Words like "church" are polysemous, having two related senses (a building and an organization). Three experiments investigated how polysemous senses are represented and processed during sentence comprehension. On one view, readers retrieve an underspecified, core meaning, which is later specified more fully with contextual information. On another…

When subjective experiences matter: power increases reliance on the ease of retrieval.

PubMed

Weick, Mario; Guinote, Ana

2008-06-01

Past research on power focused exclusively on declarative knowledge and neglected the role of subjective experiences. Five studies tested the hypothesis that power increases reliance on the experienced ease or difficulty that accompanies thought generation. Across a variety of targets, such as attitudes, leisure-time satisfaction, and stereotyping, and with different operationalizations of power, including priming, trait dominance, and actual power in managerial contexts, power consistently increased reliance on the ease of retrieval. These effects remained 1 week later and were not mediated by mood, quality of the retrieved information, or number of counterarguments. These findings indicate that powerful individuals construe their judgments on the basis of momentary subjective experiences and do not necessarily rely on core attitudes or prior knowledge, such as stereotypes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2008 APA, all rights reserved).

Ground Validation Assessments of GPM Core Observatory Science Requirements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petersen, Walt; Huffman, George; Kidd, Chris; Skofronick-Jackson, Gail

2017-04-01

NASA Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission science requirements define specific measurement error standards for retrieved precipitation parameters such as rain rate, raindrop size distribution, and falling snow detection on instantaneous temporal scales and spatial resolutions ranging from effective instrument fields of view [FOV], to grid scales of 50 km x 50 km. Quantitative evaluation of these requirements intrinsically relies on GPM precipitation retrieval algorithm performance in myriad precipitation regimes (and hence, assumptions related to physics) and on the quality of ground-validation (GV) data being used to assess the satellite products. We will review GPM GV products, their quality, and their application to assessing GPM science requirements, interleaving measurement and precipitation physical considerations applicable to the approaches used. Core GV data products used to assess GPM satellite products include 1) two minute and 30-minute rain gauge bias-adjusted radar rain rate products and precipitation types (rain/snow) adapted/modified from the NOAA/OU multi-radar multi-sensor (MRMS) product over the continental U.S.; 2) Polarimetric radar estimates of rain rate over the ocean collected using the K-Pol radar at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands and the Middleton Island WSR-88D radar located in the Gulf of Alaska; and 3) Multi-regime, field campaign and site-specific disdrometer-measured rain/snow size distribution (DSD), phase and fallspeed information used to derive polarimetric radar-based DSD retrievals and snow water equivalent rates (SWER) for comparison to coincident GPM-estimated DSD and precipitation rates/types, respectively. Within the limits of GV-product uncertainty we demonstrate that the GPM Core satellite meets its basic mission science requirements for a variety of precipitation regimes. For the liquid phase, we find that GPM radar-based products are particularly successful in meeting bias and random error requirements associated with retrievals of rain rate and required +/- 0.5 millimeter error bounds for mass-weighted mean drop diameter. Version-04 (V4) GMI GPROF radiometer-based rain rate products exhibit reasonable agreement with GV, but do not completely meet mission science requirements over the continental U.S. for lighter rain rates (e.g., 1 mm/hr) due to excessive random error ( 75%). Importantly, substantial corrections were made to the V4 GPROF algorithm and preliminary analysis of Version 5 (V5) rain products indicates more robust performance relative to GV. For the frozen phase and a modest GPM requirement to "demonstrate detection of snowfall", DPR products do successfully identify snowfall within the sensitivity and beam sampling limits of the DPR instrument ( 12 dBZ lower limit; lowest clutter-free bins). Similarly, the GPROF algorithm successfully "detects" falling snow and delineates it from liquid precipitation. However, the GV approach to computing falling-snow "detection" statistics is intrinsically tied to GPROF Bayesian algorithm-based thresholds of precipitation "detection" and model analysis temperature, and is not sufficiently tied to SWER. Hence we will also discuss ongoing work to establish the lower threshold SWER for "detection" using combined GV radar, gauge and disdrometer-based case studies.

Coring Sample Acquisition Tool

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haddad, Nicolas E.; Murray, Saben D.; Walkemeyer, Phillip E.; Badescu, Mircea; Sherrit, Stewart; Bao, Xiaoqi; Kriechbaum, Kristopher L.; Richardson, Megan; Klein, Kerry J.

2012-01-01

A sample acquisition tool (SAT) has been developed that can be used autonomously to sample drill and capture rock cores. The tool is designed to accommodate core transfer using a sample tube to the IMSAH (integrated Mars sample acquisition and handling) SHEC (sample handling, encapsulation, and containerization) without ever touching the pristine core sample in the transfer process.

Single-view phase retrieval of an extended sample by exploiting edge detection and sparsity

DOE PAGES

Tripathi, Ashish; McNulty, Ian; Munson, Todd; ...

2016-10-14

We propose a new approach to robustly retrieve the exit wave of an extended sample from its coherent diffraction pattern by exploiting sparsity of the sample's edges. This approach enables imaging of an extended sample with a single view, without ptychography. We introduce nonlinear optimization methods that promote sparsity, and we derive update rules to robustly recover the sample's exit wave. We test these methods on simulated samples by varying the sparsity of the edge-detected representation of the exit wave. Finally, our tests illustrate the strengths and limitations of the proposed method in imaging extended samples.

Evaluating Core Quality for a Mars Sample Return Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weiss, D. K.; Budney, C.; Shiraishi, L.; Klein, K.

2012-01-01

Sample return missions, including the proposed Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, propose to collect core samples from scientifically valuable sites on Mars. These core samples would undergo extreme forces during the drilling process, and during the reentry process if the EEV (Earth Entry Vehicle) performed a hard landing on Earth. Because of the foreseen damage to the stratigraphy of the cores, it is important to evaluate each core for rock quality. However, because no core sample return mission has yet been conducted to another planetary body, it remains unclear as to how to assess the cores for rock quality. In this report, we describe the development of a metric designed to quantitatively assess the mechanical quality of any rock cores returned from Mars (or other planetary bodies). We report on the process by which we tested the metric on core samples of Mars analogue materials, and the effectiveness of the core assessment metric (CAM) in assessing rock core quality before and after the cores were subjected to shocking (g forces representative of an EEV landing).

A Laboratory Experiment for the Statistical Evaluation of Aerosol Retrieval (STEAR) Algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schuster, G. L.; Espinosa, R.; Ziemba, L. D.; Beyersdorf, A. J.; Rocha Lima, A.; Anderson, B. E.; Martins, J. V.; Dubovik, O.; Ducos, F.; Fuertes, D.; Lapyonok, T.; Shook, M.; Derimian, Y.; Moore, R.

2016-12-01

We have developed a method for validating Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) retrieval algorithms by mimicking atmospheric extinction and radiance measurements in a laboratory experiment. This enables radiometric retrievals that utilize the same sampling volumes, relative humidities, and particle size ranges as observed by other in situ instrumentation in the experiment. We utilize three Cavity Attenuated Phase Shift (CAPS) monitors for extinction and UMBC's three-wavelength Polarized Imaging Nephelometer (PI-Neph) for angular scattering measurements. We subsample the PI-Neph radiance measurements to angles that correspond to AERONET almucantar scans, with solar zenith angles ranging from 50 to 77 degrees. These measurements are then used as input to the Generalized Retrieval of Aerosol and Surface Properties (GRASP) algorithm, which retrieves size distributions, complex refractive indices, single-scatter albedos (SSA), and lidar ratios for the in situ samples. We obtained retrievals with residuals R < 10% for 100 samples. The samples that we tested include Arizona Test Dust, Arginotec NX, Senegal clay, Israel clay, montmorillonite, hematite, goethite, volcanic ash, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and fullerene soot. Samples were alternately dried or humidified, and size distributions were limited to diameters of 1.0 or 2.5 um by using a cyclone. The SSA at 532 nm for these samples ranged from 0.59 to 1.00 when computed with CAPS extinction and PSAP absorption measurements. The GRASP retrieval provided SSAs that are highly correlated with the in situ SSAs, and the correlation coefficients ranged from 0.955 to 0.976, depending upon the simulated solar zenith angle. The GRASP SSAs exhibited an average absolute bias of +0.023 +/-0.01 with respect to the extinction and absorption measurements for the entire dataset. Although our apparatus was not capable of measuring backscatter lidar ratio, we did measure bistatic lidar ratios at a scattering angle of 173 deg. The GRASP bistatic lidar ratios had correlations of 0.488 to 0.735 (depending upon simulated SZA) with respect to in situ measurements, positive relative biases of 6-10%, and average absolute biases of 4.0-6.6 sr. We also compared the GRASP size distributions to aerodynamic particle size measurements.

The association between waiting for psychological therapy and therapy outcomes as measured by the CORE-OM.

PubMed

Beck, Alison; Burdett, Mark; Lewis, Helen

2015-06-01

To investigate the impact of waiting for psychological therapy on client well-being as measured by the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) global distress (GD) score. Global distress scores were retrieved for all clients referred for psychological therapy in a secondary care mental health service between November 2006 and May 2013 and who had completed a CORE-OM at assessment and first session. GD scores for a subgroup of 103 clients who had completed a CORE-OM during the last therapy session were also reviewed. The study sample experienced a median wait of 41.14 weeks between assessment and first session. The relationship between wait time from referral acceptance to assessment, and assessment GD score was not significant. During the period between assessment and first session no significant difference in GD score was observed. Nevertheless 29.1% of the sample experienced reliable change; 16.0% of clients reliably improved and 13.1% reliably deteriorated whilst waiting for therapy. Demographic factors were not found to have a significant effect on the change in GD score between assessment and first session. Waiting time was associated with post-therapy outcomes but not to a degree which was meaningful. The majority of individuals (54.4%), regardless of whether they improved or deteriorated whilst waiting for therapy, showed reliable improvement at end of therapy as measured by the CORE-OM. The majority of GD scores remained stable while waiting for therapy; however, 29.1% of secondary care clients experienced either reliable improvement or deterioration. Irrespective of whether they improved, deteriorated or remained unchanged whilst waiting for therapy, most individuals who had a complete end of therapy assessment showed reliable improvements following therapy. There was no significant difference in GD score between assessment and first session recordings. A proportion of clients (29.1%) showed reliable change, either improvement or deterioration, as measured by the GD score while waiting for therapy. Of the individuals with last session CORE-OMs (54.4%) showed significant improvement following therapy regardless of whether or not they experienced change while waiting for therapy. Limitations include: Problems of data quality, the data were from a routine data set and data were lost at each stage of the analysis. A focus on the CORE-OM limits exploration of the subjective experience of waiting for psychotherapy and the impact this has on psychological well-being. © 2014 The British Psychological Society.

Method for utilizing properties of the sinc(x) function for phase retrieval on nyquist-under-sampled data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dean, Bruce H. (Inventor); Smith, Jeffrey Scott (Inventor); Aronstein, David L. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for simulating propagation of an electromagnetic field, performing phase retrieval, or sampling a band-limited function. A system practicing the method generates transformed data using a discrete Fourier transform which samples a band-limited function f(x) without interpolating or modifying received data associated with the function f(x), wherein an interval between repeated copies in a periodic extension of the function f(x) obtained from the discrete Fourier transform is associated with a sampling ratio Q, defined as a ratio of a sampling frequency to a band-limited frequency, and wherein Q is assigned a value between 1 and 2 such that substantially no aliasing occurs in the transformed data, and retrieves a phase in the received data based on the transformed data, wherein the phase is used as feedback to an optical system.

Neural Correlates of Glucocorticoids Effects on Autobiographical Memory Retrieval in Healthy Women.

PubMed

Fleischer, Juliane; Metz, Sophie; Düsenberg, Moritz; Grimm, Simone; Golde, Sabrina; Roepke, Stefan; Renneberg, Babette; Wolf, Oliver T; Otte, Christian; Wingenfeld, Katja

2018-06-22

It is well known that elevated cortisol after stress or after exogenous administration impairs episodic memory retrieval including autobiographical memory (AM) retrieval. This impairment might be mediated by deactivation of a neural network associated with memory retrieval including the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and limbic structures. However, the neural underpinnings of these cortisol effects on AM retrieval have not been investigated yet. In this study, thirty-three healthy women received either placebo or 10 mg hydrocortisone in a double blind cross-over design before completing an AM test during fMRI. In this test, participants are asked to recall specific events from their own past in response to a cue word. In a first step, we analyzed the neural underpinnings of AM retrieval in the placebo condition. We found an activation pattern consistent with core regions involved in autobiographical memory recall, including the ventromedial PFC, anterior medial (am)PFC, inferior frontal gyrus, the posterior cingulate cortex, the tempoparietal junction, the middle temporal gyrus and the hippocampus. Further, we analyzed brain activation during AM retrieval after hydrocortisone compared to placebo. Region of interest (ROI) analyses revealed a hydrocortisone-induced deactivation during AM retrieval in the right amPFC. Results of the ROI analyses were non-significant in the left and right hippocampus, the left and right vmPFC and the left amPFC In sum, during AM retrieval hydrocortisone had the most pronounced effects on the amPFC. This might be explained by the strong involvement of this brain region in self-referential behavior, which is essential for recalling autobiographic information. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Bioethics Center: An Idea Whose Time Had Come

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chemical and Engineering News, 1974

1974-01-01

The functioning of the Kennedy Institute, which aims at dealing with ethical and social questions raised by advances in biosciences and medicine, is described. Three major projects now underway are briefly discussed: a core reference library in bioethics, an Encyclopedia of Bioethics, and a bioethics information retrieval system. (DT)

Encoding, Memory, and Transcoding Deficits in Childhood Apraxia of Speech

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shriberg, Lawrence D.; Lohmeier, Heather L.; Strand, Edythe A.; Jakielski, Kathy J.

2012-01-01

A central question in Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) is whether the core phenotype is limited to transcoding (planning/programming) deficits or if speakers with CAS also have deficits in auditory-perceptual "encoding" (representational) and/or "memory" (storage and retrieval of representations) processes. We addressed this and other questions…

Retrieval of diagnostic and treatment studies for clinical use through PubMed and PubMed's Clinical Queries filters.

PubMed

Lokker, Cynthia; Haynes, R Brian; Wilczynski, Nancy L; McKibbon, K Ann; Walter, Stephen D

2011-01-01

Clinical Queries filters were developed to improve the retrieval of high-quality studies in searches on clinical matters. The study objective was to determine the yield of relevant citations and physician satisfaction while searching for diagnostic and treatment studies using the Clinical Queries page of PubMed compared with searching PubMed without these filters. Forty practicing physicians, presented with standardized treatment and diagnosis questions and one question of their choosing, entered search terms which were processed in a random, blinded fashion through PubMed alone and PubMed Clinical Queries. Participants rated search retrievals for applicability to the question at hand and satisfaction. For treatment, the primary outcome of retrieval of relevant articles was not significantly different between the groups, but a higher proportion of articles from the Clinical Queries searches met methodologic criteria (p=0.049), and more articles were published in core internal medicine journals (p=0.056). For diagnosis, the filtered results returned more relevant articles (p=0.031) and fewer irrelevant articles (overall retrieval less, p=0.023); participants needed to screen fewer articles before arriving at the first relevant citation (p<0.05). Relevance was also influenced by content terms used by participants in searching. Participants varied greatly in their search performance. Clinical Queries filtered searches returned more high-quality studies, though the retrieval of relevant articles was only statistically different between the groups for diagnosis questions. Retrieving clinically important research studies from Medline is a challenging task for physicians. Methodological search filters can improve search retrieval.

The Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater: An Educational Investigation for Students into the Planetary Impact Process and its Environmental Consequences

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levine, Arlene S.

2008-01-01

Planetary impact craters are a common surface feature of many planetary bodies, including the Earth, the Moon, Mars, Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter s moons, Ganymede and Callisto. The NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA, is located about 5 km inside the outer rim of the Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater. The Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater, with a diameter of 85 km is the sixth largest impact crater on our planet. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in collaboration with the NASA Langley Research Center, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VDEQ), the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC), and the Department of Geology of the College of William and Mary (WM) drilled into and through the crater at the NASA Langley Research Center and obtained a continuous core to a depth of 2075.9 ft (632.73 meters) from the Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater. At the NASA Langley location, the granite basement depth was at 2046 ft (623.87 meters). This collaborative drilling activity provided a unique educational opportunity and ongoing educational partnership between USGS, NASA Langley and the other collaborators. NASA Langley has a decade-long, ongoing educational partnership with the Colonial Coast Council of the Girl Scouts. The core drilling and on site analysis and cataloguing of the core segments provided a unique opportunity for the Girl Scouts to learn how geologists work in the field, their tools for scientific investigation and evaluation, how they perform geological analyses of the cores in an on-site tent and learn about the formation of impact craters and the impact of impacting bodies on the sub-surface, the surface, the oceans and atmosphere of the target body. This was accomplished with a two-part activity. Girl Scout day camps and local Girl Scout troops were invited to Langley Research Center Conference Center, where more than 300 Girl Scouts, their leaders and adult personnel were given briefings by scientists and educators from the USGS, NASA, VDEQ, HRPDC and WM on the principles of geology, the formation of impact craters, the consequences of the impacting body on the atmosphere, ocean, surface and sub-surface, the geological, chemical and biological analyses of the core and the cataloguing and storage of the core segments, etc. After the briefings, the Girl Scouts visited the drilling site where they inspected the core drilling rig, examined the core samples and discussed the drilling procedures, cores and interpretation of the cores with scientists and educators from the organizations conducting the core drilling. Demonstrations at the drilling site included demonstrations of impacting objects hitting multi-colored layered mud targets at different angles of entry. The multi-colored layers of mud were instructive in mapping out the distribution of impact-ejected material around the impact crater. The presentation will include a series of photographs of the Girl Scout participating in activities at the Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater drill site, including retrieving cores from the drilling rig, inspecting the core samples and participating in the impact-crater formation demonstrations.

10Be evidence for the Matuyama-Brunhes geomagnetic reversal in the EPICA Dome C ice core.

PubMed

Raisbeck, G M; Yiou, F; Cattani, O; Jouzel, J

2006-11-02

An ice core drilled at Dome C, Antarctica, is the oldest ice core so far retrieved. On the basis of ice flow modelling and a comparison between the deuterium signal in the ice with climate records from marine sediment cores, the ice at a depth of 3,190 m in the Dome C core is believed to have been deposited around 800,000 years ago, offering a rare opportunity to study climatic and environmental conditions over this time period. However, an independent determination of this age is important because the deuterium profile below a depth of 3,190 m depth does not show the expected correlation with the marine record. Here we present evidence for enhanced 10Be deposition in the ice at 3,160-3,170 m, which we interpret as a result of the low dipole field strength during the Matuyama-Brunhes geomagnetic reversal, which occurred about 780,000 years ago. If correct, this provides a crucial tie point between ice cores, marine cores and a radiometric timescale.

Evaluating Long-Term Impacts of Soil-Mixing Source-Zone Treatment using Cryogenic Core Collection

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-01

to (a) coring equipment freezing downhole, (b) freezing or binding of the core sample in barrel, and ( c ) running out of LN in the vicinity of sampling...encountered due to (a) coring equipment freezing downhole, (b) freezing or binding of the core sample in barrel, and ( c ) running out of LN in the...equipment freezing downhole, (b) freezing or binding of the core sample in barrel, and ( c ) running out of LN in the vicinity of sampling. Downhole

Core stability training for injury prevention.

PubMed

Huxel Bliven, Kellie C; Anderson, Barton E

2013-11-01

Enhancing core stability through exercise is common to musculoskeletal injury prevention programs. Definitive evidence demonstrating an association between core instability and injury is lacking; however, multifaceted prevention programs including core stabilization exercises appear to be effective at reducing lower extremity injury rates. PUBMED WAS SEARCHED FOR EPIDEMIOLOGIC, BIOMECHANIC, AND CLINICAL STUDIES OF CORE STABILITY FOR INJURY PREVENTION (KEYWORDS: "core OR trunk" AND "training OR prevention OR exercise OR rehabilitation" AND "risk OR prevalence") published between January 1980 and October 2012. Articles with relevance to core stability risk factors, assessment, and training were reviewed. Relevant sources from articles were also retrieved and reviewed. Stabilizer, mobilizer, and load transfer core muscles assist in understanding injury risk, assessing core muscle function, and developing injury prevention programs. Moderate evidence of alterations in core muscle recruitment and injury risk exists. Assessment tools to identify deficits in volitional muscle contraction, isometric muscle endurance, stabilization, and movement patterns are available. Exercise programs to improve core stability should focus on muscle activation, neuromuscular control, static stabilization, and dynamic stability. Core stabilization relies on instantaneous integration among passive, active, and neural control subsystems. Core muscles are often categorized functionally on the basis of stabilizing or mobilizing roles. Neuromuscular control is critical in coordinating this complex system for dynamic stabilization. Comprehensive assessment and training require a multifaceted approach to address core muscle strength, endurance, and recruitment requirements for functional demands associated with daily activities, exercise, and sport.

Noble gases in gas shales : Implications for gas retention and circulating fluids.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, Sudeshna; Jones, Adrian; Verchovsky, Alexander

2016-04-01

Gas shales from three cores of Haynesville-Bossier formation have been analysed simultaneously for carbon, nitrogen and noble gases (He, Ne, Ar, Xe) to constrain their source compositions and identify signatures associated with high gas retention. Ten samples from varying depths of 11785 to 12223 feet from each core, retrieved from their centres, have been combusted from 200-1200°C in incremental steps of 100°C, using 5 - 10 mg of each sample. Typically, Xe is released at 200°C and is largely adsorbed, observed in two of the three cores. The third core lacked any measureable Xe. High 40Ar/36Ar ratio up to 8000, is associated with peak release of nitrogen with distinctive isotopic signature, related to breakdown of clay minerals at 500°C. He and Ne are also mostly released at the same temperature step and predominantly hosted in the pore spaces of the organic matter associated with the clay. He may be produced from the uranium related to the organic matter. The enrichment factors of noble gases defined as (iX/36Ar)sample/(iX/36Ar)air where iX denotes any noble gas isotope, show Ne and Xe enrichment observed commonly in sedimentary rocks including shales (Podosek et al., 1980; Bernatowicz et al., 1984). This can be related to interaction of the shales with circulating fluids and diffusive separation of gases (Torgersen and Kennedy, 1999), implying the possibility of loss of gases from these shales. Interaction with circulating fluids (e.g. crustal fluids) have been further confirmed using 20Ne/N2, 36Ar/N2 and 4He/N2 ratios. Deviations of measured 4He/40Ar* (where 40Ar* represents radiogenic 40Ar after correcting for contribution from atmospheric Ar) from expected values has been used to monitor gas loss by degassing. Bernatowicz, T., Podosek, F.A., Honda, M., Kramer, F.E., 1984. The Atmospheric Inventory of Xenon and Noble Gases in Shales: The Plastic Bag Experiment. Journal of Geophysical Research 89, 4597-4611. Podosek, F.A., Honda, M., Ozima, M., 1980. Sedimentary noble gases. Geochimica Cosmochimica Acta 44, 1875-1884. Torgersen, T., Kennedy, B.M., 1999. Air-Xe enrichments in Oil Field Gases and the Influence of Water during Oil Migration and Storage. Earth and Planetary Science Letters167, 239-253.

Phase retrieval on broadband and under-sampled images for the JWST testbed telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, J. Scott; Aronstein, David L.; Dean, Bruce H.; Acton, D. Scott

2009-08-01

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) consists of an optical telescope element (OTE) that sends light to five science instruments. The initial steps for commissioning the telescope are performed with the Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) instrument, but low-order optical aberrations in the remaining science instruments must be determined (using phase retrieval) in order to ensure good performance across the entire field of view. These remaining instruments were designed to collect science data, and not to serve as wavefront sensors. Thus, the science cameras are not ideal phase-retrieval imagers for several reasons: they record under-sampled data and have a limited range of diversity defocus, and only one instrument has an internal, narrowband filter. To address these issues, we developed the capability of sensing these aberrations using an extension of image-based iterative-transform phase retrieval called Variable Sampling Mapping (VSM). The results show that VSM-based phase retrieval is capable of sensing low-order aberrations to a few nm RMS from images that are consistent with the non-ideal conditions expected during JWST multi-field commissioning. The algorithm is validated using data collected from the JWST Testbed Telescope (TBT).

Sampling criteria in multicollection searching.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilio, A.; Scozzafava, R.; Marchetti, P. G.

In the first stage of the document retrieval process, no information concerning relevance of a particular document is available. On the other hand, computer implementation requires that the analysis be made only for a sample of retrieved documents. This paper addresses the significance and suitability of two different sampling criteria for a multicollection online search facility. The inevitability of resorting to a logarithmic criterion in order to achieve a "spread of representativeness" from the multicollection is demonstrated.

The NASA Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS): A Constellation of Bi-static Ocean Scatterometer Microsatellites to Probe the Inner Core of Hurricanes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruf, C. S.; Clarizia, M. P.; Ridley, A. J.; Gleason, S.; O'Brien, A.

2014-12-01

The Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) is the first NASA Earth Ventures spaceborne mission. CYGNSS consists of a constellation of eight small observatories carried into orbit on a single launch vehicle. The eight satellites comprise a constellation that flies closely together to measure the ocean surface wind field with unprecedented temporal resolution and spatial coverage, under all precipitating conditions, and over the full dynamic range of wind speeds experienced in a TC. The 8 CYGNSS observatories will fly in 500 km circular orbits at a common inclination of ~35°. Each observatory includes a Delay Doppler Mapping Instrument (DDMI) consisting of a modified GPS receiver capable of measuring surface scattering, a low gain zenith antenna for measurement of the direct GPS signal, and two high gain nadir antennas for measurement of the weaker scattered signal. Each DDMI is capable of measuring 4 simultaneous bi-static reflections, resulting in a total of 32 wind measurements per second across the globe by the full constellation. Simulation studies will be presented which examine the sampling as functions of various orbit parameters of the constellation. For comparison purposes, a similar analysis is conducted using the sampling of several past and present conventional spaceborne ocean wind scatterometers. Differences in the ability of the sensors to resolve the evolution of the TC inner core will be examined. The CYGNSS observatories are currently in Phase C development. An update on the current status of the mission will be presented, including the expected precision, accuracy and spatial and temporal sampling properties of the retrieved winds.

Trace metal distributions in the sediments from river-reservoir systems: case of the Congo River and Lake Ma Vallée, Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo).

PubMed

Mwanamoki, Paola M; Devarajan, Naresh; Niane, Birane; Ngelinkoto, Patience; Thevenon, Florian; Nlandu, José W; Mpiana, Pius T; Prabakar, Kandasamy; Mubedi, Josué I; Kabele, Christophe G; Wildi, Walter; Poté, John

2015-01-01

The contamination of drinking water resources by toxic metals is a major problem in many parts of the world, particularly in dense populated areas of developing countries that lack wastewater treatment facilities. The present study characterizes the recent evolution with time of some contaminants deposited in the Congo River and Lake Ma Vallée, both located in the vicinity of the large city of Kinshasa, capital of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Physicochemical parameters including grain size distribution, organic matter and trace element concentrations were measured in sediment cores sampled from Congo River (n = 3) and Lake Ma Vallée (n = 2). The maximum concentration of trace elements in sediment profiles was found in the samples from the sites of Pool Malebo, with the values of 107.2, 111.7, 88.6, 39.3, 15.4, 6.1 and 4.7 mg kg(-1) for Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, Pb, As and Hg, respectively. This site, which is characterized by intense human activities, is especially well known for the construction of numerous boats that are used for regular navigation on Congo River. Concerning Lake Ma Vallée, the concentration of all metals are generally low, with maximum values of 26.3, 53.6, 16.1, 15.3, 6.5 and 1.8 mg kg(-1) for Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, Pb and As, respectively. However, the comparison of the metal profiles retrieved from the different sampled cores also reveals specific variations. The results of this study point out the sediment pollution by toxic metals in the Congo River Basin. This research presents useful tools for the evaluation of sediment contamination of river-reservoir systems.

TMS evidence for a selective role of the precuneus in source memory retrieval.

PubMed

Bonnì, Sonia; Veniero, Domenica; Mastropasqua, Chiara; Ponzo, Viviana; Caltagirone, Carlo; Bozzali, Marco; Koch, Giacomo

2015-04-01

The posteromedial cortex including the precuneus (PC) is thought to be involved in episodic memory retrieval. Here we used continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) to disentangle the role of the precuneus in the recognition memory process in a sample of healthy subjects. During the encoding phase, subjects were presented with a series of colored pictures. Afterwards, during the retrieval phase, all previously presented items and a sample of new pictures were presented in black, and subjects were asked to indicate whether each item was new or old, and in the latter case to indicate the associated color. cTBS was delivered over PC, posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and vertex before the retrieval phase. The data were analyzed in terms of hits, false alarms, source errors and omissions. cTBS over the precuneus, but not over the PPC or the vertex, induced a selective decrease in source memory errors, indicating an improvement in context retrieval. All the other accuracy measurements were unchanged. These findings suggest a direct implication of the precuneus in successful context-dependent retrieval. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

RACE/A: An Architectural Account of the Interactions between Learning, Task Control, and Retrieval Dynamics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Maanen, Leendert; van Rijn, Hedderik; Taatgen, Niels

2012-01-01

This article discusses how sequential sampling models can be integrated in a cognitive architecture. The new theory Retrieval by Accumulating Evidence in an Architecture (RACE/A) combines the level of detail typically provided by sequential sampling models with the level of task complexity typically provided by cognitive architectures. We will use…

When Remembering Causes Forgetting: Retrieval-Induced Forgetting as Recovery Failure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bauml, Karl-Heinz; Zellner, Martina; Vilimek, Roman

2005-01-01

Retrieval practice on a subset of previously learned material can cause forgetting of the unpracticed material and make it inaccessible to consciousness. Such inaccessibility may arise because the material is no longer sampled from the set of to-be-recalled items, or, though sampled, its representation is not complete enough to be recovered into…

Using Paraffin PCM, Cryogel and TEC to Maintain Comet Surface Sample Cold from Earth Approach Through Retrieval

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, Michael K.

2017-01-01

An innovative thermal design concept to maintain comet surface samples cold (for example, 263 degrees Kelvin, 243 degrees Kelvin or 223 degrees Kelvin) from Earth approach through retrieval is presented. It uses paraffin phase change material (PCM), Cryogel insulation and thermoelectric cooler (TEC), which are commercially available.

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission: Overview and U.S. Status

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hou, Arthur Y.; Azarbarzin, Ardeshir A.; Kakar, Ramesh K.; Neeck, Steven

2011-01-01

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission is an international satellite mission specifically designed to unify and advance precipitation measurements from a constellation of research and operational microwave sensors. The cornerstone of the GPM mission is the deployment of a Core Observatory in a 65 deg non-Sun-synchronous orbit to serve as a physics observatory and a transfer standard for inter-calibration of constellation radiometers. The GPM Core Observatory will carry a Ku/Ka-band Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) and a conical-scanning multi-channel (10-183 GHz) GPM Microwave Radiometer (GMI). The first space-borne dual-frequency radar will provide not only measurements of 3-D precipitation structures but also quantitative information on microphysical properties of precipitating particles needed for improving precipitation retrievals from passive microwave sensors. The combined use of DPR and GMI measurements will place greater constraints on radiometer retrievals to improve the accuracy and consistency of precipitation estimates from all constellation radiometers. The GPM constellation is envisioned to comprise five or more conical-scanning microwave radiometers and four or more cross-track microwave sounders on operational satellites. NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) plan to launch the GPM Core in July 2013. NASA will provide a second radiometer to be flown on a partner-provided GPM Low-Inclination Observatory (L10) to improve near real-time monitoring of hurricanes and mid-latitude storms. NASA and the Brazilian Space Program (AEB/IPNE) are currently engaged in a one-year study on potential L10 partnership. JAXA will contribute to GPM data from the Global Change Observation Mission-Water (GCOM-W) satellite. Additional partnerships are under development to include microwave radiometers on the French-Indian Megha-Tropiques satellite and U.S. Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites, as well as cross-track scanning humidity sounders on operational satellites such as the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP), POES, the NASA/NOAA Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), and EUMETSAT MetOp satellites. Data from Chinese and Russian microwave radiometers may also become available through international collaboration under the auspices of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) and Group on Earth Observations (GEO). The current generation of global rainfall products combines observations from a network of uncoordinated satellite missions using a variety of merging techniques. Relative to current data products, GPM's "nextgeneration" precipitation products will be characterized by: (1) more accurate instantaneous precipitation estimate (especially for light rain and cold-season solid precipitation), (2) more frequent sampling by an expanded constellation of microwave radiometers including operational humidity sounders over land, (3) intercalibrated microwave brightness temperatures from constellation radiometers within a unified framework, and (4) physical-based precipitation retrievals from constellation radiometers using a common a priori hydrometeor database constrained by combined radar/radiometer measurements provided by the GPM Core Observatory. An overview of the GPM mission concept, the U.S. GPM program status and updates on international science collaborations on GPM will be presented.

Evidence for gassy sediments on the inner shelf of SE Korea from geoacoustic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorgas, Thomas J.; Kim, Gil Y.; Park, Soo C.; Wilkens, Roy H.; Kim, Dae C.; Lee, Gwang H.; Seo, Young K.

2003-05-01

The inner shelf of SE Korea is characterized by an up to 40 m thick blanket of soft sediments often characterized by acoustic turbidity (AT). This AT is caused by a layer of sub-surface gas, which prohibits the identification of geological structures below that gas layer. Sound speeds were measured directly in these sediments using the Acoustic Lance (AL) in both mid- and late-September 1999. In situ sound speeds obtained in mid-September varied between 1400 and 1550 m/s, and thus did not confirm the presence of gas within the top 3.5 m of the seafloor. However, signal waveforms suggested that a gassy layer might have been just below the depth penetrated by the Lance. In late-September, on the other hand, two sites showed an abrupt decrease in signal amplitudes and in sound speed (less than 800 m/s) at depths as shallow as 2 m below seafloor, indicating the presence of free gas bubbles. Piston-cored sediments were retrieved at the same sites in February 1999. X-radiographs of some of the cores revealed numerous microcracks caused by the expansion of gas bubbles during core retrieval. In contrast to in situ acoustic data, ultrasonic sound speeds acquired in the laboratory in May 1999 on those cores did not differentiate convincingly between gas-bearing and gas-free sediments. Our measurements on the SE Korean shelf with the AL provide new data on the in situ acoustic behavior of gassy sediments and the sediments that overlie them in zones of AT.

NASA Tech Briefs, June 2011

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2011-01-01

Topics covered include: Wind and Temperature Spectrometry of the Upper Atmosphere in Low-Earth Orbit; Health Monitor for Multitasking, Safety-Critical, Real-Time Software; Stereo Imaging Miniature Endoscope; Early Oscillation Detection Technique for Hybrid DC/DC Converters; Parallel Wavefront Analysis for a 4D Interferometer; Schottky Heterodyne Receivers With Full Waveguide Bandwidth; Carbon Nanofiber-Based, High-Frequency, High-Q, Miniaturized Mechanical Resonators; Ultracapacitor-Based Uninterrupted Power Supply System; Coaxial Cables for Martian Extreme Temperature Environments; Using Spare Logic Resources To Create Dynamic Test Points; Autonomous Coordination of Science Observations Using Multiple Spacecraft; Autonomous Phase Retrieval Calibration; EOS MLS Level 1B Data Processing Software, Version 3; Cassini Tour Atlas Automated Generation; Software Development Standard Processes (SDSP); Graphite Composite Panel Polishing Fixture; Material Gradients in Oxygen System Components Improve Safety; Ridge Waveguide Structures in Magnesium-Doped Lithium Niobate; Modifying Matrix Materials to Increase Wetting and Adhesion; Lightweight Magnetic Cooler With a Reversible Circulator; The Invasive Species Forecasting System; Method for Cleanly and Precisely Breaking Off a Rock Core Using a Radial Compressive Force; Praying Mantis Bending Core Breakoff and Retention Mechanism; Scoring Dawg Core Breakoff and Retention Mechanism; Rolling-Tooth Core Breakoff and Retention Mechanism; Vibration Isolation and Stabilization System for Spacecraft Exercise Treadmill Devices; Microgravity-Enhanced Stem Cell Selection; Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurological Disorders by Millimeter-Wave Stimulation; Passive Vaporizing Heat Sink; Remote Sensing and Quantization of Analog Sensors; Phase Retrieval for Radio Telescope and Antenna Control; Helium-Cooled Black Shroud for Subscale Cryogenic Testing; Receive Mode Analysis and Design of Microstrip Reflectarrays; and Chance-Constrained Guidance With Non-Convex Constraints.

Occurrence of near-seafloor gas hydrates and associated cold vents in the Ulleung Basin, East Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahk, J.-J.; Kong, G.-S.; Park, Y.; Kim, J.-H.; Lee, H.; Park, Y.; Park, K.-P.

2009-04-01

During the site survey cruise for proposed drill sites of the Ulleung Basin Gas Hydrate Expedition 01, near-seafloor gas hydrates were discovered in core sediments from both regions of basin plain (2066-2012 m water depth) and southern slope (898 m) of the Ulleung Basin. The gas hydrate-bearing cores were exclusively retrieved from high backscatter intensity areas in processed 13 kHz multi-beam data, implying high seafloor reflectivity. In high-resolution (2-7 kHz) sub-bottom profiles, the coring sites are also characterized by narrow (< about 500 m wide) acoustic blank zones reaching seafloor, where they have surface expressions of low-relief (< about 5 m high) mound. In the data from a 38 kHz split-beam echosounder, which was deployed for acoustic characterization of gas bubbles, there are no apparent gas flares associated with the blank zones. The recovered gas hydrates mainly consist of disseminated nodules or veins in clayey mud, which normally occur from 5-6 m below the seafloor to the maximum penetration depth (<8 m) of the cores. In some cases, they were associated with abundant scattered authigenic carbonate nodules. Compositional and structural analyses of selected gas hydrate samples revealed that they consist of structure I hydrates which contain more than 99% methane with carbon isotope values ranging from -64 to -80 per mil (PDB). The preliminary results of the site survey cruise collectively suggest that the near-seafloor gas hydrates are related to cold vents, where high seafloor reflectivity is caused by presence of gas hydrates and authigenic carbonates. Gas seeping activity in the cold vents appears to be currently dormant.

Methods for Heel Retrieval for Tanks C-101, C-102, and C-111 at the Hanford Site - 13064

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

Sams, T.L.; Kirch, N.W.; Reynolds, J.H.

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the prospects of using bulk waste characteristics to determine the most appropriate heel retrieval technology. If the properties of hard to remove heels can be determined before bulk retrieval, then a heel retrieval technology can be selected before bulk retrieval is complete. This would save substantially on sampling costs and would allow the deployment of the heel retrieval technology immediately after bulk retrieval. The latter would also accelerate the heel removal schedule. A number of C-farm retrievals have been fully or partially completed at the time of this writing. Thus, there ismore » already substantial information on the success of different technologies and the composition of the heels. There is also substantial information on the waste types in each tank based on historical records. Therefore, this study will correlate the performance of technologies used so far and compare them to the known waste types in the tanks. This will be used to estimate the performance of future C Farm heel retrievals. An initial decision tree is developed and employed on tanks C-101, C-102, and C 111. An assumption of this study is that no additional characterization information would be available, before or after retrieval. Note that collecting additional information would substantially increase the probability of success. Deploying some in-situ testing technologies, such as a water lance or an in-situ Raman probe, might substantially increase the probability of successfully selecting the process conditions without having to take samples from the tanks for laboratory analysis. (authors)« less

Methods for heel retrieval for tanks C-101, C-102, and C-111 at the Hanford Site

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

Sams, Terry L.; Kirch, N. W.; Reynolds, Jacob G.

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the prospects of using bulk waste characteristics to determine the most appropriate heel retrieval technology. If the properties of hard to remove heels can be determined before bulk retrieval, then a heel retrieval technology can be selected before bulk retrieval is complete. This would save substantially on sampling costs and would allow the deployment of the heel retrieval technology immediately after bulk retrieval. The latter would also accelerate the heel removal schedule. A number of C-farm retrievals have been fully or partially completed at the time of this writing. Thus, there ismore » already substantial information on the success of different technologies and the composition of the heels. There is also substantial information on the waste types in each tank based on historical records. Therefore, this study will correlate the performance of technologies used so far and compare them to the known waste types in the tanks. This will be used to estimate the performance of future C Farm heel retrievals. An initial decision tree is developed and employed on tanks C-101, C-102, and C 111. An assumption of this study is that no additional characterization information would be available, before or after retrieval. Note that collecting additional information would substantially increase the probability of success. Deploying some in-situ testing technologies, such as a water lance or an in-situ Raman probe, might substantially increase the probability of successfully selecting the process conditions without having to take samples from the tanks for laboratory analysis.« less

Linking two thousand years of European historical records with environmental change recorded in a high Alpine ice core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bohleber, Pascal; Spaulding, Nicole; Mayewski, Paul; Kurbatov, Andrei; Hoffmann, Helene; Erhardt, Tobias; Fischer, Hubertus; More, Alexander; Loveluck, Christopher; Luongo, Matthew; Kabala, Jakub; McCormick, Michael

2016-04-01

Its extraordinary network of historical and archaeological records makes Europe exceptionally promising for investigating environmental change and human response over the last two thousand years. Among natural proxy archives, ice core records offer a wide range of environmental reconstructions including natural and human source histories of the chemistry of the atmosphere. To link these robust environmental records with historical evidence of past civilizations remains a great challenge, however. In central Europe the unique target for a comparison for environmental change recorded in ice cores and human activity is the small firn saddle of Colle Gnifetti (4550 m above sea level on the Italian-Swiss border). Its exceptionally low net accumulation make Colle Gnifetti (CG) the only feasible site in the Alps for retrieving a long-term ice core record beyond the last century. However, at CG rapid annual layer thinning eventually limits conventional cm-resolution analysis to multi-annual signals and hampers dating by annual layer counting beyond a few hundred years. Thereby, a crucial gap is introduced to the sub-seasonal time scale of events typically recorded in written archives. In our ongoing project we pioneer correlating the CG environmental ice core archive with a unique compilation of European historical records provided through the Harvard Initiative for the Science of the Human Past and the Digital Atlas of Roman and Medieval Civilization. For this purpose, state-of-the-art glacio-chemical analysis was performed on a newly recovered CG ice core, including continuous flow analysis chemistry and stable isotopes. A crucial contribution comes from the application of LA-ICP-MS (laser ablation ion coupled plasma mass spectrometry) to meter long sections of frozen ice samples, developed and operated by the University of Maine's Climate Change Institute, offering glacio-chemical records up to 100 μm in resolution. The new methods significantly improves sampling resolution and allows detection of annual layers even in highly compressed old sections of CG ice cores: A breakthrough not only for extending the ice core dating over the last two millennia but also for bridging the gap in time scales to historical records. Here we present first results from our ongoing efforts in bringing together ice core time series with historical evidence, focusing on the time period from 1 to 1400 C.E. Based on a thorough consideration of the glaciological constraints at CG we explore various ice core proxy signals for their significance to correlate with events recorded in human writing, such as dust storms, volcanic events, climate-induced crop failures and starvation as well as metal production levels. Distinct dust layers are frequently found in CG ice cores, representative for meteorological conditions that transported sand from the Sahara to Europe. At the same time, Saharan dust events were also frequently recorded by ancient and medieval observers as "blood rain". Ultimately we work towards using past extreme climate events from medieval Europe recorded as written evidence to constrain the ice core age scale and, vice versa, to investigate the response of human societies to environmental change recorded in the CG glacier archive.

Dreaming of Atmospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waldmann, Ingo

2016-10-01

Radiative transfer retrievals have become the standard in modelling of exoplanetary transmission and emission spectra. Analysing currently available observations of exoplanetary atmospheres often invoke large and correlated parameter spaces that can be difficult to map or constrain.To address these issues, we have developed the Tau-REx (tau-retrieval of exoplanets) retrieval and the RobERt spectral recognition algorithms. Tau-REx is a bayesian atmospheric retrieval framework using Nested Sampling and cluster computing to fully map these large correlated parameter spaces. Nonetheless, data volumes can become prohibitively large and we must often select a subset of potential molecular/atomic absorbers in an atmosphere.In the era of open-source, automated and self-sufficient retrieval algorithms, such manual input should be avoided. User dependent input could, in worst case scenarios, lead to incomplete models and biases in the retrieval. The RobERt algorithm is build to address these issues. RobERt is a deep belief neural (DBN) networks trained to accurately recognise molecular signatures for a wide range of planets, atmospheric thermal profiles and compositions. Using these deep neural networks, we work towards retrieval algorithms that themselves understand the nature of the observed spectra, are able to learn from current and past data and make sensible qualitative preselections of atmospheric opacities to be used for the quantitative stage of the retrieval process.In this talk I will discuss how neural networks and Bayesian Nested Sampling can be used to solve highly degenerate spectral retrieval problems and what 'dreaming' neural networks can tell us about atmospheric characteristics.

Effect of Compositional Variation in TiO2-Based Flux-Cored Arc Welding Fluxes on the Thermo-physical Properties and Mechanical Behavior of a Weld Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, J. B.; Lee, T. H.; Sohn, I.

2018-04-01

The effect of compositional variation in TiO2-based flux-cored arc welding fluxes on viscosity, wettability, and electronegativity was studied. The thermo-physical properties of the retrieved fluxes and their relationship with the mechanical properties of the weld zone, including tensile strength and micro-Vickers hardness, after welding were identified. Microstructural observation under similar welding conditions revealed significant grain coarsening at a corrected optical basicity (Λcorr) of 0.62, resulting in reduced strength and hardness due to greater heat transfer. Welding fluxes containing TiO2-based simple structural units should result in greater heat transfer due to the deficiency in complex [AlO4]5-- and [SiO4]4--based structural units, as identified through spectroscopic analyses using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electronegativity of the retrieved fluxes was also evaluated since higher electronegativity results in greater absorption of electrons in the arc, resulting in arc condensation towards the center direction. Consequently, deeper penetration could be obtained, where the highest electronegativity was identified to be approximately 0.62 of the corrected optical basicity. Thus, both the thermal conductivity and electronegativity of the welding fluxes were identified to determine the heat transfer phenomenon during flux-cored arc welding.

Effect of Compositional Variation in TiO2-Based Flux-Cored Arc Welding Fluxes on the Thermo-physical Properties and Mechanical Behavior of a Weld Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, J. B.; Lee, T. H.; Sohn, I.

2018-07-01

The effect of compositional variation in TiO2-based flux-cored arc welding fluxes on viscosity, wettability, and electronegativity was studied. The thermo-physical properties of the retrieved fluxes and their relationship with the mechanical properties of the weld zone, including tensile strength and micro-Vickers hardness, after welding were identified. Microstructural observation under similar welding conditions revealed significant grain coarsening at a corrected optical basicity (Λcorr) of 0.62, resulting in reduced strength and hardness due to greater heat transfer. Welding fluxes containing TiO2-based simple structural units should result in greater heat transfer due to the deficiency in complex [AlO4]5-- and [SiO4]4--based structural units, as identified through spectroscopic analyses using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electronegativity of the retrieved fluxes was also evaluated since higher electronegativity results in greater absorption of electrons in the arc, resulting in arc condensation towards the center direction. Consequently, deeper penetration could be obtained, where the highest electronegativity was identified to be approximately 0.62 of the corrected optical basicity. Thus, both the thermal conductivity and electronegativity of the welding fluxes were identified to determine the heat transfer phenomenon during flux-cored arc welding.

MEDRank: using graph-based concept ranking to index biomedical texts

PubMed Central

Herskovic, Jorge R.; Cohen, Trevor; Subramanian, Devika; Iyengar, M. Sriram; Smith, Jack W.; Bernstam, Elmer V.

2011-01-01

BACKGROUND As the volume of biomedical text increases exponentially, automatic indexing becomes increasingly important. However, existing approaches do not distinguish central (or core) concepts from concepts that were mentioned in passing. We focus on the problem of indexing MEDLINE records, a process that is currently performed by highly-trained humans at the National Library of Medicine (NLM). NLM indexers are assisted by a system called the Medical Text Indexer (MTI) that suggests candidate indexing terms. OBJECTIVE To improve the ability of MTI to select the core terms in MEDLINE abstracts. These core concepts are deemed to be most important and are designated as “major headings” by MEDLINE indexers. We introduce and evaluate a graph-based indexing methodology called MEDRank that generates concept graphs from biomedical text and then ranks the concepts within these graphs to identify the most important ones. METHODS We insert a MEDRank step into the MTI and compare MTI’s output with and without MEDRank to the MEDLINE indexers’ selected terms for a sample of 11,803 PubMed Central articles. We also tested whether human raters prefer terms generated by the MEDLINE indexers, MTI without MEDRank, and MTI with MEDRank for a sample of 36 PubMed Central articles. RESULTS MEDRank improved recall of major headings designated by 30% over MTI without MEDRank (0.489 vs 0.376). Overall recall was only slightly (6.5%) higher (0.490 vs 0.460) as was F2 (3%, 0.408 vs 0.396). However, overall precision was 3.9% lower (0.268 vs 0.279). Human raters preferred terms generated by MTI with MEDRank over terms generated by MTI without MEDRank (by an average of 1.00 more term per article), and preferred terms generated by MTI with MEDRank and the MEDLINE indexers at the same rate. CONCLUSIONS The addition of MEDRank to MTI significantly improved the retrieval of core concepts in MEDLINE abstracts and more closely matched human expectations compared to MTI without MEDRank. In addition, MEDRank slightly improved overall recall and F2. PMID:21439897

MEDRank: using graph-based concept ranking to index biomedical texts.

PubMed

Herskovic, Jorge R; Cohen, Trevor; Subramanian, Devika; Iyengar, M Sriram; Smith, Jack W; Bernstam, Elmer V

2011-06-01

As the volume of biomedical text increases exponentially, automatic indexing becomes increasingly important. However, existing approaches do not distinguish central (or core) concepts from concepts that were mentioned in passing. We focus on the problem of indexing MEDLINE records, a process that is currently performed by highly trained humans at the National Library of Medicine (NLM). NLM indexers are assisted by a system called the Medical Text Indexer (MTI) that suggests candidate indexing terms. To improve the ability of MTI to select the core terms in MEDLINE abstracts. These core concepts are deemed to be most important and are designated as "major headings" by MEDLINE indexers. We introduce and evaluate a graph-based indexing methodology called MEDRank that generates concept graphs from biomedical text and then ranks the concepts within these graphs to identify the most important ones. We insert a MEDRank step into the MTI and compare MTI's output with and without MEDRank to the MEDLINE indexers' selected terms for a sample of 11,803 PubMed Central articles. We also tested whether human raters prefer terms generated by the MEDLINE indexers, MTI without MEDRank, and MTI with MEDRank for a sample of 36 PubMed Central articles. MEDRank improved recall of major headings designated by 30% over MTI without MEDRank (0.489 vs. 0.376). Overall recall was only slightly (6.5%) higher (0.490 vs. 0.460) as was F(2) (3%, 0.408 vs. 0.396). However, overall precision was 3.9% lower (0.268 vs. 0.279). Human raters preferred terms generated by MTI with MEDRank over terms generated by MTI without MEDRank (by an average of 1.00 more term per article), and preferred terms generated by MTI with MEDRank and the MEDLINE indexers at the same rate. The addition of MEDRank to MTI significantly improved the retrieval of core concepts in MEDLINE abstracts and more closely matched human expectations compared to MTI without MEDRank. In addition, MEDRank slightly improved overall recall and F(2). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prominent features in isotopic, chemical and dust stratigraphies from GV7, a drilling site in East Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caiazzo, Laura

2016-04-01

In the framework of the new project "The IPICS 2k Array: a network of ice core climate and climate forcing records for the last two millennia", which represents a thematic research line of International Partnerships in Ice Core Sciences (IPICS), a 250 m deep ice core was retrieved (spanning roughly the last millennium) at GV7 site, together with several shallow firn cores and snow pits. The PNRA (Programma Nazionale di Ricerche in Antartide) project "IPICS-2kyr-It" represents the Italian contribution to IPICS "The 2k Array" and it is being accomplished in collaboration with KOPRI (Korean Polar Reasearch Institute). The availability of various records from the same site all spanning a temporal period ranging from the last decades to the last centuries will allow achieving a stacked record of chemical and isotopic markers and accumulation rate that is basic for a reliable climatic reconstruction. Previous surveys in the area of GV7 (70°41' S - 158°51' E, 1950 m a.s.l., East Antarctica) showed that this site is characterized by a relatively high snow accumulation (about 240 mm water eq./year), allowing a high resolution study of the climatic variability in the last millennium. Here we present the isotopic, chemical and dust stratigraphies of the snow pits sampled at GV7 during the 2013/14 field season and analysed in Italy and in Korea. Reversibly deposited components such as nitrate and methansulphonic acid (MSA) appear to be well preserved and show a clear seasonal profiles, as one can observe from the records achieved both by Italian and Korean labs. Such a feature, together with the high accumulation rate, allowed obtaining an accurate dating of the snow pits, based on the counting of annual layers. At this purpose, a multi-parametric approach was chosen by using MSA, non-sea-salt sulphate, and d18O as seasonal markers. The dating confirmed the value of the accumulation rate found during previous samplings.

