Ultra-wide Range Gamma Detector System for Search and Locate Operations

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

Odell, D. Mackenzie Odell; Harpring, Larry J.; Moore, Frank S. Jr.

2005-10-26

Collecting debris samples following a nuclear event requires that operations be conducted from a considerable stand-off distance. An ultra-wide range gamma detector system has been constructed to accomplish both long range radiation search and close range hot sample collection functions. Constructed and tested on a REMOTEC Andros platform, the system has demonstrated reliable operation over six orders of magnitude of gamma dose from 100's of uR/hr to over 100 R/hr. Functional elements include a remotely controlled variable collimator assembly, a NaI(Tl)/photomultiplier tube detector, a proprietary digital radiation instrument, a coaxially mounted video camera, a digital compass, and both local andmore » remote control computers with a user interface designed for long range operations. Long range sensitivity and target location, as well as close range sample selection performance are presented.« less

Collecting cometary soil samples? Development of the ROSETTA sample acquisition system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coste, P. A.; Fenzi, M.; Eiden, Michael

1993-01-01

In the reference scenario of the ROSETTA CNRS mission, the Sample Acquisition System is mounted on the Comet Lander. Its tasks are to acquire three kinds of cometary samples and to transfer them to the Earth Return Capsule. Operations are to be performed in vacuum and microgravity, on a probably rough and dusty surface, in a largely unknown material, at temperatures in the order of 100 K. The concept and operation of the Sample Acquisition System are presented. The design of the prototype corer and surface sampling tool, and of the equipment for testing them at cryogenic temperatures in ambient conditions and in vacuum in various materials representing cometary soil, are described. Results of recent preliminary tests performed in low temperature thermal vacuum in a cometary analog ice-dust mixture are provided.

Water vapor measurement system in global atmospheric sampling program, appendix

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Englund, D. R.; Dudzinski, T. J.

1982-01-01

The water vapor measurement system used in the NASA Global Atmospheric Sampling Program (GASP) is described. The system used a modified version of a commercially available dew/frostpoint hygrometer with a thermoelectrically cooled mirror sensor. The modifications extended the range of the hygrometer to enable air sample measurements with frostpoint temperatures down to -80 C at altitudes of 6 to 13 km. Other modifications were made to permit automatic, unattended operation in an aircraft environment. This report described the hygrometer, its integration with the GASP system, its calibration, and operational aspects including measurement errors. The estimated uncertainty of the dew/frostpoint measurements was + or - 1.7 Celsius.

Screening portal, system and method of using same

DOEpatents

Linker, Kevin L.; Hunter, John A.; Brusseau, Charles A.

2013-04-30

A portal, system and method for screening an object for a target substance is provided. The portal includes an inflatable bladder expandable to form a test space for receiving the object and a plurality of nozzles positioned about the inflatable bladder. The nozzles are in fluid communication with a fluid source for directing air over the object whereby samples are removed from the object for examination. A collector is operatively connected to the inflatable bladder for collecting the samples removed from the object. A detector is operatively connected to the collector for examining the removed samples for the presence of the target substance. At least one preconcentrator may be operatively connected to the collector for concentrating the samples collected thereby.

An automated atmospheric sampling system operating on 747 airliners

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perkins, P.; Gustafsson, U. R. C.

1975-01-01

An air sampling system that automatically measures the temporal and spatial distribution of selected particulate and gaseous constituents of the atmosphere has been installed on a number of commercial airliners and is collecting data on commercial air routes covering the world. Measurements of constituents related to aircraft engine emissions and other pollutants are made in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (6 to 12 km) in support of the Global Air Sampling Program (GASP). Aircraft operated by different airlines sample air at latitudes from the Arctic to Australia. This system includes specialized instrumentation for measuring carbon monoxide, ozone, water vapor, and particulates, a special air inlet probe for sampling outside air, a computerized automatic control, and a data acquisition system. Air constituents and related flight data are tape recorded in flight for later computer processing on the ground.

Microfluidic-Based Robotic Sampling System for Radioactive Solutions

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

Jack D. Law; Julia L. Tripp; Tara E. Smith

A novel microfluidic based robotic sampling system has been developed for sampling and analysis of liquid solutions in nuclear processes. This system couples the use of a microfluidic sample chip with a robotic system designed to allow remote, automated sampling of process solutions in-cell and facilitates direct coupling of the microfluidic sample chip with analytical instrumentation. This system provides the capability for near real time analysis, reduces analytical waste, and minimizes the potential for personnel exposure associated with traditional sampling methods. A prototype sampling system was designed, built and tested. System testing demonstrated operability of the microfluidic based sample systemmore » and identified system modifications to optimize performance.« less

Guide for preparing active solar heating systems operation and maintenance manuals

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

Not Available

1991-01-01

This book presents a systematic and standardized approach to the preparation of operation and maintenance manuals for active solar heating systems. Provides an industry consensus of the best operating and maintenance procedures for large commercial-scale solar service water and space heating systems. A sample O M manual is included. 3-ring binder included.

SAMPLING SYSTEM

DOEpatents

Hannaford, B.A.; Rosenberg, R.; Segaser, C.L.; Terry, C.L.

1961-01-17

An apparatus is given for the batch sampling of radioactive liquids such as slurries from a system by remote control, while providing shielding for protection of operating personnel from the harmful effects of radiation.

Apparatus for gas sorption measurement with integrated gas composition measurement device and gas mixing

DOEpatents

Micklash. II, Kenneth James; Dutton, Justin James; Kaye, Steven

2014-06-03

An apparatus for testing of multiple material samples includes a gas delivery control system operatively connectable to the multiple material samples and configured to provide gas to the multiple material samples. Both a gas composition measurement device and pressure measurement devices are included in the apparatus. The apparatus includes multiple selectively openable and closable valves and a series of conduits configured to selectively connect the multiple material samples individually to the gas composition device and the pressure measurement devices by operation of the valves. A mixing system is selectively connectable to the series of conduits and is operable to cause forced mixing of the gas within the series of conduits to achieve a predetermined uniformity of gas composition within the series of conduits and passages.

Performance tasks for operator-skills research.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1966-06-01

The selection, development, and operation of several tasks for use in skilled-operator-performance research are described. The tasks are intended, collectively, to sample a broad spectrum of abilities required by complex operator systems; individuall...

Ozone measurement system for NASA global air sampling program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tiefermann, M. W.

1979-01-01

The ozone measurement system used in the NASA Global Air Sampling Program is described. The system uses a commercially available ozone concentration monitor that was modified and repackaged so as to operate unattended in an aircraft environment. The modifications required for aircraft use are described along with the calibration techniques, the measurement of ozone loss in the sample lines, and the operating procedures that were developed for use in the program. Based on calibrations with JPL's 5-meter ultraviolet photometer, all previously published GASP ozone data are biased high by 9 percent. A system error analysis showed that the total system measurement random error is from 3 to 8 percent of reading (depending on the pump diaphragm material) or 3 ppbv, whichever are greater.

Establishment and operation of the National Accident Sampling System (NASS) team within the cities of Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood, Florida

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beddow, B.; Roberts, C.; Rankin, J.; Bloch, A.; Peizer, J.

1981-01-01

The National Accident Sampling System (NASS) is described. The study area discussed is one of the original ten sites selected for NASS implementation. In addition to collecting data from the field, the original ten sites address questions of feasibility of the plan, projected results of the data collection effort, and specific operational topics, e.g., team size, sampling requirements, training approaches, quality control procedures, and field techniques. Activities and results of the first three years of the project, for both major tasks (establishment and operation) are addressed. Topics include: study area documentation; team description, function and activities; problems and solutions; and recommendations.

Earth orbital teleoperator visual system evaluation program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frederick, P. N.; Shields, N. L., Jr.; Kirkpatrick, M., III

1977-01-01

Visual system parameters and stereoptic television component geometries were evaluated for optimum viewing. The accuracy of operator range estimation using a Fresnell stereo television system with a three dimensional cursor was examined. An operator's ability to align three dimensional targets using vidicon tube and solid state television cameras as part of a Fresnell stereoptic system was evaluated. An operator's ability to discriminate between varied color samples viewed with a color television system was determined.

Design of a blood-freezing system for leukemia research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, T. E.; Cygnarowicz, T. A.

1978-01-01

Leukemia research involves the use of cryogenic freezing and storage equipment. In a program being carried out at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), bone marrow (white blood cells) was frozen using a standard cryogenic biological freezer. With this system, it is difficult to maintain the desired rate of freezing and repeatability from sample to sample. A freezing system was developed that satisfies the requirements for a repeatable, constant freezing rate. The system was delivered to NIC and is now operational. This report describes the design of the major subsystems, the analyses, the operating procedure, and final system test results.

SAMURAI: Polar AUV-Based Autonomous Dexterous Sampling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akin, D. L.; Roberts, B. J.; Smith, W.; Roderick, S.; Reves-Sohn, R.; Singh, H.

2006-12-01

While autonomous undersea vehicles are increasingly being used for surveying and mapping missions, as of yet there has been little concerted effort to create a system capable of performing physical sampling or other manipulation of the local environment. This type of activity has typically been performed under teleoperated control from ROVs, which provides high-bandwidth real-time human direction of the manipulation activities. Manipulation from an AUV will require a completely autonomous sampling system, which implies both advanced technologies such as machine vision and autonomous target designation, but also dexterous robot manipulators to perform the actual sampling without human intervention. As part of the NASA Astrobiology Science and Technology for Exploring the Planets (ASTEP) program, the University of Maryland Space Systems Laboratory has been adapting and extending robotics technologies developed for spacecraft assembly and maintenance to the problem of autonomous sampling of biologicals and soil samples around hydrothermal vents. The Sub-polar ice Advanced Manipulator for Universal Sampling and Autonomous Intervention (SAMURAI) system is comprised of a 6000-meter capable six-degree-of-freedom dexterous manipulator, along with an autonomous vision system, multi-level control system, and sampling end effectors and storage mechanisms to allow collection of samples from vent fields. SAMURAI will be integrated onto the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) Jaguar AUV, and used in Arctic during the fall of 2007 for autonomous vent field sampling on the Gakkel Ridge. Under the current operations concept, the JAGUAR and PUMA AUVs will survey the water column and localize on hydrothermal vents. Early mapping missions will create photomosaics of the vents and local surroundings, allowing scientists on the mission to designate desirable sampling targets. Based on physical characteristics such as size, shape, and coloration, the targets will be loaded into the SAMURAI control system, and JAGUAR (with SAMURAI mounted to the lower forward hull) will return to the designated target areas. Once on site, vehicle control will be turned over to the SAMURAI controller, which will perform vision-based guidance to the sampling site and will then ground the AUV to the sea bottom for stability. The SAMURAI manipulator will collect samples, such as sessile biologicals, geological samples, and (potentially) vent fluids, and store the samples for the return trip. After several hours of sampling operations on one or several sites, JAGUAR control will be returned to the WHOI onboard controller for the return to the support ship. (Operational details of AUV operations on the Gakkel Ridge mission are presented in other papers at this conference.) Between sorties, SAMURAI end effectors can be changed out on the surface for specific targets, such as push cores or larger biologicals such as tube worms. In addition to the obvious challenges in autonomous vision-based manipulator control from a free-flying support vehicle, significant development challenges have been the design of a highly capable robotic arm within the mass limitations (both wet and dry) of the JAGUAR vehicle, the development of a highly robust manipulator with modular maintenance units for extended polar operations, and the creation of a robot-based sample collection and holding system for multiple heterogeneous samples on a single extended sortie.

Novel Sample-handling Approach for XRD Analysis with Minimal Sample Preparation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sarrazin, P.; Chipera, S.; Bish, D.; Blake, D.; Feldman, S.; Vaniman, D.; Bryson, C.

2004-01-01

Sample preparation and sample handling are among the most critical operations associated with X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. These operations require attention in a laboratory environment, but they become a major constraint in the deployment of XRD instruments for robotic planetary exploration. We are developing a novel sample handling system that dramatically relaxes the constraints on sample preparation by allowing characterization of coarse-grained material that would normally be impossible to analyze with conventional powder-XRD techniques.

A direct-view customer-oriented digital holographic camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Besaga, Vira R.; Gerhardt, Nils C.; Maksimyak, Peter P.; Hofmann, Martin R.

2018-01-01

In this paper, we propose a direct-view digital holographic camera system consisting mostly of customer-oriented components. The camera system is based on standard photographic units such as camera sensor and objective and is adapted to operate under off-axis external white-light illumination. The common-path geometry of the holographic module of the system ensures direct-view operation. The system can operate in both self-reference and self-interference modes. As a proof of system operability, we present reconstructed amplitude and phase information of a test sample.

Full-scale studies of factors related to coliform regrowth in drinking water.

PubMed

LeChevallier, M W; Welch, N J; Smith, D B

1996-07-01

An 18-month survey of 31 water systems in North America was conducted to determine the factors that contribute to the occurrence of coliform bacteria in drinking water. The survey included analysis of assimilable organic carbon (AOC), coliforms, disinfectant residuals, and operational parameters. Coliform bacteria were detected in 27.8% of the 2-week sampling periods and were associated with the following factors: filtration, temperature, disinfectant type and disinfectant level, AOC level, corrosion control, and operational characteristics. Four systems in the study that used unfiltered surface water accounted for 26.6% of the total number of bacterial samples collected but 64.3% (1,013 of 1,576) of the positive coliform samples. The occurrence of coliform bacteria was significantly higher when water temperatures were > 15 degrees C. For filtered systems that used free chlorine, 0.97% of 33,196 samples contained coliform bacteria, while 0.51% of 35,159 samples from chloraminated systems contained coliform bacteria. The average density of coliform bacteria was 35 times higher in free-chlorinated systems than in chloraminated water (0.60 CFU/100 ml for free-chlorinated water compared with 0.017 CFU/100 ml for chloraminated water). Systems that maintained dead-end free chlorine levels of < 0.2 mg/liter or monochloramine levels of < 0.5 mg/liter had substantially more coliform occurrences than systems that maintained higher disinfectant residuals. Free-chlorinated systems with AOC levels greater than 100 micrograms/liter had 82% more coliform-positive samples and 19 times higher coliform levels than free-chlorinated systems with average AOC levels less than 99 micrograms/liter. Systems that maintained a phosphate-based corrosion inhibitor and limited the amount of unlined cast iron pipe had fewer coliform bacteria. Several operational characteristics of the treatment process or the distribution system were also associated with increased rates of coliform occurrence. The study concludes that the occurrence of coliform bacteria within a distribution system is dependent upon a complex interaction of chemical, physical, operational, and engineering parameters. No one factor could account for all of the coliform occurrences, and one must consider all of the parameters described above in devising a solution to the regrowth problem.

Full-scale studies of factors related to coliform regrowth in drinking water.

PubMed Central

LeChevallier, M W; Welch, N J; Smith, D B

1996-01-01

An 18-month survey of 31 water systems in North America was conducted to determine the factors that contribute to the occurrence of coliform bacteria in drinking water. The survey included analysis of assimilable organic carbon (AOC), coliforms, disinfectant residuals, and operational parameters. Coliform bacteria were detected in 27.8% of the 2-week sampling periods and were associated with the following factors: filtration, temperature, disinfectant type and disinfectant level, AOC level, corrosion control, and operational characteristics. Four systems in the study that used unfiltered surface water accounted for 26.6% of the total number of bacterial samples collected but 64.3% (1,013 of 1,576) of the positive coliform samples. The occurrence of coliform bacteria was significantly higher when water temperatures were > 15 degrees C. For filtered systems that used free chlorine, 0.97% of 33,196 samples contained coliform bacteria, while 0.51% of 35,159 samples from chloraminated systems contained coliform bacteria. The average density of coliform bacteria was 35 times higher in free-chlorinated systems than in chloraminated water (0.60 CFU/100 ml for free-chlorinated water compared with 0.017 CFU/100 ml for chloraminated water). Systems that maintained dead-end free chlorine levels of < 0.2 mg/liter or monochloramine levels of < 0.5 mg/liter had substantially more coliform occurrences than systems that maintained higher disinfectant residuals. Free-chlorinated systems with AOC levels greater than 100 micrograms/liter had 82% more coliform-positive samples and 19 times higher coliform levels than free-chlorinated systems with average AOC levels less than 99 micrograms/liter. Systems that maintained a phosphate-based corrosion inhibitor and limited the amount of unlined cast iron pipe had fewer coliform bacteria. Several operational characteristics of the treatment process or the distribution system were also associated with increased rates of coliform occurrence. The study concludes that the occurrence of coliform bacteria within a distribution system is dependent upon a complex interaction of chemical, physical, operational, and engineering parameters. No one factor could account for all of the coliform occurrences, and one must consider all of the parameters described above in devising a solution to the regrowth problem. PMID:8779557

Automated biowaste sampling system, solids subsystem operating model, part 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fogal, G. L.; Mangialardi, J. K.; Stauffer, R. E.

1973-01-01

The detail design and fabrication of the Solids Subsystem were implemented. The system's capacity for the collection, storage or sampling of feces and vomitus from six subjects was tested and verified.

U.S.-MEXICO BORDER PROGRAM ARIZONA BORDER STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR TRACKING SYSTEM (UA-D-28.0)

EPA Science Inventory

The Arizona Border Study used a system that tracks what occurs to a sample and provides the status of that sample at any given time. In essence, the tracking system provides an electronic chain of custody record for each sample as it moves through the project. This is achieved ...

NHEXAS PHASE I ARIZONA STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR TRACKING SYSTEM (UA-D-28.0)

EPA Science Inventory

The NHEXAS Arizona project designed a system that tracks what occurs to a sample and provides the status of that sample at any given time. In essence, the tracking system provides an electronic chain of custody record for each sample as it moves through the project. This is ach...

Improved sample management in the cylindrical-tube microelectrophoresis method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smolka, A. J. K.

1980-01-01

A modification to an analytical microelectrophoresis system is described that improves the manipulation of the sample particles and fluid. The apparatus modification and improved operational procedure should yield more accurate measurements of particle mobilities and permit less skilled operators to use the apparatus.

KDB-1 LOW-LEVEL AIRCRAFT SAMPLING SYSTEM

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

Plagge, H.J.

1961-03-01

Use of KDB-1 drone aircraft appears feasible for the sampling of atomic debris at altitudes from 1000 to 40,000 feet. Further development would be necessary for precision control below 1000 feet. Further development and testing remains to be done on the sampling devices before the system can become operational. This system would be approximately one-seventh as expensive as present systems using manned aircraft. (auth)

Effects of System Timing Parameters on Operator Performance in a Personnel Records Task

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-03-01

work sampling, embedded performance measures, and operator satisfaction ratings) are needed to provide a complete analysis of the effects of the four...HFL-8 l-l/NPRDC-8 1-1 March 1981 EFFECTS OF SYSTEM TIMING PARAMETERS ON OPERATOR PERFORMANCE IN A PERSONNEL RECORDS TASK Robert C. Williges Beverly H...and Subtitle) S. TYPE OF REPORT & PERIOD COVERED EFFECTS OF SYSTEM TIMING PARAMETERS ON OPERATOR PERFORMANCE IN A PERSONNEL RECORDS TASK Final

A Description of the Development, Capabilities, and Operational Status of the Test SLATE Data Acquisition System at the National Transonic Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cramer, Christopher J.; Wright, James D.; Simmons, Scott A.; Bobbitt, Lynn E.; DeMoss, Joshua A.

2015-01-01

The paper will present a brief background of the previous data acquisition system at the National Transonic Facility (NTF) and the reasoning and goals behind the upgrade to the current Test SLATE (Test Software Laboratory and Automated Testing Environments) data acquisition system. The components, performance characteristics, and layout of the Test SLATE system within the NTF control room will be discussed. The development, testing, and integration of Test SLATE within NTF operations will be detailed. The operational capabilities of the system will be outlined including: test setup, instrumentation calibration, automatic test sequencer setup, data recording, communication between data and facility control systems, real time display monitoring, and data reduction. The current operational status of the Test SLATE system and its performance during recent NTF testing will be highlighted including high-speed, frame-by-frame data acquisition with conditional sampling post-processing applied. The paper concludes with current development work on the system including the capability for real-time conditional sampling during data acquisition and further efficiency enhancements to the wind tunnel testing process.

Apollo Saturn 511 effluent measurements from the Apollo 16 launch operations: An experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gregory, G. L.; Hulten, W. C.; Wornom, D. E.

1974-01-01

An experiment was performed in conjunction with the Apollo 16 launch to define operational and instrumentational problems associated with launch-vehicle exhaust effluent monitoring. Ground and airborne sampling were performed for CO, CO2, hydrocarbons, and particulates. Sampling systems included filter pads and photometers for particulates and whole-air grab samples for gases. Launch debris was identified in the particulate samples at ground level(taken immediately after launch) and in the airborne measurements (taken 40 to 50 minutes after launch approximately 40 km downwind of the pad). Operational problems were identified and included the need for higher instrumentation mobility and the need for real-time sampling instrumentation as opposed to collection-type samples such as the whole-air grab sample.

Implications of sampling design and sample size for national carbon accounting systems

Treesearch

Michael Köhl; Andrew Lister; Charles T. Scott; Thomas Baldauf; Daniel Plugge

2011-01-01

Countries willing to adopt a REDD regime need to establish a national Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system that provides information on forest carbon stocks and carbon stock changes. Due to the extensive areas covered by forests the information is generally obtained by sample based surveys. Most operational sampling approaches utilize a combination of...

HALE UAS Concept of Operations. Version 3.0

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2006-01-01

This document is a system level Concept of Operations (CONOPS) from the perspective of future High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) service providers and National Airspace System (NAS) users. It describes current systems (existing UAS), describes HALE UAS functions and operations to be performed (via sample missions), and offers insight into the user s environment (i.e., the UAS as a system of systems). It is intended to be a source document for NAS UAS operational requirements, and provides a construct for government agencies to use in guiding their regulatory decisions, architecture requirements, and investment strategies. Although it does not describe the technical capabilities of a specific HALE UAS system (which do, and will vary widely), it is intended to aid in requirements capture and to be used as input to the functional requirements and analysis process. The document provides a basis for development of functional requirements and operational guidelines to achieve unrestricted access into the NAS. This document is an FY06 update to the FY05 Access 5 Project-approved Concept of Operations document previously published in the Public Domain on the Access 5 open website. This version is recommended to be approved for public release also. The updates are a reorganization of materials from the previous version with the addition of an updated set of operational requirements, inclusion of sample mission scenarios, and identification of roles and responsibilities of interfaces within flight phases.

Time and frequency domain analysis of sampled data controllers via mixed operation equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frisch, H. P.

1981-01-01

Specification of the mathematical equations required to define the dynamic response of a linear continuous plant, subject to sampled data control, is complicated by the fact that the digital components of the control system cannot be modeled via linear ordinary differential equations. This complication can be overcome by introducing two new mathematical operations; namely, the operation of zero order hold and digial delay. It is shown that by direct utilization of these operations, a set of linear mixed operation equations can be written and used to define the dynamic response characteristics of the controlled system. It also is shown how these linear mixed operation equations lead, in an automatable manner, directly to a set of finite difference equations which are in a format compatible with follow on time and frequency domain analysis methods.

RECOMMENDED OPERATING PROCEDURE NO. 51: GLASS SOURCE ASSESSMENT SAMPLING SYSTEM (GLASS SASS)

EPA Science Inventory

The report is a recommended operating procedure (ROP), prepared for use in research activities conducted by EPA's Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory (AEERL). he method described is applicable to the stack sampling of flue gas from a rotary kiln and to associated equip...

40 CFR 63.1013 - Sampling connection systems standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... (CONTINUED) National Emission Standards for Equipment Leaks-Control Level 1 § 63.1013 Sampling connection... container are not required to be collected or captured. (c) Equipment design and operation. Each closed... process fluid to a process; or (3) Be designed and operated to capture and transport all the purged...

Using a peanut drying monitoring system to estimate costs of nonbeneficial dryer operation

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Presently, the peanut industry lacks a commercially available, industry-accepted solution for real-time kernel moisture content determination during peanut drying. Samples of unshelled peanuts are extracted from the semitrailer by an operator periodically, and the samples have to be cleaned and shel...

Air sampling methods to evaluate microbial contamination in operating theatres: results of a comparative study in an orthopaedics department.

PubMed

Napoli, C; Tafuri, S; Montenegro, L; Cassano, M; Notarnicola, A; Lattarulo, S; Montagna, M T; Moretti, B

2012-02-01

To evaluate the level of microbial contamination of air in operating theatres using active [i.e. surface air system (SAS)] and passive [i.e. index of microbial air contamination (IMA) and nitrocellulose membranes positioned near the wound] sampling systems. Sampling was performed between January 2010 and January 2011 in the operating theatre of the orthopaedics department in a university hospital in Southern Italy. During surgery, the mean bacterial loads recorded were 2232.9 colony-forming units (cfu)/m(2)/h with the IMA method, 123.2 cfu/m(3) with the SAS method and 2768.2 cfu/m(2)/h with the nitrocellulose membranes. Correlation was found between the results of the three methods. Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 12 of 60 operations (20%) with the membranes, five (8.3%) operations with the SAS method, and three operations (5%) with the IMA method. Use of nitrocellulose membranes placed near a wound is a valid method for measuring the microbial contamination of air. This method was more sensitive than the IMA method and was not subject to any calibration bias, unlike active air monitoring systems. Copyright © 2011 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Set Up of an Automatic Water Quality Sampling System in Irrigation Agriculture

PubMed Central

Heinz, Emanuel; Kraft, Philipp; Buchen, Caroline; Frede, Hans-Georg; Aquino, Eugenio; Breuer, Lutz

2014-01-01

We have developed a high-resolution automatic sampling system for continuous in situ measurements of stable water isotopic composition and nitrogen solutes along with hydrological information. The system facilitates concurrent monitoring of a large number of water and nutrient fluxes (ground, surface, irrigation and rain water) in irrigated agriculture. For this purpose we couple an automatic sampling system with a Wavelength-Scanned Cavity Ring Down Spectrometry System (WS-CRDS) for stable water isotope analysis (δ2H and δ18O), a reagentless hyperspectral UV photometer (ProPS) for monitoring nitrate content and various water level sensors for hydrometric information. The automatic sampling system consists of different sampling stations equipped with pumps, a switch cabinet for valve and pump control and a computer operating the system. The complete system is operated via internet-based control software, allowing supervision from nearly anywhere. The system is currently set up at the International Rice Research Institute (Los Baños, The Philippines) in a diversified rice growing system to continuously monitor water and nutrient fluxes. Here we present the system's technical set-up and provide initial proof-of-concept with results for the isotopic composition of different water sources and nitrate values from the 2012 dry season. PMID:24366178

[Microbial air monitoring in operating theatre: active and passive samplings].

PubMed

Pasquarella, C; Masia, M D; Nnanga, Nga; Sansebastiano, G E; Savino, A; Signorelli, C; Veronesi, L

2004-01-01

Microbial air contamination was evaluated in 11 operating theatres using active and passive samplings. SAS (Surface Air System) air sampling was used to evaluate cfu/m3 and settle plates were used to measure the index of microbial air contamination (IMA). Samplings were performed at the same time on three different days, at three different times (before, during and after the surgical activity). Two points were monitored (patient area and perimeter of the operating theatre). Moreover, the cfu/m3 were evaluated at the air inlet of the conditioner system. 74.7% of samplings performed at the air inlet and 66.7% of the samplings performed at the patient area before the beginning of the surgical activity (at rest) exceeded the 35 cfu/m3 used as threshold value. 100% of IMA values exceeded the threshold value of 5. Using both active and passive sampling, the microbial contamination was shown to increase significantly during activity. The cfu values were higher at the patient area than at the perimeter of the operating theatre. Mean values of the cfu/m3 during activity at the patient area ranged from a minimum of 61+/-41 cfu/m3 to a maximum of 242+/-136 cfu/m3; IMA values ranged from a minimum of 19+/-10 to a maximum of 129+/-60. 15.2% of samplings performed at the patient area using SAS and 75.8% of samplings performed using settle plates exceeded the threshold values of 180 cfu/m3 and 25 respectively, with a significant difference of the percentages. The highest values were found in the operating theatre with inadequate structural and managerial conditions. These findings confirm that the microbiological quality of air may be considered a mirror of the hygienic conditions of the operating theatre. Settle plates proved to be more sensitive in detecting the increase of microbial air contamination related to conditions that could compromise the quality of the air in operating theatres.

