Long Live Traditional Textbook Problems!?--Constraints on Faculty Use of Research-Based Problems in Introductory Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ding, Lin

2014-01-01

Though many research-based problem types have been shown effective in promoting students' conceptual understanding and scientific abilities, the extent of their use in actual classrooms remains unclear. We interviewed and surveyed 16 physics and engineering faculty members at a large US Midwest research university to investigate how university…

Plans for crash-tested bridge railings for longitudinal wood decks on low-volume roads

Treesearch

Michael A. Ritter; Ronald K. Faller; Steve Bunnell; Paula D. Hilbrich Lee; Barry T. Rosson

1998-01-01

The plans for crashworthy bridge railings for low-volume roads were developed through a cooperative research program involving the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL); the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (MwRSF); and the Forest Service, National Forest System, Engineering. Three railings were developed and successfully...

Are Gender Differences in Spatial Ability Real or an Artifact? Evaluation of Measurement Invariance on the Revised PSVT:R

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maeda, Yukiko; Yoon, So Yoon

2016-01-01

We investigated the extent to which the observed gender differences in mental rotation ability among the 2,468 freshmen studying engineering at a Midwest public university attributed to the gender bias of a test. The Revised Purdue Spatial Visualization Tests: Visualization of Rotations (Revised PSVT:R) is a spatial test frequently used to measure…

On the Centennial of Willy Fowler and Grote Reber: It Takes All Kinds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tenn, Joseph S.

2011-01-01

William A. Fowler and Grote Reber were born in 1911, grew up in the American Midwest, and started out studying engineering. Neither ever made professional use of optical telescopes, and initially neither considered himself an astronomer. Reber was a radio engineer who followed up on Karl Jansky's surprising discovery of radio emissions from the sky by building his own radio telescope, and for several years he was the world's only radio astronomer. His discoveries showed that much new information could be obtained about the Universe by detecting and analysing what he called "cosmic static". Fowler was a nuclear physicist who took over leadership of a group at Caltech begun by C.C. Lauritsen and made the Kellogg Radiation Lab the world's leading site for learning about the reactions that power the stars and produce all but the lightest elements. He devoted most of his time in his later years to theoretical work in nuclear astrophysics. Personally, the two were quite different: Fowler, who spent more than sixty years at Caltech, was an insider, an influential member of many committees and organizations, and a president of the American Physical Society. Reber was an outsider who hardly ever worked with others and did nearly all of his astronomical research as an amateur. Fowler left more than 50 Ph.D. students, many postdoctoral fellows, two children, and a grandchild. Reber left neither academic nor biological descendants. Despite their different styles, both the radio engineer and the nuclear physicist made enormous contributions to twentieth century astronomy.

76 FR 34691 - Edison Mission Energy v. Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.; Notice of Complaint

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-14

... Transmission System Operator, Inc. (Midwest ISO or Respondent), alleging that Midwest ISO is requiring the Edison Wind Projects to satisfy the M3 milestone in contravention of the Midwest ISO's Tariff and the... served on the contacts for the Midwest ISO as listed on the Commission's list of Corporate Officials. Any...

76 FR 4104 - Notice of Commission Staff Attendance at Midwest ISO Meetings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-24

... Transmission System Operator, Inc., et al. Docket No. ER05-1085, et al., Midwest Independent Transmission..., Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. Docket No. ER10-1085, Midwest Independent...

75 FR 51996 - Notice of Commission Staff Attendance at Midwest ISO Meetings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-08-24

... Transmission System Operator, Inc., et al. Docket No. ER05-1085, et al., Midwest Independent Transmission..., Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. Docket No. ER10-1085, Midwest Independent...

75 FR 20590 - PJM Interconnection, L.L.C., Complainant, v. Midwest Independent Transmission, System Operator...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-20

... System Operator, Inc. (Midwest ISO or Respondent) alleging that the Midwest ISO violated their, Midwest ISO and PJM, Joint Operating Agreement (JOA), through its practice of initiating the JOA market-to...

Midwest regional rail system : a transportation network for the 21 century : executive report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-02-01

The Midwest Regional Rail Initiative is an ongoing effort to develop an improved and expanded passenger rail system in the Midwest. Since 1996, the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative (MWRRI) advanced from a series of service concepts, including increas...

77 FR 3966 - Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Illinois; Regional Haze

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-26

... Midwest Generating--Baldwin Boilers 1, 2, and 3. Dominion Kincaid Generation--Boilers 1 and 2. Ameren.... Ameren Energy Generating--Duck Creek Boiler 1. Midwest Generation--Powerton Boilers 51, 52, 61, and 62. Midwest Generation--Joliet Boilers 71, 72, 81, and 82. Midwest Generation--Will County Boiler 4. City...

Chicano Literature of the Midwest: The Production of "Los Desarraigados."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McAlpine, Dave

Following a brief discussion of the origins of the Chicanos in the Midwest, this paper surveys and quotes at length from several Spanish language periodicals produced in the Midwest between 1925 and the early 1980s. Discussion of the Chicano origins in the Midwest touches on emigration resulting from the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1917, the…

Index to Journal of the Midwest History of Education Society, Volume 25, No. 2, 1998 (for Volumes 1-25, 1972-1998)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hanna, Robert C.

1998-01-01

This issue of the Journal of the Midwest History of Education Society provides a cumulative index from Volume 1, No. 1 (1972) through Volume 25, No. 1 (1998). Also included are the history of the Midwest History of Education Society, starting with its founding in 1966 (in Editor's Foreword); Officers of the Midwest History of Education Society…

Contamination Assessment Report, Site 26-6: Basin F. Version 3.3. Phase 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-05-01

88173R02 AD-A2 7 5 700 -’ lEtUIUI LITIGATION TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND SERVICES Rocky Mountain Arsenal DTIC r ELECTF- FINAL PHASE I Q FEB7 1994...PREPARED BY ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, INC. Harding Lawson Associates Midwest Research Institute (Prepared under Task 19) Rocky- Mountain ...Arspn• FILE COP y Information Center PREPARED FOR Commerce City, Colorad U.S. ARMY PROGRAM MANAGER’S OFFICE FOR ROCKY MOUNTAIN ARSENAL THE INFORMATION

75 FR 3228 - Notice of Commission Staff Attendance at Midwest ISO Meetings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-20

.... Docket No. ER08-1043, Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. Docket No. ER08-1074... Transmission System Operator, Inc. Docket No. ER09-1074, Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc...

The Changing Midwest Assessment: land cover, natural resources, and people

Treesearch

Robert Potts; Eric Gustafson; Susan I. Stewart; Frank R. Thompson; Kathleen Bergen; Daniel G. Brown; Roger Hammer; Volker Radeloff; David Bengston; John Sauer; Brian Sturtevant

2004-01-01

Documents changes in land cover, forests, selected natural resources, and human demographics and attitudes across the Midwest from roughly 1980 to 2000. The changing Midwest assessment: data and shapefiles are available from the Forest Service Research Data Archive....

Identifying Decision Support Tools to Bridge Climate and Agricultural Needs in the Midwest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, B. L.; Kluck, D. R.; Hatfield, J.; Black, C.; Kellner, O.; Woloszyn, M.; Timlin, M. S.

2015-12-01

Climate monitoring tools designed to help stakeholders reduce climate impacts have been developed for the primary Midwest field crops of corn and soybean. However, the region also produces vital livestock and specialty crops that currently lack similar climate monitoring and projection tools. In autumn 2015, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) and Midwestern Regional Climate Center (MRCC) partnered with the US Department of Agriculture's Midwest Climate Hub to convene agriculture stakeholders, climate scientists, and climate service specialists to discuss climate impacts and needs for these two, often under-represented, sectors. The goals of this workshop were to (1) identify climate impacts that specialty crops and livestock producers face within the Midwest, (2) develop an understanding of the types of climate and weather information and tools currently available in the Midwest that could be applied to decision making, and (3) discover the types of climate and weather information and tools needed to address concerns of specialty crop and livestock commodities across the Midwest. This presentation will discuss the workshop and provide highlights of the outcomes that developed into strategic plans for the future to better serve these sectors of agriculture in the Midwest.

Development and Implementation of the Midwest Geological Sequestration Consortium CO 2-Technology Transfer Center

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

Greenberg, Sallie E.

2015-06-30

In 2009, the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS), in collaboration with the Midwest Geological Sequestration Consortium (MGSC), created a regional technology training center to disseminate carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology gained through leadership and participation in regional carbon sequestration projects. This technology training center was titled and branded as the Sequestration Training and Education Program (STEP). Over the last six years STEP has provided local, regional, national, and international education and training opportunities for engineers, geologists, service providers, regulators, executives, K-12 students, K-12 educators, undergraduate students, graduate students, university and community college faculty members, and participants of community programsmore » and functions, community organizations, and others. The goal for STEP educational programs has been on knowledge sharing and capacity building to stimulate economic recovery and development by training personnel for commercial CCS projects. STEP has worked with local, national and international professional organizations and regional experts to leverage existing training opportunities and provide stand-alone training. This report gives detailed information on STEP activities during the grant period (2009-2015).« less

75 FR 3225 - Notice of Commission Staff Attendance at Organization of MISO States and Midwest ISO Meetings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-20

.... Docket No. ER08-1043, Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. Docket No. ER08-1074... Operator, Inc. Docket No. ER09-1074, Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. Docket No. ER09...

76 FR 18213 - Ameren Services Company, Northern Indiana Public Service Company v. Midwest Independent...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-01

.... Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.; Great Lakes Utilities, Indiana Municipal Power Agency, Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission, Missouri River Energy Services, Prairie... Independent Transmission System Operator, Operator, Inc.; Wabash Valley Power Association, Inc. v. Midwest...

78 FR 13334 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-27

.... Docket Numbers: ER13-940-000. Applicants: Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. Description: Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. submits Notice of Termination of Generator....m. ET 3/8/13. Docket Numbers: ER13-945-000. Applicants: Midwest Independent Transmission System...

76 FR 5799 - Prairie Power, Inc.; Notice of Filing

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-02

.... (Midwest ISO) Schedule 2, for reactive supply and voltage control service from certain of its owned... and Midwest ISO requirements for the provision of reactive supply and voltage control under Schedule 2 of the Midwest ISO Open Access Transmission, Energy, and Operating Reserve Markets Tariff, including...

7 CFR 1030.2 - Upper Midwest marketing area.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 9 2014-01-01 2013-01-01 true Upper Midwest marketing area. 1030.2 Section 1030.2 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS AND ORDERS; MILK), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MILK IN THE UPPER MIDWEST MARKETING AREA Order...

7 CFR 1030.2 - Upper Midwest marketing area.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 9 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Upper Midwest marketing area. 1030.2 Section 1030.2 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (MARKETING AGREEMENTS AND ORDERS; MILK), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MILK IN THE UPPER MIDWEST MARKETING AREA Order...

7 CFR 1030.2 - Upper Midwest marketing area.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 9 2010-01-01 2009-01-01 true Upper Midwest marketing area. 1030.2 Section 1030.2 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements and Orders; Milk), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MILK IN THE UPPER MIDWEST MARKETING AREA Order...

7 CFR 1030.2 - Upper Midwest marketing area.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 9 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Upper Midwest marketing area. 1030.2 Section 1030.2 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements and Orders; Milk), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MILK IN THE UPPER MIDWEST MARKETING AREA Order...

7 CFR 1030.2 - Upper Midwest marketing area.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 9 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Upper Midwest marketing area. 1030.2 Section 1030.2 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Marketing Agreements and Orders; Milk), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE MILK IN THE UPPER MIDWEST MARKETING AREA Order...

MIDWEST PROGRAM ON AIRBORNE TELEVISION INSTRUCTION -- A REGIONAL EXPLORATION IN EDUCATION.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

IVEY, JOHN E.; AND OTHERS

STARTING IN FEBRUARY 1961, THE MIDWEST PROGRAM ON AIRBORNE TELEVISION INSTRUCTION (MPATI) TRANSMITTED COURSES IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES, SCIENCE, ARITHMETIC, ART, THE HUMANITIES, MUSIC, SOCIAL STUDIES, AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS TO 18 SCHOOLS IN THE MIDWEST. THE AIRBORNE TELECAST OPERATED OVER NORTH CENTRAL INDIANA AND TRANSMITTED COURSES OVER AN AREA…

77 FR 62535 - Hydro Aluminum North America, Inc., Midwest Region, Including On-Site Leased Workers From...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-10-15

... Aluminum North America, Inc., Midwest Region, Including On- Site Leased Workers From Employment Group, Aerotek, and Manpower, Kalamazoo, Michigan; Hydro Aluminum North America, Inc., Midwest Region, Including... Aluminum North America, Inc., Kalamazoo, Michigan. The subject worker group includes on-site leased workers...

Population Redistribution in the Midwest.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roseman, Curtis C., Ed.; And Others

The nine chapters in the book focus on the 1970s' metropolitan to nonmetropolitan migration stream and address both population patterns and processes and the impacts and policy issues associated with the resulting population redistribution in the Midwest. Peter A. Morrison places the Midwest in the national context of changing population structure…

Mitigation strategies and unforseen consequences: A systematic assessment of the adaption of upper midwest agriculture to future climate change

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

Doering, O.; Lowenberg-DeBoer, J.; Habeck, M.

1997-12-31

Our starting point is the assumption of global climate change that doubles CO{sub 2} in the Upper Midwest by 2050. This work then concentrates on determining agriculture in the Upper Midwest successfully adapts to such a climate change.

Energy aspects of solid waste management: Proceedings

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

Not Available

1990-12-31

The Eighteenth Annual Illinois Energy Conference entitled ``Energy Aspects of Solid Waste Management`` was held in Chicago, Illinois on October 29--30, 1990. The conference program was developed by a planning committee that drew upon Illinois energy and environmental specialists from the major sectors including energy industries, environmental organizations, research universities, utility companies, federal, state and local government agencies, and public interest groups. Within this framework, the committee identified a number of key topic areas surrounding solid waste management in Illinois which were the focus of the conference. These issues included: review of the main components of the solid waste cyclemore » in the Midwest and what the relative impact of waste reduction, recycling, incineration and land disposal might be on Illinois` and the Midwest`s solid waste management program. Investigation of special programs in the Midwest dealing with sewage sludge, combustion residuals and medical/infectious wastes. Review of the status of existing landfills in Illinois and the Midwest and an examination of the current plans for siting of new land disposal systems. Review of the status of incinerators and waste-to-energy systems in Illinois and the Midwest, as well as an update on activities to maximize methane production from landfills in the Midwest.« less

Stability of loess

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lutenegger, A.J.; Hallberg, G.R.

1988-01-01

Lutenegger, A.J. and Hallberg, G.R., 1988. Stability of loess. Eng. Geol., 25: 247-261. The natural stability of loess soils can be related to fundamental geotechnical properties such as Atterberg limits, water content and void ratio. Field observations of unstable conditions in loess deposits in the upper midwest, U.S.A. show relationships between instability and the in situ moisture content and the liquidity index of the loess. Unstable loess can attain natural moisture contents equal to, or greater than, its liquid limit. Implications of these observations for applied engineering works are described. ?? 1988.

77 FR 58823 - Interstate Power and Light Company v. ITC Midwest, LLC, Notice of Complaint

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-24

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL12-104-000] Interstate Power and Light Company v. ITC Midwest, LLC, Notice of Complaint Take notice that on September 14, 2012... Light Company (Complainant) filed a formal complaint against ITC Midwest, LLC (Respondent) alleging that...

Alternative Fuels Data Center: Smith Dairy Deploys Natural Gas Vehicles and

Science.gov Websites

Fueling Infrastructure in the Midwest Smith Dairy Deploys Natural Gas Vehicles and Fueling Infrastructure in the Midwest to someone by E-mail Share Alternative Fuels Data Center: Smith Dairy Deploys Data Center: Smith Dairy Deploys Natural Gas Vehicles and Fueling Infrastructure in the Midwest on

Webb Telescope Passes Important Optical Test on This Week @NASA – May 5, 2017

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-05-05

NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has successfully passed the center of curvature test at Goddard Space Flight Center, in Greenbelt, Md. This important optical measurement of Webb’s fully assembled primary mirror was the final test held at Goddard before the telescope is shipped off for end-to-end cryogenic testing at Johnson Space Center in Houston. When that’s complete, the world’s most advanced observatory goes to Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems in Redondo Beach, California, for final assembly and testing. Webb is targeted for launch in 2018 on a mission to help unravel some of the greatest mysteries of the universe. Also, Cassini Update, NASA Visits Midwest Company Helping Build Orion, Orion’s Launch Abort System Motor Tested, Wind Tunnel Tests Continue with SLS, and Community College Aerospace Scholars!

Analysis of the Midwest Medical Union Catalog. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Olson, Paul E.; Pletzke, Chester J.

A cost-benefit analysis of the 43-library, 260,000-title Midwest Medical Union Catalog (MMUC) of books, conducted from June, 1973, through May, 1975, under a grant from the National Library of Medicine, studied the 49-year-old catalog in the context of the interlibrary loan activity of the Midwest Health Science Library Network. The study tested…

The Robert E. Hopkins Center for Optical Design and Engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zavislan, James M.; Brown, Thomas G.

2008-08-01

In 1929, a grant from Eastman Kodak and Bausch and Lomb established The Institute of Optics as the nation's first academic institution devoted to training optical scientists and engineers. The mission was 'to study light in all its phases', and the curriculum was designed to educate students in the fundamentals of optical science and build essential skills in applied optics and optical engineering. Indeed, our historic strength has been a balance between optical science and engineering--we have alumni who are carrying out prize-winning research in optical physics, alumni who are innovative optical engineers, and still other alumni who are leaders in the business community. Faculty who are top-notch optical engineers are an important resource to optical physics research groups -- likewise, teaching and modeling excellent optical science provides a strong underpinning for students on the applied/engineering end of the spectrum. This model -an undergraduate and graduate program that balances fundamental optics, applied optics, and optical engineering- has served us well. The impressive and diverse range of opportunities for our BS graduates has withstood economic cycles, and the students graduate with a healthy dose of practical experience. Undergraduate advisors, with considerable initiative from the program coordinator, are very aggressive in pointing students toward summer research and engineering opportunities. The vast majority of our undergraduate students graduate with at least one summer of experience in a company or a research laboratory. For example, 95% of the class of 2008 spent the summer of 2007 at companies and/or research laboratories: These include Zygo, NRL, Bausch and Lomb, The University of Rochester(The Institute of Optics, Medical Center, and Laboratory for Laser Energetics), QED, ARL Night Vision laboratories, JPL, Kollsman, OptiMax, Northrup Grumman, and at least two other companies. It is an impressive list, and bodes well for the career preparation for these students. While this extracurricular experience is truly world-class, an integrated design experience defined within our academic program is increasingly necessary for those going on to professional careers in engineering. This paper describes the philosophy behind a revision to our undergraduate curriculum that integrates a design experience and describes the engineering laboratory that has been established to make it a reality. The laboratory and design center has been named in honor of Robert E. Hopkins, former director and professor, co-founder of Tropel corporation, and a lifelong devotee to engineering innovation.

Optical systems engineering - A tutorial

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wyman, C. L.

1979-01-01

The paper examines the use of the systems engineering approach in the design of optical systems, noting that the use of such an approach which involves an integrated interdisciplinary approach to the development of systems is most appropriate for optics. It is shown that the high precision character of optics leads to complex and subtle effects on optical system performance, resulting from structural, thermal dynamical, control system, and manufacturing and assembly considerations. Attention is given to communication problems that often occur among users and optical engineers due to the unique factors of optical systems. It is concluded that it is essential that the optics community provide leadership to resolve communication problems and fully formalize the field of optical systems engineering.

76 FR 64425 - Union Pacific Railroad Company-Abandonment Exemption-in Pottawattamie County, IA; Iowa Interstate...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-10-18

... trackage rights and UP's overhead trackage rights, UP will sell the UP lines to a shipper, Red Giant Oil Company (Red Giant), subject to a permanent access easement over the UP lines for another shipper, Midwest Walnut Company of Iowa (Midwest Walnut). Red Giant and Midwest Walnut are the only shippers on the UP...

Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment: From Theory to Practice in the Early Grades: The Effects of Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment on Mathematics Achievement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schmidt, Elise A.

2014-01-01

Following identification as the school district with the highest special education population in Midwest County, the Midwest School District took bold measures to address the issue. In partnership with the Midwest Intermediate School District, educators trained all kindergarten and first grade teachers in Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment (FIE)…

Methodologies Used by Midwest Region States for Studying Teacher Supply and Demand. Issues & Answers. REL 2009-080

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lindsay, James J.; Wan, Yinmei; Gossin-Wilson, Will

2009-01-01

This report describes how state education agencies in the Midwest Region monitor teacher supply, demand, and shortage; details why they monitor these data; and offers estimates of the monetary costs incurred in performing such studies. This study responds to a request from state education agencies in the Midwest Region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,…

Energy aspects of solid waste management: Proceedings

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

Not Available

1990-01-01

The Eighteenth Annual Illinois Energy Conference entitled Energy Aspects of Solid Waste Management'' was held in Chicago, Illinois on October 29--30, 1990. The conference program was developed by a planning committee that drew upon Illinois energy and environmental specialists from the major sectors including energy industries, environmental organizations, research universities, utility companies, federal, state and local government agencies, and public interest groups. Within this framework, the committee identified a number of key topic areas surrounding solid waste management in Illinois which were the focus of the conference. These issues included: review of the main components of the solid waste cyclemore » in the Midwest and what the relative impact of waste reduction, recycling, incineration and land disposal might be on Illinois' and the Midwest's solid waste management program. Investigation of special programs in the Midwest dealing with sewage sludge, combustion residuals and medical/infectious wastes. Review of the status of existing landfills in Illinois and the Midwest and an examination of the current plans for siting of new land disposal systems. Review of the status of incinerators and waste-to-energy systems in Illinois and the Midwest, as well as an update on activities to maximize methane production from landfills in the Midwest.« less

Can Rural Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowships Provide Operative Experience Similar to Urban Programs?

PubMed

Ryan, James Patrick; Borgert, Andrew J; Kallies, Kara J; Carlson, Lea M; McCollister, Howard; Severson, Paul A; Kothari, Shanu N

2016-01-01

Operative experience in rural fellowship programs is largely unknown. The 2 of the most rural minimally invasive surgery (MIS)/bariatric fellowships are located in the upper Midwest. We hypothesized that these 2 programs would offer a similar operative experience to other U.S. programs in more urban locations. The 2011 to 2012 and 2012 to 2013 fellowship case logs from 2 rural Midwest programs were compared with case logs from 23 U.S. MIS/bariatric programs. All rural Midwest fellowship graduates completed a survey describing their fellowship experience and current practice. Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Setting included the 2 rural Midwest U.S. MIS/bariatric fellowship programs. Graduates from MIS/bariatric fellowship programs participated in the study. Mean volumes for bariatric, foregut, abdominal wall, small intestine, and hepatobiliary cases for rural Midwest fellows vs. other U.S. programs were 123.8 ± 23.7 vs. 150.2 ± 49.2 (p = 0.20); 44.3 ± 19.4 vs. 66.3 ± 35.5 (p = 0.18); 48.3 ± 28.0 vs. 57.9 ± 27.8 (p = 0.58); 11.3 ± 1.9 vs. 12.0 ± 8.7 (p = 0.58); and 55.0 ± 34.8 vs. 48.1 ± 42.6 (p = 0.63), respectively. Mean endoscopy volume was significantly higher among rural Midwest fellows (451.0 ± 395.2 vs. 99.7 ± 83.4; p = 0.05). All rural Midwest fellows reported an adequate number of cases as operating surgeon during fellowship. A total of 60% of fellows currently practice in a rural area. In all, 87% and 13% reported that their fellowship training was extremely or somewhat beneficial to their current practice, respectively. Rural MIS fellowship programs offer a similar operative experience to other U.S. programs. A greater volume of endoscopy cases was observed in rural Midwest fellowships. Copyright © 2016 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Student research laboratory for optical engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tolstoba, Nadezhda D.; Saitgalina, Azaliya; Abdula, Polina; Butova, Daria

2015-10-01

Student research laboratory for optical engineering is comfortable place for student's scientific and educational activity. The main ideas of laboratory, process of creation of laboratory and also activity of laboratory are described in this article. At ITMO University in 2013-2014 were formed a lot of research laboratories. SNLO is a student research (scientific) laboratory formed by the Department of Applied and computer optics of the University ITMO (Information Technologies of Mechanics and Optics). Activity of laboratory is career guidance of entrants and students in the field of optical engineering. Student research laboratory for optical engineering is a place where student can work in the interesting and entertaining scientific atmosphere.

Hierarchy curriculum for practical skills training in optics and photonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, XiaoDong; Wang, XiaoPing; Liu, Xu; Liu, XiangDong; Lin, YuanFang

2017-08-01

The employers in optical engineering fields hope to recruit students who are capable of applying optical principles to solve engineering problems and have strong laboratory skills. In Zhejiang University, a hierarchy curriculum for practical skill training has been constructed to satisfy this demand. This curriculum includes "Introductive practicum" for freshmen, "Opto-mechanical systems design", "Engineering training", "Electronic system design", "Student research training program (SRTP)", "National University Students' Optical-Science-Technology Competition game", and "Offcampus externship". Without cutting optical theory credit hours, this hierarchy curriculum provides a step-by-step solution to enhance students' practical skills. By following such a hierarchy curriculum, students can smoothly advance from a novice to a qualified professional expert in optics. They will be able to utilize optical engineering tools to design, build, analyze, improve, and test systems, and will be able to work effectively in teams to solve problems in engineering and design.

A qualitative inquiry of Latino immigrants' work experiences in the Midwest.

PubMed

Flores, Lisa Y; Mendoza, Monique M; Ojeda, Lizette; He, Yuhong; Meza, Rocio Rosales; Medina, Veronica; Ladehoff, Julie Wagner; Jordan, Shiloh

2011-10-01

Latino immigrants are the largest source of immigrant workers in the United States. In this study, 11 first-generation Latino immigrants (8 men, 3 women) living in the Midwest were interviewed about their work experiences. Interview data were analyzed using consensual qualitative research methods (Hill, Thompson, & Williams, 1997). Five domains associated with the data included work for survival and power, work for social connections, work as self-determination, work barriers in the Midwest, and access to work in the Midwest. We identify ways in which vocational psychologists can intervene to work effectively with Latino newcomers seeking employment in the United States and to support their transition into new settlement communities. Suggestions for future research with immigrant workers are discussed.

The Upper Midwest Health Study: industry and occupation of glioma cases and controls.

PubMed

Ruder, Avima M; Waters, Martha A; Carreón, Tania; Butler, Mary A; Calvert, Geoffrey M; Davis-King, Karen E; Waters, Kathleen M; Schulte, Paul A; Mandel, Jack S; Morton, Roscoe F; Reding, Douglas J; Rosenman, Kenneth D

2012-09-01

Understanding glioma etiology requires determining which environmental factors are associated with glioma. Upper Midwest Health Study case-control participant work histories collected 1995-1998 were evaluated for occupational associations with glioma. "Exposures of interest" from our study protocol comprise our a priori hypotheses. Year-long or longer jobs for 1,973 participants were assigned Standard Occupational Classifications (SOC) and Standard Industrial Classifications (SIC). The analysis file includes 8,078 SIC- and SOC-coded jobs. For each individual, SAS 9.2 programs collated employment with identical SIC-SOC coding. Distributions of longest "total employment duration" (total years worked in jobs with identical industry and occupation codes, including multiple jobs, and non-consecutive jobs) were compared between cases and controls, using an industrial hygiene algorithm to group occupations. Longest employment duration was calculated for 780 cases and 1,156 controls. More case than control longest total employment duration was in the "engineer, architect" occupational group [16 cases, 10 controls, odds ratio (OR) 2.50, adjusted for age group, sex, age and education, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-5.60]. Employment as a food processing worker [mostly butchers and meat cutters] was of borderline significance (27 cases, 21 controls, adjusted OR: 1.78, CI: 0.99-3.18). Among our exposures of interest work as engineers or as butchers and meat cutters was associated with increased glioma risk. Significant associations could be due to chance, because of multiple comparisons, but similar findings have been reported for other glioma studies. Our results suggest some possible associations but by themselves could not provide conclusive evidence. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Upper Midwest Health Study: Industry and Occupation of Glioma Cases and Controls

PubMed Central

Ruder, Avima M.; Waters, Martha A.; Carreón, Tania; Butler, Mary A.; Calvert, Geoffrey M.; Davis-King, Karen E.; Waters, Kathleen M.; Schulte, Paul A.; Mandel, Jack S.; Morton, Roscoe F.; Reding, Douglas J.; Rosenman, Kenneth D.

2015-01-01

Background Understanding glioma etiology requires determining which environmental factors are associated with glioma. Upper Midwest Health Study case–control participant work histories collected 1995–1998 were evaluated for occupational associations with glioma. “Exposures of interest” from our study protocol comprise our a priori hypotheses. Materials and Methods Year-long or longer jobs for 1,973 participants were assigned Standard Occupational Classifications (SOC) and Standard Industrial Classifications (SIC). The analysis file includes 8,078 SIC- and SOC-coded jobs. For each individual, SAS 9.2 programs collated employment with identical SIC-SOC coding. Distributions of longest “total employment duration” (total years worked in jobs with identical industry and occupation codes, including multiple jobs, and non-consecutive jobs) were compared between cases and controls, using an industrial hygiene algorithm to group occupations. Results Longest employment duration was calculated for 780 cases and 1,156 controls. More case than control longest total employment duration was in the “engineer, architect” occupational group [16 cases, 10 controls, odds ratio (OR) 2.50, adjusted for age group, sex, age and education, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–5.60]. Employment as a food processing worker [mostly butchers and meat cutters] was of borderline significance (27 cases, 21 controls, adjusted OR: 1.78, CI: 0.99–3.18). Conclusions Among our exposures of interest work as engineers or as butchers and meat cutters was associated with increased glioma risk. Significant associations could be due to chance, because of multiple comparisons, but similar findings have been reported for other glioma studies. Our results suggest some possible associations but by themselves could not provide conclusive evidence. PMID:22715102

Fiber optic controls for aircraft engines - Issues and implications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dasgupta, Samhita; Poppel, Gary L.; Anderson, William P.

1991-01-01

Some of the issues involved with the application of fiber-optic controls for aircraft engines in the harsh operating environment are addressed, with emphasis on fiber-optic temperature, pressure, position, and speed sensors. Criteria are established to evaluate the optical modulation technique, the sensor/control unit interconnection, and the electrooptic architecture. Single mode and polarization dependent sensor types, sensors which depend on the reflection and/or transmission of light through the engine environment, and intensity-based analog sensors are eliminated as a possible candidate for engine implementation. Fiber-optic harnesses tested for their optical integrity, temperature stability, and mechanical strength, exhibit a capacity to meet mechanical strength requirements and still gain a significant reduction in cable weight.

Thermal Conductivity Enhancement by Optical Phonon Sub-Band Engineering of Nanostructures Based on C and BN

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-09-01

Thermal Conductivity Enhancement by Optical Phonon Sub-Band Engineering of Nanostructures Based on C and BN DARPA CONTRACT MDA972-02-C-0044...AND SUBTITLE Thermal Conductivity Enhancement by Optical Phonon Sub-Band Engineering of Nanostructures Based on C and BN 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER 5b...Conductivity. Enhancement by Optical Phonon Sub-Bands Engineering in 3-D Nanostructures Based on C and BN Nanotubes" 1.3.1a. Phonon dynamics

Optical Science and Engineering. New Directions and Opportunities in Research and Education. NSF Workshop (Arlington, VA, May 23-24, 1994).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Science Foundation, Arlington, VA.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) workshop on Optical Science and Engineering was organized to examine approaches NSF could use to identify opportunities in optical science, engineering, and education that meet both the mission of NSF and its broader national goals. The workshop participants identified opportunities where optical science and…

Joint electrical engineering/physics course sequence for optics fundamentals and design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magnusson, Robert; Maldonado, Theresa A.; Black, Truman D.

2000-06-01

Optics is a key technology in a broad range of engineering and science applications of high national priority. Engineers and scientists with a sound background in this field are needed to preserve technical leadership and to establish new directions of research and development. To meet this educational need, a joint Electrical Engineering/Physics optics course sequence was created as PHYS 3445 Fundamentals of Optics and EE 4444 Optical Systems Design, both with a laboratory component. The objectives are to educate EE and Physics undergraduate students in the fundamentals of optics; in interdisciplinary problem solving; in design and analysis; in handling optical components; and in skills such as communications and team cooperation. Written technical reports in professional format are required, formal presentations are given, and participation in paper design contests is encouraged.

Influence of Science, Technology, and Engineering Curriculum on Rural Midwestern High School Student Career Decisions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Killingsworth, John

Low degree completion in technical and engineering degrees is a growing concern for policymakers and educators in the United States. This study was an examination of the behaviors of adolescents specific to career decisions related to technology and engineering. The central research question for this study was: do rural, Midwestern high school technical and engineering curricula serve to engage students sufficiently to encourage them to persist through high school while sustaining their interests in technology and engineering careers? Engaging students in technology and engineering fields is the challenge for educators throughout the country and the Midwest. Rural schools have the additional challenge of meeting those issues because of resource limitations. Students in three Midwestern schools were surveyed to determine the level of interest in technology and engineering. The generalized likelihood ratio test was used to overcome concerns for small sample sizes. Accounting for dependent variables, multiple independent variables are examined using descriptive statistics to determine which have greater influence on career decisions, specifically those related to technology and engineering. A typical science curriculum is defined for rural Midwestern high schools. This study concludes that such curriculum achieves the goal of maintaining or increasing student interest and engagement in STEM careers. Furthermore, those schools that incorporate contextual and experiential learning activities into the curriculum demonstrate increased results in influencing student career choices toward technology and engineering careers. Implications for parents, educators, and industry professionals are discussed.

Compact LED based LCOS optical engine for mobile projection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Wenzi; Li, Xiaoyan; Liu, Qinxiao; Yu, Feihong

2009-11-01

With the development of high power LED (light emitting diode) technology and color filter LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon) technology, the research on LED based micro optical engine for mobile projection has been a hot topic recently. In this paper one compact LED powered LCOS optical engine design is presented, which is intended to be embedded in cell phone, digital camera, and so on. Compared to DLP (digital light processor) and traditional color sequential LCOS technology, the color filter based LCOS panel is chosen for the compact optical engine, this is because only white LED is needed. To further decrease the size of the optical engine, only one specifically designed plastic free form lens is applied in the illumination part of the optical engine. This free form lens is designed so that it plays the roles of both condenser and integrator, by which the output light of LED is condensed and redistributed, and light illumination of high efficiency, high uniformity and small incident angle on LCOS is acquired. Besides PBS (polarization beam splitter), LCOS, and projection lens, the compact optical engine contains only this piece of free form plastic lens, which can be produced by plastic injection molding. Finally a white LED powered LCOS optical engine with a compact size of less than 6.6 cc can be acquired. With the ray tracing simulation result, the light efficiency analysis shows that the output flux is over 8.5 ANSI lumens and the ANSI uniformity of over 80%.

Reusable rocket engine optical condition monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wyett, L.; Maram, J.; Barkhoudarian, S.; Reinert, J.

1987-01-01

Plume emission spectrometry and optical leak detection are described as two new applications of optical techniques to reusable rocket engine condition monitoring. Plume spectrometry has been used with laboratory flames and reusable rocket engines to characterize both the nominal combustion spectra and anomalous spectra of contaminants burning in these plumes. Holographic interferometry has been used to identify leaks and quantify leak rates from reusable rocket engine joints and welds.

Introducing Optical Concepts in Electrical Engineering.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Daneshvar, K.; Coleman, R.

The expansion in the fields of optical engineering and optoelectronics has made it essential to introduce optical engineering concepts into undergraduate courses and curricula. Because of limits on the number of course requirements for the BS degree, it is not clear how these topics should be introduced without replacing some of the traditional…

Groundbreaking for the NACA’s Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory

NASA Image and Video Library

1941-01-21

Local politicians and National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) officials were on hand for the January 23, 1941 groundbreaking for the NACA’s Aircraft Engine Research Laboratory (AERL). The NACA was established in 1915 to coordinate the nation’s aeronautical research. The committee opened a research laboratory at Langley Field in 1920. By the late 1930s, however, European nations, Germany in particular, were building faster and higher flying aircraft. The NACA decided to expand with a new Ames Aeronautical Laboratory dedicated to high-speed flight and the AERL to handle engine-related research. The NACA examined a number of Midwest locations for its new engine lab before deciding on Cleveland. At the time, Cleveland possessed the nation’s most advanced airport, several key aircraft manufacturing companies, and was home to the National Air Races. Local officials were also able to broker a deal with the power company to discount its electricity rates if the large wind tunnels were operated overnight. The decision was made in October 1940, and the groundbreaking alongside the airport took place on January 23, 1941. From left to right: William Hopkins, John Berry, Ray Sharp, Frederick Crawford, George Brett, Edward Warner, Sydney Kraus, Edward Blythin, and George Lewis

Midwest Transportation Consortium : 2009 annual report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-12-02

In October 2008 the Midwest Transportation Consortium (MTC) began its : second of three years as a Tier I University Transportation Center (UTC). : Its theme, Transportation Safety through Improvements in Management : Information Systems, refle...

Midwest Transportation Consortium : 2010-2011 annual report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-01-01

In October 2010, the Midwest Transportation Consortium (MTC) began its fourth : year as a Tier I University Transportation Center (UTC). Our theme, Transportation : Safety through Improvements in Management Information Systems, continues to : r...

Midwest Transportation Consortium : 2009-2010 annual report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-01-01

In October 2009, the Midwest Transportation Consortium (MTC) began its third year : as a Tier I University Transportation Center (UTC). Its theme, Transportation Safety : through Improvements in Management Information Systems, reflects our stro...

Midwest Transportation Consortium : 2007-2008 annual report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-01-01

In October 2007, Iowa State Universitys Midwest Transportation Consortium (MTC) entered its : first year as a Tier I University Transportation Center (UTC) under the theme Transportation : Safety through Improvements in Management Information S...

Midwest Transportation Consortium : 2003-2004 annual report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-01-01

Introduction: The Midwest Transportation Consortium (MTC) recently completed its fifth year : of operation. In doing so, the consortium has established itself as an effective : network that promotes the education of future transportation professional...

Decisions at the water's edge: sustaining riparian landscapes in the midwest

Treesearch

Lynne M. Westphal; Michael E. Ostry

2006-01-01

This report highlights some of the results of a research program that examined several aspects of the riparian resources in the Midwest including the extent, use, and rehabilitation of riparian areas.

Midwest Transportation Consortium : 2004-2005 annual report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2005-01-01

Introduction: The Midwest Transportation Consortium (MTC) recently completed its sixth year of : operation. The MTC has become an established portion of the research and educational : programs at ISU and its partner universities. The MTC continues to...

Future Midwest Heat Waves in WRF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huber, M.; Buzan, J. R.; Yoo, J.

2017-12-01

We present heat stress results for the upper Midwest derived from convection resolving Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model simulations carried out for the RCP 8.5 Scenario and driven by Community Earth System Model (CESM) boundary conditions as part of the Indiana Climate Change Assessment. Using this modeling system we find widespread and severe increases in moist heat stress metrics in the Midwest by end of century. We detail scaling arguments that suggest our results are robust and not model dependent and describe potential health, welfare, and productivity implications of these results.

Optical Design and Engineering: Lessons Learned

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mouroulis, Pantazis

2005-01-01

This paper contains some recommendations for the optics curricula that seek to serve students intent on a career in optical engineering, as well as suggestions for the young professional embarking on such a career. It also illustrates the suggestions with some examples of actual optical systems.

Performance Evaluation of 40 cm Ion Optics for the NEXT Ion Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soulas, George C.; Haag, Thomas W.; Patterson, Michael J.

2002-01-01

The results of performance tests with two 40 cm ion optics sets are presented and compared to those of 30 cm ion optics with similar aperture geometries. The 40 cm ion optics utilized both NSTAR and TAG (Thick-Accelerator-Grid) aperture geometries. All 40 cm ion optics tests were conducted on a NEXT (NASA's Evolutionary Xenon Thruster) laboratory model ion engine. Ion optics performance tests were conducted over a beam current range of 1.20 to 3.52 A and an engine input power range of 1.1 to 6.9 kW. Measured ion optics' performance parameters included near-field radial beam current density profiles, impingement-limited total voltages, electron backstreaming limits, screen grid ion transparencies, beam divergence angles, and start-up transients. Impingement-limited total voltages for 40 cm ion optics with the NSTAR aperture geometry were 60 to 90 V lower than those with the TAG aperture geometry. This difference was speculated to be due to an incomplete burn-in of the TAG ion optics. Electron backstreaming limits for the 40 cm ion optics with the TAG aperture geometry were 8 to 19 V higher than those with the NSTAR aperture geometry due to the thicker accelerator grid of the TAG geometry. Because the NEXT ion engine provided beam flatness parameters that were 40 to 63 percent higher than those of the NSTAR ion engine, the 40 cm ion optics outperformed the 30 cm ion optics.

Midwest Transportation Consortium annual progress report : October 2000.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-10-01

From the Director: The Midwest Transportation Consortium (MTC), the University Transportation Center serving the states : of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, had a very successful first year of operation. The MTC is a : complex partnership invol...

Preparing tomorrow's transportation workforce : a Midwest summit.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-08-01

Preparing Tomorrows Transportation Workforce: A Midwest Summit, held April 2728, 2010, in Ames, Iowa, was one of several : regional transportation workforce development summits held across the United States in 2009 and 2010 as part of a coordin...

Midwest Transportation Consortium : 2006-2007 annual report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-01-01

Introduction: The Midwest Transportation Consortium (MTC) began year 8 by having the funding it receives from the Research and Innovative Technology Administration doubled, and by losing its regional grant to a consortium led by the University of Neb...

Midwest Transportation Consortium : 2005-2006 annual report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-01-01

Introduction: The Midwest Transportation Consortium (MTC) recently completed its seventh year of : operation. At this point, the MTC has become an established portion of the research and : educational programs at Iowa State University (ISU) and the M...

Celebrating 40 Years of the Midwest Nursing Research Society.

PubMed

Hershberger, Patricia E; Wynd, Christine A; Glass, Laurie K; O'Connell, Karen M; Fitzpatrick, Joyce J; Bergstrom, Nancy; Lusk, Sally Lechlitner

2017-05-01

The Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) recently held its 40th annual conference and celebrated four decades of nursing research in the Midwest. MNRS continues to be one of the largest nursing research societies in the United States. Over the years, a vast majority of programmatic initiatives included education and tangible support for novice and experienced nurse researchers. In this article, the background for development of MNRS is reviewed with examination of driving forces that led to its creation. Three past presidents, Dr. Joyce Fitzpatrick, the first President of MNRS (1980-1981); Dr. Nancy Bergstrom, the eighth President (1993-1995); and Dr. Sally Lusk, the 14th President (2005-2007), discuss challenges, opportunities, and the exceptional progress made toward fostering excellence in nursing research for the Midwest and contributing to nursing science on a national and global scale. Lessons from the past as well as opportunities for the future are addressed.