Hyper thin 3D edge measurement of honeycomb core structures based on the triangular camera-projector layout & phase-based stereo matching.

PubMed

Jiang, Hongzhi; Zhao, Huijie; Li, Xudong; Quan, Chenggen

2016-03-07

We propose a novel hyper thin 3D edge measurement technique to measure the profile of 3D outer envelope of honeycomb core structures. The width of the edges of the honeycomb core is less than 0.1 mm. We introduce a triangular layout design consisting of two cameras and one projector to measure hyper thin 3D edges and eliminate data interference from the walls. A phase-shifting algorithm and the multi-frequency heterodyne phase-unwrapping principle are applied for phase retrievals on edges. A new stereo matching method based on phase mapping and epipolar constraint is presented to solve correspondence searching on the edges and remove false matches resulting in 3D outliers. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for measuring the 3D profile of honeycomb core structures.

the God Particle & the Delusion of Grandeur

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maksoed, Wh-

2016-11-01

It had been established that it was crystalline The inner core is isolated from the rest of earth by the low-viscosity fluid outer core, and it can rotate, nod, precess, wobble, oscillate and even flip over, being only loosely constrained by the surrounding shells- Anderson, 2002. Furthers in accordances of PMRI from Dr.Robert K. Sembiring to ASTRANOMICS, herewith Richard Dawkins: "the God delusion" - 2006 ever quotes by the Rector of the University of INDONESIA 2006 HE. Mr. Prof. Dr.derSoz Gumilar Rusliwa SOMANTRI: "Beyond 'delusion of grandeur' menuju INDONESIA baru Bebas Kemiskinan"ever retrieves Lester G. Telser- 1994: "the Usefulness of Core Theory in Economics" - "core theory furnishes a useful framework for a wide variety of economic problems. It has an undeserved reputation of being too abstract owing mainly to the manner in which it is employed in the theory of general equilibrium." Heartfelt Gratitudes to HE. Mr. Prof. Ir. Handojo.

Wallula Basalt Pilot Demonstration Project: Post-injection Results and Conclusions

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

McGrail, Bernard Pete; Schaef, Herbert T.; Spane, Frank A.

Deep underground geologic formations are emerging as a reasonable option for long-term storage of CO 2, including large continental flood basalt formations. At the GHGT-11 and GHGT-12 conferences, progress was reported on the initial phases for Wallula Basalt Pilot demonstration test (located in Eastern Washington state), where nearly 1,000 metric tons of CO 2 were injected over a 3-week period during July/August 2013. The target CO 2 injection intervals were two permeable basalt interflow reservoir zones with a combined thickness of ~20 m that occur within a layered basalt sequence between a depth of 830-890 m below ground surface. Duringmore » the two-year post-injection period, downhole fluid samples were periodically collected during this post-injection monitoring phase, coupled with limited wireline borehole logging surveys that provided indirect evidence of on-going chemical geochemical reactions/alterations and CO 2 disposition. A final detailed post-closure field characterization program that included downhole fluid sampling, and performance of hydrologic tests and wireline geophysical surveys. Included as part of the final wireline characterization activities was the retrieval of side-wall cores from within the targeted injection zones. These cores were examined for evidence of in-situ mineral carbonization. Visual observations of the core material identified small globular nodules, translucent to yellow in color, residing within vugs and small cavities of the recovered basalt side-wall cores, which were not evident in pre-injection side-wall cores obtained from the native basalt formation. Characterization by x-ray diffraction identified these nodular precipitates as ankerite, a commonly occurring iron and calcium rich carbonate. Isotopic characterization (δ 13C, δ 18O) conducted on the ankerite nodules indicate a distinct isotopic signature that is closely aligned with that of the injected CO 2. Both the secondary mineral nodules and injected CO 2 are measurably different from the isotopic content of basalt, injection zone groundwater and for naturally occurring calcite. Final post-injection wireline geophysical logging results also indicate the presence of free-phase CO 2 at the top of the two injection interflow zones, with no vertical migration of CO 2 above the injection horizons. Furthermore, these findings are significant and demonstrate the feasibility of sequestering CO 2 in a basalt formation.« less

Wallula Basalt Pilot Demonstration Project: Post-injection Results and Conclusions

DOE PAGES

McGrail, Bernard Pete; Schaef, Herbert T.; Spane, Frank A.; ...

2017-08-18

Deep underground geologic formations are emerging as a reasonable option for long-term storage of CO 2, including large continental flood basalt formations. At the GHGT-11 and GHGT-12 conferences, progress was reported on the initial phases for Wallula Basalt Pilot demonstration test (located in Eastern Washington state), where nearly 1,000 metric tons of CO 2 were injected over a 3-week period during July/August 2013. The target CO 2 injection intervals were two permeable basalt interflow reservoir zones with a combined thickness of ~20 m that occur within a layered basalt sequence between a depth of 830-890 m below ground surface. Duringmore » the two-year post-injection period, downhole fluid samples were periodically collected during this post-injection monitoring phase, coupled with limited wireline borehole logging surveys that provided indirect evidence of on-going chemical geochemical reactions/alterations and CO 2 disposition. A final detailed post-closure field characterization program that included downhole fluid sampling, and performance of hydrologic tests and wireline geophysical surveys. Included as part of the final wireline characterization activities was the retrieval of side-wall cores from within the targeted injection zones. These cores were examined for evidence of in-situ mineral carbonization. Visual observations of the core material identified small globular nodules, translucent to yellow in color, residing within vugs and small cavities of the recovered basalt side-wall cores, which were not evident in pre-injection side-wall cores obtained from the native basalt formation. Characterization by x-ray diffraction identified these nodular precipitates as ankerite, a commonly occurring iron and calcium rich carbonate. Isotopic characterization (δ 13C, δ 18O) conducted on the ankerite nodules indicate a distinct isotopic signature that is closely aligned with that of the injected CO 2. Both the secondary mineral nodules and injected CO 2 are measurably different from the isotopic content of basalt, injection zone groundwater and for naturally occurring calcite. Final post-injection wireline geophysical logging results also indicate the presence of free-phase CO 2 at the top of the two injection interflow zones, with no vertical migration of CO 2 above the injection horizons. Furthermore, these findings are significant and demonstrate the feasibility of sequestering CO 2 in a basalt formation.« less

Percutaneous Management of Accidentally Retained Foreign Bodies During Image-Guided Non-vascular Procedures: Novel Technique Using a Large-Bore Biopsy System

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

Cazzato, Roberto Luigi, E-mail: gigicazzato@hotmail.it; Garnon, Julien, E-mail: juleiengarnon@gmail.com; Ramamurthy, Nitin, E-mail: nitin-ramamurthy@hotmail.com

ObjectiveTo describe a novel percutaneous image-guided technique using a large-bore biopsy system to retrieve foreign bodies (FBs) accidentally retained during non-vascular interventional procedures.Materials and MethodsBetween May 2013 and October 2015, five patients underwent percutaneous retrieval of five iatrogenic FBs, including a biopsy needle tip in the femoral head following osteoblastoma biopsy and radiofrequency ablation (RFA); a co-axial needle shaft within a giant desmoid tumour following cryoablation; and three post-vertebroplasty cement tails within paraspinal muscles. All FBs were retrieved immediately following original procedures under local or general anaesthesia, using combined computed tomography (CT) and fluoroscopic guidance. The basic technique involved positioningmore » a 6G trocar sleeve around the FB long axis and co-axially advancing an 8G biopsy needle to retrieve the FB within the biopsy core. Retrospective chart review facilitated analysis of procedures, FBs, technical success, and complications.ResultsMean FB size was 23 mm (range 8–74 mm). Four FBs were located within 10 mm of non-vascular significant anatomic structures. The basic technique was successful in 3 cases; 2 cases required technical modifications including using a stiff guide-wire to facilitate retrieval in the case of the post-cryoablation FB; and using the central mandrin of the 6G trocar to push a cement tract back into an augmented vertebra when initial retrieval failed. Overall technical success (FB retrieval or removal to non-hazardous location) was 100 %, with no complications.ConclusionPercutaneous image-guided retrieval of iatrogenic FBs using a large-bore biopsy system is a feasible, safe, effective, and versatile technique, with potential advantages over existing methods.« less

Neural mechanism underlying autobiographical memory modulated by remoteness and emotion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Ruiyang; Fu, Yan; Wang, DaHua; Yao, Li; Long, Zhiying

2012-03-01

Autobiographical memory is the ability to recollect past events from one's own life. Both emotional tone and memory remoteness can influence autobiographical memory retrieval along the time axis of one's life. Although numerous studies have been performed to investigate brain regions involved in retrieving processes of autobiographical memory, the effect of emotional tone and memory age on autobiographical memory retrieval remains to be clarified. Moreover, whether the involvement of hippocampus in consolidation of autobiographical events is time dependent or independent has been controversial. In this study, we investigated the effect of memory remoteness (factor1: recent and remote) and emotional valence (factor2: positive and negative) on neural correlates underlying autobiographical memory by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique. Although all four conditions activated some common regions known as "core" regions in autobiographical memory retrieval, there are some other regions showing significantly different activation for recent versus remote and positive versus negative memories. In particular, we found that bilateral hippocampal regions were activated in the four conditions regardless of memory remoteness and emotional valence. Thus, our study confirmed some findings of previous studies and provided further evidence to support the multi-trace theory which believes that the role of hippocampus involved in autobiographical memory retrieval is time-independent and permanent in memory consolidation.

Influence of item distribution pattern and abundance on efficiency of benthic core sampling

USGS Publications Warehouse

Behney, Adam C.; O'Shaughnessy, Ryan; Eichholz, Michael W.; Stafford, Joshua D.

2014-01-01

ore sampling is a commonly used method to estimate benthic item density, but little information exists about factors influencing the accuracy and time-efficiency of this method. We simulated core sampling in a Geographic Information System framework by generating points (benthic items) and polygons (core samplers) to assess how sample size (number of core samples), core sampler size (cm2), distribution of benthic items, and item density affected the bias and precision of estimates of density, the detection probability of items, and the time-costs. When items were distributed randomly versus clumped, bias decreased and precision increased with increasing sample size and increased slightly with increasing core sampler size. Bias and precision were only affected by benthic item density at very low values (500–1,000 items/m2). Detection probability (the probability of capturing ≥ 1 item in a core sample if it is available for sampling) was substantially greater when items were distributed randomly as opposed to clumped. Taking more small diameter core samples was always more time-efficient than taking fewer large diameter samples. We are unable to present a single, optimal sample size, but provide information for researchers and managers to derive optimal sample sizes dependent on their research goals and environmental conditions.

GPM Microwave Imager Engineering Model Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newell, David; Krimchansky, Sergey

2010-01-01

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI) Instrument is being developed by Ball Aerospace and Technology Corporation (BATC) for the GPM program at NASA Goddard. The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission is an international effort managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to improve climate, weather, and hydro-meteorological predictions through more accurate and more frequent precipitation measurements. The GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) will be used to make calibrated, radiometric measurements from space at multiple microwave frequencies and polarizations. GMI will be placed on the GPM Core Spacecraft together with the Dualfrequency Precipitation Radar (DPR). The DPR is two-frequency precipitation measurement radar, which will operate in the Ku-band and Ka-band of the microwave spectrum. The Core Spacecraft will make radiometric and radar measurements of clouds and precipitation and will be the central element ofGPM's space segment. The data products from GPM will provide information concerning global precipitation on a frequent, near-global basis to meteorologists and scientists making weather forecasts and performing research on the global energy and water cycle, precipitation, hydrology, and related disciplines. In addition, radiometric measurements from GMI and radar measurements from the DPR will be used together to develop a retrieval transfer standard for the purpose of calibrating precipitation retrieval algorithms. This calibration standard will establish a reference against which other retrieval algorithms using only microwave radiometers (and without the benefit of the DPR) on other satellites in the GPM constellation will be compared.

GPM Microwave Imager Design, Predicted Performance and Status

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krimchansky, Sergey; Newell, David

2010-01-01

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI) Instrument is being developed by Ball Aerospace and Technology Corporation (BATC) for the GPM program at NASA Goddard. The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission is an international effort managed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (t.JASA) to improve climate, weather, and hydro-meteorological predictions through more accurate and more frequent precipitation measurements. The GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) will be used to make calibrated, radiometric measurements from space at multiple microwave frequencies and polarizations. GMI will be placed on the GPM Core Spacecraft together with the Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR). The DPR is two-frequency precipitation measurement radar, which will operate in the Ku-band and Ka-band of the microwave spectrum. The Core Spacecraft will make radiometric and radar measurements of clouds and precipitation and will be the central element of GPM's space segment. The data products from GPM will provide information concerning global precipitation on a frequent, near-global basis to meteorologists and scientists making weather forecasts and performing research on the global energy and water cycle, precipitation, hydrology, and related disciplines. In addition, radiometric measurements from GMI and radar measurements from the DPR will be used together to develop a retrieval transfer standard for the purpose of calibrating precipitation retrieval algorithms. This calibration standard will establish a reference against which other retrieval algorithms using only microwave radiometers (and without the benefit of the DPR) on other satellites in the GPM constellation will be compared.

Lightweight Low Force Rotary Percussive Coring Tool for Planetary Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hironaka, Ross; Stanley, Scott

2010-01-01

A prototype low-force rotary-percussive rock coring tool for use in acquiring samples for geological surveys in future planetary missions was developed. The coring tool could eventually enable a lightweight robotic system to operate from a relatively small (less than 200 kg) mobile or fixed platform to acquire and cache Mars or other planetary rock samples for eventual return to Earth for analysis. To gain insight needed to design an integrated coring tool, the coring ability of commercially available coring bits was evaluated for effectiveness of varying key parameters: weight-on-bit, rotation speed, percussive rate and force. Trade studies were performed for different methods of breaking a core at its base and for retaining the core in a sleeve to facilitate sample transfer. This led to a custom coring tool design which incorporated coring, core breakage, core retention, and core extraction functions. The coring tool was tested on several types of rock and demonstrated the overall feasibility of this approach for robotic rock sample acquisition.

The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics Marine Geology and Geophysics Field Course

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, M. B.; Gulick, S. P.; Allison, M. A.; Goff, J. A.; Duncan, D. D.; Saustrup, S.

2010-12-01

During the spring-summer intersession, we annually offer an intensive three-week field course designed to provide hands-on instruction and training for graduate and upper-level undergraduate students in the acquisition, processing, interpretation, and visualization of marine geological and geophysical data. Now in year four, the course covers high-resolution air gun and streamer seismic reflection, CHIRP sub-bottom profiling, multibeam bathymetry, sidescan sonar, several types of sediment coring, grab sampling, and the sedimentology of resulting seabed samples (e.g., core description, grain size analysis, x-radiography, etc.). Students first participate in three days of classroom instruction designed to provide theoretical and technical background on each field method and impart geologic context of the study area. Students then travel to the Gulf Coast for a week of at-sea field work. In the field, students rotate between two small research vessels: one vessel, the 22’ aluminum-hulled R/V Lake Itasca, owned and operated by UTIG, is used for multibeam bathymetry, sidescan sonar, and sediment sampling; the other, NOAA’s R/V Manta or the R/V Acadiana, operated by the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, is used for high-resolution seismic reflection, CHIRP sub-bottom profiling, gravity coring, and vibracoring. Students assist with survey design, learn systems setup and acquisition parameters, and safe instrument deployment and retrieval techniques. Students also perform on-shore sedimentology lab work, data quality control, data processing and visualization using industry-standard software such as Focus, Landmark, Caris, and Fledermaus. During the course’s final week, students return to the classroom where, collaborating in teams of three, they integrate and interpret data in a final project which examines the geologic history and/or sedimentary processes as typified by the Gulf Coast continental shelf. The course culminates in a series of professional-level final presentations and discussions. Following the course, students report a greater understanding of marine geology and geophysics via the course’s intensive, hands-on, team approach, and low instructor to student ratio. This course satisfies field experience requirements for some degree programs and thus provides a unique alternative to land-based field courses.

Water column and bed-sediment core samples collected from Brownlee Reservoir near Oxbow, Oregon, 2012

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fosness, Ryan L.; Naymik, Jesse; Hopkins, Candice B.; DeWild, John F.

2013-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with Idaho Power Company, collected water-column and bed-sediment core samples from eight sites in Brownlee Reservoir near Oxbow, Oregon, during May 5–7, 2012. Water-column and bed-sediment core samples were collected at each of the eight sites and analyzed for total mercury and methylmercury. Additional bed-sediment core samples, collected from three of the eight sites, were analyzed for pesticides and other organic compounds, trace metals, and physical characteristics, such as particle size. Total mercury and methylmercury were detected in each of the water column and bed-sediment core samples. Only 17 of the 417 unique pesticide and organic compounds were detected in bed-sediment core samples. Concentrations of most organic wastewater compounds detected in bed sediment were less than the reporting level. Trace metals detected were greater than the reporting level in all the bed-sediment core samples submitted for analysis. The particle size distribution of bed-sediment core samples was predominantly clay mixed with silt.

The Global Precipitation Measurement Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jackson, Gail

2014-05-01

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission's Core satellite, scheduled for launch at the end of February 2014, is well designed estimate precipitation from 0.2 to 110 mm/hr and to detect falling snow. Knowing where and how much rain and snow falls globally is vital to understanding how weather and climate impact both our environment and Earth's water and energy cycles, including effects on agriculture, fresh water availability, and responses to natural disasters. The design of the GPM Core Observatory is an advancement of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM)'s highly successful rain-sensing package [3]. The cornerstone of the GPM mission is the deployment of a Core Observatory in a unique 65o non-Sun-synchronous orbit to serve as a physics observatory and a calibration reference to improve precipitation measurements by a constellation of 8 or more dedicated and operational, U.S. and international passive microwave sensors. The Core Observatory will carry a Ku/Ka-band Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) and a multi-channel (10-183 GHz) GPM Microwave Radiometer (GMI). The DPR will provide measurements of 3-D precipitation structures and microphysical properties, which are key to achieving a better understanding of precipitation processes and improving retrieval algorithms for passive microwave radiometers. The combined use of DPR and GMI measurements will place greater constraints on possible solutions to radiometer retrievals to improve the accuracy and consistency of precipitation retrievals from all constellation radiometers. Furthermore, since light rain and falling snow account for a significant fraction of precipitation occurrence in middle and high latitudes, the GPM instruments extend the capabilities of the TRMM sensors to detect falling snow, measure light rain, and provide, for the first time, quantitative estimates of microphysical properties of precipitation particles. The GPM Core Observatory was developed and tested at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. It was shipped to Japan in November 2012 for launch on a Japanese H-IIA rocket from Tanegashima Island, Japan. The launch has been officially scheduled for 1:07 p.m. to 3:07 p.m. EST Thursday, February 27, 2014 (3:07 a.m. to 5:07 a.m. JST Friday, February 28). The day that the GPM Core was shipped to Japan was the day that GPM's Project Scientist, Dr. Arthur Hou passed away after a year-long battle with cancer. Dr. Hou truly made GPM a global effort with a global team. He excelled in providing scientific oversight for achieving GPM's many science objectives and application goals, including delivering high-resolution precipitation data in near real time for better understanding, monitoring and prediction of global precipitation systems and high-impact weather events such as hurricanes. Dr. Hou successfully forged international partnerships to collect and validate space-borne measurements of precipitation around the globe. He served as a professional mentor to numerous junior and mid-level scientists. His presence, leadership, generous personality, and the example he set for all of us as a true "team-player" will be greatly missed. The GPM mission will be described, Arthur's role as Project Scientist for GPM, and early imagery of GPM's retrievals of precipitation will be presented if available at the end of April 2014 (2 months after launch).

A genome-wide supported variant in CACNA1C influences hippocampal activation during episodic memory encoding and retrieval.

PubMed

Krug, Axel; Witt, Stephanie H; Backes, Heidelore; Dietsche, Bruno; Nieratschker, Vanessa; Shah, N Jon; Nöthen, Markus M; Rietschel, Marcella; Kircher, Tilo

2014-03-01

The alpha 1C subunit of the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel (CACNA1C) gene is one of the best replicated susceptibility loci for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and major depression. It is involved in learning, memory and brain plasticity. Genetic studies using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) reported evidence of association with the CACNA1C single nucleotide polymorphism rs1006737 with functional correlates of episodic memory encoding and retrieval, especially activations in the hippocampus. These results, however, are inconsistent with regard to the magnitude and directionality of effect. In the present study, brain activation was measured with fMRI during an episodic memory encoding and retrieval task using neutral faces in two independent samples of 94 and 111 healthy subjects, respectively. Within whole brain analyses, a main effect of genotype emerged mainly in the right hippocampus during encoding as well as retrieval within the first sample: Carriers of the minor allele (A) exhibited lower activations compared to G/G allele carriers. This effect could be replicated within the second sample, however, only for the retrieval condition. The results strengthen findings that rs1006737 is associated with neural systems related to memory processes in hippocampal regions which are detectable in healthy subjects.

Biopsy using a magnetic capsule endoscope carrying, releasing, and retrieving untethered microgrippers.

PubMed

Yim, Sehyuk; Gultepe, Evin; Gracias, David H; Sitti, Metin

2014-02-01

This paper proposes a new wireless biopsy method where a magnetically actuated untethered soft capsule endoscope carries and releases a large number of thermo-sensitive, untethered microgrippers (μ-grippers) at a desired location inside the stomach and retrieves them after they self-fold and grab tissue samples. We describe the working principles and analytical models for the μ-gripper release and retrieval mechanisms, and evaluate the proposed biopsy method in ex vivo experiments. This hierarchical approach combining the advanced navigation skills of centimeter-scaled untethered magnetic capsule endoscopes with highly parallel, autonomous, submillimeter scale tissue sampling μ-grippers offers a multifunctional strategy for gastrointestinal capsule biopsy.

Meiofauna communities along an abyssal depth gradient in the Drake Passage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gutzmann, E.; Martínez Arbizu, P.; Rose, A.; Veit-Köhler, G.

2004-07-01

Meiofauna standing stocks and community structure are reported for the first time for abyssal soft-sediment samples in Antarctic waters. At seven stations within a depth range of 2274-5194 m a total of 128 sediment cores were retrieved with a multiple corer (MUC) on board of the R.V. Polarstern during the ANDEEP-1 cruise (ANT XIX/3). The metazoan meiofauna (defined by a lower size limit of 40 μm) was identified and counted, and one core per station was preserved for CPE, C/N, TOM and grain size analyses. Meiofauna densities are in the range of 2731 Ind./10 cm 2 at 2290 m depth and 75 Ind./10 cm 2 at 3597 m depth, with nematodes being the dominant group at all stations. Nematodes account for 84-94% followed by copepods with 2-8% of the total meiofauna. Other frequent taxa found at each station are kinorhynchs, loriciferans, tantulocarids, ostracods and tardigrades. There is a general tendency of decreasing abundances of metazoan meiofauna with increasing depth, but not all higher level taxa displayed this pattern. In addition, a tendency of decreasing higher taxon density with increasing depth was observed. Standing stocks are higher than the average found at similar depths in other oceans.

Microcatheter entrapment retrieval from Onyx embolization in brain arteriovenous malformations: A technical note.

PubMed

Vu, Phat D; Grigorian, Arthur A

2015-10-01

Many techniques have been use for retrieval of an entrapped microcatheter during Onyx (eV3 Neurovascular) embolization of brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs). We report our technique that we term "pull-push-pull" that can be utilized as first management in retrieving the microcatheter. We analyzed a total of 37 patients that underwent BAVM embolization with either Onyx 18 or 34 at our institution. Standard embolization techniques were utilized with the use of Marathon (eV3 Neurovascular) microcatheter. When difficulty in retrieving the microcatheter arose, we used the "pull-push-pull" technique. The technique comprises the eV3 protocol of retraction. In addition, the microcatheter is stretched causing the Onyx cast to stretch in its inner core, creating a more thorough cohesive property amongst the Onyx mixture. Then the microcatheter is pushed back and to its point of embolization origin. Afterwards, retraction of the microcatheter is enabled as it can be easily dislodged from the cast. Multiple attempts can be repeated as needed. We had three patients that had difficulty with removal of microcatheter (8.1%). Utilization of the "pull-push-pull" technique was used on two of those patients. No neurological complication was observed with our technique. We believe the cohesive property of Onyx solution helps in the retrieval of the catheter by our method and technique. We believe the "pull-push-pull" can be utilized and be an additional technique before attempting other catheter retrieval techniques in Onyx BAVM embolization. © The Author(s) 2015.

Neural Mechanisms of Episodic Retrieval Support Divergent Creative Thinking.

PubMed

Madore, Kevin P; Thakral, Preston P; Beaty, Roger E; Addis, Donna Rose; Schacter, Daniel L

2017-11-17

Prior research has indicated that brain regions and networks that support semantic memory, top-down and bottom-up attention, and cognitive control are all involved in divergent creative thinking. Kernels of evidence suggest that neural processes supporting episodic memory-the retrieval of particular elements of prior experiences-may also be involved in divergent thinking, but such processes have typically been characterized as not very relevant for, or even a hindrance to, creative output. In the present study, we combine functional magnetic resonance imaging with an experimental manipulation to test formally, for the first time, episodic memory's involvement in divergent thinking. Following a manipulation that facilitates detailed episodic retrieval, we observed greater neural activity in the hippocampus and stronger connectivity between a core brain network linked to episodic processing and a frontoparietal brain network linked to cognitive control during divergent thinking relative to an object association control task that requires little divergent thinking. Stronger coupling following the retrieval manipulation extended to a subsequent resting-state scan. Neural effects of the episodic manipulation were consistent with behavioral effects of enhanced idea production on divergent thinking but not object association. The results indicate that conceptual frameworks should accommodate the idea that episodic retrieval can function as a component process of creative idea generation, and highlight how the brain flexibly utilizes the retrieval of episodic details for tasks beyond simple remembering. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

A Retrieval System for Radioactive Target Materials at the NIF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krieger, M.; Shibata, K.; Fallica, J.; Henchen, R.; Pogozelski, E.; Padalino, S.; Sangster, T. C.; Suny Collaboration; Laboratory Collaboration

2011-10-01

Currently, solid radioactive material collection from the NIF target chamber is performed via the DIM. The retrieval process takes several hours to complete. To decrease this time for short lived radioisotopes, the Target Materials Retrieval System (TMRS) is being designed to move a radioactive sample from the target chamber to the counting station in less than 50 seconds, using a closed-loop helium filled RaPToRS system. The TMRS consists of three components: the retrieval apparatus, RaPToRS and the counting station. Starting at 0.5 meters from TCC, the sample will move from the vacuum chamber, travel through 60 meters of 10 centimeter diameter RaPToRS tubes, reaching speeds of 10 m/s. The sample will then arrive at the counting station, where it be robotically placed in front of a gamma ray detector. The use of helium will decrease background gamma radiation produced by activated N2 normally found in a pressurized air system. This work was supported in part by the US Department of Energy through the LLE.

Evaluation of portable air samplers for monitoring airborne culturable bacteria

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mehta, S. K.; Bell-Robinson, D. M.; Groves, T. O.; Stetzenbach, L. D.; Pierson, D. L.

2000-01-01

Airborne culturable bacteria were monitored at five locations (three in an office/laboratory building and two in a private residence) in a series of experiments designed to compare the efficiency of four air samplers: the Andersen two-stage, Burkard portable, RCS Plus, and SAS Super 90 samplers. A total of 280 samples was collected. The four samplers were operated simultaneously, each sampling 100 L of air with collection on trypticase soy agar. The data were corrected by applying positive hole conversion factors for the Burkard portable, Andersen two-stage, and SAS Super 90 air samplers, and were expressed as log10 values prior to statistical analysis by analysis of variance. The Burkard portable air sampler retrieved the highest number of airborne culturable bacteria at four of the five sampling sites, followed by the SAS Super 90 and the Andersen two-stage impactor. The number of bacteria retrieved by the RCS Plus was significantly less than those retrieved by the other samplers. Among the predominant bacterial genera retrieved by all samplers were Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Corynebacterium, Micrococcus, and Streptococcus.

Use of Nitrocarburizing for Strengthening Threaded Joints of Drill Pipes from Medium-Carbon Alloy Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Priymak, E. Yu.; Stepanchukova, A. V.; Yakovleva, I. L.; Tereshchenko, N. A.

2015-05-01

Nitrocarburizing is tested at the Drill Equipment Plant for reinforcing threaded joints of drill pipes for units with retrievable core receiver (RCR). The effect of the nitrocarburizing on the mechanical properties of steels of different alloying systems is considered. Steels for the production of threaded joints of drill pipes are recommended.

Australian Thesaurus of Education Descriptors. A Word-Stock for Indexing and Retrieving Australian Educational Literature.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lavender, G. B.; Findlay, Margaret A.

This core thesaurus of terms suitable for indexing Australian educational literature was developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research by means of a systematic and thorough revision of the "Thesaurus of ERIC Descriptors." Based on the actual terminology of education in Australia, this thesaurus includes: key words and…

A new 10Be record recovered from an Antarctic ice core: validity and limitations to record the solar activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baroni, Mélanie; Bard, Edouard; Aster Team

2015-04-01

Cosmogenic nuclides provide the only possibility to document solar activity over millennia. Carbon-14 (14C) and beryllium-10 (10Be) records are retrieved from tree rings and ice cores, respectively. Recently, 14C records have also proven to be reliable to detect two large Solar Proton Events (SPE) (Miyake et al., Nature, 2012, Miyake et al., Nat. Commun., 2013) that occurred in 774-775 A.D. and in 993-994 A.D.. The origin of these events is still under debate but it opens new perspectives for the interpretation of 10Be ice core records. We present a new 10Be record from an ice core from Dome C (Antarctica) covering the last millennium. The chronology of this new ice core has been established by matching volcanic events on the WAIS Divide ice core (WDC06A) that is the best dated record in Antarctica over the Holocene (Sigl et al., JGR, 2013, Sigl et al., Nat. Clim. Change, 2014). The five minima of solar activity (Oort, Wolf, Spörer, Maunder and Dalton) are detected and characterized by a 10Be concentration increase of ca. 20% above average in agreement with previous studies of ice cores drilled at South Pole and Dome Fuji in Antarctica (Bard et al., EPSL, 1997; Horiuchi et al., Quat. Geochrono., 2008) and at NGRIP and Dye3 in Greenland (Berggren et al., GRL, 2009). The high resolution, on the order of a year, allows the detection of the 11-year solar cycle. Sulfate concentration, a proxy for volcanic eruptions, has also been measured in the very same samples, allowing a precise comparison of both 10Be and sulfate profiles. We confirm the systematic relationship between stratospheric eruptions and 10Be concentration increases, first evidenced by observations of the stratospheric volcanic eruptions of Agung in 1963 and Pinatubo in 1991 (Baroni et al., GCA, 2011). This relationship is due to an increase in 10Be deposition linked to the role played by the sedimentation of volcanic aerosols. In the light of these new elements, we will discuss the limitations and possibilities of using a 10Be ice core record to detect SPE and the variations of past solar activity.

The use of mini-samples in palaeomagnetism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Böhnel, Harald; Michalk, Daniel; Nowaczyk, Norbert; Naranjo, Gildardo Gonzalez

2009-10-01

Rock cores of ~25 mm diameter are widely used in palaeomagnetism. Occasionally smaller diameters have been used as well which represents distinct advantages in terms of throughput, weight of equipment and core collections. How their orientation precision compares to 25 mm cores, however, has not been evaluated in detail before. Here we compare the site mean directions and their statistical parameters for 12 lava flows sampled with 25 mm cores (standard samples, typically 8 cores per site) and with 12 mm drill cores (mini-samples, typically 14 cores per site). The site-mean directions for both sample sizes appear to be indistinguishable in most cases. For the mini-samples, site dispersion parameters k on average are slightly lower than for the standard samples reflecting their larger orienting and measurement errors. Applying the Wilcoxon signed-rank test the probability that k or α95 have the same distribution for both sizes is acceptable only at the 17.4 or 66.3 per cent level, respectively. The larger mini-core numbers per site appears to outweigh the lower k values yielding also slightly smaller confidence limits α95. Further, both k and α95 are less variable for mini-samples than for standard size samples. This is interpreted also to result from the larger number of mini-samples per site, which better averages out the detrimental effect of undetected abnormal remanence directions. Sampling of volcanic rocks with mini-samples therefore does not present a disadvantage in terms of the overall obtainable uncertainty of site mean directions. Apart from this, mini-samples do present clear advantages during the field work, as about twice the number of drill cores can be recovered compared to 25 mm cores, and the sampled rock unit is then more widely covered, which reduces the contribution of natural random errors produced, for example, by fractures, cooling joints, and palaeofield inhomogeneities. Mini-samples may be processed faster in the laboratory, which is of particular advantage when carrying out palaeointensity experiments.

Opportunities and Challenges of Linking Scientific Core Samples to the Geoscience Data Ecosystem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noren, A. J.

2016-12-01

Core samples generated in scientific drilling and coring are critical for the advancement of the Earth Sciences. The scientific themes enabled by analysis of these samples are diverse, and include plate tectonics, ocean circulation, Earth-life system interactions (paleoclimate, paleobiology, paleoanthropology), Critical Zone processes, geothermal systems, deep biosphere, and many others, and substantial resources are invested in their collection and analysis. Linking core samples to researchers, datasets, publications, and funding agencies through registration of globally unique identifiers such as International Geo Sample Numbers (IGSNs) offers great potential for advancing several frontiers. These include maximizing sample discoverability, access, reuse, and return on investment; a means for credit to researchers; and documentation of project outputs to funding agencies. Thousands of kilometers of core samples and billions of derivative subsamples have been generated through thousands of investigators' projects, yet the vast majority of these samples are curated at only a small number of facilities. These numbers, combined with the substantial similarity in sample types, make core samples a compelling target for IGSN implementation. However, differences between core sample communities and other geoscience disciplines continue to create barriers to implementation. Core samples involve parent-child relationships spanning 8 or more generations, an exponential increase in sample numbers between levels in the hierarchy, concepts related to depth/position in the sample, requirements for associating data derived from core scanning and lithologic description with data derived from subsample analysis, and publications based on tens of thousands of co-registered scan data points and thousands of analyses of subsamples. These characteristics require specialized resources for accurate and consistent assignment of IGSNs, and a community of practice to establish norms, workflows, and infrastructure to support implementation.

Quantifying and overcoming bioturbation in marine sediment cores: dual 14C and δ18O analysis on single foraminifera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lougheed, Bryan; Metcalfe, Brett; Wacker, Lukas

2017-04-01

Marine sediment cores used in palaeoceanography form the basis of our current understanding of past global climate and ocean chemistry. Precision and accuracy of geochronological control in these sediment cores are crucial in unravelling the timing of rapid shifts in palaeoclimate and, ultimately, the interdependency of global climate mechanisms and their causality. Aware of the problems associated with bioturbation (the mixing of ocean sediments by benthic organisms) palaeoceanographers generally aim to retrieve sediment cores from locations with high sediment accumulation rates, thus minimising the influence of bioturbation as much as possible. However, the practice of concentrating only on areas of the ocean floor with high sedimentation accumulation rates has the potential to introduce a geographical bias into our understanding of global palaeoclimate. For example, global time averaged sediment accumulation rates for the ocean floor (excluding continental margins) indicate that vast areas of the ocean floor have sediment accumulation rates less than the recommended minimum advised sediment accumulation rates of 10 cm/ka or greater. Whilst many studies have focussed on quantifying the impact of bioturbation on our understanding of the past, few have attempted to overcome the problems associated with bioturbation. Recent pioneering developments in 14C AMS at the Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics at ETH Zürich have led to the development of the Mini Carbon Dating System (MICADAS). This compact 14C AMS system can be coupled to a carbonate handling system, thus enabling the direct AMS measurement of gaseous samples, i.e. without graphitisation, allowing for the analysis of carbonate samples of <100 μg. Likewise, while earlier isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) technology required a minimum of 100 μg of carbonate to produce a successful δ18O measurement, more recent advances in IRMS technology have made routine measurements of as little as 5 μg possible. Combining both analytical techniques enables palaeoclimate reconstructions that are independent of depth. Here, we present work on a low sedimentation core ( 2 cm/ka) core in the North Atlantic (core T86-10P, 37° 8.13' N, 29° 59.15' W) on single shells of the benthic species of foraminifera, Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi. Preliminary downcore single specimen 14C data display a large scatter in 14C ages for the various discrete 1 cm depth intervals analysed. In the case of depth intervals where three or more single specimens have been analysed, we find that the standard deviation in 14C age varies between 1210 and 9437 14C yr, with the mean variation for all such discrete depths being 3384 14C yr.

Mars Technology Rover with Arm-Mounted Percussive Coring Tool, Microimager, and Sample-Handling Encapsulation Containerization Subsystem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Younse, Paulo J.; Dicicco, Matthew A.; Morgan, Albert R.

2012-01-01

A report describes the PLuto (programmable logic) Mars Technology Rover, a mid-sized FIDO (field integrated design and operations) class rover with six fully drivable and steerable cleated wheels, a rocker-bogey suspension, a pan-tilt mast with panorama and navigation stereo camera pairs, forward and rear stereo hazcam pairs, internal avionics with motor drivers and CPU, and a 5-degrees-of-freedom robotic arm. The technology rover was integrated with an arm-mounted percussive coring tool, microimager, and sample handling encapsulation containerization subsystem (SHEC). The turret of the arm contains a percussive coring drill and microimager. The SHEC sample caching system mounted to the rover body contains coring bits, sample tubes, and sample plugs. The coring activities performed in the field provide valuable data on drilling conditions for NASA tasks developing and studying coring technology. Caching of samples using the SHEC system provide insight to NASA tasks investigating techniques to store core samples in the future.

Monitoring airborne fungal spores in an experimental indoor environment to evaluate sampling methods and the effects of human activity on air sampling.

PubMed Central

Buttner, M P; Stetzenbach, L D

1993-01-01

Aerobiological monitoring was conducted in an experimental room to aid in the development of standardized sampling protocols for airborne microorganisms in the indoor environment. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the relative efficiencies of selected sampling methods for the retrieval of airborne fungal spores and to determine the effect of human activity on air sampling. Dry aerosols containing known concentrations of Penicillium chrysogenum spores were generated, and air samples were taken by using Andersen six-stage, Surface Air System, Burkard, and depositional samplers. The Andersen and Burkard samplers retrieved the highest numbers of spores compared with the measurement standard, an aerodynamic particle sizer located inside the room. Data from paired samplers demonstrated that the Andersen sampler had the highest levels of sensitivity and repeatability. With a carpet as the source of P. chrysogenum spores, the effects of human activity (walking or vacuuming near the sampling site) on air sampling were also examined. Air samples were taken under undisturbed conditions and after human activity in the room. Human activity resulted in retrieval of significantly higher concentrations of airborne spores. Surface sampling of the carpet revealed moderate to heavy contamination despite relatively low airborne counts. Therefore, in certain situations, air sampling without concomitant surface sampling may not adequately reflect the level of microbial contamination in indoor environments. PMID:8439150

Retrieved Products from Simulated Hyperspectral Observations of a Hurricane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Susskind, Joel; Kouvaris, Louis C.; Iredell, Lena; Blaisdell, John; Pagano, Thomas; Mathews, William

2015-01-01

This research uses GCM derived products, with 1 km spatial resolution and sampled every 10 minutes, over a moving area following the track of a simulated severe Atlantic storm. Model products were aggregated over sounder footprints corresponding to 13 km in LEO, 2 km in LEO, and 5 km in GEO sampled every 72 minutes. We simulated radiances for instruments with AIRS-like spectral coverage, spectral resolution, and channel noise, using these aggregated products as the truth, and analyzed them using a slightly modified version of the operational AIRS Version-6 retrieval algorithm. Accuracy of retrievals obtained using simulated AIRS radiances with a 13 km footprint was similar to that obtained using real AIRS data. Spatial coverage and accuracy of retrievals are shown for all three sounding scenarios. The research demonstrates the potential significance of flying Advanced AIRS-like instruments on future LEO and GEO missions.

HowTo - Easy use of global unique identifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Czerniak, A.; Fleischer, D.; Schirnick, C.

2013-12-01

The GEOMAR sample- and core repository covers several thousands of samples and cores and was collected over the last decades. In the actual project, we bring this collection up to the new generation and tag every sample and core with a unique identifier, in our case the International Geo Sample Number (ISGN). This work is done with our digital Ink and hand writing recognition implementation. The Smart Pen technology was save time and resources to record the information on every sample or core. In the procedure of recording, there are several steps systematical are done: 1. Getting all information about the core or sample, such as cruise number, responsible person and so on. 2. Tag with unique identifiers, in our case a QR-Code. 3. Wrote down the location of sample or core. After transmitting the information from Smart Pen, actually via USB but wireless is a choice too, into our server infrastructure the link to other information began. As it linked in our Virtual Research Environment (VRE) with the unique identifier (ISGN) sample or core can be located and the QR-Code was simply linked back from core or sample to ISGN with additional scientific information. On the QR-Code all important information are on it and it was simple to produce thousand of it.

Deviations from plane-wave Mie scattering and precise retrieval of refractive index for a single spherical particle in an optical cavity.

PubMed

Mason, Bernard J; Walker, Jim S; Reid, Jonathan P; Orr-Ewing, Andrew J

2014-03-20

The extinction cross-sections of individual, optically confined aerosol particles with radii of a micrometer or less can, in principle, be measured using cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS). However, when the particle radius is comparable in magnitude to the wavelength of light stored in a high-finesse cavity, the phenomenological cross-section retrieved from a CRDS experiment depends on the location of the particle in the intracavity standing wave and differs from the Mie scattering cross-section for plane-wave irradiation. Using an evaporating 1,2,6-hexanetriol particle of initial radius ∼1.75 μm confined within the 4.5 μm diameter core of a Bessel beam, we demonstrate that the scatter in the retrieved extinction efficiency of a single particle is determined by its lateral motion, which spans a few wavelengths of the intracavity standing wave used for CRDS measurements. Fits of experimental measurements to Mie calculations, modified to account for the intracavity standing wave, allow precise retrieval of the refractive index of 1,2,6-hexanetriol particles (with relative humidity, RH < 10%) of 1.47824 ± 0.00072.

The Ortles ice cores: uncovering an extended climate archive from the Eastern Alps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dreossi, Giuliano; Barbante, Carlo; Bertò, Michele; Carturan, Luca; De Blasi, Fabrizio; Gabrieli, Jacopo; Gabrielli, Paolo; Seppi, Roberto; Spolaor, Andrea; Stenni, Barbara; Zanoner, Thomas

2017-04-01

During the last half century, oxygen and hydrogen stable isotope content of ice cores has been extensively used for air temperature reconstructions. The most suitable glaciers of the Alpine area, most exclusively in the Western Alps, have been utilized for ice coring for more than four decades. The paleoclimatic potential of the Eastern Alps is still largely unexploited and was scarcely utilized in the past mainly because of the lower elevation (compared to Western Alps) and hence the difficulty to find glaciers in cold conditions. The warming temperature trend appears to be particularly pronounced in the Alps, threatening the preservation of the glaciated areas and creating a sense of urgency in retrieving climatic archives before it is too late. In autumn 2011, four deep cores were drilled on Mt Ortles, South Tyrol, Italy, at 3859 m a.s.l. An extensive reconstructed temperature record for the Ortles summit, based on the surrounding meteorological station data, is available for the last 150 years, while an automatic weather station had been operating from 2011 to 2015 in proximity of the drilling site. The new ice core chronology, based on 210Pb, tritium, beta emissions analysis and 14C measurements of the particulate organic carbon, indicates that the bottom ice is 7000 years old, making it the second most extended glaciological archive ever retrieved in the Alps. The three equally long ice cores have been analyzed for oxygen and hydrogen stable isotopes throughout their length, and the goal is to create an Ortles stacked record for d18O and dD and compare the isotopic data to instrumental temperatures and to other Alpine records. Since 2008, several snow pits were dug in proximity of the drilling site during summer, when the temperature can often exceed the melting point. The isotopic profiles of the 2015 snow pit, dug at the end of an exceptionally warm summer, show how the isotope signal is now affected by the post-depositional processes that have occurred during that summer.

ISO 19115 Experiences in NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) ClearingHOuse (ECHO)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cechini, M. F.; Mitchell, A.

2011-12-01

Metadata is an important entity in the process of cataloging, discovering, and describing earth science data. As science research and the gathered data increases in complexity, so does the complexity and importance of descriptive metadata. To meet these growing needs, the metadata models required utilize richer and more mature metadata attributes. Categorizing, standardizing, and promulgating these metadata models to a politically, geographically, and scientifically diverse community is a difficult process. An integral component of metadata management within NASA's Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) is the Earth Observing System (EOS) ClearingHOuse (ECHO). ECHO is the core metadata repository for the EOSDIS data centers providing a centralized mechanism for metadata and data discovery and retrieval. ECHO has undertaken an internal restructuring to meet the changing needs of scientists, the consistent advancement in technology, and the advent of new standards such as ISO 19115. These improvements were based on the following tenets for data discovery and retrieval: + There exists a set of 'core' metadata fields recommended for data discovery. + There exists a set of users who will require the entire metadata record for advanced analysis. + There exists a set of users who will require a 'core' set metadata fields for discovery only. + There will never be a cessation of new formats or a total retirement of all old formats. + Users should be presented metadata in a consistent format of their choosing. In order to address the previously listed items, ECHO's new metadata processing paradigm utilizes the following approach: + Identify a cross-format set of 'core' metadata fields necessary for discovery. + Implement format-specific indexers to extract the 'core' metadata fields into an optimized query capability. + Archive the original metadata in its entirety for presentation to users requiring the full record. + Provide on-demand translation of 'core' metadata to any supported result format. Lessons learned by the ECHO team while implementing its new metadata approach to support usage of the ISO 19115 standard will be presented. These lessons learned highlight some discovered strengths and weaknesses in the ISO 19115 standard as it is introduced to an existing metadata processing system.

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

Miller, D. H.; Reigel, M. M.

A full-scale formed core sampler was designed and functionally tested for use in the Saltstone Disposal Facility (SDF). Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) was requested to compare properties of the formed core samples and core drilled samples taken from adjacent areas in the full-scale sampler. While several physical properties were evaluated, the primary property of interest was hydraulic conductivity. Differences in hydraulic conductivity between the samples from the formed core sampler and those representing the bulk material were noted with respect to the initial handling and storage of the samples. Due to testing conditions, the site port samples were exposedmore » to uncontrolled temperature and humidity conditions prior to testing whereas the formed core samples were kept in sealed containers with minimal exposure to an uncontrolled environment prior to testing. Based on the results of the testing, no significant differences in porosity or density were found between the formed core samples and those representing the bulk material in the test stand.« less

Low resistivity and permeability in actively deforming shear zones on the San Andreas Fault at SAFOD

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morrow, Carolyn A.; Lockner, David A.; Hickman, Stephen H.

2015-01-01

The San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) scientific drillhole near Parkfield, California crosses the San Andreas Fault at a depth of 2.7 km. Downhole measurements and analysis of core retrieved from Phase 3 drilling reveal two narrow, actively deforming zones of smectite-clay gouge within a roughly 200 m-wide fault damage zone of sandstones, siltstones and mudstones. Here we report electrical resistivity and permeability measurements on core samples from all of these structural units at effective confining pressures up to 120 MPa. Electrical resistivity (~10 ohm-m) and permeability (10-21 to 10-22 m2) in the actively deforming zones were one to two orders of magnitude lower than the surrounding damage zone material, consistent with broader-scale observations from the downhole resistivity and seismic velocity logs. The higher porosity of the clay gouge, 2 to 8 times greater than that in the damage zone rocks, along with surface conduction were the principal factors contributing to the observed low resistivities. The high percentage of fine-grained clay in the deforming zones also greatly reduced permeability to values low enough to create a barrier to fluid flow across the fault. Together, resistivity and permeability data can be used to assess the hydrogeologic characteristics of the fault, key to understanding fault structure and strength. The low resistivities and strength measurements of the SAFOD core are consistent with observations of low resistivity clays that are often found in the principal slip zones of other active faults making resistivity logs a valuable tool for identifying these zones.

Refractive index measurements in absorbing media with white light spectral interferometry.

PubMed

Arosa, Yago; Lago, Elena López; de la Fuente, Raúl

2018-03-19

White light spectral interferometry is applied to measure the refractive index in absorbing liquids in the spectral range of 400-1000 nm. We analyze the influence of absorption on the visibility of interferometric fringes and, accordingly, on the measurement of the refractive index. Further, we show that the refractive index in the absorption band can be retrieved by a two-step process. The procedure requires the use of two samples of different thickness, the thicker one to retrieve the refractive index in the transparent region and the thinnest to obtain the data in the absorption region. First, the refractive index values are retrieved with good accuracy in the transparent region of the material for 1-mm-thick samples. Second, these refractive index values serve also to precisely calculate the thickness of a thinner sample (~150 µm) since the accuracy of the methods depends strongly on the thickness of the sample. Finally, the refractive index is recovered for the entire spectral range.

Geochemical structure of the Hawaiian plume: Sr, Nd, and Os isotopes in the 2.8 km HSDP-2 section of Mauna Kea volcano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bryce, Julia G.; Depaolo, Donald J.; Lassiter, John C.

2005-09-01

Sr, Nd, and Os isotopic measurements were made on 110 Mauna Kea lava and hyaloclastite samples from the drillcore retrieved from the second phase of the Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project (HSDP-2). The samples come from depths of 255 to 3098 meters below sea level, span an age range from 200 to about 550-600 kyr, and represent an ordered record of the lava output from Mauna Kea volcano as it drifted a distance of about 40 km over the magma-producing region of the Hawaiian hot spot. The deepest (oldest) samples represent the time when Mauna Kea was closest to the center of the melting region of the Hawaiian plume. The Sr and Os isotopic ratios in HSDP-2 lavas show only subtle isotopic shifts over the ˜400 kyr history represented by the core. Neodymium isotopes (ɛNd values) increase systematically with decreasing age from an average value of nearly +6.5 to an average value of +7.5. This small change corresponds to subtle shifts in 87Sr/86Sr and 187Os/188Os isotope ratios, with small shifts of ɛHf, a large shift in 208Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/207Pb values, and with a very large shift in He isotope ratios from R/RA values of about 7-8 to values as high as 25. When Mauna Kea was closest to the plume core, the magma source did not have primitive characteristics for Nd, Sr, Pb, Hf, and Os isotopes but did have variable amounts of "primitive" helium. The systematic shifts in Nd, Hf, Pb, and He isotopes are consistent with radial isotopic zoning within the melting region of the plume. The melting region constitutes only the innermost, highest-temperature part of the thermally anomalous plume mantle. The different ranges of values observed for each isotopic system, and comparison of Mauna Kea lavas with those of Mauna Loa, suggest that the axial region of the plume, which has a radius of ˜20 km, is a mixture of recycled subducted components and primitive lower mantle materials, recently combined during the formational stages of the plume at the base of the mantle. The proportions of recycled and primitive components are not constant, and this requires there be longitudinal (vertical) heterogeneity within the core of the plume. The remainder of the plume, outside this plume "core zone," is less heterogeneous but distinct from upper mantle as represented by mid-ocean ridge basalt (MORB). The plume structure may provide a detailed view of mantle isotopic composition near the core-mantle boundary.

Biopsy using a Magnetic Capsule Endoscope Carrying, Releasing, and Retrieving Untethered Microgrippers

PubMed Central

Yim, Sehyuk; Gultepe, Evin; Gracias, David H.

2014-01-01

This paper proposes a new wireless biopsy method where a magnetically actuated untethered soft capsule endoscope carries and releases a large number of thermo-sensitive, untethered microgrippers (μ-grippers) at a desired location inside the stomach and retrieves them after they self-fold and grab tissue samples. We describe the working principles and analytical models for the μ-gripper release and retrieval mechanisms, and evaluate the proposed biopsy method in ex vivo experiments. This hierarchical approach combining the advanced navigation skills of centimeter-scaled untethered magnetic capsule endoscopes with highly parallel, autonomous, submillimeter scale tissue sampling μ-grippers offers a multifunctional strategy for gastrointestinal capsule biopsy. PMID:24108454

A Preliminary ZEUS Lightning Location Error Analysis Using a Modified Retrieval Theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elander, Valjean; Koshak, William; Phanord, Dieudonne

2004-01-01

The ZEUS long-range VLF arrival time difference lightning detection network now covers both Europe and Africa, and there are plans for further expansion into the western hemisphere. In order to fully optimize and assess ZEUS lightning location retrieval errors and to determine the best placement of future receivers expected to be added to the network, a software package is being developed jointly between the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV). The software package, called the ZEUS Error Analysis for Lightning (ZEAL), will be used to obtain global scale lightning location retrieval error maps using both a Monte Carlo approach and chi-squared curvature matrix theory. At the core of ZEAL will be an implementation of an Iterative Oblate (IO) lightning location retrieval method recently developed at MSFC. The IO method will be appropriately modified to account for variable wave propagation speed, and the new retrieval results will be compared with the current ZEUS retrieval algorithm to assess potential improvements. In this preliminary ZEAL work effort, we defined 5000 source locations evenly distributed across the Earth. We then used the existing (as well as potential future ZEUS sites) to simulate arrival time data between source and ZEUS site. A total of 100 sources were considered at each of the 5000 locations, and timing errors were selected from a normal distribution having a mean of 0 seconds and a standard deviation of 20 microseconds. This simulated "noisy" dataset was analyzed using the IO algorithm to estimate source locations. The exact locations were compared with the retrieved locations, and the results are summarized via several color-coded "error maps."

