Sustainable Seas Student Intertidal Monitoring Project at Duxbury Reef in Bolinas, CA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rainsford, A.; Soave, K.; Gerraty, F.; Jung, G.; Quirke-Shattuck, M.; Kudler, J.; Hatfield, J.; Emunah, M.; Dean, A. F.

2014-12-01

The Sustainable Seas Student Monitoring Project at the Branson School in Ross, CA has monitored Duxbury Reef in Bolinas, CA since 1999, in cooperation with the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association and the Gulf of Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Goals of this student-run project include: 1) To monitor the rocky intertidal habitat and develop a baseline database of invertebrates and algal density and abundance; 2) To contribute to the conservation of the rocky intertidal habitat through education of students and visitors about intertidal species; 3) To increase stewardship in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary; and 4) To contribute abundance and population data on key algae and invertebrate species to the national database, LiMPETS (Long Term Monitoring Program & Experiential Training for Students). Each fall student volunteers complete an intensive training course on the natural history of intertidal invertebrates and algae, identification of key species, rocky intertidal monitoring techniques, and history of the sanctuary. Students identify and count key invertebrate and algae species along two permanent transects and, using randomly determined points, within two permanent 200 m2 areas, in fall, winter, and late spring. Using data from the previous years, we will compare population densities, seasonal abundance and long-term population trends of key algal and invertebrate species, including Tegula funebralis, Anthopluera elegantissima, Cladophora sp. and Fucus sp.. Future analyses and investigations will include intertidal abiotic factors (including water temperature, pH and human foot-traffic) to enhance insights into the Duxbury Reef ecosystem, in particular, the high and mid-intertidal zones experiencing the greatest amount of human impacts.

Using Forest Service multiple species inventory and monitoring protocols to count birds at forest inventory and analysis plots on the Caribbean landscape: results, observations, and challenges from year 1 of a 2-year study

Treesearch

Sonja N. Oswalt; Thomas J. Brandeis; David W. Steadman; Scott K. Robinson

2009-01-01

We conducted double-observer point counts of birds from December 3 to December 31, 2005, on preestablished permanent Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) plots and National Park Service System trails within the Virgin Islands National Park, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. We had three objectives: (1) to collect abundance and distribution data for wintering land birds,...

Sustainable Seas Student Monitoring Project at the Branson School in Ross, CA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rainsford, A.; Soave, K.; Costolo, R.; Kudler, J.; Emunah, M.; Hatfield, J.; Kiyasu, J.

2015-12-01

Alina Rainsford, Kathy Soave, Julia Kudler, Jane Hatfield, Melea Emunah, Rose Costelo, Jenna Kiyasu, Amy Dean and Sustainable Seas Monitoring Project, Branson School, Ross, CA, United States, Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association, San Francisco, CA, United StatesAbstract:The Sustainable Seas Student Monitoring Project at the Branson School in Ross, CA has monitored Duxbury Reef in Bolinas, CA since 1999, in cooperation with the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association and the Gulf of Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Goals of this student-run project include: 1) To monitor the rocky intertidal habitat and develop a baseline database of invertebrates and algal density and abundance; 2) To contribute to the conservation of the rocky intertidal habitat through education of students and visitors about intertidal species; 3) To increase stewardship in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary; and 4) To contribute abundance and population data on key algae and invertebrate species to the national database, LiMPETS (Long Term Monitoring Program & Experiential Training for Students). Each fall student volunteers complete an intensive training course on the natural history of intertidal invertebrates and algae, identification of key species, rocky intertidal monitoring techniques, and history of the sanctuary. Students identify and count key invertebrate and algae species along two permanent transects and, using randomly determined points, within two permanent 200 m2 areas, in fall, winter, and late spring. Using data from the previous years, we will compare population densities, seasonal abundance and long-term population trends of key algal and invertebrate species, including Tegula funebralis, Anthopluera elegantissima, Cladophora sp. and Fucus sp.. Future analyses and investigations will include intertidal abiotic factors (including water temperature, pH and human foot-traffic) to enhance insights into the Duxbury Reef ecosystem, in particular, the high and mid-intertidal zones experiencing the greatest amount of human impacts.

Establishment of Karadeniz Technical University Permanent GNSS Station as Reactivated of TRAB IGS Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazancı, Selma Zengin; Kayıkçı, Emine Tanır

2017-12-01

In recent years, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) have gained great importance in terms of the benefi ts it provides such as precise geodetic point positioning, determining crustal deformations, navigation, vehicle monitoring systems and meteorological applications etc. As in Turkey, for this purpose, each country has set up its own GNSS station networks like Turkish National Permanent RTK Network analyzed precise station coordinates and velocities together with the International GNSS Service, Turkish National Fundamental GPS Network and Turkish National Permanent GNSS Network (TNPGN) stations not only are utilized as precise positioning but also GNSS meteorology studies so total number of stations are increased. This work is related to the reactivated of the TRAB IGS station which was established in Karadeniz Technical University, Department of Geomatics Engineering. Within the COST ES1206 Action (GNSS4SWEC) KTU analysis center was established and Trop-NET system developed by Geodetic Observatory Pecny (GOP, RIGTC) in order to troposphere monitoring. The project titled "Using Regional GNSS Networks to Strengthen Severe Weather Prediction" was accepted to the scientifi c and technological research council of Turkey (TUBITAK). With this project, we will design 2 new constructed GNSS reference station network. Using observation data of network, we will compare water vapor distribution derived by GNSS Meteorology and GNSS Tomography. At this time, KTU AC was accepted as E-GVAP Analysis Centre in December 2016. KTU reference station is aimed to be a member of the EUREF network with these studies.

A close inspection and vibration sensing aerial robot for steel structures with an EPM-based landing device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeuchi, Kazuya; Masuda, Arata; Akahori, Shunsuke; Higashi, Yoshiyuki; Miura, Nanako

2017-04-01

This paper proposes an aerial robot that can land on and cling to a steel structure using electric permanent magnets to be- have as a vibration sensor probe for use in vibration-based structural health monitoring. In the last decade, structural health monitoring techniques have been studied intensively to tackle with serious social issues that most of the infrastructures in advanced countries are being deteriorated. In the typical concept of the structural health monitoring, vibration sensors like accelerometers are installed in the structure to continuously collect the dynamical response of the operating structure to find a symptom of the structural damage. It is unreasonable, however, to permanently deploy the sensors to numerous infrastructures because most of the infrastructures except for those of primary importance do not need continuous measurement and evaluation. In this study, the aerial robot plays a role of a mobile detachable sensor unit. The design guidelines of the aerial robot that performs the vibration measurement from the analysis model of the robot is shown. Experiments to evaluate the frequency response function of the acceleration measured by the robot with respect to the acceleration at the point where the robot adheres are carried out. And the experimental results show that the prototype robot can measure the acceleration of the host structure accurately up to 150 Hz.

QUALITY ASSURANCE MEASURES ASSOCIATED WITH CORAL REEF MONITORING

EPA Science Inventory

Systematic efforts began in 1997 to assess the incidence of coral diseases in the Florida Keys. Protocols were developed for the selection of permanent stations and for data collection methodology. Permanent stations and for data collection methodology. Permanent stations were es...

A guide for recording esthetic and biologic changes with photographs

Treesearch

Arthur W. Magill; R.H. Twiss

1965-01-01

Photography has long been a useful tool for recording and analyzing environmental conditions. Permanent camera points can be established to help detect ,and analyze changes in the esthetics and ecology of wildland resources. This note describes the usefulness of permanent camera points and outlines procedures for establishing points and recording data.

Point-of-care detection and real-time monitoring of intravenously delivered drugs via tubing with an integrated SERS sensor.

PubMed

Wu, Hsin-Yu; Cunningham, Brian T

2014-05-21

We demonstrate an approach for detection, identification, and kinetic monitoring of drugs flowing within tubing, through the use of a plasmonic nanodome array (PNA) surface. The PNA structures are fabricated using a low-cost nanoreplica molding process upon a flexible plastic substrate that is subsequently integrated with a flow cell that connects in series with ordinary intravenous (IV) drug delivery tubing. To investigate the potential clinical applications for point-of-care detection and real-time monitoring, we perform SERS detection of ten pharmaceutical compounds (hydrocodone, levorphanol, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, phenobarbital, dopamine, diltiazem, promethazine, and mitoxantrone). We demonstrate dose-dependent SERS signal magnitude, resulting in detection limits (ng ml(-1)) well below typical administered dosages (mg ml(-1)). Further, we show that the detected drugs are not permanently attached to the PNA surface, and thus our approach is capable of performing continuous monitoring of drug delivery as materials flow through IV tubing that is connected in series with the sensor. Finally, we demonstrate the potential co-detection of multiple drugs when they are mixed together, and show excellent reproducibility and stability of SERS measurements for periods extending at least five days. The capabilities reported here demonstrate the potential to use PNA SERS surfaces for enhancing the safety of IV drug delivery.

Design of permanent magnet synchronous motor speed control system based on SVPWM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Haibo

2017-04-01

The control system is designed to realize TMS320F28335 based on the permanent magnet synchronous motor speed control system, and put it to quoting all electric of injection molding machine. The system of the control method used SVPWM, through the sampling motor current and rotating transformer position information, realize speed, current double closed loop control. Through the TMS320F28335 hardware floating-point processing core, realize the application for permanent magnet synchronous motor in the floating point arithmetic, to replace the past fixed-point algorithm, and improve the efficiency of the code.

Risk management in air protection in the Republic of Croatia.

PubMed

Peternel, Renata; Toth, Ivan; Hercog, Predrag

2014-03-01

In the Republic of Croatia, according to the Air Protection Act, air pollution assessment is obligatory on the whole State territory. For individual regions and populated areas in the State a network has been established for permanent air quality monitoring. The State network consists of stations for measuring background pollution, regional and cross-border remote transfer and measurements as part of international government liabilities, then stations for measuring air quality in areas of cultural and natural heritage, and stations for measuring air pollution in towns and industrial zones. The exceeding of alert and information threshold levels of air pollutants are related to emissions from industrial plants, and accidents. Each excess represents a threat to human health in case of short-time exposure. Monitoring of alert and information threshold levels is carried out at stations from the state and local networks for permanent air quality monitoring according to the Air Quality Measurement Program in the State network for permanent monitoring of air quality and air quality measurement programs in local networks for permanent air quality monitoring. The State network for permanent air quality monitoring has a developed automatic system for reporting on alert and information threshold levels, whereas many local networks under the competence of regional and local self-governments still lack any fully installed systems of this type. In case of accidents, prompt action at all responsibility levels is necessary in order to prevent crisis and this requires developed and coordinated competent units of State Administration as well as self-government units. It is also necessary to be continuously active in improving the implementation of legislative regulations in the field of crises related to critical and alert levels of air pollutants, especially at local levels.

Sustainable Seas Student Intertidal Monitoring Project at Duxbury Reef in Bolinas, CA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Broad, C.; Soave, K.; Ericson, W.; Raabe, B.; Glazer, R.; Ahuatzi, A.; Pereira, M.; Rainsford, A.

2013-12-01

The Sustainable Seas Student Monitoring Project at the Branson School in Ross, CA has monitored Duxbury Reef in Bolinas, CA since 1999, in cooperation with the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association and the Gulf of Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Goals of this student-run project include: 1) To monitor the rocky intertidal habitat and develop a baseline database of invertebrates and algal density and abundance; 2) To contribute to the conservation of the rocky intertidal habitat through education of students and visitors about intertidal species and the requirements for maintaining a healthy, diverse intertidal ecosystem; 3) To increase stewardship in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary; and 4) To contribute abundance and population data on key algae and invertebrate species to the national database, LiMPETS (Long Term Monitoring Program & Experiential Training for Students). Student volunteers complete an intensive training course on the natural history of intertidal invertebrates and algae, identification of key species, rocky intertidal monitoring techniques, and history of the sanctuary. Students identify and count key invertebrate and algae species along two permanent transects and, using randomly determined points, within two permanent 100 m2 areas, three times per year (fall, winter, and late spring). Using the data collected since 2004, we will once again compare population densities, seasonal abundance and long-term population trends of key algal and invertebrate species, including Tegula funebralis, Anthopluera elegantissima and Fucus spp. We will continue to closely monitor algal population densities in within our site in light of the November 2007 San Francisco Bay oil spill that leaked heavy bunker fuel into intertidal habitats around the SF Bay. Future analyses and investigations will include intertidal abiotic factors (including water temperature and human foot-traffic) to enhance insights into the workings of the Duxbury Reef ecosystem, in particular, the high and mid-intertidal zones experiencing the greatest amount of human impacts.

10 CFR 63.51 - License amendment for permanent closure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... to compliance with § 63.113. (2) A description of the program for post-permanent closure monitoring... that have been designed, fabricated, and emplaced to be as permanent as is practicable; (ii) Placement..., pertinent to compliance with § 63.113. (5) The results of tests, experiments, and any other analyses...

10 CFR 63.51 - License amendment for permanent closure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... to compliance with § 63.113. (2) A description of the program for post-permanent closure monitoring... that have been designed, fabricated, and emplaced to be as permanent as is practicable; (ii) Placement..., pertinent to compliance with § 63.113. (5) The results of tests, experiments, and any other analyses...

Continuous section extraction and over-underbreak detection of tunnel based on 3D laser technology and image analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Weixing; Wang, Zhiwei; Han, Ya; Li, Shuang; Zhang, Xin

2015-03-01

In order to ensure safety, long term stability and quality control in modern tunneling operations, the acquisition of geotechnical information about encountered rock conditions and detailed installed support information is required. The limited space and time in an operational tunnel environment make the acquiring data challenging. The laser scanning in a tunneling environment, however, shows a great potential. The surveying and mapping of tunnels are crucial for the optimal use after construction and in routine inspections. Most of these applications focus on the geometric information of the tunnels extracted from the laser scanning data. There are two kinds of applications widely discussed: deformation measurement and feature extraction. The traditional deformation measurement in an underground environment is performed with a series of permanent control points installed around the profile of an excavation, which is unsuitable for a global consideration of the investigated area. Using laser scanning for deformation analysis provides many benefits as compared to traditional monitoring techniques. The change in profile is able to be fully characterized and the areas of the anomalous movement can easily be separated from overall trends due to the high density of the point cloud data. Furthermore, monitoring with a laser scanner does not require the permanent installation of control points, therefore the monitoring can be completed more quickly after excavation, and the scanning is non-contact, hence, no damage is done during the installation of temporary control points. The main drawback of using the laser scanning for deformation monitoring is that the point accuracy of the original data is generally the same magnitude as the smallest level of deformations that are to be measured. To overcome this, statistical techniques and three dimensional image processing techniques for the point clouds must be developed. For safely, effectively and easily control the problem of Over Underbreak detection of road and solve the problemof the roadway data collection difficulties, this paper presents a new method of continuous section extraction and Over Underbreak detection of road based on 3D laser scanning technology and image processing, the method is divided into the following three steps: based on Canny edge detection, local axis fitting, continuous extraction section and Over Underbreak detection of section. First, after Canny edge detection, take the least-squares curve fitting method to achieve partial fitting in axis. Then adjust the attitude of local roadway that makes the axis of the roadway be consistent with the direction of the extraction reference, and extract section along the reference direction. Finally, we compare the actual cross-sectional view and the cross-sectional design to complete Overbreak detected. Experimental results show that the proposed method have a great advantage in computing costs and ensure cross-section orthogonal intercept terms compared with traditional detection methods.

National land cover monitoring using large, permanent photo plots

Treesearch

Raymond L. Czaplewski; Glenn P. Catts; Paul W. Snook

1987-01-01

A study in the State of North Carplina, U.S.A. demonstrated that large, permanent photo plots (400 hectares) can be used to monitor large regions of land by using remote sensing techniques. Estimates of area in a variety of land cover categories were made by photointerpretation of medium-scale aerial photography from a single month using 111 photo plots. Many of these...

30 CFR 817.14 - Casing and sealing of underground openings: Temporary.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR PERMANENT PROGRAM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS PERMANENT PROGRAM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS... workings, or to be used to monitor ground water conditions, shall be temporarily sealed until actual use. ...

Sedentary nestlings of Wood Stork as monitors of mercury contamination in the gold mining region of the Brazilian Pantanal

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

Nassif Del Lama, Silvia, E-mail: dsdl@ufscar.br; Dosualdo Rocha, Cristiano; Figueiredo Jardim, Wilson

Sedentary organisms that are at top trophic levels allow inference about the level of local mercury contamination. We evaluated mercury contamination in feather tissue of nestling Wood Storks (Mycteria americana), sampled in different parts of the Brazilian Pantanal that were variably polluted by mercury releases from gold mining activities. Levels of mercury in feathers sampled in seven breeding colonies were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy, and the mean value of mercury concentration was 0.557 {mu}g/g, dry weight (n=124), range 0.024-4.423 {mu}g/g. From this total sample, 21 feathers that represent 30% of nestlings collected in Porto da Fazenda and Tucum colonies,more » in the northern region, ranged from 1.0 to 4.43 {mu}g/g, dry weight (median value=1.87 {mu}g/g). We found significant differences among regions (H=57.342; p=0<0.05). Results suggest that permanently flooded areas, or along mainstream rivers are more contaminated by mercury than dry areas, regardless of the distance from the gold mining center, which is located in the northern Pantanal. Highest values found in nestlings feathers were similar to those found in feathers of adult birds and in tissues of adult mammals that are less sedentary and were captured in the same region of Pantanal. These findings indicate that mercury released has been biomagnified and it is present in high concentrations in tissues of top consumers. We suggest a program to monitor mercury availability in this ecosystem using sedentary life forms of top predators like Wood Storks or other piscivorous birds. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Sedentary stork nestlings were used for the first time to show local mercury contamination of Pantanal. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Differences were found among regions but they are not explained only by distance from the gold mining. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Permanently flooded areas and areas along mainstream rivers are more contaminated than dry areas. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Mercury has been biomagnified in Pantanal and it is found in high concentrations in top consumers.« less

Point-of-care detection and real-time monitoring of intravenously delivered drugs via tubing with an integrated SERS sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Hsin-Yu; Cunningham, Brian T.

2014-04-01

We demonstrate an approach for detection, identification, and kinetic monitoring of drugs flowing within tubing, through the use of a plasmonic nanodome array (PNA) surface. The PNA structures are fabricated using a low-cost nanoreplica molding process upon a flexible plastic substrate that is subsequently integrated with a flow cell that connects in series with ordinary intravenous (IV) drug delivery tubing. To investigate the potential clinical applications for point-of-care detection and real-time monitoring, we perform SERS detection of ten pharmaceutical compounds (hydrocodone, levorphanol, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, phenobarbital, dopamine, diltiazem, promethazine, and mitoxantrone). We demonstrate dose-dependent SERS signal magnitude, resulting in detection limits (ng ml-1) well below typical administered dosages (mg ml-1). Further, we show that the detected drugs are not permanently attached to the PNA surface, and thus our approach is capable of performing continuous monitoring of drug delivery as materials flow through IV tubing that is connected in series with the sensor. Finally, we demonstrate the potential co-detection of multiple drugs when they are mixed together, and show excellent reproducibility and stability of SERS measurements for periods extending at least five days. The capabilities reported here demonstrate the potential to use PNA SERS surfaces for enhancing the safety of IV drug delivery.We demonstrate an approach for detection, identification, and kinetic monitoring of drugs flowing within tubing, through the use of a plasmonic nanodome array (PNA) surface. The PNA structures are fabricated using a low-cost nanoreplica molding process upon a flexible plastic substrate that is subsequently integrated with a flow cell that connects in series with ordinary intravenous (IV) drug delivery tubing. To investigate the potential clinical applications for point-of-care detection and real-time monitoring, we perform SERS detection of ten pharmaceutical compounds (hydrocodone, levorphanol, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, phenobarbital, dopamine, diltiazem, promethazine, and mitoxantrone). We demonstrate dose-dependent SERS signal magnitude, resulting in detection limits (ng ml-1) well below typical administered dosages (mg ml-1). Further, we show that the detected drugs are not permanently attached to the PNA surface, and thus our approach is capable of performing continuous monitoring of drug delivery as materials flow through IV tubing that is connected in series with the sensor. Finally, we demonstrate the potential co-detection of multiple drugs when they are mixed together, and show excellent reproducibility and stability of SERS measurements for periods extending at least five days. The capabilities reported here demonstrate the potential to use PNA SERS surfaces for enhancing the safety of IV drug delivery. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Fabrication of PNA substrates, fabrication details of the flow cell, details of FDTD simulation, characterization of the scattering volume, and detection of diltiazem diluted in DI water and PBS. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr00027g

Emodnet Med Sea Check-Point - Indicators for decision- maker

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Besnard, Sophie; Claverie, Vincent; Blanc, Frédérique

2015-04-01

The Emodnet Checkpoint projects aim is to assess the cost-effectiveness, reliability and utility of the existing monitoring at the sea basin level. This involves the development of monitoring system indicators and a GIS Platform to perform the assessment and make it available. Assessment or production of Check-Point information is made by developing targeted products based on the monitoring data and determining whether the products are meeting the needs of industry and public authorities. Check-point users are the research community, the 'institutional' policy makers for IMP and MSFD implementation, the 'intermediate users', i.e., users capable to understand basic raw data but that benefit from seeing the Checkpoint targeted products and the assessment of the fitness for purpose. We define assessment criteria aimed to characterize/depict the input datasets in terms of 3 territories capable to show performance and gaps of the present monitoring system, appropriateness, availability and fitness for purpose. • Appropriateness: What is made available to users? What motivate/decide them to select this observation rather than this one. • Availability: How this is made available to the user? Place to understand the readiness and service performance of the EU infrastructure • Fitness for use / fitness for purpose: Ability for non-expert user to appreciate the data exploitability (feedback on efficiency & reliability of marine data) For each territory (appropriateness, Availability and Fitness for purpose / for use), we define several indicators. For example, for Availability we define Visibility, Accessibility and Performance. And Visibility is itself defined by "Easily found" and "EU service". So these indicators can be classified according to their territory and sub-territory as seen above, but also according to the complexity to build them. Indicators are built from raw descriptors in 3 stages:  Stage 1: to give a neutral and basic status directly computed from the raw checkpoint descriptors.  Stage 2: to get a more sectorial status, aggregating level 1 results for instance depending on processing level.  Stage 3: to synthesize and focus view at characteristic level for decision making and actions plan. They are computed from stage 2 indicators. To produce this checkpoint information, we describe upstream data as input data sets which are uniquely identified as a combination of (variable, dataset, intended use) or of (geographical feature, dataset, intended use) depending on their nature. The information is called descriptors. The descriptors cover 8 sections: 1. Characteristics (= What) 2. Data sources (= From) 3. Overview elements (= Why for) 4. Spatial coverage (= Where) 5. Temporal coverage (= When) 6. Accessibility (= How) 7. Quality elements (= ISO 19113 quality elements) 8. Other information (= for administration/management needs) Check-Point services should be permanent services, because: • Monitoring systems will evolve and every few years there is need to re-assess; • Different/more use cases of monitoring are required to really show gaps and complementarities in the monitoring system components; • Monitoring system evolution for the European Sea and the global ocean require constant upgrade of the assessment indicators and descriptors; • Need to establish strong & permanent links with intermediate and end users from industry to public authorities and 'regional' approach is appropriate and feasible. • Need to maintain the process, methodology used and to be applied.

Atomic oxygen dosimetry measurements made on STS-46 by CONCAP 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gregory, J. C.; Miller, G. P.; Pettigrew, P. J.; Raikar, G. N.; Cross, Jon B.; Lan, E.; Renschler, C. L.; Sutherland, W. T.

1995-01-01

With increasing flight duration and the possibility of a permanent facility in space, long-term monitoring of material degradation due to atomic oxygen is increasing in importance. Reliance on models to determine the fluence of atomic oxygen is not only necessarily complex but also imprecise due to the strong dependence of oxygen concentration on day/night, latitude and solar activity. Mass-spectroscopy, the traditional method for determining the gas phase species densities at low pressure, is not only expensive but is limited in the area that it can monitor. Our group has developed a simple and inexpensive dosimeter to measure the atomic oxygen fluence via the change in resistance as the sensor element is gradually oxidized. The sensors consisted of thin-film circuit elements deposited on a suitable substrate. Four-point resistance measurements were used to monitor the change in resistance. Results obtained using silver and carbon dosimeters flown on STS-46 (CONCAP 2-01) will be discussed.

Monitoring displacements of an earthen dam using GNSS and remote sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dardanelli, Gino; La Loggia, Goffredo; Perfetti, Nicola; Capodici, Fulvio; Puccio, Luigi; Maltese, Antonino

2014-10-01

This paper shows the results of a scientific research in which a GNSS continuous monitoring system for earth-dam deformations has been developed, then, deformations have been related with reservoir water surface and level. The experiment was conducted near Bivona (Sicily, Italy), on the Castello dam (Magazzolo Lake). On the top of the dam three control points were placed and three GNSS permanent stations were installed. The three stations continuously transmitted data to the control centre of the University of Palermo. The former has been determined using freely available satellite data (specifically Landsat 7 SLC-Off) collected during the whole study period (DOYs 101 to 348 2011). Issues related with the un-scanned rows filling and to better distinguish water from land pixels on the shoreline. The aim of this work is various: first of all, we want to evaluate whether the GPS post processing techniques can provide static results comparable to other monitoring techniques, such as spirit levelling. The study could take a significant importance given that the Italian legislation until today does not provide for the use of this technology to manage or monitor dams displacements or other civil engineering constructions. The use of GPS data in structural monitoring could in fact reduce some management costs. Usually the conventional GPS monitoring methods, where a base station GPS receiver must be located near the dam, did not ensure that the accuracy of results have been independent from the displacement of the crown (top end of dam). In this paper, a new approach in the area of study of the GNSS permanent network has been engaged to solve these problems. Field-testing results show that the new GNSS approach has excellent performances, and the monitoring of different section of the dam could reveal important information on its deformation, that its not operationally possible to retrieve elsewhere. The post-processing accuracy positioning is around 1-5 mm for the deformations monitoring of the Castello dam. Displacements of different sections of the dam reveal different behaviour (in time and periodicity) that looks to be related with water surface (and level) retrieved from remote sensing.

Postoperative vocal fold palsy in patients undergoing thyroid surgery with continuous or intermittent nerve monitoring.

PubMed

Schneider, R; Sekulla, C; Machens, A; Lorenz, K; Nguyen Thanh, P; Dralle, H

2015-10-01

Continuous monitoring of electromyographic (EMG) amplitudes of the vocal muscles detects impending injury of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during thyroid operations earlier than intermittent EMG monitoring. This may alert the surgeon to stop a manoeuvre causing stretching or pressure on the RLN, with better recovery of nerve function. Patients with intact preoperative RLN function who underwent thyroid surgery for benign disease between January 2011 and September 2014 under continuous intraoperative nerve monitoring (CIONM) or intermittent intraoperative nerve monitoring (IIONM) were included in this observational study conducted at a tertiary surgical centre. For CIONM, combined EMG events indicative of imminent nerve injury were defined as an EMG amplitude decrease of 50 per cent or more and a latency increase of 10 per cent relative to baseline values. The rates of early and permanent palsy for the two groups of patients were compared. There were 1526 patients, 788 of whom (1314 nerves at risk) underwent thyroid surgery using CIONM and 738 (965 nerves at risk) had IIONM. With the use of CIONM, 63 (82 per cent) of 77 combined events were reversible during the operation. No permanent vocal fold palsy occurred with CIONM, whereas four unilateral permanent vocal fold palsies (0·4 per cent) were diagnosed after IIONM (P = 0·019). Operation with CIONM resulted in fewer permanent vocal fold palsies compared with IIONM after thyroid surgery in patients with benign disease. © 2015 BJS Society Ltd Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Permanent 3D laser scanning system for an active landslide in Gresten (Austria)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Canli, Ekrem; Höfle, Bernhard; Hämmerle, Martin; Benni, Thiebes; Glade, Thomas

2015-04-01

Terrestrial laser scanners (TLS) have widely been used for high spatial resolution data acquisition of topographic features and geomorphic analyses. Existing applications encompass different landslides including rockfall, translational or rotational landslides, debris flow, but also coastal cliff erosion, braided river evolution or river bank erosion. The main advantages of TLS are (a) the high spatial sampling density of XYZ-measurements (e.g. 1 point every 2-3 mm at 10 m distance), particularly in comparison with the low data density monitoring techniques such as GNSS or total stations, (b) the millimeter accuracy and precision of the range measurement to centimeter accuracy of the final DEM, and (c) the highly dense area-wide scanning that enables to look through vegetation and to measure bare ground. One of its main constraints is the temporal resolution of acquired data due to labor costs and time requirements for field campaigns. Thus, repetition measurements are generally performed only episodically. However, for an increased scientific understanding of the processes as well as for early warning purposes, we present a novel permanent 3D monitoring setup to increase the temporal resolution of TLS measurements. This accounts for different potential monitoring deliverables such as volumetric calculations, spatio-temporal movement patterns, predictions and even alerting. This system was installed at the active Salcher landslide in Gresten (Austria) that is situated in the transition zone of the Gresten Klippenbelt (Helvetic) and the Flyschzone (Penninic). The characteristic lithofacies are the Gresten Beds of Early Jurassic age that are covered by a sequence of marly and silty beds with intercalated sandy limestones. Permanent data acquisition can be implemented into our workflow with any long-range TLS system offering fully automated capturing. We utilize an Optech ILRIS-3D scanner. The time interval between two scans is currently set to 24 hours, but can be set as low as a full scan requires. The field of view (FoV) from the fixed scanner position covers most of the active landslide surface (with a maximum distance of 300 m). To initiate the scan acquisition, command line tools are run automatically on an attached notebook computer in the given time interval. The acquired 3D point cloud (including signal intensity recordings) are then sent to a server via automatic internet transfer. Each new point cloud is automatically compared with an initial 'zero' survey. Furthermore, highly detailed reference surveys are performed several times per year with the most recent Riegl VZ-6000 scanner from multiple scan positions in order to provide high quality independent ground truth. The change detection is carried out by fully automatic batch processing without the need for manual interaction. One of the applied change detection approaches is the M3C2 algorithm (Multiscale Model to Model Cloud Comparison) which is available as open source software. The field site in Gresten also contains different other monitoring systems such as inclinometers and piezometers that complement in the interpretation of the obtained TLS data. Future analysis will include the combination of surface movement with subsurface hydrology as well as with climatic data obtained from an on-site climatic station.

Advanced crew procedures development techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arbet, J. D.; Benbow, R. L.; Mangiaracina, A. A.; Mcgavern, J. L.; Spangler, M. C.; Tatum, I. C.

1975-01-01

The development of an operational computer program, the Procedures and Performance Program (PPP), is reported which provides a procedures recording and crew/vehicle performance monitoring capability. The PPP provides real time CRT displays and postrun hardcopy of procedures, difference procedures, performance, performance evaluation, and training script/training status data. During post-run, the program is designed to support evaluation through the reconstruction of displays to any point in time. A permanent record of the simulation exercise can be obtained via hardcopy output of the display data, and via magnetic tape transfer to the Generalized Documentation Processor (GDP). Reference procedures data may be transferred from the GDP to the PPP.

Monitoring larval populations of the Douglas-fir tussock moth and the western spruce budworm on permanent plots: sampling methods and statistical properties of data

Treesearch

A.R. Mason; H.G. Paul

1994-01-01

Procedures for monitoring larval populations of the Douglas-fir tussock moth and the western spruce budworm are recommended based on many years experience in sampling these species in eastern Oregon and Washington. It is shown that statistically reliable estimates of larval density can be made for a population by sampling host trees in a series of permanent plots in a...

Parotid tumours: clinical and oncologic outcomes after microscope-assisted parotidectomy with intraoperative nerve monitoring.

PubMed

Carta, F; Chuchueva, N; Gerosa, C; Sionis, S; Caria, R A; Puxeddu, R

2017-10-01

Temporary and permanent facial nerve dysfunctions can be observed after parotidectomy for benign and malignant lesions. Intraoperative nerve monitoring is a recognised tool for the preservation of the nerve, while the efficacy of the operative microscope has been rarely stated. The authors report their experience on 198 consecutive parotidectomies performed on 196 patients with the aid of the operative microscope and intraoperative nerve monitoring. 145 parotidectomies were performed for benign lesions and 53 for malignancies. Thirteen patients treated for benign tumours experienced temporary (11 cases) or permanent facial palsy (2 cases, both of House-Brackmann grade II). Ten patients with malignant tumour presented with preoperative facial nerve weakness that did not improve after treatment. Five and 6 patients with malignant lesion without preoperative facial nerve deficit experienced postoperative temporary and permanent weakness respectively (the sacrifice of a branch of the nerve was decided intraoperatively in 2 cases). Long-term facial nerve weakness after parotidectomy for lesions not directly involving or originating from the facial nerve (n = 185) was 2.7%. Patients treated for benign tumours of the extra facial portion of the gland without inflammatory behaviour (n = 91) had 4.4% facial nerve temporary weakness rate and no permanent palsy. The combined use of the operative microscope and intraoperative nerve monitoring seems to guarantee facial nerve preservation during parotidectomy. © Copyright by Società Italiana di Otorinolaringologia e Chirurgia Cervico-Facciale, Rome, Italy.

Evaluating Mass Analyzers as Candidates for Small, Portable, Rugged Single Point Mass Spectrometers for Analysis of Permanent Gases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arkin, C. Richard; Ottens, Andrew K.; Diaz, Jorge A.; Griffin, Timothy P.; Follestein, Duke; Adams, Fredrick; Steinrock, T. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

For Space Shuttle launch safety, there is a need to monitor the concentration Of H2, He, O2, and Ar around the launch vehicle. Currently a large mass spectrometry system performs this task, using long transport lines to draw in samples. There is great interest in replacing this stationary system with several miniature, portable, rugged mass spectrometers which act as point sensors which can be placed at the sampling point. Five commercial and two non-commercial analyzers are evaluated. The five commercial systems include the Leybold Inficon XPR-2 linear quadrupole, the Stanford Research (SRS-100) linear quadrupole, the Ferran linear quadrupole array, the ThermoQuest Polaris-Q quadrupole ion trap, and the IonWerks Time-of-Flight (TOF). The non-commercial systems include a compact double focusing sector (CDFMS) developed at the University of Minnesota, and a quadrupole ion trap (UF-IT) developed at the University of Florida.

30 CFR 842.11 - Federal inspections and monitoring.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 3 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Federal inspections and monitoring. 842.11... INTERIOR PERMANENT PROGRAM INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES FEDERAL INSPECTIONS AND MONITORING § 842.11 Federal inspections and monitoring. (a) Authorized representatives of the Secretary shall conduct...

30 CFR 842.11 - Federal inspections and monitoring.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Federal inspections and monitoring. 842.11... INTERIOR PERMANENT PROGRAM INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES FEDERAL INSPECTIONS AND MONITORING § 842.11 Federal inspections and monitoring. (a) Authorized representatives of the Secretary shall conduct...

30 CFR 842.11 - Federal inspections and monitoring.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 3 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Federal inspections and monitoring. 842.11... INTERIOR PERMANENT PROGRAM INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES FEDERAL INSPECTIONS AND MONITORING § 842.11 Federal inspections and monitoring. (a) Authorized representatives of the Secretary shall conduct...

30 CFR 842.11 - Federal inspections and monitoring.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 3 2011-07-01 2011-07-01 false Federal inspections and monitoring. 842.11... INTERIOR PERMANENT PROGRAM INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES FEDERAL INSPECTIONS AND MONITORING § 842.11 Federal inspections and monitoring. (a) Authorized representatives of the Secretary shall conduct...

30 CFR 842.11 - Federal inspections and monitoring.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 30 Mineral Resources 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Federal inspections and monitoring. 842.11... INTERIOR PERMANENT PROGRAM INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES FEDERAL INSPECTIONS AND MONITORING § 842.11 Federal inspections and monitoring. (a) Authorized representatives of the Secretary shall conduct...

Sustainable Seas Student Intertidal Monitoring Project at Duxbury Reef in Bolinas, CA (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soave, K.; Dean, A.; Darakananda, K.; Ball, O.; Butti, C.; Yang, G.; Vetter, M.; Grimaldi, Z.

2009-12-01

Sustainable Seas Student Intertidal Monitoring Project at Duxbury Reef in Bolinas, CA Kathy Soave, Amy Dean, Olivia Ball, Karin Darakananda, Matt Vetter, Grant Yang, Charlotte Butti, Zoe Grimaldi The Sustainable Seas Student Monitoring Project at the Branson School in Ross, CA has monitored Duxbury Reef in Bolinas, CA since 1999, in cooperation with the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association and the Gulf of Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Goals of the project include: 1) To monitor the rocky intertidal habitat and develop a baseline database of invertebrates and algal density and abundance; 2) To contribute to the conservation of the rocky intertidal habitat through education of students and visitors about intertidal species and the requirements for maintaining a healthy, diverse intertidal ecosystem; 3) To increase stewardship in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary; and 4) To contribute abundance and population data on key algae and invertebrate species to the national database, LiMPETS (Long Term Monitoring Program & Experiential Training for Students). Student volunteers complete an intensive training course on the natural history of intertidal invertebrates and algae, identification of key species, rocky intertidal monitoring techniques, and history of the sanctuary. Students identify and count key invertebrate and algae species along two permanent transects (A and B) and using randomly determined points within a permanent 100 m2 area, three times per year (fall, winter, and late spring). Using the data collected since 2004, we will analyze the population densities, seasonal abundance and long-term population trends of key algal and invertebrate species. Future analyses and investigations will include intertidal abiotic factors (including water temperature and human foot-traffic) to enhance insights into the workings of the Duxbury Reef ecosystem, in particular, the high intertidal zone which experiences the greatest amount of human impacts. Kathy Soave The Branson School 39 Fernhill Rd. Ross, CA 94957 (415) 454-3612 x 323 Amy Dean Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association, PO Box 29386 San Francisco, CA 94129, 415-561-6625 x 303 AGU Sponsor, Ines Cifuentes, AGU membership number 10189667

Monitoring of volcanic emissions for risk assessment at Popocatépetl volcano (Mexico)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delgado, Hugo; Campion, Robin; Fickel, Matthias; Cortés Ramos, Jorge; Alvarez Nieves, José Manuel; Taquet, Noemi; Grutter, Michel; Osiris García Gómez, Israel; Darío Sierra Mondragón, Rubén; Meza Hernández, Israel

2015-04-01

In January 2014, the Mexican Agency FOPREDEN (Natural Disaster Prevention Fund) accepted to fund a project to renew, upgrade and complement the gas monitoring facilities. The UNAM-CENAPRED (National Center for Disaster Prevention) gas monitoring system currently consists of: • A COSPEC instrument and two mini-DOAS used for mobile traverse measurements • An SO2 camera used for punctual campaign • A network of three permanent scanning mini-DOAS (NOVAC type 1 instrument) and one permanent mini-DOAS (NOVAC type II, currently under repair). The activity planed in the framework of the new project, of which several of them are already successfully implemented, include: • Completely refurbished permanent scanning mini-DOAS network consisting of four stations and the punctual deployment of three RADES (Rapid Deployment System) for assessing plume geometry and chemistry or for responding to emergency situations. • Prolongation of the mobile traverse measurements in order to continuously update the 20 years-long SO2 flux database obtained with the COSPEC, now coupled with a mobile DOAS for redundancy. • The development and installation of a permanent SO2 camera, for monitoring in real time the short timescale variations of the SO2 emissions. • The installation of two permanent FTIR spectrometers, one measuring the plume thermal emissions and the other measuring with the solar occultation geometry, for frequent measurements of molecular ratio between SO2, HCl, HF and SiF4 • The exploitation in near-real time of the satellite imagery (OMI, MODIS and ASTER) available for the volcano. A special attention will be paid to increase the reliability and graphical representation of these data stream in order to facilitate their use for decision-making by the civil protection authority in charge of the volcano.

CXCR4 expression is associated with time-course permanent and temporary myocardial infarction in rats.

PubMed

Kiani, Ali Asghar; Babaei, Fereshteh; Sedighi, Mehrnoosh; Soleimani, Azam; Ahmadi, Kolsum; Shahrokhi, Somayeh; Anbari, Khatereh; Nazari, Afshin

2017-06-01

Experimental myocardial infarction triggers secretion of Stromal cell-derived factor1 and lead to increase in the expression of its receptor "CXCR4" on the surface of various cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression pattern of CXCR4 in peripheral blood cells following time-course permanent and temporary ischemia in rats. Fourteen male Wistar rats were divided into two groups of seven and were placed under permanent and transient ischemia. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated at different time points, RNAs extracted and applied to qRT-PCR analysis of the CXCR4 gene. Based on repeated measures analysis of variance, the differences in the expression levels of the gene in each of the groups were statistically significant over time (the effect of time) ( P <0.001). Additionally, the difference in gene expression between the two groups was statistically significant (the effect of group), such that at all times, the expression levels of the gene were significantly higher in the permanent ischemia than in the transient ischemia group ( P <0.001). Moreover, the interactive effect of time-group on gene expression was statistically significant ( P <0.001). CXCR4 is modulated in an induced ischemia context implying a possible association with myocardial infarction. Checking of CXCR4 expression in the ischemic changes shows that damage to the heart tissue trigger the secretion of inflammatory chemokine SDF, Followed by it CXCR4 expression in blood cells. These observations suggest that changes in the expression of CXCR4 may be considered a valuable marker for monitoring myocardial infarction.

Bulgarian Seismological and GPS/GNSS networks-current status and practical implementation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solakov, Dimcho; Simeonova, Stela; Georgiev, Ivan; Dimitrova, Lilia; Slavcheva, Krasimira; Raykova, Plamena

2016-04-01

The scientific information is the latest and one of the best bedrock on which effective policy to combat and cope with natural disasters have to be built. Understanding, monitoring and information for future natural disasters are the way to assist the government and society. Different types of networks provide reliable information on various natural disasters. For example, one of the main priorities of the networks are directed to study seismicity of the Earth, its physical phenomena and fields - with an emphasis on tectonic movements and related risk processes, global changes, rotation and position of the Earth in space. Therefore seismological network using advanced electronic systems and digital seismographs transmission of signals from seismic stations to the centres and the registration, processing and archiving of information is carried out by a specialized computer system. Thus improve the monitoring and analysis of seismicity in the whole plan. Another type networks as permanent GPS/GNSS networks are associated with processing and data analysis, as well as monitoring of recent movements of the earth crust. In this study we focus on Seismological and GPS/GNSS networks on the territory in Bulgaria. At present NIGGG-BAS runs both Bulgarian seismological and GPS/GNSS networks. The Bulgarian seismological network - NOTSSI (National Operative Telemetric System for Seismological Information) was founded at the end of 1980. The network comprises today 15 permanent seismic stations spanning the entire territory of the country and two local net works that are deployed around the town of Provadia and Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant in Bulgaria. Since 2005-2006, real-time data exchange between Bulgaria and Greece, Romania, Serbia, Macedonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Austria and other regional and national seismological data centers was implemented. NIGGG, respectively NOTSSI, is responsible for rapid earthquake determination, public information trough media, and information of responsible governmental authorities if necessary urgent activities to be undertaken. The available infrastructure - permanent GNSS stations, spread all over the country allow performing permanent monitoring of the Earth's crust movements on the basis of the obtained velocities of the permanent stations and the time series with their coordinates. Additional information for the current movements is obtained by the processing and analysis of the regular GNSS measurements of geodynamic network. In the GNSS Analysis Center are acquired, processed and analyzed data from more than 70 permanent stations on Bulgarian territory. In the analysis are included also data from permanent stations on the Balkan Peninsula and from the European Permanent Network. Along with the seismological and geological information, the quantitative assessment of the movements of the Earth's crust is of the substantial importance for monitoring of the active tectonic structures and is the base for the seismic hazard assessment.

Optical fluorescence biosensor for plant water stress detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chong, Jenny P. C.; Liew, O. W.; Li, B. Q.; Asundi, A. K.

2007-05-01

Precision farming in arable agriculture and horticulture allows conservative use of resources that are applied according to plant needs. The growing concern for sustainability in crop production has accentuated the significance of our work to develop a rapid, sensitive and non-destructive spectroscopic method for real-time monitoring of plant water stress. Elucidation of crop water status before the onset of irreversible cellular damage is critical for effective water management to ensure maximum crop yield and profit margin. A two-component bio-sensing system comprising transgenic 'Indicator Plants' and a spectrometer-linked stereoscopic microscope was developed to detect early signs of water stress before the permanent wilting point is reached. The 'Indicator Plants' are transgenic Petunia hybrida genetically engineered with a drought-responsive promoter-linked enhanced green fluorescent protein marker gene (EGFP). No EGFP fluorescence was detected prior to induction of dehydration stress. Fluorescence emission intensity increased with dehydration period and was found mainly in the stems, leaf veins and leaf tips. While fluorescence emission above endogenous background was detectable after 2 hours of water stress treatment, the plants reached permanent wilting point after 6 hours, showing that our system was able to detect water stress prior to plant entry into the stage of irreversible damage. Future work will be geared towards overcoming biological and instrument-related difficulties encountered in our initial detection system.

High energy product permanent magnet having improved intrinsic coercivity and method of making same

DOEpatents

Ramesh, Ramamoorthy; Thomas, Gareth

1990-01-01

A high energy rare earth-ferromagnetic metal permanent magnet is disclosed which is characterized by improved intrinsic coercivity and is made by forming a particulate mixture of a permanent magnet alloy comprising one or more rare earth elements and one or more ferromagnetic metals and forming a second particulate mixture of a sintering alloy consisting essentially of 92-98 wt. % of one or more rare earth elements selected from the class consisting of Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and mixtures of two or more of such rare earth elements, and 2-8 wt. % of one or more alloying metals selected from the class consisting of Al, Nb, Zr, V, Ta, Mo, and mixtures of two or more of such metals. The permanent magnet alloy particles and sintering aid alloy are mixed together and magnetically oriented by immersing the mixture in an axially aligned magnetic field while cold pressing the mixture. The compressed mixture is then sintered at a temperature above the melting point of the sintering aid and below the melting point of the permanent magnet alloy to thereby coat the particle surfaces of the permanent magnetic alloy particles with the sintering aid while inhibiting migration of the rare earth element in the sintering aid into the permanent magnet alloy particles to thereby raise the intrinsic coercivity of the permanent magnet alloy without substantially lowering the high energy of the permanent magnet alloy.

Guided self-assembly of magnetic beads for biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gusenbauer, Markus; Nguyen, Ha; Reichel, Franz; Exl, Lukas; Bance, Simon; Fischbacher, Johann; Özelt, Harald; Kovacs, Alexander; Brandl, Martin; Schrefl, Thomas

2014-02-01

Micromagnetic beads are widely used in biomedical applications for cell separation, drug delivery, and hyperthermia cancer treatment. Here we propose to use self-organized magnetic bead structures which accumulate on fixed magnetic seeding points to isolate circulating tumor cells. The analysis of circulating tumor cells is an emerging tool for cancer biology research and clinical cancer management including the detection, diagnosis and monitoring of cancer. Microfluidic chips for isolating circulating tumor cells use either affinity, size or density capturing methods. We combine multiphysics simulation techniques to understand the microscopic behavior of magnetic beads interacting with soft magnetic accumulation points used in lab-on-chip technologies. Our proposed chip technology offers the possibility to combine affinity and size capturing with special antibody-coated bead arrangements using a magnetic gradient field created by Neodymium Iron Boron permanent magnets. The multiscale simulation environment combines magnetic field computation, fluid dynamics and discrete particle dynamics.

Rate-based structural health monitoring using permanently installed sensors

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Permanently installed sensors are becoming increasingly ubiquitous, facilitating very frequent in situ measurements and consequently improved monitoring of ‘trends’ in the observed system behaviour. It is proposed that this newly available data may be used to provide prior warning and forecasting of critical events, particularly system failure. Numerous damage mechanisms are examples of positive feedback; they are ‘self-accelerating’ with an increasing rate of damage towards failure. The positive feedback leads to a common time-response behaviour which may be described by an empirical relation allowing prediction of the time to criticality. This study focuses on Structural Health Monitoring of engineering components; failure times are projected well in advance of failure for fatigue, creep crack growth and volumetric creep damage experiments. The proposed methodology provides a widely applicable framework for using newly available near-continuous data from permanently installed sensors to predict time until failure in a range of application areas including engineering, geophysics and medicine. PMID:28989308

Plant responses, climate pivot points, and trade-offs in water-limited ecosystems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munson, S. M.; Bunting, E.

2017-12-01

Ecosystem transitions and thresholds are conceptually well-defined and have become a framework to address vegetation response to climate change and land-use intensification, yet there are few approaches to define the environmental conditions which can lead to them. We demonstrate a novel climate pivot point approach using long-term monitoring data from a broad network of permanent plots, satellite imagery, and experimental treatments across the southwestern U.S. The climate pivot point identifies conditions that lead to decreased plant performance and serves as an early warning sign of increased vulnerability of crossing a threshold into an altered ecosystem state. Plant responses and climate pivot points aligned with the lifespan and structural characteristics of species, were modified by soil and landscape attributes of a site, and had non-linear dynamics in some cases. Species with strong increases in abundance when water was available were most susceptible to losses during water shortages, reinforcing plant energetic and physiological tradeoffs. Future research to uncover the heterogeneity of plant responses and climate pivot points at multiple scales can lead to greater understanding of shifts in ecosystem productivity and vulnerability to climate change.

A permanently installed guided wave system for pipe monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galvagni, Andrea; Cawley, Peter

2012-04-01

Ultrasonic guided waves are routinely used to inspect pipes. The advantage of this technique is that it enables a fullyvolumetric screening of several metres of pipe from a single transducer location, resulting in substantial time and cost savings. However, it suffers from limitations such as relatively low damage sensitivity and difficulties in dealing with intricate pipe networks; furthermore, for a pipe that is buried, submerged or high up in a plant, access to even a single point can be prohibitively expensive. The use of permanently attached sensors can overcome these limitations since access needs to be obtained only once during installation and they enable the use of baseline subtraction, so that any reading from a sensor can be compared to previous readings. This paper discusses the advantages of baseline subtraction and the challenge of compensating for signal changes due to effects other than the growth of damage. It is shown that the use of baseline subtraction allows significant damage sensitivity improvements, particularly in the vicinity of large reflectors. Data from four years of field experience is backed up by accelerated laboratory testing.

Remote Distributed Vibration Sensing Through Opaque Media Using Permanent Magnets

DOE PAGES

Chen, Yi; Mazumdar, Anirban; Brooks, Carlton F.; ...

2018-04-05

Vibration sensing is critical for a variety of applications from structural fatigue monitoring to understanding the modes of airplane wings. In particular, remote sensing techniques are needed for measuring the vibrations of multiple points simultaneously, assessing vibrations inside opaque metal vessels, and sensing through smoke clouds and other optically challenging environments. Here, in this paper, we propose a method which measures high-frequency displacements remotely using changes in the magnetic field generated by permanent magnets. We leverage the unique nature of vibration tracking and use a calibrated local model technique developed specifically to improve the frequency-domain estimation accuracy. The results showmore » that two-dimensional local models surpass the dipole model in tracking high-frequency motions. A theoretical basis for understanding the effects of electronic noise and error due to correlated variables is generated in order to predict the performance of experiments prior to implementation. Simultaneous measurements of up to three independent vibrating components are shown. The relative accuracy of the magnet-based displacement tracking with respect to the video tracking ranges from 40 to 190 μm when the maximum displacements approach ±5 mm and when sensor-to-magnet distances vary from 25 to 36 mm. Finally, vibration sensing inside an opaque metal vessel and mode shape changes due to damage on an aluminum beam are also studied using the wireless permanent-magnet vibration sensing scheme.« less

Remote Distributed Vibration Sensing Through Opaque Media Using Permanent Magnets

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

Chen, Yi; Mazumdar, Anirban; Brooks, Carlton F.

Vibration sensing is critical for a variety of applications from structural fatigue monitoring to understanding the modes of airplane wings. In particular, remote sensing techniques are needed for measuring the vibrations of multiple points simultaneously, assessing vibrations inside opaque metal vessels, and sensing through smoke clouds and other optically challenging environments. Here, in this paper, we propose a method which measures high-frequency displacements remotely using changes in the magnetic field generated by permanent magnets. We leverage the unique nature of vibration tracking and use a calibrated local model technique developed specifically to improve the frequency-domain estimation accuracy. The results showmore » that two-dimensional local models surpass the dipole model in tracking high-frequency motions. A theoretical basis for understanding the effects of electronic noise and error due to correlated variables is generated in order to predict the performance of experiments prior to implementation. Simultaneous measurements of up to three independent vibrating components are shown. The relative accuracy of the magnet-based displacement tracking with respect to the video tracking ranges from 40 to 190 μm when the maximum displacements approach ±5 mm and when sensor-to-magnet distances vary from 25 to 36 mm. Finally, vibration sensing inside an opaque metal vessel and mode shape changes due to damage on an aluminum beam are also studied using the wireless permanent-magnet vibration sensing scheme.« less

PubMed Central

N., Chuchueva; C., Gerosa; S., Sionis; R.A., Caria; R., Puxeddu

2017-01-01

SUMMARY Temporary and permanent facial nerve dysfunctions can be observed after parotidectomy for benign and malignant lesions. Intraoperative nerve monitoring is a recognised tool for the preservation of the nerve, while the efficacy of the operative microscope has been rarely stated. The authors report their experience on 198 consecutive parotidectomies performed on 196 patients with the aid of the operative microscope and intraoperative nerve monitoring. 145 parotidectomies were performed for benign lesions and 53 for malignancies. Thirteen patients treated for benign tumours experienced temporary (11 cases) or permanent facial palsy (2 cases, both of House-Brackmann grade II). Ten patients with malignant tumour presented with preoperative facial nerve weakness that did not improve after treatment. Five and 6 patients with malignant lesion without preoperative facial nerve deficit experienced postoperative temporary and permanent weakness respectively (the sacrifice of a branch of the nerve was decided intraoperatively in 2 cases). Long-term facial nerve weakness after parotidectomy for lesions not directly involving or originating from the facial nerve (n = 185) was 2.7%. Patients treated for benign tumours of the extra facial portion of the gland without inflammatory behaviour (n = 91) had 4.4% facial nerve temporary weakness rate and no permanent palsy. The combined use of the operative microscope and intraoperative nerve monitoring seems to guarantee facial nerve preservation during parotidectomy. PMID:29165432

10 CFR 60.51 - License amendment for permanent closure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... description of the program for post-permanent closure monitoring of the geologic repository. (2) A detailed... postclosure controlled area and geologic repository operations area by monuments that have been designed... tests, experiments, and any other analyses relating to backfill of excavated areas, shaft sealing, waste...

10 CFR 60.51 - License amendment for permanent closure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... description of the program for post-permanent closure monitoring of the geologic repository. (2) A detailed... postclosure controlled area and geologic repository operations area by monuments that have been designed... tests, experiments, and any other analyses relating to backfill of excavated areas, shaft sealing, waste...

10 CFR 60.51 - License amendment for permanent closure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... description of the program for post-permanent closure monitoring of the geologic repository. (2) A detailed... postclosure controlled area and geologic repository operations area by monuments that have been designed... tests, experiments, and any other analyses relating to backfill of excavated areas, shaft sealing, waste...

10 CFR 60.51 - License amendment for permanent closure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... description of the program for post-permanent closure monitoring of the geologic repository. (2) A detailed... postclosure controlled area and geologic repository operations area by monuments that have been designed... tests, experiments, and any other analyses relating to backfill of excavated areas, shaft sealing, waste...

10 CFR 60.51 - License amendment for permanent closure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... description of the program for post-permanent closure monitoring of the geologic repository. (2) A detailed... postclosure controlled area and geologic repository operations area by monuments that have been designed... tests, experiments, and any other analyses relating to backfill of excavated areas, shaft sealing, waste...

Sustainable Seas Student Intertidal Monitoring Project at Duxbury Reef in Bolinas, CA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boesel, A.; Soave, K.; Dean, A.; Grimaldi, Z.; Buie, A.; Dattels, C.; Steiger, C.; Wallace, K.; Salmi, I.; Tillapaugh, J.

2011-12-01

Kathy Soave, Amy Dean, Alexa Boesel, Andrew Buie, Celia Dattels, Zoe Grimaldi, Isabella Salmi, Cameryn Steiger, Joey Tillapaugh, Kathleen Wallace The Sustainable Seas Student Monitoring Project at the Branson School in Ross, CA has monitored Duxbury Reef in Bolinas, CA since 1999, in cooperation with the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association and the Gulf of Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Goals of this student-run project include: 1) To monitor the rocky intertidal habitat and develop a baseline database of invertebrates and algal density and abundance; 2) To contribute to the conservation of the rocky intertidal habitat through education of students and visitors about intertidal species and the requirements for maintaining a healthy, diverse intertidal ecosystem; 3) To increase stewardship in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary; and 4) To contribute abundance and population data on key algae and invertebrate species to the national database, LiMPETS (Long Term Monitoring Program & Experiential Training for Students). Student volunteers complete an intensive training course on the natural history of intertidal invertebrates and algae, identification of key species, rocky intertidal monitoring techniques, and history of the sanctuary. Students identify and count key invertebrate and algae species along two permanent transects and, using randomly determined points, within a permanent 100 m2 area, three times per year (fall, winter, and late spring). Using the data collected since 2004, we will once again compare population densities, seasonal abundance and long-term population trends of key algal and invertebrate species, including Tegula funebralis and Anthopluera elegantissima. Future analyses and investigations will include intertidal abiotic factors (including water temperature and human foot-traffic) to enhance insights into the workings of the Duxbury Reef ecosystem, in particular, the high and mid-intertidal zones experiencing the greatest amount of human impacts. Kathy Soave The Branson School 39 Fernhill Rd. Ross, CA 94957 (415) 454-3612 x 323 Amy Dean Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association, PO Box 29386 San Francisco, CA 94129, 415-561-6625 x 303 AGU Sponsor, Jennifer Saltzman, AGU membership number 10579665

Sustainable Seas Student Intertidal Monitoring Project, Duxbury Reef, Bolinas, CA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soave, K.; Dean, A.; Prescutti, K.; Ball, O.; Chang, E.; Darakananda, K.; Jessup, K.; Poutian, J.; Schwalbe, H.; Storm, E.

2008-12-01

The Sustainable Seas Student Monitoring Project at the Branson School in Ross, CA has monitored Duxbury Reef in Bolinas, CA since 1999, in cooperation with the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association and the Gulf of Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Goals of the project include: 1) To monitor the rocky intertidal habitat and develop a baseline database of invertebrates and algal density and abundance; 2) To contribute to the conservation of the rocky intertidal habitat through education of students and visitors about intertidal species and requirements for maintaining a healthy, diverse intertidal ecosystem; 3) To increase stewardship in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary; and 4) To contribute abundance and population data on key algae and invertebrate species to the national database, LiMPETS (Long Term Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students). Student volunteers complete an intensive training course on the natural history of intertidal invertebrates and algae, identification of key species, rocky intertidal ecology, interpretation and monitoring techniques, and history of the sanctuary. Students identify and count key invertebrate and algae species along two permanent transects (A and B), and using randomly determined points within a permanent 100 m2 area, three times per year (fall, winter, and late spring). Using the data collected since 2004, we will analyze the population densities of aggregating anemones, Anthopleura elegantissima, for seasonal abundance variations as well as long-term population trends. We will also follow the seasonal and long-term population fluctuations of red algal turf, Endocladia muricata and Gelidium coulteri, and black turban snails, Tegula funebralis. Comparing populations of turf algae and the herbivorous black turban snails gathered before and after the November 7, 2007 San Francisco Bay oil spill shows very little impact on the Duxbury Reef intertidal inhabitants. Future analyses will include intertidal abiotic factors to enhance insights into the workings of the Duxbury Reef ecosystem. Kathy Soave The Branson School 39 Fernhill Rd. Ross, CA 94957 (415) 454-3612 x 323 Amy Dean Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association, PO Box 29386 San Francisco, CA 94129, 415-561-6625 x 303 AGU Sponsor, Ines Cifuentes, AGU membership number 10189667

Real-time monitoring of CO2 storage sites: Application to Illinois Basin-Decatur Project

USGS Publications Warehouse

Picard, G.; Berard, T.; Chabora, E.; Marsteller, S.; Greenberg, S.; Finley, R.J.; Rinck, U.; Greenaway, R.; Champagnon, C.; Davard, J.

2011-01-01

Optimization of carbon dioxide (CO2) storage operations for efficiency and safety requires use of monitoring techniques and implementation of control protocols. The monitoring techniques consist of permanent sensors and tools deployed for measurement campaigns. Large amounts of data are thus generated. These data must be managed and integrated for interpretation at different time scales. A fast interpretation loop involves combining continuous measurements from permanent sensors as they are collected to enable a rapid response to detected events; a slower loop requires combining large datasets gathered over longer operational periods from all techniques. The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it presents an analysis of the monitoring objectives to be performed in the slow and fast interpretation loops. Second, it describes the implementation of the fast interpretation loop with a real-time monitoring system at the Illinois Basin-Decatur Project (IBDP) in Illinois, USA. ?? 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Permanency analysis on human electroencephalogram signals for pervasive Brain-Computer Interface systems.

PubMed

Sadeghi, Koosha; Junghyo Lee; Banerjee, Ayan; Sohankar, Javad; Gupta, Sandeep K S

2017-07-01

Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) systems use some permanent features of brain signals to recognize their corresponding cognitive states with high accuracy. However, these features are not perfectly permanent, and BCI system should be continuously trained over time, which is tedious and time consuming. Thus, analyzing the permanency of signal features is essential in determining how often to repeat training. In this paper, we monitor electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, and analyze their behavior through continuous and relatively long period of time. In our experiment, we record EEG signals corresponding to rest state (eyes open and closed) from one subject everyday, for three and a half months. The results show that signal features such as auto-regression coefficients remain permanent through time, while others such as power spectral density specifically in 5-7 Hz frequency band are not permanent. In addition, eyes open EEG data shows more permanency than eyes closed data.

Detection of Ballast Damage by In-Situ Vibration Measurement of Sleepers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lam, H. F.; Wong, M. T.; Keefe, R. M.

2010-05-01

Ballasted track is one of the most important elements of railway transportation systems worldwide. Owing to its importance in railway safety, many monitoring and evaluation methods have been developed. Current railway track monitoring systems are comprehensive, fast and efficient in testing railway track level and alignment, rail gauge, rail corrugation, etc. However, the monitoring of ballast condition still relies very much on visual inspection and core tests. Although extensive research has been carried out in the development of non-destructive methods for ballast condition evaluation, a commonly accepted and cost-effective method is still in demand. In Hong Kong practice, if abnormal train vibration is reported by the train operator or passengers, permanent way inspectors will locate the problem area by track geometry measurement. It must be pointed out that visual inspection can only identify ballast damage on the track surface, the track geometry deficiencies and rail twists can be detected using a track gauge. Ballast damage under the sleeper loading area and the ballast shoulder, which are the main factors affecting track stability and ride quality, are extremely difficult if not impossible to be detected by visual inspection. Core test is a destructive test, which is expensive, time consuming and may be disruptive to traffic. A fast real-time ballast damage detection method that can be implemented by permanent way inspectors with simple equipment can certainly provide valuable information for engineers in assessing the safety and riding quality of ballasted track systems. The main objective of this paper is to study the feasibility in using the vibration characteristics of sleepers in quantifying the ballast condition under the sleepers, and so as to explore the possibility in developing a handy method for the detection of ballast damage based on the measured vibration of sleepers.

A pilot study of human response to general aviation aircraft noise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stearns, J.; Brown, R.; Neiswander, P.

1983-01-01

A pilot study, conducted to evaluate procedures for measuring the noise impact and community response to general aviation aircraft around Torrance Municipal Airport, a typical large GA airport, employed Torrance Airport's computer-based aircraft noise monitoring system, which includes nine permanent monitor stations surrounding the airport. Some 18 residences near these monitor stations were equipped with digital noise level recorders to measure indoor noise levels. Residents were instructed to fill out annoyance diaries for periods of 5-6 days, logging the time of each annoying aircraft overflight noise event and judging its degree of annoyance on a seven-point scale. Among the noise metrics studied, the differential between outdoor maximum A-weighted noise level of the aircraft and the outdoor background level showed the best correlation with annoyance; this correlation was clearly seen at only high noise levels, And was only slightly better than that using outdoor aircraft noise level alone. The results indicate that, on a national basis, a telephone survey coupled with outdoor noise measurements would provide an efficient and practical means of assessing the noise impact of general aviation aircraft.