Fiber optic engine for micro projection display.

PubMed

Arabi, Hesam Edin; An, Sohee; Oh, Kyunghwan

2010-03-01

A novel compact optical engine for a micro projector display is experimentally demonstrated, which is composed of RGB light sources, a tapered 3 x 1 Fiber Optic Color Synthesizer (FOCS) along with a fiberized ball-lens, and a two dimensional micro electromechanical scanning mirror. In the proposed optical engine, we successfully employed an all-fiber beam shaping technique combining optical fiber taper and fiberized ball lens that can render a narrow beam and enhance the resolution of the screened image in the far field. Optical performances of the proposed device assembly are investigated in terms of power loss, collimating strength of the collimator assembly, and color gamut of the output.

Engine throat/nozzle optics for plume spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bickford, R. L.; Duncan, D. B.

1991-01-01

The Task 2.0 Engine Throat/Nozzle Optics for Plume Spectroscopy, effort was performed under the NASA LeRC Development of Life Prediction Capabilities for Liquid Propellant Rocket Engines program. This Task produced the engineering design of an optical probe to enable spectroscopic measurements within the SSME main chamber. The probe mounts on the SSME nozzle aft manifold and collects light emitted from the throat plane and chamber. Light collected by the probe is transferred to a spectrometer through a fiber optic cable. The design analyses indicate that the probe will function throughout the engine operating cycle and is suitable for both test stand and flight operations. By detecting metallic emissions that are indicative of component degradation or incipient failure, engine shutdown can be initiated before catastrophic failure. This capability will protect valuable test stand hardware and provide enhanced mission safety.

A Software Tool for Integrated Optical Design Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, Jim; Troy, Ed; DePlachett, Charles; Montgomery, Edward (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Design of large precision optical systems requires multi-disciplinary analysis, modeling, and design. Thermal, structural and optical characteristics of the hardware must be accurately understood in order to design a system capable of accomplishing the performance requirements. The interactions between each of the disciplines become stronger as systems are designed lighter weight for space applications. This coupling dictates a concurrent engineering design approach. In the past, integrated modeling tools have been developed that attempt to integrate all of the complex analysis within the framework of a single model. This often results in modeling simplifications and it requires engineering specialist to learn new applications. The software described in this presentation addresses the concurrent engineering task using a different approach. The software tool, Integrated Optical Design Analysis (IODA), uses data fusion technology to enable a cross discipline team of engineering experts to concurrently design an optical system using their standard validated engineering design tools.

Optical Closed-Loop Propulsion Control System Development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poppel, Gary L.

1998-01-01

The overall objective of this program was to design and fabricate the components required for optical closed-loop control of a F404-400 turbofan engine, by building on the experience of the NASA Fiber Optic Control System Integration (FOCSI) program. Evaluating the performance of fiber optic technology at the component and system levels will result in helping to validate its use on aircraft engines. This report includes descriptions of three test plans. The EOI Acceptance Test is designed to demonstrate satisfactory functionality of the EOI, primarily fail-safe throughput of the F404 sensor signals in the normal mode, and validation, switching, and output of the five analog sensor signals as generated from validated optical sensor inputs, in the optical mode. The EOI System Test is designed to demonstrate acceptable F404 ECU functionality as interfaced with the EOI, making use of a production ECU test stand. The Optical Control Engine Test Request describes planned hardware installation, optical signal calibrations, data system coordination, test procedures, and data signal comparisons for an engine test demonstration of the optical closed-loop control.

Durable fiber optic sensor for gas temperature measurement in the hot section of turbine engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tregay, George W.; Calabrese, Paul R.; Finney, Mark J.; Stukey, K. B.

1994-10-01

An optical sensor system extends gas temperature measurement capability in turbine engines beyond the present generation of thermocouple technology. The sensing element which consists of a thermally emissive insert embedded inside a sapphire lightguide is capable of operating above the melting point of nickel-based super alloys. The emissive insert generates an optical signal as a function of temperature. Continued development has led to an optically averaged system by combining the optical signals from four individual sensing elements at a single detector assembly. The size of the signal processor module has been reduced to overall dimensions of 2 X 4 X 0.7 inches. The durability of the optical probe design has been evaluated in an electric-utility operated gas turbine under the sponsorship of the Electric Power Research Institute. The temperature probe was installed between the first stage rotor and second stage nozzle on a General Electric MS7001B turbine. The combined length of the ceramic support tube and sensing element reached 1.5 inches into the hot gas stream. A total of over 2000 hours has been accumulated at probe operation temperatures near 1600 degree(s)F. An optically averaged sensor system was designed to replace the existing four thermocouple probes on the upper half of a GE F404 aircraft turbine engine. The system was ground tested for 250 hours as part of GE Aircraft Engines IR&D Optical Engine Program. Subsequently, two flight sensor systems were shipped for use on the FOCSI (Fiber Optic Control System Integration) Program. The optical harnesses, each with four optical probes, measure the exhaust gas temperature in a GE F404 engine.

Midwest Transportation Consortium annual progress report : October 2002.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-10-01

From the Director: For the past three years, the Midwest Transportation Consortium (MTC) has focused its efforts in : supporting the development and use of asset management systems in transportation. The MTCs main : focus is on human capital devel...

Organizational Contexts and Texts: The Redesign of the Midwest Bell Telephone Bill.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keller-Cohen, Deborah

1987-01-01

Offers a retrospective view of organizational factors affecting the redesign of the Midwest Bell Telephone Bill. Shows how financial considerations, organizational time frame, and employee training and experience influenced the bill's development process. (MM)

77 FR 56829 - Combined Notice of Filings #2

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-14

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Combined Notice of Filings 2 Take notice that the Commission received the following electric rate filings: Docket Numbers: ER12-1942-000. Applicants: Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. Description: Midwest Independent...

Study of the regulatory issues affecting truck freight movement in the Midwest.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-12-01

This project investigated regulatory issues that may affect or limit freight movement in Iowa and other Midwest states: Illinois, Kansas, : Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Current state regulations for the following are re...

Thermal Conductivity Enhancement by Optical Phonon Sub-Band Engineering of Nanostructures Based on C and BN

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-01-01

Thermal Conductivity Enhancement by Optical Phono n Sub-Band Engineering of Nanostructures Based on C and BN DARPA CONTRACT MDA972-02-C-0044... Engineering in 3-D Nanostructures Based on C an d BN Nanotubes " 1.3.1a. Phonon dynamics and thermal properties of zigzag carbon nanotubes Content I...Conductivity. Enhancement by Optical Phonon Sub-Bands Engineering in 3-D Nanostructure s Based on C and BN Nanotubes " . Here, the dynamics of the heat

Development of a socketed foundation for the Midwest Weak Post (MWP) v1.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-07-01

A socketed foundation was designed and evaluated for use with the Midwest Weak Post (MWP), Version 1. : Dynamic component testing was conducted on five different design configurations with varying embedment : depths, steel reinforcement, and soil con...

77 FR 53882 - Combined Notice of Filings #2

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-04

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Combined Notice of Filings 2 Take notice that the Commission received the following electric rate filings: Docket Numbers: ER12-1928-000. Applicants: Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. Description: Response of Midwest...

CITGO Petroleum Corporation and PDV Midwest Refining, LLC Settlement

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

CITGO Petroleum Corporation and PDV Midwest Refining, LLC (collectively, CITGO) have agreed to pay a $1,955,000 civil penalty, perform environmental projects totaling more than $2 million, and spend an estimated $42 million in injunctive relief to resolve.

Midwest Guardrail System (MGS) with southern yellow pine posts.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-09-01

The Midwest Guardrail System (MGS) has previously been approved for use with various alternative species of wood posts. However, Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) is the most common wood guardrail post material in the United States. The goal of this researc...

78 FR 14783 - Citizens Energy Task Force, Save Our Unique Lands (Complainants) v. Midwest Reliability...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-07

...) that the Midwest Reliability Organization has neglected its duty to preserve the reliability of the... [email protected] , or call (866) 208-3676 (toll free). For TTY, call (202) 502-8659. Comment Date...

Engaging Chinese International Undergraduate Students in the American University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ross, Heidi; Chen, Yajing

2015-01-01

Vincent Tinto's theory of academic and social integration provides a framework for investigating perceived problems associated with Chinese international students' engagement at a public research-intensive university in the U.S. Midwest ("Midwest" University). These "problems"--classroom silence, segregation and…

Midwest Regional Rail System : a transportation network for the 21st century

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-02-01

This report includes an assessment of and refinements to the Midwest Regional Rail System Plan published in August 1998. The report addresses an extensive range of issues, including infrastructure and operational requirements, level of travel market ...

Optical projects in the Clinic program at Harvey Mudd College

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Q.

2017-08-01

Clinic program is the senior capstone program at Harvey Mudd College (HMC). Multidisciplinary and industry-sponsored projects allow a team of students to solve a real-world problem over one academic year. Over its 50 plus years, Clinic program has completed numerous optics related projects. This report gives an overview of the Clinic program, reviews recent optical projects and discusses how this program supports the learning of the HMC engineering students. A few sample optical projects with more details are presented to provide an insight of what challenges that undergraduates can overcome. Students achieve learning within the optics discipline and the related engineering disciplines. The experiences in these optical projects indicate the great potential to bringing optical hands-on projects into the undergraduate level. Because of the general engineering curriculum at HMC, these projects often work the best with a multidisciplinary nature even if the core of the project is optically focused. Students gain leadership training, oral and written communication skills and experiences in team work. Close relationship with the sponsor liaisons allows for the students to gain skills in professional conduct, management of tight schedule and a specified budget, and it well prepares the students to their engineering practice. Optical projects have their own sets of specific challenges, so it needs to be chosen properly to match the undergraduate skill sets such as those of HMC engineering students.

Development of the Free-space Optical Communications Analysis Software (FOCAS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jeganathan, M.; Mecherle, G.; Lesh, J.

1998-01-01

The Free-space Optical Communications Analysis Software (FOCAS) was developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to provide mission planners, systems engineers and communications engineers with an easy to use tool to analyze optical communications link.

Evaluation and analysis of Texas biofuel supply chains originating in the United States Midwest and Brazil.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-05-01

This 2009 study, funded by the Southwest Region University Transportation Center, investigates : competing ethanol supply chains terminating in the State of Texas. Midwest corn ethanol and : Brazilian sugarcane ethanol constitute two sources of the b...

A data library management system for midwest FreightView and its data repository.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-03-01

Midwest FreightView (MWFV) and its associated data repository is part of a large multifaceted : effort to promote regional economic development throughout the Great Lakes : system. The main objective for the system is to promote sustainable maritime ...

78 FR 20907 - Combined Notice of Filings #2

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-08

... of Integrated Marketplace Readiness Metrics and Reversion Plan in compliance with the October 18.... Docket Numbers: ER13-1169-000. Applicants: Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. Description: Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. submits 2013-03-27 Attachment MM Clean Up...

SIX-YEAR TREND (1990-1995) OF WET MERCURY DEPOSITION IN THE UPPER MIDWEST, USA

EPA Science Inventory

Precipitation maxima occurences in the Upper Midwest in 1993 significantly affected total mercury concentrations and deposition as compared with 1990-92, 1994, and 1995. Methylmercury depositions strongly correlated with total mercury, major ions, and precepitation depth. Indepe...

77 FR 74840 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-18

.... Applicants: Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc., Northern Indiana Public Service Company. Description: Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. submits tariff filing per 35.17(b): 12-10... status of Wasatch Integrated Waste Management District. Filed Date: 12/10/12. Accession Number: 20121210...

77 FR 51988 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-28

...: Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. Description: SA 2294 Heritage Garden-ATC GIA J060... Revenues, True-Up Period Adjustment, Retail Rate Design, & CAISO Wholesale High Voltage Transmission Access.... Docket Numbers: ER12-2455-000. Applicants: Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc., Mid...

Architecture for fiber-optic sensors and actuators in aircraft propulsion systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glomb, W. L., Jr.

1990-01-01

This paper describes a design for fiber-optic sensing and control in advanced aircraft Electronic Engine Control (EEC). The recommended architecture is an on-engine EEC which contains electro-optic interface circuits for fiber-optic sensors. Size and weight are reduced by multiplexing arrays of functionally similar sensors on a pairs of optical fibers to common electro-optical interfaces. The architecture contains interfaces to seven sensor groups. Nine distinct fiber-optic sensor types were found to provide the sensing functions. Analysis revealed no strong discriminator (except reliability of laser diodes and remote electronics) on which to base a selection of preferred common interface type. A hardware test program is recommended to assess the relative maturity of the technologies and to determine real performance in the engine environment.

AnnAGNPS Model Application for the Future Midwest Landscape Study

EPA Science Inventory

The Future Midwest Landscape (FML) project is part of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s new Ecosystem Services Research Program, undertaken to examine the variety of ways in which landscapes that include crop lands, conservation areas, wetlands, lakes, and streams af...

Transportation Fuels Markets, Midwest and Rocky Mountain

EIA Publications

2017-01-01

A new study commissioned by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), finds that changes in North American energy markets over the past decade have strengthened the supply of transportation fuels including motor gasoline, distillates, and jet fuel in the Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions.

Teacher Leadership: Teacher Self-Assessment Tool

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Institutes for Research, 2017

2017-01-01

As interest in teacher leadership has grown, many leading organizations have developed tools and guidance to support schools, districts, and teacher leaders themselves. In collaboration and consultation with the Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest Educator Effectiveness Research Alliance, REL Midwest and the Center on Great Teachers and…

Utilization of western coal fly ash in construction of highways in the Midwest

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-03-01

Coal burning utilities in the Midwest are increasingly using sub-bituminous coal from Wyoming. These utilities typically produce fly ash, which, because of its high calcium oxide content, may be classified as Class C fly ash. These ashes are characte...

Biophysical impacts of climate-smart agriculture in the Midwest United States

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The potential impacts of climate change in the Midwest United States present unprecedented challenges to regional agriculture. In response to these challenges, a variety of climate-smart agricultural methodologies have been proposed to retain or improve crop yields, reduce agricultural greenhouse ga...

The Talent Search Model: Implications for Secondary School Reform.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

VanTassel-Baska, Joyce

1985-01-01

The Midwest Talent Search Project is an effort to identify and provide an appropriate accelerated curriculum for gifted secondary school students in the midwest. Many aspects of the project are discussed here, including testing, programming, benefits, and implications for curriculum reform. (Author/MCG)

77 FR 2972 - Thunder Bay Power Company, Thunder Bay Power, LLC, et al.

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-20

... Hydro, LLC. Dayton Fox River, LaSalle County, IL. P-2347-049 Midwest Hydro, Inc. Midwest Hydro, LLC... FR, Neenah Paper FR, Middle Appleton Dam Lower Fox River, LLC and N.E.W. LLC and N.E.W. Outagamie...

78 FR 9683 - Combined Notice of Filings #2

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-11

.... Applicants: Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. Description: 02-01-13 Errata filing Att O... p.m. ET 2/25/13. Docket Numbers: ER13-692-001. Applicants: Midwest Independent Transmission System... Mohawk Power Corporation, New York Independent System Operator, Inc. Description: Correction to...

Electro-optic architecture (EOA) for sensors and actuators in aircraft propulsion systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Glomb, W. L., Jr.

1989-01-01

Results of a study to design an optimal architecture for electro-optical sensing and control in advanced aircraft and space systems are described. The propulsion full authority digital Electronic Engine Control (EEC) was the focus for the study. The recommended architecture is an on-engine EEC which contains electro-optic interface circuits for fiber-optic sensors on the engine. Size and weight are reduced by multiplexing arrays of functionally similar sensors on a pair of optical fibers to common electro-optical interfaces. The architecture contains common, multiplex interfaces to seven sensor groups: (1) self luminous sensors; (2) high temperatures; (3) low temperatures; (4) speeds and flows; (5) vibration; (6) pressures; and (7) mechanical positions. Nine distinct fiber-optic sensor types were found to provide these sensing functions: (1) continuous wave (CW) intensity modulators; (2) time division multiplexing (TDM) digital optic codeplates; (3) time division multiplexing (TDM) analog self-referenced sensors; (4) wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) digital optic code plates; (5) wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) analog self-referenced intensity modulators; (6) analog optical spectral shifters; (7) self-luminous bodies; (8) coherent optical interferometers; and (9) remote electrical sensors. The report includes the results of a trade study including engine sensor requirements, environment, the basic sensor types, and relevant evaluation criteria. These figures of merit for the candidate interface types were calculated from the data supplied by leading manufacturers of fiber-optic sensors.

Dynamic traffic grooming with Spectrum Engineering (TG-SE) in flexible grid optical networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Xiaosong; Zhao, Yongli; Zhang, Jiawei; Wang, Jianping; Zhang, Guoying; Chen, Xue; Zhang, Jie

2015-12-01

Flexible grid has emerged as an evolutionary technology to satisfy the ever increasing demand for higher spectrum efficiency and operational flexibility. To optimize the spectrum resource utilization, this paper introduces the concept of Spectrum Engineering in flex-grid optical networks. The sliceable optical transponder has been proposed to offload IP traffic to the optical layer and reduce the number of IP router ports and transponders. We discuss the impact of sliceable transponder in traffic grooming and propose several traffic-grooming schemes with Spectrum Engineering (TG-SE). Our results show that there is a tradeoff among different traffic grooming policies, which should be adopted based on the network operator's objectives. The proposed traffic grooming with Spectrum Engineering schemes can reduce OPEX as well as increase spectrum efficiency by efficiently utilizing the bandwidth variability and capability of sliceable optical transponders.

Flight testing of a fiber optic temperature sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Finney, M. J.; Tregay, G. W.; Calabrese, P. R.

1993-01-01

A fiber optic temperature sensor (FOTS) system consisting of an optical probe, a flexible fiber optic cable, and an electro-optic signal processor was fabricated to measure the gas temperature in a turbine engine. The optical probe contained an emissive source embedded in a sapphire lightguide coupled to a fiber-optic jumper cable and was retrofitted into an existing thermocouple probe housing. The flexible fiber optic cable was constructed with 200 micron core, polyimide-coated fiber and was ruggedized for an aircraft environment. The electro-optic signal processing unit was used to ratio the intensities of two wavelength intervals and provided an analog output value of the indicated temperature. Subsequently, this optical sensor system was installed on a NASA Dryden F-15 Highly Integrated Digital Electronic Control (HIDEC) Aircraft Engine and several flight tests were conducted. Over the course of flight testing, the FOTS system's response was proportional to the average of the existing thermocouples sensing the changes in turbine engine thermal conditions.

Elementary education preservice teachers' understanding of biotechnology and its related processes.

PubMed

Chabalengula, Vivien Mweene; Mumba, Frackson; Chitiyo, Jonathan

2011-07-01

This study examined preservice teachers' understanding of biotechnology and its related processes. A sample comprised 88 elementary education preservice teachers at a large university in the Midwest of the USA. A total of 60 and 28 of the participants were enrolled in introductory and advanced science methods courses, respectively. Most participants had taken two integrated science courses at the college level. Data were collected using a questionnaire, which had open-ended items and which required participants to write the definitions and examples of the following terms: biotechnology, genetic engineering, cloning and genetically modified foods. The results indicate that preservice teachers had limited understanding of biotechnology and its related processes. The majority of the preservice teachers provided poor definitions, explanations, and examples of biotechnology, genetic engineering and genetically modified foods. Surprisingly, however, a moderate number of preservice teachers correctly defined cloning and provided correct examples of cloning. Implications for science teacher education, science curriculum, as well as recommendations for further research are discussed. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

78 FR 17391 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-03-21

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Combined Notice of Filings 1 Take notice that the Commission received the following electric rate filings: Docket Numbers: ER109-1997-000; ER10-1997-001. Applicants: Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. Description: Informational Response of The Midwest Independent...

Midwest U.S. Landscape Change to 2020 Driven by Biofuel Mandates

EPA Science Inventory

Meeting future biofuel targets set by the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA), without a loss of animal feedstock or grain for human consumption, will require a substantial increase in production of corn. The Midwest, which has the highest overall crop production ap...

Midwest FreightView and the Great Lakes Maritime Information Delivery System : a resource for the regional analysis of intermodal freight flows.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-03-01

Midwest FreightView and the Great Lakes Maritime Information Delivery System is a comprehensive data repository and information : clearinghouse in support of Great Lakes maritime commerce. This multifunctional resource integrated in a geographic info...

Submersed Aquatic Vegetation Modeling Output Online

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-11-01

La Grange Pool of the Upper Mississippi River System: U.S. Geologi- cal Survey Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin...information, please contact: Yao Yin1, Jim Rogala2, and Jason Rohweder3 USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Science Center 2630 Fanta Reed Road La Crosse, WI

The Ideological Foundations of Midwest Rural Education.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Theobald, Paul

A relationship exists between agrarian thought and the practice of formal schooling in the rural Midwest. Three traditions have shaped agrarian thinking about democracy and its application to social institutions, especially education. Fundamentalism, localism, and pastoralism have combined to form the ideological base for rural resistance to…

Teacher Contract Non-Renewal: Midwest, Rocky Mountains, and Southeast

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nixon, Andy; Dam, Margaret; Packard, Abbot L.

2012-01-01

This quantitative study investigated reasons that school principals recommend non-renewal of probationary teachers' contracts. Principal survey results from three regions of the US (Midwest, Rocky Mountains, & Southeast) were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U statistical procedures, while significance was tested applying a…

76 FR 5574 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-01

... Numbers: ER11-22-002. Applicants: Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. Description: Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. submits tariff filing per 35: H075 Compliance to be... per 35.17(b): Amendment to Revisions to Transmission Capacity Exchange Agreement to be effective 12/1...

Long-term hydrometeorological trends in the Midwest region based on a century long gridded hydrometeorological dataset and simulations from a macro-scale hydrology model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiu, C. M.; Hamlet, A. F.

2014-12-01

Climate change is likely to impact the Great Lakes region and Midwest region via changes in Great Lakes water levels, agricultural impacts, river flooding, urban stormwater impacts, drought, water temperature, and impacts to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Self-consistent and temporally homogeneous long-term data sets of precipitation and temperature over the entire Great Lakes region and Midwest regions are needed to provide inputs to hydrologic models, assess historical trends in hydroclimatic variables, and downscale global and regional-scale climate models. To support these needs a new hybrid gridded meteorological forcing dataset at 1/16 degree resolution based on data from co-op station records, the U. S Historical Climatology Network (HCN) , the Historical Canadian Climate Database (HCCD), and Precipitation Regression on Independent Slopes Method (PRISM) has been assembled over the Great Lakes and Midwest region from 1915-2012 at daily time step. These data were then used as inputs to the macro-scale Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) hydrology model, implemented over the Midwest and Great Lakes region at 1/16 degree resolution, to produce simulated hydrologic variables that are amenable to long-term trend analysis. Trends in precipitation and temperature from the new meteorological driving data sets, as well as simulated hydrometeorological variables such as snowpack, soil moisture, runoff, and evaporation over the 20th century are presented and discussed.

Experimental study on distributed optical fiber-based approach monitoring saturation line in levee engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Huaizhi; Li, Hao; Kang, Yeyuan; Wen, Zhiping

2018-02-01

Seepage is one of key factors which affect the levee engineering safety. The seepage danger without timely detection and rapid response may likely lead to severe accidents such as seepage failure, slope instability, and even levee break. More than 90 percent of levee break events are caused by the seepage. It is very important for seepage behavior identification to determine accurately saturation line in levee engineering. Furthermore, the location of saturation line has a major impact on slope stability in levee engineering. Considering the structure characteristics and service condition of levee engineering, the distributed optical fiber sensing technology is introduced to implement the real-time observation of saturation line in levee engineering. The distributed optical fiber temperature sensor system (DTS)-based monitoring principle of saturation line in levee engineering is investigated. An experimental platform, which consists of DTS, heating system, water-supply system, auxiliary analysis system and levee model, is designed and constructed. The monitoring experiment of saturation line in levee model is implemented on this platform. According to the experimental results, the numerical relationship between moisture content and thermal conductivity in porous medium is identified. A line heat source-based distributed optical fiber method obtaining the thermal conductivity in porous medium is developed. A DTS-based approach is proposed to monitor the saturation line in levee engineering. The embedment pattern of optical fiber for monitoring saturation line is presented.

Knowledge-based environment for optical system design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, R. Barry

1991-01-01

Optical systems are extensively utilized by industry government and military organizations. The conceptual design engineering design fabrication and testing of these systems presently requires significant time typically on the order of 3-5 years. The Knowledge-Based Environment for Optical System Design (KB-OSD) Program has as its principal objectives the development of a methodology and tool(s) that will make a notable reduction in the development time of optical system projects reduce technical risk and overall cost. KB-OSD can be considered as a computer-based optical design associate for system engineers and design engineers. By utilizing artificial intelligence technology coupled with extensive design/evaluation computer application programs and knowledge bases the KB-OSD will provide the user with assistance and guidance to accomplish such activities as (i) develop system level and hardware level requirements from mission requirements (ii) formulate conceptual designs (iii) construct a statement of work for an RFP (iv) develop engineering level designs (v) evaluate an existing design and (vi) explore the sensitivity of a system to changing scenarios. The KB-OSD comprises a variety of computer platforms including a Stardent Titan supercomputer numerous design programs (lens design coating design thermal materials structural atmospherics etc. ) data bases and heuristic knowledge bases. An important element of the KB-OSD Program is the inclusion of the knowledge of individual experts in various areas of optics and optical system engineering. This knowledge is obtained by KB-OSD knowledge engineers performing

MERCURY DEPOSITION AND WATER QUALITY IN THE UPPER MIDWEST, USA

EPA Science Inventory

Total wet mercury deposition was monitored weekly at six Upper-Midwest, USA sites for a period of six years, 1990-195, to assess temporal and spatial patterns, and contributions to surface waters. Annual wet mercury deposition averaged 7.4 g Hg/m2yr., showed significant variation...

MERCURY DEPOSITIOIN AND WATER QUALITY TRENDS IN THE UPPER MIDWEST, USA

EPA Science Inventory

Total wet mercur deposition was monitored weekly at six Upper-Midwest USA sites for a period of six years, 1990-95, to assess temporal and spatial pattern, and contributions to surface waters. Annual wet mercury deposition averaged 7.4 g Hg/m2yr., showed significant variations b...

Design of cable-to-post attachments for use in a non-proprietary, high-tension, cable median barrier.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-08-01

Cable median barriers are widely used across the country to prevent cross-median crashes. Several years ago, the Midwest States Pooled Fund Program contracted with the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility (MwRSF) to develop a new, non-proprietary, high-t...

76 FR 43682 - Shetek Wind Inc. Jeffers South, LLC Allco Renewable Energy Limited v. Midwest Independent...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-21

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL11-53-000] Shetek Wind Inc. Jeffers South, LLC Allco Renewable Energy Limited v. Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc...), Shetek Wind Inc., Jeffers South, LLC, and Allco Renewable Energy Limited (collectively Complainants...

AnnAGNPS Model Application for Nitrogen Loading Assessment for the Future Midwest Landscape Study

EPA Science Inventory

The Future Midwest Landscape (FML) project is part of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s new Ecosystem Services Research Program, undertaken to examine the variety of ways in which landscapes that include crop lands, conservation areas, wetlands, lakes, and streams af...

Proceedings of the Midwest Philosophy of Education Society, 1999-2000.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oliker, Michael A., Ed.

This proceedings of the Midwest Philosophy of Education Society contain two presidential addresses: "Separating School and State: An Analytical Polemic" (D. G. Smith); and "'Whither Now, Alfonse?': Beyond the Polemic (A Response to Smith)" (J. M. Fennell). The Proceedings contains the following papers from the 1999 meeting:…

Regional Consumer Magazines and the Ideal White Reader: Constructing and Retaining Geography as Text.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fry, Katherine

1994-01-01

Examines representations of nature and culture in the consumer magazines "Midwest Living,""Southern Living," and "Sunset." Finds distinct patterns in each that construct the Midwest, South, and West as cultural/geographic texts. Finds that the magazines' emphasis on advertising and tourism both obscures and…

Speech and Theatre Programs in Two Midwest Consortia.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Buzza, Bonnie Wilson

The official college catalogues of the 25 institutions comprising the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) and the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA) consortia were studied to provide descriptive information on the special needs and interests of smaller speech and theatre programs. Information on speech departments indicated three general…

77 FR 12898 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Midwest Securities Trust Company; Order Cancelling Clearing Agency...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-02

... the event any self-regulatory organization is no longer in existence or has ceased to do business in... SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34-66461; File No. 600-7] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Midwest Securities Trust Company; Order Cancelling Clearing Agency Registration February 24, 2012...

77 FR 12896 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; Midwest Clearing Corporation; Order Cancelling Clearing Agency...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-02

... Act provides that in the event any self- regulatory organization is no longer in existence or has... SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [Release No. 34-66458; File No. 600-9] Self-Regulatory Organizations; Midwest Clearing Corporation; Order Cancelling Clearing Agency Registration February 24, 2012. I...

Understanding the economic, environmental and energy consequences of the Panama Canal expansion on Midwest grain and agricultural exports.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-05-01

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) is currently building a third lock scheduled to open in 2014, significantly changing the capacity of the : canal for inter-ocean movements. Midwest specialty grain and agricultural product exporters will be directly a...

Expansion of the American elm restoration effort to the upper Midwest

Treesearch

James M. Slavicek

2007-01-01

The Forestry Sciences Laboratory, Northeastern Research Station, initiated a project in 2003 to restore the American elm in the state of Ohio. This effort has been expanded to the upper Midwest through establishment of a restoration site in Decorah, IA, Eagle Island, WI, and Hastings, MN.

76 FR 77993 - Combined Notice of Filings #1

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-15

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Combined Notice of Filings 1 Take notice that the Commission received the following electric corporate filings: Docket Numbers: EC12-44-000. Applicants: ITC Midwest LLC. Description: Section 203 Application of ITC Midwest LLC. Filed Date: 12/6/11. Accession Number: 20111206-5159. Comments...

77 FR 42300 - Notice of Commission Staff Attendance

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-18

... above-referenced meeting will be held at: MISO Headquarters, 720 City Center Drive, Carmel, IN 46032...Energy Service Company Docket No. EL11-30, E.ON Climate & Renewables North America, LLC v. Midwest... Transmission Company, LLC. Docket No. OA08-53, Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. For more...

77 FR 31004 - Notice of Commission Staff Attendance

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-24

...-referenced meeting will be held at: MISO Headquarters, 720 City Center Drive, Carmel, IN 46032. The above...Energy Service Company. Docket No. EL11-30, E.ON Climate & Renewables North America, LLC v. Midwest... Transmission Company, LLC. Docket No. OA08-53, Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. For more...

Teacher Contract Non-Renewal: Southeast and Midwest Principals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nixon, Andy; Packard, Abbot L; Dam, Margaret

2011-01-01

This quantitative study investigated reasons that school principals recommend non-renewal of probationary teachers' contracts. Principals in the Southeast and Midwest completed an emailed survey. The ordinal nature of the data gathered dictated that comparisons be made between groups using the Mann Whitney U. The study investigated the barriers…

Developing a Dataset to Assess Ecosystem Services in the Midwest, United States

EPA Science Inventory

There is an urgent need in the science community to enhance our understanding of the services provided by the ecosystems of the Midwestern United States. The following paper describes a method for creating an enhanced spatially explicit land cover for the Midwest. We constructed...

Long-term productivity in traditional, organic and low-input management systems of the Upper Midwest

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Traditional cropping practices in the Upper Midwest are marked by low-diversity and high tillage disturbance. Eight years of production were evaluated to determine potential benefits of adopting low-input and organic management practices on system productivity. Increased crop rotation diversity, red...

The Midwest State Archives Guide Project: Collateral Reports.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Evans, Max J.; And Others

This document comprises four reports related to the Midwest State Archives Guide Project. The first report, "Producing In-House Finding Aids and Administrative Reports: An Expanded Data Base Design," details an expanded SPINDEX database design that could be used to produce a variety of administrative reports. Specific examples are given…

Proceedings of the Midwest Philosophy of Education Society, 1995-1996.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oliker, Michael A., Ed.; Ellis, Charlesetta M., Ed.; Gutek, Gerald L., Ed.; Krolikowski, Walter P., Ed.; Campion, Kate, Ed.

These proceedings are composed of papers presented at the 1995 and 1996 Annual Meetings of the Midwest Philosophy of Education Society. Papers presented at the 1995 meeting included: "Dewey's Idea of 'Intelligent Sympathy' and the Development of the Ethical Self: Implications for Japanese Education" (Naoko Saito); "Using Dewey's…

Fiber optic (flight quality) sensors for advanced aircraft propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poppel, Gary L.

1994-01-01

Development of flight prototype, fiber-optic sensing system components for measuring nine sensed parameters (three temperatures, two speeds, three positions, and one flame) on an F404-400 aircraft engine is described. Details of each sensor's design, functionality, and environmental testing, and the electro-optics architecture for sensor signal conditioning are presented. Eight different optical sensing techniques were utilized. Design, assembly, and environmental testing of an engine-mounted, electro-optics chassis unit (EOU), providing MIL-C-1553 data output, are related. Interconnection cables and connectors between the EOU and the sensors are identified. Results of sensor/cable/circuitry integrated testing, and installation and ground testing of the sensor system on an engine in October 1993 and April 1994 are given, including comparisons with the engine control system's electrical sensors. Lessons learned about the design, fabrication, testing, and integration of the sensor system components are included.

Nature of Science and Decision-Making

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khishfe, Rola

2012-01-01

The study investigated the relationship of nature of science (NOS) instruction and students' decision-making (DM) related to a controversial socioscientific issue about genetically modified food. Participants were ninth-grade students in four intact sections (two regulars and two honors) in a public high school in the Midwest. All four groups were taught by their regular science teacher. The treatment comprised a four-week unit about genetic engineering. Two groups (one regular and one honors), referred to as comparison groups, received instruction in genetic engineering and how to formulate arguments and make decisions related to this controversial issue. The other two groups (one regular and one honors), referred to as treatment groups, received instruction in genetic engineering and how to apply NOS aspects as they formulate arguments and make decisions in relation to this controversial issue. Chi-square analyses showed significant differences between the comparison and the treatment groups in relation to the understandings of four NOS aspects. There were no differences in their decisions, but there were differences in their DM factors in the context of the controversial socioscientific issue about genetically modified food. These results are discussed in light of the relationship between students' understandings of NOS and their DM related to controversial socioscientific issues.

Enhanced and Tunable Optical Quantum Efficiencies from Plasmon Bandwidth Engineering in Bimetallic CoAg Nanoparticles (Open Access Publisher’s Version)

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-08-01

Engineering Engineering -- Faculty Publications and Other Works 8-2016 Enhanced and tunable optical quantum efficiencies from plasmon bandwidth engineering ...this and additional works at: http://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_matepubs Part of the Materials Science and Engineering Commons This Article is brought to...you for free and open access by the Engineering -- Faculty Publications and Other Works at Trace: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange. It has been

Information engineering

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

Hunt, D.N.

1997-02-01

The Information Engineering thrust area develops information technology to support the programmatic needs of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory`s Engineering Directorate. Progress in five programmatic areas are described in separate reports contained herein. These are entitled Three-dimensional Object Creation, Manipulation, and Transport, Zephyr:A Secure Internet-Based Process to Streamline Engineering Procurements, Subcarrier Multiplexing: Optical Network Demonstrations, Parallel Optical Interconnect Technology Demonstration, and Intelligent Automation Architecture.

Applied optics and optical engineering. Volume 9

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shannon, R. R.; Wyant, J. C.

This volume of the series continues the variety of articles which have appeared in the past two volumes. The range of topics runs from the most applied to some fairly complex theory. Basic algorithms for optical engineering are considered along with diffraction gratings, recording and reading of information on optical disks, and the perfect point spread function. An atlas is provided of the imagery which can be expected from telescopes, or other optical systems with nonconventional aperture shapes. A chapter on simulators collects descriptions of the principal types of visual simulators into one article. The optics of the eye is discussed with special emphasis on modern concepts such as contact lenses and automatic refraction. Attention is given to the theory which is of great interest to the applied optical engineer who needs to understand some of the fundamental relations and limitations on image formation by lenses.

An exploration of the biomedical optics course construction of undergraduate biomedical engineering program in medical colleges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Shijun; Lyu, Jie; Zhang, Peiming

2017-08-01

In this paper, the teaching goals, teaching contents and teaching methods in biomedical optics course construction are discussed. From the dimension of teaching goals, students should master the principle of optical inspection on the human body, diagnosis and treatment of methodology and instruments, through the study of the theory and practice of this course, and can utilize biomedical optics methods to solve practical problems in the clinical medical engineering practice. From the dimension of teaching contents, based on the characteristics of biomedical engineering in medical colleges, the organic integration of engineering aspects, medical optical instruments, and biomedical aspects dispersed in human anatomy, human physiology, clinical medicine fundamental related to the biomedical optics is build. Noninvasive measurement of the human body composition and noninvasive optical imaging of the human body were taken as actual problems in biomedical optics fields. Typical medical applications such as eye optics and laser medicine were also integrated into the theory and practice teaching. From the dimension of teaching methods, referencing to organ-system based medical teaching mode, optical principle and instrument principle were taught by teachers from school of medical instruments, and the histological characteristics and clinical actual need in areas such as digestive diseases and urinary surgery were taught by teachers from school of basic medicine or clinical medicine of medical colleges. Furthermore, clinical application guidance would be provided by physician and surgeons in hospitals.

ABET accreditation and optics and photonics engineering: an association whose time has come

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shoop, Barry L.; Robinson, Kathleen B.

2012-10-01

The growth and influence of optical and photonics engineering as a discipline warrants increased recognition within both academia and industry. In 2006, SPIE leadership made a strategic decision to pursue membership in ABET, Inc. to lead the profession in the establishment of ABET program criteria for optical and photonics engineering. In 2010, SPIE became a member society of ABET and in 2011 SPIE, in collaboration with our co-lead society IEEE, developed the program criteria for optical and photonics engineering. In this invited presentation we will review the rationale for pursuing ABET accreditation and the benefits of ABET accreditation, discuss the historical context leading to the current state, provide an overview of the process of developing the program specific criteria, and finally describe the way ahead.

Fractal vector optical fields.

PubMed

Pan, Yue; Gao, Xu-Zhen; Cai, Meng-Qiang; Zhang, Guan-Lin; Li, Yongnan; Tu, Chenghou; Wang, Hui-Tian

2016-07-15

We introduce the concept of a fractal, which provides an alternative approach for flexibly engineering the optical fields and their focal fields. We propose, design, and create a new family of optical fields-fractal vector optical fields, which build a bridge between the fractal and vector optical fields. The fractal vector optical fields have polarization states exhibiting fractal geometry, and may also involve the phase and/or amplitude simultaneously. The results reveal that the focal fields exhibit self-similarity, and the hierarchy of the fractal has the "weeding" role. The fractal can be used to engineer the focal field.

76 FR 71007 - Shetek Wind Inc., Jeffers South, LLC and Allco Renewable Energy Limited, Midwest Independent...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-16

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL11-53-000] Shetek Wind Inc., Jeffers South, LLC and Allco Renewable Energy Limited, Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator... an original and 14 copies of the protest or intervention to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission...

76 FR 75542 - Rail Splitter Wind Farm, LLC v. Ameren Services Company Midwest Independent Transmission, System...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-02

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL12-11-000] Rail Splitter Wind Farm, LLC v. Ameren Services Company Midwest Independent Transmission, System Operator, Inc...) Rules of Practice and Procedures, 18 CFR 385.206, Rail Splitter Wind Farm, LLC (Rail Splitter or...

Contradictory Literacy Practices of Mexican-Background Students: An Ethnography From the Rural Midwest

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Godina, Heriberto

2004-01-01

This ethnographic study explores the contradictory literacy practices of 10 high school students of Mexican background from the rural Midwest. The author uses the term "Mexican background" to encompass both settled Mexican Americans and recent-immigrant Mexicanos. Literacy is investigated through English and Spanish in a sociocultural…

77 FR 24950 - Midwest Independent Transmission, System Operator, Inc.; Supplemental Notice of Technical Conference

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-26

... Conference. The Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. (MISO) and/or Potomac Economics, Inc... MWs? 4. MISO states that ``[i]n principle, voltage issues would be modeled using thermal constraints... committed? Please explain. b. Can units committed based on economics in the SCUC and SCED processes be...

Proceedings of the Midwest Philosophy of Education Society, 1997-1998.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oliker, Michael A., Ed.; Blacker, David, Ed.; Cunningham, Craig, Ed.; Stark, Thomas I., Ed.

These proceedings are composed of the papers presented at the 1997 and 1998 Annual Meetings of the Midwest Philosophy of Education Society. The 1997 papers include: "The Role of Cognitive Science in Philosophy of Education" (Jerome A. Popp); "On Accountability and Accreditation in Teacher Education: A Plea for Alternatives"…

Genetic Variation of 17 Wild Yellow Perch Populations from the Midwest and East Coast Analyzed Via Microsatellites

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

We used microsatellite loci, including seven newly developed by us, to analyze the population genetic structure of wild yellow perch Perca flavescens from 17 sampling areas in the Upper Midwest and East Coast of the United States. Our results revealed greater genetic differentiation and finer-scale ...

Faculty Ratings as a Measure of Administrator Quality. AIR Forum 1981 Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hengstler, Dennis D.; And Others

The reliability, factor structure, and discriminatory power of faculty perceptions of the performance of departmental administrators were investigated, using the Administrator Evaluation Survey (AES) developed at the University of Illinois. Faculty from a major research university in the midwest, a smaller state university in the midwest, and a…

USDA Midwest and Northern Forests Regional Climate Hub: Assessment of climate change vulnerability and adaptation and mitigation strategies

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The Midwest Regional Climate Hub covers the States of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin and represents one of the most extensive and intensive agricultural systems in the world. The Northern Forests Climate Sub Hub shares this footprint and represents people...

Nitrogen fertilization for young established hybrid hazelnuts in the Upper Midwest of the USA

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Hybrids of Corylus avellana, C. americana, and C. cornuta are proposed as a new crop for the Upper Midwest. Anecdotal information from midwestern growers suggests that these hybrid hazelnuts have high N requirements, but this has not been confirmed in replicated trials. Current nitrogen (N) recommen...

MASH test nos. 3-11 and 3-10 on a non-proprietary cable median barrier.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-05-17

The Midwest States Pooled Fund has been developing a new non-proprietary cable median barrier. This system : incorporates four evenly spaced cables, Midwest Weak Posts spaced at 8 to 16 ft (2.4 to 4.9 m) intervals, and a bolted, : tabbed bracket to a...