First Transmitted Hyperspectral Light Measurements and Cloud Properties from Recent Field Campaign Sampling Clouds Under Biomass Burning Aerosol

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leblanc, S.; Redemann, Jens; Shinozuka, Yohei; Flynn, Connor J.; Segal Rozenhaimer, Michal; Kacenelenbogen, Meloe Shenandoah; Pistone, Kristina Marie Myers; Schmidt, Sebastian; Cochrane, Sabrina

2016-01-01

We present a first view of data collected during a recent field campaign aimed at measuring biomass burning aerosol above clouds from airborne platforms. The NASA ObseRvations of CLouds above Aerosols and their intEractionS (ORACLES) field campaign recently concluded its first deployment sampling clouds and overlying aerosol layer from the airborne platform NASA P3. We present results from the Spectrometer for Sky-Scanning, Sun-Tracking Atmospheric Research (4STAR), in conjunction with the Solar Spectral Flux Radiometers (SSFR). During this deployment, 4STAR sampled transmitted solar light either via direct solar beam measurements and scattered light measurements, enabling the measurement of aerosol optical thickness and the retrieval of information on aerosol particles in addition to overlying cloud properties. We focus on the zenith-viewing scattered light measurements, which are used to retrieve cloud optical thickness, effective radius, and thermodynamic phase of clouds under a biomass burning layer. The biomass burning aerosol layer present above the clouds is the cause of potential bias in retrieved cloud optical depth and effective radius from satellites. We contrast the typical reflection based approach used by satellites to the transmission based approach used by 4STAR during ORACLES for retrieving cloud properties. It is suspected that these differing approaches will yield a change in retrieved properties since light transmitted through clouds is sensitive to a different cloud volume than reflected light at cloud top. We offer a preliminary view of the implications of these differences in sampling volumes to the calculation of cloud radiative effects (CRE).

Assessment of imaging quality in magnified phase CT of human bone tissue at the nanoscale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Boliang; Langer, Max; Pacureanu, Alexandra; Gauthier, Remy; Follet, Helene; Mitton, David; Olivier, Cecile; Cloetens, Peter; Peyrin, Francoise

2017-10-01

Bone properties at all length scales have a major impact on the fracture risk in disease such as osteoporosis. However, quantitative 3D data on bone tissue at the cellular scale are still rare. Here we propose to use magnified X-ray phase nano-CT to quantify bone ultra-structure in human bone, on the new setup developed on the beamline ID16A at the ESRF, Grenoble. Obtaining 3D images requires the application of phase retrieval prior to tomographic reconstruction. Phase retrieval is an ill-posed problem for which various approaches have been developed. Since image quality has a strong impact on the further quantification of bone tissue, our aim here is to evaluate different phase retrieval methods for imaging bone samples at the cellular scale. Samples from femurs of female donors were scanned using magnified phase nano-CT at voxel sizes of 120 and 30 nm with an energy of 33 keV. Four CT scans at varying sample-to-detector distances were acquired for each sample. We evaluated three phase retrieval methods adapted to these conditions: Paganin's method at single distance, Paganin's method extended to multiple distances, and the contrast transfer function (CTF) approach for pure phase objects. These methods were used as initialization to an iterative refinement step. Our results based on visual and quantitative assessment show that the use of several distances (as opposed to single one) clearly improves image quality and the two multi-distance phase retrieval methods give similar results. First results on the segmentation of osteocyte lacunae and canaliculi from such images are presented.

The impact of threat of shock-induced anxiety on memory encoding and retrieval

PubMed Central

Bolton, Sorcha

2017-01-01

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders, and daily transient feelings of anxiety (or “stress”) are ubiquitous. However, the precise impact of both transient and pathological anxiety on higher-order cognitive functions, including short- and long-term memory, is poorly understood. A clearer understanding of the anxiety–memory relationship is important as one of the core symptoms of anxiety, most prominently in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is intrusive reexperiencing of traumatic events in the form of vivid memories. This study therefore aimed to examine the impact of induced anxiety (threat of shock) on memory encoding and retrieval. Eighty-six healthy participants completed tasks assessing: visuospatial working memory, verbal recognition, face recognition, and associative memory. Critically, anxiety was manipulated within-subjects: information was both encoded and retrieved under threat of shock and safe (no shock) conditions. Results revealed that visuospatial working memory was enhanced when information was encoded and subsequently retrieved under threat, and that threat impaired the encoding of faces regardless of the condition in which it was retrieved. Episodic memory and verbal short-term recognition were, however, unimpaired. These findings indicate that transient anxiety in healthy individuals has domain-specific, rather than domain-general, impacts on memory. Future studies would benefit from expanding these findings into anxiety disorder patients to delineate the differences between adaptive and maladaptive responding. PMID:28916628

Large Scale Document Inversion using a Multi-threaded Computing System

PubMed Central

Jung, Sungbo; Chang, Dar-Jen; Park, Juw Won

2018-01-01

Current microprocessor architecture is moving towards multi-core/multi-threaded systems. This trend has led to a surge of interest in using multi-threaded computing devices, such as the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), for general purpose computing. We can utilize the GPU in computation as a massive parallel coprocessor because the GPU consists of multiple cores. The GPU is also an affordable, attractive, and user-programmable commodity. Nowadays a lot of information has been flooded into the digital domain around the world. Huge volume of data, such as digital libraries, social networking services, e-commerce product data, and reviews, etc., is produced or collected every moment with dramatic growth in size. Although the inverted index is a useful data structure that can be used for full text searches or document retrieval, a large number of documents will require a tremendous amount of time to create the index. The performance of document inversion can be improved by multi-thread or multi-core GPU. Our approach is to implement a linear-time, hash-based, single program multiple data (SPMD), document inversion algorithm on the NVIDIA GPU/CUDA programming platform utilizing the huge computational power of the GPU, to develop high performance solutions for document indexing. Our proposed parallel document inversion system shows 2-3 times faster performance than a sequential system on two different test datasets from PubMed abstract and e-commerce product reviews. CCS Concepts •Information systems➝Information retrieval • Computing methodologies➝Massively parallel and high-performance simulations. PMID:29861701

Large Scale Document Inversion using a Multi-threaded Computing System.

PubMed

Jung, Sungbo; Chang, Dar-Jen; Park, Juw Won

2017-06-01

Current microprocessor architecture is moving towards multi-core/multi-threaded systems. This trend has led to a surge of interest in using multi-threaded computing devices, such as the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), for general purpose computing. We can utilize the GPU in computation as a massive parallel coprocessor because the GPU consists of multiple cores. The GPU is also an affordable, attractive, and user-programmable commodity. Nowadays a lot of information has been flooded into the digital domain around the world. Huge volume of data, such as digital libraries, social networking services, e-commerce product data, and reviews, etc., is produced or collected every moment with dramatic growth in size. Although the inverted index is a useful data structure that can be used for full text searches or document retrieval, a large number of documents will require a tremendous amount of time to create the index. The performance of document inversion can be improved by multi-thread or multi-core GPU. Our approach is to implement a linear-time, hash-based, single program multiple data (SPMD), document inversion algorithm on the NVIDIA GPU/CUDA programming platform utilizing the huge computational power of the GPU, to develop high performance solutions for document indexing. Our proposed parallel document inversion system shows 2-3 times faster performance than a sequential system on two different test datasets from PubMed abstract and e-commerce product reviews. •Information systems➝Information retrieval • Computing methodologies➝Massively parallel and high-performance simulations.

Analytical results and sample locations of reanalyzed NURE stream-sediment and soil samples for the Humboldt River basin mineral-environmental assessment, northern Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Folger, H. W.

2000-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), began a study in 1996 to describe to the geochemistry of the Humboldt River Basin. The principal sample media evaluated are stream-sediment and soil samples retrieved from the National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) archives located in Denver, Colorado. Samples were retrieved from the Wells, McDermitt, Vya, Lovelock, Winnemucca, Elko, Ely, Millett, Reno, and Tonopah 1? x 2? quadrangles in northern Nevada. The data are appropriate for large-scale reconnaissance resource evaluations and landscape geochemical-geoenvironmental evaluations. The analytical results are presented in this report.

Intercomparison of radiocarbon bomb pulse and 210Pb age models. A study in a peat bog core from North Poland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piotrowska, Natalia; De Vleeschouwer, François; Sikorski, Jarosław; Pawlyta, Jacek; Fagel, Nathalie; Le Roux, Gaël; Pazdur, Anna

2010-04-01

Radiocarbon and 210Pb were measured on the uppermost 40 cm of a Wardenaar peat core retrieved from a Baltic raised bog at Słowińskie Błota (Pomerania, North Poland). This site is the subject of ongoing multiproxy studies covering the last 1300 years. Radiocarbon age model was constructed on the basis of 14 AMS dates obtained on selected Sphagnum spp. fragments, with use of P_Sequence tool. We present here a comparison of this model with the age model obtained using CRS model classically applied to 210Pb measurements.

Impact damage detection in sandwich composite structures using Lamb waves and laser vibrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamboul, B.; Passilly, B.; Roche, J.-M.; Osmont, D.

2013-01-01

This experimental study explores the feasibility of impact damage detection in composite sandwich structures using Lamb wave excitation and signals acquired with a laser Doppler vibrometer. Energy maps are computed from the transient velocity wave fields and used to highlight defect areas in impacted coupons of foam core and honeycomb core sandwich materials. The technique performs well for the detection of barely visible damage in this type of material, and is shown to be robust in the presence of wave reverberation. Defect extent information is not always readily retrieved from the obtained defect signatures, which depend on the wave - defect interaction mechanisms.

Textures of water-rich mud sediments from the continental margin offshore Costa Rica (IODP expeditions 334 and 344)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuehn, Rebecca; Stipp, Michael; Leiss, Bernd

2017-04-01

During sedimentation and burial at continental margins, clay-rich sediments develop crystallographic preferred orientations (textures) depending on the ongoing compaction as well as size distribution and shape fabrics of the grains. Such textures can control the deformational properties of these sediments and hence the strain distribution in active continental margins and also the frictional behavior along and around the plate boundary. Strain-hardening and discontinuous deformation may lead to earthquake nucleation at or below the updip limit of the seismogenic zone. We want to investigate the active continental margin offshore Costa Rica where the oceanic Cocos plate is subducted below the Caribbean plate at a rate of approximately 9 cm per year. The Costa Rica trench is well-known for shallow seismogenesis and tsunami generation. As it is an erosive continental margin, both the incoming sediments from the Nazca plate as well as the slope sediments of the continental margin can be important for earthquake nucleation and faulting causing sea-floor breakage. To investigate texture and composition of the sediments and hence their deformational properties we collected samples from varying depth of 7 different drilling locations across the trench retrieved during IODP expeditions 334 and 344 as part of the Costa Rica Seismogenesis Project (CRISP). Texture analysis was carried out by means of synchrotron diffraction, as only this method is suitable for water-bearing samples. As knowledge on the sediment composition is required as input parameter for the texture data analysis, additional X-ray powder diffraction analysis on the sample material has been carried out. Samples for texture measurements were prepared from the original drill cores using an internally developed cutter which allows to produce cylindrical samples with a diameter of about 1.5 cm. The samples are oriented with respect to the drill core axis. Synchrotron texture measurements were conducted at the ESRF (European Synchrotron Radiation Facility) in Grenoble and the DESY (German Electron Synchrotron) in Hamburg. Samples were measured in transmission mode perpendicular to their cylinder axis with a beam diameter of 500 µm. Measurements were taken from 0 to 175° in 5° steps resulting in 36 images from a 2D image plate detector. Measurement time was in a range from 1 to 3 seconds. Due to the different, low symmetric mineral phases a large number of mostly overlapping reflections results. Such data can only be analyzed by the Rietveld method, in our case implemented in the software package MAUD (Materials Analysis Using Diffraction). Preliminary results show distinct textures depending on the composition and the origin of the samples, i.e. on drilling location and depth, which may be critical for strain localization and faulting of these samples. The results are also important for the analysis of experimentally deformed samples from the same drill cores which showed structurally weak and structurally strong deformation behavior during triaxial compression.

Data augmentation-assisted deep learning of hand-drawn partially colored sketches for visual search

PubMed Central

Muhammad, Khan; Baik, Sung Wook

2017-01-01

In recent years, image databases are growing at exponential rates, making their management, indexing, and retrieval, very challenging. Typical image retrieval systems rely on sample images as queries. However, in the absence of sample query images, hand-drawn sketches are also used. The recent adoption of touch screen input devices makes it very convenient to quickly draw shaded sketches of objects to be used for querying image databases. This paper presents a mechanism to provide access to visual information based on users’ hand-drawn partially colored sketches using touch screen devices. A key challenge for sketch-based image retrieval systems is to cope with the inherent ambiguity in sketches due to the lack of colors, textures, shading, and drawing imperfections. To cope with these issues, we propose to fine-tune a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) using augmented dataset to extract features from partially colored hand-drawn sketches for query specification in a sketch-based image retrieval framework. The large augmented dataset contains natural images, edge maps, hand-drawn sketches, de-colorized, and de-texturized images which allow CNN to effectively model visual contents presented to it in a variety of forms. The deep features extracted from CNN allow retrieval of images using both sketches and full color images as queries. We also evaluated the role of partial coloring or shading in sketches to improve the retrieval performance. The proposed method is tested on two large datasets for sketch recognition and sketch-based image retrieval and achieved better classification and retrieval performance than many existing methods. PMID:28859140

Method and apparatus utilizing ionizing and microwave radiation for saturation determination of water, oil and a gas in a core sample

DOEpatents

Maerefat, Nicida L.; Parmeswar, Ravi; Brinkmeyer, Alan D.; Honarpour, Mehdi

1994-01-01

A system for determining the relative permeabilities of gas, water and oil in a core sample has a microwave emitter/detector subsystem and an X-ray emitter/detector subsystem. A core holder positions the core sample between microwave absorbers which prevent diffracted microwaves from reaching a microwave detector where they would reduce the signal-to-noise ratio of the microwave measurements. The microwave emitter/detector subsystem and the X-ray emitter/detector subsystem each have linear calibration characteristics, allowing one subsystem to be calibrated with respect to the other subsystem. The dynamic range of microwave measurements is extended through the use of adjustable attenuators. This also facilitates the use of core samples with wide diameters. The stratification characteristics of the fluids may be observed with a windowed cell separator at the outlet of the core sample. The condensation of heavy hydrocarbon gas and the dynamic characteristics of the fluids are observed with a sight glass at the outlet of the core sample.

Sampling and Reconstruction of the Pupil and Electric Field for Phase Retrieval

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dean, Bruce; Smith, Jeffrey; Aronstein, David

2012-01-01

This technology is based on sampling considerations for a band-limited function, which has application to optical estimation generally, and to phase retrieval specifically. The analysis begins with the observation that the Fourier transform of an optical aperture function (pupil) can be implemented with minimal aliasing for Q values down to Q = 1. The sampling ratio, Q, is defined as the ratio of the sampling frequency to the band-limited cut-off frequency. The analytical results are given using a 1-d aperture function, and with the electric field defined by the band-limited sinc(x) function. Perfect reconstruction of the Fourier transform (electric field) is derived using the Whittaker-Shannon sampling theorem for 1

Research on lunar and planet development and utilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwata, Tsutomu; Etou, Takao; Imai, Ryouichi; Oota, Kazuo; Kaneko, Yutaka; Maeda, Toshihide; Takano, Yutaka

1992-08-01

Status of the study on unmanned and manned lunar missions, unmanned Mars missions, lunar resource development and utilization missions, remote sensing exploration missions, survey and review to elucidate the problems of research and development for lunar resource development and utilization, and the techniques and equipment for lunar and planet exploration are presented. Following items were studied respectively: (1) spacecraft systems for unmanned lunar missions, such as lunar observation satellites, lunar landing vehicles, lunar surface rovers, lunar surface hoppers, and lunar sample retrieval; (2) spacecraft systems for manned lunar missions, such as manned lunar bases, lunar surface operation robots, lunar surface experiment systems, manned lunar take-off and landing vehicles, and lunar freight transportation ships; (3) spacecraft systems for Mars missions, such as Mars satellites, Phobos and Deimos sample retrieval vehicles, Mars landing explorers, Mars rovers, Mars sample retrieval; (4) lunar resource development and utilization; and (5) remote sensing exploration technologies.

Employing Replay Connectors for SIEM Operator Education

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

BLANK xiii LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS CORR Correlation Optimized Retention and Retrieval CII Critical Information Infrastructure GLBA...vast distances is now quicker and easier with the advancement in mobile computing devices and more ubiquitous connectivity and bandwidth. As a result...breakdown of the Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) is one of the core risks facing the international economy. The World Economic Forum

Polysemy in Sentence Comprehension: Effects of Meaning Dominance

PubMed Central

Foraker, Stephani; Murphy, Gregory L.

2012-01-01

Words like church are polysemous, having two related senses (a building and an organization). Three experiments investigated how polysemous senses are represented and processed during sentence comprehension. On one view, readers retrieve an underspecified, core meaning, which is later specified more fully with contextual information. On another view, readers retrieve one or more specific senses. In a reading task, context that was neutral or biased towards a particular sense preceded a polysemous word. Disambiguating material consistent with only one sense followed, in a second sentence (Experiment 1) or the same sentence (Experiments 2 & 3). Reading the disambiguating material was faster when it was consistent with that context, and dominant senses were committed to more strongly than subordinate senses. Critically, following neutral context, the continuation was read more quickly when it selected the dominant sense, and the degree of sense dominance partially explained the reading time advantage. Similarity of the senses also affected reading times. Across experiments, we found that sense selection may not be completed immediately following a polysemous word but is completed at a sentence boundary. Overall, the results suggest that readers select an individual sense when reading a polysemous word, rather than a core meaning. PMID:23185103

Searching the ASRS Database Using QUORUM Keyword Search, Phrase Search, Phrase Generation, and Phrase Discovery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McGreevy, Michael W.; Connors, Mary M. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

To support Search Requests and Quick Responses at the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS), four new QUORUM methods have been developed: keyword search, phrase search, phrase generation, and phrase discovery. These methods build upon the core QUORUM methods of text analysis, modeling, and relevance-ranking. QUORUM keyword search retrieves ASRS incident narratives that contain one or more user-specified keywords in typical or selected contexts, and ranks the narratives on their relevance to the keywords in context. QUORUM phrase search retrieves narratives that contain one or more user-specified phrases, and ranks the narratives on their relevance to the phrases. QUORUM phrase generation produces a list of phrases from the ASRS database that contain a user-specified word or phrase. QUORUM phrase discovery finds phrases that are related to topics of interest. Phrase generation and phrase discovery are particularly useful for finding query phrases for input to QUORUM phrase search. The presentation of the new QUORUM methods includes: a brief review of the underlying core QUORUM methods; an overview of the new methods; numerous, concrete examples of ASRS database searches using the new methods; discussion of related methods; and, in the appendices, detailed descriptions of the new methods.

Biases in Total Precipitable Water Vapor Climatologies from Atmospheric Infrared Sounder and Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fetzer, Eric J.; Lambrigtsen, Bjorn H.; Eldering, Annmarie; Aumann, Hartmut H.; Chahine, Moustafa T.

2006-01-01

We examine differences in total precipitable water vapor (PWV) from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-E) experiments sharing the Aqua spacecraft platform. Both systems provide estimates of PWV over water surfaces. We compare AIRS and AMSR-E PWV to constrain AIRS retrieval uncertainties as functions of AIRS retrieved infrared cloud fraction. PWV differences between the two instruments vary only weakly with infrared cloud fraction up to about 70%. Maps of AIRS-AMSR-E PWV differences vary with location and season. Observational biases, when both instruments observe identical scenes, are generally less than 5%. Exceptions are in cold air outbreaks where AIRS is biased moist by 10-20% or 10-60% (depending on retrieval processing) and at high latitudes in winter where AIRS is dry by 5-10%. Sampling biases, from different sampling characteristics of AIRS and AMSR-E, vary in sign and magnitude. AIRS sampling is dry by up to 30% in most high-latitude regions but moist by 5-15% in subtropical stratus cloud belts. Over the northwest Pacific, AIRS samples conditions more moist than AMSR-E by a much as 60%. We hypothesize that both wet and dry sampling biases are due to the effects of clouds on the AIRS retrieval methodology. The sign and magnitude of these biases depend upon the types of cloud present and on the relationship between clouds and PWV. These results for PWV imply that climatologies of height-resolved water vapor from AIRS must take into consideration local meteorological processes affecting AIRS sampling.

Tracing of ca 800 yr old mining activity in peat bog using Pb elemental concentrations and isotope compositions.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baron, S.; Carignan, J.; Ploquin, A.

2003-04-01

Sixty sites of slags have been documented on the Mont-Lozère in southern France. The petrographic analysis shows that slags are metallurgical wastes (800 to 850 yr BP) which certainly result from smelting activity for lead and silver extraction (Ploquin et al., 2001). The aims of this study are: 1) to trace the source of Pb ores which supplied the smelting sites, by using the Pb isotopic composition of several surrounding Pb deposits, 2) to evaluate the actual pollution caused by these slags, by using elemental and isotopic compositions of soils, water and vegetation, and 3) to document the pollution history of the region, by using elemental and isotopic compositions of peat bog cores collected in the neighbourhood of the historical smelting sites. The lead isotopic composition of galena collected in most surrounding ores is very similar to that of different slag samples. On the other hand, the high precision of the results allowed us to select the mineralised areas which were probably the ore sources. The Pb isotopic composition of slags is even more homogeneous: 208/206 Pb: 2.092±0.002; 206/207 Pb: 1.179±0.001; 208/204 Pb: 38.663±0.025; 207/204 Pb: 15.665±0.006; 206/204 Pb: 18.476±0.023, and will allow source tracing in the environment. The "Narses Mortes" peat bog, around which two smelting sites have been reported, is strongly minerotrophic and contains 8 to 60% ash. A 1.40 m core have been retrieved and divided into 58 individual samples. Minerotrophic peat bog records both atmospheric deposition, soils leaching and the grounwater influence. The measured metal concentrations are normalised to Al contents of peat bog samples and the metal/Al ratios are compared to that of the Mont-Lozère granite: relative excess in metal concentrations are found in peat bog samples. An increasing excess of most metals (Pb, Zn, Cd...) was measured for surface samples, from 55 cm depth to the top of the core (23 cm depth). This profil might be attributed to atmospheric input during the last centuries. Pb and As alone are also enriched in some deeper samples (between 120--90 cm depth). At the moment, no sedimentation rates are available for this section of the peat bog. However, according to palynological data (de Beaulieu, in progress), the bottom of the core might be as old as 5000 years BP. This would place the medieval activities at the base of the surface metal enrichment (˜55 cm depth), having no large effect in Pb concentrations measured in peat bog. The older Pb-As enrichment remain enigmatic and may correspond to earlier anthropogenic activities (2000--2500 BP), a period for which very few traces of metallurgical activities are found in Occidental Europe. 14C dating and Pb isotope works are going on peat bog samples trying to discriminate metals sources.

Microcatheter entrapment retrieval from Onyx embolization in brain arteriovenous malformations: A technical note

PubMed Central

Grigorian, Arthur A

2015-01-01

Objective Many techniques have been use for retrieval of an entrapped microcatheter during Onyx (eV3 Neurovascular) embolization of brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs). We report our technique that we term “pull-push-pull” that can be utilized as first management in retrieving the microcatheter. Method We analyzed a total of 37 patients that underwent BAVM embolization with either Onyx 18 or 34 at our institution. Standard embolization techniques were utilized with the use of Marathon (eV3 Neurovascular) microcatheter. When difficulty in retrieving the microcatheter arose, we used the “pull-push-pull” technique. The technique comprises the eV3 protocol of retraction. In addition, the microcatheter is stretched causing the Onyx cast to stretch in its inner core, creating a more thorough cohesive property amongst the Onyx mixture. Then the microcatheter is pushed back and to its point of embolization origin. Afterwards, retraction of the microcatheter is enabled as it can be easily dislodged from the cast. Multiple attempts can be repeated as needed. Result and discussion We had three patients that had difficulty with removal of microcatheter (8.1%). Utilization of the “pull-push-pull” technique was used on two of those patients. No neurological complication was observed with our technique. We believe the cohesive property of Onyx solution helps in the retrieval of the catheter by our method and technique. Conclusion We believe the “pull-push-pull” can be utilized and be an additional technique before attempting other catheter retrieval techniques in Onyx BAVM embolization. PMID:26232252

Metadata: Standards for Retrieving WWW Documents (and Other Digitized and Non-Digitized Resources)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rusch-Feja, Diann

The use of metadata for indexing digitized and non-digitized resources for resource discovery in a networked environment is being increasingly implemented all over the world. Greater precision is achieved using metadata than relying on universal search engines and furthermore, meta-data can be used as filtering mechanisms for search results. An overview of various metadata sets is given, followed by a more focussed presentation of Dublin Core Metadata including examples of sub-elements and qualifiers. Especially the use of the Dublin Core Relation element provides connections between the metadata of various related electronic resources, as well as the metadata for physical, non-digitized resources. This facilitates more comprehensive search results without losing precision and brings together different genres of information which would otherwise be only searchable in separate databases. Furthermore, the advantages of Dublin Core Metadata in comparison with library cataloging and the use of universal search engines are discussed briefly, followed by a listing of types of implementation of Dublin Core Metadata.

Modeling and Simulation of a Tethered Harpoon for Comet Sampling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quadrelli, Marco B.

2014-01-01

This paper describes the development of a dynamic model and simulation results of a tethered harpoon for comet sampling. This model and simulation was done in order to carry out an initial sensitivity analysis for key design parameters of the tethered system. The harpoon would contain a canister which would collect a sample of soil from a cometary surface. Both a spring ejected canister and a tethered canister are considered. To arrive in close proximity of the spacecraft at the end of its trajectory so it could be captured, the free-flying canister would need to be ejected at the right time and with the proper impulse, while the tethered canister must be recovered by properly retrieving the tether at a rate that would avoid an excessive amplitude of oscillatory behavior during the retrieval. The paper describes the model of the tether dynamics and harpoon penetration physics. The simulations indicate that, without the tether, the canister would still reach the spacecraft for collection, that the tether retrieval of the canister would be achievable with reasonable fuel consumption, and that the canister amplitude upon retrieval would be insensitive to variations in vertical velocity dispersion.

A diagnostic analysis of the VVP single-doppler retrieval technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boccippio, Dennis J.

1995-01-01

A diagnostic analysis of the VVP (volume velocity processing) retrieval method is presented, with emphasis on understanding the technique as a linear, multivariate regression. Similarities and differences to the velocity-azimuth display and extended velocity-azimuth display retrieval techniques are discussed, using this framework. Conventional regression diagnostics are then employed to quantitatively determine situations in which the VVP technique is likely to fail. An algorithm for preparation and analysis of a robust VVP retrieval is developed and applied to synthetic and actual datasets with high temporal and spatial resolution. A fundamental (but quantifiable) limitation to some forms of VVP analysis is inadequate sampling dispersion in the n space of the multivariate regression, manifest as a collinearity between the basis functions of some fitted parameters. Such collinearity may be present either in the definition of these basis functions or in their realization in a given sampling configuration. This nonorthogonality may cause numerical instability, variance inflation (decrease in robustness), and increased sensitivity to bias from neglected wind components. It is shown that these effects prevent the application of VVP to small azimuthal sectors of data. The behavior of the VVP regression is further diagnosed over a wide range of sampling constraints, and reasonable sector limits are established.

Scanning electron microscopy investigations of laboratory-grown gas clathrate hydrates formed from melting ice, and comparison to natural hydrates

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stern, L.A.; Kirby, S.H.; Circone, S.; Durham, W.B.

2004-01-01

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate grain texture and pore structure development within various compositions of pure sI and sII gas hydrates synthesized in the laboratory, as well as in natural samples retrieved from marine (Gulf of Mexico) and permafrost (NW Canada) settings. Several samples of methane hydrate were also quenched after various extents of partial reaction for assessment of mid-synthesis textural progression. All laboratory-synthesized hydrates were grown under relatively high-temperature and high-pressure conditions from rounded ice grains with geometrically simple pore shapes, yet all resulting samples displayed extensive recrystallization with complex pore geometry. Growth fronts of mesoporous methane hydrate advancing into dense ice reactant were prevalent in those samples quenched after limited reaction below and at the ice point. As temperatures transgress the ice point, grain surfaces continue to develop a discrete "rind" of hydrate, typically 5 to 30 ??m thick. The cores then commonly melt, with rind microfracturing allowing migration of the melt to adjacent grain boundaries where it also forms hydrate. As the reaction continues under progressively warmer conditions, the hydrate product anneals to form dense and relatively pore-free regions of hydrate grains, in which grain size is typically several tens of micrometers. The prevalence of hollow, spheroidal shells of hydrate, coupled with extensive redistribution of reactant and product phases throughout reaction, implies that a diffusion-controlled shrinking-core model is an inappropriate description of sustained hydrate growth from melting ice. Completion of reaction at peak synthesis conditions then produces exceptional faceting and euhedral crystal growth along exposed pore walls. Further recrystallization or regrowth can then accompany even short-term exposure of synthetic hydrates to natural ocean-floor conditions, such that the final textures may closely mimic those observed in natural samples of marine origin. Of particular note, both the mesoporous and highly faceted textures seen at different stages during synthetic hydrate growth were notably absent from all examined hydrates recovered from a natural marine-environment setting.

Sedimentary Environment and Climate Evolution at the Northern Continental Margin of the South China Sea During the Last Glacial Cycle and Holocene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tomczak, M.; Kaiser, J.; Borowka, R. K.; Chen, H.; Zhang, J.; Harff, J.; Qiu, Y.; Witkowski, A.

2014-12-01

Climate, oceanographic and sea level history during last glacial cycle (LGC) and Holocene at the NW continental margin of the South China Sea (SCS) are investigated within the SECEB project. For that purpose two sediment cores (HDQ2 & 83PC) and single-channel seismic sections were selected to serve as a proxy data source for paleoceanographic and paleoclimatic reconstructions. The sedimentary facies is interpreted by multi-proxy approaches considering micropaleontological, sedimentological and geochemical analyses. According to 14C and OSL datings, sediments of shallow water drill core HDQ2 (88.3 m) cover a time span of ca. 115 kyr BP. Seismic images of the sampling site show a series of reflectors which can be correlated with coarse layers of core HDQ2. These layers are interpreted as transgression / regression horizons. Due to the age model it is possible to correlate these horizons with the general sea level dynamics within the SCS as it is displayed in relative sea level excursions for the MIS 5 to 2 from the Sunda Shelf (Hanebuth et al. 2011). Core 83PC (8.6 m) retrieved from the continental slope provide constant record and calm environment. Therefore, this core is used as a source for data proxy for environmental reconstructions. According to δ18O and paleomagnetic analysis, a good age model which indicate age of this core to ca. 110 kyr BP was elaborated and help correlate the paleoenvironmental data with core HDQ2. Alkenones, δ18O, the Mg/Ca ratio, and microfossil proxies serve for paleo-SST curves and monsoon variability reconstructions. δ15N and δ13C indicate nutrient supply to the marine environment. Diatomological analysis outlines the environmental evolution and interrelations between their parameters during the LGC. Interpretation of seismic profiling allowed identification of submarine paleo-delta. It's anticipated that deposited sediments descent from the Hainan Island and allow correlation of the source and sink area.Hanebuth, T.J.J, Voris, H.K., Yokoyama, Y., Saito, Y., Okuno, J., 2011. Formation and fate of sedimentary depocentres on Southeast Asia's Sunda Shelf over the past sea-level cycle and biogeographic implications. Earth-Science Reviews 104, p. 92-110The project was funded by the Polish National Science Centre allocated on the basis of the decision no. DEC-2011/01/N/ST10/07708

Beam tracking approach for single–shot retrieval of absorption, refraction, and dark-field signals with laboratory  x-ray sources

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

Vittoria, Fabio A., E-mail: fabio.vittoria.12@ucl.ac.uk; Diemoz, Paul C.; Olivo, Alessandro

We present the translation of the beam tracking approach for x-ray phase-contrast and dark-field imaging, recently demonstrated using synchrotron radiation, to a laboratory setup. A single absorbing mask is used before the sample, and a local Gaussian interpolation of the beam at the detector is used to extract absorption, refraction, and dark–field signals from a single exposure of the sample. Multiple exposures can be acquired when high resolution is needed, as shown here. A theoretical analysis of the effect of polychromaticity on the retrieved signals, and of the artifacts this might cause when existing retrieval methods are used, is alsomore » discussed.« less

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY EVALUATION REPORT ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The Split Core Sampler for Submerged Sediments (Split Core Sampler) designed and fabricated by Arts Manufacturing & Supply, Inc., was demonstrated under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation Program in April and May 1999 at sites in EPA Regions 1 and 5, respectively. In addition to assessing ease of sampler operation, key objectives of the demonstration included evaluating the samplers ability to (1) consistently collect a given volume of sediment, (2) consistently collect sediment in a given depth interval, (3) collect samples with consistent characteristics from a homogenous layer of sediment, and (4) collect samples under a variety of site conditions. This report describes the demonstration results for the Split Core Sampler and two conventional samplers (the Hand Corer and Vibrocorer) used as reference samplers. During the demonstration, the Split Core Sampler performed as well as or better than the reference samplers. Based on visual observations, both the Split Core Sampler and reference samplers collected partially compressed samples of consolidated and unconsolidated sediments from the sediment surface downward; sample representativeness may be questionable because of core shortening and core compression. Sediment stratification was preserved for both consolidated and unconsolidated sediment samples collected by the Split Core Sampler and reference samplers. No sampler was able to collect samples

Study of sample drilling techniques for Mars sample return missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mitchell, D. C.; Harris, P. T.

1980-01-01

To demonstrate the feasibility of acquiring various surface samples for a Mars sample return mission the following tasks were performed: (1) design of a Mars rover-mounted drill system capable of acquiring crystalline rock cores; prediction of performance, mass, and power requirements for various size systems, and the generation of engineering drawings; (2) performance of simulated permafrost coring tests using a residual Apollo lunar surface drill, (3) design of a rock breaker system which can be used to produce small samples of rock chips from rocks which are too large to return to Earth, but too small to be cored with the Rover-mounted drill; (4)design of sample containers for the selected regolith cores, rock cores, and small particulate or rock samples; and (5) design of sample handling and transfer techniques which will be required through all phase of sample acquisition, processing, and stowage on-board the Earth return vehicle. A preliminary design of a light-weight Rover-mounted sampling scoop was also developed.

Variable Sampling Mapping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Jeffrey, S.; Aronstein, David L.; Dean, Bruce H.; Lyon, Richard G.

2012-01-01

The performance of an optical system (for example, a telescope) is limited by the misalignments and manufacturing imperfections of the optical elements in the system. The impact of these misalignments and imperfections can be quantified by the phase variations imparted on light traveling through the system. Phase retrieval is a methodology for determining these variations. Phase retrieval uses images taken with the optical system and using a light source of known shape and characteristics. Unlike interferometric methods, which require an optical reference for comparison, and unlike Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors that require special optical hardware at the optical system's exit pupil, phase retrieval is an in situ, image-based method for determining the phase variations of light at the system s exit pupil. Phase retrieval can be used both as an optical metrology tool (during fabrication of optical surfaces and assembly of optical systems) and as a sensor used in active, closed-loop control of an optical system, to optimize performance. One class of phase-retrieval algorithms is the iterative transform algorithm (ITA). ITAs estimate the phase variations by iteratively enforcing known constraints in the exit pupil and at the detector, determined from modeled or measured data. The Variable Sampling Mapping (VSM) technique is a new method for enforcing these constraints in ITAs. VSM is an open framework for addressing a wide range of issues that have previously been considered detrimental to high-accuracy phase retrieval, including undersampled images, broadband illumination, images taken at or near best focus, chromatic aberrations, jitter or vibration of the optical system or detector, and dead or noisy detector pixels. The VSM is a model-to-data mapping procedure. In VSM, fully sampled electric fields at multiple wavelengths are modeled inside the phase-retrieval algorithm, and then these fields are mapped to intensities on the light detector, using the properties of the detector and optical system, for comparison with measured data. Ultimately, this model-to-data mapping procedure enables a more robust and accurate way of incorporating the exit-pupil and image detector constraints, which are fundamental to the general class of ITA phase retrieval algorithms.

Vergleich von hydraulischen und chemischen Sedimenteigenschaften aus Spül- und Kernbohrungen im Raum Peine (Norddeutschland)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konrad, C.; Walther, W.; Reimann, T.; Rogge, A.; Stengel, P.; Well, R.

2008-03-01

Comparison of hydraulic and chemical properties of sediments from flush- and core drillings in the area of Peine (Germany). Because of financial constraints, investigations of nitrate metabolism are often based on disturbed borehole samples. It is arguable, however, whether disturbed samples are suitable for these types of investigations. Disadvantages of disturbed samples in comparison to undisturbed core samples are well known and include possible contamination of the sample by mud additives, destruction of the sediment formation and the insecurity concerning the correct depth allocation. In this study, boreholes were drilled at three locations to a maximum depth of 50 m. The extracted samples, as intact sediment cores and drill cuttings, were studied with regard to chemical and hydraulic parameters of the aquifer sediments. The results show: 1. hydraulic parameters are not affected by clay-based mud; 2. disturbed samples contain less fine grain material relative to the core samples, and the hydraulic conductivity can only be estimated from catch samples; 3. catch samples contain fewer reducing agents (sulphides, organic carbon) than core samples in hydraulically passive zones (defined as K < 10 6 m · s 1); 4. the results of analyses of disturbed and undisturbed core samples are in good agreement for hydraulically active zones (K ≥ 10 6 m · s 1).

Planetary protection on international waters: An onboard protocol for capsule retrieval and biosafety control in sample return mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takano, Yoshinori; Yano, Hajime; Sekine, Yasuhito; Funase, Ryu; Takai, Ken

2014-04-01

Planetary protection has been recognized as one of the most important issues in sample return missions that may host certain living forms and biotic signatures in a returned sample. This paper proposes an initiative of sample capsule retrieval and onboard biosafety protocol in international waters for future biological and organic constituent missions to bring samples from possible habitable bodies in the solar system. We suggest the advantages of international waters being outside of national jurisdiction and active regions of human and traffic affairs on the condition that we accept the Outer Space Treaty. The scheme of onboard biological quarantine definitely reduces the potential risk of back-contamination of extraterrestrial materials to the Earth.

Characterisation of the main drivers of intra- and inter- breed variability in the plasma metabolome of dogs.

PubMed

Lloyd, Amanda J; Beckmann, Manfred; Tailliart, Kathleen; Brown, Wendy Y; Draper, John; Allaway, David

Dog breeds are a consequence of artificial selection for specific attributes. These closed genetic populations have metabolic and physiological characteristics that may be revealed by metabolomic analysis. To identify and characterise the drivers of metabolic differences in the fasted plasma metabolome and then determine metabolites differentiating breeds. Fasted plasma samples were collected from dogs maintained under two environmental conditions (controlled and client-owned at home). The former (n = 33) consisted of three breeds (Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel and Miniature Schnauzer) fed a single diet batch, the latter (n = 96), client-owned dogs consisted of 9 breeds (Beagle, Chihuahua, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, Golden Retriever, Greyhound, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever and Maltese) consuming various diets under differing feeding regimens. Triplicate samples were taken from Beagle (n = 10) and Labrador Retriever (n = 9) over 3 months. Non-targeted metabolite fingerprinting was performed using flow infusion electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry which was coupled with multivariate data analysis. Metadata factors including age, gender, sexual status, weight, diet and breed were investigated. Breed differences were identified in the plasma metabolome of dogs housed in a controlled environment. Triplicate samples from two breeds identified intra-individual variability, yet breed separation was still observed. The main drivers of variance in dogs maintained in the home environment were associated with breed and gender. Furthermore, metabolite signals were identified that discriminated between Labrador Retriever and Cocker Spaniels in both environments. Metabolite fingerprinting of plasma samples can be used to investigate breed differences in client-owned dogs, despite added variance of diet, sexual status and environment.

Characterization Data Package for Containerized Sludge Samples Collected from Engineered Container SCS-CON-210

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

Fountain, Matthew S.; Fiskum, Sandra K.; Baldwin, David L.

This data package contains the K Basin sludge characterization results obtained by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory during processing and analysis of four sludge core samples collected from Engineered Container SCS-CON-210 in 2010 as requested by CH2M Hill Plateau Remediation Company. Sample processing requirements, analytes of interest, detection limits, and quality control sample requirements are defined in the KBC-33786, Rev. 2. The core processing scope included reconstitution of a sludge core sample distributed among four to six 4-L polypropylene bottles into a single container. The reconstituted core sample was then mixed and subsampled to support a variety of characterization activities. Additionalmore » core sludge subsamples were combined to prepare a container composite. The container composite was fractionated by wet sieving through a 2,000 micron mesh and a 500-micron mesh sieve. Each sieve fraction was sampled to support a suite of analyses. The core composite analysis scope included density determination, radioisotope analysis, and metals analysis, including the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Hazardous Waste Facility Permit metals (with the exception of mercury). The container composite analysis included most of the core composite analysis scope plus particle size distribution, particle density, rheology, and crystalline phase identification. A summary of the received samples, core sample reconstitution and subsampling activities, container composite preparation and subsampling activities, physical properties, and analytical results are presented. Supporting data and documentation are provided in the appendices. There were no cases of sample or data loss and all of the available samples and data are reported as required by the Quality Assurance Project Plan/Sampling and Analysis Plan.« less

Arctic Ocean Paleoceanography and Future IODP Drilling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stein, Ruediger

2015-04-01

Although the Arctic Ocean is a major player in the global climate/earth system, this region is one of the last major physiographic provinces on Earth where the short- and long-term geological history is still poorly known. This lack in knowledge is mainly due to the major technological/logistical problems in operating within the permanently ice-covered Arctic region which makes it difficult to retrieve long and undisturbed sediment cores. Prior to 2004, in the central Arctic Ocean piston and gravity coring was mainly restricted to obtaining near-surface sediments, i.e., only the upper 15 m could be sampled. Thus, all studies were restricted to the late Pliocene/Quaternary time interval, with a few exceptions. These include the four short cores obtained by gravity coring from drifting ice floes over the Alpha Ridge, where older pre-Neogene organic-carbon-rich muds and laminated biosiliceous oozes were sampled. Continuous central Arctic Ocean sedimentary records, allowing a development of chronologic sequences of climate and environmental change through Cenozoic times and a comparison with global climate records, however, were missing prior to the IODP Expedition 302 (Arctic Ocean Coring Expedition - ACEX), the first scientific drilling in the central Arctic Ocean. By studying the unique ACEX sequence, a large number of scientific discoveries that describe previously unknown Arctic paleoenvironments, were obtained during the last decade (for most recent review and references see Stein et al., 2014). While these results from ACEX were unprecedented, key questions related to the climate history of the Arctic Ocean remain unanswered, in part because of poor core recovery, and in part because of the possible presence of a major mid-Cenozoic hiatus or interval of starved sedimentation within the ACEX record. In order to fill this gap in knowledge, international, multidisciplinary expeditions and projects for scientific drilling/coring in the Arctic Ocean are needed. Key areas and approaches for drilling and recovering undisturbed and complete sedimentary sequences are depth transects across the major ocean ridge systems, such as the Lomonosov Ridge. These new detailed climate records spanning time intervals from the (late Cretaceous/)Paleogene Greenhouse world to the Neogene-Quaternary Icehouse world will give new insights into our understanding of the Arctic Ocean within the global climate system and provide an opportunity to test the performance of climate models used to predict future climate change. During the Polarstern Expedition PS87 in August-September 2014, new site survey data including detailed multibeam bathymetry, multi-channel seismic and Parasound profiling as well as geological coring, were obtained on Lomonosov Ridge (Stein, 2015), being the basis for a more precise planning and update for a future IODP drilling campaign. Reference: Stein, R. (Ed.), 2015. Cruise Report of Polarstern Expedition PS87-2014 (Arctic Ocean/Lomonosov Ridge). Reps. Pol. Mar. Res., in press. Stein, R. , Weller, P. , Backman, J. , Brinkhuis, H., Moran, K. , Pälike, H., 2014. Cenozoic Arctic Ocean Climate History: Some highlights from the IODP Arctic Coring Expedition (ACEX). Developments in Marine Geology 7, Elsevier Amsterdam/New York, pp. 259-293.

Method and apparatus utilizing ionizing and microwave radiation for saturation determination of water, oil and a gas in a core sample

DOEpatents

Maerefat, N.L.; Parmeswar, R.; Brinkmeyer, A.D.; Honarpour, M.

1994-08-23

A system is described for determining the relative permeabilities of gas, water and oil in a core sample has a microwave emitter/detector subsystem and an X-ray emitter/detector subsystem. A core holder positions the core sample between microwave absorbers which prevent diffracted microwaves from reaching a microwave detector where they would reduce the signal-to-noise ratio of the microwave measurements. The microwave emitter/detector subsystem and the X-ray emitter/detector subsystem each have linear calibration characteristics, allowing one subsystem to be calibrated with respect to the other subsystem. The dynamic range of microwave measurements is extended through the use of adjustable attenuators. This also facilitates the use of core samples with wide diameters. The stratification characteristics of the fluids may be observed with a windowed cell separator at the outlet of the core sample. The condensation of heavy hydrocarbon gas and the dynamic characteristics of the fluids are observed with a sight glass at the outlet of the core sample. 11 figs.

Information content of OCO-2 oxygen A-band channels for retrieving marine liquid cloud properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richardson, Mark; Stephens, Graeme L.

2018-03-01

Information content analysis is used to select channels for a marine liquid cloud retrieval using the high-spectral-resolution oxygen A-band instrument on NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2). Desired retrieval properties are cloud optical depth, cloud-top pressure and cloud pressure thickness, which is the geometric thickness expressed in hectopascals. Based on information content criteria we select a micro-window of 75 of the 853 functioning OCO-2 channels spanning 763.5-764.6 nm and perform a series of synthetic retrievals with perturbed initial conditions. We estimate posterior errors from the sample standard deviations and obtain ±0.75 in optical depth and ±12.9 hPa in both cloud-top pressure and cloud pressure thickness, although removing the 10 % of samples with the highest χ2 reduces posterior error in cloud-top pressure to ±2.9 hPa and cloud pressure thickness to ±2.5 hPa. The application of this retrieval to real OCO-2 measurements is briefly discussed, along with limitations and the greatest caution is urged regarding the assumption of a single homogeneous cloud layer, which is often, but not always, a reasonable approximation for marine boundary layer clouds.

Investigating the soil removal characteristics of flexible tube coring method for lunar exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Junyue; Quan, Qiquan; Jiang, Shengyuan; Liang, Jieneng; Lu, Xiangyong; Yuan, Fengpei

2018-02-01

Compared with other technical solutions, sampling the planetary soil and returning it back to Earth may be the most direct method to seek the evidence of extraterrestrial life. To keep sample's stratification for further analyzing, a novel sampling method called flexible tube coring has been adopted for China future lunar explorations. Given the uncertain physical properties of lunar regolith, proper drilling parameters should be adjusted immediately in piercing process. Otherwise, only a small amount of core could be sampled and overload drilling faults could occur correspondingly. Due to the fact that the removed soil is inevitably connected with the cored soil, soil removal characteristics may have a great influence on both drilling loads and coring results. To comprehend the soil removal characteristics, a non-contact measurement was proposed and verified to acquire the coring and removal results accurately. Herein, further more experiments in one homogenous lunar regolith simulant were conducted, revealing that there exists a sudden core failure during the sampling process and the final coring results are determined by the penetration per revolution index. Due to the core failure, both drilling loads and soil's removal states are also affected thereby.

A Xhosa language translation of the CORE-OM using South African university student samples.

PubMed

Campbell, Megan M; Young, Charles

2016-10-01

The translation of well established psychometric tools from English into Xhosa may assist in improving access to psychological services for Xhosa speakers. The aim of this study was to translate the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation - Outcome Measure (CORE-OM), a measure of general distress and dysfunction developed in the UK, into Xhosa for use at South African university student counselling centres. The CORE-OM and embedded CORE-10 were translated into Xhosa using a five-stage translation design. This design included (a) forward-translation, (b) back-translation, (c) committee approach, (d) qualitative piloting, and (e) quantitative piloting on South African university students. Clinical and general samples were drawn from English-medium South African universities. Clinical samples were generated from university student counselling centres. General student samples were generated through random stratified cluster sampling of full-time university students. Qualitative feedback from the translation process and results from quantitative piloting of the 34-item CORE-OM English and Xhosa versions supported the reduction of the scale to 10 items. This reduced scale is referred to as the South African CORE-10 (SA CORE-10). A measurement and structural model of the SA CORE-10 English version was developed and cross-validated using an English-speaking university student sample. Equivalence of this model with the SA CORE-10 Xhosa version was investigated using a first-language Xhosa-speaking university sample. Partial measurement equivalence was achieved at the metric level. The resultant SA CORE-10 Xhosa and English versions provide core measures of distress and dysfunction. Additional, culture- and language-specific domains could be added to increase sensitivity and specificity. © The Author(s) 2016.

Retrieval analysis of ceramic-coated metal-on-polyethylene total hip replacements.

PubMed

Khatkar, Harman; Hothi, Harry; de Villiers, Danielle; Lausmann, Christian; Kendoff, Daniel; Gehrke, Thorsten; Skinner, John; Hart, Alister

2017-06-01

Ceramic coatings have been used in metal-on-polyethylene (MOP) hips to reduce the risk of wear and also infection; the clinical efficacy of this remains unclear. This retrieval study sought to better understand the performance of coated bearing surfaces. Forty-three coated MOP components were analysed post-retrieval for evidence of coating loss and gross polyethylene wear. Coating loss was graded using a visual semi-quantitative protocol. Evidence of gross polyethylene wear was determined by radiographic analysis and visual inspection of the retrieved implants. All components with gross polyethylene wear (n = 10) were revised due to a malfunctioning acetabular component; 35 % (n = 15) of implants exhibited visible coating loss and the incidence of polyethylene wear in samples with coating loss was 54 %, significantly (p = 0.02) elevated compared to samples with intact coatings (14 %). In this study we found evidence of coating loss on metal femoral heads which was associated with increased wear of the corresponding polyethylene acetabular cups.

The Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E)

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

Jensen, Mark P.; Petersen, Walt A.; Bansemer, Aaron

The Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E), a field program jointly led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program and the NASA Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission, was conducted in south-central Oklahoma during April – May 2011. MC3E science objectives were motivated by the need to improve understanding of midlatitude continental convective cloud system lifecycles, microphysics, and GPM precipitation retrieval algorithms. To achieve these objectives a multi-scale surface- and aircraft-based in situ and remote sensing observing strategy was employed. A variety of cloud and precipitation events were sampled during the MC3E, of which results from three deepmore » convective events are highlighted. Vertical structure, air motions, precipitation drop-size distributions and ice properties were retrieved from multi-wavelength radar, profiler, and aircraft observations for an MCS on 11 May. Aircraft observations for another MCS observed on 20 May were used to test agreement between observed radar reflectivities and those calculated with forward-modeled reflectivity and microwave brightness temperatures using in situ particle size distributions and ice water content. Multi-platform observations of a supercell that occurred on 23 May allowed for an integrated analysis of kinematic and microphysical interactions. A core updraft of 25 ms-1 supported growth of hail and large rain drops. Data collected during the MC3E campaign is being used in a number of current and ongoing research projects and is available through the DOE ARM and NASA data archives.« less

Penetrator Coring Apparatus for Cometary Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Braun, David F.; Heinrich, Michael; Ai, Huirong Anita; Ahrens, Thomas J.

2004-01-01

Touch and go impact coring is an attractive technique for sampling cometary nuclei and asteroidal surface on account of the uncertain strength properties and low surface gravities of these objects. Initial coring experiments in low temperature (approx. 153K polycrystalline ice) and porous rock demonstrate that simultaneous with impact coring, measurements of both the penetration strength and constraints on the frictional properties of surface materials can be obtained upon core penetration and core sample extraction. The method of sampling an asteroid, to be deployed, on the now launched MUSES-C mission, employs a small gun device that fires into the asteroid and the resulted impact ejecta is collected for return to Earth. This technique is well suited for initial sampling in a very low gravity environment and deployment depends little on asteroid surface mechanical properties. Since both asteroids and comets are believed to have altered surface properties a simple sampling apparatus that preserves stratigraphic information, such as impact coring is an attractive alternate to impact ejecta collection.

Role of CT scanning in formation evaluation

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

Bergosh, J.L.; Dibona, B.G.