Establishing of monitoring network on Kosovo Rivers: preliminary measurements on the four main rivers (Drini i Bardhë, Morava e Binqës, Lepenc and Sitnica).

PubMed

Gashi, Fatbardh; Frančišković-Bilinski, Stanislav; Bilinski, Halka; Troni, Naser; Bacaj, Mustafë; Jusufi, Florim

2011-04-01

The main goal of this work was to suggest to authorities concerned a monitoring network on main rivers of Kosovo. We aim to suggest application of WFD (Water Framework Directive) in Kosovo as soon as possible. Our present chemical research could be the first step towards it, giving an opportunity to plan the monitoring network in which pollution locations will be highlighted. In addition to chemical, future ecological studies could be performed. Waters of the rivers Drini i Bardhë, Morava e Binçës, Lepenc and Sitnica, which are of supra-regional interest, are investigated systematically along the river course. Sediments of these rivers were also investigated at the same monitoring points and results have recently been published by us. In this paper we present results of mass concentrations of eco-toxic metals: Cu(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II) and Mn(II) in waters of four main rivers of Kosovo, using Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (ASV), Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-VIS) Spectrometry. Also some physico-chemical parameters are determined: water temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, alkalinity, total hardness and temporary hardness. Results of concentrations of eco-toxic metals in water are compared with concentrations found in sediments at the same locations. Statistical methods are applied to determine anomalous regions Classification of waters at each sampling station of our work was tentatively performed based on metal indicators, using Croatian standards. Our results are showing that concentrations of Zn in all waters are low and pose no risk for living organisms. Exception is water at S5 station, where concentration is above permanent toxic level. Concentrations of Pb and Mn are high at D5 station on Drini i Bardhë River (14 km from boarder to Albania) and at all stations along Sitnica River. Cadmium in high concentrations which is above permanent toxic level is measured in water only at two stations, one (M1) on Morava e Binçës River and the other (S5) on Sitnica River (56 km from boarder to Serbia). Comparison with available results from the past shows that water pollution with respect to toxic elements decreased since 1989, what is explained with closing of heavy industry since then. Continuation of water and sediment monitoring using more than one experimental technique is highly recommended, particularly at locations S2 and S5 with anomalous concentrations of toxic elements, as well as establishing of permanent network of monitoring stations by Kosovo authorities. Remediation of sediments at polluted locations in Sitnica River would be desirable.

Exploring the short-term impact of community water fluoridation cessation on children's dental caries: a natural experiment in Alberta, Canada.

PubMed

McLaren, L; Patterson, S; Thawer, S; Faris, P; McNeil, D; Potestio, M L; Shwart, L

2017-05-01

Dental caries (tooth decay) is common and can be serious. Dental caries is preventable, and community water fluoridation is one means of prevention. There is limited current research on the implications of fluoridation cessation for children's dental caries. Our objective was to explore the short-term impact of community water fluoridation cessation on children's dental caries, by examining change in caries experience in population-based samples of schoolchildren in two Canadian cities, one that discontinued community water fluoridation and one that retained it. We used a pre-post cross-sectional design. We examined dental caries indices (deft [number of decayed, extracted, or filled primary teeth] and DMFT [number of decayed, missing, or filled permanent teeth]) among grade 2 schoolchildren in 2004/05 and 2013/14 in two similar cities in the province of Alberta, Canada: Calgary (cessation of community water fluoridation in 2011) and Edmonton (still fluoridated). We compared change over time in the two cities. For Calgary only, we had a third data point from 2009/10, and we considered trends across the three points. We observed a worsening in primary tooth caries (deft) in Calgary and Edmonton, but changes in Edmonton were less consistent and smaller. This effect was robust to adjustment for covariates available in 2013/14 and was consistent with estimates of total fluoride intake from biomarkers from a subsample. This finding occurred despite indication that treatment activities appeared better in Calgary. The worsening was not observed for permanent teeth. For prevalence estimates only (% with >0 deft or DMFT), the three data points in Calgary suggest a trend that, though small, appears consistent with an adverse effect of fluoridation cessation. Our results suggest an increase in dental caries in primary teeth during a time period when community fluoridation was ceased. That we did not observe a worsening for permanent teeth in the comparative analysis could reflect the limited time since cessation. It is imperative that efforts to monitor these trends continue. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Connecticut permanent long-term bridge monitoring network, volume 3 : monitoring of a multi-steel girder composite bridge - I-91 SB over the Mattabesset River in Cromwell (bridge #3078).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-08-01

This report describes the instrumentation and data acquisition for a multi-girder, composite steel bridge in Connecticut. The : computer-based remote monitoring system was developed to collect information on the girder bending strains. The monitoring...

Silent Atrial Fibrillation in Elderly Pacemaker Users: A Randomized Trial Using Home Monitoring.

PubMed

Lima, Ceb; Martinelli, M; Peixoto, G L; Siqueira, S F; Wajngarten, Maurício; Silva, Rodrigo Tavares; Costa, Roberto; Filho, Roberto; Ramires, José Antônio Franchini

2016-05-01

Pacemaker with remote monitoring (PRM) may be useful for silent atrial fibrillation (AF) detection. The aims of this study were to evaluate the incidence of silent AF, the role of PRM, and to determine predictors of silent AF occurrence. Three hundred elderly patients with permanent pacemaker (PPM) were randomly assigned to the remote group (RG) or control group (CG). All patients received PPM with remote monitoring capabilities. Primary end point was AF occurrence rate and the secondary end points were time to AF detection and number of days with AF. During the average follow-up of 15.7±7.7 months, AF episodes were detected in 21.6% (RG = 24% vs CG = 19.3%, P = 0.36]. There was no difference in the time to detect the first AF episode. However, the median time to detect AF recurrence in the RG was lower than that in the CG (54 days vs 100 days, P = 0.004). The average number of days with AF was 16.0 and 51.2 in the RG and CG, respectively (P = 0.028). Predictors of silent AF were left atrial diameter (odds ratio [OR] 1.2; 95% CI = 1.1-1.3; P < 0.001) and diastolic dysfunction (OR 4.8; 95% CI = 1.6-14.0; P = 0.005). The incidence of silent AF is high in elderly patients with pacemaker; left atrial diameter and diastolic dysfunction were predictors of its occurrence. AF monitoring by means of pacemaker is a valuable tool for silent AF detection and continuous remote monitoring allows early AF recurrence detection and reduces the number of days with AF. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Can Low Frequency Measurements Be Good Enough? - A Statistical Assessment of Citizen Hydrology Streamflow Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davids, J. C.; Rutten, M.; Van De Giesen, N.

2016-12-01

Hydrologic data has traditionally been collected with permanent installations of sophisticated and relatively accurate but expensive monitoring equipment at limited numbers of sites. Consequently, the spatial coverage of the data is limited and costs are high. Achieving adequate maintenance of sophisticated monitoring equipment often exceeds local technical and resource capacity, and permanently deployed monitoring equipment is susceptible to vandalism, theft, and other hazards. Rather than using expensive, vulnerable installations at a few points, SmartPhones4Water (S4W), a form of Citizen Hydrology, leverages widely available mobile technology to gather hydrologic data at many sites in a manner that is repeatable and scalable. However, there is currently a limited understanding of the impact of decreased observational frequency on the accuracy of key streamflow statistics like minimum flow, maximum flow, and runoff. As a first step towards evaluating the tradeoffs between traditional continuous monitoring approaches and emerging Citizen Hydrology methods, we randomly selected 50 active U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamflow gauges in California. We used historical 15 minute flow data from 01/01/2008 through 12/31/2014 to develop minimum flow, maximum flow, and runoff values (7 year total) for each gauge. In order to mimic lower frequency Citizen Hydrology observations, we developed a bootstrap randomized subsampling with replacement procedure. We calculated the same statistics, along with their respective distributions, from 50 subsample iterations with four different subsampling intervals (i.e. daily, three day, weekly, and monthly). Based on our results we conclude that, depending on the types of questions being asked, and the watershed characteristics, Citizen Hydrology streamflow measurements can provide useful and accurate information. Depending on watershed characteristics, minimum flows were reasonably estimated with subsample intervals ranging from daily to monthly. However, maximum flows in most cases were poorly characterized, even at daily subsample intervals. In general, runoff volumes were accurately estimated from daily, three day, weekly, and even in some cases, monthly observations.

Air quality monitor and acid rain networks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rudolph, H.

1980-01-01

The air quality monitor program which consists of two permanent air monitor stations (PAMS's) and four mobile shuttle pollutant air monitor stations (SPAMS's) is evaluated. The PAMS measures SO sub X, NO sub X particulates, CO, O3, and nonmethane hydrocarbons. The SPAMS measures O3, SO2, HCl, and particulates. The collection and analysis of data in the rain monitor program are discussed.

4D Near Real-Time Environmental Monitoring Using Highly Temporal LiDAR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Höfle, Bernhard; Canli, Ekrem; Schmitz, Evelyn; Crommelinck, Sophie; Hoffmeister, Dirk; Glade, Thomas

2016-04-01

The last decade has witnessed extensive applications of 3D environmental monitoring with the LiDAR technology, also referred to as laser scanning. Although several automatic methods were developed to extract environmental parameters from LiDAR point clouds, only little research has focused on highly multitemporal near real-time LiDAR (4D-LiDAR) for environmental monitoring. Large potential of applying 4D-LiDAR is given for landscape objects with high and varying rates of change (e.g. plant growth) and also for phenomena with sudden unpredictable changes (e.g. geomorphological processes). In this presentation we will report on the most recent findings of the research projects 4DEMON (http://uni-heidelberg.de/4demon) and NoeSLIDE (https://geomorph.univie.ac.at/forschung/projekte/aktuell/noeslide/). The method development in both projects is based on two real-world use cases: i) Surface parameter derivation of agricultural crops (e.g. crop height) and ii) change detection of landslides. Both projects exploit the "full history" contained in the LiDAR point cloud time series. One crucial initial step of 4D-LiDAR analysis is the co-registration over time, 3D-georeferencing and time-dependent quality assessment of the LiDAR point cloud time series. Due to the high amount of datasets (e.g. one full LiDAR scan per day), the procedure needs to be performed fully automatically. Furthermore, the online near real-time 4D monitoring system requires to set triggers that can detect removal or moving of tie reflectors (used for co-registration) or the scanner itself. This guarantees long-term data acquisition with high quality. We will present results from a georeferencing experiment for 4D-LiDAR monitoring, which performs benchmarking of co-registration, 3D-georeferencing and also fully automatic detection of events (e.g. removal/moving of reflectors or scanner). Secondly, we will show our empirical findings of an ongoing permanent LiDAR observation of a landslide (Gresten, Austria) and an agricultural maize crop stand (Heidelberg, Germany). This research demonstrates the potential and also limitations of fully automated, near real-time 4D LiDAR monitoring in geosciences.

Elk-effects vegetation monitoring program for Tomales Point Elk Range, Point Reyes National Seashore, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

McEachern, Kathryn; Semenoff-Irving, Marcia; van der Leeden, Pamela

2000-01-01

The monitoring program for elk effects on Tomales Point vegetation is designed to provide information on how tule elk grazing affects plant communities and rare species. The basic objective of the program is to show whether the elk are driving the vegetation into an unacceptable state by their grazing. The expectation is that as elk numbers increase, grazing pressure will increase too, resulting in unacceptable levels of any or all of the following: low vegetation ground cover, poor nutritional quality for the elk, undesirable increases in weedy species, unacceptable loss of native plant biodiversity, population declines in rare plants, population declines in plants used for food and nectar by the endangered silverspot butterfly, and increased erosion.The monitoring program has 3 basic components designed to provide complementary information on different aspects of the elk-vegetation system. Long-term plant community monitoring along permanent transects will show how plant species composition and cover are changing since cattle removal in 1979, and it will show whether any of he undesirable traits listed above are developing in the vegetation. However, monitoring these transects alone will not tell us what the effects of continued grazing by elk are apart from changes the vegetation would be undergoing anyway. In order to tease apart the elk effects from change that is happening because of cattle removal, elk exclosures are needed. By sampling inside and outside exclosures, we will be able to see how elk are modifying the rates and directions of change in the vegetation that would be happening in their absence. In a sense, the exclosures serve as a “check” on elk effects. They will allow us to interpret how much of the change is due to elk and how much can be attributed to other processes such as natural succession or weather patterns. This information will allow us to analyze whether changing elk management will have a desirable effect on the vegetation. Finally, periodic mapping and counting of plants in rare plant populations will show whether plant population ranges are expanding and populations are stable or growing. If not, then management actions can be taken to improve habitat conditions for the plants.A general summary of the rationale and sample design for each of the 3 components of the elk-effects monitoring program follows. Field sampling for the entire program should require about 15 weeks for a 2 to 3- person team, and data processing, analysis, and report writing should require about 9 weeks. Time and labor estimates for this program are given in Table A-1. In addition to elk-effects monitoring, Point Reyes staff periodically monitor fire transects and residual dry matter plots on Tomales Point. They are not included as part of the elk-effects monitoring program and they are described elsewhere. Protocols for fire and residual dry matter sampling are not included in the time estimate for the elk- effects monitoring program.

Monitoring that matters

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnson, Douglas H.; Gitzen, Robert A.; Millspaugh, Joshua J.; Cooper, Andrew B.; Licht, Daniel S.

2012-01-01

Monitoring is a critically important activity for assessing the status of a system, such as the health of an individual, the balance in one's checking account, profits and losses of a business, the economic activity of a nation, or the size of an animal population. Monitoring is especially vital for evaluating changes in the system associated with specific known impacts occurring to the system. It is also valuable for detecting unanticipated changes in the system and identifying plausible causes of such changes, all in time to take corrective action. Before proceeding, we should define "monitoring." One definition of "monitor" (Microsoft Corporation 2009) is "to check something at regular intervals in order to find out how it is progressing or developing." The key point here is "at regular intervals," suggesting a continuing process. Some definitions do not indicate the repetitive nature of monitoring and are basically synonymous with "observing." Most monitoring, in the strict sense of the word, is intended to persist for long periods of time, perhaps indefinitely or permanently. Similarly, Thompson et al. (1998: 3) referred to the "repeated assessment of status" of something, but noted that the term "monitor" is sometimes used for analogous activities such as collecting baseline information or evaluating projects for either implementation or effectiveness. For their purposes, they restricted the term to involve repeated measurements collected at a specified frequency of time units. Let us adopt that definition, recognizing that repeated measurements imply collecting comparable information on each occasion.

Connecticut permanent long-term bridge monitoring network, volume 6 : monitoring of a continuous plate girder bridge with load restrictions - Route 15 over the Housatonic River in Stratford (Bridge #761).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-08-01

This report describes the instrumentation and data acquisition system for monitoring of a continuous span steel plate : girder bridge with a composite concrete deck located on a limited access highway. The monitoring system was : developed and instal...

Procedures for establishing and maintaining permanent plots for silvicultural and yield research.

Treesearch

Robert O. Curtis

1983-01-01

This paper reviews procedures for establishing and maintaining permanent plots for silvicultural and yield research; discusses purposes, sampling, and plot design; points out common errors; and makes recommendations for research plot designs and procedures for measuring and recording data.

Sustainable Seas Student Intertidal Monitoring Project at Duxbury Reef in Bolinas, CA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buie, A.; Soave, K.; Dean, A.; Salmi, I.; Tillapaugh, J.; Broad, C.; Raabe, B.; Ericson, W.

2012-12-01

Kathy Soave, Amy Dean, Andrew Buie, Isabella Salmi, Joey Tillapaugh, Cory Broad, Brooke Raabe, Whitney Ericson The Sustainable Seas Student Monitoring Project at the Branson School in Ross, CA has monitored Duxbury Reef in Bolinas, CA since 1999, in cooperation with the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association and the Gulf of Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Goals of this student-run project include: 1) To monitor the rocky intertidal habitat and develop a baseline database of invertebrates and algal density and abundance; 2) To contribute to the conservation of the rocky intertidal habitat through education of students and visitors about intertidal species and the requirements for maintaining a healthy, diverse intertidal ecosystem; 3) To increase stewardship in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary; and 4) To contribute abundance and population data on key algae and invertebrate species to the national database, LiMPETS (Long Term Monitoring Program & Experiential Training for Students). Student volunteers complete an intensive training course on the natural history of intertidal invertebrates and algae, identification of key species, rocky intertidal monitoring techniques, and history of the sanctuary. Students identify and count key invertebrate and algae species along two permanent transects and, using randomly determined points, within two permanent 100 m2 areas, three times per year (fall, winter, and late spring). Using the data collected since 2004, we will once again compare population densities, seasonal abundance and long-term population trends of key algal and invertebrate species, including Tegula funebralis, Anthopluera elegantissima and Fucus spp.. We will continue to closely monitor algal population densities in within our site in light of the November 2007 San Francisco Bay oil spill that leaked heavy bunker fuel into intertidal habitats around the SF Bay. Future analyses and investigations will include intertidal abiotic factors (including water temperature and human foot-traffic) to enhance insights into the workings of the Duxbury Reef ecosystem, in particular, the high and mid-intertidal zones experiencing the greatest amount of human impacts. Kathy Soave The Branson School 39 Fernhill Rd. Ross, CA 94957 (415) 454-3612 x 323 Amy Dean Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association, PO Box 29386 San Francisco, CA 94129, 415-561-6625 x 303 AGU Sponsor, Jennifer Saltzman, AGU membership number 10579665

Integration of GB-InSAR, laser scanning and in situ monitoring on the rockslope instability of Mannen/Børa (western Norway)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rouyet, Line; Kristensen, Lene; Derron, Marc-Henri; Michoud, Clément; Harald, Blikra Lars; Michel, Jaboyedoff

2013-04-01

This work is part of a master thesis about the use of Ground-Based InSAR for the monitoring of rock instabilities (University of Lausanne in cooperation with the Åknes/Tafjord Early Warning Centre in Norway). Main goals are (1) the evaluation of the GB-InSAR potential to investigate different kinds of instabilities, (2) the combination of data from GB-InSAR, conventional in situ devices and laser scanning to get information about instability behavior and geometry. The rockslope instability of Mannen/Børa is located in Møre of Romsdal County (western Norway). Mannen is a complex rockslide of 15-25 mill. m3 of volume, affecting the left side of the Romsdalen valley. Børa is a large plateau directly located on its south-eastern side and showing signs of activity. In this case, the analysis included GB-InSAR data of 2011 and 2012 campaigns in Børa compared with results of a permanent GB-InSAR in Mannen. The results of continuous monitoring in Mannen (GPS, extensometers, laser-reflectors and tiltmeters) since end of 2009, as well as periodical GPS campaigns on Børa plateau were integrated. The analysis showed a quite regular inter-annual velocity with seasonal effects in Mannen site and a slower movement in Børa. Moreover, it allowed highlighting an area in mid-slope, affected by high variations and periodical inversions of movement in the overlap sector between the two GB-InSAR. The first interpretation of this pattern involves networks of water flow across the slope. A novel point of this site is to have two GB-InSAR systems (one permanent and one temporary) imaging the rockslope with an overlap of views. GB-InSAR results were compared to other types of monitoring data, in terms of spatial coverage (punctual vs. large area), temporal scale (continuous monitoring vs. periodical campaigns) or recorded information (eg. 3D vs. 1D along the LOS). Moreover, a structural geology analysis based on terrestrial and airborne laser scanning data provided information about the geometry of rock instabilities and sliding surfaces.

Photo diagnosis of early pre cancer (LSIL) in genital tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaitkuviene, A.; Andersen-Engels, S.; Auksorius, E.; Bendsoe, N.; Gavriushin, V.; Gustafsson, U.; Oyama, J.; Palsson, S.; Soto Thompson, M.; Stenram, U.; Svanberg, K.; Viliunas, V.; De Weert, M. J.

2005-11-01

Permanent infections recognized as oncogenic factor. STD is common concomitant diseases in early precancerous genital tract lesions. Simple optical detection of early regressive pre cancer in cervix is the aim of this study. Hereditary immunosupression most likely is risk factor for cervical cancer development. Light induced fluorescence point monitoring fitted to live cervical tissue diagnostics in 42 patients. Human papilloma virus DNR in cervix tested by means of Hybrid Capture II method. Ultraviolet (337 nm) laser excited fluorescence spectra in the live cervical tissue analyzed by Principal Component (PrC) regression method and spectra decomposition method. PCr method best discriminated pathology group "CIN I and inflammation"(AUC=75%) related to fluorescence emission in short wave region. Spectra decomposition method suggested a few possible fluorophores in a long wave region. Ultraviolet (398 nm) light excitation of live cervix proved sharp selective spectra intensity enhancement in region above 600nm for High-grade cervical lesion. Conclusion: PC analysis of UV (337 nm) light excitation fluorescence spectra gives opportunity to obtain local immunity and Low-grade cervical lesion related information. Addition of shorter and longer wavelengths is promising for multi wave LIF point monitoring method progress in cervical pre-cancer diagnostics and utility for cancer prevention especially in developing countries.

Monitoring for ozone injury in West Coast (Oregon, Washington, California) forests in 1998.

Treesearch

Sally Campbell; Gretchen Smith; Pat Temple; John Pronos; Regina Rochefort; Chris Andersen

2000-01-01

In 1998, forest vegetation was monitored for ozone injury on permanent plots in two Sierra Nevada national forests in California, at three locations in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington, and at 68 forest health monitoring (FHM) locations throughout Washington, Oregon, and California. This was the first year that extensive monitoring of forest vegetation for...

Neural network and wavelets in prediction of cosmic ray variability: The North Africa as study case

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zarrouk, Neïla; Bennaceur, Raouf

2010-04-01

Since the Earth is permanently bombarded with energetic cosmic rays particles, cosmic ray flux has been monitored by ground based neutron monitors for decades. In this work an attempt is made to investigate the decomposition and reconstructions provided by Morlet wavelet technique, using data series of cosmic rays variabilities, then to constitute from this wavelet analysis an input data base for the neural network system with which we can then predict decomposition coefficients and all related parameters for other points. Thus the latter are used for the recomposition step in which the plots and curves describing the relative cosmic rays intensities are obtained in any points on the earth in which we do not have any information about cosmic rays intensities. Although neural network associated with wavelets are not frequently used for cosmic rays time series, they seems very suitable and are a good choice to obtain these results. In fact we have succeeded to derive a very useful tool to obtain the decomposition coefficients, the main periods for each point on the Earth and on another hand we have now a kind of virtual NM for these locations like North Africa countries, Maroc, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Cairo. We have found the aspect of very known 11-years cycle: T1, we have also revealed the variation type of T2 and especially T3 cycles which seem to be induced by particular Earth's phenomena.

Neuroplasticity and amblyopia: vision at the balance point.

PubMed

Tailor, Vijay K; Schwarzkopf, D Samuel; Dahlmann-Noor, Annegret H

2017-02-01

New insights into triggers and brakes of plasticity in the visual system are being translated into new treatment approaches which may improve outcomes not only in children, but also in adults. Visual experience-driven plasticity is greatest in early childhood, triggered by maturation of inhibitory interneurons which facilitate strengthening of synchronous synaptic connections, and inactivation of others. Normal binocular development leads to progressive refinement of monocular visual acuity, stereoacuity and fusion of images from both eyes. At the end of the 'critical period', structural and functional brakes such as dampening of acetylcholine receptor signalling and formation of perineuronal nets limit further synaptic remodelling. Imbalanced visual input from the two eyes can lead to imbalanced neural processing and permanent visual deficits, the commonest of which is amblyopia. The efficacy of new behavioural, physical and pharmacological interventions aiming to balance visual input and visual processing have been described in humans, and some are currently under evaluation in randomised controlled trials. Outcomes may change amblyopia treatment for children and adults, but the safety of new approaches will need careful monitoring, as permanent adverse events may occur when plasticity is re-induced after the end of the critical period.Video abstracthttp://links.lww.com/CONR/A42.

Wide operation frequency band magnetostrictive vibration power generator using nonlinear spring constant by permanent magnet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furumachi, S.; Ueno, T.

2016-04-01

We study magnetostrictive vibration based power generator using iron-gallium alloy (Galfenol). The generator is advantages over conventional, such as piezoelectric material in the point of high efficiency highly robust and low electrical impedance. Generally, the generator exhibits maximum power when its resonant frequency matches the frequency of ambient vibration. In other words, the mismatch of these frequencies results in significant decrease of the output. One solution is making the spring characteristics nonlinear using magnetic force, which distorts the resonant peak toward higher or lower frequency side. In this paper, vibrational generator consisting of Galfenol plate of 6 by 0.5 by 13 mm wound with coil and U shape-frame accompanied with plates and pair of permanent magnets was investigated. The experimental results show that lean of resonant peak appears attributed on the non-linear spring characteristics, and half bandwidth with magnets is 1.2 times larger than that without. It was also demonstrated that the addition of proof mass is effective to increase the sensitivity but also the bandwidth. The generator with generating power of sub mW order is useful for power source of wireless heath monitoring for bridge and factory machine.

Monitoring Plant Drought Stress Response Using Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy[C][W

PubMed Central

Born, Norman; Behringer, David; Liepelt, Sascha; Beyer, Sarah; Schwerdtfeger, Michael; Ziegenhagen, Birgit; Koch, Martin

2014-01-01

We present a novel measurement setup for monitoring changes in leaf water status using nondestructive terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). Previous studies on a variety of plants showed the principal applicability of THz-TDS. In such setups, decreasing leaf water content directly correlates with increasing THz transmission. Our new system allows for continuous, nondestructive monitoring of the water status of multiple individual plants each at the same constant leaf position. It overcomes previous drawbacks, which were mainly due to the necessity of relocating the plants. Using needles of silver fir (Abies alba) seedlings as test subjects, we show that the transmission varies along the main axis of a single needle due to a variation in thickness. Therefore, the relocation of plants during the measuring period, which was necessary in the previous THz-TDS setups, should be avoided. Furthermore, we show a highly significant correlation between gravimetric water content and respective THz transmission. By monitoring the relative change in transmission, we were able to narrow down the permanent wilting point of the seedlings. Thus, we established groups of plants with well-defined levels of water stress that could not be detected visually. This opens up the possibility for a broad range of genetic and physiological experiments. PMID:24501000

WVNS experiences in the detection, monitoring, and leakage from underground tanks containing contaminated kerosene/TBP

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

Valenti, P.J.; McVay, C.W.; Bourgeois, P.

1986-01-01

Tanks of radioactively contaminated kerosene/tributyl phosphate (TBP) disposed of at West Valley in 1969, when the plant was being utilized to reprocess commercial nuclear fuel, were determined to be leaking. Contaminated kerosene/TBP was initially detected in November 1983 when samples taken from US Geological Survey monitor wells tested positively for both radioactive and organic constituents. An extensive monitoring, sampling, and analysis program, which involved the installation of approx. 100 monitor points, core bores, and scavenger wells, has been in effect since November 1983 when the migrating kerosene/TBP was initially discovered. Sample analysis has served to provide data on the radionuclidemore » concentration as the kerosene/TBP migrates through the soil. Recent acquisition of a portable gas chromatograph is expected to yield even more definitive information on migration rates. Removal of organics from the scavenger wells will continue while more permanent control measures are finalized. The current efforts will involve the installation of a support structure, erection of a light-weight reusable weather shelter, excavation and potential removal of the tanks and contents, as well as packaging and/or otherwise stabilizing of the resulting waste. The significance of this project is that it will provide a data base for future work in former radioactive disposal sites. A discussion of the monitoring, sampling, and analysis is provided in conjunction with the stabilization efforts.« less

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

Raminosoa, Tsarafidy; Alexander, James Pellegrino; EL-Refaie, Ayman Mohamed Fawzi

A permanent magnet electrical machine includes a stator having conductive windings wound thereon and one or more permanent magnets embedded in the stator. A magnetic keeper element is positioned on the stator so as to form a magnetic flux path with the permanent magnets, with the magnetic keeper element closing the magnetic flux path of the permanent magnets by providing a low reluctance flux path to magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnets. A vacuum pressure impregnation (VPI) process is performed on the stator to increase a thermal conductivity of the windings, with the VPI process including a curing stepmore » that is performed at a selected temperature. The magnetic keeper element sets an operating point of the permanent magnets to an internal flux density level above a demagnetization threshold associated with the selected temperature at which the curing step is performed.« less

Filling the monitoring gaps across the US Arctic by permanently adopting USArray stations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buurman, H.; West, M. E.

2017-12-01

The USArray project represents a truly unique opportunity to fundamentally change geophysical monitoring in the US Arctic. The addition of more than 200 stations capable of recording seismic, infrasound, ground temperature and meteorologic data has brought a diverse group of organizations to the table, fostering new connections and collaborations between scientists whose paths otherwise would not cross. With the array slated for removal beginning in 2019, there is a window of opportunity to advocate for permanently retaining a subset of the USArray stations. The Alaska Earthquake Center has drafted a plan to permanently adopt a subset of the USArray stations and maintain them as part of the seismic network in Alaska. The expanded seismic network would substantially improve on the Alaska Earthquake Center's ongoing mission to advance Alaska's resilience to earthquake hazards. By continuing to provide public climate and infrasound data, the Alaska Earthquake Center would also fill important gaps in the weather, wildfire and climate research monitoring networks across Alaska. The many challenges in adopting USArray stations include choosing which stations to retain, upgrading the power systems to have 24/7 data transmission through the long Alaskan winter months, and lowering the costs of continuous telemetry.

Is there any change in the prevalence of intestinal and urinary parasitosis among "non-permanent resident" students in Tunisia ?

PubMed

Trabelsi, Sonia; Bouchakoua, Myiram; Aouinet, Amira; Sellami, Amira; Khaled, Samira

2012-07-01

Intestinal parasitosis are cosmopolitan affections, often related to the fecal peril. However urinary bilharziosis is a disease eliminated in Tunisia. As part of monitoring the emergence and re-emergence of intestinal parasitosis and urinary bilharziasis, foreign students benefit from parasitological systematic monitoring stool and urine during their enrollment to the University. To study the prevalence of various intestinal parasitosis and urinary bilharziasis among non permanent resident students in Tunisia. A retrospective survey was carried at the Laboratory of Parasitology- Mycology of Charles Nicolle Hospital of Tunis during the inscription period of 6 university years 2005-2010. 328 students profited from a parasitological examination of stool and urine. 144 students (43.9%) harbored intestinal parasites. More than one parasite was detected in 69 students (47.9%). Intestinal protozoa were the majority of identified parasites (96.9%). 9.7% of identified parasites were pathogenic. Three cases (0.91%) of urinary bilharziasis were diagnosed. The prevalence of intestinal and urinary parasitism among the "non-permanent residents" students in Tunisia has not changed. This justifies a systematic parasitologic monitoring for students coming from areas of high endemicity of parasitosis in order to avoid the introduction of these.

Connecticut permanent long-term bridge monitoring network, volume 2 : monitoring of curved post-tensioned concrete box-girder bridge : I-384 WB over I-84 in East Hartford (bridge #5686).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-08-01

This report describes the instrumentation and data acquisition for a three-span continuous, curved post-tensioned box-girder : bridge in Connecticut. The computer-based remote monitoring system was developed to collect information on the deformations...

Connecticut permanent long-term bridge monitoring network, volume 4 : monitoring of curved steel box-girder composite bridge - I-84 EB Flyover to I-91 NB in Hartford (bridge #5868).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-08-01

This report describes the instrumentation and data acquisition for a continuous curved steel box-girder composite bridge in : Connecticut. The computer-based remote monitoring system was installed in 2001, with accelerometers, tilt meters and : tempe...

Summary report: Forest health monitoring in the South, 1992

Treesearch

John S. Vissage; William H. Hoffard

1997-01-01

In 1990, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched a cooperative program, Forest Health Monitoring, to monitor the health of the Nation's forests. Several indicators of forest health have been measured on permanent plots in 14 States. Data gathered from Alabama, Georgia, and Virginia in 1992 are...

Connecticut permanent long-term bridge monitoring network, volume 1 : monitoring of post-tensioned segmental concrete box-girder bridge - I-95 over the Connecticut River in Old Saybrook (bridge #6200).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-08-01

This report describes the instrumentation and data acquisition for an eleven span segmental, post-tensioned : box-girder bridge in Connecticut. Based on a request from the designers, the computer-based remote : monitoring system was developed to coll...

Lessons from 15 years of monitoring sudden oak death and forest dynamics in California forests

Treesearch

Margaret Metz; J. Morgan Varner; Ross Meentemeyer; Kerri Frangioso; David Rizzo

2017-01-01

Monitoring host composition and disease impacts began 15 years ago in what would become a network of permanent forest monitoring plots throughout the known and predicted range of Phytophthora ramorum in California coastal forests. Stretching ~500 miles from Big Sur to the Oregon border, the network captures variation in interactions among...

A Progressive Damage Model for Predicting Permanent Indentation and Impact Damage in Composite Laminates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Zhaojie; Guan, Zhidong; Li, Zengshan

2017-10-01

In this paper, a progressive damage model was established on the basis of ABAQUS software for predicting permanent indentation and impact damage in composite laminates. Intralaminar and interlaminar damage was modelled based on the continuum damage mechanics (CDM) in the finite element model. For the verification of the model, low-velocity impact tests of quasi-isotropic laminates with material system of T300/5228A were conducted. Permanent indentation and impact damage of the laminates were simulated and the numerical results agree well with the experiments. It can be concluded that an obvious knee point can be identified on the curve of the indentation depth versus impact energy. Matrix cracking and delamination develops rapidly with the increasing impact energy, while considerable amount of fiber breakage only occurs when the impact energy exceeds the energy corresponding to the knee point. Predicted indentation depth after the knee point is very sensitive to the parameter μ which is proposed in this paper, and the acceptable value of this parameter is in range from 0.9 to 1.0.

Connecticut permanent long-term bridge monitoring network, volume 5 : wireless monitoring of the hung span in a large truss bridge - I-95 NB over the Thames River in New London (bridge #3819).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-08-01

This report describes the instrumentation and data acquisition for the center hung segment in the largest : truss bridge in Connecticut, located on the interstate system. The monitoring system was developed as a : joint effort between researchers at ...

In vivo MRI assessment of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion by electrocoagulation: pitfalls of procedure

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Permanent middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion (pMCAO) by electrocoagulation is a commonly used model but with potential traumatic lesions. Early MRI monitoring may assess pMCAO for non-specific brain damage. The surgical steps of pMCAO were evaluated for traumatic cerebral injury in 22 Swiss mice using diffusion and T2-weighted MRI (7T) performed within 1 h and 24 h after surgery. Temporal muscle cauterization without MCA occlusion produced an early T2 hyperintensity mimicking an infarct. No lesion was visible after temporal muscle incision or craniotomy. Early MRI monitoring is useful to identify non-specific brain injury that could hamper neuroprotective drugs assessment. PMID:20298536

Citizen Hydrology - Tradeoffs between Traditional Continuous Approaches and Temporally Discrete Hydrologic Monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davids, Jeffrey; Rutten, Martine; van de Giesen, Nick; Mehl, Steffen; Norris, James

2016-04-01

Traditional approaches to hydrologic data collection rely on permanent installations of sophisticated and relatively accurate but expensive monitoring equipment at limited numbers of sites. Consequently, the spatial coverage of the data is limited and the cost is high. Moreover, achieving adequate maintenance of the sophisticated equipment often exceeds local technical and resource capacity, and experience has shown that permanently deployed monitoring equipment is susceptible to vandalism, theft, and other hazards. Rather than using expensive, vulnerable installations at a few points, SmartPhones4Water (S4W), a form of citizen science, leverages widely available mobile technology to gather hydrologic data at many sites in a manner that is highly repeatable and scalable. The tradeoff for increased spatial resolution, however, is reduced observation frequency. As a first step towards evaluating the tradeoffs between the traditional continuous monitoring approach and emerging citizen science methods, 50 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) streamflow gages were randomly selected from the population of roughly 350 USGS gages operated in California. Gaging station metadata and historical 15 minute flow data for the period from 01/10/2007 through 31/12/2014 were compiled for each of the selected gages. Historical 15 minute flow data were then used to develop daily, monthly, and yearly determinations of average, minimum, maximum streamflow, cumulative runoff, and streamflow distribution. These statistics were then compared to similar statistics developed from randomly selected daily and weekly spot measurements of streamflow. Cumulative runoff calculated from daily and weekly observations were within 10 percent of actual runoff calculated from 15 minute data for 75 percent and 46 percent of sites respectively. As anticipated, larger watersheds with less dynamic temporal variability compared more favorably for all statistics evaluated than smaller watersheds. Based on the results of these analyses it appears that, in certain circumstances, citizen science based observations of hydrologic data can provide sufficiently reliable information for both real-time management and water resources planning purposes. To further evaluate the merits of citizen science methodologies, S4W is launching field pilot projects in Nepal.

20 years of long-term atrazine monitoring in a shallow aquifer in western Germany.

PubMed

Vonberg, David; Vanderborght, Jan; Cremer, Nils; Pütz, Thomas; Herbst, Michael; Vereecken, Harry

2014-03-01

Atrazine was banned in Germany in 1991 due to findings of atrazine concentrations in ground- and drinking waters exceeding threshold values. Monitoring of atrazine concentrations in the groundwater since then provides information about the resilience of the groundwater quality to changing agricultural practices. In this study, we present results of a monitoring campaign of atrazine concentrations in the Zwischenscholle aquifer. This phreatic aquifer is exposed to intensive agricultural land use and susceptible to contaminants due to a shallow water table. In total 60 observation wells (OWs) have been monitored since 1991, of which 15 are sampled monthly today. Descriptive statistics of monitoring data were derived using the "regression on order statistics" (ROS) data censoring approach, estimating values for nondetects. The monitoring data shows that even 20 years after the ban of atrazine, the groundwater concentrations of sampled OWs remain on a level close to the threshold value of 0.1 μg l(-1) without any considerable decrease. The spatial distribution of atrazine concentrations is highly heterogeneous with OWs exhibiting permanently concentrations above the regulatory threshold on the one hand and OWs were concentrations are mostly below the limit of quantification (LOQ) on the other hand. A deethylatrazine-to-atrazine ratio (DAR) was used to distinguish between diffuse - and point-source contamination, with a global mean value of 0.84 indicating mainly diffuse contamination. Principle Component Analysis (PCA) of the monitoring dataset demonstrated relationships between the metabolite desisopropylatrazine, which was found to be exclusively associated with the parent compound simazine but not with atrazine, and between deethylatrazine, atrazine, nitrate, and the specific electrical conductivity. These parameters indicate agricultural impacts on groundwater quality. The findings presented in this study point at the difficulty to estimate mean concentrations of contamination for entire aquifers and to evaluate groundwater quality based on average parameters. However, analytical data of monthly sampled single observation wells provide adequate information to characterize local contamination and evolutionary trends of pollutant concentration. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multi Temporal Interferometry as Tool for Urban Landslide Hazard Assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vicari, A.; Colangelo, G.; Famiglietti, N.; Cecere, G.; Stramondo, S.; Viggiano, D.

2017-12-01

Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar Differential Interferometry (A-DInSAR) are Multi Temporal Interferometry(MTI) techniques suitable for the monitoring of deformation phenomena in slow kinematics. A-DInSAR methodologies include both Coherence-based type, as well as Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) (Berardino et al., 2002, Lanari et al., 2004) and Persistent/Permanent Scatterers (PS), (Ferretti et al., 2001). Such techniques are capable to provide wide-area coverage (thousands of km2) and precise (mm-cm resolution), spatially dense information (from hundreds to thousands of measurementpoints/km2) on groundsurfacedeformations. SBAS and PShavebeenapplied to the town of Stigliano (MT) in Basilicata Region (Southern Italy), where the social center has been destroyed after the reactivation of a known landslide. The comparison of results has shown that these techniques are equivalent in terms of obtained coherent areas and displacement patterns, although lightly different velocity values for individual points (-5/-25 mm/y for PS vs. -5/-15 mm/y for SBAS) have been pointed out. Differences are probably due to scattering properties of the ground surface (e.g. Lauknes et al., 2010). Furthermore, on the crown of the landslide body, a Robotics Explorer Total Monitoring Station (Leica Nova TM50) that measures distance values with 0.6 mm of resolution has been installed. In particular, 20 different points corresponding to that identified through satellite techniques have been chosen, and a sampling time of 15 minutes has been fixed. The displacement values obtained are in agreement with the results of the MTI analysis, showing as these techniques could be a useful tool in the case of early - warning situations.

Evaluation of the HACCP System in a University Canteen: Microbiological Monitoring and Internal Auditing as Verification Tools

PubMed Central

Osimani, Andrea; Aquilanti, Lucia; Tavoletti, Stefano; Clementi, Francesca

2013-01-01

Food safety is essential in mass catering. In Europe, Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 requires food business operators to put in place, implement and maintain permanent procedures based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles. Each HACCP plan is specifically implemented for the processing plant and processing methods and requires a systematic collection of data on the incidence, elimination, prevention, and reduction of risks. In this five-year-study, the effectiveness of the HACCP plan of a University canteen was verified through periodic internal auditing and microbiological monitoring of meals, small equipment, cooking tools, working surfaces, as well as hands and white coats of the canteen staff. The data obtained revealed no safety risks for the consumers, since Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes were never detected; however, a quite discontinuous microbiological quality of meals was revealed. The fluctuations in the microbial loads of mesophilic aerobes, coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and sulphite-reducing clostridia were mainly ascribed to inadequate handling or processing procedures, thus suggesting the need for an enhancement of staff training activities and for a reorganization of tasks. Due to the wide variety of the fields covered by internal auditing, the full conformance to all the requirements was never achieved, though high scores, determined by assigning one point to each answer which matched with the requirements, were achieved in all the years. PMID:23594937

Carbon dioxide diffuse emission from the soil: ten years of observations at Vesuvio and Campi Flegrei (Pozzuoli), and linkages with volcanic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Granieri, D.; Avino, R.; Chiodini, G.

2010-01-01

Carbon dioxide flux from the soil is regularly monitored in selected areas of Vesuvio and Solfatara (Campi Flegrei, Pozzuoli) with the twofold aim of i) monitoring spatial and temporal variations of the degassing process and ii) investigating if the surface phenomena could provide information about the processes occurring at depth. At present, the surveyed areas include 15 fixed points around the rim of Vesuvio and 71 fixed points in the floor of Solfatara crater. Soil CO2 flux has been measured since 1998, at least once a month, in both areas. In addition, two automatic permanent stations, located at Vesuvio and Solfatara, measure the CO2 flux and some environmental parameters that can potentially influence the CO2 diffuse degassing. Series acquired by continuous stations are characterized by an annual periodicity that is related to the typical periodicities of some meteorological parameters. Conversely, series of CO2 flux data arising from periodic measurements over the arrays of Vesuvio and Solfatara are less dependent on external factors such as meteorological parameters, local soil properties (porosity, hydraulic conductivity) and topographic effects (high or low ground). Therefore we argue that the long-term trend of this signal contains the “best” possible representation of the endogenous signal related to the upflow of deep hydrothermal fluids.

Evaluation of the HACCP system in a university canteen: microbiological monitoring and internal auditing as verification tools.

PubMed

Osimani, Andrea; Aquilanti, Lucia; Tavoletti, Stefano; Clementi, Francesca

2013-04-17

Food safety is essential in mass catering. In Europe, Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 requires food business operators to put in place, implement and maintain permanent procedures based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles. Each HACCP plan is specifically implemented for the processing plant and processing methods and requires a systematic collection of data on the incidence, elimination, prevention, and reduction of risks. In this five-year-study, the effectiveness of the HACCP plan of a University canteen was verified through periodic internal auditing and microbiological monitoring of meals, small equipment, cooking tools, working surfaces, as well as hands and white coats of the canteen staff. The data obtained revealed no safety risks for the consumers, since Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes were never detected; however, a quite discontinuous microbiological quality of meals was revealed. The fluctuations in the microbial loads of mesophilic aerobes, coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and sulphite-reducing clostridia were mainly ascribed to inadequate handling or processing procedures, thus suggesting the need for an enhancement of staff training activities and for a reorganization of tasks. Due to the wide variety of the fields covered by internal auditing, the full conformance to all the requirements was never achieved, though high scores, determined by assigning one point to each answer which matched with the requirements, were achieved in all the years.

Data on noise environments at different times of day around airports

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fields, J. M.

1985-01-01

Sources of information about noise environments at different times of the day at civilian and military airports are identified. Information about movements of scheduled flights are available in machine readable form from the Official Airline Guide. Information about permanent noise monitoring sites is readily obtained from individual airports. Limited data on the timing of flights are available at centralized locations for military airports. An examination of scheduled flights at commercial airports leads to the conclusion that differences between daytime and nighttime noise levels (measured in Equivalent Continuous Noise Level, LEQ) vary from 7 to 15 decibels. Data from 128 permanent noise monitoring sites at 11 airports are also examined. Differences between daytime and nighttime noise levels at these 128 noise monitoring sites vary from 3 to 17 decibels (LEQ). Preliminary analyses suggest that accurate estimates of time-of-day weights could not be obtained from conventional social surveys at existing airports.

The 23 to 300 C demagnetization resistance of samarium-cobalt permanent magnets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Niedra, Janis M.; Overton, Eric

1991-01-01

The influence of temperature on knee point and squareness of the M-H demagnetization characteristic of permanent magnets is important information for the full utilization of the capabilities of samarium-cobalt magnets at high temperature in demagnetization resistent permanent magnet devices. Composite plots of the knee field and the demagnetizing field required to produce a given magnetic induction swing below remanence were obtained for several commercial Sm2Co17 type magnet samples in the temperature range of 23 to 300 C. Using the knee point to define the limits of operation safe against irreversible demagnetization, such plots are shown to provide an effective overview of the useable regions in the space of temperature-induction swing parameters. The observed second quadrant M-H characteristic squareness is shown, by two measures, to increase gradually with temperature, reaching a peak in the interval 200 to 300 C.

Rotating Casimir systems: Magnetic-field-enhanced perpetual motion, possible realization in doped nanotubes, and laws of thermodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chernodub, M. N.

2013-01-01

Recently, we have demonstrated that for a certain class of Casimir-type systems (“devices”) the energy of zero-point vacuum fluctuations reaches its global minimum when the device rotates about a certain axis rather than remains static. This rotational vacuum effect may lead to the emergence of permanently rotating objects provided the negative rotational energy of zero-point fluctuations cancels the positive rotational energy of the device itself. In this paper, we show that for massless electrically charged particles the rotational vacuum effect should be drastically (astronomically) enhanced in the presence of a magnetic field. As an illustration, we show that in a background of experimentally available magnetic fields the zero-point energy of massless excitations in rotating torus-shaped doped carbon nanotubes may indeed overwhelm the classical energy of rotation for certain angular frequencies so that the permanently rotating state is energetically favored. The suggested “zero-point-driven” devices—which have no internally moving parts—correspond to a perpetuum mobile of a new, fourth kind: They do not produce any work despite the fact that their equilibrium (ground) state corresponds to a permanent rotation even in the presence of an external environment. We show that our proposal is consistent with the laws of thermodynamics.

Micro Ion Mobility Sensor for In Situ Monitoring of Contaminated Groundwater

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

volts per ampere V/cm volts per centimeter VC voltage compensation Vd drift velocity VOC volatile organic compounds Technical...experience in field test. 1.3 RESULTS Lab testing showed that a prototype sensor is capable of uniquely identifying 32 volatile organic compounds (VOC...3) water-loop, (4) water-to-vapor chamber, (5) permanent collector , (6) second-stage carrier gas inlet, (7) vapor-to-vapor chamber, (8) permanent

Bias-field equalizer for bubble memories

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keefe, G. E.

1977-01-01

Magnetoresistive Perm-alloy sensor monitors bias field required to maintain bubble memory. Sensor provides error signal that, in turn, corrects magnitude of bias field. Error signal from sensor can be used to control magnitude of bias field in either auxiliary set of bias-field coils around permanent magnet field, or current in small coils used to remagnetize permanent magnet by infrequent, short, high-current pulse or short sequence of pulses.

Rare Species (RS)

Treesearch

Steve Sutherland

2006-01-01

The FIREMON Rare Species (RS) method is used to assess changes in uncommon, perennial plant species when other monitoring methods are not effective. This method monitors individual plants and statistically quantifies changes in plant survivorship, growth, and reproduction over time. Plants are spatially located using distance along and from a permanent baseline, and...

Management of Brackish Groundwater Extraction, San Diego-Tijuana area, USA and Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Danskin, W. R.

2017-12-01

Management of brackish groundwater extraction from coastal sediment in the transboundary San Diego-Tijuana area, USA and Mexico, involves monitoring storage depletion, seawater intrusion, and land subsidence. In 2017, five additional extraction wells were installed, doubling capacity of the Reynolds Groundwater Desalination Facility. Environmental permits to expand capacity of the facility, and the recently-enacted Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) by the State of California require monitoring the possible adverse effects of the additional extraction. Fortuitously, over the past 14 years, 12 deep multiple-depth, monitoring-well sites were installed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to aid in mapping the coastal geology and groundwater conditions. Now these sites are being used for groundwater management. Storage depletion is monitored daily via water levels measured using transducers installed permanently in each of the 4-6 piezometers at each site and transmitted automatically to the Internet. Seawater intrusion is tracked annually via electromagnetic geophysical logging in the deepest piezometer at each site, 500-800 meters below land surface, about twice the depth of the extraction wells. Land subsidence is determined annually from surveys of reference points installed at the well sites and from Interferometric Synthetic Aperature Radar (InSAR) satellite data. Management also involves use of a regional hydrologic model to simulate the likely location and timing of future storage depletion, seawater intrusion, and land subsidence.

Avoiding treatment bias of REDD+ monitoring by sampling with partial replacement.

PubMed

Köhl, Michael; Scott, Charles T; Lister, Andrew J; Demon, Inez; Plugge, Daniel

2015-12-01

Implementing REDD+ renders the development of a measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) system necessary to monitor carbon stock changes. MRV systems generally apply a combination of remote sensing techniques and in-situ field assessments. In-situ assessments can be based on 1) permanent plots, which are assessed on all successive occasions, 2) temporary plots, which are assessed only once, and 3) a combination of both. The current study focuses on in-situ assessments and addresses the effect of treatment bias, which is introduced by managing permanent sampling plots differently than the surrounding forests. Temporary plots are not subject to treatment bias, but are associated with large sampling errors and low cost-efficiency. Sampling with partial replacement (SPR) utilizes both permanent and temporary plots. We apply a scenario analysis with different intensities of deforestation and forest degradation to show that SPR combines cost-efficiency with the handling of treatment bias. Without treatment bias permanent plots generally provide lower sampling errors for change estimates than SPR and temporary plots, but do not provide reliable estimates, if treatment bias occurs, SPR allows for change estimates that are comparable to those provided by permanent plots, offers the flexibility to adjust sample sizes in the course of time, and allows to compare data on permanent versus temporary plots for detecting treatment bias. Equivalence of biomass or carbon stock estimates between permanent and temporary plots serves as an indication for the absence of treatment bias while differences suggest that there is evidence for treatment bias. SPR is a flexible tool for estimating emission factors from successive measurements. It does not entirely depend on sample plots that are installed at the first occasion but allows for the adjustment of sample sizes and placement of new plots at any occasion. This ensures that in-situ samples provide representative estimates over time. SPR offers the possibility to increase sampling intensity in areas with high degradation intensities or to establish new plots in areas where permanent plots are lost due to deforestation. SPR is also an ideal approach to mitigate concerns about treatment bias.

Subsidence and Fault Displacement Along the Long Point Fault Derived from Continuous GPS Observations (2012-2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsibanos, V.; Wang, G.

2017-12-01

The Long Point Fault located in Houston Texas is a complex system of normal faults which causes significant damage to urban infrastructure on both private and public property. This case study focuses on the 20-km long fault using high accuracy continuously operating global positioning satellite (GPS) stations to delineate fault movement over five years (2012 - 2017). The Long Point Fault is the longest active fault in the greater Houston area that damages roads, buried pipes, concrete structures and buildings and creates a financial burden for the city of Houston and the residents who live in close vicinity to the fault trace. In order to monitor fault displacement along the surface 11 permanent and continuously operating GPS stations were installed 6 on the hanging wall and 5 on the footwall. This study is an overview of the GPS observations from 2013 to 2017. GPS positions were processed with both relative (double differencing) and absolute Precise Point Positioning (PPP) techniques. The PPP solutions that are referred to IGS08 reference frame were transformed to the Stable Houston Reference Frame (SHRF16). Our results show no considerable horizontal displacements across the fault, but do show uneven vertical displacement attributed to regional subsidence in the range of (5 - 10 mm/yr). This subsidence can be associated to compaction of silty clays in the Chicot and Evangeline aquifers whose water depths are approximately 50m and 80m below the land surface (bls). These levels are below the regional pre-consolidation head that is about 30 to 40m bls. Recent research indicates subsidence will continue to occur until the aquifer levels reach the pre-consolidation head. With further GPS observations both the Long Point Fault and regional land subsidence can be monitored providing important geological data to the Houston community.

The Need and Opportunity for an Integrated Research, Development and Testing Center in the Alaskan High Arctic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardesty, J. O.; Ivey, M.; Helsel, F.; Dexheimer, D.; Lucero, D. A.; Cahill, C. F.; Roesler, E. L.

2017-12-01

This presentation will make the case for development of a permanent integrated High Arctic research and testing center at Oliktok Point, Alaska; taking advantage of existing assets and infrastructure, controlled airspace, an active UAS program and local partnerships. Arctic research stations provide critical monitoring and research on climate change for conditions and trends in the Arctic. The US Chair of the Arctic Council increased awareness of gaps in our understanding of Artic systems, scarce monitoring, lack of infrastructure and readiness for emergency response. Less sea ice brings competition for commercial shipping and resource extraction. Search and rescue, pollution mitigation and safe navigation need real-time, wide-area monitoring to respond to events. Multi-national responses for international traffic will drive a greater security presence to protect citizens and sovereign interests. To address research and technology gaps, there is a national need for a US High Arctic Center (USHARC) with an approach to partner stakeholders from science, safety and security to develop comprehensive solutions. The Station should offer year-round use, logistic support and access to varied ecological settings; phased adaptation to changing needs; and support testing of technologies such as multiple autonomous platforms, renewable energies and microgrids, and sensors in Arctic settings. We propose an Arctic Center at Oliktok Point, Alaska. Combined with the Toolik Field Station and Barrow Environmental Observatory, they form a US network of Arctic Stations. An Oliktok Point Station can provide complementary and unique assets that include: access via land, sea and air; coastal and terrestrial ecologies; controlled airspaces across land and ocean; medical and logistic support; atmospheric observations from an adjacent ARM facility; connections to Barrow and Toolik; fiber-optic communications; University of Alaska Fairbanks UAS Test Facility partnership; and an airstrip and hangar for UAS. World-class Arctic research requires year-round access and facilities. The US currently conducts most Arctic research at stations outside the US. A US High Arctic Station network enables monitoring that is specific to the US Arctic, to predict and understand impacts that affect people, communities and the planet.

The Need and Opportunity for an Integrated Research, Development and Testing Station in the Alaskan High Arctic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hardesty, J. O.; Ivey, M.; Helsel, F.; Dexheimer, D.; Cahill, C. F.; Bendure, A.; Lucero, D. A.; Roesler, E. L.

2016-12-01

This presentation will make the case for development of a permanent integrated research and testing station at Oliktok Point, Alaska; taking advantage of existing assets and infrastructure, controlled airspace, an active UAS program and local partnerships. Arctic research stations provide critical monitoring and research on climate change for conditions and trends in the Arctic. The US Chair of the Arctic Council has increased awareness of gaps in our understanding of Artic systems, scarce monitoring, lack of infrastructure and readiness for emergency response. Less sea ice brings competition for commercial shipping and resource extraction. Search and rescue, pollution mitigation and safe navigation need real-time, wide-area monitoring to respond to events. Multi-national responses for international traffic will drive a greater security presence to protect citizens and sovereign interests. To address research and technology gaps, there is a national need for a High Arctic Station with an approach that partners stakeholders from science, safety and security to develop comprehensive solutions. The Station should offer year-round use, logistic support and access to varied ecological settings; phased adaptation to changing needs; and support testing of technologies such as multiple autonomous platforms, renewable energies and microgrids, and sensors in Arctic settings. We propose an Arctic Station at Oliktok Point, Alaska. Combined with the Toolik Field Station and Barrow Environmental Observatory, they form a US network of Arctic Stations. An Oliktok Point Station can provide complementary and unique assets that include: ocean access, and coastal and terrestrial systems; road access; controlled airspaces on land and ocean; nearby air facilities, medical and logistic support; atmospheric observations from an adjacent ARM facility; connections to Barrow and Toolik; fiber-optic communications; University of Alaska Fairbanks UAS Test Facility partnership; and an airstrip and hangar for UAS. World-class Arctic research requires year-round access and facilities. The US currently conducts most Arctic research at stations outside the US. A US Arctic Station network enables monitoring that is specific to the US Arctic, to predict and understand impacts that affect people, communities and the planet.

How a Country-Wide Seismological Network Can Improve Understanding of Seismicity and Seismic Hazard -- The Example of Bhutan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hetényi, G.; Diehl, T.; Singer, J.; Kissling, E. H.; Clinton, J. F.; Wiemer, S.

2015-12-01

The Eastern Himalayas are home to a seemingly complex seismo-tectonic evolution. The rate of instrumental seismicity is lower than the average along the orogen, there is no record of large historical events, but both paleoseismology and GPS studies point to potentially large (M>8) earthquakes. Due to the lack of a permanent seismic monitoring system in the area, our current level of understanding is inappropriate to create a reliable quantitative seismic hazard model for the region. Existing maps are based on questionable hypotheses and show major inconsistencies when compared to each other. Here we present results on national and regional scales from a 38-station broadband seismological network we operated for almost 2 years in the Kingdom of Bhutan. A thorough, state-of-the-art analysis of local and regional earthquakes builds a comprehensive catalogue that reveals significantly (2-to-3 orders of magnitude) more events than detected from global networks. The seismotectonic analysis reveals new patterns of seismic activity as well as striking differences over relatively short distances within the Himalayas, only partly explained by surface observations such as geology. We compare a priori and a posteriori (BMC) magnitude of completeness maps and show that our network was able to detect all felt events during its operation. Some of these events could be felt at surprisingly large distances. Based on our experiment and experience, we draft the pillars on which a permanent seismological observatory for Bhutan could be constructed. Such a continuous monitoring system of seismic activity could then lead to a reliable quantitative seismic hazard model for Bhutan and surrounding regions, and serve as a base to improve building codes and general preparedness.

When Do Commercial Reactors Permanently Shut Down?

EIA Publications

2011-01-01

For those wishing to obtain current data, the following resources are available: U.S. reactors, go to the Energy Information Administration's nuclear reactor shutdown list. (Note: As of April 30, 2010, the last U.S. reactor to permanently shut down was Big Rock Point in 1997.) Foreign Reactors, go to the Power Reactor Information System (PRIS) on the International Atomic Energy Agency's website.

The new DMT SAFEGUARD low-cost GNSS measuring system and its application in the field of geotechnical deformation and movement monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schröder, Daniel

2017-04-01

In the recent years an increasing awareness of geodetic measurement systems and their application for monitoring projects is clearly visible. With geodetic sensors it is possible to detect safety-related changes at monitoring objects with high temporal density, high accuracy and in a very reliable manner. Quality acquisitions, processing and storage of monitoring data as well as a professional on-site implementation are the most important requirements and challenges to contemporary systems in civil engineering, mining as well as oil and gas production. Monitoring measures provide important input for early warning, alarm, protection and verification of potential hazardous environments and therefore the risk management applied to projects have a significant influence. The implementation has to follow an optimization process incorporating necessary accuracy, reliability and economic efficiency. From the economical point of view the costs per observation point are crucial for most monitoring projects. Keeping in mind that the costs of classical high-end GNSS stations with a geodetic dual-frequency receiver is within the range of several 10,000 euro. Large monitoring networks with a high number of simultaneously observed points are very expensive and therefore eventually have to be cut back, substituted by compromising methods or totally withdrawn. A further development in the area of GNSS receivers could reduce this disadvantage. Within the last few years single-frequency receivers that record L1-signals of GPS/GLONASS and offer sub-centimeter positioning accuracies are increasingly offered on the market. The accuracy of GNSS measurements depends on many factors as the hardware itself as well as on external influences related to the measurement principals. The external influences can be strongly reduced or eliminated by appropriate measuring and processing methods. For a reliable monitoring system it is necessary that the results are comparable and consistent for each epoch. Based on these requirements DMT has developed the new DMT SAFEGUARD GNSS. In this article the latest developments in the field of low-cost GNSS are shown by different examples from industry and authorities. By means of a detailed accuracy study the DMT SAFEGUARD GNSS system applicability will be demonstrated. The study shows possibilities to detect coordinate shifts on sub centimeter level by using suitable data processing approaches and permanent network solutions. In addition to the DMT SAFEGUARD GNSS system this article illustrates the combination with further relevant sensors to integrated multisensorial networks. Such networks include geodetic data, geophysical data, geotechnical data, video, audio etc. For the central integration of all sensor types DMT has developed a web-based monitoring system - DMT SAFEGUARD which offers individual customizing, sophisticated analysis tools as well as comprehensive reporting options.

A computer graphics system for visualizing spacecraft in orbit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eyles, Don E.

1989-01-01

To carry out unanticipated operations with resources already in space is part of the rationale for a permanently manned space station in Earth orbit. The astronauts aboard a space station will require an on-board, spatial display tool to assist the planning and rehearsal of upcoming operations. Such a tool can also help astronauts to monitor and control such operations as they occur, especially in cases where first-hand visibility is not possible. A computer graphics visualization system designed for such an application and currently implemented as part of a ground-based simulation is described. The visualization system presents to the user the spatial information available in the spacecraft's computers by drawing a dynamic picture containing the planet Earth, the Sun, a star field, and up to two spacecraft. The point of view within the picture can be controlled by the user to obtain a number of specific visualization functions. The elements of the display, the methods used to control the display's point of view, and some of the ways in which the system can be used are described.

Transcriptome profiling to identify ATRA-responsive genes in human iPSC-derived endoderm for high-throughput point of departure analysis (SOT Annual Meeting)

EPA Science Inventory

Toxicological tipping points occur at chemical concentrations that overwhelm a cell’s adaptive response leading to permanent effects. We focused on retinoid signaling in differentiating endoderm to identify developmental pathways for tipping point analysis. Human induced pluripot...

Influence of the surface magnetic field of a cylindrical permanent magnet on the maximum levitation force in high-Tc superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Xian-Feng; Liu, Yuan

2006-06-01

In this paper we present the dependence of the maximum levitation force (FzMax) of a high-Tc superconductor on the surface magnetic field (Bs) of a cylindrical permanent magnet, based on the Bean critical state model and Ampère's law. A transition point of Bs is found at which the relation between FzMax and Bs changes: while the surface magnetic field is less than the transition point the dependence is subjected to a nonlinear function, otherwise it is a linear one. The two different relations are estimated to correspond to partial penetration of the shielding currents in the interior of the superconductor below the transition point and complete penetration above it, respectively. Furthermore, the influence of the geometrical properties of superconductors on the transition point of Bs is discussed, which shows a quadratic polynomial function between the transition points and the radii and the thickness of superconductors. Some optimum contours of the transition point of Bs are presented in order to achieve large levitation forces.

40 CFR 86.010-18 - On-board Diagnostics for engines used in applications greater than 14,000 pounds GVWR.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... conditions of paragraphs (a)(4)(i) through (a)(4)(iv) of this section. Further, for OBD monitors that run... shall erase the permanent DTC at the end of a drive cycle if the monitor has run and made one or more... criteria have independently been satisfied: (i) The monitor has run and made one or more determinations...

Monitoring of Creatine Kinase Levels in Specific Military Populations for Early Treatment

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-01

that would benefit the most from CK monitoring. Preexisting health conditions can increase an individual’s susceptibility to rhabdomyolysis. The...subset of susceptible military members who would benefit from monitoring CK levels. This will help alert personnel when preventative action needs to...occur before permanent damage results. Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study is to evaluate a subset of military members who could benefit

Forest health monitoring in New England: 1990 annual report

Treesearch

Robert T. Brooks; David R. Dickson; William B. Burkman; Imants Millers; Margaret Miller-Weeks; Ellen Cooter; Luther Smith; Luther Smith

1992-01-01

The USDA Forest Service, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New England State Forestry Agencies initiated field sampling for the Forest Health Monitoring program in 1990. Two hundred and sixty-three permanent sample plots were established. Measurements were taken to characterize the physical conditions of the plots. This publication...