Wood-plastic composites utilizing wood flours derived from fast- growing trees common to the midwest

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

There are several non- or under-utilized hardwood trees common to the Midwestern states. Wood flour (WF) derived from fast-growing Midwest trees (Osage orange, Black Locust and Red Mulberry) were evaluated as a source of bio-based fiber reinforcements. Wood plastic composites (WPC) of high density p...

Exploring the Special Education versus Regular Education Decisions of Future Teachers in the Rural Midwest

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeSutter, Keri L.; Lemire, Steven Dale

2016-01-01

Persistent shortages of special education teachers, particularly in rural areas, exist across the country. This study assessed the openness of teacher candidates enrolled in an introductory education course at two rural Midwest universities to a special education career path. Survey findings confirmed that work or volunteer experience involving…

77 FR 1928 - Notice of Commission Staff Attendance at MISO Meetings

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-01-12

.... Docket No. EC10-39, American Transmission Company, LLC. Docket No. EL10-41, Tatanka Wind Power, LLC v... Transmission System Operator, Inc. Order Nos. 693 and 693-A, Mandatory Reliability Standards for Bulk- Power... Municipal Power Agency and Midwest Municipal Transmission Group, Inc. Docket No. OA08-53, Midwest...

77 FR 30522 - Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.; ALLETE, Inc.; Ameren Illinois Company...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-23

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL12-35-000] Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.; ALLETE, Inc.; Ameren Illinois Company; Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois; American Transmission Company, LLC; Big Rivers Electric Corporation; Board of Water, Electric and Communications Trustees of the...

Proceedings of the Midwest Philosophy of Education Society, 1993-1994.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stickel, George W., Ed.; Owen, David B., Ed.

These proceedings are composed of papers presented at the 1993 and 1994 Annual Meetings of the Midwest Philosophy of Education Society. The collection is divided into four parts. Part 1 includes: "Failure, Philosophy of Education, and the Music of the Spheres" (David B. Owen); "What Has Philosophy of Education Come To?"…

Factors Affecting the Job Satisfaction of Latino/a Immigrants in the Midwest

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Valdivia, Corinne; Flores, Lisa Y.

2012-01-01

This study examined the job satisfaction of 253 Latino/a newcomers in three rural communities in the Midwest. Specifically, the authors explored the effects of ethnic identity, Anglo acculturation, Latino/a acculturation, perceptions of the community (social relations, discrimination/racism, and language pressures), job tenure, work hours, and…

Adaptation resources for agriculture: responding to climate variability and change in the midwest and northeast

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This report is intended to provide perspective, information, and tools to support agricultural producers in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the U.S. in responding to climate variability and change. Climate change adaptation can be broadly defined to include all adjustments, both planned and unp...

76 FR 18212 - E.ON Climate & RenewablesNorth America, LLC, et al. v. Midwest Independent Transmission System...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-01

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL11-30-000] E.ON Climate & RenewablesNorth America, LLC, et al. v. Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.; Notice of... comprised of Clipper Windpower Development Co., Inc., E.ON Climate & Renewables North America, LLC, Horizon...

MASH test nos. 3-17 and 3-11 on a non-proprietary cable median barrier.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-11-01

The Midwest States Pooled Fund has been developing a new design for a non-proprietary high-tension cable median barrier. This new system incorporates four evenly spaced cables, Midwest Weak Posts (MWPs) spaced at 8 to 16 ft (2.4 to 4.9 m) intervals, ...

Comparison of performance of tile drainage routines in SWAT 2009 and 2012 in an extensively tile-drained watershed in Midwest

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Subsurface tile drainage systems are widely used in agricultural watersheds in the Midwestern U.S. Tile drainage systems enable the Midwest area to become highly productive agricultural lands, but can also create environmental problems, for example nitrate-N contamination associated with drainage w...

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

Cuttica, John; Haefke, Cliff

The Midwest Clean Energy Application Center (CEAC) was one of eight regional centers that promoted and assisted in transforming the market for combined heat and power (CHP), waste heat to power (WHP), and district energy (DE) technologies and concepts throughout the United States between October 1, 2009 and December 31, 2013. The key services the CEACs provided included: Market Opportunity Analyses – Supporting analyses of CHP market opportunities in diverse markets including industrial, federal, institutional, and commercial sectors. Education and Outreach – Providing information on the energy and non-energy benefits and applications of CHP to state and local policy makers,more » regulators, energy end-users, trade associations and others. Information was shared on the Midwest CEAC website: www.midwestcleanergy.org. Technical Assistance – Providing technical assistance to end-users and stakeholders to help them consider CHP, waste heat to power, and/or district energy with CHP in their facility and to help them through the project development process from initial CHP screening to installation. The Midwest CEAC provided services to the Midwest Region that included the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.« less

Adapting to warmer climate through prolonged maize grain filling period in the US Midwest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, P.; Zhuang, Q.; Jin, Z.

2017-12-01

Climate warming is expected to negatively impact the US food productivity. How to adapt to the future warmer environment and meet the rising food requirement becomes unprecedented urgent. Continuous satellite observational data provides an opportunity to examine the historic responses of crop plants to climate variation. Here 16 years crop growing phases information across US Midwest is generated based on satellite observations. We found a prolonged grain-filling period during 2000-2015, which could partly explain the increasing trend in Midwest maize yield. This longer grain-filling period might be resulted from the adoption of longer maturity group varieties or more resistant varieties to temperature variation. Other management practice changes like advance in planting date could be also an effective way of adapting future warmer climate through lowering the possibility of exposure to heat and drought stresses. If the progress in breeding technology enables the maize grain-filling period to prolong with the current rate, the maize grain filling length could be longer and maize yield in Midwest could adapt to future climate despite of the warming.

Optical system design, analysis, and production; Proceedings of the Meeting, Geneva, Switzerland, April 19-22, 1983

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogers, P. J.; Fischer, R. E.

1983-01-01

Topics considered include: optical system requirements, analysis, and system engineering; optical system design using microcomputers and minicomputers; optical design theory and computer programs; optical design methods and computer programs; optical design methods and philosophy; unconventional optical design; diffractive and gradient index optical system design; optical production and system integration; and optical systems engineering. Particular attention is given to: stray light control as an integral part of optical design; current and future directions of lens design software; thin-film technology in the design and production of optical systems; aspherical lenses in optical scanning systems; the application of volume phase holograms to avionic displays; the effect of lens defects on thermal imager performance; and a wide angle zoom for the Space Shuttle.

Current developments in optical engineering and commercial optics; Proceedings of the Meeting, San Diego, CA, Aug. 7-11, 1989

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fischer, Robert E. (Editor); Pollicove, Harvey M. (Editor); Smith, Warren J. (Editor)

1989-01-01

Various papers on current developments in optical engineering and commercial optics are presented. Individual topics addressed include: large optics fabrication technology drivers and new manufacturing techniques, new technology for beryllium mirror production, design examples of hybrid refractive-diffractive lenses, optical sensor designs for detecting cracks in optical materials, retroreflector field-of-view properties for open and solid cube corners, correction of misalignment-dependent aberrations of the HST via phase retrieval, basic radiometry review for seeker test set, radiation effects on visible optical elements, and nonlinear simulation of efficiency for large-orbit nonwiggler FELs.

A development optical course based on optical fiber white light interference

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Haili; Sun, Qiuhua; Zhao, Yancheng; Li, Qingbo

2017-08-01

The Michelson interferometer is a very important instrument in optical part for college physics teaching. But most students only know the instrument itself and don't know how to use it in practical engineering problems. A case about optical fiber white light interference based on engineering practice was introduced in the optical teaching of college physics and then designed a development course of university physical optics part. This system based on low-coherence white light interferometric technology can be used to measure distribution strain or temperature. It also could be used in the case of temperature compensation mode.This teaching design can use the knowledge transfer rule to enable students to apply the basic knowledge in the university physics to the new knowledge domain, which can promote the students' ability of using scientific methods to solve complex engineering problems.

All-optical nanomechanical heat engine.

PubMed

Dechant, Andreas; Kiesel, Nikolai; Lutz, Eric

2015-05-08

We propose and theoretically investigate a nanomechanical heat engine. We show how a levitated nanoparticle in an optical trap inside a cavity can be used to realize a Stirling cycle in the underdamped regime. The all-optical approach enables fast and flexible control of all thermodynamical parameters and the efficient optimization of the performance of the engine. We develop a systematic optimization procedure to determine optimal driving protocols. Further, we perform numerical simulations with realistic parameters and evaluate the maximum power and the corresponding efficiency.

All-Optical Nanomechanical Heat Engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dechant, Andreas; Kiesel, Nikolai; Lutz, Eric

2015-05-01

We propose and theoretically investigate a nanomechanical heat engine. We show how a levitated nanoparticle in an optical trap inside a cavity can be used to realize a Stirling cycle in the underdamped regime. The all-optical approach enables fast and flexible control of all thermodynamical parameters and the efficient optimization of the performance of the engine. We develop a systematic optimization procedure to determine optimal driving protocols. Further, we perform numerical simulations with realistic parameters and evaluate the maximum power and the corresponding efficiency.

Lipid Catabolism of Invertebrate Predator Indicates Widespread Wetland Ecosystem Degradation

PubMed Central

Anteau, Michael J.; Afton, Alan D.

2011-01-01

Animals frequently undergo periods when they accumulate lipid reserves for subsequent energetically expensive activities, such as migration or breeding. During such periods, daily lipid-reserve dynamics (DLD) of sentinel species can quantify how landscape modifications affect function, health, and resilience of ecosystems. Aythya affinis (Eyton 1838; lesser scaup; diving duck) are macroinvertebrate predators; they migrate through an agriculturally dominated landscape in spring where they select wetlands with the greatest food density to refuel and accumulate lipid reserves for subsequent reproduction. We index DLD by measuring plasma-lipid metabolites of female scaup (n = 459) that were refueling at 75 spring migration stopover areas distributed across the upper Midwest, USA. We also indexed DLD for females (n = 44) refueling on a riverine site (Pool 19) south of our upper Midwest study area. We found that mean DLD estimates were significantly (P<0.05) less than zero in all ecophysiographic regions of the upper Midwest, and the greatest negative value was in the Iowa Prairie Pothole region (-31.6). Mean DLD was 16.8 at Pool 19 and was markedly greater than in any region of the upper Midwest. Our results indicate that females catabolized rather than stored lipid reserves throughout the upper Midwest. Moreover, levels of lipid catabolism are alarming, because scaup use the best quality wetlands available within a given stopover area. Accordingly, these results provide evidence of wetland ecosystem degradation across this large agricultural landscape and document affects that are carried-up through several trophic levels. Interestingly, storing of lipids by scaup at Pool 19 likely reflects similar ecosystem perturbations as observed in the upper Midwest because wetland drainage and agricultural runoff nutrifies the riverine habitat that scaup use at Pool 19. Finally, our results underscore how using this novel technique to monitor DLD, of a carefully selected sentinel species, can index ecosystem health at a landscape scale. PMID:21283806

Lipid catabolism of invertebrate predator indicates widespread wetland ecosystem degradation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anteau, Michael J.; Afton, Alan D.

2011-01-01

Animals frequently undergo periods when they accumulate lipid reserves for subsequent energetically expensive activities, such as migration or breeding. During such periods, daily lipid-reserve dynamics (DLD) of sentinel species can quantify how landscape modifications affect function, health, and resilience of ecosystems. Aythya affinis (Eyton 1838; lesser scaup; diving duck) are macroinvertebrate predators; they migrate through an agriculturally dominated landscape in spring where they select wetlands with the greatest food density to refuel and accumulate lipid reserves for subsequent reproduction. We index DLD by measuring plasma-lipid metabolites of female scaup (n = 459) that were refueling at 75 spring migration stopover areas distributed across the upper Midwest, USA. We also indexed DLD for females (n = 44) refueling on a riverine site (Pool 19) south of our upper Midwest study area. We found that mean DLD estimates were significantly (P<0.05) less than zero in all ecophysiographic regions of the upper Midwest, and the greatest negative value was in the Iowa Prairie Pothole region (-31.6). Mean DLD was 16.8 at Pool 19 and was markedly greater than in any region of the upper Midwest. Our results indicate that females catabolized rather than stored lipid reserves throughout the upper Midwest. Moreover, levels of lipid catabolism are alarming, because scaup use the best quality wetlands available within a given stopover area. Accordingly, these results provide evidence of wetland ecosystem degradation across this large agricultural landscape and document affects that are carried-up through several trophic levels. Interestingly, storing of lipids by scaup at Pool 19 likely reflects similar ecosystem perturbations as observed in the upper Midwest because wetland drainage and agricultural runoff nutrifies the riverine habitat that scaup use at Pool 19. Finally, our results underscore how using this novel technique to monitor DLD, of a carefully selected sentinel species, can index ecosystem health at a landscape scale.

Exploration on the matching between Optical Comprehensive Design Experiment and Washington Accord

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Yiping; Chen, Wenjing; Zhang, Qican; Liu, Yuankun; Li, Dahai; Zhou, Xinzhi; Wei, Jun

2017-08-01

Common problems faced in optical comprehensive design experiment and going against the Washington Accord are pointed out. For resolving these problems, an instructional and innovative teaching scheme for Optics Comprehensive Design Experiment is proposed. We would like to understand the student that can improve the hands-on practical ability, theory knowledge understanding ability, complex problem solving ability, engineering application ability, cooperative ability after tracking and researching the student who have attended the class about Optical Comprehensive Design Experiment, We found that there are some problems on the course such as the experiment content vague, the student beginning less time, phase separation theory and engineering application, the experiment content lack of selectivity and so on. So we have made some improvements reference to the Washington Accord for the class teaching plan about Optical Comprehensive Design Experiment. This class must relevant to the engineering basic courses, professional foundation course and the major courses, so far as to the future study and work that which can play a role in inheriting and continuity to the students. The Optical Comprehensive Design Experiment teaching program requires students learning this course to have learnt basic courses like analog electronics technique, digital electronic technique, applied optics and computer and other related courses which students are required to comprehensively utilize. This teaching scheme contains six practical complex engineering problems which are respectively optical system design, light energy meter design, illuminometer design, material refractive index measuring system design, light intensity measuring system design and open design. Establishing the optional experiment and open experiment can provide students with a greater choice and enhance the students' creativity, vivid teaching experimental teachers and enriching contents of experiment can make the experiment more interesting, providing students with more opportunities to conduct experiment and improving students' practical ability with long learning time, putting emphasis on student's understanding of complex engineering problems and the cognitive of the process to solve complex engineering problems with actual engineering problems. Applying the scheme in other courses and improving accordingly will be able to ensure the quality of engineering education. Look forward to offering useful reference for the curriculum system construction in colleges and universities.

Optics in engineering education: stimulating the interest of first-year students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blanco-García, Jesús; Vazquez-Dorrío, Benito

2014-07-01

The work here presented deals with stimulating the interest for optics in first-year students of an Engineering School, which are not specifically following Optical Engineering studies. Optic-based technologies are nowadays wide spread, and growing, in almost all the engineering fields (from non destructive testing or alignments to power laser applications, fiber optic communications, memory devices, etc.). In general, the first year curriculum doesn't allow a detailed review of the main light properties, least its technical applications. We present in this paper our experience in showing some basic optic concepts and related technologies to the students of our school. Based on the fact that they have a very basic training in this branch of physics, we have designed a series of experimental demonstrations with the dual purpose of making them understand the basic principles of these technologies, and to know the potential of applications to engineering they offer. We assembled these experiments in the laboratory and invited students to pass to get to know them, giving them an explanation in which we focused on the possible range of application of each technique. The response was very good, not only by the number of students who attended the invitation but also by the interest demonstrated by their questions and opinions.

Engine Throat/Nozzle Optics for Plume Spectroscopy

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-02-01

independent of the external plume characteristics so operation can be achieved on diffuser test stands and with the engine exhausting to a variable... combustion chamber operates at 205 atmospheres during 109% power conditions with a mixture ratio of 6:1. The engine is overexpanded at sea level and...LeRC/500-219. 16. Abstract The throat and combustion chamber of an operating rocket engine provide a preferred signal source for optical spectroscopy

Optical and system engineering in the development of a high-quality student telescope kit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pompea, Stephen M.; Pfisterer, Richard N.; Ellis, Scott; Arion, Douglas N.; Fienberg, Richard Tresch; Smith, Thomas C.

2010-07-01

The Galileoscope student telescope kit was developed by a volunteer team of astronomers, science education experts, and optical engineers in conjunction with the International Year of Astronomy 2009. This refracting telescope is in production with over 180,000 units produced and distributed with 25,000 units in production. The telescope was designed to be able to resolve the rings of Saturn and to be used in urban areas. The telescope system requirements, performance metrics, and architecture were established after an analysis of current inexpensive telescopes and student telescope kits. The optical design approaches used in the various prototypes and the optical system engineering tradeoffs will be described. Risk analysis, risk management, and change management were critical as was cost management since the final product was to cost around 15 (but had to perform as well as 100 telescopes). In the system engineering of the Galileoscope a variety of analysis and testing approaches were used, including stray light design and analysis using the powerful optical analysis program FRED.

Undergraduate optics program for the 21st Century

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palmer, James M.

2002-05-01

We have been offering a successful BS degree in optical engineering for the past ten years. We have produced more than 100 graduates, highly trained in basic optics and electronics. Our Industrial Affiliates, while very pleased with our graduates, requested that we produce some with greater mechanical engineering skills and knowledge. Our response was the creation of a new degree program, retaining the virtues of the previous one, but allowing a high degree of flexibility through the inclusion of minors within the program. The new program allows sufficient room for a variety of minors. Engineering minors identified include aerospace, computer, electrical, materials and mechanical. Science minors include astronomy, computer science, math and physics. Non-science minors accommodated include business, pre-health and pre-law. The new BSO program features: (1) Better structure and flow, more tightly coupling related classes; (2) New laboratory classes for juniors, linked to lecture classes; (3) Expanded optical deign, fabrication and testing classes; (4) New class in electronics for optics; (5) New classes in fiber optics and optical communications; (6) New capstone/senior project class for ABET compliance. This new BSO program will produce better entry-level optical scientists and engineers, and better candidates for graduate school. Our interactions with the external community will provide inputs concerning industrial needs, leading towards improved student counseling and program development. We will better serve national needs for skilled personnel in optics, and contribute even more to the optics workforce pipeline.

Measuring optical properties of a blood vessel model using optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levitz, David; Hinds, Monica T.; Tran, Noi; Vartanian, Keri; Hanson, Stephen R.; Jacques, Steven L.

2006-02-01

In this paper we develop the concept of a tissue-engineered optical phantom that uses engineered tissue as a phantom for calibration and optimization of biomedical optics instrumentation. With this method, the effects of biological processes on measured signals can be studied in a well controlled manner. To demonstrate this concept, we attempted to investigate how the cellular remodeling of a collagen matrix affected the optical properties extracted from optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of the samples. Tissue-engineered optical phantoms of the vascular system were created by seeding smooth muscle cells in a collagen matrix. Four different optical properties were evaluated by fitting the OCT signal to 2 different models: the sample reflectivity ρ and attenuation parameter μ were extracted from the single scattering model, and the scattering coefficient μ s and root-mean-square scattering angle θ rms were extracted from the extended Huygens-Fresnel model. We found that while contraction of the smooth muscle cells was clearly evident macroscopically, on the microscopic scale very few cells were actually embedded in the collagen. Consequently, no significant difference between the cellular and acellular samples in either set of measured optical properties was observed. We believe that further optimization of our tissue-engineering methods is needed in order to make the histology and biochemistry of the cellular samples sufficiently different from the acellular samples on the microscopic level. Once these methods are optimized, we can better verify whether the optical properties of the cellular and acellular collagen samples differ.

REPORT OF THE NAEB STUDY ON THE PROPOSED EXPANSION OF THE MIDWEST PROGRAM ON AIRBORNE TELEVISION INSTRUCTION.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

BRONSON, VERNON; AND OTHERS

A TECHNICAL REPORT WAS PREPARED COVERING THE IMPACT OF AIRBORNE TELEVISION TRANSMISSION ON LAND-BASED UHF TELEVISION ASSIGNMENT PLANS. THE REPORT RELATED TO THE PROPOSED EXPANSION PLANS OF THE MIDWEST PROGRAM ON AIRBORNE TELEVISION INSTRUCTION (MPATI). EARLIER STUDIES BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATIONAL BROADCASTERS (NAEB) HAD LED TO THE…

An Analysis of Listening Skill Development Using the Midwest Program on Airborne Television Instruction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Purdom, Boyd Andra

One experimental and three varied control groups (a total of 340 fourth graders) were used to investigate the effectiveness of a listening skill developmental unit produced by the Midwest Program on Airborne Television Instruction (MPATI). Results from an analysis of the effectiveness of the unit in developing skills of listening comprehension,…

Geographic Constructions of Race: The Midwest Asian American Students Union

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kodama, Corinne M.; Poon, OiYan A.; Manzano, Lester J.; Sihite, Ester U.

2017-01-01

This case study was focused on the establishment of the Midwest Asian American Students Union (MAASU) as a racial project reflecting students' articulations of a regional, panethnic identity in response to racism. A critical race theory lens was used to analyze interviews with 13 MAASU founders. Findings highlight the role of social context (in…

Midwest Guardrail System with round timber posts

Treesearch

Ronald K. Faller; John D. Reid; David E. Kretschmann; Jason A. Hascall; Dean L. Sicking

2009-01-01

A modified Midwest Guardrail System (MGS) was developed by using small-diameter round wood posts. The barrier system was configured with three timber species: Douglas fir (DF), ponderosa pine (PP), and southern yellow pine (SYP). Barrier VII computer simulation, combined with cantilever post testing in a rigid sleeve and soil, was used to determine the required post...

Vulnerability of forests of the Midwest and Northeast United States to climate change

Treesearch

Chris Swanston; Leslie A. Brandt; Maria K. Janowiak; Stephen D. Handler; Patricia Butler-Leopold; Louis Iverson; Frank R. Thompson; Todd A. Ontl; P. Danielle Shannon

2018-01-01

Forests of the Midwest and Northeast significantly define the character, culture, and economy of this large region but face an uncertain future as the climate continues to change. Forests vary widely across the region, and vulnerabilities are strongly influenced by regional differences in climate impacts and adaptive capacity. Not all forests are vulnerable; longer...

Adaptation resources for agriculture: Responding to climate variability and change in the midwest and northeast

Treesearch

Maria K. Janowiak; Daniel D. Dostie; Michael A. Wilson; Michael J. Kucera; R. Howard Skinner; Jerry L. Hatfield; David Hollinger; Christopher W. Swanston

2016-01-01

Changes in climate and extreme weather are already increasing challenges for agriculture nationally and globally, and many of these impacts will continue into the future. This technical bulletin contains information and resources designed to help agricultural producers, service providers, and educators in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States integrate...

Invite Birds to Your Home. Conservation Plantings for the Midwest.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

1981

Descriptons of familiar birds of the Midwest and suggestions for attracting them to urban settings are offered in this publication. Plants which serve as food and protection for birds are identified. These plants are described by: the number of bird species that use the plant; the plant's ornamental value; its time in bloom and in fruit; its…

An early look at forest regeneration indicator results for the Midwest and Northeast United States

Treesearch

William H. McWilliams; James A. Westfall

2015-01-01

Interacting regeneration stressors create challenges for policy makers and managers who are tasked with making decisions for restoring forest following major disturbances, such as harvest or catastrophic mortality. Concern over an aging forest, dwindling young forest habitat, and restoration of native forests in the midwest and northeast United States has resulted in...

Effective Partnerships in School Reform: Lessons Learned from the Midwest Child-Parent Center Expansion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hayakawa, Momoko; Englund, Michelle M.; Candee, Allyson; Lease, Erin; Sullivan, Molly; Warner-Richter, Mallory; Reynolds, Arthur J.

2015-01-01

The Midwest Expansion of the Child-Parent Center Education Program (MCPC) is a pre-K to 3rd grade intervention program aimed at improving economically disadvantaged children's school success by enhancing continuity in instruction and increasing parental involvement. Opened in Chicago in the 1960s, this school reform model has undergone significant…

Genetic diversity and population structure of sickleweed (Falcaria vulgaris; Apiaceae) in the upper Midwest USA

Treesearch

Sarbottam Piya; Madhav P. Nepal; Jack L. Butler; Gary E. Larson; Achal Neupane

2014-01-01

Sickleweed (Falcaria vulgaris), an introduced species native to Europe and Asia, grows as an aggressive weed in some areas of the upper Midwest in the United States. We are reporting genetic diversity and population structure of sickleweed populations using microsatellite markers and nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences. Populations showed high genetic differentiation...

Field host range testing of Spathius agrili, a parasitoid of emerald ash borer: evaluating nontarget impacts

Treesearch

John S. Strazanac; Juli R. Gould; Robert A. Haack; Ivich Fraser

2008-01-01

The introduction of the emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilis planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), into the Midwest from Asia has had a devastating affect on ash (Fraxinus spp.). As the emerald ash borer's ability to spread became better understood and its distribution in the Midwest increased, biocontrol became an increasingly...

77 FR 52754 - Draft Midwest Wind Energy Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan Within Eight-State Planning Area

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-30

... include new and existing small-scale wind energy facilities, such as single-turbine demonstration projects, as well as large, multi-turbine commercial wind facilities. Covered Species The planning partners are...-FF03E00000] Draft Midwest Wind Energy Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan Within Eight-State Planning...

Estimating riparian area extent and land use in the Midwest.

Treesearch

Brian J. Palik; Swee May Tang; Quinn. Chavez

2004-01-01

This report quantifies the amount and land use/land cover of riparian area in the seven-State Midwest Region of the continental United States. We estimate that riparian areas cover 8.9 to 13.2 million hectares in the region and that approximately 72 percent of riparian areas support natural or semi-natural land cover.

78 FR 24192 - J.P. Morgan Ventures Energy Corp. v. Midwest Independent System Operator, Inc. PJM...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-24

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Docket No. EL13-58-000] J.P. Morgan Ventures Energy Corp. v. Midwest Independent System Operator, Inc. PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.; Notice of Complaint Take notice that on April 10, 2013, J.P. Morgan Ventures Energy Corporation (JPMVEC or Complainant...

Vulnerability of grain crops and croplands in the Midwest to climatic variability and adaptation strategies

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Gylcine max (L.) Merr.) are the dominant grain crops across the Midwest and are grown on 75% of the arable land with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and oats (Avena sativa L.) small but economically important crops. Historically there have been variations in annual yiel...

El Midwest Canto Al Pueblo: "otra vez, c/s"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Guernica, Antonio Jose; Saavedra, Pilar

1977-01-01

El Midwest Canto Al Pueblo was a successful effort to bring artists, poets, musicians, and cultural workers together in a setting conducive to a free and easy interchange of ideas and directions in order to reaffirm, share, and celebrate the identity of La Raza with el pueblo. The activities during the 10-day festival included poetry readings,…

75 FR 55820 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 5-Year Status Reviews of Seven Midwest Species

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-14

...] Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 5-Year Status Reviews of Seven Midwest Species AGENCY: Fish... Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), of seven animal and plant species. We conduct these reviews to... Plants as threatened or endangered is accurate. A 5-year review [[Page 55821

Handbook. Midwest Center for Off-Campus Studies.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Midwest Center for Off-Campus Studies, Lincoln, IL.

The Midwest Center for Off-Campus Studies offers students the opportunity to learn in a holistic manner by inserting them into a new community, either domestic or foreign, so that they can not only see the physical characteristics of the site, but can experience learning. Although the Center is at present an association of five Illinois two-year…

Seasonal variation in vitamin D status of beef cattle reared in the midwest and Fed to NRC recommendations.

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The objective was to measure seasonal variation in concentration of circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) in beef cattle reared in the Midwest and fed to NRC recommendations. The concentration of 25OHD reflects adequacy of vitamin D intake and indicates vitamin D status. Vitamin D is an important ...

One-Room Schools of the Middle West: An Illustrated History.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fuller, Wayne E.

This illustrated book chronicles the history of the one-room school in the Midwest and its vital influence on American education from the pioneer era through consolidation after World War II. The Midwest's one-room schools were the most democratic in the nation. Located in small independent school districts, they were sustained with the barest of…

Regional patterns of major nonnative invasive plants and associated factors in upper Midwest forests

Treesearch

Zhaofei Fan; W. Keith Moser; Mark H. Hansen; Mark D. Nelson

2013-01-01

Nonnative invasive plants (IPs) are rapidly spreading into natural ecosystems (e.g., forests and grasslands). Potential threats of IP invasion into natural ecosystems include biodiversity loss, structural and environmental change, habitat degradation, and economic losses. The Upper Midwest of the United States encompasses the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan...

An Exploration of Personal Financial Behavior of College-Educated Black Women in the Midwest

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pryor, Jacqueline D.

2010-01-01

This qualitative inquire examined the financial behavior of six college educated Black women located in the Midwest. Utilizing Black feminism as a theoretical framework for analysis, a depiction was prepared on the adeptness of the women at managing their finances; the influence of parental teaching on personal finances; and their behavior toward…

Manure and residue inputs maintained SOC in conservation production systems in the Upper Midwest

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Conservation production systems are needed in the upper Midwest to slow down soil and nutrient loss through tillage-induced erosion. However, due to the cool, wet climate, producers are reluctant to adapt no-till strategies. With focus on strip-tillage (ST) and a diverse four-year crop rotation (4y...

Trouble in Ag paradise: Climate vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies in the Midwest

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In the Midwest, agriculture is a $200 billion industry and represents one of the most intensive agricultural areas in the world. In spite of the nickname, “Corn Belt,” 25% of the Midwest’s arable land produces crops other than corn and soybean. Favorable climate and superb soil resources make this r...

Midwest Region: A Report Identifying and Addressing the Educational Needs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

US Department of Education, 2011

2011-01-01

This report presents the deliberations of the Midwest Regional Advisory Committee (MW RAC), one of 10 RACs established under the Educational Technical Assistance Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C. sections 9601 et. seq.) to assess the educational needs of the region. The committee's report outlines the educational needs across the seven states of Illinois,…

Exploring the Persistence of Adult Women at a Midwest Community College

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cox, Elizabeth M.; Ebbers, Larry H.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study was to describe, interpret, and analyze the educational experiences and factors contributing to the decision to persist for adult, female, part-time students currently enrolled at a community college in the Midwest. This study sought to expand the research on student retention by describing the perspectives of adult…

Checklist of host plants of insect galls in the state of Goiás in the Midwest Region of Brazil

PubMed Central

Porfírio Júnior, Eder Dasdoriano; Ribeiro, Bárbara Araújo; Silva, Taiza Moura; Silva, Elienai Cândida e; Guilherme, Frederico Augusto Guimarães; Scareli-Santos, Claudia; dos Santos, Benedito Baptista

2015-01-01

Abstract Background Surveys of host plants of insect galls have been performed in different regions of Brazil. The knowledge of species of host plants of insect galls is fundamental to further studies of plant-galling insect interactions. However, a list of host plant species of gall-inducing insects has not yet been compiled for the flora of the Midwest Region of Brazil. New information We provide a compilation of the plant species reported to host insect galls in the Cerrado of the state of Goiás in the Midwest Region of Brazil. Altogether we found records for 181 species of 47 families of host plants, which hosted 365 distinct gall morphotypes. PMID:26696767

Checklist of host plants of insect galls in the state of Goiás in the Midwest Region of Brazil.

PubMed

de Araújo, Walter Santos; Porfírio Júnior, Eder Dasdoriano; Ribeiro, Bárbara Araújo; Silva, Taiza Moura; Silva, Elienai Cândida E; Guilherme, Frederico Augusto Guimarães; Scareli-Santos, Claudia; Dos Santos, Benedito Baptista

2015-01-01

Surveys of host plants of insect galls have been performed in different regions of Brazil. The knowledge of species of host plants of insect galls is fundamental to further studies of plant-galling insect interactions. However, a list of host plant species of gall-inducing insects has not yet been compiled for the flora of the Midwest Region of Brazil. We provide a compilation of the plant species reported to host insect galls in the Cerrado of the state of Goiás in the Midwest Region of Brazil. Altogether we found records for 181 species of 47 families of host plants, which hosted 365 distinct gall morphotypes.

Development and Performance Evaluation of Optical Sensors for High Temperature Engine Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adamovsky, G.; Varga, D.; Floyd, B.

2011-01-01

This paper discusses fiber optic sensors designed and constructed to withstand extreme temperatures of aircraft engine. The paper describes development and performance evaluation of fiber optic Bragg grating based sensors. It also describes the design and presents test results of packaged sensors subjected to temperatures up to 1000 C for prolonged periods of time.

The history and evolution of optically accessible research engines and their impact on our understanding of engine combustion

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

Miles, Paul C.

2015-03-01

The development and application of optically accessible engines to further our understanding of in-cylinder combustion processes is reviewed, spanning early efforts in simplified engines to the more recent development of high-pressure, high-speed engines that retain the geometric complexities of modern production engines. Limitations of these engines with respect to the reproduction of realistic metal test engine characteristics and performance are identified, as well as methods that have been used to overcome these limitations. Finally, the role of the work performed in these engines on clarifying the fundamental physical processes governing the combustion process and on laying the foundation for predictivemore » engine simulation is summarized.« less

Anomalous Transient Amplification of Waves in Non-normal Photonic Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makris, K. G.; Ge, L.; Türeci, H. E.

2014-10-01

Dissipation is a ubiquitous phenomenon in dynamical systems encountered in nature because no finite system is fully isolated from its environment. In optical systems, a key challenge facing any technological application has traditionally been the mitigation of optical losses. Recent work has shown that a new class of optical materials that consist of a precisely balanced distribution of loss and gain can be exploited to engineer novel functionalities for propagating and filtering electromagnetic radiation. Here we show a generic property of optical systems that feature an unbalanced distribution of loss and gain, described by non-normal operators, namely, that an overall lossy optical system can transiently amplify certain input signals by several orders of magnitude. We present a mathematical framework to analyze the dynamics of wave propagation in media with an arbitrary distribution of loss and gain, and we construct the initial conditions to engineer such non-normal power amplifiers. Our results point to a new design space for engineered optical systems employed in photonics and quantum optics.

Fiberoptics technology and its application to propulsion control systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baumbick, R. J.

1983-01-01

Current work on optical sensors and optically controlled actuators for use in air-breathing engine control systems is reviewed with particular reference to the design and operation of several new fiber-optic devices. These include a tachometer, a rotary position encoder, a Fabry-Perot interferometer and a rare-earth sensor for measuring engine gas temperatures, a high-temperature photoswitch designed for the range -55 to 260 C, and optical cables and connectors. The advantages of optics over conventional wire systems used for sensing and actuator control are briefly discussed.

Optics in engineering measurement; Proceedings of the Meeting, Cannes, France, December 3-6, 1985

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fagan, William F. (Editor)

1986-01-01

The present conference on optical measurement systems considers topics in the fields of holographic interferometry, speckle techniques, moire fringe and grating methods, optical surface gaging, laser- and fiber-optics-based measurement systems, and optics for engineering data evaluation. Specific attention is given to holographic NDE for aerospace composites, holographic interferometry of rotating components, new developments in computer-aided holography, electronic speckle pattern interferometry, mass transfer measurements using projected fringes, nuclear reactor photogrammetric inspection, a laser Doppler vibrometer, and optoelectronic measurements of the yaw angle of projectiles.

Management Of Optical Projects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, Peter S.; Olson, David R.

1981-03-01

This paper discusses the management of optical projects from the concept stage, beginning with system specifications, through design, optical fabrication and test tasks. Special emphasis is placed on effective coupling of design engineering with fabrication development and utilization of available technology. Contrasts are drawn between accepted formalized management techniques, the realities of dealing with fragile components and the necessity of an effective project team which integrates the special characteristics of highly skilled optical specialists including lens designers, optical engineers, opticians, and metrologists. Examples are drawn from the HEAO-2 X-Ray Telescope and Space Telescope projects.

MASH TEST NO. 3-10 OF A NON-PROPRIETARY, HIGH-TENSION CABLE MEDIAN BARRIER FOR USE IN 6H:1V V-DITCH (TEST NO. MWP-8)

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-05-10

The Midwest States Pooled Fund Program has been developing a prototype design for a non-proprietary, high-tension cable median barrier for use in a 6H:1V V-ditch. This system incorporates four evenly spaced cables, Midwest Weak Posts (MWP) spaced at ...

Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Dietary Patterns of Preadolescents Attending Schools in the Midwest

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nepper, Martha J.; Chai, Weiwen

2015-01-01

Objectives: The present study examined dietary intake of fruit and vegetables and dietary patterns of preadolescents attending schools in the Midwest. Methods: A total of 506 students (11.2 ± 1.3 years) from four public and private schools in Nebraska completed a validated 41-item Food Frequency Questionnaire to assess their dietary intake.…

Indirect Costs SEA-LEA Workshop. Report of Workshop Conducted by Upper Midwest Regional Interstate Project. (Chicago, Illinois, January 17-18, 1973).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shanks, Robb L., Comp.

The Policy Committee of the Upper Midwest Regional Interstate Project saw a need to inform the State Education Agencies (SEAs) concerning the implications of federal program indirect costs. The Indirect Cost Workshop was established to develop communication concerning the problems between the United States Office of Education (USOE), SEAs, and…

A Retrospective Chronicle of the Midwest School Social Work Council: Its Vision and Influence after Forty Years

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Raines, James C.

2008-01-01

In 2007, the Midwest School Social Work Council celebrated its fortieth anniversary in Cleveland, Ohio. This article reviews early efforts to build alliances of school social workers across state lines, the early collaborative relationship with the National Association of Social Workers, and the eventual need for a new organization. The Midwest…

Characteristics of Midwest Region School Districts Identified for Improvement. Issues & Answers. REL 2012-No. 121

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van der Ploeg, Arie; Wan, Yinmei; Garcia, Alicia N.; Wraight, Sara; Burke, Matthew; Norbury, Heather; Gerdeman, R. Dean

2012-01-01

Like other states across the country, the seven states in the Midwest Region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin) have been striving to meet the performance targets established under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001, the latest reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The…

Relationship of Nutrition and Physical Activity Behaviors and Fitness Measures to Academic Performance for Sixth Graders in a Midwest City School District

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edwards, Jane U.; Mauch, Lois; Winkelman, Mark R.

2011-01-01

Background: To support curriculum and policy, a midwest city school district assessed the association of selected categories of nutrition and physical activity (NUTR/PA) behaviors, fitness measures, and body mass index (BMI) with academic performance (AP) for 800 sixth graders. Methods: Students completed an adapted Youth Risk Behavior…

Focus on Energy: A School Transportation Handbook. Proceedings of the Midwest School Transportation Fleet Management Seminar (Lansing, Michigan, November 28-29, 1979).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Michigan State Dept. of Commerce, Lansing.

Presented are proceedings and supplementary reports of the Midwest School Transportation Fleet Management Seminar, which was held in Lansing, Michigan, November 28-29, 1979. Among the school bus energy management topics discussed are energy feasibility studies, the use of programmed information systems, energy conservation strategies, and…

Professional Experiences of Online Teachers in Wisconsin: Results from a Survey about Training and Challenges. REL 2016-110

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zweig, Jacqueline; Stafford, Erin; Clements, Margaret; Pazzaglia, Angela M.

2015-01-01

REL Midwest, in partnership with the Midwest Virtual Education Research Alliance, analyzed the results of a survey administered to Wisconsin Virtual School teachers about the training in which they participated related to online instruction, the challenges they encounter while teaching online, and the type of training they thought would help them…

Estimation of invasive probability of multiflora rose in the upper Midwest

Treesearch

Weiming Yu; Zhaofei Fan; W. K. Moser; M. H. Hansen; M. D. Nelson

2012-01-01

Multiflora rose (Rosa Multiflora Thunb.) (MFR) is widely spreading across the United States, with up to 38 states in the contiguous United States reporting the presence of this species. In this study, U.S. Forest Service, Northern Research Station Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) data from the Upper Midwest states for the period of 2005-2006 were...

Status of neotropical migrant landbirds in the Midwest: identifying species of management concern

Treesearch

Frank R. Thompson; Stephen J. Lewis; Janet D. Green; David N. Ewert

1993-01-01

We ranked species of neotropical migrant landbirds by decreasing management concern for their viability in the Midwest. This was part of a coordinated effort by regional working groups of the Partners In Flight Program, an interagency program for the conservation of neotropical migratory birds (NTMBs). Species were ranked by seven criteria, developed by working group...

Voices of Women in the Field--The Midwest Women's Leadership Institute--Responding to a Call to Lead

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Haar, Jean

2009-01-01

The Midwest Women's Leadership Institute at Minnesota State University did not occur by chance nor did it happen quickly. Rather, it was the direct result of the work, support, and dedication of a number of people committed to strengthening leadership opportunities for women in higher education. In this article, the author relates how the…

PREDICTING THE OCCURRENCE OF NUTRIENTS AND PESTICIDES DURING BASE FLOW IN STREAMS: STATUS OF MID-ATLANTIC COASTAL PLAIN AND MIDWEST CORN BELT STUDIES

EPA Science Inventory

Random surveys of 174 headwater streams of the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain (MACP) and 110 third-order streams in the Midwest Corn Belt (MCB) were conducted in 2000 and 2004, respectively in two cooperative research studies by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Geolo...

State Policies and Procedures on Response to Intervention in the Midwest Region. Issues & Answers. REL 2011-No. 116

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Detgen, Amy; Yamashita, Mika; Davis, Brittany; and Wraight, Sara

2011-01-01

Based on a review of state documents and interviews with state and local officials in six Midwest Region states, this qualitative study describes state education agency policy development and planning for response to intervention approaches to instruction. It also looks at the support provided to districts and schools implementing response to…

The Big Squeeze on Tax Revenues for the Public Schools: The Midwest in the 1980s.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Geske, Terry G.

Potential revenue prospects for the public schools in the Midwest basically depend on the future outlook for the midwestern economy as a whole. Accordingly, a comprehensive analysis is undertaken of the midwestern economy and tax base, and then of trends in educational spending. Topics include: (1) economic growth and taxation systems; (2)…

The Midwest Challenge: Matching Jobs with Education in the Post-Recession Economy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carnevale, Anthony P.; Smith, Nicole

2011-01-01

No one has had it worse than the Midwest. Job losses in the "great recession" of 2007 spared no region, but the bulk of industries hardest hit were in the Midwestern states. This is the second of a series of reports detailing the job and educational demand prospects for workers, by major census regions. When compared to all other…

Native American Students: Perceptions of Lived Experiences Attending a Small Predominantly White University in the Upper Midwest

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Simons, Dennis Richard

2010-01-01

The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand the lived experiences of Native American students when studying on a predominantly white campus at a small university in the Upper Midwest. Using a phenomenological approach, the researcher interviewed each of the eight participants for one hour, although there were two interviews that…

Brief overview of historical non-timber forest product use in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and Upper Midwest

Treesearch

Marla Emery; Shandra L. O' Halek

2001-01-01

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) have sustained indigenous and immigrant populations alike since their arrival in North America. This brief overview focuses on the historical use of NTFPs in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and Upper Midwest. Drawing on sources as diverse as accounts by early European arrivals, archaeological evidence, and contemporary ethnobotanical...