British Geological Survey remotely operated sea bed rockdrills and vibrocorers: new advances to meet the needs of the scientific community.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stewart, H. A.; Stevenson, A.; Wilson, M.; Pheasant, I.

2014-12-01

The British Geological Survey (BGS) have developed a number of coring and drilling systems for use in science projects in the UK and internationally. These include 3m and 6m vibrocoring systems; a 5m combined rockdrill and vibrocorer system; an oriented drill designed specifically to recover samples for use in palaeomagnetic studies; and a 55m rockdrill (RockDrill2). Recently, BGS have developed an autonomous, battery-operated vibrocoring system compatible with both the 3m and 6m vibrocorers, which can be used in water depths up to 6000m. Use of a battery system negates the use of an umbilical power cable to operate the vibrocorer, which instead can be deployed using the vessels A-frame and winch. The autonomous battery system comprises six 48V 19Ah batteries connected in series to give a 288V power source, a microprocessor and real-time clock. Data from the sensors are recorded with a time-stamp, giving diagnostic information that can be downloaded once the system is returned to the deck. The vibrocorer is operated via a pre-set program which is set up before deployment.The new system not only allows vibrocoring in greater water depths, but can also be used on smaller vessels where deck space is limited as a separate winch and umbilical is not required. The autonomous system was used for the first time in June 2014 on-board the RV Belgica to acquire samples from 20 sites in the Dangeard and Explorer canyon heads, off the southwest of England in 430m water depth.Another development is the BGS 55m rockdrill (RockDrill2), a remotely operated sampling system capable of coring up to 55m below sea floor in water depths up to 4000m. The rockdrill can be operated via its own launch and recovery system and can be outfitted with additional sensors such as gas flow meters, which have been designed by the BGS for assessing volume of gas hydrate, and down-hole logging tools. The 55m rockdrill has recently been used to sample hydrate-entrained sediments in the Sea of Japan. The maximum coring depth achieved was 32m below sea floor and the system can operate for more than 50 hours on a single deployment. The BGS system will be used in conjunction with the Bremen University (MARUM) MeBo sea-floor rockdrill on future International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) expeditions.

Portable gas chromatograph mass spectrometer for on-site chemical analyses

DOEpatents

Haas, Jeffrey S.; Bushman, John F.; Howard, Douglas E.; Wong, James L.; Eckels, Joel D.

2002-01-01

A portable, lightweight (approximately 25 kg) gas chromatograph mass spectrometer, including the entire vacuum system, can perform qualitative and quantitative analyses of all sample types in the field. The GC/MS has a conveniently configured layout of components for ease of serviceability and maintenance. The GC/MS system can be transported under operating or near-operating conditions (i.e., under vacuum and at elevated temperature) to reduce the downtime before samples can be analyzed on-site.

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

Not Available

Covered are: analytical laboratory operations (ALO) sample receipt and control, ALO data report/package preparation review and control, single shell tank (PST) project sample tracking system, sample receiving, analytical balances, duties and responsibilities of sample custodian, sample refrigerator temperature monitoring, security, assignment of staff responsibilities, sample storage, data reporting, and general requirements for glassware.

Unattended reaction monitoring using an automated microfluidic sampler and on-line liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Patel, Darshan C; Lyu, Yaqi Fara; Gandarilla, Jorge; Doherty, Steve

2018-04-03

In-process sampling and analysis is an important aspect of monitoring kinetic profiles and impurity formation or rejection, both in development and during commercial manufacturing. In pharmaceutical process development, the technology of choice for a substantial portion of this analysis is high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Traditionally, the sample extraction and preparation for reaction characterization have been performed manually. This can be time consuming, laborious, and impractical for long processes. Depending on the complexity of the sample preparation, there can be variability introduced by different analysts, and in some cases, the integrity of the sample can be compromised during handling. While there are commercial instruments available for on-line monitoring with HPLC, they lack capabilities in many key areas. Some do not provide integration of the sampling and analysis, while others afford limited flexibility in sample preparation. The current offerings provide a limited number of unit operations available for sample processing and no option for workflow customizability. This work describes development of a microfluidic automated program (MAP) which fully automates the sample extraction, manipulation, and on-line LC analysis. The flexible system is controlled using an intuitive Microsoft Excel based user interface. The autonomous system is capable of unattended reaction monitoring that allows flexible unit operations and workflow customization to enable complex operations and on-line sample preparation. The automated system is shown to offer advantages over manual approaches in key areas while providing consistent and reproducible in-process data. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The WAIS Melt Monitor: An automated ice core melting system for meltwater sample handling and the collection of high resolution microparticle size distribution data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breton, D. J.; Koffman, B. G.; Kreutz, K. J.; Hamilton, G. S.

2010-12-01

Paleoclimate data are often extracted from ice cores by careful geochemical analysis of meltwater samples. The analysis of the microparticles found in ice cores can also yield unique clues about atmospheric dust loading and transport, dust provenance and past environmental conditions. Determination of microparticle concentration, size distribution and chemical makeup as a function of depth is especially difficult because the particle size measurement either consumes or contaminates the meltwater, preventing further geochemical analysis. Here we describe a microcontroller-based ice core melting system which allows the collection of separate microparticle and chemistry samples from the same depth intervals in the ice core, while logging and accurately depth-tagging real-time electrical conductivity and particle size distribution data. This system was designed specifically to support microparticle analysis of the WAIS Divide WDC06A deep ice core, but many of the subsystems are applicable to more general ice core melting operations. Major system components include: a rotary encoder to measure ice core melt displacement with 0.1 millimeter accuracy, a meltwater tracking system to assign core depths to conductivity, particle and sample vial data, an optical debubbler level control system to protect the Abakus laser particle counter from damage due to air bubbles, a Rabbit 3700 microcontroller which communicates with a host PC, collects encoder and optical sensor data and autonomously operates Gilson peristaltic pumps and fraction collectors to provide automatic sample handling, melt monitor control software operating on a standard PC allowing the user to control and view the status of the system, data logging software operating on the same PC to collect data from the melting, electrical conductivity and microparticle measurement systems. Because microparticle samples can easily be contaminated, we use optical air bubble sensors and high resolution ice core density profiles to guide the melting process. The combination of these data allow us to analyze melt head performance, minimize outer-to-inner fraction contamination and avoid melt head flooding. The WAIS Melt Monitor system allows the collection of real-time, sub-annual microparticle and electrical conductivity data while producing and storing enough sample for traditional Coulter-Counter particle measurements as well long term acid leaching of bioactive metals (e.g., Fe, Co, Cd, Cu, Zn) prior to chemical analysis.

Automated biowaste sampling system urine subsystem operating model, part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fogal, G. L.; Mangialardi, J. K.; Rosen, F.

1973-01-01

The urine subsystem automatically provides for the collection, volume sensing, and sampling of urine from six subjects during space flight. Verification of the subsystem design was a primary objective of the current effort which was accomplished thru the detail design, fabrication, and verification testing of an operating model of the subsystem.

Soldier-Computer Interface

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-27

placed on the user by the required tasks. Design areas that are of concern include seating , input and output device location and design , ambient...software, hardware, and workspace design for the test function of operability that influence operator performance in a computer-based system. 15...PRESENTATION ................... 23 APPENDIX A. SAMPLE DESIGN CHECKLISTS ...................................... A-1 B. SAMPLE TASK CHECKLISTS

Modeling of human operator dynamics in simple manual control utilizing time series analysis. [tracking (position)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Agarwal, G. C.; Osafo-Charles, F.; Oneill, W. D.; Gottlieb, G. L.

1982-01-01

Time series analysis is applied to model human operator dynamics in pursuit and compensatory tracking modes. The normalized residual criterion is used as a one-step analytical tool to encompass the processes of identification, estimation, and diagnostic checking. A parameter constraining technique is introduced to develop more reliable models of human operator dynamics. The human operator is adequately modeled by a second order dynamic system both in pursuit and compensatory tracking modes. In comparing the data sampling rates, 100 msec between samples is adequate and is shown to provide better results than 200 msec sampling. The residual power spectrum and eigenvalue analysis show that the human operator is not a generator of periodic characteristics.

Urine sampling and collection system optimization and testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fogal, G. L.; Geating, J. A.; Koesterer, M. G.

1975-01-01

A Urine Sampling and Collection System (USCS) engineering model was developed to provide for the automatic collection, volume sensing and sampling of urine from each micturition. The purpose of the engineering model was to demonstrate verification of the system concept. The objective of the optimization and testing program was to update the engineering model, to provide additional performance features and to conduct system testing to determine operational problems. Optimization tasks were defined as modifications to minimize system fluid residual and addition of thermoelectric cooling.

Manual control models of industrial management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Crossman, E. R. F. W.

1972-01-01

The industrial engineer is often required to design and implement control systems and organization for manufacturing and service facilities, to optimize quality, delivery, and yield, and minimize cost. Despite progress in computer science most such systems still employ human operators and managers as real-time control elements. Manual control theory should therefore be applicable to at least some aspects of industrial system design and operations. Formulation of adequate model structures is an essential prerequisite to progress in this area; since real-world production systems invariably include multilevel and multiloop control, and are implemented by timeshared human effort. A modular structure incorporating certain new types of functional element, has been developed. This forms the basis for analysis of an industrial process operation. In this case it appears that managerial controllers operate in a discrete predictive mode based on fast time modelling, with sampling interval related to plant dynamics. Successive aggregation causes reduced response bandwidth and hence increased sampling interval as a function of level.

Isolated thermocouple amplifier system for stirred fixed-bed gasifier

DOEpatents

Fasching, George E.

1992-01-01

A sensing system is provided for determining the bed temperature profile of the bed of a stirred, fixed-bed gasifier including a plurality of temperature sensors for sensing the bed temperature at different levels, a transmitter for transmitting data based on the outputs of the sensors to a remote operator's station, and a battery-based power supply. The system includes an isolation amplifier system comprising a plurality of isolation amplifier circuits for amplifying the outputs of the individual sensors. The isolation amplifier circuits each comprise an isolation operational amplifier connected to a sensor; a first "flying capacitor" circuit for, in operation, controlling the application of power from the power supply to the isolation amplifier; an output sample and hold circuit connected to the transmitter; a second "flying capacitor" circuit for, in operation, controlling the transfer of the output of the isolation amplifier to the sample and hold circuit; and a timing and control circuit for activating the first and second capacitor circuits in a predetermined timed sequence.

SUPERFUND TREATABILITY CLEARINGHOUSE: FINAL ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

During the period of July 8 - July 12, 1985, the Shirco Infrared Systems Portable Pilot Test Unit was in operation at the Times Beach Dioxin Research Facility to demonstrate the capability of Shirco's infrared technology to decontaminate silty soil laden with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) at a concentration range of 156 to 306 ppb. Emissions sampling and final analysis was performed by Environmental Research & Technology, Inc. (ERT), while laboratory analysis of the emissions and soil samples was performed by Roy F. Weston Inc. Shirco Infrared Systems prepared the testing procedure protocol and operated the furnace system. publish information

Autonomous Sample Acquisition for Planetary and Small Body Explorations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ghavimi, Ali R.; Serricchio, Frederick; Dolgin, Ben; Hadaegh, Fred Y.

2000-01-01

Robotic drilling and autonomous sample acquisition are considered as the key technology requirements in future planetary or small body exploration missions. Core sampling or subsurface drilling operation is envisioned to be off rovers or landers. These supporting platforms are inherently flexible, light, and can withstand only limited amount of reaction forces and torques. This, together with unknown properties of sampled materials, makes the sampling operation a tedious task and quite challenging. This paper highlights the recent advancements in the sample acquisition control system design and development for the in situ scientific exploration of planetary and small interplanetary missions.

A Constrained and Versioned Data Model for TEAM Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andelman, S.; Baru, C.; Chandra, S.; Fegraus, E.; Lin, K.

2009-04-01

The objective of the Tropical Ecology Assessment and Monitoring Network (www.teamnetwork.org) is "To generate real time data for monitoring long-term trends in tropical biodiversity through a global network of TEAM sites (i.e. field stations in tropical forests), providing an early warning system on the status of biodiversity to effectively guide conservation action". To achieve this, the TEAM Network operates by collecting data via standardized protocols at TEAM Sites. The standardized TEAM protocols include the Climate, Vegetation and Terrestrial Vertebrate Protocols. Some sites also implement additional protocols. There are currently 7 TEAM Sites with plans to grow the network to 15 by June 30, 2009 and 50 TEAM Sites by the end of 2010. At each TEAM Site, data is gathered as defined by the protocols and according to a predefined sampling schedule. The TEAM data is organized and stored in a database based on the TEAM spatio-temporal data model. This data model is at the core of the TEAM Information System - it consumes and executes spatio-temporal queries, and analytical functions that are performed on TEAM data, and defines the object data types, relationships and operations that maintain database integrity. The TEAM data model contains object types including types for observation objects (e.g. bird, butterfly and trees), sampling unit, person, role, protocol, site and the relationship of these object types. Each observation data record is a set of attribute values of an observation object and is always associated with a sampling unit, an observation timestamp or time interval, a versioned protocol and data collectors. The operations on the TEAM data model can be classified as read operations, insert operations and update operations. Following are some typical operations: The operation get(site, protocol, [sampling unit block, sampling unit,] start time, end time) returns all data records using the specified protocol and collected at the specified site, block, sampling unit and time range. The operation insertSamplingUnit(sampling unit, site, protocol) saves a new sampling unit into the data model and links it with the site and protocol. The operation updateSampligUnit(sampling_unit_id, attribute, value) changes the attribute (e.g. latitude or longitude) of the sampling unit to the specified value. The operation insertData(observation record, site, protocol, sampling unit, timestamps, data collectors) saves a new observation record into the database and associates it with specified objects. The operation updateData(protocol, data_id, attribute, value) modifies the attribute of an existing observation record to the specified value. All the insert or update operations require: 1) authorization to ensure the user has necessary privileges to perform the operation; 2) timestamp validation to ensure the observation timestamps are in the designated time range specified in the sampling schedule; 3) data validation to check that the data records use correct taxonomy terms and data values. No authorization is performed for get operations, but under some specific condition, a username may be required for the purpose of authentication. Along with the validations above, the TEAM data model also supports human based data validation on observed data through the Data Review subsystem to ensure data quality. The data review is implemented by adding two attributes review_tag and review_comment to each observation data record. The attribute review_tag is used by a reviewer to specify the quality of data, and the attribute review_comment is for reviewers to give more information when a problem is identified. The review_tag attribute can be populated by either the system conducting QA/QC tests or by pre-specified scientific experts. The following is the review operation, which is actually a special case of the operation updateData: The operation updateReview(protocol, data_id, judgment, comment) sets the attribute review_tag and review_comment to the specified values. By systematically tracking every step, The TEAM data model can roll back to any previous state. This is achieved by introducing a historical data container for each editable object type. When the operation updateData is applied to an object to modify its attribute, the object will be tagged with the current timestamp and the name of the user who conducts the operation, the tagged object will then be moved into the historical data container, and finally a new object will be created with the new value for the specified attribute. The diagram illustrates the architecture of the TEAM data management system. A data collector can use the Data Ingestion subsystem to load new data records into the TEAM data model. The system establishes a first level of review (i.e. meets minimum data standards via QA/QC tests). Further review is done via experts and they can verify and provide their comments on data records through the Data Review subsystem. The data editor can then address data records based on the reviewer's comments. Users can use the Data Query and Download application to find data by sites, protocols and time ranges. The Data Query and Download system packages selected data with the data license and important metadata information into a single package and delivers it to the user.

EPA Technology Available for Licensing: Portable Device to Concentrate Water Samples for Microorganism Analysis

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Using a computer controlled system, this ultrafiltration device automates the process of concentrating a water sample and can be operated in the field. The system was also designed to reduce human exposure to potentially contaminated water.

Testing of a Microfluidic Sampling System for High Temperature Electrochemical MC&A

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

Pereira, Candido; Nichols, Kevin

2013-11-27

This report describes the preliminary validation of a high-temperature microfluidic chip system for sampling of electrochemical process salt. Electroanalytical and spectroscopic techniques are attractive candidates for improvement through high-throughput sample analysis via miniaturization. Further, microfluidic chip systems are amenable to micro-scale chemical processing such as rapid, automated sample purification to improve sensor performance. The microfluidic chip was tested to determine the feasibility of the system for high temperature applications and conditions under which microfluidic systems can be used to generate salt droplets at process temperature to support development of material balance and control systems in a used fuel treatment facility.more » In FY13, the project focused on testing a quartz microchip device with molten salts at near process temperatures. The equipment was installed in glove box and tested up to 400°C using commercial thermal transfer fluids as the carrier phase. Preliminary tests were carried out with a low-melting halide salt to initially characterize the properties of this novel liquid-liquid system and to investigate the operating regimes for inducing droplet flow within candidate carrier fluids. Initial results show that the concept is viable for high temperature sampling but further development is required to optimize the system to operate with process relevant molten salts.« less

Sample Return Primer and Handbook

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barrow, Kirk; Cheuvront, Allan; Faris, Grant; Hirst, Edward; Mainland, Nora; McGee, Michael; Szalai, Christine; Vellinga, Joseph; Wahl, Thomas; Williams, Kenneth;

A demonstration of NIOSH push-pull ventilation criteria.

PubMed

Klein, M K

1987-03-01

This paper summarizes the results of a study performed on an actual chrome plating tank in order to validate criteria for push-pull ventilation systems developed by Huebener and Hughes at NIOSH. Validation of the criteria was made by taking area industrial hygiene samples for hexavalent and total chrome at ten locations around the plating tank. The sampling was performed during actual production runs or while the tank was operating with a dummy load. The sampling data are summarized. The data show that the push-pull system, operating at Huebener's criteria, could control emissions to below the current standards and guidelines. Conclusions and recommendations are included.

Development of a decision support tool for seasonal water supply management incorporating system uncertainties and operational constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, H.; Asefa, T.

2017-12-01

A real-time decision support tool (DST) for water supply system would consider system uncertainties, e.g., uncertain streamflow and demand, as well as operational constraints and infrastructure outage (e.g., pump station shutdown, an offline reservoir due to maintenance). Such DST is often used by water managers for resource allocation and delivery for customers. Although most seasonal DST used by water managers recognize those system uncertainties and operational constraints, most use only historical information or assume deterministic outlook of water supply systems. This study presents a seasonal DST that incorporates rainfall/streamflow uncertainties, seasonal demand outlook and system operational constraints. Large scale climate-information is captured through a rainfall simulator driven by a Bayesian non-homogeneous Markov Chain Monte Carlo model that allows non-stationary transition probabilities contingent on Nino 3.4 index. An ad-hoc seasonal demand forecasting model considers weather conditions explicitly and socio-economic factors implicitly. Latin Hypercube sampling is employed to effectively sample probability density functions of flow and demand. Seasonal system operation is modelled as a mixed-integer optimization problem that aims at minimizing operational costs. It embeds the flexibility of modifying operational rules at different components, e.g., surface water treatment plants, desalination facilities, and groundwater pumping stations. The proposed framework is illustrated at a wholesale water supplier in Southeastern United States, Tampa Bay Water. The use of the tool is demonstrated in proving operational guidance in a typical drawdown and refill cycle of a regional reservoir. The DST provided: 1) probabilistic outlook of reservoir storage and chance of a successful refill by the end of rainy season; 2) operational expectations for large infrastructures (e.g., high service pumps and booster stations) throughout the season. Other potential use of such DST is also discussed.

Integrating SAR and derived products into operational volcano monitoring and decision support systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, F. J.; McAlpin, D. B.; Gong, W.; Ajadi, O.; Arko, S.; Webley, P. W.; Dehn, J.

2015-02-01

Remote sensing plays a critical role in operational volcano monitoring due to the often remote locations of volcanic systems and the large spatial extent of potential eruption pre-cursor signals. Despite the all-weather capabilities of radar remote sensing and its high performance in monitoring of change, the contribution of radar data to operational monitoring activities has been limited in the past. This is largely due to: (1) the high costs associated with radar data; (2) traditionally slow data processing and delivery procedures; and (3) the limited temporal sampling provided by spaceborne radars. With this paper, we present new data processing and data integration techniques that mitigate some of these limitations and allow for a meaningful integration of radar data into operational volcano monitoring decision support systems. Specifically, we present fast data access procedures as well as new approaches to multi-track processing that improve near real-time data access and temporal sampling of volcanic systems with SAR data. We introduce phase-based (coherent) and amplitude-based (incoherent) change detection procedures that are able to extract dense time series of hazard information from these data. For a demonstration, we present an integration of our processing system with an operational volcano monitoring system that was developed for use by the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO). Through an application to a historic eruption, we show that the integration of SAR into systems such as AVO can significantly improve the ability of operational systems to detect eruptive precursors. Therefore, the developed technology is expected to improve operational hazard detection, alerting, and management capabilities.

Operations and Maintenance Manual, Atmospheric Contaminant Sensor, Revision B.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC.

The sensor is a mass spectrometer system which continuously monitors the atmospheric constituents of hydrogen, water vapor, nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, and monitors the Freons on a demand sampling basis. The manual provides a system description, operational procedures, and maintenance and troubleshooting instructions. Circuit diagrams…

Application of Solar Electric Propulsion to a Comet Surface Sample Return Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cupples, Mike; Coverstone, Victoria; Woo, Byoungsam

2004-01-01

Current NSTAR (planned for the Discovery Mission: Dawn) and NASA's Evolutionary Xenon Thruster based propulsion systems were compared for a comet surface sample return mission to Tempe1 1. Mission and systems analyses were conducted over a range of array power for each propulsion system with an array of 12 kW EOL at 1 AU chosen for a baseline. Engine configurations investigated for NSTAR included 4 operational engines with 1 spare and 5 operational engines with 1 spare. The NEXT configuration investigated included 2 operational engines plus 1 spare, with performance estimated for high thrust and high Isp throttling modes. Figures of merit for this comparison include Solar Electric Propulsion dry mass, average engine throughput, and net non-propulsion payload returned to Earth flyby.

Field application of a planted fixed bed reactor (PFR) for support media and rhizosphere investigation using undisturbed samples from full-scale constructed wetlands.

PubMed

Barreto, A B; Vasconcellos, G R; von Sperling, M; Kuschk, P; Kappelmeyer, U; Vasel, J L

2015-01-01

This study presents a novel method for investigations on undisturbed samples from full-scale horizontal subsurface-flow constructed wetlands (HSSFCW). The planted fixed bed reactor (PFR), developed at the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ), is a universal test unit for planted soil filters that reproduces the operational conditions of a constructed wetland (CW) system in laboratory scale. The present research proposes modifications on the PFR original configuration in order to allow its operation in field conditions. A mobile device to obtain undisturbed samples from real-scale HSSFCW was also developed. The experimental setting is presented with two possible operational configurations. The first allows the removal and replacement of undisturbed samples in the CW bed for laboratory investigations, guaranteeing sample integrity with a mobile device. The second allows the continuous operation of the PFR and undisturbed samples as a fraction of the support media, reproducing the same environmental conditions outside the real-scale system. Investigations on the hydrodynamics of the adapted PFR were carried out with saline tracer tests, validating the proposed adaptation. Six adapted PFR units were installed next to full-scale HSSFCW beds and fed with interstitial liquid pumped from two regions of planted and unplanted support media. Fourteen points were monitored along the system, covering carbon fractions, nitrogen and sulfate. The results indicate the method as a promising tool for investigations on CW support media, rhizosphere and open space for studies on CW modeling, respirometry, kinetic parameters, microbial communities, redox potential and plant influence on HSSFCW.

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

Jiskoot, R.J.J.

Accurate and reliable sampling systems are imperative when confirming natural gas' commercial value. Buyers and sellers need accurate hydrocarbon-composition information to conduct fair sale transactions. Because of poor sample extraction, preparation or analysis can invalidate the sale, more attention should be directed toward improving representative sampling. Consider all sampling components, i.e., gas types, line pressure and temperature, equipment maintenance and service needs, etc. The paper discusses gas sampling, design considerations (location, probe type, extraction devices, controller, and receivers), operating requirements, and system integration.

40 CFR 65.113 - Standards: Sampling connection systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... be collected or captured. (c) Equipment design and operation. Each closed-purge, closed-loop, or... system; or (2) Collect and recycle the purged process fluid to a process; or (3) Be designed and operated to capture and transport all the purged process fluid to a control device that meets the requirements...

40 CFR 65.113 - Standards: Sampling connection systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... be collected or captured. (c) Equipment design and operation. Each closed-purge, closed-loop, or... system; or (2) Collect and recycle the purged process fluid to a process; or (3) Be designed and operated to capture and transport all the purged process fluid to a control device that meets the requirements...

40 CFR 65.113 - Standards: Sampling connection systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... be collected or captured. (c) Equipment design and operation. Each closed-purge, closed-loop, or... system; or (2) Collect and recycle the purged process fluid to a process; or (3) Be designed and operated to capture and transport all the purged process fluid to a control device that meets the requirements...

Operations and maintenance manual, atmospheric contaminant sensor, revision B

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The sensor is a mass spectrometer system which continuously monitors the atmospheric constituents of hydrogen, water vapor, nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, and monitors the Freons on a demand sampling basis. The manual provides a system description, operational procedures, and maintenance and troubleshooting instructions. Circuit diagrams are included.

Efficiencies of Tritium (3H) bubbling systems.

PubMed

Duda, Jean-Marie; Le Goff, Pierre; Leblois, Yoan; Ponsard, Samuel

2018-09-01

Bubbling systems are among the devices most used by nuclear operators to measure atmospheric tritium activity in their facilities or the neighbouring environment. However, information about trapping efficiency and bubbling system oxidation is not accessible and/or, at best, only minimally supported by demonstrations in actual operating conditions. In order to evaluate easily these parameters and thereby meet actual normative and regulatory requirements, a statistical study was carried out over 2000 monitoring records from the CEA Valduc site. From this data collection obtained over recent years of monitoring the CEA Valduc facilities and environment, a direct relation was highlighted between the 3H-samplers trapping efficiency of tritium as tritiated water and the sampling time and conditions of use: temperature and atmospheric moisture. It was thus demonstrated that this efficiency originated from two sources. The first one is intrinsic to the bubbling system operating parameters and the sampling time. That part applies equally to all four bubblers. The second part, however, is specific to the first bubbler. In essence, it depends on the sampling time and the sampled air characteristics. It was also highlighted that the water volume variation in the first bubbler, between the beginning and the end of the sampling process, is directly related to the average water concentration of the sampled air. In this way, it was possible to model the variations in trapping efficiency of the 3H-samplers relative to the sampling time and the water volume variation in the first bubbler. This model makes it possible to obtain the quantities required to comply with the current standards governing the monitoring of radionuclides in the environment and to associate an uncertainty concerning the measurements as well as the sampling parameters. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Remote water monitoring system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grana, D. C.; Haynes, D. P. (Inventor)

1978-01-01

A remote water monitoring system is described that integrates the functions of sampling, sample preservation, sample analysis, data transmission and remote operation. The system employs a floating buoy carrying an antenna connected by lines to one or more sampling units containing several sample chambers. Receipt of a command signal actuates a solenoid to open an intake valve outward from the sampling unit and communicates the water sample to an identifiable sample chamber. Such response to each signal receipt is repeated until all sample chambers are filled in a sample unit. Each sample taken is analyzed by an electrochemical sensor for a specific property and the data obtained is transmitted to a remote sending and receiving station. Thereafter, the samples remain isolated in the sample chambers until the sampling unit is recovered and the samples removed for further laboratory analysis.

An automated system for global atmospheric sampling using B-747 airliners

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lew, K. Q.; Gustafsson, U. R. C.; Johnson, R. E.

1981-01-01

The global air sampling program utilizes commercial aircrafts in scheduled service to measure atmospheric constituents. A fully automated system designed for the 747 aircraft is described. Airline operational constraints and data and control subsystems are treated. The overall program management, system monitoring, and data retrieval from four aircraft in global service is described.

A 1 kA-class cryogen-free critical current characterization system for superconducting coated conductors.