FIA forest inventory data for wildlife habitat assessment

Treesearch

David C. Chojnacky

2000-01-01

The Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program of the USDA Forest Service maintains a network of permanent plots to monitor changing forest conditions. These plots were originally established to monitor the nation's timber supply; however, these data have great potential for evaluating other forest resources. To demonstrate a wildlife application, an assessment...

Development and evaluation of a dual purpose bridge health monitoring and weigh-in-motion system for a steel girder bridge : phase two.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-06-30

The primary objective of this second phase is the further development, demonstration : and field evaluation of a permanent dual purpose bridge weigh-in-motion and health monitoring : system over an extended period of time. Calibrated test truck resul...

Cone penetrometer testing and discrete-depth ground water sampling techniques: A cost-effective method of site characterization in a multiple-aquifer setting

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

Zemo, D.A.; Pierce, Y.G.; Gallinatti, J.D.

Cone penetrometer testing (CPT), combined with discrete-depth ground water sampling methods, can significantly reduce the time and expense required to characterize large sites that have multiple aquifers. Results from the screening site characterization can then be used to design and install a cost-effective monitoring well network. At a site in northern California, it was necessary to characterize the stratigraphy and the distribution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). To expedite characterization, a five-week field screening program was implemented that consisted of a shallow ground water survey, CPT soundings and pore-pressure measurements, and discrete-depth ground water sampling. Based on continuous lithologic informationmore » provided by the CPT soundings, four predominantly coarse-grained, water yielding stratigraphic packages were identified. Seventy-nine discrete-depth ground water samples were collected using either shallow ground water survey techniques, the BAT Enviroprobe, or the QED HydroPunch I, depending on subsurface conditions. Using results from these efforts, a 20-well monitoring network was designed and installed to monitor critical points within each stratigraphic package. Good correlation was found for hydraulic head and chemical results between discrete-depth screening data and monitoring well data. Understanding the vertical VOC distribution and concentrations produced substantial time and cost savings by minimizing the number of permanent monitoring wells and reducing the number of costly conductor casings that had to be installed. Additionally, significant long-term cost savings will result from reduced sampling costs, because fewer wells comprise the monitoring network. The authors estimate these savings to be 50% for site characterization costs, 65% for site characterization time, and 60% for long-term monitoring costs.« less

High-Temperature Shape Memory Polymers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yoonessi, Mitra; Weiss, Robert A.

2012-01-01

physical conformation changes when exposed to an external stimulus, such as a change in temperature. Such materials have a permanent shape, but can be reshaped above a critical temperature and fixed into a temporary shape when cooled under stress to below the critical temperature. When reheated above the critical temperature (Tc, also sometimes called the triggering or switching temperature), the materials revert to the permanent shape. The current innovation involves a chemically treated (sulfonated, carboxylated, phosphonated, or other polar function group), high-temperature, semicrystalline thermoplastic poly(ether ether ketone) (Tg .140 C, Tm = 340 C) mix containing organometallic complexes (Zn++, Li+, or other metal, ammonium, or phosphonium salts), or high-temperature ionic liquids (e.g. hexafluorosilicate salt with 1-propyl-3- methyl imidazolium, Tm = 210 C) to form a network where dipolar or ionic interactions between the polymer and the low-molecular-weight or inorganic compound forms a complex that provides a physical crosslink. Hereafter, these compounds will be referred to as "additives". The polymer is semicrystalline, and the high-melt-point crystals provide a temporary crosslink that acts as a permanent crosslink just so long as the melting temperature is not exceeded. In this example case, the melting point is .340 C, and the shape memory critical temperature is between 150 and 250 C. PEEK is an engineering thermoplastic with a high Young fs modulus, nominally 3.6 GPa. An important aspect of the invention is the control of the PEEK functionalization (in this example, the sulfonation degree), and the thermal properties (i.e. melting point) of the additive, which determines the switching temperature. Because the compound is thermoplastic, it can be formed into the "permanent" shape by conventional plastics processing operations. In addition, the compound may be covalently cross - linked after forming the permanent shape by S-PEEK by applying ionizing radiation ( radiation, neutrons), or by chemical crosslinking to form a covalent permanent network. With respect to other shape memory polymers, this invention is novel in that it describes the use of a thermoplastic composition that can be thermally molded or solution-cast into complex "permanent" shapes, and then reheated or redissolved and recast from solution to prepare another shape. It is also unique in that the shape memory behavior is provided by a non-polymer additive.

Assessment of recurrent laryngeal nerve function during thyroid surgery

PubMed Central

Douglas, J; Smith, B; Dougherty, T; Ayshford, C

2014-01-01

Introduction There is disparity in the reported incidence of temporary and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy following thyroidectomy. Much of the disparity is due to the method of assessing vocal cord function. We sought to identify the incidence and natural history of temporary and permanent vocal cord palsy following thyroid surgery. The authors wanted to establish whether intraoperative nerve monitoring and stimulation aids in prognosis when managing vocal cord palsy. Methods Prospective data on consecutive thyroid operations were collected. Intraoperative nerve monitoring and stimulation, using an endotracheal tube mounted device, was performed in all cases. Endoscopic examination of the larynx was performed on the first postoperative day and at three weeks. Results Data on 102 patients and 123 nerves were collated. Temporary and permanent RLN palsy rates were 6.1% and 1.7%. Most RLN palsies were identified on the first postoperative day with all recognised at the three-week review. No preoperative clinical risk factors were identified. Although dysphonia at the three-week follow-up visit was the only significant predictor of vocal cord palsy, only two-thirds of patients with cord palsies were dysphonic. Intraoperative nerve monitoring and stimulation did not predict outcome in terms of vocal cord function. Conclusions Temporary nerve palsy rates were consistent with other series where direct laryngoscopy is used to assess laryngeal function. Direct laryngoscopy is the only reliable measure of cord function, with intraoperative monitoring being neither a reliable predictor of cord function nor a predictor of eventual laryngeal function. The fact that all temporary palsies recovered within four months has implications for staged procedures. PMID:24780671

Assessment of recurrent laryngeal nerve function during thyroid surgery.

PubMed

Smith, J; Douglas, J; Smith, B; Dougherty, T; Ayshford, C

2014-03-01

There is disparity in the reported incidence of temporary and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy following thyroidectomy. Much of the disparity is due to the method of assessing vocal cord function. We sought to identify the incidence and natural history of temporary and permanent vocal cord palsy following thyroid surgery. The authors wanted to establish whether intraoperative nerve monitoring and stimulation aids in prognosis when managing vocal cord palsy. Prospective data on consecutive thyroid operations were collected. Intraoperative nerve monitoring and stimulation, using an endotracheal tube mounted device, was performed in all cases. Endoscopic examination of the larynx was performed on the first postoperative day and at three weeks. Data on 102 patients and 123 nerves were collated. Temporary and permanent RLN palsy rates were 6.1% and 1.7%. Most RLN palsies were identified on the first postoperative day with all recognised at the three-week review. No preoperative clinical risk factors were identified. Although dysphonia at the three-week follow-up visit was the only significant predictor of vocal cord palsy, only two-thirds of patients with cord palsies were dysphonic. Intraoperative nerve monitoring and stimulation did not predict outcome in terms of vocal cord function. Temporary nerve palsy rates were consistent with other series where direct laryngoscopy is used to assess laryngeal function. Direct laryngoscopy is the only reliable measure of cord function, with intraoperative monitoring being neither a reliable predictor of cord function nor a predictor of eventual laryngeal function. The fact that all temporary palsies recovered within four months has implications for staged procedures.

A Citizen Science Approach: A Detailed Ecological Assessment of Subtropical Reefs at Point Lookout, Australia

PubMed Central

Thurstan, Ruth; Beger, Maria; Dudgeon, Christine; Loder, Jennifer; Kovacs, Eva; Gallo, Michele; Flower, Jason; Gomez Cabrera, K-le; Ortiz, Juan; Lea, Alexandra; Kleine, Diana

2016-01-01

Subtropical reefs provide an important habitat for flora and fauna, and proper monitoring is required for conservation. Monitoring these exposed and submerged reefs is challenging and available resources are limited. Citizen science is increasing in momentum, as an applied research tool and in the variety of monitoring approaches adopted. This paper aims to demonstrate an ecological assessment and mapping approach that incorporates both top-down (volunteer marine scientists) and bottom-up (divers/community) engagement aspects of citizen science, applied at a subtropical reef at Point Lookout, Southeast Queensland, Australia. Marine scientists trained fifty citizen scientists in survey techniques that included mapping of habitat features, recording of substrate, fish and invertebrate composition, and quantifying impacts (e.g., occurrence of substrate damage, presence of litter). In 2014 these volunteers conducted four seasonal surveys along semi-permanent transects, at five sites, across three reefs. The project presented is a model on how citizen science can be conducted in a marine environment through collaboration of volunteer researchers, non-researchers and local marine authorities. Significant differences in coral and algal cover were observed among the three sites, while fluctuations in algal cover were also observed seasonally. Differences in fish assemblages were apparent among sites and seasons, with subtropical fish groups observed more commonly in colder seasons. The least physical damage occurred in the most exposed sites (Flat Rock) within the highly protected marine park zones. The broad range of data collected through this top-down/bottom-up approach to citizen science exemplifies the projects’ value and application for identifying ecosystem trends or patterns. The results of the project support natural resource and marine park management, providing a valuable contribution to existing scientific knowledge and the conservation of local reefs. PMID:27706182

A Citizen Science Approach: A Detailed Ecological Assessment of Subtropical Reefs at Point Lookout, Australia.

PubMed

Roelfsema, Chris; Thurstan, Ruth; Beger, Maria; Dudgeon, Christine; Loder, Jennifer; Kovacs, Eva; Gallo, Michele; Flower, Jason; Gomez Cabrera, K-le; Ortiz, Juan; Lea, Alexandra; Kleine, Diana

2016-01-01

Subtropical reefs provide an important habitat for flora and fauna, and proper monitoring is required for conservation. Monitoring these exposed and submerged reefs is challenging and available resources are limited. Citizen science is increasing in momentum, as an applied research tool and in the variety of monitoring approaches adopted. This paper aims to demonstrate an ecological assessment and mapping approach that incorporates both top-down (volunteer marine scientists) and bottom-up (divers/community) engagement aspects of citizen science, applied at a subtropical reef at Point Lookout, Southeast Queensland, Australia. Marine scientists trained fifty citizen scientists in survey techniques that included mapping of habitat features, recording of substrate, fish and invertebrate composition, and quantifying impacts (e.g., occurrence of substrate damage, presence of litter). In 2014 these volunteers conducted four seasonal surveys along semi-permanent transects, at five sites, across three reefs. The project presented is a model on how citizen science can be conducted in a marine environment through collaboration of volunteer researchers, non-researchers and local marine authorities. Significant differences in coral and algal cover were observed among the three sites, while fluctuations in algal cover were also observed seasonally. Differences in fish assemblages were apparent among sites and seasons, with subtropical fish groups observed more commonly in colder seasons. The least physical damage occurred in the most exposed sites (Flat Rock) within the highly protected marine park zones. The broad range of data collected through this top-down/bottom-up approach to citizen science exemplifies the projects' value and application for identifying ecosystem trends or patterns. The results of the project support natural resource and marine park management, providing a valuable contribution to existing scientific knowledge and the conservation of local reefs.

Field Soil Water Retention of the Prototype Hanford Barrier and Its Variability with Space and Time

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

Zhang, Z. F.

Engineered surface barriers are used to isolate underlying contaminants from water, plants, animals, and humans. To understand the flow processes within a barrier and the barrier’s ability to store and release water, the field hydraulic properties of the barrier need to be known. In situ measurement of soil hydraulic properties and their variation over time is challenging because most measurement methods are destructive. A multiyear test of the Prototype Hanford Barrier (PHB) has yielded in situ soil water content and pressure data for a nine-year period. The upper 2 m layer of the PHB is a silt loam. Within thismore » layer, water content and water pressure were monitored at multiple depths at 12 water balance stations using a neutron probe and heat dissipation units. Valid monitoring data from 1995 to 2003 for 4 depths at 12 monitoring stations were used to determine the field water retention of the silt loam layer. The data covered a wide range of wetness, from near saturation to the permanent wilt point, and each retention curve contained 51 to 96 data points. The data were described well with the commonly used van Genuchten water retention model. It was found that the spatial variation of the saturated and residual water content and the pore size distribution parameter were relatively small, while that of the van Genuchten alpha was relatively large. The effects of spatial variability of the retention properties appeared to be larger than the combined effects of added 15% w/w pea gravel and plant roots on the properties. Neither of the primary hydrological processes nor time had a detectible effect on the water retention of the silt loam barrier.« less

Comparison of Vegetation Indices from Rpas and SENTINEL-2 Imagery for Detecting Permanent Pastures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piragnolo, M.; Lusiani, G.; Pirotti, F.

2018-04-01

Permanent pastures (PP) are defined as grasslands, which are not subjected to any tillage, but only to natural growth. They are important for local economies in the production of fodder and pastures (Ali et al. 2016). Under these definitions, a pasture is permanent when it is not under any crop-rotation, and its production is related to only irrigation, fertilization and mowing. Subsidy payments to landowners require monitoring activities to determine which sites can be considered PP. These activities are mainly done with visual field surveys by experienced personnel or lately also using remote sensing techniques. The regional agency for SPS subsidies, the Agenzia Veneta per i Pagamenti in Agricoltura (AVEPA) takes care of monitoring and control on behalf of the Veneto Region using remote sensing techniques. The investigation integrate temporal series of Sentinel-2 imagery with RPAS. Indeed, the testing area is specific region were the agricultural land is intensively cultivated for production of hay harvesting four times every year between May and October. The study goal of this study is to monitor vegetation presence and amount using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the Soil-adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), and the Normalized Difference Built Index (NDBI). The overall objective is to define for each index a set of thresholds to define if a pasture can be classified as PP or not and recognize the mowing.

Remote temperature distribution sensing using permanent magnets

DOE PAGES

Chen, Yi; Guba, Oksana; Brooks, Carlton F.; ...

2016-10-31

Remote temperature sensing is essential for applications in enclosed vessels where feedthroughs or optical access points are not possible. A unique sensing method for measuring the temperature of multiple closely-spaced points is proposed using permanent magnets and several three-axis magnetic field sensors. The magnetic field theory for multiple magnets is discussed and a solution technique is presented. Experimental calibration procedures, solution inversion considerations and methods for optimizing the magnet orientations are described in order to obtain low-noise temperature estimates. The experimental setup and the properties of permanent magnets are shown. Finally, experiments were conducted to determine the temperature of ninemore » magnets in different configurations over a temperature range of 5 to 60 degrees Celsius and for a sensor-to-magnet distance of up to 35 mm. Furthermore, to show the possible applications of this sensing system for measuring temperatures through metal walls, additional experiments were conducted inside an opaque 304 stainless steel cylinder.« less

Effect of neurological monitoring in postoperative 5-15 days residual thyroidectomy after primary thyroid cancer surgery.

PubMed

Long, Miao-Yun; Diao, Fei-Yu; Peng, Li-Na; Tan, Lang-Ping; Zhu, Yue; Huang, Kai; Li, Hong-Hao

2018-05-16

To explore the application of intraoperative neurological monitoring in residual thyroidectomy 5-15 days after thyroid cancer operation and the influence on postoperative serum thyroglobulin (Tg), recurrent laryngeal nerve and function of parathyroid glands. Material of patients receiving thyroid surgery from January 2010 to December 2016 was retrospectively analyzed. Cases meeting with standards were enrolled for analysis and the patients were divided into neurological monitoring group and non-neurological monitoring group in line with the use of neurological monitoring during the operation. Recurrent laryngeal nerve-injured hoarseness, hypoparathyroidism and concentration of serum Tg before and after the surgery were collected and analyzed. Four-hundred and thirty-five patients met with standards, among which 227 from neurological monitoring group and 208 from non-neurological monitoring group. Temporary hoarseness rate of non-neurological monitoring group and neurological monitoring group was 8.67% and 2.2%. Permanent hoarseness rate of non-neurological monitoring group and neurological monitoring group was 1.92% and 0.44%. Temporary hypoparathyroidism rate of non-neurological monitoring group and neurological monitoring group was 18.75% and 7.48%. Permanent hypoparathyroidism rate of non-neurological monitoring group and neurological monitoring group was 1.92% and 0.88%. Average Tg concentration 1 month after the surgery in non-neurological monitoring group and neurological monitoring group was 2.82 and 1.37 ng/mL, respectively. Rate of average Tg concentration less than 1 ng/mL 1 month after the surgery in non-neurological monitoring group and neurological monitoring group was 45.06% and 67.4%. Intraoperative neurological monitoring can be adopted in residual thyroidectomy in postoperative 5-15 days after primary thyroid cancer surgery, as to reduce incidence rate of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and hypoparathyroidism and to enhance thorough removal of thyroid tissues and cancer tissues. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

Emerging Technologies for Real-Time Continuous Monitoring of Wellbore Integrity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freifeld, B. M.

2017-12-01

Assessment of a well's integrity has traditionally been carried out through periodic wireline logging, often performed only when an operational problem was noted at the surface. There are several emerging technologies that can be installed permanently as part of the well completion and offer the ability to monitor operations while providing continuous indicators to evaluate the structural health of a well. Permanent behind casing instrumentation, such as pressure and temperature gauges can monitor for behind casing leakage. Similarly, fiber-optic distributed temperature and acoustic sensing provide additional information for assessing unwanted movement of fluid, which is indicative of problems either inside or outside of casing. Furthermore, these technologies offer the benefit of providing real-time continuous streams of information that serve as leading-indicators of wellbore problems to allow for early intervention. Additional research is still needed to develop best practices for the installation and operation of these technologies, as they increase cost and add additional risks that must be managed.

Summary Report: Forest Health Monitoring in the South, 1991

Treesearch

William A. Bechtold; William H. Hoffard; Robert L. Anderson

1992-01-01

The USDA Forest Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have launched a joint program to monitor the health of forests iu the United States. The program is still in the initial phases of implementation, but several indicators of forest health are undergoiug development and permanent plots have been established in 12 States. This report contains...

77 FR 8160 - Quality Assurance Requirements for Continuous Opacity Monitoring Systems at Stationary Sources

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-14

..., glass windows (uncoated or anti-reflection coated, but with no curvature), lenses with mounts where such... requirements must I meet if I use a substitute opacity monitor? In the event that your certified opacity... the above in the maintenance log or in other appropriate permanently maintained records. 10.7 When do...

Avoiding treatment bias of REDD+ monitoring by sampling with partial replacement

Treesearch

Michael Kohl; Charles T Scott; Andrew J Lister; Inez Demon; Daniel Plugge

2015-01-01

Implementing REDD+ renders the development of a measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) system necessary to monitor carbon stock changes. MRV systems generally apply a combination of remote sensing techniques and in-situ field assessments. In-situ assessments can be based on 1) permanent plots, which are assessed on all successive occasions, 2) temporary plots,...

Annotated bibliography of remote sensing methods for monitoring desertification

USGS Publications Warehouse

Walker, A.S.; Robinove, Charles J.

1981-01-01

Remote sensing techniques are valuable for locating, assessing, and monitoring desertification. Remotely sensed data provide a permanent record of the condition of the land in a format that allows changes in land features and condition to be measured. The annotated bibliography of 118 items discusses remote sensing methods that may be applied to desertification studies.

Annual low-cost monitoring of a coastal site in Greece by an unmanned aerial vehicle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoffmeister, Dirk; Bareth, Georg

2016-04-01

Coastal areas are under permanent change and are also the result of past processes. These processes are for example sediment transport, accumulation and erosion by normal and extreme waves (storms or tsunamis). As about 23% of the World's population lives within a 100 km distance of coasts, knowledge about coastal processes is important, in particular for possible changes in the nearby future. The past devastating tsunami events demonstrated profoundly the high vulnerability of coastal areas. In order to estimate the different effects, coastal monitoring approaches are of interest. Several different methods exist in order to determine changes in the sedimentary budget and coastline configuration. In order to estimate constant annual changes, we have applied terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) in an annual monitoring approach (2009-2011). In 2014, we changed to an approach based on dense imaging and structure-from-motion, applying an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in order to conduct an annual monitoring of a coastal site in western Greece. Therefore, a GoPro Hero 3+ and a Canon PowerShot S110 mounted on a DJI-Phantom 2 were used. All surveys were conducted in a manually structured image acquisition with a huge overlap. Ground control points (GCP) were measured by tachymetric surveying. This successful approach was repeated again in 2015 with the Canon camera. The measurements of 2014 were controlled by an additional TLS survey, which revealed the high accuracy and more suitable coverage for the UAV-based data. Likewise, the large picture datasets were artificially reduced in order to estimate the most efficient number of images for dense point cloud processing. In addition, also the number of GCPs was decreased for one dataset. Overall, high-resolution digital elevation models with a ground resolution of 10 mm and an equal accuracy were achieved with this low-cost equipment. The data reveals the slight changes on this selected site.

Magnification of starting torques of dc motors by maximum power point trackers in photovoltaic systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Appelbaum, J.; Singer, S.

1989-01-01

A calculation of the starting torque ratio of permanent magnet, series, and shunt-excited dc motors powered by solar cell arrays is presented for two cases, i.e., with and without a maximum-power-point tracker (MPPT). Defining motor torque magnification by the ratio of the motor torque with an MPPT to the motor torque without an MPPT, a magnification of 3 for the permanent magnet motor and a magnification of 7 for both the series and shunt motors are obtained. The study also shows that all motor types are less sensitive to solar insolation variation in systems including MPPTs as compared to systems without MPPTs.

New concepts and new design of permanent maglev rotary artificial heart blood pumps.

PubMed

Qian, K X; Zeng, P; Ru, W M; Yuan, H Y

2006-05-01

According to tradition, permanent maglev cannot achieve stable equilibrium. The authors have developed, to the contrary, two stable permanent maglev impeller blood pumps. The first pump is an axially driven uni-ventricular assist pump, in which the rotor with impeller is radially supported by two passive magnetic bearings, but has one point contact with the stator axially at standstill. As the pump raises its rotating speed, the increasing hydrodynamic force of fluid acting on the impeller will make the rotor taking off from contacting point and disaffiliate from the stator. Then the rotor becomes fully suspended. The second pump is a radially driven bi-ventricular assist pump, i.e., an impeller total artificial heart. Its rotor with two impellers on both ends is supported by two passive magnetic bearings, which counteract the attractive force between rotor magnets and stator coil iron core. The rotor is affiliated to the stator radially at standstill and becomes levitated during rotation. Therefore, the rotor keeps concentric with stator during rotation but eccentric at standstill, as is confirmed by rotor position detection with Honeywell sensors. It concludes that the permanent maglev needs action of a non-magnetic force to achieve stability but a rotating magnetic levitator with high speed and large inertia can maintain its stability merely with passive magnetic bearings.

Decisions on repositioning of intruded permanent incisors; a review and case presentation.

PubMed

Hurley, E; Stewart, C; Gallagher, C; Kinirons, M

2018-06-01

Traumatic intrusion is a luxation type of injury where the tooth is displaced along the axis of the tooth, into the alveolus. This injury is regarded as serious because of the tissue damage that it causes. The traumatic movement is associated with severe damage to the periodontal ligament, pulpal tissue, root and alveolar socket. Despite its severity, the rare occurrence of this injury in permanent teeth has resulted in limited studies of immature and mature permanent incisors. The purpose of this paper is to review this luxation injury of permanent immature incisors, and to describe its diagnosis, treatment and management. In particular, we describe the repositioning strategies used in cases of intrusion injury. These include (i) monitoring spontaneous re-eruption, (ii) active orthodontic repositioning and (iii) surgical repositioning. Firstly, monitoring spontaneous re-eruption is observing and waiting for the intruded tooth to return to its original position. This process is not a normal developmental eruption and the outcome is not always predictable, nor is the time needed for this to happen. Secondly, active orthodontic repositioning is used to describe the process of rapidly moving the intruded tooth to its original position with the aid of an orthodontic appliance. Active orthodontic repositioning is often misunderstood as normal orthodontic movement. Orthodontic movement allows for periodontal ligament remodelling, using light intermittent forces. In contrast the active orthodontic repositioning used to move intruded incisors is rapid, and the primary aim is to achieve correct tooth position as rapidly as possible. Thirdly, surgical repositioning uses surgical intervention to bring the tooth back to its original position. A case of an intruded immature permanent incisor is presented, with a particular emphasis on these critical decisions on repositioning and showing the use of the three modalities of treatment in sequence, in order to achieve an outcome.

Multi-temporal InSAR Datastacks for Surface Deformation Monitoring: a Review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferretti, A.; Novali, F.; Prati, C.; Rocca, F.

2009-04-01

In the last decade extensive processing of thousands of satellite radar scenes acquired by different sensors (e.g. ERS-1/2, ENVISAT and RADARSAT) has demonstrated how multi-temporal data-sets can be successfully exploited for surface deformation monitoring, by identifying objects on the terrain that have a stable, point-like behaviour. These objects, referred to as Permanent or Persistent Scatterers (PS), can be geo-coded and monitored for movement very accurately, acting as a "natural" geodetic network, integrating successfully continuous GPS data. After a brief analysis of both advantages and drawbacks of InSAR datastacks, the paper presents examples of applications of PS measurements for detecting and monitoring active faults, aquifers and oil/gas reservoirs, using experience in Europe, North America and Japan, and concludes with a discussion on future directions for PSInSAR analysis. Special attention is paid to the possibility of creating deformation maps over wide areas using historical archives of data already available. This second part of the paper will briefly discuss the technical features of the new radar sensors recently launched (namely: TerraSAR-X, RADARSAT-2, and CosmoSkyMed) and their impact on space geodesy, highlighting the importance of data continuity and standardized acquisition policies for almost all InSAR and PSInSAR applications. Finally, recent advances in the algorithms applied in PS analysis, such as detection of "temporary PS", PS characterization and exploitation of distributed scatterers, will be briefly discussed based on the processing of real data.

Ultrasonic monitoring of pitting corrosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jarvis, A. J. C.; Cegla, F. B.; Bazaz, H.; Lozev, M.

2013-01-01

Exposure to corrosive substances in high temperature environments can cause damage accumulation in structural steels, particularly in the chemical and petrochemical industries. The interaction mechanisms are complex and varied; however initial damage propagation often manifests itself in the form of localized areas of increased material loss. Recent development of an ultrasonic wall thickness monitoring sensor capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 500°C has allowed permanent monitoring within such hostile environments, providing information on how the shape of a pulse which has reflected from a corroding surface can change over time. Reconstructing localized corrosion depth and position may be possible by tracking such changes in reflected pulse shape, providing extra information on the state of the backwall and whether process conditions should be altered to increase plant life. This paper aims to experimentally investigate the effect certain localized features have on reflected pulse shape by `growing' artificial defects into the backwall while wall thickness is monitored using the sensor. The size and complexity of the three dimensional scattering problem lead to the development of a semi-analytical simulation based on the distributed point source method (DPSM) which is capable of simulating pulse reflection from complex surfaces measuring approximately 17×10λ Comparison to experimental results show that amplitude changes are predicted to within approximately 1dB and that pulse shape changes are accurately modelled. All experiments were carried out at room temperature, measurements at high temperature will be studied in the future.

Monitoring Concept for CO2 Storage at the Pilot Site Ketzin, Germany

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wipki, Mario; Liebscher, Axel; Lüth, Stefan; Ivanova, Alexandra; Möller, Fabian; Schmidt-Hattenberger, Cornelia; Rippe, Dennis; Zimmer, Martin; Szizybalski, Alexandra

2016-04-01

Between 2008 and 2013, the German Research Centre for Geosciences - GFZ has injected more than 67 kt of CO2 at the Pilot Site in Ketzin, 25 km west of Berlin. The CO2 was stored in porous sandstones of the Upper Triassic Stuttgart Formation at a depth of 630 to 650 m. In more than a decade, GFZ has developed and tested an extraordinary multi-monitoring concept for onshore CO2 storages which mainly comprises the following methods: Time-lapse 3D seismic surveying is the most commonly used method for imaging and monitoring a CO2-plume in the deep underground before, during and after the injection phase. Such campaigns require high logistical and financial efforts and can be realised only to a limited extent. At Ketzin, for instance, 3D-seismic repeat surveys were acquired using several thousand surface acquisition points and lasting over two or three months. Alternative approaches include permanently buried seismic receivers. Geoelectric measurements in Ketzin are mainly applied by using a permanent downhole electrode installation (Vertical Electrical Resistivity Array = VERA) which has been implemented in three wells behind the well casings. Measurements between 590 m to 735 m are constantly carried out covering the vertical thickness of the entire CO2 storage horizon. Valuable results were achieved by a combination of inhole, crosshole and surface downhole measurements which has been carried out with appropriate acquisition geometries. For focused areas around monitoring wells, geoelectric methods may support and supplement information from seismic surveys. Borehole monitoring of pressure and temperature are generally indispensable for every underground gas storage type. In Ketzin, a remote monitoring system for all wells has been installed that constantly provides the operators with values for date, time, downhole and wellhead pressure, depth, and temperature. Moreover, all wellheads are checked weekly during onsite inspections. Samples for chemical analysis are taken in regular intervals from an observation well. With a total depth of 418 m, the well reaches the natural brine filled sandstones of the Triassic Exter Formation which represents the layer straight upon the caprock of the CO2 reservoir. Fluid samples are being analysed for stable carbon isotopes δ13C, dissolved organic carbon (DIC) and pH. Any significant intrusion of CO2 into this aquifer would cause distinct anomalies and trigger alarm conditions. Another regularly applied monitoring method in Ketzin is the measurement of soil CO2 flux. Natural CO2 flux is generated by the respiration of roots and soil organisms and the decomposition of organic matter. Both processes very much depend on the seasons respectively on the soil temperature. Outliers of the natural background range could indicate a leakage in the reservoir.

23 CFR 630.404 - Standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... PROCEDURES Geodetic Markers § 630.404 Standards. (a) Highway purposes may best be served by the establishment... than one kilometer. These requirements may be waived only with the approval of the Administrator. (b... permanent points, preferably within the right-of-way but at points where their use does not introduce...

Geologic bench marks by terrestrial photography

USGS Publications Warehouse

Malde, Harold E.

1973-01-01

A photograph made with a level camera, if taken at a known height above a permanent mark on the ground, can be later repeated with exactness for measurement of changes in terrain. Such a photograph is one of several means for establishing a geologic bench mark and is especially useful for monitoring the subtle qualities of a landscape that are otherwise hard to map and describe, including the effects of man's use. Moreover, the geometry of such a photograph provides the same angular measurements between objects as can be made with a transit. A measurement of distance on a single photograph, however, requires control points. These can be surveyed at any convenient time, not necessarily when the initial photograph is made. Distances can also be determined by simple stereophotography from a base line of suitable length.

The New England forest: baseline for New England forest health monitoring

Treesearch

Robert T. Brooks; Thomas S Frieswyk; Douglas M. Griffith; Ellen Cooter; Luther Smith; Luther Smith

1992-01-01

The USDA Forest Service along with various cooperators has initiated Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) in New England to assess the condition and stressors of the region's forests, to analyze changes in these data over time, and to identify any relationships between forest condition and stressors. A major component of FHM in New England is 263 permanent plots located...

Tracking the health of trees over time on forest health monitoring plots

Treesearch

Jim Steinman

2000-01-01

The Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) Program was initiated in 1990 as a cooperative effort between the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. Program efforts include detecting changes in tree health from a national grid of one-sixth acre permanent sample plots. Tree data have been collected in various states since 1991, and include species,...

State-of-the-art technologies of forest inventory and monitoring in Taiwan

Treesearch

Fong-Long Feng

2000-01-01

Ground surveys, remote sensing (RS), global positioning systems (GPS), geographic information systems (GIS), and permanent sampling plots (PSP) were used to inventory and monitor forests in the development of an ecosystem management plan for the island of Taiwan. While the entire island has been surveyed, this study concentrates on the Hui-Sun and Hsin-Hua Experimental...

Tracking the health of trees over time on Forest Health Monitoring plots

Treesearch

Jim Steinman

2000-01-01

The Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) Program was initiated in 1990 as a cooperative effort between the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. Program efforts include detecting changes in tree health from a national grid of one-sixth acre permanent sample plots. Tree data have been collected in various States since 1991, and include species...

Permanent downhole fiber optic pressure and temperature monitoring during CO2 injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt-Hattenberger, C.; Moeller, F.; Liebscher, A.; Koehler, S.

2009-04-01

Permanent downhole monitoring of pressure and temperature, ideally over the entire length of the injection string, is essential for any smooth and safe CO2 injection within the framework of geological CO2 storage: i) To avoid fracturing of the cap-rock, a certain, site dependent pressure threshold within the reservoir should not be exceeded; ii) Any CO2 phase transition within the injection string, i.e. either condensation or evaporation, should be avoided. Such phase transitions cause uncontrolled and undetermined P-T regimes within the injection string that may ultimately result in a shut-in of the injection facility; and iii) Precise knowledge of the P and T response of the reservoir to the CO2 injection is a prerequisite to any reservoir modeling. The talk will present first results from our permanent downhole P-T monitoring program from the Ketzin CO2 storage test site (CO2SINK). At Ketzin, a fiber Bragg grating pressure sensor has been installed at the end of the injection string in combination with distributed temperature profiling over the entire length (about 550 m) of the string for continuous P-T monitoring during operation. Such fiber optic monitoring technique is used by default in the oil and gas industry but has not yet been applied as standard on a long-term routine mode for CO2 injection. Pressure is measured every 5 seconds with a resolution of < 1 bar. The data are later processed by user-defined program. The temperature logs along the injection string are measured every 3 minutes with a spatial resolution of one meter and with a temperature resolution of about 0.1°C. The long-term stability under full operational conditions is currently under investigation. The main computer of the P-T system operates as a stand-alone data-acquisition unit, and is connected with a secure intranet in order to ensure remote data access and system maintenance. The on-line measurements are displayed on the operator panel of the injection facility for direct control. The monitoring program started already prior to CO2 injection and runs since 6 months without any fatal errors. The recorded data cover the pre-injection well-testing phase, the initial injection phase as well as several shut-in and re-start phases during routine injection. Especially during the initial and re-start phases the monitoring results significantly optimized and improved the operation of the injection facility in terms of injection rate and injection temperature. Due to the high qualitative and also quantitative resolution of this technique even shortest-term transient disturbances of the reservoir and injection regime could be monitored as they may occur due to fluid sampling or logging in neighboring wells. Such short-term transient effects are normally overlooked using non-permanent monitoring techniques. On the long-term perspective, this monitoring technique will also support the control of CO2 injection tubing integrity, which is a prerequisite for any secure long-lasting CO2 injection and storage.

Weather radar performance monitoring using a metallic-grid ground-scatterer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Falconi, Marta Tecla; Montopoli, Mario; Marzano, Frank Silvio; Baldini, Luca

2017-10-01

The use of ground return signals is investigated for checks on the calibration of power measurements of a polarimetric C-band radar. To this aim, a peculiar permanent single scatterer (PSS) consisting of a big metallic roof with a periodic mesh grid structure and having a hemisphere-like shape is considered. The latter is positioned in the near-field region of the weather radar and its use, as a reference calibrator, shows fairly good results in terms of reflectivity and differential reflectivity monitoring. In addition, the use of PSS indirectly allows to check for the radar antenna de-pointing which is another issue usually underestimated when dealing with weather radars. Because of the periodic structure of the considered PSS, simulations of its electromagnetic behavior were relatively easy to perform. To this goal, we used an electromagnetic Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) with an ad-hoc numerical implementation of a full-wave solution to model our PSS in terms of reflectivity and differential reflectivity factor. Comparison of model results and experimental measurements are then shown in this work. Our preliminary investigation can pave the way for future studies aiming at characterizing ground-clutter returns in a more accurate way for radar calibration purposes.

Permanent split capacitor single phase electric motor system

DOEpatents

Kirschbaum, Herbert S.

1984-01-01

A permanent split capacitor single phase electric motor achieves balanced operation at more than one operating point by adjusting the voltage supplied to the main and auxiliary windings and adjusting the capacitance in the auxiliary winding circuit. An intermediate voltage tap on an autotransformer supplies voltage to the main winding for low speed operation while a capacitive voltage divider is used to adjust the voltage supplied to the auxiliary winding for low speed operation.

Macroecology of Australian Tall Eucalypt Forests: Baseline Data from a Continental-Scale Permanent Plot Network

PubMed Central

Wood, Sam W.; Prior, Lynda D.; Stephens, Helen C.; Bowman, David M. J. S.

2015-01-01

Tracking the response of forest ecosystems to climate change demands large (≥1 ha) monitoring plots that are repeatedly measured over long time frames and arranged across macro-ecological gradients. Continental scale networks of permanent forest plots have identified links between climate and carbon fluxes by monitoring trends in tree growth, mortality and recruitment. The relationship between tree growth and climate in Australia has been recently articulated through analysis of data from smaller forest plots, but conclusions were limited by (a) absence of data on recruitment and mortality, (b) exclusion of non-eucalypt species, and (c) lack of knowledge of stand age or disturbance histories. To remedy these gaps we established the Ausplots Forest Monitoring Network: a continental scale network of 48 1 ha permanent plots in highly productive tall eucalypt forests in the mature growth stage. These plots are distributed across cool temperate, Mediterranean, subtropical and tropical climates (mean annual precipitation 850 to 1900 mm per year; mean annual temperature 6 to 21°C). Aboveground carbon stocks (AGC) in these forests are dominated by eucalypts (90% of AGC) whilst non-eucalypts in the understorey dominated species diversity and tree abundance (84% of species; 60% of stems). Aboveground carbon stocks were negatively related to mean annual temperature, with forests at the warm end of the temperature range storing approximately half the amount of carbon as forests at the cool end of the temperature range. This may reflect thermal constraints on tree growth detected through other plot networks and physiological studies. Through common protocols and careful sampling design, the Ausplots Forest Monitoring Network will facilitate the integration of tall eucalypt forests into established global forest monitoring initiatives. In the context of projections of rapidly warming and drying climates in Australia, this plot network will enable detection of links between climate and growth, mortality and carbon dynamics of eucalypt forests. PMID:26368919

47 CFR 74.432 - Licensing requirements and procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... EXPERIMENTAL RADIO, AUXILIARY, SPECIAL BROADCAST AND OTHER PROGRAM DISTRIBUTIONAL SERVICES Remote Pickup... transmitter or points of any intercity relay system on frequencies in Groups I and J. (d) Base stations may be... at the control point of the station. (k) In case of permanent discontinuance of operations of a...

Study on the application of permanent magnet synchronous motors in underground belt conveyors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, S. H.

2017-12-01

This paper analyzes and compares the advantages and disadvantages of several kinds of drive devices of belt conveyors from the angle of energy saving, and summarizes the application advantages and using problems of permanent magnet motor variable frequency drive system in belt conveyors. An example is given to demonstrate the energy saving effect of this system compared with other driving methods. This paper points out the application prospect of permanent magnet motor variable frequency drive system on belt conveyors and other large mining machines in coal mine. This paper is aimed to provide the design direction for the designer and the choice basis for the user on belt conveyor.

On a neutral particle with permanent magnetic dipole moment in a magnetic medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakke, K.; Salvador, C.

2018-03-01

We investigate quantum effects that stem from the interaction of a permanent magnetic dipole moment of a neutral particle with an electric field in a magnetic medium. We consider a long non-conductor cylinder that possesses a uniform distribution of electric charges and a non-uniform magnetization. We discuss the possibility of achieving this non-uniform magnetization from the experimental point of view. Besides, due to this non-uniform magnetization, the permanent magnetic dipole moment of the neutral particle also interacts with a non-uniform magnetic field. This interaction gives rise to a linear scalar potential. Then, we show that bound states solutions to the Schrödinger-Pauli equation can be achieved.

Quantum Matching Theory (with new complexity-theoretic, combinatorial and topical insights on the nature of the quantum entanglement)

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

Gurvits, L.

2002-01-01

Classical matching theory can be defined in terms of matrices with nonnegative entries. The notion of Positive operator, central in Quantum Theory, is a natural generalization of matrices with non-negative entries. Based on this point of view, we introduce a definition of perfect Quantum (operator) matching. We show that the new notion inherits many 'classical' properties, but not all of them. This new notion goes somewhere beyound matroids. For separable bipartite quantum states this new notion coinsides with the full rank property of the intersection of two corresponding geometric matroids. In the classical situation, permanents are naturally associated with perfectsmore » matchings. We introduce an analog of permanents for positive operators, called Quantum Permanent and show how this generalization of the permanent is related to the Quantum Entanglement. Besides many other things, Quantum Permanents provide new rational inequalities necessary for the separability of bipartite quantum states. Using Quantum Permanents, we give deterministic poly-time algorithm to solve Hidden Matroids Intersection Problem and indicate some 'classical' complexity difficulties associated with the Quantum Entanglement. Finally, we prove that the weak membership problem for the convex set of separable bipartite density matrices is NP-HARD.« less

Extending permanent volcano monitoring networks into Iceland's ice caps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vogfjörd, Kristín S.; Bergsson, Bergur H.; Kjartansson, Vilhjálmur; Jónsson, Thorsteinn; Ófeigsson, Benedikt G.; Roberts, Matthew J.; Jóhannesson, Tómas; Pálsson, Finnur; Magnússon, Eyjólfur; Erlendsson, Pálmi; Ingvarsson, Thorgils; Pálssson, Sighvatur K.

2015-04-01

The goals of the FUTUREVOLC project are the establishment of a volcano Supersite in Iceland to enable access to volcanological data from the country's many volcanoes and the development of a multiparametric volcano monitoring and early warning system. However, the location of some of Iceland's most active volcanoes inside the country's largest ice cap, Vatnajökull, makes these goals difficult to achieve as it hinders access and proper monitoring of seismic and deformation signals from the volcanoes. To overcome these obstacles, one of the developments in the project involves experimenting with extending the permanent real-time networks into the ice cap, including installation of stations in the glacier ice. At the onset of the project, only one permanent seismic and GPS site existed within Vatnajökull, on the caldera rim of the Grímsvötn volcano. Two years into the project both seismic and GPS stations have been successfully installed and operated inside the glacier; on rock outcrops as well as on the glacier surface. The specific problems to overcome are (i) harsh weather conditions requiring sturdy and resilient equipment and site installations, (ii) darkness during winter months shutting down power generation for several weeks, (iii) high snow accumulation burying the instruments, solar panels and communication and GPS antennae, and in some locations (iv) extreme icing conditions blocking transmission signals and connection to GPS satellites, as well as excluding the possibility of power generation by wind generators. In 2013, two permanent seismic stations and one GPS station were installed on rock outcrops within the ice cap in locations with 3G connections and powered by solar panels and enough battery storage to sustain operation during the darkest winter months. These sites have successfully operated for over a year with mostly regular maintenance requirements, transmitting data in real-time to IMO for analysis. Preparations for two permanent seismic sites in the ice started in early 2014, with the installation of windmills, solar panels and web camera to monitor snow accumulation and icing. The site locations were constrained by the availability of communication and locations of ice-divides to avoid significant lateral motion of the stations. At the onset of the Bárdarbunga dyke intrusion in August 2014, these sites were temporarily instrumented and transmitted real-time seismic data, important for tracking the dyke intrusion. In late 2014, a specially designed vault was installed at one of the sites and a Güralp broadband glacier seismometer installed. Since 2013, three GPS stations powered by solar energy have been operated on the ice, to monitor the movement of the glacier during an expected subglacial flood, when accumulated melt water at the Eastern Skaftá cauldron sub-glacial geothermal area will drain. One of the sites, located in the depression above the subglacial lake to monitor the onset of the flood, transmits the data to a repeater just outside the depression, from where the signal is transmitted by 3G to IMO. Maintaining the transmission through the winter months has required considerable maintenance. The experience gained through this operation proved crucial for the successful installation and operation of a real-time transmitting GPS and strong motion seismometer inside the Bárdarbunga cauldron in October 2014 to monitor the ongoing caldera subsidence.

Improving estimates of forest disturbance by combining observations from Landsat time series with U.S

Treesearch

Todd A. Schroeder; Sean P. Healey; Gretchen G. Moisen; Tracey S. Frescino; Warren B. Cohen; Chengquan Huang; Robert E. Kennedy; Zhiqiang Yang

2014-01-01

With earth's surface temperature and human population both on the rise a new emphasis has been placed on monitoring changes to forested ecosystems the world over. In the United States the U.S. Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program monitors the forested land base with field data collected over a permanent network of sample plots. Although these...

Lichen elemental content bioindicators for air quality in upper Midwest, USA: A model for large-scale monitoring

Treesearch

Susan Will-Wolf; Sarah Jovan; Michael C. Amacher

2017-01-01

Our development of lichen elemental bioindicators for a United States of America (USA) national monitoring program is a useful model for other large-scale programs. Concentrations of 20 elements were measured, validated, and analyzed for 203 samples of five common lichen species. Collections were made by trained non-specialists near 75 permanent plots and an expert...

Impact of postoperative magnesium levels on early hypocalcemia and permanent hypoparathyroidism after thyroidectomy.

PubMed

Garrahy, Aoife; Murphy, Matthew S; Sheahan, Patrick

2016-04-01

Postoperative hypocalcemia is a common complication of thyroidectomy. Magnesium is known to modulate serum calcium levels and hypomagnesemia may impede correction of hypocalcemia. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether hypomagnesemia after thyroidectomy has any impact on early hypocalcemia and/or permanent hypoparathyroidism. We conducted a retrospective review of prospectively maintained databases. Inclusion criteria were total or completion total thyroidectomy with postoperative magnesium levels available. The incidence of postoperative hypocalcemia was correlated with postoperative hypomagnesemia and other risk factors. Two hundred one cases were included. Twenty-six patients (13%) developed postoperative hypomagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia (p = .002), cancer diagnosis (p = .01), central neck dissection (p = .02), and inadvertent parathyroid resection (p = .02) were significantly associated with hypocalcemia. On multivariate analysis, only hypomagnesemia (p = .005) remained significant. Hypomagnesemia was also a significant predictor of permanent hypoparathyroidism (p = .0004). Hypomagnesemia is significantly associated with early hypocalcemia and permanent hypoparathyroidism after thyroidectomy. Magnesium levels should be closely monitored in patients with postthyroidectomy hypocalcemia. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Method and system for controlling a permanent magnet machine during fault conditions

DOEpatents

Krefta, Ronald John; Walters, James E.; Gunawan, Fani S.

2004-05-25

Method and system for controlling a permanent magnet machine driven by an inverter is provided. The method allows for monitoring a signal indicative of a fault condition. The method further allows for generating during the fault condition a respective signal configured to maintain a field weakening current even though electrical power from an energy source is absent during said fault condition. The level of the maintained field-weakening current enables the machine to operate in a safe mode so that the inverter is protected from excess voltage.

Post-Seismic Crustal Deformation Following The 1999 Izmit Earthquake, Western Part Of North Anatolian Fault Zone, Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gurkan, O.; Ozener, H.

2004-12-01

The North Anatolian Fault is an about 1500 km long, extending from the Karliova to the North Aegean. Turkey is a natural laboratory with high tectonic activity caused by the relative motion of the Eurasian, Arabian and Anatolian plates. Western part of Turkey and its vicinity is a seismically active area. Since 1972 crustal deformation has been observed by various kinds of geodetic measurements in the area. Three GPS networks were installed in this region by Geodesy Department of Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute( KOERI ) of Bogazici University: (1) Iznik Network, installed on the Iznik-Mekece fault zone, seismically low active part, (2) Sapanca Network, installed on the Izmit-Sapanca fault zone, seismically active part, (3) Akyazi Network, installed on their intersection area, the Mudurnu fault zone. First period observations were performed by using terrestrial methods in 1990 and these observations were repeated annually until 1993. Since 1994, GPS measurements have been carried out at the temporary and permanent points in the area and the crustal movements are being monitored. Horizontal deformations, which have not been detected by terrestrial methods, were determined from the results of GPS measurements. A M=7.4 earthquake hit Izmit, northern Turkey, on August 17, 1999. After this earthquake many investigations have been started in the region. An international project has been performed with the collaboration of Massachussets Institute of Technology, Turkish General Command of Mapping, Istanbul Technical University, TUBITAK-Marmara Research Center and Geodesy Department of KOERI. Postseismic movements have been observed by the region-wide network. A GPS network including 49 well spread points in Marmara region was observed twice a year between 1999 and 2003 years. During these surveys, another network with 6 points has been formed by using 2 points from each 3 microgeodetic networks on NAFZ with appropriate coverage and geometry. These points have been connected by GPS observations to monitor the deformations. This expanded microgeodetic network has been occupied with Istanbul-Kandilli continuous GPS station (KANT). The objective of this paper is to present the post-seismic crustal deformation obtained from the GPS observations at the Western Part of the North Anatolian Fault (NAF) in Turkey.

Remeasurement of permanent vegetation plots in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA, and the implications of climatic changes on vegetation. Environmental Sciences Division publication No. 1111

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

Becking, R. W.; Olson, J. S.

1978-03-01

This report summarizes field work over two summers (1976 and 1977) to relocate, monument and reinventory permanent vegetation plots in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These plots were first established by the senior author and R.H. Whittaker in 1959-62. The inventory results are discussed in terms of vegetation changes in high-altitudinal forest ecosystems, in particular the spruce-fir forests, and the factors, climate shift and biotic and abiotic agents, bringing about vegetation change. A second aspect of the report summarizes experience and offers recommendations for establishment of permanent vegetation plots for the purpose of providing a monitoring tool with whichmore » to measure long-term ecological change.« less

Permanent split capacitor single phase electric motor system

DOEpatents

Kirschbaum, H.S.

1984-08-14

A permanent split capacitor single phase electric motor achieves balanced operation at more than one operating point by adjusting the voltage supplied to the main and auxiliary windings and adjusting the capacitance in the auxiliary winding circuit. An intermediate voltage tap on an autotransformer supplies voltage to the main winding for low speed operation while a capacitive voltage divider is used to adjust the voltage supplied to the auxiliary winding for low speed operation. 4 figs.

Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies Four Loci Associated with Eruption of Permanent Teeth

PubMed Central

Zhang, Hao; Shaffer, John R.; Hansen, Thomas; Esserlind, Ann-Louise; Boyd, Heather A.; Nohr, Ellen A.; Timpson, Nicholas J.; Fatemifar, Ghazaleh; Paternoster, Lavinia; Evans, David M.; Weyant, Robert J.; Levy, Steven M.; Lathrop, Mark; Smith, George Davey; Murray, Jeffrey C.; Olesen, Jes; Werge, Thomas; Marazita, Mary L.; Sørensen, Thorkild I. A.; Melbye, Mads

2011-01-01

The sequence and timing of permanent tooth eruption is thought to be highly heritable and can have important implications for the risk of malocclusion, crowding, and periodontal disease. We conducted a genome-wide association study of number of permanent teeth erupted between age 6 and 14 years, analyzed as age-adjusted standard deviation score averaged over multiple time points, based on childhood records for 5,104 women from the Danish National Birth Cohort. Four loci showed association at P<5×10−8 and were replicated in four independent study groups from the United States and Denmark with a total of 3,762 individuals; all combined P-values were below 10−11. Two loci agreed with previous findings in primary tooth eruption and were also known to influence height and breast cancer, respectively. The two other loci pointed to genomic regions without any previous significant genome-wide association study results. The intronic SNP rs7924176 in ADK could be linked to gene expression in monocytes. The combined effect of the four genetic variants was most pronounced between age 10 and 12 years, where children with 6 to 8 delayed tooth eruption alleles had on average 3.5 (95% confidence interval: 2.9–4.1) fewer permanent teeth than children with 0 or 1 of these alleles. PMID:21931568

Velocity- and pointing-error measurements of a 300 000-r/min self-bearing permanent-magnet motor for optical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breitkopf, Sven; Lilienfein, Nikolai; Achtnich, Timon; Zwyssig, Christof; Tünnermann, Andreas; Pupeza, Ioachim; Limpert, Jens

2018-06-01

Compact, ultra-high-speed self-bearing permanent-magnet motors enable a wide scope of applications including an increasing number of optical ones. For implementation in an optical setup, the rotors have to satisfy high demands regarding their velocity and pointing errors. Only a restricted number of measurements of these parameters exist and only at relatively low velocities. This manuscript presents the measurement of the velocity and pointing errors at rotation frequencies up to 5 kHz. The acquired data allow us to identify the rotor drive as the main source of velocity variations with fast fluctuations of up to 3.4 ns (RMS) and slow drifts of 23 ns (RMS) over ˜120 revolutions at 5 kHz in vacuum. At the same rotation frequency, the pointing fluctuated by 12 μrad (RMS) and 33 μrad (peak-to-peak) over ˜10 000 round trips. To our best knowledge, this states the first measurement of velocity and pointing errors at multi-kHz rotation frequencies and will allow potential adopters to evaluate the feasibility of such rotor drives for their application.

Improved equivalent magnetic network modeling for analyzing working points of PMs in interior permanent magnet machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Liyan; Xia, Changliang; Wang, Huimin; Wang, Zhiqiang; Shi, Tingna

2018-05-01

As is well known, the armature current will be ahead of the back electromotive force (back-EMF) under load condition of the interior permanent magnet (PM) machine. This kind of advanced armature current will produce a demagnetizing field, which may make irreversible demagnetization appeared in PMs easily. To estimate the working points of PMs more accurately and take demagnetization under consideration in the early design stage of a machine, an improved equivalent magnetic network model is established in this paper. Each PM under each magnetic pole is segmented, and the networks in the rotor pole shoe are refined, which makes a more precise model of the flux path in the rotor pole shoe possible. The working point of each PM under each magnetic pole can be calculated accurately by the established improved equivalent magnetic network model. Meanwhile, the calculated results are compared with those calculated by FEM. And the effects of d-axis component and q-axis component of armature current, air-gap length and flux barrier size on working points of PMs are analyzed by the improved equivalent magnetic network model.

Recent advances in analysis and prediction of Rock Falls, Rock Slides, and Rock Avalanches using 3D point clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abellan, A.; Carrea, D.; Jaboyedoff, M.; Riquelme, A.; Tomas, R.; Royan, M. J.; Vilaplana, J. M.; Gauvin, N.

2014-12-01

The acquisition of dense terrain information using well-established 3D techniques (e.g. LiDAR, photogrammetry) and the use of new mobile platforms (e.g. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) together with the increasingly efficient post-processing workflows for image treatment (e.g. Structure From Motion) are opening up new possibilities for analysing, modeling and predicting rock slope failures. Examples of applications at different scales ranging from the monitoring of small changes at unprecedented level of detail (e.g. sub millimeter-scale deformation under lab-scale conditions) to the detection of slope deformation at regional scale. In this communication we will show the main accomplishments of the Swiss National Foundation project "Characterizing and analysing 3D temporal slope evolution" carried out at Risk Analysis group (Univ. of Lausanne) in close collaboration with the RISKNAT and INTERES groups (Univ. of Barcelona and Univ. of Alicante, respectively). We have recently developed a series of innovative approaches for rock slope analysis using 3D point clouds, some examples include: the development of semi-automatic methodologies for the identification and extraction of rock-slope features such as discontinuities, type of material, rockfalls occurrence and deformation. Moreover, we have been improving our knowledge in progressive rupture characterization thanks to several algorithms, some examples include the computing of 3D deformation, the use of filtering techniques on permanently based TLS, the use of rock slope failure analogies at different scales (laboratory simulations, monitoring at glacier's front, etc.), the modelling of the influence of external forces such as precipitation on the acceleration of the deformation rate, etc. We have also been interested on the analysis of rock slope deformation prior to the occurrence of fragmental rockfalls and the interaction of this deformation with the spatial location of future events. In spite of these recent advances, a great challenge still remains in the development of new algorithms for more accurate techniques for 3D point cloud treatment (e.g. filtering, segmentation, etc.) aiming to improve rock slope characterization and monitoring, a series of exciting research findings are expected in the forthcoming years.

The Sines industrial complex monitoring programme: A preliminary report.

PubMed

Jones, M P; Catarino, F M; Sérgio, C; Bento-Pereira, F

1981-06-01

It is anticipated that the establishment of the industrial complex at Sines, Alentejo, Portugal, will have some impact on the environment. Details of the methods used in the monitoring programme are provided. Records of the epiphytic lichen vegetation in permanent quadrats have been made and changes shown in selected sites over a three year period are discussed. Material has been collected for analysis for heavy metals and the results discussed. There is considerable variation in replicates and in interspecies values. The problem of age and bio-accumulation is mentioned. Scanning electron microscopy has shown the accumulation of particulates, as yet unidentified, the quantity varying with increase in age and surface texture. A broadly based study of the local epiphytic flora is being carried out to record the present day diversity. There appears, as yet, to be no detectable influence of the industrial complex on the epiphytic flora of the permanent quadrats.

Grande Ronde Endemic Spring Chinook Salmon Supplementation Program: Facility Operation and Maintenance and Monitoring and Evaluation, 2001 Annual Report.

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

Boe, Stephen J.; Ogburn, Parker N.

2003-03-01

This is the second annual report of a multi-year project to operate adult collection and juvenile acclimation facilities on Catherine Creek and the upper Grande Ronde River for Snake River spring chinook salmon. These two streams have historically supported populations that provided significant tribal and non-tribal fisheries. Supplementation using conventional and captive broodstock techniques is being used to restore fisheries in these streams. Statement of Work Objectives for 2001: (1) Participate in implementation of the comprehensive multiyear operations plan for the Grande Ronde Endemic Spring chinook Supplementation Program (GRESCP). (2) Plan detailed GRESCP Monitoring and Evaluation for future years. (3)more » Ensure proper construction and trial operation of semi-permanent adult and juvenile facilities for use in 2001. (4) Plan for data collection needs for bull trout. (5) Ensure proper construction and trial operation of semi-permanent adult and juvenile facilities for use in 2001. (6) Collect summer steelhead. (7) Monitor adult endemic spring chinook salmon populations and collect broodstock. (8) Acclimate juvenile spring chinook salmon prior to release into the upper Grande Ronde River and Catherine Creek. (9) Monitor adult population abundance and characteristics of Grande Ronde River spring chinook salmon populations. (10) Monitor condition, movement, and mortality of spring chinook salmon acclimated at remote facilities. (11) Participate in Monitoring & Evaluation of the captive brood component of the Program to document contribution to the Program. (12) Monitor water quality at facilities. (13) Document accomplishments and needs to permitters, comanagers, and funding agencies. (14) Communicate Project results to the scientific community.« less

Water-quality data from shallow pond-bottom groundwater in the Fishermans Cove area of Ashumet Pond, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, 2001–2010

USGS Publications Warehouse

McCobb, Timothy D.; LeBlanc, Denis R.

2011-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collected water-quality data between 2001 and 2010 in the Fishermans Cove area of Ashumet Pond, Falmouth, Massachusetts, where the eastern portion of a treated-wastewater plume, created by more than 60 years of overland disposal, discharges to the pond. Temporary drive points were installed, and shallow pond-bottom groundwater was sampled, at 167 locations in 2001, 150 locations in 2003, and 120 locations in 2004 to delineate the distribution of wastewater-related constituents. In 2004, the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment (AFCEE) installed a pond-bottom permeable reactive barrier (PRB) to intercept phosphate in the plume at its discharge point to the pond. The USGS monitored the performance of the PRB by collecting samples from temporary drive points at multiple depth intervals in 2006 (200 samples at 76 locations) and 2009 (150 samples at 90 locations). During the first 5 years after installation of the PRB, water samples were collected periodically from five types of pore-water samplers that had been permanently installed in and near the PRB during the barrier's emplacement. The distribution of wastewater-related constituents in the pond-bottom groundwater and changes in the geochemistry of the pond-bottom groundwater after installation of the PRB have been documented in several published reports that are listed in the references.

History of ozone injury monitoring methods and the development of a recommended protocol

Treesearch

Daniel Duriscoe; Kenneth Stolte; John Pronos

1996-01-01

The minimum requirement for long–term monitoring of air pollution effects on forest stands is to develop methods for observers to locate, evaluate, and re–evaluate individual trees at intervals of one or more years. Studies of this nature have used permanent quadrats or "plots" in which individual plants are tagged or mapped. Multiple levels of information...

A facility monitoring system: The single most valuable and cost-effective tool available to an energy manager

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

Holmes, W.A.

Energy engineering and management combines engineering problem-solving and financial management techniques to reduce utility costs. At present, substantial amounts of time and money are being spent in order to attempt to quantify energy consumption and costs and define opportunities for savings. Unfortunately, accurate verification of results is often overlooked. Advances in technology during the last few years have made the installation of a permanent, PC-based monitoring system possible for any facility, often for no more than the cost of a detailed study. By investing initially in a monitoring system rather than audits or studies, the actual consumption and cost datamore » will be available on a continuing basis and can be used to produce immediate operational savings, more accurately analyze opportunities requiring capital investments, and to verify actual savings resulting from changes. A permanent monitoring system, installed as the first step in a utility cost reduction effort, to identify where and how energy is used in a facility on a dynamic and real-time basis, can provide the most valuable and cost-effective tool available to an energy manager. The resulting data allows energy consumption patterns and utility costs to be understood and managed in the same manner as all other costs within a facility.« less

Complications of invasive video-EEG monitoring with subdural grid electrodes.

PubMed

Hamer, H M; Morris, H H; Mascha, E J; Karafa, M T; Bingaman, W E; Bej, M D; Burgess, R C; Dinner, D S; Foldvary, N R; Hahn, J F; Kotagal, P; Najm, I; Wyllie, E; Lüders, H O

2002-01-08

To evaluate the risk factors, type, and frequency of complications during video-EEG monitoring with subdural grid electrodes. The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients who underwent invasive monitoring with subdural grid electrodes (n = 198 monitoring sessions on 187 patients; median age: 24 years; range: 1 to 50 years) at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation from 1980 to 1997. From 1980 to 1997, the complication rate decreased (p = 0.003). In the last 5 years, 19/99 patients (19%) had complications, including two patients (2%) with permanent sequelae. In the last 3 years, the complication rate was 13.5% (n = 5/37) without permanent deficits. Overall, complications occurred during 52 monitoring sessions (26.3%): infection (n = 24; 12.1%), transient neurologic deficit (n = 22; 11.1%), epidural hematoma (n = 5; 2.5%), increased intracranial pressure (n = 5; 2.5%), and infarction (n = 3; 1.5%). One patient (0.5%) died during grid insertion. Complication occurrence was associated with greater number of grids/electrodes (p = 0.021/p = 0.052; especially >60 electrodes), longer duration of monitoring (p = 0.004; especially >10 days), older age of the patient (p = 0.005), left-sided grid insertion (p = 0.01), and burr holes in addition to the craniotomy (p = 0.022). No association with complications was found for number of seizures, IQ, anticonvulsants, or grid localization. Invasive monitoring with grid electrodes was associated with significant complications. Most of them were transient. Increased complication rates were related to left-sided grid insertion and longer monitoring with a greater number of electrodes (especially more than 60 electrodes). Improvements in grid technology, surgical technique, and postoperative care resulted in significant reductions in the complication rate.

Discerning spatial and temporal LAI and clear-sky FAPAR variability during summer at the Toolik Lake vegetation monitoring grid (North Slope, Alaska)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heim, B.; Beamish, A. L.; Walker, D. A.; Epstein, H. E.; Sachs, T.; Chabrillat, S.; Buchhorn, M.; Prakash, A.

2016-12-01

Ground data for the validation of satellite-derived terrestrial Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) at high latitudes are sparse. Also for regional model evaluation (e.g. climate models, land surface models, permafrost models), we lack accurate ranges of terrestrial ground data and face the problem of a large mismatch in scale. Within the German research programs `Regional Climate Change' (REKLIM) and the Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program (EnMAP), we conducted a study on ground data representativeness for vegetation-related variables within a monitoring grid at the Toolik Lake Long-Term Ecological Research station; the Toolik Lake station lies in the Kuparuk River watershed on the North Slope of the Brooks Mountain Range in Alaska. The Toolik Lake grid covers an area of 1 km2 containing Eight five grid points spaced 100 meters apart. Moist acidic tussock tundra is the most dominant vegetation type within the grid. Eight five permanent 1 m2 plots were also established to be representative of the individual gridpoints. Researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks have undertaken assessments at these plots, including Leaf Area Index (LAI) and field spectrometry to derive the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). During summer 2016, we conducted field spectrometry and LAI measurements at selected plots during early, peak and late summer. We experimentally measured LAI on more spatially extensive Elementary Sampling Units (ESUs) to investigate the spatial representativeness of the permanent 1 m2 plots and to map ESUs for various tundra types. LAI measurements are potentially influenced by landscape-inherent microtopography, sparse vascular plant cover, and dead woody matter. From field spectrometer measurements, we derived a clear-sky mid-day Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FAPAR). We will present the first data analyses comparing FAPAR and LAI, and maps of biophysically-focused ESUs for evaluation of the use of remote sensing data to estimate these ecosystem properties.