Quantifying nitrous oxide fluxes on multiple spatial scales in the Upper Midwest, USA

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study seeks to quantify the roles of soybean and corn plants and the cropland ecosystem in the regional N2O budget of the Upper Midwest, USA. The N2O flux was measured at three scales (plant, the soil-plant ecosystem, and region) using newly designed steady-state flow-through plant chambers, a ...

Oak wilt and oak decline in the upper midwest USA

Treesearch

Jennifer Juzwik; Thomas L. Schmidt

2000-01-01

Oaks are a significant component of the hardwood forests of the Upper Midwest USA. Numerous species occur over vast areas in the region and are highly valued for a variety of reasons. Oak wilt caused by C. fagacearum, and oak decline associated with several factors are the major causes of the species, deterioration and death in the region....

Exploring the Comprehensive Internationalization Process of a U.S. Higher Education Institution: A Case Study of an Urban Research University in the Midwest

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LeBeau, Ling Gao

2017-01-01

This study examines the internationalization process of an urban research university in the Midwest in order to understand how the process approach of internationalization (De Wit, 2002) frames the university's international planning and activities and makes an impact on their effectiveness. De Wit's (2002) internationalization circle was employed…

Heritage Speakers of Spanish in the US Midwest: Reported Interlocutors as a Measure of Family Language Relevance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Velázquez, Isabel; Garrido, Marisol; Millán, Mónica

2015-01-01

This article presents the results of an analysis of reported interlocutors in Spanish in a group of heritage speakers (HS), in three communities of the US Midwest. Participants were college-aged bilinguals developing their own personal and professional networks outside the direct influence of their parents. Responses are compared with those from…

Korean Diaspora in the Age of Globalization: Early Study Abroad (ESA) College Students in the Midwest

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Choi, Hee Young

2012-01-01

This study examines the unique experiences of international Korean college students in the Midwest who have gone through the early study abroad (ESA) period in the US during their formative secondary school education and the influence of the experiences into their college lives in the mega campus. Two overarching research questions are: 1) how do…

Large space telescope engineering scale model optical design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Facey, T. A.

1973-01-01

The objective is to develop the detailed design and tolerance data for the LST engineering scale model optical system. This will enable MSFC to move forward to the optical element procurement phase and also to evaluate tolerances, manufacturing requirements, assembly/checkout procedures, reliability, operational complexity, stability requirements of the structure and thermal system, and the flexibility to change and grow.

Using surface lattice resonances to engineer nonlinear optical processes in metal nanoparticle arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huttunen, Mikko J.; Rasekh, Payman; Boyd, Robert W.; Dolgaleva, Ksenia

2018-05-01

Collective responses of localized surface plasmon resonances, known as surface lattice resonances (SLRs) in metal nanoparticle arrays, can lead to high quality factors (˜100 ), large local-field enhancements, and strong light-matter interactions. SLRs have found many applications in linear optics, but little work of the influence of SLRs on nonlinear optics has been reported. Here we show how SLRs could be utilized to enhance nonlinear optical interactions. We devote special attention to the sum-frequency, difference-frequency, and third-harmonic generation processes because of their potential for the realization of novel sources of light. We also demonstrate how such arrays could be engineered to enhance higher-order nonlinear optical interactions through cascaded nonlinear processes. In particular, we demonstrate how the efficiency of third-harmonic generation could be engineered via cascaded second-order responses.

Optical Embedded Dust Sensor for Engine Protection and Early Warning on M1 Abrams/Ground Combat Vehicles

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-11

warning of seal leakage or deterioration of air filters, thereby reducing engine damage and improving vehicle operational readiness. To be effective , the...for a comprehensive early warning and health management solution. To address the need for an effective dust detector for the AGT1500 engine and M1...an optical dust sensor for real-time continuous monitoring, and its effectiveness in quantitatively measuring dust penetration in the AGT1500 engine

Research on fabrication of aspheres at the Center of Optics Technology (University of Applied Science in Aalen); Techical Digest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boerret, Rainer; Burger, Jochen; Bich, Andreas; Gall, Christoph; Hellmuth, Thomas

2005-05-01

The Center of Optics Technology at the University of Applied Science, founded in 2003, is part of the School of Optics and Mechatronics. It completes the existing optical engineering department with a full optical fabrication and metrology chain and serves in parallel as a technology transfer center, to provide area industries with the most up-to-date technology in optical fabrication and engineering. Two examples of research work will be presented. The first example is the optimizing of the grinding process for high precision aspheres, the other is generating and polishing of a freeform optical element which is used as a phase plate.

Research on fabrication of aspheres at the Center of Optics Technology (University of Applied Science in Aalen); Techical Digest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boerret, Rainer; Burger, Jochen; Bich, Andreas; Gall, Christoph; Hellmuth, Thomas

2005-05-01

The Center of Optics Technology at the University of Applied Science, founded in 2003, is part of the School of Optics & Mechatronics. It completes the existing optical engineering department with a full optical fabrication and metrology chain and serves in parallel as a technology transfer center, to provide area industries with the most up-to-date technology in optical fabrication and engineering. Two examples of research work will be presented. The first example is the optimizing of the grinding process for high precision aspheres, the other is generating and polishing of a freeform optical element which is used as a phase plate.

Quantitative optical imaging and sensing by joint design of point spread functions and estimation algorithms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quirin, Sean Albert

The joint application of tailored optical Point Spread Functions (PSF) and estimation methods is an important tool for designing quantitative imaging and sensing solutions. By enhancing the information transfer encoded by the optical waves into an image, matched post-processing algorithms are able to complete tasks with improved performance relative to conventional designs. In this thesis, new engineered PSF solutions with image processing algorithms are introduced and demonstrated for quantitative imaging using information-efficient signal processing tools and/or optical-efficient experimental implementations. The use of a 3D engineered PSF, the Double-Helix (DH-PSF), is applied as one solution for three-dimensional, super-resolution fluorescence microscopy. The DH-PSF is a tailored PSF which was engineered to have enhanced information transfer for the task of localizing point sources in three dimensions. Both an information- and optical-efficient implementation of the DH-PSF microscope are demonstrated here for the first time. This microscope is applied to image single-molecules and micro-tubules located within a biological sample. A joint imaging/axial-ranging modality is demonstrated for application to quantifying sources of extended transverse and axial extent. The proposed implementation has improved optical-efficiency relative to prior designs due to the use of serialized cycling through select engineered PSFs. This system is demonstrated for passive-ranging, extended Depth-of-Field imaging and digital refocusing of random objects under broadband illumination. Although the serialized engineered PSF solution is an improvement over prior designs for the joint imaging/passive-ranging modality, it requires the use of multiple PSFs---a potentially significant constraint. Therefore an alternative design is proposed, the Single-Helix PSF, where only one engineered PSF is necessary and the chromatic behavior of objects under broadband illumination provides the necessary information transfer. The matched estimation algorithms are introduced along with an optically-efficient experimental system to image and passively estimate the distance to a test object. An engineered PSF solution is proposed for improving the sensitivity of optical wave-front sensing using a Shack-Hartmann Wave-front Sensor (SHWFS). The performance limits of the classical SHWFS design are evaluated and the engineered PSF system design is demonstrated to enhance performance. This system is fabricated and the mechanism for additional information transfer is identified.

Electro-optic and acousto-optic scanning and deflection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gottlieb, M.; Ireland, C. L. M.; Ley, J. M.

This book attempts to cover sufficient electro- and acousto-optic theory for the reader to understand and appreciate the design and application of solid state optical deflectors. It is also hoped that for the more experienced engineer the book will serve as a useful reference book covering the most important work in this field of engineering. The theory of the electro-optic effect is considered along with the properties and selection of electro-optic materials, the principles of electro-optic deflectors, electro-optic deflector designs, and applications for electro-optic deflectors. Attention is given to EM wave propagation in a crystal, the linear electro-optic effect, the quadratic electro-optic effect in crystals and in liquids, electro-optic ceramics in the (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O3 system, and digital and analog light deflectors. Aspects related to acousto-optic deflectors are discussed, taking into account acousto-optic interactions, materials for acousto-optic scanning, acoustic techniques, scanning systems, and acousto-optic light diffraction in thin films.

Crossbar Switches For Optical Data-Communication Networks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Monacos, Steve P.

1994-01-01

Optoelectronic and electro-optical crossbar switches called "permutation engines" (PE's) developed to route packets of data through fiber-optic communication networks. Basic network concept described in "High-Speed Optical Wide-Area Data-Communication Network" (NPO-18983). Nonblocking operation achieved by decentralized switching and control scheme. Each packet routed up or down in each column of this 5-input/5-output permutation engine. Routing algorithm ensures each packet arrives at its designated output port without blocking any other packet that does not contend for same output port.

Concurrent System Engineering and Risk Reduction for Dual-Band (RF/optical) Spacecraft Communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fielhauer, Karl, B.; Boone, Bradley, G.; Raible, Daniel, E.

2012-01-01

This paper describes a system engineering approach to examining the potential for combining elements of a deep-space RF and optical communications payload, for the purpose of reducing the size, weight and power burden on the spacecraft and the mission. Figures of merit and analytical methodologies are discussed to conduct trade studies, and several potential technology integration strategies are presented. Finally, the NASA Integrated Radio and Optical Communications (iROC) project is described, which directly addresses the combined RF and optical approach.

Improving Conceptual Understanding and Representation Skills Through Excel-Based Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malone, Kathy L.; Schunn, Christian D.; Schuchardt, Anita M.

2018-02-01

The National Research Council framework for science education and the Next Generation Science Standards have developed a need for additional research and development of curricula that is both technologically model-based and includes engineering practices. This is especially the case for biology education. This paper describes a quasi-experimental design study to test the effectiveness of a model-based curriculum focused on the concepts of natural selection and population ecology that makes use of Excel modeling tools (Modeling Instruction in Biology with Excel, MBI-E). The curriculum revolves around the bio-engineering practice of controlling an invasive species. The study takes place in the Midwest within ten high schools teaching a regular-level introductory biology class. A post-test was designed that targeted a number of common misconceptions in both concept areas as well as representational usage. The results of a post-test demonstrate that the MBI-E students significantly outperformed the traditional classes in both natural selection and population ecology concepts, thus overcoming a number of misconceptions. In addition, implementing students made use of more multiple representations as well as demonstrating greater fascination for science.

A culture of technical knowledge: Professionalizing science and engineering education in late-nineteenth century America

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nienkamp, Paul

This manuscript examines the intellectual, cultural, and practical approaches to science and engineering education as a part of the land-grant college movement in the Midwest between the 1850s and early 1900s. These land-grant institutions began and grew within unique frontier societies that both cherished self-reliance and diligently worked to make themselves part of the larger national experience. College administrators and professors encountered rapidly changing public expectations, regional needs, and employment requirements. They recognized a dire need for technically skilled men and women who could quickly adapt to changes in equipment and processes, and implement advances in scientific knowledge in American homes, fields, and factories. Charged with educating the "industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions in life," land-grant college supporters and professors sought out the most modern and innovative instructional methods. Combining the humanities, sciences, and practical skills that they believed uniquely suited student needs, these pioneering educators formulated new curricula and training programs that advanced both the knowledge and the social standing of America's agricultural and mechanical working classes.

Distributed optical fiber-based monitoring approach of spatial seepage behavior in dike engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Huaizhi; Ou, Bin; Yang, Lifu; Wen, Zhiping

2018-07-01

The failure caused by seepage is the most common one in dike engineering. As to the characteristics of seepage in dike, such as longitudinal extension engineering, the randomness, strong concealment and small initial quantity order, by means of distributed fiber temperature sensor system (DTS), adopting an improved optical fiber layer layout scheme, the location of initial interpolation point of the saturation line is obtained. With the barycentric Lagrange interpolation collocation method (BLICM), the infiltrated surface of dike full-section is generated. Combined with linear optical fiber monitoring seepage method, BLICM is applied in an engineering case, which shows that a real-time seepage monitoring technique is presented in full-section of dike based on the combination method.

The perfect haze: Scientists link 1999 U.S. pollution episode to midwest aerosol plumes and Kennedy plane crash

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Showstack, Randy

The crash of John F Kennedy Jrs single-engine Piper Saratoga airplane in the waters off of Marthas Vineyard, Massachusetts, on July 16, 1999, prompted round-the-clock, global media coverage. Cameras panned the waters as the search began the following day, Saturday Pundits at first commented on the likelihood of survival of the late U.S. president's son, who piloted the plane, and the passengers—his wife and sister-in-law. Television screens displayed the projected, hour-and-one-half, nighttime flight path east from New Jersey As the tragedy unfolded, coverage focused on speculation about the cause of the crash. News analysts repeatedly mentioned that haze attributed to summertime heat and high humidity levels may have sharply reduced visibility during the flight.

Optical sensors and multiplexing for aircraft engine control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berkcan, Ertugrul

1993-02-01

Time division multiplexing of spectral modulation fiber optic sensors for aircraft engine control is presented. The paper addresses the architectural properties, the accuracy, the benefits and problems of different type of sources, the spectral stability and update times using these sources, the size, weight, and power issues, and finally the technology needs regarding FADEC mountability. The fiber optic sensors include temperature, pressure, and position spectral modulation sensors.

Demonstrated survivability of a high temperature optical fiber cable on a 1500 pound thrust rocket chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sovie, Amy L.

1992-01-01

A demonstration of the ability of an existing optical fiber cable to survive the harsh environment of a rocket engine was performed at the NASA Lewis Research Center. The intent of this demonstration was to prove the feasibility of applying fiber optic technology to rocket engine instrumentation systems. Extreme thermal transient tests were achieved by wrapping a high temperature optical fiber, which was cablized for mechanical robustness, around the combustion chamber outside wall of a 1500 lb Hydrogen-Oxygen rocket engine. Additionally, the fiber was wrapped around coolant inlet pipes which were subject to near liquid hydrogen temperatures. Light from an LED was sent through the multimode fiber, and output power was monitored as a function of time while the engine was fired. The fiber showed no mechanical damage after 419 firings during which it was subject to transients from 30 K to 350 K, and total exposure time to near liquid hydrogen temperatures in excess of 990 seconds. These extreme temperatures did cause attenuation greater than 3 dB, but the signal was fully recovered at room temperature. This experiment demonstrates that commercially available optical fiber cables can survive the environment seen by a typical rocket engine instrumentation system, and disclose a temperature-dependent attenuation observed during exposure to near liquid hydrogen temperatures.

An Exploratory Study on the Purpose, Structure, Format and Use of Syllabi at a Midwest Four-Year Undergraduate Private University

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fink, Susan Jo Breakenridge

2011-01-01

The purpose of this study was to explore how instructors at a mid-sized Midwest four-year undergraduate private university view the purpose, structure, format and use of their course syllabi. The theory of structural functionalism and a quantitative research approach were employed. A group administration approach was used to distribute the paper…

Experiences of Female Faculty with Maternity Leave at Four-Year Universities in an Upper Midwest State

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Myerchin, Audra Dawn

2012-01-01

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore female faculty members' experiences with maternity leave, while working as a career academic in higher education. Participants consisted of women currently employed in an upper Midwest state at six four-year institutions. An online survey was completed by 121 women, and 30 of these women also…

Applicability of predictive models of drought-induced tree mortality between the midwest and northeast United States

Treesearch

Eric J. Gustafson

2014-01-01

Regression models developed in the upper Midwest (United States) to predict drought-induced tree mortality from measures of drought (Palmer Drought Severity Index) were tested in the northeastern United States and found inadequate. The most likely cause of this result is that long drought events were rare in the Northeast during the period when inventory data were...

How on Earth Did You Hear About Us? A Study of Exemplary Rural School Practices in the Upper Midwest.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

D'Amico, Joseph J.

As part of ongoing research into rural school improvement, the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL) at the request of its Rural Advisory Council set out to find, examine, and profile exemplary, successful school improvement programs in rural schools and districts in the upper Midwest. This paper is a summary of the first year…

The Year in Forestry State and Private Forestry in the Northeast and Midwest Fiscal Year 2005

Treesearch

Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry

2006-01-01

The geographic region we call the Northeast and Midwest stretches from Maine to Minnesota, south to Missouri, and east to Maryland and the District of Columbia. Nearly half of the Nation's population lives here on slightly less than 20 percent of the Nation's land area. Representing one of the largest concentrations of privately owned forests in the world,...

Family, Community, and School Influences on Resilience among American Indian Adolescents in the Upper Midwest

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LaFromboise, Teresa D.; Hoyt, Dan R.; Oliver, Lisa; Whitbeck, Les B.

2006-01-01

This study examines resilience among a sample of American Indian adolescents living on or near reservations in the upper Midwest. Data are from a baseline survey of 212 youth (115 boys and 97 girls) who were enrolled in the fifth through eighth grades. Based upon the definition of resilience, latent class analyses were conducted to identify youth…

Use of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey to Monitor Trends for Nutrition and Physical Activity in a Midwest City School District

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Edwards, Jane U.; Magel, Rhonda

2007-01-01

Background: The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) was used by a city school district (approximately 11,000 students) in the upper Midwest to monitor trends for nutrition and physical activity (PA) behaviors both within and between years and to compare with national 2003 data. Methods: Independent random samples were obtained in 1999 (387 middle…

Land fragmentationn and impacts to streams and fish in the central and upper midwest

Treesearch

Elon S. Verry

2000-01-01

Fragmentation of the land means changes in the vegetative cover. This alone has caused significant and wide spread physical and water quality changes to the streams and rivers in the central and upper Midwest. Removal of the forest canopy that changes land use to "open" conditions: agricultural, urban, or rights of way, is sufficient to initiate and prolong...

Papers and Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Midwest History of Education Society (7th, Chicago, Illinois, October 27-28, 1972).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rutkowski, Edward, Ed.

1973-01-01

The first journal publication of the Midwest History of Education Society contains papers presented at its 1972 annual meeting and three papers on Canadian education. "University Extension in the United States, 1885-1915" (G. M. Woytanowitz) defines the U.S. origins of the university extension as an adult education agency. "She…

Rural and suburban sprawl in the U.S. midwest from 1940 to 2000 in its relation to forest fragmentation

Treesearch

Volker C. Radeloff; Roger B. Hammer; Susan I. Stewart

2005-01-01

Housing growth and its environmental effects pose major conservation challenges. We sought to (]) quantify spatial and temporal patterns of housing growth across the US. Midwest from 1940-2000, (2) identify ecoregions strongly affected by housing growth, (3) assess the extent to which forests occur near housing, and (4) relate housing to forest fragmentation. We used...

The Midwest flood of 1993: did trees protect levees along the Missouri River?

Treesearch

John P. Dwyer; Douglas Wallace; David R. Larsen

1997-01-01

Following the Midwest flood of 1993, a study was initiated along a 39-mile segment of the Missouri River to determine if there was an association between woody corridors and levee stability. A systematic sample of levee failures revealed that primary levees which did not fail had a significantly wider woody corridor than failed levees. Analysis of the total inventory...

Water Transformation and Storage in the Mountains and at the Coast: Midwest Students' Disconnected Conceptions of the Hydrologic Cycle

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shepardson, Daniel P.; Wee, Bryan; Priddy, Michelle; Schellenberger, Lauren; Harbor, Jon

2009-01-01

The purpose of the present study was to investigate students' conceptions of the hydrologic cycle and to examine whether these conceptions vary by grade level and community setting. This study was descriptive in nature and reflected a cross-age design involving the collection of qualitative data from 1,298 students from the Midwest, USA. These…

Experiments in optics for younger students by and for older students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masi, James V.

1995-10-01

Under the auspices of a joint NSF/DOE grant for science and mathematics, the Electrical Engineering Department of the Engineering School at Western New England College developed a program of instruction in optics and optical applications for local Junior High School students. College level juniors and professors in the electrical engineering department, after the juniors had taken a one semester introductory course in optics and electro-optics, served as instructors in teaching and laboratory instruction in such diverse areas as solar cells/light detection, light sources, simple optics, optical fibers, liquid crystals, and lasers. Concepts such as seismic monitoring, Fourier transforms, power generation, information transfer, and many other applications were explained at level by the college students to the junior high school students with great effectiveness. Students at the lower level caught the enthusiasm of those at the upper level and learned with retention. Seven years into the program, the pros and cons are presented, the now- college bound students and their observations are detailed, and the learning experience for all is assessed, with scenarios for alternate programs suggested.

Short educational programs in optical design and engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voznesenskaya, Anna; Romanova, Galina; Bakholdin, Alexey; Tolstoba, Nadezhda; Ezhova, Kseniia

2016-09-01

Globalization and diversification of education in optical engineering causes a number of new phenomena in students' learning paths. Many students have an interest to get some courses in other universities, to study in international environment, to broaden not only professional skills but social links and see the sights as well etc. Participation in short educational programs (e.g. summer / winter schools, camps etc.) allows students from different universities to learn specific issues in their or in some neighbor field and also earn some ECTS for the transcript of records. ITMO University provides a variety of short educational programs in optical design and engineering oriented for different background level, such are: Introduction into optical engineering, Introduction into applied and computer optics, Optical system design, Image modeling and processing, Design of optical devices and components. Depending on students' educational background these programs are revised and adopted each time. Usually the short educational programs last 4 weeks and provide 4 ECTS. The short programs utilize a set of out-of date educational technologies like problem-based learning, case-study and distance-learning and evaluation. Practically, these technologies provide flexibility of the educational process and intensive growth of the learning outcomes. Students are satisfied with these programs very much. In their feedbacks they point a high level of practical significance, experienced teaching staff, scholarship program, excellent educational environment, as well as interesting social program and organizational support.

Holographic aids for internal combustion engine flow studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Regan, C.

1984-01-01

Worldwide interest in improving the fuel efficiency of internal combustion (I.C.) engines has sparked research efforts designed to learn more about the flow processes of these engines. The flow fields must be understood prior to fuel injection in order to design efficient valves, piston geometries, and fuel injectors. Knowledge of the flow field is also necessary to determine the heat transfer to combustion chamber surfaces. Computational codes can predict velocity and turbulence patterns, but experimental verification is mandatory to justify their basic assumptions. Due to their nonintrusive nature, optical methods are ideally suited to provide the necessary velocity verification data. Optical sytems such as Schlieren photography, laser velocimetry, and illuminated particle visualization are used in I.C. engines, and now their versatility is improved by employing holography. These holographically enhanced optical techniques are described with emphasis on their applications in I.C. engines.

Optical absorption in planar graphene superlattice: The role of structural parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azadi, L.; Shojaei, S.

2018-04-01

We theoretically studied the optically driven interband transitions in a planar graphene superlattices (PGSL) formed by patterning graphene sheet on laterally hetrostructured substrate as Sio2/hBN. A tunable optical transitions between minibands is observed based on engineering structural parameters. We derive analytically expression for optical absorption from two-band model. Considerable optical absorption is obtained for different ratios between widths of heterostructured substrate and is explained analytically from the view point of wavefunction engineering and miniband dispersion, in details. The role of different statuses of polarization as circular and linear are considered. Our study paves a way toward the control of optical properties of PGSLs to be implemented in optoelectronics devices.

Synthetic Engineering of Spider Silk Fiber as Implantable Optical Waveguides for Low-Loss Light Guiding.

PubMed

Qiao, Xin; Qian, Zhigang; Li, Junjie; Sun, Hongji; Han, Yao; Xia, Xiaoxia; Zhou, Jin; Wang, Chunlan; Wang, Yan; Wang, Changyong

2017-05-03

A variety of devices used for biomedical engineering have been fabricated using protein polymer because of their excellent properties, such as strength, toughness, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. In this study, we fabricated an optical waveguide using genetically engineered spider silk protein. This method has two significant advantages: (1) recombinant spider silk optical waveguide exhibits excellent optical and biological properties and (2) biosynthesis of spider silk protein can overcome the limitation to the research on spider silk optical waveguide due to the low yield of natural spider silk. In detail, two kinds of protein-based optical waveguides made from recombinant spider silk protein and regenerative silkworm silk protein were successfully prepared. Results suggested that the recombinant spider silk optical waveguide showed a smoother surface and a higher refractive index when compared with regenerative silkworm silk protein. The optical loss of recombinant spider silk optical waveguide was 0.8 ± 0.1 dB/cm in air and 1.9 ± 0.3 dB/cm in mouse muscles, which were significantly lower than those of regenerative silkworm silk optical waveguide. Moreover, recombinant spider silk optical waveguide can meet the demand to guide and efficiently deliver light through biological tissue. In addition, recombinant spider silk optical waveguide showed low toxicity to cells in vitro and low-level inflammatory reaction with surrounding tissue in vivo. Therefore, recombinant spider silk optical waveguide is a promising implantable device to guide and deliver light with low loss.

Microscopic Engine Powered by Critical Demixing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, Falko; Magazzù, Alessandro; Callegari, Agnese; Biancofiore, Luca; Cichos, Frank; Volpe, Giovanni

2018-02-01

We experimentally demonstrate a microscopic engine powered by the local reversible demixing of a critical mixture. We show that, when an absorbing microsphere is optically trapped by a focused laser beam in a subcritical mixture, it is set into rotation around the optical axis of the beam because of the emergence of diffusiophoretic propulsion. This behavior can be controlled by adjusting the optical power, the temperature, and the criticality of the mixture.

Prompt optical emission from gamma-ray bursts with multiple timescale variability of central engine activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Si-Yao; Li, Zhuo

2014-04-01

Complete high-resolution light curves of GRB 080319B observed by Swift present an opportunity for detailed temporal analysis of prompt optical emission. With a two-component distribution of initial Lorentz factors, we simulate the dynamical process of shells being ejected from the central engine in the framework of the internal shock model. The emitted radiations are decomposed into different frequency ranges for a temporal correlation analysis between the light curves in different energy bands. The resulting prompt optical and gamma-ray emissions show similar temporal profiles, with both showing a superposition of a component with slow variability and a component with fast variability, except that the gamma-ray light curve is much more variable than its optical counterpart. The variability in the simulated light curves and the strong correlation with a time lag between the optical and gamma-ray emissions are in good agreement with observations of GRB 080319B. Our simulations suggest that the variations seen in the light curves stem from the temporal structure of the shells injected from the central engine of gamma-ray bursts. Future observations with high temporal resolution of prompt optical emission from GRBs, e.g., by UFFO-Pathfinder and SVOM-GWAC, will provide a useful tool for investigating the central engine activity.

Ion Engine Grid Gap Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soulas, Gerge C.; Frandina, Michael M.

2004-01-01

A simple technique for measuring the grid gap of an ion engine s ion optics during startup and steady-state operation was demonstrated with beam extraction. The grid gap at the center of the ion optics assembly was measured with a long distance microscope that was focused onto an alumina pin that protruded through the center accelerator grid aperture and was mechanically attached to the screen grid. This measurement technique was successfully applied to a 30 cm titanium ion optics assembly mounted onto an NSTAR engineering model ion engine. The grid gap and each grid s movement during startup from room temperature to both full and low power were measured. The grid gaps with and without beam extraction were found to be significantly different. The grid gaps at the ion optics center were both significantly smaller than the cold grid gap and different at the two power levels examined. To avoid issues associated with a small grid gap during thruster startup with titanium ion optics, a simple method was to operate the thruster initially without beam extraction to heat the ion optics. Another possible method is to apply high voltage to the grids prior to igniting the discharge because power deposition to the grids from the plasma is lower with beam extraction than without. Further testing would be required to confirm this approach.

Plume mass flow and optical damage distributions for an MMH/N2O4 RCS thruster. [exhaust plume contamination of spacecraft components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spisz, E. W.; Bowman, R. L.; Jack, J. R.

1973-01-01

The data obtained from two recent experiments conducted in a continuing series of experiments at the Lewis Research Center into the contamination characteristics of a 5-pound thrust MMH/N2O4 engine are presented. The primary objectives of these experiments were to establish the angular distribution of condensible exhaust products within the plume and the corresponding optical damage angular distribution of transmitting optical elements attributable to this contaminant. The plume mass flow distribution was measured by five quartz crystal microbalances (QCM's) located at the engine axis evaluation. The fifth QCM was located above the engine and 15 deg behind the nozzle exit plane. The optical damage was determined by ex-situ transmittance measurements for the wavelength range from 0.2 to 0.6 microns on 2.54 cm diameter fused silica discs also located at engine centerline elevation. Both the mass deposition and optical damage angular distributions followed the expected trend of decreasing deposition and damage as the angle between sensor or sample and the nozzle axis increased. A simple plume gas flow equation predicted the deposition distribution reasonably well for angles of up to 55 degrees. The optical damage measurements also indicated significant effects at large angles.

Cultivation mode research of practical application talents for optical engineering major

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhiying

2017-08-01

The requirements on science and technology graduates are more and higher with modern science progress and society market economy development. Because optical engineering major is with very long practicality, practice should be paid more attention from analysis of optical engineering major and students' foundation. To play role of practice to a large amount, the practice need be systemic and correlation. It should be combination of foundation and profundity. Modern foundation professional knowledge is studied with traditional optical concept and technology at the same time. Systemic regularity and correlation should be embodied in the contents. Start from basic geometrical optics concept, the optical parameter of optical instrument is analyzed, the optical module is built and ray tracing is completed during geometrical optics practice. With foundation of primary aberration calculation, the optical system is further designed and evaluated during optical design practice course. With the optical model and given instrument functions and requirements, the optical-mechanism is matched. The accuracy is calculated, analyzed and distributed in every motion segment. And the mechanism should guarantee the alignment and adjustment. The optical mechanism is designed during the instrument and element design practice. When the optical and mechanism drawings are completed, the system is ready to be fabricated. Students can complete grinding, polishing and coating process by themselves through optical fabricating practice. With the optical and mechanical elements, the system can be assembled and aligned during the thesis practice. With a set of correlated and logical practices, the students can acquire the whole process knowledge about optical instrument. All details are contained in every practice process. These practical experiences provide students working ability. They do not need much adaption anymore when they go to work after graduation. It is favorable to both student talents and employer.

Fire history and age structure analysis in the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota: establishing reference conditions in a remnant oak savanna woodland

Treesearch

Kurt F. Kipfmueller; Tim Hepola

2009-01-01

Oak savanna woodlands were once a dominant ecotone in southwestern Minnesota and throughout the upper Midwest. These ecosystems represented a transitional zone between prairie communities to the west that eventually graded into Big Woods forest. Most of the oak savanna landscape of southern Minnesota (and indeed most of the Midwest) were extensively homesteaded and...

The impact of federal and state income tax liabilities on timber investments in the Midwest and Northeast

Treesearch

Nathan R. Smith; Philip Bailey; Harry Jr. Haney; Debra Salbador; John Greene

2007-01-01

Federal and state income taxes are calculated for hypothetical forest landowners in two income brackets across 23 states in the Midwest and Northeast to illustrate the effects of differential state tax treatment. The income tax liability is calculated in a year in which the timber owners harvest $200,000 worth of timber. State income taxes ranged from highs of $13,427...

Feeling the Heat: The Impact of Rising Energy Costs on Colleges & Universities in the Midwest

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rasmussen, Chris; Johnson, Gina

2006-01-01

This report is the result of a survey conducted in late 2005 of higher education institution chief financial officers throughout the U.S. Midwest region concerning their plans to manage what was expected to be a substantial increase in the price of energy in advance of the 2005-06 heating season. Although the winter turned out to be one of the…

Defining Competencies for Associate Degree Nursing Education and Practice. Proceedings of the Midwest Regional Conference on "The Associate Degree Nursing--Facilitating Competency Development" Project (Chicago, Illinois, March 10-11, 1983).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Minckley, Barbara B., Ed.; Walters, Mary Dale, Ed.

Focusing on "Associate Degree Nursing--Facilitating Competency Development," a 3-year project sponsored by the Midwest Alliance in Nursing (MAIN) to explore and recommend ways of strengthening Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) education and service, these proceedings contain papers by individuals involved with the development of the project and those…

Caution, the Use of Humor May Lead to Confusion: Evaluation of a Video Podcast of the Midwest Teen Sex Show

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Campo, Shelly; Askelson, Natoshia M.; Spies, Erica L.; Losch, Mary

2010-01-01

Web sites about sexual health lack the interactivity, humor, and "viral" nature required to attract young adults. The Midwest Teen Sex Show (www.midwestteensexshow.com) is an interactive, humor-based Web site that provides sexual health information to young adults. One episode from the Web site was shown to six focus groups of young women, ages…

Online Course Use in Iowa and Wisconsin Public Schools: The Results of Two Statewide Surveys. Stated Briefly. REL 2015-090

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clements, Margaret; Pazzaglia, Angela M.; Stafford, Erin

2015-01-01

This "Stated Briefly" report is a companion piece that summarizes the results of another report of the same name. The purpose of the study conducted by REL Midwest in partnership with the Midwest Virtual Education Research Alliance was to develop and administer a survey to describe online course use in Iowa and Wisconsin brick-and-mortar…

Use of DNA sequencing to detect pathogenic, saprotrophic, and stain fungi in sapwood of declining red pine (Pinus resinosa) in the Upper Midwest

Treesearch

M.T. Banik; D.L. Lindner; J. Juzwik; J.A. Glaeser

2013-01-01

An inexpensive kit was developed to collect wood samples for molecular detection of pathogenic, saprotrophic and stain fungi in declining Pinus resinosa in the Upper Midwest. The kit contained materials for "clean" collection of sapwood drill shavings, which were then subjected to PCR of the rDNA ITS region with fungal-specific primers,...

Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Midwest Philosophy of Education Society (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, November 15-19, 1985; Chicago, Illinois, November 14-15, 1986).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Philip L., Ed.

The Midwest Philosophy of Education Society strives to enhance and deepen the level of conversation about education in the modern world and to evaluate, in moral terms, the relationship of education to the larger society. The following papers were presented at the 1985 annual meeting of the society: "A Plea for Philosophical Reflections" (George…

A REPORT ON THE SECOND YEAR, 1964-65, OF THE URBAN SEMESTER, A PROGRAM IN TEACHER EDUCATION OF THE ASSOCIATED COLLEGES OF THE MIDWEST.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Associated Colleges of the Midwest, Chicago, IL.

TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR TEACHING IN URBAN SCHOOLS, 27 SELECTED SENIOR STUDENTS FROM ASSOCIATED COLLEGES OF THE MIDWEST (ACM) SPENT 16 WEEKS (BEGINNING IN SEPTEMBER 1964) OBSERVING, TEACHING, AND STUDYING IN CHICAGO. THE FIRST 8 WEEKS WERE SPENT IN AN AVERAGE SOCIOECONOMIC-LEVEL SCHOOL AND THE FINAL 8 WEEKS IN A DISADVANTAGED SCHOOL. THE STUDENTS…

Breeding bird response to habitat and landscape factors across a gradient of savanna, woodland, and forest in the Missouri Ozarks

Treesearch

Jennifer L. Reidy; Frank R. Thompson; Sarah W. Kendrick

2014-01-01

Savanna and woodland were once common in the Midwest, but land use changes have led to increasing scarcity of these communities. These transitional habitats are being restored across the Midwest, but few studies have evaluated the response of wildlife to restoration or the vegetative gradient created by management. We conducted point counts for 25 songbirds at sites...

A Mixed Method Study Measuring the Perceptions of Administrators, Classroom Teachers and Professional Staff on the Use of iPads in a Midwest School District

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Beckerle, Andrea Laux

2013-01-01

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to assess the perceptions of classroom teachers, administrators and professional support staff in one Midwest school district regarding the usefulness and effectiveness of the iPad device as an instructional and support tool within the classroom. The need to address classroom teacher, administrator and…

Upper Midwest farmer perceptions: Too much uncertainty about impacts of climate change to justify changing current agricultural practices

Treesearch

Lois Wright Morton; Gabrielle E. Roesch-McNally; Adam Wilke

2017-01-01

To be uncertain is to be unsure or have doubt. Results from a random sample survey show the majority (89.5%) of farmers in the Upper Midwest perceived there was too much uncertainty about the impacts of climate to justify changing their agricultural practices and strategies, despite scientific evidence regarding the causes and potential consequences of climate change....

Parental Involvement in Latina/Latino-Impacted Schools in the Midwest: Recognizing the Role and Function of Home-Based Knowledge and Practices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lopez, Gerardo R.; Vazquez, Vanessa A.

2006-01-01

This qualitative research study aims to provide rich narratives of parental involvement in households of newcomer Latino immigrants in the Midwest. A total of 20 families participated in this 4-month research study. Findings suggest that parents do get involved in traditional ways but view "consejos" (the giving of sage advice) as a form of…

Fire history and age structure analysis in the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge: Establishing reference conditions in a remnant oak savanna woodland

Treesearch

Kurt F. Kipfmueller; Tim Hepola

2007-01-01

Oak savanna woodlands were once a dominant ecotone throughout the upper Midwest. These ecosystems represented a transitional zone between prairie communities to the west that eventually graded into Big Woods forest. Most of the oak savanna landscapes of most of the Midwest were extensively homesteaded and farmed during the middle 1800s and few intact savanna landscapes...

Farmers' objectives toward their woodlands in the upper Midwest of the United States: implications for woodland volumes and diversity

Treesearch

W. Keith Moser; Earl C. Leatherberry; Mark H. Hansen; Brett J. Butler

2009-01-01

This paper reports the results of a study that explores the relationship between farm woodland owners' stated intentions for owning woodland, and the structure and composition of these woodlands in the states of Illinois, Indiana and Iowa in the upper Midwest of the United States. Data from two sample-based inventories conducted by the USDA Forest Service, Forest...

Diversifying farm income through woodlot management: characteristics of farmer-owned NIPF land in Illinois

Treesearch

Eric M. White; Andrew D. Carver

2003-01-01

The lessening dependence on public lands for the supply of timber and a shift in the focus of timber procurement from the western U.S. to the South and Midwest, coupled with the indications of increasing lumber production rates in the Midwest, may signal a significant opportunity for NIPF landowners in Illinois. The objective of this study is to determine the forest...

Changes in forest habitat classes under alternative climate and land-use change scenarios in the northeast and midwest, USA

Treesearch

Brian G. Tavernia; Mark D. Nelson; Michael E. Goerndt; Brian F. Walters; Chris Toney

2013-01-01

Large-scale and long-term habitat management plans are needed to maintain the diversity of habitat classes required by wildlife species. Planning efforts would benefit from assessments of potential climate and land-use change effects on habitats. We assessed climate and land-use driven changes in areas of closed- and open-canopy forest across the Northeast and Midwest...

The Year in Forestry State and Private Forestry in the Northeast and Midwest Fiscal Year 2005

Treesearch

Mark McClure

2006-01-01

The geographic region we call the Northeast and Midwest stretches from Maine to Minnesota, south to Missouri, and east to Maryland and the District of Columbia. Nearly half of the Nation?s population lives here on slightly less than 20 percent of the Nation?s land area. Representing one of the largest concentrations of privately owned forests in the world, more than 75...

Fiber-optic system for checking the acoustical parameters of gas-turbine engine flow-through passages

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vinogradov, Vasiliy Y.; Morozov, Oleg G.; Nureev, Ilnur I.; Kuznetzov, Artem A.

2015-03-01

In this paper we consider the integrated approach to development of the aero-acoustical methods for diagnostics of aircraft gas-turbine engine flow-through passages by using as the base the passive fiber-optic and location technologies.

Prediction of pesticide toxicity in Midwest streams

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shoda, Megan E.; Stone, Wesley W.; Nowell, Lisa H.

2016-01-01

The occurrence of pesticide mixtures is common in stream waters of the United States, and the impact of multiple compounds on aquatic organisms is not well understood. Watershed Regressions for Pesticides (WARP) models were developed to predict Pesticide Toxicity Index (PTI) values in unmonitored streams in the Midwest and are referred to as WARP-PTI models. The PTI is a tool for assessing the relative toxicity of pesticide mixtures to fish, benthic invertebrates, and cladocera in stream water. One hundred stream sites in the Midwest were sampled weekly in May through August 2013, and the highest calculated PTI for each site was used as the WARP-PTI model response variable. Watershed characteristics that represent pesticide sources and transport were used as the WARP-PTI model explanatory variables. Three WARP-PTI models—fish, benthic invertebrates, and cladocera—were developed that include watershed characteristics describing toxicity-weighted agricultural use intensity, land use, agricultural management practices, soil properties, precipitation, and hydrologic properties. The models explained between 41 and 48% of the variability in the measured PTI values. WARP-PTI model evaluation with independent data showed reasonable performance with no clear bias. The models were applied to streams in the Midwest to demonstrate extrapolation for a regional assessment to indicate vulnerable streams and to guide more intensive monitoring.

Optical monitoring system for a turbine engine

DOEpatents

Lemieux, Dennis H; Smed, Jan P; Williams, James P; Jonnalagadda, Vinay

2013-05-14

The monitoring system for a gas turbine engine including a viewing tube assembly having an inner end and an outer end. The inner end is located adjacent to a hot gas flow path within the gas turbine engine and the outer end is located adjacent to an outer casing of the gas turbine engine. An aperture wall is located at the inner end of the viewing tube assembly and an optical element is located within the viewing tube assembly adjacent to the inner end and is spaced from the aperture wall to define a cooling and purge chamber therebetween. An aperture is defined in the aperture wall for passage of light from the hot gas flow path to the optical element. Swirl passages are defined in the viewing tube assembly between the aperture wall and the optical element for passage of cooling air from a location outside the viewing tube assembly into the chamber, wherein swirl passages effect a swirling movement of air in a circumferential direction within the chamber.

High-temperature, high-pressure optical port for rocket engine applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delcher, Ray; Nemeth, ED; Powers, W. T.

1993-01-01

This paper discusses the design, fabrication, and test of a window assembly for instrumentation of liquid-fueled rocket engine hot gas systems. The window was designed to allow optical measurements of hot gas in the SSME fuel preburner and appears to be the first window designed for application in a rocket engine hot gas system. Such a window could allow the use of a number of remote optical measurement technologies including: Raman temperature and species concentration measurement, Raleigh temperature measurements, flame emission monitoring, flow mapping, laser-induced florescence, and hardware imaging during engine operation. The window assembly has been successfully tested to 8,000 psi at 1000 F and over 11,000 psi at room temperature. A computer stress analysis shows the window will withstand high temperature and cryogenic thermal shock.