1988-01-01

The use of the computerized tomographic (CT) scanner in formation evaluation of difficult to analyze core samples has moved from the research and development phase to daily, routine use in the core-analysis laboratory. The role of the CT scanner has become increasingly important as geologists try to obtain more representative core material for accurate formation evaluation. The most common problem facing the core analyst when preparing to measure petrophysical properties is the selection of representative and unaltered core samples for routine and special core testing. Recent data have shown that heterogeneous reservoir rock can be very difficult, if not impossible,more » to assess correctly when using standard core examination procedures, because many features, such as fractures, are not visible on the core surface. Another problem is the invasion of drilling mud into the core sample. Flushing formation oil and water from the core can greatly alter the saturation and distribution of fluids and lead to serious formation evaluation problems. Because the quality and usefulness of the core date are directly tied to proper sample selection, it has become imperative that the CT scanner be used whenever possible.« less

ROPEC - ROtary PErcussive Coring Drill for Mars Sample Return

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chu, Philip; Spring, Justin; Zacny, Kris

2014-01-01

The ROtary Percussive Coring Drill is a light weight, flight-like, five-actuator drilling system prototype designed to acquire core material from rock targets for the purposes of Mars Sample Return. In addition to producing rock cores for sample caching, the ROPEC drill can be integrated with a number of end effectors to perform functions such as rock surface abrasion, dust and debris removal, powder and regolith acquisition, and viewing of potential cores prior to caching. The ROPEC drill and its suite of end effectors have been demonstrated with a five degree of freedom Robotic Arm mounted to a mobility system with a prototype sample cache and bit storage station.

GPM Mission, its Scientific Agenda, and its Ground Validation Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith Eric A.

2004-01-01

The GPM mission is currently planned for start in the late 2010 time frame. From the perspective of NASA s Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) and within the framework of ESE's global water and energy cycle (GWEC) research program, its main scientific goal is to help answer pressing scientific problems concerning how global and regional water cycle processes and precipitation fluctuations and trends influence the variability intrinsic to climate, weather, and hydrology. These problems cut across a hierarchy of space-time scales and include improving understanding of climate-water cycle interactions, developing better techniques for incorporating satellite precipitation measurements into weather and climate predictions, and demonstrating that more accurate, more complete, and better sampled observations of precipitation and other water budget variables used as inputs can improve the ability of prognostic hydrometeorological models in the prediction of hazardous flood-producing storms, seasonal flood/draught conditions, and fresh water resource stores. The GPM mission will expand the scope of precipitation measurement through the use of a constellation of some 9 satellites, one of which will be an advanced TRMM-like core satellite carrying a dual-frequency Ku-Ka band precipitation radar (DPR) and an advanced, multifrequency passive microwave radiometer with vertical-horizontal polarization discrimination (GMI). The other constellation members will include a combination of new dedicated satellites and co-existing operational/research satellites carrying similar (but not identical) passive microwave radiometers. The goal of the constellation is to achieve 3-hour sampling at any spot on the globe -- continuously. The constellation s orbit architecture will consist of a mix of sun-synchronous and non-sun-synchronous satellites with the core satellite providing measurements of calibration-quality rainrates, plus cloud-precipitation microphysical processes, to be used in conjunction with more basic rain retrievals from the other constellation satellites to ensure bias-free constellation coverage.

Salton Sea Scientific Drilling Program

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sass, J.H.

1988-01-01

The Salton Sea Scientific Drilling Program (SSSDP) was the first large-scale drilling project undertaken by the U.S Continental Scientific Drilling Program. The objectives of the SSSDP were (1) to drill a deep well into the Salton Sea Geothermal Field in the Imperial Valley of California, (2) to retrieve a high percentage of core and cuttings along the entire depth of the well, (3) to obtain a comprehensive suite of geophysical logs, (4) to conduct flow tests at two depths  (and to take fluid samples therefrom), and (5) to carry out several downhole experiments. These activites enabled the U.S Geological Survey and cooperating agencies to study the physical and chemical processes involved in an active hydrothermal system driven by a molten-rock heat source. This program, orginally conceived by Wilfred A. Elders, professor of geology at the University of California at Riverside, was coordinated under an inter-agency accord among the Geological Survey, the U.S Department of Energy, and the National Science Foundation. 

Analyses of microstructure, composition and retention of hydrogen isotopes in divertor tiles of JET with the ITER-like wall

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masuzaki, S.; Tokitani, M.; Otsuka, T.; Oya, Y.; Hatano, Y.; Miyamoto, M.; Sakamoto, R.; Ashikawa, N.; Sakurada, S.; Uemura, Y.; Azuma, K.; Yumizuru, K.; Oyaizu, M.; Suzuki, T.; Kurotaki, H.; Hamaguchi, D.; Isobe, K.; Asakura, N.; Widdowson, A.; Heinola, K.; Jachmich, S.; Rubel, M.; contributors, JET

2017-12-01

Results of the comprehensive surface analyses of divertor tiles and dusts retrieved from JET after the first ITER-like wall campaign (2011-2012) are presented. The samples cored from the divertor tiles were analyzed. Numerous nano-size bubble-like structures were observed in the deposition layer on the apron of the inner divertor tile, and a beryllium dust with the same structures were found in the matter collected from the inner divertor after the campaign. This suggests that the nano-size bubble-like structures can make the deposition layer to become brittle and may lead to cracking followed by dust generation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses of chemical states of species in the deposition layers identified the formation of beryllium-tungsten intermetallic compounds on an inner vertical tile. Different tritium retention profiles along the divertor tiles were observed at the top surfaces and at deeper regions of the tiles by using the imaging plate technique.

Effects of algal-derived carbon on sediment methane ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Nutrient loading is known to have adverse consequences for aquatic ecosystems, particularly in the form of algal blooms that may result. These blooms pose problems for humans and wildlife, including harmful toxin release, aquatic hypoxia and increased costs for water treatment. Another potential disservice resulting from algal blooms is the enhanced production of methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas, in aquatic sediments. Laboratory experiments have shown that algal biomass additions to sediment cores increase rates of CH4 production, but it is unclear whether or not this effect occurs at the ecosystem scale. The goal of this research was to explore the link between algal-derived carbon and methane production in the sediment of a eutrophic reservoir located in southwest Ohio, using a sampling design that capitalized on spatial and temporal gradients in autochthonous carbon input to sediments. Specifically, we aimed to determine if the within-reservoir gradient of sediment algal-derived organic matter and sediment CH4 production rates correlate. This was done by retrieving sediment cores from 15 sites within the reservoir along a known gradient of methane emission rates, at two separate time points in 2016: late spring before the sediments had received large amounts of algal input and mid-summer after algal blooms had been prevalent in the reservoir. Potential CH4 production rates, sediment organic matter source, and microbial community composition were charac

Orbital forcing on marine organic and carbonate production in the Indo-Pacific during the last 1.7 Myrs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beaufort, L.; Bolton, C. T.; Mazur, J. C.; Gally, Y.

2017-12-01

The Western Pacific Warm Pool (WPWP) is a place of intense energy storage and redistribution … It is climatically relatively stable with, for example, little seasonality in sea surface temperature (SST). However, significant changes occur in the vertical structure of the upper ocean related to El Nino Southern Oscillation dynamics. These changes significantly impact the phytoplankton communities that are adapted to specific conditions in different layers of the photic zone, and are precisely recorded in the sediments by microfossils such as those produced by coccolithophores. Core MD97-2540 was retrieved on the Eauripik rise in the WPWP and covers, in 37 metres, a time interval spanning the last 1.7 million years (Myrs). Two samples were prepared (settling slide) every 5 cm. The entire coccolith assemblage was counted and identified automatically in each sample using the software SYRACO. Morphometric characteristics (length, thickness, mass…) were measured on every coccolith. Primary productivity (PP) was estimated using a transfer function based on the percentage of the species Florisphaera profunda. Changes in mass (M) of the dominant coccolithophore group, the Noelarhabdaceae (including Emilianiaand Gephyrocapsa), were studied. We also estimated the coccolithophore carbonate export production (CCEP). Those 3 parameters (PP, M and CCEP) show a significant imprint of precession and eccentricity of the Earth's orbit. In contrast to SST and planktic foraminiferal oxygen isotopes measured on the same samples, the coccolithophore parameters exhibit significant 400 kyr cyclicity, and the 100 kyr cycle is present prior to its appearance in the SST and oxygen isotope records 0.9 Myrs ago. This indicates direct forcing by insolation and seasonality on the WPWP, independent of global climatic variations. A discussion of the relationship between the Indian Monsoon and ENSO on orbital and longer timescales is enabled via comparisons with PP and CCEP measured at a similar resolution in a core from the southernmost Bay of Bengal, IODP Site U1443.

Recent scientific and operational achievements of D/V Chikyu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taira, Asahiko; Toczko, Sean; Eguchi, Nobu; Kuramoto, Shin'ichi; Kubo, Yusuke; Azuma, Wataru

2014-12-01

The D/V Chikyu, a scientific drilling vessel, is equipped with industry-standard riser capabilities. Riser drilling technology enables remarkable drilling and downhole logging capabilities and provides unprecedented hole-stability, enabling the shipboard team to retrieve high-quality wire-line logging data as well as well-preserved core samples. The 11 March 2011 Tohoku Oki mega-earthquake and tsunami cost over 18,000 casualties in NE Japan. Chikyu, docked in the Port of Hachinohe, was damaged by the tsunami. By April 2012, the ship was back in operation; drilling the toe of the Japan Trench fault zone where topographic surveys suggested there was up to 50 m eastward motion, the largest earthquake rupture ever recorded. During Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) Expeditions 343 and 343 T, Chikyu drilled 850 m below sea floor (mbsf) in 6,900+ m water depth and recovered core samples of a highly brecciated shear zone composed of pelagic claystone. A subseafloor observatory looking for temperature signatures caused by the fault friction during the earthquake, was installed and later successfully recovered. The recovered temperature loggers recorded data from which the level of friction during the mega-earthquake slip could be determined. Following Exp. 343, Chikyu began IODP Exp. 337, a riser drilling expedition into the Shimokita coal beds off Hachinohe, to study the deep subsurface biosphere in sedimentary units including Paleogene-Neogene coal beds. New records in scientific ocean drilling were achieved in deepest penetration (drilling reached 2,466 mbsf) and sample recovery. Currently Chikyu is conducting deep riser drilling at the Nankai Trough in the final stage of the NanTroSEIZE campaign. During the years 2011 to 2013, including drilling in the Okinawa Hydrothermal System, Chikyu's operational and scientific achievements have demonstrated that the ship's capabilities are vital for opening new frontiers in earth and biological sciences.

Mathematics Learning Development: The Role of Long-Term Retrieval

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Calderón-Tena, Carlos O.; Caterino, Linda C.

2016-01-01

This study assessed the relation between long-term memory retrieval and mathematics calculation and mathematics problem solving achievement among elementary, middle, and high school students in nationally representative sample of US students, when controlling for fluid and crystallized intelligence, short-term memory, and processing speed. As…

A Bayesian Approach to Interactive Retrieval

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tague, Jean M.

1973-01-01

A probabilistic model for interactive retrieval is presented. Bayesian statistical decision theory principles are applied: use of prior and sample information about the relationship of document descriptions to query relevance; maximization of expected value of a utility function, to the problem of optimally restructuring search strategies in an…

GPM V05 Gridded Text Products

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stocker, Erich Franz; Kelley, Owen

2017-01-01

This presentation will summarize the changes in the products for the GPM V05 reprocessing cycle. It will concentrate on discussing the gridded text product from the core satellite retrievals. However, all aspects of the GPROF GMI changes in this product are equally appropriate to the other two gridded text products. The GPM mission reprocessed its products in May of 2017 as part of a continuing improvement of precipitation retrievals. This lead to important improvement in the retrievals and therefore also necessitated reprocessing the gridded test products. The V05 GPROF changes not only improved the retrievals but substantially alerted the format and this compelled changes to the gridded text products. Especially important in this regard is the GPROF2017 (used in V05) change from reporting the fraction of the total precipitation rate that occurring as convection or in liquid phase. Instead, GPROF2017, and therefore V05 gridded text products, report the rate of convective precipitation in mm/hr. The GPROF2017 algorithm now reports the frozen precipitation rate in mm/hr rather than the fraction of total precipitation that is liquid. Because of the aim of the gridded text product is to remain simple the radar and combined results will also change in V05 to reflect this change in the GMI retrieval. The presentation provides an analysis of these changes as well as presenting a comparison with the swath products from which the hourly text grids were derived.

A Plan for Measuring Climatic Scale Global Precipitation Variability: The Global Precipitation Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Eric A.; Einaudi, Franco (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

The outstanding success of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) stemmed from a near flawless launch and deployment, a highly successful measurement campaign, achievement of all original scientific objectives before the mission life had ended, and the accomplishment of a number of unanticipated but important additional scientific advances. This success and the realization that satellite rainfall datasets are now a foremost tool in the understanding of decadal climate variability has helped motivate a comprehensive global rainfall measuring mission, called 'The Global Precipitation Mission' (GPM). The intent of this mission is to address looming scientific questions arising in the context of global climate-water cycle interactions, hydrometeorology, weather prediction, the global carbon budget, and atmosphere-biosphere-cryosphere chemistry. This paper addresses the status of that mission currently planed for launch in the early 2007 time frame. The GPM design involves a nine-member satellite constellation, one of which will be an advanced TRMM-like 'core' satellite carrying a dual-frequency Ku-Ka band radar (df-PR) and a TMI-like radiometer. The other eight members of the constellation can be considered drones to the core satellite, each carrying some type of passive microwave radiometer measuring across the 10.7-85 GHz frequency range, likely based on both real and synthetic aperture antenna technology and to include a combination of new lightweight dedicated GPM drones and both co-existing operational and experimental satellites carrying passive microwave radiometers (i.e., SSM/l, AMSR, etc.). The constellation is designed to provide a minimum of three-hour sampling at any spot on the globe using sun-synchronous orbit architecture, with the core satellite providing relevant measurements on internal cloud precipitation microphysical processes. The core satellite also enables 'training' and 'calibration' of the drone retrieval process. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

An Uncertainty Quantification Framework for Remote Sensing Retrievals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braverman, A. J.; Hobbs, J.

2017-12-01

Remote sensing data sets produced by NASA and other space agencies are the result of complex algorithms that infer geophysical state from observed radiances using retrieval algorithms. The processing must keep up with the downlinked data flow, and this necessitates computational compromises that affect the accuracies of retrieved estimates. The algorithms are also limited by imperfect knowledge of physics and of ancillary inputs that are required. All of this contributes to uncertainties that are generally not rigorously quantified by stepping outside the assumptions that underlie the retrieval methodology. In this talk we discuss a practical framework for uncertainty quantification that can be applied to a variety of remote sensing retrieval algorithms. Ours is a statistical approach that uses Monte Carlo simulation to approximate the sampling distribution of the retrieved estimates. We will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of this approach, and provide a case-study example from the Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 mission.

Developing core elements and checklist items for global hospital antimicrobial stewardship programmes: a consensus approach.

PubMed

Pulcini, C; Binda, F; Lamkang, A S; Trett, A; Charani, E; Goff, D A; Harbarth, S; Hinrichsen, S L; Levy-Hara, G; Mendelson, M; Nathwani, D; Gunturu, R; Singh, S; Srinivasan, A; Thamlikitkul, V; Thursky, K; Vlieghe, E; Wertheim, H; Zeng, M; Gandra, S; Laxminarayan, R

2018-04-03

With increasing global interest in hospital antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes, there is a strong demand for core elements of AMS to be clearly defined on the basis of principles of effectiveness and affordability. To date, efforts to identify such core elements have been limited to Europe, Australia, and North America. The aim of this study was to develop a set of core elements and their related checklist items for AMS programmes that should be present in all hospitals worldwide, regardless of resource availability. A literature review was performed by searching Medline and relevant websites to retrieve a list of core elements and items that could have global relevance. These core elements and items were evaluated by an international group of AMS experts using a structured modified Delphi consensus procedure, using two-phased online in-depth questionnaires. The literature review identified seven core elements and their related 29 checklist items from 48 references. Fifteen experts from 13 countries in six continents participated in the consensus procedure. Ultimately, all seven core elements were retained, as well as 28 of the initial checklist items plus one that was newly suggested, all with ≥80% agreement; 20 elements and items were rephrased. This consensus on core elements for hospital AMS programmes is relevant to both high- and low-to-middle-income countries and could facilitate the development of national AMS stewardship guidelines and adoption by healthcare settings worldwide. Copyright © 2018 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. All rights reserved.

An introduction to the theory of ptychographic phase retrieval methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konijnenberg, Sander

2017-12-01

An overview of several ptychographic phase retrieval methods and the theory behind them is presented. By looking into the theory behind more basic single-intensity pattern phase retrieval methods, a theoretical framework is provided for analyzing ptychographic algorithms. Extensions of ptychographic algorithms that deal with issues such as partial coherence, thick samples, or uncertainties of the probe or probe positions are also discussed. This introduction is intended for scientists and students without prior experience in the field of phase retrieval or ptychography to quickly get introduced to the theory, so that they can put the more specialized literature in context more easily.

Monitoring of NMR porosity changes in the full-size core salvage through the drying process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fattakhov, Artur; Kosarev, Victor; Doroginitskii, Mikhail; Skirda, Vladimir

2015-04-01

Currently the principle of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is one of the most popular technologies in the field of borehole geophysics and core analysis. Results of NMR studies allow to calculate the values of the porosity and permeability of sedimentary rocks with sufficient reliability. All standard tools for the study of core salvage on the basis of NMR have significant limitations: there is considered only long relaxation times corresponding to the mobile formation fluid. Current trends in energy obligate to move away from conventional oil to various alternative sources of energy. One of these sources are deposits of bitumen and high-viscosity oil. In Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University (Russia) there was developed a mobile unit for the study of the full-length core salvage by the NMR method ("NMR-Core") together with specialists of "TNG-Group" (a company providing maintenance services to oil companies). This unit is designed for the study of core material directly on the well, after removing it from the core receiver. The maximum diameter of the core sample may be up to 116 mm, its length (or length of the set of samples) may be up to 1000 mm. Positional precision of the core sample relative to the measurement system is 1 mm, and the spatial resolution along the axis of the core is 10 mm. Acquisition time of the 1 m core salvage varies depending on the mode of research and is at least 20 minutes. Furthermore, there is implemented a special investigation mode of the core samples with super small relaxation times (for example, heavy oil) is in the tool. The aim of this work is tracking of the NMR porosity changes in the full-size core salvage in time. There was used a water-saturated core salvage from the shallow educational well as a sample. The diameter of the studied core samples is 93 mm. There was selected several sections length of 1m from the 200-meter coring interval. The studied core samples are being measured several times. The time interval between the measurements is from 1 hour to 48 hours. Making the measurements it possible to draw conclusions about that the processes of NMR porosity changes in time as a result of evaporation of the part of fluid from the surface layer of the core salvage and suggest a core analysis technique directly on the well. This work is supported by the grant of Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation (project No. 02.G25.31.0029).

Study and Analysis of The Robot-Operated Material Processing Systems (ROMPS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyen, Charles C.

1996-01-01

This is a report presenting the progress of a research grant funded by NASA for work performed during 1 Oct. 1994 - 31 Sep. 1995. The report deals with the development and investigation of potential use of software for data processing for the Robot Operated Material Processing System (ROMPS). It reports on the progress of data processing of calibration samples processed by ROMPS in space and on earth. First data were retrieved using the I/O software and manually processed using MicroSoft Excel. Then the data retrieval and processing process was automated using a program written in C which is able to read the telemetry data and produce plots of time responses of sample temperatures and other desired variables. LabView was also employed to automatically retrieve and process the telemetry data.

Optical Methods for Identifying Hard Clay Core Samples During Petrophysical Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morev, A. V.; Solovyeva, A. V.; Morev, V. A.

2018-01-01

X-ray phase analysis of the general mineralogical composition of core samples from one of the West Siberian fields was performed. Electronic absorption spectra of the clay core samples with an added indicator were studied. The speed and availability of applying the two methods in petrophysical laboratories during sample preparation for standard and special studies were estimated.

Mars Sample Return Architecture Overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edwards, C. D.; Vijendran, S.

2018-04-01

NASA and ESA are exploring potential concepts for a Sample Retrieval Lander and Earth Return Orbiter that could return samples planned to be collected and cached by the Mars 2020 rover mission. We provide an overview of the Mars Sample Return architecture.

The impact of self-imagery on aspects of the self-concept in individuals with high levels of eating disorder cognitions.

PubMed

Harlowe, Jodie; Farrar, Stephanie; Stopa, Lusia; Turner, Hannah

2018-05-08

Low self-esteem has been identified as a maintaining factor in Cognitive Behavioural models of eating disorders and links have been identified between early memories, negative core beliefs and mental imagery. This study explored the impact of positive and negative self-imagery on aspects of the working self (implicit and explicit self-esteem, self-concept clarity and self-discrepancy) and affect. Participants with high levels of eating disorder cognitions completed measures of explicit self-esteem, self-concept clarity, self-discrepancy and affect prior to completing a positive or negative self-imagery retrieval task. Baseline measures were then repeated and a measure of implicit self-esteem completed. Positive self-imagery retrieval led to a significant increase in positive explicit self-esteem and a significant reduction in negative explicit self-esteem and actual-ideal self-discrepancies. Negative self-imagery retrieval led to a significant increase in negative explicit self-esteem and actual-ideal self-discrepancies and a significant reduction in positive explicit self-esteem. Levels of implicit self-esteem did not differ between the two groups post imagery manipulation. Retrieving a positive self-image also led to an improvement in state self-concept clarity; however, no effect was found for the negative self-imagery intervention. Holding a positive self-image in mind led to an increase in state positive affect and a reduction in state negative affect. The opposite was found for negative self-image retrieval. The study did not measure implicit self-esteem at baseline. Imagery techniques that involve the retrieval of a positive self-image may help to improve aspects of the working-self and affect in those with eating difficulties. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hyper Text Mark-up Language and Dublin Core metadata element set usage in websites of Iranian State Universities' libraries.

PubMed

Zare-Farashbandi, Firoozeh; Ramezan-Shirazi, Mahtab; Ashrafi-Rizi, Hasan; Nouri, Rasool

2014-01-01

Recent progress in providing innovative solutions in the organization of electronic resources and research in this area shows a global trend in the use of new strategies such as metadata to facilitate description, place for, organization and retrieval of resources in the web environment. In this context, library metadata standards have a special place; therefore, the purpose of the present study has been a comparative study on the Central Libraries' Websites of Iran State Universities for Hyper Text Mark-up Language (HTML) and Dublin Core metadata elements usage in 2011. The method of this study is applied-descriptive and data collection tool is the check lists created by the researchers. Statistical community includes 98 websites of the Iranian State Universities of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and Ministry of Science, Research and Technology and method of sampling is the census. Information was collected through observation and direct visits to websites and data analysis was prepared by Microsoft Excel software, 2011. The results of this study indicate that none of the websites use Dublin Core (DC) metadata and that only a few of them have used overlaps elements between HTML meta tags and Dublin Core (DC) elements. The percentage of overlaps of DC elements centralization in the Ministry of Health were 56% for both description and keywords and, in the Ministry of Science, were 45% for the keywords and 39% for the description. But, HTML meta tags have moderate presence in both Ministries, as the most-used elements were keywords and description (56%) and the least-used elements were date and formatter (0%). It was observed that the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Science follows the same path for using Dublin Core standard on their websites in the future. Because Central Library Websites are an example of scientific web pages, special attention in designing them can help the researchers to achieve faster and more accurate information resources. Therefore, the influence of librarians' ideas on the awareness of web designers and developers will be important for using metadata elements as general, and specifically for applying such standards.

Hyper Text Mark-up Language and Dublin Core metadata element set usage in websites of Iranian State Universities’ libraries

PubMed Central

Zare-Farashbandi, Firoozeh; Ramezan-Shirazi, Mahtab; Ashrafi-Rizi, Hasan; Nouri, Rasool

2014-01-01

Introduction: Recent progress in providing innovative solutions in the organization of electronic resources and research in this area shows a global trend in the use of new strategies such as metadata to facilitate description, place for, organization and retrieval of resources in the web environment. In this context, library metadata standards have a special place; therefore, the purpose of the present study has been a comparative study on the Central Libraries’ Websites of Iran State Universities for Hyper Text Mark-up Language (HTML) and Dublin Core metadata elements usage in 2011. Materials and Methods: The method of this study is applied-descriptive and data collection tool is the check lists created by the researchers. Statistical community includes 98 websites of the Iranian State Universities of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education and Ministry of Science, Research and Technology and method of sampling is the census. Information was collected through observation and direct visits to websites and data analysis was prepared by Microsoft Excel software, 2011. Results: The results of this study indicate that none of the websites use Dublin Core (DC) metadata and that only a few of them have used overlaps elements between HTML meta tags and Dublin Core (DC) elements. The percentage of overlaps of DC elements centralization in the Ministry of Health were 56% for both description and keywords and, in the Ministry of Science, were 45% for the keywords and 39% for the description. But, HTML meta tags have moderate presence in both Ministries, as the most-used elements were keywords and description (56%) and the least-used elements were date and formatter (0%). Conclusion: It was observed that the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Science follows the same path for using Dublin Core standard on their websites in the future. Because Central Library Websites are an example of scientific web pages, special attention in designing them can help the researchers to achieve faster and more accurate information resources. Therefore, the influence of librarians’ ideas on the awareness of web designers and developers will be important for using metadata elements as general, and specifically for applying such standards. PMID:24741646

32 CFR Appendix G to Part 310 - Sample Amendments or Deletions to System Notices in Federal Register Format

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

..., which contain the individual's name; rank/pay grade; Social Security Number; military branch or..., retiring, accessing, retaining, and disposing of records. Storage: Electronic storage media. Retrievability: Retrieved by individual's surname, Social Security Number and/or passport number. Safeguards: Electronic...

32 CFR Appendix G to Part 310 - Sample Amendments or Deletions to System Notices in Federal Register Format

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

..., which contain the individual's name; rank/pay grade; Social Security Number; military branch or..., retiring, accessing, retaining, and disposing of records. Storage: Electronic storage media. Retrievability: Retrieved by individual's surname, Social Security Number and/or passport number. Safeguards: Electronic...

32 CFR Appendix G to Part 310 - Sample Amendments or Deletions to System Notices in Federal Register Format

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

..., which contain the individual's name; rank/pay grade; Social Security Number; military branch or..., retiring, accessing, retaining, and disposing of records. Storage: Electronic storage media. Retrievability: Retrieved by individual's surname, Social Security Number and/or passport number. Safeguards: Electronic...

Naïve Point Estimation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lindskog, Marcus; Winman, Anders; Juslin, Peter

2013-01-01

The capacity of short-term memory is a key constraint when people make online judgments requiring them to rely on samples retrieved from memory (e.g., Dougherty & Hunter, 2003). In this article, the authors compare 2 accounts of how people use knowledge of statistical distributions to make point estimates: either by retrieving precomputed…

Phase retrieval from local measurements in two dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwen, Mark; Preskitt, Brian; Saab, Rayan; Viswanathan, Aditya

2017-08-01

The phase retrieval problem has appeared in a multitude of applications for decades. While ad hoc solutions have existed since the early 1970s, recent developments have provided algorithms that offer promising theoretical guarantees under increasingly realistic assumptions. Motivated by ptychographic imaging, we generalize a recent result on phase retrieval of a one dimensional objective vector x ∈ ℂd to recover a two dimensional sample Q ∈ ℂd x d from phaseless measurements, using a tensor product formulation to extend the previous work.

Utilization of fluorescent microspheres and a green fluorescent protein-marked strain for assessment of microbiological contamination of permafrost and ground ice core samples from the Canadian High Arctic.

PubMed

Juck, D F; Whissell, G; Steven, B; Pollard, W; McKay, C P; Greer, C W; Whyte, L G

2005-02-01

Fluorescent microspheres were applied in a novel fashion during subsurface drilling of permafrost and ground ice in the Canadian High Arctic to monitor the exogenous microbiological contamination of core samples obtained during the drilling process. Prior to each drill run, a concentrated fluorescent microsphere (0.5-microm diameter) solution was applied to the interior surfaces of the drill bit, core catcher, and core tube and allowed to dry. Macroscopic examination in the field demonstrated reliable transfer of the microspheres to core samples, while detailed microscopic examination revealed penetration levels of less than 1 cm from the core exterior. To monitor for microbial contamination during downstream processing of the permafrost and ground ice cores, a Pseudomonas strain expressing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) was painted on the core exterior prior to processing. Contamination of the processed core interiors with the GFP-expressing strain was not detected by culturing the samples or by PCR to detect the gfp marker gene. These methodologies were quick, were easy to apply, and should help to monitor the exogenous microbiological contamination of pristine permafrost and ground ice samples for downstream culture-dependent and culture-independent microbial analyses.

Utilization of Fluorescent Microspheres and a Green Fluorescent Protein-Marked Strain for Assessment of Microbiological Contamination of Permafrost and Ground Ice Core Samples from the Canadian High Arctic

PubMed Central

Juck, D. F.; Whissell, G.; Steven, B.; Pollard, W.; McKay, C. P.; Greer, C. W.; Whyte, L. G.

2005-01-01

Fluorescent microspheres were applied in a novel fashion during subsurface drilling of permafrost and ground ice in the Canadian High Arctic to monitor the exogenous microbiological contamination of core samples obtained during the drilling process. Prior to each drill run, a concentrated fluorescent microsphere (0.5-μm diameter) solution was applied to the interior surfaces of the drill bit, core catcher, and core tube and allowed to dry. Macroscopic examination in the field demonstrated reliable transfer of the microspheres to core samples, while detailed microscopic examination revealed penetration levels of less than 1 cm from the core exterior. To monitor for microbial contamination during downstream processing of the permafrost and ground ice cores, a Pseudomonas strain expressing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) was painted on the core exterior prior to processing. Contamination of the processed core interiors with the GFP-expressing strain was not detected by culturing the samples or by PCR to detect the gfp marker gene. These methodologies were quick, were easy to apply, and should help to monitor the exogenous microbiological contamination of pristine permafrost and ground ice samples for downstream culture-dependent and culture-independent microbial analyses. PMID:15691963

Sediment and water chemistry of the San Juan River and Escalante River deltas of Lake Powell, Utah, 2010-2011

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hornewer, Nancy J.

2014-01-01

Recent studies have documented the presence of trace elements, organic compounds including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and radionuclides in sediment from the Colorado River delta and from sediment in some side canyons in Lake Powell, Utah and Arizona. The fate of many of these contaminants is of significant concern to the resource managers of the National Park Service Glen Canyon National Recreation Area because of potential health impacts to humans and aquatic and terrestrial species. In 2010, the U.S. Geological Survey began a sediment-core sampling and analysis program in the San Juan River and Escalante River deltas in Lake Powell, Utah, to help the National Park Service further document the presence or absence of contaminants in deltaic sediment. Three sediment cores were collected from the San Juan River delta in August 2010 and three sediment cores and an additional replicate core were collected from the Escalante River delta in September 2011. Sediment from the cores was subsampled and composited for analysis of major and trace elements. Fifty-five major and trace elements were analyzed in 116 subsamples and 7 composited samples for the San Juan River delta cores, and in 75 subsamples and 9 composited samples for the Escalante River delta cores. Six composited sediment samples from the San Juan River delta cores and eight from the Escalante River delta cores also were analyzed for 55 low-level organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls, 61 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, gross alpha and gross beta radionuclides, and sediment-particle size. Additionally, water samples were collected from the sediment-water interface overlying each of the three cores collected from the San Juan River and Escalante River deltas. Each water sample was analyzed for 57 major and trace elements. Most of the major and trace elements analyzed were detected at concentrations greater than reporting levels for the sediment-core subsamples and composited samples. Low-level organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls were not detected in any of the samples. Only one polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compound was detected at a concentration greater than the reporting level for one San Juan composited sample. Gross alpha and gross beta radionuclides were detected at concentrations greater than reporting levels for all samples. Most of the major and trace elements analyzed were detected at concentrations greater than reporting levels for water samples.

Performance of ARCHITECT HCV core antigen test with specimens from US plasma donors and injecting drug users.

PubMed

Mixson-Hayden, Tonya; Dawson, George J; Teshale, Eyasu; Le, Thao; Cheng, Kevin; Drobeniuc, Jan; Ward, John; Kamili, Saleem

2015-05-01

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen is a serological marker of current HCV infection. The aim of this study was mainly to evaluate the performance characteristics of the ARCHITECT HCV core antigen assay with specimens from US plasma donors and injecting drug users. A total of 551 serum and plasma samples with known anti-HCV and HCV RNA status were tested for HCV core antigen using the Abbott ARCHITECT HCV core antigen test. HCV core antigen was detectable in 100% of US plasma donor samples collected during the pre-seroconversion phase of infection (anti-HCV negative/HCV RNA positive). Overall sensitivity of the HCV core antigen assay was 88.9-94.3% in samples collected after seroconversion. The correlation between HCV core antigen and HCV RNA titers was 0.959. HCV core antigen testing may be reliably used to identify current HCV infection. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Immediate surgical resection of residual microcalcifications after a diagnosis of pure flat epithelial atypia on core biopsy: a word of caution.

PubMed

Noël, Jean-Christophe; Buxant, Frédéric; Engohan-Aloghe, Corinne

2010-12-01

The entity of pure flat epithelial atypia remains a challenge due to controversy of the surgical management of residual microcalcifications after core needle biopsies. This study aims to assess the morphological data observed in immediate surgical resection specimen of residual microcalcifications after a diagnosis of pure flat epithelial atypia on mammotome core biopsy. Sixty-two mammotome core biopsy with a diagnosis of pure flat epithelial atypia (flat epithelial atypia without associated atypical ductal hyperplasia, in situ and/or invasive carcinoma) were identified. From these 62 cases, 20 presented residual microcalcifications and underwent an immediate surgical excision after mammotome. Of the 20 patients with excised microcalcifications, 8 (40%)cases had residual pure flat epithelial atypia, 4 (20%) cases had atypical ductal hyperplasia, 4 (20%) cases had lobular in situ neoplasia, no lesions were retrieved in 4 (20%) case. None of the patients had either in situ ductal carcinoma and/or invasive carcinoma. Surgical resection of residual microcalcifications after the diagnosis of pure flat epithelial atypia on core needle biopsy remains still a debate. The present study shows no cases of in situ ductal and/or invasive carcinoma on immediate excision of residual microcalcifications after mammotome core biopsies. Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A second look at the CloudSat/TRMM intersect data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haddad, Z.; Kuo, K.; Smith, E. A.; Kiang, D.; Turk, F. J.

2010-12-01

The original objective motivating the creation of the CloudSat+TRMM intersect products (by E.A. Smith, K.-S. Kuo et al) was to provide new opportunities in research related to precipitating clouds. The data products consist of near-coincident CloudSat Cloud Profiling Radar calibrated 94-GHz reflectivity factors and detection flag, sampled every 240 m in elevation, and the TRMM Precipitation Radar calibrated 13.8-GHz reflectivity factors, attenuation-adjusted reflectivity factors and rain rate estimates, sampled every 250 m in elevation, in the TRMM beam whose footprint encompasses the CloudSat beam footprint. Because retrieving precipitation distributions from single-frequency radar measurements is a very under-constrained proposition, we decided to restrict our analyses to CloudSat data that were taken within 3 minutes of a TRMM pass. We ended up with over 5000 beams of nearly simultaneous observations of precipitation, and proceeded in two different ways: 1) we attempted to perform retrievals based on simultaneous radar reflectivity measurements at Ku and W bands. At low precipitation rates, the Ku-band radar does not detect much of the rain. At higher precipitation rates, the W-band radar incurs high attenuation, and this makes “Hitschfeld-Bordan” retrievals (from the top of the column down toward the surface) diverge because of numerical instability. The main question for this portion of the analysis was to determine if these two extremes are indeed extremes that still afford us a significant number of “in-between” cases, on which we can apply a careful dual-frequency retrieval algorithm; 2) we also attempted to quantify the ability of the Ku-band measurements to provide complementary information to the W-band estimates outside their overlap region, and vice versa. Specifically, instead of looking at the admittedly small vertical region where both radars detect precipitation and where their measurements are unambiguously related to the underlying physics (unaffected by multiple scattering), we considered the TRMM estimates in the rain below the freezing level, and tried to infer the joint behavior of the overlying CloudSat measurements above the freezing level as a function of the rain - and, conversely, we considered the vertical variability of the CloudSat estimates in the above-freezing region, and derived the joint behavior of the TRMM measurements in the rain as a function of the CloudSat estimates. The results are compiled in databases that should allow users of less-sensitive lower-frequency radars to infer some quantitative information about the storm structure above the precipitating core in the absence of higher-frequency measurements, just as it will allow users of too-sensitive higher-frequency radars to infer some quantitative information about the precipitation closer to the surface in the absence of lower-frequency measurements.

The Apache OODT Project: An Introduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mattmann, C. A.; Crichton, D. J.; Hughes, J. S.; Ramirez, P.; Goodale, C. E.; Hart, A. F.

2012-12-01

Apache OODT is a science data system framework, borne over the past decade, with 100s of FTEs of investment, tens of sponsoring agencies (NASA, NIH/NCI, DoD, NSF, universities, etc.), and hundreds of projects and science missions that it powers everyday to their success. At its core, Apache OODT carries with it two fundamental classes of software services and components: those that deal with information integration from existing science data repositories and archives, that themselves have already-in-use business processes and models for populating those archives. Information integration allows search, retrieval, and dissemination across these heterogeneous systems, and ultimately rapid, interactive data access, and retrieval. The other suite of services and components within Apache OODT handle population and processing of those data repositories and archives. Workflows, resource management, crawling, remote data retrieval, curation and ingestion, along with science data algorithm integration all are part of these Apache OODT software elements. In this talk, I will provide an overview of the use of Apache OODT to unlock and populate information from science data repositories and archives. We'll cover the basics, along with some advanced use cases and success stories.

Development of digital dashboard system for medical practice: maximizing efficiency of medical information retrieval and communication.

PubMed

Lee, Kee Hyuck; Yoo, Sooyoung; Shin, HoGyun; Baek, Rong-Min; Chung, Chin Youb; Hwang, Hee

2013-01-01

It is reported that digital dashboard systems in hospitals provide a user interface (UI) that can centrally manage and retrieve various information related to patients in a single screen, support the decision-making of medical professionals on a real time basis by integrating the scattered medical information systems and core work flows, enhance the competence and decision-making ability of medical professionals, and reduce the probability of misdiagnosis. However, the digital dashboard systems of hospitals reported to date have some limitations when medical professionals use them to generally treat inpatients, because those were limitedly used for the work process of certain departments or developed to improve specific disease-related indicators. Seoul National University Bundang Hospital developed a new concept of EMR system to overcome such limitations. The system allows medical professionals to easily access all information on inpatients and effectively retrieve important information from any part of the hospital by displaying inpatient information in the form of digital dashboard. In this study, we would like to introduce the structure, development methodology and the usage of our new concept.

The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics Marine Geology and Geophysics Field Course

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, M. B.; Gulick, S. P.; Allison, M. A.; Goff, J. A.; Duncan, D. D.; Saustrup, S.

2011-12-01

The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics, part of the Jackson School of Geosciences, annually offers an intensive three-week marine geology and geophysics field course during the spring-summer intersession. Now in year five, the course provides hands-on instruction and training for graduate and upper-level undergraduate students in data acquisition, processing, interpretation, and visualization. Techniques covered include high-resolution seismic reflection, CHIRP sub-bottom profiling, multibeam bathymetry, sidescan sonar, several types of sediment coring, grab sampling, and the sedimentology of resulting seabed samples (e.g., core description, grain size analysis, x-radiography, etc.). Students seek to understand coastal and sedimentary processes of the Gulf Coast and continental shelf through application of these techniques in an exploratory mode. Students participate in an initial three days of classroom instruction designed to communicate geological context of the field area (which changes each year) along with theoretical and technical background on each field method. The class then travels to the Gulf Coast for a week of at-sea field work. In the field, students rotate between two small research vessels: one vessel, the 22' aluminum-hulled R/V Lake Itasca, owned and operated by UTIG, is used principally for multibeam bathymetry, sidescan sonar, and sediment sampling; the other, NOAA's R/V Manta or the R/V Acadiana, operated by the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, is used primarily for high-resolution seismic reflection, CHIRP sub-bottom profiling, multibeam bathymetry, gravity coring, and vibracoring. While at sea, students assist with survey design, learn instrumentation set up, acquisition parameters, data quality control, and safe instrument deployment and retrieval. In teams of three, students work in onshore field labs preparing sediment samples for particle size analysis and initial data processing. During the course's final week, teams return to the classroom where they integrate, interpret, and visualize data in a final project using industry-standard software such as Focus, Landmark, Caris, and Fledermaus. The course concludes with a series of professional-level final presentations and discussions in which students examine geologic history and/or sedimentary processes represented by the Gulf Coast continental shelf. With course completion, students report a greater understanding of marine geology and geophysics via the course's intensive, hands-on, team approach and low instructor to student ratio. This course satisfies field experience requirements for some degree programs and thus provides a unique alternative to land-based field courses.

The effect of low dose rate irradiation on the tensile properties and microstructure of austenitic stainless steel.

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

Allen, T. R.; Tsai, H.; Cole, J. I.

2002-09-17

To assess the effects of long-term, low-dose-rate neutron exposure on mechanical strength and ductility, tensile properties were measured on 12% and 20% cold-worked Type 316 stainless steel. Samples were prepared from reactor core components retrieved from the EBR-II reactor following final shutdown. Sample locations were chosen to cover a dose range of 1-56 dpa at temperatures from 371-440 C and dose rates from 0.5-5.8 x10{sup -7} dpa/s. These dose rates are approximately an order of magnitude lower than those of typical EBR-II test sample locations. The tensile tests for the 12% CW material were performed at 380 C and 430more » C while those for the 20% CW samples were performed at 370 C. In each case, the tensile test temperature approximately matched the irradiation temperature. To help understand the tensile properties, microstructural samples with similar irradiation history were also examined. The strength and loss of work hardening increase the fastest as a function of irradiation dose for the 12% CW material irradiated at lower temperature. The decrease in ductility with increasing dose occurs more rapidly for the 12% CW material irradiated at lower temperature and the 20% cold-worked material. Post-tensile test fractography indicates that at higher dose, the 20% CW samples begin a shift in fracture mode from purely ductile to mainly small facets and slip bands, suggesting a transition toward channel fracture. The fracture for all of the 12% cold-worked samples was ductile. For both the 12% and 20% CW materials, the yield strength increases correlate with changes in void and loop density and size.« less

Linking Anomalously Low Topographic Relief in the Taiwan Arc-Continent Collision to a Submarine Plateau South of the Collision.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byrne, T. B.; Lin, A. T.; Su, C. C.; Lewis, J. C.; Liu, C. S.; Ouimet, W. B.; Chen, T. T.; Huang, C.

2015-12-01

Ouimet et al. (2014; submitted) have recently described broad areas of anomalously low relief and slope that straddle the topographic ridge crest in Taiwan. The areas are anomalous because Taiwan also preserves some of the steepest topography in the world, as expected from the high rates of convergence, exhumation and erosion. In addition, several age-elevation data sets (see Hsu et al. this meeting), using new and previously published ZrnFT, ZrnHe and ApFT ages, show exhumation cooling rates of 3 to 5 mm/yr since ~1.5-2.0 Ma, which is consistent with the exposure of reset zircons beneath the surfaces. Erosion rates of this magnitude, however, are expected to produce significant topographic relief, making it difficult to generate a topographic surface of low slope and low relief centered on the ridge crest. Very young ApFT and ZrnHe ages (e.g., < 0.5 Ma) also suggest a more recent acceleration in exhumation cooling. A relatively large area of low relief centered on the top of the submarine accretionary prism south of Taiwan may provide a solution for this conundrum. The area covers ca 1000 km2, has a mean elevation of ca 450 m below sea level and appears to be composed of hard, intact rocks rather than unlithified deep sea muds. Several attempts at gravity and piston coring failed to penetrate the substrate and samples retrieved in the core catcher include rounded clasts of quartz and siltstone. Geophysical studies also show high Vp velocities at relatively shallow depths beneath the sea floor, suggesting the removal of a significant volume of sediment and rock, presumably through erosion. We propose that this low relief plateau serves as a modern analog for the formation of the low relief surfaces that currently straddle the ridge crest in Taiwan. If this interpretation is correct, it suggests a tectonic model in which submarine erosion processes modulate vertical growth of the prism until collision of thick continental crust promotes uplift that outpaces erosion. This requires significant erosion rates (e.g., mm/yr) in the shallow water marine environment. Based on the young ApFT and ZrnHe ages, we propose that emergence of the prism occurred less than about a half a million years ago, and that this hypothesis could be tested by chronologic and thermochronologic data from cores retrieved through submarine drilling.

Current Development of Global Precipitation Mission (GPM)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Eric A.; Starr, David (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The scientific success of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and additional satellite-focused precipitation retrieval projects, particularly those based on use of passive microwave radiometer measurements, have paved the way for a more advanced global precipitation mission. The new mission is motivated by a number of scientific questions that TRMM research has posed over a range of space-time scales and within a variety of scientific disciplines that are becoming more integrated into earth system science modeling. Added to this success is the realization that satellite rainfall datasets are now a foremost tool in understanding global climate variability out to decadal scales and beyond. This progress has motivated a comprehensive global measuring strategy -- leading to the "Global Precipitation Mission" (GPM). GPM is planning to expand the scope of rainfall measurement through use of a satellite constellation. The intent is to address looming scientific questions arising in the context of global climate-water cycle interactions, hydrometeorology, weather prediction & prediction of fresh water resources, the global carbon budget, and biogeochemical cycles. This talk overviews the status and scientific agenda of this mission currently planned for launch in the 2007-2008 time frame. The GPM notional design involves a 10-member satellite constellation, one of which will be an advanced TRMM-like "core" satellite carrying a dual-frequency Ku-Ka band radar (DFPR) and a TMI-like radiometer. The other nine members of the constellation will be considered daughters of the core satellite, each carrying some type of passive microwave radiometer measuring across the 10.7-85 GHz frequency range -- likely to include a combination of lightweight satellites and co-existing operational/experimental satellites carrying passive microwave radiometers (i.e., 2 DMSP/SSMISs, GCOM-B1/AMSR-J, & Megha Tropiques/MADRAS). The goal behind the constellation is to achieve no worse than 3-hour sampling at any spot on the globe. The constellation's orbit architecture will consist of a mix of sun-synchronous and non- sun-synchronous daughter satellites, with the core satellite providing relevant measurements on internal cloud-precipitation microphysical processes plus "training-calibrating" information to be used with the retrieval algorithms for the daughter satellite measurements. The GPM is organized internationally, currently involving a partnership between NASA in the US, NASDA in Japan, and ESA in Europe (representing the European community nations). The mission is expected to involve additional international participants, sister agencies to the mainstream space agencies, and a diverse collection scientists from academia, government, and the private sector.

Sediment Core Extrusion Method at Millimeter Resolution Using a Calibrated, Threaded-rod.

PubMed

Schwing, Patrick T; Romero, Isabel C; Larson, Rebekka A; O'Malley, Bryan J; Fridrik, Erika E; Goddard, Ethan A; Brooks, Gregg R; Hastings, David W; Rosenheim, Brad E; Hollander, David J; Grant, Guy; Mulhollan, Jim

2016-08-17

Aquatic sediment core subsampling is commonly performed at cm or half-cm resolution. Depending on the sedimentation rate and depositional environment, this resolution provides records at the annual to decadal scale, at best. An extrusion method, using a calibrated, threaded-rod is presented here, which allows for millimeter-scale subsampling of aquatic sediment cores of varying diameters. Millimeter scale subsampling allows for sub-annual to monthly analysis of the sedimentary record, an order of magnitude higher than typical sampling schemes. The extruder consists of a 2 m aluminum frame and base, two core tube clamps, a threaded-rod, and a 1 m piston. The sediment core is placed above the piston and clamped to the frame. An acrylic sampling collar is affixed to the upper 5 cm of the core tube and provides a platform from which to extract sub-samples. The piston is rotated around the threaded-rod at calibrated intervals and gently pushes the sediment out the top of the core tube. The sediment is then isolated into the sampling collar and placed into an appropriate sampling vessel (e.g., jar or bag). This method also preserves the unconsolidated samples (i.e., high pore water content) at the surface, providing a consistent sampling volume. This mm scale extrusion method was applied to cores collected in the northern Gulf of Mexico following the Deepwater Horizon submarine oil release. Evidence suggests that it is necessary to sample at the mm scale to fully characterize events that occur on the monthly time-scale for continental slope sediments.

Sediment Core Extrusion Method at Millimeter Resolution Using a Calibrated, Threaded-rod

PubMed Central

Schwing, Patrick T.; Romero, Isabel C.; Larson, Rebekka A.; O'Malley, Bryan J.; Fridrik, Erika E.; Goddard, Ethan A.; Brooks, Gregg R.; Hastings, David W.; Rosenheim, Brad E.; Hollander, David J.; Grant, Guy; Mulhollan, Jim

2016-01-01

Aquatic sediment core subsampling is commonly performed at cm or half-cm resolution. Depending on the sedimentation rate and depositional environment, this resolution provides records at the annual to decadal scale, at best. An extrusion method, using a calibrated, threaded-rod is presented here, which allows for millimeter-scale subsampling of aquatic sediment cores of varying diameters. Millimeter scale subsampling allows for sub-annual to monthly analysis of the sedimentary record, an order of magnitude higher than typical sampling schemes. The extruder consists of a 2 m aluminum frame and base, two core tube clamps, a threaded-rod, and a 1 m piston. The sediment core is placed above the piston and clamped to the frame. An acrylic sampling collar is affixed to the upper 5 cm of the core tube and provides a platform from which to extract sub-samples. The piston is rotated around the threaded-rod at calibrated intervals and gently pushes the sediment out the top of the core tube. The sediment is then isolated into the sampling collar and placed into an appropriate sampling vessel (e.g., jar or bag). This method also preserves the unconsolidated samples (i.e., high pore water content) at the surface, providing a consistent sampling volume. This mm scale extrusion method was applied to cores collected in the northern Gulf of Mexico following the Deepwater Horizon submarine oil release. Evidence suggests that it is necessary to sample at the mm scale to fully characterize events that occur on the monthly time-scale for continental slope sediments. PMID:27585268

Case-based fracture image retrieval.

PubMed

Zhou, Xin; Stern, Richard; Müller, Henning

2012-05-01

Case-based fracture image retrieval can assist surgeons in decisions regarding new cases by supplying visually similar past cases. This tool may guide fracture fixation and management through comparison of long-term outcomes in similar cases. A fracture image database collected over 10 years at the orthopedic service of the University Hospitals of Geneva was used. This database contains 2,690 fracture cases associated with 43 classes (based on the AO/OTA classification). A case-based retrieval engine was developed and evaluated using retrieval precision as a performance metric. Only cases in the same class as the query case are considered as relevant. The scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) is used for image analysis. Performance evaluation was computed in terms of mean average precision (MAP) and early precision (P10, P30). Retrieval results produced with the GNU image finding tool (GIFT) were used as a baseline. Two sampling strategies were evaluated. One used a dense 40 × 40 pixel grid sampling, and the second one used the standard SIFT features. Based on dense pixel grid sampling, three unsupervised feature selection strategies were introduced to further improve retrieval performance. With dense pixel grid sampling, the image is divided into 1,600 (40 × 40) square blocks. The goal is to emphasize the salient regions (blocks) and ignore irrelevant regions. Regions are considered as important when a high variance of the visual features is found. The first strategy is to calculate the variance of all descriptors on the global database. The second strategy is to calculate the variance of all descriptors for each case. A third strategy is to perform a thumbnail image clustering in a first step and then to calculate the variance for each cluster. Finally, a fusion between a SIFT-based system and GIFT is performed. A first comparison on the selection of sampling strategies using SIFT features shows that dense sampling using a pixel grid (MAP = 0.18) outperformed the SIFT detector-based sampling approach (MAP = 0.10). In a second step, three unsupervised feature selection strategies were evaluated. A grid parameter search is applied to optimize parameters for feature selection and clustering. Results show that using half of the regions (700 or 800) obtains the best performance for all three strategies. Increasing the number of clusters in clustering can also improve the retrieval performance. The SIFT descriptor variance in each case gave the best indication of saliency for the regions (MAP = 0.23), better than the other two strategies (MAP = 0.20 and 0.21). Combining GIFT (MAP = 0.23) and the best SIFT strategy (MAP = 0.23) produced significantly better results (MAP = 0.27) than each system alone. A case-based fracture retrieval engine was developed and is available for online demonstration. SIFT is used to extract local features, and three feature selection strategies were introduced and evaluated. A baseline using the GIFT system was used to evaluate the salient point-based approaches. Without supervised learning, SIFT-based systems with optimized parameters slightly outperformed the GIFT system. A fusion of the two approaches shows that the information contained in the two approaches is complementary. Supervised learning on the feature space is foreseen as the next step of this study.

Mars Sample Return Spacecraft Before Arrival Artist Concept

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-06-20

This artist concept of a proposed Mars sample return mission portrays an aeroshell-encased spacecraft approaching Mars. This spacecraft would put a sample-retrieving rover and an ascent vehicle onto the surface of Mars.