The future of space - Space tomorrow: The Antarctica model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beggs, J.

1983-01-01

The exploration and settling of Antarctica with permanent bases are used as illustrative points for establishing a permanent human presence in near-earth space. NASA activities since 1958 have spawned the computer science, solid-state electronics, medical electronics, and communications satellites industries, which are also rapidly expanding in other countries, as are space-faring capabilities. Antarctica is a paradigm for space exploration in that it is hard to reach, hostile to human life, and a great amount of planning is necessary to arrive at the destination and survive. Aircraft made permanent settlements possible on Antarctica, just as the Shuttle does for space. A space station would provide the remote base from which exploration of other planets and settling on the moon could proceed.

Control of Superelastic Behavior of NiTi Wires Aided by Thermomechanical Treatment with Reference to Three-Point Bending

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahmir, Hamed; Nili-Ahmadabadi, Mahmoud; Naghdi, Fariba; Habibi-Parsa, Mohammad; Haririan, Ismaeil

2014-04-01

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of thermomechanical treatment on the superelastic behavior of a Ti-50.5 at.%Ni wire in terms of loading/unloading plateau, mechanical hysteresis, and permanent set to optimize these parameters for orthodontic applications. A new three-point bending fixture, oral cavity configuration three-point bending (OCTPB) test, was utilized to determine the superelastic property in clinical condition, and therefore, the tests were carried out at 37 °C. The results indicate that the thermomechanical treatment is crucial for thermal transformation and mechanically induced transformation characteristics of the wire. Annealing of thermomechanically treated specimens at 300 and 400 °C for 1/2 and 1 h leads to good superelasticity for orthodontic applications. However, the best superelasticity at body temperature is obtained after annealing at 300 °C for 1/2 h with regard to low and constant unloading force and minimum permanent set.

ALIENS IN WESTERN STREAM ECOSYSTEMS

EPA Science Inventory

The USEPA's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program conducted a five year probability sample of permanent mapped streams in 12 western US states. The study design enables us to determine the extent of selected riparian invasive plants, alien aquatic vertebrates, and some ...

The Effectiveness of Permanent Highway Runoff Controls: Sedimentation/Filtration Systems

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-09-01

Original Report Date: October 1997. This study evaluates the performance of sedimentation/filtration systems that are the most common control for treating highway runoff in the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. The study includes: 1) monitoring and eval...

Bluetooth traffic detectors for use as permanently installed travel time instruments.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-02-06

In February 2009, the University of Marylands (UMD) Center for Advanced Transportation Technology : (CATT) via a research grant from the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) set out to extend : Bluetooth TM traffic monitoring (BTM) technolo...

Rotordynamic Characterization of a Hybrid Superconductor Magnet Bearing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ma, Ki B.; Xia, Zule H.; Cooley, Rodger; Fowler, Clay; Chu, Wei-Kan

1996-01-01

A hybrid superconductor magnet bearing uses magnetic forces between permanent magnets to provide lift and the flux pinning force between permanent magnets and superconductors to stabilize against instabilities intrinsic to the magnetic force between magnets. We have constructed a prototype kinetic energy storage system, using a hybrid superconductor magnet bearing to support a 42 lb. flywheel at the center. With five sensors on the periphery of the flywheel, we have monitored the position and attitude of the flywheel during its spin down. The results indicate low values of stiffnesses for the bearing. The implications of this and other consequences will be discussed.

Integration of X-band SAR interferometry, continuous and periodic D-GPS and in-place inclinometers to characterize and monitor a deep-seated earthslide in the Dolomites (Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulas, Marco; Corsini, Alessandro; Soldati, Mauro; Marcato, Gianluca; Pasuto, Alessandro; Crespi, Mattia; Mazzoni, Augusto; Benedetti, Elisa; Branzanti, Mara; Manunta, Michele; Ojha, Chandrakanta; Chinellato, Giulia; Cuozzo, Giovanni; Costa, Armin; Monsorno, Roberto; Thiebes, Benni; Piantelli, Elena; Magnani, Massimo; Meroni, Marco; Mair, Volkmar

2015-04-01

The Corvara landslide is an active, large-scale, deep-seated and slow moving earthslide of about 30 Mm3 located in the Dolomites (Italy). It is frequently damaging a national road and, occasionally, isolated buildings and recreational ski facilities. Since the mid '90s it has been mapped, dated and monitored thanks to field surveys, boreholes, radiocarbon dating, inclinometers, piezometers and periodic D-GPS measurements, carried out by the Geology and the Forestry Planning offices of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, the Municipality of Corvara in Badia, the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, the IRPI-CNR of Padua. In 2013, a new phase of characterization and monitoring has started which also involves the EURAC's Institute for Applied Remote Sensing, the geodesy group of University La Sapienza, the CNR-IREA of Naples and the Leica Geosystems office in Italy. This new phase of characterization and monitoring is meant to investigate the opportunities of innovative SAR interferometry, D-GPS and in-place inclinometers techniques to provide for a high frequency monitoring of the study site in support to the analysis of the investigation of forcing factors leading unsteady, nonuniform landslide motion through different seasons of the year. Monitoring results are also expected to provide a validation of innovative interferometric techniques so to fully evaluate their conformity to be used as a long-term monitoring system in land-use planning and risk management procedures. The monitoring infrastructure now integrates: 16 Corner Reflector for satellite X-Band SAR interferometric products, 13 benchmarks for D-GPS periodic surveys, three on-site GPS receivers for continuous positioning and remote ftp data pushing, two in-place inclinometers and a pressure transducer to record pore-pressure variations. The coupling of SAR-based products with GPS records is achieved using especially designed Corner Reflectors having an appendix dedicated to hold Dual-Frequency GPS antennas. COSMO-SkyMed X-Band SAR acquisitions started on October 2013 and are ongoing with a temporal resolution of 16 days using STRIPMAP (HIMAGE) measuring mode. Discontinuous D-GPS Fast-Static surveys are scheduled with a triple frequency: annual for 24 points outside recent activation areas, monthly for 13 points in the active zone and a bi-weekly for 6 points located in the most active zone. Displacement high-frequency data are acquired thank to the installation of 3 Dual-Frequency GPS in permanent acquisition that have been located in the accumulation, track and source zone of the active portion of the landslide. High frequency data are also obtained by the two inclinometers operating in continuous acquisition located across the main slide surface at 48 m depth into a 90 m borehole drilled in the accumulation zone. A piezometer installed in the source zone and the meteorological station of Piz La Ila (3 km far away) of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano complete the system. The poster presents the infrastructural details of the monitoring network, the technical characteristics of data acquisition systems, the data processing procedures and the latest ongoing results.

Improving estimates of forest disturbance by combining observations from Landsat time series with U.S. Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis data

Treesearch

Todd A. Schroeder; Sean P. Healey; Gretchen G. Moisen; Tracey S. Frescino; Warren B. Cohen; Chengquan Huang; Robert E. Kennedy; Zhiqiang Yang

2014-01-01

With earth's surface temperature and human population both on the rise a new emphasis has been placed on monitoring changes to forested ecosystems the world over. In the United States the U.S. Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program monitors the forested land base with field data collected over a permanent network of sample plots. Although these...

36 CFR 327.3 - Vessels.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., community or corporate docks, or at any fixed or permanent mooring point, may only be used for overnight... floating or stationary mooring facilities on, adjacent to, or interfering with a buoy, channel marker or...

Improving GNSS time series for volcano monitoring: application to Canary Islands (Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Cañada, Laura; Sevilla, Miguel J.; Pereda de Pablo, Jorge; Domínguez Cerdeña, Itahiza

2017-04-01

The number of permanent GNSS stations has increased significantly in recent years for different geodetic applications such as volcano monitoring, which require a high precision. Recently we have started to have coordinates time series long enough so that we can apply different analysis and filters that allow us to improve the GNSS coordinates results. Following this idea we have processed data from GNSS permanent stations used by the Spanish Instituto Geográfico Nacional (IGN) for volcano monitoring in Canary Islands to obtained time series by double difference processing method with Bernese v5.0 for the period 2007-2014. We have identified the characteristics of these time series and obtained models to estimate velocities with greater accuracy and more realistic uncertainties. In order to improve the results we have used two kinds of filters to improve the time series. The first, a spatial filter, has been computed using the series of residuals of all stations in the Canary Islands without an anomalous behaviour after removing a linear trend. This allows us to apply this filter to all sets of coordinates of the permanent stations reducing their dispersion. The second filter takes account of the temporal correlation in the coordinate time series for each station individually. A research about the evolution of the velocity depending on the series length has been carried out and it has demonstrated the need for using time series of at least four years. Therefore, in those stations with more than four years of data, we calculated the velocity and the characteristic parameters in order to have time series of residuals. This methodology has been applied to the GNSS data network in El Hierro (Canary Islands) during the 2011-2012 eruption and the subsequent magmatic intrusions (2012-2014). The results show that in the new series it is easier to detect anomalous behaviours in the coordinates, so they are most useful to detect crustal deformations in volcano monitoring.

Influence of weather extremes on the water levels of glaciated prairie wetlands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnson, W.C.; Boettcher, S.E.; Poiani, K.A.; Guntenspergen, G.

2004-01-01

Orchid Meadows is a long-term wetland research and monitoring site on the Coteau des Prairie in extreme east-central South Dakota, USA. It is a 65-ha Waterfowl Production Area with numerous temporary, seasonal, and semi-permanent wetlands. Ground water and surface water have been monitored at the site from 1987 to 1989 and from 1993 to the present. Vegetation has been monitored since 1993. The monitoring record includes two nearly back-to-back weather extremes: a drought in the late 1980s and a deluge in the early- to mid-1990s. Wetlands differed sharply in water levels between 3-yr dry and wet periods. For example, the time of inundation ranged among semi-permanent wetlands from 13 to 71 percent during the dry years to 100 percent during the wet years, while for seasonal wetlands, it was 0-29 percent and 46-100 percent, respectively, during dry and wet periods. Temporary wetlands had no surface water during the dry period but had standing water 0-67 percent of the time during the deluge years. The highest ground-water levels during the dry period were lower than most levels during the wet period. The difference in the water-table elevations of temporary wetlands between the periods was as much as 4 m. Ground-water levels near semi-permanent wetlands were considerably more stable (annual range of 0.3-1.6 m) than those near temporary wetlands (1.3-2.5 m). The results support the concept that weather extremes drive the wetland cover cycle and other key ecological processes in prairie wetlands. The new data from Orchid Meadows, together with other long-term data sets from North Dakota and Saskatchewan, Canada, are useful for many research purposes, including the parameterization and testing of models that simulate the effects of climate variability and climate change on prairie wetland ecosystems.

A lunar construction shack vehicle: Final design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1988-01-01

A lunar construction shack vehicle is a critical component in most of the plans proposed for the construction of a permanent base on the moon. The Selene Engineering Company (SEC) has developed a concept for this vehicle which is both innovative and practical. The design makes use of the most advanced technology available to meet the goals for a safe, versatile and durable habitat that will serve as a starting point for the initial phase of the construction of a permanent lunar base. This document outlines SEC's proposed design for a lander vehicle which will be fully self-sufficient and will provide for all necessary life support, including consumables and radiation protection, needed by the construction crew until they can complete the assembly of a more permanent habitat. Since it is highly likely that it will take more than one crew to complete the construction of a permanent lunar base, the design emphasis is on systems which can be easily maintained and resupplied and which will take a minimum of start up preparation by succeeding crews.

47 CFR 73.158 - Directional antenna monitoring points.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Directional antenna monitoring points. 73.158... RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES AM Broadcast Stations § 73.158 Directional antenna monitoring points. (a) When a licensee of a station using a directional antenna system finds that a field monitoring point, as...

47 CFR 73.158 - Directional antenna monitoring points.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Directional antenna monitoring points. 73.158... RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES AM Broadcast Stations § 73.158 Directional antenna monitoring points. (a) When a licensee of a station using a directional antenna system finds that a field monitoring point, as...

47 CFR 73.158 - Directional antenna monitoring points.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Directional antenna monitoring points. 73.158... RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES AM Broadcast Stations § 73.158 Directional antenna monitoring points. (a) When a licensee of a station using a directional antenna system finds that a field monitoring point, as...

47 CFR 73.158 - Directional antenna monitoring points.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Directional antenna monitoring points. 73.158... RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES AM Broadcast Stations § 73.158 Directional antenna monitoring points. (a) When a licensee of a station using a directional antenna system finds that a field monitoring point, as...

47 CFR 73.158 - Directional antenna monitoring points.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 47 Telecommunication 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Directional antenna monitoring points. 73.158... RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES AM Broadcast Stations § 73.158 Directional antenna monitoring points. (a) When a licensee of a station using a directional antenna system finds that a field monitoring point, as...

Optimal tracking and second order sliding power control of the DFIG wind turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdeddaim, S.; Betka, A.; Charrouf, O.

2017-02-01

In the present paper, an optimal operation of a grid-connected variable speed wind turbine equipped with a Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) is presented. The proposed cascaded nonlinear controller is designed to perform two main objectives. In the outer loop, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm based on fuzzy logic theory is designed to permanently extract the optimal aerodynamic energy, whereas in the inner loop, a second order sliding mode control (2-SM) is applied to achieve smooth regulation of both stator active and reactive powers quantities. The obtained simulation results show a permanent track of the MPP point regardless of the turbine power-speed slope moreover the proposed sliding mode control strategy presents attractive features such as chattering-free, compared to the conventional first order sliding technique (1-SM).

Online Tester for a Symbol Generator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Juday, D.; Mcconaugy, K.

1985-01-01

About 95 percent of faults detected. Programable instrument periodically checks for failures in system that generates alphanumerical and other symbol voltages for cathode-ray-tube displays. Symbol-generator tester compares gated test-point voltages with predetermined voltage limits while circuit under test performs commanded operation. A go/no-go indication given, depending on whether test voltage is or is not within its specification. Tester in plug-in modular form, temporarily wired to generator test points, or permanently wired to these points.

YouTube as a crowd-generated water level archive.

PubMed

Michelsen, N; Dirks, H; Schulz, S; Kempe, S; Al-Saud, M; Schüth, C

2016-10-15

In view of the substantial costs associated with classic monitoring networks, participatory data collection methods can be deemed a promising option to obtain complementary data. An emerging trend in this field is social media mining, i.e., harvesting of pre-existing, crowd-generated data from social media. Although this approach is participatory in a broader sense, the users are mostly not aware of their participation in research. Inspired by this novel development, we demonstrate in this study that it is possible to derive a water level time series from the analysis of multiple YouTube videos. As an example, we studied the recent water level rise in Dahl Hith, a Saudi Arabian cave. To do so, we screened 16 YouTube videos of the cave for suitable reference points (e.g., cave graffiti). Then, we visually estimated the distances between these points and the water level and traced their changes over time. To bridge YouTube hiatuses, we considered own photos taken during two site visits. For the time period 2013-2014, we estimate a rise of 9.5m. The fact that this rise occurred at a somewhat constant rate of roughly 0.4m per month points towards a new and permanent water source, possibly two nearby lakes formed from treated sewage effluent. An anomaly in the rising rate is noted for autumn 2013 (1.3m per month). As this increased pace coincides with a cluster of rain events, we deem rapid groundwater recharge along preferential flow paths a likely cause. Despite the sacrifice in precision, we believe that YouTube harvesting may represent a viable option to gather historical water levels in data-scarce settings and that it could be adapted to other environments (e.g., flood extents). In certain areas, it might provide an additional tool for the monitoring toolbox, thereby possibly delivering hydrological data for water resources management. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Design, Fabrication, and Implementation of a Wireless, Passive Implantable Pressure Sensor Based on Magnetic Higher-Order Harmonic Fields

PubMed Central

Tan, Ee Lim; DeRouin, Andrew J.; Pereles, Brandon D.; Ong, Keat Ghee

2011-01-01

A passive and wireless sensor was developed for monitoring pressure in vivo. Structurally, the pressure sensor, referred to as the magneto-harmonic pressure sensor, is an airtight chamber sealed with an elastic pressure membrane. A strip of magnetically-soft material is attached to the bottom of the chamber and a permanent magnet strip is embedded inside the membrane. Under the excitation of an externally applied AC magnetic field, the magnetically-soft strip produces a higher-order magnetic signature that can be remotely detected with an external receiving coil. As ambient pressure varies, the pressure membrane deflects, altering the separation distance between the magnetically-soft strip and the permanent magnet. This shifts the higher-order harmonic signal, allowing for detection of pressure change as a function of harmonic shifting. The wireless, passive nature of this sensor technology allows for continuous long-term pressure monitoring, particularly useful for biomedical applications such as monitoring pressure in aneurysm sac and sphincter of Oddi. In addition to demonstrating its pressure sensing capability, an animal model was used to investigate the efficacy and feasibility of the pressure sensor in a biological environment. PMID:25585564

Implant experience with an implantable hemodynamic monitor for the management of symptomatic heart failure.

PubMed

Steinhaus, David; Reynolds, Dwight W; Gadler, Fredrik; Kay, G Neal; Hess, Mike F; Bennett, Tom

2005-08-01

Management of congestive heart failure is a serious public health problem. The use of implantable hemodynamic monitors (IHMs) may assist in this management by providing continuous ambulatory filling pressure status for optimal volume management. The Chronicle system includes an implanted monitor, a pressure sensor lead with passive fixation, an external pressure reference (EPR), and data retrieval and viewing components. The tip of the lead is placed near the right ventricular outflow tract to minimize risk of sensor tissue encapsulation. Implant technique and lead placement is similar to that of a permanent pacemaker. After the system had been successfully implanted in 148 patients, the type and frequency of implant-related adverse events were similar to a single-chamber pacemaker implant. R-wave amplitude was 15.2 +/- 6.7 mV and the pressure waveform signal was acceptable in all but two patients in whom presence of artifacts required lead repositioning. Implant procedure time was not influenced by experience, remaining constant throughout the study. Based on this evaluation, permanent placement of an IHM in symptomatic heart failure patients is technically feasible. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate the use of the continuous hemodynamic data in management of heart failure patients.

Feasibility Study of the Electromagnetic Damper for Cable Structures Using Real-Time Hybrid Simulation

PubMed Central

Jung, Ho-Yeon; Kim, In-Ho; Jung, Hyung-Jo

2017-01-01

Cable structure is a major component of long-span bridges, such as cable-stayed and suspension bridges, and it transfers the main loads of bridges to the pylons. As these cable structures are exposed to continuous external loads, such as vehicle and wind loads, vibration control and continuous monitoring of the cable are required. In this study, an electromagnetic (EM) damper was designed and fabricated for vibration control and monitoring of the cable structure. EM dampers, also called regenerative dampers, consist of permanent magnets and coils. The electromagnetic force due to the relative motion between the coil and the permanent magnet can be used to control the vibration of the structure. The electrical energy can be used as a power source for the monitoring system. The effects of the design parameters of the damper were numerically analyzed and the damper was fabricated. The characteristics of the damper were analyzed with various external load changes. Finally, the vibration-control and energy-harvesting performances of the cable structure were evaluated through a hybrid simulation. The vibration-control and energy-harvesting performances for various loads were analyzed and the applicability to the cable structure of the EM damper was evaluated. PMID:29088077

Feasibility Study of the Electromagnetic Damper for Cable Structures Using Real-Time Hybrid Simulation.

PubMed

Jung, Ho-Yeon; Kim, In-Ho; Jung, Hyung-Jo

2017-10-31

Cable structure is a major component of long-span bridges, such as cable-stayed and suspension bridges, and it transfers the main loads of bridges to the pylons. As these cable structures are exposed to continuous external loads, such as vehicle and wind loads, vibration control and continuous monitoring of the cable are required. In this study, an electromagnetic (EM) damper was designed and fabricated for vibration control and monitoring of the cable structure. EM dampers, also called regenerative dampers, consist of permanent magnets and coils. The electromagnetic force due to the relative motion between the coil and the permanent magnet can be used to control the vibration of the structure. The electrical energy can be used as a power source for the monitoring system. The effects of the design parameters of the damper were numerically analyzed and the damper was fabricated. The characteristics of the damper were analyzed with various external load changes. Finally, the vibration-control and energy-harvesting performances of the cable structure were evaluated through a hybrid simulation. The vibration-control and energy-harvesting performances for various loads were analyzed and the applicability to the cable structure of the EM damper was evaluated.

Dilemmas, coordination and defection: How uncertain tipping points induce common pool resource destruction

Treesearch

Alexander Maas; Christopher Goemans; Dale Manning; Stephan Kroll; Thomas Brown

2017-01-01

Many common pool resources (CPRs) have tipping points - stock levels below which the resource is permanently damaged or destroyed - but the specific levels at which these thresholds are crossed are rarely known with certainty. We model a CPR in which uncertainty simultaneously creates a Prisoner's Dilemma and a Coordination Game. This model highlights a novel...

Compatible Basal Area and Number of Trees Estimators from Remeasured Horizontal Point Samples

Treesearch

Francis A. Roesch; Edwin J. Green; Charles T. Scott

1989-01-01

Compatible groups of estimators for total value at time 1 (V1), survivor growth (S), and ingrowth (I) for use with permanent horizontal point samples are evaluated for the special cases of estimating the change in both the number of trees and basal area. Caveats which should be observed before any one compatible grouping of estimators is chosen...

77 FR 49401 - Safety Zones; Revolution 3 Triathlon, Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay, Cedar Point, OH

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-16

...-AA00 Safety Zones; Revolution 3 Triathlon, Lake Erie, Sandusky Bay, Cedar Point, OH AGENCY: Coast Guard... permanent safety zones on Lake Erie near Sandusky, OH. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of... injuries or fatalities. The Captain of the Port Detroit proposes to establish this safety zone to protect...

Adhesion of leukocytes under oscillating stagnation point conditions: a numerical study.

PubMed

Walker, P G; Alshorman, A A; Westwood, S; David, T

2002-01-01

Leukocyte recruitment from blood to the endothelium plays an important role in atherosclerotic plaque formation. Cells show a primary and secondary adhesive process with primary bonds responsible for capture and rolling and secondary bonds for arrest. Our objective was to investigate the role played by this process on the adhesion of leukocytes in complex flow. Cells were modelled as rigid spheres with spring like adhesion molecules which formed bonds with endothelial receptors. Models of bond kinetics and Newton's laws of motion were solved numerically to determine cell motion. Fluid force was obtained from the local shear rate obtained from a CFD simulation of the flow over a backward facing step.In stagnation point flow the shear rate near the stagnation point has a large gradient such that adherent cells in this region roll to a high shear region preventing permanent adhesion. This is enhanced if a small time dependent perturbation is imposed upon the stagnation point. For lower shear rates the cell rolling velocity may be such that secondary bonds have time to form. These bonds resist the lower fluid forces and consequently there is a relatively large permanent adhesion region.

10 CFR 60.140 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... and it will continue until permanent closure. (c) The program shall include in situ monitoring, laboratory and field testing, and in situ experiments, as may be appropriate to accomplish the objective as... REGULATORY COMMISSION (CONTINUED) DISPOSAL OF HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES IN GEOLOGIC REPOSITORIES...

10 CFR 60.140 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... and it will continue until permanent closure. (c) The program shall include in situ monitoring, laboratory and field testing, and in situ experiments, as may be appropriate to accomplish the objective as... REGULATORY COMMISSION (CONTINUED) DISPOSAL OF HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES IN GEOLOGIC REPOSITORIES...

10 CFR 60.140 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... and it will continue until permanent closure. (c) The program shall include in situ monitoring, laboratory and field testing, and in situ experiments, as may be appropriate to accomplish the objective as... REGULATORY COMMISSION (CONTINUED) DISPOSAL OF HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES IN GEOLOGIC REPOSITORIES...

10 CFR 60.140 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... and it will continue until permanent closure. (c) The program shall include in situ monitoring, laboratory and field testing, and in situ experiments, as may be appropriate to accomplish the objective as... REGULATORY COMMISSION (CONTINUED) DISPOSAL OF HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES IN GEOLOGIC REPOSITORIES...

10 CFR 60.140 - General requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... and it will continue until permanent closure. (c) The program shall include in situ monitoring, laboratory and field testing, and in situ experiments, as may be appropriate to accomplish the objective as... REGULATORY COMMISSION (CONTINUED) DISPOSAL OF HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES IN GEOLOGIC REPOSITORIES...

Seismic monitoring at Deception Island volcano (Antarctica): Recent advances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carmona, E.; Almendros, J.; Martín, R.; Cortés, G.; Alguacil, G.; Moreno, J.; Martín, B.; Martos, A.; Serrano, I.; Stich, D.; Ibáñez, J. M.

2012-04-01

Deception Island (South Shetland Island, Antarctica) is an active volcano with recent eruptions (e.g. 1967, 1969 and 1970). It is also among the Antarctic sites most visited by tourists. Besides, there are currently two scientific bases operating during the austral summers, usually from late November to early March. For these reasons it is necessary to deploy a volcano monitoring system as complete as possible, designed specifically to endure the extreme conditions of the volcanic environment and the Antarctic climate. The Instituto Andaluz de Geofísica of University of Granada, Spain (IAG-UGR) performs seismic monitoring on Deception Island since 1994 during austral summer surveys. The seismicity basically includes volcano-tectonic earthquakes, long-period events and volcanic tremor, among other signals. The level of seismicity is moderate, except for a seismo-volcanic crisis in 1999. The seismic monitoring system has evolved during these years, following the trends of the technological developments and software improvements. Recent advances have been mainly focused on: (1) the improvement of the seismic network introducing broadband stations and 24-bit data acquisition systems; (2) the development of a short-period seismic array, with a 12-channel, 24-bit data acquisition system; (3) the implementation of wireless data transmission from the network stations and also from the seismic array to a recording center, allowing for real-time monitoring; (4) the efficiency of the power supply systems and the monitoring of the battery levels and power consumption; (5) the optimization of data analysis procedures, including database management, automated event recognition tools for the identification and classification of seismo-volcanic signals, and apparent slowness vector estimates using seismic array data; (6) the deployment of permanent seismic stations and the transmission of data during the winter using a satellite connection. A single permanent station is operating at Deception Island since 2008. In the current survey we collaborate with the Spanish Army to add another permanent station that will be able to send to the IAG-UGR seismic information about the activity of the volcano during the winter, using a communications satellite (SPAINSAT). These advances simplify the field work and the data acquisition procedures, and allow us to obtain high-quality seismic data in real-time. These improvements have a very important significance for a better and faster interpretation of the seismo-volcanic activity and assessment of the volcanic hazards at Deception Island volcano.

Real-time optical monitoring of permanent lesion progression in radiofrequency ablated cardiac tissue (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh-Moon, Rajinder P.; Hendon, Christine P.

2016-02-01

Despite considerable advances in guidance of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapies for atrial fibrillation, success rates have been hampered by an inability to intraoperatively characterize the extent of permanent injury. Insufficient lesions can elusively create transient conduction blockages that eventually reconduct. Prior studies suggest significantly greater met-myoglobin (Mmb) concentrations in the lesion core than those in the healthy myocardium and may serve as a marker for irreversible tissue damage. In this work, we present real-time monitoring of permanent injury through spectroscopic assessment of Mmb concentrations at the catheter tip. Atrial wedges (n=6) were excised from four fresh swine hearts and submerged under pulsatile flow of warm (37oC) phosphate buffered saline. A commercial RFA catheter inserted into a fiber optic sheath allowed for simultaneous measurement of tissue diffuse reflectance (DR) spectra (500-650nm) during application of RF energy. Optical measurements were continuously acquired before, during, and post-ablation, in addition to healthy neighboring tissue. Met-myoglobin, oxy-myoglobin, and deoxy-myoglobin concentrations were extracted from each spectrum using an inverse Monte Carlo method. Tissue injury was validated with Masson's trichrome and hematoxylin and eosin staining. Time courses revealed a rapid increase in tissue Mmb concentrations at the onset of RFA treatment and a gradual plateauing thereafter. Extracted Mmb concentrations were significantly greater post-ablation (p<0.0001) as compared to healthy tissue and correlated well with histological assessment of severe thermal tissue destruction. On going studies are aimed at integrating these findings with prior work on near infrared spectroscopic lesion depth assessment. These results support the use of spectroscopy-facilitated guidance of RFA therapies for real-time permanent injury estimation.

Maintaining of the Eastern South Pacific Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ) off Chile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paulmier, A.; Ruiz-Pino, D.; Garçon, V.; Farías, L.

2006-10-01

Processes regulating OMZs persistence in the oxygenated ocean remain poorly understood. Four cruises (21°-30°S) and fixed-point monitoring (36°S) between 2000 and 2002 using techniques adapted to O2 conditions as low as 1 μM allow a preliminary analysis of the entire Chilean OMZ structure. A shallow OMZ is observed in the three studied areas, although its structure differs. Off northern and central Chile, the OMZ is a permanent feature, more pronounced at the coast than further offshore. On the shelf, it forms in spring and erodes in fall. A conceptual model of two intermittent active or passive phases (intense or low biogeochemical O2 consumption) is proposed as a key mechanism for the local OMZ maintaining. The highest O2 consumptions are paradoxically favoured at the oxycline when the OMZ is less intense as offshore and on the shelf in spring and fall, suggesting a control by O2 availability of the OMZ remineralization.

Metabolic activity of permafrost bacteria below the freezing point

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rivkina, E. M.; Friedmann, E. I.; McKay, C. P.; Gilichinsky, D. A.

2000-01-01

Metabolic activity was measured in the laboratory at temperatures between 5 and -20 degrees C on the basis of incorporation of (14)C-labeled acetate into lipids by samples of a natural population of bacteria from Siberian permafrost (permanently frozen soil). Incorporation followed a sigmoidal pattern similar to growth curves. At all temperatures, the log phase was followed, within 200 to 350 days, by a stationary phase, which was monitored until the 550th day of activity. The minimum doubling times ranged from 1 day (5 degrees C) to 20 days (-10 degrees C) to ca. 160 days (-20 degrees C). The curves reached the stationary phase at different levels, depending on the incubation temperature. We suggest that the stationary phase, which is generally considered to be reached when the availability of nutrients becomes limiting, was brought on under our conditions by the formation of diffusion barriers in the thin layers of unfrozen water known to be present in permafrost soils, the thickness of which depends on temperature.

Elastic hysteresis phenomena in ULE and Zerodur optical glasses at elevated temperatures

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

Wilkins, S.C.; Coon, D.N.; Epstein, J.S.

1988-01-01

Elastic hysteresis phenomena were observed in ULE and Zerodur glasses at elevated temperatures up to glass transition. These effects were found under load deformation testing using four-point bending. Permanent creep resulted in Zerodur at 900/degree/C and in ULE at 1000/degree/C. The deformation was monitored at mid-span of the samples with a capacitance-type transducer having 0.01 micrometer resolution. These hysteresis effects may be classified as elastic bimodulus between loading and unloading; that is, two different elastic moduli were observed between loading and unloading. Upon complete unloading, a minimal deformation state promptly returned, indicating little or no viscoelastic creep. The hysteresis effectmore » may be attributed to a change in glass structure as a function of stress state. A description of the test apparatus and procedure, test results for both glasses at several elevated temperatures, and an elementary discussion of continuum theory of constitutive behavior are included. 6 refs., 9 figs.« less

Automating slope monitoring in mines with terrestrial lidar scanners

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conforti, Dario

2014-05-01

Static terrestrial laser scanners (TLS) have been an important component of slope monitoring for some time, and many solutions for monitoring the progress of a slide have been devised over the years. However, all of these solutions have required users to operate the lidar equipment in the field, creating a high cost in time and resources, especially if the surveys must be performed very frequently. This paper presents a new solution for monitoring slides, developed using a TLS and an automated data acquisition, processing and analysis system. In this solution, a TLS is permanently mounted within sight of the target surface and connected to a control computer. The control software on the computer automatically triggers surveys according to a user-defined schedule, parses data into point clouds, and compares data against a baseline. The software can base the comparison against either the original survey of the site or the most recent survey, depending on whether the operator needs to measure the total or recent movement of the slide. If the displacement exceeds a user-defined safety threshold, the control computer transmits alerts via SMS text messaging and/or email, including graphs and tables describing the nature and size of the displacement. The solution can also be configured to trigger the external visual/audio alarm systems. If the survey areas contain high-traffic areas such as roads, the operator can mark them for exclusion in the comparison to prevent false alarms. To improve usability and safety, the control computer can connect to a local intranet and allow remote access through the software's web portal. This enables operators to perform most tasks with the TLS from their office, including reviewing displacement reports, downloading survey data, and adjusting the scan schedule. This solution has proved invaluable in automatically detecting and alerting users to potential danger within the monitored areas while lowering the cost and work required for monitoring. An explanation of the entire system and a post-acquisition data demonstration will be presented.

Perspective with Landsat Overlay, Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

NASA Image and Video Library

2002-08-22

Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa, reaches 5,895 meters 19,340 feet above sea level, tall enough to maintain a permanent snow cap despite being just 330 kilometers 210 miles south of the equator.

Scaling an in situ network for high resolution modeling during SMAPVEX15

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coopersmith, E. J.; Cosh, M. H.; Jacobs, J. M.; Jackson, T. J.; Crow, W. T.; Holifield Collins, C.; Goodrich, D. C.; Colliander, A.

2015-12-01

Among the greatest challenges within the field of soil moisture estimation is that of scaling sparse point measurements within a network to produce higher resolution map products. Large-scale field experiments present an ideal opportunity to develop methodologies for this scaling, by coupling in situ networks, temporary networks, and aerial mapping of soil moisture. During the Soil Moisture Active Passive Validation Experiments in 2015 (SMAPVEX15) in and around the USDA-ARS Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed and LTAR site in southeastern Arizona, USA, a high density network of soil moisture stations was deployed across a sparse, permanent in situ network in coordination with intensive soil moisture sampling and an aircraft campaign. This watershed is also densely instrumented with precipitation gages (one gauge/0.57 km2) to monitor the North American Monsoon System, which dominates the hydrologic cycle during the summer months in this region. Using the precipitation and soil moisture time series values provided, a physically-based model is calibrated that will provide estimates at the 3km, 9km, and 36km scales. The results from this model will be compared with the point-scale gravimetric samples, aircraft-based sensor, and the satellite-based products retrieved from NASA's Soil Moisture Active Passive mission.

The Real-Time Monitoring Service Platform for Land Supervision Based on Cloud Integration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, J.; Mao, M.; Xiang, H.; Wang, G.; Liang, Y.

2018-04-01

Remote sensing monitoring has become the important means for land and resources departments to strengthen supervision. Aiming at the problems of low monitoring frequency and poor data currency in current remote sensing monitoring, this paper researched and developed the cloud-integrated real-time monitoring service platform for land supervision which enhanced the monitoring frequency by acquiring the domestic satellite image data overall and accelerated the remote sensing image data processing efficiency by exploiting the intelligent dynamic processing technology of multi-source images. Through the pilot application in Jinan Bureau of State Land Supervision, it has been proved that the real-time monitoring technical method for land supervision is feasible. In addition, the functions of real-time monitoring and early warning are carried out on illegal land use, permanent basic farmland protection and boundary breakthrough in urban development. The application has achieved remarkable results.

Demagnetization monitoring and life extending control for permanent magnet-driven traction systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Gang; Liu, Senyi

2018-03-01

This paper presents a novel scheme of demagnetization monitoring and life extending control for traction systems driven by permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs). Firstly, the offline training is carried to evaluate fatigue damage of insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) under different flux loss based on first-principle modeling. Then an optimal control law can be extracted by turning down the power distribution factor of the demagnetizing PMSM until all damages of IGBTs turn to balance. Next, the similarity-based empirical modeling is employed to online estimate remaining flux of PMSMs, which is used to update the power distribution factor by referring the optimal control law for the health-oriented autonomous control. The proposed strategy can be demonstrated by a case study of traction drive system coupled with dual-PMSMs. Compared with traditional control strategy, the results show that the novel scheme can not only guarantee traction performance but also extend remaining useful life (RUL) of the system after suffering demagnetization fault.

GPS in pioneering dynamic monitoring of long-period structures

USGS Publications Warehouse

Celebi, M.; Sanli, A.

2002-01-01

Global Positioning System (GPS) technology with 10-20-Hz sampling rates allows scientifically justified dynamic measurements of relative displacements of long-period structures. The displacement response of a simulated tall building in real time and permanent deployment of GPS units at the roof of a building are described. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first permanent deployment of GPS units (in the world) for continuous dynamic monitoring of a tall building. Data recorded from the building during a windy day is analyzed to determine the structural characteristics. When recorded during extreme motions caused by earthquakes and strong winds, such measurements can be used to compute average drift ratios and changes in dynamic characteristics, and therefore can be used by engineers and building owners or managers to assess the structural integrity and performance by establishing pre-established thresholds. Such information can be used to secure public safety and/or take steps to improve the performance of the building.

Gross total resection rates in contemporary glioblastoma surgery: results of an institutional protocol combining 5-aminolevulinic acid intraoperative fluorescence imaging and brain mapping.

PubMed

Schucht, Philippe; Beck, Jürgen; Abu-Isa, Janine; Andereggen, Lukas; Murek, Michael; Seidel, Kathleen; Stieglitz, Lennard; Raabe, Andreas

2012-11-01

Complete resection of contrast-enhancing tumor has been recognized as an important prognostic factor in patients with glioblastoma and is a primary goal of surgery. Various intraoperative technologies have recently been introduced to improve glioma surgery. To evaluate the impact of using 5-aminolevulinic acid and intraoperative mapping and monitoring on the rate of complete resection of enhancing tumor (CRET), gross total resection (GTR), and new neurological deficits as part of an institutional protocol. One hundred three consecutive patients underwent resection of glioblastoma from August 2008 to November 2010. Eligibility for CRET was based on the initial magnetic resonance imaging assessed by 2 reviewers. The primary end point was the number of patients with CRET and GTR. Secondary end points were volume of residual contrast-enhancing tissue and new postoperative neurological deficits. Fifty-three patients were eligible for GTR/CRET (n = 43 newly diagnosed glioblastoma, n = 10 recurrent); 13 additional patients received surgery for GTR/CRET-ineligible glioblastoma. GTR was achieved in 96% of patients (n = 51, no residual enhancement >0.175 cm); CRET was achieved in 89% (n = 47, no residual enhancement). Postoperatively, 2 patients experienced worsening of preoperative hemianopia, 1 patient had a new mild hemiparesis, and another patient sustained sensory deficits. Using 5-aminolevulinic acid imaging and intraoperative mapping/monitoring together leads to a high rate of CRET and an increased rate of GTR compared with the literature without increasing the rate of permanent morbidity. The combination of safety and resection-enhancing intraoperative technologies was likely to be the major drivers for this high rate of CRET/GTR.

A field test of point relascope sampling of down coarse woody material in managed stands in the Acadian Forest

Treesearch

John C. Brissette; Mark J. Ducey; Jeffrey H. Gove

2003-01-01

We field tested a new method for sampling down coarse woody material (CWM) using an angle gauge and compared it with the more traditional line intersect sampling (LIS) method. Permanent sample locations in stands managed with different silvicultural treatments within the Penobscot Experimental Forest (Maine, USA) were used as the sampling locations. Point relascope...

Forest growth of Mississippi's north unit - A case study of the Southern Forest surveys growth estimation procedures

Treesearch

Dennis M. May

1988-01-01

This report presents the procedures by which the Southern Forest Inventory and Analysis unit estimates forest growth from permanent horizontal point samples. Inventory data from the 1977-87 survey of Mississippi's north unit were used to demonstrate how trees on the horizontal point samples are classified into one of eight components of growth and, in turn, how...

A test of alternative estimators for volume at time 1 from remeasured point samples

Treesearch

Francis A. Roesch; Edwin J. Green; Charles T. Scott

1993-01-01

Two estimators for volume at time 1 for use with permanent horizontal point samples are evaluated. One estimator, used traditionally, uses only the trees sampled at time 1, while the second estimator, originally presented by Roesch and coauthors (F.A. Roesch, Jr., E.J. Green, and C.T. Scott. 1989. For. Sci. 35(2):281-293). takes advantage of additional sample...

Accuracy and Availability of Egnos - Results of Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Felski, Andrzej; Nowak, Aleksander; Woźniak, Tomasz

2011-01-01

According to SBAS concept the user should receive timely the correct information about the system integrity and corrections to the pseudoranges measurements, which leads to better accuracy of coordinates. In theory the whole system is permanently monitored by RIMS stations, so it is impossible to deliver the faulty information to the user. The quality of the system is guaranteed inside the border of the system coverage however in the east part of Poland lower accuracy and availability of the system is still observed. This was the impulse to start an observation and analysis of real accuracy and availability of EGNOS service in the context of support air-operations in local airports and as the supplementation in hydrographic operations on the Polish Exclusive Zone. A registration has been conducted on three PANSA stations situated on airports in Warsaw, Krakow and Rzeszow and on PNA station in Gdynia. Measurements on PANSA stations have been completed permanently during each whole month up to end of September 2011. These stations are established on Septentrio PolaRx2e receivers and have been engaged into EGNOS Data Collection Network performed by EUROCONTROL. The advantage of these registrations is the uniformity of receivers. Apart from these registrations additional measurements in Gdynia have been provided with different receivers, mainly dedicated sea-navigation: CSI Wireless 1, NOVATEL OEMV, Sperry Navistar, Crescent V-100 and R110 as well as Magellan FX420. The main object of analyses was the accuracy and availability of EGNOS service in each point and for different receivers. Accuracy has been analyzed separately for each coordinate. Finally the temporarily and spatial correlations of coordinates, its availability and accuracy has been investigated. The findings prove that present accuracy of EGNOS service is about 1,5m (95%), but availability of the service is controversial. The accuracy of present EGNOS service meets the parameters of APV I and even APV II requirements, as well as any maritime and hydrography needs. However introducing this service into the practice demands better availability, because the gaps in receiving the proper information from the system appear too often and are too long at the moment. Additionally it was noticed very random character of availability and no correlation of this parameter in the different point of observations. In spite the correct EGNOS work the accuracy of the coordinates is not predictable in the local conditions. So in authors' opinion Local Airport Monitoring should be deployed if EGNOS would have to serve to the local airport service.

Subsurface Monitoring of CO2 Sequestration - A Review and Look Forward

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daley, T. M.

2012-12-01

The injection of CO2 into subsurface formations is at least 50 years old with large-scale utilization of CO2 for enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) beginning in the 1970s. Early monitoring efforts had limited measurements in available boreholes. With growing interest in CO2 sequestration beginning in the 1990's, along with growth in geophysical reservoir monitoring, small to mid-size sequestration monitoring projects began to appear. The overall goals of a subsurface monitoring plan are to provide measurement of CO2 induced changes in subsurface properties at a range of spatial and temporal scales. The range of spatial scales allows tracking of the location and saturation of the plume with varying detail, while finer temporal sampling (up to continuous) allows better understanding of dynamic processes (e.g. multi-phase flow) and constraining of reservoir models. Early monitoring of small scale pilots associated with CO2-EOR (e.g., the McElroy field and the Lost Hills field), developed many of the methodologies including tomographic imaging and multi-physics measurements. Large (reservoir) scale sequestration monitoring began with the Sleipner and Weyburn projects. Typically, large scale monitoring, such as 4D surface seismic, has limited temporal sampling due to costs. Smaller scale pilots can allow more frequent measurements as either individual time-lapse 'snapshots' or as continuous monitoring. Pilot monitoring examples include the Frio, Nagaoka and Otway pilots using repeated well logging, crosswell imaging, vertical seismic profiles and CASSM (continuous active-source seismic monitoring). For saline reservoir sequestration projects, there is typically integration of characterization and monitoring, since the sites are not pre-characterized resource developments (oil or gas), which reinforces the need for multi-scale measurements. As we move beyond pilot sites, we need to quantify CO2 plume and reservoir properties (e.g. pressure) over large scales, while still obtaining high resolution. Typically the high-resolution (spatial and temporal) tools are deployed in permanent or semi-permanent borehole installations, where special well design may be necessary, such as non-conductive casing for electrical surveys. Effective utilization of monitoring wells requires an approach of modular borehole monitoring (MBM) were multiple measurements can be made. An example is recent work at the Citronelle pilot injection site where an MBM package with seismic, fluid sampling and distributed fiber sensing was deployed. For future large scale sequestration monitoring, an adaptive borehole-monitoring program is proposed.

What Can Quantum Optics Say about Computational Complexity Theory?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahimi-Keshari, Saleh; Lund, Austin P.; Ralph, Timothy C.

2015-02-01

Considering the problem of sampling from the output photon-counting probability distribution of a linear-optical network for input Gaussian states, we obtain results that are of interest from both quantum theory and the computational complexity theory point of view. We derive a general formula for calculating the output probabilities, and by considering input thermal states, we show that the output probabilities are proportional to permanents of positive-semidefinite Hermitian matrices. It is believed that approximating permanents of complex matrices in general is a #P-hard problem. However, we show that these permanents can be approximated with an algorithm in the BPPNP complexity class, as there exists an efficient classical algorithm for sampling from the output probability distribution. We further consider input squeezed-vacuum states and discuss the complexity of sampling from the probability distribution at the output.

Measurement of the differential pressure of liquid metals

DOEpatents

Metz, H.J.

1975-09-01

This patent relates to an improved means for measuring the differential pressure between any two points in a process liquid metal coolant loop, wherein the flow of liquid metal in a pipe is opposed by a permanent magnet liquid metal pump until there is almost zero flow shown by a magnetic type flowmeter. The pressure producing the liquid metal flow is inferred from the rate of rotation of the permanent magnet pump. In an alternate embodiment, a differential pressure transducer is coupled to a process pipeline by means of high-temperature bellows or diaphragm seals, and a permanent magnet liquid metal pump in the high-pressure transmission line to the pressure transducer can be utilized either for calibration of the transducer or for determining the process differential pressure as a function of the magnet pump speed. (auth)

Efficacy of low interatrial septum and right atrial appendage pacing for prevention of permanent atrial fibrillation in patients with sinus node disease: results from the electrophysiology-guided pacing site selection (EPASS) study.

PubMed

Verlato, Roberto; Botto, Giovanni Luca; Massa, Riccardo; Amellone, Claudia; Perucca, Antonello; Bongiorni, Maria Grazia; Bertaglia, Emanuele; Ziacchi, Vigilio; Piacenti, Marcello; Del Rosso, Attilio; Russo, Giovanni; Baccillieri, Maria Stella; Turrini, Pietro; Corbucci, Giorgio

2011-12-01

The role of pacing sites and atrial electrophysiology on the progression of atrial fibrillation (AF) to the permanent form in patients with sinus node dysfunction (SND) has never been investigated. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between atrial electrophysiology and the efficacy of atrial pacing at the low interatrial septum (IAS) or at the right atrial appendage (RAA) to prevent persistent/permanent AF in patients with SND. The Electrophysiology-Guided Pacing Site Selection (EPASS) Study was a prospective, controlled, randomized study. Atrial refractoriness, basal and incremental conduction times from the RAA to the coronary sinus ostium were measured before implantation, and the difference (ΔCTos) was calculated. Patients with ΔCTos ≥ 50 ms (study group) and those with ΔCTos <50 ms (control group) were randomly assigned to RAA or IAS with algorithms for continuous atrial stimulation "on." The primary end point was time to development of permanent or persistent AF within a 2-year follow-up in the study group, IAS versus RAA. Data were analyzed by intention to treat. One hundred two patients (77 ± 7 years, 44 mol/L) were enrolled, 69 (68%) in the study group and 33 (32%) in the control group. Of these, 97 ended the study, respectively, randomly assigned: 29 IAS versus 36 RAA and 18 IAS versus 14 RAA. After a mean follow-up of 15 ± 7 (median, 17) months, 11 (16.6%) patients in the study group met the primary end point: 2 IAS versus 9 RAA (log rank=3.93, P=0.047). In patients with SND and intra-atrial conduction delay, low IAS pacing was superior to RAA pacing in preventing progression to persistent or permanent AF. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00239226.

Proceedings of the SERDP Coral Reef Monitoring and Assessment Workshop

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-01

the U.S. that have coral reefs within their jurisdictions. Biscayne National Park, the Dry Tortugas , and U.S. Virgin Island parks at St. John and...Signs Monitoring Networks Dry Tortugas NP Buck Island Reef NM Virgin Islands National Park Biscayne NP South Florida/Caribbean Network Florida/Caribbean...Buck Island, Dry Tortugas and Biscayne • Extensive sites – 4 10m permanent transects per site – 18 sites in DRTO Virgin Islands NP % l i v e c o r

Current and emerging laser sensors for greenhouse gas sensing and leak detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frish, Michael B.

2014-05-01

To reduce atmospheric accumulation of the greenhouse gases methane and carbon dioxide, networks of continuously operating sensors that monitor and map their sources are desirable. In this paper, we discuss advances in laser-based open-path leak detectors, as well as technical and economic challenges inhibiting widespread sensor deployment for "ubiquitous monitoring". We describe permanently-installed, wireless, solar-powered sensors that overcome previous installation and maintenance difficulties while providing autonomous real-time leak reporting without false alarms.

Self-testing security sensor for monitoring closure of vault doors and the like

DOEpatents

Cawthorne, Duane C.

1997-05-27

A self-testing device is provided for a monitoring system for monitoring whether a closure member such as a door or window is closed. The monitoring system includes a switch unit mounted on the frame of the closure member being monitored and including magnetically biased switches connected in one or more electrical monitoring circuits, and a door magnet unit mounted on the closure member being monitored. The door magnet includes one or more permanent magnets that produce a magnetic field which, when the closure member is closed, cause said switches to assume a first state. When the closure member is opened, the switches switch to a second, alarm state. The self-testing device is electrically controllable from a remote location and produces a canceling or diverting magnetic field which simulates the effect of movement of the closure member from the closed position thereof without any actual movement of the member.

Self-testing security sensor for monitoring closure of vault doors and the like

DOEpatents

Cawthorne, D.C.

1997-05-27

A self-testing device is provided for a monitoring system for monitoring whether a closure member such as a door or window is closed. The monitoring system includes a switch unit mounted on the frame of the closure member being monitored and including magnetically biased switches connected in one or more electrical monitoring circuits, and a door magnet unit mounted on the closure member being monitored. The door magnet includes one or more permanent magnets that produce a magnetic field which, when the closure member is closed, cause said switches to assume a first state. When the closure member is opened, the switches switch to a second, alarm state. The self-testing device is electrically controllable from a remote location and produces a canceling or diverting magnetic field which simulates the effect of movement of the closure member from the closed position thereof without any actual movement of the member. 5 figs.

Determining Hydroperiod for Boreal and Prairie Pothole Wetlands using SAR, Optical and LiDAR Remote Sensing Data Fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montgomery, J. S.; Hopkinson, C.; Brisco, B.; Patterson, S.; Chasmer, L.; Mahoney, C.

2017-12-01

Cultivation, irrigation networks, and infrastructure have all greatly impacted the ecology and hydrology of the Prairie Pothole and Boreal regions of western Canada. Due to sub-humid climate and high potential evaporation, many wetlands in these natural regions are seldom continuously occupied by water, and are often confined to local depressions. In the Boreal region, wetlands may be difficult to monitor due to their remote location, whereas prairie wetlands have highly varying degrees of surface water and soil saturation throughout the year. This study examines how high-resolution Lidar, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and optical data can be utilized in spatial-temporal studies to classify wetlands based on water extent, riparian vegetation, and topographic characteristics. An intensity (dB) threshold routine was used to extract open surface water extent to determine hydroperiod. Digital Elevation Models (DEM) are used with a topographic position index to infer local depressions, while Digital Surface Models (DSMs) are used to characterise vegetation structural characteristics within and proximal to wetlands. The proposed framework provides an index of wetland permanence and wetland class, where permanence varies seasonally and annually. Boreal wetland hydroperiod is less variable than that found in prairie pothole wetlands, most notably the semi-permanent class, varying by only 2%, compared to >50% in prairie pothole wetlands. For years studied, prairie pothole wetlands reached maximum water extent following major rainfall events. Seasonal and semi-permanent wetlands were found to have greater change in surface water between years than temporary wetlands (75.3% and 59.1% from average respectively). The lowest frequency of water pixel inundation for seasonal and semi-permanent wetlands was found to be in the year with the most precipitation during the growing season (2013, 384mm), compared to 2014 (289mm), and 2015 (310mm). A combination of statistical analyses and ground validation of the output classes is used to evaluate the data fusion approach (overall accuracies >80%, RMSE <4). The decision-tree modeling approach provides insight into dynamic wetland surface water changes that are important for wetland monitoring, conservation and land use development within western Canada.

Using the Spatial Persistence of Soil Moisture Patterns to Estimate Catchment Soil Moisture in Semi-arid Areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Willgoose, G. R.

2006-12-01

In humid catchments the spatial distribution of soil water is dominated by subsurface lateral fluxes, which leads to a persistent spatial pattern of soil moisture principally described by the topographic index. In contrast, semi-arid, and dryer, catchments are dominated by vertical fluxes (infiltration and evapotranspiration) and persistent spatial patterns, if they exist, are subtler. In the first part of this presentation the results of a reanalysis of a number of catchment-scale long-term spatially-distributed soil moisture data sets are presented. We concentrate on Tarrawarra and SASMAS, both catchments in Australia that are water-limited for at least part of the year and which have been monitored using a variety of technologies. Using the data from permanently installed instruments (neutron probe and reflectometry) both catchments show persistent patterns at the 1-3 year timescale. This persistent pattern is not evident in the field campaign data where field portable instruments (reflectometry) instruments were used. We argue, based on high-resolution soil moisture semivariograms, that high short-distance variability (100mm scale) means that field portable instrument cannot be replaced at the same location with sufficient accuracy to ensure deterministic repeatability of soil moisture measurements from campaign to campaign. The observed temporal persistence of the spatial pattern can be caused by; (1) permanent features of the landscape (e.g. vegetation, soils), or (2) long term memory in the soil moisture store. We argue that it is permanent in which case it is possible to monitor the soil moisture status of a catchment using a single location measurement (continuous in time) of soil moisture using a permanently installed reflectometry instrument. This instrument will need to be calibrated to the catchment averaged soil moisture but the temporal persistence of the spatial pattern of soil moisture will mean that this calibration will be deterministically stable with time. In the second part of this presentation we will explore aspects of the calibration using data from the SASMAS site using the multiscale spatial resolution data (100m to 10km) provided by permanently installed reflectometry instruments, and how this single site measurement technique may complement satellite data.

Clinical Evaluation of Ozone on Dentinal Lesions in Young Permanent Molars using the Stepwise Excavation.

PubMed

Safwat, Osama; Elkateb, Mona; Dowidar, Karin; El Meligy, Omar

To evaluate the clinical changes in dentin of deep carious lesions in young permanent molars, following ozone application with and without the use of a remineralizing solution, using the stepwise excavation. The sample included 162 first permanent immature molars, showing deep occlusal carious cavities that were indicated for indirect pulp capping. Teeth were divided into 2 main groups according to the method of ozone treatment. Each group was further subdivided equally into test and control subgroups. Following caries excavation, color, consistency and DIAGNOdent assessments of dentin were evaluated after 6 and 12 months. Regarding dentin color and consistency, no significant differences were observed following ozone application, with and without a remineralizing solution. There were no significant differences between ozone treatment, and calcium hydroxide during the different evaluation periods, except in group I cases after 6 months, concerning the dentin color. The DIAGNOdent values were significantly reduced following ozone application, with or without a remineralizing solution, as well as between test and control cases in group I after 6 months. Ozone application through the stepwise excavation had no significant effect on dentin color and consistency in young permanent molars. DIAGNOdent was unreliable in monitoring caries activity.

30 CFR 250.1715 - How must I permanently plug a well?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... in the intervals. (10) Permafrost areas (i) A fluid to be left in the hole that has a freezing point below the temperature of the permafrost, and a treatment to inhibit corrosion; and(ii) Cement plugs...

Spatial Periodicity of Escherichia coli K-12 Biofilm Microstructure Initiates during a Reversible, Polar Attachment Phase of Development and Requires the Polysaccharide Adhesin PGA

PubMed Central

Agladze, Konstantin; Wang, Xin; Romeo, Tony

2005-01-01

Using fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis, we previously observed that cells within Escherichia coli biofilm are organized in nonrandom or periodic spatial patterns (K. Agladze et al., J. Bacteriol. 185:5632-5638, 2003). Here, we developed a gravity displacement assay for examining cell adherence and used it to quantitatively monitor the formation of two distinct forms of cell attachment, temporary and permanent, during early biofilm development. Temporarily attached cells were mainly surface associated by a cell pole; permanent attachments were via the lateral cell surface. While temporary attachment precedes permanent attachment, both forms can coexist in a population. Exposure of attached cells to gravity liberated an unattached population capable of rapidly reassembling a new monolayer, composed of temporarily attached cells, and possessing periodicity. A csrA mutant, which forms biofilm more vigorously than its wild-type parent, exhibited an increased proportion of permanently attached cells and a form of attachment that was not apparent in the parent strain, permanent polar attachment. Nevertheless, it formed periodic attachment patterns. In contrast, biofilm mutants with altered lipopolysaccharide synthesis (waaG) exhibited increased cell-cell interactions, bypassed the polar attachment step, and produced FFT spectra characteristic of aperiodic cell distribution. Mutants lacking the polysaccharide adhesin β-1,6-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (ΔpgaC) also exhibited aperiodic cell distribution, but without apparent cell-cell interactions, and were defective in forming permanent attachments. Thus, spatial periodicity of biofilm microstructure is genetically determined and evident during the formation of temporary cell surface attachments. PMID:16321928

Local structuring factors of invertebrate communities in ephemeral freshwater rock pools and the influence of more permanent water bodies in the region

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jocque, M.; Graham, T.; Brendonck, L.

2007-01-01

We used three isolated clusters of small ephemeral rock pools on a sandstone flat in Utah to test the importance of local structuring processes on aquatic invertebrate communities. In the three clusters we characterized all ephemeral rock pools (total: 27) for their morphometry, and monitored their water quality, hydrology and community assemblage during a full hydrocycle. In each cluster we also sampled a set of more permanent interconnected freshwater systems positioned in a wash, draining the water from each cluster of rock pools. This design allowed additional testing for the potential role of more permanent water bodies in the region as source populations for the active dispersers and the effect on the community structure in the rock pools. Species richness and community composition in the rock pools correlated with level of permanence and the ammonia concentration. The length of the rock pool inundation cycle shaped community structure, most probably by inhibiting colonization by some taxa (e.g. tadpoles and insect larvae) through developmental constraints. The gradient in ammonia concentrations probably reflects differences in primary production. The more permanent water bodies in each wash differed both environmentally and in community composition from the connected set of rock pools. A limited set of active dispersers was observed in the rock pools. Our findings indicate that aquatic invertebrate communities in the ephemeral rock pools are mainly structured through habitat permanence, possibly linked with biotic interactions and primary production. ?? 2007 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

A Method to Determine Supply Voltage of Permanent Magnet Motor at Optimal Design Stage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matustomo, Shinya; Noguchi, So; Yamashita, Hideo; Tanimoto, Shigeya

The permanent magnet motors (PM motors) are widely used in electrical machinery, such as air conditioner, refrigerator and so on. In recent years, from the point of view of energy saving, it is necessary to improve the efficiency of PM motor by optimization. However, in the efficiency optimization of PM motor, many design variables and many restrictions are required. In this paper, the efficiency optimization of PM motor with many design variables was performed by using the voltage driven finite element analysis with the rotating simulation of the motor and the genetic algorithm.

Electric dipole moments and chemical bonding of diatomic alkali-alkaline earth molecules.

PubMed

Pototschnig, Johann V; Hauser, Andreas W; Ernst, Wolfgang E

2016-02-17

We investigate the properties of alkali-alkaline earth diatomic molecules in the lowest Σ(+) states of the doublet and quartet multiplicity by ab initio calculations. In all sixteen cases studied, the permanent electric dipole moment points in opposite directions for the two spin states. This peculiarity can be explained by molecular orbital theory. We further discuss dissociation energies and bond distances. We analyze trends and provide an empirically motivated model for the prediction of the permanent electric dipole moment for combinations of alkali and alkaline earth atoms not studied in this work.

Sacral neuromodulation in the treatment of the unstable bladder.

PubMed

Bosch, J L

1998-07-01

Sacral neuromodulation as a treatment for urge incontinence in patients with an unstable bladder is the subject of ongoing clinical studies. Although approximately 75% of the patients treated with a permanent sacral foramen electrode implant have experienced significant improvements, it is now also clear that there is an initial failure rate of about 25%. Recent studies have pointed out the importance of improved patient selection on the basis of sex differences, urodynamic parameters and psychological factors. Also, newer forms of test stimulation and permanent electrode implantation are being explored in an effort to improve on the present results.

7 CFR 4280.26 - Administration and operation of the Revolving Loan Fund.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... GRANTS Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Programs § 4280.26 Administration and operation of the... Intermediary must permanently retain all Project review, approval, and monitoring authority and responsibility. This authority and responsibility cannot be delegated to any other person or entity. (b) Up to 10...

Development of multi-purposes procedures and service tools for GNSS data processing finalized to monitor a deep-seated earthslide in the Dolomites (Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crespi, Mattia; Fratarcangeli, Francesca; Mazzoni, Augusto; Nascetti, Andrea; Monsorno, Roberto; Schloegel, Romy; Corsini, Alessandro; Mulas, Marco; Mair, Volkmar

2017-04-01

The Corvara landslide is an active, large-scale, deep-seated and slow moving earthslide of about 30 Mm3 located in the Dolomites (Italy). It is frequently damaging a national road and, occasionally, isolated buildings and recreational ski facilities. In this work we present the analysis performed on data acquired thank to the installation of 3 DualFrequency GPS in permanent acquisition installed in the accumulation, track and source zone of the active portion of the landslide. In particular two years (2014 and 2015) of data were processed with several approaches and goals: daily time series were produced through Precise Point Positioning and Differential Positioning using both scientific packages and automatic on line tool based on open source libraries, specifically developed in order to provide a prototypal service. The achievable results based on single frequency (L1) data processing were also investigated in order to pave the way to the deployment of lowcost GPS receiver for this kind of application. Moreover, daily and sub-daily phenomena were analyzed. Different strategies were investigated in order to describe the kinematics on the basis of 0.2 Hz data collected by the 3 permanent receivers. For particular events also the variometric approach, through the recent advances of VADASE, was applied, to detect significant movements. Finally, tropospheric parameters were estimated over the whole period in order to give a contribution to the SAR interferometry techniques. Also for this specific purpose and application, the possibilities of single frequency use were assessed.

Multi-parameter monitoring of electrical machines using integrated fibre Bragg gratings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fabian, Matthias; Hind, David; Gerada, Chris; Sun, Tong; Grattan, Kenneth T. V.

2017-04-01

In this paper a sensor system for multi-parameter electrical machine condition monitoring is reported. The proposed FBG-based system allows for the simultaneous monitoring of machine vibration, rotor speed and position, torque, spinning direction, temperature distribution along the stator windings and on the rotor surface as well as the stator wave frequency. This all-optical sensing solution reduces the component count of conventional sensor systems, i.e., all 48 sensing elements are contained within the machine operated by a single sensing interrogation unit. In this work, the sensing system has been successfully integrated into and tested on a permanent magnet motor prototype.

Predicting permanent and transient protein-protein interfaces.