PubMed

Strickland, N M; Hoffmann, C; Wimbush, S C

2014-11-01

A cryogenic electrical transport measurement system is described that is particularly designed to meet the requirements for routine and effective characterization of commercial second generation high-temperature superconducting (HTS) wires in the form of coated conductors based on YBa2Cu3O7. Specific design parameters include a base temperature of 20 K, an applied magnetic field capability of 8 T (provided by a HTS split-coil magnet), and a measurement current capacity approaching 1 kA. The system accommodates samples up to 12 mm in width (the widest conductor size presently commercially available) and 40 mm long, although this is not a limiting size. The sample is able to be rotated freely with respect to the magnetic field direction about an axis parallel to the current flow, producing field angle variations in the standard maximum Lorentz force configuration. The system is completely free of liquid cryogens for both sample cooling and magnet cool-down and operation. Software enables the system to conduct a full characterization of the temperature, magnetic field, and field angle dependence of the critical current of a sample without any user interaction. The system has successfully been used to measure a wide range of experimental and commercially-available superconducting wire samples sourced from different manufacturers across the full range of operating conditions. The system encapsulates significant advances in HTS magnet design and efficient cryogen-free cooling technologies together with the capability for routine and automated high-current electrical transport measurements at cryogenic temperatures. It will be of interest to both research scientists investigating superconductor behavior and commercial wire manufacturers seeking to accurately characterize the performance of their product under all desired operating conditions.

A BATTERY-OPERATED AIR SAMPLER FOR REMOTE AREAS

EPA Science Inventory

An air sampling system developed to evaluate air quality in biosphere reserves or in other remote areas is described. The equipment consists of a Dupont P-4000 pump and a specially designed battery pack containing Gates batteries. This air sampling system was tested in Southern U...

Two-Stage Variable Sample-Rate Conversion System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tkacenko, Andre

2009-01-01

A two-stage variable sample-rate conversion (SRC) system has been pro posed as part of a digital signal-processing system in a digital com munication radio receiver that utilizes a variety of data rates. The proposed system would be used as an interface between (1) an analog- todigital converter used in the front end of the receiver to sample an intermediatefrequency signal at a fixed input rate and (2) digita lly implemented tracking loops in subsequent stages that operate at v arious sample rates that are generally lower than the input sample r ate. This Two-Stage System would be capable of converting from an input sample rate to a desired lower output sample rate that could be var iable and not necessarily a rational fraction of the input rate.

Image Quality Modeling and Characterization of Nyquist Sampled Framing Systems with Operational Considerations for Remote Sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garma, Rey Jan D.

The trade between detector and optics performance is often conveyed through the Q metric, which is defined as the ratio of detector sampling frequency and optical cutoff frequency. Historically sensors have operated at Q ≈ 1, which introduces aliasing but increases the system modulation transfer function (MTF) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Though mathematically suboptimal, such designs have been operationally ideal when considering system parameters such as pointing stability and detector performance. Substantial advances in read noise and quantum efficiency of modern detectors may compensate for the negative aspects associated with balancing detector/optics performance, presenting an opportunity to revisit the potential for implementing Nyquist-sampled (Q ≈ 2) sensors. A digital image chain simulation is developed and validated against a laboratory testbed using objective and subjective assessments. Objective assessments are accomplished by comparison of the modeled MTF and measurements from slant-edge photographs. Subjective assessments are carried out by performing a psychophysical study where subjects are asked to rate simulation and testbed imagery against a DeltaNIIRS scale with the aid of a marker set. Using the validated model, additional test cases are simulated to study the effects of increased detector sampling on image quality with operational considerations. First, a factorial experiment using Q-sampling, pointing stability, integration time, and detector performance is conducted to measure the main effects and interactions of each on the response variable, DeltaNIIRS. To assess the fidelity of current models, variants of the General Image Quality Equation (GIQE) are evaluated against subject-provided ratings and two modified GIQE versions are proposed. Finally, using the validated simulation and modified IQE, trades are conducted to ascertain the feasibility of implementing Q ≈ 2 designs in future systems.

Operability test report for the in SITU vapor sampling

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

Corbett, J.E., Westinghouse Hanford

1996-05-31

This report documents the successful completion of testing for the In Situ Vapor Sampling (ISVS) system. The report includes the test procedure (WHC-SD-WM-OTP-196, Rev OA), data sheets, exception resolutions, and a test report summary. This report conforms to the guidelines established in WHC-IP-1026, `Engineering Practice Guidelines,` Appendix L, `Operability Test Procedures and Reports.`

A spruce budworm sampling program for HUSKY HUNTER field data recorders.

Treesearch

Fred H. Schmidt

1992-01-01

A program for receiving sampling data for all immature stages of the western spruce budworm (Choristoneura occidentals Freeman) is described. Versions were designed to be used on field data recorders with either CP/M or DOS operating systems, such as the HUSKY HUNTER (Models 1, 2, and 16), but they also may be used on personal computers with compatible operating...

Development of solid materials for UF 6 sampling: FY16 Annual Report

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

Smith, Nicholas; Savina, Joseph; Hebden, Andrew

2016-10-31

A handheld implementation of the ABACC-developed Cristallini method, which captures uranium hexafluoride samples as an inert salt, was organized in FY17 and succeeded in demonstrating the handheld sampler concept with reactive hexafluoride gases. The Cristallini method relies on the use of a hydrated substrate to react the incoming hexafluoride resulting in the formation of a stable uranyl fluoride salt. The Cristallini method has been demonstrated as a facility modification installed near the sampling tap of a gas centrifuge enrichment plant. While very successful in reducing the hazards of uranium hexafluoride sample, the method still takes a considerable amount of timemore » and can only be used in facilities where the apparatus has been installed; this arrangement generally prohibits the sampling of filled cylinders that have already exited the facility and have been deposited in the on-site tank storage yard. The handheld unit under development will allow the use of the Cristallini method at facilities that have not been converted as well as tanks in the storage yard. The handheld system utilizes an active vacuum system, rather than a passive vacuum system in the facility setup, to drive the uranium hexafluoride onto the adsorbing media. The handheld unit will be battery operated for fully autonomous operation and will include onboard pressure sensing and flushing capability. To date, the system concept of operations was demonstrated with tungsten hexafluoride that showed the active vacuum pump with multiple cartridges of adsorbing media was viable. Concurrently, the hardened prototype system was developed and tested; removable sample cartridges were developed (the only non-COTS component to date); and preparations were made for uranium tests and a domestic field test.« less

A 5 year longitudinal study of water quality for final rinsing in the single chamber washer-disinfector with a reverse osmosis plant.

PubMed

Uetera, Yushi; Kishii, Kozue; Yasuhara, Hiroshi; Kumada, Naohito; Moriya, Kyoji; Saito, Ryoichi; Okazaki, Mitsuhiro; Misawa, Yoshiki; Kawamura, Kunio

2013-01-01

This report deals with the construction and management of the reverse osmosis (RO) water system for final rinsing of surgical instruments in the washer-disinfector. Numerous operational challenges were encountered in our RO water system and these were analyzed utilizing the Ishikawa Fishbone diagram. The aim was to find potential problems and promote preventive system management for RO water. It was found that the measures that existed were inappropriate for preventing contamination in the heat-labile RO water system. The storage tank was found to be significantly contaminated and had to be replaced with a new one equipped with a sampling port and water drainage system. Additional filters and an UV treatment lamp were installed. The whole system disinfection started 1.5 years later using a peracetic acid-based compound after confirming the material compatibility. Operator errors were found when a new water engineer took over the duty from his predecessor. It was also found that there were some deficiencies in the standard operating procedures (SOPs), and that on-the-job training was not enough. The water engineer failed to disinfect the sampling port and water drainage system. The RO membrane had been used for 4 years, even though the SOP standard specified changing it as every 3 years. Various bacteria, such as Rothia mucilaginosa, were cultured from the RO water sampled from the equipment. Because Rothia mucilaginosa is a resident in the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract, it is believed that the bacteria were introduced into the system by the maintenance personnel or working environment. Therefore, the presence of R. mucilaginosa implied the failure of sanitary maintenance procedures. This study suggests that water systems should be designed based on the plans for profound system maintenance. It also suggests that SOP and on-the job training are essential to avoid any operator errors. These results must be carefully considered when either constructing new RO systems or performing maintenance and periodical examination of the equipment. Reverse osmosis (RO) water is used for final rinsing in our washer-disinfector. The authors used the Ishikawa Fishbone diagram to clarify the critical points for optimizing RO water quality. There existed no measures to prevent contamination in the heat-labile RO water system. The storage tank was significantly contaminated and had to be replaced with a new one equipped with a sampling port and water drainage system. Additional filters and an UV treatment lamp were installed. The whole system disinfection started 1.5 years later using a peracetic acid-based compound after confirming the material compatibility. Operator errors occurred when a new water engineer took over the duty from his predecessor. There were neither standard operating procedures (SOPs) nor on-the-job training. The new water engineer had failed to disinfect the sampling port and water drainage system. Rothia mucilaginosa was cultured from the RO water. It is a resident in the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract. This implied the possible failure of sanitary procedures in the system maintenance. The Ishikawa Fishbone diagram was useful for this study. It suggests that water systems should be designed with plans for system maintenance taken into account. It also suggests that SOP and on-the job training are essential in order to avoid operator errors.

Automated sample exchange and tracking system for neutron research at cryogenic temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rix, J. E.; Weber, J. K. R.; Santodonato, L. J.; Hill, B.; Walker, L. M.; McPherson, R.; Wenzel, J.; Hammons, S. E.; Hodges, J.; Rennich, M.; Volin, K. J.

2007-01-01

An automated system for sample exchange and tracking in a cryogenic environment and under remote computer control was developed. Up to 24 sample "cans" per cycle can be inserted and retrieved in a programed sequence. A video camera acquires a unique identification marked on the sample can to provide a record of the sequence. All operations are coordinated via a LABVIEW™ program that can be operated locally or over a network. The samples are contained in vanadium cans of 6-10mm in diameter and equipped with a hermetically sealed lid that interfaces with the sample handler. The system uses a closed-cycle refrigerator (CCR) for cooling. The sample was delivered to a precooling location that was at a temperature of ˜25K, after several minutes, it was moved onto a "landing pad" at ˜10K that locates the sample in the probe beam. After the sample was released onto the landing pad, the sample handler was retracted. Reading the sample identification and the exchange operation takes approximately 2min. The time to cool the sample from ambient temperature to ˜10K was approximately 7min including precooling time. The cooling time increases to approximately 12min if precooling is not used. Small differences in cooling rate were observed between sample materials and for different sample can sizes. Filling the sample well and the sample can with low pressure helium is essential to provide heat transfer and to achieve useful cooling rates. A resistive heating coil can be used to offset the refrigeration so that temperatures up to ˜350K can be accessed and controlled using a proportional-integral-derivative control loop. The time for the landing pad to cool to ˜10K after it has been heated to ˜240K was approximately 20min.

Biomedical imaging with THz waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Andrew

2010-03-01

We discuss biomedical imaging using radio waves operating in the terahertz (THz) range between 300 GHz to 3 THz. Particularly, we present the concept for two THz imaging systems. One system employs single antenna, transmitter and receiver operating over multi-THz-frequency simultaneously for sensing and imaging small areas of the human body or biological samples. Another system consists of multiple antennas, a transmitter, and multiple receivers operating over multi-THz-frequency capable of sensing and imaging simultaneously the whole body or large biological samples. Using THz waves for biomedical imaging promises unique and substantial medical benefits including extremely small medical devices, extraordinarily fine spatial resolution, and excellent contrast between images of diseased and healthy tissues. THz imaging is extremely attractive for detection of cancer in the early stages, sensing and imaging of tissues near the skin, and study of disease and its growth versus time.

Impact of Internet on Cytology Information Management.

PubMed

Luić, Ljerka; Molnar, Livia

2016-01-01

Internet technologies and services impose global information standards in the sphere of healthcare as a whole, which are then implied and applied in the domain of cytology laboratories. Web-based operations form a significant operating segment of any contemporary cytology laboratory as they enable operations by the use of technology, which is usually free of the restrictions imposed by the traditional way of business (geographic area and narrow localisation of activities). In their operations, almost all healthcare organisations currently create and use electronic data anddocuments, which can originate both inside and outside the organisation. An enormous amount of information thus used and exchanged may be processed timely and in a high-quality way only by integrated information systems, given three basic safety requirements: data confidentiality, integrity and availability. In the Republic of Croatia, integration of private and public healthcare information systems has been ongoing for several years but the private healthcare does not yet operate as an integrated system. Instead, each office operates using its own separate information system, i.e. This paper elaborates the argument that the sample private cytology laboratory possesses an IT system that meets current market and stakeholder needs of the healthcare sector in Croatia, given that private doctors' offices/polyclinics use IT technologies in their operations but make only partial use of Internet capacities in the segment of communication with their business associates and patients, implying the need to continue the research on a statistically relevant sample of EU countries.

Development of a Sonar Oil Tanker Cargo Measurement System.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-08-01

used at any one time is dependent upon the capacity of the stripping system. The operation is conducted to strip at least as fast , if not faster, than...operational mode, measure the average value and variance of the thickness of an oil layer on an intermit - tent sampling basis. Laboratory testing

36 CFR 228.4 - Plan of operations-notice of intent-requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... used and maintained for National Forest System purposes; (ii) Prospecting and sampling which will not... disturbance which is substantially different than that caused by other users of the National Forest System who... 36 Parks, Forests, and Public Property 2 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Plan of operations-notice of...

NASA aviation safety reporting system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

The study deals with 165 inadvertent operations on or into inappropriate portions of the aircraft areas at controlled airports. Pilot-initiated and controller-initiated incursions are described and discussed. It was found that a majority of the pilot-initiated occurrences involved operation without a clearance; controller-initiated occurrences usually involved failure to maintain assured separation. The factors associated with these occurrences are analyzed. It appears that a major problem in these occurrences is inadequate coordination among the various system participants. Reasons for this, and some possible solutions to various aspects of the problem, are discussed. A sample of reports from pilots and controllers is presented. These relate to undesired occurrences in air transport, general aviation, and air traffic control operations; to ATC coordination problems; and to a recurrent problem in ASRS reports, parachuting operations. A sample of alert bulletins and responses to them is presented.

CD4 Lymphocyte Enumeration and Hemoglobin Assessment Aid for Priority Decisions: A Multisite Evaluation of the BD FACSPresto™ System

PubMed Central

Thakar, Madhuri; Angira, Francis; Pattanapanyasat, Kovit; Wu, Alan H.B.; O’Gorman, Maurice; Zeng, Hui; Qu, Chenxue; Mahajan, Bharati; Sukapirom, Kasama; Chen, Danying; Hao, Yu; Gong, Yan; Indig, Monika De Arruda; Graminske, Sharon; Orta, Diana; d’Empaire, Nicole; Lu, Beverly; Omana-Zapata, Imelda; Zeh, Clement

2017-01-01

Background: The BD FACSPresto™ system uses capillary and venous blood to measure CD4 absolute counts (CD4), %CD4 in lymphocytes, and hemoglobin (Hb) in approximately 25 minutes. CD4 cell count is used with portable CD4 counters in resource-limited settings to manage HIV/AIDS patients. A method comparison was performed using capillary and venous samples from seven clinical laboratories in five countries. The BD FACSPresto system was assessed for variability between laboratory, instrument/operators, cartridge lots and within-run at four sites. Methods: Samples were collected under approved voluntary consent. EDTA-anticoagulated venous samples were tested for CD4 and %CD4 T cells using the gold-standard BD FACSCalibur™ system, and for Hb, using the Sysmex® KX-21N™ analyzer. Venous and capillary samples were tested on the BD FACSPresto system. Matched data was analyzed for bias (Deming linear regression and Bland-Altman methods), and for concordance around the clinical decision point. The coefficient of variation was estimated per site, instrument/operator, cartridge-lot and between-runs. Results: For method comparison, 93% of the 720 samples were from HIV-positive and 7% from HIV-negative or normal subjects. CD4 and %CD4 T cells venous and capillary results gave slopes within 0.96–1.05 and R2 ≥0.96; Hb slopes were ≥1.00 and R2 ≥0.89. Variability across sites/operators gave %CV <5.8% for CD4 counts, <1.9% for %CD4 and <3.2% for Hb. The total %CV was <7.7% across instrument/cartridge lot. Conclusion: The BD FACSPresto system provides accurate, reliable, precise CD4/%CD4/Hb results compared to gold-standard methods, irrespective of venous or capillary blood sampling. The data showed good agreement between the BD FACSPresto, BD FACSCalibur and Sysmex systems. PMID:29290885

CD4 Lymphocyte Enumeration and Hemoglobin Assessment Aid for Priority Decisions: A Multisite Evaluation of the BD FACSPresto™ System.

PubMed

Thakar, Madhuri; Angira, Francis; Pattanapanyasat, Kovit; Wu, Alan H B; O'Gorman, Maurice; Zeng, Hui; Qu, Chenxue; Mahajan, Bharati; Sukapirom, Kasama; Chen, Danying; Hao, Yu; Gong, Yan; Indig, Monika De Arruda; Graminske, Sharon; Orta, Diana; d'Empaire, Nicole; Lu, Beverly; Omana-Zapata, Imelda; Zeh, Clement

2017-01-01

The BD FACSPresto ™ system uses capillary and venous blood to measure CD4 absolute counts (CD4), %CD4 in lymphocytes, and hemoglobin (Hb) in approximately 25 minutes. CD4 cell count is used with portable CD4 counters in resource-limited settings to manage HIV/AIDS patients. A method comparison was performed using capillary and venous samples from seven clinical laboratories in five countries. The BD FACSPresto system was assessed for variability between laboratory, instrument/operators, cartridge lots and within-run at four sites. Samples were collected under approved voluntary consent. EDTA-anticoagulated venous samples were tested for CD4 and %CD4 T cells using the gold-standard BD FACSCalibur ™ system, and for Hb, using the Sysmex ® KX-21N ™ analyzer. Venous and capillary samples were tested on the BD FACSPresto system. Matched data was analyzed for bias (Deming linear regression and Bland-Altman methods), and for concordance around the clinical decision point. The coefficient of variation was estimated per site, instrument/operator, cartridge-lot and between-runs. For method comparison, 93% of the 720 samples were from HIV-positive and 7% from HIV-negative or normal subjects. CD4 and %CD4 T cells venous and capillary results gave slopes within 0.96-1.05 and R 2 ≥0.96; Hb slopes were ≥1.00 and R 2 ≥0.89. Variability across sites/operators gave %CV <5.8% for CD4 counts, <1.9% for %CD4 and <3.2% for Hb. The total %CV was <7.7% across instrument/cartridge lot. The BD FACSPresto system provides accurate, reliable, precise CD4/%CD4/Hb results compared to gold-standard methods, irrespective of venous or capillary blood sampling. The data showed good agreement between the BD FACSPresto, BD FACSCalibur and Sysmex systems.

Stochastic Stability of Nonlinear Sampled Data Systems with a Jump Linear Controller

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gonzalez, Oscar R.; Herencia-Zapana, Heber; Gray, W. Steven

2004-01-01

This paper analyzes the stability of a sampled- data system consisting of a deterministic, nonlinear, time- invariant, continuous-time plant and a stochastic, discrete- time, jump linear controller. The jump linear controller mod- els, for example, computer systems and communication net- works that are subject to stochastic upsets or disruptions. This sampled-data model has been used in the analysis and design of fault-tolerant systems and computer-control systems with random communication delays without taking into account the inter-sample response. To analyze stability, appropriate topologies are introduced for the signal spaces of the sampled- data system. With these topologies, the ideal sampling and zero-order-hold operators are shown to be measurable maps. This paper shows that the known equivalence between the stability of a deterministic, linear sampled-data system and its associated discrete-time representation as well as between a nonlinear sampled-data system and a linearized representation holds even in a stochastic framework.

Results from the PALM-3000 high-order adaptive optics system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roberts, Jennifer E.; Dekany, Richard G.; Burruss, Rick S.; Baranec, Christoph; Bouchez, Antonin; Croner, Ernest E.; Guiwits, Stephen R.; Hale, David D. S.; Henning, John R.; Palmer, Dean L.; Troy, Mitchell; Truong, Tuan N.; Zolkower, Jeffry

2012-07-01

The first of a new generation of high actuator density AO systems developed for large telescopes, PALM-3000 is optimized for high-contrast exoplanet science but will support operation with natural guide stars as faint as V ~ 18. PALM-3000 began commissioning in June 2011 on the Palomar 200" telescope and has to date over 60 nights of observing. The AO system consists of two Xinetics deformable mirrors, one with 66 by 66 actuators and another with 21 by 21 actuators, a Shack-Hartman WFS with four pupil sampling modes (ranging from 64 to 8 samples across the pupil), and a full vector matrix multiply real-time system capable of running at 2KHz frame rates. We present the details of the completed system, and initial results. Operating at 2 kHz with 8.3cm pupil sampling on-sky, we have achieved a K-band Strehl ratio as high as 84% in ~1.0 arcsecond visible seeing.

Results from the PALM-3000 High-Order Adaptive Optics System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roberts, Jennifer E.; Dekany, Richard G.; Burruss, Rick S.; Baranec, Christoph; Bouchez, Antonin; Croner, Ernest E.; Guiwits, Stephen R.; Hale, David D. S.; Henning, John R.; Palmer, Dean L.;

On the hitchhiker Robot Operated Materials Processing System: Experiment data system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kizhner, Semion; Jenstrom, Del

1995-01-01

The Space Shuttle Discovery STS-64 mission carried the first American autonomous robot into space, the Robot Operated Materials Processing System (ROMPS). On this mission ROMPS was the only Hitchhiker experiment and had a unique opportunity to utilize all Hitchhiker space carrier capabilities. ROMPS conducted rapid thermal processing of the one hundred semiconductor material samples to study how micro gravity affects the resulting material properties. The experiment was designed, built and operated by a small GSFC team in cooperation with industry and university based principal investigators who provided the material samples and data interpretation. ROMPS' success presents some valuable lessons in such cooperation, as well as in the utilization of the Hitchhiker carrier for complex applications. The motivation of this paper is to share these lessons with the scientific community interested in attached payload experiments. ROMPS has a versatile and intelligent material processing control data system. This paper uses the ROMPS data system as the guiding thread to present the ROMPS mission experience. It presents an overview of the ROMPS experiment followed by considerations of the flight and ground data subsystems and their architecture, data products generation during mission operations, and post mission data utilization. It then presents the lessons learned from the development and operation of the ROMPS data system as well as those learned during post-flight data processing.

A large-scale cryoelectronic system for biological sample banking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shirley, Stephen G.; Durst, Christopher H. P.; Fuchs, Christian C.; Zimmermann, Heiko; Ihmig, Frank R.

2009-11-01

We describe a polymorphic electronic infrastructure for managing biological samples stored over liquid nitrogen. As part of this system we have developed new cryocontainers and carrier plates attached to Flash memory chips to have a redundant and portable set of data at each sample. Our experimental investigations show that basic Flash operation and endurance is adequate for the application down to liquid nitrogen temperatures. This identification technology can provide the best sample identification, documentation and tracking that brings added value to each sample. The first application of the system is in a worldwide collaborative research towards the production of an AIDS vaccine. The functionality and versatility of the system can lead to an essential optimization of sample and data exchange for global clinical studies.

Recommended operating procedure No. 51: Glass source assessment sampling system (glass SASS). Final report, Jul 90-Jan 91

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

Grote, R.A.

1991-05-01

The report is a recommended operating procedure (ROP), prepared for use in research activities conducted by EPA's Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory (AEERL). The method described is applicable to the stack sampling of flue gas from a rotary kiln and to associated equipment of AEERL's Combustion Research Branch. It has been the standard method of sampling kiln flue gas due to the transient nature of the puff development and its capability to sample the maximum volume over the shortest time period. ROPs describe non-routine or experimental research operations where some judgment in application may be warranted. ROPs may notmore » be applicable to activities conducted by other research groups, and should not be used in place of standard operating procedures. Use of ROPs must be accompanied by an understanding of the purpose and scope. Questions should be directed to the author.« less

Mutagenicity of diesel exhaust particles from an engine with differing exhaust after treatments.

PubMed

Shi, X-C; Keane, M J; Ong, T; Li, S-Q; Bugarski, A B

2010-01-01

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of engine operating conditions and exhaust aftertreatments on the mutagenicity of diesel particulate matter (DPM) collected directly in an underground mine environment. A number of after-treatment devices are currently used on diesel engines in mines, but it is critical to determine whether reductions in DPM concentrations result in a corresponding decrease in adverse health effects. An eddy-current dynamometer was used to operate naturally aspirated mechanically controlled engine at several steady-state conditions. The samples were collected when the engine was equipped with a standard muffler, a diesel oxidation catalytic converter, two types of uncatalyzed diesel particulate filter systems, and three types of disposable diesel particulate filter elements. Bacterial gene mutation activity of DPM was tested on acetone extracts using the Ames Salmonella assay. The results indicated strong correlation between engine operating conditions and mutagenic activity of DPM. When the engine was fitted with muffler, the mutagenic activity was observed for the samples collected from light-load, but not heavy-load operating conditions. When the engine was equipped with a diesel oxidation catalyst, the samples did not exhibit mutagenic activity for any of four engine operating conditions. Mutagenic activity was observed for the samples collected when the engine was retrofitted with three types of disposable filters and sintered metal diesel particulate filter and operated at light load conditions. However, those filtration systems substantially reduced the concentration-normalized mutagenic activity from the levels observed for the muffler.

Performance Evaluation of an Expanded Range XIPS Ion Thruster System for NASA Science Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oh, David Y.; Goebel, Dan M.

2006-01-01

This paper examines the benefit that a solar electric propulsion (SEP) system based on the 5 kW Xenon Ion Propulsion System (XIPS) could have for NASA's Discovery class deep space missions. The relative cost and performance of the commercial heritage XIPS system is compared to NSTAR ion thruster based systems on three Discovery class reference missions: 1) a Near Earth Asteroid Sample Return, 2) a Comet Rendezvous and 3) a Main Belt Asteroid Rendezvous. It is found that systems utilizing a single operating XIPS thruster provides significant performance advantages over a single operating NSTAR thruster. In fact, XIPS performs as well as systems utilizing two operating NSTAR thrusters, and still costs less than the NSTAR system with a single operating thruster. This makes XIPS based SEP a competitive and attractive candidate for Discovery class science missions.

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

Lorenz, Matthias; Ovchinnikova, Olga S; Van Berkel, Gary J

RATIONALE: Laser ablation provides for the possibility of sampling a large variety of surfaces with high spatial resolution. This type of sampling when employed in conjunction with liquid capture followed by nanoelectrospray ionization provides the opportunity for sensitive and prolonged interrogation of samples by mass spectrometry as well as the ability to analyze surfaces not amenable to direct liquid extraction. METHODS: A fully automated, reflection geometry, laser ablation liquid capture spot sampling system was achieved by incorporating appropriate laser fiber optics and a focusing lens into a commercially available, liquid extraction surface analysis (LESA ) ready Advion TriVersa NanoMate system.more » RESULTS: Under optimized conditions about 10% of laser ablated material could be captured in a droplet positioned vertically over the ablation region using the NanoMate robot controlled pipette. The sampling spot size area with this laser ablation liquid capture surface analysis (LA/LCSA) mode of operation (typically about 120 m x 160 m) was approximately 50 times smaller than that achievable by direct liquid extraction using LESA (ca. 1 mm diameter liquid extraction spot). The set-up was successfully applied for the analysis of ink on glass and paper as well as the endogenous components in Alstroemeria Yellow King flower petals. In a second mode of operation with a comparable sampling spot size, termed laser ablation/LESA , the laser system was used to drill through, penetrate, or otherwise expose material beneath a solvent resistant surface. Once drilled, LESA was effective in sampling soluble material exposed at that location on the surface. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating the capability for different laser ablation liquid capture spot sampling modes of operation into a LESA ready Advion TriVersa NanoMate enhanced the spot sampling spatial resolution of this device and broadened the surface types amenable to analysis to include absorbent and solvent resistant materials.« less

Five-year microbiological monitoring of wards and operating theatres in southern Italy.