Occurrence of Radio Minihalos in a Mass-Limited Sample of Galaxy Clusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giacintucci, Simona; Markevitch, Maxim; Cassano, Rossella; Venturi, Tiziana; Clarke, Tracy E.; Brunetti, Gianfranco

2017-01-01

We investigate the occurrence of radio minihalos-diffuse radio sources of unknown origin observed in the cores of some galaxy clusters-in a statistical sample of 58 clusters drawn from the Planck Sunyaev-Zeldovich cluster catalog using a mass cut (M(sub 500) greater than 6 x 10(exp 14) solar mass). We supplement our statistical sample with a similarly sized nonstatistical sample mostly consisting of clusters in the ACCEPT X-ray catalog with suitable X-ray and radio data, which includes lower-mass clusters. Where necessary (for nine clusters), we reanalyzed the Very Large Array archival radio data to determine whether a minihalo is present. Our total sample includes all 28 currently known and recently discovered radio minihalos, including six candidates. We classify clusters as cool-core or non-cool-core according to the value of the specific entropy floor in the cluster center, rederived or newly derived from the Chandra X-ray density and temperature profiles where necessary (for 27 clusters). Contrary to the common wisdom that minihalos are rare, we find that almost all cool cores-at least 12 out of 15 (80%)-in our complete sample of massive clusters exhibit minihalos. The supplementary sample shows that the occurrence of minihalos may be lower in lower-mass cool-core clusters. No minihalos are found in non-cool cores or "warm cores." These findings will help test theories of the origin of minihalos and provide information on the physical processes and energetics of the cluster cores.

Undergraduate Collaborative Research: Distribution of Plant Wax Biomarkers in Miocene-age Sediments from the Bengal Fan (IODP Exp 354)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, P. G.; Vidal, E.; Paek, J. H.; Borsook, A.; Lee, W.; Wu, M. S.; Ponton, C.; Galy, V.; Feakins, S. J.

2017-12-01

Our research aims to understand past climatic variability in the monsoon-influenced Ganges-Brahmaputra catchment as recorded by plant wax molecules exported and sequestered in the sediments of the Bengal Fan. Samples from the late Miocene were selected from cores retrieved by the IODP (International Ocean Discovery Program) Expedition 354 that recently drilled the central Bengal Fan along a transect at 8°N. Fan sedimentation includes sand, silt, and clay mostly derived from the Himalayan range via turbiditic transport within the Bengal fan. Sedimentation is highly episodic in the fan, but a transect of drilled sites provides a record of terrigenous sediment exported and buried over the last 20 million years. A team of researchers at the University of Southern California worked to collectively process 468 samples for compound specific biomarker identification and quantification. The samples derive from Site U1451 and U1455 ranging from 0 to 1097m depth (CSF-A). Total organic carbon ranges from 0.04-0.84%. To date, 300 samples have been solvent-extracted and prepared for plant wax analyses. Long chain n-alkanoic acids and n-alkanes were identified and quantified using GC-MS and GC-FID, respectively. In the samples quantified so far, we find ΣC24-34 n-alkanoic acid concentrations from 0.07-14.16 μg/g of dry sediment and ΣC25-35 n-alkanes from 0.04-4.61 μg/g. Concentrations of C30 n-alkanoic acid range from 0.01-1.92 μg/g of dry sediment and of C33 n-alkane from <0.01-0.65 μg/g. The molecular abundance distributions of both compound-classes were found to be diagnostic of a terrestrial higher plant source. Additionally, the molecular composition of the total lipid extract was analyzed at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution using a GC-TOF-MS. Overall, these extracts are dominated by plant-wax compounds and other diagnostic terrestrial molecules (e.g. plant terpenoids and sterols). The results from this effort contribute to a larger mission to reconstruct vegetation and climate change, over the past 20 million years in the core of the monsoon-influenced region, through compound-specific isotope analyses of the plant waxes extracted from these samples.

Rolling-Tooth Core Breakoff and Retention Mechanism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Badescu, Mircea; Bickler, Donald B.; Sherrit, Stewart; Bar-Cohen, Yoseph; Bao, Xiaoqi; Hudson, Nicolas H.

2011-01-01

Sampling cores requires the controlled breakoff of the core at a known location with respect to the drill end. An additional problem is designing a mechanism that can be implemented at a small scale that is robust and versatile enough to be used for a variety of core samples. This design consists of a set of tubes (a drill tube and an inner tube) and a rolling element (rolling tooth). An additional tube can be used as a sample tube. The drill tube and the inner tube have longitudinal holes with the axes offset from the axis of each tube. The two eccentricities are equal. The inner tube fits inside the drill tube, and the sample tube fits inside the inner tube. While drilling, the two tubes are positioned relative to each other such that the sample tube is aligned with the drill tube axis and core. The drill tube includes teeth and flutes for cuttings removal. The inner tube includes, at the base, the rolling element implemented as a wheel on a shaft in an eccentric slot. An additional slot in the inner tube and a pin in the drill tube limit the relative motion of the two tubes. While drilling, the drill assembly rotates relative to the core and forces the rolling tooth to stay hidden in the slot along the inner tube wall. When the drilling depth has been reached, the drill bit assembly is rotated in the opposite direction, and the rolling tooth is engaged and penetrates into the core. Depending on the strength of the created core, the rolling tooth can score, lock the inner tube relative to the core, start the eccentric motion of the inner tube, and break the core. The tooth and the relative position of the two tubes can act as a core catcher or core-retention mechanism as well. The design was made to fit the core and hole parameters produced by an existing bit; the parts were fabricated and a series of demonstration tests were performed. This invention is potentially applicable to sample return and in situ missions to planets such as Mars and Venus, to moons such as Titan and Europa, and to comets. It is also applicable to terrestrial applications like forensic sampling and geological sampling in the field.

A core handling device for the Mars Sample Return Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gwynne, Owen

1989-01-01

A core handling device for use on Mars is being designed. To provide a context for the design study, it was assumed that a Mars Rover/Sample Return (MRSR) Mission would have the following characteristics: a year or more in length; visits by the rover to 50 or more sites; 100 or more meter-long cores being drilled by the rover; and the capability of returning about 5 kg of Mars regolith to Earth. These characteristics lead to the belief that in order to bring back a variegated set of samples that can address the range of scientific objetives for a MRSR mission to Mars there needs to be considerable analysis done on board the rover. Furthermore, the discrepancy between the amount of sample gathered and the amount to be returned suggests that there needs to be some method of choosing the optimal set of samples. This type of analysis will require pristine material-unaltered by the drilling process. Since the core drill thermally and mechanically alters the outer diameter (about 10 pct) of the core sample, this outer area cannot be used. The primary function of the core handling device is to extract subsamples from the core and to position these subsamples, and the core itself if needed, with respect to the various analytical instruments that can be used to perform these analyses.

Diffusion in Zinc at High Pressure and Rheology of the Earth's Inner Core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keshav, S.; van Orman, J. A.

2004-12-01

An attempt has been made here to estimate the viscosity of the Earth's inner core, and also to identify the primary mechanism by which the inner core deforms. Estimation of the viscosity and identification of the deformation mechanism(s) of the inner core require measurements of diffusion in the hcp (hexagonal close-packed, or epsilon) phase of iron, suggested to be stable at the Earth's inner-core pressure conditions. However, owing largely to experimental and analytical challenges, actual measurements on the diffusivity in this phase are non-existent. To overcome this problem, we have focused on the divalent transition metal, zinc (Zn), which has the hcp structure over a wide range of pressures. Hcp metals are known to have similar diffusivities at the same homologous temperature. A primary goal of this work was to explore the effect of increasing pressure on diffusion in zinc. Zinc has high compressibility, allowing diffusion measurements to be made on normalized pressures (P/K, pressure/bulk modulus) approaching those of Earth's core. We focused on diffusion of gold (Au), which has been extensively studied at atmospheric pressure. We find that with increasing pressure from 10 to 25 GPa, the diffusion coefficient of Au in Zn decreases, and the data at high pressures are in good agreement with that at 1 atm. However, in a plot of log D versus homologous temperature (Tm/T, where Tm is the melting point), the slope besides being slightly shallower, the high-pressure diffusivity values retrieved are higher than predicted from extrapolation of the 1 atm data. This trend is more prominent in plot of log D versus pressure, where instead of being linear, the diffusion coefficient shows a slight parabolic dependence, indicating that the activation volume decreases with pressure. High-pressure diffusivity values are higher than predicted either from homologous temperature scaling, or those retrieved assuming constant activation volume from one atmosphere data. To a good approximation, the inner core is in hydrostatic equilibrium with the surrounding fluid. The shear stress on the inner core is thought to be low, and grain sizes are larger than in the lower mantle. Temperature and pressure both influence the effective viscosity, and their role is often included in rheological models by referring the temperature to the melting temperature, Tm; the pressure dependence enters implicitly through its influence on Tm. Calculated values of viscosity of the Earth's inner core using the experimental philosophy outlined above are at least 8-9 orders of magnitude lower than estimated so far. These low viscosities have important consequences for the origin of seismic anisotropy and diffusion in the inner core. On the basis of these measurements, it appears that the inner core can quickly erase memory of deformation that occurred early in its history. Thus, search for alternative explanations of the anisotropy is required. Unraveling the clues left behind by the growth of the inner core offers the hope of new insights into the evolution of the Earth's deep interior.

A sampler for coring sediments in rivers and estuaries

USGS Publications Warehouse

Prych, Edmund A.; Hubbell, D.W.

1966-01-01

A portable sampler developed to core submerged unconsolidated sediments collects cores that are 180 cm long and 4.75cm in diameter. The sampler is used from a 12-m boat in water depths up to 20 m and in flow velocities up to 1.5m per second to sample river and estuarine deposits ranging from silty clay to medium sand. Even in sand that cannot be penetrated with conventional corers, the sampler achieves easy penetration through the combined application of vibration, suction, and axial force. A piston in the core barrel creates suction, and the suspension system is arranged so that tension on the support cable produces both a downward force on the core barrel and a lateral support against overturning. Samples are usually retained because of slight compaction in the driving head; as a precaution, however, the bottom of the core barrel is covered by a plate that closes after the barrel is withdrawn from the bed. Tests show that sample-retainers placed within the driving head restrict penetration and limit core lengths. Stratification within cores is disrupted little as a result of the sampling process.

Comparison of Warner-Bratzler shear force values between round and square cross-section cores from cooked beef and pork Longissimus muscle.

PubMed

Silva, Douglas R G; Torres Filho, Robledo A; Cazedey, Henrique P; Fontes, Paulo R; Ramos, Alcinéia L S; Ramos, Eduardo M

2015-05-01

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of core sampling on Warner-Bratzler shear force evaluations of beef and pork loins (Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscles) and to determine the relationship between them. Steaks of 2.54 cm from beef and pork loins were cooked and five round cross-section cores and five square cross-section cores of each steak were taken for shear force evaluation. Core sampling influenced both beef and pork shear force values with higher (P<0.05) average values and standard deviations for square cross-section cores. There was a strong and linear relationship (P<0.01) between round and square cross-section cores for beef (R(2)=0.78), pork (R(2)=0.70) and for beef+pork (R(2)=0.82) samples. These results indicate that it is feasible to use square cross-section cores in Warner-Bratzler shear force protocol as an alternative and potential method to standardize sampling for shear force measurements. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of the neutron activation profile of core drill samples by gamma-ray spectrometry.

PubMed

Gurau, D; Boden, S; Sima, O; Stanga, D

2018-04-01

This paper provides guidance for determining the neutron activation profile of core drill samples taken from the biological shield of nuclear reactors using gamma spectrometry measurements. Thus, it provides guidance for selecting a model of the right form to fit data and using least squares methods for model fitting. The activity profiles of two core samples taken from the biological shield of a nuclear reactor were determined. The effective activation depth and the total activity of core samples along with their uncertainties were computed by Monte Carlo simulation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Three-dimensional imaging of sediment cores: a multi-scale approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deprez, Maxim; Van Daele, Maarten; Boone, Marijn; Anselmetti, Flavio; Cnudde, Veerle

2017-04-01

Downscaling is a method used in building-material research, where several imaging methods are applied to obtain information on the petrological and petrophysical properties of materials from a centimetre to a sub-micrometre scale (De Boever et al., 2015). However, to reach better resolutions, the sample size is necessarily adjusted as well. If, for instance, X-ray micro computed tomography (µCT) is applied on the material, the resolution can increase as the sample size decreases. In sedimentological research, X-ray computed tomography (CT) is a commonly used technique (Cnudde & Boone, 2013). The ability to visualise materials with different X-ray attenuations reveals structures in sediment cores that cannot be seen with the bare eye. This results in discoveries of sedimentary structures that can lead to a reconstruction of parts of the depositional history in a sedimentary basin (Van Daele et al., 2014). Up to now, most of the CT data used for this kind of research are acquired with a medical CT scanner, of which the highest obtainable resolution is about 250 µm (Cnudde et al., 2006). As the size of most sediment grains is smaller than 250 µm, a lot of information, concerning sediment fabric, grain-size and shape, is not obtained when using medical CT. Therefore, downscaling could be a useful method in sedimentological research. After identifying a region of interest within the sediment core with medical CT, a subsample of several millimetres diameter can be taken and imaged with µCT, allowing images with a resolution of a few micrometres. The subsampling process, however, needs to be considered thoroughly. As the goal is to image the structure and fabric of the sediments, deformation of the sediments during subsampling should be avoided as much as possible. After acquiring the CT data, image processing and analysis are performed in order to retrieve shape and orientation parameters of single grains, mud clasts and organic material. This single-grain data can then be combined for a physical layer of sediments to collect data on the sediment fabric within the subsample. Additionally, it can be upscaled further to help reconstructing the depositional history of the sedimentary basin. As a proof of principle, a workflow was developed on an oriented sediment core retrieved from Lake Lucerne, Switzerland. After identifying a megaturbidite with medical CT, a part of that deposit was subsampled using a U-channel with a cross section of 2 by 2 cm, to perform a high-resolution µCT scan. The resulting 3D images with a spatial resolution of 15.2 µm enable us to attribute absolute flow directions to sand layers from different pulses within the turbidite. Yet, the limits of this method have not been explored fully, as applying different sampling methods can lead to higher resolutions and, therefore, more revelations on smaller-grained sediments. References: Cnudde, V., Masschaele, B., Dierick, M., Vlassenbroeck, J., Van Hoorebeke, L., Jacobs, P. (2006). Recent progress in X-ray CT as a geoscience tool. Applied Geochemistry, 21(5), 826-832. Cnudde, V., Boone, M. (2013). High-resolution X-ray computed tomography in geosciences: a review of the current technology and applications. Earth-science reviews, 123, 1-17. De Boever, W., Derluyn, H., Van Loo, D., Van Hoorebeke, L., Cnudde, V. (2015). Data-fusion of high resolution X-ray CT, SEM and EDS for 3D and pseudo-3D chemical and structural characterization of sandstone. Micron, 74, 15-21. Van Daele, M., Cnudde, V., Duyck, P., Pino, M. (2014). Multidirectional, synchronously triggered seismo-turbiditesand debrites revealed by X-ray computed tomography. Sedimentology, 61, 861-880

Word-Finding Abilities in Language-Impaired Children: ASHA Monographs Number 25.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kail, Robert; Leonard, Laurence B.

Four samples of language-impaired and control children (N=233, ages from 4 to 14) participated in seven experiments to determine the specific conditions under which retrieval deficits play a role in language-impaired children's word finding problems. Experiments 1-5 dealt with recall, retrieval, and similarity judgments of words presented…

Test-Retest Stability of Word Retrieval in Aphasic Discourse

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boyle, Mary

2014-01-01

Purpose: This study examined the test-retest stability of select word-retrieval measures in the discourses of people with aphasia who completed a 5-stimulus discourse task. Method: Discourse samples across 3 sessions from 12 individuals with aphasia were analyzed for the stability of measures of informativeness, efficiency, main concepts, noun and…

An Optical Disk-Based Information Retrieval System.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bender, Avi

1988-01-01

Discusses a pilot project by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to apply optical disk technology to the storage and retrieval of documents related to its high level waste management program. Components and features of the microcomputer-based system which provides full-text and image access to documents are described. A sample search is included.…

Microbiology of the lower ocean crust - Preliminary results from IODP Expedition 360, Atlantis Bank

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sylvan, J. B.; Edgcomb, V. P.; Burgaud, G.; Klein, F.; Schubotz, F.; Expedition 360 Scientists, I.

2016-12-01

International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 360 represents the first leg of a multi-phase drilling program, SloMo, aimed at investigating the nature of the lower crust and Moho at slow spreading ridges. The goal of Expedition 360 was to recover a representative transect of the lower oceanic crust formed at Atlantis Bank, an oceanic core complex on the SW Indian Ridge. We present here preliminary analysis of microbial communities sampled from Hole U1473A, drilled to 789.7 m below seafloor during Expedition 360. Sub-sampling of core sections was conducted in a newly designed plexiglass enclosure with positive air pressure and HEPA filtered air, providing a clean environment for microbiology sampling aboard the JOIDES Resolution. Adenosine triphosphoate, an indicator of microbial biomass, was quantified above detection in 23 of 66 samples analyzed. We measured exoenzyme activity for alkaline phosphatase (AP), leucine aminopeptidase and arginine aminopeptidase in 16 samples and found AP to be very low but above background for 14 of the samples, with highest activities measured between 10 and 70 m below seafloor (mbsf) and peaks again at 158 and 307 mbsf, while both peptidase enzymes were above detection for only one sample at 715 mbsf. Isolates of fungi obtained from core samples as well as analyses of lipid and DNA biomarkers, and Raman spectra for a few of our rock core samples provide initial insights into microbial communities in the lower oceanic crust. Finally, a new tracer of seawater and drilling mud contamination, perfluoromethyl decaline (PFMD), was tested for the first time and its performance compared with the commonly used tracer perfluoromethylcyclohexane (PMCH). PFMD was run during coring operations for ten samples and was routinely detected in the drilling fluids, usually detected on the outside of uncleaned cores, and rarely above detection on the cleaned outside of cores. It was below detection on the inside of cores, indicating penetration of drill fluids to the interior of whole round drill cores, where we collected our samples, is unlikely.

The US-DOE ARM/ASR Effort in Quantifying Uncertainty in Ground-Based Cloud Property Retrievals (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, S.; Protat, A.; Zhao, C.

2013-12-01

One primary goal of the US Department of Energy (DOE) Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program is to obtain and retrieve cloud microphysical properties from detailed cloud observations using ground-based active and passive remote sensors. However, there is large uncertainty in the retrieved cloud property products. Studies have shown that the uncertainty could arise from instrument limitations, measurement errors, sampling errors, retrieval algorithm deficiencies in assumptions, as well as inconsistent input data and constraints used by different algorithms. To quantify the uncertainty in cloud retrievals, a scientific focus group, Quantification of Uncertainties In Cloud Retrievals (QUICR), was recently created by the DOE Atmospheric System Research (ASR) program. This talk will provide an overview of the recent research activities conducted within QUICR and discuss its current collaborations with the European cloud retrieval community and future plans. The goal of QUICR is to develop a methodology for characterizing and quantifying uncertainties in current and future ARM cloud retrievals. The Work at LLNL was performed under the auspices of the U. S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under contract No. DE-AC52-07NA27344. LLNL-ABS-641258.

Note: Focus error detection device for thermal expansion-recovery microscopy (ThERM).

PubMed

Domené, E A; Martínez, O E

2013-01-01

An innovative focus error detection method is presented that is only sensitive to surface curvature variations, canceling both thermoreflectance and photodefelection effects. The detection scheme consists of an astigmatic probe laser and a four-quadrant detector. Nonlinear curve fitting of the defocusing signal allows the retrieval of a cutoff frequency, which only depends on the thermal diffusivity of the sample and the pump beam size. Therefore, a straightforward retrieval of the thermal diffusivity of the sample is possible with microscopic lateral resolution and high axial resolution (~100 pm).

Remote Handled WIPP Canisters at Los Alamos National Laboratory Characterized for Retrieval

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

Griffin, J.; Gonzales, W.

2007-07-01

The Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is pursuing retrieval, transportation, and disposal of 16 remote handled transuranic waste canisters stored below ground in shafts since 1994. These canisters were retrievably stored in the shafts to await Nuclear Regulatory Commission certification of the Model Number RH-TRU 72B transportation cask and authorization of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) to accept the canisters for disposal. Retrieval planning included radiological characterization and visual inspection of the canisters to confirm historical records, verify container integrity, determine proper personnel protection for the retrieval operations, provide radiological dose and exposure rate data for retrieval operations, andmore » to provide exterior radiological contamination data. The radiological characterization and visual inspection of the canisters was performed in May 2006. The effort required the development of remote techniques and equipment due to the potential for personnel exposure to radiological doses approaching 300 R/hr. Innovations included the use of two nested 1.5 meter (m) (5-feet [ft]) long concrete culvert pipes (1.1-m [42 inch (in.)] and 1.5-m [60-in] diameter, respectively) as radiological shielding and collapsible electrostatic dusting wands to collect radiological swipe samples from the annular space between the canister and shaft wall. Visual inspection indicated that the canisters are in good condition with little or no rust, the welded seams are intact, and ten of the canisters include hydrogen gas sampling equipment on the pintle that will have to be removed prior to retrieval. The visual inspection also provided six canister identification numbers that matched historical storage records. The exterior radiological data indicated alpha and beta contamination below LANL release criteria and radiological dose and exposure rates lower than expected based upon historical data and modeling of the canister contents. (authors)« less

Effect of a syringe aspiration technique versus a mechanical suction technique and use of N-butylscopolammonium bromide on the quantity and quality of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples obtained from horses with the summer pasture endophenotype of equine asthma.

PubMed

Bowser, Jacquelyn E; Costa, Lais R R; Rodil, Alba U; Lopp, Christine T; Johnson, Melanie E; Wills, Robert W; Swiderski, Cyprianna E

2018-03-01

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of 2 bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) sampling techniques and the use of N-butylscopolammonium bromide (NBB) on the quantity and quality of BAL fluid (BALF) samples obtained from horses with the summer pasture endophenotype of equine asthma. ANIMALS 8 horses with the summer pasture endophenotype of equine asthma. PROCEDURES BAL was performed bilaterally (right and left lung sites) with a flexible videoendoscope passed through the left or right nasal passage. During lavage of the first lung site, a BALF sample was collected by means of either gentle syringe aspiration or mechanical suction with a pressure-regulated wall-mounted suction pump. The endoscope was then maneuvered into the contralateral lung site, and lavage was performed with the alternate fluid retrieval technique. For each horse, BAL was performed bilaterally once with and once without premedication with NBB (21-day interval). The BALF samples retrieved were evaluated for volume, total cell count, differential cell count, RBC count, and total protein concentration. RESULTS Use of syringe aspiration significantly increased total BALF volume (mean volume increase, 40 mL [approx 7.5% yield]) and decreased total RBC count (mean decrease, 142 cells/μL), compared with use of mechanical suction. The BALF nucleated cell count and differential cell count did not differ between BAL procedures. Use of NBB had no effect on BALF retrieval. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that retrieval of BALF by syringe aspiration may increase yield and reduce barotrauma in horses at increased risk of bronchoconstriction and bronchiolar collapse. Further studies to determine the usefulness of NBB and other bronchodilators during BAL procedures in horses are warranted.

Cooperation in health: mapping collaborative networks on the web.

PubMed

Lang, Pamela Barreto; Gouveia, Fábio Castro; Leta, Jacqueline

2013-01-01

To map and investigate the relationships established on the web between leading health-research institutions around the world. Sample selection was based on the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centres (CCs). Data on the 768 active CCs in 89 countries were retrieved from the WHO's database. The final sample consisted of 190 institutions devoted to health sciences in 42 countries. Data on each institution's website were retrieved using webometric techniques (interlinking), and an asymmetric matrix was generated for social network analysis. The results showed that American and European institutions, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), are the most highly connected on the web and have a higher capacity to attract hyperlinks. The Karolinska Institute (KI-SE) in Sweden is well placed as an articulation point between several integrants of the network and the component's core but lacks general recognition on the web by hyperlinks. Regarding the north-south divide, Mexico and Brazil appear to be key southern players on the web. The results showed that the hyperlinks exchanged between northern and southern countries present an abysmal gap: 99.49% of the hyperlinks provided by the North are directed toward the North itself, in contrast to 0.51% that are directed toward the South. Regarding the South, its institutions are more connected to its northern partners, with 98.46% of its hyperlinks directed toward the North, and mainly toward the United States, compared with 1.54% toward southern neighbors. It is advisable to strengthen integration policies on the web and to increase web networking through hyperlink exchange. In this way, the web could actually reflect international cooperation in health and help to legitimize and enhance the visibility of the many existing south-south collaboration networks.

Status on Iterative Transform Phase Retrieval Applied to the GBT Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dean, Bruce; Aronstein, David; Smith, Scott; Shiri, Ron; Hollis, Jan M.; Lyons, Richard; Prestage, Richard; Hunter, Todd; Ghigo, Frank; Nikolic, Bojan

2007-01-01

This slide presentation reviews the use of iterative transform phase retrieval in the analysis of the Green Bank Radio Telescope (GBT) Data. It reviews the NASA projects that have used phase retrieval, and the testbed for the algorithm to be used for the James Webb Space Telescope. It shows the comparison of phase retrieval with an interferometer, and reviews the two approaches used for phase retrieval, iterative transform (ITA) or parametric (non-linear least squares model fitting). The concept of ITA Phase Retrieval is reviewed, and the application to Radio Antennas is reviewed. The presentation also examines the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) data from the GBT, and the Fourier model that NRAO uses to analyze the data. The challenge for ITA phase retrieval is reviewed, and the coherent approximation for incoherent data is shown. The validity of the approximation is good for a large tilt. There is a review of the proof of concept of the Phase Review simulation using the input wavefront, and the initial sampling parameters estimate from the focused GBT data.

A wireline piston core barrel for sampling cohesionless sand and gravel below the water table

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zapico, Michael M.; Vales, Samuel; Cherry, John A.

1987-01-01

A coring device has been developed to obtain long and minimally disturbed samples of saturated cohesionless sand and gravel. The coring device, which includes a wireline and piston, was developed specifically for use during hollow-stem auger drilling but it also offers possibilities for cable tool and rotary drilling. The core barrel consists of an inner liner made of inexpensive aluminum or plastic tubing, a piston for core recovery, and an exterior steel housing that protects the liner when the core barrel is driven into the aquifer. The core barrel, which is approximately 1.6m (5.6 feet) long, is advanced ahead of the lead auger by hammering at the surface on drill rods that are attached to the core barrel. After the sampler has been driven 1.5m (5 feet), the drill rods are detached and a wireline is used to hoist the core barrel, with the sample contained in the aluminum or plastic liner, to the surface. A vacuum developed by the piston during the coring operation provides good recovery of both the sediment and aquifer fluids contained in the sediment. In the field the sample tubes can be easily split along their length for on-site inspection or they can be capped with the pore water fluids inside and transported to the laboratory. The cores are 5cm (2 inches) in diameter by 1.5m (5 feet) long. Core acquisition to depths of 35m (115 feet), with a recovery greater than 90 percent, has become routine in University of Waterloo aquifer studies. A large diameter (12.7cm [5 inch]) version has also been used successfully. Nearly continuous sample sequences from sand and gravel aquifers have been obtained for studies of sedimentology, hydraulic conductivity, hydrogeochemistry and microbiology.

Extracting samples of high diversity from thematic collections of large gene banks using a genetic-distance based approach

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Breeding programs are usually reluctant to evaluate and use germplasm accessions other than the elite materials belonging to their advanced populations. The concept of core collections has been proposed to facilitate the access of potential users to samples of small sizes, representative of the genetic variability contained within the gene pool of a specific crop. The eventual large size of a core collection perpetuates the problem it was originally proposed to solve. The present study suggests that, in addition to the classic core collection concept, thematic core collections should be also developed for a specific crop, composed of a limited number of accessions, with a manageable size. Results The thematic core collection obtained meets the minimum requirements for a core sample - maintenance of at least 80% of the allelic richness of the thematic collection, with, approximately, 15% of its size. The method was compared with other methodologies based on the M strategy, and also with a core collection generated by random sampling. Higher proportions of retained alleles (in a core collection of equal size) or similar proportions of retained alleles (in a core collection of smaller size) were detected in the two methods based on the M strategy compared to the proposed methodology. Core sub-collections constructed by different methods were compared regarding the increase or maintenance of phenotypic diversity. No change on phenotypic diversity was detected by measuring the trait "Weight of 100 Seeds", for the tested sampling methods. Effects on linkage disequilibrium between unlinked microsatellite loci, due to sampling, are discussed. Conclusions Building of a thematic core collection was here defined by prior selection of accessions which are diverse for the trait of interest, and then by pairwise genetic distances, estimated by DNA polymorphism analysis at molecular marker loci. The resulting thematic core collection potentially reflects the maximum allele richness with the smallest sample size from a larger thematic collection. As an example, we used the development of a thematic core collection for drought tolerance in rice. It is expected that such thematic collections increase the use of germplasm by breeding programs and facilitate the study of the traits under consideration. The definition of a core collection to study drought resistance is a valuable contribution towards the understanding of the genetic control and the physiological mechanisms involved in water use efficiency in plants. PMID:20576152

Mineralogy of selected sedimentary interbeds at or near the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Idaho

USGS Publications Warehouse

Reed, Michael F.; Bartholomay, Roy C.

1994-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Project Office at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL), in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy and Idaho State University, analyzed 66 samples from sedimentary interbed cores during a 38-month period beginning in October 1990 to determine bulk and clay mineralogy. These cores had been collected from 19 sites in the Big Lost River Basin, 2 sites in the Birch Creek Basin, and 1 site in the Mud Lake Basin, and were archived at the USGS lithologic core library at the INEL. Mineralogy data indicate that the core samples from the Big Lost River Basin have larger mean and median percentages of quartz, total feldspar, and total clay minerals, but smaller mean and median percentages of calcite than the core samples from the Birch Creek Basin. Core samples from the Mud Lake Basin have abundant quartz, total feldspar, calcite, and total clay minerals.

Neural Network (NN) retrievals of Stratocumulus cloud properties using multi-angle polarimetric observations during ORACLES

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Segal-Rosenhaimer, M.; Knobelspiesse, K. D.; Redemann, J.; Cairns, B.; Alexandrov, M. D.

2016-12-01

The ORACLES (ObseRvations of Aerosols above CLouds and their intEractionS) campaign is taking place in the South-East Atlantic during the Austral Spring for three consecutive years from 2016-2018. The study area encompasses one of the Earth's three semi-permanent subtropical Stratocumulus (Sc) cloud decks, and experiences very large aerosol optical depths, mainly biomass burning, originating from Africa. Over time, cloud optical depth (COD), lifetime and cloud microphysics (number concentration, effective radii Reff and precipitation) are expected to be influenced by indirect aerosol effects. These changes play a key role in the energetic balance of the region, and are part of the core investigation objectives of the ORACLES campaign, which acquires measurements of clean and polluted scenes of above cloud aerosols (ACA). Simultaneous retrievals of aerosol and cloud optical properties are being developed (e.g. MODIS, OMI), but still challenging, especially for passive, single viewing angle instruments. By comparison, multiangle polarimetric instruments like RSP (Research Scanning Polarimeter) show promise for detection and quantification of ACA, however, there are no operational retrieval algorithms available yet. Here we describe a new algorithm to retrieve cloud and aerosol optical properties from observations by RSP flown on the ER-2 and P-3 during the 2016 ORACLES campaign. The algorithm is based on training a NN, and is intended to retrieve aerosol and cloud properties simultaneously. However, the first step was to establish the retrieval scheme for low level Sc cloud optical properties. The NN training was based on simulated RSP total and polarized radiances for a range of COD, Reff, and effective variances, spanning 7 wavelength bands and 152 viewing zenith angles. Random and correlated noise were added to the simulations to achieve a more realistic representation of the signals. Before introducing the input variables to the network, the signals are projected on a principle component plane that retains the maximal signal information but minimizes the noise contribution. We will discuss parameter choices for the network and present preliminary results of cloud retrievals from ORACLES, compared with standard RSP low-level cloud retrieval method that has been validated against in situ observations.

Retrieval of background surface reflectance with BRD components from pre-running BRDF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choi, Sungwon; Lee, Kyeong-Sang; Jin, Donghyun; Lee, Darae; Han, Kyung-Soo

2016-10-01

Many countries try to launch satellite to observe the Earth surface. As important of surface remote sensing is increased, the reflectance of surface is a core parameter of the ground climate. But observing the reflectance of surface by satellite have weakness such as temporal resolution and being affected by view or solar angles. The bidirectional effects of the surface reflectance may make many noises to the time series. These noises can lead to make errors when determining surface reflectance. To correct bidirectional error of surface reflectance, using correction model for normalized the sensor data is necessary. A Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) is making accuracy higher method to correct scattering (Isotropic scattering, Geometric scattering, Volumetric scattering). To correct bidirectional error of surface reflectance, BRDF was used in this study. To correct bidirectional error of surface reflectance, we apply Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) to retrieve surface reflectance. And we apply 2 steps for retrieving Background Surface Reflectance (BSR). The first step is retrieving Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution (BRD) coefficients. Before retrieving BSR, we did pre-running BRDF to retrieve BRD coefficients to correct scatterings (Isotropic scattering, Geometric scattering, Volumetric scattering). In pre-running BRDF, we apply BRDF with observed surface reflectance of SPOT/VEGETATION (VGT-S1) and angular data to get BRD coefficients for calculating scattering. After that, we apply BRDF again in the opposite direction with BRD coefficients and angular data to retrieve BSR as a second step. As a result, BSR has very similar reflectance to one of VGT-S1. And reflectance in BSR is shown adequate. The highest reflectance of BSR is not over 0.4μm in blue channel, 0.45μm in red channel, 0.55μm in NIR channel. And for validation we compare reflectance of clear sky pixel from SPOT/VGT status map data. As a result of comparing BSR with VGT-S1, bias is from 0.0116 to 0.0158 and RMSE is from 0.0459 to 0.0545. They are very reasonable results, so we confirm that BSR is similar to VGT-S1. And weakness of this study is missing pixel in BSR which are observed less time to retrieve BRD components. If missing pixels are filled, BSR is better to retrieve surface products with more accuracy. And we think that after filling the missing pixel and being more accurate, it can be useful data to retrieve surface product which made by surface reflectance like cloud masking and retrieving aerosol.

The PASADO core processing strategy — A proposed new protocol for sediment core treatment in multidisciplinary lake drilling projects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohlendorf, Christian; Gebhardt, Catalina; Hahn, Annette; Kliem, Pierre; Zolitschka, Bernd

2011-07-01

Using the ICDP (International Continental Scientific Drilling Program) deep lake drilling expedition no. 5022 as an example, we describe core processing and sampling procedures as well as new tools developed for subsampling. A manual core splitter is presented that is (1) mobile, (2) able to cut plastic core liners lengthwise without producing swarf of liner material and (3) consists of off-the-shelf components. In order to improve the sampling of sediment cores, a new device, the core sampling assembly (CSA), was developed that meets the following targets: (1) the partitioning of the sediment into discs of equal thickness is fast and precise, (2) disturbed sediment at the inner surface of the liner is discarded during this sampling process, (3) usage of the available sediment is optimised, (4) subsamples are volumetric and oriented, and (5) identical subsamples are taken. The CSA can be applied to D-shaped split sediment cores of any diameter and consists of a divider and a D-shaped scoop. The sampling plan applied for ICDP expedition 5022 is illustrated and may be used as a guideline for planning the efficient partitioning of sediment amongst different lake research groups involved in multidisciplinary projects. For every subsample, the use of quality flags is suggested (1) to document the sample condition, (2) to give a first sediment classification and (3) to guarantee a precise adjustment of logging and scanning data with data determined on individual samples. Based on this, we propose a protocol that might be applied across lake drilling projects in order to facilitate planning and documentation of sampling campaigns and to ensure a better comparability of results.

Atomically resolved structural determination of graphene and its point defects via extrapolation assisted phase retrieval

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

Latychevskaia, Tatiana; Fink, Hans-Werner

Previously reported crystalline structures obtained by an iterative phase retrieval reconstruction of their diffraction patterns seem to be free from displaying any irregularities or defects in the lattice, which appears to be unrealistic. We demonstrate here that the structure of a nanocrystal including its atomic defects can unambiguously be recovered from its diffraction pattern alone by applying a direct phase retrieval procedure not relying on prior information of the object shape. Individual point defects in the atomic lattice are clearly apparent. Conventional phase retrieval routines assume isotropic scattering. We show that when dealing with electrons, the quantitatively correct transmission functionmore » of the sample cannot be retrieved due to anisotropic, strong forward scattering specific to electrons. We summarize the conditions for this phase retrieval method and show that the diffraction pattern can be extrapolated beyond the original record to even reveal formerly not visible Bragg peaks. Such extrapolated wave field pattern leads to enhanced spatial resolution in the reconstruction.« less

Retrieval Practice, with or without Mind Mapping, Boosts Fact Learning in Primary School Children

PubMed Central

Ritchie, Stuart J.; Della Sala, Sergio; McIntosh, Robert D.

2013-01-01

Retrieval practice is a method of study in which testing is incorporated into the learning process. This method is known to facilitate recall for facts in adults and in secondary-school-age children, but existing studies in younger children are somewhat limited in their practical applicability. In two studies of primary school-age children of 8–12 years, we tested retrieval practice along with another study technique, mind mapping, which is more widely-used, but less well-evidenced. Children studied novel geographical facts, with or without retrieval practice and with or without mind mapping, in a crossed-factorial between-subjects design. In Experiment 1, children in the retrieval practice condition recalled significantly more facts four days later. In Experiment 2, this benefit was replicated at one and five weeks in a different, larger sample of schoolchildren. No consistent effects of mind mapping were observed. These results underline the effectiveness of retrieval practice for fact learning in young children. PMID:24265738

Description, dissection, and subsampling of Apollo 14 core sample 14230

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fryxell, R.; Heiken, G.

1971-01-01

Core sample 14230, collected at Triplet Crater near the Fra Mauro landing site of the Apollo 14 mission, was dissected in greater detail than any previous core. Sediment from the actual lunar surface was missing, and 6.7 grams of sediment were removed from the base of the core for a portion of the biotest prime sample. Upper and lower portions of the original 70.7-gram core (12.5 centimeters long) were fractured excessively but not mixed stratigraphically. Three major morphologic units and 11 subdivisions were recognized. Dissection provided 55 subsamples in addition to three others made by removing longitudinal sections of the core impregnated with n-butyl methacrylate for use as a permanent documentary record and for studies requiring particles of known orientation.

Planktic foraminifer census data from Northwind Ridge cores PI-88-AP P3, PI-88-AR P7 and PI-88-AR P9, Arctic Ocean

USGS Publications Warehouse

Foley, Kevin M.; Poore, Richard Z.

1993-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey recovered 9 piston cores from the Northwind Ridge in the Canada Basin of the Arctic Ocean from a cruise of the USCGC Polar Star during 1988. Preliminary analysis of the cores suggests sediments deposited on Northwind Ridge preserve a detailed record of glacial and interglacial cycles for the last few hundred-thousand to one million years. This report includes quantitative data on foraminifers and selected sediment size-fraction data in 98 samples from Northwind Ridge core PI-88AR P3, 51 samples from core PI-88-AR P7 and 117 samples from core PI-88-AR P9.

RACE/A: an architectural account of the interactions between learning, task control, and retrieval dynamics.

PubMed

van Maanen, Leendert; van Rijn, Hedderik; Taatgen, Niels

2012-01-01

This article discusses how sequential sampling models can be integrated in a cognitive architecture. The new theory Retrieval by Accumulating Evidence in an Architecture (RACE/A) combines the level of detail typically provided by sequential sampling models with the level of task complexity typically provided by cognitive architectures. We will use RACE/A to model data from two variants of a picture-word interference task in a psychological refractory period design. These models will demonstrate how RACE/A enables interactions between sequential sampling and long-term declarative learning, and between sequential sampling and task control. In a traditional sequential sampling model, the onset of the process within the task is unclear, as is the number of sampling processes. RACE/A provides a theoretical basis for estimating the onset of sequential sampling processes during task execution and allows for easy modeling of multiple sequential sampling processes within a task. Copyright © 2011 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

Hepatic CT image query using Gabor features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Chenguang; Cheng, Hongyan; Zhuang, Tiange

2004-07-01

A retrieval scheme for liver computerize tomography (CT) images based on Gabor texture is presented. For each hepatic CT image, we manually delineate abnormal regions within liver area. Then, a continuous Gabor transform is utilized to analyze the texture of the pathology bearing region and extract the corresponding feature vectors. For a given sample image, we compare its feature vector with those of other images. Similar images with the highest rank are retrieved. In experiments, 45 liver CT images are collected, and the effectiveness of Gabor texture for content based retrieval is verified.

Interface engineered ferrite@ferroelectric core-shell nanostructures: A facile approach to impart superior magneto-electric coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abraham, Ann Rose; Raneesh, B.; Das, Dipankar; Oluwafemi, Oluwatobi Samuel; Thomas, Sabu; Kalarikkal, Nandakumar

2018-04-01

The electric field control of magnetism in multiferroics is attractive for the realization of ultra-fast and miniaturized low power device applications like nonvolatile memories. Room temperature hybrid multiferroic heterostructures with core-shell (0-0) architecture (ferrite core and ferroelectric shell) were developed via a two-step method. High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) images confirm the core-shell structure. The temperature dependant magnetization measurements and Mossbauer spectra reveal superparamagnetic nature of the core-shell sample. The ferroelectric hysteresis loops reveal leaky nature of the samples. The results indicate the promising applications of the samples for magneto-electric memories and spintronics.

A level 2 wind speed retrieval algorithm for the CYGNSS mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clarizia, Maria Paola; Ruf, Christopher; O'Brien, Andrew; Gleason, Scott

2014-05-01

The NASA EV-2 Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) is a spaceborne mission focused on tropical cyclone (TC) inner core process studies. CYGNSS consists of a constellation of 8 microsatellites, which will measure ocean surface wind speed in all precipitating conditions, including those experienced in the TC eyewall, and with sufficient frequency to resolve genesis and rapid intensification. It does so through the use of an innovative remote sensing technique, known as Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry, or GNSS-R. GNSS-R uses signals of opportunity from navigation constellations (e.g. GPS, GLONASS, Galileo), scattered by the surface of the ocean, to retrieve the surface wind speed. The dense space-time sampling capabilities, the ability of L-band signals to penetrate well through rain, and the possibility of simple, low-cost/low-power GNSS receivers, make GNSS-R ideal for the CYGNSS goals. Here we present an overview of a Level 2 (L2) wind speed retrieval algorithm, which would be particularly suitable for CYGNSS, and could be used to estimate winds from GNSS-R in general. The approach makes use of two different observables computed from 1-second Level 2a (L2a) delay-Doppler Maps (DDMs) of radar cross section. The first observable is called Delay-Doppler Map Average (DDMA), and it's the averaged radar cross section over a delay-Doppler window around the DDM peak (i.e. the specular reflection point coordinate in delay and Doppler). The second is called the Leading Edge Slope (LES), and it's the leading edge of the Integrated Delay Waveform (IDW), obtained by integrating the DDM along the Doppler dimension. The observables are calculated over a limited range of delays and Doppler frequencies, to comply with baseline spatial resolution requirements for the retrieved winds, which in the case of CYGNSS is 25 km x 25 km. If the observable from the 1-second DDM corresponds to a resolution higher than the specified one, time-averaging between consecutive observables is also applied, to reduce further the noise in the observables. The observables are correlated with wind speed, allowing one to develop an empirical Geophysical Model Function (GMF) that relates the observable value to the ground truth matchup winds, using a training dataset. The empirical GMF can then be used to estimate the winds from a generic dataset of observables, independent from the training one. In addition to that, the degree of decorrelation existing between winds retrieved from DDMA and from LES leads to the development of a Minimum Variance (MV) estimator, which provides improved wind estimates compared to those from DDMA or LES alone. The retrieval algorithm is applied in this study to GNSS-R synthetic data simulated using an End-to-End Simulator (E2ES) developed for CYGNSS, and using the true wind speeds that constitute the input to the simulations, as the ground-truth matchups. The performances of the retrieval algorithm will be presented in the form of Root Mean Square (RMS) error between the true and retrieved winds, highlighting that, for those specular points acquired with high enough gain of the receiver antenna, the RMS error meets the CYGNSS requirements on the wind speed uncertainty, which must be the greatest between 2 m/s or 10% of the measured wind.

Source Memory Rehabilitation: A Review Toward Recommendations for Setting Up a Strategy Training Aimed at the "What, Where, and When" of Episodic Retrieval.

PubMed

El Haj, Mohamad; Kessels, Roy P C; Allain, Philippe

2016-01-01

Source memory is a core component of episodic recall as it allows for the reconstruction of contextual details characterizing the acquisition of episodic events. Unlike episodic memory, little is known about source memory rehabilitation. Our review addresses this issue by emphasizing several strategies as useful tools in source memory rehabilitation programs. Four main strategies are likely to improve source recall in amnesic patients-namely, (a) contextual cueing, (b) unitization, (c) errorless learning, and (d) executive function programs. The rationale behind our suggestion is that: (a) reinstating contextual cues during retrieval can serve as retrieval cues and enhance source memory; (b) unitization as an encoding process allows for the integration of several pieces of contextual information into a new single entity; (c) errorless learning may prevent patients from making errors during source learning; and (d) as source memory deteriorations have been classically attributed to executive dysfunction, the rehabilitation of the latter ability is likely to maintain the former ability. Besides these four strategies, our review suggests several additional rehabilitation techniques such as the vanishing cues and spaced retrieval methods. Another additional strategy is the use of electronic devices. By gathering these strategies, our review provides a helpful guideline for clinicians dealing with source memory impairments. Our review further highlights the lack of randomized and controlled studies in the field of source memory rehabilitation.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of word retrieval in speech production revealed by cortical high-frequency band activity.

PubMed

Riès, Stephanie K; Dhillon, Rummit K; Clarke, Alex; King-Stephens, David; Laxer, Kenneth D; Weber, Peter B; Kuperman, Rachel A; Auguste, Kurtis I; Brunner, Peter; Schalk, Gerwin; Lin, Jack J; Parvizi, Josef; Crone, Nathan E; Dronkers, Nina F; Knight, Robert T

2017-06-06

Word retrieval is core to language production and relies on complementary processes: the rapid activation of lexical and conceptual representations and word selection, which chooses the correct word among semantically related competitors. Lexical and conceptual activation is measured by semantic priming. In contrast, word selection is indexed by semantic interference and is hampered in semantically homogeneous (HOM) contexts. We examined the spatiotemporal dynamics of these complementary processes in a picture naming task with blocks of semantically heterogeneous (HET) or HOM stimuli. We used electrocorticography data obtained from frontal and temporal cortices, permitting detailed spatiotemporal analysis of word retrieval processes. A semantic interference effect was observed with naming latencies longer in HOM versus HET blocks. Cortical response strength as indexed by high-frequency band (HFB) activity (70-150 Hz) amplitude revealed effects linked to lexical-semantic activation and word selection observed in widespread regions of the cortical mantle. Depending on the subsecond timing and cortical region, HFB indexed semantic interference (i.e., more activity in HOM than HET blocks) or semantic priming effects (i.e., more activity in HET than HOM blocks). These effects overlapped in time and space in the left posterior inferior temporal gyrus and the left prefrontal cortex. The data do not support a modular view of word retrieval in speech production but rather support substantial overlap of lexical-semantic activation and word selection mechanisms in the brain.

Precipitation from the GPM Microwave Imager and Constellation Radiometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kummerow, Christian; Randel, David; Kirstetter, Pierre-Emmanuel; Kulie, Mark; Wang, Nai-Yu

2014-05-01

Satellite precipitation retrievals from microwave sensors are fundamentally underconstrained requiring either implicit or explicit a-priori information to constrain solutions. The radiometer algorithm designed for the GPM core and constellation satellites makes this a-priori information explicit in the form of a database of possible rain structures from the GPM core satellite and a Bayesian retrieval scheme. The a-priori database will eventually come from the GPM core satellite's combined radar/radiometer retrieval algorithm. That product is physically constrained to ensure radiometric consistency between the radars and radiometers and is thus ideally suited to create the a-priori databases for all radiometers in the GPM constellation. Until a robust product exists, however, the a-priori databases are being generated from the combination of existing sources over land and oceans. Over oceans, the Day-1 GPM radiometer algorithm uses the TRMM PR/TMI physically derived hydrometer profiles that are available from the tropics through sea surface temperatures of approximately 285K. For colder sea surface temperatures, the existing profiles are used with lower hydrometeor layers removed to correspond to colder conditions. While not ideal, the results appear to be reasonable placeholders until the full GPM database can be constructed. It is more difficult to construct physically consistent profiles over land due to ambiguities in surface emissivities as well as details of the ice scattering that dominates brightness temperature signatures over land. Over land, the a-priori databases have therefore been constructed by matching satellite overpasses to surface radar data derived from the WSR-88 network over the continental United States through the National Mosaic and Multi-Sensor QPE (NMQ) initiative. Databases are generated as a function of land type (4 categories of increasing vegetation cover as well as 4 categories of increasing snow depth), land surface temperature and total precipitable water. One year of coincident observations, generating 20 and 80 million database entries, depending upon the sensor, are used in the retrieval algorithm. The remaining areas such as sea ice and high latitude coastal zones are filled with a combination of CloudSat and AMSR-E plus MHS observations together with a model to create the equivalent databases for other radiometers in the constellation. The most noteworthy result from the Day-1 algorithm is the quality of the land products when compared to existing products. Unlike previous versions of land algorithms that depended upon complex screening routines to decide if pixels were precipitating or not, the current scheme is free of conditional rain statements and appears to produce rain rate with much greater fidelity than previous schemes. There results will be shown.

Deep-Time drilling in the Australian Archean: the Agouron Institute geobiological drilling project. (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buick, R.

2010-12-01

The Agouron Institute has sponsored deep-time drilling across the South African Archean-Proterozoic boundary, investigating the rise of oxygen over an onshore-offshore environmental transect. It is now supporting a drilling program in the Australian Archean of the Pilbara Craton, addressing a similar theme but with the added goal of resolving controversy over the age and origin of hydrocarbon biomarker molecules in ancient kerogenous shales. As these have been claimed to provide evidence for the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis long before the rise of atmospheric oxygen to persistently high levels during the ~2.3 Ga “Great Oxidation Event”, their syngenesis with their host shales is thus of critical importance for the interpretation of Earth’s early oxygenation history. During the first drilling season, 3 holes were drilled using techniques and equipment to minimize organic geochemical contamination (new drill-string components cleaned before drilling potentially biomarker-bearing rocks, pre-contamination of drilling fluid with a synthetic organic compound of similar geochemical characteristics to biomarkers, sterile cutting and storage of samples immediately upon retrieval from the core-barrel). The initial hole was a blank control for organic geochemistry, drilled into rocks too metamorphosed to retain biomarker molecules. These rocks, cherts, carbonates and pelites of the 3.52 Ga Coucal Formation, Coonterunah Group, have been metamorphosed to upper greenschist facies at temperatures near 500°C and so should have had any ancient soluble hydrocarbons destroyed. However, because they contain both carbonate and organic carbon, these rocks can instead provide isotopic information about the earliest evolution of biological metabolism as they possess residues of both the reactant and product sides of the carbon-fixation reaction. The second hole sampled an on-shore section of carbonates and kerogenous shales in the ~2.65 Ga Carawine Dolomite and Lewin Shale of the Hamersley Group near Yilgalong Creek. This location had been previously drilled by a mining company in the 1980’s and the core provided the highest biomarker yields of any Archean rocks thus far sampled. As it has been suggested that these biomarkers are non-indigenous contaminants, one possibility is that they were introduced into the drill-core at some time between drilling and sampling, so this hole tests that hypothesis. If biomarker concentrations and ratios differ significantly between the two adjacent holes with differing exposures to post-drilling contaminants, then clearly contamination has affected one or other of the cores. The third hole sampled an off-shore equivalent, through banded irons and kerogenous shales of the ~2.65 Ga Marra Mamba and Jeerinah Formations of the Hamersley Group near Cowcumba Creek. Another opportunity for contamination may arise during post-depositional but pre-drilling hydrocarbon migration, when biomarkers can potentially be introduced into previously barren rocks by younger oils, so this hole tests that possibility. As it was drilled through the same stratigraphic interval and structural domain as the second hole but in a different environment, biomarker ratios should be similar if contaminated but different if indigenous.

On the Evolution of the Cores of Radio Sources and Their Extended Radio Emission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Zunli; Wang, Jiancheng

2012-01-01

The work in this paper aims at determining the evolution and possible co-evolution of radio-loud active galactic nuclei (AGNs) and their cores via their radio luminosity functions (i.e., total and core RLFs, respectively). Using a large combined sample of 1063 radio-loud AGNs selected at low radio frequency, we investigate the RLF at 408 MHz of steep-spectrum radio sources. Our results support a luminosity-dependent evolution. Using core flux density data of the complete sample 3CRR, we investigate the core RLF at 5.0 GHz. Based on the combined sample with incomplete core flux data, we also estimate the core RLF using a modified factor of completeness. Both results are consistent and show that the comoving number density of radio cores displays a persistent decline with redshift, implying a negative density evolution. We find that the core RLF is obviously different from the total RLF at the 408 MHz band which is mainly contributed by extended lobes, implying that the cores and extended lobes could not be co-evolving at radio emission.