PubMed

La, David; Kong, Misun; Hoffman, William; Choi, Youn Im; Kihara, Daisuke

2013-05-01

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are involved in diverse functions in a cell. To optimize functional roles of interactions, proteins interact with a spectrum of binding affinities. Interactions are conventionally classified into permanent and transient, where the former denotes tight binding between proteins that result in strong complexes, whereas the latter compose of relatively weak interactions that can dissociate after binding to regulate functional activity at specific time point. Knowing the type of interactions has significant implications for understanding the nature and function of PPIs. In this study, we constructed amino acid substitution models that capture mutation patterns at permanent and transient type of protein interfaces, which were found to be different with statistical significance. Using the substitution models, we developed a novel computational method that predicts permanent and transient protein binding interfaces (PBIs) in protein surfaces. Without knowledge of the interacting partner, the method uses a single query protein structure and a multiple sequence alignment of the sequence family. Using a large dataset of permanent and transient proteins, we show that our method, BindML+, performs very well in protein interface classification. A very high area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.957 was observed when predicted protein binding sites were classified. Remarkably, near prefect accuracy was achieved with an AUC of 0.991 when actual binding sites were classified. The developed method will be also useful for protein design of permanent and transient PBIs. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluating Mass Analyzers as Candidates for Small, Portable, Rugged Single Point Mass Spectrometers for Analysis of Permanent Gases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arkin, C. Richard; Ottens, Andrew K.; Diaz, Jorge A.; Griffin, Timothy P.; Follestein, Duke; Adams, Fredrick; Steinrock, T. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

For Space Shuttle launch safety, there is a need to monitor the concentration of H2, He, O2 and Ar around the launch vehicle. Currently a large mass spectrometry system performs this task, using long transport lines to draw in samples. There is great interest in replacing this stationary system with several miniature, portable, rugged mass spectrometers which act as point sensors which can be placed at the sampling point. Five commercial and two non-commercial analyzers are evaluated. The five commercial systems include the Leybold Inficon XPR-2 linear quadrupole, the Stanford Research (SRS-100) linear quadrupole, the Ferran linear quadrupole array, the ThermoQuest Polaris-Q quadrupole ion trap, and the IonWerks Time-of-Flight (TOF). The non-commercial systems include a compact double focusing sector (CDFMS) developed at the University of Minnesota, and a quadrupole ion trap (UF-IT) developed at the University of Florida. The System Volume is determined by measuring the entire system volume including the mass analyzer, its associated electronics, the associated vacuum system, the high vacuum pump and rough pump. Also measured are any ion gauge controllers or other required equipment. Computers are not included. Scan Time is the time required for one scan to be acquired and the data to be transferred. It is determined by measuring the time required acquiring a known number of scans and dividing by said number of scans. Limit of Detection is determined first by performing a zero-span calibration (using a 10-point data set). Then the limit of detection (LOD) is defined as 3 times the standard deviation of the zero data set. (An LOD of 10 ppm or less is considered acceptable.)

A Low Cost Automated Monitoring System for Landslides Using Dual Frequency GPS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mills, H.; Edwards, S.

2006-12-01

Landslides are an existing and permanent threat to societies across the globe, generating financial and human losses whenever and wherever they occur. Drawing together the strands of science that provide increased understanding of landslide triggers through accurate modelling is therefore vital for the development of mitigation and management strategies. Together with climatic and geomorphological data a key input here is information on the precise location and timing of landslide events. However, the detailed monitoring of landslides and precursor movements is generally limited to episodic campaigns where limiting factors include equipment and mobilisation costs, time constraints and spatial resolution. This research has developed a geodetic tool of benefit to scientists involved in the development of closely coupled models that seek to explain trigger mechanisms such as rainfall duration and intensity and changes in groundwater pressure to actual real land movements. A fully automated low cost dual frequency GPS station for the continuous in-situ monitoring of landslide sites has been developed. System configuration combines a dual frequency GPS receiver, PC board with a GPRS modem and power supply to deliver 24hr/365day operation capability. Individual components have been chosen to provide the highest accuracies while minimising power consumption resulting in a system around half that of equivalent commercial systems. Measurement point-costs can be further reduced through the use of antenna switching and multi antenna arrays. Continuous data is delivered via mobile phone uplink and processed automatically using geodetic software. The developed system has been extensively tested on a purpose built platform capable of simulating ground movements. Co-mounted antennas have allowed direct comparisons with more expensive geodetic GPS receivers. The system is capable of delivering precise 3D coordinates with a 9 mm rms. The system can be up-scaled resulting in the increased spatial density of monitoring and yielding more detailed information on landslide movements for improved downstream modelling and monitoring.

Harmonic Fluxes and Electromagnetic Forces of Concentric Winding Brushless Permanent Magnet Motor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishibashi, Fuminori; Takemasa, Ryo; Matsushita, Makoto; Nishizawa, Takashi; Noda, Shinichi

Brushless permanent magnet motors have been widely used in home applications and industrial fields. These days, high efficiency and low noise motors are demanded from the view point of environment. Electromagnetic noise and iron loss of the motor are produced by the harmonic fluxes and electromagnetic forces. However, order and space pattern of these have not been discussed in detail. In this paper, fluxes, electromagnetic forces and magneto-motive forces of brushless permanent magnet motors with concentric winding were analyzed analytically, experimentally and numerically. Time harmonic fluxes and time electromagnetic forces in the air gap were measured by search coils on the inner surface of the stator teeth and analyzed by FEM. Space pattern of time harmonic fluxes and time electromagnetic forces were worked out with experiments and FEM. Magneto motive forces due to concentric winding were analyzed with equations and checked by FEM.

Integrated Geophysical Monitoring Program to Study Flood Performance and Incidental CO2 Storage Associated with a CO2 EOR Project in the Bell Creek Oil Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burnison, S. A.; Ditty, P.; Gorecki, C. D.; Hamling, J. A.; Steadman, E. N.; Harju, J. A.

2013-12-01

The Plains CO2 Reduction (PCOR) Partnership, led by the Energy & Environmental Research Center, is working with Denbury Onshore LLC to determine the effect of a large-scale injection of carbon dioxide (CO2) into a deep clastic reservoir for the purpose of simultaneous CO2 enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and to study incidental CO2 storage at the Bell Creek oil field located in southeastern Montana. This project will reduce CO2 emissions by more than 1 million tons a year while simultaneously recovering an anticipated 30 million barrels of incremental oil. The Bell Creek project provides a unique opportunity to use and evaluate a comprehensive suite of technologies for monitoring, verification, and accounting (MVA) of CO2 on a large-scale. The plan incorporates multiple geophysical technologies in the presence of complementary and sometimes overlapping data to create a comprehensive data set that will facilitate evaluation and comparison. The MVA plan has been divided into shallow and deep subsurface monitoring. The deep subsurface monitoring plan includes 4-D surface seismic, time-lapse 3-D vertical seismic profile (VSP) surveys incorporating a permanent borehole array, and baseline and subsequent carbon-oxygen logging and other well-based measurements. The goal is to track the movement of CO2 in the reservoir, evaluate the recovery/storage efficiency of the CO2 EOR program, identify fluid migration pathways, and determine the ultimate fate of injected CO2. CO2 injection at Bell Creek began in late May 2013. Prior to injection, a monitoring and characterization well near the field center was drilled and outfitted with a distributed temperature-monitoring system and three down-hole pressure gauges to provide continuous real-time data of the reservoir and overlying strata. The monitoring well allows on-demand access for time-lapse well-based measurements and borehole seismic instrumentation. A 50-level permanent borehole array of 3-component geophones was installed in a second monitoring well. A pre-injection series of carbon-oxygen logging across the reservoir was acquired in 35 wells. The baseline 3-D surface seismic survey was acquired in September 2012. A 3-D VSP incorporating two wells and 2 square miles of overlapping seismic coverage in the middle of the field was acquired in May 2013. Initial iterations of geologic modeling and reservoir simulation of the field have been completed. Currently, passive seismic monitoring with the permanent borehole array is being conducted during injection. Interpretation results from the baseline surface 3-D survey and preliminary results from the baseline 3-D VSP are being evaluated and integrated into the reservoir model. The PCOR Partnership's philosophy is to combine site characterization, modeling, and monitoring strategies into an iterative process to produce descriptive integrated results. The comprehensive effort at Bell Creek will allow a comparison of the effectiveness of several complementary geophysical and well-based methods in meeting the goals of the deep subsurface monitoring effort.

A wireless sensor network for monitoring volcanic tremors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopes Pereira, R.; Trindade, J.; Gonçalves, F.; Suresh, L.; Barbosa, D.; Vazão, T.

2013-08-01

Monitoring of volcanic activity is important to learn about the properties of each volcano and provide early warning systems to the population. Monitoring equipment can be expensive and thus, the degree of monitoring varies from volcano to volcano and from country to country, with many volcanoes not being monitored at all. This paper describes the development of a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) capable of collecting geophysical measurements on remote active volcanoes. Our main goals were to create a flexible, easy to deploy and maintain, adaptable, low-cost WSN for temporary or permanent monitoring of seismic tremor. The WSN enables the easy installation of a sensor array on an area of tens of thousand of m2, allowing the location of the magma movements causing the seismic tremor to be calculated. This WSN can be used by recording data locally for latter analysis or by continuously transmitting it in real time to a remote laboratory for real-time analyses.

Banding versus bonding of first permanent molars: a multi-centre randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Nazir, Mariyah; Walsh, Tanya; Mandall, Nicky A; Matthew, Susie; Fox, Dee

2011-06-01

To assess the effectiveness of banding versus bonding of first permanent molars during fixed appliance treatment; in terms of attachment failure, patient discomfort and post-treatment enamel demineralization. Multi-centre randomized clinical trial. One District General Hospital Orthodontic Department and two Specialist Orthodontic Practices. Orthodontic patients aged between 10 and 18 years old, randomly allocated to either receive molar bands (n=40) or molar bonds (n=40). Bands were cemented with a conventional glass ionomer cement and tubes were bonded with light-cured composite to all four first permanent molar teeth for each subject. Attachments were reviewed at each recall appointment to assess loosening or loss. The clinical end point of the trial was the day of appliance debond. Enamel demineralization at debond was assessed using the modified International Caries Assessment and Detection System (ICDAS). The first time failure rate for molar bonds was 18·4% and 2·6% for molar bands (P=0·0002). Survival analysis demonstrated molar bonds were more likely to fail compared with molar bands. First permanent molars with bonded tubes experienced more demineralization than those with cemented bands (P=0·027). There was no statistically significant difference in discomfort experienced by patients after banding or bonding first permanent molars (P>0·05). This study shows that as part of fixed appliance therapy, American Orthodontics photoetched first permanent molar bands cemented with 3M ESPE Ketac-Cem perform better than American Orthodontics low profile photo-etched and mesh-based first permanent molar tubes bonded with 3M Unitek Transbond XT in terms of failure behaviour and molar enamel demineralization.

Are Two Voices Better Than One? Predicting Permanency for Minority Youth Using Multi-Informant Mental Health and Strength Data

PubMed Central

Toche-Manley, Linda L.; Dietzen, Laura; Nankin, Jesse; Beigel, Astrid

2013-01-01

Among youth in child welfare ages 6 to 17, 40% meet criteria for one or more DSM diagnoses. For minority youth in child welfare, poor mental health is compounded by limited access to care and racial disparity bias, leading to poorer outcomes. This paper uses data collected and analyzed by an automated behavioral health assessment system for a multi-year study that focused on ways to improve case planning in child welfare. Youth, their caseworkers and, in some cases, parents completed assessments that measured and monitored the youths’ needs and strengths. More than 60% of youth participating in the study were African American; permanency rates after six months of case planning were found to be only one-third. Predictive factors related to better behavioral health and permanency outcomes are identified and discussed, as well as the implications for improving case planning by incorporating the views of multiple informants, including the youth. PMID:22566058

Microbend fiber-optic temperature sensor

DOEpatents

Weiss, J.D.

1995-05-30

A temperature sensor is made of optical fiber into which quasi-sinusoidal microbends have been permanently introduced. In particular, the present invention includes a graded-index optical fiber directing steady light through a section of the optical fiber containing a plurality of permanent microbends. The microbend section of the optical fiber is contained in a thermally expansive sheath, attached to a thermally expansive structure, or attached to a bimetallic element undergoing temperature changes and being monitored. The microbend section is secured to the thermally expansive sheath which allows the amplitude of the microbends to decrease with temperature. The resultant increase in the optical fiber`s transmission thus allows temperature to be measured. The plural microbend section of the optical fiber is secured to the thermally expansive structure only at its ends and the microbends themselves are completely unconstrained laterally by any bonding agent to obtain maximum longitudinal temperature sensitivity. Although the permanent microbends reduce the transmission capabilities of fiber optics, the present invention utilizes this phenomenon as a transduction mechanism which is optimized to measure temperature. 5 figs.

Microbend fiber-optic temperature sensor

DOEpatents

Weiss, Jonathan D.

1995-01-01

A temperature sensor is made of optical fiber into which quasi-sinusoidal microbends have been permanently introduced. In particular, the present invention includes a graded-index optical fiber directing steady light through a section of the optical fiber containing a plurality of permanent microbends. The microbend section of the optical fiber is contained in a thermally expansive sheath, attached to a thermally expansive structure, or attached to a bimetallic element undergoing temperature changes and being monitored. The microbend section is secured to the thermally expansive sheath which allows the amplitude of the microbends to decrease with temperature. The resultant increase in the optical fiber's transmission thus allows temperature to be measured. The plural microbend section of the optical fiber is secured to the thermally expansive structure only at its ends and the microbends themselves are completely unconstrained laterally by any bonding agent to obtain maximum longitudinal temperature sensitivity. Although the permanent microbends reduce the transmission capabilities of fiber optics, the present invention utilizes this phenomenon as a transduction mechanism which is optimized to measure temperature.

Imaging strategy for infants with urinary tract infection: a new algorithm.

PubMed

Preda, Iulian; Jodal, Ulf; Sixt, Rune; Stokland, Eira; Hansson, Sverker

2011-03-01

We analyzed clinical data for prediction of permanent renal damage in infants with first time urinary tract infection. This population based, prospective, 3-year study included 161 male and 129 female consecutive infants with first time urinary tract infection. Ultrasonography and dimercapto-succinic acid scintigraphy were performed as acute investigations and voiding cystourethrography within 2 months. Late scintigraphy was performed after 1 year in infants with abnormality on the first dimercapto-succinic acid scan or recurrent febrile urinary tract infections. End point was renal damage on the late scan. A total of 270 patients had end point data available, of whom 70 had renal damage and 200 did not. Final kidney status was associated with C-reactive protein, serum creatinine, temperature, leukocyturia, non-Escherichia coli bacteria, anteroposterior diameter on ultrasound and recurrent febrile urinary tract infections. In stepwise multiple regression analysis C-reactive protein, creatinine, leukocyturia, anteroposterior diameter and non-E.coli bacteria were independent predictors of permanent renal damage. C-reactive protein 70 mg/l or greater combined with anteroposterior diameter 10 mm or greater had sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 59% for renal damage. An algorithm for imaging of infants with first time urinary tract infection based on these results would have eliminated 126 acute dimercapto-succinic acid scans compared to our study protocol, while missing 9 patients with permanent renal damage. C-reactive protein can be used as a predictor of permanent renal damage in infants with urinary tract infection and together with anteroposterior diameter serves as a basis for an imaging algorithm. Copyright © 2011 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Permanent magnetic-levitation of rotating impeller: a decisive breakthrough in the centrifugal pump.

PubMed

Qian, K X; Zeng, P; Ru, W M; Yuan, H Y; Feng, Z G; Li, L

2002-01-01

Magnetic bearings have no mechanical contact between the rotor and stator, and a rotary pump with magnetic bearings therefore has no mechanical wear and thrombosis. The magnetic bearings available, however, contain electromagnets, are complicated to control and have high energy consumption. Therefore, it is difficult to apply an electromagnetic bearing to a rotary pump without disturbing its simplicity, reliability and ability to be implanted. The authors have developed a levitated impeller pump using only permanent magnets. The rotor is supported by permanent radial magnetic forces. The impeller is fixed on one side of the rotor; on the other side the rotor magnets are mounted. Opposite these rotor magents, a driving magnet is fastened to the motor axis. Thereafter, the motor drives the rotor via magnetic coupling. In laboratory tests with saline, where the rotor is still or rotates at under 4,000 rpm, the rotor magnets have one point in contact axially with a spacer between the rotor magnets and the driving magnets. The contacting point is located in the center of the rotor. As the rotating speed increases gradually to more than 4000 rpm, the rotor will disaffiliate from the stator axially, and become fully levitated. Since the axial levitation is produced by hydraulic force and the rotor magnets have a giro-effect, the rotor rotates very stably during levitation. As a left ventricular assist device, the pump works in a rotating speed range of 5,000-8,000 rpm, and the levitation of the impeller is assured by use of the pump. The permanent maglev impeller pump retains the advantages of the rotary pump but overcomes the disadvantages of the leviated pump with electromagnetic-bearing, and has met with most requirements of artificial heart blood pumps, thus promising to have more applications than previously.

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

Ueno, Kohta

Adding insulation to the interior side of walls of masonry buildings in cold (and wet) climates may cause performance and durability problems. Some concerns, such as condensation and freeze-thaw, have known solutions, but wood members embedded in the masonry structure will be colder (and potentially wetter) after an interior insulation retrofit. Moisture content & relative humidity were monitored at joist ends in historic mass brick masonry walls retrofitted with interior insulation in a cold climate (Zone 5A); data were collected from 2012-2015. Eleven joist ends were monitored in all four orientations. One limitation of these results is that the renovationmore » is still ongoing, with limited wintertime construction heating and no permanent occupancy to date. Measurements show that many joists ends remain at high moisture contents, especially at north- and east-facing orientations, with constant 100% RH conditions at the worst cases. These high moisture levels are not conducive for wood durability, but no evidence for actual structural damage has been observed. Insulated versus non-insulated joist pockets do not show large differences. South facing joists have safe (10-15%) moisture contents. Given the uncertainty pointed out by research, definitive guidance on the vulnerability of embedded wood members is difficult to formulate. In high-risk situations, or when a very conservative approach is warranted, the embedded wood member condition can be eliminated entirely, supporting the joist ends outside of the masonry pocket.« less

International Energy Agency (IEA) Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Weyburn-Midale CO₂ Monitoring and Storage Project

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

Sacuta, Norm; Young, Aleana; Worth, Kyle

2015-12-22

The IEAGHG Weyburn-Midale CO₂ Monitoring and Storage Project (WMP) began in 2000 with the first four years of research that confirmed the suitability of the containment complex of the Weyburn oil field in southeastern Saskatchewan as a storage location for CO₂ injected as part of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) operations. The first half of this report covers research conducted from 2010 to 2012, under the funding of the United States Department of Energy (contract DEFE0002697), the Government of Canada, and various other governmental and industry sponsors. The work includes more in-depth analysis of various components of a measurement, monitoring andmore » verification (MMV) program through investigation of data on site characterization and geological integrity, wellbore integrity, storage monitoring (geophysical and geochemical), and performance/risk assessment. These results then led to the development of a Best Practices Manual (BPM) providing oilfield and project operators with guidance on CO₂ storage and CO₂-EOR. In 2013, the USDOE and Government of Saskatchewan exercised an optional phase of the same project to further develop and deploy applied research tools, technologies, and methodologies to the data and research at Weyburn with the aim of assisting regulators and operators in transitioning CO₂-EOR operations into permanent storage. This work, detailed in the second half of this report, involves seven targeted research projects – evaluating the minimum dataset for confirming secure storage; additional overburden monitoring; passive seismic monitoring; history-matched modelling; developing proper wellbore design; casing corrosion evaluation; and assessment of post CO₂-injected core samples. The results from the final and optional phases of the Weyburn-Midale Project confirm the suitability of CO₂-EOR fields for the injection of CO₂, and further, highlight the necessary MMV and follow-up monitoring required for these operations to be considered permanent storage.« less

Using monitoring data to map amphibian breeding hotspots and describe wetland vulnerability in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ray, Andrew M.; Legg, Kristin; Sepulveda, Adam; Hossack, Blake R.; Patla, Debra

2015-01-01

Amphibians have been selected as a “vital sign” by several National Park Service (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) networks. An eight-year amphibian monitoring data set provided opportunities to examine spatial and temporal patterns in amphibian breeding richness and wetland desiccation across Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Amphibian breeding richness was variable across both parks and only four of 31 permanent monitoring catchments contained all four widely distributed species. Annual breeding richness was also variable through time and fluctuated by as much as 75% in some years and catchments. Wetland desiccation was also documented across the region, but alone did not explain variations in amphibian richness. High annual variability across the region emphasizes the need for multiple years of monitoring to accurately describe amphibian richness and wetland desiccation dynamics.

Availability Issues in Wireless Visual Sensor Networks

PubMed Central

Costa, Daniel G.; Silva, Ivanovitch; Guedes, Luiz Affonso; Vasques, Francisco; Portugal, Paulo

2014-01-01

Wireless visual sensor networks have been considered for a large set of monitoring applications related with surveillance, tracking and multipurpose visual monitoring. When sensors are deployed over a monitored field, permanent faults may happen during the network lifetime, reducing the monitoring quality or rendering parts or the entire network unavailable. In a different way from scalar sensor networks, camera-enabled sensors collect information following a directional sensing model, which changes the notions of vicinity and redundancy. Moreover, visual source nodes may have different relevancies for the applications, according to the monitoring requirements and cameras' poses. In this paper we discuss the most relevant availability issues related to wireless visual sensor networks, addressing availability evaluation and enhancement. Such discussions are valuable when designing, deploying and managing wireless visual sensor networks, bringing significant contributions to these networks. PMID:24526301

Long term monitoring system integrated in an elevational gradient in NW Argentina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carilla, J.; Malizia, A.; Osinaga, O.; Blundo, C.; Grau, R.; Malizia, L.; Aráoz, E.

2013-05-01

Ecological trends and ranges of variability are poorly known in the tropical and subtropical Andes. Long term studies are powerful tools to detect the response of vegetation dynamics, biodiversity and hydrological cycle to these trends. We present a long term monitoring system in NW Argentinean mountains, including forest permanent plots at different elevations and high elevation grasslands, encompassing more than 3.000 m elevation range. Long term studies include: 1) 66 ha of mountain forest permanent plots along the Yungas elevational gradient from c. 400 to 2500 masl , and latitudinal gradient (22-28S) with 45 plots in mature forests and 28 in secondary forests originated in grazing, agriculture and selective logging. Some of these permanent plots have achieved 20 years of monitoring and all of them are included in the "Red de Bosques Andinos" a network created recently, together with c. 10 institutions and more than 130 (c. 120 ha) forest permanent plots from Argentina to Colombia Andes. 2) Two GLORIA (Global Observation Research Initiative in Alpine Environments) sites, above 4000 masl with more than 170 species recorded, including one re-measurement. This system is included in GLORIA network (www.gloria.ac.at) and in GLORIA Andes (http://www.condesan.org/gloria), and 3) more than 15 satellite monitored high Andean lakes and a wide extension of vegas (75800 ha in Argentinean puna). A digital database is being implemented to organize and provide access to the information generated by these three systems coordinated by the Instituto de Ecología Regional (http://www.iecologia.com.ar). These monitoring data are analyzed together with instrumental and dendrochronological data to describe the dynamics of these ecosystems over an area of 20 million hectares distributed between 22 and 28°S. Some of the most significant results to date include: 1) secondary mountain forests are expanding over grasslands and agriculture lands, and tend to converge toward mature forest composition over time, despite different previous land use. Floristic changes are also reflected in structural changes, showing an increasing trend in biomass in the last 15 years for most of the plots. Exotic tree species are expanding their distribution (e.g. Ligustrum lucidum) and have a strong influence on the structure and dynamics of some secondary forests. 2) High Andean vegetation diversity decrease with altitude, while several functional groups cover increase with temperature. 3) There is a clear association between lake fluctuations, ecosystem productivity and regional climatic patterns. The long term record provided by dendrochronology showed that plant productivity of the last decades is the lowest in the last 180 years, with a consistent drying trend in the last years. We are generating longer temporal series of meteorological data and biological ecosystems measurements; this will help to differentiate between the effect of climate change, land use change and natural ecosystems variability, to understand the way vegetation and ecosystems response to these changes.

Method and apparatus for lead-unity-lag electric power generation system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ganev, Evgeni (Inventor); Warr, William (Inventor); Salam, Mohamed (Arif) (Inventor)

2013-01-01

A method employing a lead-unity-lag adjustment on a power generation system is disclosed. The method may include calculating a unity power factor point and adjusting system parameters to shift a power factor angle to substantially match an operating power angle creating a new unity power factor point. The method may then define operation parameters for a high reactance permanent magnet machine based on the adjusted power level.

Survey State of the Art: Electrical Load Management Techniques and Equipment.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-10-31

automobiles and even appliances. Applications in the area of demand and energy management have been multifaceted, given the needs involved and rapid paybacks...copy of the programming to be reloaded into the controller at any time and by designing this module with erasable and reprogrammable memory, the...points and performs DDC programming is stored in (direct digital control) of output reprogrammable , permanent memory points. A RIM may accommodate up

Conjunct SEP and MEP monitoring in resection of infratentorial lesions: lessons learned in a cohort of 210 patients.

PubMed

Kodama, Kunihiko; Javadi, Mani; Seifert, Volker; Szelényi, Andrea

2014-12-01

During the surgical removal of infratentorial lesions, intraoperative neuromonitoring is mostly focused on cranial nerve assessment and brainstem auditory potentials. Despite the known risk of perforating vessel injury during microdissection within the vicinity of the brainstem, there are few reports about intraoperative neuromonitoring with somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) assessing the medial lemniscus and corticospinal tract. This study analyses the occurrence of intraoperative changes in MEPs and SEPs with regard to lesion location and postoperative neurological outcome. The authors analyzed 210 cases in which patients (mean age 49 ± 13 years, 109 female) underwent surgeries involving the skull base (n = 104), cerebellum (n = 63), fourth ventricle (n = 28), brainstem (n = 12), and foramen magnum (n = 3). Of 210 surgeries, 171 (81.4%) were uneventful with respect to long-tract monitoring. Nine (23%) of the 39 SEP and/or MEP alterations were transient and were only followed by a slight permanent deficit in 1 case. Permanent deterioration only was seen in 19 (49%) of 39 cases; the deterioration was related to tumor dissection in 4 of these cases, and permanent deficit (moderate-severe) was seen in only 1 of these 4 cases. Eleven patients (28%) had losses of at least 1 modality, and in 9 of these 11 cases, the loss was related to surgical microdissection within the vicinity of the brainstem. Four of these 9 patients suffered a moderate-to-severe long-term deficit. For permanent changes, the positive predictive value for neuromonitoring of the long tracts was 0.467, the negative predictive value was 0.989, the sensitivity was 0.875, and the specificity 0.918. Twenty-eight (72%) of 39 SEP and MEP alterations occurred in 66 cases involving intrinsic brainstem tumors or tumors adjacent to the brainstem. Lesion location and alterations in intraoperative neuromonitoring significantly correlated with patients' outcome (p < 0.001, chi-square test). In summary, long-tract monitoring with SEPs and MEPs in infratentorial surgeries has a high sensitivity and negative predictive value with respect to postoperative neurological status. It is recommended especially in those surgeries in which microdissection within and in the vicinity of the brainstem might lead to injury of the brainstem parenchyma or perforating vessels and a subsequent perfusion deficit within the brainstem.

An improved design of axially driven permanent maglev centrifugal pump with streamlined impeller.

PubMed

Qian, K X; Zeng, P; Ru, W M; Yuan, H Y

2007-01-01

In 1839, Earnshaw proved theoretically that it is impossible to achieve a stable equilibrium with a pure permanent maglev. Furthermore, in 1939, Braunbeck deduced that it is only possible to stabilize a super conductive or an electric maglev. In 2000, however, the present authors discovered that stable levitation is achievable by a combination of permanent magnetic and nonmagnetic forces, and its stability can be maintained even with mere passive magnetic forces by use of the gyro-effect. An improved design of permanent maglev impeller pump has been developed. Passive magnetic (PM) bearings support the rotor radially; on its right side, an impeller is fixed and on its left side a motor magnets-assemble is mounted. Unlike a previous prototype design, in which the rotor magnets were driven by a motor via magnetic coupling, a motor coil is installed opposite to the motor magnets disc, producing a rotating magnetic field. At standstill or if the rotating speed is lower than 4000 rpm, the rotor has one axial point contact with the motor coil. The contact point is located at the centre of the rotor. As the rotating speed increases gradually to higher than 4000 rpm, the rotor will be drawn off from the contact point by the hydrodynamic force of the fluid. Then the rotor becomes fully suspended. For radial and peripheral stabilization, a gyro-effect is important, which is realized by designing the motor magnets disc to have large diameter, short length and high rotating speed; for axial stability, an axial rehabilitating force is necessary, which is produced by PM bearings. The rotor demonstrated a full levitation by rotation over 4000 rpm. As a left ventricular assist device, the rotation of the pump has a speed range from 5000 to 8000 rpm. The relation between pressure head and flow rate indicates that there is neither mechanical friction nor hydrodynamic turbulence inside the pump; the former is due to the frictionless maglev and the latter is a result of the streamlined design of the impeller.

40 CFR 63.681 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... drain system, a gravity-operated conveyor (such as a chute), and a mechanically-powered conveyor (such... features permanently integrated into the design of the unit. Emission point means an individual tank, surface impoundment, container, oil-water or organic-water separator, transfer system, process vent, or...

40 CFR 63.681 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... drain system, a gravity-operated conveyor (such as a chute), and a mechanically-powered conveyor (such... features permanently integrated into the design of the unit. Emission point means an individual tank, surface impoundment, container, oil-water or organic-water separator, transfer system, process vent, or...

40 CFR 63.681 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... drain system, a gravity-operated conveyor (such as a chute), and a mechanically-powered conveyor (such... features permanently integrated into the design of the unit. Emission point means an individual tank, surface impoundment, container, oil-water or organic-water separator, transfer system, process vent, or...

30 CFR 75.1912 - Fire suppression systems for permanent underground diesel fuel storage facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... electrical system failure. (g) Electrically operated detection and actuation circuits shall be monitored and... operated, a means shall be provided to indicate the functional readiness status of the detection system. (h... susceptible to alteration or recorded electronically in a secured computer system that is not susceptible to...

30 CFR 75.1912 - Fire suppression systems for permanent underground diesel fuel storage facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... electrical system failure. (g) Electrically operated detection and actuation circuits shall be monitored and... operated, a means shall be provided to indicate the functional readiness status of the detection system. (h... susceptible to alteration or recorded electronically in a secured computer system that is not susceptible to...

30 CFR 75.1912 - Fire suppression systems for permanent underground diesel fuel storage facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... electrical system failure. (g) Electrically operated detection and actuation circuits shall be monitored and... operated, a means shall be provided to indicate the functional readiness status of the detection system. (h... susceptible to alteration or recorded electronically in a secured computer system that is not susceptible to...

30 CFR 75.1912 - Fire suppression systems for permanent underground diesel fuel storage facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... electrical system failure. (g) Electrically operated detection and actuation circuits shall be monitored and... operated, a means shall be provided to indicate the functional readiness status of the detection system. (h... susceptible to alteration or recorded electronically in a secured computer system that is not susceptible to...

30 CFR 75.1912 - Fire suppression systems for permanent underground diesel fuel storage facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... electrical system failure. (g) Electrically operated detection and actuation circuits shall be monitored and... operated, a means shall be provided to indicate the functional readiness status of the detection system. (h... susceptible to alteration or recorded electronically in a secured computer system that is not susceptible to...

Possibilities of using the German Federal States' permanent soil monitoring program for the monitoring of potential effects of genetically modified organisms (GMO).

PubMed

Toschki, Andreas; Jänsch, Stephan; Roß-Nickoll, Martina; Römbke, Jörg; Züghart, Wiebke

2015-01-01

In the Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms (GMO) into the environment, a monitoring of potential risks is prescribed after their deliberate release or placing on the market. Experience and data of already existing monitoring networks should be included. The present paper summarizes the major findings of a project funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (Nutzungsmöglichkeiten der Boden-Dauerbeobachtung der Länder für das Monitoring der Umweltwirkungen gentechnisch veränderter Pflanzen. BfN Skripten, Bonn-Bad Godesberg 369, 2014). The full report in german language can be accessed on http://www.bfn.de and is available as Additional file 1. The aim of the project was to check if it is possible to use the German permanent soil monitoring program (PSM) for the monitoring of GMO. Soil organism communities are highly diverse and relevant with respect to the sustainability of soil functions. They are exposed to GMO material directly by feeding or indirectly through food chain interactions. Other impacts are possible due to their close association to soil particles. The PSM program can be considered as representative with regard to different soil types and ecoregions in Germany, but not for all habitat types relevant for soil organisms. Nevertheless, it is suitable as a basic grid for monitoring the potential effects of GMO on soil invertebrates. PSM sites should be used to derive reference values, i.e. range of abundance and presence of different relevant species of soil organisms. Based on these references, it is possible to derive threshold values to define the limit of acceptable change or impact. Therefore, a minimum set of sites and minimum set of standardized methods are needed, i.e. characterization of each site, sampling of selected soil organism groups, adequate adaptation of methods for the purpose of monitoring of potential effects of GMO. Finally, and probably most demanding, it is needed to develop a harmonized evaluation concept.

Permanent magnet DC motor control by using arduino and motor drive module BTS7960

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syukriyadin, S.; Syahrizal, S.; Mansur, G.; Ramadhan, H. P.

2018-05-01

This study proposes a control system for permanent magnet DC (PMDC) motor. PMDC drive control system has two critical parameters: control and monitoring. Control system includes rotation speed control and direction of rotation of motor using motor drive module BTS7960. The PWM signal has a fixed frequency of waves with varying duty cycles (between 0% and 100%), so the motor rotation can be regulated gradually using a potentiometer already programmed on the Arduino Uno board. The motor rotation direction setting uses the H-bridge circuit method using a 3-way switch to set the direction of forward-reverse rotation of the motor. The monitoring system includes measurements of rotational speed, current, and voltage. Motor rotation speed can be adjusted from the armature voltage settings through the duty cycle PWM setting so that the motor speed can be increased or decreased by the desired duty cycle. From the unload PMDC motor test results it has also been shown that the torque of the motor is relatively constant when there is a change in speed from low rpm to high rpm or vice versa.

A permanent volcanic hazard hiding in diffuse degassing areas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viveiros, Fátima; Silva, Catarina; Ferreira, Teresa; Pacheco, Joana; Luís Gaspar, João

2017-04-01

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the most abundant volcanic gases and it is released not only during eruptive events, but also during periods of quiescence through fumaroles, springs and soil diffuse degassing areas. In this last case, CO2 is permanently and silently released from the soils and high CO2 concentrations can be measured if the gas accumulates in depressed and non-ventilated areas (such as caves, pits), or even if it enters in buildings. From a public health perspective CO2 is considered an inert asphyxiant gas and may be lethal when present in concentrations higher than 10 vol.%. In the last 30 years several diffuse degassing areas have been identified in different volcanic systems and lethal incidents due to high CO2 concentrations were reported in volcanic environments of Italy (Alban Hills), New Zealand (Rotorua), Cameroon (Lake Nyos and Lake Cameroon), USA (Mammoth Mountain) and Portugal (Azores archipelago). In the Azores volcanic archipelago several villages are located in diffuse degassing areas, where lethal indoor CO2 concentrations (> 20 vol.%) were measured. Recent studies showed that the rate of CO2 emission may change not only during seismo-volcanic unrest, but also due to changes in the meteorological conditions (e.g. barometric pressure, rainfall, wind speed). Few works are available in the literature with permanent monitoring of indoor CO2 in diffuse degassing environments and the monitoring tests are usually applied during a short period of time. This study shows the results of four years (2012-2016) of permanent CO2 monitoring in 12 buildings placed at Caldeiras da Ribeira Grande, an area located in the north flank of Fogo Volcano (São Miguel Island, Azores archipelago), where thermal anomalies and CO2 emissions were detected. CO2 fluxes as high as 20000 g m-2 d-1 are released from the soils and temperature in some sites reaches 100°C. Spike-like and long term variations are observed in the time series recorded by a total of 52 infrared CO2 detectors installed. Results highlight that CO2 can reach hazardous concentrations (> 15 vol.%) due to meteorological changes and show the occurrence of seasonal variations. Different indoor CO2 patterns are displayed depending on the location of the buildings over thermal anomalous zone. Due to its density at standard temperature and pressure, CO2 tends to accumulate in the underground and/or in the ground floor of the buildings, however in the present study higher CO2 concentrations were also measured in the upper floors of some buildings, fact that is correlated with the presence of thermal anomaly. Results obtained based on this robust and continuous monitoring system show once again that indoor CO2 can reach frequently lethal concentrations even in periods of quiescence and that inhabitants of these buildings are exposed to a permanent and quiet hazard, which is detected only through the use of specific instruments. The existence of thermal anomaly associated with the CO2 emission is also responsible for different patterns when compared with the "cold" CO2 degassing areas.

Intra-urban and street scale variability of BTEX, NO 2 and O 3 in Birmingham, UK: Implications for exposure assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vardoulakis, Sotiris; Solazzo, Efisio; Lumbreras, Julio

2011-09-01

Automatic monitoring networks have the ability of capturing air pollution episodes, as well as short- and long-term air quality trends in urban areas that can be used in epidemiological studies. However, due to practical constraints (e.g. cost and bulk of equipment), the use of automatic analysers is restricted to a limited number of roadside and background locations within a city. As a result, certain localised air pollution hotspots may be overlooked or overemphasised, especially near heavily trafficked street canyons and intersections. This has implications for compliance with regulatory standards and may cause exposure misclassification in epidemiological studies. Apart from automatic analysers, low cost passive diffusion tubes can be used to characterise the spatial variability of air pollution in urban areas. In this study, BTEX, NO 2 and O 3 data from a one-year passive sampling survey were used to characterise the intra-urban and street scale spatial variability of traffic-related pollutants in Birmingham (UK). In addition, continuous monitoring of NO 2, NO x, O 3, CO, SO 2, PM 10 and PM 2.5 from three permanent monitoring sites was used to identify seasonal and annual pollution patterns. The passive sampling measurements allowed us to evaluate the representativeness of a permanent roadside monitoring site that has recorded some of the highest NO 2 and PM 10 concentrations in Birmingham in recent years. Dispersion modelling was also used to gain further insight into pollutant sources and dispersion characteristics at this location. The strong spatial concentration gradients observed in busy streets, as well as the differences between roadside and urban background levels highlight the importance of appropriate positioning of air quality monitoring equipment in cities.

A habitat-based point-count protocol for terrestrial birds, emphasizing Washington and Oregon.

Treesearch

Mark H. Huff; Kelly A. Bettinger; Howard L. Ferguson; Martin J. Brown; Bob. Altman

2000-01-01

We describe a protocol and provide a summary for point-count monitoring of landbirds that is designed for habitat-based objectives. Presentation is in four steps: preparation and planning, selecting monitoring sites, establishing monitoring stations, and conducting point counts. We describe the basis for doing habitat-based point counts, how they are organized, and how...

Measurement of Seafloor Deformation in the Marine Sector of the Campi Flegrei Caldera (Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iannaccone, Giovanni; Guardato, Sergio; Donnarumma, Gian Paolo; De Martino, Prospero; Dolce, Mario; Macedonio, Giovanni; Chierici, Francesco; Beranzoli, Laura

2018-01-01

We present an assessment of vertical seafloor deformation in the shallow marine sector of the Campi Flegrei caldera (southern Italy) obtained from GPS and bottom pressure recorder (BPR) data, acquired over the period April 2016 to July 2017 in the Gulf of Pozzuoli by a new marine infrastructure, MEDUSA. This infrastructure consists of four fixed buoys with GPS receivers; each buoy is connected by cable to a seafloor multisensor module hosting a BPR. The measured maximum vertical uplift of the seafloor is about 4.2 ± 0.4 cm. The MEDUSA data were then compared to the expected vertical displacement in the marine sector according to a Mogi model point source computed using only GPS land measurements. The results show that a single point source model of deformation is able to explain both the GPS land and seafloor data. Moreover, we demonstrate that a network of permanent GPS buoys represents a powerful tool to measure the seafloor vertical deformation field in shallow water. The performance of this system is comparable to on-land high-precision GPS networks, marking a significant achievement and advance in seafloor geodesy and extending volcano monitoring capabilities to shallow offshore areas (up to 100 m depth). The GPS measurements of MEDUSA have also been used to confirm that the BPR data provide an independent measure of the seafloor vertical uplift in shallow water.

Beam transport and monitoring for laser plasma accelerators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakamura, K.; Sokollik, T.; van Tilborg, J.; Gonsalves, A. J.; Shaw, B.; Shiraishi, S.; Mittal, R.; De Santis, S.; Byrd, J. M.; Leemans, W.

2012-12-01

The controlled transport and imaging of relativistic electron beams from laser plasma accelerators (LPAs) are critical for their diagnostics and applications. Here we present the design and progress in the implementation of the transport and monitoring system for an undulator based electron beam diagnostic. Miniature permanent-magnet quadrupoles (PMQs) are employed to realize controlled transport of the LPA electron beams, and cavity based electron beam position monitors for non-invasive beam position detection. Also presented is PMQ calibration by using LPA electron beams with broadband energy spectrum. The results show promising performance for both transporting and monitoring. With the proper transport system, XUV-photon spectra from THUNDER will provide the momentum distribution of the electron beam with the resolution above what can be achieved by the magnetic spectrometer currently used in the LOASIS facility.

Airborne Transducer Integrity under Operational Environment for Structural Health Monitoring

PubMed Central

Salmanpour, Mohammad Saleh; Sharif Khodaei, Zahra; Aliabadi, Mohammad Hossein

2016-01-01

This paper investigates the robustness of permanently mounted transducers used in airborne structural health monitoring systems, when exposed to the operational environment. Typical airliners operate in a range of conditions, hence, structural health monitoring (SHM) transducer robustness and integrity must be demonstrated for these environments. A set of extreme temperature, altitude and vibration environment test profiles are developed using the existing Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA)/DO-160 test methods. Commercially available transducers and manufactured versions bonded to carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite materials are tested. It was found that the DuraAct transducer is robust to environmental conditions tested, while the other transducer types degrade under the same conditions. PMID:27973450

Determinants of permanent first incisor eruption in grazing Australian Angora goats.

PubMed

McGregor, B A; Butler, K L

2011-12-01

To investigate the effects of live weight, sex and other factors on deciduous (first incisor) loss and permanent first incisor development in Angora goats. Goats were part of a pen study on the effects of energy intake in Angora does during pregnancy and lactation on kid growth and development. The design was three levels of nutrition in mid-pregnancy × two levels of postnatal nutrition in 17 randomised blocks. Conception times were calculated by using artificial insemination, with ultrasound examination 43 days after insemination. Does were fed different amounts of a formulated diet in their pens. After weaning, goats were grazed in sex groups. Deciduous first incisor loss and permanent first incisor development were recorded at 11 time points from 14 to 20 months of age. For each sex, the time for visible eruption and full development of permanent first incisor declined linearly with increased live weight by 5.9 and 5.4 days/kg live weight, respectively. The time to reach similar development stages for first permanent incisors eruption was 3 months longer for the lightest animals compared with the heaviest animals. Date of birth, birth weight, doe age, growth rates, mid-pregnancy and postnatal nutrition, parity, day of weaning and weaning weight had no detectable effect. The results explain much of the substantial range in reported first permanent incisor eruption dates for small ruminants and have application in ageing of goats, marketing of kids for meat, in the selection of animals for breeding flocks and in educational material. © 2011 The Authors. Australian Veterinary Journal © 2011 Australian Veterinary Association.

Sleeper Effects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maurer, Daphne; Mondloch, Catherine J.; Lewis, Terri L.

2007-01-01

Early experience preserves and refines many capabilities that emerge prenatally. Here we describe another role that it plays--establishing the neural substrate for capabilities that emerge at a much later point in development. The evidence comes from sleeper effects: permanent deficits when early experience was absent in capabilities that normally…

Inference of soil hydrologic parameters from electronic soil moisture records

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Soil moisture is an important control on hydrologic function, as it governs vertical fluxes from and to the atmosphere, groundwater recharge, and lateral fluxes through the soil. Historically, the traditional model parameters of saturation, field capacity, and permanent wilting point have been deter...

How to Get the Biggest Bang for Your Buck: Wildlife Monitoring on Shrublands of the Nevada Test Site

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

Derek Hall, Paul D. Greger

The Nevada Test Site (NTS) covers 1,375 square miles and extends over portions of both the Mojave and Great Basin Deserts. The resulting diverse and complex flora and fauna exhibit elements of both deserts. There are 20 vegetation associations, composed primarily of shrubs, nested within 10 vegetation alliances. Of the more than 1,200 invertebrates and 339 vertebrates found in these shrubland habitats, 267 are considered sensitive or protected/regulated by federal or state laws. Wildlife and wildlife habitat monitoring ensures NTS activities comply with all federal and state laws enacted for the protection of these valuable biological resources. This paper describesmore » the monitoring approach used at this large site. Monitoring techniques include conducting preactivity surveys, repeated sampling of permanent plots, proactively monitoring sensitive species, and collaborating with other agencies and biologists. Ways to make monitoring more efficient and examples of successful monitoring and collaborations are discussed.« less

Autonomous System for Monitoring the Integrity of Composite Fan Housings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Qing, Xinlin P.; Aquino, Christopher; Kumar, Amrita

2010-01-01

A low-cost and reliable system assesses the integrity of composite fan-containment structures. The system utilizes a network of miniature sensors integrated with the structure to scan the entire structural area for any impact events and resulting structural damage, and to monitor degradation due to usage. This system can be used to monitor all types of composite structures on aircraft and spacecraft, as well as automatically monitor in real time the location and extent of damage in the containment structures. This diagnostic information is passed to prognostic modeling that is being developed to utilize the information and provide input on the residual strength of the structure, and maintain a history of structural degradation during usage. The structural health-monitoring system would consist of three major components: (1) sensors and a sensor network, which is permanently bonded onto the structure being monitored; (2) integrated hardware; and (3) software to monitor in-situ the health condition of in-service structures.

Copula-based regression modeling of bivariate severity of temporary disability and permanent motor injuries.

PubMed

Ayuso, Mercedes; Bermúdez, Lluís; Santolino, Miguel

2016-04-01

The analysis of factors influencing the severity of the personal injuries suffered by victims of motor accidents is an issue of major interest. Yet, most of the extant literature has tended to address this question by focusing on either the severity of temporary disability or the severity of permanent injury. In this paper, a bivariate copula-based regression model for temporary disability and permanent injury severities is introduced for the joint analysis of the relationship with the set of factors that might influence both categories of injury. Using a motor insurance database with 21,361 observations, the copula-based regression model is shown to give a better performance than that of a model based on the assumption of independence. The inclusion of the dependence structure in the analysis has a higher impact on the variance estimates of the injury severities than it does on the point estimates. By taking into account the dependence between temporary and permanent severities a more extensive factor analysis can be conducted. We illustrate that the conditional distribution functions of injury severities may be estimated, thus, providing decision makers with valuable information. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of chronic right ventricular apical pacing on left ventricular function.

PubMed

O'Keefe, James H; Abuissa, Hussam; Jones, Philip G; Thompson, Randall C; Bateman, Timothy M; McGhie, A Iain; Ramza, Brian M; Steinhaus, David M

2005-03-15

The determinants of change in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) over time in patients with impaired LV function at baseline have not been clearly established. Using a nuclear database to assess changes in LV function over time, we included patients with a baseline LVEF of 25% to 40% on a gated single-photon emission computed tomographic study at rest and only if second-gated photon emission computed tomography performed approximately 18 months after the initial study showed an improvement in LVEF at rest of > or =10 points or a decrease in LVEF at rest of > or =7 points. In all, 148 patients qualified for the EF increase group and 59 patients for the EF decrease group. LVEF on average increased from 33 +/- 4% to 51 +/- 8% in the EF increase group and decreased from 35 +/- 4% to 25 +/- 5% in the EF decrease group. The strongest multivariable predictor of improvement of LVEF was beta-blocker therapy (odds ratio 3.9, p = 0.002). The strongest independent predictor of LVEF decrease was the presence of a permanent right ventricular apical pacemaker (odds ratio 6.6, p = 0.002). Thus, this study identified beta-blocker therapy as the major independent predictor for improvement in LVEF of > or =10 points, whereas a permanent pacemaker (right ventricular apical pacing) was the strongest predictor of a LVEF decrease of > or =7 points.

Sensor Data Distribution With Robustness and Reliability: Toward Distributed Components Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alena, Richard L.; Lee, Charles

2005-01-01

In planetary surface exploration mission, sensor data distribution is required in many aspects, for example, in navigation, scheduling, planning, monitoring, diagnostics, and automation of the field tasks. The challenge is to distribute such data in the robust and reliable way so that we can minimize the errors caused by miscalculations, and misjudgments that based on the error data input in the mission. The ad-hoc wireless network on planetary surface is not constantly connected because of the nature of the rough terrain and lack of permanent establishments on the surface. There are some disconnected moments that the computation nodes will re-associate with different repeaters or access points until connections are reestablished. Such a nature requires our sensor data distribution software robust and reliable with ability to tolerant disconnected moments. This paper presents a distributed components model as a framework to accomplish such tasks. The software is written in Java and utilized the available Java Message Services schema and the Boss implementation. The results of field experimentations show that the model is very effective in completing the tasks.

Continuation of advanced crew procedures development techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arbet, J. D.; Benbow, R. L.; Evans, M. E.; Mangiaracina, A. A.; Mcgavern, J. L.; Spangler, M. C.; Tatum, I. C.

1976-01-01

An operational computer program, the Procedures and Performance Program (PPP) which operates in conjunction with the Phase I Shuttle Procedures Simulator to provide a procedures recording and crew/vehicle performance monitoring capability was developed. A technical synopsis of each task resulting in the development of the Procedures and Performance Program is provided. Conclusions and recommendations for action leading to the improvements in production of crew procedures development and crew training support are included. The PPP provides real-time CRT displays and post-run hardcopy output of procedures, difference procedures, performance data, parametric analysis data, and training script/training status data. During post-run, the program is designed to support evaluation through the reconstruction of displays to any point in time. A permanent record of the simulation exercise can be obtained via hardcopy output of the display data and via transfer to the Generalized Documentation Processor (GDP). Reference procedures data may be transferred from the GDP to the PPP. Interface is provided with the all digital trajectory program, the Space Vehicle Dynamics Simulator (SVDS) to support initial procedures timeline development.

Neotectonic interpretations and PS-InSAR monitoring of crustal deformations in the Fujian area of China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Jianming; Xu, Shiyang; Fan, Hailong

2017-05-01

A neotectonic structural interpretation was conducted in the Fujian Province, west of the Taiwan Strait, by using computer image processing and 3D visualizations to enhance linear structural traces. The major faults in this area can be grouped into two conjugate shear fracture zones, with one trending to the northeast and the other trending to the northwest. PS-InSAR technology uses stable permanent target scatterer points to determine deformation rates and can effectively reduce the influence of spatiotemporal decorrelations and atmospheric anomalies that affect conventional D-InSAR techniques and prevent the formation of interference fringes. This study focuses on the fault zones located in the Quanzhou area of Fujian Province, where the 1604 M7.5-8.0 historic earthquake occurred. In total, 22 scenes of ERS SAR data from 1996 to 1999 were processed using PS-InSAR methods. The results show that the line of sight direction displacement rate of the main fault in the study area is 3-5 mm/yr, which indicates that the faults in this area are still active and subject to earthquake risk.

Dosimetric intercomparison of permanent Ho-166 seed's implants and HDR Ir-192 brachytherapy in breast cancer.

PubMed

de Campos, Tarcisio Passos Ribeiro; Nogueira, Luciana Batista; Trindade, Bruno; Cuperschmid, Ethel Mizrahy

2016-01-01

To provide a comparative dosimetric analysis of permanent implants of Ho(166)-seeds and temporary HDR Ir(192)-brachytherapy through computational simulation. Brachytherapy with Ir(192)-HDR or LDR based on temporary wires or permanent radioactive seed implants can be used as dose reinforcement for breast radiation therapy. Permanent breast implants have not been a practical clinical routine; although, I(125) and Pd(103)-seeds have already been reported. Biodegradable Ho(166)-ceramic-seeds have been addressed recently. Simulations of implants of nine Ho(166)-seeds and equivalent with HDR Ir(192)-brachytherapy were elaborated in MCNP5, shaped in a computational multivoxel simulator which reproduced a female thorax phantom. Spatial dose rate distributions and dose-volume histograms were generated. Protocol's analysis involving exposure time, seed's activities and dose were performed. Permanent Ho(166)-seed implants presented a maximum dose rate per unit of contained activity (MDR) of 1.1601 μGy h(-1) Bq(-1); and, a normalized MDR in standard points (8 mm, equidistant to 03-seeds - SP1, 10 mm - SP2) of 1.0% (SP1) and 0.5% (SP2), respectively. Ir(192)-brachytherapy presented MDR of 4.3945 × 10(-3) μGy h(-1) Bq(-1); and, 30% (SP1), and 20% (SP2). Therefore, seed's implant activities of 333 MBq (Ho(166)) and 259 GBq (Ir(192)) produced prescribed doses of 58 Gy (SP1; 5d) and 56 Gy (SP1, 5 fractions, 6 min), respectively. Breast Ho(166)-implants of 37-111 MBq are attractive due to the high dose rate near 6-10 mm from seeds, equivalent to Ir(192)-brachytherapy of 259 GBq (3 fractions, 6 min) providing similar dose in standard points at a week; however, with spatial dose distribution better confined. The seed positioning can be adjusted for controlling the breast tumor, in stages I and II, in flat and deep tumors, without any breast volumetric limitation.

Permanent renal loss following tumor necrosis factor α antagonists for arthritis.

PubMed

Chen, Tzu-Jen; Yang, Ya-Fei; Huang, Po-Hao; Lin, Hsin-Hung; Huang, Chiu-Ching

2010-06-01

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) antagonists are now widely used in the treatment of aggressive rheumatoid arthritis and are generally well tolerated. Although rare, they could induce systemic lupus erythematosus, glomerulonephritis, and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated systemic vasculitis. Tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonists associated glomerulonephritis usually subsides after discontinuation of the therapy and subsequent initiation of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents. Here we describe crescentic glomerulonephritis progression to end-stage renal disease in a patient following two doses of TNF-alpha antagonists for the treatment of reactive arthritis. To our knowledge, dialysis dependent permanent renal loss after TNF-alpha antagonists has not yet been reported. We suggest the renal function should be closely monitored in patients treated with TNF-alpha antagonists by rheumatologists.

Responses of many-species predator-prey systems to perturbations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esmaily, Shadi; Pleimling, Michel

2015-03-01

We study the responses of many-species predator-prey systems, both in the well-mixed case as well as on a two-dimensional lattice, to permanent and transient perturbations. In the case of a weak transient perturbation the system returns to the original steady state, whereas a permanent perturbation pushes the system into a new steady state. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we monitor the approach to stationarity after a perturbation through a variety of quantities, as for example time-dependent particle densities and correlation functions. Different types of perturbations are studied, ranging from a change in reaction rates to the injection of additional individuals into the system, the latter perturbation mimicking immigration. This work is supported by the US National Science Foundation through Grant DMR-1205309.

Influence of resonant transducer variations on long range guided wave monitoring of rail track

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loveday, Philip W.; Long, Craig S.

2016-02-01

The ability of certain guided wave modes to propagate long distances in continuously welded rail track is exploited in permanently installed monitoring systems. Previous work demonstrated that reflections from thermite welds could be measured at distances of the order of 1 km from a transducer array. The availability of numerous thermite welds is useful during the development of a monitoring system as real defects are not available. Measurements of reflections from welds were performed over an eleven month period with two permanently installed transducers. Phased array processing was performed and the true location of a weld is indicated by a strong reflection but there is generally also a smaller, spurious replica reflection, at the same distance but in the incorrect direction. In addition, the relative reflection from different welds appears to change over time. The influence of differences between the two resonant transducers was investigated using a model. It was found that estimating the attenuation in either direction and scaling the reflections in either direction decreased the variability in the reflection measurements. Transducer interaction effects, where the transducer closer to the weld records a greater reflection than the second transducer were observed and can be used to determine the direction of a weld. This feature was used to demonstrate a simple alternative to phased array processing that can be used with resonant transducers.

Integrated permanent plot and aerial monitoring for the spruce budworm decision support system

Treesearch

David A. MacLean

2000-01-01

Spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana Clem.) outbreaks cause severe mortality and growth loss of spruce and fir forest over ranch of eastern North America. The Spruce Budworm Decision Support System (DSS) links prediction and interpretation models to the ARC/1NFO GIS, under an ArcView graphical user interface. It helps forest managers predict...

Chapter 16 - Impacts of Swiss needle cast in the Cascade mountains of northern Oregon: Monitoring of permanent plots after 10 years (Project WC-EM-B-11-01)

Treesearch

Gregory M. Filip; Alan Kanaskie; Will R. Littke; John Browning; Kristen L. Chadwick; David C. Shaw; Robin L. Mulvey

2014-01-01

Swiss needle cast (SNC), caused by the fungus Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii, is one of the most damaging diseases of coast Douglasfir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) in the Pacific Northwest (Hansen and others 2000, Mainwaring and others 2005, Shaw and others 2011).

Coral diseases and bleaching on Colombian Caribbean coral reefs.

PubMed

Navas-Camacho, Raúl; Gil-Agudelo, Diego Luis; Rodríguez-Ramírez, Alberto; Reyes-Nivia, María Catalina; Garzón-Ferreira, Jaime

2010-05-01

Since 1998 the National Monitoring System for the Coral Reefs of Colombia (SIMAC) has monitored the occurrence of coral bleaching and diseases in some Colombian coral reefs (permanent stations at San Andres Island, Rosario Islands, Tayrona, San Bernardo Islands and Urabá). The main purpose is to evaluate their health status and to understand the factors that have been contributing to their decline. To estimate these occurrences, annual surveys in 126 permanent belt transects (10 x 2m) with different depth intervals (3-6 meters, 9-12 meters and 15-18 meters) are performed at all reef sites. Data from the 1998-2004 period, revealed that San Andrés Island had many colonies with diseases (38.9 colonies/m2), and Urabá had high numbers with bleaching (54.4 colonies/m2). Of the seven reported coral diseases studied, Dark Spots Disease (DSD), and White Plague Disease (WPD) were noteworthy because they occurred in all Caribbean monitored sites, and because of their high interannual infection incidence. Thirty five species of scleractinian corals were affected by at least one disease and a high incidence of coral diseases on the main reef builders is documented. Bleaching was present in 34 species. During the whole monitoring period, Agaricia agaricites and Siderastrea siderea were the species most severely affected by DSD and bleaching, respectively. Diseases on species such as Agaricia fragilis, A. grahamae, A. humilis, Diploria clivosa, Eusmilia fastigiata, Millepora complanata, and Mycetophyllia aliciae are recorded for first time in Colombia. We present bleaching and disease incidences, kinds of diseases, coral species affected, reef localities studied, depth intervals of surveys, and temporal (years) variation for each geographic area. This variation makes difficult to clearly determine defined patterns or general trends for monitored reefs. This is the first long-term study of coral diseases and bleaching in the Southwestern Caribbean, and one of the few long-term monitoring studies on coral diseases worldwide.

Long-term autonomous volcanic gas monitoring with Multi-GAS at Mount St. Helens, Washington, and Augustine Volcano, Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelly, P. J.; Ketner, D. M.; Kern, C.; Lahusen, R. G.; Lockett, C.; Parker, T.; Paskievitch, J.; Pauk, B.; Rinehart, A.; Werner, C. A.

2015-12-01

In recent years, the USGS Volcano Hazards Program has worked to implement continuous real-time in situ volcanic gas monitoring at volcanoes in the Cascade Range and Alaska. The main goal of this ongoing effort is to better link the compositions of volcanic gases to other real-time monitoring data, such as seismicity and deformation, in order to improve baseline monitoring and early detection of volcanic unrest. Due to the remote and difficult-to-access nature of volcanic-gas monitoring sites in the Cascades and Alaska, we developed Multi-GAS instruments that can operate unattended for long periods of time with minimal direct maintenance from field personnel. Our Multi-GAS stations measure H2O, CO2, SO2, and H2S gas concentrations, are comprised entirely of commercial off-the-shelf components, and are powered by small solar energy systems. One notable feature of our Multi-GAS stations is that they include a unique capability to perform automated CO2, SO2, and H2S sensor verifications using portable gas standards while deployed in the field, thereby allowing for rigorous tracking of sensor performances. In addition, we have developed novel onboard data-processing routines that allow diagnostic and monitoring data - including gas ratios (e.g. CO2/SO2) - to be streamed in real time to internal observatory and public web pages without user input. Here we present over one year of continuous data from a permanent Multi-GAS station installed in August 2014 in the crater of Mount St. Helens, Washington, and several months of data from a station installed near the summit of Augustine Volcano, Alaska in June 2015. Data from the Mount St. Helens Multi-GAS station has been streaming to a public USGS site since early 2015, a first for a permanent Multi-GAS site. Neither station has detected significant changes in gas concentrations or compositions since they were installed, consistent with low levels of seismicity and deformation.

Mapping Wetlands of Dongting Lake in China Using Landsat and SENTINEL-1 Time Series at 30M

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xing, L.; Tang, X.; Wang, H.; Fan, W.; Gao, X.

2018-04-01

Mapping and monitoring wetlands of Dongting lake using optical sensor data has been limited by cloud cover, and open access Sentinal-1 C-band data could provide cloud-free SAR images with both have high spatial and temporal resolution, which offer new opportunities for monitoring wetlands. In this study, we combined optical data and SAR data to map wetland of Dongting Lake reserves in 2016. Firstly, we generated two monthly composited Landsat land surface reflectance, NDVI, NDWI, TC-Wetness time series and Sentinel-1 (backscattering coefficient for VH and VV) time series. Secondly, we derived surface water body with two monthly frequencies based on the threshold method using the Sentinel-1 time series. Then the permanent water and seasonal water were separated by the submergence ratio. Other land cover types were identified based on SVM classifier using Landsat time series. Results showed that (1) the overall accuracies and kappa coefficients were above 86.6 % and 0.8. (3) Natural wetlands including permanent water body (14.8 %), seasonal water body (34.6 %), and permanent marshes (10.9 %) were the main land cover types, accounting for 60.3 % of the three wetland reserves. Human-made wetlands, such as rice fields, accounted 34.3 % of the total area. Generally, this study proposed a new flowchart for wetlands mapping in Dongting lake by combining multi-source remote sensing data, and the use of the two-monthly composited optical time series effectively made up the missing data due to the clouds and increased the possibility of precise wetlands classification.

Metabolomics for in situ environmental monitoring of surface waters impacted by contaminants from both point and non-point sources

EPA Science Inventory

We investigated the efficacy of metabolomics for field-monitoring of fish exposed to waste water treatment plant (WWTP) effluents and non-point sources of chemical contamination. Lab-reared male fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas, FHM) were held in mobile monitoring units and e...

Practical Considerations before Installing Ground-Based Geodetic Infrastructure for Integrated InSAR and cGNSS Monitoring of Vertical Land Motion.

PubMed

Parker, Amy L; Featherstone, Will E; Penna, Nigel T; Filmer, Mick S; Garthwaite, Matt C

2017-07-31

Continuously operating Global Navigation Satellite Systems (cGNSS) can be used to convert relative values of vertical land motion (VLM) derived from Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) to absolute values in a global or regional reference frame. Artificial trihedral corner reflectors (CRs) provide high-intensity and temporally stable reflections in SAR time series imagery, more so than naturally occurring permanent scatterers. Therefore, it is logical to co-locate CRs with cGNSS as ground-based geodetic infrastructure for the integrated monitoring of VLM. We describe the practical considerations for such co-locations using four case-study examples from Perth, Australia. After basic initial considerations such as land access, sky visibility and security, temporary test deployments of co-located CRs with cGNSS should be analysed together to determine site suitability. Signal to clutter ratios from SAR imagery are used to determine potential sites for placement of the CR. A significant concern is whether the co-location of a deliberately designed reflecting object generates unwanted multipath (reflected signals) in the cGNSS data. To mitigate against this, we located CRs >30 m from the cGNSS with no inter-visibility. Daily RMS values of the zero-difference ionosphere-free carrier-phase residuals, and ellipsoidal heights from static precise point positioning GNSS processing at each co-located site were then used to ascertain that the CR did not generate unwanted cGNSS multipath. These steps form a set of recommendations for the installation of such geodetic ground-infrastructure, which may be of use to others wishing to establish integrated InSAR-cGNSS monitoring of VLM elsewhere.

Practical Considerations before Installing Ground-Based Geodetic Infrastructure for Integrated InSAR and cGNSS Monitoring of Vertical Land Motion

PubMed Central

Featherstone, Will E.; Filmer, Mick S.