Curriculum optimization of College of Optical Science and Engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiaoping; Zheng, Zhenrong; Wang, Kaiwei; Zheng, Xiaodong; Ye, Song; Zhu, Yuhui

2017-08-01

The optimized curriculum of College of Optical Science and Engineering is accomplished at Zhejiang University, based on new trends from both research and industry. The curriculum includes general courses, foundation courses such as mathematics and physics, major core courses, laboratory courses and several module courses. Module courses include optical system designing, optical telecommunication, imaging and vision, electronics and computer science, optoelectronic sensing and metrology, optical mechanics and materials, basics and extension. These curricula reflect the direction of latest researches and relates closely with optoelectronics. Therefore, students may combine flexibly compulsory courses with elective courses, and establish the personalized curriculum of "optoelectronics + X", according to their individual strengths and preferences.

Laser Electro-Optic Engineering Technology. Florida Vocational Program Guide.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

University of South Florida, Tampa. Dept. of Adult and Vocational Education.

This program guide identifies particular considerations in the organization, operation, and evaluation of laser electro-optic engineering technology programs. Contents include an occupational description and information on the following: program content, including a curriculum framework that details major concepts and intended outcomes and a list…

The 4-meter lunar engineering telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peacock, Keith; Giannini, Judith A.; Kilgus, Charles C.; Bely, Pierre Y.; May, B. Scott; Cooper, Shannon A.; Schlimm, Gerard H.; Sounder, Charles; Ormond, Karen; Cheek, Eric

1991-01-01

The 16-meter diffraction limited lunar telescope incorporates a primary mirror with 312 one-meter segments; 3 nanometer active optics surface control with laser metrology and hexapod positioners; a space frame structure with one-millimeter stability; and a hexapod mount for pointing. The design data needed to limit risk in this development can be obtained by building a smaller engineering telescope on the moon with all of the features of the 16-meter design. This paper presents a 4.33-meter engineering telescope concept developed by the Summer 1990 Student Program of the NASA/JHU Space Grant Consortium Lunar Telescope Project. The primary mirror, made up of 18 one-meter hexagonal segments, is sized to provide interesting science as well as engineering data. The optics are configured as a Ritchey-Chretien with a coude relay to the focal plane beneath the surface. The optical path is continuously monitored with 3-nanometer precision interferometrically. An active optics processor and piezoelectric actuators operate to maintain the end-to-end optical configuration established by wave front sensing using a guide star. The mirror segments, consisting of a one-centimeter thick faceplate on 30-cm deep ribs, maintain the surface figure to a few nanometers under lunar gravity and thermal environment.

Glass-based integrated optical splitters: engineering oriented research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Yinlei; Zheng, Weiwei; Yang, Jianyi; Jiang, Xiaoqing; Wang, Minghua

2010-10-01

Optical splitter is one of most typical device heavily demanded in implementation of Fiber To The Home (FTTH) system. Due to its compatibility with optical fibers, low propagation loss, flexibility, and most distinguishingly, potentially costeffectiveness, glass-based integrated optical splitters made by ion-exchange technology promise to be very attractive in application of optical communication networks. Aiming at integrated optical splitters applied in optical communication network, glass ion-exchange waveguide process is developed, which includes two steps: thermal salts ion-exchange and field-assisted ion-diffusion. By this process, high performance optical splitters are fabricated in specially melted glass substrate. Main performance parameters of these splitters, including maximum insertion loss (IL), polarization dependence loss (PDL), and IL uniformity are all in accordance with corresponding specifications in generic requirements for optic branching components (GR-1209-CORE). In this paper, glass based integrated optical splitters manufacturing is demonstrated, after which, engineering-oriented research work results on glass-based optical splitter are presented.

A Report on the Knowledge Development Goals of the Illinois Migrant Council Midwest Youth Employment and Training Program for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers; Fiscal Years 1978 through 1981.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Laylo, Peter R.; Woodruff, Bradley A.

Knowledge development goals were built into the Illinois Migrant Council (IMC) Midwest Youth Employment Training Program (MYETP) to gain information and insights on the status and conditions of the migrant and seasonal farmworker (MSFW) youth, and to assist in the design and content of programs to improve their economic, educational, and social…

Three Cultures: The Hopi Indians of the Southwest Desert, the Indians of the Northwest Pacific Coast, and the People of Midwest U.S.A. An Anthropological Unit.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marksberry, Mary Lee

Intended to acquaint fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-grade children with the concept of culture, this anthropology unit focuses on two groups of Indians who lived in prehistoric times and present-day non-Indian families living in the Midwest. Objectives are to help students understand the behavior of the Northwest Pacific Coast Indians, the Hopi…

Yaughan and Curriboo Plantations: Studies in Afro-American Archaeology.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-04-01

dogwood, briars, shrubs , and vines . The only site approaching a native habitat before testing was 38BK76, which had been covered by an oak-hickory forest...1974 Basic statistical methods, fourth edition. Harper and Row, Mew York. Drewel, Henry 1980 Personal communication. Art historian, University of Indiana ...South Carolina. Lofstrom, Edward Urling * 1976 A seriation of historic ceramics in the midwest , 1780-1870. Paper presented at the Joint Plains Midwest

The 1997 Excavations at the Big Eddy Site (23CE426) in Southwest Missouri

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-11-24

Lithic Exploitation in the Midwest and Midsouth: Indiana , Ohio, and Kentucky. In Early Paleoindian Economies of Eastern North America, edited by...ice sheet covered por- tions of northern Iowa, northern and central Illi- nois, all of Michigan, about two-thirds of Indiana , most of Ohio...of deciduous and decid- uous-coniferous (principally oak-pine) forests in the Midwest was largely completed sometime be- tween ca. 12,000 and

The Liberal Arts College: The Next 25 Years. A Symposium Sponsored by the Great Lakes Colleges Association and the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (Chicago, Illinois, June 22-23, 1984).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gies, Joseph, Ed.

The future of the liberal arts was considered at a 1984 symposium attended by college presidents, board chairpersons, and trustees from liberal arts colleges belonging to the Great Lakes Colleges Association and the Associated Colleges of the Midwest. The symposium proceedings include an address by Elmer W. Johnson, "Stewardship and the…

Forests, Water and People: Drinking water supply and forest lands in the Northeast and Midwest United States, June 2009

Treesearch

Martina Barnes; Albert Todd; Rebecca Whitney Lilja; Paul Barten

2009-01-01

Forests are critically important to the supply of clean drinking water in the Northeast and Midwest portion of the United States. In this part of the country more than 52 million people depend on surface water supplies that are protected in large part by forested lands. The public is generally unaware of the threats to their water supplies or the connection between...

Gasoline and tourism in the Upper Midwest. [Booklet

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

Murphy, M.J.

The effect of high gasoline prices on tourism in the Midwest is confusing as some data show Americans finding new ways to express their right to freedom of mobility through shorter and less-expensive trips, while other data reveal no impact on travel behavior. Although the tourism patterns of out-of-state visitors during 1979-80 are based on statistics that are collected differently in each state, several major findings in this report are that (1) high prices affect vacation plans; (2) the upper Midwest states were especially hurt because of their remoteness; (3) new transportation modes are replacing cars as vacationers select singlemore » destinations; and (4) small, independent businesses have suffered the most. This report suggests ways to promote tourism in the immediate vicinity of recreation areas, and recommends state promotional efforts that will taken advantage of new travel trends. 29 references, 4 tables. (DCK)« less

Airborne East Coast/Midwest urban survey at 121.5/243 MHz. [radio frequency interference measurement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, R. E.; Hill, J. S.

1979-01-01

Results of an airborne RF interference measurement survey of the emergency-distress, Search and Rescue frequency bands at 121.5 and 243 MHz at an altitude of 25,000 ft over the U.S. East Coast and Midwest urban areas are presented. Included are a series of minutely median profile plots of antenna-noise temperature computed from RF interference power measurements at the output terminal of a quarter-wavelength monopole antenna, for both daytime and nighttime observations. The greatest value, 450,000 K, of minutely median temperature was recorded over New York City at 121.5 MHz during the day. East Coast urban areas exhibited a day-night effect at 121.5 MHz, where nighttime observations had a median value of 8.6-dB below daytime values; Midwest counterparts did not exhibit a significant day-night effect at 121.5 MHz.

Research instrumentation for tornado electromagnetics emissions detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jenkins, H. H.; Wilson, C. S.

1977-01-01

Instrumentation for receiving, processing, and recording HF/VHF electromagnetic emissions from severe weather activity is described. Both airborne and ground-based instrumentation units are described on system and subsystem levels. Design considerations, design decisions, and the rationale behind the decisions are given. Performance characteristics are summarized and recommendations for improvements are given. The objectives, procedures, and test results of the following are presented: (1) airborne flight test in the Midwest U.S.A. (Spring 1975) and at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida (Summer 1975); (2) ground-based data collected in North Georgia (Summer/Fall 1975); and (3) airborne flight test in the Midwest (late Spring 1976) and at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida (Summer 1976). The Midwest tests concentrated on severe weather with tornadic activity; the Florida and Georgia tests monitored air mass convective thunderstorm characteristics. Supporting ground truth data from weather radars and sferics DF nets are described.

Development and Performance Verification of Fiber Optic Temperature Sensors in High Temperature Engine Environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adamovsky, Grigory; Mackey, Jeffrey R.; Kren, Lawrence A.; Floyd, Bertram M.; Elam, Kristie A.; Martinez, Martel

2014-01-01

A High Temperature Fiber Optic Sensor (HTFOS) has been developed at NASA Glenn Research Center for aircraft engine applications. After fabrication and preliminary in-house performance evaluation, the HTFOS was tested in an engine environment at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center. The engine tests enabled the performance of the HTFOS in real engine environments to be evaluated along with the ability of the sensor to respond to changes in the engine's operating condition. Data were collected prior, during, and after each test in order to observe the change in temperature from ambient to each of the various test point levels. An adequate amount of data was collected and analyzed to satisfy the research team that HTFOS operates properly while the engine was running. Temperature measurements made by HTFOS while the engine was running agreed with those anticipated.

Integrated Optical Circuit Engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sriram, S.

1985-04-01

Implementation of single-mode optical fiber systems depends largely on the availability of integrated optical components for such functions as switching, multiplexing, and modulation. The technology of integrated optics is maturing very rapidly, and its growth justifies the optimism that now exists in the optical community.

Using virtual environment for autonomous vehicle algorithm validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levinskis, Aleksandrs

2018-04-01

This paper describes possible use of modern game engine for validating and proving the concept of algorithm design. As the result simple visual odometry algorithm will be provided to show the concept and go over all workflow stages. Some of stages will involve using of Kalman filter in such a way that it will estimate optical flow velocity as well as position of moving camera located at vehicle body. In particular Unreal Engine 4 game engine will be used for generating optical flow patterns and ground truth path. For optical flow determination Horn and Schunck method will be applied. As the result, it will be shown that such method can estimate position of the camera attached to vehicle with certain displacement error respect to ground truth depending on optical flow pattern. For displacement rate RMS error is calculating between estimated and actual position.

Laser beam propagation through a full scale aircraft turboprop engine exhaust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henriksson, Markus; Gustafsson, Ove; Sjöqvist, Lars; Seiffer, Dirk; Wendelstein, Norbert

2010-10-01

The exhaust from engines introduces zones of extreme turbulence levels in local environments around aircraft. This may disturb the performance of aircraft mounted optical and laser systems. The turbulence distortion will be especially devastating for optical missile warning and laser based DIRCM systems used to protect manoeuvring aircraft against missile attacks, situations where the optical propagation path may come close to the engine exhaust. To study the extent of the turbulence zones caused by the engine exhaust and the strength of the effects on optical propagation through these zones a joint trial between Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom was performed using a medium sized military turboprop transport aircraft tethered to the ground at an airfield. This follows on earlier trials performed on a down-scaled jet-engine test rig. Laser beams were propagated along the axis of the aircraft at different distances relative to the engine exhaust and the spatial beam profiles and intensity scintillations were recorded with cameras and photodiodes. A second laser beam path was directed from underneath the loading ramp diagonally past one of the engines. The laser wavelengths used were 1.5 and 3.6 μm. In addition to spatial beam profile distortions temporal effects were investigated. Measurements were performed at different propeller speeds and at different distances from exhaust nozzle to the laser path. Significant increases in laser beam wander and long term beam radius were observed with the engine running. Corresponding increases were also registered in the scintillation index and the temporal fluctuations of the instantaneous power collected by the detector.

Engine spectrometer probe and method of use

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barkhoudarian, Sarkis (Inventor); Kittinger, Scott A. (Inventor)

2006-01-01

The engine spectrometer probe and method of using the same of the present invention provides a simple engine spectrometer probe which is both lightweight and rugged, allowing an exhaust plume monitoring system to be attached to a vehicle, such as the space shuttle. The engine spectrometer probe can be mounted to limit exposure to the heat and debris of the exhaust plume. The spectrometer probe 50 comprises a housing 52 having an aperture 55 and a fiber optic cable 60 having a fiber optic tip 65. The fiber optic tip 65 has an acceptance angle 87 and is coupled to the aperture 55 so that the acceptance angle 87 intersects the exhaust plume 30. The spectrometer probe can generate a spectrum signal from light in the acceptance angle 506 and the spectrum signal can be provided to a spectrometer 508.

Linear Spectral Analysis of Plume Emissions Using an Optical Matrix Processor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gary, C. K.

1992-01-01

Plume spectrometry provides a means to monitor the health of a burning rocket engine, and optical matrix processors provide a means to analyze the plume spectra in real time. By observing the spectrum of the exhaust plume of a rocket engine, researchers have detected anomalous behavior of the engine and have even determined the failure of some equipment before it would normally have been noticed. The spectrum of the plume is analyzed by isolating information in the spectrum about the various materials present to estimate what materials are being burned in the engine. Scientists at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) have implemented a high resolution spectrometer to discriminate the spectral peaks of the many species present in the plume. Researchers at the Stennis Space Center Demonstration Testbed Facility (DTF) have implemented a high resolution spectrometer observing a 1200-lb. thrust engine. At this facility, known concentrations of contaminants can be introduced into the burn, allowing for the confirmation of diagnostic algorithms. While the high resolution of the measured spectra has allowed greatly increased insight into the functioning of the engine, the large data flows generated limit the ability to perform real-time processing. The use of an optical matrix processor and the linear analysis technique described below may allow for the detailed real-time analysis of the engine's health. A small optical matrix processor can perform the required mathematical analysis both quicker and with less energy than a large electronic computer dedicated to the same spectral analysis routine.

Review of the Usefulness of Various Rotational Seismometers with Laboratory Results of Fibre-Optic Ones Tested for Engineering Applications

PubMed Central

Jaroszewicz, Leszek R.; Kurzych, Anna; Krajewski, Zbigniew; Marć, Paweł; Kowalski, Jerzy K.; Bobra, Piotr; Zembaty, Zbigniew; Sakowicz, Bartosz; Jankowski, Robert

2016-01-01

Starting with descriptions of rotational seismology, areas of interest and historical field measurements, the fundamental requirements for rotational seismometers for seismological and engineering application are formulated. On the above basis, a review of all existing rotational seismometers is presented with a description of the principles of their operation as well as possibilities to fulfill formulated requirements. This review includes mechanical, acoustical, electrochemical and optical devices and shows that the last of these types are the most promising. It is shown that optical rotational seismometer based on the ring-laser gyroscope concept is the best for seismological applications, whereas systems based on fiber-optic gyroscopes demonstrate parameters which are also required for engineering applications. Laboratory results of the Fibre-Optic System for Rotational Events & Phenomena Monitoring using a small 1-D shaking table modified to generate rotational excitations are presented. The harmonic and time-history tests demonstrate its usefulness for recording rotational motions with rates up to 0.25 rad/s. PMID:27999299

Vector optical fields with polarization distributions similar to electric and magnetic field lines.

PubMed

Pan, Yue; Li, Si-Min; Mao, Lei; Kong, Ling-Jun; Li, Yongnan; Tu, Chenghou; Wang, Pei; Wang, Hui-Tian

2013-07-01

We present, design and generate a new kind of vector optical fields with linear polarization distributions modeling to electric and magnetic field lines. The geometric configurations of "electric charges" and "magnetic charges" can engineer the spatial structure and symmetry of polarizations of vector optical field, providing additional degrees of freedom assisting in controlling the field symmetry at the focus and allowing engineering of the field distribution at the focus to the specific applications.

New Gateway Installed onto Space Station on This Week @NASA – August 19, 2016

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-08-19

Outside the International Space Station, Expedition 48 Commander Jeff Williams and Flight Engineer Kate Rubins of NASA installed the first of two International Docking Adapters onto the forward end of the station’s Harmony module, during a spacewalk on Aug. 19. The new docking port will be used by the Boeing CST-100 “Starliner” and SpaceX Crew Dragon commercial crew spacecraft being developed to transport U.S. astronauts to and from the station. The second International Docking Adapter – currently under construction – eventually will be placed on the space-facing side of the Harmony module. Also, Commercial Crew Access Arm Installed on Launchpad, Behind the Scenes of our Journey to Mars, Asteroid Redirect Mission Milestone, Asteroid Sample Return Mission Approaches, and Chasing Greenhouse Gases in the Midwest!

A review of materials engineering in silicon-based optical fibres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Healy, Noel; Gibson, Ursula; Peacock, Anna C.

2018-02-01

Semiconductor optical fibre technologies have grown rapidly in the last decade and there are now a range of production and post-processing techniques that allow for a vast degree of control over the core material's optoelectronic properties. These methodologies and the unique optical fibre geometry provide an exciting platform for materials engineering and fibres can now be produced with single crystal cores, low optical losses, tunable strain, and inscribable phase composition. This review discusses the state-of-the-art regarding the production of silicon optical fibres in amorphous and crystalline form and then looks at the post-processing techniques and the improved material quality and new functionality that they afford.

Optically transparent microwave screens based on engineered graphene layers.

PubMed

Grande, M; Bianco, G V; Vincenti, M A; de Ceglia, D; Capezzuto, P; Petruzzelli, V; Scalora, M; Bruno, G; D'Orazio, A

2016-10-03

We propose an innovative approach for the realization of a microwave absorber fully transparent in the optical regime. This device is based on the Salisbury screen configuration, which consists of a lossless spacer, sandwiched between two graphene sheets whose sheet resistances are different and properly engineered. Experimental results show that it is possible to achieve near-perfect electromagnetic absorption in the microwave X-band. These findings are fully supported by an analytical approach based on an equivalent circuital model. Engineering and integration of graphene sheets could facilitate the realization of innovative microwave absorbers with additional electromagnetic and optical functionalities that could circumvent some of the major limitations of opaque microwave absorbers.

Multiresonant Composite Optical Nanoantennas by Out-of-plane Plasmonic Engineering.

PubMed

Song, Junyeob; Zhou, Wei

2018-06-27

Optical nanoantennas can concentrate light and enhance light-matter interactions in subwavelength domain, which is useful for photodetection, light emission, optical biosensing, and spectroscopy. However, conventional optical nanoantennas operating at a single wavelength band are not suitable for multiband applications. Here, we propose and exploit an out-of-plane plasmonic engineering strategy to design and create composite optical nanoantennas that can support multiple nanolocalized modes at different resonant wavelengths. These multiresonant composite nanoantennas are composed of vertically stacked building blocks of metal-insulator-metal loop nanoantennas. Studies of multiresonant composite nanoantennas demonstrate that the number of supported modes depends on the number of vertically stacked building blocks and the resonant wavelengths of individual modes are tunable by controlling the out-of-plane geometries of their building blocks. In addition, numerical studies show that the resonant wavelengths of individual modes in composite nanoantennas can deviate from the optical response of building blocks due to hybridization of magnetic modes in neighboring building blocks. Using Au nanohole arrays as deposition masks to fabricate arrays of multilayered composite nanoantennas, we experimentally demonstrate their multiresonant optical properties in good agreement with theory predictions. These studies show that out-of-plane engineered multiresonant composite nanoantennas can provide new opportunities for fundamental nanophotonics research and practical applications involving optical multiband operations, such as multiphoton process, broadband solar energy conversion, and wavelength-multiplexed optical system.

Trends in pesticide concentrations in urban streams in the United States, 1992-2008

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ryberg, Karen R.; Vecchia, Aldo V.; Martin, Jeffrey D.; Gilliom, Robert J.

2010-01-01

Pesticide concentration trends in streams dominated by urban land use were assessed using data from 27 urban streams sampled as part of the U.S. Geological Survey National Water-Quality Assessment Program. The sites were divided into four regions, Northeast, South, Midwest, and West, to examine possible regional patterns. Three partially overlapping 9-year periods (1992-2000, 1996-2004, and 2000-2008) were examined for eight herbicides and one degradation product (simazine, prometon, atrazine, deethylatrazine, metolachlor, trifluralin, pendimethalin, tebuthiuron, and Dacthal), and five insecticides and two degradation products (chlorpyrifos, malathion, diazinon, fipronil, fipronil sulfide, desulfinylfipronil, and carbaryl). The data were analyzed for trends in concentration using a parametric regression model with seasonality, flow-related variability, and trend, called SEAWAVE-Q. The SEAWAVE-Q model also was used to generate estimated daily concentration percentiles for each analysis period to provide a summary of concentration magnitudes. For herbicides, the largest 90th percentiles of estimated concentrations for simazine were in the South, prometon at some sites in all of the regions, atrazine and deethylatrazine in the South and Midwest, metolachlor in the Midwest and a few sites in the South, pendimethalin at scattered sites in all of the regions, and tebuthiuron in the South and a few sites in the Midwest and West. For insecticides, the largest 90th percentiles of estimated concentrations for diazinon and carbaryl were distributed among various sites in all regions (especially during 1996-2004), and fipronil at isolated sites in all of the regions during 2000-2008. Trend analysis results for the herbicides indicated many significant trends, both upward and downward, with varying patterns depending on period, region, and herbicide. Overall, deethylatrazine showed the most consistent pattern of upward trends, especially in the Northeast (2000-2008), South (1996-2004 and 2000-2008), and Midwest (1996-2004 and 2000-2008). Other herbicides showed less consistent upward trends, including simazine in the South (1996-2004), prometon in the Midwest (2000-2008), and atrazine in the South (1996-2004). The most consistent downward trends were for simazine in the Northeast and Midwest (1996-2004), prometon in the Northeast and Midwest (1996-2004) and West (1996-2004 and 2000-2008), and tebuthiuron in the South (1996-2004 and 2000-2008) and West (2000-2008). Strong similarity existed between the trends for atrazine and deethylatrazine during 1996-2004. During 2000-2008, however, there were mixed upward and downward trends in atrazine and predominantly upward trends in deethylatrazine. Ten sites with a downward trend in atrazine were paired with an upward trend in deethylatrazine and for three of these sites (1 in the South and 2 in the Midwest) both opposing trends were significant. Opposing trends showing a decrease in atrazine and an increase in deethylatrazine may indicate that decreases in atrazine from surface runoff are being offset in some cases by increases in deethylatrazine from groundwater for the latter analysis period. Trend results for insecticides indicated widespread significant downward trends for chlorpyrifos (especially 1996-2004), diazinon (1996-2004 and 2000-2008), and malathion (especially 1996-2004); widespread significant upward trends for fipronil and its degradation products (2000-2008); and mostly nonsignificant trends for carbaryl (1996-2004 and 2000-2008). The downward trends for chlorpyrifos and diazinon were consistent with the regulatory phaseout of residential uses of these insecticides and the upward trends for fipronil and its degradation products were consistent with its introduction in 1996 and subsequent increasing use as a possible substitute for chlorpyrifos and diazinon. The downward trends in malathion may be caused by voluntary substitution of pyrethroids or fipronil for malathio

Time Resolved Digital PIV Measurements of Flow Field Cyclic Variation in an Optical IC Engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jarvis, S.; Justham, T.; Clarke, A.; Garner, C. P.; Hargrave, G. K.; Halliwell, N. A.

2006-07-01

Time resolved digital particle image velocimetry (DPIV) experimental data is presented for the in-cylinder flow field development of a motored four stroke spark ignition (SI) optical internal combustion (IC) engine. A high speed DPIV system was employed to quantify the velocity field development during the intake and compression stroke at an engine speed of 1500 rpm. The results map the spatial and temporal development of the in-cylinder flow field structure allowing comparison between traditional ensemble average and cycle average flow field structures. Conclusions are drawn with respect to engine flow field cyclic variations.

Using GIS to integrate FIA and remotely sensed data to estimate the invasibility of major forest types by non-native invasive plants in the Upper Midwest, USA

Treesearch

Zhaofei Fan; W. Keith Moser; Michael K. Crosby; Weiming Yu

2012-01-01

Non-native invasive plants (NNIP) are rapidly spreading into natural ecosystems such as forests in the Upper Midwest. Using the strategic inventory data from the 2005-2006 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program and forest land cover data, we estimated the regional-invasibility patterns of NNIPs for major...

The Eco-Behavioral Approach to Surveys and Social Accounts for Rural Communities: Exploratory Analyses and Interpretations of Roger G. Barker's Microdata from the Behavior Setting Survey of Midwest, Kansas in 1963-64.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fox, Karl A.

The concept of behavior settings--the environments shaping individual behavior--was originated by Roger Barker in 1950 in connection with his community surveys in a small Kansas town, code-named Midwest. This book seeks to provide rural social scientists with an understanding of Barker's eco-behavioral approach and proposed adaptations of it to…

Historical and Future Projected Hydrologic Extremes over the Midwest and Great Lakes Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byun, K.; Hamlet, A. F.; Chiu, C. M.

2016-12-01

There is an increasing body of evidence from observed data that climate variability combined with regional climate change has had a significant impact on hydrologic cycles, including both seasonal patterns of runoff and altered hydrologic extremes (e.g. floods and extreme stormwater events). To better understand changing patterns of extreme high flows in Midwest and Great Lakes region, we analyzed long-term historical observations of peak streamflow at different gaging stations. We also conducted hydrologic model experiments using the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) at 1/16 degree resolution in order to explore sensitivity of annual peak streamflow, both historically and under temperature and precipitation changes for several future periods. For future projections, the Hybrid Delta statistical downscaling approach applied to the Coupled Model Inter-comparison, Phase5 (CMIP5) Global Climate Model (GCM) scenarios was used to produce driving data for the VIC hydrologic model. Preliminary results for several test basins in the Midwest support the hypothesis that there are consistent and statistically significant changes in the mean annual flood starting before and after about 1975. Future projections using hydrologic model simulations support the hypothesis of higher peak flows due to warming and increasing precipitation projected for the 21st century. We will extend this preliminary analysis using observed data and simulations from 40 river basins in the Midwest to further test these hypotheses.

Reusable rocket engine turbopump condition monitoring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hampson, M. E.; Barkhoudarian, S.

1985-01-01

Significant improvements in engine readiness with attendant reductions in maintenance costs and turnaround times can be achieved with an engine condition monitoring system (CMS). The CMS provides real time health status of critical engine components, without disassembly, through component monitoring with advanced sensor technologies. Three technologies were selected to monitor the rotor bearings and turbine blades: the isotope wear detector and fiber optic deflectometer (bearings), and the fiber optic pyrometer (blades). Signal processing algorithms were evaluated and ranked for their utility in providing useful component health data to unskilled maintenance personnel. Design modifications to current configuration Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) high pressure turbopumps and the MK48-F turbopump were developed to incorporate the sensors.

Ultrafast optics. Ultrafast optical control by few photons in engineered fiber.

PubMed

Nissim, R; Pejkic, A; Myslivets, E; Kuo, B P; Alic, N; Radic, S

2014-07-25

Fast control of a strong optical beam by a few photons is an outstanding challenge that limits the performance of quantum sensors and optical processing devices. We report that a fast and efficient optical gate can be realized in an optical fiber that has been engineered with molecular-scale accuracy. Highly efficient, distributed phase-matched photon-photon interaction was achieved in the fiber with locally controlled, nanometer-scale core variations. A three-photon input was used to manipulate a Watt-scale beam at a speed exceeding 500 gigahertz. In addition to very fast beam control, the results provide a path to developing a new class of sensitive receivers capable of operating at very high rates. Copyright © 2014, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Optical Power Source Derived from Engine Combustion Chambers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baumbick, Robert J. (Inventor)

1999-01-01

An optical power source is disclosed that collects the spectra of the light emissions created in a combustion chamber to provide its optical output signals that serve the needs of optical networks. The light spectra is collected by a collection ring serving as an optical waveguide.

Wood lens design philosophy based on a binary additive manufacturing technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marasco, Peter L.; Bailey, Christopher

2016-04-01

Using additive manufacturing techniques in optical engineering to construct a gradient index (GRIN) optic may overcome a number of limitations of GRIN technology. Such techniques are maturing quickly, yielding additional design degrees of freedom for the engineer. How best to employ these degrees of freedom is not completely clear at this time. This paper describes a preliminary design philosophy, including assumptions, pertaining to a particular printing technique for GRIN optics. It includes an analysis based on simulation and initial component measurement.

Optical design for consumer products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Anurag

2014-10-01

Optical engineers often limit their focus on meeting the provided targets on performance and geometry and assume that the specifications are largely non-negotiable. Such approach ignores the value proposition behind the product and the challenges associated with overall product design, manufacturing, business development and legal issues. As a result, the design effort can be expensive, time consuming and can result in product failure. We discuss a product based systems engineering approach that leads to an application specific optical design that is more effective and efficient to implement.

OSC in the 1970s: a springboard for a career in optical engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harvey, James E.

2014-09-01

Anecdotes and recollections from a graduate student at the Optical Sciences Center (OSC) in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The early faculty of the OCS fostered an exciting environment where even graduate students served significant roles on major government research contracts. Teamwork and collaboration between research groups was often required to meet the contract goals. This unique learning experience at the OSC almost 50 years ago served as a springboard for a satisfying and rewarding career in Optical Engineering.

Engineered materials for all-optical helicity-dependent magnetic switching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mangin, S.; Gottwald, M.; Lambert, C.-H.; Steil, D.; Uhlíř, V.; Pang, L.; Hehn, M.; Alebrand, S.; Cinchetti, M.; Malinowski, G.; Fainman, Y.; Aeschlimann, M.; Fullerton, E. E.

2014-03-01

The possibility of manipulating magnetic systems without applied magnetic fields have attracted growing attention over the past fifteen years. The low-power manipulation of the magnetization, preferably at ultrashort timescales, has become a fundamental challenge with implications for future magnetic information memory and storage technologies. Here we explore the optical manipulation of the magnetization in engineered magnetic materials. We demonstrate that all-optical helicity-dependent switching (AO-HDS) can be observed not only in selected rare earth-transition metal (RE-TM) alloy films but also in a much broader variety of materials, including RE-TM alloys, multilayers and heterostructures. We further show that RE-free Co-Ir-based synthetic ferrimagnetic heterostructures designed to mimic the magnetic properties of RE-TM alloys also exhibit AO-HDS. These results challenge present theories of AO-HDS and provide a pathway to engineering materials for future applications based on all-optical control of magnetic order.

Photonics Applications and Web Engineering: WILGA 2017

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romaniuk, Ryszard S.

2017-08-01

XLth Wilga Summer 2017 Symposium on Photonics Applications and Web Engineering was held on 28 May-4 June 2017. The Symposium gathered over 350 participants, mainly young researchers active in optics, optoelectronics, photonics, modern optics, mechatronics, applied physics, electronics technologies and applications. There were presented around 300 oral and poster papers in a few main topical tracks, which are traditional for Wilga, including: bio-photonics, optical sensory networks, photonics-electronics-mechatronics co-design and integration, large functional system design and maintenance, Internet of Things, measurement systems for astronomy, high energy physics experiments, and other. The paper is a traditional introduction to the 2017 WILGA Summer Symposium Proceedings, and digests some of the Symposium chosen key presentations. This year Symposium was divided to the following topical sessions/conferences: Optics, Optoelectronics and Photonics, Computational and Artificial Intelligence, Biomedical Applications, Astronomical and High Energy Physics Experiments Applications, Material Research and Engineering, and Advanced Photonics and Electronics Applications in Research and Industry.

Engineering Play: Exploring Associations with Executive Function, Mathematical Ability, and Spatial Ability in Preschool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gold, Zachary Samuel

Engineering play is a new perspective on preschool education that views constructive play as an engineering design process that parallels the way engineers think and work when they develop engineered solutions to human problems (Bairaktarova, Evangelou, Bagiati, & Brophy, 2011). Early research from this perspective supports its use in framing play as a key learning context. However, no research to date has examined associations between engineering play and other factors linked with early school success, such as executive function, mathematical ability, and spatial ability. Additionally, more research is needed to further validate a new engineering play observational measure. This study had two main goals: (1) to gather early validity data on the engineering play measure as a potentially useful instrument for documenting the occurrence of children's engineering play behaviors in educational contexts, such as block play. This was done by testing the factor structure of the engineering play behaviors in this sample and their association with preschoolers' planning, a key aspect of the engineering design process; (2) to explore associations between preschoolers' engineering play and executive function, mathematical ability, and spatial ability. Participants included 110 preschoolers (62 girls; 48 boys; M = 58.47 months) from 10 classrooms in the Midwest United States coded for their frequency of engagement in each of the nine engineering play behaviors. A confirmatory factor analysis resulted in one engineering play factor including six of the engineering play behaviors. A series of marginal regression models revealed that the engineering play factor was significantly and positively associated with the spatial horizontal rotation transformation. However, engineering play was not significantly related to planning ability, executive function, informal mathematical abilities, or other spatial transformation skills. Follow-up analyses revealed significant positive associations between engineering play and planning, executive function, and geometry for only a subgroup of children (n = 27) who had individualized education program (IEP) status. This was the first of a series of studies planned to evaluate the potential of the engineering play perspective as a tool for understanding young children's development and learning across multiple developmental domains. Although most hypotheses regarding engineering play and cognitive skills were not supported, the study provided partial evidence for the reliability and validity of the engineering play observation measure. Future research should include larger sample sizes with more statistical power, continued refinement of the engineering play observation measure, examination of potential associations with specific early learning domains, including spatial ability and language, and more comparisons of engineering play between typically developing children and children with disabilities.

Model-based engineering for laser weapons systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panthaki, Malcolm; Coy, Steve

2011-10-01

The Comet Performance Engineering Workspace is an environment that enables integrated, multidisciplinary modeling and design/simulation process automation. One of the many multi-disciplinary applications of the Comet Workspace is for the integrated Structural, Thermal, Optical Performance (STOP) analysis of complex, multi-disciplinary space systems containing Electro-Optical (EO) sensors such as those which are designed and developed by and for NASA and the Department of Defense. The CometTM software is currently able to integrate performance simulation data and processes from a wide range of 3-D CAD and analysis software programs including CODE VTM from Optical Research Associates and SigFitTM from Sigmadyne Inc. which are used to simulate the optics performance of EO sensor systems in space-borne applications. Over the past year, Comet Solutions has been working with MZA Associates of Albuquerque, NM, under a contract with the Air Force Research Laboratories. This funded effort is a "risk reduction effort", to help determine whether the combination of Comet and WaveTrainTM, a wave optics systems engineering analysis environment developed and maintained by MZA Associates and used by the Air Force Research Laboratory, will result in an effective Model-Based Engineering (MBE) environment for the analysis and design of laser weapons systems. This paper will review the results of this effort and future steps.

System Engineering of Photonic Systems for Space Application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, Michael D.; Pryor, Jonathan E.

2014-01-01

The application of photonics in space systems requires tight integration with the spacecraft systems to ensure accurate operation. This requires some detailed and specific system engineering to properly incorporate the photonics into the spacecraft architecture and to guide the spacecraft architecture in supporting the photonics devices. Recent research in product focused, elegant system engineering has led to a system approach which provides a robust approach to this integration. Focusing on the mission application and the integration of the spacecraft system physics incorporation of the photonics can be efficiently and effectively accomplished. This requires a clear understanding of the driving physics properties of the photonics device to ensure proper integration with no unintended consequences. The driving physics considerations in terms of optical performance will be identified for their use in system integration. Keywords: System Engineering, Optical Transfer Function, Optical Physics, Photonics, Image Jitter, Launch Vehicle, System Integration, Organizational Interaction

Modern technologies for retinal scanning and imaging: an introduction for the biomedical engineer

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

This review article is meant to help biomedical engineers and nonphysical scientists better understand the principles of, and the main trends in modern scanning and imaging modalities used in ophthalmology. It is intended to ease the communication between physicists, medical doctors and engineers, and hopefully encourage “classical” biomedical engineers to generate new ideas and to initiate projects in an area which has traditionally been dominated by optical physics. Most of the methods involved are applicable to other areas of biomedical optics and optoelectronics, such as microscopic imaging, spectroscopy, spectral imaging, opto-acoustic tomography, fluorescence imaging etc., all of which are with potential biomedical application. Although all described methods are novel and important, the emphasis of this review has been placed on three technologies introduced in the 1990’s and still undergoing vigorous development: Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy, Optical Coherence Tomography, and polarization-sensitive retinal scanning. PMID:24779618

New optical engineering and instrument design programs at the University of California, Irvine Extension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silberman, Donn M.; Doushkina, Valentina V.

2010-08-01

Three years ago we reported on a new optics education program established at the Irvine Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) at the Advanced Technology and Education Park (ATEP) operated by the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD). This paper reports on new Optical Engineering and Instrument Design Programs now being offered through the University of California, Irvine Extension. While there are some similarities between the two programs, the differences are mainly the students' level. The community college level programs were targeted primarily at technicians and junior level engineers. The university level programs are targeted at senior level engineering and physical sciences university students, graduate and post graduate students and designers in industry. This paper reviews the reasons for establishing these certificate programs and their content, the students' motivations for taking them and their employers' incentives for encouraging the students.

Microcomputers in an Undergraduate Optics Laboratory.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tomaselli, V. P.; And Others

1990-01-01

Describes a junior-level, one-year optics laboratory course for physics and engineering students. The course offers a range of experiments from conventional geometric optics to contemporary spatial filtering and fiber optics. Presents an example of an experiment with pictures. (Author/YP)

125 GeV Higgs decay with lepton flavor violation in the μνSSM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hai-Bin; Feng, Tai-Fu; Zhao, Shu-Min; Yan, Yu-Li; Sun, Fei

2017-04-01

Recently, the CMS and ATLAS collaborations have reported direct searches for the 125 GeV Higgs decay with lepton flavor violation, h → μτ. In this work, we analyze the signal of the lepton flavour violating (LFV) Higgs decay h → μτ in the μ from ν Supersymmetric Standard Model (μνSSM) with slepton flavor mixing. Simultaneously, we consider the constraints from the LFV decay τ → μγ, the muon anomalous magnetic dipole moment and the lightest Higgs mass around 125 GeV. Supported by Major Project of NNSFC (11535002) and NNSFC (11275036, 11647120), the Open Project Program of State Key Laboratory of Theoretical Physics, Institute of Theoretical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China (Y5KF131CJ1), the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei province (A2013201277, A2016201010, A2016201069), Hebei Key Lab of Optic-Electronic Information and Materials, and Midwest Universities Comprehensive Strength Promotion Project

Integrated all-optical logic discriminators based on plasmonic bandgap engineering

PubMed Central

Lu, Cuicui; Hu, Xiaoyong; Yang, Hong; Gong, Qihuang

2013-01-01

Optical computing uses photons as information carriers, opening up the possibility for ultrahigh-speed and ultrawide-band information processing. Integrated all-optical logic devices are indispensible core components of optical computing systems. However, up to now, little experimental progress has been made in nanoscale all-optical logic discriminators, which have the function of discriminating and encoding incident light signals according to wavelength. Here, we report a strategy to realize a nanoscale all-optical logic discriminator based on plasmonic bandgap engineering in a planar plasmonic microstructure. Light signals falling within different operating wavelength ranges are differentiated and endowed with different logic state encodings. Compared with values previously reported, the operating bandwidth is enlarged by one order of magnitude. Also the SPP light source is integrated with the logic device while retaining its ultracompact size. This opens up a way to construct on-chip all-optical information processors and artificial intelligence systems. PMID:24071647

Summary of a Regional Workshop on Monitoring Programs for the Interior Least Tern (Sternula Antillarum) - Tulsa, Oklahoma, 15-16 November 2005

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-01

Terry Shaffer of the USGS-Northern Prairies Wildlife Research Center and Eileen Kirsch of the USGS-Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center...years that variation in chick survival may be the most important factor in overall reproductive success (i.e., Kirsch 1996), monitoring nest success at...Center (NPWRC) o Jennifer Stucker, USGS, NPWRC o Eileen Kirsch , USGS, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center o Mark Sherfy, USGS, NPWRC o

Snow across the Midwest

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-12-08

On Nov. 22, 2015 at 19:15 UTC the MODIS instrument aboard NASA's Aqua satellite captured this image of Snow across the Midwest. Credit: NASA Goddard MODIS Rapid Response Team NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram

Fiberoptics technology and its application to propulsion control systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baumbick, R. J.

1983-01-01

Electro-optical systems have many advantages over conventional electrical systems. Among these are optics' insensitivity to electro-magnetic interference, good electrical isolation and the ability to make measurements in highly explosive areas without risk. These advantages promise to help improve the reliability of future aircraft engine control systems which will be entirely electronic digital. To improve the reliability of these systems, especially against lightning strikes, passive, optical, sensors and fiberoptic transmission lines are being considered for use in future engine systems. Also under consideration are actuators which receive their command signals over fiber optic cables. This paper reviews concepts used for optical instrumentation and actuation systems and discusses work being done by NASA Lewis Research Center in this area.

On the structural logic of curriculum system for the optical instrument major

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Yufeng; Yan, Juncen; Li, Yang; Shi, Lixia

2017-08-01

The theories of optical instrument are the Interdisciplinary of Optical Engineering and Instrument Science and Technology. The undergraduates should study the knowledge about the optics, precision machine and electronics. The courses such as Theory of Machine, Engineering Optics, even include some courses about Accuracy Analysis of Instrument are offered in the college. There are a lot of correlatives among these courses. This paper focuses on the structural logic of these courses. The order of these courses is researched, The aims of all the courses are clear completely to avoid the same topics to be taught twice in different courses. Therefore, the undergraduates would get the main line of the knowledge, and the professors would teach efficiently.

1000507

NASA Image and Video Library

2010-04-01

NASA ADMINISTRATOR CHARLES BOLDEN LOOKS ON AS BALL AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION PRINCIPLE OPTICAL ENGINEER DAVE CHANEY EXPLAINS HOW THE JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE MIRROR SEGMENTS ARE TESTED IN MARSHALL'S X-RAY AND CRYOGENIC FACILITY. PICTURED FROM LEFT: HELEN COLE, WEBB TELESCOPE ACTIVITIES PROJECT MANAGER AT MARSHALL; CHARLES SCALES, ASSOCIATE DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR: ROBERT LIGHTFOOT, CENTER DIRECTOR; CHARLES BOLDEN, NASA ADMINISTRATOR; DAVE CHANEY, BALL OPTICAL ENGINEER.

Structural Health Monitoring of Civil Infrastructure Using Optical Fiber Sensing Technology: A Comprehensive Review

PubMed Central

Ye, X. W.; Su, Y. H.; Han, J. P.