PubMed

La Fauci, V; Genovese, C; Facciolà, A; Palamara, M A R; Squeri, R

2017-06-01

Nosocomial infections are one of the greatest problems in public health. Several studies have highlighted the role played by the hospital environment as a possible source of transmission of nosocomial pathogens. A five-year monitoring of bacterial contamination on healthcare workers hands, surfaces most closely in contact with inpatient wards, operating theatres and "at rest" and "in use" operating theatre air samples. For the samples, we used sterile swabs, contact slides, manual API, and automated VITEK systems for identification. In the five-year period, a total of 9396 samples were collected and analysed. In ward patients, 4398 samplings were carried out with 4.7%, 9.4%, 7%, 10.8% and 7.9% positive results respectively from 2010 to 2014. For hands, 648 samplings were carried out, with a positivity of 40.74%. In operating theatres, 4188 samples were taken, with a positivity of 11.9%. Regarding air in empty and full theatres, 1962 samplings were carried out with a positivity rate equal to 31.9%. The monitoring showed a low rate of contamination with a progressive decrease in the fiveyear period on operating theatres surfaces and hands, while there was an increase in the surgical site wards and in the air of operating rooms. Our investigation has revealed the presence of pathogens on the assessed surfaces and the need for environmental monitoring, which can be a valuable tool for reducing contamination.

Salmonella Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility from the National Animal Health Monitoring System Sheep 2011 Study.

PubMed

Dargatz, David A; Marshall, Katherine L; Fedorka-Cray, Paula J; Erdman, Matthew M; Kopral, Christine A

2015-12-01

Salmonella is a major cause of foodborne illness and can cause clinical disease in animals. Understanding the on-farm ecology of Salmonella will be helpful in decreasing the risk of foodborne transmission. An objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Salmonella among fecal samples collected on sheep operations in the United States. Another objective was to compare the use of composite fecal samples with fecal samples collected from individual sheep as a tool for screening sheep flocks for Salmonella. Sheep fecal samples (individual and composite) were collected on operations in 22 states. Salmonella isolates were characterized with regard to species, serotype, and antimicrobial susceptibility profile. Most operations (72.1%) had at least one positive sample and overall 26.9% of samples were positive. The percentage of positive samples varied by animal age class. Composite and individual samples gave similar results. The majority of the isolates (94%) were Salmonella enterica subspecies diarizonae serotype 61:-:1,5,7. Nearly all of the isolates (91.2%) tested for antimicrobial susceptibility were susceptible to all antimicrobials in the panel. The findings suggest that salmonellae typically associated with foodborne disease transmission are infrequently found on sheep operations in the United States.

Dynamically re-configurable CMOS imagers for an active vision system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, Guang (Inventor); Pain, Bedabrata (Inventor)

2005-01-01

A vision system is disclosed. The system includes a pixel array, at least one multi-resolution window operation circuit, and a pixel averaging circuit. The pixel array has an array of pixels configured to receive light signals from an image having at least one tracking target. The multi-resolution window operation circuits are configured to process the image. Each of the multi-resolution window operation circuits processes each tracking target within a particular multi-resolution window. The pixel averaging circuit is configured to sample and average pixels within the particular multi-resolution window.

A perception and manipulation system for collecting rock samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Choi, T.; Delingette, H.; Deluise, M.; Hsin, Y.; Hebert, M.; Ikeuchi, Katsushi

1991-01-01

An important part of a planetary exploration mission is to collect and analyze surface samples. As part of the Carnegie Mellon University Ambler Project, researchers are investigating techniques for collecting samples using a robot arm and a range sensor. The aim of this work is to make the sample collection operation fully autonomous. Described here are the components of the experimental system, including a perception module that extracts objects of interest from range images and produces models of their shapes, and a manipulation module that enables the system to pick up the objects identified by the perception module. The system was tested on a small testbed using natural terrain.

Carbon monoxide measurement in the global atmospheric sampling program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dudzinski, T. J.

1979-01-01

The carbon monoxide measurement system used in the NASA Global Atmospheric Sampling Program (GASP) is described. The system used a modified version of a commercially available infrared absorption analyzer. The modifications increased the sensitivity of the analyzer to 1 ppmv full scale, with a limit of detectability of 0.02 ppmv. Packaging was modified for automatic, unattended operation in an aircraft environment. The GASP system is described along with analyzer operation, calibration procedures, and measurement errors. Uncertainty of the CO measurement over a 2-year period ranged from + or - 3 to + or - 13 percent of reading, plus an error due to random fluctuation of the output signal + or - 3 to + or - 15 ppbv.

Instrumentation of sampling aircraft for measurement of launch vehicle effluents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wornom, D. E.; Woods, D. C.; Thomas, M. E.; Tyson, R. W.

1977-01-01

An aircraft was selected and instrumented to measure effluents emitted from large solid propellant rockets during launch activities. The considerations involved in aircraft selection, sampling probes, and instrumentation are discussed with respect to obtaining valid airborne measurements. Discussions of the data acquisition system used, the instrument power system, and operational sampling procedures are included. Representative measurements obtained from an actual rocket launch monitoring activity are also presented.

[Establishment and Management of Multicentral Collection Bio-sample Banks of Malignant Tumors from Digestive System].

PubMed

Shen, Si; Shen, Junwei; Zhu, Liang; Wu, Chaoqun; Li, Dongliang; Yu, Hongyu; Qiu, Yuanyuan; Zhou, Yi

2015-11-01

To establish and manage of multicentral collection bio-sample banks of malignant tumors from digestive system, the paper designed a multicentral management system, established the standard operation procedures (SOPs) and leaded ten hospitals nationwide to collect tumor samples. The biobank has been established for half a year, and has collected 695 samples from patients with digestive system malignant tumor. The clinical data is full and complete, labeled in a unified way and classified to be managed. The clinical and molecular biology researches were based on the biobank, and obtained achievements. The biobank provides a research platform for malignant tumor of digestive system from different regions and of different types.

New techniques for the analysis of manual control systems. [mathematical models of human operator behavior

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bekey, G. A.

1971-01-01

Studies are summarized on the application of advanced analytical and computational methods to the development of mathematical models of human controllers in multiaxis manual control systems. Specific accomplishments include the following: (1) The development of analytical and computer methods for the measurement of random parameters in linear models of human operators. (2) Discrete models of human operator behavior in a multiple display situation were developed. (3) Sensitivity techniques were developed which make possible the identification of unknown sampling intervals in linear systems. (4) The adaptive behavior of human operators following particular classes of vehicle failures was studied and a model structure proposed.

Isotachophoresis system having larger-diameter channels flowing into channels with reduced diameter and with selectable counter-flow

DOEpatents

Mariella, Jr., Raymond P.

2018-03-06

An isotachophoresis system for separating a sample containing particles into discrete packets including a flow channel, the flow channel having a large diameter section and a small diameter section; a negative electrode operably connected to the flow channel; a positive electrode operably connected to the flow channel; a leading carrier fluid in the flow channel; a trailing carrier fluid in the flow channel; and a control for separating the particles in the sample into discrete packets using the leading carrier fluid, the trailing carrier fluid, the large diameter section, and the small diameter section.

40 CFR Table 41 to Subpart Uuu of... - Requirements for Installation, Operation, and Maintenance of Continuous Parameter Monitoring Systems

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...), you shall meet each requirement in the following table that applies to you. If you use . . . You shall . . . 1. pH strips Use pH strips with an accuracy of ±10 percent. 2. Colormetric tube sampling system Use a colormetric tube sampling system with a printed numerical scale in ppmv, a standard measurement...

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

Leishear, R.; Thaxton, D.; Minichan, R.

A sampling tool was required to evaluate residual activity ({mu}Curies per square foot) on the inner wall surfaces of underground nuclear waste storage tanks. The tool was required to collect a small sample from the 3/8 inch thick tank walls. This paper documents the design, testing, and deployment of the remotely operated sampling device. The sampler provides material from a known surface area to estimate the overall surface contamination in the tank prior to closure. The sampler consisted of a sampler and mast assembly mast assembly, control system, and the sampler, or end effector, which is defined as the operatingmore » component of a robotic arm. The mast assembly consisted of a vertical 30 feet long, 3 inch by 3 inch, vertical steel mast and a cantilevered arm hinged at the bottom of the mast and lowered by cable to align the attached sampler to the wall. The sampler and mast assembly were raised and lowered through an opening in the tank tops, called a riser. The sampler is constructed of a mounting plate, a drill, springs to provide a drive force to the drill, a removable sampler head to collect the sample, a vacuum pump to draw the sample from the drill to a filter, and controls to operate the system. Once the sampler was positioned near the wall, electromagnets attached it to the wall, and the control system was operated to turn on the drill and vacuum to remove and collect a sample from the wall. Samples were collected on filters in removable sampler heads, which were readily transported for further laboratory testing.« less

The Automation-by-Expertise-by-Training Interaction.

PubMed

Strauch, Barry

2017-03-01

I introduce the automation-by-expertise-by-training interaction in automated systems and discuss its influence on operator performance. Transportation accidents that, across a 30-year interval demonstrated identical automation-related operator errors, suggest a need to reexamine traditional views of automation. I review accident investigation reports, regulator studies, and literature on human computer interaction, expertise, and training and discuss how failing to attend to the interaction of automation, expertise level, and training has enabled operators to commit identical automation-related errors. Automated systems continue to provide capabilities exceeding operators' need for effective system operation and provide interfaces that can hinder, rather than enhance, operator automation-related situation awareness. Because of limitations in time and resources, training programs do not provide operators the expertise needed to effectively operate these automated systems, requiring them to obtain the expertise ad hoc during system operations. As a result, many do not acquire necessary automation-related system expertise. Integrating automation with expected operator expertise levels, and within training programs that provide operators the necessary automation expertise, can reduce opportunities for automation-related operator errors. Research to address the automation-by-expertise-by-training interaction is needed. However, such research must meet challenges inherent to examining realistic sociotechnical system automation features with representative samples of operators, perhaps by using observational and ethnographic research. Research in this domain should improve the integration of design and training and, it is hoped, enhance operator performance.

Rapid DNA analysis for automated processing and interpretation of low DNA content samples.

PubMed

Turingan, Rosemary S; Vasantgadkar, Sameer; Palombo, Luke; Hogan, Catherine; Jiang, Hua; Tan, Eugene; Selden, Richard F

2016-01-01

Short tandem repeat (STR) analysis of casework samples with low DNA content include those resulting from the transfer of epithelial cells from the skin to an object (e.g., cells on a water bottle, or brim of a cap), blood spatter stains, and small bone and tissue fragments. Low DNA content (LDC) samples are important in a wide range of settings, including disaster response teams to assist in victim identification and family reunification, military operations to identify friend or foe, criminal forensics to identify suspects and exonerate the innocent, and medical examiner and coroner offices to identify missing persons. Processing LDC samples requires experienced laboratory personnel, isolated workstations, and sophisticated equipment, requires transport time, and involves complex procedures. We present a rapid DNA analysis system designed specifically to generate STR profiles from LDC samples in field-forward settings by non-technical operators. By performing STR in the field, close to the site of collection, rapid DNA analysis has the potential to increase throughput and to provide actionable information in real time. A Low DNA Content BioChipSet (LDC BCS) was developed and manufactured by injection molding. It was designed to function in the fully integrated Accelerated Nuclear DNA Equipment (ANDE) instrument previously designed for analysis of buccal swab and other high DNA content samples (Investigative Genet. 4(1):1-15, 2013). The LDC BCS performs efficient DNA purification followed by microfluidic ultrafiltration of the purified DNA, maximizing the quantity of DNA available for subsequent amplification and electrophoretic separation and detection of amplified fragments. The system demonstrates accuracy, precision, resolution, signal strength, and peak height ratios appropriate for casework analysis. The LDC rapid DNA analysis system is effective for the generation of STR profiles from a wide range of sample types. The technology broadens the range of sample types that can be processed and minimizes the time between sample collection, sample processing and analysis, and generation of actionable intelligence. The fully integrated Expert System is capable of interpreting a wide range or sample types and input DNA quantities, allowing samples to be processed and interpreted without a technical operator.

Data processing for water monitoring system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Monford, L.; Linton, A. T.

1978-01-01

Water monitoring data acquisition system is structured about central computer that controls sampling and sensor operation, and analyzes and displays data in real time. Unit is essentially separated into two systems: computer system, and hard wire backup system which may function separately or with computer.

Characterization engineering status report october 1998 - december 1998

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

BOGER, R.M.

1999-05-13

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

A Customizable Flow Injection System for Automated, High Throughput, and Time Sensitive Ion Mobility Spectrometry and Mass Spectrometry Measurements

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

Orton, Daniel J.; Tfaily, Malak M.; Moore, Ronald J.

To better understand disease conditions and environmental perturbations, multi-omic studies (i.e. proteomic, lipidomic, metabolomic, etc. analyses) are vastly increasing in popularity. In a multi-omic study, a single sample is typically extracted in multiple ways and numerous analyses are performed using different instruments. Thus, one sample becomes many analyses, making high throughput and reproducible evaluations a necessity. One way to address the numerous samples and varying instrumental conditions is to utilize a flow injection analysis (FIA) system for rapid sample injection. While some FIA systems have been created to address these challenges, many have limitations such as high consumable costs, lowmore » pressure capabilities, limited pressure monitoring and fixed flow rates. To address these limitations, we created an automated, customizable FIA system capable of operating at diverse flow rates (~50 nL/min to 500 µL/min) to accommodate low- and high-flow instrument sources. This system can also operate at varying analytical throughputs from 24 to 1200 samples per day to enable different MS analysis approaches. Applications ranging from native protein analyses to molecular library construction were performed using the FIA system. The results from these studies showed a highly robust platform, providing consistent performance over many days without carryover as long as washing buffers specific to each molecular analysis were utilized.« less

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as a tool to monitor exhaust air from poultry operations.

PubMed

Druckenmüller, Katharina; Günther, Klaus; Elbers, Gereon

2018-07-15

Intensive poultry operation systems emit a considerable volume of inorganic and organic matter in the surrounding environment. Monitoring cleaning properties of exhaust air cleaning systems and to detect small but significant changes in emission characteristics during a fattening cycle is important for both emission and fattening process control. In the present study, we evaluated the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with chemometric techniques as a monitoring tool of exhaust air from poultry operation systems. To generate a high-quality data set for evaluation, the exhaust air of two poultry houses was sampled by applying state-of-the-art filter sampling protocols. The two stables were identical except for one crucial difference, the presence or absence of an exhaust air cleaning system. In total, twenty-one exhaust air samples were collected at the two sites to monitor spectral differences caused by the cleaning device, and to follow changes in exhaust air characteristics during a fattening period. The total dust load was analyzed by gravimetric determination and included as a response variable in multivariate data analysis. The filter samples were directly measured with NIR spectroscopy. Principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and factor analysis (FA) were effective in classifying the NIR exhaust air spectra according to fattening day and origin. The results indicate that the dust load and the composition of exhaust air (inorganic or organic matter) substantially influence the NIR spectral patterns. In conclusion, NIR spectroscopy as a tool is a promising and very rapid way to detect differences between exhaust air samples based on still not clearly defined circumstances triggered during a fattening period and the availability of an exhaust air cleaning system. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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

Daley, P F

The overall objective of this project is the continued development, installation, and testing of continuous water sampling and analysis technologies for application to on-site monitoring of groundwater treatment systems and remediation sites. In a previous project, an on-line analytical system (OLAS) for multistream water sampling was installed at the Fort Ord Operable Unit 2 Groundwater Treatment System, with the objective of developing a simplified analytical method for detection of Compounds of Concern at that plant, and continuous sampling of up to twelve locations in the treatment system, from raw influent waters to treated effluent. Earlier implementations of the water samplingmore » and processing system (Analytical Sampling and Analysis Platform, A A+RT, Milpitas, CA) depended on off-line integrators that produced paper plots of chromatograms, and sent summary tables to a host computer for archiving. We developed a basic LabVIEW (National Instruments, Inc., Austin, TX) based gas chromatography control and data acquisition system that was the foundation for further development and integration with the ASAP system. Advantages of this integration include electronic archiving of all raw chromatographic data, and a flexible programming environment to support development of improved ASAP operation and automated reporting. The initial goals of integrating the preexisting LabVIEW chromatography control system with the ASAP, and demonstration of a simplified, site-specific analytical method were successfully achieved. However, although the principal objective of this system was assembly of an analytical system that would allow plant operators an up-to-the-minute view of the plant's performance, several obstacles remained. Data reduction with the base LabVIEW system was limited to peak detection and simple tabular output, patterned after commercial chromatography integrators, with compound retention times and peak areas. Preparation of calibration curves, method detection limit estimates and trend plotting were performed with spreadsheets and statistics software. Moreover, the analytical method developed was very limited in compound coverage, and unable to closely mirror the standard analytical methods promulgated by the EPA. To address these deficiencies, during this award the original equipment was operated at the OU 2-GTS to further evaluate the use of columns, commercial standard blends and other components to broaden the compound coverage of the chromatography system. A second-generation ASAP was designed and built to replace the original system at the OU 2-GTS, and include provision for introduction of internal standard compounds and surrogates into each sample analyzed. An enhanced, LabVIEW based chromatogram analysis application was written, that manages and archives chemical standards information, and provides a basis for NIST traceability for all analyses. Within this same package, all compound calibration response curves are managed, and different report formats were incorporated, that simplify trend analysis. Test results focus on operation of the original system at the OU 1 Integrated Chemical and Flow Monitoring System, at the OU 1 Fire Drill Area remediation site.« less

Comparison between mixed and laminar airflow systems in operating rooms and the influence of human factors: experiences from a Swedish orthopedic center.

PubMed

Erichsen Andersson, Annette; Petzold, Max; Bergh, Ingrid; Karlsson, Jón; Eriksson, Bengt I; Nilsson, Kerstin

2014-06-01

The importance of laminar airflow systems in operating rooms as protection from surgical site infections has been questioned. The aim of our study was to explore the differences in air contamination rates between displacement ventilation and laminar airflow systems during planned and acute orthopedic implant surgery. A second aim was to compare the influence of the number of people present, the reasons for traffic flow, and the door-opening rates between the 2 systems. Active air sampling and observations were made during 63 orthopedic implant operations. The laminar airflow system resulted in a reduction of 89% in colony forming units in comparison with the displacement system (P < .001). The air samples taken in the preparation rooms showed high levels of bacterial growth (≈ 40 CFU/m(3)). Our study shows that laminar airflow-ventilated operating rooms offer high-quality air during surgery, with very low levels of colony forming units close to the surgical wound. The continuous maintenance of laminar air flow and other technical systems are crucial, because minor failures in complex systems like those in operating rooms can result in a detrimental effect on air quality and jeopardize the safety of patients. The technical ventilation solutions are important, but they do not guarantee clean air, because many other factors, such as the organization of the work and staff behavior, influence air cleanliness. Copyright © 2014 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated space vehicle control for rendezvous proximity operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lea, Robert N.

1988-01-01

Rendezvous during the unmanned space exploration missions, such as a Mars Rover/Sample Return will require a completely automatic system from liftoff to docking. A conceptual design of an automated rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking system is being implemented and validated at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). The emphasis is on the progress of the development and testing of a prototype system for control of the rendezvous vehicle during proximity operations that is currently being developed at JSC. Fuzzy sets are used to model the human capability of common sense reasoning in decision making tasks and such models are integrated with the expert systems and engineering control system technology to create a system that performs comparably to a manned system.

Automated space vehicle control for rendezvous proximity operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lea, Robert N.

1988-01-01

Rendezvous during the unmanned space exploration missions, such as a Mars Rover/Sample Return will require a completely automatic system from liftoff to docking. A conceptual design of an automated rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking system is being implemented and validated at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). The emphasis is on the progress of the development and testing of a prototype system for control of the rendezvous vehicle during proximity operations that is currently being developed at JSC. Fuzzy sets are used to model the human capability of common sense reasoning in decision-making tasks and such models are integrated with the expert systems and engineering control system technology to create a system that performs comparably to a manned system.

Floppy disk utility user's guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Akers, J. W.

1980-01-01

A floppy disk utility program is described which transfers programs between files on a hard disk and floppy disk. It also copies the data on one floppy disk onto another floppy disk and compares the data. The program operates on the Data General NOVA-4X under the Real Time Disk Operating System. Sample operations are given.

40 CFR 60.2710 - How do I demonstrate continuous compliance with the emission limitations and the operating limits?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... performance test deadline for PM CEMS. Relative accuracy testing for other CEMS need not be repeated if that... system. (i) Installation of the continuous monitoring system sampling probe or other interface at a... equipment specifications for the sample interface, the pollutant concentration or parametric signal analyzer...

Planetary Sample Caching System Design Options

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collins, Curtis; Younse, Paulo; Backes, Paul

2009-01-01

Potential Mars Sample Return missions would aspire to collect small core and regolith samples using a rover with a sample acquisition tool and sample caching system. Samples would need to be stored in individual sealed tubes in a canister that could be transfered to a Mars ascent vehicle and returned to Earth. A sample handling, encapsulation and containerization system (SHEC) has been developed as part of an integrated system for acquiring and storing core samples for application to future potential MSR and other potential sample return missions. Requirements and design options for the SHEC system were studied and a recommended design concept developed. Two families of solutions were explored: 1)transfer of a raw sample from the tool to the SHEC subsystem and 2)transfer of a tube containing the sample to the SHEC subsystem. The recommended design utilizes sample tool bit change out as the mechanism for transferring tubes to and samples in tubes from the tool. The SHEC subsystem design, called the Bit Changeout Caching(BiCC) design, is intended for operations on a MER class rover.

Automated CD-SEM recipe creation technology for mass production using CAD data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawahara, Toshikazu; Yoshida, Masamichi; Tanaka, Masashi; Ido, Sanyu; Nakano, Hiroyuki; Adachi, Naokaka; Abe, Yuichi; Nagatomo, Wataru

2011-03-01

Critical Dimension Scanning Electron Microscope (CD-SEM) recipe creation needs sample preparation necessary for matching pattern registration, and recipe creation on CD-SEM using the sample, which hinders the reduction in test production cost and time in semiconductor manufacturing factories. From the perspective of cost reduction and improvement of the test production efficiency, automated CD-SEM recipe creation without the sample preparation and the manual operation has been important in the production lines. For the automated CD-SEM recipe creation, we have introduced RecipeDirector (RD) that enables the recipe creation by using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) data and text data that includes measurement information. We have developed a system that automatically creates the CAD data and the text data necessary for the recipe creation on RD; and, for the elimination of the manual operation, we have enhanced RD so that all measurement information can be specified in the text data. As a result, we have established an automated CD-SEM recipe creation system without the sample preparation and the manual operation. For the introduction of the CD-SEM recipe creation system using RD to the production lines, the accuracy of the pattern matching was an issue. The shape of design templates for the matching created from the CAD data was different from that of SEM images in vision. Thus, a development of robust pattern matching algorithm that considers the shape difference was needed. The addition of image processing of the templates for the matching and shape processing of the CAD patterns in the lower layer has enabled the robust pattern matching. This paper describes the automated CD-SEM recipe creation technology for the production lines without the sample preparation and the manual operation using RD applied in Sony Semiconductor Kyusyu Corporation Kumamoto Technology Center (SCK Corporation Kumamoto TEC).

Association of bond, market, operational, and financial factors with multi-hospital system bond issues.

PubMed

Carpenter, C E; McCue, M J; Hossack, J B

2001-01-01

Despite the growth of multi-hospital systems in the 1990s, their performance in the tax-exempt bond market has not been adequately evaluated. The purpose of this study is to compare bonds issued by multi-hospital systems to those issued by individual hospitals in terms of bond, market, operational, and financial characteristics. The study sample includes 2,078 newly issued, tax-exempt, revenue bonds between 1991 and 1997. The findings indicate that multi-hospital systems issued larger amounts of debt at a lower cost, were more likely to be insured, had higher debt service coverage and higher operating margins.

Sample acquisition and instrument deployment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boyd, Robert C.

1995-01-01

Progress is reported in developing the Sample Acquisition and Instrument Deployment (SAID) system, a robotic system for deploying science instruments and acquiring samples for analysis. The system is a conventional four degree of freedom manipulator 2 meters in length. A baseline design has been achieved through analysis and trade studies. The design considers environmental operating conditions on the surface of Mars, as well as volume constraints on proposed Mars landers. Control issues have also been studied, and simulations of joint and tip movements have been performed. The systems have been fabricated and tested in environmental chambers, as well as soil testing and robotic control testing.

Modulated and continuous-wave operations of low-power thulium (Tm:YAP) laser in tissue welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bilici, Temel; Tabakoğlu, Haşim Özgür; Topaloğlu, Nermin; Kalaycıoğlu, Hamit; Kurt, Adnan; Sennaroglu, Alphan; Gülsoy, Murat

2010-05-01

Our aim is to explore the welding capabilities of a thulium (Tm:YAP) laser in modulated and continuous-wave (CW) modes of operation. The Tm:YAP laser system developed for this study includes a Tm:YAP laser resonator, diode laser driver, water chiller, modulation controller unit, and acquisition/control software. Full-thickness incisions on Wistar rat skin were welded by the Tm:YAP laser system at 100 mW and 5 s in both modulated and CW modes of operation (34.66 W/cm2). The skin samples were examined during a 21-day healing period by histology and tensile tests. The results were compared with the samples closed by conventional suture technique. For the laser groups, immediate closure at the surface layers of the incisions was observed. Full closures were observed for both modulated and CW modes of operation at day 4. The tensile forces for both modulated and CW modes of operation were found to be significantly higher than the values found by conventional suture technique. The 1980-nm Tm:YAP laser system operating in both modulated and CW modes maximizes the therapeutic effect while minimizing undesired side effects of laser tissue welding. Hence, it is a potentially important alternative tool to the conventional suturing technique.

Exploring Operational Test and Evaluation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems: A Qualitative Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saliceti, Jose A.

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore and identify strategies that may potentially remedy operational test and evaluation procedures used to evaluate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) technology. The sample for analysis consisted of organizations testing and evaluating UASs (e.g., U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, and Customs Border Protection). A purposeful sampling technique was used to select 15 subject matter experts in the field of operational test and evaluation of UASs. A questionnaire was provided to participants to construct a descriptive and robust research. Analysis of responses revealed themes related to each research question. Findings revealed operational testers utilized requirements documents to extrapolate measures for testing UAS technology and develop critical operational issues. The requirements documents were (a) developed without the contribution of stakeholders and operational testers, (b) developed with vague or unrealistic measures, and (c) developed without a systematic method to derive requirements from mission tasks. Four approaches are recommended to develop testable operational requirements and assist operational testers: (a) use a mission task analysis tool to derive requirements for mission essential tasks for the system, (b) exercise collaboration among stakeholders and testers to ensure testable operational requirements based on mission tasks, (c) ensure testable measures are used in requirements documents, and (d) create a repository list of critical operational issues by mission areas. The preparation of operational test and evaluation processes for UAS technology is not uniform across testers. The processes in place are not standardized, thus test plan preparation and reporting are different among participants. A standard method to prepare and report UAS technology should be used when preparing and reporting on UAS technology. Using a systematic process, such as mission-based test design, resonated among participants as an analytical method to link UAS mission tasks and measures of performance to the capabilities of the system under test when developing operational test plans. Further research should examine system engineering designs for system requirements traceability matrix of mission tasks and subtasks while using an analysis tool that adequately evaluates UASs with an acceptable level of confidence in the results.

Sampling. Operational Control Tests for Wastewater Treatment Facilities. Instructor's Manual [and] Student Workbook.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carnegie, John W.

A brief overview of the basic concepts and philosophies for sampling water and waste water systems is presented in this module. The module is not intended to specify sampling procedures, frequencies, or locations for specific treatment facilities but rather to outline those general procedures which should be followed when sampling under most…

Wireless, battery-operated data acquisition system for mobile spectrometry applications and (potentially) for the Internet of things

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fitzgerald, Ryan; Karanassios, Vassili

2017-05-01

There are many applications requiring chemical analysis in the field and analytical results in (near) real-time. For example, when accidental spills occur. In others, collecting samples in the field followed by analysis in a lab increases costs and introduces time-delays. In such cases, "bring part of the lab to the sample" would be ideal. Toward this ideal (and to further reduce size and weight), we developed a relatively inexpensive, battery-operated, wireless data acquisition hardware system around an Arduino nano micro-controller and a 16-bit ADC (Analog-to- Digital Converter) with a max sampling rate of 860 samples/s. The hardware communicates the acquired data using low-power Bluetooth. Software for data acquisition and data display was written in Python. Potential ways of making the hardware-software approach described here a part of the Internet-of-Things (IoT) are presented.