2017-01-01

Continuously operating Global Navigation Satellite Systems (cGNSS) can be used to convert relative values of vertical land motion (VLM) derived from Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) to absolute values in a global or regional reference frame. Artificial trihedral corner reflectors (CRs) provide high-intensity and temporally stable reflections in SAR time series imagery, more so than naturally occurring permanent scatterers. Therefore, it is logical to co-locate CRs with cGNSS as ground-based geodetic infrastructure for the integrated monitoring of VLM. We describe the practical considerations for such co-locations using four case-study examples from Perth, Australia. After basic initial considerations such as land access, sky visibility and security, temporary test deployments of co-located CRs with cGNSS should be analysed together to determine site suitability. Signal to clutter ratios from SAR imagery are used to determine potential sites for placement of the CR. A significant concern is whether the co-location of a deliberately designed reflecting object generates unwanted multipath (reflected signals) in the cGNSS data. To mitigate against this, we located CRs >30 m from the cGNSS with no inter-visibility. Daily RMS values of the zero-difference ionosphere-free carrier-phase residuals, and ellipsoidal heights from static precise point positioning GNSS processing at each co-located site were then used to ascertain that the CR did not generate unwanted cGNSS multipath. These steps form a set of recommendations for the installation of such geodetic ground-infrastructure, which may be of use to others wishing to establish integrated InSAR-cGNSS monitoring of VLM elsewhere. PMID:28758970

Assessing criticality in seismicity by entropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goltz, C.

2003-04-01

There is an ongoing discussion whether the Earth's crust is in a critical state and whether this state is permanent or intermittent. Intermittent criticality would allow specification of time-dependent hazard in principle. Analysis of a spatio-temporally evolving synthetic critical point phenomenon and of real seismicity using configurational entropy shows that the method is a suitable approach for the characterisation of critical point dynamics. Results obtained rather support the notion of intermittent criticality in earthquakes. Statistical significance of the findings is assessed by the method of surrogate data.

36 CFR 14.25 - Documents which must accompany application.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... terminal points of the survey should be accurately connected by course and distance to the nearest corner... connection will be made to some prominent natural object or permanent monument, which can be readily... the witness monuments and the connecting courses and distances to the original corners should be shown...

40 CFR 63.681 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... features permanently integrated into the design of the unit. Emission point means an individual tank... system is not a drain and collection system that is designed and operated for the sole purpose of..., or transfer system used to manage off-site material. Off-site material service means any time when a...

40 CFR 63.681 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... features permanently integrated into the design of the unit. Emission point means an individual tank... system is not a drain and collection system that is designed and operated for the sole purpose of..., or transfer system used to manage off-site material. Off-site material service means any time when a...

30 CFR 75.1200-1 - Additional information on mine map.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... SAFETY AND HEALTH MANDATORY SAFETY STANDARDS-UNDERGROUND COAL MINES Maps § 75.1200-1 Additional... symbols; (g) The location of railroad tracks and public highways leading to the mine, and mine buildings... permanent base line points coordinated with the underground and surface mine traverses, and the location and...

Circuit reliability boosted by soldering pins of disconnect plugs to sockets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pierce, W. B.

1964-01-01

Where disconnect pins must be used for wiring and testing a circuit, improved system reliability is obtained by making a permanent joint between pins and sockets of the disconnect plug. After the circuit has been tested, contact points may be fused through soldering, brazing, or welding.

Practical Microform Materials for Libraries: Silver, Diazo, Vesicular.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Veaner, Allen B.

1982-01-01

Remarks on the relative permanence and durability of three types of film in use in library microform reproduction (silver, diazo, and vesicular) and points out some technical and economic facts that govern the choice of microform materials for libraries. A 6-item reference list is included. (Author/JL)

Monitoring Effective Doses Received By Air Crews With A Space Weather Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lantos, P.

To fulfil new requirements of the European Community concerning monitoring of effective doses received by air crews, the French Aviation Authority has developed an operational system called Sievert. The SIEVERT system is analysed as an exam- ple of Space Weather application. One of its characteristics is to calculate the dose received on-board each flight on the basis of the specific and detailled flight given by companies. Operational models will be used. As input to the models, the system needs monitoring of galactic cosmic rays and of solar flare particles. The French neu- tron monitors located in Kerguelen Islands (South Indian Ocean) and Terre Adélie (Antarctica) will be used for this purpose. Particular attention will be devoted to evo- lution of the system in conjunction with new measurements available in the frame of a permanent validation process.

Real-Time Two-Dimensional Magnetic Particle Imaging for Electromagnetic Navigation in Targeted Drug Delivery.

PubMed

Le, Tuan-Anh; Zhang, Xingming; Hoshiar, Ali Kafash; Yoon, Jungwon

2017-09-07

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are effective drug carriers. By using electromagnetic actuated systems, MNPs can be controlled noninvasively in a vascular network for targeted drug delivery (TDD). Although drugs can reach their target location through capturing schemes of MNPs by permanent magnets, drugs delivered to non-target regions can affect healthy tissues and cause undesirable side effects. Real-time monitoring of MNPs can improve the targeting efficiency of TDD systems. In this paper, a two-dimensional (2D) real-time monitoring scheme has been developed for an MNP guidance system. Resovist particles 45 to 65 nm in diameter (5 nm core) can be monitored in real-time (update rate = 2 Hz) in 2D. The proposed 2D monitoring system allows dynamic tracking of MNPs during TDD and renders magnetic particle imaging-based navigation more feasible.

Beam transport and monitoring for laser plasma accelerators

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

Nakamura, K.; Sokollik, T.; Tilborg, J. van

The controlled transport and imaging of relativistic electron beams from laser plasma accelerators (LPAs) are critical for their diagnostics and applications. Here we present the design and progress in the implementation of the transport and monitoring system for an undulator based electron beam diagnostic. Miniature permanent-magnet quadrupoles (PMQs) are employed to realize controlled transport of the LPA electron beams, and cavity based electron beam position monitors for non-invasive beam position detection. Also presented is PMQ calibration by using LPA electron beams with broadband energy spectrum. The results show promising performance for both transporting and monitoring. With the proper transport system,more » XUV-photon spectra from THUNDER will provide the momentum distribution of the electron beam with the resolution above what can be achieved by the magnetic spectrometer currently used in the LOASIS facility.« less

Real-Time Two-Dimensional Magnetic Particle Imaging for Electromagnetic Navigation in Targeted Drug Delivery

PubMed Central

Le, Tuan-Anh; Zhang, Xingming; Hoshiar, Ali Kafash; Yoon, Jungwon

2017-01-01

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are effective drug carriers. By using electromagnetic actuated systems, MNPs can be controlled noninvasively in a vascular network for targeted drug delivery (TDD). Although drugs can reach their target location through capturing schemes of MNPs by permanent magnets, drugs delivered to non-target regions can affect healthy tissues and cause undesirable side effects. Real-time monitoring of MNPs can improve the targeting efficiency of TDD systems. In this paper, a two-dimensional (2D) real-time monitoring scheme has been developed for an MNP guidance system. Resovist particles 45 to 65 nm in diameter (5 nm core) can be monitored in real-time (update rate = 2 Hz) in 2D. The proposed 2D monitoring system allows dynamic tracking of MNPs during TDD and renders magnetic particle imaging-based navigation more feasible. PMID:28880220

R & D of smart FRP-OFBG-based steel strand and its application in monitoring of prestressing loss for RC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Zhi; Zhou, Hui; Huang, Ying; Ou, Jinping

2008-03-01

The long-term monitoring and performance evaluation techniques for the steel strand based pre-stressed structures are still not mature yet, especially for the prestressing loss monitoring and prediction. The main problem of this issue is lack of reliable monitoring techniques. To resolve this problem, in this paper, a new kind of quasi-distributed smart steel strand based on FRP-OFBG(Fiber Reinforced Polymer-Optical Fiber Bragg Grating) has been developed and its pre-stress monitoring principle has been also given. The test of the post-tension pre-stressed concrete beam with bonded tendons and its tensioning experiments have been conducted. And the prestressing loss of the steel strands has been monitored using the FBG in it. Researches results indicate that this kind of smart steel strand can monitor both instant loss and permanent loss of the prestressing successfully, and it can preferably describe the pre-stress loss state of the pre-stressed structure. Compared with the traditional monitoring instrument, this kind of smart steel strand owns distinct advantages and broad application foregrounds.

Monitoring of hearing and language in primary health care: project pilot.

PubMed

Wagner, Julianne; Bonamigo, Andrea Wander; Oliveira, Fabiana de; Machado, Márcia Salgado

2017-11-01

This article analyzes the feasibility of implementing a program that monitors the hearing and language development in the first year of life. It is a prospective longitudinal study, in which 41 community health workers were invited to monitor, on a monthly basis, by means of a questionnaire validated earlier, the hearing and language of children born in their micro areas of expertise. Thirty-nine community health workers agreed to participate, with only two refusals. Five gave up participating. Twenty-six (66.66%) did not perform monitoring, seven (17.94%) monitored improperly and only six (15.38%) monitored properly. Just one child failed the quiz, who was forwarded to the hospital that conducted the auditory screening for retesting. These professionals' high activity demand was considered the main reason for the difficulties encountered in this project. In addition, there is the difficulty to have contact with the Family Health Strategy teams, as well as the impossibility of permanent face-to-face discussions and the influence of the community health agents' supervisors.

Development of a thick film PZT foil sensor for use in structural health monitoring applications.

PubMed

Pickwell, Andrew J; Dorey, Robert A; Mba, David

2013-02-01

Acoustic emission (AE) monitoring is a technique of growing interest in the field of nondestructive testing (NDT). The use of AE devices to monitor the health of structural components is currently limited by the cost of AE equipment, which prohibits the permanent placement of AE devices on structures for the purposes of continuous monitoring and the monitoring of areas with limited access. Micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) can provide solutions to these problems. We present the manufacture of a 4.4-μm-thick lead zirconate titanate (PZT) film on a 110-μm-thick titanium foil substrate for use as an AE sensor. The thick-film sensor is benchmarked against commercially available AE sensors in static and dynamic monitoring applications. The thick-film AE device is found to perform well in the detection of AE in static applications. A low signal-to-noise ratio is found to prohibit the detection of AE in a dynamic application.

Greenhouse gases as clues to permanence of farmlands.

PubMed

Janzen, H Henry

2007-06-01

Farmlands are expansive, diverse, and intensively managed ecosystems. These lands, so critical to human welfare, are threatened by growing stresses as demand for food escalates, fresh water wanes, cheap fuels deplete, and other uses jostle for space. With these coming pressures, how can we foster permanence on the lands that sustain us? In this essay I contemplate the hypothesis that the greenhouse gases, because they emanate from the interwoven flows of C, N, and energy in ecosystems, can help steer us toward permanence (sustainability). Alongside other indicators these emissions may detect the ecosystem's pulse, alerting us to inefficiencies and guiding us to better practices. To be effective signals, however, the greenhouse gases will need to be considered in their local settings, monitored longer and in more "listening places," and measured across boundaries of disciplines and biomes. This approach may help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our farmlands. But we may find that, in the long run, the main beneficiaries of our inquiry have been, not just the atmosphere, but our fragile lands, perhaps in ways we cannot yet foresee.

Monitoring bird populations by point counts

Treesearch

C. John Ralph; John R. Sauer; Sam Droege

1995-01-01

This volume contains in part papers presented at the Symposium on Monitoring Bird Population Trends by Point Counts, which was held November 6-7, 1991, in Beltsville, Md., in response to the need for standardization of methods to monitor bird populations by point counts. Data from various investigators working under a wide variety of conditions are presented, and...

Use of Cometabolic Air Sparging to Remediate Chloroethene-Contaminated Groundwater Aquifers

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-07-31

sampling event, the temperature, dew point , and relative humidity of the soil gas were analyzed using a Control Company Digital Hygrometer/Thermometer...4.2.1.3 Groundwater and Soil- Gas Multi-Level Monitoring Points .................... 20 4.2.1.4 Groundwater Monitoring Wells...C-1 APPENDIX D: SOIL- GAS MONITORING POINT DATA........................................................D-1 APPENDIX E: HISTORICAL

Measurement of the Neutron Lifetime with Ultra-cold Neutrons Stored in a Magneto-gravitational Trap

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ezhov, V. F.; Andreev, A. Z.; Ban, G.; Bazarov, B. A.; Geltenbort, P.; Glushkov, A. G.; Knyazkov, V. A.; Kovrizhnykh, N. A.; Krygin, G. B.; Naviliat-Cuncic, O.; Ryabov, V. L.

2018-05-01

We report a measurement of the neutron lifetime using ultra-cold neutrons stored in a magneto-gravitational trap made of permanent magnets. Neutrons surviving in the trap after fixed storage times have been counted and the trap losses have continuously been monitored during storage by detecting neutrons leaking from the trap. The value of the neutron lifetime resulting from this measurement is τ n = (878.3 ± 1.6stat ± 1.0syst) s. A unique feature of this experiment is the monitoring of leaking neutrons providing a robust control of the main systematic loss.

Optical sensors in water monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gauglitz, Guenter

2007-07-01

An upcoming problem in Europe is the protection of water resources and control of water quality. Coastal areas, rivers, ground water, wetlands, and especially drinking water require permanent monitoring to avoid pollution by small organic molecules or especially endocrine disrupting compounds. Biosensors have demonstrated the proof-of-principle of immunochemistry for these applications. It turns out that especially optical methods based on fluorescence detection can be successfully used for the development of fast, sensitive, cost-effective, and easy-to-use analytical systems meeting the requirements given by European Community Directives and national legislation. Results obtained with the RIANA and AWACSS systems are discussed here.

Observation of sediment resuspension in Old Tampa Bay, Florida

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schoellhamer, David H.; ,

1990-01-01

Equipment and methodology have been developed to monitor sediment resuspension at two sites in Old Tampa Bay. Velocities are measured with electromagnetic current meters and suspended solids and turbidity are monitored with optical backscatterance sensors. In late November 1989, a vertical array of instrument pairs was deployed from a permanent platform at a deep-water site, and a submersible instrument package with a single pair of instruments was deployed at a shallow-water site. Wind waves caused resuspension at the shallow-water site, but not at the deeper platform site, and spring tidal currents did not cause resuspension at either site.

Motion stability of the magnetic levitation and suspension with YBa2Cu3O7-x high-Tc superconducting bulks and NdFeB magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jipeng; Zheng, Jun; Huang, Huan; Li, Yanxing; Li, Haitao; Deng, Zigang

2017-10-01

The flux pinning effect of YBa2Cu3O7-x high temperature superconducting (HTS) bulk can achieve self-stable levitation over a permanent magnet or magnet array. Devices based on this phenomenon have been widely developed. However, the self-stable flux pinning effect is not unconditional, under disturbances, for example. To disclose the roots of this amazing self-stable levitation phenomenon in theory, mathematical and mechanical calculations using Lyapunov's stability theorem and the Hurwitz criterion were performed under the conditions of magnetic levitation and suspension of HTS bulk near permanent magnets in Halbach array. It is found that the whole dynamical system, in the case of levitation, has only one equilibrium solution, and the singular point is a stable focus. In the general case of suspension, the system has two singular points: one is a stable focus, and the other is an unstable saddle. With the variation of suspension force, the two first-order singular points mentioned earlier will get closer and closer, and finally degenerate to a high-order singular point, which means the stable region gets smaller and smaller, and finally vanishes. According to the center manifold theorem, the high-order singular point is unstable. With the interaction force varying, the HTS suspension dynamical system undergoes a saddle-node bifurcation. Moreover, a deficient damping can also decrease the stable region. These findings, together with existing experiments, could enlighten the improvement of HTS devices with strong anti-interference ability.

Development of using experimenter-given cues in infant chimpanzees: longitudinal changes in behavior and cognitive development.

PubMed

Okamoto-Barth, Sanae; Tomonaga, Masaki; Tanaka, Masayuki; Matsuzawa, Tetsuro

2008-01-01

The use of gaze shifts as social cues has various evolutionary advantages. To investigate the developmental processes of this ability, we conducted an object-choice task by using longitudinal methods with infant chimpanzees tested from 8 months old until 3 years old. The experimenter used one of six gestures towards a cup concealing food; tapping, touching, whole-hand pointing, gazing plus close-pointing, distant-pointing, close-gazing, and distant-gazing. Unlike any other previous study, we analyzed the behavioral changes that occurred before and after choosing the cup. We assumed that pre-choice behavior indicates the development of an attentional and spatial connection between a pointing cue and an object (e.g. Woodward, 2005); and post-choice behavior indicates the emergence of object permanence (e.g. Piaget, 1954). Our study demonstrated that infant chimpanzees begin to use experimenter-given cues with age (after 11 months of age). Moreover, the results from the behavioral analysis showed that the infants gradually developed the spatial link between the pointing as an object-directed action and the object. Moreover, when they were 11 months old, the infants began to inspect the inside of the cup, suggesting the onset of object permanence. Overall, our results imply that the ability to use the cues is developing and mutually related with other cognitive developments. The present study also suggests what the standard object-choice task actually measures by breaking the task down into the developmental trajectories of its component parts, and describes for the first time the social-physical cognitive development during the task with a longitudinal method.

Assessing browse trend at the landscape level Part 2: Monitoring

USGS Publications Warehouse

Keigley, R.B.; Frisina, M.R.; Fager, C.W.

2002-01-01

In Part 1, we assessed browse trend across a wide geographic area of Mt. Haggin Wildlife Management Area by conducting surveys of browsing-related architectures. Those data were qualitative. Below we describe the periodic collection of quantitative data from permanently marked locations; we refer to this phase of the trend assessment program as "monitoring." Trend was monitored by three methods: 1 Repeat photography. 2 Comparison of the height of live stems with the height of stems killed by browsing (LD Index). 3 Net annual stem growth rate (NAGRL3). The photography provides an assessment of trend from the comparison of photographs taken at intervals of a few years. The LD Index and NAGRL3 measurements provide an immediate assessment of trend.

Online data monitoring in the LHCb experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Callot, O.; Cherukuwada, S.; Frank, M.; Gaspar, C.; Graziani, G.; Herwijnen, E. v.; Jost, B.; Neufeld, N.; P-Altarelli, M.; Somogyi, P.; Stoica, R.

2008-07-01

The High Level Trigger and Data Acquisition system selects about 2 kHz of events out of the 40 MHz of beam crossings. The selected events are sent to permanent storage for subsequent analysis. In order to ensure the quality of the collected data, identify possible malfunctions of the detector and perform calibration and alignment checks, a small fraction of the accepted events is sent to a monitoring farm, which consists of a few tens of general purpose processors. This contribution introduces the architecture of the data stream splitting mechanism from the storage system to the monitoring farm, where the raw data are analyzed by dedicated tasks. It describes the collaborating software components that are all based on the Gaudi event processing framework.

40 CFR 420.29 - Point of compliance monitoring.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 28 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true Point of compliance monitoring. 420.29 Section 420.29 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS IRON AND STEEL MANUFACTURING POINT SOURCE CATEGORY Sintering Subcategory § 420.29 Point...

Combinational concentration gradient confinement through stagnation flow.

PubMed

Alicia, Toh G G; Yang, Chun; Wang, Zhiping; Nguyen, Nam-Trung

2016-01-21

Concentration gradient generation in microfluidics is typically constrained by two conflicting mass transport requirements: short characteristic times (τ) for precise temporal control of concentration gradients but at the expense of high flow rates and hence, high flow shear stresses (σ). To decouple the limitations from these parameters, here we propose the use of stagnation flows to confine concentration gradients within large velocity gradients that surround the stagnation point. We developed a modified cross-slot (MCS) device capable of feeding binary and combinational concentration sources in stagnation flows. We show that across the velocity well, source-sink pairs can form permanent concentration gradients. As source-sink concentration pairs are continuously supplied to the MCS, a permanently stable concentration gradient can be generated. Tuning the flow rates directly controls the velocity gradients, and hence the stagnation point location, allowing the confined concentration gradient to be focused. In addition, the flow rate ratio within the MCS rapidly controls (τ ∼ 50 ms) the location of the stagnation point and the confined combinational concentration gradients at low flow shear (0.2 Pa < σ < 2.9 Pa). The MCS device described in this study establishes the method for using stagnation flows to rapidly generate and position low shear combinational concentration gradients for shear sensitive biological assays.

Nonlinear dynamic behaviors of permanent magnet synchronous motors in electric vehicles caused by unbalanced magnetic pull

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiang, Changle; Liu, Feng; Liu, Hui; Han, Lijin; Zhang, Xun

2016-06-01

Unbalanced magnetic pull (UMP) plays a key role in nonlinear dynamic behaviors of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) in electric vehicles. Based on Jeffcott rotor model, the stiffness characteristics of the rotor system of the PMSM are analyzed and the nonlinear dynamic behaviors influenced by UMP are investigated. In free vibration study, eigenvalue-based stability analysis for multiple equilibrium points is performed which offers an insight in system stiffness. Amplitude modulation effects are discovered of which the mechanism is explained and the period of modulating signal is carried out by phase analysis and averaging method. The analysis indicates that the effects are caused by the interaction of the initial phases of forward and backward whirling motions. In forced vibration study, considering dynamic eccentricity, frequency characteristics revealing softening type are obtained by harmonic balance method, and the stability of periodic solution is investigated by Routh-Hurwitz criterion. The frequency characteristics analysis indicates that the response amplitude is limited in the range between the amplitudes of the two kinds of equilibrium points. In the vicinity of the continuum of equilibrium points, the system hardly provides resistance to bending, and hence external disturbances easily cause loss of stability. It is useful for the design of the PMSM with high stability and low vibration and acoustic noise.

Prostate tumor alignment and continuous, real-time adaptive radiation therapy using electromagnetic fiducials: clinical and cost-utility analyses.

PubMed

Quigley, Martin M; Mate, Timothy P; Sylvester, John E

2009-01-01

To evaluate the accuracy, utility, and cost effectiveness of a new electromagnetic patient positioning and continuous, real-time monitoring system, which uses permanently implanted resonant transponders in the target (Calypso 4D Localization System and Beacon transponders, Seattle, WA) to continuously monitor tumor location and movement during external beam radiation therapy of the prostate. This clinical trial studied 43 patients at 5 sites. All patients were implanted with 3 transponders each. In 41 patients, the system was used for initial alignment at each therapy session. Thirty-five patients had continuous monitoring during their radiation treatment. Over 1,000 alignment comparisons were made to a commercially available kV X-ray positioning system (BrainLAB ExacTrac, Munich, Germany). Using decision analysis and Markov processes, the outcomes of patients were simulated over a 5-year period and measured in terms of costs from a payer's perspective and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). All patients had satisfactory transponder implantations for monitoring purposes. In over 75% of the treatment sessions, the correction to conventional positioning (laser and tattoos) directed by an electromagnetic patient positioning and monitoring system was greater than 5 mm. Ninety-seven percent (34/35) of the patients who underwent continuous monitoring had target motion that exceeded preset limits at some point during the course of their radiation therapy. Exceeding preset thresholds resulted in user intervention at least once during the therapy in 80% of the patients (28/35). Compared with localization using ultrasound, electronic portal imaging devices (EPID), or computed tomography (CT), localization with the electromagnetic patient positioning and monitoring system yielded superior gains in QALYs at comparable costs. Most patients positioned with conventional tattoos and lasers for prostate radiation therapy were found by use of the electromagnetic patient positioning and monitoring system to have alignment errors exceeding 5 mm. Almost all patients undergoing external beam radiation of the prostate have been shown to have target organ movement exceeding 3 mm during radiation therapy delivery. The ability of the electromagnetic technology to monitor tumor target location during the same time as radiation therapy is being delivered allows clinicians to provide real time adaptive radiation therapy for prostate cancer. This permits clinicians to intervene when the prostate moves outside the radiation isocenter, which should decrease adverse events and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, a cost-utility analysis has demonstrated that the electromagnetic patient positioning and monitoring system offers patient outcome benefits at a cost that falls well within the payer's customary willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of $50,000 per QALY.

Integrated landslide monitoring: rainfalls, pore water pressures and surface movements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berti, M.; Casula, G.; Elmi, C.; Fabris, M.; Ghirotti, M.; Loddo, F.; Mora, P.; Pesci, A.; Simoni, A.

2003-04-01

Rainfall-induced landslides involving clay-rich soils are widely represented in the Apennines. They cover up to 30% of the slopes forming the relief constituted by chaotic clayey units and are typically subject to repeated reactivations of the movement which are often triggered by a series of discrete failures located in the upper part (headscarp). Failures and movement can then propagate downslope and reactivate the whole landslide deposit which displays a typical elongated body, limited depth and a fan-shaped toe as a result of successive slow earth-flow like movements. An experimental monitoring programme was designed and is currently operating on the Rocca Pitigliana landslide whose characteristics well represent the above described type of movements. Its last parossistic movement date back to 1999 and, since then, remedial works were realized on behalf of local authorities. They basically consist of surficial and deep drainage works located on the landslide body. Experimental activities focus on the main headscarp whose morphology and sub-surface water circulation scheme were unaffected by the interventions. The monitoring approach includes measuring rainfalls and pore-pressure responses in both saturated and unsaturated soils. Surficial movements are continuously measured by means of GPS permanent stations and by wire extensometers which allow real time control of headscarp activity. Main aim of the monitoring activities is to provide experimental data, which can be used to test various existing hydrologic models and to identify triggering conditions. Since the ‘70s, many hydrologic models have been proposed to describe the pore water pressure distribution within the soil and its response to precipitation. The topic has recently drawn growing attention because of the recognized importance in landslide triggering but still experimental data are very much needed in order to obtain and validate capable predicting tools. This is mostly due to the multiple and complex factors involved in the problem: stratigraphy, soil properties and presence of heterogeneities are among the most important. All of them are difficult or impossible to determine at slope scale on a deterministic basis. The herein presented monitoring system addresses the problem by means of a measuring array of pore pressure sensors located at various depth (0.3 to 10 m) along a section of the main landslide headscarp. Negative pore pressures are also measured though, at this stage, much attention is still focused on the choice of sensors which better suit the specific case. At the moment of writing we are using traditional tensiometers and indirect soil moisture sensors and comparing the results. All sensors are directly buried into the ground in order to get fast and reliable responses. In addition to continuous measurements, GPS, digital photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning are applied leading to an integrated system for DEMs production. GPS (so-called kinematic mode) gives the possibility of determining the relative position of points at centimetric and/or millimetric accuracy. The terrain surface is described by means of points distributed on a high density irregular grid. Moreover static and fast static GPS modes allow to determine the position of distributed marker points (millimetric precision). Digital photogrammetry can also be combined with the surveying of control points to generate DEMs. In this case, aerial and terrestrial stereo images are automatically processed by means of correlation algorithms that work at sub-pixel level. Last but not least, the Laser Scanning technique has been used to generate successive terrain models, which can be differenced to determine displacements in active parts of the landslide.

Inventory of oaks on California's national forest lands

Treesearch

Thomas Gaman; Kevin Casey

2002-01-01

California has 18+ million acres of land owned by the USDA Forest Service. This is almost 20 percent of the area of the state. From 1994-2000 the Region 5 Remote Sensing Lab collected forest, vegetation and fuels inventory data from thousands of permanent monitoring plots established on diverse sites on Forest Service lands throughout the region. The plots are...

Development of forest regeneration imputation models using permanent plots in Oregon and Washington

Treesearch

Karin Kralicek; Andrew Sánchez Meador; Leah Rathbun

2015-01-01

Imputation models were developed and tested to estimate tree regeneration on Forest Service land in Oregon and Washington. The models were based on Forest Inventory and Analysis and Pacific Northwest Regional NFS Monitoring data. The data was processed into sets of tables containing estimates of regeneration by broad plant associations and spanning a large variety in...

Forest vegetation cover assessment on Mona Island, Puerto Rico

Treesearch

Thomas J. Brandeis; Elvia J. Meléndez-Ackerman; Eileen H. Helmer

2012-01-01

Permanent plots were installed on the Mona Island natural reserve as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service’s forest vegetation assessment and monitoring efforts in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In addition to tree, sapling, and seedling measurements, the data collected included detailed descriptions of percent cover of vascular plants in four...

Effects of prescribed burning on vegetation and fuel loading in three east Texas state parks

Treesearch

Sandra Rideout; Brian P. Oswald

2002-01-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the initial effectiveness of prescribed burning in the ecological restoration of forests within selected parks in east Texas. Twenty-four permanent plots were installed to monitor fuel loads, overstory, sapling, seedling, shrub and herbaceous layers within burn and control units of Mission Tejas, Tyler and Village Creek state parks...

[Cardiovascular and hormonal strain in waste collection workers employed in Amsa SpA, municipality of Milan, in permanent day and night work].

PubMed

Biggi, N; Consonni, D; Fragasso, G; Lattuada, G; Perseghin, G L; Verga, R; Costa, G

2007-01-01

Aim of the study is to explore in shiftworkers: a) blood pressure and hormonal variations; b) dyslipidemia and blood glucose levels; c) insulin resistence syndrome. We have assessed 48 male workers employes in Amsa SpA, a large municipal enterprise in charge of street cleaning and domestic waste collection, in permanent day and night work as hand sweepers, motor sweepers and delivery tricar drivers. 24 of those workers (daily and nightly) were normotensive and 24 were hypertensive. Our medical checks were: physical examination: BMI; laboratory findings (blood): glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, endothelin, insulin, FFA, HOMA S, HOMA B, HOMA R; assay of salivary cortisol and urinary cortisol in 24 h; 24 h pressure monitoring. Nightly hypertensive: increased consumption in wine and coffee, weight and BMI, total cholesterol and FFA and endothelin. Nightly normotensive: increased consumption in cigarettes and salivary cortisol. Daily hypertensive: increased total cholesterol; 24 h pressure monitoring showed more pronounced variations of pressure in night workers both normotensive and hypertensive in working time. Night shiftwork looks like more stressfull than day shiftwork. Insuline resistance isn't noticed in all four groups.

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

Ueno, Kohta

There are many existing buildings with load-bearing mass masonry walls, whose energy performance could be improved with the retrofit of insulation. However, adding insulation to the interior side of walls of such masonry buildings in cold (and wet) climates may cause performance and durability problems. Some concerns, such as condensation and freeze-thaw have known solutions. But wood members embedded in the masonry structure will be colder (and potentially wetter) after an interior insulation retrofit. Moisture content & relative humidity were monitored at joist ends in historic mass brick masonry walls retrofitted with interior insulation in a cold climate (Zone 5A);more » data were collected from 2012-2015. Eleven joist ends were monitored in all four orientations. One limitation of these results is that the renovation is still ongoing, with limited wintertime construction heating and no permanent occupancy to date. Measurements show that many joists ends remain at high moisture contents, especially at north- and east-facing orientations, with constant 100% RH conditions at the worst cases. These high moisture levels are not conducive for wood durability, but no evidence for actual structural damage has been observed. Insulated vs. non-insulated joist pockets do not show large differences. South facing joists have safe (10-15%) moisture contents. Given the uncertainty pointed out by research, definitive guidance on the vulnerability of embedded wood members is difficult to formulate. In high-risk situations, or when a very conservative approach is warranted, the embedded wood member condition can be eliminated entirely, supporting the joist ends outside of the masonry pocket.« less

Highly stable and finely tuned magnetic fields generated by permanent magnet assemblies.

PubMed

Danieli, E; Perlo, J; Blümich, B; Casanova, F

2013-05-03

Permanent magnetic materials are the only magnetic source that can be used to generate magnetic fields without power consumption or maintenance. Such stand-alone magnets are very attractive for many scientific and engineering areas, but they suffer from poor temporal field stability, which arises from the strong sensitivity of the magnetic materials and mechanical support to temperature variation. In this work, we describe a highly efficient method useful to cancel the temperature coefficient of permanent magnet assemblies in a passive and accurate way. It is based on the combination of at least two units made of magnetic materials with different temperature coefficients arranged in such a way that the ratio of the fields generated by each unit matches the ratio of their effective temperature coefficients defined by both the magnetic and mechanical contributions. Although typically available magnetic materials have negative temperature coefficients, the cancellation is achieved by aligning the fields generated by each unit in the opposite direction. We demonstrate the performance of this approach by stabilizing the field generated by a dipolar Halbach magnet, recently proposed to achieve high field homogeneity. Both the field drift and the homogeneity are monitored via nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy experiments. The results demonstrate the compatibility of the thermal compensation approach with existing strategies useful to fine-tune the spatial dependence of the field generated by permanent magnet arrays.

Volcano Monitoring in Ecuador: Three Decades of Continuous Progress of the Instituto Geofisico - Escuela Politecnica Nacional

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruiz, M. C.; Yepes, H. A.; Hall, M. L.; Mothes, P. A.; Ramon, P.; Hidalgo, S.; Andrade, D.; Vallejo Vargas, S.; Steele, A. L.; Anzieta, J. C.; Ortiz, H. D.; Palacios, P.; Alvarado, A. P.; Enriquez, W.; Vasconez, F.; Vaca, M.; Arrais, S.; Viracucha, G.; Bernard, B.

2014-12-01

In 1988, the Instituto Geofisico (IG) began a permanent surveillance of Ecuadorian volcanoes, and due to activity on Guagua Pichincha, SP seismic stations and EDM control lines were then installed. Later, with the UNDRO and OAS projects, telemetered seismic monitoring was expanded to Tungurahua, Cotopaxi, Cuicocha, Chimborazo, Antisana, Cayambe, Cerro Negro, and Quilotoa volcanoes. In 1992 an agreement with the Instituto Ecuatoriano de Electrificacion strengthened the monitoring of Tungurahua and Cotopaxi volcanoes with real-time SP seismic networks and EDM lines. Thus, background activity levels became established, which was helpful because of the onset of the 1999 eruptive activity at Tungurahua and Guagua Pichincha. These eruptions had a notable impact on Baños and Quito. Unrest at Cotopaxi volcano was detected in 2001-2002, but waned. In 2002 Reventador began its eruptive period which continues to the present and is closely monitored by the IG. In 2006 permanent seismic BB stations and infrasound sensors were installed at Tungurahua and Cotopaxi under a cooperative program supported by JICA, which allowed us to follow Tungurahua's climatic eruptions of 2006 and subsequent eruptions up to the present. Programs supported by the Ecuadorian Secretaria Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia and the Secretaria Nacional de Planificacion resulted in further expansion of the IG's monitoring infrastructure. Thermal and video imagery, SO2 emission monitoring, geochemical analyses, continuous GPS and tiltmeters, and micro-barometric surveillance have been incorporated. Sangay, Soche, Ninahuilca, Pululahua, and Fernandina, Cerro Azul, Sierra Negra, and Alcedo in the Galapagos Islands are now monitored in real-time. During this time, international cooperation with universities (Blaise Pascal & Nice-France, U. North Carolina, New Mexico Tech, Uppsala-Sweden, Nagoya, etc.), and research centers (USGS & UNAVCO-USA, IRD-France, NIED-Japan, SGC-Colombia, VAAC, MIROVA) has introduced the use of new technologies and methods. An agreement with the Secretaria de Gestion de Riesgos fortifies the communication flow to society, officials, and risk managers. Today the IG has the challenge of offering real-time information through a web-based net of virtual observatories.

Radiocarbon as a Reactive Tracer for Tracking Permanent CO 2 Storage in Basaltic Rocks

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

Matter, Juerg; Stute, Martin; Schlosser, Peter

In view of concerns about the long-term integrity and containment of CO 2 storage in geologic reservoirs, many efforts have been made to improve the monitoring, verification and accounting methods for geologically stored CO 2. Our project aimed to demonstrate that carbon-14 ( 14C) could be used as a reactive tracer to monitor geochemical reactions and evaluate the extent of mineral trapping of CO 2 in basaltic rocks. The capacity of a storage reservoir for mineral trapping of CO 2 is largely a function of host rock composition. Mineral carbonation involves combining CO 2 with divalent cations including Ca 2+,more » Mg 2+ and Fe 2+. The most abundant geological sources for these cations are basaltic rocks. Based on initial storage capacity estimates, we know that basalts have the necessary capacity to store million to billion tons of CO 2 via in situ mineral carbonation. However, little is known about CO2-fluid-rock reactions occurring in a basaltic storage reservoir during and post-CO 2 injection. None of the common monitoring and verification techniques have been able to provide a surveying tool for mineral trapping. The most direct method for quantitative monitoring and accounting involves the tagging of the injected CO 2 with 14C because 14C is not present in deep geologic reservoirs prior to injection. Accordingly, we conducted two CO 2 injection tests at the CarbFix pilot injection site in Iceland to study the feasibility of 14C as a reactive tracer for monitoring CO 2-fluid-rock reactions and CO 2 mineralization. Our newly developed monitoring techniques, using 14C as a reactive tracer, have been successfully demonstrated. For the first time, permanent and safe disposal of CO 2 as environmentally benign carbonate minerals in basaltic rocks could be shown. Over 95% of the injected CO 2 at the CarbFix pilot injection site was mineralized to carbonate minerals in less than two years after injection. Our monitoring results confirm that CO 2 mineralization in basaltic rocks is far faster than previously postulated.« less

Performance comparison of TDR-based systems for permanent and diffused detection of water content and leaks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cataldo, A.; De Benedetto, E.; Cannazza, G.; Huebner, C.; Trebbels, D.

2017-01-01

In this work, the performance of three time domain reflectometry (TDR) instruments (with different hardware architectures, specifications and costs) is comparatively assessed. The goal is to evaluate the performance of low-cost TDR instrumentation, in view of the development of a completely permanent TDR-based monitoring solution, wherein the costs of the instrument is so low, that it can be left on-site, even unguarded, and controlled remotely. Without losing generality, the applications considered for the comparative experiments are the TDR-based detection of leaks in underground pipes and, more in general, of soil water content variations. For this reason, both laboratory and in-the-field experiments are carried out by comparatively using three TDR instruments, in conjunction with wire-like sensing elements (SEs).

Image correction during large and rapid B(0) variations in an open MRI system with permanent magnets using navigator echoes and phase compensation.

PubMed

Li, Jianqi; Wang, Yi; Jiang, Yu; Xie, Haibin; Li, Gengying

2009-09-01

An open permanent magnet system with vertical B(0) field and without self-shielding can be quite susceptible to perturbations from external magnetic sources. B(0) variation in such a system located close to a subway station was measured to be greater than 0.7 microT by both MRI and a fluxgate magnetometer. This B(0) variation caused image artifacts. A navigator echo approach that monitored and compensated the view-to-view variation in magnetic resonance signal phase was developed to correct for image artifacts. Human brain imaging experiments using a multislice gradient-echo sequence demonstrated that the ghosting and blurring artifacts associated with B(0) variations were effectively removed using the navigator method.

Temporary vs. Permanent Sub-slab Ports: A Comparative ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Vapor intrusion (VI) is the migration of subsurface vapors, including radon and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), from the subsurface to indoor air. The VI exposure pathway extends from the contaminant source, which can be impacted soil, non-aqueous phase liquid, or contaminated groundwater, to indoor air-exposure points. Therefore, contaminated matrices may include groundwater, soil, soil gas, and indoor air. VOC contaminants of concern typically include halogenated solvents such as trichloroethene, tetrachloroethene, and chloroform, as well as petroleum hydrocarbons, such as the aromatic VOCs benzene, toluene, and xylenes. Radon is a colorless radioactive gas that is released by radioactive decay of radionuclides in rock and soil that migrate into homes through VI in a similar fashion to VOCs. This project focused on the performance of permanent versus temporary sub-slab sampling ports for the determination of VI of halogenated VOCs and radon into an unoccupied house. VOC and radon concentrations measured simultaneously in soil gas using collocated temporary and permanent ports appeared to be independent of the type of port. The variability between collocated temporary and permanent ports was much less than the spatial variability between different locations within a single residential duplex. The agreement of the majority of VOC and radon concentrations, 0–36% relative percent difference, and 2–19% relative standard deviation respectively, of each sub-sl

Design and modelling of a link monitoring mechanism for the Common Data Link (CDL)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eichelberger, John W., III

1994-09-01

The Common Data Link (CDL) is a full duplex, point-to-point microwave communications system used in imagery and signals intelligence collection systems. It provides a link between two remote Local Area Networks (LAN's) aboard collection and surface platforms. In a hostile environment, there is an overwhelming need to dynamically monitor the link and thus, limit the impact of jamming. This work describes steps taken to design, model, and evaluate a link monitoring system suitable for the CDL. The monitoring system is based on features and monitoring constructs of the Link Control Protocol (LCP) in the Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) suite. The CDL model is based on a system of two remote Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) LAN's. In particular, the policies and mechanisms associated with monitoring are described in detail. An implementation of the required mechanisms using the OPNET network engineering tool is described. Performance data related to monitoring parameters is reported. Finally, integration of the FDDI-CDL model with the OPNET Internet model is described.

On Logic and Standards for Structuring Documents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eyers, David M.; Jones, Andrew J. I.; Kimbrough, Steven O.

The advent of XML has been widely seized upon as an opportunity to develop document representation standards that lend themselves to automated processing. This is a welcome development and much good has come of it. That said, present standardization efforts may be criticized on a number of counts. We explore two issues associated with document XML standardization efforts. We label them (i) the dynamic point and (ii) the logical point. Our dynamic point is that in many cases experience has shown that the search for a final, or even reasonably permanent, document representation standard is futile. The case is especially strong for electronic data interchange (EDI). Our logical point is that formalization into symbolic logic is materially helpful for understanding and designing dynamic document standards.

77 FR 68747 - Reestablishment of Department of Defense Federal Advisory Committees

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-16

... an annual basis. Those members, who are not full-time or permanent part-time Federal officers or... point of view and in a manner that is free from conflict of interest. With the exception of travel and per diem for official Committee related travel, Committee members shall serve without compensation...

Versatile Mobile and Stationary Low-Cost Approaches for Hydrological Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kröhnert, M.; Eltner, A.

2018-05-01

In the last decades, an increase in the number of extreme precipitation events has been observed, which leads to increasing risks for flash floods and landslides. Thereby, conventional gauging stations are indispensable for monitoring and prediction. However, they are expensive in construction, management, and maintenance. Thus, density of observation networks is rather low, leading to insufficient spatio-temporal resolution to capture hydrological extreme events that occur with short response times especially in small-scale catchments. Smaller creeks and rivers require permanent observation, as well, to allow for a better understanding of the underlying processes and to enhance forecasting reliability. Today's smartphones with inbuilt cameras, positioning sensors and powerful processing units may serve as wide-spread measurement devices for event-based water gauging during floods. With the aid of volunteered geographic information (VGI), the hydrological network of water gauges can be highly densified in its spatial and temporal domain even for currently unobserved catchments. Furthermore, stationary low-cost solutions based on Raspberry Pi imaging systems are versatile for permanent monitoring of hydrological parameters. Both complementary systems, i.e. smartphone and Raspberry Pi camera, share the same methodology to extract water levels automatically, which is explained in the paper in detail. The annotation of 3D reference data by 2D image measurements is addressed depending on camera setup and river section to be monitored. Accuracies for water stage measurements are in range of several millimetres up to few centimetres.

Nerve sparing sutureless total thyroidectomy. Preliminary study.

PubMed

Parmeggiani, Domenico; De Falco, Massimo; Avenia, Nicola; Sanguinetti, Alessandro; Fiore, Andrea; Docimo, Giovanni; Ambrosino, Pasquale; Madonna, Imma; Peltrini, Roberto; Parmeggiani, Umberto

2012-01-01

In the present study the authors assess the advantages of new technologies in thyroid surgery: to prevent nerve injury by using an intra-operative continuous nerve-monitoring techniques and to compare the real advantages of advanced coagulation devices. Among a series of 440 thyroidectomies (jan 2004-feb 2006) the Authors reviewed charts from two groups: (1) 240 total thyroidectomies performed using the traditional monopolar electrocautery, non-absorbable stitches for the principal vascular pedicles. (2) 140 total thyroidectomies performed using dedicated small bipolar electro thermal coagulator (ligasure-precise). (3) Since 2006 in a double blind group selection of 70, we've performed sutureless thyroidectomy with continuous intraoperative nerve monitoring using dedicated endotracheal tube. Mean operative time, post-operative bleeding, post-operative stay, incidence of transient or definitive laryngeal nerve lesions, incidence of permanent or transient hypocalcaemia, costs of the procedures were analyzed. Major complications in the first two groups compared with the data of the literature are absolutely over-imposable, except a reduction of incidence of transient hypocalcaemia in the Precise group, but if we compare data of the 3rd group (NIM), we find a significative reduction of transient and permanent laryngeal nerve palsy incidence. This new technology offers several advantages: (1) atraumatic; (2) easy to use; (3) continuous monitoring and audio feedback to the surgeon (4) works outside the operation field (5) high sensitiveness. Cost-analysis confirm that NIM + ligasure have same or less cost and time and probably less complications than traditional Total Thyroidectomy.

Wildlife and habitat damage assessment from Hurricane Charley: recommendations for recovery of the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Complex

USGS Publications Warehouse

Meyers, J. Michael; Langtimm, Catherine A.; Smith, Thomas J.; Pednault-Willett, Kendra

2006-01-01

• On 13 August 2004, the first of four hurricanes to strike Florida in <6 weeks came ashore near J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (JNDDNWR) Complex, Sanibel Island, Florida. The eye of Category 4 Hurricane Charley passed just north of Sanibel Island with maximum sustained winds of 145 mph (123 knots) and a storm surge of 0.3-2.7 m (1-9 ft). Three USGS-BRD scientists (coastal ecologist and research wildlife biologists) and a USFWS wildlife biologist surveyed the storm damage to JNDDNWR Complex on the ground from 20-24 September 2004. • At the request of United States Fish and Wildlife Service refuge staff, the USGS team concentrated on assessing damage to wetlands and habitat for selected bird populations (especially mangrove forests, Mangrove Cuckoos [Coccyzus minor], and Black-whiskered Vireo [Vireo altiloquus]), waterbird rookeries (mangrove islands), impoundments (waterbirds and waterfowl), sea grass beds (manatees), and upland hardwood hammocks and ridges (threatened eastern indigo snake [Drymarchon couperi]). • The refuge complex sustained moderate to catastrophic damage to vegetation, especially mangrove forests and waterbird nesting or roosting islands. Lumpkin Island, Hemp Island, and Bird Key waterbird nesting areas had >50% and sometimes 90% of their vegetation severely damaged (dead, broken tree stems, and tipped trees). The Shell Mound Trail area of JNDDNWR sustained catastrophic damage to its old growth mangrove forests. Direct storm mortality and injury to manatees in the area of the JNDDNWR Complex was probably slight as manatees may have several strategies to reduce storm mortality. Damage to seagrass beds, an important habitat for manatees, fishes and invertebrates, is believed to be limited to the breach at North Captiva Island. At this breach, refuge staff documented inundation of beds by sand and scarring by trees dragged by winds. • Because seagrass beads and manatee habitat extend beyond refuge boundaries (see p. 28), a regional approach with partner agencies to more thoroughly assess storm impacts and monitor recovery of seagrass and manatees is recommended. • Besides intensive monitoring of waterbirds and their nesting habitat (pre- and post-storm), the survey team recommends that the Mangrove Cuckoo be used as an indicator species for recovery of mangrove forests and also for monitoring songbirds at risk (this songbird is habitat-area sensitive). Black-whiskered Vireo may be another potential indicator species to monitor in mangrove forests. Monitoring for these species can be done by distance sampling on transects or by species presenceabsence from point counts. • Damaged vegetation should be monitored for recovery (permanent or long-term plots), especially where previous study plots have been established and with additional plots in mangrove forests of waterbird nesting islands and freshwater wetlands. • Potential loss of wetlands (and information for management) may be prevented by water level monitoring (3 permanent stations), locating the positions (GPS-GIS) and maintaining existing water control structures, creating a GIS map of the refuge with accurate vertical data, and monitoring and eradicating invasive plants. Invasive species, including Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) and air potato (Dioscorea bulbifora), were common in a very limited survey and may become more dominant in areas damaged by the storm. Special attention is needed to eradicate these exotic plants. • As an important monitoring goal, the survey team recommends that species presence-absence data analysis (with probability of detection) be used to determine changes in animal communities. This could be accomplished possibly with comparison to other storm-damaged and undamaged refuges in the Region. This information may be helpful to refuge managers when storms return in the future.

ANITA Air Monitoring on the International Space Station: Results Compared to Other Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Honne, A.; Schumann-Olsen, H.; Kaspersen, K.; Limero, T.; Macatangay, A.; Mosebach, H.; Kampf, D.; Mudgett, P. D.; James, J. T.; Tan, G.;

Translocation and radio-telemetry monitoring of pygmy marmoset, Cebuella pygmaea (Spix, 1823), in the Brazilian Amazon.

PubMed

Dias, C A R; Queirogas, V L; Pedersoli, M A

2015-01-01

Two groups of pygmy marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea) were rescued along the left bank of the Madeira River during the formation of Santo Antônio Hydroelectric Dam reservoir in the state of Rondônia, Northern Brazil. Reintroduction of both groups occurred in areas of open Tropical rainforest located within the project´s Permanent Preservation Area. A post-release monitoring was conducted for three months using radio-telemetry. Individuals of each group remained together and settled in stable home ranges near their respective release sites. The mortality rate of translocated animals was about 7%. This seems to be the first report documenting the complete group translocation of C. pygmaea and the first to successfully employ radio-telemetry techniques in monitoring this species. This study demonstrated the feasibility of translocation and the use of radio-telemetry in monitoring C. pygmaea.

Space Station Freedom Environmental Health Care Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richard, Elizabeth E.; Russo, Dane M.

1992-01-01

The paper discusses the environmental planning and monitoring aspects of the Space Station Freedom (SSF) Environmental Health Care Program, which encompasses all phases of the SSF assembly and operation from the first element entry at MB-6 through the Permanent Manned Capability and beyond. Environmental planning involves the definition of acceptability limits and monitoring requirements for the radiation dose barothermal parameters and potential contaminants in the SSF air and water and on internal surfaces. Inflight monitoring will be implemented through the Environmental Health System, which consists of five subsystems: Microbiology, Toxicology, Water Quality, Radiation, and Barothermal Physiology. In addition to the environmental data interpretation and analysis conducted after each mission, the new data will be compared to archived data for statistical and long-term trend analysis and determination of risk exposures. Results of these analyses will be used to modify the acceptability limits and monitoring requirements for the future.

Monitoring technologies for ocean disposal of radioactive waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Triplett, M. B.; Solomon, K. A.; Bishop, C. B.; Tyce, R. C.

1982-01-01

The feasibility of using carefully selected subseabed locations to permanently isolate high level radioactive wastes at ocean depths greater than 4000 meters is discussed. Disposal at several candidate subseabed areas is being studied because of the long term geologic stability of the sediments, remoteness from human activity, and lack of useful natural resources. While the deep sea environment is remote, it also poses some significant challenges for the technology required to survey and monitor these sites, to identify and pinpoint container leakage should it occur, and to provide the environmental information and data base essential to determining the probable impacts of any such occurrence. Objectives and technical approaches to aid in the selective development of advanced technologies for the future monitoring of nuclear low level and high level waste disposal in the deep seabed are presented. Detailed recommendations for measurement and sampling technology development needed for deep seabed nuclear waste monitoring are also presented.

A vibration-based health monitoring program for a large and seismically vulnerable masonry dome

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pecorelli, M. L.; Ceravolo, R.; De Lucia, G.; Epicoco, R.

2017-05-01

Vibration-based health monitoring of monumental structures must rely on efficient and, as far as possible, automatic modal analysis procedures. Relatively low excitation energy provided by traffic, wind and other sources is usually sufficient to detect structural changes, as those produced by earthquakes and extreme events. Above all, in-operation modal analysis is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that can support optimal strategies for the preservation of architectural heritage, especially if complemented by model-driven procedures. In this paper, the preliminary steps towards a fully automated vibration-based monitoring of the world’s largest masonry oval dome (internal axes of 37.23 by 24.89 m) are presented. More specifically, the paper reports on signal treatment operations conducted to set up the permanent dynamic monitoring system of the dome and to realise a robust automatic identification procedure. Preliminary considerations on the effects of temperature on dynamic parameters are finally reported.

Embedded Ultrasonic Transducers for Active and Passive Concrete Monitoring

PubMed Central

Niederleithinger, Ernst; Wolf, Julia; Mielentz, Frank; Wiggenhauser, Herbert; Pirskawetz, Stephan

2015-01-01

Recently developed new transducers for ultrasonic transmission, which can be embedded right into concrete, are now used for non-destructive permanent monitoring of concrete. They can be installed during construction or thereafter. Large volumes of concrete can be monitored for changes of material properties by a limited number of transducers. The transducer design, the main properties as well as installation procedures are presented. It is shown that compressional waves with a central frequency of 62 kHz are mainly generated around the transducer’s axis. The transducer can be used as a transmitter or receiver. Application examples demonstrate that the transducers can be used to monitor concrete conditions parameters (stress, temperature, …) as well as damages in an early state or the detection of acoustic events (e.g., crack opening). Besides application in civil engineering our setups can also be used for model studies in geosciences. PMID:25923928

A study of reusable electromechanical impedance methods for structural health monitoring of civil structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tawie, R.; Na, S.; Lee, H. K.

2013-04-01

Up to date, various studies have been conducted using electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) method on concrete, including monitoring the strength development or to find damage in the structure. Since EMI method utilizes a single piezoelectric material to be used as an actuator and a sensor simultaneously, the method has major advantages compared to other non-destructive testing methods. However the method requires a piezoelectric material to be permanently attached or embedded into a structure. Thus when monitoring multiple structures, the method may become quite expensive. In this study, two re-usable EMI methods conducted by researchers Na et al and Tawie et al are overviewed. The idea of re-usable EMI method is still relatively new, resulting in the reduction of monitoring costs since the same piezoelectric material is used as many times as possible, while ensuring better repeatability and reliability in measurements.

Earthquake induced landslide hazard field observatory in the Avcilar peninsula

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bigarre, Pascal; Coccia, Stella; Theoleyre, Fiona; Ergintav, Semih; Özel, Oguz; Yalçinkaya, Esref; Lenti, Luca; Martino, Salvatore; Gamba, Paolo; Zucca, Francesco; Moro, Marco

2015-04-01

Earthquake-triggered landslides have an increasing disastrous impact in seismic regions due to the fast growing urbanization and infrastructures. Just considering disasters from the last fifteen years, among which the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake, the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, and the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, these events generated tens of thousands of coseismic landslides. Those resulted in amazing death toll and considerable damages, affecting the regional landscape including its hydrological main features. Despite a strong impetus in research during past decades, knowledge on those geohazards is still fragmentary, while databases of high quality observational data are lacking. These phenomena call for further collaborative researches aiming eventually to enhance preparedness and crisis management. The MARSITE project gathers research groups in a comprehensive monitoring activity developed in the Sea of Marmara Region, one of the most densely populated parts of Europe and rated at high seismic risk level since the 1999 Izmit and Duzce devastating earthquakes. Besides the seismic threat, landslides in Turkey and in this region constitute an important source of loss. The 6th Work Package of MARSITE project gathers 9 research groups to study earthquake-induced landslides focusing on two sub-regional areas of high interest among which the Cekmece-Avcilar peninsula, located westwards of Istanbul, as a highly urbanized concentrated landslide prone area, showing high susceptibility to both rainfalls while affected by very significant seismic site effects. A multidisciplinary research program based on pre-existing studies has been designed with objectives and tasks linked to constrain and tackle progressively some challenging issues related to data integration, modeling, monitoring and mapping technologies. Since the start of the project, progress has been marked on several important points as follows. The photogeological interpretation and analysis of ENVISAT-ERS DInSAR temporal series has been undertaken, providing global but accurate Identification and characterization of gravitational phenomena covering the aera. Evaluation of the resolution and identification of landslide hazard-related features using space multispectral/hyperspectral image data has been realized. Profit has been gained from a vast drilling and geological - geotechnical survey program undertaken by the Istanbul Metropolitan Area, to get important data to complete the geological model of the landslide as well as one deep borehole to set up permanent instrumentation on a quite large slow landslide, fully encircled by a dense building environment. The selected landslide was instrumented in 2014 with a real-time observational system including GPS, rainfall, piezometer and seismic monitoring. Objective of this permanent monitoring system is three folds: first to detect and quantify interaction between seismic motion, rainfall and mass movement, building a database opened to the scientific community in the future, second to help to calibrate dynamic numerical geomechanical simulations intending to study the sensitivity to seismic loading, and last but not least. Last but not least important geophysical field work has been conducted to assess seismic site effects already noticed during the 1999 earthquake .Data, metadata and main results are from now progressively compiled and formatted for appropriate integration in the cloud monitoring infrastructure for data sharing.

Operational monitoring of turbidity in rivers: how satellites can contribute

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hucke, Dorothee; Hillebrand, Gudrun; Winterscheid, Axel; Kranz, Susanne; Baschek, Björn

2016-10-01

The applications of remote sensing in hydrology are diverse and offer significant benefits for water monitoring. Up to now, operational river monitoring and sediment management in Germany mainly rely on in-situ measurements and on results obtained from numerical modelling. Remote sensing by satellites has a great potential to supplement existing data with two-dimensional information on near-surface turbidity distributions at greater spatial scales than in-situ measurements can offer. Within the project WasMon-CT (WaterMonitoring-Chlorophyll/Turbidity), the Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG) aims at the implementation of an operational monitoring of turbidity distributions based on satellite images (esp. Sentinel-2, Landsat7 and 8). Initially, selected federal inland and estuarine waterways will be addressed: Rhine, Elbe, Ems, Weser. WasMon-CT is funded within the German Copernicus activities. Within the project, a database of atmospherically corrected, geo-referenced turbidity data will be assembled. The collected corresponding meta-data will include aspects of satellite data as well as hydrological data, e.g. cloud cover and river run-off. Based on this catalogue of spatially linked meta-data, the satellite data will be selected by e.g. cloud cover or run-off. The permanently updated database will include past as well as recent satellite images. It is designed with a long-term perspective to optimize the existing in-situ measurement network, which will serve partly for calibration and partly as validation data set. The aim is to extend, but not to substitute, the existing frequent point measurements with spatially extensive, satellite-derived data from the near surface part of the water column. Here, turbidity is used as proxy for corresponding suspended sediment concentrations. For this, the relationship between turbidity and suspended sediment concentrations will be investigated. Products as e.g. longitudinal profiles or virtual measurement stations will be developed from an application toolbox to specifically match requirements of operational monitoring tasks and to allow for a better integration into the existing monitoring system. The toolbox demonstrates the benefits of remote sensing by applying the established processing chain to diverse hydrological questions, such as for the investigation of tidal-affected sediment loads or mixing processes at river confluences. This new application will be of great value to assess, evaluate and monitor the status or the change of large-scale sediment processes at the system level. Accordingly, the satellite-derived turbidity data will strongly enhance federal consulting activities and thus ensure a modern river monitoring of Germany's federal water ways.

Assessment of dental caries prevention program applied to a cohort of elementary school children of Kebemer, a city in Senegal.

PubMed

Daouda, Faye; Aïda, Kanouté; Mbacké, Lo Cheikh; Mamadou, Mbaye

2016-08-01

Dental caries is frequently observed in children, particularly among those residing in developing countries. The most adapted strategies against this pathology remains prevention based on information, education, and communication (IEC), as well as on early diagnosis and treatment. We carried out a study that aimed to analyze the development of dental caries in a cohort of school children followed during their primary education. The objective was to assess the evolution of the dental status of a cohort of students during their elementary curriculum. A cohort of school children was followed during 6 years from the first grade to the sixth grade. Monitoring of these school children focused every year on IEC based on learning methods of brushing messages, dietary advice, systematic visits, fluoride use, and primary dental care. During the school year, the students were periodically subjected to education and communication briefings (IEC). Primary care consisted of extracting and descaling rhizalyzed teeth in the same period. The data from this review were collected using the World Health Organization questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed with the software Epi-info version 6.04 d. The mean age of the 171 school children was 6 years in the first grade and 11 years in the sixth grade. In the first grade, the decayed permanent teeth prevalence was 31.6% and the In permanent teeth: Decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMF/T) was 0.47. The decayed primary teeth prevalence was 75% and the in primary teeth: decayed or filled teeth (df/t) 2.23. In the sixth year, the prevalence of decayed permanent teeth was 51% and DMF/T 0.36 whereas the decayed primary teeth prevalence was 12% and the df/t was 0.19. The prevalence of decayed permanent teeth increased from 31.6 to 51% whereas the mean DMF/T was not statistically different between school children of the first and sixth grade class. The promotion of oral health by IEC messages and monitoring of children constitute an effective preventive method for children's oral care.

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

Mohaghegh, Shahab D.

apability of underground carbon dioxide storage to confine and sustain injected CO2 for a very long time is the main concern for geologic CO2 sequestration. If a leakage from a geological CO2 sequestration site occurs, it is crucial to find the approximate amount and the location of the leak in order to implement proper remediation activity. An overwhelming majority of research and development for storage site monitoring has been concentrated on atmospheric, surface or near surface monitoring of the sequestered CO2. This study aims to monitor the integrity of CO2 storage at the reservoir level. This work proposes developing in-situmore » CO2 Monitoring and Verification technology based on the implementation of Permanent Down-hole Gauges (PDG) or “Smart Wells” along with Artificial Intelligence and Data Mining (AI&DM). The technology attempts to identify the characteristics of the CO2 leakage by de-convolving the pressure signals collected from Permanent Down-hole Gauges (PDG). Citronelle field, a saline aquifer reservoir, located in the U.S. was considered for this study. A reservoir simulation model for CO2 sequestration in the Citronelle field was developed and history matched. The presence of the PDGs were considered in the reservoir model at the injection well and an observation well. High frequency pressure data from sensors were collected based on different synthetic CO2 leakage scenarios in the model. Due to complexity of the pressure signal behaviors, a Machine Learning-based technology was introduced to build an Intelligent Leakage Detection System (ILDS). The ILDS was able to detect leakage characteristics in a short period of time (less than a day) demonstrating the capability of the system in quantifying leakage characteristics subject to complex rate behaviors. The performance of ILDS was examined under different conditions such as multiple well leakages, cap rock leakage, availability of an additional monitoring well, presence of pressure drift and noise in the pressure sensor and uncertainty in the reservoir model.« less

Atrial electrogram quality in single-pass defibrillator leads with floating atrial bipole in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation and cardiac resynchronization therapy.

PubMed

Sticherling, Christian; Müller, Dirk; Schaer, Beat A; Krüger, Silke; Kolb, Christof

2018-03-27

Many patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) suffer from permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). Knowledge of the atrial rhythm is important to direct pharmacological or interventional treatment as well as maintaining AV-synchronous biventricular pacing if sinus rhythm can be restored. A single pass single-coil defibrillator lead with a floating atrial bipole has been shown to obtain reliable information about the atrial rhythm but has never been employed in a CRT-system. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of implanting a single coil right ventricular ICD lead with a floating atrial bipole and the signal quality of atrial electrograms (AEGM) in CRT-defibrillator recipients with permanent AF. Seventeen patients (16 males, mean age 73 ± 6 years, mean EF 25 ± 5%) with permanent AF and an indication for CRT-defibrillator placement were implanted with a designated CRT-D system comprising a single pass defibrillator lead with a atrial floating bipole. They were followed-up for 103 ± 22 days using remote monitoring for AEGM transmission. All patients had at last one AEGM suitable for atrial rhythm diagnosis and of 100 AEGM 99% were suitable for visual atrial rhythm assessment. Four patients were discharged in sinus rhythm and one reverted to AF during follow-up. Atrial electrograms retrieved from a single-pass defibrillator lead with a floating atrial bipole can be reliably used for atrial rhythm diagnosis in CRT recipients with permanent AF. Hence, a single pass ventricular defibrillator lead with a floating bipole can be considered in this population. Copyright © 2018 Indian Heart Rhythm Society. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Management of a child with severe hypodontia in the mixed dentition stage of development.

PubMed

Tong, H J; Tahmassebi, J F

2014-12-01

Severe hypodontia is a condition characterized by developmental absence of six or more teeth and affects 0.14-0.3% of the overall population. Hypodontia can have a marked psychosocial effect and functional implications for a growing child. A 10-year-old girl with a medical history of hypothyroidism and repaired spinal bifida was referred to the Leeds Dental Institute as she was becoming increasingly concerned about her appearance. On clinical examination, the patient had severe wear of her over-retained maxillary primary central incisors, microdontia of mandibular anterior teeth (32, 34, 41, 42, 43), and loss of anterior vertical dimension. Radiographic examination revealed that the patient had 11 missing permanent teeth (14, 13, 12, 11, 21, 22, 23, 24, 31, 35, 44), an ectopic mandibular left canine and taurodontism of the permanent molars. Management of the patient included an intensive preventive programme with placement of fissure sealants; scaling of calculus deposition on microdont teeth; composite resin reconstruction of microdont teeth; fabrication of removable partial overdentures tailored aesthetically to match the patient's age; orthodontic consultation and monitoring for the eruption of ectopic canine and permanent dentition. The patient and her parents reported marked improvement in self-esteem following dental treatment. After 2 years of follow-up, a new pair of dentures were made and designed to allow ease of eruption of the existing permanent dentition. All permanent teeth have erupted. The patient is ready for further assessment and planning for future orthodontic and restorative/implant treatment. This case illustrates the essential role of the paediatric dentist in the management of hypodontia in the mixed dentition stage.