Holocene disturbance dynamics from a pine-dominated forest in central British Columbia, Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, K. J.; Hebda, N.; Condor, N.; Hebda, R.; Hawkes, B.

2013-12-01

A lake sediment record was retrieved from the Sub-Boreal Pine-Spruce biogeoclimatic zone on the Chilcotin Plateau in central British Columbia, Canada. The record is being analyzed for charcoal, pollen, and magnetic susceptibility, as well as insect and mollusc content. The oldest radiocarbon age is 9.2 cal BP, illustrating that the record spans most of the Holocene. Regarding fire disturbance, charcoal fragments are persistent throughout the core, revealing that fire disturbance has characterized the site for millennia. In total, 74 fire events were recognized. During the warm dry early Holocene, fire frequency was 12-15 fires 2000 yr-1 and peak magnitudes were low, possibly in response to a more open landscape. A change in fire regime occurred at ca. 5000 cal BP, as fire frequency increased, peaking at ca. 20 fires 2000 yr-1 by 3000 cal BP. Peak magnitude likewise increased notably, possibly in response to the development of denser forest cover. On-going analysis of pollen will better constrain the vegetation history in this poorly sampled region. In contrast to charcoal, which was pervasive, Dendroctonus ponderosae (mountain pine beetle) remains were absent in both modern and paleo samples. Given that several insect outbreaks have occurred in the region in the last 100 years, the scarcity of remains is likely related to taphonomic issues.

The NetLander mission: a geophysical network on the surface of Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferri, F.; Counil, J. L.; Marsal, O.; Rocard, F.; Bonneville, R.; NetLander Team

2001-12-01

The NetLander mission aims at deploying on the surface of Mars a network of four identical landers which will perform simultaneous measurements in order to study the internal structure of Mars, its subsurface, surface, atmosphere and ionosphere. Seismic measurements will evidence the main transitions (lithosphere-mantle-core) as well as mantle discontinuities and crustal structure. The geodetic measurements will allow to determine the state of the core, liquid or not, and to retrieve the density of the core and mantle. The magnetic experiment will retrieve the conductivity profile down to several hundred of kilometers depth, gathering information on temperature gradient and phase transitions. The search for ground water, liquid or solid, will be performed locally by three experiments: seismometers, magnetometers and a ground penetrating radar. Local geology and surface mineralogy will be investigated through a multispectral stereo panoramic camera. A dedicated package will study the thermal properties of the soil at the landing sites. The NetLander will investigate the atmospheric vertical structure at the entry sites, complementing the existing three profiles. The network's ability to measure spatial and seasonal variations of pressure and the near-surface relative humidity will provide an unprecedented opportunity to characterize the H2O cycle. The meteorological package will also provide data relevant to the initiation and evolution of dust processes. Ionospheric investigations, coming along mainly with radio science, radar and electromagnetic sounding, will allow studying ionization processes and monitoring both the large-scale and small-scale plasma variations. The NetLander is a CNES led European mission to be launched in 2007. The nine instruments forming the payload will be provided by space agencies and research laboratories from more than ten European countries and USA.

Genome-Wide Temporal Expression Profiling in Caenorhabditis elegans Identifies a Core Gene Set Related to Long-Term Memory.

PubMed

Freytag, Virginie; Probst, Sabine; Hadziselimovic, Nils; Boglari, Csaba; Hauser, Yannick; Peter, Fabian; Gabor Fenyves, Bank; Milnik, Annette; Demougin, Philippe; Vukojevic, Vanja; de Quervain, Dominique J-F; Papassotiropoulos, Andreas; Stetak, Attila

2017-07-12

The identification of genes related to encoding, storage, and retrieval of memories is a major interest in neuroscience. In the current study, we analyzed the temporal gene expression changes in a neuronal mRNA pool during an olfactory long-term associative memory (LTAM) in Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodites. Here, we identified a core set of 712 (538 upregulated and 174 downregulated) genes that follows three distinct temporal peaks demonstrating multiple gene regulation waves in LTAM. Compared with the previously published positive LTAM gene set (Lakhina et al., 2015), 50% of the identified upregulated genes here overlap with the previous dataset, possibly representing stimulus-independent memory-related genes. On the other hand, the remaining genes were not previously identified in positive associative memory and may specifically regulate aversive LTAM. Our results suggest a multistep gene activation process during the formation and retrieval of long-term memory and define general memory-implicated genes as well as conditioning-type-dependent gene sets. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The identification of genes regulating different steps of memory is of major interest in neuroscience. Identification of common memory genes across different learning paradigms and the temporal activation of the genes are poorly studied. Here, we investigated the temporal aspects of Caenorhabditis elegans gene expression changes using aversive olfactory associative long-term memory (LTAM) and identified three major gene activation waves. Like in previous studies, aversive LTAM is also CREB dependent, and CREB activity is necessary immediately after training. Finally, we define a list of memory paradigm-independent core gene sets as well as conditioning-dependent genes. Copyright © 2017 the authors 0270-6474/17/376661-12$15.00/0.

The role of dopamine D2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens during taste-aversive learning and memory extinction after long-term sugar consumption.

PubMed

Miranda, María Isabel; Rangel-Hernández, José Alejandro; Vera-Rivera, Gabriela; García-Medina, Nadia Edith; Soto-Alonso, Gerardo; Rodríguez-García, Gabriela; Núñez-Jaramillo, Luis

2017-09-17

The nucleus accumbens (NAcc) is a forebrain region that may significantly contribute to the integration of taste and visceral signals during food consumption. Changes in dopamine release in the NAcc have been observed during consumption of a sweet taste and during compulsive consumption of dietary sugars, suggesting that NAcc dopaminergic transmission is strongly correlated with taste familiarity and the hedonic value content. NAcc core and shell nuclei are differentially involved during and after sugar exposure and, particularly, previous evidence suggests that dopamine D2 receptors could be related with the strength of the latent inhibition (LI) of conditioned taste aversion (CTA), which depends on the length of the taste stimulus pre-exposure. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate, after long-term exposure to sugar, the function of dopaminergic D2 receptors in the NAcc core during taste memory retrieval preference test, and during CTA. Adult rats were exposed during 14days to 10% sugar solution as a single liquid ad libitum. NAcc core bilateral injections of D2 dopamine receptor antagonist, haloperidol (1μg/μL), were made before third preference test and CTA acquisition. We found that sugar was similarly preferred after 3 acute presentations or 14days of continued sugar consumption and that haloperidol did not disrupt this appetitive memory retrieval. Nevertheless, D2 receptors antagonism differentially affects aversive memory formation after acute or long-term sugar consumption. These results demonstrate that NAcc dopamine D2 receptors have a differential function during CTA depending on the degree of sugar familiarity. Copyright © 2017 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Integrated care: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis and literature review

PubMed Central

Sun, Xiaowei; Tang, Wenxi; Ye, Ting; Zhang, Yan; Wen, Bo; Zhang, Liang

2014-01-01

Introduction Integrated care could not only fix up fragmented health care but also improve the continuity of care and the quality of life. Despite the volume and variety of publications, little is known about how ‘integrated care’ has developed. There is a need for a systematic bibliometric analysis on studying the important features of the integrated care literature. Aim To investigate the growth pattern, core journals and jurisdictions and identify the key research domains of integrated care. Methods We searched Medline/PubMed using the search strategy ‘(delivery of health care, integrated [MeSH Terms]) OR integrated care [Title/Abstract]’ without time and language limits. Second, we extracted the publishing year, journals, jurisdictions and keywords of the retrieved articles. Finally, descriptive statistical analysis by the Bibliographic Item Co-occurrence Matrix Builder and hierarchical clustering by SPSS were used. Results As many as 9090 articles were retrieved. Results included: (1) the cumulative numbers of the publications on integrated care rose perpendicularly after 1993; (2) all documents were recorded by 1646 kinds of journals. There were 28 core journals; (3) the USA is the predominant publishing country; and (4) there are six key domains including: the definition/models of integrated care, interdisciplinary patient care team, disease management for chronically ill patients, types of health care organizations and policy, information system integration and legislation/jurisprudence. Discussion and conclusion Integrated care literature has been most evident in developed countries. International Journal of Integrated Care is highly recommended in this research area. The bibliometric analysis and identification of publication hotspots provides researchers and practitioners with core target journals, as well as an overview of the field for further research in integrated care. PMID:24987322

An Information Storage and Retrieval System for Biological and Geological Data. Interim Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Squires, Donald F.

A project is being conducted to test the feasibility of an information storage and retrieval system for museum specimen data, particularly for natural history museums. A pilot data processing system has been developed, with the specimen records from the national collections of birds, marine crustaceans, and rocks used as sample data. The research…

Delayed Match Retrieval: A Novel Anticipation-Based Visual Working Memory Paradigm

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kaldy, Zsuzsa; Guillory, Sylvia B.; Blaser, Erik

2016-01-01

We tested 8- and 10-month-old infants' visual working memory (VWM) for object-location bindings--"what is where"--with a novel paradigm, Delayed Match Retrieval, that measured infants' anticipatory gaze responses (using a Tobii T120 eye tracker). In an inversion of Delayed-Match-to-Sample tasks and with inspiration from the game…

The Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E)

DOE PAGES

Jensen, M. P.; Petersen, W. A.; Bansemer, A.; ...

2015-12-18

The Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E), a field program jointly led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program and the NASA Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission, was conducted in south-central Oklahoma during April – May 2011. MC3E science objectives were motivated by the need to improve understanding of midlatitude continental convective cloud system lifecycles, microphysics, and GPM precipitation retrieval algorithms. To achieve these objectives a multi-scale surface- and aircraft-based in situ and remote sensing observing strategy was employed. A variety of cloud and precipitation events were sampled during the MC3E, of which results from three deepmore » convective events are highlighted. Vertical structure, air motions, precipitation drop-size distributions and ice properties were retrieved from multi-wavelength radar, profiler, and aircraft observations for an MCS on 11 May. Aircraft observations for another MCS observed on 20 May were used to test agreement between observed radar reflectivities and those calculated with forward-modeled reflectivity and microwave brightness temperatures using in situ particle size distributions and ice water content. Multi-platform observations of a supercell that occurred on 23 May allowed for an integrated analysis of kinematic and microphysical interactions. A core updraft of 25 ms -1 supported growth of hail and large rain drops. As a result, data collected during the MC3E campaign is being used in a number of current and ongoing research projects and is available through the DOE ARM and NASA data archives.« less

The Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E)

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

Jensen, M. P.; Petersen, W. A.; Bansemer, A.

The Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E), a field program jointly led by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program and the NASA Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission, was conducted in south-central Oklahoma during April – May 2011. MC3E science objectives were motivated by the need to improve understanding of midlatitude continental convective cloud system lifecycles, microphysics, and GPM precipitation retrieval algorithms. To achieve these objectives a multi-scale surface- and aircraft-based in situ and remote sensing observing strategy was employed. A variety of cloud and precipitation events were sampled during the MC3E, of which results from three deepmore » convective events are highlighted. Vertical structure, air motions, precipitation drop-size distributions and ice properties were retrieved from multi-wavelength radar, profiler, and aircraft observations for an MCS on 11 May. Aircraft observations for another MCS observed on 20 May were used to test agreement between observed radar reflectivities and those calculated with forward-modeled reflectivity and microwave brightness temperatures using in situ particle size distributions and ice water content. Multi-platform observations of a supercell that occurred on 23 May allowed for an integrated analysis of kinematic and microphysical interactions. A core updraft of 25 ms -1 supported growth of hail and large rain drops. As a result, data collected during the MC3E campaign is being used in a number of current and ongoing research projects and is available through the DOE ARM and NASA data archives.« less

Geotechnical properties of core sample from methane hydrate deposits in Eastern Nankai Trough

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoneda, J.; Masui, A.; Egawa, K.; Konno, Y.; Ito, T.; Kida, M.; Jin, Y.; Suzuki, K.; Nakatsuka, Y.; Tenma, N.; Nagao, J.

2013-12-01

To date, MH extraction has been simulated in several ways to help ensure the safe and efficient production of gas, with a particular focus on the investigation of landsliding, uneven settlement, and production well integrity. The mechanical properties of deep sea sediments and gas-hydrate-bearing sediments, typically obtained through material tests, are essential for the geomechanical response simulation to hydrate extraction. We conducted triaxial compression tests and the geotechnical properties of the sediments was investigated. Consolidated undrained compression tests were performed for silty sediments. And consolidated drained tests were performed for sandy samples. In addition, permeability was investigated from isotropic consolidation results. These core samples recovered from methane hydrate deposits of Daini Atsumi Knoll in Eastern Nankai Trough during the 2012 JOGMEC/JAPEX Pressure coring operation. The pressure core samples were rapidly depressurized on the ship and it were frozen using liquid nitrogen to prevent MH dissociation. Undrained shear strength of the core samples increase linearly with depth from sea floor. These core samples should be normally consolidated sample in-situ. Drained shear strength increases dramatically with hydrate saturation increases. Peak stress ratio q/p' of the core sample which has 73% of hydrate saturation was approximately 2.0 and it decrease down to 1.3 at the critical state. Dilatancy also changed from compressive tendency to dilative tendency with hydrate saturation increase. This study was financially supported by the Research Consortium for Methane Hydrate Resources in Japan (MH21 Research Consortium) that carries out Japan's Methane Hydrate R&D Program conducted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

Phase retrieval and 3D imaging in gold nanoparticles based fluorescence microscopy (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilovitsh, Tali; Ilovitsh, Asaf; Weiss, Aryeh M.; Meir, Rinat; Zalevsky, Zeev

2017-02-01

Optical sectioning microscopy can provide highly detailed three dimensional (3D) images of biological samples. However, it requires acquisition of many images per volume, and is therefore time consuming, and may not be suitable for live cell 3D imaging. We propose the use of the modified Gerchberg-Saxton phase retrieval algorithm to enable full 3D imaging of gold nanoparticles tagged sample using only two images. The reconstructed field is free space propagated to all other focus planes using post processing, and the 2D z-stack is merged to create a 3D image of the sample with high fidelity. Because we propose to apply the phase retrieving on nano particles, the regular ambiguities typical to the Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm, are eliminated. The proposed concept is then further enhanced also for tracking of single fluorescent particles within a three dimensional (3D) cellular environment based on image processing algorithms that can significantly increases localization accuracy of the 3D point spread function in respect to regular Gaussian fitting. All proposed concepts are validated both on simulated data as well as experimentally.

"The worst journey of our lives": parents' experiences of a specialised paediatric retrieval service.

PubMed

Colville, Gillian; Orr, Fiona; Gracey, David

2003-04-01

In this retrospective study, a sample of 233 parents were surveyed, by means of a postal questionnaire, about their experience of a specialised paediatric retrieval service (median time interval after child's retrieval=10 months). Although all parents were routinely provided with written information about the retrieval service, only 46% remember receiving it. Also, although generally high, satisfaction ratings relating to the period of the child's transit were significantly lower (P<0.005) than those relating to the other stages of the transfer. Two main reasons were given by parents for their dissatisfaction: distress at being separated from their critically ill child and logistic problems locating and parking at the new hospital. Implications for future service provision are considered.

Unified Science Information Model for SoilSCAPE using the Mercury Metadata Search System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devarakonda, Ranjeet; Lu, Kefa; Palanisamy, Giri; Cook, Robert; Santhana Vannan, Suresh; Moghaddam, Mahta Clewley, Dan; Silva, Agnelo; Akbar, Ruzbeh

2013-12-01

SoilSCAPE (Soil moisture Sensing Controller And oPtimal Estimator) introduces a new concept for a smart wireless sensor web technology for optimal measurements of surface-to-depth profiles of soil moisture using in-situ sensors. The objective is to enable a guided and adaptive sampling strategy for the in-situ sensor network to meet the measurement validation objectives of spaceborne soil moisture sensors such as the Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission. This work is being carried out at the University of Michigan, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Southern California, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. At Oak Ridge National Laboratory we are using Mercury metadata search system [1] for building a Unified Information System for the SoilSCAPE project. This unified portal primarily comprises three key pieces: Distributed Search/Discovery; Data Collections and Integration; and Data Dissemination. Mercury, a Federally funded software for metadata harvesting, indexing, and searching would be used for this module. Soil moisture data sources identified as part of this activity such as SoilSCAPE and FLUXNET (in-situ sensors), AirMOSS (airborne retrieval), SMAP (spaceborne retrieval), and are being indexed and maintained by Mercury. Mercury would be the central repository of data sources for cal/val for soil moisture studies and would provide a mechanism to identify additional data sources. Relevant metadata from existing inventories such as ORNL DAAC, USGS Clearinghouse, ARM, NASA ECHO, GCMD etc. would be brought in to this soil-moisture data search/discovery module. The SoilSCAPE [2] metadata records will also be published in broader metadata repositories such as GCMD, data.gov. Mercury can be configured to provide a single portal to soil moisture information contained in disparate data management systems located anywhere on the Internet. Mercury is able to extract, metadata systematically from HTML pages or XML files using a variety of methods including OAI-PMH [3]. The Mercury search interface then allows users to perform simple, fielded, spatial and temporal searches across a central harmonized index of metadata. Mercury supports various metadata standards including FGDC, ISO-19115, DIF, Dublin-Core, Darwin-Core, and EML. This poster describes in detail how Mercury implements the Unified Science Information Model for Soil moisture data. References: [1]Devarakonda R., et al. Mercury: reusable metadata management, data discovery and access system. Earth Science Informatics (2010), 3(1): 87-94. [2]Devarakonda R., et al. Daymet: Single Pixel Data Extraction Tool. http://daymet.ornl.gov/singlepixel.html (2012). Last Accesses 10-01-2013 [3]Devarakonda R., et al. Data sharing and retrieval using OAI-PMH. Earth Science Informatics (2011), 4(1): 1-5.

Comprehensive study of thermal properties of lunar core samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Langseth, M. G.; Horath, K.

1975-01-01

The feasibility of a technique for measuring the thermal conductivity of lunar core samples was investigated. The thermal conduction equation for a composite cylinder was solved to obtain a mathematical expression for the surface temperature of the core tube filled with lunar material. The sample is heated by radiation from the outside at a known rate, the variation of the temperature at the surface of the core tube is measured, and the thermal conductivity determined by comparing the observed temperature with the theoretically expected one. The apparatus used in the experiment is described.

Evaluation of the Abbott RealTime HCV genotype II plus RUO (PLUS) assay with reference to core and NS5B sequencing.

PubMed

Mallory, Melanie A; Lucic, Danijela; Ebbert, Mark T W; Cloherty, Gavin A; Toolsie, Dan; Hillyard, David R

2017-05-01

HCV genotyping remains a critical tool for guiding initiation of therapy and selecting the most appropriate treatment regimen. Current commercial genotyping assays may have difficulty identifying 1a, 1b and genotype 6. To evaluate the concordance for identifying 1a, 1b, and genotype 6 between two methods: the PLUS assay and core/NS5B sequencing. This study included 236 plasma and serum samples previously genotyped by core/NS5B sequencing. Of these, 25 samples were also previously tested by the Abbott RealTime HCV GT II Research Use Only (RUO) assay and yielded ambiguous results. The remaining 211 samples were routine genotype 1 (n=169) and genotype 6 (n=42). Genotypes obtained from sequence data were determined using a laboratory-developed HCV sequence analysis tool and the NCBI non-redundant database. Agreement between the PLUS assay and core/NS5B sequencing for genotype 1 samples was 95.8% (162/169), with 96% (127/132) and 95% (35/37) agreement for 1a and 1b samples respectively. PLUS results agreed with core/NS5B sequencing for 83% (35/42) of unselected genotype 6 samples, with the remaining seven "not detected" by the PLUS assay. Among the 25 samples with ambiguous GT II results, 15 were concordant by PLUS and core/NS5B sequencing, nine were not detected by PLUS, and one sample had an internal control failure. The PLUS assay is an automated method that identifies 1a, 1b and genotype 6 with good agreement with gold-standard core/NS5B sequencing and can aid in the resolution of certain genotype samples with ambiguous GT II results. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Three-dimensional imaging using phase retrieval with two focus planes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilovitsh, Tali; Ilovitsh, Asaf; Weiss, Aryeh; Meir, Rinat; Zalevsky, Zeev

2016-03-01

This work presents a technique for a full 3D imaging of biological samples tagged with gold-nanoparticles (GNPs) using only two images, rather than many images per volume as is currently needed for 3D optical sectioning microscopy. The proposed approach is based on the Gerchberg-Saxton (GS) phase retrieval algorithm. The reconstructed field is free space propagated to all other focus planes using post processing, and the 2D z-stack is merged to create a 3D image of the sample with high fidelity. Because we propose to apply the phase retrieving on nano particles, the regular ambiguities typical to the Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm, are eliminated. In addition, since the method requires the capturing of two images only, it can be suitable for 3D live cell imaging. The proposed concept is presented and validated both on simulated data as well as experimentally.

Phase retrieval for crystalline specimens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arnal, Romain A.; Millane, Rick P.

2017-09-01

The recent availability of ultra-bright and ultra-short X-rays pulses from new sources called x-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) has introduced a new paradigm in X-ray crystallography. Called "diffraction-before-destruction," this paradigm addresses the main problems that plague crystallography using synchrotron sources. However, the phase problem of coherent diffraction imaging remains: one has to retrieve the phase of the measured diffraction amplitude in order to reconstruct the object. Fibrous and membrane proteins that crystallize in 1D and 2D crystals can now potentially be used for data collection with free-electron lasers. The crystallographic phase problem with such crystalline specimens is eased as the Fourier amplitude can be sampled more finely than at the Bragg sampling along one or two directions. Here we characterise uniqueness of the phase problem for different types of crystalline specimen. Simulated ab initio phase retrieval using iterative projection algorithms for 2D crystals is presented.

Tank 241-AP-105, cores 208, 209 and 210, analytical results for the final report

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

Nuzum, J.L.

1997-10-24

This document is the final laboratory report for Tank 241-AP-105. Push mode core segments were removed from Risers 24 and 28 between July 2, 1997, and July 14, 1997. Segments were received and extruded at 222-S Laboratory. Analyses were performed in accordance with Tank 241-AP-105 Push Mode Core Sampling and Analysis Plan (TSAP) (Hu, 1997) and Tank Safety Screening Data Quality Objective (DQO) (Dukelow, et al., 1995). None of the subsamples submitted for total alpha activity (AT), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, or total organic carbon (TOC) analysis exceeded the notification limits as stated in TSAP and DQO. The statisticalmore » results of the 95% confidence interval on the mean calculations are provided by the Tank Waste Remediation Systems Technical Basis Group, and are not considered in this report. Appearance and Sample Handling Two cores, each consisting of four segments, were expected from Tank 241-AP-105. Three cores were sampled, and complete cores were not obtained. TSAP states core samples should be transported to the laboratory within three calendar days from the time each segment is removed from the tank. This requirement was not met for all cores. Attachment 1 illustrates subsamples generated in the laboratory for analysis and identifies their sources. This reference also relates tank farm identification numbers to their corresponding 222-S Laboratory sample numbers.« less

Chromosomal abnormalities in infertile men with azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia in Qatar and their association with sperm retrieval intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes.

PubMed

Arafa, Mohamed M; Majzoub, Ahmad; AlSaid, Sami S; ElAnsari, Walid; Al Ansari, Abdulla; Elbardisi, Yara; Elbardisi, Haitham T

2018-03-01

To study the types and incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in infertile men with azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia in Qatar, and to compare the hormonal changes, testicular sperm retrieval rate, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome between patients with chromosomal abnormalities and patients with idiopathic infertility. This study involved the retrospective chart review of 625 infertile male patients attending an academic tertiary medical centre in Qatar. Retrieved information included data on medical history, family history, clinical examination, semen analysis, initial hormonal profiles, and genetic studies, ICSI, and sperm retrieval results. The incidence of chromosomal abnormalities was 9.59% (10.6% amongst Qatari patients, 9.04% amongst non-Qataris). About 63.6% of the sample had azoospermia, of whom 10.8% had chromosomal abnormalities. Roughly 36.4% of the sample had oligozoospermia, of whom 7.5% had chromosomal abnormalities. There were no differences between patients with chromosomal abnormalities and those with idiopathic infertility for demographic and infertility features; but for the hormonal profiles, patients with idiopathic infertility had significantly lower luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone values. For ICSI outcomes, patients with chromosomal abnormalities had a significantly lower total sperm retrieval rate (47.4% vs 65.8%), surgical sperm retrieval rate (41.2% vs 58.1%), and lower clinical pregnancy rate (16.7% vs 26.6%) when compared to the idiopathic infertility group. The incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in Qatar as a cause of severe male infertility is within a similar range as their prevalence internationally.

Preserving Geological Samples and Metadata from Polar Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grunow, A.; Sjunneskog, C. M.

2011-12-01

The Office of Polar Programs at the National Science Foundation (NSF-OPP) has long recognized the value of preserving earth science collections due to the inherent logistical challenges and financial costs of collecting geological samples from Polar Regions. NSF-OPP established two national facilities to make Antarctic geological samples and drill cores openly and freely available for research. The Antarctic Marine Geology Research Facility (AMGRF) at Florida State University was established in 1963 and archives Antarctic marine sediment cores, dredge samples and smear slides along with ship logs. The United States Polar Rock Repository (USPRR) at Ohio State University was established in 2003 and archives polar rock samples, marine dredges, unconsolidated materials and terrestrial cores, along with associated materials such as field notes, maps, raw analytical data, paleomagnetic cores, thin sections, microfossil mounts, microslides and residues. The existence of the AMGRF and USPRR helps to minimize redundant sample collecting, lessen the environmental impact of doing polar field work, facilitates field logistics planning and complies with the data sharing requirement of the Antarctic Treaty. USPRR acquires collections through donations from institutions and scientists and then makes these samples available as no-cost loans for research, education and museum exhibits. The AMGRF acquires sediment cores from US based and international collaboration drilling projects in Antarctica. Destructive research techniques are allowed on the loaned samples and loan requests are accepted from any accredited scientific institution in the world. Currently, the USPRR has more than 22,000 cataloged rock samples available to scientists from around the world. All cataloged samples are relabeled with a USPRR number, weighed, photographed and measured for magnetic susceptibility. Many aspects of the sample metadata are included in the database, e.g. geographical location, sample description, collector, rock age, formation, section location, multimedia images as well structural data, field observations, logistics, surface features, etc. The metadata are entered into a commercial, museum based database called EMu. The AMGRF houses more than 25,000m of deep-sea cores and drill cores as well as nearly 3,000 meters of rotary cored geological material from Antarctica. Detailed information on the sediment cores including location, sediment composition are available in cruise reports posted on the AMGRF web-site. Researchers may access the sample collections through the online websites (http://www-bprc.mps.ohio-state.edu/emuwebusprr and http://www.arf.fsu.edu). Searches may be done using multiple search terms or by use of the mapping feature. The on-line databases provide an essential resource for proposal preparation, pilot studies and other sample based research that should make fieldwork more efficient.

Performance Evaluation of Machine Learning Methods for Leaf Area Index Retrieval from Time-Series MODIS Reflectance Data

PubMed Central

Wang, Tongtong; Xiao, Zhiqiang; Liu, Zhigang

2017-01-01

Leaf area index (LAI) is an important biophysical parameter and the retrieval of LAI from remote sensing data is the only feasible method for generating LAI products at regional and global scales. However, most LAI retrieval methods use satellite observations at a specific time to retrieve LAI. Because of the impacts of clouds and aerosols, the LAI products generated by these methods are spatially incomplete and temporally discontinuous, and thus they cannot meet the needs of practical applications. To generate high-quality LAI products, four machine learning algorithms, including back-propagation neutral network (BPNN), radial basis function networks (RBFNs), general regression neutral networks (GRNNs), and multi-output support vector regression (MSVR) are proposed to retrieve LAI from time-series Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) reflectance data in this study and performance of these machine learning algorithms is evaluated. The results demonstrated that GRNNs, RBFNs, and MSVR exhibited low sensitivity to training sample size, whereas BPNN had high sensitivity. The four algorithms performed slightly better with red, near infrared (NIR), and short wave infrared (SWIR) bands than red and NIR bands, and the results were significantly better than those obtained using single band reflectance data (red or NIR). Regardless of band composition, GRNNs performed better than the other three methods. Among the four algorithms, BPNN required the least training time, whereas MSVR needed the most for any sample size. PMID:28045443

Microfluidic-Based Enrichment and Retrieval of Circulating Tumor Cells for RT-PCR Analysis.

PubMed

Gogoi, Priya; Sepehri, Saedeh; Chow, Will; Handique, Kalyan; Wang, Yixin

2017-01-01

Molecular analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is hindered by low sensitivity and high level of background leukocytes of currently available CTC enrichment technologies. We have developed a novel device to enrich and retrieve CTCs from blood samples by using a microfluidic chip. The Celsee PREP100 device captures CTCs with high sensitivity and allows the captured CTCs to be retrieved for molecular analysis. It uses the microfluidic chip which has approximately 56,320 capture chambers. Based on differences in cell size and deformability, each chamber ensures that small blood escape while larger CTCs of varying sizes are trapped and isolated in the chambers. In this report, we used the Celsee PREP100 to capture cancer cells spiked into normal donor blood samples. We were able to show that the device can capture as low as 10 cells with high reproducibility. The captured CTCs were retrieved from the microfluidic chip. The cell recovery rate of this back-flow procedure is 100% and the level of remaining background leukocytes is very low (about 300-400 cells). RNA from the retrieved cells are extracted and converted to cDNA, and gene expression analysis of selected cancer markers can be carried out by using RT-PCR assays. The sensitive and easy-to-use Celsee PREP100 system represents a promising technology for capturing and molecular characterization of CTCs.

Performance Evaluation of Machine Learning Methods for Leaf Area Index Retrieval from Time-Series MODIS Reflectance Data.

PubMed

Wang, Tongtong; Xiao, Zhiqiang; Liu, Zhigang

2017-01-01

Leaf area index (LAI) is an important biophysical parameter and the retrieval of LAI from remote sensing data is the only feasible method for generating LAI products at regional and global scales. However, most LAI retrieval methods use satellite observations at a specific time to retrieve LAI. Because of the impacts of clouds and aerosols, the LAI products generated by these methods are spatially incomplete and temporally discontinuous, and thus they cannot meet the needs of practical applications. To generate high-quality LAI products, four machine learning algorithms, including back-propagation neutral network (BPNN), radial basis function networks (RBFNs), general regression neutral networks (GRNNs), and multi-output support vector regression (MSVR) are proposed to retrieve LAI from time-series Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) reflectance data in this study and performance of these machine learning algorithms is evaluated. The results demonstrated that GRNNs, RBFNs, and MSVR exhibited low sensitivity to training sample size, whereas BPNN had high sensitivity. The four algorithms performed slightly better with red, near infrared (NIR), and short wave infrared (SWIR) bands than red and NIR bands, and the results were significantly better than those obtained using single band reflectance data (red or NIR). Regardless of band composition, GRNNs performed better than the other three methods. Among the four algorithms, BPNN required the least training time, whereas MSVR needed the most for any sample size.

Coral δ18O records Porites vs. Diploastrea - sampling resolution and climatic signal!

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dassie, E. P.; Linsley, B. K.; Lambdin, S.

2013-12-01

Narrowing uncertainties in climate prediction is an economical and social need that could partially be addressed by the development of robust paleoclimatic networks. Porites is the most widely used genus in studies using massive corals from the Pacific Ocean, however only a few Pacific Porites records span more than 100 years. A different slower growing coral genius, Diploastrea, has the potential to also generate multi-century length paleo-records. Recent Paleoclimatic studies utilizing this genus have shown promising results (Watanabe et al., 2003; Bagnato et al., 2004, 2005). However, some sampling concerns still remain. Diploastrea has large individual corallites (4-5 times larger than Porites); these corallites include a straight inner portion (columella) surrounded by a radiating portion (septa). The septa portion does not grow perpendicular to the direction of the coral growth, but instead radiates at a 45° angle from the columella. Sampling both the columnar and septal portions simultaneously might produce erroneous climatic reconstructions, reflecting a combination of corallite material precipitated several months apart. Additionally, due to Diploastrea slower growing rate, a millimeter sampling resolution might not be enough to retrieve robust climatic information. This study determined the optimal sampling resolution for Diploastrea from Fiji and verified the fidelity of this archive to reconstruct climatic variability. δ18O and δ13C measurements were made on one Diploastrea and one Porites coral colonies from a lagoon in Kandavu, Fiji. Diploastrea (FKD2) was sampled and analyzed at a 0.25mm resolution and Porites (FKD1) at a one-mm resolution; taking into consideration the growth rate of these two cores, both sampling resolution corresponds to a nearly monthly resolution. We created low-resolution sampling from the high-resolution sampling of the Diploastrea and compared it to the Porites measurements. This leads to determine the optimal sampling strategy for Diploastrea as well as to validate the use of Diploastrea analysis for climatic reconstruction.

Gains in efficiency and scientific potential of continental climate reconstruction provided by the LRC LacCore Facility, University of Minnesota

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noren, A.; Brady, K.; Myrbo, A.; Ito, E.

2007-12-01

Lacustrine sediment cores comprise an integral archive for the determination of continental paleoclimate, for their potentially high temporal resolution and for their ability to resolve spatial variability in climate across vast sections of the globe. Researchers studying these archives now have a large, nationally-funded, public facility dedicated to the support of their efforts. The LRC LacCore Facility, funded by NSF and the University of Minnesota, provides free or low-cost assistance to any portion of research projects, depending on the specific needs of the project. A large collection of field equipment (site survey equipment, coring devices, boats/platforms, water sampling devices) for nearly any lacustrine setting is available for rental, and Livingstone-type corers and drive rods may be purchased. LacCore staff can accompany field expeditions to operate these devices and curate samples, or provide training prior to device rental. The Facility maintains strong connections to experienced shipping agents and customs brokers, which vastly improves transport and importation of samples. In the lab, high-end instrumentation (e.g., multisensor loggers, high-resolution digital linescan cameras) provides a baseline of fundamental analyses before any sample material is consumed. LacCore staff provide support and training in lithological description, including smear-slide, XRD, and SEM analyses. The LRC botanical macrofossil reference collection is a valuable resource for both core description and detailed macrofossil analysis. Dedicated equipment and space for various subsample analyses streamlines these endeavors; subsamples for several analyses may be submitted for preparation or analysis by Facility technicians for a fee (e.g., carbon and sulfur coulometry, grain size, pollen sample preparation and analysis, charcoal, biogenic silica, LOI, freeze drying). The National Lacustrine Core Repository now curates ~9km of sediment cores from expeditions around the world, and stores metadata and analytical data for all cores processed at the facility. Any researcher may submit sample requests for material in archived cores. Supplies for field (e.g., polycarbonate pipe, endcaps), lab (e.g., sample containers, pollen sample spike), and curation (e.g., D-tubes) are sold at cost. In collaboration with facility users, staff continually develop new equipment, supplies, and procedures as needed in order to provide the best and most comprehensive set of services to the research community.

Quantitative x-ray diffraction mineralogy of Los Angeles basin core samples

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hein, James R.; McIntyre, Brandie R.; Edwards, Brian D.; Lakota, Orion I.

2006-01-01

This report contains X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of mineralogy for 81 sediment samples from cores taken from three drill holes in the Los Angeles Basin in 2000-2001. We analyzed 26 samples from Pier F core, 29 from Pier C core, and 26 from the Webster core. These three sites provide an offshore-onshore record across the Southern California coastal zone. This report is designed to be a data repository; these data will be used in further studies, including geochemical modeling as part of the CABRILLO project. Summary tables quantify the major mineral groups, whereas detailed mineralogy is presented in three appendices. The rationale, methodology, and techniques are described in the following paper.

The legacy of wetland drainage on the remaining peat in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Drexler, Judith Z.; Christian S. de Fontaine,; Steven J. Deverel,

2009-01-01

Throughout the world, many extensive wetlands, such as the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta of California (hereafter, the Delta), have been drained for agriculture, resulting in land-surface subsidence of peat soils. The purpose of this project was to study the in situ effects of wetland drainage on the remaining peat in the Delta. Peat cores were retrieved from four drained, farmed islands and four relatively undisturbed, marsh islands. Core samples were analyzed for bulk density and percent organic carbon. Macrofossils in the peat were dated using radiocarbon age determination. The peat from the farmed islands is highly distinct from marsh island peat. Bulk density of peat from the farmed islands is generally greater than that of the marsh islands at a given organic carbon content. On the farmed islands, increased bulk density, which is an indication of compaction, decreases with depth within the unoxidized peat zone, whereas, on the marsh islands, bulk density is generally constant with depth except near the surface. Approximately 55–80% of the original peat layer on the farmed islands has been lost due to landsurface subsidence. For the center regions of the farmed islands, this translates into an estimated loss of between 2900-5700 metric tons of organic carbon/hectare. Most of the intact peat just below the currently farmed soil layer is over 4000 years old. Peat loss will continue as long as the artificial water table on the farmed islands is held below the land surface.

Paleoenvironmental History of JoCo Marsh, Jamaica Bay, New York

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liberman, Louisa; Peteet, Dorothy; Hansen, James E. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Sediment cores from JoCo Marsh, located in Jamaica Bay, NY were analyzed for plant macrofossil and foraminifera records. These records reflect changes in vegetation, sea level, climate and human intervention. Better understanding of past environmental changes provides information for future preservation and protection of the estuary. A 2.81 m core was retrieved from JoCo, a high marsh area located on the eastern side of Jamaica Bay. The lithology of the core differs from high levels of sand, with small amounts of clay, in the bottom 0.8 meters, to salt marsh peat in the upper 2 meters of the core. Basal wood in the sand was dated to about 2060 yr BP. Elphidium foraminifera dominate the basal sands, along with Scirpus seeds, wood, and charcoal. These sands include fish scales which are tentatively identified as killifish, suggesting shallow pools. The transition to marsh peat is dominated by sedge seeds, and declines in charcoal. The peat appears to be dominated by salt marsh grasses. At 2 m the foraminifera change to include mainly Trochammina species and other undifferentiated agglutinates. The upper portion of the core is dominated by Salicornia seeds along with Trochammina and Miliammina or Quinqueloculia. The history of this marsh will be integrated with other records of marsh environmental change along the US eastern seaboard.

Analysis of Monolith Cores from an Engineering Scale Demonstration of a Prospective Cast Stone Process

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

Crawford, C. L.; Cozzi, A. D.; Hill, K. A.

2016-06-01

The primary disposition path of Low Activity Waste (LAW) at the DOE Hanford Site is vitrification. A cementitious waste form is one of the alternatives being considered for the supplemental immobilization of the LAW that will not be treated by the primary vitrification facility. Washington River Protection Solutions (WRPS) has been directed to generate and collect data on cementitious or pozzolanic waste forms such as Cast Stone. This report documents the coring and leach testing of monolithic samples cored from an engineering-scale demonstration (ES Demo) with non-radioactive simulants. The ES Demo was performed at SRNL in October of 2013 usingmore » the Scaled Continuous Processing Facility (SCPF) to fill an 8.5 ft. diameter x 3.25 ft. high container with simulated Cast Stone grout. The Cast Stone formulation was chosen from the previous screening tests. Legacy salt solution from previous Hanford salt waste testing was adjusted to correspond to the average LAW composition generated from the Hanford Tank Waste Operation Simulator (HTWOS). The dry blend materials, ordinary portland cement (OPC), Class F fly ash, and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS or BFS), were obtained from Lafarge North America in Pasco, WA. In 2014 core samples originally obtained approximately six months after filling the ES Demo were tested along with bench scale molded samples that were collected during the original pour. A latter set of core samples were obtained in late March of 2015, eighteen months after completion of the original ES Demo. Core samples were obtained using a 2” diameter x 11” long coring bit. The ES Demo was sampled in three different regions consisting of an outer ring, a middle ring and an inner core zone. Cores from these three lateral zones were further segregated into upper, middle and lower vertical segments. Monolithic core samples were tested using the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 1315, which is designed to provide mass transfer rates (release rates) of inorganic analytes contained in monolithic material under diffusion controlled release conditions as a function of leaching time. Compressive strength measurements and drying tests were also performed on the 2015 samples. Leachability indices reported are based on analyte concentrations determined from dissolution of the dried samples.« less

JURASSIC Retrieval Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blank, J.; Ungermann, J.; Guggenmoser, T.; Kaufmann, M.; Riese, M.

2012-04-01

The Gimballed Limb Observer for Radiance Imaging in the Atmosphere (GLORIA) is an aircraft based infrared limb-sounder. This presentation will give an overview of the retrieval techniques used for the analysis of data produced by the GLORIA instrument. For data processing, the JUelich RApid Spectral SImulation Code 2 (JURASSIC2) was developed. It consists of a set of programs to retrieve atmospheric profiles from GLORIA measurements. The GLORIA Michelson interferometer can run with a wide range of parameters. In the dynamics mode, spectra are generate with a medium spectral and a very high temporal and spatial resolution. Each sample can contain thousands of spectral lines for each contributing trace gas. In the JURASSIC retrieval code this is handled by using a radiative transport model based on the Emissivity Growth Approximation. Deciding which samples should be included in the retrieval is a non-trivial task and requires specific domain knowledge. To ease this problem we developed an automatic selection program by analysing the Shannon information content. By taking into account data for all relevant trace gases and instrument effects, optimal integrated spectral windows are computed. This includes considerations for cross-influence of trace gases, which has non-obvious consequence for the contribution of spectral samples. We developed methods to assess the influence of spectral windows on the retrieval. While we can not exhaustively search the whole range of possible spectral sample combinations, it is possible to optimize information content using a genetic algorithm. The GLORIA instrument is mounted with a viewing direction perpendicular to the flight direction. A gimbal frame makes it possible to move the instrument 45° to both direction. By flying on a circular path, it is possible to generate images of an area of interest from a wide range of angles. These can be analyzed in a 3D-tomographic fashion, which yields superior spatial resolution along line of site. Usually limb instruments have a resolution of several hundred kilometers. In studies we have shown to get a resolution of 35km in all horizontal directions. Even when only linear flight patterns can be realized, resolutions of ≈70km can be obtained. This technique can be used to observe features of the Upper Troposphere Lower Stratosphere (UTLS), where important mixing processes take place. Especially tropopause folds are difficult to image, as their main features need to be along line of flight when using common 1D approach.

A high-throughput core sampling device for the evaluation of maize stalk composition

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background A major challenge in the identification and development of superior feedstocks for the production of second generation biofuels is the rapid assessment of biomass composition in a large number of samples. Currently, highly accurate and precise robotic analysis systems are available for the evaluation of biomass composition, on a large number of samples, with a variety of pretreatments. However, the lack of an inexpensive and high-throughput process for large scale sampling of biomass resources is still an important limiting factor. Our goal was to develop a simple mechanical maize stalk core sampling device that can be utilized to collect uniform samples of a dimension compatible with robotic processing and analysis, while allowing the collection of hundreds to thousands of samples per day. Results We have developed a core sampling device (CSD) to collect maize stalk samples compatible with robotic processing and analysis. The CSD facilitates the collection of thousands of uniform tissue cores consistent with high-throughput analysis required for breeding, genetics, and production studies. With a single CSD operated by one person with minimal training, more than 1,000 biomass samples were obtained in an eight-hour period. One of the main advantages of using cores is the high level of homogeneity of the samples obtained and the minimal opportunity for sample contamination. In addition, the samples obtained with the CSD can be placed directly into a bath of ice, dry ice, or liquid nitrogen maintaining the composition of the biomass sample for relatively long periods of time. Conclusions The CSD has been demonstrated to successfully produce homogeneous stalk core samples in a repeatable manner with a throughput substantially superior to the currently available sampling methods. Given the variety of maize developmental stages and the diversity of stalk diameter evaluated, it is expected that the CSD will have utility for other bioenergy crops as well. PMID:22548834

Baseline Design Compliance Matrix for the Rotary Mode Core Sampling System

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

LECHELT, J.A.

2000-10-17

The purpose of the design compliance matrix (DCM) is to provide a single-source document of all design requirements associated with the fifteen subsystems that make up the rotary mode core sampling (RMCS) system. It is intended to be the baseline requirement document for the RMCS system and to be used in governing all future design and design verification activities associated with it. This document is the DCM for the RMCS system used on Hanford single-shell radioactive waste storage tanks. This includes the Exhauster System, Rotary Mode Core Sample Trucks, Universal Sampling System, Diesel Generator System, Distribution Trailer, X-Ray Cart System,more » Breathing Air Compressor, Nitrogen Supply Trailer, Casks and Cask Truck, Service Trailer, Core Sampling Riser Equipment, Core Sampling Support Trucks, Foot Clamp, Ramps and Platforms and Purged Camera System. Excluded items are tools such as light plants and light stands. Other items such as the breather inlet filter are covered by a different design baseline. In this case, the inlet breather filter is covered by the Tank Farms Design Compliance Matrix.« less

Event-Related fMRI Studies of Episodic Encoding and Retrieval: Meta-Analyses Using Activation Likelihood Estimation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Spaniol, Julia; Davidson, Patrick S. R.; Kim, Alice S. N.; Han, Hua; Moscovitch, Morris; Grady, Cheryl L.

2009-01-01

The recent surge in event-related fMRI studies of episodic memory has generated a wealth of information about the neural correlates of encoding and retrieval processes. However, interpretation of individual studies is hampered by methodological differences, and by the fact that sample sizes are typically small. We submitted results from studies of…

Prion Protein M129V Polymorphism Affects Retrieval-Related Brain Activity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buchmann, Andreas; Mondadori, Christian R. A.; Hanggi, Jurgen; Aerni, Amanda; Vrticka, Pascal; Luechinger, Roger; Boesiger, Peter; Hock, Christoph; Nitsch, Roger M.; de Quervain, Dominique J.-F.; Papassotiropoulos, Andreas; Henke, Katharina

2008-01-01

The prion protein Met129Val polymorphism has recently been related to human long-term memory with carriers of either the 129[superscript MM] or the 129[superscript MV] genotype recalling 17% more words than 129[superscript VV] carriers at 24 h following learning. Here, we sampled genotype differences in retrieval-related brain activity at 30 min…

Advantages of phase retrieval for fast x-ray tomographic microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mokso, R.; Marone, F.; Irvine, S.; Nyvlt, M.; Schwyn, D.; Mader, K.; Taylor, G. K.; Krapp, H. G.; Skeren, M.; Stampanoni, M.

2013-12-01

In near-field imaging with partially coherent x-rays, the phase shifting properties of the sample are encoded in the diffraction fringes that appear as an additional intensity modulation in the x-ray projection images. These Fresnel fringes are often regarded as purely an enhancement of the visibility at the interfaces. We show that retrieving the phase information contained in these patterns significantly advances the developments in fast micro-tomography. Improving temporal resolution without intensifying radiation damage implies a shortening of the exposure time rather than increasing the photon flux on the sample. Phase retrieval, to a large extent, compensates the consequent photon count moderation in the images, by fully exploiting the stronger refraction effect as compared with absorption. Two single-distance phase retrieval methods are evaluated for the case of an in situ 3 Hz micro-tomography of a rapidly evolving liquid foam, and an in vivo 6 Hz micro-tomography of a blowfly. A new dual-detector setup is introduced for simultaneous acquisition of two near-field diffraction patterns. Our goal is to couple high temporal, spatial and density resolution in a single imaging system in a dose-efficient manner, opening further options for dynamic four-dimensional studies.

Passage-Based Bibliographic Coupling: An Inter-Article Similarity Measure for Biomedical Articles

PubMed Central

Liu, Rey-Long

2015-01-01

Biomedical literature is an essential source of biomedical evidence. To translate the evidence for biomedicine study, researchers often need to carefully read multiple articles about specific biomedical issues. These articles thus need to be highly related to each other. They should share similar core contents, including research goals, methods, and findings. However, given an article r, it is challenging for search engines to retrieve highly related articles for r. In this paper, we present a technique PBC (Passage-based Bibliographic Coupling) that estimates inter-article similarity by seamlessly integrating bibliographic coupling with the information collected from context passages around important out-link citations (references) in each article. Empirical evaluation shows that PBC can significantly improve the retrieval of those articles that biomedical experts believe to be highly related to specific articles about gene-disease associations. PBC can thus be used to improve search engines in retrieving the highly related articles for any given article r, even when r is cited by very few (or even no) articles. The contribution is essential for those researchers and text mining systems that aim at cross-validating the evidence about specific gene-disease associations. PMID:26440794

Passage-Based Bibliographic Coupling: An Inter-Article Similarity Measure for Biomedical Articles.

PubMed

Liu, Rey-Long

2015-01-01

Biomedical literature is an essential source of biomedical evidence. To translate the evidence for biomedicine study, researchers often need to carefully read multiple articles about specific biomedical issues. These articles thus need to be highly related to each other. They should share similar core contents, including research goals, methods, and findings. However, given an article r, it is challenging for search engines to retrieve highly related articles for r. In this paper, we present a technique PBC (Passage-based Bibliographic Coupling) that estimates inter-article similarity by seamlessly integrating bibliographic coupling with the information collected from context passages around important out-link citations (references) in each article. Empirical evaluation shows that PBC can significantly improve the retrieval of those articles that biomedical experts believe to be highly related to specific articles about gene-disease associations. PBC can thus be used to improve search engines in retrieving the highly related articles for any given article r, even when r is cited by very few (or even no) articles. The contribution is essential for those researchers and text mining systems that aim at cross-validating the evidence about specific gene-disease associations.

CO2, H2O, and chlorophyll fluorescence retrieved from OCO-2 measurements using a fast radiative transfer model approximating multiple scattering effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reuter, Maximilian; Bovensmann, Heinrich; Buchwitz, Michael; Burrows, John P.; Heymann, Jens; Noël, Stefan; Rozanov, Vladimir; Schneising, Oliver

2017-04-01

Carbon dioxide is the most important anthropogenic greenhouse gas. Its global increasing concentration in the Earth's atmosphere is the main driver for global climate change. In spite of its importance, there are still large uncertainties on its global sources and sinks. Satellite measurements have the potential to reduce these surface flux uncertainties. However, the demanding accuracy requirements usually involve the need for precise radiative transfer calculations in a scattering atmosphere. These can be computationally so expensive that hundreds or thousands of CPU cores are need to keep up with the data stream of an instrument like OCO-2. Future instruments will further increase the amount of soundings at least by an order of magnitude. A radiative transfer model has been developed approximating scattering effects by multiple scattering at an optically thin scattering layer reducing the computational costs by several orders of magnitude. The model can be used to simulate the radiance in all three OCO-2 spectral bands allowing the simultaneous retrieval of CO2, H2O, and chlorophyll fluorescence. First retrieval results for OCO-2 data will be presented.

Major and trace elements in Mahogany zone oil shale in two cores from the Green River Formation, piceance basin, Colorado

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tuttle, M.L.; Dean, W.E.; Parduhn, N.L.

1983-01-01

The Parachute Creek Member of the lacustrine Green River Formation contains thick sequences of rich oil-shale. The richest sequence and the richest oil-shale bed occurring in the member are called the Mahogany zone and the Mahogany bed, respectively, and were deposited in ancient Lake Uinta. The name "Mahogany" is derived from the red-brown color imparted to the rock by its rich-kerogen content. Geochemical abundance and distribution of eight major and 18 trace elements were determined in the Mahogany zone sampled from two cores, U. S. Geological Survey core hole CR-2 and U. S. Bureau of Mines core hole O1-A (Figure 1). The oil shale from core hole CR-2 was deposited nearer the margin of Lake Uinta than oil shale from core hole O1-A. The major- and trace-element chemistry of the Mahogany zone from each of these two cores is compared using elemental abundances and Q-mode factor modeling. The results of chemical analyses of 44 CR-2 Mahogany samples and 76 O1-A Mahogany samples are summarized in Figure 2. The average geochemical abundances for shale (1) and black shale (2) are also plotted on Figure 2 for comparison. The elemental abundances in the samples from the two cores are similar for the majority of elements. Differences at the 95% probability level are higher concentrations of Ca, Cu, La, Ni, Sc and Zr in the samples from core hole CR-2 compared to samples from core hole O1-A and higher concentrations of As and Sr in samples from core hole O1-A compared to samples from core hole CR-2. These differences presumably reflect slight differences in depositional conditions or source material at the two sites. The Mahogany oil shale from the two cores has lower concentrations of most trace metals and higher concentrations of carbonate-related elements (Ca, Mg, Sr and Na) compared to the average shale and black shale. During deposition of the Mahogany oil shale, large quantities of carbonates were precipitated resulting in the enrichment of carbonate-related elements and dilution of most trace elements as pointed out in several previous studies. Q-mode factor modeling is a statistical method used to group samples on the basis of compositional similarities. Factor end-member samples are chosen by the model. All other sample compositions are represented by varying proportions of the factor end-members and grouped as to their highest proportion. The compositional similarities defined by the Q-mode model are helpful in understanding processes controlling multi-element distributions. The models for each core are essentially identical. A four-factor model explains 70% of the variance in the CR-2 data and 64% of the O1-A data (the average correlation coefficients are 0. 84 and 0. 80, respectively). Increasing the number of factors above 4 results in the addition of unique instead of common factors. Table I groups the elements based on high factor-loading scores (the amount of influence each element has in defining the model factors). Similar elemental associations are found in both cores. Elemental abundances are plotted as a function of core depth using a five-point weighted moving average of the original data to smooth the curve (Figure 3 and 4). The plots are grouped according to the four factors defined by the Q-mode models and show similar distributions for elements within the same factor. Factor 1 samples are rich in most trace metals. High oil yield and the presence of illite characterize the end-member samples for this factor (3, 4) suggesting that adsorption of metals onto clay particles or organic matter is controlling the distribution of the metals. Precipitation of some metals as sulfides is possible (5). Factor 2 samples are high in elements commonly associated with minerals of detrital or volcanogenic origin. Altered tuff beds and lenses are prevalent within the Mahogany zone. The CR-2 end-member samples for this factor contain analcime (3) which is an alteration product within the tuff beds of the Green River Formation. Th

Locations and descriptions of gravity, box, and push cores collected in San Francisco Bay between January and February, 1990 and 1991

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anima, Roberto J.; Clifton, H. Edward; Reiss, Carol; Wong, Florence L.