Aerial Radiological Measuring System (ARMS): systems, procedures and sensitivity (1976)

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

Boyns, P K

1976-07-01

This report describes the Aerial Radiological Measuring System (ARMS) designed and operated by EG and G, Inc., for the Energy Research and Development Administration's (ERDA) Division of Operational Safety with the cooperation of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Designed to rapidly survey large areas for low-level man-made radiation, the ARMS has also proven extremely useful in locating lost radioactive sources of relatively low activity. The system consists of sodium iodide scintillation detectors, data formatting and recording equipment, positioning equipment, meteorological instruments, direct readout hardware, and data analysis equipment. The instrumentation, operational procedures, data reduction techniques and system sensitivities are described, togethermore » with their applications and sample results.« less

Does the air condition system in busses spread allergic fungi into driver space?

PubMed

Sowiak, Małgorzata; Kozajda, Anna; Jeżak, Karolina; Szadkowska-Stańczyk, Irena

2018-02-01

The aim of this study was to establish whether the air-conditioning system in buses constitutes an additional source of indoor air contamination with fungi, and whether or not the fungi concentration depends on the period from the last disinfection of the system, combined with replacement of the cabin dust particle filter. The air samples to fungi analysis using impact method were taken in 30 buses (20 with an air-conditioning system, ACS; 10 with a ventilation system, VS) in two series: 1 and 22 weeks after cabin filter replacement and disinfection of the air-conditioning system. During one test in each bus were taken two samples: before the air-conditioning or ventilation system switched on and 6 min after operating of these systems. The atmospheric air was the external background (EB). After 1 week of use of the system, the fungi concentrations before starting of the ACS and VS system were 527.8 and 1053.0 cfu/m 3 , respectively, and after 22 weeks the concentrations were 351.9 and 1069.6 cfu/m 3 , respectively. While in the sample after 6 min of ACS and VS system operating, the fungi concentration after 1 week of use was 127.6 and 233.7 cfu/m 3 , respectively, and after 22 weeks it was 113.3 and 324.9 cfu/m 3 , respectively. Results do not provide strong evidence that air-conditioning system is an additional source of indoor air contamination with fungi. A longer operation of the system promoted increase of fungi concentration in air-conditioned buses only.

W-026, transuranic waste restricted waste management (TRU RWM) glovebox operational test report

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

Leist, K.J.

1998-02-18

The TRU Waste/Restricted Waste Management (LLW/PWNP) Glovebox 401 is designed to accept and process waste from the Transuranic Process Glovebox 302. Waste is transferred to the glovebox via the Drath and Schraeder Bagless Transfer Port (DO-07401) on a transfer stand. The stand is removed with a hoist and the operator inspects the waste (with the aid of the Sampling and Treatment Director) to determine a course of action for each item. The waste is separated into compliant and non compliant. One Trip Port DO-07402A is designated as ``Compliant``and One Trip Port DO-07402B is designated as ``Non Compliant``. As the processingmore » (inspection, bar coding, sampling and treatment) of the transferred items takes place, residue is placed in the appropriate One Trip port. The status of the waste items is tracked by the Data Management System (DMS) via the Plant Control System (PCS) barcode interface. As an item is moved for sampling or storage or it`s state altered by treatment, the Operator will track an items location using a portable barcode reader and entry any required data on the DMS console. The Operational Test Procedure (OTP) will perform evolutions (described here) using the Plant Operating Procedures (POP) in order to verify that they are sufficient and accurate for controlled glovebox operation.« less

On the continuous dependence with respect to sampling of the linear quadratic regulator problem for distributed parameter systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosen, I. G.; Wang, C.

1990-01-01

The convergence of solutions to the discrete or sampled time linear quadratic regulator problem and associated Riccati equation for infinite dimensional systems to the solutions to the corresponding continuous time problem and equation, as the length of the sampling interval (the sampling rate) tends toward zero (infinity) is established. Both the finite and infinite time horizon problems are studied. In the finite time horizon case, strong continuity of the operators which define the control system and performance index together with a stability and consistency condition on the sampling scheme are required. For the infinite time horizon problem, in addition, the sampled systems must be stabilizable and detectable, uniformly with respect to the sampling rate. Classes of systems for which this condition can be verified are discussed. Results of numerical studies involving the control of a heat/diffusion equation, a hereditary of delay system, and a flexible beam are presented and discussed.

On the continuous dependence with respect to sampling of the linear quadratic regulator problem for distributed parameter system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rosen, I. G.; Wang, C.

1992-01-01

The convergence of solutions to the discrete- or sampled-time linear quadratic regulator problem and associated Riccati equation for infinite-dimensional systems to the solutions to the corresponding continuous time problem and equation, as the length of the sampling interval (the sampling rate) tends toward zero(infinity) is established. Both the finite-and infinite-time horizon problems are studied. In the finite-time horizon case, strong continuity of the operators that define the control system and performance index, together with a stability and consistency condition on the sampling scheme are required. For the infinite-time horizon problem, in addition, the sampled systems must be stabilizable and detectable, uniformly with respect to the sampling rate. Classes of systems for which this condition can be verified are discussed. Results of numerical studies involving the control of a heat/diffusion equation, a hereditary or delay system, and a flexible beam are presented and discussed.

Development and evaluation of a helicopter-borne water-quality monitoring system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wallace, J. W.; Jordan, R. A.; Flynn, J.; Thomas, R. W.

1978-01-01

A small, helicopter-borne water-quality monitoring package is being developed by the NASA/EPA using a combination of basic in situ water quality sensors and physical sample collector technology. The package is a lightweight system which can be carried and operated by one person as a passenger in a small helicopter typically available by rental at commercial airports. Real-time measurements are made by suspending the water quality monitoring package with a cable from the hovering helicopter. Designed primarily for use in rapidly assessing hazardous material spills in inland and coastal zone water bodies, the system can survey as many as 20 data stations up to 1.5 kilometers apart in 1 hour. The system provides several channels of sensor data and allows for the addition of future sensors. The system will also collect samples from selected sites with sample collection on command. An EPA Spill Response Team member can easily transport, deploy, and operate the water quality monitoring package to determine the distribution, movement, and concentration of the spilled material in the water body.

Lab-on-chip systems for integrated bioanalyses

PubMed Central

Madaboosi, Narayanan; Soares, Ruben R.G.; Fernandes, João Tiago S.; Novo, Pedro; Moulas, Geraud; Chu, Virginia

2016-01-01

Biomolecular detection systems based on microfluidics are often called lab-on-chip systems. To fully benefit from the miniaturization resulting from microfluidics, one aims to develop ‘from sample-to-answer’ analytical systems, in which the input is a raw or minimally processed biological, food/feed or environmental sample and the output is a quantitative or qualitative assessment of one or more analytes of interest. In general, such systems will require the integration of several steps or operations to perform their function. This review will discuss these stages of operation, including fluidic handling, which assures that the desired fluid arrives at a specific location at the right time and under the appropriate flow conditions; molecular recognition, which allows the capture of specific analytes at precise locations on the chip; transduction of the molecular recognition event into a measurable signal; sample preparation upstream from analyte capture; and signal amplification procedures to increase sensitivity. Seamless integration of the different stages is required to achieve a point-of-care/point-of-use lab-on-chip device that allows analyte detection at the relevant sensitivity ranges, with a competitive analysis time and cost. PMID:27365042

SymPix: A Spherical Grid for Efficient Sampling of Rotationally Invariant Operators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seljebotn, D. S.; Eriksen, H. K.

2016-02-01

We present SymPix, a special-purpose spherical grid optimized for efficiently sampling rotationally invariant linear operators. This grid is conceptually similar to the Gauss-Legendre (GL) grid, aligning sample points with iso-latitude rings located on Legendre polynomial zeros. Unlike the GL grid, however, the number of grid points per ring varies as a function of latitude, avoiding expensive oversampling near the poles and ensuring nearly equal sky area per grid point. The ratio between the number of grid points in two neighboring rings is required to be a low-order rational number (3, 2, 1, 4/3, 5/4, or 6/5) to maintain a high degree of symmetries. Our main motivation for this grid is to solve linear systems using multi-grid methods, and to construct efficient preconditioners through pixel-space sampling of the linear operator in question. As a benchmark and representative example, we compute a preconditioner for a linear system that involves the operator \\widehat{{\\boldsymbol{D}}}+{\\widehat{{\\boldsymbol{B}}}}T{{\\boldsymbol{N}}}-1\\widehat{{\\boldsymbol{B}}}, where \\widehat{{\\boldsymbol{B}}} and \\widehat{{\\boldsymbol{D}}} may be described as both local and rotationally invariant operators, and {\\boldsymbol{N}} is diagonal in the pixel domain. For a bandwidth limit of {{\\ell }}{max} = 3000, we find that our new SymPix implementation yields average speed-ups of 360 and 23 for {\\widehat{{\\boldsymbol{B}}}}T{{\\boldsymbol{N}}}-1\\widehat{{\\boldsymbol{B}}} and \\widehat{{\\boldsymbol{D}}}, respectively, compared with the previous state-of-the-art implementation.

Initial Results from an Energy-Aware Airborne Dynamic, Data-Driven Application System Performing Sampling in Coherent Boundary-Layer Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frew, E.; Argrow, B. M.; Houston, A. L.; Weiss, C.

2014-12-01

The energy-aware airborne dynamic, data-driven application system (EA-DDDAS) performs persistent sampling in complex atmospheric conditions by exploiting wind energy using the dynamic data-driven application system paradigm. The main challenge for future airborne sampling missions is operation with tight integration of physical and computational resources over wireless communication networks, in complex atmospheric conditions. The physical resources considered here include sensor platforms, particularly mobile Doppler radar and unmanned aircraft, the complex conditions in which they operate, and the region of interest. Autonomous operation requires distributed computational effort connected by layered wireless communication. Onboard decision-making and coordination algorithms can be enhanced by atmospheric models that assimilate input from physics-based models and wind fields derived from multiple sources. These models are generally too complex to be run onboard the aircraft, so they need to be executed in ground vehicles in the field, and connected over broadband or other wireless links back to the field. Finally, the wind field environment drives strong interaction between the computational and physical systems, both as a challenge to autonomous path planning algorithms and as a novel energy source that can be exploited to improve system range and endurance. Implementation details of a complete EA-DDDAS will be provided, along with preliminary flight test results targeting coherent boundary-layer structures.

Drinking Water Microbiome as a Screening Tool for ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Many water utilities in the US using chloramine as disinfectant treatment in their distribution systems have experienced nitrification episodes, which detrimentally impact the water quality. A chloraminated drinking water distribution system (DWDS) simulator was operated through four successive operational schemes, including two stable events (SS) and an episode of nitrification (SF), followed by a ‘chlorine burn’ (SR) by switching disinfectant from chloramine to free chlorine. The current research investigated the viability of biological signatures as potential indicators of operational failure and predictors of nitrification in DWDS. For this purpose, we examined the bulk water (BW) bacterial microbiome of a chloraminated DWDS simulator operated through successive operational schemes, including an episode of nitrification. BW data was chosen because sampling of BW in a DWDS by water utility operators is relatively simpler and easier than collecting biofilm samples from underground pipes. The methodology applied a supervised classification machine learning approach (naïve Bayes algorithm) for developing predictive models for nitrification. Classification models were trained with biological datasets (Operational Taxonomic Unit [OTU] and genus-level taxonomic groups) generated using next generation high-throughput technology, and divided into two groups (i.e. binary) of positives and negatives (Failure and Stable, respectively). We also invest

PubMed Central

Genovese, C.; Facciolà, A.; Palamara, M.A.R.; Squeri, R.

2017-01-01

Summary Introduction. Nosocomial infections are one of the greatest problems in public health. Several studies have highlighted the role played by the hospital environment as a possible source of transmission of nosocomial pathogens. Methods. A five-year monitoring of bacterial contamination on healthcare workers hands, surfaces most closely in contact with inpatient wards, operating theatres and "at rest" and "in use" operating theatre air samples. For the samples, we used sterile swabs, contact slides, manual API, and automated VITEK systems for identification. Results. In the five-year period, a total of 9396 samples were collected and analysed. In ward patients, 4398 samplings were carried out with 4.7%, 9.4%, 7%, 10.8% and 7.9% positive results respectively from 2010 to 2014. For hands, 648 samplings were carried out, with a positivity of 40.74%. In operating theatres, 4188 samples were taken, with a positivity of 11.9%. Regarding air in empty and full theatres, 1962 samplings were carried out with a positivity rate equal to 31.9%. The monitoring showed a low rate of contamination with a progressive decrease in the fiveyear period on operating theatres surfaces and hands, while there was an increase in the surgical site wards and in the air of operating rooms. Conclusions. Our investigation has revealed the presence of pathogens on the assessed surfaces and the need for environmental monitoring, which can be a valuable tool for reducing contamination. PMID:28900357

A new apparatus design for high temperature (up to 950°C) quasi-elastic neutron scattering in a controlled gaseous environment.

PubMed

al-Wahish, Amal; Armitage, D; al-Binni, U; Hill, B; Mills, R; Jalarvo, N; Santodonato, L; Herwig, K W; Mandrus, D

2015-09-01

A design for a sample cell system suitable for high temperature Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering (QENS) experiments is presented. The apparatus was developed at the Spallation Neutron Source in Oak Ridge National Lab where it is currently in use. The design provides a special sample cell environment under controlled humid or dry gas flow over a wide range of temperature up to 950 °C. Using such a cell, chemical, dynamical, and physical changes can be studied in situ under various operating conditions. While the cell combined with portable automated gas environment system is especially useful for in situ studies of microscopic dynamics under operational conditions that are similar to those of solid oxide fuel cells, it can additionally be used to study a wide variety of materials, such as high temperature proton conductors. The cell can also be used in many different neutron experiments when a suitable sample holder material is selected. The sample cell system has recently been used to reveal fast dynamic processes in quasi-elastic neutron scattering experiments, which standard probes (such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) could not detect. In this work, we outline the design of the sample cell system and present results demonstrating its abilities in high temperature QENS experiments.

Baseline tests for arc melter vitrification of INEL buried wastes. Volume II: Baseline test data appendices

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

Oden, L.L.; O`Conner, W.K.; Turner, P.C.

1993-11-19

This report presents field results and raw data from the Buried Waste Integrated Demonstration (BWID) Arc Melter Vitrification Project Phase 1 baseline test series conducted by the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM). The baseline test series was conducted using the electric arc melter facility at the USBM Albany Research Center in Albany, Oregon. Five different surrogate waste feed mixtures were tested that simulated thermally-oxidized, buried, TRU-contaminated, mixed wastes and soils present at the INEL. The USBM Arc Furnace Integrated Waste Processing Test Facility includes a continuous feed system, the arc meltingmore » furnace, an offgas control system, and utilities. The melter is a sealed, 3-phase alternating current (ac) furnace approximately 2 m high and 1.3 m wide. The furnace has a capacity of 1 metric ton of steel and can process as much as 1,500 lb/h of soil-type waste materials. The surrogate feed materials included five mixtures designed to simulate incinerated TRU-contaminated buried waste materials mixed with INEL soil. Process samples, melter system operations data and offgas composition data were obtained during the baseline tests to evaluate the melter performance and meet test objectives. Samples and data gathered during this program included (a) automatically and manually logged melter systems operations data, (b) process samples of slag, metal and fume solids, and (c) offgas composition, temperature, velocity, flowrate, moisture content, particulate loading and metals content. This report consists of 2 volumes: Volume I summarizes the baseline test operations. It includes an executive summary, system and facility description, review of the surrogate waste mixtures, and a description of the baseline test activities, measurements, and sample collection. Volume II contains the raw test data and sample analyses from samples collected during the baseline tests.« less

Baseline tests for arc melter vitrification of INEL buried wastes. Volume 1: Facility description and summary data report

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

Oden, L.L.; O`Connor, W.K.; Turner, P.C.

1993-11-19

This report presents field results and raw data from the Buried Waste Integrated Demonstration (BWID) Arc Melter Vitrification Project Phase 1 baseline test series conducted by the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM). The baseline test series was conducted using the electric arc melter facility at the USBM Albany Research Center in Albany, Oregon. Five different surrogate waste feed mixtures were tested that simulated thermally-oxidized, buried, TRU-contaminated, mixed wastes and soils present at the INEL. The USBM Arc Furnace Integrated Waste Processing Test Facility includes a continuous feed system, the arc meltingmore » furnace, an offgas control system, and utilities. The melter is a sealed, 3-phase alternating current (ac) furnace approximately 2 m high and 1.3 m wide. The furnace has a capacity of 1 metric ton of steel and can process as much as 1,500 lb/h of soil-type waste materials. The surrogate feed materials included five mixtures designed to simulate incinerated TRU-contaminated buried waste materials mixed with INEL soil. Process samples, melter system operations data and offgas composition data were obtained during the baseline tests to evaluate the melter performance and meet test objectives. Samples and data gathered during this program included (a) automatically and manually logged melter systems operations data, (b) process samples of slag, metal and fume solids, and (c) offgas composition, temperature, velocity, flowrate, moisture content, particulate loading and metals content. This report consists of 2 volumes: Volume I summarizes the baseline test operations. It includes an executive summary, system and facility description, review of the surrogate waste mixtures, and a description of the baseline test activities, measurements, and sample collection. Volume II contains the raw test data and sample analyses from samples collected during the baseline tests.« less

Systematic construction and control of stereo nerve vision network in intelligent manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hua; Wang, Helong; Guo, Chunjie; Ding, Quanxin; Zhou, Liwei

2017-10-01

A system method of constructing stereo vision by using neural network is proposed, and the operation and control mechanism in actual operation are proposed. This method makes effective use of the neural network in learning and memory function, by after training with samples. Moreover, the neural network can learn the nonlinear relationship in the stereoscopic vision system and the internal and external orientation elements. These considerations are Worthy of attention, which includes limited constraints, the scientific of critical group, the operating speed and the operability in technical aspects. The results support our theoretical forecast.

High Temperature Mechanisms for Venus Exploration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Jerri; Narine, Roop; Kumar, Nishant; Singh, Sase; Gorevan, Steven

Future Venus missions, including New Frontiers Venus In-Situ Explorer and three Flagship Missions - Venus Geophysical Network, Venus Mobile Explorer and Venus Surface Sample Return all focus on searching for evidence of past climate change both on the surface and in the atmospheric composition as well as in the interior dynamics of the planet. In order to achieve these goals and objectives, many key technologies need to be developed for the Venus extreme environment. These key technologies include sample acquisition systems and other high-temperature mechanisms and mobility systems capable of extended operation when directly exposed to the Venus surface or lower atmosphere environment. Honeybee Robotics has developed two types of high temperature motors, the materials and components in both motors were selected based on the requirement to survive temperatures above a minimum of 460° C, at earth atmosphere. The prototype Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) has been operated non-continuously for over 20 hours at Venus-like conditions (460° C temperature, mostly CO2 gas environment) and it remains functional. A drilling system, actuated by two SRMs was tested in Venus-like conditions, 460° C temperature and mostly CO2 gas environment, for more than 15 hours. The drill successfully completed three tests by drilling into chalk up to 6 inches deep in each test. A first generation Brushless DC (BLDC) Motor and high temperature resolver were also tested and the feasibility of the designs was demonstrated by the extended operation of both devices under Venus-like condition. Further development of the BLDC motor and resolver continues and these devices will, ultimately, be integrated into the development of a high temperature sample acquisition scoop and high temperature joint (awarded SBIR Phase II in October, 2007). Both the SR and BLDC motors will undergo extensive testing at Venus temperature and pressure (TRL6) and are expected to be mission ready before the next New Frontiers AO release. Scalable high temperature motor, resolver and bearing developments allow for creation of long lasting sample acquisition systems, booms, robot arms and even mobility systems that operate outside of an environment-controlled landed platform on the surface of Venus. The SR and BLDC motors are no longer expected to limit the life of Venus surface operations. With the accompanying high temperature bearing and other mechanisms development, surface operations will be limited only by available power. Therefore, the motor and resolver's capability to survive for hours (and potentially longer) in the environment is a major benefit to future Venus science missions and they also allow time for communication ground loops to optimize sample target selection and the possibility for acquiring multiple samples from the surface. The extreme temperature motors, resolver and other high temperature mechanisms therefore revolutionize the exploration of Venus.

Fully automatic characterization and data collection from crystals of biological macromolecules.

PubMed

Svensson, Olof; Malbet-Monaco, Stéphanie; Popov, Alexander; Nurizzo, Didier; Bowler, Matthew W

2015-08-01

Considerable effort is dedicated to evaluating macromolecular crystals at synchrotron sources, even for well established and robust systems. Much of this work is repetitive, and the time spent could be better invested in the interpretation of the results. In order to decrease the need for manual intervention in the most repetitive steps of structural biology projects, initial screening and data collection, a fully automatic system has been developed to mount, locate, centre to the optimal diffraction volume, characterize and, if possible, collect data from multiple cryocooled crystals. Using the capabilities of pixel-array detectors, the system is as fast as a human operator, taking an average of 6 min per sample depending on the sample size and the level of characterization required. Using a fast X-ray-based routine, samples are located and centred systematically at the position of highest diffraction signal and important parameters for sample characterization, such as flux, beam size and crystal volume, are automatically taken into account, ensuring the calculation of optimal data-collection strategies. The system is now in operation at the new ESRF beamline MASSIF-1 and has been used by both industrial and academic users for many different sample types, including crystals of less than 20 µm in the smallest dimension. To date, over 8000 samples have been evaluated on MASSIF-1 without any human intervention.

RaPToRS Sample Delivery System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henchen, Robert; Shibata, Kye; Krieger, Michael; Pogozelski, Edward; Padalino, Stephen; Glebov, Vladimir; Sangster, Craig

2010-11-01

At various labs (NIF, LLE, NRL), activated material samples are used to measure reaction properties. The Rapid Pneumatic Transport of Radioactive Samples (RaPToRS) system quickly and safely moves these radioactive samples through a closed PVC tube via airflow. The carrier travels from the reaction chamber to the control and analysis station, pneumatically braking at the outlet. A reversible multiplexer routes samples from various locations near the shot chamber to the analysis station. Also, the multiplexer allows users to remotely load unactivated samples without manually approaching the reaction chamber. All elements of the system (pneumatic drivers, flow control valves, optical position sensors, multiplexers, Geiger counters, and release gates at the analysis station) can be controlled manually or automatically using a custom LabVIEW interface. A prototype is currently operating at NRL in Washington DC. Prospective facilities for Raptors systems include LLE and NIF.

Apollo Experiment Report: Lunar-Sample Processing in the Lunar Receiving Laboratory High-Vacuum Complex

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

White, D. R.

1976-01-01

A high-vacuum complex composed of an atmospheric decontamination system, sample-processing chambers, storage chambers, and a transfer system was built to process and examine lunar material while maintaining quarantine status. Problems identified, equipment modifications, and procedure changes made for Apollo 11 and 12 sample processing are presented. The sample processing experiences indicate that only a few operating personnel are required to process the sample efficiently, safely, and rapidly in the high-vacuum complex. The high-vacuum complex was designed to handle the many contingencies, both quarantine and scientific, associated with handling an unknown entity such as the lunar sample. Lunar sample handling necessitated a complex system that could not respond rapidly to changing scientific requirements as the characteristics of the lunar sample were better defined. Although the complex successfully handled the processing of Apollo 11 and 12 lunar samples, the scientific requirement for vacuum samples was deleted after the Apollo 12 mission just as the vacuum system was reaching its full potential.

Utilization and cost of log production from animal loging operations

Treesearch

Suraj P. Shrestha; Bobby L. Lanford; Robert B. Rummer; Mark Dubois

2006-01-01

Forest harvesting with animals is a labor-intensive operation. It is expensive to use machines on smaller woodlots, which require frequent moves if mechanically logged. So, small logging systems using animals may be more cost effective. In this study, work sampling was used for five animal logging operations in Alabama to measure productive and non-productive time...

Novel Integration of a 6t Cryogen-Free Magneto-Optical System with a Variable Temperature Sample Using a Single Cryocooler

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berryhill, A. B.; Coffey, D. M.; McGhee, R. W.; Burkhardt, E. E.

2008-03-01

Cryomagnetics' new "C-Mag Optical" Magneto-Optic Property Measurement System is a versatile materials and device characterization system that allows the researcher to simultaneously control the applied magnetic field and temperature of a sample while studying its electrical and optic properties. The system integrates a totally liquid cryogen-free 6T superconducting split-pair magnet with a variable temperature sample space, both cooled using a single 4.2K pulse tube refrigerator. To avoid warming the magnet when operating a sample at elevated temperatures, a novel heat switch was developed. The heat switch allows the sample temperature to be varied from 10K to 300K while maintaining the magnet at 4.2K or below. In this paper, the design and performance of the overall magnet system and the heat switch will be presented. New concepts for the next generation system will also be discussed.

Proximity Operations in Microgravity, a Robotic Solution for Maneuvering about an Asteroid Surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Indyk, Stephen; Scheidt, David; Moses, Kenneth; Perry, Justin; Mike, Krystal

Asteroids remain some of the most under investigated bodies in the solar system. Addition-ally, there is a distinct lack of directly collected information. This is in part due to complex sampling and motion problems that must be overcome before more detailed missions can be formulated. The chief caveat lies in formulating a technique for precision operation in mi-crogravity. Locomotion, in addition to sample collection, involve forces significantly greater than the gravitational force keeping a robot on the surface. The design of a system that can successfully maneuver over unfamiliar surfaces void of natural anchor points is an incredible challenge. This problem was investigated at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory as part of the 2009 NASA Lunar and Planetary Academy. Examining the problem through a two-dimensional robotic simulation, a swarm robotics approach was applied. In simplest form, this was comprised of three grappling robots and one sampling robot. Connected by tethers, the grappling robots traverse a plane and reposition the sampling robot through tensioning the tethers. This presentation provides information on the design of the robotic system, as well as gait analysis and future considerations for a three dimensional system.

Highway noise study : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1974-05-01

Three noise level measurement systems have been investigated and made operational. They are: : 1. Graphic Level Recording Method : 2. Periodic Sampling Method : 3. Environmental Noise Classifier Method : The relative accuracy of the three systems wer...

Nondestructive determination of radionuclides in lunar samples using a large low-background gamma-ray spectrometer and a novel application of least-squares fitting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eldridge, J. S.; Okelly, G. D.; Northcutt, K. J.; Schonfeld, E.

1972-01-01

Dual-parameter gamma ray spectrometer systems with large volume Nal (Tl) crystals and low backgrounds were used for nondestructive determination of K, Th, U and cosmic ray produced radionuclides in 60 lunar samples. The total weight of samples measured with this system is 28 kg, and the individual sample weights varied from 2 to 2300 g. Samples from Apollo 11, 12, 14, 15 and 16 were measured. Operation of the spectrometers in the coincidence mode and analyzing single coincidence spectra permits the simultaneous determination of 8-10 radionuclides in each lunar sample.

Simple semi-automated portable capillary electrophoresis instrument with contactless conductivity detection for the determination of β-agonists in pharmaceutical and pig-feed samples.

PubMed

Nguyen, Thi Anh Huong; Pham, Thi Ngoc Mai; Doan, Thi Tuoi; Ta, Thi Thao; Sáiz, Jorge; Nguyen, Thi Quynh Hoa; Hauser, Peter C; Mai, Thanh Duc

2014-09-19

An inexpensive, robust and easy to use portable capillary electrophoresis instrument with miniaturized high-voltage capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection was developed. The system utilizes pneumatic operation to manipulate the solutions for all flushing steps. The different operations, i.e. capillary flushing, interface rinsing, and electrophoretic separation, are easily activated by turning an electronic switch. To allow the analysis of samples with limited available volume, and to render the construction less complicated compared to a computer-controlled counterpart, sample injection is carried out hydrodynamically directly from the sample vial into the capillary by manual syphoning. The system is a well performing solution where the financial means for the highly expensive commercial instruments are not available and where the in-house construction of a sophisticated automated instrument is not possible due to limited mechanical and electronic workshop facilities and software programming expertise. For demonstration, the system was employed successfully for the determination of some β-agonists, namely salbutamol, metoprolol and ractopamine down to 0.7ppm in pharmaceutical and pig-feed sample matrices in Vietnam. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

How to select a continuous emission monitoring system

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

Radigan, M.J.

1994-02-01

Selecting a continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS) involves more than picking an analyzer. Successful CEMS interface sampling and data-management systems to produce accurate, reliable reports required by regulatory agencies. Following objective guidelines removes some of the misery from CEMS shopping. However, prospective CEMS buyers should do their homework and develop well-thought-out, detailed specification for the processes' sampling criteria. Fine tuning the analyzer/data management system can eliminate maintenance costs and keep the facility operating within its permit restrictions.