2014-01-01

In the last two decades, a significant number of innovative sensing systems based on optical fiber sensors have been exploited in the engineering community due to their inherent distinctive advantages such as small size, light weight, immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and corrosion, and embedding capability. A lot of optical fiber sensor-based monitoring systems have been developed for continuous measurement and real-time assessment of diversified engineering structures such as bridges, buildings, tunnels, pipelines, wind turbines, railway infrastructure, and geotechnical structures. The purpose of this review article is devoted to presenting a summary of the basic principles of various optical fiber sensors, innovation in sensing and computational methodologies, development of novel optical fiber sensors, and the practical application status of the optical fiber sensing technology in structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil infrastructure. PMID:25133250

Structural health monitoring of civil infrastructure using optical fiber sensing technology: a comprehensive review.

PubMed

Ye, X W; Su, Y H; Han, J P

2014-01-01

In the last two decades, a significant number of innovative sensing systems based on optical fiber sensors have been exploited in the engineering community due to their inherent distinctive advantages such as small size, light weight, immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and corrosion, and embedding capability. A lot of optical fiber sensor-based monitoring systems have been developed for continuous measurement and real-time assessment of diversified engineering structures such as bridges, buildings, tunnels, pipelines, wind turbines, railway infrastructure, and geotechnical structures. The purpose of this review article is devoted to presenting a summary of the basic principles of various optical fiber sensors, innovation in sensing and computational methodologies, development of novel optical fiber sensors, and the practical application status of the optical fiber sensing technology in structural health monitoring (SHM) of civil infrastructure.

Cognition and thinking on Applied Optics course's reformation and innovation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jingjing; Ji, Feng; Liu, Zhijian; Xia, Haojie; Shu, Shuangbao

2017-08-01

The course of "Applied Optics" is professional and foundational for the specialty of photo-electric information and engineering. According to the characteristics of the specialty, the teaching contents, teaching means, innovations and appraisal methods are mainly discussed in this paper. Firstly, one of the most difficult part to comprehend, the Fermat principle is taken as an example in the teaching content. By using the development history of optics and interesting natural phenomenon, students' understanding of the optical knowledge can be enhanced. Secondly, in various means of teaching art, ZEMAX provides students with a platform of training innovative consciousness and engineering capacity, and it make high cohesion in teaching and scientific research. Thirdly, in the teaching innovation, photoelectric contest can stimulate students' innovative thinking, innovation awareness, and cultivate undergraduate students' optics, mechanics, electricity, numerology integrated design capabilities. Lastly, the reform in the appraisal methods guide students from focusing on the examination results to pay attention to the learning process. Eventually, students' study interest has improved, demand of the engineering practice has adapted, and the well teaching effect has realized.

A link between prompt optical and prompt gamma-ray emission in gamma-ray bursts.

PubMed

Vestrand, W T; Wozniak, P R; Wren, J A; Fenimore, E E; Sakamoto, T; White, R R; Casperson, D; Davis, H; Evans, S; Galassi, M; McGowan, K E; Schier, J A; Asa, J W; Barthelmy, S D; Cummings, J R; Gehrels, N; Hullinger, D; Krimm, H A; Markwardt, C B; McLean, K; Palmer, D; Parsons, A; Tueller, J

2005-05-12

The prompt optical emission that arrives with the gamma-rays from a cosmic gamma-ray burst (GRB) is a signature of the engine powering the burst, the properties of the ultra-relativistic ejecta of the explosion, and the ejecta's interactions with the surroundings. Until now, only GRB 990123 had been detected at optical wavelengths during the burst phase. Its prompt optical emission was variable and uncorrelated with the prompt gamma-ray emission, suggesting that the optical emission was generated by a reverse shock arising from the ejecta's collision with surrounding material. Here we report prompt optical emission from GRB 041219a. It is variable and correlated with the prompt gamma-rays, indicating a common origin for the optical light and the gamma-rays. Within the context of the standard fireball model of GRBs, we attribute this new optical component to internal shocks driven into the burst ejecta by variations of the inner engine. The correlated optical emission is a direct probe of the jet isolated from the medium. The timing of the uncorrelated optical emission is strongly dependent on the nature of the medium.

A Use Case for implementing Earth observation (EO) to avoid regional groundwater contamination in the Midwest US

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernknopf, R.; Pearlman, J.

2016-12-01

A use case to implement Landsat data for application in decisions in the agricultural sector is being developed. Stakeholders are at both the farm level and regional level. Decisions by individual farmers and communities about the intensity of use of agrochemicals on crops can affect the future quality of the groundwater in Iowa. An initial case study was completed to examine some of the technical perspectives of adapting and coupling satellite imagery and in situ water quality measurements to forecast changes in groundwater quality. This analysis was conducted to identify the benefits of EO to assist in specific decisions to improve agricultural land management and regulation of groundwater contamination. Results demonstrated that Landsat information facilitates spatiotemporal analysis of the impact of nitrates on groundwater resources. Value is dependent on whether additional information reduces the variance (uncertainty) in outcomes. The use case ultimately involves scientific experts, farmers and their representatives, and the Government. Decisions involve some level of uncertainty in scientific measurement and statistical variability affects its informational value. These issues are concerns with implementing remote sensing technology and must be examined with end users and their impact discussed and understood. Thus, the study team held meetings with subject experts from Iowa State University and the Iowa Farm Bureau to explore the next steps in developing the use case. Discussion with the subject experts focused on more detail to capture new agricultural science advances and engineering options that could be linked in a multi-scale approach. A second meeting between the study and the Iowa Farm Bureau centered on the need for efficient regulation of land use and regulation of agrochemical application in the Midwest. The impacts of these discussions and other user inputs on the directions of the use case will be presented.

Spatiotemporal distributions of intestinal helminths in female lesser scaup Aythya affinis during spring migration from the upper Midwest, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

England, J. C.; Levengood, J.M.; Osborn, J. M.; Yetter, A. P.; Kinsella, J.M.; Cole, Rebecca A.; Cory D. Suski,; Hagy, Heath M.

2017-01-01

We examined the associations between intestinal helminth infracommunity structure and infection parameters and the age, size, and year and region of collection of 130 female lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) during their 2014–2015 spring migrations through the upper Midwest, USA. We identified a total of 647,174 individual helminths from 40 taxa, including 20 trematodes, 14 cestodes, 4 nematodes and 2 acanthocephalans parasitizing lesser scaup within the study area. Lesser scaup were each infected with 2–23 helminth taxa. One digenean, Plenosoma minimum, is reported for the first time in lesser scaup and in the Midwest. Mean trematode abundance and total helminth abundance was significantly less in 2015 than 2014, and we suspect that colder weather late in 2015 impacted the intermediate host fauna and caused the observed differences. Brillouin's species diversity of helminths was greatest in the northernmost region of the study area, which coincides with the range of a non-indigenous snail that indirectly causes annual mortality events of lesser scaup. While host age and size were not determined to be influential factors of helminth infracommunity structure, non-parametric ordination and permutational analysis of co-variance revealed that year and region of collection explained differences in helminth infracommunities. Our results suggest that spatiotemporal variations play an important role in the structure of intestinal helminth infracommunities found in migrating lesser scaup hosts, and may therefore impact host ability to build endogenous reserves at certain stopover locations in the Midwest.

Regional variation in immature Ixodes scapularis parasitism on North American songbirds: implications for transmission of the Lyme pathogen, Borrelia burgdorferi.

PubMed

Brinkerhoff, R Jory; Folsom-O'Keefe, Corrine M; Streby, Henry M; Bent, Stephen J; Tsao, Kimberly; Diuk-Wasser, Maria A

2011-03-01

Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiological agent of Lyme disease, is transmitted among hosts by the black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, a species that regularly parasitizes various vertebrate hosts, including birds, in its immature stages. Lyme disease risk in the United States is highest in the Northeast and in the upper Midwest where I. scapularis ticks are most abundant. Because birds might be important to the range expansion of I. scapularis and B. burgdorferi, we explored spatial variation in patterns of I. scapularis parasitism on songbirds, as well as B. burgdorferi infection in bird-derived I. scapularis larvae. We sampled birds at 23 sites in the eastern United States to describe seasonal patterns of I. scapularis occurrence on birds, and we screened a subset of I. scapularis larvae for presence of B. burgdorferi. Timing of immature I. scapularis occurrence on birds is consistent with regional variation in host-seeking activity with a generally earlier peak in larval parasitism on birds in the Midwest. Significantly more I. scapularis larvae occurred on birds that were contemporaneously parasitized by nymphs in the Midwest than the Northeast, and the proportion of birds that yielded B. burgdorferi-infected larvae was also higher in the Midwest. We conclude that regional variation in immature I. scapularis phenology results in different temporal patterns of parasitism on birds, potentially resulting in differential importance of birds to B. burgdorferi transmission dynamics among regions.

Spatiotemporal distributions of intestinal helminths in female lesser scaup Aythya affinis during spring migration from the upper Midwest, USA.

PubMed

England, J C; Levengood, J M; Osborn, J M; Yetter, A P; Kinsella, J M; Cole, R A; Suski, C D; Hagy, H M

2017-07-01

We examined the associations between intestinal helminth infracommunity structure and infection parameters and the age, size, and year and region of collection of 130 female lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) during their 2014-2015 spring migrations through the upper Midwest, USA. We identified a total of 647,174 individual helminths from 40 taxa, including 20 trematodes, 14 cestodes, 4 nematodes and 2 acanthocephalans parasitizing lesser scaup within the study area. Lesser scaup were each infected with 2-23 helminth taxa. One digenean, Plenosoma minimum, is reported for the first time in lesser scaup and in the Midwest. Mean trematode abundance and total helminth abundance was significantly less in 2015 than 2014, and we suspect that colder weather late in 2015 impacted the intermediate host fauna and caused the observed differences. Brillouin's species diversity of helminths was greatest in the northernmost region of the study area, which coincides with the range of a non-indigenous snail that indirectly causes annual mortality events of lesser scaup. While host age and size were not determined to be influential factors of helminth infracommunity structure, non-parametric ordination and permutational analysis of co-variance revealed that year and region of collection explained differences in helminth infracommunities. Our results suggest that spatiotemporal variations play an important role in the structure of intestinal helminth infracommunities found in migrating lesser scaup hosts, and may therefore impact host ability to build endogenous reserves at certain stopover locations in the Midwest.

Center for Adaptive Optics | Events

Science.gov Websites

Center for Adaptive Optics A University of California Science and Technology Center home 2015 AO Adaptive Optics and Wavefront Control in Microscopy and Ophthalmology Paris, France October 25-25 CfAO Adaptive Optics Institute for Scientist and Engineer Educators Members Calendar of Events Publications

Regional differences in clinical care among patients with type 1 diabetes in Brazil: Brazilian Type 1 Diabetes Study Group

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background To determine the characteristics of clinical care offered to type 1 diabetic patients across the four distinct regions of Brazil, with geographic and contrasting socioeconomic differences. Glycemic control, prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, screening for chronic complications and the frequency that the recommended treatment goals were met using the American Diabetes Association guidelines were evaluated. Methods This was a cross-sectional, multicenter study conducted from December 2008 to December 2010 in 28 secondary and tertiary care public clinics in 20 Brazilian cities in north/northeast, mid-west, southeast and south regions. The data were obtained from 3,591 patients (56.0% females and 57.1% Caucasians) aged 21.2 ± 11.7 years with a disease duration of 9.6 ± 8.1 years (<1 to 50 years). Results Overall, 18.4% patients had HbA1c levels <7.0%, and 47.5% patients had HbA1c levels ≥ 9%. HbA1c levels were associated with lower economic status, female gender, age and the daily frequency of self-blood glucose monitoring (SBGM) but not with insulin regimen and geographic region. Hypertension was more frequent in the mid-west (32%) and north/northeast (25%) than in the southeast (19%) and south (17%) regions (p<0.001). More patients from the southeast region achieved LDL cholesterol goals and were treated with statins (p<0.001). Fewer patients from the north/northeast and mid-west regions were screened for retinopathy and nephropathy, compared with patients from the south and southeast. Patients from the south/southeast regions had more intensive insulin regimens than patients from the north/northeast and mid-west regions (p<0.001). The most common insulin therapy combination was intermediate-acting with regular human insulin, mainly in the north/northeast region (p<0.001). The combination of insulin glargine with lispro and glulisine was more frequently used in the mid-west region (p<0.001). Patients from the north/northeast region were younger, non-Caucasian, from lower economic status, used less continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, performed less SBGM and were less overweight/obese (p<0.001). Conclusions A majority of patients, mainly in the north/northeast and mid-west regions, did not meet metabolic control goals and were not screened for diabetes-related chronic complications. These results should guide governmental health policy decisions, specific to each geographic region, to improve diabetes care and decrease the negative impact diabetes has on the public health system. PMID:23107314

Optical radar-based device for measuring automobile belt displacement in real time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brennan, Brian W.; Gentile, John R.

1999-02-01

Ford Motor Company had a requirement to measure fan belt vibration on their 4.6 liter Cobra-Mustang engine. While this sensor was to be used in the laboratory, it would also be used for field testing of this engine. The general operation temperature was -40 to 120 degrees C, but there was an engine 'soak-back' requirement of up to 200 degrees C. The vibration requirement was 3g continuous at 10 Hz with 20g shock. Humidity was 0-95 percent. Without active cooling, the temperature environment eliminated engine mounted electronics and with it some more common approaches such as laser triangulation based sensing. A laser radar concept was developed which features remotely located electronics, fiber optic delivery and return of the signal and an engine mounted optic head. The three lens design of the receive optics is a compromise choice designed to maximize power at the receiver over the full travel of the belt. The electronic scheme consists of a time-to-amplitude converter based on a precise time interval derived from the phase difference of logic level pulse trains which in turn are formed by the 'exclusive O Ring' of the transmit and receive pulses. In practice, a 10 MHz pulse train is transmitted to the vibrating belt which coupled with some fast electronics results in about 1 0.1 mm resolution, sufficient for this application.

Plasmonic beaming and active control over fluorescent emission.

PubMed

Jun, Young Chul; Huang, Kevin C Y; Brongersma, Mark L

2011-01-01

Nanometallic optical antennas are rapidly gaining popularity in applications that require exquisite control over light concentration and emission processes. The search is on for high-performance antennas that offer facile integration on chips. Here we demonstrate a new, easily fabricated optical antenna design that achieves an unprecedented level of control over fluorescent emission by combining concepts from plasmonics, radiative decay engineering and optical beaming. The antenna consists of a nanoscale plasmonic cavity filled with quantum dots coupled to a miniature grating structure that can be engineered to produce one or more highly collimated beams. Electromagnetic simulations and confocal microscopy were used to visualize the beaming process. The metals defining the plasmonic cavity can be utilized to electrically control the emission intensity and wavelength. These findings facilitate the realization of a new class of active optical antennas for use in new optical sources and a wide range of nanoscale optical spectroscopy applications.

Optical Inference Machines

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-06-27

de olf nessse end Id e ;-tl Sb ieeI smleo) ,Optical Artificial Intellegence ; Optical inference engines; Optical logic; Optical informationprocessing...common. They arise in areas such as expert systems and other artificial intelligence systems. In recent years, the computer science language PROLOG has...cal processors should in principle be well suited for : I artificial intelligence applications. In recent years, symbolic logic processing. , the

Design of Optical Systems with Extended Depth of Field: An Educational Approach to Wavefront Coding Techniques

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ferran, C.; Bosch, S.; Carnicer, A.

2012-01-01

A practical activity designed to introduce wavefront coding techniques as a method to extend the depth of field in optical systems is presented. The activity is suitable for advanced undergraduate students since it combines different topics in optical engineering such as optical system design, aberration theory, Fourier optics, and digital image…

Design for improved maintenance of the fiber-optic cable system (As carried out in a concurrent engineering environment)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tremoulet, P. C.

The author describes a number of maintenance improvements in the Fiber Optic Cable System (FOCS). They were achieved during a production phase pilot concurrent engineering program. Listed in order of importance (saved maintenance time and material) by maintenance level, they are: (1) organizational level: improved fiber optic converter (FOC) BITE; (2) Intermediate level: reduced FOC adjustments from 20 to 2; partitioned FOC into electrical and optical parts; developed cost-effective fault isolation test points and test using standard test equipment; improved FOC chassis to have lower mean time to repair; and (3) depot level: revised test requirements documents (TRDs) for common automatic test equipment and incorporated ATE testability into circuit and assemblies and application-specific integrated circuits. These improvements met this contract's tailored logistics MIL-STD 1388-1A requirements of monitoring the design for supportability and determining the most effective support equipment. Important logistics lessons learned while accomplishing these maintainability and supportability improvements on the pilot concurrent engineering program are also discussed.

Advanced interdisciplinary undergraduate program: light engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakholdin, Alexey; Bougrov, Vladislav; Voznesenskaya, Anna; Ezhova, Kseniia

2016-09-01

The undergraduate educational program "Light Engineering" of an advanced level of studies is focused on development of scientific learning outcomes and training of professionals, whose activities are in the interdisciplinary fields of Optical engineering and Technical physics. The program gives practical experience in transmission, reception, storage, processing and displaying information using opto-electronic devices, automation of optical systems design, computer image modeling, automated quality control and characterization of optical devices. The program is implemented in accordance with Educational standards of the ITMO University. The specific features of the Program is practice- and problem-based learning implemented by engaging students to perform research and projects, internships at the enterprises and in leading Russian and international research educational centers. The modular structure of the Program and a significant proportion of variable disciplines provide the concept of individual learning for each student. Learning outcomes of the program's graduates include theoretical knowledge and skills in natural science and core professional disciplines, deep knowledge of modern computer technologies, research expertise, design skills, optical and optoelectronic systems and devices.

The Development, Commercialization, and Impact of Optical Coherence Tomography.

PubMed

Fujimoto, James; Swanson, Eric

2016-07-01

This review was written for the special issue of IOVS to describe the history of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and its evolution from a nonscientific, historic perspective. Optical coherence tomography has become a standard of care in ophthalmology, providing real-time information on structure and function - diagnosing disease, evaluating progression, and assessing response to therapy, as well as helping to understand disease pathogenesis and create new therapies. Optical coherence tomography also has applications in multiple clinical specialties, fundamental research, and manufacturing. We review the early history of OCT describing how research and development evolves and the important role of multidisciplinary collaboration and expertise. Optical coherence tomography had its origin in femtosecond optics, but used optical communications technologies and required advanced engineering for early OCT prototypes, clinical feasibility studies, entrepreneurship, and corporate development in order to achieve clinical acceptance and clinical impact. Critical advances were made by early career researchers, clinician scientists, engineering experts, and business leaders, which enabled OCT to have a worldwide impact on health care. We introduce the concept of an "ecosystem" consisting of research, government funding, collaboration and competition, clinical studies, innovation, entrepreneurship and industry, and impact - all of which must work synergistically. The process that we recount is long and challenging, but it is our hope that it might inspire early career professionals in science, engineering, and medicine, and that the clinical and research community will find this review of interest.

Molecular engineering with artificial atoms: designing a material platform for scalable quantum spintronics and photonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doty, Matthew F.; Ma, Xiangyu; Zide, Joshua M. O.; Bryant, Garnett W.

2017-09-01

Self-assembled InAs Quantum Dots (QDs) are often called "artificial atoms" and have long been of interest as components of quantum photonic and spintronic devices. Although there has been substantial progress in demonstrating optical control of both single spins confined to a single QD and entanglement between two separated QDs, the path toward scalable quantum photonic devices based on spins remains challenging. Quantum Dot Molecules, which consist of two closely-spaced InAs QDs, have unique properties that can be engineered with the solid state analog of molecular engineering in which the composition, size, and location of both the QDs and the intervening barrier are controlled during growth. Moreover, applied electric, magnetic, and optical fields can be used to modulate, in situ, both the spin and optical properties of the molecular states. We describe how the unique photonic properties of engineered Quantum Dot Molecules can be leveraged to overcome long-standing challenges to the creation of scalable quantum devices that manipulate single spins via photonics.

Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Eastern Snow Conference (47th) Held in Bangor, Maine on 7-8 June 1990

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-06-01

western U.S. Ten additional windows contain basin boundary data sets to map snow cover for the Upper Midwest , the Great Lakes, New England, and... Midwest and in the East. The User’s Guide gives the data format. 4.3.2 Satellite Areal Extent of Snow Cover by Basin/Zone (MCI/AFOS-ASCII) Alphanumeric...acres) of lake shore land in the snowbelt and this perennial vine is susceptible to winter cold damage. County extension agents indicated that winter

2017 Midwest Zebrafish Meeting Report.

PubMed

Sandquist, Elizabeth; Petersen, Sarah C; Smith, Cody J

2017-12-01

The 2017 Midwest Zebrafish meeting was held from June 16 to 18 at the University of Cincinnati, sponsored by the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Divisions of Developmental Biology, Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, and Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. The meeting, organized by Saulius Sumanas, Joshua Waxman, and Chunyue Yin, hosted >130 attendees from 16 different states. Scientific sessions were focused on morphogenesis, neural development, novel technologies, and disease models, with Steve Ekker, Stephen Potter, and Lila Solnica-Krezel presenting keynote talks. In this article, we highlight the results and emerging themes from the meeting.

The spiritual care meanings of adults residing in the midwest.

PubMed

Sellers, S C

2001-07-01

Only limited nursing knowledge exists as theoretical guidance for nurses in providing spiritual care. Using Leininger's theory of culture care diversity and universality, the purpose of this ethnonursing research study was to discover the embedded spiritual care meanings, expressions, lived experiences, and practices of adults residing in the Midwest and their perceptions of spiritual nursing care. Data were collected through interviews of 6 key and 12 general informants. Five universal spiritual themes were supported by the findings. Culture care modes were used to explicate spiritual knowledge that can be integrated into nursing practice.

[Effects of physics on development of optometry in the United States from the late 19th to the mid 20th century].

PubMed

Kim, Dal-Young

2014-08-01

In this paper, it was studied how physics affected development of optometry in the United States, from aspects of formation and academization of optometry. It was also revealed that history of optometry was analogous to history of engineering. Optics in the 19th century was divided into electromagnetic study of light and visual optics. Development of the visual optics promoted professionalization of ophthalmology that had already started in the 18th century. The visual optics also stimulated formation of optometry and optometrists body in the late 19th century of the United States. The American optometrists body were originated from opticians who had studied visual optics. Publication of several English academic textbooks on visual optics induced appearance of educated opticians (and jewelers). They acquired a right to do the eye examination in the early 20th century after C. F. Prentice's trial in 1897, evolving into optometrists. The opticians could be considered as craftsmen, and they were divided into (dispensing) opticians and optometrists. Such history of American optometrists body is analogous to that of engineers body in the viewpoints of craftsmen origin and separation from craftsmen. Engineers were also originated from educated craftsmen, but were separated from craftsmen when engineering was built up. Education system and academization of optometry was strongly influenced by physics, too. When college education of optometry started at American universities, it was not belonged to medical school but to physics department. Physics and optics were of great importance in curriculum, and early faculty members were mostly physicists. Optometry was academized in the 1920s by the college education, standardization of curriculum, and formation of the American Academy of Optometry. This is also analogous to history of engineering, which was academized by natural sciences, especially by mathematics and physics. The reason why optometry was academized not by medicine but by physics is because ophthalmologists did not have conciliatory attitudes to optometry education. Optometry became independent of physics from the 1930s to the 1940s. Optometric researches concentrated on binocular vision that is not included to discipline of physics, and faculty members who majored in optometry increased, so that optometry departments and graduate schools were established around 1940. Such independence from natural sciences after academization also resembles history of engineering. On the contrary, history of optometry was different from history of ophthalmology in several aspects. Ophthalmology had already been formed in the 18th century before development of visual optics, and was not academized by visual optics. Ophthalmologists body were not originated from craftsmen, and were not separated from craftsmen. History of optometry in the United States from the late 19th to the mid 20th century is analogous to history of engineering rather than history of medicine, though optometry is a medical discipline.

Tailoring the Spectroscopic Properties of Semiconductor Nanowires via Surface-Plasmon-Based Optical Engineering

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Semiconductor nanowires, due to their unique electronic, optical, and chemical properties, are firmly placed at the forefront of nanotechnology research. The rich physics of semiconductor nanowire optics arises due to the enhanced light–matter interactions at the nanoscale and coupling of optical modes to electronic resonances. Furthermore, confinement of light can be taken to new extremes via coupling to the surface plasmon modes of metal nanostructures integrated with nanowires, leading to interesting physical phenomena. This Perspective will examine how the optical properties of semiconductor nanowires can be altered via their integration with highly confined plasmonic nanocavities that have resulted in properties such as orders of magnitude faster and more efficient light emission and lasing. The use of plasmonic nanocavities for tailored optical absorption will also be discussed in order to understand and engineer fundamental optical properties of these hybrid systems along with their potential for novel applications, which may not be possible with purely dielectric cavities. PMID:25396030

Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging of optic nerve and optic radiation in healthy adults at 3T.

PubMed

Sun, Hong-Hong; Wang, Dong; Zhang, Qiu-Juan; Bai, Zhi-Lan; He, Ping

2013-01-01

To investigate the diffusion characteristics of water of optic nerve and optic radiation in healthy adults and its related factors by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) at 3T. A total of 107 healthy volunteers performed head conventional MRI and bilateral optic nerve and optic radiation DTI. The primary data of DTI was processed by post-processing software of DTI studio 2.3, obtaining fractional anisotropy value, mean diffusivity value, principal engine value, orthogonal engine value by measuring, and analyzed by the SPSS13.0 statistical software. The bilateral optic nerve and optic radiation fibers presented green color in directional encoded color (DEC) maps and presented high signal in fractional anisotropy (FA) maps. The FA value of the left optic nerve was 0.598±0.069 and the right was 0.593±0.065; the mean diffusivity (MD) value of the left optic nerve was (1.324±0.349)×10(-3)mm(2)/s and the right was (1.312±0.350)×10(-3)mm(2)/s; the principal engine value (λ‖) of the left optic nerve was (2.297±0.522)×10(-3)mm(2)/s and the right was (2.277±0.526)×10(-3)mm(2)/s; the orthogonal engine value (λ⊥) of the left optic nerve was (0.838±0.285)×10(-3)mm(2)/s and the right was (0.830±0.280)×10(-3)mm(2)/s; the FA value of the left optic radiation was 0.636±0.057 and the right was 0.628±0.056; the mean diffusivity (MD) value of the left optic radiation was (0.907±0.103)×10(-3)mm(2)/s and the right was (0.889±0.125)×10(-3)mm(2)/s; the principal eigenvalue (λ‖) of the left optic radiation was (1.655±0.210)×10(-3)mm(2)/s and the right was (1.614±0.171)×10(-3)mm(2)/s; the orthogonal enginvalue (λ⊥) of the left optic radiation was (0.531±0.103)×10(-3)mm(2)/s and the right was (0.524±0.152)×10(-3)mm(2)/s. There was no obvious difference between the FA, MD, λ‖, λ⊥ of the bilateral optic radiation and the bilateral optic nerve (P>0.05) and no obvious difference between male and female group. The FA, MD, λ‖, λ⊥ of the bilateral optic radiation and the bilateral optic nerve had no obvious correlations to the age. DTI is sensitive to the optic nerve and radiation and the relevant DTI parameters of the optic nerve and radiation are established preliminarily in this study.

RESTORATION OF ATMOSPHERICALLY DEGRADED IMAGES. VOLUME 3.

DTIC Science & Technology

AERIAL CAMERAS, LASERS, ILLUMINATION, TRACKING CAMERAS, DIFFRACTION, PHOTOGRAPHIC GRAIN, DENSITY, DENSITOMETERS, MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS, OPTICAL SCANNING, SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, TURBULENCE, OPTICAL PROPERTIES, SATELLITE TRACKING SYSTEMS.

Optical engine initiation: multiple compartment applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hunt, Jeffrey H.

2009-05-01

Modern day propulsion systems are used in aerospace applications for different purposes. The aerospace industry typically requires propulsion systems to operate in a rocket mode in order to drive large boost vehicles. The defense industry generally requires propulsion systems to operate in an air-breathing mode in order to drive missiles. A mixed system could use an air-breathing first stage and a rocket-mode upper stage for space access. Thus, propulsion systems can be used for high mass payloads and where the payload is dominated by the fuel/oxidizer mass being used by the propulsion system. The pulse detonation wave engine (PDWE) uses an alternative type of detonation cycle to achieve the same propulsion results. The primary component of the PDWE is the combustion chamber (or detonation tube). The PDWE represents an attractive propulsion source since its engine cycle is thermodynamically closest to that of a constant volume reaction. This characteristic leads to the inference that a maximum of the potential energy of the PDWE is put into thrust and not into flow work. Consequently, the volume must be increased. The technical community has increasingly adopted the alternative choice of increasing total volume by designing the engine to include a set of banks of smaller combustion chambers. This technique increases the complexity of the ignition subsystem because the inter-chamber timing must be considered. Current approaches to igniting the PDWE have involved separate shock or blast wave initiators and chemical additives designed to enhance detonatibility. An optical ignition subsystem generates a series of optical pulses, where the optical pulses ignite the fuel/oxidizer mixture such that the chambers detonate in a desired order. The detonation system also has an optical transport subsystem for transporting the optical pulses from the optical ignition subsystem to the chambers. The use of optical ignition and transport provides a non-toxic, small, lightweight, precisely controlled detonation system.

Engaging the optics community in the development of informative, accessible resources focusing on careers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poulin-Girard, Anne-Sophie; Gingras, F.; Zambon, V.; Thériault, G.

2014-09-01

Young people often have biased and pre-conceived ideas about scientists and engineers that can dissuade them from considering a career in optics. This situation is compounded by the fact that existing resources on careers in optics are not suitable since they mostly focus on more general occupations such as a physicist and an electrical engineer. In addition, the linguistic register is not adapted for students, and many of these resources are only available to guidance counselors. To create appropriate resources that will inform high school students on different career opportunities in optics and photonics, we sought the collaboration of our local optics community. We selected seven specific occupations: entrepreneur in optics, university professor, teacher, technician, research and development engineer, sales representative and graduate student in optics. For each career, a list of daily tasks was created from the existing documentation by a guidance counselor and was validated by an expert working in the field of optics. Following a process of validation, we built surveys in which professionals were asked to select the tasks that best represented their occupation. The surveys were also used to gather other information such as level of education and advice for young people wishing to pursue careers in optics. Over 175 professionals answered the surveys. With these results, we created a leaflet and career cards that are available online and depict the activities of people working in optics and photonics. We hope that these resources will help counter the negative bias against scientific careers and inform teenagers and young adults on making career choices that are better suited to their preferences and aspirations.

Mid-IR fiber optic sensors for internal combustion engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, Matthew J.

1999-12-01

Environmental regulations are driving development of cleaner spark ignition, diesel, and gas turbine engines. Emissions of unburned hydrocarbons, NOx, and CO can be affected by the characteristics of the mixing of the fuel with air in the engine, and by the amount of exhaust gas recirculated to the engine intake. Fiber optic sensors have been developed that can measure the local fuel concentration in the combustion chamber of a spark ignition engine near the spark plug. The sensors detect the absorption of 3.4 micrometer radiation corresponding to the strongest absorption band common to all hydrocarbons. The sensors have been applied to both liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon fuels, and liquid fuels injected directly into the engine combustion chamber. The sensors use white light sources and are designed to detect the absorption throughout the entire band minimizing calibration problems associated with pressure and temperature broadening. Other sensors can detect the concentration of CO2 in the engine intake manifold providing time-resolved measurement of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). Proper EGR levels are critical for achieving low engine-out emissions of NOx while maintaining acceptable engine performance.

Characterization of optical turbulence in a jet engine exhaust with Shack-Hartmenn wavefront sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deron, R.; Mendez, F.

2008-10-01

Airborne laser countermeasure applications (DIRCM) are hampered by the turbulence of jet engine exhaust. The effects of this source of perturbation on optical propagation have still to be documented and analyzed in order to get a better insight into the different mechanisms of the plume perturbations and also to validate CFD/LES codes. For that purpose, wave front sensing has been used as a non-intrusive optical technique to provide unsteady and turbulent optical measurements through a plume of a jet engine installed at a fixed point on the ground. The experiment has been implemented in October 2007 along with other optical measuring techniques at Volvo Aero Corporation (Trollhättan, Sweden). This study is part of a European research programme dealing with DIRCM issues. The Shack- Hartmann (SH) wave front sensing technique was employed. It consisted of 64 x 64 lenslets coupled to a 1024x1024 pixel Dalsa CCD sensor working at a sampling rate of 40 Hz. A 15 ns pulsed laser synchronized with the SH sensor enabled "freezing" turbulence in each SH image. The ability of the technique to substract a reference permitted a simple calibration procedure to ensure accurate and reliable measurements despite vibration environment. Instantaneous phases are reconstructed using Fourier techniques so as to obtain a better spatial resolution against turbulent effects. Under any given plume condition, overall tilt aberration prevails. Phase power spectra derived from phase statistics are drawn according to the plume main axis and to normal axis. They compare favorably well to the decaying Kolmogorov power law on a useful high spatial frequency range. Averaged phases are also decomposed into Zernike polynomials to analyze optical mode behavior according to engine status and to plume abscissa. With overall tilt removed, turbulent DSP's amplitude drops by a factor of 30 to 40 and mean aberrations by a factor of 10 from an abscissa 1 meter to another 3.5 meters away from the engine nozzle, due to quite different turbulent conditions.

The ARMADA Project: Bringing Oceanography and the Arctic to the Midwest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pazol, J.

2010-12-01

In the fall of 2009, I spent 6 weeks aboard the Coast Guard Icebreaker Healy on a mapping expedition in the Arctic Ocean, through participation in the University of Rhode Island's ARMADA Project. Because I grew up in the Midwest, went to college here, and teach in the Chicago suburbs, I had limited first-hand experience in oceanography, as did most of my students. During my time aboard the ship, I primarily served as a member of the mapping team, collecting bathymetric and seismic data. My other science activities included aiding geologists and acoustic engineers in dredging projects and deployment of under-ice recording devices. I collected water data, sent off weather balloons, and assisted marine mammal observers. For the ARMADA Project I kept an on-line journal, which had a far-reaching impact. Students in many schools kept track of my activities and communicated with me via e-mail. Colleagues and friends shared the journal through other media, such as Facebook. Several of my entries were published in blogs belonging to NOAA and the USGS. I received a grant for renting a satellite phone, and through it was able to make "Live from the Arctic" phone calls. After introductory PowerPoints I communicated with more than 420 students in 5 schools in 3 states. When I returned, I made a series of presentations about the Arctic and my adventures to hundreds of people and was featured in an educational magazine with a circulation of more than 90,000. I also participated in an in-depth mentoring program with a new teacher to help her succeed during the first years of her career. The results: My students and I now have a direct connection to the Arctic and to the fields of oceanography, acoustic engineering, and geology. On their own initiative, students have developed individual projects exploring aspects of my research. They have attended presentations from the Extreme Ice Center and have become involved in drilling issues in the Chukchi Sea. A group of students is exploring the possibility of working with scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography to analyze the acoustic data. These are just some of the ways that a teacher's research experience can be effectively translated into the classroom setting.

Chemically engineered persistent luminescence nanoprobes for bioimaging

PubMed Central

Lécuyer, Thomas; Teston, Eliott; Ramirez-Garcia, Gonzalo; Maldiney, Thomas; Viana, Bruno; Seguin, Johanne; Mignet, Nathalie; Scherman, Daniel; Richard, Cyrille

2016-01-01

Imaging nanoprobes are a group of nanosized agents developed for providing improved contrast for bioimaging. Among various imaging probes, optical sensors capable of following biological events or progresses at the cellular and molecular levels are actually actively developed for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and monitoring of the treatment of diseases. The optical activities of nanoprobes can be tuned on demand by chemists by engineering their composition, size and surface nature. This review will focus on researches devoted to the conception of nanoprobes with particular optical properties, called persistent luminescence, and their use as new powerful bioimaging agents in preclinical assays. PMID:27877248

Required technologies for a lunar optical UV-IR synthesis array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Stewart W.; Wetzel, John P.

1992-01-01

A Lunar Optical UV-IR Synthesis Array (LOUISA) proposed to take advantage of the characteristics of the lunar environment requires appropriate advances in technology. These technologies are in the areas of contamination/interference control, test and evaluation, manufacturing, construction, autonomous operations and maintenance, power and heating/cooling, stable precision structures, optics, parabolic antennas, and communications/control. LOUISA needs to be engineered to operate for long periods with minimal intervention by humans or robots. What is essential for LOUISA operation is enforcement of a systems engineering approach that makes compatible all lunar operations associated with habitation, resource development, and science.

Analysis, design, fabrication and testing of an optical tip clearance sensor. [turbocompressor blade tips

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poppel, G. L.; Marple, D. T. F.; Kingsley, J. D.

1981-01-01

Analyses and the design, fabrication, and testing of an optical tip clearance sensor with intended application in aircraft propulsion control systems are reported. The design of a sensor test rig, evaluation of optical sensor components at elevated temperatures, sensor design principles, sensor test results at room temperature, and estimations of sensor accuracy at temperatures of an aircraft engine environment are discussed. Room temperature testing indicated possible measurement accuracies of less than 12.7 microns (0.5 mils). Ways to improve performance at engine operating temperatures are recommended. The potential of this tip clearance sensor is assessed.

Development, Qualification and Integration of the Optical Fiber Array Assemblies for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ott, Melanie N.; Switzer, Robert; Chuska, Richard; LaRocca, Frank; Thomas, William Joe; Macmurphy, Shawn

2008-01-01

The NASA Goddard Fiber Optics Team in the Electrical Engineering Division of the Applied Engineering and Technology Directorate, designed, developed and integrated the space flight optical fiber array hardware for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). The two new assemblies that were designed and manufacturing at GSFC for the LRO exist in configurations that are unique in the world for the application of ranging and LIDAR. Described here is an account of the journey and the lessons learned from design to integration for the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter and the Laser Ranging Application on the LRO.

Measurement of the complex transmittance of large optical elements with Ptychographical Iterative Engine.

PubMed

Wang, Hai-Yan; Liu, Cheng; Veetil, Suhas P; Pan, Xing-Chen; Zhu, Jian-Qiang

2014-01-27

Wavefront control is a significant parameter in inertial confinement fusion (ICF). The complex transmittance of large optical elements which are often used in ICF is obtained by computing the phase difference of the illuminating and transmitting fields using Ptychographical Iterative Engine (PIE). This can accurately and effectively measure the transmittance of large optical elements with irregular surface profiles, which are otherwise not measurable using commonly used interferometric techniques due to a lack of standard reference plate. Experiments are done with a Continue Phase Plate (CPP) to illustrate the feasibility of this method.

Integrated optical circuit engineering V; Proceedings of the Meeting, San Diego, CA, Aug. 17-20, 1987

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mentzer, Mark A.

Recent advances in the theoretical and practical design and applications of optoelectronic devices and optical circuits are examined in reviews and reports. Topics discussed include system and market considerations, guided-wave phenomena, waveguide devices, processing technology, lithium niobate devices, and coupling problems. Consideration is given to testing and measurement, integrated optics for fiber-optic systems, optical interconnect technology, and optical computing.

Fiber optics for aircraft engine/inlet control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baumbick, R. J.

1981-01-01

NASA programs that focus on the use of fiber optics for aircraft engine/inlet control are reviewed. Fiber optics for aircraft control is attractive because of its inherent immunity to EMI and RFI noise. Optical signals can be safely transmitted through areas that contain flammable or explosive materials. The use of optics also makes remote sensing feasible by eliminating the need for electrical wires to be connected between sensors and computers. Using low-level optical signals to control actuators is also feasible when power is generated at the actuator. Each application of fiber optics for aircraft control has different requirements for both the optical cables and the optical connectors. Sensors that measure position and speed by using slotted plates can use lossy cables and bundle connectors if data transfer is in the parallel mode. If position and speed signals are multiplexed, cable and connector requirements change. Other sensors that depend on changes in transmission through materials require dependable characteristics of both the optical cables and the optical connectors. A variety of sensor types are reviewed, including rotary position encoders, tachometers, temperature sensors, and blade tip clearance sensors for compressors and turbines. Research on a gallium arsenide photoswitch for optically switched actuators that operate at 250 C is also described.

46 CFR 111.60-6 - Fiber optic cable.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Fiber optic cable. 111.60-6 Section 111.60-6 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Wiring Materials and Methods § 111.60-6 Fiber optic cable. Each fiber optic cable must— (a) Be...

46 CFR 111.60-6 - Fiber optic cable.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Fiber optic cable. 111.60-6 Section 111.60-6 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Wiring Materials and Methods § 111.60-6 Fiber optic cable. Each fiber optic cable must— (a) Be...

46 CFR 111.60-6 - Fiber optic cable.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Fiber optic cable. 111.60-6 Section 111.60-6 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Wiring Materials and Methods § 111.60-6 Fiber optic cable. Each fiber optic cable must— (a) Be...

46 CFR 111.60-6 - Fiber optic cable.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Fiber optic cable. 111.60-6 Section 111.60-6 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Wiring Materials and Methods § 111.60-6 Fiber optic cable. Each fiber optic cable must— (a) Be...

46 CFR 111.60-6 - Fiber optic cable.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 46 Shipping 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Fiber optic cable. 111.60-6 Section 111.60-6 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRIC SYSTEMS-GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Wiring Materials and Methods § 111.60-6 Fiber optic cable. Each fiber optic cable must— (a) Be...

Comparison of Vector Efficiency of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) From the Northeast and Upper Midwest of the United States for the Lyme Disease Spirochete Borrelia mayonii.

PubMed

Eisen, Lars; Breuner, Nicole E; Hojgaard, Andrias; Hoxmeier, J Charles; Pilgard, Mark A; Replogle, Adam J; Biggerstaff, Brad J; Dolan, Marc C

2017-01-01

Borrelia mayonii, a recently recognized species within the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, has been detected in host-seeking Ixodes scapularis Say ticks and found to be associated with Lyme disease in the Upper Midwest. This spirochete has, to date, not been documented from the Northeast, but we previously demonstrated that I. scapularis ticks originating from Connecticut are capable of serving as a vector of B. mayonii In this follow-up study, we compared the vector efficiency for B. mayonii (strain MN14-1420) of I. scapularis ticks originating from Minnesota in the Upper Midwest and Connecticut in the Northeast. CD-1 outbred white mice previously infected with B. mayonii via tick bite were exposed to simultaneous feeding by Minnesota and Connecticut larvae contained within separate feeding capsules. We found no difference in the ability of Minnesota and Connecticut larvae to acquire B. mayonii from infected mice and pass spirochetes to the nymphal stage (overall nymphal infection rates of 11.6 and 13.3%, respectively). Moreover, the efficiency of transmission of B. mayonii by single infected nymphs was similar for the Minnesota and Connecticut ticks (33 and 44%, respectively). We conclude that the examined I. scapularis ticks from the Upper Midwest and Northeast did not differ in their efficiency as vectors for B. mayonii. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America 2016 This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the US.