2005-01-01

A project to study San Francisco Bay sediments collected over 300 sediment gravity cores; six push cores, and three box cores in San Francisco Bay during the years 1990-91. The purpose of the sampling effort is to establish a database on the Holocene sediment history of the bay. The samples described and mapped are the first effort to catalog and present the data collected. Thus far the cores have been utilized in various cooperative studies with state colleges and universities, and other USGS divisions. These cores serve as a base for ongoing multidisciplinary studies. The sediment studies project has initiated subsequent coring efforts within the bay using refined coring techniques to attain deeper cores.

Successive measurements of streaming potential and electroosmotic pressure with the same core-holder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Chenggang; Hu, Hengshan; Yu, Chunhao; Wang, Jun

2018-05-01

Successive measurements of the streaming potential and electroosmotic pressure of each core sample are important for understanding the mechanisms of electrokinetic effects. In previous studies, one plug of the core-holder needs to be replaced in these two experiments, which causes the change of the fluid parameters and the boundary conditions in the core. We design a new core-holder to permit successive experiments without plug replacement, which ensures the consistency of the measurement environment. A two-direction harmonic pressure-driving source is accordingly designed. Using this new equipment, electrokinetic experiments conducted ten core samples at 0.4 mol/L NaCl solution. The results show good agreement between the electrokinetically deduced permeability and premeasured gas permeability. For high salinity saturated samples, the permeability can be inverted from electroosmotic effect instead of the streaming potential.

SPRUCE Peat Physical and Chemical Characteristics from Experimental Plot Cores, 2012

DOE Data Explorer

Iversen, C. M. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A.; Hanson, P. J. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A.; Brice, D. J. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A.; Phillips, J. R. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A.; McFarlane, K. J. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A.; Hobbie, E. A. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A.; Kolka, R. K. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A.

2012-01-01

This data set reports the results of physical and chemical analyses of peat core samples from the SPRUCE experimental study plots located in the S1-Bog. On August 13-15, 2012, a team of SPRUCE investigators and collaborators collected core samples of peat in the SPRUCE experimental plots. The goal was to characterize the biological, physical, and chemical characteristics of peat, and how those characteristics changed throughout the depth profile of the bog, prior to the initialization of the SPRUCE experimental warming and CO2 treatments. Cores were collected from 16 experimental plots; samples were collected from the hummock and hollow surfaces to depths of 200-300 cm in defined increments. Three replicate cores were collected from both hummock and hollow locations in each plot. The coring locations within each plot were mapped

Occurrence of Radio Minihalos in a Mass-limited Sample of Galaxy Clusters

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

Giacintucci, Simona; Clarke, Tracy E.; Markevitch, Maxim

2017-06-01

We investigate the occurrence of radio minihalos—diffuse radio sources of unknown origin observed in the cores of some galaxy clusters—in a statistical sample of 58 clusters drawn from the Planck Sunyaev–Zel’dovich cluster catalog using a mass cut ( M {sub 500} > 6 × 10{sup 14} M {sub ⊙}). We supplement our statistical sample with a similarly sized nonstatistical sample mostly consisting of clusters in the ACCEPT X-ray catalog with suitable X-ray and radio data, which includes lower-mass clusters. Where necessary (for nine clusters), we reanalyzed the Very Large Array archival radio data to determine whether a minihalo is present.more » Our total sample includes all 28 currently known and recently discovered radio minihalos, including six candidates. We classify clusters as cool-core or non-cool-core according to the value of the specific entropy floor in the cluster center, rederived or newly derived from the Chandra X-ray density and temperature profiles where necessary (for 27 clusters). Contrary to the common wisdom that minihalos are rare, we find that almost all cool cores—at least 12 out of 15 (80%)—in our complete sample of massive clusters exhibit minihalos. The supplementary sample shows that the occurrence of minihalos may be lower in lower-mass cool-core clusters. No minihalos are found in non-cool cores or “warm cores.” These findings will help test theories of the origin of minihalos and provide information on the physical processes and energetics of the cluster cores.« less

Towards an Optimal Noise Versus Resolution Trade-Off in Wind Scatterometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Brent A.

2011-01-01

A scatterometer is a radar that measures the normalized radar cross section sigma(sup 0) of the Earth's surface. Over the ocean this signal is related to the wind via the geophysical model function (GMF). The objective of wind scatterometry is to estimate the wind vector field from sigma(sup 0) measurements; however, there are many subtleties that complicate this problem-making it difficult to obtain a unique wind field estimate. Conventionally, wind estimation is split into two stages: a wind retrieval stage in which several ambiguous solutions are obtained, and an ambiguity removal stage in which ambiguities are chosen to produce an appropriate wind vector field estimate. The most common approach to wind field estimation is to grid the scatterometer swath into wind vector cells and estimate wind vector ambiguities independently for each cell. Then, field wise structure is imposed on the solution by an ambiguity selection routine. Although this approach is simple and practical, it neglects field wise structure in the retrieval step and does not account for the spatial correlation imposed by the sampling. This makes it difficult to develop a theoretically appropriate noise versus resolution trade-off using pointwise retrieval. Fieldwise structure may be imposed in the retrieval step using a model-based approach. However, this approach is generally only practical if a low order wind field model is applied, which may discard more information than is desired. Furthermore, model-based approaches do not account for the structure imposed by the sampling. A more general fieldwise approach is to estimate all the wind vectors for all the WVCs simultaneously from all the measurements. This approach can account for structure of the wind field as well as structure imposed by the sampling in the wind retrieval step. Williams and Long in 2010 developed a fieldwise retrieval method based on maximum a posteriori estimation (MAP). This MAP approach can be extended to perform a noise versus resolution trade-off, and deal with ambiguity selection. This paper extends the fieldwise MAP estimation approach and investigates both the noise versus resolution trade-off as well as ambiguity removal in the fieldwise wind retrieval step. The method is then applied to the Sea Winds scatterometer and the results are analyzed. This paper extends the fieldwise MAP estimation approach and investigates both the noise versus resolution trade-off as well as ambiguity removal in the fieldwise wind retrieval step. The method is then applied to the Sea Winds scatterometer and the results are analyzed.

Mercury- Distributed Metadata Management, Data Discovery and Access System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palanisamy, Giri; Wilson, Bruce E.; Devarakonda, Ranjeet; Green, James M.

2007-12-01

Mercury is a federated metadata harvesting, search and retrieval tool based on both open source and ORNL- developed software. It was originally developed for NASA, and the Mercury development consortium now includes funding from NASA, USGS, and DOE. Mercury supports various metadata standards including XML, Z39.50, FGDC, Dublin-Core, Darwin-Core, EML, and ISO-19115 (under development). Mercury provides a single portal to information contained in disparate data management systems. It collects metadata and key data from contributing project servers distributed around the world and builds a centralized index. The Mercury search interfaces then allow the users to perform simple, fielded, spatial and temporal searches across these metadata sources. This centralized repository of metadata with distributed data sources provides extremely fast search results to the user, while allowing data providers to advertise the availability of their data and maintain complete control and ownership of that data. Mercury supports various projects including: ORNL DAAC, NBII, DADDI, LBA, NARSTO, CDIAC, OCEAN, I3N, IAI, ESIP and ARM. The new Mercury system is based on a Service Oriented Architecture and supports various services such as Thesaurus Service, Gazetteer Web Service and UDDI Directory Services. This system also provides various search services including: RSS, Geo-RSS, OpenSearch, Web Services and Portlets. Other features include: Filtering and dynamic sorting of search results, book-markable search results, save, retrieve, and modify search criteria.

Inherently Safe and Long-Life Fission Power System for Lunar Outposts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schriener, T. M.; El-Genk, Mohamed S.

Power requirements for future lunar outposts, of 10's to 100's kWe, can be fulfilled using nuclear reactor power systems. In addition to the long life and operation reliability, safety is paramount in all phases, including fabrication and assembly, launch, emplacement below grade on the lunar surface, operation, post-operation decay heat removal and long-term storage and eventual retrieval. This paper introduces the Solid Core-Sectored Compact Reactor (SC-SCoRe) and power system with static components and no single point failures. They ensure reliable continuous operation for ~21 years and fulfill the safety requirements. The SC-SCoRe nominally generates 1.0 MWth at liquid NaK-56 coolant inlet and exit temperatures of 850 K and 900 K and the power system provides 38 kWe at high DC voltage using SiGe thermoelectric (TE) conversion assemblies. In case of a loss of coolant or cooling in a reactor core sector, the power system continues to operate; generating ~4 kWe to the outpost for emergency life support needs. The post-operation storage of the reactor below grade on the lunar surface is a safe and practical choice. The total radioactivity in the reactor drops from ~1 million Ci, immediately at shutdown, to below 164 Ci after 300 years of storage. At such time, the reactor is retrieved safely with no contamination or environmental concerns.

GenoCore: A simple and fast algorithm for core subset selection from large genotype datasets.

PubMed

Jeong, Seongmun; Kim, Jae-Yoon; Jeong, Soon-Chun; Kang, Sung-Taeg; Moon, Jung-Kyung; Kim, Namshin

2017-01-01

Selecting core subsets from plant genotype datasets is important for enhancing cost-effectiveness and to shorten the time required for analyses of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and genomics-assisted breeding of crop species, etc. Recently, a large number of genetic markers (>100,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms) have been identified from high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays and next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. However, there is no software available for picking out the efficient and consistent core subset from such a huge dataset. It is necessary to develop software that can extract genetically important samples in a population with coherence. We here present a new program, GenoCore, which can find quickly and efficiently the core subset representing the entire population. We introduce simple measures of coverage and diversity scores, which reflect genotype errors and genetic variations, and can help to select a sample rapidly and accurately for crop genotype dataset. Comparison of our method to other core collection software using example datasets are performed to validate the performance according to genetic distance, diversity, coverage, required system resources, and the number of selected samples. GenoCore selects the smallest, most consistent, and most representative core collection from all samples, using less memory with more efficient scores, and shows greater genetic coverage compared to the other software tested. GenoCore was written in R language, and can be accessed online with an example dataset and test results at https://github.com/lovemun/Genocore.

DISTRIBUTION COEFICIENTS (KD) GENERATED FROM A CORE SAMPLE COLLECTED FROM THE SALTSTONE DISPOSAL FACILITY

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

Almond, P.; Kaplan, D.

Core samples originating from Vault 4, Cell E of the Saltstone Disposal Facility (SDF) were collected in September of 2008 (Hansen and Crawford 2009, Smith 2008) and sent to SRNL to measure chemical and physical properties of the material including visual uniformity, mineralogy, microstructure, density, porosity, distribution coefficients (K{sub d}), and chemical composition. Some data from these experiments have been reported (Cozzi and Duncan 2010). In this study, leaching experiments were conducted with a single core sample under conditions that are representative of saltstone performance. In separate experiments, reducing and oxidizing environments were targeted to obtain solubility and Kd valuesmore » from the measurable species identified in the solid and aqueous leachate. This study was designed to provide insight into how readily species immobilized in saltstone will leach from the saltstone under oxidizing conditions simulating the edge of a saltstone monolith and under reducing conditions, targeting conditions within the saltstone monolith. Core samples were taken from saltstone poured in December of 2007 giving a cure time of nine months in the cell and a total of thirty months before leaching experiments began in June 2010. The saltstone from Vault 4, Cell E is comprised of blast furnace slag, class F fly ash, portland cement, and Deliquification, Dissolution, and Adjustment (DDA) Batch 2 salt solution. The salt solution was previously analyzed from a sample of Tank 50 salt solution and characterized in the 4QCY07 Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) report (Zeigler and Bibler 2009). Subsequent to Tank 50 analysis, additional solution was added to the tank solution from the Effluent Treatment Project as well as from inleakage from Tank 50 pump bearings (Cozzi and Duncan 2010). Core samples were taken from three locations and at three depths at each location using a two-inch diameter concrete coring bit (1-1, 1-2, 1-3; 2-1, 2-2, 2-3; 3-1, 3-2, 3-3) (Hansen and Crawford 2009). Leaching experiments were conducted with a section of core sample 3-2. All cores from location 3 were drilled without using water. Core sample 3-2 was drilled from approximately six inches to a depth of approximately 13 inches. Approximately six inches of the core was removed but it broke into two pieces during removal from the bit. At the time of drilling, core material appeared olive green in color (Smith 2008). The fact that the samples were cored as olive green and were received after storage with a gray outer layer is indicative that some oxidation had occurred prior to leaching studies.« less

A Review of Inflammatory Processes of the Breast with a Focus on Diagnosis in Core Biopsy Samples

PubMed Central

D’Alfonso, Timothy M.; Ginter, Paula S.; Shin, Sandra J.

2015-01-01

Inflammatory and reactive lesions of the breast are relatively uncommon among benign breast lesions and can be the source of an abnormality on imaging. Such lesions can simulate a malignant process, based on both clinical and radiographic findings, and core biopsy is often performed to rule out malignancy. Furthermore, some inflammatory processes can mimic carcinoma or other malignancy microscopically, and vice versa. Diagnostic difficulty may arise due to the small and fragmented sample of a core biopsy. This review will focus on the pertinent clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic features of the more commonly encountered inflammatory lesions of the breast that can be characterized in a core biopsy sample. These include fat necrosis, mammary duct ectasia, granulomatous lobular mastitis, diabetic mastopathy, and abscess. The microscopic differential diagnoses for these lesions when seen in a core biopsy sample will be discussed. PMID:26095437

A Review of Inflammatory Processes of the Breast with a Focus on Diagnosis in Core Biopsy Samples.

PubMed

D'Alfonso, Timothy M; Ginter, Paula S; Shin, Sandra J

2015-07-01

Inflammatory and reactive lesions of the breast are relatively uncommon among benign breast lesions and can be the source of an abnormality on imaging. Such lesions can simulate a malignant process, based on both clinical and radiographic findings, and core biopsy is often performed to rule out malignancy. Furthermore, some inflammatory processes can mimic carcinoma or other malignancy microscopically, and vice versa. Diagnostic difficulty may arise due to the small and fragmented sample of a core biopsy. This review will focus on the pertinent clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic features of the more commonly encountered inflammatory lesions of the breast that can be characterized in a core biopsy sample. These include fat necrosis, mammary duct ectasia, granulomatous lobular mastitis, diabetic mastopathy, and abscess. The microscopic differential diagnoses for these lesions when seen in a core biopsy sample will be discussed.

"I know you are but what am I?!": neural bases of self- and social knowledge retrieval in children and adults.

PubMed

Pfeifer, Jennifer H; Lieberman, Matthew D; Dapretto, Mirella

2007-08-01

Previous neuroimaging research with adults suggests that the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and the medial posterior parietal cortex (MPPC) are engaged during self-knowledge retrieval processes. However, this has yet to be assessed in a developmental sample. Twelve children and 12 adults (average age = 10.2 and 26.1 years, respectively) reported whether short phrases described themselves or a highly familiar other (Harry Potter) while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging. In both children and adults, the MPFC was relatively more active during self- than social knowledge retrieval, and the MPPC was relatively more active during social than self-knowledge retrieval. Direct comparisons between children and adults indicated that children activated the MPFC during self-knowledge retrieval to a much greater extent than adults. The particular regions of the MPPC involved varied between the two groups, with the posterior precuneus engaged by adults, but the anterior precuneus and posterior cingulate engaged by children. Only children activated the MPFC significantly above baseline during self-knowledge retrieval. Implications for social cognitive development and the processing functions performed by the MPFC are discussed.

Sampling theory for asynoptic satellite observations. I Space-time spectra, resolution, and aliasing. II - Fast Fourier synoptic mapping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salby, M. L.

1982-01-01

An evaluation of the information content of asynoptic data taken in the form of nadir sonde and limb scan observations is presented, and a one-to-one correspondence is established between the alias-free data and twice-daily synoptic maps. Attention is given to space and time limitations of sampling and the orbital geometry is discussed. The sampling pattern is demonstrated to determine unique space-time spectra at all wavenumbers and frequencies. Spectral resolution and aliasing are explored, while restrictions on sampling and information content are defined. It is noted that irregular sampling at high latitudes produces spurious contamination effects. An Asynoptic Sampling Theorem is thereby formulated, as is a Synoptic Retrieval Theorem, in the second part of the article. In the latter, a procedure is developed for retrieving the unique correspondence between the asymptotic data and the synoptic maps. Applications examples are provided using data from the Nimbus-6 satellite.

Design and testing of coring bits on drilling lunar rock simulant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Peng; Jiang, Shengyuan; Tang, Dewei; Xu, Bo; Ma, Chao; Zhang, Hui; Qin, Hongwei; Deng, Zongquan

2017-02-01

Coring bits are widely utilized in the sampling of celestial bodies, and their drilling behaviors directly affect the sampling results and drilling security. This paper introduces a lunar regolith coring bit (LRCB), which is a key component of sampling tools for lunar rock breaking during the lunar soil sampling process. We establish the interaction model between the drill bit and rock at a small cutting depth, and the two main influential parameters (forward and outward rake angles) of LRCB on drilling loads are determined. We perform the parameter screening task of LRCB with the aim to minimize the weight on bit (WOB). We verify the drilling load performances of LRCB after optimization, and the higher penetrations per revolution (PPR) are, the larger drilling loads we gained. Besides, we perform lunar soil drilling simulations to estimate the efficiency on chip conveying and sample coring of LRCB. The results of the simulation and test are basically consistent on coring efficiency, and the chip removal efficiency of LRCB is slightly lower than HIT-H bit from simulation. This work proposes a method for the design of coring bits in subsequent extraterrestrial explorations.

Petrophysical characterization of first ever drilled core samples from an active CO2 storage site, the German Ketzin Pilot Site - Comparison with long term experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zemke, Kornelia; Liebscher, Axel

2014-05-01

Petrophysical properties like porosity and permeability are key parameters for a safe long-term storage of CO2 but also for the injection operation itself. These parameters may change during and/or after the CO2 injection due to geochemical reactions in the reservoir system that are triggered by the injected CO2. Here we present petrophysical data of first ever drilled cores from a newly drilled well at the active CO2 storage site - the Ketzin pilot site in the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany. By comparison with pre-injection baseline data from core samples recovered prior to injection, the new samples provide the unique opportunity to evaluate the impact of CO2 on pore size related properties of reservoir and cap rocks at a real injection site under in-situ reservoir conditions. After injection of 61 000 tons CO2, an additional well was drilled and new rock cores were recovered. In total 100 core samples from the reservoir and the overlaying caprock were investigated by NMR relaxation. Permeability of 20 core samples was estimated by nitrogen and porosity by helium pycnometry. The determined data are comparable between pre-injection and post-injection core samples. The lower part of the reservoir sandstone is unaffected by the injected CO2. The upper part of the reservoir sandstone shows consistently slightly lower NMR porosity and permeability values in the post-injection samples when compared to the pre-injection data. This upper sandstone part is above the fluid level and CO2 present as a free gas phase and a possible residual gas saturation of the cores distorted the NMR results. The potash-containing drilling fluid can also influence these results: NMR investigation of twin samples from inner and outer parts of the cores show a reduced fraction of larger pores for the outer core samples together with lower porosities and T2 times. The drill mud penetration depth can be controlled by the added fluorescent tracer. Due to the heterogeneous character of the Stuttgart Formation it is difficult to estimate definite CO2 induced changes from petrophysical measurements. The observed changes are only minor. Several batch experiments on Ketzin samples drilled prior injection confirm the results from investigation of the in-situ rock cores. Core samples of the pre-injection wells were exposed to CO2 and brine in autoclaves over various time periods. Samples were characterized prior to and after the experiments by NMR and Mercury Injection Porosimetry (MIP). The results are consistent with the logging data and show only minor change. Unfortunately, also in these experiments observed mineralogical and petrophysical changes were within the natural heterogeneity of the Ketzin reservoir and precluded unequivocal conclusions. However, given the only minor differences between post-injection well and pre-injection well, it is reasonable to assume that the potential dissolution-precipitation processes appear to have no severe consequences on reservoir and cap rock integrity or on the injection behaviour. This is also in line with the continuously recorded injection operation parameter. These do not point to any changes in reservoir injectivity.|

Updated procedures for using drill cores and cuttings at the Lithologic Core Storage Library, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hodges, Mary K.V.; Davis, Linda C.; Bartholomay, Roy C.

2018-01-30

In 1990, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy Idaho Operations Office, established the Lithologic Core Storage Library at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The facility was established to consolidate, catalog, and permanently store nonradioactive drill cores and cuttings from subsurface investigations conducted at the INL, and to provide a location for researchers to examine, sample, and test these materials.The facility is open by appointment to researchers for examination, sampling, and testing of cores and cuttings. This report describes the facility and cores and cuttings stored at the facility. Descriptions of cores and cuttings include the corehole names, corehole locations, and depth intervals available.Most cores and cuttings stored at the facility were drilled at or near the INL, on the eastern Snake River Plain; however, two cores drilled on the western Snake River Plain are stored for comparative studies. Basalt, rhyolite, sedimentary interbeds, and surficial sediments compose most cores and cuttings, most of which are continuous from land surface to their total depth. The deepest continuously drilled core stored at the facility was drilled to 5,000 feet below land surface. This report describes procedures and researchers' responsibilities for access to the facility and for examination, sampling, and return of materials.

Context Memory in Alzheimer's Disease

PubMed Central

El Haj, Mohamad; Kessels, Roy P.C.

2013-01-01

Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a gradual loss of memory. Specifically, context aspects of memory are impaired in AD. Our review sheds light on the neurocognitive mechanisms of this memory component that forms the core of episodic memory function. Summary Context recall, an element of episodic memory, refers to remembering the context in which an event has occurred, such as from whom or to whom information has been transmitted. Key Messages Our review raises crucial questions. For example, (1) which context element is more prone to being forgotten in the disease? (2) How do AD patients fail to bind context features together? (3) May distinctiveness heuristic or decisions based on metacognitive expectations improve context retrieval in these patients? (4) How does cueing at retrieval enhance reinstating of encoding context in AD? By addressing these questions, our work contributes to the understanding of the memory deficits in AD. PMID:24403906

A medical ontology for intelligent web-based skin lesions image retrieval.

PubMed

Maragoudakis, Manolis; Maglogiannis, Ilias

2011-06-01

Researchers have applied increasing efforts towards providing formal computational frameworks to consolidate the plethora of concepts and relations used in the medical domain. In the domain of skin related diseases, the variability of semantic features contained within digital skin images is a major barrier to the medical understanding of the symptoms and development of early skin cancers. The desideratum of making these standards machine-readable has led to their formalization in ontologies. In this work, in an attempt to enhance an existing Core Ontology for skin lesion images, hand-coded from image features, high quality images were analyzed by an autonomous ontology creation engine. We show that by exploiting agglomerative clustering methods with distance criteria upon the existing ontological structure, the original domain model could be enhanced with new instances, attributes and even relations, thus allowing for better classification and retrieval of skin lesion categories from the web.

A Semantic Approach for Geospatial Information Extraction from Unstructured Documents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sallaberry, Christian; Gaio, Mauro; Lesbegueries, Julien; Loustau, Pierre

Local cultural heritage document collections are characterized by their content, which is strongly attached to a territory and its land history (i.e., geographical references). Our contribution aims at making the content retrieval process more efficient whenever a query includes geographic criteria. We propose a core model for a formal representation of geographic information. It takes into account characteristics of different modes of expression, such as written language, captures of drawings, maps, photographs, etc. We have developed a prototype that fully implements geographic information extraction (IE) and geographic information retrieval (IR) processes. All PIV prototype processing resources are designed as Web Services. We propose a geographic IE process based on semantic treatment as a supplement to classical IE approaches. We implement geographic IR by using intersection computing algorithms that seek out any intersection between formal geocoded representations of geographic information in a user query and similar representations in document collection indexes.

Interactive Terascale Particle Visualization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ellsworth, David; Green, Bryan; Moran, Patrick

2004-01-01

This paper describes the methods used to produce an interactive visualization of a 2 TB computational fluid dynamics (CFD) data set using particle tracing (streaklines). We use the method introduced by Bruckschen et al. [2001] that pre-computes a large number of particles, stores them on disk using a space-filling curve ordering that minimizes seeks, and then retrieves and displays the particles according to the user's command. We describe how the particle computation can be performed using a PC cluster, how the algorithm can be adapted to work with a multi-block curvilinear mesh, and how the out-of-core visualization can be scaled to 296 billion particles while still achieving interactive performance on PG hardware. Compared to the earlier work, our data set size and total number of particles are an order of magnitude larger. We also describe a new compression technique that allows the lossless compression of the particles by 41% and speeds the particle retrieval by about 30%.

SPRUCE Deep Peat Heating (DPH) Peat Water Content and Temperature Profiles for Experimental Plot Cores, June 2014 through June 2015

DOE Data Explorer

Kluber, Lauren A. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A.; Phillips, Jana R. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A.; Hanson, Paul J. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A.; Schadt, Christopher W. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A.

2016-01-01

This data set provides the peat water content and peat temperature at time of sampling for peat cores collected before and during the SPRUCE Deep Peat Heating (DPH) study. Cores were collected during three sampling events: 03 June 2014, 09 September 2014, and 16 June 2015. Two cores were extracted from hollow locations in each of the 10 experimental plots (4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 16, 17, 19, and 20). Cores were partitioned into samples at 11 depth increments: 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, 50-75, 75-100, 100-125, 125-150, 150-175, and 175-200 cm below surface of the hollow.

Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility used to detect coring-induced sediment disturbance and filter palaeomagnetic secular variation data: IODP sites M0061 and M0062 (Baltic Sea)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snowball, Ian; Almqvist, Bjarne; Lougheed, Bryan; Svensson, Anna; Wiers, Steffen; Herrero-Bervera, Emilio

2017-04-01

Inspired by palaeomagnetic data obtained from two sites (M0061 and M0062) cored during IODP Expedition 347 - Baltic Sea Paleoenvironment we studied the Hemsön Alloformation, which is a series of brackish water muds consisting of horizontal planar and parallel laminated (varved) silty clays free from bioturbation. We determined the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) and characteristic remanence (ChRM) directions of a total of 1,102 discrete samples cut from (i) IODP cores recovered by an Advanced Piston corer and (ii) a series of six sediment cores recovered from the same sites by a Kullenberg piston corer. Systematic core splitting, sub-sampling methods and measurements were applied to all sub-samples. We experimentally tested for field-impressed AMS of these muds, in which titanomagnetite carries magnetic remanence and this test was negative. The AMS is likely determined by paramagnetic minerals. As expected for horizontally bedded sediments, the vast majority of the K1 (maximum) and K2 (intermediate) axes had inclinations close to 0 degrees and the AMS shape parameter (T) indicates an oblate fabric. The declinations of the K1 and K2 directions of the sub-samples taken from Kullenberg cores showed a wide distribution around the bedding plane, with no preferred alignment along any specimen axis. Exceptions are samples from the upper 1.5 m of some of these cores, in which the K1 and K2 directions were vertical, the K3 (minimum) axis shallow and T became prolate. We conclude that the Kullenberg corer, which penetrated the top sediments with a pressure of approximately 15 bar, occasionally under-sampled during penetration and vertically stretched the top sediments. Sub-samples from the upper sections of Kullenberg cores had relatively steep ChRM inclinations and we rejected samples that had a prolate, vertically oriented AMS ellipsoid. Surprisingly, the declinations of the K1 axis of all sub-samples taken from IODP APC core sections, which were not oriented relative to each other with respect to azimuth, clustered tightly within the 90-270 degree specimen axis (K2 is within the 0-180 degree axis). This axis is the direction across each cores' split surface (i.e. perpendicular to the "push" direction of the sub-sampling boxes). The APC cores were characterized by various degrees of downwards bending of the planar varves towards the inner surface of the core liner. We conclude that the initial hydraulic pressure applied by the APC, which was consistently above 50 bar during Expedition 347, was needlessly high and created a conical sediment structure and the distinct alignment of the magnetic susceptibility axes along specimen axes. APC core sections with marked disturbances were characterized by ChRM inclinations below 65 degrees, which is a lower limit predicted by time varying geomagnetic field models for the duration of the Hemsö Alloformation (the most recent 6000 years). We rejected samples for palaeomagnetic purposes if the K1 inclination was steeper than 10 degrees. Our study highlights the added value of measuring AMS of discrete sub-samples as an independent control of the suitability of sediments as a source of palaeomagnetic data.

Mars Orbiter Sample Return Power Design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mardesich, N.; Dawson, S.

2005-01-01

Mars has greatly intrigued scientists and the general public for many years because, of all the planets, its environment is most like Earth's. Many scientists believe that Mars once had running water, although surface water is gone today. The planet is very cold with a very thin atmosphere consisting mainly of CO2. Mariner 4, 6, and 7 explored the planet in flybys in the 1960s and by the orbiting Mariner 9 in 1971. NASA then mounted the ambitious Viking mission, which launched two orbiters and two landers to the planet in 1975. The landers found ambiguous evidence of life. Mars Pathfinder landed on the planet on July 4, 1997, delivering a mobile robot rover that demonstrated exploration of the local surface environment. Mars Global Surveyor is creating a highest-resolution map of the planet's surface. These prior and current missions to Mars have paved the way for a complex Mars Sample Return mission planned for 2003 and 2005. Returning surface samples from Mars will necessitate retrieval of material from Mars orbit. Sample mass and orbit are restricted to the launch capability of the Mars Ascent Vehicle. A small sample canister having a mass less than 4 kg and diameter of less than 16 cm will spend from three to seven years in a 600 km orbit waiting for retrieval by a second spacecraft consisting of an orbiter equipped with a sample canister retrieval system, and a Earth Entry Vehicle. To allow rapid detection of the on-orbit canister, rendezvous, and collection of the samples, the canister will have a tracking beacon powered by a surface mounted solar array. The canister must communicate using RF transmission with the recovery vehicle that will be coming in 2006 or 2009 to retrieve the canister. This paper considers the aspect and conclusion that went into the design of the power system that achieves the maximum power with the minimum risk. The power output for the spherical orbiting canister was modeled and plotted in various views of the orbit by the Satellite Orbit Analysis Program (SOAP).

Altered object exploration but not temporal order memory retrieval in an object recognition test following treatment of rats with the group II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist LY379268.

PubMed

Lins, Brittney R; Ballendine, Stephanie A; Howland, John G

2014-02-07

Temporal order memory refers to the ability to distinguish past experiences in the order that they occurred. Temporal order memory for objects is often tested in rodents using spontaneous object recognition paradigms. The circuitry mediating memory in these tests is distributed and involves ionotropic glutamate receptors in the perirhinal cortex and medial prefrontal cortex. It is unknown what role, if any, metabotropic glutamate receptors have in temporal order memory for objects. The present experiment examined the role of metabotropic glutamate receptors in temporal memory retrieval using the group II metabotropic glutamate receptor selective agonist LY379268. Rats were trained on a temporal memory test with three phases: two sample phases (60 min between them) in which rats explored two novel objects and a test phase (60 min after the second sample phase) which included a copy of each object previously encountered. Under these conditions, we confirmed that rats showed a significant exploratory preference for the object presented during the first sample phase. In a second experiment, we found that LY379268 (0.3, 1.0, or 3.0mg/kg; i.p.; 30 min before the test phase) had no effect on temporal memory retrieval but dose-dependently reduced time spent exploring the objects. Our results show that enhancing mGluR2 activity under conditions when TM is intact does not influence memory retrieval. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

caCORE version 3: Implementation of a model driven, service-oriented architecture for semantic interoperability.

PubMed

Komatsoulis, George A; Warzel, Denise B; Hartel, Francis W; Shanbhag, Krishnakant; Chilukuri, Ram; Fragoso, Gilberto; Coronado, Sherri de; Reeves, Dianne M; Hadfield, Jillaine B; Ludet, Christophe; Covitz, Peter A

2008-02-01

One of the requirements for a federated information system is interoperability, the ability of one computer system to access and use the resources of another system. This feature is particularly important in biomedical research systems, which need to coordinate a variety of disparate types of data. In order to meet this need, the National Cancer Institute Center for Bioinformatics (NCICB) has created the cancer Common Ontologic Representation Environment (caCORE), an interoperability infrastructure based on Model Driven Architecture. The caCORE infrastructure provides a mechanism to create interoperable biomedical information systems. Systems built using the caCORE paradigm address both aspects of interoperability: the ability to access data (syntactic interoperability) and understand the data once retrieved (semantic interoperability). This infrastructure consists of an integrated set of three major components: a controlled terminology service (Enterprise Vocabulary Services), a standards-based metadata repository (the cancer Data Standards Repository) and an information system with an Application Programming Interface (API) based on Domain Model Driven Architecture. This infrastructure is being leveraged to create a Semantic Service-Oriented Architecture (SSOA) for cancer research by the National Cancer Institute's cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIG).

caCORE version 3: Implementation of a model driven, service-oriented architecture for semantic interoperability

PubMed Central

Komatsoulis, George A.; Warzel, Denise B.; Hartel, Frank W.; Shanbhag, Krishnakant; Chilukuri, Ram; Fragoso, Gilberto; de Coronado, Sherri; Reeves, Dianne M.; Hadfield, Jillaine B.; Ludet, Christophe; Covitz, Peter A.

2008-01-01

One of the requirements for a federated information system is interoperability, the ability of one computer system to access and use the resources of another system. This feature is particularly important in biomedical research systems, which need to coordinate a variety of disparate types of data. In order to meet this need, the National Cancer Institute Center for Bioinformatics (NCICB) has created the cancer Common Ontologic Representation Environment (caCORE), an interoperability infrastructure based on Model Driven Architecture. The caCORE infrastructure provides a mechanism to create interoperable biomedical information systems. Systems built using the caCORE paradigm address both aspects of interoperability: the ability to access data (syntactic interoperability) and understand the data once retrieved (semantic interoperability). This infrastructure consists of an integrated set of three major components: a controlled terminology service (Enterprise Vocabulary Services), a standards-based metadata repository (the cancer Data Standards Repository) and an information system with an Application Programming Interface (API) based on Domain Model Driven Architecture. This infrastructure is being leveraged to create a Semantic Service Oriented Architecture (SSOA) for cancer research by the National Cancer Institute’s cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIG™). PMID:17512259

Cross Validation of Rain Drop Size Distribution between GPM and Ground Based Polarmetric radar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandra, C. V.; Biswas, S.; Le, M.; Chen, H.

2017-12-01

Dual-frequency precipitation radar (DPR) on board the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) core satellite has reflectivity measurements at two independent frequencies, Ku- and Ka- band. Dual-frequency retrieval algorithms have been developed traditionally through forward, backward, and recursive approaches. However, these algorithms suffer from "dual-value" problem when they retrieve medium volume diameter from dual-frequency ratio (DFR) in rain region. To this end, a hybrid method has been proposed to perform raindrop size distribution (DSD) retrieval for GPM using a linear constraint of DSD along rain profile to avoid "dual-value" problem (Le and Chandrasekar, 2015). In the current GPM level 2 algorithm (Iguchi et al. 2017- Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document) the Solver module retrieves a vertical profile of drop size distributionn from dual-frequency observations and path integrated attenuations. The algorithm details can be found in Seto et al. (2013) . On the other hand, ground based polarimetric radars have been used for a long time to estimate drop size distributions (e.g., Gorgucci et al. 2002 ). In addition, coincident GPM and ground based observations have been cross validated using careful overpass analysis. In this paper, we perform cross validation on raindrop size distribution retrieval from three sources, namely the hybrid method, the standard products from the solver module and DSD retrievals from ground polarimetric radars. The results are presented from two NEXRAD radars located in Dallas -Fort Worth, Texas (i.e., KFWS radar) and Melbourne, Florida (i.e., KMLB radar). The results demonstrate the ability of DPR observations to produce DSD estimates, which can be used subsequently to generate global DSD maps. References: Seto, S., T. Iguchi, T. Oki, 2013: The basic performance of a precipitation retrieval algorithm for the Global Precipitation Measurement mission's single/dual-frequency radar measurements. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, 51(12), 5239-5251. Gorgucci, E., Chandrasekar, V., Bringi, V. N., and Scarchilli, G.: Estimation of Raindrop Size Distribution Parameters from Polarimetric Radar Measurements, J. Atmos. Sci., 59, 2373-2384, doi:10.1175/1520-0469(2002)0592.0.CO;2, 2002.

Sedimentological and geochemical record of submarine mine tailing footprint in Repparfjorden (Northern Norway)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sternal, Beata; Junttila, Juho; Pedersen, Kristine Bondo; Skirbekk, Kari; Forwick, Matthias; Carroll, JoLynn

2016-04-01

The knowledge on understanding the physical, chemical and biological processes dominating in marine system affected by submarine tailings disposal (STD) remains limited and further knowledge to make reliable long-term predictions of future environmental impacts is needed. One way of contributing to this is by investigation of marine environments already affected by the tailings discharge in the past. We present preliminary results from a multidisciplinary study of marine sediments from Repparfjorden in northern Norway, a fjord that was influenced by the deposition of tailings from a copper mine during the 1970's. The study is a part of the competence cluster Environmental Waste Management (EWMA) that as one of its important aims has advancing the knowledge of spreading of mine-tailing related contaminants. Here we give particular attention to the reconstruction of sedimentation style, rate of sediment accumulation, as well as potential sediment transport paths (contaminants dispersion). Seventeen short cores (up to 21 cm long) were retrieved from sites covering the entire area of Repparfjorden. The cores were sliced into 1-cm intervals that are and will be analysed for grain-size, concentration of heavy metals and total organic carbon content of bulk sediment. Sediment chronologies are and will be derived using 210Pb and 137Cs dating techniques. An approximately 7-cm thick interval which is different from present fjord sedimentation was observed below c. 10 cm depth in three of the cores retrieved from the area of tailings deposition in the 1970's. Sediments of this discrete depth interval are mainly composed of mud or sandy mud with bimodal grain-size distribution (first mode: medium silt fraction; second mode: very coarse silt). They are characterised by very high Cu concentrations (>250 mg/kg). Preliminary measurements of the 210Pb activity indicate an increase in sediment accumulation rate during the deposition of this interval. Therefore, we interpret it to be mainly composed of mine tailing sediments. As this sediment interval was only observed in 3 of 17 cores, we suggest that the lateral extent of the tailings is restricted to a relatively small area of the fjord. However, elevated concentrations of Cu (40-80 mg/kg) were also detected in a discrete sediment interval (3-10 cm) in one core ˜3 km beyond the tailing deposition site. In addition, high Cu concentrations (60-190 mg/kg) in sediments between the seafloor and the tailing deposit, as well as some centimetres below the deposit (in all cores from the old tailing deposition site) suggest possible dispersion of Cu to the immediate surrounding sediments in the cores.

Development of coring procedures applied to Si, CdTe, and CIGS solar panels

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

Moutinho, H. R.; Johnston, S.; To, B.

Most of the research on the performance and degradation of photovoltaic modules is based on macroscale measurements of device parameters such as efficiency, fill factor, open-circuit voltage, and short-circuit current. Our goal is to develop the capabilities to allow us to study the degradation of these parameters in the micro- and nanometer scale and to relate our results to performance parameters. To achieve this objective, the first step is to be able to access small samples from specific areas of the solar panels without changing the properties of the material. In this paper, we describe two coring procedures that wemore » developed and applied to Si, CIGS, and CdTe solar panels. In the first procedure, we cored full samples, whereas in the second we performed a partial coring that keeps the tempered glass intact. The cored samples were analyzed by different analytical techniques before and after coring, at the same locations, and no damage during the coring procedure was observed.« less

Development of coring procedures applied to Si, CdTe, and CIGS solar panels

DOE PAGES

Moutinho, H. R.; Johnston, S.; To, B.; ...

2018-01-04

Most of the research on the performance and degradation of photovoltaic modules is based on macroscale measurements of device parameters such as efficiency, fill factor, open-circuit voltage, and short-circuit current. Our goal is to develop the capabilities to allow us to study the degradation of these parameters in the micro- and nanometer scale and to relate our results to performance parameters. To achieve this objective, the first step is to be able to access small samples from specific areas of the solar panels without changing the properties of the material. In this paper, we describe two coring procedures that wemore » developed and applied to Si, CIGS, and CdTe solar panels. In the first procedure, we cored full samples, whereas in the second we performed a partial coring that keeps the tempered glass intact. The cored samples were analyzed by different analytical techniques before and after coring, at the same locations, and no damage during the coring procedure was observed.« less

Effects of Heating on Teflon(Registered Trademark) FEP Thermal Control Material from the Hubble Space Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

deGroh, Kim; Gaier, James R.; Hall, Rachelle L.; Norris, Mary Jo; Espe, Matthew P.; Cato, Daveen R.

1999-01-01

Metallized Teflon(Registered Trademark) FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) thermal control material on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is degrading in the space environment. Teflon(Registered Trademark) FEP thermal control blankets (space-facing FEP) retrieved during the first servicing mission (SM1) were found to be embrittled on solar facing surfaces and contained microscopic cracks. During the second servicing mission (SM2) astronauts noticed that the FEP outer layer of the multi-layer insulation (MLI) covering the telescope was cracked in many locations around the telescope. Large cracks were observed on the light shield, forward shell and equipment bays. A tightly curled piece of cracked FEP from the light shield was retrieved during SM2 and was severely embrittled, as witnessed by ground testing. A Failure Review Board (FRB) was organized to determine the mechanism causing the MLI degradation. Density, x-ray crystallinity and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses of FEP retrieved during SM1 were inconsistent with results of FEP retrieved during SM2. Because the retrieved SM2 material curled while in space, it experienced a higher temperature extreme during thermal cycling, estimated at 200 C, than the SM1 material, estimated at 50 C. An investigation on the effects of heating pristine and FEP exposed on HST was therefore conducted. Samples of pristine. SM1, and SM2 FEP were heated to 200 C and evaluated for changes in density and morphology. Elevated temperature exposure was found to have a major impact on the density of the retrieved materials. Characterization of polymer morphology of as-received and heated FEP samples by NMR provided results that were consistent with the density results. These findings have provided insight to the damage mechanisms of FEP in the space environment.

A joint method to retrieve directional ocean wave spectra from SAR and wave spectrometer data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Lin; Yang, Jingsong; Zheng, Gang; Wang, Juan

2016-07-01

This paper proposes a joint method to simultaneously retrieve wave spectra at different scales from spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and wave spectrometer data. The method combines the output from the two different sensors to overcome retrieval limitations that occur in some sea states. The wave spectrometer sensitivity coefficient is estimated using an effective significant wave height (SWH), which is an average of SAR-derived and wave spectrometer-derived SWH. This averaging extends the area of the sea surface sampled by the nadir beam of the wave spectrometer to improve the accuracy of the estimated sensitivity coefficient in inhomogeneous sea states. Wave spectra are then retrieved from SAR data using wave spectrometer-derived spectra as first guess spectra to complement the short waves lost in SAR data retrieval. In addition, the problem of 180° ambiguity in retrieved spectra is overcome using SAR imaginary cross spectra. Simulated data were used to validate the joint method. The simulations demonstrated that retrieved wave parameters, including SWH, peak wave length (PWL), and peak wave direction (PWD), agree well with reference parameters. Collocated data from ENVISAT advanced SAR (ASAR), the airborne wave spectrometer STORM, the PHAROS buoy, and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) were then used to verify the proposed method. Wave parameters retrieved from STORM and two ASAR images were compared to buoy and ECMWF wave data. Most of the retrieved parameters were comparable to reference parameters. The results of this study show that the proposed joint retrieval method could be a valuable complement to traditional methods used to retrieve directional ocean wave spectra, particularly in inhomogeneous sea states.

Application of information-retrieval methods to the classification of physical data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mamotko, Z. N.; Khorolskaya, S. K.; Shatrovskiy, L. I.

1975-01-01

Scientific data received from satellites are characterized as a multi-dimensional time series, whose terms are vector functions of a vector of measurement conditions. Information retrieval methods are used to construct lower dimensional samples on the basis of the condition vector, in order to obtain these data and to construct partial relations. The methods are applied to the joint Soviet-French Arkad project.

Recovering and preventing loss of detailed memory: differential rates of forgetting for detail types in episodic memory

PubMed Central

Bonasia, Kyra; St-Laurent, Marie; Pishdadian, Sara; Winocur, Gordon; Grady, Cheryl; Moscovitch, Morris

2016-01-01

Episodic memories undergo qualitative changes with time, but little is known about how different aspects of memory are affected. Different types of information in a memory, such as perceptual detail, and central themes, may be lost at different rates. In patients with medial temporal lobe damage, memory for perceptual details is severely impaired, while memory for central details is relatively spared. Given the sensitivity of memory to loss of details, the present study sought to investigate factors that mediate the forgetting of different types of information from naturalistic episodic memories in young healthy adults. The study investigated (1) time-dependent loss of “central” and “peripheral” details from episodic memories, (2) the effectiveness of cuing with reminders to reinstate memory details, and (3) the role of retrieval in preventing forgetting. Over the course of 7 d, memory for naturalistic events (film clips) underwent a time-dependent loss of peripheral details, while memory for central details (the core or gist of events) showed significantly less loss. Giving brief reminders of the clips just before retrieval reinstated memory for peripheral details, suggesting that loss of details is not always permanent, and may reflect both a storage and retrieval deficit. Furthermore, retrieving a memory shortly after it was encoded prevented loss of both central and peripheral details, thereby promoting retention over time. We consider the implications of these results for behavioral and neurobiological models of retention and forgetting. PMID:26773100

Spatiotemporal dynamics of word retrieval in speech production revealed by cortical high-frequency band activity

PubMed Central

Dhillon, Rummit K.; Clarke, Alex; King-Stephens, David; Laxer, Kenneth D.; Weber, Peter B.; Kuperman, Rachel A.; Auguste, Kurtis I.; Brunner, Peter; Lin, Jack J.; Parvizi, Josef; Crone, Nathan E.; Dronkers, Nina F.; Knight, Robert T.

2017-01-01

Word retrieval is core to language production and relies on complementary processes: the rapid activation of lexical and conceptual representations and word selection, which chooses the correct word among semantically related competitors. Lexical and conceptual activation is measured by semantic priming. In contrast, word selection is indexed by semantic interference and is hampered in semantically homogeneous (HOM) contexts. We examined the spatiotemporal dynamics of these complementary processes in a picture naming task with blocks of semantically heterogeneous (HET) or HOM stimuli. We used electrocorticography data obtained from frontal and temporal cortices, permitting detailed spatiotemporal analysis of word retrieval processes. A semantic interference effect was observed with naming latencies longer in HOM versus HET blocks. Cortical response strength as indexed by high-frequency band (HFB) activity (70–150 Hz) amplitude revealed effects linked to lexical-semantic activation and word selection observed in widespread regions of the cortical mantle. Depending on the subsecond timing and cortical region, HFB indexed semantic interference (i.e., more activity in HOM than HET blocks) or semantic priming effects (i.e., more activity in HET than HOM blocks). These effects overlapped in time and space in the left posterior inferior temporal gyrus and the left prefrontal cortex. The data do not support a modular view of word retrieval in speech production but rather support substantial overlap of lexical-semantic activation and word selection mechanisms in the brain. PMID:28533406

Recovering and preventing loss of detailed memory: differential rates of forgetting for detail types in episodic memory.

PubMed

Sekeres, Melanie J; Bonasia, Kyra; St-Laurent, Marie; Pishdadian, Sara; Winocur, Gordon; Grady, Cheryl; Moscovitch, Morris

2016-02-01

Episodic memories undergo qualitative changes with time, but little is known about how different aspects of memory are affected. Different types of information in a memory, such as perceptual detail, and central themes, may be lost at different rates. In patients with medial temporal lobe damage, memory for perceptual details is severely impaired, while memory for central details is relatively spared. Given the sensitivity of memory to loss of details, the present study sought to investigate factors that mediate the forgetting of different types of information from naturalistic episodic memories in young healthy adults. The study investigated (1) time-dependent loss of "central" and "peripheral" details from episodic memories, (2) the effectiveness of cuing with reminders to reinstate memory details, and (3) the role of retrieval in preventing forgetting. Over the course of 7 d, memory for naturalistic events (film clips) underwent a time-dependent loss of peripheral details, while memory for central details (the core or gist of events) showed significantly less loss. Giving brief reminders of the clips just before retrieval reinstated memory for peripheral details, suggesting that loss of details is not always permanent, and may reflect both a storage and retrieval deficit. Furthermore, retrieving a memory shortly after it was encoded prevented loss of both central and peripheral details, thereby promoting retention over time. We consider the implications of these results for behavioral and neurobiological models of retention and forgetting. © 2016 Sekeres et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

Core break-off mechanism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Myrick, Thomas M. (Inventor)

2003-01-01

A mechanism for breaking off and retaining a core sample of a drill drilled into a ground substrate has an outer drill tube and an inner core break-off tube sleeved inside the drill tube. The break-off tube breaks off and retains the core sample by a varying geometric relationship of inner and outer diameters with the drill tube. The inside diameter (ID) of the drill tube is offset by a given amount with respect to its outer diameter (OD). Similarly, the outside diameter (OD) of the break-off tube is offset by the same amount with respect to its inner diameter (ID). When the break-off tube and drill tube are in one rotational alignment, the two offsets cancel each other such that the drill can operate the two tubes together in alignment with the drill axis. When the tubes are rotated 180 degrees to another positional alignment, the two offsets add together causing the core sample in the break-off tube to be displaced from the drill axis and applying shear forces to break off the core sample.

Marine Geology and Geophysics Field Course Offered by The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duncan, D.; Davis, M. B.; Allison, M. A.; Gulick, S. P.; Goff, J. A.; Saustrup, S.

2012-12-01

The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics, part of the Jackson School of Geosciences, annually offers an intensive three-week marine geology and geophysics field course during the spring-summer intersession. Now in year six, the course provides hands-on instruction and training for graduate and upper-level undergraduate students in data acquisition, processing, interpretation, and visualization. Techniques covered include high-resolution seismic reflection, CHIRP sub-bottom profiling, multibeam bathymetry, sidescan sonar, several types of sediment coring, grab sampling, and the sedimentology of resulting seabed samples (e.g., core description, grain size analysis, x-radiography, etc.). Students participate in an initial period of classroom instruction designed to communicate geological context of the field area (which changes each year) along with theoretical and technical background on each field method. The class then travels to the Gulf Coast for a week of at-sea field work. Our field sites at Port Aransas and Galveston, Texas, and Grand Isle, Louisiana, have provided ideal locations for students to investigate coastal and sedimentary processes of the Gulf Coast and continental shelf through application of geophysical techniques. In the field, students rotate between two research vessels: one vessel, the 22' aluminum-hulled R/V Lake Itasca, owned and operated by UTIG, is used principally for multibeam bathymetry, sidescan sonar, and sediment sampling; the other, NOAA's R/V Manta or the R/V Acadiana, operated by the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, and is used primarily for high-resolution seismic reflection, CHIRP sub-bottom profiling, multibeam bathymetry, gravity coring, and vibrocoring. While at sea, students assist with survey design, learn instrumentation set up, acquisition parameters, data quality control, and safe instrument deployment and retrieval. In teams of three, students work in onshore field labs preparing sediment samples for particle size analysis and initial post-processing of geophysical data. During the course's final week, teams return to the classroom where they integrate, interpret, and visualize data in a final project using industry-standard software such as Focus, Landmark, Caris, and Fledermaus. The course concludes with a series of professional-level final presentations and discussions with academic and industry supporters in which students examine the geologic history and sedimentary processes of the studied area of the Gulf Coast continental shelf. After completion, students report a greater understanding of marine geology and geophysics through the course's intensive, hands-on, team approach and low instructor to student ratio (12 students, three faculty, and three teaching assistants). This course satisfies field experience requirements for some degree programs and thus provides a unique alternative to land-based field courses.