Potato Operation: automatic detection of potato diseases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lefebvre, Marc; Zimmerman, Thierry; Baur, Charles; Guegerli, Paul; Pun, Thierry

1995-01-01

The Potato Operation is a collaborative, multidisciplinary project in the domain of destructive testing of agricultural products. It aims at automatizing pulp sampling of potatoes in order to detect possible viral diseases. Such viruses can decrease fields productivity by a factor of up to ten. A machine, composed of three conveyor belts, a vision system, a robotic arm and controlled by a PC has been built. Potatoes are brought one by one from a bulk to the vision system, where they are seized by a rotating holding device. The sprouts, where the viral activity is maximum, are then detected by an active vision process operating on multiple views. The 3D coordinates of the sampling point are communicated to the robot arm holding a drill. Some flesh is then sampled by the drill, then deposited into an Elisa plate. After sampling, the robot arm washes the drill in order to prevent any contamination. The PC computer simultaneously controls these processes, the conveying of the potatoes, the vision algorithms and the sampling procedure. The master process, that is the vision procedure, makes use of three methods to achieve the sprouts detection. A profile analysis first locates the sprouts as protuberances. Two frontal analyses, respectively based on fluorescence and local variance, confirm the previous detection and provide the 3D coordinate of the sampling zone. The other two processes work by interruption of the master process.

Time lens assisted photonic sampling extraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrillo, Keith Gordon

Telecommunication bandwidth demands have dramatically increased in recent years due to Internet based services like cloud computing and storage, large file sharing, and video streaming. Additionally, sensing systems such as wideband radar, magnetic imaging resonance systems, and complex modulation formats to handle large data transfer in telecommunications require high speed, high resolution analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) to interpret the data. Accurately processing and acquiring the information at next generation data rates from these systems has become challenging for electronic systems. The largest contributors to the electronic bottleneck are bandwidth and timing jitter which limit speed and reduce accuracy. Optical systems have shown to have at least three orders of magnitude increase in bandwidth capabilities and state of the art mode locked lasers have reduced timing jitters into thousands of attoseconds. Such features have encouraged processing signals without the use of electronics or using photonics to assist electronics. All optical signal processing has allowed the processing of telecommunication line rates up to 1.28 Tb/s and high resolution analog-to-digital converters in the 10s of gigahertz. The major drawback to these optical systems is the high cost of the components. The application of all optical processing techniques such as a time lens and chirped processing can greatly reduce bandwidth and cost requirements of optical serial to parallel converters and push photonically assisted ADCs into the 100s of gigahertz. In this dissertation, the building blocks to a high speed photonically assisted ADC are demonstrated, each providing benefits to its own respective application. A serial to parallel converter using a continuously operating time lens as an optical Fourier processor is demonstrated to fully convert a 160-Gb/s optical time division multiplexed signal to 16 10-Gb/s channels with error free operation. Using chirped processing, an optical sample and hold concept is demonstrated and analyzed as a resolution improvement to existing photonically assisted ADCs. Simulations indicate that the application of a continuously operating time lens to a photonically assisted sampling system can increase photonically sampled systems by an order of magnitude while acquiring properties similar to an optical sample and hold system.

Updated operational protocols for the U.S. Geological Survey Precipitation Chemistry Quality Assurance Project in support of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wetherbee, Gregory A.; Martin, RoseAnn

2017-02-06

The U.S. Geological Survey Branch of Quality Systems operates the Precipitation Chemistry Quality Assurance Project (PCQA) for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network (NADP/NTN) and National Atmospheric Deposition Program/Mercury Deposition Network (NADP/MDN). Since 1978, various programs have been implemented by the PCQA to estimate data variability and bias contributed by changing protocols, equipment, and sample submission schemes within NADP networks. These programs independently measure the field and laboratory components which contribute to the overall variability of NADP wet-deposition chemistry and precipitation depth measurements. The PCQA evaluates the quality of analyte-specific chemical analyses from the two, currently (2016) contracted NADP laboratories, Central Analytical Laboratory and Mercury Analytical Laboratory, by comparing laboratory performance among participating national and international laboratories. Sample contamination and stability are evaluated for NTN and MDN by using externally field-processed blank samples provided by the Branch of Quality Systems. A colocated sampler program evaluates the overall variability of NTN measurements and bias between dissimilar precipitation gages and sample collectors.This report documents historical PCQA operations and general procedures for each of the external quality-assurance programs from 2007 to 2016.

Results for the DWPF Slurry Mix Evaporator Condensate Tank, Off Gas Condensate Tank, And Recycle Collection Tank Samples

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

TERRI, FELLINGER

2004-12-21

The Defense Waste Processing Facility, DWPF, currently generates approximately 1.4 million gallons of recycle water per year during Sludge-Only operations. DWPF has minimized condensate generation to 1.4 million gallons by not operating the Steam Atomized Scrubbers, SASs, for the melter off gas system. By not operating the SASs, DWPF has reduced the total volume by approximately 800,000 gallons of condensate per year. Currently, the recycle stream is sent to back to the Tank Farm and processed through the 2H Evaporator system. To alleviate the load on the 2H Evaporator system, an acid evaporator design is being considered as an alternatemore » processing and/or concentration method for the DWPF recycle stream. In order to support this alternate processing option, the DWPF has requested that the chemical and radionuclide compositions of the Off Gas Condensate Tank, OGCT, Slurry Mix Evaporator Condensate Tank, SMECT, Recycle Collection Tank, RCT, and the Decontamination Waste Treatment Tank, DWTT, be determined as a part of the process development work for the acid evaporator design. Samples have been retrieved from the OGCT, RCT, and SMECT and have been sent to the Savannah River National Laboratory, SRNL for this characterization. The DWTT samples have been recently shipped to SRNL. The results for the DWTT samples will be issued at later date.« less

Development of the prototype pneumatic transfer system for ITER neutron activation system.

PubMed

Cheon, M S; Seon, C R; Pak, S; Lee, H G; Bertalot, L

2012-10-01

The neutron activation system (NAS) measures neutron fluence at the first wall and the total neutron flux from the ITER plasma, providing evaluation of the fusion power for all operational phases. The pneumatic transfer system (PTS) is one of the key components of the NAS for the proper operation of the system, playing a role of transferring encapsulated samples between the capsule loading machine, irradiation stations, counting stations, and disposal bin. For the validation and the optimization of the design, a prototype of the PTS was developed and capsule transfer tests were performed with the developed system.

Linear systems on balancing chemical reaction problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kafi, R. A.; Abdillah, B.

2018-01-01

The concept of linear systems appears in a variety of applications. This paper presents a small sample of the wide variety of real-world problems regarding our study of linear systems. We show that the problem in balancing chemical reaction can be described by homogeneous linear systems. The solution of the systems is obtained by performing elementary row operations. The obtained solution represents the finding coefficients of chemical reaction. In addition, we present a computational calculation to show that mathematical software such as Matlab can be used to simplify completion of the systems, instead of manually using row operations.

Regolith Advanced Surface Systems Operations Robot (RASSOR) Phase 2 and Smart Autonomous Sand-Swimming Excavator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sandy, Michael

2015-01-01

The Regolith Advanced Surface Systems Operations Robot (RASSOR) Phase 2 is an excavation robot for mining regolith on a planet like Mars. The robot is programmed using the Robotic Operating System (ROS) and it also uses a physical simulation program called Gazebo. This internship focused on various functions of the program in order to make it a more professional and efficient robot. During the internship another project called the Smart Autonomous Sand-Swimming Excavator was worked on. This is a robot that is designed to dig through sand and extract sample material. The intern worked on programming the Sand-Swimming robot, and designing the electrical system to power and control the robot.

MICROPROCESSOR-BASED DATA-ACQUISITION SYSTEM FOR A BOREHOLE RADAR.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bradley, Jerry A.; Wright, David L.

1987-01-01

An efficient microprocessor-based system is described that permits real-time acquisition, stacking, and digital recording of data generated by a borehole radar system. Although the system digitizes, stacks, and records independently of a computer, it is interfaced to a desktop computer for program control over system parameters such as sampling interval, number of samples, number of times the data are stacked prior to recording on nine-track tape, and for graphics display of the digitized data. The data can be transferred to the desktop computer during recording, or it can be played back from a tape at a latter time. Using the desktop computer, the operator observes results while recording data and generates hard-copy graphics in the field. Thus, the radar operator can immediately evaluate the quality of data being obtained, modify system parameters, study the radar logs before leaving the field, and rerun borehole logs if necessary. The system has proven to be reliable in the field and has increased productivity both in the field and in the laboratory.

Air sampling procedures to evaluate microbial contamination: a comparison between active and passive methods in operating theatres.

PubMed

Napoli, Christian; Marcotrigiano, Vincenzo; Montagna, Maria Teresa

2012-08-02

Since air can play a central role as a reservoir for microorganisms, in controlled environments such as operating theatres regular microbial monitoring is useful to measure air quality and identify critical situations. The aim of this study is to assess microbial contamination levels in operating theatres using both an active and a passive sampling method and then to assess if there is a correlation between the results of the two different sampling methods. The study was performed in 32 turbulent air flow operating theatres of a University Hospital in Southern Italy. Active sampling was carried out using the Surface Air System and passive sampling with settle plates, in accordance with ISO 14698. The Total Viable Count (TVC) was evaluated at rest (in the morning before the beginning of surgical activity) and in operational (during surgery). The mean TVC at rest was 12.4 CFU/m3 and 722.5 CFU/m2/h for active and passive samplings respectively. The mean in operational TVC was 93.8 CFU/m3 (SD = 52.69; range = 22-256) and 10496.5 CFU/m2/h (SD = 7460.5; range = 1415.5-25479.7) for active and passive samplings respectively. Statistical analysis confirmed that the two methods correlate in a comparable way with the quality of air. It is possible to conclude that both methods can be used for general monitoring of air contamination, such as routine surveillance programs. However, the choice must be made between one or the other to obtain specific information.

A passivity criterion for sampled-data bilateral teleoperation systems.

PubMed

Jazayeri, Ali; Tavakoli, Mahdi

2013-01-01

A teleoperation system consists of a teleoperator, a human operator, and a remote environment. Conditions involving system and controller parameters that ensure the teleoperator passivity can serve as control design guidelines to attain maximum teleoperation transparency while maintaining system stability. In this paper, sufficient conditions for teleoperator passivity are derived for when position error-based controllers are implemented in discrete-time. This new analysis is necessary because discretization causes energy leaks and does not necessarily preserve the passivity of the system. The proposed criterion for sampled-data teleoperator passivity imposes lower bounds on the teleoperator's robots dampings, an upper bound on the sampling time, and bounds on the control gains. The criterion is verified through simulations and experiments.

System and method for measuring permeability of materials

DOEpatents

Hallman, Jr., Russell Louis; Renner, Michael John

2013-07-09

Systems and methods are provided for measuring the permeance of a material. The permeability of the material may also be derived. Systems typically provide a liquid or high concentration fluid bath on one side of a material test sample, and a gas flow across the opposing side of the material test sample. The mass flow rate of permeated fluid as a fraction of the combined mass flow rate of gas and permeated fluid is used to calculate the permeance of the material. The material test sample may be a sheet, a tube, or a solid shape. Operational test conditions may be varied, including concentration of the fluid, temperature of the fluid, strain profile of the material test sample, and differential pressure across the material test sample.

Fluid permeability measurement system and method

DOEpatents

Hallman, Jr., Russell Louis; Renner, Michael John [Oak Ridge, TN

2008-02-05

A system for measuring the permeance of a material. The permeability of the material may also be derived. The system provides a liquid or high concentration fluid bath on one side of a material test sample, and a gas flow across the opposing side of the material test sample. The mass flow rate of permeated fluid as a fraction of the combined mass flow rate of gas and permeated fluid is used to calculate the permeance of the material. The material test sample may be a sheet, a tube, or a solid shape. Operational test conditions may be varied, including concentration of the fluid, temperature of the fluid, strain profile of the material test sample, and differential pressure across the material test sample.

Material permeance measurement system and method

DOEpatents

Hallman, Jr., Russell Louis; Renner, Michael John [Oak Ridge, TN

2012-05-08

A system for measuring the permeance of a material. The permeability of the material may also be derived. The system provides a liquid or high concentration fluid bath on one side of a material test sample, and a gas flow across the opposing side of the material test sample. The mass flow rate of permeated fluid as a fraction of the combined mass flow rate of gas and permeated fluid is used to calculate the permeance of the material. The material test sample may be a sheet, a tube, or a solid shape. Operational test conditions may be varied, including concentration of the fluid, temperature of the fluid, strain profile of the material test sample, and differential pressure across the material test sample.

Low pressure electrospray ionization system and process for effective transmission of ions

DOEpatents

Tang, Keqi [Richland, WA; Page, Jason S [Kennewick, WA; Kelly, Ryan T [West Richland, WA; Smith, Richard D [Richland, WA

2012-05-08

Systems and methods that provide up to complete transmission of ions between coupled stages with low effective ion losses. An "interfaceless" electrospray ionization system is further described that operates an electrospray at a reduced pressure such that standard electrospray sample solutions can be directly sprayed into an electrodynamic ion funnel which provides ion focusing and transmission of ions into a mass analyzer. Furthermore, chambers maintained at different pressures can allow for more optimal operating conditions for an electrospray emitter and an ion guide.

Explosive vapor detection payload for small robots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stimac, Phil J.; Pettit, Michael; Wetzel, John P.; Haas, John W.

2013-05-01

Detection of explosive hazards is a critical component of enabling and improving operational mobility and protection of US Forces. The Autonomous Mine Detection System (AMDS) developed by the US Army RDECOM CERDEC Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) is addressing this challenge for dismounted soldiers. Under the AMDS program, ARA has developed a vapor sampling system that enhances the detection of explosive residues using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) sensors. The Explosives Hazard Trace Detection (EHTD) payload is designed for plug-and-play installation and operation on small robotic platforms, addressing critical Army needs for more safely detecting concealed or exposed explosives in areas such as culverts, walls and vehicles. In this paper, we describe the development, robotic integration and performance of the explosive vapor sampling system, which consists of a sampling "head," a vapor transport tube and an extendable "boom." The sampling head and transport tube are integrated with the boom, allowing samples to be collected from targeted surfaces up to 7-ft away from the robotic platform. During sample collection, an IR lamp in the sampling head is used to heat a suspected object/surface and the vapors are drawn through the heated vapor transport tube to an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS) for detection. The EHTD payload is capable of quickly (less than 30 seconds) detecting explosives such as TNT, PETN, and RDX at nanogram levels on common surfaces (brick, concrete, wood, glass, etc.).

Automated high-throughput flow-through real-time diagnostic system

DOEpatents

Regan, John Frederick

2012-10-30

An automated real-time flow-through system capable of processing multiple samples in an asynchronous, simultaneous, and parallel fashion for nucleic acid extraction and purification, followed by assay assembly, genetic amplification, multiplex detection, analysis, and decontamination. The system is able to hold and access an unlimited number of fluorescent reagents that may be used to screen samples for the presence of specific sequences. The apparatus works by associating extracted and purified sample with a series of reagent plugs that have been formed in a flow channel and delivered to a flow-through real-time amplification detector that has a multiplicity of optical windows, to which the sample-reagent plugs are placed in an operative position. The diagnostic apparatus includes sample multi-position valves, a master sample multi-position valve, a master reagent multi-position valve, reagent multi-position valves, and an optical amplification/detection system.

Integrating Multiple Autonomous Underwater Vessels, Surface Vessels and Aircraft into Oceanographic Research Vessel Operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGillivary, P. A.; Borges de Sousa, J.; Martins, R.; Rajan, K.

2012-12-01

Autonomous platforms are increasingly used as components of Integrated Ocean Observing Systems and oceanographic research cruises. Systems deployed can include gliders or propeller-driven autonomous underwater vessels (AUVs), autonomous surface vessels (ASVs), and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Prior field campaigns have demonstrated successful communication, sensor data fusion and visualization for studies using gliders and AUVs. However, additional requirements exist for incorporating ASVs and UASs into ship operations. For these systems to be optimally integrated into research vessel data management and operational planning systems involves addressing three key issues: real-time field data availability, platform coordination, and data archiving for later analysis. A fleet of AUVs, ASVs and UAS deployed from a research vessel is best operated as a system integrated with the ship, provided communications among them can be sustained. For this purpose, Disruptive Tolerant Networking (DTN) software protocols for operation in communication-challenged environments help ensure reliable high-bandwidth communications. Additionally, system components need to have considerable onboard autonomy, namely adaptive sampling capabilities using their own onboard sensor data stream analysis. We discuss Oceanographic Decision Support System (ODSS) software currently used for situational awareness and planning onshore, and in the near future event detection and response will be coordinated among multiple vehicles. Results from recent field studies from oceanographic research vessels using AUVs, ASVs and UAS, including the Rapid Environmental Picture (REP-12) cruise, are presented describing methods and results for use of multi-vehicle communication and deliberative control networks, adaptive sampling with single and multiple platforms, issues relating to data management and archiving, and finally challenges that remain in addressing these technological issues. Significantly, the use of UAS on oceanographic research vessels is just beginning. We report on several initial field efforts which demonstrated that UAS improve spatial and temporal mapping of ocean features, as well as monitoring marine mammal populations, ocean color, sea ice and wave fields and air-sea gas exchange. These studies however also confirm the challenges for shipboard computer systems ingesting and archiving UAS high resolution video, SAR and lidar data. We describe the successful inclusion of DTN communications for: 1) passing video data between two UAS or a UAS and ship; 2) for inclusion of ASVs as communication nodes for AUVs; as well as, 3) enabling extension of adaptive sampling software from AUVs and ASVs to include UAS. In conclusion, we describe how autonomous sampling systems may be best integrated into shipboard oceanographic vessel research to provide new and more comprehensive time-space ocean and atmospheric data collection that is important not only for scientific study, but also for sustainable ocean management, including emergency response capabilities. The recent examples of such integrated studies highlighted confirm ocean and atmospheric studies can more cost-effectively pursued, and in some cases only accomplished, by combining underwater, surface and aircraft autonomous systems with research vessel operations.

40 CFR 1065.925 - PEMS preparation for field testing.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

.... 1065.925 Section 1065.925 Protection of Environment ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED) AIR... purge any gaseous sampling PEMS instruments with ambient air until sampling begins to prevent system contamination from excessive cold-start emissions. (e) Conduct calibrations and verifications. (f) Operate any...

Effective Dust Control Systems on Concrete Dowel Drilling Machinery

PubMed Central

Echt, Alan S.; Sanderson, Wayne T.; Mead, Kenneth R.; Feng, H. Amy; Farwick, Daniel R.; Farwick, Dawn Ramsey

2016-01-01

Rotary-type percussion dowel drilling machines, which drill horizontal holes in concrete pavement, have been documented to produce respirable crystalline silica concentrations above recommended exposure criteria. This places operators at potential risk for developing health effects from exposure. United States manufacturers of these machines offer optional dust control systems. The effectiveness of the dust control systems to reduce respirable dust concentrations on two types of drilling machines was evaluated under controlled conditions with the machines operating inside large tent structures in an effort to eliminate secondary exposure sources not related to the dowel-drilling operation. Area air samples were collected at breathing zone height at three locations around each machine. Through equal numbers of sampling rounds with the control systems randomly selected to be on or off, the control systems were found to significantly reduce respirable dust concentrations from a geometric mean of 54 mg per cubic meter to 3.0 mg per cubic meter on one machine and 57 mg per cubic meter to 5.3 mg per cubic meter on the other machine. This research shows that the dust control systems can dramatically reduce respirable dust concentrations by over 90% under controlled conditions. However, these systems need to be evaluated under actual work conditions to determine their effectiveness in reducing worker exposures to crystalline silica below hazardous levels. PMID:27074062

Recovery of Waste Heat from Propellant Forced-Air Dry House

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-12-01

function of bulk air side film heat transfer coefficient and diffusivity 66 15. Dry house waste heat recovery system instrumentation 67 16. Sample data...inlet condition by, maintaining the exhaust temperature above the NG dew point. The set point is adjustable to accommodate various propel- lant and...system. In dry cycle operation, an overall energy recovery effectiveness of about 40% was measured for winter operation when the exhaust temperature

Director, Operational Test and Evaluation FY 2004 Annual Report

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-01-01

HIGH) Space Based Radar (SBR) Sensor Fuzed Weapon (SFW) P3I (CBU-97/B) Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) Secure Mobile Anti-Jam Reliable Tactical Terminal...detection, identification, and sampling capability for both fixed-site and mobile operations. The system must automatically detect and identify up to ten...staffing within the Services. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION AND MISSION The Services envision JCAD as a hand-held device that automatically detects, identifies, and

Operation of the “Small” BioAMS spectrometers at CAMS: Past and future prospects

DOE PAGES

Ognibene, T. J.; Haack, K. W.; Bench, G.; ...

2015-05-26

A summary of results from the solid samples run on our compact 1 MV AMS system over its 13.5 years of operation is presented. On average 7065 samples per year were measured with that average dropping to 3278 samples per year following the deployment of our liquid sample capability. Although the dynamic range of our spectrometer is 4.5 orders in magnitude, most of the measured graphitic samples had 14C/C concentrations between 0.1 and 1 modern. Furthermore, the measurements of our ANU sucrose standard followed a Gaussian distribution with an average of 1.5082 ± 0.0134 modern. The LLNL biomedical AMS programmore » supported many different types of experiments, however, the large majority of samples measured were derived from animal model systems. We have transitioned all of our biomedical AMS measurements to the recently installed 250 kV SSAMS instrument with good agreement compared in measured 14C/C isotopic ratios between sample splits. We then present results from replacement of argon stripping gas with helium in the SSAMS with a 22% improvement in ion transmission through the accelerator and high-energy analyzing magnet.« less

Operation of the “Small” BioAMS Spectrometers at CAMS: Past and Future Prospects

PubMed Central

Ognibene, T.J.; Haack, K.W.; Bench, G.; Brown, T.A.; Turteltaub, K.W.

2015-01-01

A summary of results from the solid samples run on our compact 1 MV AMS system over its 13.5 years of operation is presented. On average 7065 samples per year were measured with that average dropping to 3278 samples per year following the deployment of our liquid sample capability. Although the dynamic range of our spectrometer is 4.5 orders in magnitude, most of the measured graphitic samples had 14C/C concentrations between 0.1 and 1 modern. The measurements of our ANU sucrose standard followed a Gaussian distribution with an average of 1.5082 ± 0.0134 modern. The LLNL biomedical AMS program supported many different types of experiments, however, the large majority of samples measured were derived from animal model systems. We have transitioned all of our biomedical AMS measurements to the recently installed 250 kV SSAMS instrument with good agreement compared in measured 14C/C isotopic ratios between sample splits. Finally, we present results from replacement of argon stripping gas with helium in the SSAMS with a 22% improvement in ion transmission through the accelerator and high-energy analyzing magnet. PMID:26456990

Application of an ETV-ICP system for the determination of elements in human hair*1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plantikow-Voβgätter, F.; Denkhaus, E.

1996-01-01

When determining element contents in hair samples without sample digestion it is necessary to analyze large sample volumes in order to minimize problems of inhomogeneity of biological sample materials. Therefore an electrothermal vaporization system (ETV) is used for solid sample introduction into an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) for the determination of matrix and trace elements in hair. This paper concentrates on the instrumental aspects without time consuming sample preparation. The results obtained for optimization tests, ETV operating parameters and ICP operating parameters, are shown and discussed. Standard additions are used for calibration for the determination of Zn, Mg, and Mn in human hair. Studies including reproducibility and detection limits for chosen elements have been carried out on certified reference materials (CRMs). The determination of reproducibility (relative standard deviation (RSD) of n = 10) and detection limits (DLs) of Zn (RSD < 8.5%, DL < 0.8 μ g -1), Mn (RSD < 14.1%, DL < 0.3 μ g -1), and Mg (RSD < 7.4%, DL < 6.6 μ g -1) are satisfactory. The concentration values found show good agreement with the corresponding certified values. Further sample preparation steps, including hair sampling, washing procedure and homogenization for hair, relating to measurements of real hair samples are described.

Legionnaires' Disease Bacteria in power plant cooling systems: downtime report. Final report

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

Tyndall, R.L.; Solomon, J.A.; Christensen, S.W.

1985-04-01

Legionnaires' Disease Bacteria (Legionella) are a normal part of the aquatic community that, when aerosolized, can be pathogenic to man. The downtime study was designed to determine the degree to which Legionella populations are aerosolized during cleaning and maintenance operations in a closed-cycle steam-electric power plant. Both high-volume and impinger air samples were collected prior to and during downtime operations. Emphasis was placed on sampling inside or adjacent to water boxes, condensers, and cooling towers. Control air samples were taken upwind from the plant site. Water and sludge samples were also collected at various locations. In the laboratory, the concentrationsmore » of Groups A, B, and C Legionella were determined using the direct fluorescent antibody method. All positive air samples, and other selected air samples, were injected into guinea pigs to detect infectious Legionella. Legionella could be detected in only 12 of the 126 air samples collected. These were predominantly Group A Legionella (L. pneumophila, serogroups 1 to 6). All 12 positive samples had been collected in the vicinity of water boxes, condensers, detention ponds, and cooling towers during downtime operations where aerosolization of Legionella populations would be expected. None of the air samples yielded infectious Legionella when injected into guinea pigs. Detection of Legionella in air samples taken during downtime was significantly more likely than detection during normal operating conditions (p <0.01). 13 refs., 4 figs., 10 tabs.« less

Robotic Materials Handling in Space: Mechanical Design of the Robot Operated Materials Processing System HitchHiker Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Voellmer, George

1997-01-01

The Goddard Space Flight Center has developed the Robot Operated Materials Processing System (ROMPS) that flew aboard STS-64 in September, 1994. The ROMPS robot transported pallets containing wafers of different materials from their storage racks to a furnace for thermal processing. A system of tapered guides and compliant springs was designed to deal with the potential misalignments. The robot and all the sample pallets were locked down for launch and landing. The design of the passive lockdown system, and the interplay between it and the alignment system are presented.

Documentation of model input and output values for simulation of pumping effects in Paradise Valley, a basin tributary to the Humboldt River, Humboldt County, Nevada

USGS Publications Warehouse

Carey, A.E.; Prudic, David E.

1996-01-01

Documentation is provided of model input and sample output used in a previous report for analysis of ground-water flow and simulated pumping scenarios in Paradise Valley, Humboldt County, Nevada.Documentation includes files containing input values and listings of sample output. The files, in American International Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) or binary format, are compressed and put on a 3-1/2-inch diskette. The decompressed files require approximately 8.4 megabytes of disk space on an International Business Machine (IBM)- compatible microcomputer using the MicroSoft Disk Operating System (MS-DOS) operating system version 5.0 or greater.

76 FR 39771 - Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; Lake Gaston, Enterprise, NC

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-07

..., Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Regulatory... the Waterview Restaurant. A fleet of spectator vessels are expected to gather near the event site to..., design, or operation; test methods; sampling procedures; and related management systems practices) that...

29 CFR 1910.1029 - Coke oven emissions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

..., including at least one sample during each shift for each battery and each job classification within the... controls to control coke oven emissions during charging operations: (a) One of the following methods of...) Aspiration systems designed and operated to provide sufficient negative pressure and flow volume to...

29 CFR 1910.1029 - Coke oven emissions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

..., including at least one sample during each shift for each battery and each job classification within the... controls to control coke oven emissions during charging operations: (a) One of the following methods of...) Aspiration systems designed and operated to provide sufficient negative pressure and flow volume to...

29 CFR 1910.1029 - Coke oven emissions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

..., including at least one sample during each shift for each battery and each job classification within the... controls to control coke oven emissions during charging operations: (a) One of the following methods of...) Aspiration systems designed and operated to provide sufficient negative pressure and flow volume to...

Tamper to delay motion and decrease ionization of a sample during short pulse x-ray imaging

DOEpatents

London, Richard A [Orinda, CA; Szoke,; Abraham, Hau-Riege [Fremont, CA; Stefan P. , Chapman; Henry, N [Livermore, CA

2007-06-26

A system for x-ray imaging of a small sample comprising positioning a tamper so that it is operatively connected to the sample, directing short intense x-ray pulses onto the tamper and the sample, and detecting an image from the sample. The tamper delays the explosive motion of the sample during irradiation by the short intense x-ray pulses, thereby extending the time to obtain an x-ray image of the original structure of the sample.