Amphipod densities and indices of wetland quality across the upper-Midwest, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anteau, M.J.; Afton, A.D.

2008-01-01

Nutritional, behavioral, and diet data for lesser scaup (Aythya affinis [Eyton, 1838]) indicates that there has been a decrease in amphipod (Gammarus lacustris [G. O. Sars, 1863] and Hyalella azteca [Saussure, 1858]) density and wetland quality throughout the upper-Midwest, USA. Accordingly, we estimated densities of Gammarus and Hyalella in six eco-physiographic regions of Iowa, Minnesota, and North Dakota; 356 randomly selected semipermanent and permanent wetlands were sampled during springs 2004 and 2005. We also examined indices of wetland quality (e.g., turbidity, fish communities, aquatic vegetation) among regions in a random subset of these wetlands (n = 267). Gammarus and Hyalella were present in 19% and 54% of wetlands sampled, respectively. Gammarus and Hyalella densities in North Dakota were higher than those in Iowa and Minnesota. Although historical data are limited, our regional mean (1 to 12 m-3) amphipod densities (Gammarus + Hyalella) were markedly lower than any of the historical density estimates. Fish, important predators of amphipods, occurred in 31%-45% of wetlands in North Dakota, 84% of wetlands in the Red River Valley, and 74%-84% of wetlands in Iowa and Minnesota. Turbidity in wetlands of Minnesota Morainal (4.0 NTU geometric mean) and Red River Valley (6.1 NTU) regions appeared low relative to that of the rest of the upper-Midwest (13.2-17.5 NTU). We conclude that observed estimates of amphipods, fish, and turbidity are consistent with low wetland quality, which has resulted in lower food availability for various wildlife species, especially lesser scaup, which use these wetlands in the upper-Midwest. ?? 2008, The Society of Wetland Scientists.

Evaluation of WRF Parameterizations for Air Quality Applications over the Midwest USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Z.; Fu, K.; Balasubramanian, S.; Koloutsou-Vakakis, S.; McFarland, D. M.; Rood, M. J.

2017-12-01

Reliable predictions from Chemical Transport Models (CTMs) for air quality research require accurate gridded weather inputs. In this study, a sensitivity analysis of 17 Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model runs was conducted to explore the optimum configuration in six physics categories (i.e., cumulus, surface layer, microphysics, land surface model, planetary boundary layer, and longwave/shortwave radiation) for the Midwest USA. WRF runs were initally conducted over four days in May 2011 for a 12 km x 12 km domain over contiguous USA and a nested 4 km x 4 km domain over the Midwest USA (i.e., Illinois and adjacent areas including Iowa, Indiana, and Missouri). Model outputs were evaluated statistically by comparison with meteorological observations (DS337.0, METAR data, and the Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring Network) and resulting statistics were compared to benchmark values from the literature. Identified optimum configurations of physics parametrizations were then evaluated for the whole months of May and October 2011 to evaluate WRF model performance for Midwestern spring and fall seasons. This study demonstrated that for the chosen physics options, WRF predicted well temperature (Index of Agreement (IOA) = 0.99), pressure (IOA = 0.99), relative humidity (IOA = 0.93), wind speed (IOA = 0.85), and wind direction (IOA = 0.97). However, WRF did not predict daily precipitation satisfactorily (IOA = 0.16). Developed gridded weather fields will be used as inputs to a CTM ensemble consisting of the Comprehensive Air Quality Model with Extensions to study impacts of chemical fertilizer usage on regional air quality in the Midwest USA.

The contribution of future agricultural trends in the US Midwest to global climate change mitigation

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

Thomson, Allison M.; Kyle, G. Page; Zhang, Xuesong

2014-01-19

Land use change is a complex response to changing environmental and socioeconomic systems. Historical drivers of land use change include changes in the natural resource availability of a region, changes in economic conditions for production of certain products and changing policies. Most recently, introduction of policy incentives for biofuel production have influenced land use change in the US Midwest, leading to concerns that bioenergy production systems may compete with food production and land conservation. Here we explore how land use may be impacted by future climate mitigation measures by nesting a high resolution agricultural model (EPIC – Environmental Policy Indicatormore » Climate) for the US Midwest within a global integrated assessment model (GCAM – Global Change Assessment Model). This approach is designed to provide greater spatial resolution and detailed agricultural practice information by focusing on the climate mitigation potential of agriculture and land use in a specific region, while retaining the global economic context necessary to understand the far ranging effects of climate mitigation targets. We find that until the simulated carbon prices are very high, the US Midwest has a comparative advantage in producing traditional food and feed crops over bioenergy crops. Overall, the model responds to multiple pressures by adopting a mix of future responses. We also find that the GCAM model is capable of simulations at multiple spatial scales and agricultural technology resolution, which provides the capability to examine regional response to global policy and economic conditions in the context of climate mitigation.« less

Preparing and probing many-body correlated systems in a Quantum Gas Microscope by engineering arbitrary landscape potentials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rispoli, Matthew; Lukin, Alexander; Ma, Ruichao; Preiss, Philipp; Tai, M. Eric; Islam, Rajibul; Greiner, Markus

2015-05-01

Ultracold atoms in optical lattices provide a versatile tool box for observing the emergence of strongly correlated physics in quantum systems. Dynamic control of optical potentials on the single-site level allows us to prepare and probe many-body quantum states through local Hamiltonian engineering. We achieve these high precision levels of optical control through spatial light modulation with a DMD (digital micro-mirror device). This allows for both arbitrary beam shaping and aberration compensation in our imaging system to produce high fidelity optical potentials. We use these techniques to control state initialization, Hamiltonian dynamics, and measurement in experiments investigating low-dimensional many-body physics - from one-dimensional correlated quantum walks to characterizing entanglement.

LASER APPLICATIONS AND OTHER TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS: Stationary force produced by an optical pulsating discharge in a laser engine model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grachev, Gennadii N.; Tishchenko, V. N.; Apollonov, V. V.; Gulidov, A. I.; Smirnov, A. L.; Sobolev, A. V.; Zimin, M. I.

2007-07-01

An optical pulsating discharge produced by repetitively pulses laser radiation (with a pulse repetition rate of up to 100 kHz) is studied in a cylindrical tube simulating the reflector of a laser engine. The pressure of shock waves and the propulsion produced by them are measured. The discharge produced the stationary propulsion ~1 N kW-1.

Feasibility of Optical Instruments Based on Multiaperture Optics.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-10-16

system may be configured. The optical elements may be nonimaging concentrators (light horns), the field of view (FOV) of which may be controlled by a...RD-RI58 868 FEASIBILITY OF OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS BASED ON i/I MULTIAPERTURE OPTICS (U) FLORIDA UNIV GAINESVILLE DEPT OF NUCLEAR ENGINEERING SCIENCES J D...d Subtitle) 5. TYPE OF REPORT & PERIOD COVERED ’ 0 Feasibility of Optical Instruments Based on Final Report * CD Multiaperature Optics 615/83 to 9/30

A systems approach to identify adaptation strategies for Midwest US cropping systems under increased climate variability and change.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basso, B.; Dumont, B.

2015-12-01

A systems approach was implemented to assess the impact of management strategies and climate variability on crop yield, nitrate leaching and soil organic carbon across the the Midwest US at a fine scale spatial resolution. We used the SALUS model which designed to simulated yield and environmental outcomes of continous crop rotations under different agronomic management, soil, weather. We extracted soil parameters from the SSURGO (Soil Survey Geographic) data of nine Midwest states (IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, OH, SD, WI) and weather from NARR (North American Regional Reanalysis). State specific management itineraries were extracted from USDA-NAS. We present the results different cropping systems (continuous corn, corn-soybean and extended rotations) under different management practices (no-tillage, cover crops and residue management). Simulations were conducted under both the baseline (1979-2014) and projected climatic projections (RCP2.5, 6). Results indicated that climate change would likely have a negative impact on corn yields in some areas and positive in others. Soil N, and C losses can be reduced with the adoption of conservation practices.

On-board Optical Spectrometry for Detection of Mixture Ratio and Eroded Materials in Rocket Engine Exhaust Plume

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barkhoudarian, Sarkis; Kittinger, Scott

2006-01-01

Optical spectrometry can provide means to characterize rocket engine exhaust plume impurities due to eroded materials, as well as combustion mixture ratio without any interference with plume. Fiberoptic probes and cables were designed, fabricated and installed on Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSME), allowing monitoring of the plume spectra in real time with a Commercial of the Shelf (COTS) fiberoptic spectrometer, located in a test-stand control room. The probes and the cables survived the harsh engine environments for numerous hot-fire tests. When the plume was seeded with a nickel alloy powder, the spectrometer was able to successfully detect all the metallic and OH radical spectra from 300 to 800 nanometers.

Wavelength Independent Optical Lithography and Microscopy

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-10-30

Engineering Physics H. Barshatzky (1985 - present) Cornell, School of Applied & Engineering Physics I. Walton (1987 - 1988) National Semiconductor...Santa Clara, California R. Chen (1989 - 1990) Digital Equipment Corporation S. Boedecker (1990 - present) Cornell, School of Applied & Engineering Physics...H. Chen (1990 - present) Cornell, Department of Materials Science and Engineering M. Park (1987) Cornell, School of Applied & Engineering Physics M. Tornai (1988) UCLA, Dept. Medical Physics,

Adolf Friedrich Fercher: a pioneer of biomedical optics.

PubMed

Hitzenberger, Christoph K

2017-11-01

Adolf Friedrich Fercher, an outstanding pioneer of biomedical optics, passed away earlier this year. He was a brilliant and visionary researcher who pioneered various fields of biomedical optics, such as laser speckle flowgraphy, tissue interferometry, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of OCT, this paper reviews and commemorates Fercher's pioneering work. (2017) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).

The Development, Commercialization, and Impact of Optical Coherence Tomography

PubMed Central

Fujimoto, James; Swanson, Eric

2016-01-01

This review was written for the special issue of IOVS to describe the history of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and its evolution from a nonscientific, historic perspective. Optical coherence tomography has become a standard of care in ophthalmology, providing real-time information on structure and function – diagnosing disease, evaluating progression, and assessing response to therapy, as well as helping to understand disease pathogenesis and create new therapies. Optical coherence tomography also has applications in multiple clinical specialties, fundamental research, and manufacturing. We review the early history of OCT describing how research and development evolves and the important role of multidisciplinary collaboration and expertise. Optical coherence tomography had its origin in femtosecond optics, but used optical communications technologies and required advanced engineering for early OCT prototypes, clinical feasibility studies, entrepreneurship, and corporate development in order to achieve clinical acceptance and clinical impact. Critical advances were made by early career researchers, clinician scientists, engineering experts, and business leaders, which enabled OCT to have a worldwide impact on health care. We introduce the concept of an “ecosystem” consisting of research, government funding, collaboration and competition, clinical studies, innovation, entrepreneurship and industry, and impact – all of which must work synergistically. The process that we recount is long and challenging, but it is our hope that it might inspire early career professionals in science, engineering, and medicine, and that the clinical and research community will find this review of interest. PMID:27409459

Ultrafast time-stretch imaging at 932 nm through a new highly-dispersive fiber

PubMed Central

Wei, Xiaoming; Kong, Cihang; Sy, Samuel; Ko, Ho; Tsia, Kevin K.; Wong, Kenneth K. Y.

2016-01-01

Optical glass fiber has played a key role in the development of modern optical communication and attracted the biotechnology researcher’s great attention because of its properties, such as the wide bandwidth, low attenuation and superior flexibility. For ultrafast optical imaging, particularly, it has been utilized to perform MHz time-stretch imaging with diffraction-limited resolutions, which is also known as serial time-encoded amplified microscopy (STEAM). Unfortunately, time-stretch imaging with dispersive fibers has so far mostly been demonstrated at the optical communication window of 1.5 μm due to lack of efficient dispersive optical fibers operating at the shorter wavelengths, particularly at the bio-favorable window, i.e., <1.0 μm. Through fiber-optic engineering, here we demonstrate a 7.6-MHz dual-color time-stretch optical imaging at bio-favorable wavelengths of 932 nm and 466 nm. The sensitivity at such a high speed is experimentally identified in a slow data-streaming manner. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that all-optical time-stretch imaging at ultrahigh speed, high sensitivity and high chirping rate (>1 ns/nm) has been demonstrated at a bio-favorable wavelength window through fiber-optic engineering. PMID:28018737

Ultrafast time-stretch imaging at 932 nm through a new highly-dispersive fiber.

PubMed

Wei, Xiaoming; Kong, Cihang; Sy, Samuel; Ko, Ho; Tsia, Kevin K; Wong, Kenneth K Y

2016-12-01

Optical glass fiber has played a key role in the development of modern optical communication and attracted the biotechnology researcher's great attention because of its properties, such as the wide bandwidth, low attenuation and superior flexibility. For ultrafast optical imaging, particularly, it has been utilized to perform MHz time-stretch imaging with diffraction-limited resolutions, which is also known as serial time-encoded amplified microscopy (STEAM). Unfortunately, time-stretch imaging with dispersive fibers has so far mostly been demonstrated at the optical communication window of 1.5 μm due to lack of efficient dispersive optical fibers operating at the shorter wavelengths, particularly at the bio-favorable window, i.e., <1.0 μm. Through fiber-optic engineering, here we demonstrate a 7.6-MHz dual-color time-stretch optical imaging at bio-favorable wavelengths of 932 nm and 466 nm. The sensitivity at such a high speed is experimentally identified in a slow data-streaming manner. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that all-optical time-stretch imaging at ultrahigh speed, high sensitivity and high chirping rate (>1 ns/nm) has been demonstrated at a bio-favorable wavelength window through fiber-optic engineering.

Optical Radiation: Susceptibility and Countermeasures

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-12-01

1995). "Early Visual Acuity Side Effects After Laser Retinal Photocoagulation in Diabetic Retinopathy ," W.D. Kosnik, L. Marouf, and M. Myers...tests. The automatic positioner (AMPS) coupled with the automatic optical test system (PEATS) permits timely and consistent evaluation of candidate...Science and Engineering OR:S&C Optical Radiation: Susceptibility and Countermeasures OSADS Optical Signature, Acquisition, and Detection System

Ethical issues in purchasing: a field study of Midwest hospitals.

PubMed

Tomaszewski, K; Motwani, J

1995-01-01

A large sum of money is spent annually by salespeople on gifts and favors for purchasing executives. The provision of gifts and favors to buyers remains a common practice despite the fact that it often leads to ethical conflicts for purchasing executives, sales managers, and salespeople. This paper investigates the perceptions of 51 purchasing executives of midwest hospitals regarding their behavior towards certain buying practices, the favors offered by vendors, favors actually accepted, as well as purchasers' discomfort and repayment levels regarding indebtedness. Based on the data analysis, this paper provides conclusions and directions for future research.

The Sutton (13MA266) Site and the Townsites of Percy (13MA347) and Dunreath (13MA449): Data Recovery at Three Historic Sites, Lake Red Rock, Iowa

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-07-01

class structure of the ante-bellum South; however, the focus of many recent studies has shifted to urban and rural sites in areas such as the Midwest ...from Virginia. The last two known residents came from Indiana and Ohio (Rogers 1988:47). I Specific research questions to be examined in the present...known that the first settler at the Sutton site was from Virginia, with the later residents from the Midwest . How did the cultural traditions of the

Optical circulator analysis and optimization: a mini-project for physical optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Zhujun

2017-08-01

One of the mini-projects for the course of physical optics is reported. The project is designed to increase comprehension on the basics and applications of polarized light and birefringent crystal. Firstly, the students are required to analyze the basic principle of an optical circulator based on birefringent crystal. Then, they need to consider the engineering optimization problems. The key tasks include analyzing the polarization transforming unit (composed of a half-waveplate and a Faraday rotator) based on Jones matrix, maximizing the walk-off angle between e-ray and o-ray in birefringent crystal, separating e-ray and o-ray symmetrically, employment of a transformed Wollaston prism for input/output coupling of optical beams to fibers. Three years' practice shows that the project is of moderate difficulty, while it covers most of the related knowledge required for the course and helps to train the engineering thinking.

Kodak Optical Disk and Microfilm Technologies Carve Niches in Specific Applications.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gallenberger, John; Batterton, John

1989-01-01

Describes the Eastman Kodak Company's microfilm and optical disk technologies and their applications. Topics discussed include WORM technology; retrieval needs and cost effective archival storage needs; engineering applications; jukeboxes; optical storage options; systems for use with mainframes and microcomputers; and possible future…

Excitation of multipolar surface plasmon resonance in plasmonic nanoparticles by complex accelerating beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yang; Li, Jiafang; Li, Zhi-Yuan; Chen, Yue-Gang

2015-07-01

In this paper, through a vector-spherical harmonics approach, we investigate the optical spectra of plasmonic Au nanoparticles excited by two special accelerating beams: a non-paraxial Airy beam and a Bessel beam. We systematically analyze the impacts of the beam profile, phase, and helical wave front of the electromagnetic fields on the optical spectrum and the excitation of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR). We find that the high-order phase in the Airy beam would result in strong plasmonic oscillations in the optical spectra, while the cone angle and orbital angular momentum carried by the Bessel beam could be employed to engineer the plasmon modes excited in Au nanoparticles. Furthermore, the optical spectrum excited by a combined Airy-Bessel-Gauss beam is discussed. The study could help to deeply explore new ways to manipulate SPR in metal nanoparticles via the wave front engineering of optical beams for enhancing light-matter interaction and optical sensing performance.

Applications of Emerging Parallel Optical Link Technology to High Energy Physics Experiments

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

Chramowicz, J.; Kwan, S.; Prosser, A.

2011-09-01

Modern particle detectors depend upon optical fiber links to deliver event data to upstream trigger and data processing systems. Future detector systems can benefit from the development of dense arrangements of high speed optical links emerging from the telecommunications and storage area network market segments. These links support data transfers in each direction at rates up to 120 Gbps in packages that minimize or even eliminate edge connector requirements. Emerging products include a class of devices known as optical engines which permit assembly of the optical transceivers in close proximity to the electrical interfaces of ASICs and FPGAs which handlemore » the data in parallel electrical format. Such assemblies will reduce required printed circuit board area and minimize electromagnetic interference and susceptibility. We will present test results of some of these parallel components and report on the development of pluggable FPGA Mezzanine Cards equipped with optical engines to provide to collaborators on the Versatile Link Common Project for the HI-LHC at CERN.« less

A century of light

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

Johnson, Anne Frances; Lamontagne, Nancy D.

2016-06-15

Since its founding in 1916, The Optical Society has brought together a global community of scientists, engineers, business leaders, and students whose work in optics and photonics has transformed the world.

A Review of Distributed Optical Fiber Sensors for Civil Engineering Applications

PubMed Central

Barrias, António; Casas, Joan R.; Villalba, Sergi

2016-01-01

The application of structural health monitoring (SHM) systems to civil engineering structures has been a developing studied and practiced topic, that has allowed for a better understanding of structures’ conditions and increasingly lead to a more cost-effective management of those infrastructures. In this field, the use of fiber optic sensors has been studied, discussed and practiced with encouraging results. The possibility of understanding and monitor the distributed behavior of extensive stretches of critical structures it’s an enormous advantage that distributed fiber optic sensing provides to SHM systems. In the past decade, several R & D studies have been performed with the goal of improving the knowledge and developing new techniques associated with the application of distributed optical fiber sensors (DOFS) in order to widen the range of applications of these sensors and also to obtain more correct and reliable data. This paper presents, after a brief introduction to the theoretical background of DOFS, the latest developments related with the improvement of these products by presenting a wide range of laboratory experiments as well as an extended review of their diverse applications in civil engineering structures. PMID:27223289

The Core-Collapse Supernova-Black Hole Connection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Connor, Evan

The death of a massive star is typically associated with a bright optical transient known as a core-collapse supernova. However, there is growing evidence that not all massive stars end their lives with a brillant optical display, but rather in a whimper. These failed supernovae, or unnovae, result from the central engine failing to turn the initial implosion of the iron core into an explosion that launches the supernova shock wave, unbinds the majority of the star, and creates the supernova as we know it. In these unnovae, the failure of the central engine is soon followed by the collapse of the would-be neutron star into a stellar mass black hole. Instead of the bright optical display following successful supernovae, little to no optical emission is expected from typical failed supernovae as most of the material quietly accretes onto the black hole. This makes the hunt for failed supernovae difficult. In this chapter for the Handbook of Supernovae, I present the growing observational evidence for failed supernovae and discuss the current theoretical understanding of how and in what stars the supernova central engine fails.

A Review of Distributed Optical Fiber Sensors for Civil Engineering Applications.

PubMed

Barrias, António; Casas, Joan R; Villalba, Sergi

2016-05-23

The application of structural health monitoring (SHM) systems to civil engineering structures has been a developing studied and practiced topic, that has allowed for a better understanding of structures' conditions and increasingly lead to a more cost-effective management of those infrastructures. In this field, the use of fiber optic sensors has been studied, discussed and practiced with encouraging results. The possibility of understanding and monitor the distributed behavior of extensive stretches of critical structures it's an enormous advantage that distributed fiber optic sensing provides to SHM systems. In the past decade, several R & D studies have been performed with the goal of improving the knowledge and developing new techniques associated with the application of distributed optical fiber sensors (DOFS) in order to widen the range of applications of these sensors and also to obtain more correct and reliable data. This paper presents, after a brief introduction to the theoretical background of DOFS, the latest developments related with the improvement of these products by presenting a wide range of laboratory experiments as well as an extended review of their diverse applications in civil engineering structures.

A fiber-optic-based imaging system for nondestructive assessment of cell-seeded tissue-engineered scaffolds.

PubMed

Hofmann, Matthias C; Whited, Bryce M; Criswell, Tracy; Rylander, Marissa Nichole; Rylander, Christopher G; Soker, Shay; Wang, Ge; Xu, Yong

2012-09-01

A major limitation in tissue engineering is the lack of nondestructive methods that assess the development of tissue scaffolds undergoing preconditioning in bioreactors. Due to significant optical scattering in most scaffolding materials, current microscope-based imaging methods cannot "see" through thick and optically opaque tissue constructs. To address this deficiency, we developed a fiber-optic-based imaging method that is capable of nondestructive imaging of fluorescently labeled cells through a thick and optically opaque scaffold, contained in a bioreactor. This imaging modality is based on the local excitation of fluorescent cells, the acquisition of fluorescence through the scaffold, and fluorescence mapping based on the position of the excitation light. To evaluate the capability and accuracy of the imaging system, human endothelial cells (ECs), stably expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP), were imaged through a fibrous scaffold. Without sacrificing the scaffolds, we nondestructively visualized the distribution of GFP-labeled cells through a ~500 μm thick scaffold with cell-level resolution and distinct localization. These results were similar to control images obtained using an optical microscope with direct line-of-sight access. Through a detailed quantitative analysis, we demonstrated that this method achieved a resolution on the order of 20-30 μm, with 10% or less deviation from standard optical microscopy. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the penetration depth of the imaging method exceeded that of confocal laser scanning microscopy by more than a factor of 2. Our imaging method also possesses a working distance (up to 8 cm) much longer than that of a standard confocal microscopy system, which can significantly facilitate bioreactor integration. This method will enable the nondestructive monitoring of ECs seeded on the lumen of a tissue-engineered vascular graft during preconditioning in vitro, as well as for other tissue-engineered constructs in the future.

Optical Measurements at the Combustor Exit of the HIFiRE 2 Ground Test Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Michael S.; Herring, Gregory C.; Cabell, Karen; Hass, Neal; Barhorst, Todd F.; Gruber, Mark

2012-01-01

The development of optical techniques capable of measuring in-stream flow properties of air breathing hypersonic engines is a goal of the Aerospace Propulsion Division at AFRL. Of particular interest are techniques such as tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy that can be implemented in both ground and flight test efforts. We recently executed a measurement campaign at the exit of the combustor of the HIFiRE 2 ground test engine during Phase II operation of the engine. Data was collected in anticipation of similar data sets to be collected during the flight experiment. The ground test optical data provides a means to evaluate signal processing algorithms particularly those associated with limited line of sight tomography. Equally important, this in-stream data was collected to compliment data acquired with surface-mounted instrumentation and the accompanying flowpath modeling efforts-both CFD and lower order modeling. Here we discuss the specifics of hardware and data collection along with a coarse-grained look at the acquired data and our approach to processing and analyzing it.

Materials Development for Next Generation Optical Fiber

PubMed Central

Ballato, John; Dragic, Peter

2014-01-01

Optical fibers, the enablers of the Internet, are being used in an ever more diverse array of applications. Many of the rapidly growing deployments of fibers are in high-power and, particularly, high power-per-unit-bandwidth systems where well-known optical nonlinearities have historically not been especially consequential in limiting overall performance. Today, however, nominally weak effects, most notably stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) are among the principal phenomena restricting continued scaling to higher optical power levels. In order to address these limitations, the optical fiber community has focused dominantly on geometry-related solutions such as large mode area (LMA) designs. Since such scattering, and all other linear and nonlinear optical phenomena including higher order mode instability (HOMI), are fundamentally materials-based in origin, this paper unapologetically advocates material solutions to present and future performance limitations. As such, this paper represents a ‘call to arms’ for material scientists and engineers to engage in this opportunity to drive the future development of optical fibers that address many of the grand engineering challenges of our day. PMID:28788683

Efficient 3M PBS enhancing miniature projection optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yun, Zhisheng; Nevitt, Timothy; Willett, Stephen; Mortenson, Dave; Le, John; McDowell, Erin; Kent, Susan; Wong, Timothy; Beniot, Gilles J.; Ouderkirk, Andrew

2016-09-01

Over the past decade, 3M has developed a number of mobile projectors, with a goal towards providing the world's smallest, most efficient projection systems. Compact size and efficiency are required characteristics for projection systems used in mobile devices and more lately, in augmented reality systems. In this paper we summarize the main generations of 3M light engine optical designs. We present the optical architectures of four light engines, including the rationale behind the illumination designs and the projection systems. In particular, we describe various configurations relating to the 3M polarizing beam splitter (PBS) which is key to enhanced efficiency of the miniature projection systems.

Optical isolation based on space-time engineered asymmetric photonic band gaps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chamanara, Nima; Taravati, Sajjad; Deck-Léger, Zoé-Lise; Caloz, Christophe

2017-10-01

Nonreciprocal electromagnetic devices play a crucial role in modern microwave and optical technologies. Conventional methods for realizing such systems are incompatible with integrated circuits. With recent advances in integrated photonics, the need for efficient on-chip magnetless nonreciprocal devices has become more pressing than ever. This paper leverages space-time engineered asymmetric photonic band gaps to generate optical isolation. It shows that a properly designed space-time modulated slab is highly reflective/transparent for opposite directions of propagation. The corresponding design is magnetless, accommodates low modulation frequencies, and can achieve very high isolation levels. An experimental proof of concept at microwave frequencies is provided.

Optical systolic solutions of linear algebraic equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neuman, C. P.; Casasent, D.

1984-01-01

The philosophy and data encoding possible in systolic array optical processor (SAOP) were reviewed. The multitude of linear algebraic operations achievable on this architecture is examined. These operations include such linear algebraic algorithms as: matrix-decomposition, direct and indirect solutions, implicit and explicit methods for partial differential equations, eigenvalue and eigenvector calculations, and singular value decomposition. This architecture can be utilized to realize general techniques for solving matrix linear and nonlinear algebraic equations, least mean square error solutions, FIR filters, and nested-loop algorithms for control engineering applications. The data flow and pipelining of operations, design of parallel algorithms and flexible architectures, application of these architectures to computationally intensive physical problems, error source modeling of optical processors, and matching of the computational needs of practical engineering problems to the capabilities of optical processors are emphasized.

Stability of Fiber Optic Networked Decentralized Distributed Engine Control Under Time Delays

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-08-01

Nomenclature FADEC = Full Authority Digital Engine Control D2FADEC = Decentralized Distributed Full Authority Digital Engine Control DEC...Corporation (IFOS), bm@ifos.com. I American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics 2 II. Distributed Engine Control Systems FADEC Based on...of Full Authority Digital Engine Control ( FADEC ) are distributed at the component level. Each sensor/actuator is to be replaced by a smart sensor

Spectrum-Modulating Fiber-Optic Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beheim, Glenn; Fritsch, Klaus

1989-01-01

Family of spectrum-modulating fiber-optic sensors undergoing development for use in aircraft-engine control systems. Fiber-optic sensors offer advantages of small size, high bandwidth, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and light weight. Furthermore, they reduce number of locations on aircraft to which electrical power has to be supplied.

Enhancement of the transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect via resonant tunneling in trilayers containing magneto-optical metals

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

Girón-Sedas, J. A.; Centro de Investigación e Innovación en Bioinformática y Fotónica - CIBioFI, AA 25360 Cali; Mejía-Salazar, J. R., E-mail: jrmejia3146@gmail.com

We propose a way to enhance the transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect, by the excitation of resonant tunneling modes, in subwavelength trilayer structures featuring a dielectric slab sandwiched between two magneto-optical metallic layers. Depending on the magneto-optical layer widths, the proposed system may exhibit an extraordinary transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect, which makes it very attractive for the design and engineering of thin-film magneto-optical-based devices for future photonic circuits or fiber optical-communication systems.

A Laser Spark Plug Ignition System for a Stationary Lean-Burn Natural Gas Reciprocating Engine

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

McIntyre, D. L.

To meet the ignition system needs of large bore, high pressure, lean burn, natural gas engines a side pumped, passively Q-switched, Nd:YAG laser was developed and tested. The laser was designed to produce the optical intensities needed to initiate ignition in a lean burn, high compression engine. The laser and associated optics were designed with a passive Q-switch to eliminate the need for high voltage signaling and associated equipment. The laser was diode pumped to eliminate the need for high voltage flash lamps which have poor pumping efficiency. The independent and dependent parameters of the laser were identified and exploredmore » in specific combinations that produced consistent robust sparks in laboratory air. Prior research has shown that increasing gas pressure lowers the breakdown threshold for laser initiated ignition. The laser has an overall geometry of 57x57x152 mm with an output beam diameter of approximately 3 mm. The experimentation used a wide range of optical and electrical input parameters that when combined produced ignition in laboratory air. The results show a strong dependence of the output parameters on the output coupler reflectivity, Q-switch initial transmission, and gain media dopant concentration. As these three parameters were lowered the output performance of the laser increased leading to larger more brilliant sparks. The results show peak power levels of up to 3MW and peak focal intensities of up to 560 GW/cm 2. Engine testing was performed on a Ricardo Proteus single cylinder research engine. The goal of the engine testing was to show that the test laser performs identically to the commercially available flashlamp pumped actively Q-switched laser used in previous laser ignition testing. The engine testing consisted of a comparison of the in-cylinder, and emissions behavior of the engine using each of the lasers as an ignition system. All engine parameters were kept as constant as possilbe while the equivalence ratio (fueling), and hence the engine load, was varied between 0.8, 0.9, and 1.0. The test laser was constructed with a 30% output coupler, 32% Q-switch initial transmission, and a 0.5% Nd concentration rod all pumped by approximately 1000 Watts of optical power. The test laser single mode output pulse had an energy of approximately 23 mJ, with a pulsewidth of approximately 10 ns, and an M2 value of 6.55. This output produced focal intensity of approximately 270 GW/cm 2 with the modified on-engine optical arrangement. The commercial laser had similar output parameters and both laser systems operated the engine with similar results. Due to the shortening of the focal length of the on-engine optical setup both laser systems produced a spark well within the optical transfer cavity of the laser optics to spark plug adaptor. This shrouded spark led to a very long ignition delay and retarded combustion timing for all three values of equivalence ratio. This was evidenced by the in-cylinder pressure traces and the HRR waveforms. The emissions data indicate that both lasers produced very similar combustion. The ignition delay caused by the shrouded spark cause most of the combustion to happen after TDC which lead to poor combustion that produced high levels of CO and THC. The novelty of this work lies in the combination of the laser parameters to create a single high peak power laser output pulse for use as a spark ignition source. Similar configurations have been investigated in the literature but for different applications such as multiple output pulse trains for various industrial and communications applications. Another point of novelty is the investigation of the laser medium concentration on the output characteristics of a passively Q-switched laser system. This work has shown that lowering the Neodymium concentration in the active media within a passively Q-switched laser produces higher output energy values. This is significant because an actively Q-switched laser shows the opposite affect when the active ion concentration is varied.« less

Recent Developments in Vascular Imaging Techniques in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

PubMed Central

Upputuri, Paul Kumar; Sivasubramanian, Kathyayini; Mark, Chong Seow Khoon; Pramanik, Manojit

2015-01-01

Adequate vascularisation is key in determining the clinical outcome of stem cells and engineered tissue in regenerative medicine. Numerous imaging modalities have been developed and used for the visualization of vascularisation in tissue engineering. In this review, we briefly discuss the very recent advances aiming at high performance imaging of vasculature. We classify the vascular imaging modalities into three major groups: nonoptical methods (X-ray, magnetic resonance, ultrasound, and positron emission imaging), optical methods (optical coherence, fluorescence, multiphoton, and laser speckle imaging), and hybrid methods (photoacoustic imaging). We then summarize the strengths and challenges of these methods for preclinical and clinical applications. PMID:25821821

State of Aircraft Turboshaft Engines by Means of Tribotechnical Diagnostic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mihalčová, Janka

2018-03-01

The contribution describes concrete example of application of tribotechnical methods for the determination of the bearing wear state in aircraft turboshaft engines. Tribotechnical methods, which will be mentioned, deal with qualitative and quantitative characterization of particles occurred in oil. Here belong method optical emission spectrometry method with rotating disc electrode for determination of chemical elements concentration in oil. Method of optical particles counting for detection of particles distribution according to their scale, determination of their number and ferrographic analysis. Exploitation of these methods make it possible to determine quickly and correctly the friction regime and wearing of friction pair that is washed by oil in observed engines.

Center for Adaptive Optics | Jobs

Science.gov Websites

, 2015 University of Geneva Adaptive Optics Scientist or Engineer March 16, 2015 NRC-Herzberg Astronomy Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) Post-doctoral Fellowships in High-angular Resolution

Fabrication of the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) Optics: A Deterministic, Precision Engineering Approach to Optical Fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gordon, T. E.

1995-01-01

The mirror assembly of the AXAF observatory consists of four concentric, confocal, Wolter type 1 telescopes. Each telescope includes two conical grazing incidence mirrors, a paraboloid followed by a hyperboloid. Fabrication of these state-or-the-art optics is now complete, with predicted performance that surpasses the goals of the program. The fabrication of these optics, whose size and requirements exceed those of any previous x-ray mirrors, presented a challenging task requiring the use of precision engineering in many different forms. Virtually all of the equipment used for this effort required precision engineering. Accurate metrology required deterministic support of the mirrors in order to model the gravity distortions which will not be present on orbit. The primary axial instrument, known as the Precision Metrology Station (PMS), was a unique scanning Fizeau interferometer. After metrology was complete, the optics were placed in specially designed Glass Support Fixtures (GSF's) for installation on the Automated Cylindrical Grinder/Polishers (ACG/P's). The GSF's were custom molded for each mirror element to match the shape of the outer surface to minimize distortions of the inner surface. The final performance of the telescope is expected to far exceed the original goals and expectations of the program.

Electro-optic holography method for determination of surface shape and deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furlong, Cosme; Pryputniewicz, Ryszard J.

1998-06-01

Current demanding engineering analysis and design applications require effective experimental methodologies for characterization of surface shape and deformation. Such characterization is of primary importance in many applications, because these quantities are related to the functionality, performance, and integrity of the objects of interest, especially in view of advances relating to concurrent engineering. In this paper, a new approach to characterization of surface shape and deformation using a simple optical setup is described. The approach consists of a fiber optic based electro-optic holography (EOH) system based on an IR, temperature tuned laser diode, a single mode fiber optic directional coupler assembly, and a video processing computer. The EOH can be arranged in multiple configurations which include, the three-camera, three- illumination, and speckle correlation modes.In particular, the three-camera mode is described, as well as a brief description of the procedures for obtaining quantitative 3D shape and deformation information. A representative application of the three-camera EOH system demonstrates the viability of the approach as an effective engineering tool. A particular feature of this system and the procedure described in this paper is that the 3D quantitative data are written to data files which can be readily interfaced to commercial CAD/CAM environments.

Advanced instrumentation for next-generation aerospace propulsion control systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barkhoudarian, S.; Cross, G. S.; Lorenzo, Carl F.

1993-01-01

New control concepts for the next generation of advanced air-breathing and rocket engines and hypersonic combined-cycle propulsion systems are analyzed. The analysis provides a database on the instrumentation technologies for advanced control systems and cross matches the available technologies for each type of engine to the control needs and applications of the other two types of engines. Measurement technologies that are considered to be ready for implementation include optical surface temperature sensors, an isotope wear detector, a brushless torquemeter, a fiberoptic deflectometer, an optical absorption leak detector, the nonintrusive speed sensor, and an ultrasonic triducer. It is concluded that all 30 advanced instrumentation technologies considered can be recommended for further development to meet need of the next generation of jet-, rocket-, and hypersonic-engine control systems.

Statistical Attribution of Changes in Streamflow in the U.S. Midwest over the 20th and 21st Centuries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slater, L. J.; Villarini, G.

2016-12-01

Streamflows have increased notably across the Midwest over the past century. These changes have largely been attributed to the influence of upward trends in heavy precipitation and agricultural increases in row crop production. However, attempts to understand the specific causes of the changes in streamflow timing, magnitude, frequency, and seasonality have led to much debate in recent years, particularly regarding the influence of changing agricultural practices. Separating the different - climatic or land use/land cover - drivers of changing streamflow from a statistical perspective is not straightforward, and different methods have been implemented in the literature. Here, we develop statistical models in 476 U.S. Midwest river basins with long-term USGS discharge records to investigate the influence of the main drivers of changing streamflows: urbanization (using basin-averaged population per square kilometer), agricultural land cover (total corn and soybean harvested acreage), basin-averaged temperature, basin-averaged precipitation, and antecedent soil moisture (using precipitation from the month preceding each season as a proxy). We model the changes in the seasonal discharge quantiles from low to high flows as a function of these drivers (separately and combined), to evaluate which set of predictors is the best in each river basin. Results indicate that precipitation is indeed the most widespread driver in regions that are neither predominantly agricultural nor heavily urbanized. Elsewhere, we find strong regional patterns in terms of the best-fitting drivers, depending on climate, agricultural land cover and urbanization. Using these models, we then examine the sensitivity of discharge to different scenarios based on potential changes in each of the predictors. The projected changes have profound implications for water resources management across the Midwest.

Complex mixtures of Pesticides in Midwest U.S. streams indicated by POCIS time-integrating samplers

USGS Publications Warehouse

Van Metre, Peter C.; Alvarez, David; Mahler, Barbara J.; Nowell, Lisa H.; Sandstrom, Mark W.; Moran, Patrick W.

2017-01-01

The Midwest United States is an intensely agricultural region where pesticides in streams pose risks to aquatic biota, but temporal variability in pesticide concentrations makes characterization of their exposure to organisms challenging. To compensate for the effects of temporal variability, we deployed polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) in 100 small streams across the Midwest for about 5 weeks during summer 2013 and analyzed the extracts for 227 pesticide compounds. Analysis of water samples collected weekly for pesticides during POCIS deployment allowed for comparison of POCIS results with periodic water-sampling results. The median number of pesticides detected in POCIS extracts was 62, and 141 compounds were detected at least once, indicating a high level of pesticide contamination of streams in the region. Sixty-five of the 141 compounds detected were pesticide degradates. Mean water concentrations estimated using published POCIS sampling rates strongly correlated with means of weekly water samples collected concurrently, however, the POCIS-estimated concentrations generally were lower than the measured water concentrations. Summed herbicide concentrations (units of ng/POCIS) were greater at agricultural sites than at urban sites but summed concentrations of insecticides and fungicides were greater at urban sites. Consistent with these differences, summed concentrations of herbicides correlate to percent cultivated crops in the watersheds and summed concentrations of insecticides and fungicides correlate to percent urban land use. With the exception of malathion concentrations at nine sites, POCIS-estimated water concentrations of pesticides were lower than aquatic-life benchmarks. The POCIS provide an alternative approach to traditional water sampling for characterizing chronic exposure to pesticides in streams across the Midwest region.

The role of the subtropical North Atlantic water cycle in recent US extreme precipitation events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Laifang; Schmitt, Raymond W.; Ummenhofer, Caroline C.

2018-02-01

The role of the oceanic water cycle in the record-breaking 2015 warm-season precipitation in the US is analyzed. The extreme precipitation started in the Southern US in the spring and propagated northward to the Midwest and the Great Lakes in the summer of 2015. This seasonal evolution of precipitation anomalies represents a typical mode of variability of US warm-season precipitation. Analysis of the atmospheric moisture flux suggests that such a rainfall mode is associated with moisture export from the subtropical North Atlantic. In the spring, excessive precipitation in the Southern US is attributable to increased moisture flux from the northwestern portion of the subtropical North Atlantic. The North Atlantic moisture flux interacts with local soil moisture which enables the US Midwest to draw more moisture from the Gulf of Mexico in the summer. Further analysis shows that the relationship between the rainfall mode and the North Atlantic water cycle has become more significant in recent decades, indicating an increased likelihood of extremes like the 2015 case. Indeed, two record-high warm-season precipitation events, the 1993 and 2008 cases, both occurred in the more recent decades of the 66 year analysis period. The export of water from the North Atlantic leaves a marked surface salinity signature. The salinity signature appeared in the spring preceding all three extreme precipitation events analyzed in this study, i.e. a saltier-than-normal subtropical North Atlantic in spring followed by extreme Midwest precipitation in summer. Compared to the various sea surface temperature anomaly patterns among the 1993, 2008, and 2015 cases, the spatial distribution of salinity anomalies was much more consistent during these extreme flood years. Thus, our study suggests that preseason salinity patterns can be used for improved seasonal prediction of extreme precipitation in the Midwest.