Permanent magnet synchronous motor servo system control based on μC/OS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Chongyang; Chen, Kele; Chen, Xinglong

2015-10-01

When Opto-Electronic Tracking system operates in complex environments, every subsystem must operate efficiently and stably. As a important part of Opto-Electronic Tracking system, the performance of PMSM(Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) servo system affects the Opto-Electronic Tracking system's accuracy and speed greatly[1][2]. This paper applied embedded real-time operating system μC/OS to the control of PMSM servo system, implemented SVPWM(Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation) algorithm in PMSM servo system, optimized the stability of PMSM servo system. Pointing on the characteristics of the Opto-Electronic Tracking system, this paper expanded μC/OS with software redundancy processes, remote debugging and upgrading. As a result, the Opto- Electronic Tracking system performs efficiently and stably.

Evaluation of the Transfer of Permanent Formation: Analysis of an Experience of Workshops on Astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cano, Elena; Fabregat, Jaime; Ros, Rosa M.

2016-08-01

In the framework of a European project to bring astronomy near to children, several permanent teachers training activities were developed. These actions included workshops with teachers from various stages of the educational system. This paper presents the process and results of the evaluation of that training program. It intends to assess the satisfaction of the participants, as well as their learning and their later transfer of formation to the classroom. Barriers encountered in the transfer of formation, some of them linked to the type of training method chosen and other factors derived from personal and institutional conditions, are outlined. Finally, some guidelines for improving the transfer of scientific formation to the classroom in the future are pointed out.

High resolution, high sensitivity, dynamic distributed structural monitoring using optical frequency domain reflectometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kreger, Stephen T.; Sang, Alex K.; Garg, Naman; Michel, Julia

2013-05-01

Fiber-optic ultrasonic transducers are an important component of an active ultrasonic testing system for structural health monitoring. Fiber-optic transducers have several advantages such as small size, light weight, and immunity to electromagnetic interference that make them much more attractive than the current available piezoelectric transducers, especially as embedded and permanent transducers in active ultrasonic testing for structural health monitoring. In this paper, a distributed fiber-optic laser-ultrasound generation based on the ghost-mode of tilted fiber Bragg gratings is studied. The influences of the laser power and laser pulse duration on the laser-ultrasound generation are investigated. The results of this paper are helpful to understand the working principle of this laser-ultrasound method and improve the ultrasonic generation efficiency.

Proposed Construction of Boulder Seismic Station Monitoring Sites, Boulder, Wyoming. Environmental Assessment

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-02-01

power battery box and controllers, WiFi radio, network switch, vault seismometers, infrasonic digitizers, and excess cabling. In addition to the...installed around the boreholes. Immediately upon completion, each site will be cleared of all unused equipment, debris, materials, and trash . All...controllers, WiFi radio, network switch, vault seismometers, infrasonic digitizers, and excess cabling. In addition to the permanent infrastructure listed

Phytosociology of vascular plants on an international biosphere reserve: Virgin Islands National Park, St. John, US Virgin Islands

Treesearch

Sonja N. Oswalt; Thomas J. Brandies; Britta P. Dimick

2006-01-01

We investigated the relationships of vegetation communities to environmental variables and compared the relative contribution of native and introduced species in extant forest communities on St. John, US Virgin Islands, using an island-wide forest vegetation inventory and monitoring network of permanent plots. We detected 2,415 individuals of 203 species, 5 percent of...

Simple Schlieren Light Meter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rhodes, David B.; Franke, John M.; Jones, Stephen B.; Leighty, Bradley D.

1992-01-01

Simple light-meter circuit used to position knife edge of schlieren optical system to block exactly half light. Enables operator to check quickly position of knife edge between tunnel runs to ascertain whether or not in alignment. Permanent measuring system made part of each schlieren system. If placed in unused area of image plane, or in monitoring beam from mirror knife edge, provides real-time assessment of alignment of schlieren system.

Case history of population change in a Bacillus thuringiensis-treated vs. an untreated outbreak of the western spruce budworm.

Treesearch

R.R. Mason; H.G. Paul

1996-01-01

Larval densities of the western spruce budworm (Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman) were monitored for 12 years (1984-95) on permanent sample plots in northeastern Oregon. The time series spanned a period of general budworm infestations when populations increased rapidly from low densities, plateaued for a time at high-outbreak densities, and then declined suddenly....

Seeding versus natural regeneration: A comparison of vegetation change following thinning and burning in ponderosa pine

Treesearch

Judith D. Springer; Amy E. M. Waltz; Peter Z. Fule; Margaret M. Moore; W. Wallace Covington

2001-01-01

The decision whether to seed with native species following restoration treatments should be based on existing vegetation, species present in or absent from the soil seed bank, past management history, microclimate conditions and soils. We installed three permanent monitoring plots in two areas (total 18.6 ha) at Mt. Trumbull, AZ. Trees were thinned and the sites burned...

Phytosociology of Vascular Plants on an International Biosphere Reserve: Virgin Islands National Park, St. John, US Virgin Islands.

Treesearch

Sonja N. Oswalt; Thomas J. Brandeis; Britta P. Dimick

2006-01-01

We investigated the relationships of vegetation communities to environmental variables and compared the relative contribution of native and introduced species in extant forest communities on St. John, US Virgin Islands, using an island-wide forest vegetation inventory and monitoring network of permanent plots. We detected 2,415 individuals of 203 species, 5 percent of...

Solar forecast and real-time monitoring needs of the Study of Energy Release in Flares (SERF)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rust, D. M.

1979-01-01

Complementary, simultaneous observations of flares from as many observatories, both ground based and orbiting, as possible planned for the Solar Maximum Year are considered. The need for forecasts of solar activity on long term, one week, and two day intervals is described. Real time reporting is not needed, but daily summaries of activity and permanent records are important.

Warm summer nights and the growth decline of shore pine in Southeast Alaska

Treesearch

Patrick F Sullivan; Robin L Mulvey; Annalis H Brownlee; Tara M Barrett; Robert R Pattison

2015-01-01

Shore pine, which is a subspecies of lodgepole pine, was a widespread and dominant tree species in Southeast Alaska during the early Holocene. At present, the distribution of shore pine in Alaska is restricted to coastal bogs and fens, likely by competition with Sitka spruce and Western hemlock. Monitoring of permanent plots as part of the United States Forest Service...

VOLOBSIS: An Infrastructure for Open Access to Seismic and GNSS Data from the Volcanological and Seismological French Observatories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Satriano, C.; Lemarchand, A.; Saurel, J. M. M.; Pardo, C.; Vincent, D.; de Chabalier, J. B.; Beauducel, F.; Shapiro, N.; Cyril, G.

2016-12-01

The three Volcanological and Seismological Observatories of the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP) are situated in the overseas French territories: Martinique and Guadeloupe observatories in the Lesser Antilles and La Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean. The main missions of IPGP observatories is to monitor French active volcanoes and seismic activity associated with regional tectonics and to foster scientific research on the Lesser Antilles arc and La Réunion hotspot. For that, the observatories operate, among others, permanent seismological and geodetic networks and process and analyze continuously acquired data.IPGP observatories have a long story of seismic and geodetic monitoring: the first seismograph in Martinique was installed in 1902; starting from the early '80 the three observatories begun deploying permanent networks of analog sensors. During the years 2010, seismic and geodetic monitoring at the three observatories saw a significant breakthrough with the advent of broadband seismic sensors, digital recording and continuous GNSS receivers.This wealth of data is constituted today by 81 seismological stations (broad-band and short period, networks GL, MQ, PF and WI) and 48 permanent GNSS stations. Data of both type is continuously recorded and acquired at the three observatories, as well as at the IPGP Data Center in Paris. Real-time streams for seismic data are available through a SeedLink server. Seismic and GNSS data are further validated and completed at IPGP, and distributed through the VOLOBSIS web portal (http://volobsis.ipgp.fr), which provides download links as well a web service interface.Seismic data is further available through IRIS, the European Integrated Data Archive (EIDA) and the French RESIF portal (http://seismology.resif.fr).Here we discuss the different steps of data recording, quality-control and distribution behind VOLOBSIS, which provides an open data infrastructure for advancing the understanding of volcanic and tectonic deformation processes across the Lesser Antilles Arc and at La Réunion hotspot. We further discuss the planned future updates, with an upcoming real-time catalog of seismicity and the open and real-time distribution of additional type of data, such as tiltmeter and extensometer data, as well as geochemistry and meteorology.

Experimental transient and permanent deformation studies of steel-sphere-impacted or impulsively-loaded aluminum beams with clamped ends

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Witmer, E. A.

1975-01-01

The sheet explosive loading technique (SELT) was employed to obtain elastic-plastic, large-deflection transient and/or permanent strain data on simple well-defined structural specimens and materials: initially-flat 6061-T651 aluminum beams with both ends ideally clamped via integral construction. The SELT loading technique was chosen since it is both convenient and provides forcing function information of small uncertainty. These data will be useful for evaluating pertinent structural response prediction methods. A second objective was to obtain high-quality transient-strain data for a well-defined structural/material model subjected to impact by a rigid body of known mass, impact velocity, and geometry; large-deflection, elastic-plastic transient response conditions are of primary interest. The beam with both ends clamped and a steel sphere as the impacting body were chosen. The steel sphere was launched vertically by explosive propulsion to achieve various desired impact velocities. The sphere/beam impact tests resulted in producing a wide range of structural responses and permanent deformations, including rupture of the beam from excessive structural response in two cases. The transient and permanent strain data as well as the permanent deflection data obtained are of high quality and should be useful for checking and evaluating methods for predicting the responses of simple 2-d structures to fragment (sphere) impact. Transient strain data very close to the point of impact were not obtained over as long a time as desirable because the gage(s) in that region became detached during the transient response.

Application of Collocated GPS and Seismic Sensors to Earthquake Monitoring and Early Warning

PubMed Central

Li, Xingxing; Zhang, Xiaohong; Guo, Bofeng

2013-01-01

We explore the use of collocated GPS and seismic sensors for earthquake monitoring and early warning. The GPS and seismic data collected during the 2011 Tohoku-Oki (Japan) and the 2010 El Mayor-Cucapah (Mexico) earthquakes are analyzed by using a tightly-coupled integration. The performance of the integrated results is validated by both time and frequency domain analysis. We detect the P-wave arrival and observe small-scale features of the movement from the integrated results and locate the epicenter. Meanwhile, permanent offsets are extracted from the integrated displacements highly accurately and used for reliable fault slip inversion and magnitude estimation. PMID:24284765

An aerial-photographic assessment of reenacted handcart treks on a section of the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, Fremont County, Wyoming

USGS Publications Warehouse

McDougal, Robert R.; Waltermire, Robert G.; Aldridge, Cameron L.; Germaine, Stephen S.; Nielsen, Scott E.; Nielsen, Charlene C.; Hanson, Leanne; Bowen, Zachary H.

2008-01-01

Based on these results, there are identifiable management considerations. Toilet and rest sites need to be carefully located relative to where sensitive vegetation or soils occur. The analyses presented here indicate that limiting motorized vehicle use needs to be a priority over that of adjusting the number of trekkers. Additionally, monitoring of the Trail from Sixth Crossing to Rock Creek Hollow segment needs to consider explicit management targets, such as minimum acceptable levels of bare ground or trail width, and the establishment of permanent monitoring plots to evaluate targets and measure responses to altered management activities.

Sampling protocol for monitoring abiotic and biotic characteristics of mountain ponds and lakes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hoffman, Robert L.; Tyler, Torrey J.; Larson, Gary L.; Adams, Michael J.; Wente, Wendy; Galvan, Stephanie

2005-01-01

This document describes field techniques and procedures used for sampling mountain ponds and lakes. These techniques and procedures will be used primarily to monitor, as part of long-term programs in National Parks and other protected areas, the abiotic and biotic characteristics of naturally occurring permanent montane lentic systems up to 75 ha in surface area. However, the techniques and procedures described herein also can be used to sample temporary or ephemeral montane lentic sites. Each Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) section addresses a specific component of the limnological investigation, and describes in detail field sampling methods pertaining to parameters to be measured for each component.

Design of a prototype device for remote patient care with mild cognitive impairment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanchez-Ocampo, M.; Segura-Giraldo, B.; Floréz-Hurtado, R.; Cortés-Aguirre, C.

2016-04-01

This paper describes the design of a prototype telecare system, which allows to provide home care to patients with mild cognitive impairment and thus ensures their permanence in their usual environment. Telecare is oriented towards people who require constant attention due to conditions of advanced age, illness, physical risk or limited capabilities. Telecare offers these people a greater degree of independence. QFD methodology is used to develop electronic devices intended to monitor the environment and physiological state of the user continuously, providing communication between the telecare system and a monitoring center in order to take the most appropriate actions in any abnormal event.

U.S. Geological Survey Global Seismographic Network - Five-Year Plan 2006-2010

USGS Publications Warehouse

Leith, William S.; Gee, Lind S.; Hutt, Charles R.

2009-01-01

The Global Seismographic Network provides data for earthquake alerting, tsunami warning, nuclear treaty verification, and Earth science research. The system consists of nearly 150 permanent digital stations, distributed across the globe, connected by a modern telecommunications network. It serves as a multi-use scientific facility and societal resource for monitoring, research, and education, by providing nearly uniform, worldwide monitoring of the Earth. The network was developed and is operated through a partnership among the National Science Foundation (http://www.nsf.gov), the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (http://www.iris.edu/hq/programs/gsn), and the U.S. Geological Survey (http://earthquake.usgs.gov/gsn).

Phoenix Spacecraft Heat Shield Deployment Test

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-05-16

In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, a worker monitors the Phoenix spacecraft during a heat shield deployment test, with a firing of ordnance associated with the separation device. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Phoenix Spacecraft Heat Shield Deployment Test

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-05-16

In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, workers monitor the Phoenix spacecraft during a heat shield deployment test, with a firing of ordnance associated with the separation device. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Hand-arm vibration exposure monitoring with wearable sensor module.

PubMed

Austad, Hanne O; Røed, Morten H; Liverud, Anders E; Dalgard, Steffen; Seeberg, Trine M

2013-01-01

Vibration exposure is a serious risk within work physiology for several work groups. Combined with cold artic climate, the risk for permanent harm is even higher. Equipment that can monitor the vibration exposure and warn the user when at risk will provide a safer work environment for these work groups. This study evaluates whether data from a wearable wireless multi-parameter sensor module can be used to estimate vibration exposure and exposure time. This work has been focused on the characterization of the response from the accelerometer in the sensor module and the optimal location of the module in the hand-arm configuration.

Pivots for pointing: visually-monitored pointing has higher arm elevations than pointing blindfolded.

PubMed

Wnuczko, Marta; Kennedy, John M

2011-10-01

Observers pointing to a target viewed directly may elevate their fingertip close to the line of sight. However, pointing blindfolded, after viewing the target, they may pivot lower, from the shoulder, aligning the arm with the target as if reaching to the target. Indeed, in Experiment 1 participants elevated their arms more in visually monitored than blindfolded pointing. In Experiment 2, pointing to a visible target they elevated a short pointer more than a long one, raising its tip to the line of sight. In Experiment 3, the Experimenter aligned the participant's arm with the target. Participants judged they were pointing below a visually monitored target. In Experiment 4, participants viewing another person pointing, eyes-open or eyes-closed, judged the target was aligned with the pointing arm. In Experiment 5, participants viewed their arm and the target via a mirror and posed their arm so that it was aligned with the target. Arm elevation was higher in pointing directly.

Acoustic Techniques for Structural Health Monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frankenstein, B.; Augustin, J.; Hentschel, D.; Schubert, F.; Köhler, B.; Meyendorf, N.

2008-02-01

Future safety and maintenance strategies for industrial components and vehicles are based on combinations of monitoring systems that are permanently attached to or embedded in the structure, and periodic inspections. The latter belongs to conventional nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and can be enhanced or partially replaced by structural health monitoring systems. However, the main benefit of this technology for the future will consist of systems that can be differently designed based on improved safety philosophies, including continuous monitoring. This approach will increase the efficiency of inspection procedures at reduced inspection times. The Fraunhofer IZFP Dresden Branch has developed network nodes, miniaturized transmitter and receiver systems for active and passive acoustical techniques and sensor systems that can be attached to or embedded into components or structures. These systems have been used to demonstrate intelligent sensor networks for the monitoring of aerospace structures, railway systems, wind energy generators, piping system and other components. Material discontinuities and flaws have been detected and monitored during full scale fatigue testing. This paper will discuss opportunities and future trends in nondestructive evaluation and health monitoring based on new sensor principles and advanced microelectronics. It will outline various application examples of monitoring systems based on acoustic techniques and will indicate further needs for research and development.

Anesthetic technique for inferior alveolar nerve block: a new approach

PubMed Central

PALTI, Dafna Geller; de ALMEIDA, Cristiane Machado; RODRIGUES, Antonio de Castro; ANDREO, Jesus Carlos; LIMA, José Eduardo Oliveira

2011-01-01

Background Effective pain control in Dentistry may be achieved by local anesthetic techniques. The success of the anesthetic technique in mandibular structures depends on the proximity of the needle tip to the mandibular foramen at the moment of anesthetic injection into the pterygomandibular region. Two techniques are available to reach the inferior alveolar nerve where it enters the mandibular canal, namely indirect and direct; these techniques differ in the number of movements required. Data demonstrate that the indirect technique is considered ineffective in 15% of cases and the direct technique in 1329% of cases. Objective Objective: The aim of this study was to describe an alternative technique for inferior alveolar nerve block using several anatomical points for reference, simplifying the procedure and enabling greater success and a more rapid learning curve. Materials and Methods A total of 193 mandibles (146 with permanent dentition and 47 with primary dentition) from dry skulls were used to establish a relationship between the teeth and the mandibular foramen. By using two wires, the first passing through the mesiobuccal groove and middle point of the mesial slope of the distolingual cusp of the primary second molar or permanent first molar (right side), and the second following the oclusal plane (left side), a line can be achieved whose projection coincides with the left mandibular foramen. Results The obtained data showed correlation in 82.88% of cases using the permanent first molar, and in 93.62% of cases using the primary second molar. Conclusion This method is potentially effective for inferior alveolar nerve block, especially in Pediatric Dentistry. PMID:21437463

Hot-Tearing Assessment of Multicomponent Nongrain-Refined Al-Cu Alloys for Permanent Mold Castings Based on Load Measurements in a Constrained Mold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabau, Adrian S.; Mirmiran, Seyed; Glaspie, Christopher; Li, Shimin; Apelian, Diran; Shyam, Amit; Allen Haynes, J.; Rodriguez, Andres F.

2018-06-01

The hot-tearing resistance of multicomponent Al-Cu alloys during permanent mold casting was investigated using a constrained permanent mold in which the load and temperature were measured. The nominal Cu composition was varied from 5 to 8 wt pct. Casting experiments were conducted without adding any grain-refining inoculants. The following variables, which were obtained from the measured load data during casting, were considered to assess the hot-tearing resistance of the Al-Cu multicomponent alloys: "V"-like signature in the load rate variation, load at solidus point, and load rate average over the freezing range. In addition, a hot-tearing criterion based on the variation of the fraction of solid in the late stages of solidification was used. It was found that all criteria considered can accurately predict the alloys with the lowest and highest hot-tear resistance, respectively. It was found that the rate of measured load during casting could be used to indicate substantial hot tearing. However, the load rate variation could not be used to detect when small hot tears were present. Among all the criteria considered, the load at the solidus point shows an excellent agreement with experimentally observed hot-tearing resistance for all but one alloy. The poorly resistant hot-tearing alloys exhibited mainly coarse columnar grains while the most hot-tearing resistant alloys exhibited a much more refined grain microstructure. This is the first study in which good hot-tear resistance is demonstrated for multicomponent Al-Cu alloys with nominal Cu content greater than 7 wt pct.

[Improved design of permanent maglev impeller assist heart].

PubMed

Qian, Kunxi; Zeng, Pei; Ru, Weimin; Yuan, Haiyu

2002-12-01

Magnetic bearing has no mechanical contact between the rotor and stator. And a rotary pump with magnetic bearing has therefore no mechanical wear and thrombosis due to bearing. The available magnetic bearings, however, are devised with electric magnets, need complicated control and remarkable energy consumption. Resultantly, it is difficult to apply an electric magnetic bearing to rotary pump without disturbing its simplicity, implantability and reliability. The authors have developed a levitated impeller pump merely with permanent magnets. The rotor is supported by permanent magnetic forces radially. On one side of the rotor, the impeller is fixed; and on the other side of the rotor, the driven magnets are mounted. Opposite to this driven magnets, a driving motor coil with iron corn magnets is fastened to the motor axis. Thereafter, the motor drives the rotor via a rotating magnetic field. By laboratory tests with saline, if the rotor stands still or rotates under 4,000 rpm, the rotor has one-point contact axially with the driving motor coil. The contacting point is located in the center of the rotor. As the rotating speed increases gradually to more than 4,000 rpm, the rotor will detache from the stator axially. Then the rotor will be fully levitated. Since the axial levitation is produced by hydraulic force and the driven magnets have a gyro-effect, the rotor rotates very steadly during levitation. As a left ventricular assist device, the pump works in a rotating speed range of 5,000-8,000 rpm, the levitation of the impeller hence is ensured by practical use of the pump.

OBJECT REPRESENTATION, IDENTITY, AND THE PARADOX OF EARLY PERMANENCE: Steps Toward a New Framework.

PubMed

Meltzoff, Andrew N; Moore, M Keith

1998-01-01

The sensorimotor theory of infancy has been overthrown, but there is little consensus on a replacement. We hypothesize that a capacity for representation is the starting point for infant development, not its culmination. Logical distinctions are drawn between object representation, identity, and permanence. Modern experiments on early object permanence and deferred imitation suggest: (a) even for young infants, representations persist over breaks in sensory contact, (b) numerical identity of objects ( O s) is initially specified by spatiotemporal criteria (place and trajectory), (c) featural and functional identity criteria develop, (d) events are analyzed by comparing representations to current perception, and (e) representation operates both prospectively, anticipating future contacts with an O , and retrospectively, reidentifying an O as the "same one again." A model of the architecture and functioning of the early representational system is proposed. It accounts for young infants' behavior toward absent people and things in terms of their efforts to determine the identity of objects. Our proposal is developmental without denying innate structure and elevates the power of perception and representation while being cautious about attributing complex concepts to young infants.

OBJECT REPRESENTATION, IDENTITY, AND THE PARADOX OF EARLY PERMANENCE: Steps Toward a New Framework

PubMed Central

Meltzoff, Andrew N.; Moore, M. Keith

2013-01-01

The sensorimotor theory of infancy has been overthrown, but there is little consensus on a replacement. We hypothesize that a capacity for representation is the starting point for infant development, not its culmination. Logical distinctions are drawn between object representation, identity, and permanence. Modern experiments on early object permanence and deferred imitation suggest: (a) even for young infants, representations persist over breaks in sensory contact, (b) numerical identity of objects (Os) is initially specified by spatiotemporal criteria (place and trajectory), (c) featural and functional identity criteria develop, (d) events are analyzed by comparing representations to current perception, and (e) representation operates both prospectively, anticipating future contacts with an O, and retrospectively, reidentifying an O as the “same one again.” A model of the architecture and functioning of the early representational system is proposed. It accounts for young infants’ behavior toward absent people and things in terms of their efforts to determine the identity of objects. Our proposal is developmental without denying innate structure and elevates the power of perception and representation while being cautious about attributing complex concepts to young infants. PMID:25147418

A wireless sensor network for monitoring volcano-seismic signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopes Pereira, R.; Trindade, J.; Gonçalves, F.; Suresh, L.; Barbosa, D.; Vazão, T.

2014-12-01

Monitoring of volcanic activity is important for learning about the properties of each volcano and for providing early warning systems to the population. Monitoring equipment can be expensive, and thus the degree of monitoring varies from volcano to volcano and from country to country, with many volcanoes not being monitored at all. This paper describes the development of a wireless sensor network (WSN) capable of collecting geophysical measurements on remote active volcanoes. Our main goals were to create a flexible, easy-to-deploy and easy-to-maintain, adaptable, low-cost WSN for temporary or permanent monitoring of seismic tremor. The WSN enables the easy installation of a sensor array in an area of tens of thousands of m2, allowing the location of the magma movements causing the seismic tremor to be calculated. This WSN can be used by recording data locally for later analysis or by continuously transmitting it in real time to a remote laboratory for real-time analyses. We present a set of tests that validate different aspects of our WSN, including a deployment on a suspended bridge for measuring its vibration.

16 CFR 1512.15 - Requirements for seat.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

....) above the top of the seat surface at the point where the seat surface is intersected by the seat post axis. (b) Seat post. The seat post shall contain a permanent mark or ring that clearly indicates the... integrity of the seat post. This mark shall be located no less than two seat-post diameters from the lowest...

16 CFR 1512.15 - Requirements for seat.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

....) above the top of the seat surface at the point where the seat surface is intersected by the seat post axis. (b) Seat post. The seat post shall contain a permanent mark or ring that clearly indicates the... integrity of the seat post. This mark shall be located no less than two seat-post diameters from the lowest...

10 CFR 61.52 - Land disposal facility operation and disposal site closure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... meters below the top surface of the cover or must be disposed of with intruder barriers that are designed... mapped by means of a land survey. Near-surface disposal units must be marked in such a way that the boundaries of each unit can be easily defined. Three permanent survey marker control points, referenced to...

10 CFR 61.52 - Land disposal facility operation and disposal site closure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... meters below the top surface of the cover or must be disposed of with intruder barriers that are designed... mapped by means of a land survey. Near-surface disposal units must be marked in such a way that the boundaries of each unit can be easily defined. Three permanent survey marker control points, referenced to...

10 CFR 61.52 - Land disposal facility operation and disposal site closure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... meters below the top surface of the cover or must be disposed of with intruder barriers that are designed... mapped by means of a land survey. Near-surface disposal units must be marked in such a way that the boundaries of each unit can be easily defined. Three permanent survey marker control points, referenced to...

10 CFR 61.52 - Land disposal facility operation and disposal site closure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... meters below the top surface of the cover or must be disposed of with intruder barriers that are designed... mapped by means of a land survey. Near-surface disposal units must be marked in such a way that the boundaries of each unit can be easily defined. Three permanent survey marker control points, referenced to...

10 CFR 61.52 - Land disposal facility operation and disposal site closure.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... meters below the top surface of the cover or must be disposed of with intruder barriers that are designed... mapped by means of a land survey. Near-surface disposal units must be marked in such a way that the boundaries of each unit can be easily defined. Three permanent survey marker control points, referenced to...

Habitat Distribution of Birds Wintering in Central Andros, The Bahamas: Implications for Management

Treesearch

DAVE CURRIE; JOSEPH M. WUNDERLE JR.; DAVID N. EWERT; MATTHEW R. ANDERSON; ANCILLENO DAVIS; JASMINE TURNER

2005-01-01

We studied winter avian distribution in three representative pine-dominated habitats and three broadleaf habitats in an area recently designated as a National Park on Andros Island, The Bahamas, 1-23 February 2002. During 180 five-minute point counts, 1731 individuals were detected (1427 permanent residents and 304 winter residents) representing 51 species (29...

Twenty-five years of vegetation change along a putative successional chronosequence on the Tanana River, Alaska

Treesearch

Teresa N. Hollingsworth; Andrea H. Lloyd; Dana R. Nossov; Roger W. Ruess; Brian A. Charlton; Knut Kielland

2010-01-01

Along the Tanana River floodplain, several turning points have been suggested to characterize the changes in ecosystem structure and function that accompany plant community changes through primary succession. In the past, much of tills research focused on a presumed chronosequence that uses space for time substitutions. Within this chronosequence, permanent vegetation...

76 FR 54788 - Notice of Permanent Closure of Public Lands in Clackamas and Multnomah Counties, OR

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-02

..., State, and local government permittees and contractors conducting authorized activities; members of.... The BLM will post closure signs at main entry points to this area and take steps to install physical barriers at the BRWMU boundary. The affected lands will be represented as closed to public entry in maps...

Supporting Habitat Management for bird conservation planning on Fort Belvoir, Virginia

Treesearch

Richard A. Fischer; Chris Eberly; Dorothy Keough

2005-01-01

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), Environmental Laboratory has conducted seasonal avian surveys (winter, spring, summer, fall) from Spring 1998 through Summer 2002 at approximately 127 permanent point-count locations on Fort Belvoir, VA. This work has resulted in a data-rich baseline understanding of the distribution and...

Concept of Complex Environmental Monitoring Network - Vardzia Rock Cut City Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elashvili, Mikheil; Vacheishvili, Nikoloz; Margottini, Claudio; Basilaia, Giorgi; Chkhaidze, Davit; Kvavadze, Davit; Spizzichino, Daniele; Boscagli, Franceso; Kirkitadze, Giorgi; Adikashvili, Luka; Navrozashvili, Levan

2016-04-01

Vardzia represents an unique cultural heritage monument - rock cut city, which unites architectural monument and Natural-Geological complex. Such monuments are particularly vulnerable and their restoration and conservation requires complex approach. It is curved in various layers of volcanic tuffs and covers several hectares of area, with chronologically different segments of construction. This monument, as many similar monuments worldwide, is subjected to slow but permanent process of destruction, expressed in following factors: surface weathering of rock, active tectonics (aseismic displacement along the active faults and earthquakes), interaction between lithologically different rock layers, existence of major cracks and associated complex block structure, surface rainwater runoff and infiltrated ground water, temperature variations, etc. During its lifetime, Vardzia was heavily damaged by Historical Earthquake of 1283 and only partly restored afterwards. The technological progress together with the increased knowledge about ongoing environmental processes, established the common understanding that the complex monitoring of the environment represents the essential component for resolving such a principal issues, as: Proper management and prevention of natural disasters; Modeling of environmental processes, their short and long term prognosis; Monitoring of macro and micro climate; Safe functioning and preservation of important constructions. Research Center of Cultural Heritage and Environment of Ilia State University in cooperation with Experts from ISPRA, with the funding from the State agency of Cultural Heritage, has developed a concept of Vardzia complex monitoring network. Concept of the network includes: monitoring local meteorological conditions (meteorological station), monitoring microclimate in caves (temperature and humidity in the air and rock), monitoring microtremors and ambient seismic noise in Vardzia (local strong motion network), monitoring displacement and deformation of Vardzia cliff by means of Ground-based SAR (GBSAR) interferometry, continuous photo fixation of ongoing destruction. Works were started in 2014 from the development of network concept and at the end of year 2015 installation of all major components were accomplished. Special Wi-Fi network was installed, using 5.8 GHz frequency to online connect all the station to the central data center in Tbilisi and the same time avoiding complex network of wires on cultural monument. Acquired Data and network status can be seen online on Vardzia.IliaUni.edu.ge. For the management of considerable data flow special Internet Of Thing (IOT) server was developed. First streams of data are already collected and processing started, initial results already obtained and given in current presentation. It should be outlined that Vardzia complex monitoring network does not represent unitary technical or conceptual solution, but it is a constantly developing model to be farther extended by adding more monitoring points and/or increasing monitored parameters. It is extremely important to test and validate given approach in reality, enabling use of these technologies in the study and conservation projects of other, similar monuments.

Permanent GPS Geodetic Array in Southern California (PGGA) and GPS observations in Indonesia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bock, Yehuds

1994-01-01

The Permanent GPS Geodetic Array (PGGA) is a network of permanent monitoring GPS stations in southern California devoted to the continuous measurement of crustal deformation in near real-time. The PGGA plays a unique role in studies of the kinematics of crustal deformation and the earthquake cycle in southern California because it is also providing temporally dense geodetic measurements of crustal motion over periods of minutes to variations in regional crustal strain. As it expands and matures the PGGA will play an increasingly important role in the study of active tectonics of southern California by bridging the frequency range between seismology, observatory geodesy, paleoseismology, and geology. In Indonesia GPS data is used for measurement of a large scale crustal deformation, extending from north China to the Indonesian archipelago. Indonesia offers a tremendous laboratory to study some of the processes that build continents, and mountains are active there. We began GPS observations in August 1989 on mainland Sumatra and the Mentawai Islands to study the phenomena of oblique plate convergence. We have analyzed the Indonesian data in conjunction with data collected on Christmas and Cocos Islands and at Darwin, Australia, and with the triangulation data in Sumatra.

Preliminary experimental investigation of in vivo magnetic manipulation: results and potential application in hyperthermia.

PubMed

Grady, M S; Howard, M A; Molloy, J A; Ritter, R C; Quate, E G; Gillies, G T

1989-01-01

The first in vivo experiments in support of a new technique for delivering stereotaxic hyperthermia have been conducted at the Experimental Surgery Facility of the University of Virginia's Medical Center. We call this technique the "Video Tumor Fighter." In each of twelve trials a single, small permanent magnet or train of small permanent magnets was implanted on the brain surface of adult canine models. In three of the trials, this "seed" (typically 6-mm diameter X 6-mm long) was moved by magnetic manipulation to different locations within the brain. In two other trials, the seed moved along the interface between the brain and the inner vault of the skull. The noncontact magnetic manipulation was accomplished by coupling the permanently magnetized seed to the large dc magnetic field gradient created by a water-cooled coil surrounding the animal's head. The seed's motions were monitored with x-ray fluoroscopy; its rate of movement was found to be approximately 0.8 mm s-1. The forces required to produce these motions were on the order of 0.07 N. We document here the instrumentation used in these trials, describe the experimental procedures employed, and discuss the technical aspects of the results.

Reliability and availability evaluation of Wireless Sensor Networks for industrial applications.

PubMed

Silva, Ivanovitch; Guedes, Luiz Affonso; Portugal, Paulo; Vasques, Francisco

2012-01-01

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) currently represent the best candidate to be adopted as the communication solution for the last mile connection in process control and monitoring applications in industrial environments. Most of these applications have stringent dependability (reliability and availability) requirements, as a system failure may result in economic losses, put people in danger or lead to environmental damages. Among the different type of faults that can lead to a system failure, permanent faults on network devices have a major impact. They can hamper communications over long periods of time and consequently disturb, or even disable, control algorithms. The lack of a structured approach enabling the evaluation of permanent faults, prevents system designers to optimize decisions that minimize these occurrences. In this work we propose a methodology based on an automatic generation of a fault tree to evaluate the reliability and availability of Wireless Sensor Networks, when permanent faults occur on network devices. The proposal supports any topology, different levels of redundancy, network reconfigurations, criticality of devices and arbitrary failure conditions. The proposed methodology is particularly suitable for the design and validation of Wireless Sensor Networks when trying to optimize its reliability and availability requirements.

Reliability and Availability Evaluation of Wireless Sensor Networks for Industrial Applications

PubMed Central

Silva, Ivanovitch; Guedes, Luiz Affonso; Portugal, Paulo; Vasques, Francisco

2012-01-01

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) currently represent the best candidate to be adopted as the communication solution for the last mile connection in process control and monitoring applications in industrial environments. Most of these applications have stringent dependability (reliability and availability) requirements, as a system failure may result in economic losses, put people in danger or lead to environmental damages. Among the different type of faults that can lead to a system failure, permanent faults on network devices have a major impact. They can hamper communications over long periods of time and consequently disturb, or even disable, control algorithms. The lack of a structured approach enabling the evaluation of permanent faults, prevents system designers to optimize decisions that minimize these occurrences. In this work we propose a methodology based on an automatic generation of a fault tree to evaluate the reliability and availability of Wireless Sensor Networks, when permanent faults occur on network devices. The proposal supports any topology, different levels of redundancy, network reconfigurations, criticality of devices and arbitrary failure conditions. The proposed methodology is particularly suitable for the design and validation of Wireless Sensor Networks when trying to optimize its reliability and availability requirements. PMID:22368497

The effect of surface grain reversal on the AC losses of sintered Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moore, Martina; Roth, Stefan; Gebert, Annett; Schultz, Ludwig; Gutfleisch, Oliver

2015-02-01

Sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets are exposed to AC magnetic fields in many applications, e.g. in permanent magnet electric motors. We have measured the AC losses of sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets in a closed circuit arrangement using AC fields with root mean square-values up to 80 mT (peak amplitude 113 mT) over the frequency range 50 to 1000 Hz. Two magnet grades with different dysprosium content were investigated. Around the remanence point the low grade material (1.7 wt% Dy) showed significant hysteresis losses; whereas the losses in the high grade material (8.9 wt% Dy) were dominated by classical eddy currents. Kerr microscopy images revealed that the hysteresis losses measured for the low grade magnet can be mainly ascribed to grains at the sample surface with multiple domains. This was further confirmed when the high grade material was subsequently exposed to DC and AC magnetic fields. Here a larger number of surface grains with multiple domains are also present once the step in the demagnetization curve attributed to the surface grain reversal is reached and a rise in the measured hysteresis losses is evident. If in the low grade material the operating point is slightly offset from the remanence point, such that zero field is not bypassed, its AC losses can also be fairly well described with classical eddy current theory.

Integrated microfluidic system with automatic sampling for permanent molecular and antigen-based detection of CBRNE-related pathogens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becker, Holger; Schattschneider, Sebastian; Klemm, Richard; Hlawatsch, Nadine; Gärtner, Claudia

2015-03-01

The continuous monitoring of the environment for lethal pathogens is a central task in the field of biothreat detection. Typical scenarios involve air-sampling in locations such as public transport systems or large public events and a subsequent analysis of the samples by a portable instrument. Lab-on-a-chip technologies are one of the promising technological candidates for such a system. We have developed an integrated microfluidic system with automatic sampling for the detection of CBRNE-related pathogens. The chip contains a two-pronged analysis strategy, on the one hand an immunological track using antibodies immobilized on a frit and a subsequent photometric detection, on the other hand a molecular biology approach using continuous-flow PCR with a fluorescence end-point detection. The cartridge contains two-component molded rotary valve to allow active fluid control and switching between channels. The accompanying instrument contains all elements for fluidic and valve actuation, thermal control, as well as the two detection modalities. Reagents are stored in dedicated reagent packs which are connected directly to the cartridge. With this system, we have been able to demonstrate the detection of a variety of pathogen species.

On the feasibility of borehole-to-surface electromagnetics for monitoring CO2 sequestration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, G. A.; Zhdanov, M. S.; Hibbs, A. D.; Black, N.; Gribenko, A. V.; Cuma, M.; Agundes, A.; Eiskamp, G.

2012-12-01

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects rely on storing supercritical CO2 in deep saline reservoirs where buoyancy forces drive the injected CO2 upward into the aquifer until a seal is reached. The permanence of the sequestration depends entirely on the long-term geological integrity of the seal. Active geophysical monitoring of the sequestration is critical for informing CO2 monitoring, accounting and verification (MVA) decisions. During injection, there exists a correlation between the changes in CO2 and water saturations in a saline reservoir. Dissolved salts react with the CO2 to precipitate out as carbonates, thereby generally decreasing the electrical resistivity. As a result, there is a correlation between the change in fluid saturation and measured electromagnetic (EM) fields. The challenge is to design an EM survey appropriate for monitoring large, deep reservoirs. Borehole-to-surface electromagnetic (BSEM) surveys consist of borehole-deployed galvanic transmitters and a surface-based array of electric and magnetic field sensors. During a recent field trial, it was demonstrated that BSEM could successfully identify the oil-water contact in the water-injection zone of a carbonate reservoir. We review the BSEM methodology, and perform full-field BSEM modeling. The 3D resistivity models used in this study are based on dynamic reservoir simulations of CO2 injection into a saline reservoir. Although the electric field response at the earth's surface is low, we demonstrate that it can be accurately measured and processed with novel methods of noise cancellation and sufficient stacking over the period of monitoring to increase the signal-to-noise ratio for subsequent seismic- and well-constrained 3D inversion. For long-term or permanent monitoring, we discuss the deployment of novel electric field sensors with chemically inert electrodes that couple to earth in a capacitive manner. This capacitive coupling is a purely EM phenomenon, which, to first order, has no temperature, ionic concentration or corrosion effects and has unprecedented fidelity. This makes the capacitive E-field sensor ideal for CCS applications which require very stable operation over a wide range of ground temperature and moisture level variation, for extended periods of time.

Automated permanent resistivity monitoring of charge and discharge processes of subsurface aquifer at the Membach station, Belgium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deceuster, J.; Kaufmann, O.; van Camp, M. J.; Lecocq, T.

2010-12-01

Permanent monitoring of changes in soil properties is of increasing interest in many engineering applications such as management of groundwater contamination, landslide and sinkhole risks prevention, detection of saline water intrusion, comprehension of charge and discharge processes of subsurface aquifer. As geophysical investigations allow detecting contrasts in physical properties of the subsurface, field and lab experiments have been conducted for a few years to assess the reliability of these methods to monitor temporal changes in soil properties. Among the methods available, DC resistivity tomography is recognized as one of the most promising techniques. In order to assess the efficiency of electrical resistivity in monitoring charge and discharge processes of subsurface aquifer, and also to better model hydrological effects on the gravity measurements, an on-going field experiment is conducted at the Membach station located in the eastern part of Belgium. This geophysical station is equipped with an accelerometer, seismometers and a superconducting gravimeter, installed at the end of a 130 m long tunnel excavated in a low-porosity argillaceous sandstone mount at 48.5 m depth. Continuous gravimetric observations have been taken since August 1995. Since 2004 rainfall and soil moisture changes are measured in situ. In July 2010, an automated permanent geoelectrical acquisition system was installed to monitor subsurface resistivity variations during a test period of about 6 months. The aim of this experiment is to better understand charge and discharge processes of the subsurface aquifer, which are expected to be mainly due to rainfall variations. This aquifer is localized at the top of the weathered bedrock at a depth of 4 to 5 meters. The acquisition system consists in a straight profile of 48 buried electrodes (with a 2 meters spacing) connected to a Syscal R1 resistivimeter which is automatically controlled by a computer. Resistivity measurements are taken at least twice a day at fixed hours using a combination of dipole-dipole and Wenner-Schlumberger arrays. Acquired data are filtered in order to reject faulty measures. Time-lapse inversion (Loke (1999)) is then carried out to reconstruct a 2D model of resistivity changes. Preliminary results obtained during July show changes in inverted resistivities of about 30% in the first 4 to 5 meters layer. These observations are consistent with changes in measured gravimetric water content. This seems to indicate that subsurface aquifer charge and discharge processes are mainly due to rainfall, as expected. However, inversion errors remain high even after data filtering. This could be a consequence of weather occurring in July, leading to a poor contact between the electrodes and dry host soils near the surface. This problem should not happen anymore as the rest of the monitoring experiment is conducted during the wet season. Acknowledgments This work is conducted under the auspices of the Walloon Region Ministry under the First Spin-Off program (visa n° 916974).

Optimization of Sample Points for Monitoring Arable Land Quality by Simulated Annealing while Considering Spatial Variations

PubMed Central

Wang, Junxiao; Wang, Xiaorui; Zhou, Shenglu; Wu, Shaohua; Zhu, Yan; Lu, Chunfeng

2016-01-01

With China’s rapid economic development, the reduction in arable land has emerged as one of the most prominent problems in the nation. The long-term dynamic monitoring of arable land quality is important for protecting arable land resources. An efficient practice is to select optimal sample points while obtaining accurate predictions. To this end, the selection of effective points from a dense set of soil sample points is an urgent problem. In this study, data were collected from Donghai County, Jiangsu Province, China. The number and layout of soil sample points are optimized by considering the spatial variations in soil properties and by using an improved simulated annealing (SA) algorithm. The conclusions are as follows: (1) Optimization results in the retention of more sample points in the moderate- and high-variation partitions of the study area; (2) The number of optimal sample points obtained with the improved SA algorithm is markedly reduced, while the accuracy of the predicted soil properties is improved by approximately 5% compared with the raw data; (3) With regard to the monitoring of arable land quality, a dense distribution of sample points is needed to monitor the granularity. PMID:27706051

French citizens monitoring ordinary birds provide tools for conservation and ecological sciences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiguet, Frédéric; Devictor, Vincent; Julliard, Romain; Couvet, Denis

2012-10-01

Volunteer-based standardized monitoring of birds has been widely implemented in Europe and North America. In France, a breeding bird survey is running since 1989 and offers keen birdwatchers to count spring birds annually during 5 min exactly on 10 fix points within a randomly selected square. The first goal of such breeding bird surveys is to measure temporal trends in order to detect possible species declines. Combining annual indices of species sharing ecological affinities or a protected/red list status further provides biodiversity indicators for policy makers. Because the sampling effort is similar among sites, and because the initial selection of monitored sites is random, the temporal trends can be considered representative of national trends, and spatial comparisons of the obtained metrics are possible. Species abundance, community richness but also community specialization and average trophic level can be estimated for each site and each year and further related to the wide range of habitat and landscape characteristics and to agricultural or forestry practices. The large number of sites allows overcoming the opposition between adaptive and passive monitoring, making such schemes fitted to adaptive monitoring. This provides opportunities to determine which type of management or practices favour biodiversity. The comparison of population fate or community dynamics across a wide range of climates and temperatures, e.g. from southern to northern Europe, revealed how European birds are already affected by climate change. Bird communities are shifting northwards, but at a slower rate than temperatures, while bird populations have larger growth rates away from their hot thermal limit. Finally, such large-scale long-term monitoring data on a complete taxonomic group (Aves) is original and offers the opportunity to compare different measures of biological diversity, such as taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity. Such a citizen science scheme is an efficient scientific tool (numerous papers published in international peer-reviewed journals) which is furthermore highly cost-effective, with a reduced permanent staff in a state insitution coordonating the network and analysing the data, while a similar survey conducted by state staff only would cost more than one million euros annually. The future development of bio-economic dynamic models for providing scenarios of sustainable farming and logging to maintain biodiversity will further highlight the necessity of such volunteer monitoring for policy makers and decision planning. Scientific and logistic partnerships could be proposed to help developing such a monitoring scheme in China.

Geoelectrical Methods and Monitoring for Dam Safety Assessment, Republic of Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, S. K.; Oldenburg, D.; Kang, S.; Song, S. H.

2016-12-01

Geoelectrical methods and monitoring to detect the seepage and internal erosion are essential for the safety assessment of earth dams. This work aims to develop improved methodologies to analyze the observed data and to monitor changes in seepage flow using direct current (DC) and self-potential (SP) methods. The seasonal variation of water level at dams causes a change in seepage and water saturation and hence alters the resistivity of the dam material. DC data are sensitive to water saturation and hence changes in saturation can be obtained by repeatedly measuring DC data. However, a more diagnostic parameter for safety assessment is fluid flow, and resistivity is only weakly coupled to that. Fortunately SP signals are directly related to fluid flow, and thus an SP survey has the potential to characterize fluid flow through the earth matrix. In Korea, the safety assessment of earth fill dams has been dealt by Korea Rural Community Corporation (KRC). Most of the dams are relatively old ( >50 years), hence assessing deterioration and corresponding seepage of those dams are crucial. In order to evaluate the engineering geological properties of the soil at earth dams in Korea, two boreholes in each dam were drilled to a bedrock depth that exceeds the height of the dam. A large set of field tests, including standard penetration tests (SPT) and in-situ permeability tests, were carried out along the boreholes. However, seepage paths in the dam is complex hence those limited measurements at a few points is not sufficient to delineate the zone of preferential seepage flow. For this, KRC developed permanent DC monitoring systems at a number of agricultural dams in Korea. The data were automatically collected every 6 hours. During the monitoring, the measurements of the water level at two boreholes were gathered at the same time. In this presentation we select an agricultural dam and delineate an anomalous leakage zone by inverting and interpreting time-lapse DC resistivity data acquired under conditions of variable water level. We use these results to simulate SP signals and investigate their potential in monitoring seepage. Our results lay the foundation for developing an automated analysis of DC and SP data to recognize normal and abnormal conditions and to provide an alert when variations beyond a specified threshold are detected.

4D monitoring of actively failing rockslopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosser, Nick; Williams, Jack; Hardy, Richard; Brain, Matthew

2017-04-01

Assessing the conditions which promote rockfall to collapse relies upon detailed monitoring, ideally before, during and immediately after failure. With standard repeat surveys it is common that surveys do not coincide with or capture precursors, or that surveys are widely spaced relative to the timing and duration of driving forces such as storms. As a result gaining insight into the controls on failure and the timescales over which precursors operate remains difficult to establish with certainty, and establishing direct links between environmental conditions and rock-falls, or sequences of events prior to rockfall, remain difficult to define. To address this, we present analysis of a high-frequency 3D laser scan dataset captured using a new permanently installed system developed to constantly monitor actively failing rock slopes. The system is based around a time of flight laser scanner, integrated with and remotely controlled by dedicated controls and analysis software. The system is configured to capture data at 0.1 m spacing across > 22,000 m3 at up to 30 minute intervals. Here we present results captured with this system over a period of 9 months, spanning spring to winter 2015. Our analysis is focussed upon improving the understanding of the nature of small (< 1m^3) rockfalls falling from near vertical rock cliffs. We focus here on the development of a set of algorithms for differencing that trade-off the temporal resolution of frequent surveys (hourly) against high spatial resolution point clouds (< 0.05 m) to enhance the precision of change detection, allowing both deformation and detachments to be monitored through time. From this dataset we derive rockfall volume frequency distributions based upon short-interval surveys, and identify the presence and/or absence of precursors, in what we believe to be the first constant volumetric measurement of rock face erosion. The results hold implications for understanding of rockfall mechanics, but also for how actively eroding surfaces can be monitored at high temporal frequency. Whilst high frequency data is ideal for describing processes that evolve rapidly through time, the cumulative errors that accumulate when monitored changes are dominated by inverse power-law distributed volumes are significant. To conclude we consider the benefits of defining survey frequency on the basis of the changes being detected relative to the accumulation of errors that inevitably arises when comparing high numbers of sequential surveys.

Bird biodiversity assessments in temperate forest: the value of point count versus acoustic monitoring protocols.

PubMed

Klingbeil, Brian T; Willig, Michael R

2015-01-01

Effective monitoring programs for biodiversity are needed to assess trends in biodiversity and evaluate the consequences of management. This is particularly true for birds and faunas that occupy interior forest and other areas of low human population density, as these are frequently under-sampled compared to other habitats. For birds, Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs) have been proposed as a supplement or alternative to point counts made by human observers to enhance monitoring efforts. We employed two strategies (i.e., simultaneous-collection and same-season) to compare point count and ARU methods for quantifying species richness and composition of birds in temperate interior forests. The simultaneous-collection strategy compares surveys by ARUs and point counts, with methods matched in time, location, and survey duration such that the person and machine simultaneously collect data. The same-season strategy compares surveys from ARUs and point counts conducted at the same locations throughout the breeding season, but methods differ in the number, duration, and frequency of surveys. This second strategy more closely follows the ways in which monitoring programs are likely to be implemented. Site-specific estimates of richness (but not species composition) differed between methods; however, the nature of the relationship was dependent on the assessment strategy. Estimates of richness from point counts were greater than estimates from ARUs in the simultaneous-collection strategy. Woodpeckers in particular, were less frequently identified from ARUs than point counts with this strategy. Conversely, estimates of richness were lower from point counts than ARUs in the same-season strategy. Moreover, in the same-season strategy, ARUs detected the occurrence of passerines at a higher frequency than did point counts. Differences between ARU and point count methods were only detected in site-level comparisons. Importantly, both methods provide similar estimates of species richness and composition for the region. Consequently, if single visits to sites or short-term monitoring are the goal, point counts will likely perform better than ARUs, especially if species are rare or vocalize infrequently. However, if seasonal or annual monitoring of sites is the goal, ARUs offer a viable alternative to standard point-count methods, especially in the context of large-scale or long-term monitoring of temperate forest birds.

Baseline results from the Lichen Community Indicator Program in the Pacific Northwest: Air quality patterns and evidence of a nitrogen pollution problem

Treesearch

Sarah Jovan

2009-01-01

Why Are Epiphytic Lichen Communities Important? Lichens are one of the bioindicators used by the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program to monitor forest health. To obtain data for use in its Lichen Community Indicator Program, FIA samples a regular network of permanent field plots to determine the composition of epiphytic, i.e., tree dwelling, lichen communities...

Changes in a Missouri Ozark oak-hickory forest during 40 years of uneven-aged management

Treesearch

Edward F. Loewenstein; Harold E. Garrett; John P. Dwyer

1995-01-01

Changes in basal area, density and average diameter were examined on a 156,000-acre privately owned oak-hickory forest in the Missouri Ozarks. The forest has been managed since 1954 using the single-tree selection method. Trees greater than five inches dbh were monitored on 486 one-fifth-acre permanent plots at five year intervals from 1962 through 1992. Seven species/...

Forest health monitoring in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Kenya and Tanzania: A baseline report on selected forest reserves

Treesearch

Seif Madoffe; James Mwang' ombe; Barbara O' Connell; Paul Rogers; Gerard Hertel; Joe Mwangi

2005-01-01

This status report presents the results of 43 permanent forest health study plots (3871 trees, saplings, and seedlings) established in 2000 and 2001 in parts of three areas of the Eastern Arc Mountains - the Taita Hills in Kenya (Ngangao and Chawia), the East Usambara Mountains (Amani Nature Reserve) and the Uluguru Mountains (Morogoro Teachers College and Kimboza) in...

Long-term research -- why do we do it?

Treesearch

Bill Leak

2013-01-01

While jotting down some notes for this forword, I’m also thinking about how the day was spent in the upper elevations of the Bartlett Experimental Forest planning out a monitoring scheme for an early upper-slope harvest in an oak stand. The previous several weeks were spent in relocating cruise lines for some 450-500 permanent plots established in 1931-32. And it’s...

Irradiation combined with SU5416: Microvascular changes and growth delay in a human xenograft glioblastoma tumor line

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

Schuuring, Janneke; Department of Neurology, Groene Hart Hospital, Gouda; Bussink, Johan

Purpose: The combination of irradiation and the antiangiogenic compound SU5416 was tested and compared with irradiation alone in a human glioblastoma tumor line xenografted in nude mice. The aim of this study was to monitor microenvironmental changes and growth delay. Methods and materials: A human glioblastoma xenograft tumor line was implanted in nude mice. Irradiations consisted of 10 Gy or 20 Gy with and without SU5416. Several microenvironmental parameters (tumor cell hypoxia, tumor blood perfusion, vascular volume, and microvascular density) were analyzed after imunohistochemical staining. Tumor growth delay was monitored for up to 200 days after treatment. Results: SU5416, whenmore » combined with irradiation, has an additive effect over treatment with irradiation alone. Analysis of the tumor microenvironment showed a decreased vascular density during treatment with SU5416. In tumors regrowing after reaching only a partial remission, vascular characteristics normalized shortly after cessation of SU5416. However, in tumors regrowing after reaching a complete remission, permanent microenvironmental changes and an increase of tumor necrosis with a subsequent slower tumor regrowth was found. Conclusions: Permanent vascular changes were seen after combined treatment resulting in complete remission. Antiangiogenic treatment with SU5416 when combined with irradiation has an additive effect over treatment with irradiation or antiangiogenic treatment alone.« less

Real-time quantitative analysis of H2, He, O2, and Ar by quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Ottens, Andrew K; Harrison, W W; Griffin, Timothy P; Helms, William R

2002-09-01

The use of a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer (QITMS) for quantitative analysis of hydrogen and helium as well as of other permanent gases is demonstrated. Like commercial instruments, the customized QITMS uses mass selective instability; however, this instrument operates at a greater trapping frequency and without a buffer gas. Thus, a useable mass range from 2 to over 50 daltons (Da) is achieved. The performance of the ion trap is evaluated using part-per-million (ppm) concentrations of hydrogen, helium, oxygen, and argon mixed into a nitrogen gas stream, as outlined by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which is interested in monitoring for cryogenic fuel leaks within the Space Shuttle during launch preparations. When quantitating the four analytes, relative accuracy and precision were better than the NASA-required minimum of 10% error and 5% deviation, respectively. Limits of detection were below the NASA requirement of 25-ppm hydrogen and 100-ppm helium; those for oxygen and argon were within the same order of magnitude as the requirements. These results were achieved at a fast data recording rate, and demonstrate the utility of the QITMS as a real-time quantitative monitoring device for permanent gas analysis. c. 2002 American Society for Mass Spectrometry.

Follow-up of cortical activity and structure after lesion with laser speckle imaging and magnetic resonance imaging in nonhuman primates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peuser, Jörn; Belhaj-Saif, Abderraouf; Hamadjida, Adjia; Schmidlin, Eric; Gindrat, Anne-Dominique; Völker, Andreas Charles; Zakharov, Pavel; Hoogewoud, Henri-Marcel; Rouiller, Eric M.; Scheffold, Frank

2011-09-01

The nonhuman primate model is suitable to study mechanisms of functional recovery following lesion of the cerebral cortex (motor cortex), on which therapeutic strategies can be tested. To interpret behavioral data (time course and extent of functional recovery), it is crucial to monitor the properties of the experimental cortical lesion, induced by infusion of the excitotoxin ibotenic acid. In two adult macaque monkeys, ibotenic acid infusions produced a restricted, permanent lesion of the motor cortex. In one monkey, the lesion was monitored over 3.5 weeks, combining laser speckle imaging (LSI) as metabolic readout (cerebral blood flow) and anatomical assessment with magnetic resonance imaging (T2-weighted MRI). The cerebral blood flow, measured online during subsequent injections of the ibotenic acid in the motor cortex, exhibited a dramatic increase, still present after one week, in parallel to a MRI hypersignal. After 3.5 weeks, the cerebral blood flow was strongly reduced (below reference level) and the hypersignal disappeared from the MRI scan, although the lesion was permanent as histologically assessed post-mortem. The MRI data were similar in the second monkey. Our experiments suggest that LSI and MRI, although they reflect different features, vary in parallel during a few weeks following an excitotoxic cortical lesion.

A Permanent Automated Real-Time Passive Acoustic Monitoring System for Bottlenose Dolphin Conservation in the Mediterranean Sea.

PubMed

Brunoldi, Marco; Bozzini, Giorgio; Casale, Alessandra; Corvisiero, Pietro; Grosso, Daniele; Magnoli, Nicodemo; Alessi, Jessica; Bianchi, Carlo Nike; Mandich, Alberta; Morri, Carla; Povero, Paolo; Wurtz, Maurizio; Melchiorre, Christian; Viano, Gianni; Cappanera, Valentina; Fanciulli, Giorgio; Bei, Massimiliano; Stasi, Nicola; Taiuti, Mauro

2016-01-01

Within the framework of the EU Life+ project named LIFE09 NAT/IT/000190 ARION, a permanent automated real-time passive acoustic monitoring system for the improvement of the conservation status of the transient and resident population of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) has been implemented and installed in the Portofino Marine Protected Area (MPA), Ligurian Sea. The system is able to detect the simultaneous presence of dolphins and boats in the area and to give their position in real time. This information is used to prevent collisions by diffusing warning messages to all the categories involved (tourists, professional fishermen and so on). The system consists of two gps-synchronized acoustic units, based on a particular type of marine buoy (elastic beacon), deployed about 1 km off the Portofino headland. Each one is equipped with a four-hydrophone array and an onboard acquisition system which can record the typical social communication whistles emitted by the dolphins and the sound emitted by boat engines. Signals are pre-filtered, digitized and then broadcast to the ground station via wi-fi. The raw data are elaborated to get the direction of the acoustic target to each unit, and hence the position of dolphins and boats in real time by triangulation.

The effects of octanol on penicillin induced epileptiform activity in rats: an in vivo study.

PubMed

Bostanci, M Omer; Bağirici, Faruk

2006-10-01

The common features of all types of epilepsy are the synchronized and uncontrolled discharges of nerve cell assemblies. The reason for the pathologically synchronized discharges of the neuron is not exactly known yet. Recent reports claim that gap junctions have a critical role in neuronal synchronization. The present study was planned to investigate the effects of octanol, a gap junction blocker, on penicillin-induced experimental epilepsy. Permanent screw electrodes allowing EEG monitoring from conscious animals and permanent cannula providing the administration of the substances to the brain ventricle were placed into the cranium of rats under general anesthesia. After the postoperative recovery period, epileptiform activity was generated by injecting 300 IU crystallized penicillin through the ventricular cannula. When epileptiform activity, monitored from a digital recording system, reached at its maximum intensity, octanol was applied in the same way as penicillin administered. Application of octanol caused an inhibition in the epileptiform activity. Vehicle solution alone did not affect the epileptiform activity. Results of this study suggest that the blockade of electrical synapses may contribute to the prevention and amelioration of epileptic activity. Production of gap junction blockers selective for connexin types is needed. Further studies on the differential roles of gap junctions on certain epileptiform activities are required.

A Permanent Automated Real-Time Passive Acoustic Monitoring System for Bottlenose Dolphin Conservation in the Mediterranean Sea

PubMed Central

Brunoldi, Marco; Bozzini, Giorgio; Casale, Alessandra; Corvisiero, Pietro; Grosso, Daniele; Magnoli, Nicodemo; Alessi, Jessica; Bianchi, Carlo Nike; Mandich, Alberta; Morri, Carla; Povero, Paolo; Wurtz, Maurizio; Melchiorre, Christian; Viano, Gianni; Cappanera, Valentina; Fanciulli, Giorgio; Bei, Massimiliano; Stasi, Nicola; Taiuti, Mauro

2016-01-01

Within the framework of the EU Life+ project named LIFE09 NAT/IT/000190 ARION, a permanent automated real-time passive acoustic monitoring system for the improvement of the conservation status of the transient and resident population of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) has been implemented and installed in the Portofino Marine Protected Area (MPA), Ligurian Sea. The system is able to detect the simultaneous presence of dolphins and boats in the area and to give their position in real time. This information is used to prevent collisions by diffusing warning messages to all the categories involved (tourists, professional fishermen and so on). The system consists of two gps-synchronized acoustic units, based on a particular type of marine buoy (elastic beacon), deployed about 1 km off the Portofino headland. Each one is equipped with a four-hydrophone array and an onboard acquisition system which can record the typical social communication whistles emitted by the dolphins and the sound emitted by boat engines. Signals are pre-filtered, digitized and then broadcast to the ground station via wi-fi. The raw data are elaborated to get the direction of the acoustic target to each unit, and hence the position of dolphins and boats in real time by triangulation. PMID:26789265

Monitoring of tissue heating with medium intensity focused ultrasound via four dimensional optoacoustic tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oyaga Landa, Francisco Javier; Ronda Penacoba, Silvia; Deán-Ben, Xosé Luís.; Montero de Espinosa, Francisco; Razansky, Daniel

2018-02-01

Medium intensity focused ultrasound (MIFU) holds promise in important clinical applications. Generally, the aim in MIFU is to stimulate physiological mechanisms that reinforce healing responses, avoiding reaching temperatures that can cause permanent tissue damage. The outcome of interventions is then strongly affected by the temperature distribution in the treated region, and accurate monitoring represents a significant clinical need. In this work, we showcase the capacities of 4D optoacoustic imaging to monitor tissue heating during MIFU. The proposed method allows localizing the ultrasound focus, estimating the peak temperature and measuring the size of the heat-affected volume. Calibration experiments in a tissue-mimicking phantom demonstrate that the optoacoustically-estimated temperature accurately matches thermocouple readings. The good performance of the suggested approach in real tissues is further showcased in experiments with bovine muscle samples.

Non-invasive hypoglycemia monitoring system using extreme learning machine for Type 1 diabetes.

PubMed

Ling, Sai Ho; San, Phyo Phyo; Nguyen, Hung T

2016-09-01

Hypoglycemia is a very common in type 1 diabetic persons and can occur at any age. It is always threatening to the well-being of patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) since hypoglycemia leads to seizures or loss of consciousness and the possible development of permanent brain dysfunction under certain circumstances. Because of that, an accurate continuing hypoglycemia monitoring system is a very important medical device for diabetic patients. In this paper, we proposed a non-invasive hypoglycemia monitoring system using the physiological parameters of electrocardiography (ECG) signal. To enhance the detection accuracy, extreme learning machine (ELM) is developed to recognize the presence of hypoglycemia. A clinical study of 16 children with T1DM is given to illustrate the good performance of ELM. Copyright © 2016 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Forest health status in Europe.