Formation and removal of PCDD/Fs in a municipal waste incinerator during different operating periods.

PubMed

Wang, Hou Chuan; Hwang, Jyh Feng; Chi, Kai Hsien; Chang, Moo Been

2007-04-01

The PCDD/F concentrations and removal efficiencies achieved with air pollution control devices (APCDs) during different operating periods (start-up, normal operation, and shut-down) at an existing municipal waste incinerator (MWI) in Taiwan are evaluated via stack sampling and analysis. The MWI investigated is equipped with electrostatic precipitators (EP), wet scrubbers (WS), and selective catalytic reduction system (SCR) as APCDs. The sampling results indicate that the PCDD/F concentrations at the EP inlet during start-up period were 15 times higher than that measured during normal operation period. The PCDD/F concentration observed at shut-down period was close to that measured at normal operation period. The CO concentration was between 400 and 1000 ppm during start-up period, which was about 50 times higher compared with the normal operation. Hence, combustion condition significantly affected the PCDD/F formation concentration during the waste incineration process. In addition, the distributions of the PCDD/F congeners were similar at different operating periods. During the normal operation and shut-down periods, the EP decreases the PCDD/F concentration (based on TEQ) by 18.4-48.6%, while the removal efficiency of PCDD/Fs achieved with SCR system reaches 99.3-99.6%. Nevertheless, the PCDD/F removal efficiency achieved with SCR was only 42% during the 19-h start-up period due to the low SCR operating temperature (195 degrees C).

40 CFR 141.804 - Aircraft water system operations and maintenance plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... must include the following requirements for procedures for disinfection and flushing of aircraft water system. (i) The air carrier must conduct disinfection and flushing of the aircraft water system in... water procedures; (ii) Sample collection procedures; (iii) Disinfection and flushing procedures; (iv...

Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 87-063-1808, Presbyterian Day Surgery Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico

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

Daniels, W.J.; Gunter, B.

1987-07-01

In response to a request from employees to evaluate exposures to waste anesthetic gases and vapors at the Presbyterian Day Surgery Unit, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, personal and area air-sampling and leak-detection testing was carried out for nitrous oxide (N/sub 2/O) and halogenated anesthetic agents in the six operating rooms at the facility. Nitrous oxide concentrations ranged from not detectable to 95 parts per million (ppm) with a mean of 20ppm. Five of the samples exceeded the NIOSH limit of 25ppm for N/sub 2/O during anesthetic administration. Ethrane levels in 14 personal and area air samples ranged from lessmore » than the limit of detection to 3.63ppm with a mean of 0.31ppm. Isoflurane and halothane were below the limits of detection. The ventilation system in use changed the air in excess of 20 times per hour. However, during a portion of surgical procedures the system was not operating, resulting in a higher than normal exposure level in three of the operating rooms.« less

Chickamauga Reservoir 1992 fisheries monitoring cove rotenone results

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

Kerley, B.L.

1993-06-01

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is required by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for Sequoyah Nuclear Plant (SQN) to conduct and report annually a nonradiological operational monitoring program to evaluate potential effects of SQN on Chickamauga Reservoir. This monitoring program was initially designed to identify potential changes in water quality and biological communities in Chickamauga Reservoir resulting from operation of SQU. Chickamauga Reservoir cove rotenone sampling has also been conducted as part of the preoperational monitoring program for Watts Bar Nuclear Plant (WBN) to evaluate the combined effects of operating two nuclear facilities on one reservoir oncemore » WBU becomes operational. The purpose of this report is to present results of cove rotenone sampling conducted on Chickamauga Reservoir in 1992.« less

Fully automatic characterization and data collection from crystals of biological macromolecules

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

Svensson, Olof; Malbet-Monaco, Stéphanie; Popov, Alexander

A fully automatic system has been developed that performs X-ray centring and characterization of, and data collection from, large numbers of cryocooled crystals without human intervention. Considerable effort is dedicated to evaluating macromolecular crystals at synchrotron sources, even for well established and robust systems. Much of this work is repetitive, and the time spent could be better invested in the interpretation of the results. In order to decrease the need for manual intervention in the most repetitive steps of structural biology projects, initial screening and data collection, a fully automatic system has been developed to mount, locate, centre to themore » optimal diffraction volume, characterize and, if possible, collect data from multiple cryocooled crystals. Using the capabilities of pixel-array detectors, the system is as fast as a human operator, taking an average of 6 min per sample depending on the sample size and the level of characterization required. Using a fast X-ray-based routine, samples are located and centred systematically at the position of highest diffraction signal and important parameters for sample characterization, such as flux, beam size and crystal volume, are automatically taken into account, ensuring the calculation of optimal data-collection strategies. The system is now in operation at the new ESRF beamline MASSIF-1 and has been used by both industrial and academic users for many different sample types, including crystals of less than 20 µm in the smallest dimension. To date, over 8000 samples have been evaluated on MASSIF-1 without any human intervention.« less

Induced Environment Contamination Monitor (IECM), air sampler - Results from the Space Transport System (STS-2) flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peters, P. N.; Hester, H. B.; Bertsch, W.; Mayfield, H.; Zatko, D.

1983-01-01

An investigation involving sampling the rapidly changing environment of the Shuttle cargo bay is considered. Four time-integrated samples and one rapid acquisition sample were collected to determine the types and quantities of contaminants present during ascent and descent of the Shuttle. The sampling times for the various bottles were controlled by valves operated by the Data Acquisition and Control System (DACS) of the IECM. Many of the observed species were found to be common solvents used in cleaning surfaces. When the actual volume sampled is taken into account, the relative mass of organics sampled during descent is about 20 percent less than during ascent.

A new apparatus design for high temperature (up to 950 °C) quasi-elastic neutron scattering in a controlled gaseous environment

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

Al-Wahish, Amal; Armitage, D.; Hill, B.

A design for a sample cell system suitable for high temperature Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering (QENS) experiments is presented. The apparatus was developed at the Spallation Neutron Source in Oak Ridge National Lab where it is currently in use. The design provides a special sample cell environment under controlled humid or dry gas flow over a wide range of temperature up to 950 °C. Using such a cell, chemical, dynamical, and physical changes can be studied in situ under various operating conditions. While the cell combined with portable automated gas environment system is especially useful for in situ studies of microscopic dynamicsmore » under operational conditions that are similar to those of solid oxide fuel cells, it can additionally be used to study a wide variety of materials, such as high temperature proton conductors. The cell can also be used in many different neutron experiments when a suitable sample holder material is selected. The sample cell system has recently been used to reveal fast dynamic processes in quasi-elastic neutron scattering experiments, which standard probes (such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) could not detect. In this work, we outline the design of the sample cell system and present results demonstrating its abilities in high temperature QENS experiments.« less

A new apparatus design for high temperature (up to 950°C) quasi-elastic neutron scattering in a controlled gaseous environment

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

al-Wahish, Amal; Armitage, D.; al-Binni, U.

Our design for a sample cell system suitable for high temperature Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering (QENS) experiments is presented. The apparatus was developed at the Spallation Neutron Source in Oak Ridge National Lab where it is currently in use. The design provides a special sample cell environment under controlled humid or dry gas flow over a wide range of temperature up to 950°C. Using such a cell, chemical, dynamical, and physical changes can be studied in situ under various operating conditions. And while the cell combined with portable automated gas environment system is especially useful for in situ studies of microscopicmore » dynamics under operational conditions that are similar to those of solid oxide fuel cells, it can additionally be used to study a wide variety of materials, such as high temperature protonconductors. The cell can also be used in many different neutron experiments when a suitable sample holder material is selected. Finally, the sample cell system has recently been used to reveal fast dynamic processes in quasi-elastic neutron scattering experiments, which standard probes (such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy) could not detect. In this work, we outline the design of the sample cell system and present results demonstrating its abilities in high temperature QENS experiments.« less

Feasibility studies on explosive detection and homeland security applications using a neutron and x-ray combined computed tomography system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinha, V.; Srivastava, A.; Lee, H. K.; Liu, X.

2013-05-01

The successful creation and operation of a neutron and X-ray combined computed tomography (NXCT) system has been demonstrated by researchers at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. The NXCT system has numerous applications in the field of material characterization and object identification in materials with a mixture of atomic numbers represented. Presently, the feasibility studies have been performed for explosive detection and homeland security applications, particularly in concealed material detection and determination of the light atomic number materials. These materials cannot be detected using traditional X-ray imaging. The new system has the capability to provide complete structural and compositional information due to the complementary nature of X-ray and neutron interactions with materials. The design of the NXCT system facilitates simultaneous and instantaneous imaging operation, promising enhanced detection capabilities of explosive materials, low atomic number materials and illicit materials for homeland security applications. In addition, a sample positioning system allowing the user to remotely and automatically manipulate the sample makes the system viable for commercial applications. Several explosives and weapon simulants have been imaged and the results are provided. The fusion algorithms which combine the data from the neutron and X-ray imaging produce superior images. This paper is a compete overview of the NXCT system for feasibility studies of explosive detection and homeland security applications. The design of the system, operation, algorithm development, and detection schemes are provided. This is the first combined neutron and X-ray computed tomography system in operation. Furthermore, the method of fusing neutron and X-ray images together is a new approach which provides high contrast images of the desired object. The system could serve as a standardized tool in nondestructive testing of many applications, especially in explosives detection and homeland security research.

40 CFR 1065.501 - Overview.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... engine and sampling systems. (7) Sample emissions throughout the duty cycle. (8) Record post-test data. (9) Perform post-test procedures to verify proper operation of certain equipment and analyzers. (10... PROCEDURES Performing an Emission Test Over Specified Duty Cycles § 1065.501 Overview. (a) Use the procedures...

40 CFR 1065.501 - Overview.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... engine and sampling systems. (7) Sample emissions throughout the duty cycle. (8) Record post-test data. (9) Perform post-test procedures to verify proper operation of certain equipment and analyzers. (10... PROCEDURES Performing an Emission Test Over Specified Duty Cycles § 1065.501 Overview. (a) Use the procedures...

40 CFR 1065.501 - Overview.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... engine and sampling systems. (7) Sample emissions throughout the duty cycle. (8) Record post-test data. (9) Perform post-test procedures to verify proper operation of certain equipment and analyzers. (10... PROCEDURES Performing an Emission Test Over Specified Duty Cycles § 1065.501 Overview. (a) Use the procedures...

40 CFR 1065.501 - Overview.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... engine and sampling systems. (7) Sample emissions throughout the duty cycle. (8) Record post-test data. (9) Perform post-test procedures to verify proper operation of certain equipment and analyzers. (10... PROCEDURES Performing an Emission Test Over Specified Duty Cycles § 1065.501 Overview. (a) Use the procedures...

40 CFR 1065.501 - Overview.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... engine and sampling systems. (7) Sample emissions throughout the duty cycle. (8) Record post-test data. (9) Perform post-test procedures to verify proper operation of certain equipment and analyzers. (10... PROCEDURES Performing an Emission Test Over Specified Duty Cycles § 1065.501 Overview. (a) Use the procedures...

Control of intrauterine fluid pressure during operative hysteroscopy.

PubMed

Shirk, G J; Gimpelson, R J

1994-05-01

To evaluate the safety of a commonly used piston pump that controls the infusion pressure of low-viscosity fluids in a continuous-flow hysteroscopic system during operative hysteroscopy. Consecutive patients requiring operative hysteroscopy. Three hospital facilities in the Midwest. Sequential sample of 250 women who underwent operative hysteroscopy. Endometrial ablations, resection of submucosal or pedunculated uterine leiomyomata with or without endometrial ablation, polyp resections, metroplasty, and lysis of synechiae. The most serious complication of operative hysteroscopy is fluid overload due to intravasation into the patient's vascular system. Low-viscosity fluids were infused by the Zimmer Controlled Distention Irrigation System. The instrument uses a closed-feedback loop to monitor cavity pressure and automatically regulates the flow to maintain the set point pressure. It is designed to operate in a pressure range of 0 to 80 mm Hg and at flows in excess of 450 ml/minute. In 250 operative hysteroscopies no fluid complications occurred when intrauterine pressure was maintained below 80 mm Hg. No clinically significant differences in intravasation were seen in any type of operative hysteroscopy. This controlled mechanical pump system with exact intrauterine pressure measurement reduced many technical difficulties associated with low-viscosity media, and created a safe environment for the media's use in operative hysteroscopy.

Humidity-controlled preparation of frozen-hydrated biological samples for cryogenic coherent x-ray diffraction microscopy

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

Takayama, Yuki; Nakasako, Masayoshi; RIKEN Harima Institute/SPring-8, 1-1-1 Kouto, Mikaduki, Sayo, Hyogo 679-5148

2012-05-15

Coherent x-ray diffraction microscopy (CXDM) has the potential to visualize the structures of micro- to sub-micrometer-sized biological particles, such as cells and organelles, at high resolution. Toward advancing structural studies on the functional states of such particles, here, we developed a system for the preparation of frozen-hydrated biological samples for cryogenic CXDM experiments. The system, which comprised a moist air generator, microscope, micro-injector mounted on a micromanipulator, custom-made sample preparation chamber, and flash-cooling device, allowed for the manipulation of sample particles in the relative humidity range of 20%-94%rh at 293 K to maintain their hydrated and functional states. Here, wemore » report the details of the system and the operation procedure, including its application to the preparation of a frozen-hydrated chloroplast sample. Sample quality was evaluated through a cryogenic CXDM experiment conducted at BL29XUL of SPring-8. Taking the performance of the system and the quality of the sample, the system was suitable to prepare frozen-hydrated biological samples for cryogenic CXDM experiments.« less

Predicate Argument Structure Frames for Modeling Information in Operative Notes

PubMed Central

Wang, Yan; Pakhomov, Serguei; Melton, Genevieve B.

2015-01-01

The rich information about surgical procedures contained in operative notes is a valuable data source for improving the clinical evidence base and clinical research. In this study, we propose a set of Predicate Argument Structure (PAS) frames for surgical action verbs to assist in the creation of an information extraction (IE) system to automatically extract details about the techniques, equipment, and operative steps from operative notes. We created PropBank style PAS frames for the 30 top surgical action verbs based on examination of randomly selected sample sentences from 3,000 Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy notes. To assess completeness of the PAS frames to represent usage of same action verbs, we evaluated the PAS frames created on sample sentences from operative notes of 6 other gastrointestinal surgical procedures. Our results showed that the PAS frames created with one type of surgery can successfully denote the usage of the same verbs in operative notes of broader surgical categories. PMID:23920664

Robofurnace: A semi-automated laboratory chemical vapor deposition system for high-throughput nanomaterial synthesis and process discovery

PubMed Central

Oliver, C. Ryan; Westrick, William; Koehler, Jeremy; Brieland-Shoultz, Anna; Anagnostopoulos-Politis, Ilias; Cruz-Gonzalez, Tizoc; Hart, A. John

2013-01-01

Laboratory research and development on new materials, such as nanostructured thin films, often utilizes manual equipment such as tube furnaces due to its relatively low cost and ease of setup. However, these systems can be prone to inconsistent outcomes due to variations in standard operating procedures and limitations in performance such as heating and cooling rates restrict the parameter space that can be explored. Perhaps more importantly, maximization of research throughput and the successful and efficient translation of materials processing knowledge to production-scale systems, relies on the attainment of consistent outcomes. In response to this need, we present a semi-automated lab-scale chemical vapor deposition (CVD) furnace system, called “Robofurnace.” Robofurnace is an automated CVD system built around a standard tube furnace, which automates sample insertion and removal and uses motion of the furnace to achieve rapid heating and cooling. The system has a 10-sample magazine and motorized transfer arm, which isolates the samples from the lab atmosphere and enables highly repeatable placement of the sample within the tube. The system is designed to enable continuous operation of the CVD reactor, with asynchronous loading/unloading of samples. To demonstrate its performance, Robofurnace is used to develop a rapid CVD recipe for carbon nanotube (CNT) forest growth, achieving a 10-fold improvement in CNT forest mass density compared to a benchmark recipe using a manual tube furnace. In the long run, multiple systems like Robofurnace may be linked to share data among laboratories by methods such as Twitter. Our hope is Robofurnace and like automation will enable machine learning to optimize and discover relationships in complex material synthesis processes. PMID:24289435

Characterizing shipboard bilgewater effluent before and after treatment.

PubMed

McLaughlin, Christine; Falatko, Debra; Danesi, Robin; Albert, Ryan

2014-04-01

Operational discharges from oceangoing vessels, including discharges of bilgewater, release oil into marine ecosystems that can potentially damage marine life, terrestrial life, human health, and the environment. Bilgewater is a mix of oily fluids and other pollutants from a variety of sources onboard a vessel. If bilgewater cannot be retained onboard, it must be treated by an oily water separator before discharge for larger ocean-going vessels. We evaluated the effectiveness of bilgewater treatment systems by analyzing land-based type approval data, collecting and analyzing shipboard bilgewater effluent data, assessing bilgewater effluent concentrations compared to regulatory standards, evaluating the accuracy of shipboard oil content monitors relative to analytical results, and assessing additional pollution reduction benefits of treatment systems. Land-based type approval data were gathered for 20 treatment systems. Additionally, multiple samples of influent and effluent from operational bilgewater treatment systems onboard three vessels were collected and analyzed, and compared to the land-based type approval data. Based on type approval data, 15 treatment systems were performing below 5 ppm oil. Shipboard performance measurements verified land-based type approval data for the three systems that were sampled. However, oil content monitor readings were more variable than actual oil concentration measurements from effluent samples, resulting in false negatives and positives. The treatment systems sampled onboard for this study generally reduced the majority of other potentially harmful pollutants, which are not currently regulated, with the exception of some heavy metal analytes.

Gas loading apparatus for the Paris-Edinburgh press

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

Bocian, A.; Kamenev, K. V.; Bull, C. L.

2010-09-15

We describe the design and operation of an apparatus for loading gases into the sample volume of the Paris-Edinburgh press at room temperature and high pressure. The system can be used for studies of samples loaded as pure or mixed gases as well as for loading gases as pressure-transmitting media in neutron-scattering experiments. The apparatus consists of a high-pressure vessel and an anvil holder with a clamp mechanism. The vessel, designed to operate at gas pressures of up to 150 MPa, is used for applying the load onto the anvils located inside the clamp. This initial load is sufficient formore » sealing the pressurized gas inside the sample containing gasket. The clamp containing the anvils and the sample is then transferred into the Paris-Edinburgh press by which further load can be applied to the sample. The clamp has apertures for scattered neutron beams and remains in the press for the duration of the experiment. The performance of the gas loading system is illustrated with the results of neutron-diffraction experiments on compressed nitrogen.« less

External Quality Assurance Programs Managed by the U.S. Geological Survey in Support of the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/Mercury Deposition Network

USGS Publications Warehouse

Latysh, Natalie E.; Wetherbee, Gregory A.

2007-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Branch of Quality Systems operates external quality assurance programs for the National Atmospheric Deposition Program/Mercury Deposition Network (NADP/MDN). Beginning in 2004, three programs have been implemented: the system blank program, the interlaboratory comparison program, and the blind audit program. Each program was designed to measure error contributed by specific components in the data-collection process. The system blank program assesses contamination that may result from sampling equipment, field exposure, and routine handling and processing of the wet-deposition samples. The interlaboratory comparison program evaluates bias and precision of analytical results produced by the Mercury Analytical Laboratory (HAL) for the NADP/MDN, operated by Frontier GeoSciences, Inc. The HAL's performance is compared with the performance of five other laboratories. The blind audit program assesses bias and variability of MDN data produced by the HAL using solutions disguised as environmental samples to ascertain true laboratory performance. This report documents the implementation of quality assurance procedures for the NADP/MDN and the operating procedures for each of the external quality assurance programs conducted by the USGS. The USGS quality assurance information provides a measure of confidence to NADP/MDN data users that measurement variability is distinguished from environmental signals.

Soft Real-Time PID Control on a VME Computer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Karayan, Vahag; Sander, Stanley; Cageao, Richard

2007-01-01

microPID (uPID) is a computer program for real-time proportional + integral + derivative (PID) control of a translation stage in a Fourier-transform ultraviolet spectrometer. microPID implements a PID control loop over a position profile at sampling rate of 8 kHz (sampling period 125microseconds). The software runs in a strippeddown Linux operating system on a VersaModule Eurocard (VME) computer operating in real-time priority queue using an embedded controller, a 16-bit digital-to-analog converter (D/A) board, and a laser-positioning board (LPB). microPID consists of three main parts: (1) VME device-driver routines, (2) software that administers a custom protocol for serial communication with a control computer, and (3) a loop section that obtains the current position from an LPB-driver routine, calculates the ideal position from the profile, and calculates a new voltage command by use of an embedded PID routine all within each sampling period. The voltage command is sent to the D/A board to control the stage. microPID uses special kernel headers to obtain microsecond timing resolution. Inasmuch as microPID implements a single-threaded process and all other processes are disabled, the Linux operating system acts as a soft real-time system.

Integrated Solar System Exploration Education and Public Outreach: Theme, Products and Activities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lowes, Leslie; Lindstrom, Marilyn; Stockman, Stephanie; Scalice, Daniela; Allen, Jaclyn; Tobola, Kay; Klug, Sheri; Harmon, Art

2004-01-01

NASA's Solar System Exploration Program is entering an unprecedented period of exploration and discovery. Its goal is to understand the origin and evolution of the solar system and life within it. SSE missions are operating or in development to study the far reaches of our solar system and beyond. These missions proceed in sequence for each body from reconnaissance flybys through orbiters and landers or rovers to sample returns. SSE research programs develop new instruments, analyze mission data or returned samples, and provide experimental or theoretical models to aid in interpretation.

Automated biowaste sampling system feces monitoring system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hunt, S. R.; Glanfield, E. J.

1979-01-01

The Feces Monitoring System (FMS) Program designed, fabricated, assembled and tested an engineering model waste collector system (WCS) to be used in support of life science and medical experiments related to Shuttle missions. The FMS design was patterned closely after the Shuttle WCS, including: interface provisions; mounting; configuration; and operating procedures. These similarities make it possible to eventually substitute an FMS for the Shuttle WCS of Orbiter. In addition, several advanced waste collection features, including the capability of real-time inertial fecal separation and fecal mass measurement and sampling were incorporated into the FMS design.

Performance of a segmented HPGe detector at KRISS.

PubMed

Han, Jubong; Lee, K B; Lee, Jong-Man; Lee, S H; Park, Tae Soon; Oh, J S

2018-04-01

A 24 segmented HPGe coaxial detector was set up with a digitized data acquisition system (DAQ). The DAQ was composed of a digitizer (5 × 10 7 sampling/s), a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and a real time operating system. The Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM), rise time, signal characteristics, and spectra of a 137 Cs source were evaluated. The data were processed using an in-house developed gamma-ray tracking system. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Modular biowaste monitoring system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fogal, G. L.

1975-01-01

The objective of the Modular Biowaste Monitoring System Program was to generate and evaluate hardware for supporting shuttle life science experimental and diagnostic programs. An initial conceptual design effort established requirements and defined an overall modular system for the collection, measurement, sampling and storage of urine and feces biowastes. This conceptual design effort was followed by the design, fabrication and performance evaluation of a flight prototype model urine collection, volume measurement and sampling capability. No operational or performance deficiencies were uncovered as a result of the performance evaluation tests.

Hypothesis Sampling Systems among Preoperational and Concrete Operational Kindergarten Children

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gholson, Barry; And Others

1976-01-01

Preoperational and concrete operational kindergarten children received stimulus differentiation training, either with or without feedback, and then a series of discrimination learning problems in which a blank trial probe was used to detect a child's hypothesis after each feedback trial. Piagetian stage theory requires elaboration to account…

Autonomous GN and C for Spacecraft Exploration of Comets and Asteroids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carson, John M.; Mastrodemos, Nickolaos; Myers, David M.; Acikmese, Behcet; Blackmore, James C.; Moussalis, Dhemetrio; Riedel, Joseph E.; Nolet, Simon; Chang, Johnny T.; Mandic, Milan;

Comparing Apollo and Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Operations Paradigms for Human Exploration During NASA Desert-Rats Science Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yingst, R. A.; Cohen, B. A.; Ming, D. W.; Eppler, D. B.

2011-01-01

NASA's Desert Research and Technology Studies (D-RATS) field test is one of several analog tests that NASA conducts each year to combine operations development, technology advances and science under planetary surface conditions. The D-RATS focus is testing preliminary operational concepts for extravehicular activity (EVA) systems in the field using simulated surface operations and EVA hardware and procedures. For 2010 hardware included the Space Exploration Vehicles, Habitat Demonstration Units, Tri-ATHLETE, and a suite of new geology sample collection tools, including a self-contained GeoLab glove box for conducting in-field analysis of various collected rock samples. The D-RATS activities develop technical skills and experience for the mission planners, engineers, scientists, technicians, and astronauts responsible for realizing the goals of exploring planetary surfaces.

A Sample Handling System for Mars Sample Return - Design and Status

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allouis, E.; Renouf, I.; Deridder, M.; Vrancken, D.; Gelmi, R.; Re, E.

2009-04-01

A mission to return atmosphere and soil samples form the Mars is highly desired by planetary scientists from around the world and space agencies are starting preparation for the launch of a sample return mission in the 2020 timeframe. Such a mission would return approximately 500 grams of atmosphere, rock and soil samples to Earth by 2025. Development of a wide range of new technology will be critical to the successful implementation of such a challenging mission. Technical developments required to realise the mission include guided atmospheric entry, soft landing, sample handling robotics, biological sealing, Mars atmospheric ascent sample rendezvous & capture and Earth return. The European Space Agency has been performing system definition studies along with numerous technology development studies under the framework of the Aurora programme. Within the scope of these activities Astrium has been responsible for defining an overall sample handling architecture in collaboration with European partners (sample acquisition and sample capture, Galileo Avionica; sample containment and automated bio-sealing, Verhaert). Our work has focused on the definition and development of the robotic systems required to move the sample through the transfer chain. This paper presents the Astrium team's high level design for the surface transfer system and the orbiter transfer system. The surface transfer system is envisaged to use two robotic arms of different sizes to allow flexible operations and to enable sample transfer over relatively large distances (~2 to 3 metres): The first to deploy/retract the Drill Assembly used for sample collection, the second for the transfer of the Sample Container (the vessel containing all the collected samples) from the Drill Assembly to the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV). The sample transfer actuator also features a complex end-effector for handling the Sample Container. The orbiter transfer system will transfer the Sample Container from the capture mechanism through a bio-sealing system to the Earth Return Capsule (ERC) and has distinctly different requirements from the surface transfer system. The operations required to transfer the samples to the ERC are clearly defined and make use of mechanisms specifically designed for the job rather than robotic arms. Though it is mechanical rather than robotic, the design of the orbiter transfer system is very complex in comparison to most previous missions to fulfil all the scientific and technological requirements. Further mechanisms will be required to lock the samples into the ERC and to close the door at the rear of the ERC through which the samples have been inserted. Having performed this overall definition study, Astrium is now leading the next step of the development of the MSR sample handling: the Mars Surface Sample Transfer and Manipulation project (MSSTM). Organised in two phases, the project will re-evaluate in phase 1 the output of the previous study in the light of new inputs (e.g. addition of a rover) and investigate further the architectures and systems involved in the sample transfer chain while identifying the critical technologies. The second phase of the project will concentrate on the prototyping of a number of these key technologies with the goal of providing an end-to end validation of the surface sample transfer concept.

Superconducting Quantum Interferometers for Nondestructive Evaluation

PubMed Central

Kostyurina, E. A.; Kalashnikov, K. V.; Maslennikov, Yu. V.; Koshelets, V. P.