Recent Acceleration of the Terrestrial Hydrologic Cycle in the U.S. Midwest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeh, Pat J.-F.; Wu, Chuanhao

2018-03-01

Most hydroclimatic trend studies considered only a subset of water budget variables; hence, the trend consistency and a holistic assessment of hydrologic changes across the entire water cycle cannot be evaluated. Here we use a unique 31 year (1983-2013) observed data set in Illinois (a representative region of the U.S. Midwest), including temperature (T), precipitation (P), evaporation (E), streamflow (R), soil moisture, and groundwater level (GWL), to estimate the trends and their sensitivity to different data periods and lengths. Both the Mann-Kendall trend test and the least squares linear method identify trends in close agreement. Despite no clear trends during 1983-2013, increasing trends are found in P (8.73-9.05 mm/year), E (6.87-7.47 mm/year), and R (1.57-3.54 mm/year) during 1992-2013, concurrently with a pronounced warming trend of 0.029-0.037 °C/year. However, terrestrial water storageis decreased by -2.0 mm/year (mainly due to declining GWL), suggesting that the increased R is caused by increased surface runoff rather than baseflow. Monthly analyses identify warming trends for all months except winter. In summer, P (E) exhibits an increasing (decreasing) trend, leading to increasing R, soil moisture, GWL, and terrestrial water storage. Most trends estimated for different subperiods are found to be sensitive to data lengths and periods. Overall, this study provides an internally consistent observed evidence on the intensification of the hydrologic cycle in response to recent climate warming in U.S. Midwest, in agreement with and well supported by several recent studies consistently reporting the increased P, R and E over the Midwest and Mississippi River basin.

Using benchmarking techniques and the 2011 maternity practices infant nutrition and care (mPINC) survey to improve performance among peer groups across the United States.

PubMed

Edwards, Roger A; Dee, Deborah; Umer, Amna; Perrine, Cria G; Shealy, Katherine R; Grummer-Strawn, Laurence M

2014-02-01

A substantial proportion of US maternity care facilities engage in practices that are not evidence-based and that interfere with breastfeeding. The CDC Survey of Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) showed significant variation in maternity practices among US states. The purpose of this article is to use benchmarking techniques to identify states within relevant peer groups that were top performers on mPINC survey indicators related to breastfeeding support. We used 11 indicators of breastfeeding-related maternity care from the 2011 mPINC survey and benchmarking techniques to organize and compare hospital-based maternity practices across the 50 states and Washington, DC. We created peer categories for benchmarking first by region (grouping states by West, Midwest, South, and Northeast) and then by size (grouping states by the number of maternity facilities and dividing each region into approximately equal halves based on the number of facilities). Thirty-four states had scores high enough to serve as benchmarks, and 32 states had scores low enough to reflect the lowest score gap from the benchmark on at least 1 indicator. No state served as the benchmark on more than 5 indicators and no state was furthest from the benchmark on more than 7 indicators. The small peer group benchmarks in the South, West, and Midwest were better than the large peer group benchmarks on 91%, 82%, and 36% of the indicators, respectively. In the West large, the Midwest large, the Midwest small, and the South large peer groups, 4-6 benchmarks showed that less than 50% of hospitals have ideal practice in all states. The evaluation presents benchmarks for peer group state comparisons that provide potential and feasible targets for improvement.

Complex mixtures of Pesticides in Midwest U.S. streams indicated by POCIS time-integrating samplers.

PubMed

Van Metre, Peter C; Alvarez, David A; Mahler, Barbara J; Nowell, Lisa; Sandstrom, Mark; Moran, Patrick

2017-01-01

The Midwest United States is an intensely agricultural region where pesticides in streams pose risks to aquatic biota, but temporal variability in pesticide concentrations makes characterization of their exposure to organisms challenging. To compensate for the effects of temporal variability, we deployed polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) in 100 small streams across the Midwest for about 5 weeks during summer 2013 and analyzed the extracts for 227 pesticide compounds. Analysis of water samples collected weekly for pesticides during POCIS deployment allowed for comparison of POCIS results with periodic water-sampling results. The median number of pesticides detected in POCIS extracts was 62, and 141 compounds were detected at least once, indicating a high level of pesticide contamination of streams in the region. Sixty-five of the 141 compounds detected were pesticide degradates. Mean water concentrations estimated using published POCIS sampling rates strongly correlated with means of weekly water samples collected concurrently, however, the POCIS-estimated concentrations generally were lower than the measured water concentrations. Summed herbicide concentrations (units of ng/POCIS) were greater at agricultural sites than at urban sites but summed concentrations of insecticides and fungicides were greater at urban sites. Consistent with these differences, summed concentrations of herbicides correlate to percent cultivated crops in the watersheds and summed concentrations of insecticides and fungicides correlate to percent urban land use. With the exception of malathion concentrations at nine sites, POCIS-estimated water concentrations of pesticides were lower than aquatic-life benchmarks. The POCIS provide an alternative approach to traditional water sampling for characterizing chronic exposure to pesticides in streams across the Midwest region. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Prevalence of Giardia duodenalis assemblages in weaned cattle on cow-calf operations in the United States.

PubMed

Santin, Monica; Dargatz, David; Fayer, Ronald

2012-02-10

To determine the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis in weaned beef calves on cow-calf operations in the United States, fecal specimens were collected from 819 calves (6-18 months of age) from 49 operations. After cleaning and concentration procedures to maximize recovery of cysts from feces, DNA was extracted from each of the 819 specimens. The presence of G. duodenalis was determined by nested PCR of a fragment of the SSU rRNA gene. All positive PCR products were subjected to sequence analysis. The overall sample level prevalence of Giardia was 33.5% with prevalence ranging from 0 to 100% among operations. The highest within herd prevalence of infected beef calves was found in one cow-calf operation from the South region (100%), followed by a cow-calf operation from the West region (90%), and three cow-calf operations from the Midwest region (87.5, 85, and 85%). Giardia was not detected in samples from 7 operations including 5 cow-calf operations from the South region, and 1 cow-calf operation each from the Midwest and West regions. Molecular analysis of the Giardia-positive samples identified assemblage E (or E-like) in 31.7% of all samples (260/819) and assemblage A in 1.2% (10/819). A mixed infection with assemblages A and E was observed in four calves from an operation in Midwest region. The potentially zoonotic assemblage A was detected in specimens from four operations in Midwest region. These findings indicate that most G. duodenalis found in weaned beef calves was assemblage E which represents no known zoonotic threat. However, the presence of assemblage A in a small number of animals poses a potential risk of infection to humans. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Atmospheric changes in North America during the last deglaciation from dune-wetland records in the Midwestern United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hong; Stumpf, Andrew J.; Miao, Xiaodong; Lowell, Thomas V.

2012-12-01

Reconstructing moisture conditions during the early retreat of the Laurentide Ice Sheet (LIS) may help define the phase relationship of deglacial conditions and atmospheric changes over North America. Here, we report two sediment successions near the concurrent ice margins in the Midwest of the U.S.A. to show that dune formation was active from 17.7 to 14.7 and from 12.8 to 11.8 thousand years ago (ka) and lowland soils formed at 14.7 and wetland sediments developed from 13.5 to 12.8 ka. Our results suggest that moisture conditions in the Midwestern U.S.A. were inversely phased with those in the southwestern U.S.A. During the Heinrich event 1 (H1) and Younger Dryas (YD) stadials, the northern area became drier and southern area became wetter, whereas during the Bølling/Allerød (B/A) interstadials, the northern area became wetter and southern area became drier. This pattern is also observed on phase change levels within the H1 interval. In detail, from 17.7 to 16.5 ka during the H1b phase, major aridity in the Midwest corresponded to wet conditions in the Southwest U.S.A. From 16.5 to 15.0 ka during the H1a phase, climate reversed from dry to wet in the Midwest, whereas conditions went from wet to dry in the Southwest. From 15.0 to 14.7 ka during the transition to the Bølling/Allerød (t-B/A) phase, a return of aridity in the Midwest corresponded to a return of humidity in the Southwest.

Small scale adaptive optics experiment systems engineering

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boykin, William H.

1993-01-01

Assessment of the current technology relating to the laser power beaming system which in full scale is called the Beam Transmission Optical System (BTOS). Evaluation of system integration efforts are being conducted by the various government agencies and industry. Concepts are being developed for prototypes of adaptive optics for a BTOS.

Cultivating engineering innovation ability based on optoelectronic experimental platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Dangjuan; Wu, Shenjiang

2017-08-01

As the supporting experimental platform of the Xi'an Technological University education reform experimental class, "optical technological innovation experimental platform" integrated the design and comprehensive experiments of the optical multi-class courses. On the basis of summing up the past two years teaching experience, platform pilot projects were improve. It has played a good role by making the use of an open teaching model in the cultivating engineering innovation spirit and scientific thinking of the students.

Laser Ignition Technology for Bi-Propellant Rocket Engine Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, Matt; Bossard, John; Early, Jim; Trinh, Huu; Dennis, Jay; Turner, James (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

This viewgraph presentation gives an overview of laser ignition technology for bipropellant rocket engines applications. The objectives of this project include: (1) the selection test chambers and flows; (2) definition of the laser ignition setup; (3) pulse format optimization; (4) fiber optic coupled laser ignition system analysis; and (5) chamber integration issues definition. The testing concludes that rocket combustion chamber laser ignition is imminent. Support technologies (multiplexing, window durability/cleaning, and fiber optic durability) are feasible.

Fiber optic accelerometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

August, R. R.

1981-01-01

Low-cost, rugged lightweight accelerometer has been developed that converts mechanical motion into digitized optical outputs and is immune to electromagnetic and electrostatic interferences. Instrument can be placed in hostile environment, such as engine under test, and output led out through miscellany of electrical fields, high temperatures, etc., by optic fiber cables to benign environment of test panel. There, digitized optical signals can be converted to electrical signals for use in standard electrical equipment or used directly in optical devices, such as optical digital computer.

Manufacturing of 57cm carbon-carbon composite ion optics for the NEXIS ion engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beatty, John S.; Snyder, John Steven; Shih, Wei

2005-01-01

Exploration of the outer planets can be taxing on the ion optics of ion propulsion systems because of the higher power and propellant throughout than the present state-of-the art. Carbon-carbon composite ion optics are an enabling technology extending the life of ion optics operated at high specific impulse, power, and propellant throughout because of their low erosion rates compared to molybdenum ion optics.

Nonlinear filter based decision feedback equalizer for optical communication systems.

PubMed

Han, Xiaoqi; Cheng, Chi-Hao

2014-04-07

Nonlinear impairments in optical communication system have become a major concern of optical engineers. In this paper, we demonstrate that utilizing a nonlinear filter based Decision Feedback Equalizer (DFE) with error detection capability can deliver a better performance compared with the conventional linear filter based DFE. The proposed algorithms are tested in simulation using a coherent 100 Gb/sec 16-QAM optical communication system in a legacy optical network setting.

Can 100Gb/s wavelengths be deployed using 10Gb/s engineering rules?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saunders, Ross; Nicholl, Gary; Wollenweber, Kevin; Schmidt, Ted

2007-09-01

A key challenge set by carriers for 40Gb/s deployments was that the 40Gb/s wavelengths should be deployable over existing 10Gb/s DWDM systems, using 10Gb/s link engineering design rules. Typical 10Gb/s link engineering rules are: 1. Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) tolerance of 10ps (mean); 2. Chromatic Dispersion (CD) tolerance of +/-700ps/nm 3. Operation at 50GHz channel spacing, including transit through multiple cascaded [R]OADMs; 4. Optical reach up to 2,000km. By using a combination of advanced modulation formats and adaptive dispersion compensation (technologies rarely seen at 10Gb/s outside of the submarine systems space), vendors did respond to the challenge and broadly met this requirement. As we now start to explore feasible technologies for 100Gb/s optical transport, driven by 100GE port availability on core IP routers, the carrier challenge remains the same. 100Gb/s links should be deployable over existing 10Gb/s DWDM systems using 10Gb/s link engineering rules (as listed above). To meet this challenge, optical transport technology must evolve to yet another level of complexity/maturity in both modulation formats and adaptive compensation techniques. Many clues as to how this might be achieved can be gained by first studying sister telecommunications industries, e.g. satellite (QPSK, QAM, LDCP FEC codes), wireless (advanced DSP, MSK), HDTV (TCM), etc. The optical industry is not a pioneer of new ideas in modulation schemes and coding theory, we will always be followers. However, we do have the responsibility of developing the highest capacity "modems" on the planet to carry the core backbone traffic of the Internet. As such, the key to our success will be to analyze the pros and cons of advanced modulation/coding techniques and balance this with the practical limitations of high speed electronics processing speed and the challenges of real world optical layer impairments. This invited paper will present a view on what advanced technologies are likely candidates to support 100GE optical IP transport over existing 10Gb/s DWDM systems, using 10Gb/s link engineering rules.

Working as an Electronics Engineer at NASA Dryden

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, Patrick

2011-01-01

This is a general presentation of fiber optics instrumentation development work being conducted at NASA Dryden for the past 10 years and recent achievements in the field of fiber optics strain sensors.

Northeast and Midwest regional species and habitats at greatest risk and most vulnerable to climate impacts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Staudinger, Michelle D.; Hilberg, Laura; Janowiak, Maria; Swanton, C.O.

2016-01-01

The objectives of this Chapter are to describe climate change vulnerability, it’s components, the range of assessment methods being implemented regionally, and examples of training resources and tools. Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments (CCVAs) have already been conducted for numerous Regional Species of Greatest Conservation Need and their dependent 5 habitats across the Northeast and Midwest. This chapter provides a synthesis of different assessment frameworks, information on the locations (e.g., States) where vulnerability assessments were conducted, lists of individual species and habitats with their respective vulnerability rankings, and a comparison of how vulnerability rankings were determined among studies.

Acoustic Pyrometry Applied to Gas Turbines and Jet Engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fralick, Gustave C.

1999-01-01

Internal gas temperature is one of the most fundamental parameters related to engine efficiency and emissions production. The most common methods for measuring gas temperature are physical probes, such as thermocouples and thermistors, and optical methods, such as Coherent Anti Stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS) or Rayleigh scattering. Probes are relatively easy to use, but they are intrusive, their output must be corrected for errors due to radiation and conduction, and their upper use temperature is limited. Optical methods are nonintrusive, and they measure some intrinsic property of the gas that is directly related to its temperature (e.g., lifetime or the ratio of line strengths). However, optical methods are usually difficult to use, and optical access is not always available. Lately, acoustic techniques have been receiving some interest as a way to overcome these limitations.

Achievement of needle-like focus by engineering radial-variant vector fields.

PubMed

Gu, Bing; Wu, Jia-Lu; Pan, Yang; Cui, Yiping

2013-12-16

We present and demonstrate a novel method for engineering the radial-variant polarization on the incident field to achieve a needle of transversally polarized field without any pupil filters. We generate a new kind of localized linearly-polarized vector fields with distributions of states of polarization (SoPs) describing by the radius to the power p and explore its tight focusing, nonparaxial focusing, and paraxial focusing properties. By tuning the power p, we obtain the needle-like focal field with hybrid SoPs and give the formula for describing the length of the needle. Experimentally, we systematically investigate both the intensity distributions and the polarization evolution of the optical needle by paraxial focusing the generated vector field. Such an optical needle, which enhances the light-matter interaction, has intriguing applications in optical microma-chining and nonlinear optics.

Effects of Land Use Change for Crops on Water and Carbon Budgets in the Midwest USA

DOE PAGES

Sun, Jian; Twine, Tracy; Hill, Jason; ...

2017-02-07

By increasing the demand for food and bioenergy, the global landscape has altered dramatically in recent years. Land use and land cover change affects the environmental system in many ways through biophysical and biogeochemical mechanisms. Here, we evaluate the impacts of land use and land cover change driven by recent crop expansion and conversion on the water budget, carbon exchange, and carbon storage in the Midwest USA. A dynamic global vegetation model was used to simulate and examine the impacts of landscape change in a historical case based on crop distribution data from the United States Department of Agriculture Nationalmore » Agricultural Statistics Services. Furthermore, the simulation results indicate that recent crop expansion not only decreased soil carbon sequestration (60 Tg less of soil organic carbon) and net carbon flux into ecosystems (3.7 Tg • year -1 less of net biome productivity), but also lessened water consumption through evapotranspiration (1.04 x 10 10 m 3 • year -1 less) over 12 states in the Midwest. More water yield at the land surface does not necessarily make more water available for vegetation. Crop residue removal might also exacerbate the soil carbon loss.« less

Effects of Land Use Change for Crops on Water and Carbon Budgets in the Midwest USA

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

Sun, Jian; Twine, Tracy; Hill, Jason

By increasing the demand for food and bioenergy, the global landscape has altered dramatically in recent years. Land use and land cover change affects the environmental system in many ways through biophysical and biogeochemical mechanisms. Here, we evaluate the impacts of land use and land cover change driven by recent crop expansion and conversion on the water budget, carbon exchange, and carbon storage in the Midwest USA. A dynamic global vegetation model was used to simulate and examine the impacts of landscape change in a historical case based on crop distribution data from the United States Department of Agriculture Nationalmore » Agricultural Statistics Services. Furthermore, the simulation results indicate that recent crop expansion not only decreased soil carbon sequestration (60 Tg less of soil organic carbon) and net carbon flux into ecosystems (3.7 Tg • year -1 less of net biome productivity), but also lessened water consumption through evapotranspiration (1.04 x 10 10 m 3 • year -1 less) over 12 states in the Midwest. More water yield at the land surface does not necessarily make more water available for vegetation. Crop residue removal might also exacerbate the soil carbon loss.« less

Effects of regional temperature on electric vehicle efficiency, range, and emissions in the United States.

PubMed

Yuksel, Tugce; Michalek, Jeremy J

2015-03-17

We characterize the effect of regional temperature differences on battery electric vehicle (BEV) efficiency, range, and use-phase power plant CO2 emissions in the U.S. The efficiency of a BEV varies with ambient temperature due to battery efficiency and cabin climate control. We find that annual energy consumption of BEVs can increase by an average of 15% in the Upper Midwest or in the Southwest compared to the Pacific Coast due to temperature differences. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from BEVs vary primarily with marginal regional grid mix, which has three times the GHG intensity in the Upper Midwest as on the Pacific Coast. However, even within a grid region, BEV emissions vary by up to 22% due to spatial and temporal ambient temperature variation and its implications for vehicle efficiency and charging duration and timing. Cold climate regions also encounter days with substantial reduction in EV range: the average range of a Nissan Leaf on the coldest day of the year drops from 70 miles on the Pacific Coast to less than 45 miles in the Upper Midwest. These regional differences are large enough to affect adoption patterns and energy and environmental implications of BEVs relative to alternatives.

Validation of the ASTER instrument level 1A scene geometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kieffer, H.H.; Mullins, K.F.; MacKinnon, D.J.

2008-01-01

An independent assessment of the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) instrument geometry was undertaken by the U.S. ASTER Team, to confirm the geometric correction parameters developed and applied to Level 1A (radiometrically and geometrically raw with correction parameters appended) ASTER data. The goal was to evaluate the geometric quality of the ASTER system and the stability of the Terra spacecraft. ASTER is a 15-band system containing optical instruments with resolutions from 15- to 90-meters; all geometrically registered products are ultimately tied to the 15-meter Visible and Near Infrared (VNIR) sub-system. Our evaluation process first involved establishing a large database of Ground Control Points (GCP) in the mid-western United States; an area with features of an appropriate size for spacecraft instrument resolutions. We used standard U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Digital Orthophoto Quads (DOQS) of areas in the mid-west to locate accurate GCPs by systematically identifying road intersections and recording their coordinates. Elevations for these points were derived from USGS Digital Elevation Models (DEMS). Road intersections in a swath of nine contiguous ASTER scenes were then matched to the GCPs, including terrain correction. We found no significant distortion in the images; after a simple image offset to absolute position, the RMS residual of about 200 points per scene was less than one-half a VNIR pixel. Absolute locations were within 80 meters, with a slow drift of about 10 meters over the entire 530-kilometer swath. Using strictly simultaneous observations of scenes 370 kilometers apart, we determined a stereo angle correction of 0.00134 degree with an accuracy of one microradian. The mid-west GCP field and the techniques used here should be widely applicable in assessing other spacecraft instruments having resolutions from 5 to 50-meters. ?? 2008 American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing.

20 years of graduate optics education at the University of New Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osiński, Marek; Jungling, Kenneth C.; Sheik-Bahae, Mansoor; Prasad, Sudhakar; McIver, John K.; Guenther, Arthur H.

2003-10-01

The year 2003 marks the 20th anniversary of introducing interdisciplinary graduate optics education at the University of New Mexico. The Ph.D. program in Optical Sciences has produced over 75 graduates. A new M.S. program in Optical Science and Engineering, introduced in Fall 2002, is rapidly gaining popularity. This paper reviews both programs, focusing on their unique features.

Fabrication and test of digital output interface devices for gas turbine electronic controls

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newirth, D. M.; Koenig, E. W.

1978-01-01

A program was conducted to develop an innovative digital output interface device, a digital effector with optical feedback of the fuel metering valve position, for future electronic controls for gas turbine engines. A digital effector (on-off solenoids driven directly by on-off signals from a digital electronic controller) with optical position feedback was fabricated, coupled with the fuel metering valve, and tested under simulated engine operating conditions. The testing indicated that a digital effector with optical position feedback is a suitable candidate, with proper development for future digital electronic gas turbine controls. The testing also identified several problem areas which would have to be overcome in a final production configuration.

Video display engineering and optimization system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Larimer, James (Inventor)

1997-01-01

A video display engineering and optimization CAD simulation system for designing a LCD display integrates models of a display device circuit, electro-optics, surface geometry, and physiological optics to model the system performance of a display. This CAD system permits system performance and design trade-offs to be evaluated without constructing a physical prototype of the device. The systems includes a series of modules which permit analysis of design trade-offs in terms of their visual impact on a viewer looking at a display.

Nonlinear compression of temporal solitons in an optical waveguide via inverse engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paul, Koushik; Sarma, Amarendra K.

2018-03-01

We propose a novel method based on the so-called shortcut-to-adiabatic passage techniques to achieve fast compression of temporal solitons in a nonlinear waveguide. We demonstrate that soliton compression could be achieved, in principle, at an arbitrarily small distance by inverse-engineering the pulse width and the nonlinearity of the medium. The proposed scheme could possibly be exploited for various short-distance communication protocols and may be even in nonlinear guided wave-optics devices and generation of ultrashort soliton pulses.

Analysis of the Operational Test and Evaluation of the CBRNE Crime Scene Modeller (C2SM)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-09

International Society for Optical Engineering, vol.7305, 730509 (10 pp), 2009. 2 It should be noted that these two projects are somewhat unique in...effectiveness of the capability as well as an opportunity to receive an arm’s length peer evaluation by an audience of International expert LE personnel with...Operators. Proceedings of the SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, vol.7666, 76660N (8 pp.), 2010. 8 Note: the scenario is

Double degree master program: Optical Design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakholdin, Alexey; Kujawinska, Malgorzata; Livshits, Irina; Styk, Adam; Voznesenskaya, Anna; Ezhova, Kseniia; Ermolayeva, Elena; Ivanova, Tatiana; Romanova, Galina; Tolstoba, Nadezhda

2015-10-01

Modern tendencies of higher education require development of master programs providing achievement of learning outcomes corresponding to quickly variable job market needs. ITMO University represented by Applied and Computer Optics Department and Optical Design and Testing Laboratory jointly with Warsaw University of Technology represented by the Institute of Micromechanics and Photonics at The Faculty of Mechatronics have developed a novel international master double-degree program "Optical Design" accumulating the expertise of both universities including experienced teaching staff, educational technologies, and experimental resources. The program presents studies targeting research and professional activities in high-tech fields connected with optical and optoelectronics devices, optical engineering, numerical methods and computer technologies. This master program deals with the design of optical systems of various types, assemblies and layouts using computer modeling means; investigation of light distribution phenomena; image modeling and formation; development of optical methods for image analysis and optical metrology including optical testing, materials characterization, NDT and industrial control and monitoring. The goal of this program is training a graduate capable to solve a wide range of research and engineering tasks in optical design and metrology leading to modern manufacturing and innovation. Variability of the program structure provides its flexibility and adoption according to current job market demands and personal learning paths for each student. In addition considerable proportion of internship and research expands practical skills. Some special features of the "Optical Design" program which implements the best practices of both Universities, the challenges and lessons learnt during its realization are presented in the paper.

JPRS report: Science and technology. USSR: Engineering and equipment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1991-10-01

A bibliography is given of U.S.S.R. research in engineering and equipment. Topics covered include aviation, space technology, optics, high energy devices, nuclear energy, and industrial technology, planning, and productivity.

Optical Spectroscopy and Imaging for the Noninvasive Evaluation of Engineered Tissues

PubMed Central

Rice, William L.; Hronik-Tupaj, Marie; Kaplan, David L.

2008-01-01

Optical spectroscopy and imaging approaches offer the potential to noninvasively assess different aspects of the cellular, extracellular matrix, and scaffold components of engineered tissues. In addition, the combination of multiple imaging modalities within a single instrument is highly feasible, allowing acquisition of complementary information related to the structure, organization, biochemistry, and physiology of the sample. The ability to characterize and monitor the dynamic interactions that take place as engineered tissues develop promises to enhance our understanding of the interdependence of processes that ultimately leads to functional tissue outcomes. It is expected that this information will impact significantly upon our abilities to optimize the design of biomaterial scaffolds, bioreactors, and cell systems. Here, we review the principles and performance characteristics of the main methodologies that have been exploited thus far, and we present examples of corresponding tissue engineering studies. PMID:18844604

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: The role of standards in the emerging optical digital data disk storage systems market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bainbridge, Ross C.

1984-09-01

The Institute for Computer Sciences and Technology at the National Bureau of Standards is pleased to cooperate with the International Society for Optical Engineering and to join with the other distinguished organizations in cosponsoring this conference on applications of optical digital data disk storage systems.

New generation all-silica based optical elements for high power laser systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tolenis, T.; GrinevičiÅ«tÄ--, L.; Melninkaitis, A.; Selskis, A.; Buzelis, R.; MažulÄ--, L.; Drazdys, R.

2017-08-01

Laser resistance of optical elements is one of the major topics in photonics. Various routes have been taken to improve optical coatings, including, but not limited by, materials engineering and optimisation of electric field distribution in multilayers. During the decades of research, it was found, that high band-gap materials, such as silica, are highly resistant to laser light. Unfortunately, only the production of anti-reflection coatings of all-silica materials are presented to this day. A novel route will be presented in materials engineering, capable to manufacture high reflection optical elements using only SiO2 material and GLancing Angle Deposition (GLAD) method. The technique involves the deposition of columnar structure and tailoring the refractive index of silica material throughout the coating thickness. A numerous analysis indicate the superior properties of GLAD coatings when compared with standard methods for Bragg mirrors production. Several groups of optical components are presented including anti-reflection coatings and Bragg mirrors. Structural and optical characterisation of the method have been performed and compared with standard methods. All researches indicate the possibility of new generation coatings for high power laser systems.

FAST OPTICAL VARIABILITY OF A NAKED-EYE BURST-MANIFESTATION OF THE PERIODIC ACTIVITY OF AN INTERNAL ENGINE

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

Beskin, G.; Karpov, S.; Bondar, S.

We imaged the position of the naked-eye burst, GRB080319B, before, during, and after its gamma-ray activity with sub-second temporal resolution using the TORTORA wide-field camera. The burst optical prompt emission, which reached 5.3 mag, has been detected, and its periodic optical variability has been discovered in the form of four equidistant flashes with a duration of several seconds. We also detected a strong correlation (r {approx} 0.82) between optical and gamma-ray light curves with a 2 s delay of the optical emission with respect to the gamma-ray emission. The revealed temporal structure of the optical light curve in comparison withmore » the gamma-ray light curve can be interpreted in the framework of the model of shell collisions in the ejecta containing a significant neutron component. All observed emission features reflect the non-stationary behavior of the burst internal engine-supposedly, a hyperaccreting solar-mass black hole formed in the collapse of a massive stellar core.« less

Practice Oriented Master's in Optics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dimmock, John O.

1997-01-01

This award provides support for the development and initial implementation of an interdisciplinary Master's Program with a concentration in Optics and Photonics Technology. This program is a collaboration between the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama A&M University, Northwest Shoals Community College, the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, the U. S. Army Missile Command, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the National Institute for Standards and Technology, Advanced Optical Systems Inc., Dynetics, Inc., Hughes Danbury Optical Systems, Inc., Nichols Research Corp., SCI Inc., and Speedring Inc. These organizations have been participating fully in the design, development and implementation of the program. This program is directed at both traditional students as well as government and defense workers who desire specialty education in practical optics and optical systems design and manufacturing. It is intended to produce highly trained graduates who can solve practical problems, and includes an on-site practicum at a manufacturing location. The broad curriculum of this program emphasizes the fundamentals of optics, optical systems manufacturing and testing, and the principles of design and manufacturing-to-cost for commercial optical products. The degrees offered are the MS in Physics and the MSE in Electrical Engineering with concentration in Optics and Photonics Technology through the Physics and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments of UAH with support from and in consultation with the Steering Committee composed of representatives from each of the participating organizations plus a student representative.

Numerical prediction of the spatial and temporal characteristics of the aero-optical disturbance produced by a helicopter in hover

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelly, Ryan T.

Aero-optical disturbances produced from turbulent compressible flow-fields can seriously degrade the performance of an optical signal. At compressible flight speeds these disturbances stem from the density variations present in turbulent boundary layers and free shear layers; however helicopters typically operate at incompressible speeds, which nearly eliminates the aberrating effect of these flows. For helicopter platforms the sources of aberration originate from the high subsonic flow-field near the rotor blade tips in the form of rotor-tip vortices and from the high temperatures of the engine effluence. During hover the shed rotor-tip vortices and engine effluence convect with the rotor wake encircling the airframe and subsequently a helicopter mounted optical system. The aero-optical effects of the wake beneath a hovering helicopter were analyzed using a combination of Unsteady RANS (URANS) and Large-Eddy Simulations (LES). The spatial and temporal characteristics of the numerical optical wavefronts were compared to full-scale aero-optic experimental measurements. The results indicate that the turbulence of the rotor-tip vortices contributes to the higher order aberrations measured experimentally and that the thermal exhaust plumes effectively limit the optical field-of-regard to forward- and side-looking beam directions. This information along with the computed optical aberrations of the wake can be used to guide the development of adaptive-optic systems or other beam-control approaches.

Practice Oriented Master's in Optics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dimmock, John O.

1996-01-01

This award provides support for the development and initial implementation of an interdisciplinary Master's Program with a concentration in Optics and Photonics Technology. This program is a collaboration between the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama A and M University, Northwest Shoals Community College, the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, the U.S. Army Missile Command, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the National Institute for Standards and Technology, Advanced Optical Systems Inc., Dynetics, Inc., Hughes Danbury Optical Systems, Inc., Nichols Research Corp., SCI Inc., and Speedring Inc. These organizations have been participating fully in the design, development and implementation of the program. This program is directed at both traditional students as well as government and defense workers who desire specialty education in practical optics and optical systems design and manufacturing. It is intended to produce highly trained graduates who can solve practical problems, and includes an on-site practicum at a manufacturing location. The broad curriculum of this program emphasizes the fundamentals of optics, optical systems manufacturing and testing, and the principles of design and manufacturing-to-cost for commercial optical products. The degrees offered are the MS in Physics and the MSE in Electrical Engineering with concentration in Optics and Photonics Technology through the Physics and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments of UAH with support from and in consultation with the Steering Committee composed of representatives from each of the participating organizations plus a student representative.

Report of the Interagency Optical Network Testbeds Workshop 2, NASA Ames Research Center, September 12-14, 2005

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

The Optical Network Testbeds Workshop 2 (ONT2), held on September 12-14, 2005, was cosponsored by the Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE/SC) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), in cooperation with the Joint Engineering Team (JET) of the Federal Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) Program's Large Scale Networking (LSN) Coordinating Group. The ONT2 workshop was a follow-on to an August 2004 Workshop on Optical Network Testbeds (ONT1). ONT1 recommended actions by the Federal agencies to assure timely development and implementation of optical networking technologies and infrastructure. Hosted by the NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California, the ONT2 workshop brought together representatives of the U.S. advanced research and education (R&E) networks, regional optical networks (RONs), service providers, international networking organizations, and senior engineering and R&D managers from Federal agencies and national research laboratories. Its purpose was to develop a common vision of the optical network technologies, services, infrastructure, and organizations needed to enable widespread use of optical networks; recommend activities for transitioning the optical networking research community and its current infrastructure to leading-edge optical networks over the next three to five years; and present information enabling commercial network infrastructure providers to plan for and use leading-edge optical network services in that time frame.

Development of an optical character recognition pipeline for handwritten form fields from an electronic health record.

PubMed

Rasmussen, Luke V; Peissig, Peggy L; McCarty, Catherine A; Starren, Justin

2012-06-01

Although the penetration of electronic health records is increasing rapidly, much of the historical medical record is only available in handwritten notes and forms, which require labor-intensive, human chart abstraction for some clinical research. The few previous studies on automated extraction of data from these handwritten notes have focused on monolithic, custom-developed recognition systems or third-party systems that require proprietary forms. We present an optical character recognition processing pipeline, which leverages the capabilities of existing third-party optical character recognition engines, and provides the flexibility offered by a modular custom-developed system. The system was configured and run on a selected set of form fields extracted from a corpus of handwritten ophthalmology forms. The processing pipeline allowed multiple configurations to be run, with the optimal configuration consisting of the Nuance and LEADTOOLS engines running in parallel with a positive predictive value of 94.6% and a sensitivity of 13.5%. While limitations exist, preliminary experience from this project yielded insights on the generalizability and applicability of integrating multiple, inexpensive general-purpose third-party optical character recognition engines in a modular pipeline.

Development of an optical character recognition pipeline for handwritten form fields from an electronic health record

PubMed Central

Peissig, Peggy L; McCarty, Catherine A; Starren, Justin

2011-01-01

Background Although the penetration of electronic health records is increasing rapidly, much of the historical medical record is only available in handwritten notes and forms, which require labor-intensive, human chart abstraction for some clinical research. The few previous studies on automated extraction of data from these handwritten notes have focused on monolithic, custom-developed recognition systems or third-party systems that require proprietary forms. Methods We present an optical character recognition processing pipeline, which leverages the capabilities of existing third-party optical character recognition engines, and provides the flexibility offered by a modular custom-developed system. The system was configured and run on a selected set of form fields extracted from a corpus of handwritten ophthalmology forms. Observations The processing pipeline allowed multiple configurations to be run, with the optimal configuration consisting of the Nuance and LEADTOOLS engines running in parallel with a positive predictive value of 94.6% and a sensitivity of 13.5%. Discussion While limitations exist, preliminary experience from this project yielded insights on the generalizability and applicability of integrating multiple, inexpensive general-purpose third-party optical character recognition engines in a modular pipeline. PMID:21890871

All-optical electrophysiology in mammalian neurons using engineered microbial rhodopsins

PubMed Central

Hochbaum, Daniel R.; Zhao, Yongxin; Farhi, Samouil L.; Klapoetke, Nathan; Werley, Christopher A.; Kapoor, Vikrant; Zou, Peng; Kralj, Joel M.; Maclaurin, Dougal; Smedemark-Margulies, Niklas; Saulnier, Jessica L.; Boulting, Gabriella L.; Straub, Christoph; Cho, Yong Ku; Melkonian, Michael; Wong, Gane Ka-Shu; Harrison, D. Jed; Murthy, Venkatesh N.; Sabatini, Bernardo; Boyden, Edward S.; Campbell, Robert E.; Cohen, Adam E.

2014-01-01

All-optical electrophysiology—spatially resolved simultaneous optical perturbation and measurement of membrane voltage—would open new vistas in neuroscience research. We evolved two archaerhodopsin-based voltage indicators, QuasAr1 and 2, which show improved brightness and voltage sensitivity, microsecond response times, and produce no photocurrent. We engineered a novel channelrhodopsin actuator, CheRiff, which shows improved light sensitivity and kinetics, and spectral orthogonality to the QuasArs. A co-expression vector, Optopatch, enabled crosstalk-free genetically targeted all-optical electrophysiology. In cultured neurons, we combined Optopatch with patterned optical excitation to probe back-propagating action potentials in dendritic spines, synaptic transmission, sub-cellular microsecond-timescale details of action potential propagation, and simultaneous firing of many neurons in a network. Optopatch measurements revealed homeostatic tuning of intrinsic excitability in human stem cell-derived neurons. In brain slice, Optopatch induced and reported action potentials and subthreshold events, with high signal-to-noise ratios. The Optopatch platform enables high-throughput, spatially resolved electrophysiology without use of conventional electrodes. PMID:24952910

Bathymetric surveys of selected lakes in Missouri--2000-2008

USGS Publications Warehouse

Richards, Joseph M.

2013-01-01

Years of sediment accumulation and abnormally dry conditions in the Midwest in 1999 and 2000 led to the water level decline of many water-supply lakes in Missouri, and caused renewed interest in modernizing outdated area/volume tables for these lakes. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, surveyed the bathymetry of 51 lakes in Missouri from July 2000 to May 2008. The data were used to provide water managers with area/volume tables and bathymetric maps of the lakes at the time of the surveys. In 50 of the lakes, bathymetric surveys were made using a boat-mounted single-beam survey-grade fathometer. In Clearwater Lake, bathymetric data were collected primarily using a boat-mounted survey-grade multibeam fathometer, and some bathymetric data were collected using a single-beam fathometer in areas of the lake that were inaccessible to the multibeam fathometer. Data processing, area/volume table computation, and bathymetric map production were completed for each lake.

Optical signal processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Casasent, D.

1978-01-01

The article discusses several optical configurations used for signal processing. Electronic-to-optical transducers are outlined, noting fixed window transducers and moving window acousto-optic transducers. Folded spectrum techniques are considered, with reference to wideband RF signal analysis, fetal electroencephalogram analysis, engine vibration analysis, signal buried in noise, and spatial filtering. Various methods for radar signal processing are described, such as phased-array antennas, the optical processing of phased-array data, pulsed Doppler and FM radar systems, a multichannel one-dimensional optical correlator, correlations with long coded waveforms, and Doppler signal processing. Means for noncoherent optical signal processing are noted, including an optical correlator for speech recognition and a noncoherent optical correlator.

Dip-Coating Process Engineering and Performance Optimization for Three-State Electrochromic Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Lu; Yang, Dejiang; Fei, Lixun; Huang, Yue; Wu, Fang; Sun, Yiling; Shi, Jiayuan; Xiang, Yong

2017-06-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were modified onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) via dip-coating technique with different nanoparticle sizes, lifting speeds, precursor concentrations, and dipping numbers. Electrodeposition-based electrochromic device with reversible three-state optical transformation (transparent, mirror, and black) was fabricated subsequently by sandwiching a suitable amount of gel electrolyte between modified FTO electrode and flat FTO electrode. Correlation between dip-coating process engineering, morphological features of TiO2 thin films, i.e., thickness and roughness, as well as performance of electrochromic devices, i.e., optical contrast, switching time, and cycling stability, were investigated. The modified device exhibits high optical contrast of 57%, the short coloration/bleaching switching time of 6 and 20 s, and excellent cycling stability after 1500 cycles of only 27% decrement rate by adjusting dip-coating processes engineering. The results in this study will provide valuable guidance for rational design of the electrochromic device with satisfactory performance.

Point spread function engineering for iris recognition system design.

PubMed

Ashok, Amit; Neifeld, Mark A

2010-04-01

Undersampling in the detector array degrades the performance of iris-recognition imaging systems. We find that an undersampling of 8 x 8 reduces the iris-recognition performance by nearly a factor of 4 (on CASIA iris database), as measured by the false rejection ratio (FRR) metric. We employ optical point spread function (PSF) engineering via a Zernike phase mask in conjunction with multiple subpixel shifted image measurements (frames) to mitigate the effect of undersampling. A task-specific optimization framework is used to engineer the optical PSF and optimize the postprocessing parameters to minimize the FRR. The optimized Zernike phase enhanced lens (ZPEL) imager design with one frame yields an improvement of nearly 33% relative to a thin observation module by bounded optics (TOMBO) imager with one frame. With four frames the optimized ZPEL imager achieves a FRR equal to that of the conventional imager without undersampling. Further, the ZPEL imager design using 16 frames yields a FRR that is actually 15% lower than that obtained with the conventional imager without undersampling.

Optimization of Dish Solar Collectors with and without Secondary Concentrators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jaffe, L. D.

1982-01-01

Methods for optimizing parabolic dish solar collectors and the consequent effects of various optical, thermal, mechanical, and cost variables are examined. The most important performance optimization is adjusting the receiver aperture to maximize collector efficiency. Other parameters that can be adjusted to optimize efficiency include focal length, and, if a heat engine is used, the receiver temperature. The efficiency maxima associated with focal length and receiver temperature are relatively broad; it may, accordingly, be desirable to design somewhat away from the maxima. Performance optimization is sensitive to the slope and specularity errors of the concentrator. Other optical and thermal variables affecting optimization are the reflectance and blocking factor of the concentrator, the absorptance and losses of the receiver, and, if a heat engine is used, the shape of the engine efficiency versus temperature curve. Performance may sometimes be improved by use of an additional optical element (a secondary concentrator) or a receiver window if the errors of the primary concentrator are large or the receiver temperature is high.

Optical inspection methods and their applications in the manufactured industrial sector: knowledge transfer to Panamanian industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pino, Abdiel O.; Pladellorens, Josep

2014-07-01

A means of facilitating the transfer of Optical inspection methods knowledge and skills from academic institutions and their research partners into Panama optics and optical research groups is described. The process involves the creation of an Integrated Knowledge Group Research (IKGR), a partnership led by Polytechnic University of Panama with the support of the SENACYT and Optics and Optometry Department, Polytechnic University of Catalonia. This paper describes the development of the Project for knowledge transfer "Implementation of a method of optical inspection of low cost for improving the surface quality of rolled material of metallic and nonmetallic industrial use", this project will develop a method for measuring the surface quality using texture analysis speckle pattern formed on the surface to be characterized. The project is designed to address the shortage of key skills in the field of precision engineering for optical applications. The main issues encountered during the development of the knowledge transfer teaching and learning are discussed, and the outcomes from the first four months of knowledge transfer activities are described. In overall summary, the results demonstrate how the Integrated Knowledge Group Research and new approach to knowledge transfer has been effective in addressing the engineering skills gap in precision optics for manufactured industrial sector.

The use of optical pyrometers in axial flow turbines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sellers, R. R.; Przirembel, H. R.; Clevenger, D. H.; Lang, J. L.

1989-07-01

An optical pyrometer system that can be used to measure metal temperatures over an extended range of temperature has been developed. Real-time flame discrimination permits accurate operation in the gas turbine environment with high flame content. This versatile capability has been used in a number of ways. In experimental engines, a fixed angle pyrometer has been used for turbine health monitoring for the automatic test stand abort system. Turbine blade creep capability has been improved by tailoring the burner profile based on measured blade temperatures. Fixed and traversing pyrometers were used extensively during engine development to map blade surface temperatures in order to assess cooling effectiveness and identify optimum configurations. Portable units have been used in turbine field inspections. A new low temperature pyrometer is being used as a diagnostic tool in the alternate turbopump design for the Space Shuttle main engine. Advanced engine designs will incorporate pyrometers in the engine control system to limit operation to safe temperatures.