Improved MODIS aerosol retrieval in urban areas using a land classification approach and empirical orthogonal functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levitan, Nathaniel; Gross, Barry

2016-10-01

New, high-resolution aerosol products are required in urban areas to improve the spatial coverage of the products, in terms of both resolution and retrieval frequency. These new products will improve our understanding of the spatial variability of aerosols in urban areas and will be useful in the detection of localized aerosol emissions. Urban aerosol retrieval is challenging for existing algorithms because of the high spatial variability of the surface reflectance, indicating the need for improved urban surface reflectance models. This problem can be stated in the language of novelty detection as the problem of selecting aerosol parameters whose effective surface reflectance spectrum is not an outlier in some space. In this paper, empirical orthogonal functions, a reconstruction-based novelty detection technique, is used to perform single-pixel aerosol retrieval using the single angular and temporal sample provided by the MODIS sensor. The empirical orthogonal basis functions are trained for different land classes using the MODIS BRDF MCD43 product. Existing land classification products are used in training and aerosol retrieval. The retrieval is compared against the existing operational MODIS 3 KM Dark Target (DT) aerosol product and co-located AERONET data. Based on the comparison, our method allows for a significant increase in retrieval frequency and a moderate decrease in the known biases of MODIS urban aerosol retrievals.

Holocene paleomagnetic secular variation records from the East China Sea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Y.; Zheng, H.; Kissel, C.; Laj, C. E.; Deng, C.

2011-12-01

Paleomagnetic study on marine sediments can provide continuous, high-resolution records of short-term fluctuations of the Earth's magnetic field, which can be used for inter-core correlations at regional scale. However, Holocene paleomagnetic secular variation (PSV) records from marine sediment are still rare. Detailed paleomagnetic and rock magnetic studies were conducted on u-channel samples from rapidly deposited sediment core MD06-3040 (27.72°N, 121.78°E; 46 m water depth), on the East China Sea (ECS) inner continental shelf Holocene marine sequence, during IMAGES XIV Marco Polo 2 cruise on the R. V. Marion Dufresne (IPEV). The 19.22 m long core spans the entire Holocene, with theoretical high-resolution of about 20-year for paleomagnetic studies, and paleomagnetic secular variation (PSV) for the last 7500 years was retrieved from the uppermost 15.8 m fine-grained sediments. The dominant carrier of the remanent magnetization is magnetite, with some contributions from iron sulfide, such as greigite below 3.5 m, due to post-depositional diagenesis. The Characteristic Remanent magnetization (ChRM) is well defined by a single magnetization component and Maximum Angular Deviations (MAD) lower than 5°. Therefore, the information of paleomagnetic directions is still preserved after diagenetic alteration. Inclination of core MD06-3040 presents seven relatively high peaks, and declination presents four obvious eastern ward drifts during the last 7500 years. These variations can be well compared to that obtained from lakes in Japan, and some features are also comparable to the records from Europe with temporal offset. The power spectrum analysis shows that the inclination has significant power at the period of ~660 years, and declination at the period of ~3500 years and 1300 years. These periods are similar to that from Japan and North America, in which the period of ~1300 years for declination has been reported in many areas around the world. The observed PSV from the ECS reflects the behavior of geomagnetic field at the ECS during the Holocene, and can be used for site correlations, at least in eastern China.

Evaluation of cloud-resolving and limited area model intercomparison simulations using TWP-ICE observations: 1. Deep convective updraft properties: Eval. of TWP-ICE CRMs and LAMs Pt. 1

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

Varble, Adam; Zipser, Edward J.; Fridlind, Ann M.

2014-12-18

Ten 3D cloud-resolving model (CRM) simulations and four 3D limited area model (LAM) simulations of an intense mesoscale convective system observed on 23-24 January 2006 during the Tropical Warm Pool – International Cloud Experiment (TWP-ICE) are compared with each other and with observed radar reflectivity fields and dual-Doppler retrievals of vertical wind speeds in an attempt to explain published results showing a high bias in simulated convective radar reflectivity aloft. This high bias results from ice water content being large, which is a product of large, strong convective updrafts, although hydrometeor size distribution assumptions modulate the size of this bias.more » Making snow mass more realistically proportional to D2 rather than D3 eliminates unrealistically large snow reflectivities over 40 dBZ in some simulations. Graupel, unlike snow, produces high biased reflectivity in all simulations, which is partly a result of parameterized microphysics, but also partly a result of overly intense simulated updrafts. Peak vertical velocities in deep convective updrafts are greater than dual-Doppler retrieved values, especially in the upper troposphere. Freezing of liquid condensate, often rain, lofted above the freezing level in simulated updraft cores greatly contributes to these excessive upper tropospheric vertical velocities. The strongest simulated updraft cores are nearly undiluted, with some of the strongest showing supercell characteristics during the multicellular (pre-squall) stage of the event. Decreasing horizontal grid spacing from 900 to 100 meters slightly weakens deep updraft vertical velocity and moderately decreases the amount of condensate aloft, but not enough to match observational retrievals. Therefore, overly intense simulated updrafts may additionally be a product of unrealistic interactions between convective dynamics, parameterized microphysics, and the large-scale model forcing that promote different convective strengths than observed.« less

Tunable luminescent emission characterization of type-I and type-II systems in CdS-ZnSe core-shell nanoparticles: Raman and photoluminescence study.

PubMed

Ca, Nguyen Xuan; Lien, V T K; Nghia, N X; Chi, T T K; Phan, The-Long

2015-11-06

We used wet chemical methods to synthesize core-shell nanocrystalline samples CdS(d)/ZnSe N , where d = 3-6 nm and N = 1-5 are the size of CdS cores and the number of monolayers grown on the cores, respectively. By annealing typical CdS(d)/ZnSe N samples (with d = 3 and 6 nm and N = 2) at 300 °C for various times t an = 10-600 min, we created an intermediate layer composed of Zn1-x Cd x Se and Cd1-x Zn x S alloys with various thicknesses. The formation of core-shell structures and intermediate layers was monitored by Raman scattering and UV-vis absorption spectrometers. Careful photoluminescence studies revealed that the as-prepared CdS(d)/ZnSe N samples with d = 5 nm and N = 2-4, and the annealed samples CdS(3 nm)/ZnSe2 with t an ≤ 60 min and CdS(6 nm)/ZnSe2 with t an ≤ 180 min, show the emission characteristics of type-II systems. Meanwhile, the other samples show the emission characteristics of type-I systems. These results prove that the partial separation of photoexcited carriers between the core and shell is dependent strongly on the engineered core-shell nanostructures, meaning the sizes of the core, shell, and intermediate layers. With the tunable luminescence properties, CdS-ZnSe-based core-shell materials are considered as promising candidates for multiple-exciton generation and single-photon sources.

A new calibration of the effective scattering albedo and soil roughness parameters in the SMOS SM retrieval algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernandez-Moran, R.; Wigneron, J.-P.; De Lannoy, G.; Lopez-Baeza, E.; Parrens, M.; Mialon, A.; Mahmoodi, A.; Al-Yaari, A.; Bircher, S.; Al Bitar, A.; Richaume, P.; Kerr, Y.

2017-10-01

This study focuses on the calibration of the effective vegetation scattering albedo (ω) and surface soil roughness parameters (HR, and NRp, p = H,V) in the Soil Moisture (SM) retrieval from L-band passive microwave observations using the L-band Microwave Emission of the Biosphere (L-MEB) model. In the current Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) Level 2 (L2), v620, and Level 3 (L3), v300, SM retrieval algorithms, low vegetated areas are parameterized by ω = 0 and HR = 0.1, whereas values of ω = 0.06 - 0.08 and HR = 0.3 are used for forests. Several parameterizations of the vegetation and soil roughness parameters (ω, HR and NRp, p = H,V) were tested in this study, treating SMOS SM retrievals as homogeneous over each pixel instead of retrieving SM over a representative fraction of the pixel, as implemented in the operational SMOS L2 and L3 algorithms. Globally-constant values of ω = 0.10, HR = 0.4 and NRp = -1 (p = H,V) were found to yield SM retrievals that compared best with in situ SM data measured at many sites worldwide from the International Soil Moisture Network (ISMN). The calibration was repeated for collections of in situ sites classified in different land cover categories based on the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) scheme. Depending on the IGBP land cover class, values of ω and HR varied, respectively, in the range 0.08-0.12 and 0.1-0.5. A validation exercise based on in situ measurements confirmed that using either a global or an IGBP-based calibration, there was an improvement in the accuracy of the SM retrievals compared to the SMOS L3 SM product considering all statistical metrics (R = 0.61, bias = -0.019 m3 m-3, ubRMSE = 0.062 m3 m-3 for the IGBP-based calibration; against R = 0.54, bias = -0.034 m3 m-3 and ubRMSE = 0.070 m3 m-3 for the SMOS L3 SM product). This result is a key step in the calibration of the roughness and vegetation parameters in the operational SMOS retrieval algorithm. The approach presented here is the core of a new forthcoming SMOS optimized SM product.

Magnetization measurements and XMCD studies on ion irradiated iron oxide and core-shell iron/iron-oxide nanomaterials

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

Kaur, Maninder; Qiang, You; Jiang, Weilin

2014-12-02

Magnetite (Fe3O4) and core-shell iron/iron-oxide (Fe/Fe3O4) nanomaterials prepared by a cluster deposition system were irradiated with 5.5 MeV Si2+ ions and the structures determined by x-ray diffraction as consisting of 100% magnetite and 36/64 wt% Fe/FeO, respectively. However, x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) indicates similar surfaces in the two samples, slightly oxidized and so having more Fe3+ than the expected magnetite structure, with XMCD intensity much lower for the irradiated core-shell samples indicating weaker magnetism. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) data lack the signature for FeO, but the irradiated core-shell system consists of Fe-cores with ~13 nm of separating oxide crystallite,more » so it is likely that FeO exists deeper than the probe depth of the XAS (~5 nm). Exchange bias (Hex) for both samples becomes increasingly negative as temperature is lowered, but the irradiated Fe3O4 sample shows greater sensitivity of cooling field on Hex. Loop asymmetries and Hex sensitivities of the irradiated Fe3O4 sample are due to interfaces and interactions between grains which were not present in samples before irradiation as well as surface oxidation. Asymmetries in the hysteresis curves of the irradiated core/shell sample are related to the reversal mechanism of the antiferromagnetic FeO and possibly some near surface oxidation.« less

Rain retrieval from dual-frequency radar Doppler spectra: validation and potential for a midlatitude precipitating case-study

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

Tridon, F.; Battaglia, A.; Luke, E.

A recently developed technique retrieving the binned raindrop size distributions (DSDs) and air state parameters from ground-based K a and W-band radars Doppler spectra profiles is improved and applied to a typical midlatitude rain event. The retrievals are thoroughly validated against DSD observations of a 2D video disdrometer and independent X-band observations. Here for this case-study, profiles of rain rate, R, mean volume diameter and concentration parameter are retrieved, with low bias and standard deviations. In light rain (0.1 < R < 1 mm h -1), the radar reflectivities must be calibrated with a collocated disdrometer which introduces random errorsmore » due to sampling mismatch between the two instruments. The best performances are obtained in moderate rain (1 < R < 20 mm h -1) where the retrieval is providing self-consistent estimates of the absolute calibration and of the attenuation caused by antenna or radome wetness for both radars.« less

Cross-Modal Retrieval With CNN Visual Features: A New Baseline.

PubMed

Wei, Yunchao; Zhao, Yao; Lu, Canyi; Wei, Shikui; Liu, Luoqi; Zhu, Zhenfeng; Yan, Shuicheng

2017-02-01

Recently, convolutional neural network (CNN) visual features have demonstrated their powerful ability as a universal representation for various recognition tasks. In this paper, cross-modal retrieval with CNN visual features is implemented with several classic methods. Specifically, off-the-shelf CNN visual features are extracted from the CNN model, which is pretrained on ImageNet with more than one million images from 1000 object categories, as a generic image representation to tackle cross-modal retrieval. To further enhance the representational ability of CNN visual features, based on the pretrained CNN model on ImageNet, a fine-tuning step is performed by using the open source Caffe CNN library for each target data set. Besides, we propose a deep semantic matching method to address the cross-modal retrieval problem with respect to samples which are annotated with one or multiple labels. Extensive experiments on five popular publicly available data sets well demonstrate the superiority of CNN visual features for cross-modal retrieval.

Demographic factors and retrieval of object and proper names after age 70

PubMed Central

Fridkin, Shimon; Ayalon, Liat

2018-01-01

Purpose This research aimed to investigate whether demographic factors are similarly related to retrieval of object and proper names. Methods The sample included 5,907 individuals above age 70 who participated in the Health and Retirement Study between 2004 and 2012. Participants were asked to name two objects as well as the US President and Vice President. Latent growth curve models examined the associations of age, education, and self-rated health with baseline levels and change trajectories in retrieval. Results Age and education were more strongly related to retrieval of proper names than to retrieval of object names, both for baseline scores and for change trajectory. Similar effects of self-rated health emerged for both types of stimuli. Conclusions The results show that examining object names and proper names together as indication of cognitive status in the HRS might overlook important differences between the two types of stimuli, in both baseline performance and longitudinal change. PMID:29370264

Fast, axis-agnostic, dynamically summarized storage and retrieval for mass spectrometry data.

PubMed

Handy, Kyle; Rosen, Jebediah; Gillan, André; Smith, Rob

2017-01-01

Mass spectrometry, a popular technique for elucidating the molecular contents of experimental samples, creates data sets comprised of millions of three-dimensional (m/z, retention time, intensity) data points that correspond to the types and quantities of analyzed molecules. Open and commercial MS data formats are arranged by retention time, creating latency when accessing data across multiple m/z. Existing MS storage and retrieval methods have been developed to overcome the limitations of retention time-based data formats, but do not provide certain features such as dynamic summarization and storage and retrieval of point meta-data (such as signal cluster membership), precluding efficient viewing applications and certain data-processing approaches. This manuscript describes MzTree, a spatial database designed to provide real-time storage and retrieval of dynamically summarized standard and augmented MS data with fast performance in both m/z and RT directions. Performance is reported on real data with comparisons against related published retrieval systems.

Rain retrieval from dual-frequency radar Doppler spectra: validation and potential for a midlatitude precipitating case-study

DOE PAGES

Tridon, F.; Battaglia, A.; Luke, E.; ...

2017-01-27

A recently developed technique retrieving the binned raindrop size distributions (DSDs) and air state parameters from ground-based K a and W-band radars Doppler spectra profiles is improved and applied to a typical midlatitude rain event. The retrievals are thoroughly validated against DSD observations of a 2D video disdrometer and independent X-band observations. Here for this case-study, profiles of rain rate, R, mean volume diameter and concentration parameter are retrieved, with low bias and standard deviations. In light rain (0.1 < R < 1 mm h -1), the radar reflectivities must be calibrated with a collocated disdrometer which introduces random errorsmore » due to sampling mismatch between the two instruments. The best performances are obtained in moderate rain (1 < R < 20 mm h -1) where the retrieval is providing self-consistent estimates of the absolute calibration and of the attenuation caused by antenna or radome wetness for both radars.« less

Uncertainty in cloud optical depth estimates made from satellite radiance measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pincus, Robert; Szczodrak, Malgorzata; Gu, Jiujing; Austin, Philip

1995-01-01

The uncertainty in optical depths retrieved from satellite measurements of visible wavelength radiance at the top of the atmosphere is quantified. Techniques are briefly reviewed for the estimation of optical depth from measurements of radiance, and it is noted that these estimates are always more uncertain at greater optical depths and larger solar zenith angles. The lack of radiometric calibration for visible wavelength imagers on operational satellites dominates the uncertainty retrievals of optical depth. This is true for both single-pixel retrievals and for statistics calculated from a population of individual retrievals. For individual estimates or small samples, sensor discretization can also be significant, but the sensitivity of the retrieval to the specification of the model atmosphere is less important. The relative uncertainty in calibration affects the accuracy with which optical depth distributions measured by different sensors may be quantitatively compared, while the absolute calibration uncertainty, acting through the nonlinear mapping of radiance to optical depth, limits the degree to which distributions measured by the same sensor may be distinguished.

Involvement of hippocampal NMDA receptors in encoding and consolidation, but not retrieval, processes of spontaneous object location memory in rats.

PubMed

Yamada, Kazuo; Arai, Misaki; Suenaga, Toshiko; Ichitani, Yukio

2017-07-28

The hippocampus is thought to be involved in object location recognition memory, yet the contribution of hippocampal NMDA receptors to the memory processes, such as encoding, retention and retrieval, is unknown. First, we confirmed that hippocampal infusion of a competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, AP5 (2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid, 20-40nmol), impaired performance of spontaneous object location recognition test but not that of novel object recognition test in Wistar rats. Next, the effects of hippocampal AP5 treatment on each process of object location recognition memory were examined with three different injection times using a 120min delay-interposed test: 15min before the sample phase (Time I), immediately after the sample phase (Time II), and 15min before the test phase (Time III). The blockade of hippocampal NMDA receptors before and immediately after the sample phase, but not before the test phase, markedly impaired performance of object location recognition test, suggesting that hippocampal NMDA receptors play an important role in encoding and consolidation/retention, but not retrieval, of spontaneous object location memory. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Shallow observatory installations unravel earthquake processes in the Nankai accretionary complex (IODP Expedition 365)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kopf, A.; Saffer, D. M.; Toczko, S.

2016-12-01

NanTroSEIZE is a multi-expedition IODP project to investigate fault mechanics and seismogenesis along the Nankai Trough subduction zone through direct sampling, in situ measurements, and long-term monitoring. Recent Expedition 365 had three primary objectives at a major splay thrust fault (termed the "megasplay") in the forearc: (1) retrieval of a temporary observatory (termed a GeniusPlug) that has been monitoring temperature and pore pressure within the fault zone at 400 meters below seafloor for since 2010; (2) deployment of a complex long-term borehole monitoring system (LTBMS) across the same fault; and (3) coring of key sections of the hanging wall, deformation zone and footwall of the shallow megasplay. Expedition 365 achieved its primary monitoring objectives, including recovery of the GeniusPlug with a >5-year record of pressure and temperature conditions, geochemical samples, and its in situ microbial colonization experiment; and installation of the LTBMS. The pressure records from the GeniusPlug include high-quality records of formation and seafloor responses to multiple fault slip events, including the 2011 M9 Tohoku and the 1 April Mie-ken Nanto-oki M6 earthquakes. The geochemical sampling coils yielded in situ pore fluids from the fault zone, and microbes were successfully cultivated from the colonization unit. The LTBMS incorporates multi-level pore pressure sensing, a volumetric strainmeter, tiltmeter, geophone, broadband seismometer, accelerometer, and thermistor string. This multi-level hole completion was meanwhile connected to the DONET seafloor cabled network for tsunami early warning and earthquake monitoring. Coring the shallow megasplay site in the Nankai forearc recovered ca. 100m of material across the fault zone, which contained indurated silty clay with occasional ash layers and sedimentary breccias in the hangingwall and siltstones in the footwall of the megasplay. The mudstones show different degrees of deformation spanning from occasional fractures to intensely fractured scaly claystones of up to >10 cm thickness. Sparse faulting with low displacement (usually <2cm) is seen with both normal and reverse sense of slip. Post-cruise rock deformation experiments will relate physical properties to the earthquake response monitored by the observatory array.

Comparison of satellite precipitation products with Q3 over the CONUS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, J.; Petersen, W. A.; Wolff, D. B.; Kirstetter, P. E.

2016-12-01

The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) is an international satellite mission that provides a new-generation of global precipitation observations. A wealth of precipitation products have been generated since the launch of the GPM Core Observatory in February of 2014. However, the accuracy of the satellite-based precipitation products is affected by discrete temporal sampling and remote spaceborne retrieval algorithms. The GPM Ground Validation (GV) program is currently underway to independently verify the satellite precipitation products, which can be carried out by comparing satellite products with ground measurements. This study compares four Day-1 GPM surface precipitation products derived from the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI), Ku-band Precipitation Radar (KU), Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) and DPR-GMI CoMBined (CMB) algorithms, as well as the near-real-time Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) Late Run product and precipitation retrievals from Microwave Humidity Sounders (MHS) flown on NOAA and METOPS satellites, with the NOAA Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor suite (MRMS; now called "Q3"). The comparisons are conducted over the conterminous United States (CONUS) at various spatial and temporal scales with respect to different precipitation intensities, and filtered with radar quality index (RQI) thresholds and precipitation types. Various versions of GPM products are evaluated against Q3. The latest Version-04A GPM products are in reasonably good overall agreement with Q3. Based on the mission-to-date (March 2014 - May 2016) data from all GPM overpasses, the biases relative to Q3 for GMI and DPR precipitation estimates at 0.5o resolution are negative, whereas the biases for CMB and KU precipitation estimates are positive. Based on all available data (March 2015 - April 2016 at this writing), the CONUS-averaged near-real-time IMERG Late Run hourly precipitation estimate is about 46% higher than Q3. Preliminary comparison of 1-year (2015) MHS precipitation estimates with Q3 shows the MHS is bout 30% lower than Q3. Detailed comparison results are available at http://wallops-prf.gsfc.nasa.gov/NMQ/.

Praying Mantis Bending Core Breakoff and Retention Mechanism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Badescu, Mircea; Sherrit, Stewart; Bar-Cohen, Yoseph; Bao, Xiaoqi; Lindermann, Randel A.

2011-01-01

Sampling cores requires the controlled breakoff of the core at a known location with respect to the drill end. An additional problem is designing a mechanism that can be implemented at a small scale, yet is robust and versatile enough to be used for a variety of core samples. The new design consists of a set of tubes (a drill tube, an outer tube, and an inner tube) and means of sliding the inner and outer tubes axially relative to each other. Additionally, a sample tube can be housed inside the inner tube for storing the sample. The inner tube fits inside the outer tube, which fits inside the drill tube. The inner and outer tubes can move axially relative to each other. The inner tube presents two lamellae with two opposing grabbing teeth and one pushing tooth. The pushing tooth is offset axially from the grabbing teeth. The teeth can move radially and their motion is controlled by the outer tube. The outer tube presents two lamellae with radial extrusions to control the inner tube lamellae motion. In breaking the core, the mechanism creates two support points (the grabbing teeth and the bit tip) and one push point. The core is broken in bending. The grabbing teeth can also act as a core retention mechanism. The praying mantis that is disclosed herein is an active core breaking/retention mechanism that requires only one additional actuator other than the drilling actuator. It can break cores that are attached to the borehole bottom as

Leveraging Improvements in Precipitation Measuring from GPM Mission to Achieve Prediction Improvements in Climate, Weather and Hydrometeorology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Eric A.

2002-01-01

The main scientific goal of the GPM mission, currently planned for start in the 2007 time frame, is to investigate important scientific problems arising within the context of global and regional water cycles. These problems cut across a hierarchy of scales and include climate-water cycle interactions, techniques for improving weather and climate predictions, and better methods for combining observed precipitation with hydrometeorological prediction models for applications to hazardous flood-producing storms, seasonal flood/draught conditions, and fresh water resource assessments. The GPM mission will expand the scope of precipitation measurement through the use of a constellation of some 9 satellites, one of which will be an advanced TRMM-like "core" satellite carrying a dual-frequency Ku-Ka band precipitation radar and an advanced, multifrequency passive microwave radiometer with vertical-horizontal polarization discrimination. The other constellation members will include new dedicated satellites and co-existing Operational/research satellites carrying similar (but not identical) passive microwave radiometers. The goal of the constellation is to achieve approximately 3-hour sampling at any spot on the globe. The constellation's orbit architecture will consist of a mix of sun-synchronous and non-sun-synchronous satellites with the core satellite providing measurements of cloud-precipitation microphysical processes plus calibration-quality rainrate retrievals to be used with the other retrieval information to ensure bias-free constellation coverage. GPM is organized internationally, currently involving a partnership between NASA in the US and the National Space Development Agency in Japan. Additionally, the program is actively pursuing agreements with other international partners and domestic scientific agencies and institutions, as well as participation by individual scientists from academia, government, and the private sector to fulfill mission goals and to pave the way for what ultimately is expected to become an internationally-organized operational global precipitation observing system. Notably, the broad societal applications of GPM are reflected in the United Nation s identification of this mission as a foremost candidate for its Peaceful Uses of Space Program. In this presentation, an overview of the GPM mission design will be presented, followed by an explanation of its scientific agenda as an outgrowth of making improvements in rain retrieval accuracy, microphysics dexterity, sampling frequency, and global coverage. All of these improvements offer new means to observe variability in precipitation and water cycle fluxes and to achieve improved predictability of weather, climate, and hydrometeorology. Specifically, the scientific agenda of GPM has been designed to leverage the measurement improvements to improve prognostic model performance, particularly quantitative precipitation forecasting and its linked phenomena at short, intermediate, and extended time scales. The talk will address how GPM measurements will enable better detection of accelerations and decelerations in regional and global water cycle processes and their relationship to climate variability, better impacts of precipitation data assimilation on numerical weather prediction and global climate reanalysis, and better performance from basin scale hydrometeorological models for short and long term flood-drought forecasting and seasonal fresh water resource assessment. Improved hydrometeorological forecasting will be possible by using continuous global precipitation observations to obtain better closure in water budgets and to generate more realistic forcing of the models themselves to achieve more accurate estimates of interception, infiltration, evaporation/transpiration fluxes, storage, and runoff.

Anticipated Improvements in Precipitation Physics and Understanding of Water Cycle from GPM Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Eric A.

2003-01-01

The GPM mission is currently planned for start in the late-2007 to early-2008 time frame. Its main scientific goal is to help answer pressing scientific problems arising within the context of global and regional water cycles. These problems cut across a hierarchy of scales and include climate-water cycle interactions, techniques for improving weather and climate predictions, and better methods for combining observed precipitation with hydrometeorological prediction models for applications to hazardous flood-producing storms, seasonal flood/draught conditions, and fresh water resource assessments. The GPM mission will expand the scope of precipitation measurement through the use of a constellation of some 9 satellites, one of which will be an advanced TRMM-like core satellite carrying a dual-frequency Ku-Ka band precipitation radar and an advanced, multifrequency passive microwave radiometer with vertical-horizontal polarization discrimination. The other constellation members will include new dedicated satellites and co-existing operational/research satellites carrying similar (but not identical) passive microwave radiometers. The goal of the constellation is to achieve approximately 3-hour sampling at any spot on the globe -- continuously. The constellation s orbit architecture will consist of a mix of sun-synchronous and non-sun-synchronous satellites with the core satellite providing measurements of cloud-precipitation microphysical processes plus calibration-quality rainrate retrievals to be used with the other retrieval information to ensure bias-free constellation coverage. GPM is organized internationally, involving existing, pending, projected, and under-study partnerships which will link NASA and NOAA in the US, NASDA in Japan, ESA in Europe, ISRO in India, CNES in France, and possibly AS1 in Italy, KARI in South Korea, CSA in Canada, and AEB in Brazil. Additionally, the program is actively pursuing agreements with other international collaborators and domestic scientific agencies and institutions, as well as participation by individual scientists from academia, government, and the private sector to fulfill mission goals and to pave the way for what is expected to become an internationally-organized operational global precipitation observing system. Notably, the broad societal applications of GPM are reflected in the United Nation s identification of GPM as a foremost candidate for its Peaceful Uses of Space Program. An overview of the GPM mission design is given, followed by an explanation of its scientific agenda as an outgrowth of making improvements in rain retrieval accuracy, microphysics dexterity, sampling frequency, and global coverage. All of these improvements offer new means to observe variability in precipitation and water cycle fluxes and to achieve improved predictability of weather, climate, and hydrometeorology. Specifically, the scientific agenda of GPM has been designed to leverage the measurement improvements to improve prognostic model performance, particularly quantitative precipitation forecasting and its linked phenomena at short, intermediate, and extended time scales. The talk addresses how GPM measurements will enable better detection of accelerations and decelerations in regional and global water cycle processes and their relationship to climate variability, better impacts of precipitation data assimilation on numerical weather prediction and global climate reanalysis, and better performance from basin scale hydrometeorological models for short and long term flood-drought forecasting and seasonal fresh water resource assessment. These improvements become possible by using more accurate, more microphysically-centric, more frequent, and fully global precipitation observations to achieve better water budget closure and to provide more realistic forcing and assessment of prediction models.

Lake Eĺ gygytgyn Drilling under way: State of the operation and first results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melles, M.; Brigham-Grette, J.; Minyuk, P.; Koeberl, C.; Scientific Party, EĺGygytgyn

2009-04-01

Lake Eĺgygytgyn, located in central Chukotka, NE Siberia, was formed 3.6 million years ago by a meteorite impact and has never been glaciated or desiccated. This makes Lake Eĺgygytgyn a unique target of an interdisciplinary, multi-national drilling campaign, which currently is carried out as part of the International Continental Drilling Program (ICDP). Drilling operations started in Nov./Dec. 2008, when a 142 m long sediment core was retrieved from the permafrost deposits in the western lake catchment by the local drilling company Chaun Mine Geological Company (CGE). The core penetrated coarse-grained, ice-rich alluvial sediments with variable contents of fine-grained material. It will be investigated for the environmental history, including potential lake-level changes, and the permafrost characteristics, in order to learn more about the influences of catchment changes on the lake sedimentation. Besides, the hole was permanently instrumented for future ground temperature monitoring as part of the Global Terrestrial Network for Permafrost (www.gtnp.org/index_e.html). The major drilling effort will commence in Febr. 2009, when two sites in the central part of Lake Eĺgygytgyn shall be drilled down to 630 m below the lake floor. Drilling will be carried out by DOSECC, using a new GLAD 800 system that will be operated from an enclosed platform on the lake ice. Drilling objectives include replicate overlapping cores from the up to 420 m thick lake sediment fill. The cores promise to yield the longest, most continuous record of climate change in the terrestrial Arctic, extending back one million years prior to the intensification of the Northern Hemisphere Glaciation at the Pliocene/Pleistocene boundary, thus offering unique insight into the climatic and environmental history of the Arctic and its comparison with records from lower latitude marine and terrestrial sites to better understand hemispheric and global climate change. Coring shall be continued up to 300 m into the underlying impact breccia and brecciated bedrock in order to additionally investigate the impact process and the response of the volcanic bedrock to the impact event. The field season will continue into May, when surface melting on the lake will push to start evacuation of the drill rig. In summer 2009, the cores will be flown by chartered cargo plane to St. Petersburg. Later they will be trucked to the University of Cologne, Germany, for sub-sampling starting in September by the international team and their students. The archive core halves will be shipped to the University of Minnesota LacCore Facility in the US for post-moratorium studies. This talk will provide an introduction into the drilling objectives, summarize the first conclusions that can be drawn from the field data, and outline the next steps towards multidisciplinary investigation of the core material by the international science team.

Performance testing of a semi-automatic card punch system, using direct STR profiling of DNA from blood samples on FTA™ cards.

PubMed

Ogden, Samantha J; Horton, Jeffrey K; Stubbs, Simon L; Tatnell, Peter J

2015-01-01

The 1.2 mm Electric Coring Tool (e-Core™) was developed to increase the throughput of FTA(™) sample collection cards used during forensic workflows and is similar to a 1.2 mm Harris manual micro-punch for sampling dried blood spots. Direct short tandem repeat (STR) DNA profiling was used to compare samples taken by the e-Core tool with those taken by the manual micro-punch. The performance of the e-Core device was evaluated using a commercially available PowerPlex™ 18D STR System. In addition, an analysis was performed that investigated the potential carryover of DNA via the e-Core punch from one FTA disc to another. This contamination study was carried out using Applied Biosystems AmpflSTR™ Identifiler™ Direct PCR Amplification kits. The e-Core instrument does not contaminate FTA discs when a cleaning punch is used following excision of discs containing samples and generates STR profiles that are comparable to those generated by the manual micro-punch. © 2014 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

MERCURY IN CRUDE OIL PROCESSED IN THE UNITED STATES (2004)

EPA Science Inventory

The mean and range of concentrations of mercury in crude oil processed in the U.S. were investigated using two analytical methods. The sample ensemble consisted of 329 samples from 170 separate crude oil streams that are processed by U.S. refineries. Samples were retrieved imme...

NHEXAS PHASE I ARIZONA STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR CUSTODY OF FIELD SAMPLES (UA-C-1.0)

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this SOP is to outline sample custody guidelines used by the NHEXAS Arizona research project. This procedure was followed to maintain sample integrity and ensure consistent data retrieval, transport, storage, shipment, and analysis during the Arizona NHEXAS projec...

Searching for the 3.5 keV Line in the Stacked Suzaku Observations of Galaxy Clusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bulbul, Esra; Markevitch, Maxim; Foster, Adam; Miller, Eric; Bautz, Mark; Lowenstein, Mike; Randall, Scott W.; Smith, Randall K.

2016-01-01

We perform a detailed study of the stacked Suzaku observations of 47 galaxy clusters, spanning a redshift range of 0.01-0.45, to search for the unidentified 3.5 keV line. This sample provides an independent test for the previously detected line. We detect a 2sigma-significant spectral feature at 3.5 keV in the spectrum of the full sample. When the sample is divided into two subsamples (cool-core and non-cool core clusters), the cool-core subsample shows no statistically significant positive residuals at the line energy. A very weak (approx. 2sigma confidence) spectral feature at 3.5 keV is permitted by the data from the non-cool-core clusters sample. The upper limit on a neutrino decay mixing angle of sin(sup 2)(2theta) = 6.1 x 10(exp -11) from the full Suzaku sample is consistent with the previous detections in the stacked XMM-Newton sample of galaxy clusters (which had a higher statistical sensitivity to faint lines), M31, and Galactic center, at a 90% confidence level. However, the constraint from the present sample, which does not include the Perseus cluster, is in tension with previously reported line flux observed in the core of the Perseus cluster with XMM-Newton and Suzaku.

RADIATION FACILITY FOR NUCLEAR REACTORS

DOEpatents

Currier, E.L. Jr.; Nicklas, J.H.

1961-12-12

A radiation facility is designed for irradiating samples in close proximity to the core of a nuclear reactor. The facility comprises essentially a tubular member extending through the biological shield of the reactor and containing a manipulatable rod having the sample carrier at its inner end, the carrier being longitudinally movable from a position in close proximity to the reactor core to a position between the inner and outer faces of the shield. Shield plugs are provided within the tubular member to prevent direct radiation from the core emanating therethrough. In this device, samples may be inserted or removed during normal operation of the reactor without exposing personnel to direct radiation from the reactor core. A storage chamber is also provided within the radiation facility to contain an irradiated sample during the period of time required to reduce the radioactivity enough to permit removal of the sample for external handling. (AEC)

The French initiative for scientific cores virtual curating : a user-oriented integrated approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pignol, Cécile; Godinho, Elodie; Galabertier, Bruno; Caillo, Arnaud; Bernardet, Karim; Augustin, Laurent; Crouzet, Christian; Billy, Isabelle; Teste, Gregory; Moreno, Eva; Tosello, Vanessa; Crosta, Xavier; Chappellaz, Jérome; Calzas, Michel; Rousseau, Denis-Didier; Arnaud, Fabien

2016-04-01

Managing scientific data is probably one the most challenging issue in modern science. The question is made even more sensitive with the need of preserving and managing high value fragile geological sam-ples: cores. Large international scientific programs, such as IODP or ICDP are leading an intense effort to solve this problem and propose detailed high standard work- and dataflows thorough core handling and curating. However most results derived from rather small-scale research programs in which data and sample management is generally managed only locally - when it is … The national excellence equipment program (Equipex) CLIMCOR aims at developing French facilities for coring and drilling investigations. It concerns indiscriminately ice, marine and continental samples. As part of this initiative, we initiated a reflexion about core curating and associated coring-data management. The aim of the project is to conserve all metadata from fieldwork in an integrated cyber-environment which will evolve toward laboratory-acquired data storage in a near future. In that aim, our demarche was conducted through an close relationship with field operators as well laboratory core curators in order to propose user-oriented solutions. The national core curating initiative currently proposes a single web portal in which all scientifics teams can store their field data. For legacy samples, this will requires the establishment of a dedicated core lists with associated metadata. For forthcoming samples, we propose a mobile application, under Android environment to capture technical and scientific metadata on the field. This application is linked with a unique coring tools library and is adapted to most coring devices (gravity, drilling, percussion, etc...) including multiple sections and holes coring operations. Those field data can be uploaded automatically to the national portal, but also referenced through international standards or persistent identifiers (IGSN, ORCID and INSPIRE) and displayed in international portals (currently, NOAA's IMLGS). In this paper, we present the architecture of the integrated system, future perspectives and the approach we adopted to reach our goals. We will also present in front of our poster, one of the three mobile applications, dedicated more particularly to the operations of continental drillings.

Measurements of Pollution In The Troposphere (MOPITT) Validation through 2006

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Emmons, L. K.; Edwards, D. P.; Deeter, M. N.; Gille, J. C.; Campos, T.; Nedelec, P.; Novelli, P.; Sachse, G.

2009-01-01

Comparisons of aircraft measurements of carbon monoxide (CO) to the retrievals of CO using observations from the Measurements of Pollution in The Troposphere (MOPITT) instrument onboard the Terra satellite are presented. Observations made as part of the NASA INTEX-B and NSF MIRAGE field campaigns during March May 2006 are used to validate the MOPITT CO retrievals, along with routine samples from 2001 through 2006 from NOAA and the MOZAIC measurements from commercial aircraft. A significant positive bias, around 20% for total column CO, in MOPITT CO was found in the comparison to in situ measurements during 2006. Comparisons to the long-term records of measurements from NOAA and MOZAIC revealed an increasing bias in the V3 MOPITT CO retrievals over time. The impact of an instrumental drift is illustrated through retrieval simulations.

Hubble Space Telescope Metallized Teflon(registered trademark) FEP Thermal Control Materials: On-Orbit Degradation and Post-Retrieval Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Townsend, Jacqueline A.; Hansen, Patricia A.; Dever, J. A.; deGroh, K. K.; Banks, B.; Wang, L.; He, C.

1988-01-01

During the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Second Servicing Mission (SM2), degradation of unsupported Teflon(Registered Trademark) FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene), used as the outer layer of the multilayer insulation (MLI) blankets, was evident as large cracks on the telescope light shield. A sample of the degraded outer layer was retrieved during the mission and returned to Earth for ground testing and evaluation. The results of the Teflon(Registered Trademark) FEP sample evaluation and additional testing of pristine Teflon(Registered Trademark) FEP led the investigative team to theorize that the HST damage was caused by thermal cycling with deep-layer damage from electron and proton radiation which allowed the propagation of cracks along stress concentrations , and that the damage increased with the combined total dose of electrons, protons, UV and x-rays along with thermal cycling. This paper discusses the testing and evaluation of the retrieved Teflon(Registered Trademark) FEP.

Dynamic generation and coherent control of beating stationary light pulses by a microwave coupling field in five-level cold atoms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bao, Qian-Qian; Zhang, Yan; Cui, Cui-Li; Meng, Shao-Ying; Fang, You-Wei; Tian, Xue-Dong

2018-04-01

We propose an efficient scheme for generating and controlling beating stationary light pulses in a five-level atomic sample driven into electromagnetically induced transparency condition. This scheme relies on an asymmetrical procedure of light storage and retrieval tuned by two counter-propagating control fields where an additional coupling field, such as the microwave field, is introduced in the retrieval stage. A quantum probe field, incident upon such an atomic sample, is first transformed into spin coherence excitation of the atoms and then retrieved as beating stationary light pulses exhibiting a series of maxima and minima in intensity due to the alternative constructive and destructive interference. It is convenient to control the beating stationary light pulses just by manipulating the intensity and detuning of the additional microwave field. This interesting phenomenon involves in fact the coherent manipulation of dark-state polaritons and could be explored to achieve the efficient temporal splitting of stationary light pulses and accurate measurement of the microwave intensity.

Scoring Dawg Core Breakoff and Retention Mechanism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Badescu, Mircea; Sherrit, Stewart; Bar-Cohen, Yoseph; Bao, Xiaoqi; Backes, Paul G.

2011-01-01

This novel core break-off and retention mechanism consists of a scoring dawg controlled by a set of two tubes (a drill tube and an inner tube). The drill tube and the inner tube have longitudinal concentric holes. The solution can be implemented in an eccentric tube configuration as well where the tubes have eccentric longitudinal holes. The inner tube presents at the bottom two control surfaces for controlling the orientation of the scoring dawg. The drill tube presents a sunk-in profile on the inside of the wall for housing the scoring dawg. The inner tube rotation relative to the drill tube actively controls the orientation of the scoring dawg and hence its penetration and retrieval from the core. The scoring dawg presents a shaft, two axially spaced arms, and a tooth. The two arms slide on the control surfaces of the inner tube. The tooth, when rotated, can penetrate or be extracted from the core. During drilling, the two tubes move together maintaining the scoring dawg completely outside the core. After the desired drilling depth has been reached the inner tube is rotated relative to the drill tube such that the tooth of the scoring dawg moves toward the central axis. By rotating the drill tube, the scoring dawg can score the core and so reduce its cross sectional area. The scoring dawg can also act as a stress concentrator for breaking the core in torsion or tension. After breaking the core, the scoring dawg can act as a core retention mechanism. For scoring, it requires the core to be attached to the rock. If the core is broken, the dawg can be used as a retention mechanism. The scoring dawg requires a hard-tip insert like tungsten carbide for scoring hard rocks. The relative rotation of the two tubes can be controlled manually or by an additional actuator. In the implemented design solution the bit rotation for scoring was in the same direction as the drilling. The device was tested for limestone cores and basalt cores. The torque required for breaking the 10-mm diameter limestone cores was 5 to 5.8 lb-in. (0.56 to 0.66 N-m).

FORGE Milford Triaxial Test Data and Summary from EGI labs

DOE Data Explorer

Joe Moore

2016-03-01

Six samples were evaluated in unconfined and triaxial compression, their data are included in separate excel spreadsheets, and summarized in the word document. Three samples were plugged along the axis of the core (presumed to be nominally vertical) and three samples were plugged perpendicular to the axis of the core. A designation of "V"indicates vertical or the long axis of the plugged sample is aligned with the axis of the core. Similarly, "H" indicates a sample that is nominally horizontal and cut orthogonal to the axis of the core. Stress-strain curves were made before and after the testing, and are included in the word doc.. The confining pressure for this test was 2800 psi. A series of tests are being carried out on to define a failure envelope, to provide representative hydraulic fracture design parameters and for future geomechanical assessments. The samples are from well 52-21, which reaches a maximum depth of 3581 ft +/- 2 ft into a gneiss complex.

Intersatellite Calibration of Microwave Radiometers for GPM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilheit, T. T.

2010-12-01

The aim of the GPM mission is to measure precipitation globally with high temporal resolution by using a constellation of satellites logically united by the GPM Core Satellite which will be in a non-sunsynchronous, medium inclination orbit. The usefulness of the combined product depends on the consistency of precipitation retrievals from the various microwave radiometers. The calibration requirements for this consistency are quite daunting requiring a multi-layered approach. The radiometers can vary considerably in their frequencies, view angles, polarizations and spatial resolutions depending on their primary application and other constraints. The planned parametric algorithms will correct for the varying viewing parameters, but they are still vulnerable to calibration errors, both relative and absolute. The GPM Intersatellite Calibration Working Group (aka X-CAL) will adjust the calibration of all the radiometers to a common consensus standard for the GPM Level 1C product to be used in precipitation retrievals. Finally, each Precipitation Algorithm Working Group must have its own strategy for removing the residual errors. If the final adjustments are small, the credibility of the precipitation retrievals will be enhanced. Before intercomparing, the radiometers must be self consistent on a scan-wise and orbit-wise basis. Pre-screening for this consistency constitutes the first step in the intercomparison. The radiometers are then compared pair-wise with the microwave radiometer (GMI) on the GPM Core Satellite. Two distinct approaches are used for sake of cross-checking the results. On the one hand, nearly simultaneous observations are collected at the cross-over points of the orbits and the observations of one are converted to virtual observations of the other using a radiative transfer model to permit comparisons. The complementary approach collects histograms of brightness temperature from each instrument. In each case a model is needed to translate the observations from one set of viewing parameters to those of the GMI. For the conically scanning window channel radiometers, the models are reasonably complete. Currently we have compared TMI with Windsat and arrived at a preliminary consensus calibration based on the pair. This consensus calibration standard has been applied to TMI and is currently being compared with AMSR-E on the Aqua satellite. In this way we are implementing a rolling wave spin-up of X-CAL. In this sense, the launch of GPM core will simply provide one more radiometer to the constellation; one hopes it will be the best calibrated. Water vapor and temperature sounders will use a different scenario. Some of the precipitation retrieval algorithms will use sounding channels. The GMI will include typical water vapor sounding channels. The radiances are ingested directly via 3DVAR and 4DVAR techniques into forecast models by many operational weather forecast agencies. The residuals and calibration adjustments of this process will provide a measure of the relative calibration errors throughout the constellation. The use of the ARM Southern Great Plains site as a benchmark for calibrating the more opaque channels is also being investigated.

Persistent PlatformsThe DDG 51 Case

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-30

Retrieved from http://insidedefense.com Biernacki, P., & Waldorf, D. (1981). Snowball sampling : Problems and techniques of chain referral sampling ...indicators of successful shipbuilding practices (Government Accountability Office [GAO], 2009). This paper uses the “ snowball ” technique of data gathering

SPRUCE Whole Ecosystem Warming (WEW) Peat Water Content and Temperature Profiles for Experimental Plot Cores Beginning June 2016

DOE Data Explorer

Gutknecht, J. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A.; Kluber, L. A. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A.; Hanson, P. J. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A.; Schadt, C. W. [Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, U.S.A.

2016-06-01

This data set provides the peat water content and peat temperature at time of sampling for peat cores collected before and during the SPRUCE Whole Ecosystem Warming (WEW) study. Cores for the current data set were collected during the following bulk peat sampling events: 13 June 2016 and 23 August 2016. Over time, this dataset will be updated with each new major bulk peat sampling event, and dates/methods will be updated accordingly.

Effects of core self-evaluations on the job burnout of nurses: the mediator of organizational commitment.

PubMed

Zhou, Yangen; Lu, Jiamei; Liu, Xianmin; Zhang, Pengcheng; Chen, Wuying

2014-01-01

To explore the impact of Core self-evaluations on job burnout of nurses, and especially to test and verify the mediator role of organizational commitment between the two variables. Random cluster sampling was used to pick up participants sample, which consisted of 445 nurses of a hospital in Shanghai. Core self-evaluations questionnaire, job burnout scale and organizational commitment scale were administrated to the study participants. There are significant relationships between Core self-evaluations and dimensions of job burnout and organizational commitment. There is a significant mediation effect of organizational commitment between Core self-evaluations and job burnout. To enhance nurses' Core self-evaluations can reduce the incidence of job burnout.

The WAIS Melt Monitor: An automated ice core melting system for meltwater sample handling and the collection of high resolution microparticle size distribution data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breton, D. J.; Koffman, B. G.; Kreutz, K. J.; Hamilton, G. S.

2010-12-01

Paleoclimate data are often extracted from ice cores by careful geochemical analysis of meltwater samples. The analysis of the microparticles found in ice cores can also yield unique clues about atmospheric dust loading and transport, dust provenance and past environmental conditions. Determination of microparticle concentration, size distribution and chemical makeup as a function of depth is especially difficult because the particle size measurement either consumes or contaminates the meltwater, preventing further geochemical analysis. Here we describe a microcontroller-based ice core melting system which allows the collection of separate microparticle and chemistry samples from the same depth intervals in the ice core, while logging and accurately depth-tagging real-time electrical conductivity and particle size distribution data. This system was designed specifically to support microparticle analysis of the WAIS Divide WDC06A deep ice core, but many of the subsystems are applicable to more general ice core melting operations. Major system components include: a rotary encoder to measure ice core melt displacement with 0.1 millimeter accuracy, a meltwater tracking system to assign core depths to conductivity, particle and sample vial data, an optical debubbler level control system to protect the Abakus laser particle counter from damage due to air bubbles, a Rabbit 3700 microcontroller which communicates with a host PC, collects encoder and optical sensor data and autonomously operates Gilson peristaltic pumps and fraction collectors to provide automatic sample handling, melt monitor control software operating on a standard PC allowing the user to control and view the status of the system, data logging software operating on the same PC to collect data from the melting, electrical conductivity and microparticle measurement systems. Because microparticle samples can easily be contaminated, we use optical air bubble sensors and high resolution ice core density profiles to guide the melting process. The combination of these data allow us to analyze melt head performance, minimize outer-to-inner fraction contamination and avoid melt head flooding. The WAIS Melt Monitor system allows the collection of real-time, sub-annual microparticle and electrical conductivity data while producing and storing enough sample for traditional Coulter-Counter particle measurements as well long term acid leaching of bioactive metals (e.g., Fe, Co, Cd, Cu, Zn) prior to chemical analysis.

Assessing repository technology. Where do we go from here?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eichmann, David

1992-01-01

Three sample information retrieval systems, archie, autoLib, and Wide Area Information Service (WAIS), are compared with regard to their expressiveness and usefulness, first in the general context of information retrieval, and then as prospective software reuse repositories. While the representational capabilities of these systems are limited, they provide a useful foundation for future repository efforts, particularly from the perspective of repository distribution and coherent user interface design.

Assessing repository technology: Where do we go from here?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eichmann, David A.

1992-01-01

Three sample information retrieval systems, archie, autoLib, and Wide Area Information Service (WAIS), are compared with regard to their expressiveness and usefulness, first in the general context of information retrieval, and then as perspective software reuse repositories. While the representational capabilities of these systems are limited, they provide a useful foundation for future repository efforts, particularly from the perspective of repository distribution and coherent user interface design.

Memory retrieval of smoking-related images induce greater insula activation as revealed by an fMRI based delayed matching to sample task

PubMed Central

Janes, AC; Ross, RS; Farmer, S; Frederick, BB; Nickerson, L; Lukas, SE; Stern, CE

2013-01-01

Nicotine dependence is a chronic and difficult to treat disorder. While environmental stimuli associated with smoking precipitate craving and relapse, it is unknown whether smoking cues are cognitively processed differently than neutral stimuli. To evaluate working memory differences between smoking-related and neutral stimuli, we conducted a delay-match-to-sample (DMS) task concurrently with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in nicotine dependent participants. The DMS task evaluates brain activation during the encoding, maintenance, and retrieval phases of working memory. Smoking images induced significantly more subjective craving, and greater midline cortical activation during encoding in comparison to neutral stimuli that were similar in content yet lacked a smoking component. The insula, which is involved in maintaining nicotine dependence, was active during the successful retrieval of previously viewed smoking vs. neutral images. In contrast, neutral images required more prefrontal cortex-mediated active maintenance during the maintenance period. These findings indicate that distinct brain regions are involved in the different phases of working memory for smoking-related vs. neutral images. Importantly the results implicate the insula in the retrieval of smoking-related stimuli, which is relevant given the insula’s emerging role in addiction. PMID:24261848

GNSS Clock Error Impacts on Radio Occultation Retrievals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiss, Jan; Sokolovskiy, Sergey; Schreiner, Bill; Yoon, Yoke

2017-04-01

We assess the impacts of GPS and GLONASS clock errors on radio occultation retrieval of bending angle, refractivity, and temperature from low Earth orbit. The major contributing factor is the interpretation of GNSS clock offsets sampled at 30 sec or longer intervals. Using 1 Hz GNSS clock estimates as truth we apply several interpolation and fitting schemes to evaluate how they affect the accuracy of atmospheric retrieval products. The results are organized by GPS and GLONASS space vehicle and the GNSS clock interpolation/fitting scheme. We find that bending angle error is roughly similar for all current GPS transmitters (about 0.7 mcrad) but note some differences related to the type of atomic oscillator onboard the transmitter satellite. GLONASS bending angle errors show more variation over the constellation and are approximately two times larger than GPS. An investigation of the transmitter clock spectra reveals this is due to more power in periods between 2-10 sec. Retrieved refractivity and temperature products show clear differences between GNSS satellite generations, and indicate that GNSS clocks sampled at intervals smaller than 5 sec significantly improve accuracy, particularly for GLONASS. We conclude by summarizing the tested GNSS clock estimation and application strategies in the context of current and future radio occultation missions.

Memory retrieval of smoking-related images induce greater insula activation as revealed by an fMRI-based delayed matching to sample task.

PubMed

Janes, Amy C; Ross, Robert S; Farmer, Stacey; Frederick, Blaise B; Nickerson, Lisa D; Lukas, Scott E; Stern, Chantal E

2015-03-01

Nicotine dependence is a chronic and difficult to treat disorder. While environmental stimuli associated with smoking precipitate craving and relapse, it is unknown whether smoking cues are cognitively processed differently than neutral stimuli. To evaluate working memory differences between smoking-related and neutral stimuli, we conducted a delay-match-to-sample (DMS) task concurrently with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in nicotine-dependent participants. The DMS task evaluates brain activation during the encoding, maintenance and retrieval phases of working memory. Smoking images induced significantly more subjective craving, and greater midline cortical activation during encoding in comparison to neutral stimuli that were similar in content yet lacked a smoking component. The insula, which is involved in maintaining nicotine dependence, was active during the successful retrieval of previously viewed smoking versus neutral images. In contrast, neutral images required more prefrontal cortex-mediated active maintenance during the maintenance period. These findings indicate that distinct brain regions are involved in the different phases of working memory for smoking-related versus neutral images. Importantly, the results implicate the insula in the retrieval of smoking-related stimuli, which is relevant given the insula's emerging role in addiction. © 2013 Society for the Study of Addiction.