PubMed

Lorenz, Martin; Mues, Volker

2007-03-21

Forest health status in Europe is assessed by the International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests). Established by the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the ICP Forests has been monitoring forest condition in close cooperation with the European Commission (EC) for 20 years. The present paper describes the latest results of the deposition measurements on permanent monitoring plots and of the extensive defoliation sample survey. The findings reveal marked spatial patterns in bulk and throughfall depositions of nitrate (N-NO3(-)), ammonium (N-NH4(+)), and sulfate (S-SO4(2-)), as well as an obvious decrease in bulk and throughfall deposition of sulfate. Latest analyses of defoliation data confirm previous results, indicating a high correlation with weather extremes.

The magnetoactive electret

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monkman, G. J.; Sindersberger, D.; Diermeier, A.; Prem, N.

2017-07-01

A magnet which adheres to every surface, not only those of ferromagnetic materials, has hitherto been the domain of science fiction. Now for the first time such a novel device exists. The fusion of a permanently magnetized magnetoactive polymer containing hard magnetic particles and an electret enhanced with ferroelectric particles has resulted in the development of a new smart device—the magnetoactive electret. Magnetoactive electrets can be made to exhibit the usual magnetic properties of permanent magnetism together with the electrostatic properties of electrets. This results in simultaneous magnetoadhesion and electroadhesion forces from the same elastomeric element. The biasing field, needed to avoid discontinuities concerned with transition through the zero point in operating curves, is normally provided by means of either a magnetic or an electric field. This novel technology provides both bias options in a single device.

A Passive Magnetic Bearing Flywheel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siebert, Mark; Ebihara, Ben; Jansen, Ralph; Fusaro, Robert L.; Morales, Wilfredo; Kascak, Albert; Kenny, Andrew

2002-01-01

A 100 percent passive magnetic bearing flywheel rig employing no active control components was designed, constructed, and tested. The suspension clothe rotor was provided by two sets of radial permanent magnetic bearings operating in the repulsive mode. The axial support was provided by jewel bearings on both ends of the rotor. The rig was successfully operated to speeds of 5500 rpm, which is 65 percent above the first critical speed of 3336 rpm. Operation was not continued beyond this point because of the excessive noise generated by the air impeller and because of inadequate containment in case of failure. Radial and axial stiffnesses of the permanent magnetic bearings were experimentally measured and then compared to finite element results. The natural damping of the rotor was measured and a damping coefficient was calculated.

Initial results from seismic monitoring at the Aquistore CO 2 storage site, Saskatchewan, Canada

DOE PAGES

White, D. J.; Roach, L. A.N.; Roberts, B.; ...

2014-12-31

The Aquistore Project, located near Estevan, Saskatchewan, is one of the first integrated commercial-scale CO 2 storage projects in the world that is designed to demonstrate CO 2 storage in a deep saline aquifer. Starting in 2014, CO 2 captured from the nearby Boundary Dam coal-fired power plant will be transported via pipeline to the storage site and to nearby oil fields for enhanced oil recovery. At the Aquistore site, the CO 2 will be injected into a brine-filled sandstone formation at ~3200 m depth using the deepest well in Saskatchewan. The suitability of the geological formations that will hostmore » the injected CO 2 has been predetermined through 3D characterization using high-resolution 3D seismic images and deep well information. These data show that 1) there are no significant faults in the immediate area of the storage site, 2) the regional sealing formation is continuous in the area, and 3) the reservoir is not adversely affected by knolls on the surface of the underlying Precambrian basement. Furthermore, the Aquistore site is located within an intracratonic region characterized by extremely low levels of seismicity. This is in spite of oil-field related water injection in the nearby Weyburn-Midale field where a total of 656 million m 3 of water have been injected since the 1960`s with no demonstrable related induced seismicity. A key element of the Aquistore research program is the further development of methods to monitor the security and subsurface distribution of the injected CO 2. Toward this end, a permanent areal seismic monitoring array was deployed in 2012, comprising 630 vertical-component geophones installed at 20 m depth on a 2.5x2.5 km regular grid. This permanent array is designed to provide improved 3D time-lapse seismic imaging for monitoring subsurface CO 2. Prior to the onset of CO 2 injection, calibration 3D surveys were acquired in May and November of 2013. Comparison of the data from these surveys relative to the baseline 3D survey data from 2012 shows excellent repeatability (NRMS less than 10%) which will provide enhanced monitoring sensitivity to smaller amounts of CO 2. The permanent array also provides continuous passive monitoring for injection-related microseismicity. Passive monitoring has been ongoing since the summer of 2012 in order to establish levels of background seismicity before CO 2 injection starts in 2014. Microseismic monitoring was augmented in 2013 by the installation of 3 broadband seismograph stations surrounding the Aquistore site. These surface installations should provide a detection capability of seismic events with magnitudes as low as ~0. Downhole seismic methods are also being utilized for CO 2 monitoring at the Aquistore site. Baseline crosswell tomographic images depict details (meters-scale) of the reservoir in the 150-m interval between the observation and injection wells. This level of resolution is designed to track the CO 2 migration between the wells during the initial injection period. A baseline 3D vertical seismic profile (VSP) was acquired in the fall of 2013 to provide seismic images with resolution on a scale between that provided by the surface seismic array and the downhole tomography. The 3D VSP was recorded simultaneously using both a conventional array of downhole geophones (60-levels) and an optical fibre system. The latter utilized an optical fiber cable deployed on the outside of the monitor well casing and cemented in place. A direct comparison of these two methodologies will determine the suitability of using the fiber cable for ongoing time-lapse VSP monitoring.« less

Measuring Spatial Variability of Vapor Flux to Characterize Vadose-zone VOC Sources: Flow-cell Experiments

DOE PAGES

Mainhagu, Jon; Morrison, C.; Truex, Michael J.; ...

2014-08-05

A method termed vapor-phase tomography has recently been proposed to characterize the distribution of volatile organic contaminant mass in vadose-zone source areas, and to measure associated three-dimensional distributions of local contaminant mass discharge. The method is based on measuring the spatial variability of vapor flux, and thus inherent to its effectiveness is the premise that the magnitudes and temporal variability of vapor concentrations measured at different monitoring points within the interrogated area will be a function of the geospatial positions of the points relative to the source location. A series of flow-cell experiments was conducted to evaluate this premise. Amore » well-defined source zone was created by injection and extraction of a non-reactive gas (SF6). Spatial and temporal concentration distributions obtained from the tests were compared to simulations produced with a mathematical model describing advective and diffusive transport. Tests were conducted to characterize both areal and vertical components of the application. Decreases in concentration over time were observed for monitoring points located on the opposite side of the source zone from the local–extraction point, whereas increases were observed for monitoring points located between the local–extraction point and the source zone. We found that the results illustrate that comparison of temporal concentration profiles obtained at various monitoring points gives a general indication of the source location with respect to the extraction and monitoring points.« less

Hydrate research activities that both support and derive from the monitoring station/sea-floor Observatory, Mississippi Canyon 118, northern Gulf of Mexico

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

Lutken, Carol

2013-07-31

A permanent observatory has been installed on the seafloor at Federal Lease Block, Mississippi Canyon 118 (MC118), northern Gulf of Mexico. Researched and designed by the Gulf of Mexico Hydrates Research Consortium (GOM-HRC) with the geological, geophysical, geochemical and biological characterization of in situ gas hydrates systems as the research goal, the site has been designated by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management as a permanent Research Reserve where studies of hydrates and related ocean systems may take place continuously and cooperatively into the foreseeable future. The predominant seafloor feature at MC118 is a carbonate-hydrate complex, officially named Woolsey Moundmore » for the founder of both the GOM-HRC and the concept of the permanent seafloor hydrates research facility, the late James Robert “Bob” Woolsey. As primary investigator of the overall project until his death in mid-2008, Woolsey provided key scientific input and served as chief administrator for the Monitoring Station/ Seafloor Observatory (MS-SFO). This final technical report presents highlights of research and accomplishments to date. Although not all projects reached the status originally envisioned, they are all either complete or positioned for completion at the earliest opportunity. All Department of Energy funds have been exhausted in this effort but, in addition, leveraged to great advantage with additional federal input to the project and matched efforts and resources. This report contains final reports on all subcontracts issued by the University of Mississippi, Administrators of the project, Hydrate research activities that both support and derive from the monitoring station/sea-floor Observatory, Mississippi Canyon 118, northern Gulf of Mexico, as well as status reports on the major components of the project. All subcontractors have fulfilled their primary obligations. Without continued funds designated for further project development, the Monitoring Station/Seafloor Observatory is in danger of lapsing into disuse. However, for the present, interest in the site on the continental slope is healthy and The Center for Marine Resources and Environmental Technology continues to coordinate all activity at the MS/SFO as arranged through the BOEM in 2005. Field and laboratory research projects and findings are reviewed, new technologies and tests described. Many new sensors, systems and two custom ROVs have been developed specifically for this project. Characteristics of marine gas hydrates are dramatically more refined than when the project was initiated and include appear in sections entitled Accomplishments, Products and Publications.« less

Conversion of a Temporary Tent with Steel Frame into a Permanent Warehouse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Georgescu, Mircea; Ungureanu, Viorel; Grecea, Daniel; Petran, Ioan

2017-10-01

The paper is dealing with the problem of a functional conversion (involving both architectural and structural issues) applied to the case of an industrial building. As well known, temporary tents, designed according to the European Code EN13782, represent a remarkable stake on the building market and a fast and practical solution for some situations. It is exactly the case approached by the paper, where the investor has initially decided to erect on his platform a provisional shelter for agricultural machines and subsequent staff, built of a light steel structure covered by PVC roofing and cladding. This temporary tent has been acquired from a specialized supplier in form of a series product. After using the tent for a number of years, the investor has decided to convert the existing structure from architectural and structural point of view by switching to a permanent structure designed accordingly. Important changes were thus imposed both to the architectural part (technological flows, openings, facades) and especially to the structural part where this switch imposed a re-design to the codes of permanent structures (especially as far as climatic loadings are concerned). The required architectural change implied the building of a 70 cm high concrete plinth and replacing the PVC membrane temporary roofing and cladding by permanent 60 mm thick PUR sandwich panels. Together with a new system of openings this has led to renewed facades of the buildings. As for the structural change, the required conversion has imposed a thorough checking of the existing steel structure (very slender and typical to a tent) in view of transforming it into a permanent structure. The consolidation measures of the existing galvanized steel structure are described, together with the measures applied at infrastructure level in order to implement the required conversion.

Bird, mammal, and vegetation community surveys of research natural areas in the Tongass National Forest.

Treesearch

W.P. Smith; M.J. Stotts; B.A. Andres; J.M. Melton; A. Garibaldi; K. Boggs

2001-01-01

In June 1977, we surveyed seven research natural areas (RNAs) in the Tongass National Forest (Tongass). We documented the composition of biotic communities using rare plant and tidal community surveys, targeted searches for rare animals, and samples of permanent vegetation plots. Birds were sampled once along each transect with 10-minute point counts at stations 8...

Lay Outreach Workers and the Ohio Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers Health Education Needs Assessment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alvarez, Olga L.

The Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers Project sought to determine the health education needs of this indigent population in Ohio using the help of lay outreach workers. A bilingual needs assessment survey was developed containing questions on demographics, place of permanent residence, points of travel after working in Ohio, and type of work and…

A Case Study Showing How One Young Child Represented Issues Concerned with Attachment and Separation in Her Spontaneous Explorations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arnold, Cath

2009-01-01

This paper presents a case study of a young child, demonstrating evidence of a connection between "enveloping" objects and understanding presence and absence of a temporary and permanent nature. The starting point for the researcher was: an interest in identifying schemas or repeated patterns in order to understand cognitive development and; a…

Chromosomenindividualität or Entmischung? The debate between Paolo Della Valle and Edmund B. Wilson.

PubMed

Volpone, Alessandro

2015-01-01

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Italian cytologist Paolo Della Valle developed a theory of instable chromosomes (teoria dei cromosomi labili). He radically criticized the so-called Sutton-Boveri hypothesis (Martins and Martins, Genetics and Molecular Biology, 22:261-271, 1999), focusing on numerical constancy in the species and individuality. On the basis of bibliographical review and personal observations, he maintained that the chromosomes were neither stable bodies, nor permanent structures, but transitory cellular materials, resulting from the periodical rearrangement of the chromatin during the cell division. German and English-speaking biologists reacted. The paper shows some content of the argumentations used by Thomas H. Montgomery and especially Edmund B. Wilson. The discussion was characterized by the same data which is interpretedby different scholars in different ways. And the point is that no one of them had the decisive test to demonstrate his own point of view. Wilson simply invoked on his behalf a certain 'common sense', defending at least a 'high degree of constancy'. The debate waned along with the reception of Morgan's chromosome theory of heredity, but only the advent of molecular biology definitively stated the nature of chromosomes as permanent structures of the cell.

Predicting the Lifetime of Dynamic Networks Experiencing Persistent Random Attacks.

PubMed

Podobnik, Boris; Lipic, Tomislav; Horvatic, Davor; Majdandzic, Antonio; Bishop, Steven R; Eugene Stanley, H

2015-09-21

Estimating the critical points at which complex systems abruptly flip from one state to another is one of the remaining challenges in network science. Due to lack of knowledge about the underlying stochastic processes controlling critical transitions, it is widely considered difficult to determine the location of critical points for real-world networks, and it is even more difficult to predict the time at which these potentially catastrophic failures occur. We analyse a class of decaying dynamic networks experiencing persistent failures in which the magnitude of the overall failure is quantified by the probability that a potentially permanent internal failure will occur. When the fraction of active neighbours is reduced to a critical threshold, cascading failures can trigger a total network failure. For this class of network we find that the time to network failure, which is equivalent to network lifetime, is inversely dependent upon the magnitude of the failure and logarithmically dependent on the threshold. We analyse how permanent failures affect network robustness using network lifetime as a measure. These findings provide new methodological insight into system dynamics and, in particular, of the dynamic processes of networks. We illustrate the network model by selected examples from biology, and social science.

Expanded Equations for Torque and Force on a Cylindrical Permanent Magnet Core in a Large-Gap Magnetic Suspension System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Groom, Nelson J.

1997-01-01

The expanded equations for torque and force on a cylindrical permanent magnet core in a large-gap magnetic suspension system are presented. The core is assumed to be uniformly magnetized, and equations are developed for two orientations of the magnetization vector. One orientation is parallel to the axis of symmetry, and the other is perpendicular to this axis. Fields and gradients produced by suspension system electromagnets are assumed to be calculated at a point in inertial space which coincides with the origin of the core axis system in its initial alignment. Fields at a given point in the core are defined by expanding the fields produced at the origin as a Taylor series. The assumption is made that the fields can be adequately defined by expansion up to second-order terms. Examination of the expanded equations for the case where the magnetization vector is perpendicular to the axis of symmetry reveals that some of the second-order gradient terms provide a method of generating torque about the axis of magnetization and therefore provide the ability to produce six-degree-of-freedom control.

Wearable real-time and adaptive feedback device to face the stuttering: a knowledge-based telehealthcare proposal.

PubMed

Prado, Manuel; Roa, Laura M

2007-01-01

Despite first written references to permanent developmental stuttering occurred more than 2500 years ago, the mechanisms underlying this disorder are still unknown. This paper briefly reviews stuttering causal hypothesis and treatments, and presents the requirements that a new stuttering therapeutic device should verify. As a result of the analysis, an adaptive altered auditory feedback device based on a multimodal intelligent monitor, within the framework of a knowledge-based telehealthcare system, is presented. The subsequent discussion, based partly on the successful outcomes of a similar intelligent monitor, suggests that this novel device is feasible and could help to fill the gap between research and clinic.

KSC-07pd1224

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-05-16

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, workers monitor the Phoenix spacecraft during a heat shield deployment test, with a firing of ordnance associated with the separation device. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/George Shelton

Emittance studies of the 2.45 GHz permanent magnet ECR ion source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zelenak, A.; Bogomolov, S. L.; Yazvitsky, N. Yu.

2004-05-01

During the past several years different types of permanent magnet 2.45 GHz (electron cyclotron resonance) ion sources were developed for production of singly charged ions. Ion sources of this type are used in the first stage of DRIBs project, and are planned to be used in the MASHA mass separator. The emittance of the beam provided by the source is one of the important parameters for these applications. An emittance scanner composed from a set of parallel slits and rotary wire beam profile monitor was used for the studying of the beam emittance characteristics. The emittance of helium and argon ion beams was measured with different shapes of the plasma electrode for several ion source parameters: microwave power, source potential, plasma aperture-puller aperture gap distance, gas pressure. The results of measurements are compared with previous simulations of ion optics.

CRISPR in the Retina: Evaluation of Future Potential.

PubMed

Cho, Galaxy Y; Justus, Sally; Sengillo, Jesse D; Tsang, Stephen H

2017-01-01

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) has been gaining widespread attention for its ability for targeted genome surgery. In treating inherited retinal degenerations, gene therapies have had varied results; the ones effective in restoring eye sight are limited by transiency in its effect. Genome surgery, however, is a solution that could potentially provide the eye with permanent healthy cells. As retinal degenerations are irreversible and the retina has little regenerative potential, permanent healthy cells are vital for vision. Since the retina is anatomically accessible and capable of being monitored in vivo, the retina is a prime location for novel therapies. CRISPR technology can be used to make corrections directly in vivo as well as ex vivo of stem cells for transplantation. Current standard of care includes genetic testing for causative mutations in expectation of this potential. This chapter explores future potential and strategies for retinal degenerative disease correction via CRISPR and its limitations.

Stochastic analysis of the control of the movement of the spacecraft in the vicinity of the colinear libration point by means of the forces of luminous pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lukyanov, S. S.

1983-01-01

This paper is dedicated to the possible investigation of the utilization of the solar radiation pressure for the spacecraft motion control in the vicinity of collinear libration point of planar restricted ring problem of three bodies. The control is realized by changing the solar sail area at its permanent orientation. In this problem the influence of the trajectory errors and the errors of the execution control is accounted. It is worked out, the estimation method of the solar sail sizes, which are necessary for spacecraft keeping in the vicinity of collinear libration point during the certain time with given probability. The main control parameters were calculated for some examples in case of libration points of the Sun-Earth and Earth-Moon systems.

Test-bed for the remote health monitoring system for bridge structures using FBG sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Chin-Hyung; Park, Ki-Tae; Joo, Bong-Chul; Hwang, Yoon-Koog

2009-05-01

This paper reports on test-bed for the long-term health monitoring system for bridge structures employing fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors, which is remotely accessible via the web, to provide real-time quantitative information on a bridge's response to live loading and environmental changes, and fast prediction of the structure's integrity. The sensors are attached on several locations of the structure and connected to a data acquisition system permanently installed onsite. The system can be accessed through remote communication using an optical cable network, through which the evaluation of the bridge behavior under live loading can be allowed at place far away from the field. Live structural data are transmitted continuously to the server computer at the central office. The server computer is connected securely to the internet, where data can be retrieved, processed and stored for the remote web-based health monitoring. Test-bed revealed that the remote health monitoring technology will enable practical, cost-effective, and reliable condition assessment and maintenance of bridge structures.

Space-Derived Sewer Monitor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

The QuadraScan Longterm Flow Monitoring System is a second generation sewer monitor developed by American Digital Systems, Inc.'s founder Peter Petroff. Petroff, a former spacecraft instrumentation designer at Marshall Space Flight Center, used expertise based on principles acquired in Apollo and other NASA programs. QuadraScan borrows even more heavily from space technology, for example in its data acquisition and memory system derived from NASA satellites. "One-time" measurements are often plagued with substantial errors due to the flow of groundwater absorbed into the system. These system sizing errors stem from a basic informational deficiency: accurate, reliable data on how much water flows through a sewer system over a long period of time is very difficult to obtain. City officials are turning to "permanent," or long-term sewer monitoring systems. QuadraScan offers many advantages to city officials such as the early warning capability to effectively plan for city growth in order to avoid the crippling economic impact of bans on new sewer connections in effect in many cities today.

A design for an intelligent monitor and controller for space station electrical power using parallel distributed problem solving

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, Robert A.

1990-01-01

The emphasis is on defining a set of communicating processes for intelligent spacecraft secondary power distribution and control. The computer hardware and software implementation platform for this work is that of the ADEPTS project at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). The electrical power system design which was used as the basis for this research is that of Space Station Freedom, although the functionality of the processes defined here generalize to any permanent manned space power control application. First, the Space Station Electrical Power Subsystem (EPS) hardware to be monitored is described, followed by a set of scenarios describing typical monitor and control activity. Then, the parallel distributed problem solving approach to knowledge engineering is introduced. There follows a two-step presentation of the intelligent software design for secondary power control. The first step decomposes the problem of monitoring and control into three primary functions. Each of the primary functions is described in detail. Suggestions for refinements and embelishments in design specifications are given.

Illicit Internet availability of drugs subject to recall and patient safety consequences.

PubMed

Mackey, Tim K; Aung, Phyo; Liang, Bryan A

2015-12-01

Permanently recalled drugs are a public health concern if they remain accessible in violation of applicable regulation. Illicit online pharmacies act as an alternative form of access and have been associated with the sale to patients of counterfeit/falsified/fraudulent/substandard drugs. We wished to determine if permanently recalled and significantly restricted drugs were illegally marketed for sale online. The study was conducted in two phases with two objectives. The first phase attempted to identify drugs subject to permanent recall in certain major pharmaceutical markets as well as those listed as recalled or significantly restricted by the United Nations. We also examined the market authorization status of identified drugs in China and India. The second phase used structured searches on the Internet to determine if identified drugs were marketed for sale online. The World Wide Web. After identification of permanently recalled and restricted drugs we conducted Internet searches for illegal "no prescription" marketing events. We assessed the form of marketing, whether a site offered direct-to-patient sale, use of social media marketing, and the site's compliance status with external monitoring bodies. Number of recalled drugs marketed as available for purchase on the Internet. We identified 16 class I equivalent permanently recalled or restricted drugs, 56.3 % (n = 9) of which maintained market authorization in either China or India. Half (n = 8) were marketed for sale online without a prescription direct-to-patient. Use of social media marketing was mixed, with only 18.8 % (n = 3) of recalled drugs having a presence on Facebook, though 50.0 % (n = 8) had content on Twitter. We also found the majority (68.8 %, n = 11) were available and marketed for sale by vendors on the wholesale/business-to-business website alibaba.com primarily as active pharmaceutical ingredient. Despite efforts in several countries to restrict access to these drugs or permanently remove them from the market, our study indicates that various sources actively market recalled drugs for sale online. Drug regulators, public health agencies, and law enforcement officials should act with urgency to appropriately restrict and regulate these sales to protect global patients and consumers.

Designing and implementing a monitoring program and the standards for conducting point counts

Treesearch

C. John Ralph

1993-01-01

Choosing between the apparent plethora of methods for monitoring bird populations is a dilemma for a person contemplating beginning a monitoring program. Cooperrider et al. (1986) and Koskimies and Vaisanen (1991) describe many methods. In the Americas, three methods have been suggested as standard (Butcher 1992). They are: point counts for determining habitat...

A Machine-Learning and Filtering Based Data Assimilation Framework for Geologic Carbon Sequestration Monitoring Optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, B.; Harp, D. R.; Lin, Y.; Keating, E. H.; Pawar, R.

2017-12-01

Monitoring is a crucial aspect of geologic carbon sequestration (GCS) risk management. It has gained importance as a means to ensure CO2 is safely and permanently stored underground throughout the lifecycle of a GCS project. Three issues are often involved in a monitoring project: (i) where is the optimal location to place the monitoring well(s), (ii) what type of data (pressure, rate and/or CO2 concentration) should be measured, and (iii) What is the optimal frequency to collect the data. In order to address these important issues, a filtering-based data assimilation procedure is developed to perform the monitoring optimization. The optimal monitoring strategy is selected based on the uncertainty reduction of the objective of interest (e.g., cumulative CO2 leak) for all potential monitoring strategies. To reduce the computational cost of the filtering-based data assimilation process, two machine-learning algorithms: Support Vector Regression (SVR) and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) are used to develop the computationally efficient reduced-order-models (ROMs) from full numerical simulations of CO2 and brine flow. The proposed framework for GCS monitoring optimization is demonstrated with two examples: a simple 3D synthetic case and a real field case named Rock Spring Uplift carbon storage site in Southwestern Wyoming.

Near-Real Time Monitoring of TEC Over Japan at NICT (RWC Tokyo OF ISES)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyake, W.; Jin, H.

2010-05-01

The world wide use of global navigation satellite systems such as GPS offers unique opportunities for a permanent monitoring of the total electron content (TEC) of the ionosphere. We have developed a system of the rapid derivation of TEC from GEONET (a dense GPS receiver network in Japan). In addition to a previous plot of TEC temporal variation over Japan, we have recently developed a near-real-time two-dimensional TEC map and have used it for the daily operation of Space Weather Forecast Center at NICT (Regional Warning Center Tokyo of International Space Environment Service). The TEC map can be used to continuously monitor the ionospheric disturbances over Japan, including spatial and temporal development of ionospheric storms, large-amplitude traveling ionospheric disturbances, and plasma bubbles intruding over Japan, with high time resolution. The development of the real-time monitoring system of TEC enables us to monitor large ionospheric disturbances, ranging from global- to small-scale disturbances, expected in the next solar maximum. The plot and maps are open to the public and are available on http://wdc.nict.go.jp/IONO/index_E.html.

Monitoring compaction and compressibility changes in offshore chalk reservoirs

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

Dean, G.; Hardy, R.; Eltvik, P.

1994-03-01

Some of the North Sea's largest and most important oil fields are in chalk reservoirs. In these fields, it is important to measure reservoir compaction and compressibility because compaction can result in platform subsidence. Also, compaction drive is a main drive mechanism in these fields, so an accurate reserves estimate cannot be made without first measuring compressibility. Estimating compaction and reserves is difficult because compressibility changes throughout field life. Installing of accurate, permanent downhole pressure gauges on offshore chalk fields makes it possible to use a new method to monitor compressibility -- measurement of reservoir pressure changes caused by themore » tide. This tidal-monitoring technique is an in-situ method that can greatly increase compressibility information. It can be used to estimate compressibility and to measure compressibility variation over time. This paper concentrates on application of the tidal-monitoring technique to North Sea chalk reservoirs. However, the method is applicable for any tidal offshore area and can be applied whenever necessary to monitor in-situ rock compressibility. One such application would be if platform subsidence was expected.« less

Conceptual design of a monitoring system for the Charters of Freedom

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cutts, J. A.

1984-01-01

A conceptual design of a monitoring system for the Charters of Freedom was developed for the National Archives and Records Service. The monitoring system would be installed at the National Archives and used to document the condition of the Charters as part of a regular inspection program. The results of an experimental measurements program that led to the definition of analysis system requirements are presented, a conceptual design of the monitoring system is described and the alternative approaches to implementing this design were discussed. The monitoring system is required to optically detect and measure deterioration in documents that are permanently encapsulated in glass cases. An electronic imaging system with the capability for precise photometric measurements of the contrast of the script on the documents can perform this task. Two general types of imaging systems are considered (line and area array), and their suitability for performing these required measurements are compared. A digital processing capability for analyzing the electronic imaging data is also required, and several optional levels of complexity for this digital analysis system are evaluated.

LDR brachytherapy: can low dose rate hypersensitivity from the "inverse" dose rate effect cause excessive cell killing to peripherial connective tissues and organs?

PubMed

Leonard, B E; Lucas, A C

2009-02-01

Examined here are the possible effects of the "inverse" dose rate effect (IDRE) on low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy. The hyper-radiosensitivity and induced radioresistance (HRS/IRR) effect benefits cell killing in radiotherapy, and IDRE and HRS/IRR seem to be generated from the same radioprotective mechanisms. We have computed the IDRE excess cell killing experienced in LDR brachytherapy using permanent seed implants. We conclude, firstly, that IDRE is a dose rate-dependent manifestation of HRS/IRR. Secondly, the presence of HRS/IRR or IDRE in a cell species or tissue must be determined by direct dose-response measurements. Thirdly, a reasonable estimate is that 50-80% of human adjoining connective and organ tissues experience IDRE from permanent implanted LDR brachytherapy. If IDRE occurs for tissues at point A for cervical cancer, the excess cell killing will be about a factor of 3.5-4.0 if the initial dose rate is 50-70 cGy h(-1). It is greater for adjacent tissues at lower dose rates and higher for lower initial dose rates at point A. Finally, higher post-treatment complications are observed in LDR brachytherapy, often for unknown reasons. Some of these are probably a result of IDRE excess cell killing. Measurements of IDRE need be performed for connective and adjacent organ tissues, i.e. bladder, rectum, urinary tract and small bowels. The measured dose rate-dependent dose responses should extended to <10 cGy h(-1) and involve multiple patients to detect patient variability. Results may suggest a preference for high dose rate brachytherapy or LDR brachytherapy without permanent retention of the implant seeds (hence the dose rates in peripheral tissues and organs remain above IDRE thresholds).

Hot-Tearing Assessment of Multicomponent Nongrain-Refined Al-Cu Alloys for Permanent Mold Castings Based on Load Measurements in a Constrained Mold

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

Sabau, Adrian S.; Mirmiran, Seyed; Glaspie, Christopher

Here, the hot-tearing resistance of multicomponent Al-Cu alloys during permanent mold casting was investigated using a constrained permanent mold in which the load and temperature were measured. The nominal Cu composition was varied from 5 to 8 wt pct. Casting experiments were conducted without adding any grain-refining inoculants. The following variables, which were obtained from the measured load data during casting, were considered to assess the hot-tearing resistance of the Al-Cu multicomponent alloys: “V”-like signature in the load rate variation, load at solidus point, and load rate average over the freezing range. In addition, a hot-tearing criterion based on themore » variation of the fraction of solid in the late stages of solidification was used. It was found that all criteria considered can accurately predict the alloys with the lowest and highest hot-tear resistance, respectively. It was found that the rate of measured load during casting could be used to indicate substantial hot tearing. However, the load rate variation could not be used to detect when small hot tears were present. Among all the criteria considered, the load at the solidus point shows an excellent agreement with experimentally observed hot-tearing resistance for all but one alloy. The poorly resistant hot-tearing alloys exhibited mainly coarse columnar grains while the most hot-tearing resistant alloys exhibited a much more refined grain microstructure. This is the first study in which good hot-tear resistance is demonstrated for multicomponent Al-Cu alloys with nominal Cu content greater than 7 wt pct.« less

Hot-Tearing Assessment of Multicomponent Nongrain-Refined Al-Cu Alloys for Permanent Mold Castings Based on Load Measurements in a Constrained Mold

DOE PAGES

Sabau, Adrian S.; Mirmiran, Seyed; Glaspie, Christopher; ...

2018-02-16

Here, the hot-tearing resistance of multicomponent Al-Cu alloys during permanent mold casting was investigated using a constrained permanent mold in which the load and temperature were measured. The nominal Cu composition was varied from 5 to 8 wt pct. Casting experiments were conducted without adding any grain-refining inoculants. The following variables, which were obtained from the measured load data during casting, were considered to assess the hot-tearing resistance of the Al-Cu multicomponent alloys: “V”-like signature in the load rate variation, load at solidus point, and load rate average over the freezing range. In addition, a hot-tearing criterion based on themore » variation of the fraction of solid in the late stages of solidification was used. It was found that all criteria considered can accurately predict the alloys with the lowest and highest hot-tear resistance, respectively. It was found that the rate of measured load during casting could be used to indicate substantial hot tearing. However, the load rate variation could not be used to detect when small hot tears were present. Among all the criteria considered, the load at the solidus point shows an excellent agreement with experimentally observed hot-tearing resistance for all but one alloy. The poorly resistant hot-tearing alloys exhibited mainly coarse columnar grains while the most hot-tearing resistant alloys exhibited a much more refined grain microstructure. This is the first study in which good hot-tear resistance is demonstrated for multicomponent Al-Cu alloys with nominal Cu content greater than 7 wt pct.« less

Earthshots: Satellite images of environmental change – Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Adamson, Thomas

2016-01-01

Landsat recorded the devastation and continues to monitor the region’s wetlands. New Orleans, Louisiana, is near the bottom of the images along the Mississippi River. The city lies just south of Lake Pontchartrain. Hundreds of square miles of wetlands were lost after Katrina. Some marshlands became permanent water bodies. Some projects now aim to bring back marshlands because of their value in defending the coastline from storms.

The Johns Hopkins RTR Consortium: A Collaborative Approach to Advance Translational Science and Standardize Clinical Monitoring of Restorative Transplantation

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-01

that belatacept is highly effective as a biologic agent in maintaining allograft survival without the need for conventional high dose calcineurin... tissue , these injuries are not only mutilating, but frequently result in permanent disfigurement and morbidity. For many devastating combat and...II; n=3) TASK 4. Determine impact of peritransplant belatacept treatment to allow for allograft survival with low-dose (sub-therapeutic) CNI

Habitat Equivalency Analysis: A Potential Tool for Estimating Environmental Benefits

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-01-01

of animal tissue produced per year. It is assumed that the dredged areas will be permanently taken out of production and recovery time for the...from the mine seriously contaminated 40 km (25 miles) of nearby Panther Creek, a tributary of the Salmon River. Water quality, benthic fauna, and...restore the biological health of Panther Creek. Trustees responsible for monitoring the cleanup determined that the abundance of Chinook salmon was

Closed-Loop Concepts for the Army: Water Conservation, Recycle, and Reuse.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-11-01

generally small parcels of land used for out- door instruction and field maneuvers. Normally, no permanent improvements are made to the property . Contract...avoid the use of flush toilets. In many situations, this procedure may be necessary because of the physical difficulties with sewage disposal. Several...monitoring of the chemical-biological- physical treatment process, however, it may be prudent to limit their use to locations in the United States where

Repairing the Interagency Process

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S...8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) 11. SPONSOR...State and Defense. It would be a flat, streamlined organization with 10 to 15 core members, who would be permanent employees of the NSC rather than

A simple scoring system for predicting early major complications in spine surgery: the cumulative effect of age and size of surgery.

PubMed

Brasil, Albert Vincent Berthier; Teles, Alisson R; Roxo, Marcelo Ricardo; Schuster, Marcelo Neutzling; Zauk, Eduardo Ballverdu; Barcellos, Gabriel da Costa; Costa, Pablo Ramon Fruett da; Ferreira, Nelson Pires; Kraemer, Jorge Luiz; Ferreira, Marcelo Paglioli; Gobbato, Pedro Luis; Worm, Paulo Valdeci

2016-10-01

To analyze the cumulative effect of risk factors associated with early major complications in postoperative spine surgery. Retrospective analysis of 583 surgically-treated patients. Early "major" complications were defined as those that may lead to permanent detrimental effects or require further significant intervention. A balanced risk score was built using multiple logistic regression. Ninety-two early major complications occurred in 76 patients (13%). Age > 60 years and surgery of three or more levels proved to be significant independent risk factors in the multivariate analysis. The balanced scoring system was defined as: 0 points (no risk factor), 2 points (1 factor) or 4 points (2 factors). The incidence of early major complications in each category was 7% (0 points), 15% (2 points) and 29% (4 points) respectively. This balanced scoring system, based on two risk factors, represents an important tool for both surgical indication and for patient counseling before surgery.

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

LaFreniere, L. M.; Environmental Science Division

On September 7, 2005, the Commodity Credit Corporation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (CCC/USDA) presented a Scoping Memo (Argonne 2005) for preliminary consideration by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), suggesting possible remedial options for the carbon tetrachloride contamination in groundwater at Everest, Kansas. The suggested approaches were discussed by representatives of the KDHE, the CCC/USDA, and Argonne at the KDHE office in Topeka on September 8-9, 2005, along with other technical and logistic issues related to the Everest site. In response to these discussions, the KDHE recommended (KDHE 2005) evaluation of several remedial processes, either alonemore » or in combination, as part of a Corrective Action Study (CAS) for Everest. The primary remedial processes suggested by the KDHE were the following: Hydraulic control by groundwater extraction with aboveground treatment; Air sparging (AS) coupled with soil vapor extraction (SVE) in large-diameter boreholes (LDBs); and Phytoremediation. As a further outcome of the 2005 meeting and as a precursor to development of a possible CAS, the CCC/USDA completed the following supplemental investigations at Everest to address several specific technical concerns discussed with the KDHE: (1) Construction of interpretive cross sections at strategic locations selected by the KDHE along the main plume migration pathway, to depict the hydrogeologic characteristics affecting groundwater flow and contaminant movement (Argonne 2006a). (2) A field investigation in early 2006 (Argonne 2006b), as follows: (a) Installation and testing of a production well and associated observation points, at locations approved by the KDHE, to determine the response of the Everest aquifer to groundwater extraction near the Nigh property. (b) Groundwater sampling for the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the installation of additional permanent monitoring points at locations selected by the KDHE, to further constrain the existing contaminant plume. (c) Resampling of all existing permanent monitoring points for VOCs and biodegradation parameter analyses, at the request of the KDHE. On the basis of these studies (Argonne 2006a,b) and the CCC/USDA's past investigations at Everest (Argonne 2006c), the CCC/USDA concluded that groundwater extraction is not an effective remedial option for the main body of the groundwater plume, and the KDHE concurred (KDHE 2006); the KDHE later noted, however (KDHE 2007a), that this and other technologies might represent viable remedial options in the event of further downgradient migration of the plume toward the intermittent creek. In February 2007, the CCC/USDA presented preliminary analyses of (1) the AS-SVE remedial alternative, incorporating the use of LDBs, and (2) the risks to human health and the environment posed by the observed carbon tetrachloride plume in groundwater (Argonne 2007a). The results of these analyses demonstrated the following: (1) Neither groundwater extraction nor AS-SVE in LDBs represents a practical approach for effective remediation of the groundwater contamination at Everest (near the Nigh property). (2) Periodic sampling and analyses for VOCs conducted by the CCC/USDA documented that the areal extent and range of carbon tetrachloride concentrations detected in the groundwater plume at Everest had changed relatively little from 2000 to 2006. (3) Estimates of groundwater flow and contaminant migration times, based on the hydrogeologic properties of the groundwater flow system identified at Everest (Argonne 2003, 2006b,c), indicated that, at minimum, approximately 4 years would be required for the carbon tetrachloride plume (in the subsurface) to reach the vicinity of the intermittent creek directly west of the Nigh property, and more than 20 years would be required for the contamination to reach the identified groundwater discharge area southwest of the Nigh property. (4) The existing (January-March 2006) plume posed no immediate danger of contamination to the surface waters of the intermittent creek. In light of these observations, the CCC/USDA proposed a phased program--over approximately 2-3 years--of groundwater sampling, surface water sampling, and related monitoring activities at Everest to (1) identify locations where a phytoremediation system would be effective and determine that area's extent and (2) support the potential development of a phytoremediation treatment alternative for the site. The recommended elements of the monitoring program are summarized in Table 1.1. In conjunction with this program, both the CCC/USDA and the KDHE recommended the construction of several new monitoring wells, at locations along and near the intermittent creek west of the Nigh property (Argonne 2007b; KDHE 2007b).« less

Fully automated lobe-based airway taper index calculation in a low dose MDCT CF study over 4 time-points

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weinheimer, Oliver; Wielpütz, Mark O.; Konietzke, Philip; Heussel, Claus P.; Kauczor, Hans-Ulrich; Brochhausen, Christoph; Hollemann, David; Savage, Dasha; Galbán, Craig J.; Robinson, Terry E.

2017-02-01

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) results in severe bronchiectasis in nearly all cases. Bronchiectasis is a disease where parts of the airways are permanently dilated. The development and the progression of bronchiectasis is not evenly distributed over the entire lungs - rather, individual functional units are affected differently. We developed a fully automated method for the precise calculation of lobe-based airway taper indices. To calculate taper indices, some preparatory algorithms are needed. The airway tree is segmented, skeletonized and transformed to a rooted acyclic graph. This graph is used to label the airways. Then a modified version of the previously validated integral based method (IBM) for airway geometry determination is utilized. The rooted graph, the airway lumen and wall information are then used to calculate the airway taper indices. Using a computer-generated phantom simulating 10 cross sections of airways we present results showing a high accuracy of the modified IBM. The new taper index calculation method was applied to 144 volumetric inspiratory low-dose MDCT scans. The scans were acquired from 36 children with mild CF at 4 time-points (baseline, 3 month, 1 year, 2 years). We found a moderate correlation with the visual lobar Brody bronchiectasis scores by three raters (r2 = 0.36, p < .0001). The taper index has the potential to be a precise imaging biomarker but further improvements are needed. In combination with other imaging biomarkers, taper index calculation can be an important tool for monitoring the progression and the individual treatment of patients with bronchiectasis.

Creating pharmacy staffing-to-demand models: predictive tools used at two institutions.

PubMed

Krogh, Paul; Ernster, Jason; Knoer, Scott

2012-09-15

The creation and implementation of data-driven staffing-to-demand models at two institutions are described. Predictive workload tools provide a guideline for pharmacy managers to adjust staffing needs based on hospital volume metrics. At Abbott Northwestern Hospital, management worked with the department's staff and labor management committee to clearly outline the productivity monitoring system and the process for reducing hours. Reference charts describing the process for reducing hours and a form to track the hours of involuntary reductions for each employee were created to further enhance communication, explain the rationale behind the new process, and promote transparency. The University of Minnesota Medical Center-Fairview, found a strong correlation between measured pharmacy workload and an adjusted census formula. If the daily census and admission report indicate that the adjusted census will provide enough workload for the fully staffed department, no further action is needed. If the census report indicates the adjusted census is less than the breakeven point, staff members are asked to leave work, either voluntarily or involuntarily. The opposite holds true for days when the adjusted census is higher than the breakeven point, at which time additional staff are required to synchronize worked hours with predicted workload. Successful staffing-to- demand models were implemented in two hospital pharmacies. Financial savings, as indicated by decreased labor costs secondary to reduction of staffed shifts, were approximately $42,000 and $45,500 over a three-month period for Abbott Northwestern Hospital and the University of Minnesota Medical Center-Fairview, respectively. Maintenance of 100% productively allowed the departments to continue to replace vacant positions and avoid permanent staff reductions.

Field testing hot water temperature reduction as an energy-saving measure--does the Legionella presence change in a clinic's plumbing system?

PubMed

Völker, Sebastian; Kistemann, Thomas

2015-01-01

Legionella spp. represent a significant health risk for humans. To ensure hygienically safe drinking water, technical guidelines recommend a central potable water hot (PWH) supply temperature of at least 60°C at the calorifier. In a clinic building we monitored whether slightly lowered temperatures in the PWH system led to a systemic change in the growth of these pathogens. In four separate phases we tested different scenarios concerning PWH supply temperatures and disinfection with chlorine dioxide (ClO2). In each phase, we took 5 sets of samples at 17 representative sampling points in the building's drinking water plumbing system. In total we collected 476 samples from the PWH system. All samples were tested (culture-based) for Legionella spp. and serogroups. Additionally, quantitative parameters at each sampling point were collected, which could possibly be associated with the presence of Legionella spp. (Pseudomonas aeruginsoa, heterotrophic plate count at 20°C and 36°C, temperatures, time until constant temperatures were reached, and chlorine dioxide concentration). The presence of Legionella spp. showed no significant reactions after reducing the PWH supply temperature from 63°C to 60°C and 57°C, as long as disinfection with ClO2 was maintained. After omitting the disinfectant, the PWH system showed statistically significant growth rates at 57°C. PWH temperatures which are permanently lowered to less than recommended values should be carefully accompanied by frequent testing, a thorough evaluation of the building's drinking water plumbing system, and hygiene expertise.

Regional early development and eruption of permanent teeth: case report.

PubMed

Al Mullahi, A M; Bakathir, A; Al Jahdhami, S

2017-02-01

Early development and eruption of permanent teeth are rarely reported in scientific literature. Early eruption of permanent teeth has been reported to occur due to local factors such as trauma or dental abscesses in primary teeth, and in systemic conditions. Congenital diffuse infiltrating facial lipomatosis (CDIFL) is a rare condition that belongs to a group of lipomatosis tumours. In this disorder, the mature adipocytes invade adjacent soft and hard tissues in the facial region. Accelerated tooth eruption is one of the dental anomalies associated with CDIFL. A 3-year-old boy presented with a swelling of the lower lip localised early development and eruption of permanent teeth and dental caries involving many primary teeth. The planned treatment included biopsy of the swollen lower lip to confirm the diagnosis, surgical reduction and reconstruction of lip aesthetics. The management of the carious primary teeth included preventative and comprehensive dental care and extractions. These procedures were completed under general anaesthesia due to the child's young age and poor cooperation. The lip biopsy showed features of CDIFL such as the presence of infiltrating adipose tissue, prominent number of nerve bundles and thickened vessels. The high recurrence rate of CDIFL mandates long-term monitoring during the facial growth period of the child. Follow-up care by the paediatric dentist and maxillofacial surgeon has been required to manage all aspects of this congenital malformation. This rare disorder has many implications affecting child's facial aesthetics, psychological well being, developing occlusion and risk of dental caries. A multi-disciplinary approach is needed for management of this condition.

Tissue Engineering of Necrotic Dental Pulp of Immature Teeth with Apical Periodontitis in Dogs: Radiographic and Histological Evaluation.

PubMed

El Ashiry, Eman A; Alamoudi, Najlaa M; El Ashiry, Mahmoud K; Bastawy, Hagar A; El Derwi, Douaa A; Atta, Hazem M

2018-05-15

To evaluate tissue engineering technology to regenerate pulp-dentin like tissues in pulp canals of immature necrotic permanent teeth with apical periodontitis in dogs. The study was performed on 36 teeth in 12 dogs. The experiment was carried out using split mouth design. In each dog 3 teeth were selected for implementing the study procedure. Apical periodontitis was induced in Group A and B teeth. Group (A): immature upper left 2 nd permanent incisors that were transplanted with a construct of autologous dental pulp stem cells with growth factors seeded in a chitosn hydrogel scaffold. Group (B): immature upper right 2 nd permanent incisor that received only growth factors with scaffold. A third tooth in each dog was selected randomly for isolation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). Both groups were closed with a double coronal seal of white MTA (Mineral trioxide aggregate) and glass ionomer cement. Both groups were monitored radiographically for 4 months and histologically after sacrificing the animals. There was no statistically significant difference in radiographic findings between group (A) and group (B) for healing of radiolucencies, while there was statistically significant difference between group (A) and group (B) regarding radicular thickening, root lengthening and apical closure. Histologically, group (A) teeth showed regeneration of pulp-dentin like tissue while group (B) teeth did not show any tissue regeneration. Dental pulp stem cells and growth factors incorporated in chitosan hydrogel are able to regenerate pulp-dentine like tissue and help in complete root maturation of non-vital immature permanent teeth with apical periodontitis in dogs.

Trial of human laser epilation technology for permanent wool removal in Merino sheep.

PubMed

Colditz, I G; Cox, T; Small, A H

2015-01-01

To assess whether human laser epilation technology can permanently prevent wool growth in sheep. An observational study. Two commercial human epilation lasers (Sharplan alexandrite 755 nm laser, and Lumenis LightSheer 800 nm diode laser) were tested at energies between 10 and 100 J/cm2 and pulse widths from 2 to 400 ms. Wool was clipped from flank, breech, pizzle and around the eyes of superfine Merino sheep with Oster clippers. After initial laser removal of residual wool to reveal bare skin, individual skin sites were treated with up to 15 cycles of laser irradiation. Behavioural responses during treatment, skin temperature immediately after treatment and skin and wool responses for 3 months after treatment were monitored. A clear transudate was evident on the skin surface within minutes. A dry superficial scab developed by 24 h and remained adherent for at least 6 weeks. When scabs were shed, there was evidence of scarring at sites receiving multiple treatment cycles and normal wool growth in unscarred skin. There was no evidence of laser energy level or pulse width affecting the response of skin and wool to treatment and no evidence of permanent inhibition of wool growth by laser treatment. Laser treatment was well tolerated by the sheep. Treatment of woolled skin with laser parameters that induce epilation by selective photothermolysis in humans failed to induce permanent inhibition of wool growth in sheep. Absence of melanin in wool may have contributed to the result. © 2015 Australian Veterinary Association.

From high spatial resolution imagery to spatial indicators : Application for hydromorphy follow-up on Bourgneuf wetland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bailly, J. S.; Puech, C.; Lukac, F.; Massé, J.

2003-04-01

On Atlantic coastal wetlands, the understanding of hydrological processes may refer to hydraulic surface structures characterization as small ditches or channels networks, permanent and temporary water bodies. Moreover to improve the understanding, this characerization should be realized regarding different seasons and different spatial scales: elementary parcel, managment unit and whole wetland scales. In complement to usual observations on a few local ground points, high spatial resolution remote sensing may be a good information support for extraction and characterization on elementary objects, especially water bodies, permanents or temporary ones and ditches. To carry out a floow-up on wetlands, a seasonal image acquisition rate, reachable from most of satelite systems, is in that case informative for hydrological needs. In this work, georeferencing methods on openfield wetlands have been handled with care in order to use diachronic images or combined geographical data; lack of relief, short vegetation and well structured landscape make this preprocess easier in comparison to other landscape situations. In this presentation we focus on spatial hydromorphy parameters constructed from images with specific processes. Especially, hydromorphy indicators for parcels or managment units have been developped using an IRC winter-spring-summer metric resolution set of images: these descriptors are based on water areas evolution or hydrophyl vegetations presence traducing hydrodynamic submersion behaviour in temporary water bodies. An other example presents a surface water network circulation indicator elaborated on IRC aerial photography combined with vectorized geographic database. This indicator is based on ditches width and vegetation presence : a specific process uses vectorized geo data set to define transects across ditches on which classified image analysis is carried out (supervised classification). These first results proposing hydromorphy descriptors from very high resolution don't give complete indicators for follow-up and monitoring of coastal wetlands, but their combinaison, aggregation should present good technical bases to carry it out with success.

Integrated Analysis and Tools for Land Subsidence Surveying and Monitoring: a Semi-Quantitative Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mosconi, A.; Pozzoli, A.; Meroni, A.; Gagliano, S.

2015-10-01

This paper presents an integrated approach for land subsidence monitoring using measures coming from different sensors. Eni S.p.A., the main Italian oil and gas company, constantly surveys the land with all the state of the art and innovative techniques, and a method able to integrate the results is an important and actual topic. Nowadays the world is a multi-sensor platform, and measure integration is strictly necessary. Combining the different data sources should be done in a clever way, taking advantages from the best performances of each technique. An integrated analysis allows the interpretation of simultaneous temporal series of data, coming from different sources, and try to separate subsidence contributions. With this purpose Exelis VIS in collaboration with Eni S.p.A. customize PISAV (Permanent Interferometric Scatterometer Analysis and Visualization), an ENVI extension able to capitalize on and combine all the different data collected in the surveys. In this article are presented some significant examples to show the potential of this tool in oil and gas activity: a hydrocarbon storage field where the comparison between SAR and production volumes emphasise a correlation between the two measures in few steps; and a hydrocarbon production field with the Satellite Survey Unit (S.S.U.), where SAR, CGPS, piezometers and assestimeters measure in the same area at the same time, giving the opportunity to analyse data contextually. In the integrated analysis performed with PISAV not always a mathematical rigorous study is possible, and a semi-quantitative approach is the only method for results interpretation. As a result, in the first test case strong correlation between injected hydrocarbon volume and vertical displacement were highlighted; in the second one the integrated analysis has different advantages in monitoring the land subsidence: permits a first qualitative "differentiation" of the natural and anthropic component of subsidence, and also gives more reliability and coverage to each measurement, taking advantages from the strong points of each technique.

Is endodontic treatment performed under general anaesthesia technically acceptable?

PubMed

Alsaleh, Iyad; Cousson, Pierre-Yves; Nicolas, Emmanuel; Hennequin, Martine

2012-12-01

Undertaking endodontic treatment under general anaesthesia (GA) is often described as difficult and hazardous, but no study reports on safe and efficacious conditions for endodontic treatment under GA. This study aims to evaluate whether compromises made for the endodontic treatment of permanent teeth under GA are acceptable. It describes the quality of endodontic treatment undertaken in two series of consecutive patients treated either under GA or local anaesthesia (LA). Post-operative data sheets and periapical radiographs were collected for 255 permanent teeth treated under GA during a 4-year period (GA group, 125 patients with special needs) and for 246 permanent teeth treated under local anaesthesia over 7 months (LA group, 180 healthy patients). The radiographic criteria for quality of endodontic treatment (RCQET) were considered satisfactory when (1) the root filling was within 2 mm of the apex; (2) the filling displayed no voids or defects; and (3) all the visible canals had been obturated. The type of tooth, pulpal status and periapical status were considered independent variables for RCQET. The proportion of satisfactory RCQET reached 63% in both groups and differed by type of tooth, being significantly lower for molars than for other teeth. From a technical point of view, compromises made for the endodontic treatment of permanent teeth under GA are acceptable. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the long-term success of endodontic treatment performed under GA. This study supports the feasibility of endodontic treatment for patients treated under GA.

[Permanent disability and the insurance estimation process].

PubMed

Soumah, M M; Mbaye, I; Ndiaye, M; Bah, H; Gaye Fall, M C; Sow, M L

2006-01-01

The casualties are indemnified according to two processes. First by transaction on rate proposition of insurance physicians, and the second process on rate proposition by a medical expert assigned by law-court. Indemnification scale failure justifies the Interafrican Conference of insurance Markets code adoption. Six insurance societies and the Automotive Guarantee Fund were debtors. Only 627 victims had been indemnified between 1986 and 2003. Expert valuations done at forensic medicine service were the support of the investigation. Inquired parameters were insurance societies, regulation type, aftermaths and the retained prejudices. The data collected on computer card have been analyzed by software Epi Info. The partial permanent inabilities fixed since its adoption differ to inabilities fixed before this adoption. Transaction process concerned 567 victims (90.4%). Sixty victims were indemnified by judicial way. According to process type, the rates fixed in judicial process were 61.6% middle permanent partial inabilities. After 1997, there have observed a decrease in the high and middle permanent partial inabilities in the two processes. The appreciation of the pretium doloris is more subjective but must repair the aftermaths. The middle pretium was majority in the two processes, before and after 1997 with a high decrease of the middle pretium in the transaction process (-15.07) and a small pretium increase of 10.98 points. A common scale code has decreased the judicial litigation concerning casualties in spite of scales' limits. Only the patients with important aftermaths arrive in the judicial process since 1997.

Design and Implementation of the National Seismic Monitoring Network in the Kingdom of Bhutan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohmi, S.; Inoue, H.; Chophel, J.; Pelgay, P.; Drukpa, D.

2017-12-01

Bhutan-Himalayan district is located along the plate collision zone between Indian and Eurasian plates, which is one of the most seismically active region in the world. Recent earthquakes such as M7.8 Gorkha Nepal earthquake in April 25, 2015 and M6.7 Imphal, India earthquake in January 3, 2016 are examples of felt earthquakes in Bhutan. However, there is no permanent seismic monitoring system ever established in Bhutan, whose territory is in the center of the Bhutan-Himalayan region. We started establishing permanent seismic monitoring network of minimum requirements and intensity meter network over the nation. The former is composed of six (6) observation stations in Bhutan with short period weak motion and strong motion seismometers as well as three (3) broad-band seismometers, and the latter is composed of twenty intensity meters located in every provincial government office. Obtained data are transmitted to the central processing system in the DGM office in Thimphu in real time. In this project, DGM will construct seismic vault with their own budget which is approved as the World Bank project, and Japan team assists the DGM for site survey of observation site, designing the observation vault, and designing the data telemetry system as well as providing instruments for the observation such as seismometers and digitizers. We already started the operation of the six (6) weak motion stations as well as twenty (20) intensity meter stations. Additionally, the RIMES (Regional Integrated Multi-hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia) is also providing eight (8) weak motion stations and we are keeping close communication to operate them as one single seismic monitoring network composed of fourteen (14) stations. This network will be definitely utilized for not only for seismic disaster mitigation of the country but also for studying the seismotectonics in the Bhutan-Himalayan region which is not yet precisely revealed due to the lack of observation data in the past.

Humans, water, and the colonization of Australia.

PubMed

Bird, Michael I; O'Grady, Damien; Ulm, Sean

2016-10-11

The Pleistocene global dispersal of modern humans required the transit of arid and semiarid regions where the distribution of potable water provided a primary constraint on dispersal pathways. Here, we provide a spatially explicit continental-scale assessment of the opportunities for Pleistocene human occupation of Australia, the driest inhabited continent on Earth. We establish the location and connectedness of persistent water in the landscape using the Australian Water Observations from Space dataset combined with the distribution of small permanent water bodies (springs, gnammas, native wells, waterholes, and rockholes). Results demonstrate a high degree of directed landscape connectivity during wet periods and a high density of permanent water points widely but unevenly distributed across the continental interior. A connected network representing the least-cost distance between water bodies and graded according to terrain cost shows that 84% of archaeological sites >30,000 y old are within 20 km of modern permanent water. We further show that multiple, well-watered routes into the semiarid and arid continental interior were available throughout the period of early human occupation. Depletion of high-ranked resources over time in these paleohydrological corridors potentially drove a wave of dispersal farther along well-watered routes to patches with higher foraging returns.

Humans, water, and the colonization of Australia

PubMed Central

O’Grady, Damien

2016-01-01

The Pleistocene global dispersal of modern humans required the transit of arid and semiarid regions where the distribution of potable water provided a primary constraint on dispersal pathways. Here, we provide a spatially explicit continental-scale assessment of the opportunities for Pleistocene human occupation of Australia, the driest inhabited continent on Earth. We establish the location and connectedness of persistent water in the landscape using the Australian Water Observations from Space dataset combined with the distribution of small permanent water bodies (springs, gnammas, native wells, waterholes, and rockholes). Results demonstrate a high degree of directed landscape connectivity during wet periods and a high density of permanent water points widely but unevenly distributed across the continental interior. A connected network representing the least-cost distance between water bodies and graded according to terrain cost shows that 84% of archaeological sites >30,000 y old are within 20 km of modern permanent water. We further show that multiple, well-watered routes into the semiarid and arid continental interior were available throughout the period of early human occupation. Depletion of high-ranked resources over time in these paleohydrological corridors potentially drove a wave of dispersal farther along well-watered routes to patches with higher foraging returns. PMID:27671630

Shear wave EMAT thickness measurements of low carbon steel at 450 °C without cooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lunn, Natasha; Potter, Mark; Dixon, Steve

2017-02-01

Performing high temperature online inspection without plant shutdown is highly desirable, yet, development of portable or permanently installed high temperature ultrasonic sensors, without the need for sample surface preparation, remains a key challenge. Low carbon steel pipelines operating at elevated temperatures often develop a magnetostrictive oxide coating (magnetite), which improves electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) efficiency below the Curie temperature of magnetite (575 °C), via a magnetostrictive mechanism. Coupling the inherent non-contacting nature of EMATs with the enhanced efficiency from a magnetite coating, we are able to continuously operate an uncoded EMAT at elevated temperatures without permanent installation or surface preparation. In this work, a high temperature shear wave EMAT utilizing a high field, high Curie point, permanent magnet has been developed to generate ultrasonic bulk thickness measurements on magnetite coated steel at temperatures of up to 450 °C, without cooling. Relatively high signal-to-noise ratios, in the region of 30 dB for single shot data, have been measured at 450 °C using this technique. The EMAT design and results from high temperature trials, including the performance with change in temperature, sample thickness and EMAT-sample lift-off, are presented here.

Research of pressure sensor based on the fiber Bragg grating for permanent downwell monitoring application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Lina; Long, Pin; Liu, Tiegen

2004-11-01

Timely, accurate and reliable pressure information about how the reservoir is performing is an important component to optimizing oil yield and production rates. This paper reviews the use of fiber optical pressure sensor for downhole monitoring in the oil industry. Several types of pressure transducer with different characteristics have been introduced. Due to their multiplexing capabilities and versatility ,the use of Bragg grating sensors appears to be particularly suited for this application. A sensor for accurate and long term fluid pressure monitoring based on optical fiber Bragg gratings(FBGs) is developed. The sensor converts fluid pressure into optical fiber strain by means of a mechanical transducer to enhance its sensitivity to pressure. It can also implement distributed or multiplexed sensing. The sensor operation is studied at pressure up to 100 Mpa(1000bar) and the tested temperature to ~175°. It is possible to be used in the well.

Autonomous health management for PMSM rail vehicles through demagnetization monitoring and prognosis control.

PubMed

Niu, Gang; Jiang, Junjie; Youn, Byeng D; Pecht, Michael

2018-01-01

Autonomous vehicles are playing an increasingly importance in support of a wide variety of critical events. This paper presents a novel autonomous health management scheme on rail vehicles driven by permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs). Firstly, the PMSMs are modeled based on first principle to deduce the initial profile of pneumatic braking (p-braking) force, then which is utilized for real-time demagnetization monitoring and degradation prognosis through similarity-based theory and generate prognosis-enhanced p-braking force strategy for final optimal control. A case study is conducted to demonstrate the feasibility and benefit of using the real-time prognostics and health management (PHM) information in vehicle 'drive-brake' control automatically. The results show that accurate demagnetization monitoring, degradation prognosis, and real-time capability for control optimization can be obtained, which can effectively relieve brake shoe wear. Copyright © 2018 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structural health monitoring of plates with surface features using guided ultrasonic waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fromme, P.

2009-03-01

Distributed array systems for guided ultrasonic waves offer an efficient way for the long-term monitoring of the structural integrity of large plate-like structures. The measurement concept involving baseline subtraction has been demonstrated under laboratory conditions. For the application to real technical structures it needs to be shown that the methodology works equally well in the presence of structural and surface features. Problems employing this structural health monitoring concept can occur due to the presence of additional changes in the signal reflected at undamaged parts of the structure. The influence of the signal processing parameters and transducer placement on the damage detection and localization accuracy is discussed. The use of permanently attached, distributed sensors for the A0 Lamb wave mode has been investigated. Results are presented using experimental data obtained from laboratory measurements and Finite Element simulated signals for a large steel plate with a welded stiffener.

Scalable NMR spectroscopy with semiconductor chips

PubMed Central

Ha, Dongwan; Paulsen, Jeffrey; Sun, Nan; Song, Yi-Qiao; Ham, Donhee

2014-01-01

State-of-the-art NMR spectrometers using superconducting magnets have enabled, with their ultrafine spectral resolution, the determination of the structure of large molecules such as proteins, which is one of the most profound applications of modern NMR spectroscopy. Many chemical and biotechnological applications, however, involve only small-to-medium size molecules, for which the ultrafine resolution of the bulky, expensive, and high-maintenance NMR spectrometers is not required. For these applications, there is a critical need for portable, affordable, and low-maintenance NMR spectrometers to enable in-field, on-demand, or online applications (e.g., quality control, chemical reaction monitoring) and co-use of NMR with other analytical methods (e.g., chromatography, electrophoresis). As a critical step toward NMR spectrometer miniaturization, small permanent magnets with high field homogeneity have been developed. In contrast, NMR spectrometer electronics capable of modern multidimensional spectroscopy have thus far remained bulky. Complementing the magnet miniaturization, here we integrate the NMR spectrometer electronics into 4-mm2 silicon chips. Furthermore, we perform various multidimensional NMR spectroscopies by operating these spectrometer electronics chips together with a compact permanent magnet. This combination of the spectrometer-electronics-on-a-chip with a permanent magnet represents a useful step toward miniaturization of the overall NMR spectrometer into a portable platform. PMID:25092330

Noninvasive Assessment of Tissue Heating During Cardiac Radiofrequency Ablation Using MRI Thermography

PubMed Central

Kolandaivelu, Aravindan; Zviman, Menekhem M.; Castro, Valeria; Lardo, Albert C.; Berger, Ronald D.; Halperin, Henry R.

2010-01-01

Background Failure to achieve properly localized, permanent tissue destruction is a common cause of arrhythmia recurrence after cardiac ablation. Current methods of assessing lesion size and location during cardiac radiofrequency ablation are unreliable or not suited for repeated assessment during the procedure. MRI thermography could be used to delineate permanent ablation lesions because tissue heating above 50°C is the cause of permanent tissue destruction during radiofrequency ablation. However, image artifacts caused by cardiac motion, the ablation electrode, and radiofrequency ablation currently pose a challenge to MRI thermography in the heart. In the current study, we sought to demonstrate the feasibility of MRI thermography during cardiac ablation. Methods and Results An MRI-compatible electrophysiology catheter and filtered radiofrequency ablation system was used to perform ablation in the left ventricle of 6 mongrel dogs in a 1.5-T MRI system. Fast gradient-echo imaging was performed before and during radiofrequency ablation, and thermography images were derived from the preheating and postheating images. Lesion extent by thermography was within 20% of the gross pathology lesion. Conclusions MR thermography appears to be a promising technique for monitoring lesion formation and may allow for more accurate placement and titration of ablation, possibly reducing arrhythmia recurrences. PMID:20657028