2017-01-01

We review stationary and mobile systems that are used for the nondestructive evaluation of room temperature objects and are based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). The systems are optimized for samples whose dimensions are between 10 micrometers and several meters. Stray magnetic fields from small samples (10 µm–10 cm) are studied using a SQUID microscope equipped with a magnetic flux antenna, which is fed through the walls of liquid nitrogen cryostat and a hole in the SQUID’s pick-up loop and returned sidewards from the SQUID back to the sample. The SQUID microscope does not disturb the magnetization of the sample during image recording due to the decoupling of the magnetic flux antenna from the modulation and feedback coil. For larger samples, we use a hand-held mobile liquid nitrogen minicryostat with a first order planar gradiometric SQUID sensor. Low-Tc DC SQUID systems that are designed for NDE measurements of bio-objects are able to operate with sufficient resolution in a magnetically unshielded environment. High-Tc DC SQUID magnetometers that are operated in a magnetic shield demonstrate a magnetic field resolution of ~4 fT/√Hz at 77 K. This sensitivity is improved to ~2 fT/√Hz at 77 K by using a soft magnetic flux antenna. PMID:29210980

Fatality Analysis Reporting System, General Estimates System: 2001 Data Summary.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

2003

The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), which became operational in 1975, contains data on a census of fatal traffic crashes within the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The General Estimates System (GES), which began in 1988, provides data from a nationally representative probability sample selected from all…

Air sampling procedures to evaluate microbial contamination: a comparison between active and passive methods in operating theatres

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Since air can play a central role as a reservoir for microorganisms, in controlled environments such as operating theatres regular microbial monitoring is useful to measure air quality and identify critical situations. The aim of this study is to assess microbial contamination levels in operating theatres using both an active and a passive sampling method and then to assess if there is a correlation between the results of the two different sampling methods. Methods The study was performed in 32 turbulent air flow operating theatres of a University Hospital in Southern Italy. Active sampling was carried out using the Surface Air System and passive sampling with settle plates, in accordance with ISO 14698. The Total Viable Count (TVC) was evaluated at rest (in the morning before the beginning of surgical activity) and in operational (during surgery). Results The mean TVC at rest was 12.4 CFU/m3 and 722.5 CFU/m2/h for active and passive samplings respectively. The mean in operational TVC was 93.8 CFU/m3 (SD = 52.69; range = 22-256) and 10496.5 CFU/m2/h (SD = 7460.5; range = 1415.5-25479.7) for active and passive samplings respectively. Statistical analysis confirmed that the two methods correlate in a comparable way with the quality of air. Conclusion It is possible to conclude that both methods can be used for general monitoring of air contamination, such as routine surveillance programs. However, the choice must be made between one or the other to obtain specific information. PMID:22853006

Semi-automated high-efficiency reflectivity chamber for vacuum UV measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiley, James; Fleming, Brian; Renninger, Nicholas; Egan, Arika

2017-08-01

This paper presents the design and theory of operation for a semi-automated reflectivity chamber for ultraviolet optimized optics. A graphical user interface designed in LabVIEW controls the stages, interfaces with the detector system, takes semi-autonomous measurements, and monitors the system in case of error. Samples and an optical photodiode sit on an optics plate mounted to a rotation stage in the middle of the vacuum chamber. The optics plate rotates the samples and diode between an incident and reflected position to measure the absolute reflectivity of the samples at wavelengths limited by the monochromator operational bandpass of 70 nm to 550 nm. A collimating parabolic mirror on a fine steering tip-tilt motor enables beam steering for detector peak-ups. This chamber is designed to take measurements rapidly and with minimal oversight, increasing lab efficiency for high cadence and high accuracy vacuum UV reflectivity measurements.

Error-eliminating rapid ultrasonic firing

DOEpatents

Borenstein, Johann; Koren, Yoram

1993-08-24

A system for producing reliable navigation data for a mobile vehicle, such as a robot, combines multiple range samples to increase the "confidence" of the algorithm in the existence of an obstacle. At higher vehicle speed, it is crucial to sample each sensor quickly and repeatedly to gather multiple samples in time to avoid a collision. Erroneous data is rejected by delaying the issuance of an ultrasonic energy pulse by a predetermined wait-period, which may be different during alternate ultrasonic firing cycles. Consecutive readings are compared, and the corresponding data is rejected if the readings differ by more than a predetermined amount. The rejection rate for the data is monitored and the operating speed of the navigation system is reduced if the data rejection rate is increased. This is useful to distinguish and eliminate noise from the data which truly represents the existence of an article in the field of operation of the vehicle.

Error-eliminating rapid ultrasonic firing

DOEpatents

Borenstein, J.; Koren, Y.

1993-08-24

A system for producing reliable navigation data for a mobile vehicle, such as a robot, combines multiple range samples to increase the confidence'' of the algorithm in the existence of an obstacle. At higher vehicle speed, it is crucial to sample each sensor quickly and repeatedly to gather multiple samples in time to avoid a collision. Erroneous data is rejected by delaying the issuance of an ultrasonic energy pulse by a predetermined wait-period, which may be different during alternate ultrasonic firing cycles. Consecutive readings are compared, and the corresponding data is rejected if the readings differ by more than a predetermined amount. The rejection rate for the data is monitored and the operating speed of the navigation system is reduced if the data rejection rate is increased. This is useful to distinguish and eliminate noise from the data which truly represents the existence of an article in the field of operation of the vehicle.

DEVELOPMENT OF AN RH -DENUDED MIE ACTIVE SAMPLING SYSTEM AND TARGETED AEROSOL CALIBRATION

EPA Science Inventory

The MIE pDR 1200 nephelometer provides time resolved aerosol concentrations during personal and fixed-site sampling. Active (pumped) operation allows defining an upper PM_2.5 particle size, however, this dramatically increases the aerosol mass passing through the phot...

47 CFR 76.609 - Measurements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... either: (1) The manufacturer's specifications for subscriber tap isolation based on a representative sample of no less than 500 subscribers taps or (2) Laboratory tests performed by or for the operator of a cable television system on a representative sample of no less than 50 subscriber taps, indicates that...

Human Mars Surface Science Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bobskill, Marianne R.; Lupisella, Mark L.

2014-01-01

Human missions to the surface of Mars will have challenging science operations. This paper will explore some of those challenges, based on science operations considerations as part of more general operational concepts being developed by NASA's Human Spaceflight Architecture (HAT) Mars Destination Operations Team (DOT). The HAT Mars DOT has been developing comprehensive surface operations concepts with an initial emphasis on a multi-phased mission that includes a 500-day surface stay. This paper will address crew science activities, operational details and potential architectural and system implications in the areas of (a) traverse planning and execution, (b) sample acquisition and sample handling, (c) in-situ science analysis, and (d) planetary protection. Three cross-cutting themes will also be explored in this paper: (a) contamination control, (b) low-latency telerobotic science, and (c) crew autonomy. The present traverses under consideration are based on the report, Planning for the Scientific Exploration of Mars by Humans1, by the Mars Exploration Planning and Analysis Group (MEPAG) Human Exploration of Mars-Science Analysis Group (HEM-SAG). The traverses are ambitious and the role of science in those traverses is a key component that will be discussed in this paper. The process of obtaining, handling, and analyzing samples will be an important part of ensuring acceptable science return. Meeting planetary protection protocols will be a key challenge and this paper will explore operational strategies and system designs to meet the challenges of planetary protection, particularly with respect to the exploration of "special regions." A significant challenge for Mars surface science operations with crew is preserving science sample integrity in what will likely be an uncertain environment. Crewed mission surface assets -- such as habitats, spacesuits, and pressurized rovers -- could be a significant source of contamination due to venting, out-gassing and cleanliness levels associated with crew presence. Low-latency telerobotic science operations has the potential to address a number of contamination control and planetary protection issues and will be explored in this paper. Crew autonomy is another key cross-cutting challenge regarding Mars surface science operations, because the communications delay between earth and Mars could as high as 20 minutes one way, likely requiring the crew to perform many science tasks without direct timely intervention from ground support on earth. Striking the operational balance between crew autonomy and earth support will be a key challenge that this paper will address.

Analysis and design of a capsule landing system and surface vehicle control system for Mars exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gisser, D. G.; Frederick, D. K.; Lashmet, P. K.; Sandor, G. N.; Shen, C. N.; Yerazunis, S. Y.

1975-01-01

Problems related to an unmanned exploration of the planet Mars by means of an autonomous roving planetary vehicle are investigated. These problems include: design, construction and evaluation of the vehicle itself and its control and operating systems. More specifically, vehicle configuration, dynamics, control, propulsion, hazard detection systems, terrain sensing and modelling, obstacle detection concepts, path selection, decision-making systems, and chemical analyses of samples are studied. Emphasis is placed on development of a vehicle capable of gathering specimens and data for an Augmented Viking Mission or to provide the basis for a Sample Return Mission.

Self-Sealing Wet Chemistry Cell for Field Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beegle, Luther W.; Soto, Juancarlos; Lasnik, James; Roark, Shane

2012-01-01

In most analytical investigations, there is a need to process complex field samples for the unique detection of analytes, especially when detecting low concentration organic molecules that may identify extraterrestrial life. Wet chemistry based instruments are the techniques of choice for most laboratory- based analysis of organic molecules due to several factors including less fragmentation of fragile biomarkers, and ability to concentrate target species resulting in much lower limits of detection. Development of an automated wet chemistry preparation system that can operate autonomously on Earth and is also designed to operate under Martian ambient conditions will demonstrate the technical feasibility of including wet chemistry on future missions. An Automated Sample Processing System (ASPS) has recently been developed that receives fines, extracts organics through solvent extraction, processes the extract by removing non-organic soluble species, and delivers sample to multiple instruments for analysis (including for non-organic soluble species). The key to this system is a sample cell that can autonomously function under field conditions. As a result, a self-sealing sample cell was developed that can autonomously hermetically seal fines and powder into a container, regardless of orientation of the apparatus. The cap is designed with a beveled edge, which allows the cap to be self-righted as the capping motor engages. Each cap consists of a C-clip lock ring below a crucible O-ring that is placed into a groove cut into the sample cap.

A rapid method for the sampling of atmospheric water vapour for isotopic analysis.

PubMed

Peters, Leon I; Yakir, Dan

2010-01-01

Analysis of the stable isotopic composition of atmospheric moisture is widely applied in the environmental sciences. Traditional methods for obtaining isotopic compositional data from ambient moisture have required complicated sampling procedures, expensive and sophisticated distillation lines, hazardous consumables, and lengthy treatments prior to analysis. Newer laser-based techniques are expensive and usually not suitable for large-scale field campaigns, especially in cases where access to mains power is not feasible or high spatial coverage is required. Here we outline the construction and usage of a novel vapour-sampling system based on a battery-operated Stirling cycle cooler, which is simple to operate, does not require any consumables, or post-collection distillation, and is light-weight and highly portable. We demonstrate the ability of this system to reproduce delta(18)O isotopic compositions of ambient water vapour, with samples taken simultaneously by a traditional cryogenic collection technique. Samples were collected over 1 h directly into autosampler vials and were analysed by mass spectrometry after pyrolysis of 1 microL aliquots to CO. This yielded an average error of < +/-0.5 per thousand, approximately equal to the signal-to-noise ratio of traditional approaches. This new system provides a rapid and reliable alternative to conventional cryogenic techniques, particularly in cases requiring high sample throughput or where access to distillation lines, slurry maintenance or mains power is not feasible. Copyright 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Power System Transient Stability Based on Data Mining Theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Zhen; Shi, Jia; Wu, Runsheng; Lu, Dan; Cui, Mingde

2018-01-01

In order to study the stability of power system, a power system transient stability based on data mining theory is designed. By introducing association rules analysis in data mining theory, an association classification method for transient stability assessment is presented. A mathematical model of transient stability assessment based on data mining technology is established. Meanwhile, combining rule reasoning with classification prediction, the method of association classification is proposed to perform transient stability assessment. The transient stability index is used to identify the samples that cannot be correctly classified in association classification. Then, according to the critical stability of each sample, the time domain simulation method is used to determine the state, so as to ensure the accuracy of the final results. The results show that this stability assessment system can improve the speed of operation under the premise that the analysis result is completely correct, and the improved algorithm can find out the inherent relation between the change of power system operation mode and the change of transient stability degree.

Groundwater monitoring system

DOEpatents

Ames, Kenneth R.; Doesburg, James M.; Eschbach, Eugene A.; Kelley, Roy C.; Myers, David A.

1987-01-01

A groundwater monitoring system includes a bore, a well casing within and spaced from the bore, and a pump within the casing. A water impermeable seal between the bore and the well casing prevents surface contamination from entering the pump. Above the ground surface is a removable operating means which is connected to the pump piston by a flexible cord. A protective casing extends above ground and has a removable cover. After a groundwater sample has been taken, the cord is disconnected from the operating means. The operating means is removed for taking away, the cord is placed within the protective casing, and the cover closed and locked. The system is thus protected from contamination, as well as from damage by accident or vandalism.

The planetary spatial data infrastructure for the OSIRIS-REx mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DellaGiustina, D. N.; Selznick, S.; Nolan, M. C.; Enos, H. L.; Lauretta, D. S.

2017-12-01

The primary objective of the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission is to return a pristine sample of carbonaceous material from primitive asteroid (101955) Bennu. Understanding the geospatial context of Bennu is critical to choosing a sample-site and also linking the nature of the sample to the global properties of Bennu and the broader asteroid population. We established a planetary spatial data infrastructure (PSDI) support the primary objective of OSIRIS-REx. OSIRIS-REx is unique among planetary missions in that all remote sensing is performed to support the sample return objective. Prior to sampling, OSIRIS-REx will survey Bennu for nearly two years to select and document the most valuable primary and backup sample sites. During this period, the mission will combine coordinated observations from five science instruments into four thematic maps: deliverability, safety, sampleability, and scientific value. The deliverability map assesses the probability that the flight dynamics team can deliver the spacecraft to the desired location. The safety map indicates the probability that physical hazards are present at the sample-site. The sampleability map quantifies the probability that a sample can be successfully collected from the surface. Finally, the scientific value map shows the probability that the collected sample contains organics and volatiles and also places the sample site in a definitive geological context relative to Bennu's history. The OSIRIS-REx Science Processing and Operations Center (SPOC) serves as the operational PSDI for the mission. The SPOC is tasked with intake of all data from the spacecraft and other ground sources and assimilating these data into a single comprehensive system for processing and presentation. The SPOC centralizes all geographic data of Bennu in a relational database and ensures that standardization and provenance are maintained throughout proximity operations.The SPOC is a live system that handles inputs from spacecraft and science instrument telemetry, and science data producers. It includes multiple levels of validation, both automated and manual to process all data in a robust and reliable manner and eventually deliver it to the NASA Planetary Data System for archive.

40 CFR 91.314 - Analyzer accuracy and specifications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... deflection should generally not be used. (2) Some high resolution read-out systems, such as computers, data...-second time interval. (b) Operating procedure for analyzers and sampling system. Follow the start-up and... systems may be used provided that additional calibrations are made to ensure the accuracy of the...

Developmental validation of the DNAscan™ Rapid DNA Analysis™ instrument and expert system for reference sample processing.

PubMed

Della Manna, Angelo; Nye, Jeffrey V; Carney, Christopher; Hammons, Jennifer S; Mann, Michael; Al Shamali, Farida; Vallone, Peter M; Romsos, Erica L; Marne, Beth Ann; Tan, Eugene; Turingan, Rosemary S; Hogan, Catherine; Selden, Richard F; French, Julie L

2016-11-01

Since the implementation of forensic DNA typing in labs more than 20 years ago, the analysis procedures and data interpretation have always been conducted in a laboratory by highly trained and qualified scientific personnel. Rapid DNA technology has the potential to expand testing capabilities within forensic laboratories and to allow forensic STR analysis to be performed outside the physical boundaries of the traditional laboratory. The developmental validation of the DNAscan/ANDE Rapid DNA Analysis System was completed using a BioChipSet™ Cassette consumable designed for high DNA content samples, such as single source buccal swabs. A total of eight laboratories participated in the testing which totaled over 2300 swabs, and included nearly 1400 unique individuals. The goal of this extensive study was to obtain, document, analyze, and assess DNAscan and its internal Expert System to reliably genotype reference samples in a manner compliant with the FBI's Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) and the NDIS Operational Procedures. The DNAscan System provided high quality, concordant results for reference buccal swabs, including automated data analysis with an integrated Expert System. Seven external laboratories and NetBio, the developer of the technology, participated in the validation testing demonstrating the reproducibility and reliability of the system and its successful use in a variety of settings by numerous operators. The DNAscan System demonstrated limited cross reactivity with other species, was resilient in the presence of numerous inhibitors, and provided reproducible results for both buccal and purified DNA samples with sensitivity at a level appropriate for buccal swabs. The precision and resolution of the system met industry standards for detection of micro-variants and displayed single base resolution. PCR-based studies provided confidence that the system was robust and that the amplification reaction had been optimized to provide high quality results. The DNAscan integrated Expert System was examined as part of the Developmental Validation and successfully interpreted the over 2000 samples tested with over 99.998% concordant alleles. The system appropriately flagged samples for human review and failed both mixed samples and samples with insufficient genetic information. These results demonstrated the integrated Expert System makes correct allele calls without human intervention. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Systems and methods for analyzing building operations sensor data

DOEpatents

Mezic, Igor; Eisenhower, Bryan A.

2015-05-26

Systems and methods are disclosed for analyzing building sensor information and decomposing the information therein to a more manageable and more useful form. Certain embodiments integrate energy-based and spectral-based analysis methods with parameter sampling and uncertainty/sensitivity analysis to achieve a more comprehensive perspective of building behavior. The results of this analysis may be presented to a user via a plurality of visualizations and/or used to automatically adjust certain building operations. In certain embodiments, advanced spectral techniques, including Koopman-based operations, are employed to discern features from the collected building sensor data.

Temperature Control Diagnostics for Sample Environments

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

Santodonato, Louis J; Walker, Lakeisha MH; Church, Andrew J

2010-01-01

In a scientific laboratory setting, standard equipment such as cryocoolers are often used as part of a custom sample environment system designed to regulate temperature over a wide range. The end user may be more concerned with precise sample temperature control than with base temperature. But cryogenic systems tend to be specified mainly in terms of cooling capacity and base temperature. Technical staff at scientific user facilities (and perhaps elsewhere) often wonder how to best specify and evaluate temperature control capabilities. Here we describe test methods and give results obtained at a user facility that operates a large sample environmentmore » inventory. Although this inventory includes a wide variety of temperature, pressure, and magnetic field devices, the present work focuses on cryocooler-based systems.« less

SOCCER: Comet Coma Sample Return Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Albee, A. L.; Uesugi, K. T.; Tsou, Peter

1994-01-01

Comets, being considered the most primitive bodies in the solar system, command the highest priority among solar system objects for studying solar nebula evolution and the evolution of life through biogenic elements and compounds. Sample Of Comet Coma Earth Return (SOCCER), a joint effort between NASA and the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) in Japan, has two primary science objectives: (1) the imaging of the comet nucleus and (2) the return to Earth of samples of volatile species and intact dust. This effort makes use of the unique strengths and capabilities of both countries in realizing this important quest for the return of samples from a comet. This paper presents an overview of SOCCER's science payloads, engineering flight system, and its mission operations.

Flight-test experience in digital control of a remotely piloted vehicle.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edwards, J. W.

1972-01-01

The development of a remotely piloted vehicle system consisting of a remote pilot cockpit and a ground-based digital computer coupled to the aircraft through telemetry data links is described. The feedback control laws are implemented in a FORTRAN program. Flight-test experience involving high feedback gain limits for attitude and attitude rate feedback variables, filtering of sampled data, and system operation during intermittent telemetry data link loss is discussed. Comparisons of closed-loop flight tests with analytical calculations, and pilot comments on system operation are included.

Lunar deep drill apparatus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harvey, Jill (Editor)

1989-01-01

A self contained, mobile drilling and coring system was designed to operate on the Lunar surface and be controlled remotely from earth. The system uses SKITTER (Spatial Kinematic Inertial Translatory Tripod Extremity Robot) as its foundation and produces Lunar core samples two meters long and fifty millimeters in diameter. The drill bit used for this is composed of 30 per carat diamonds in a sintered tungsten carbide matrix. To drill up to 50 m depths, the bit assembly will be attached to a drill string made from 2 m rods which will be carried in racks on SKITTER. Rotary power for drilling will be supplied by a Curvo-Synchronous motor. SKITTER is to support this system through a hexagonal shaped structure which will contain the drill motor and the power supply. A micro-coring drill will be used to remove a preliminary sample 5 mm in diameter and 20 mm long from the side of the core. This whole system is to be controlled from earth. This is carried out by a continuously monitoring PLC onboard the drill rig. A touch screen control console allows the operator on earth to monitor the progress of the operation and intervene if necessary.

Monodisperse alginate microgel formation in a three-dimensional microfluidic droplet generator.

PubMed

Lian, Meng; Collier, C Patrick; Doktycz, Mitchel J; Retterer, Scott T

2012-01-01

Droplet based microfluidic systems provide an ideal platform for partitioning and manipulating aqueous samples for analysis. Identifying stable operating conditions under which droplets are generated is challenging yet crucial for real-world applications. A novel three-dimensional microfluidic platform that facilitates the consistent generation and gelation of alginate-calcium hydrogel microbeads for microbial encapsulation, over a broad range of input pressures, in the absence of surfactants is described. The unique three-dimensional design of the fluidic network utilizes a height difference at the junction between the aqueous sample injection and organic carrier channels to induce droplet formation via a surface tension enhanced self-shearing mechanism. Combined within a flow-focusing geometry, under constant pressure control, this arrangement facilitates predictable generation of droplets over a much broader range of operating conditions than that of conventional two-dimensional systems. The impact of operating pressures and geometry on droplet gelation, aqueous and organic material flow rates, microbead size, and bead generation frequency are described. The system presented provides a robust platform for encapsulating single microbes in complex mixtures into individual hydrogel beads, and provides the foundation for the development of a complete system for sorting and analyzing microbes at the single cell level.

Monodisperse alginate microgel formation in a three-dimensional microfluidic droplet generator

PubMed Central

Lian, Meng; Collier, C. Patrick; Doktycz, Mitchel J.; Retterer, Scott T.

2012-01-01

Droplet based microfluidic systems provide an ideal platform for partitioning and manipulating aqueous samples for analysis. Identifying stable operating conditions under which droplets are generated is challenging yet crucial for real-world applications. A novel three-dimensional microfluidic platform that facilitates the consistent generation and gelation of alginate-calcium hydrogel microbeads for microbial encapsulation, over a broad range of input pressures, in the absence of surfactants is described. The unique three-dimensional design of the fluidic network utilizes a height difference at the junction between the aqueous sample injection and organic carrier channels to induce droplet formation via a surface tension enhanced self-shearing mechanism. Combined within a flow-focusing geometry, under constant pressure control, this arrangement facilitates predictable generation of droplets over a much broader range of operating conditions than that of conventional two-dimensional systems. The impact of operating pressures and geometry on droplet gelation, aqueous and organic material flow rates, microbead size, and bead generation frequency are described. The system presented provides a robust platform for encapsulating single microbes in complex mixtures into individual hydrogel beads, and provides the foundation for the development of a complete system for sorting and analyzing microbes at the single cell level. PMID:24198865

The use of automation and robotic systems to establish and maintain lunar base operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Petrosky, Lyman J.

1992-01-01

Robotic systems provide a means of performing many of the operations required to establish and maintain a lunar base. They form a synergistic system when properly used in concert with human activities. This paper discusses the various areas where robotics and automation may be used to enhance lunar base operations. Robots are particularly well suited for surface operations (exterior to the base habitat modules) because they can be designed to operate in the extreme temperatures and vacuum conditions of the Moon (or Mars). In this environment, the capabilities of semi-autonomous robots would surpass that of humans in all but the most complex tasks. Robotic surface operations include such activities as long range geological and mineralogical surveys with sample return, materials movement in and around the base, construction of radiation barriers around habitats, transfer of materials over large distances, and construction of outposts. Most of the above operations could be performed with minor modifications to a single basic robotic rover. Within the lunar base habitats there are a few areas where robotic operations would be preferable to human operations. Such areas include routine inspections for leakage in the habitat and its systems, underground transfer of materials between habitats, and replacement of consumables. In these and many other activities, robotic systems will greatly enhance lunar base operations. The robotic systems described in this paper are based on what is realistically achievable with relatively near term technology. A lunar base can be built and maintained if we are willing.

A dryer for rapid response on-line expired gas measurements.

PubMed

Deno, N S; Kamon, E

1979-06-01

A dryer is described for use in on-line breath-by-breath gas analysis systems. The dryer continuously removes water vapor by condensation and controls the sample gas at 2 degrees C dew-point temperature or 5 Torr water vapor partial pressure. It is designed to operate at gas sampling flow rates from 0.5 to 1 1.min-1. The step-response time for the described system including a Beckman LB-2 CO2 analyzer, sampling tubing, and dryer is 120 ms at 1 l.min-1. The time required for gas samples to transport through the dryer is 105 ms at a gas sampling-flow rate of 1 l.min=1.

Chemical Method of Urine Volume Measurement

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Petrack, P.

1967-01-01

A system has been developed and qualified as flight hardware for the measurement of micturition volumes voided by crewmen during Gemini missions. This Chemical Urine Volume Measurement System (CUVMS) is used for obtaining samples of each micturition for post-flight volume determination and laboratory analysis for chemical constituents of physiological interest. The system is versatile with respect to volumes measured, with a capacity beyond the largest micturition expected to be encountered, and with respect to mission duration of inherently indefinite length. The urine sample is used for the measurement of total micturition volume by a tracer dilution technique, in which a fixed, predetermined amount of tritiated water is introduced and mixed into the voided urine, and the resulting concentration of the tracer in the sample is determined with a liquid scintillation spectrometer. The tracer employed does not interfere with the analysis for the chemical constituents of the urine. The CUVMS hardware consists of a four-way selector valve in which an automatically operated tracer metering pump is incorporated, a collection/mixing bag, and tracer storage accumulators. The assembled system interfaces with a urine receiver at the selector valve inlet, sample bags which connect to the side of the selector valve, and a flexible hose which carries the excess urine to the overboard drain connection. Results of testing have demonstrated system volume measurement accuracy within the specification limits of +/-5%, and operating reliability suitable for system use aboard the GT-7 mission, in which it was first used.

Development of lunar drill to take core samples to 100-foot depths

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1967-01-01

Lunar drill takes lunar surface cores to depths of 100 feet and is being developed to the samples at greater depths. The wireline drill system has been adapted to operate in the lunar environment by providing a sealed dc motor and solid metallic base lubricants.

50 CFR 679.28 - Equipment and operational requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... estimates, vessel monitoring system hardware, catch monitoring and control plan, and catcher vessel... container to store salmon must be located adjacent to the observer sampling station; (ii) All salmon stored in the container must remain in view of the observer at the observer sampling station at all times...

Evaluation of Training Samples Manually Welded With the Universal Handtool in a Space Simulation Chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Russell, C. K.; Malone, T. W.; Cato, S. N.

2004-01-01

The international space welding experiment was designed to evaluate the universal handtool (UHT) functions as a welding, brazing, coating, and cutting tool for in-space operations. The UHT is an electron beam welding system developed by the Paton Welding Institute (PWI), Kiev, Ukraine, and operated a 8 kV with up to 1 kW of power. In preparation for conducting the space welding experiment, cosmonauts were trained to properly operate the UHT and correctly process samples. This Technical Memorandum presents the results of the destructive and nondestructive evaluation of the training samples made in Russia in 1998. It was concluded that acceptable welds can be made with the UHT despite the constraints imposed by a space suit. The lap joint fillet weld configuration was more suitable than the butt joint configuration for operators with limited welding experience. The tube braze joint configuration designed by the PWI was easily brazed in a repeatable manner.

Prototype Development of Remote Operated Hot Uniaxial Press (ROHUP) to Fabricate Advanced Tc-99 Bearing Ceramic Waste Forms - 13381

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

Alaniz, Ariana J.; Delgado, Luc R.; Werbick, Brett M.

The objective of this senior student project is to design and build a prototype construction of a machine that simultaneously provides the proper pressure and temperature parameters to sinter ceramic powders in-situ to create pellets of rather high densities of above 90% (theoretical). This ROHUP (Remote Operated Hot Uniaxial Press) device is designed specifically to fabricate advanced ceramic Tc-99 bearing waste forms and therefore radiological barriers have been included in the system. The HUP features electronic control and feedback systems to set and monitor pressure, load, and temperature parameters. This device operates wirelessly via portable computer using Bluetooth{sup R} technology.more » The HUP device is designed to fit in a standard atmosphere controlled glove box to further allow sintering under inert conditions (e.g. under Ar, He, N{sub 2}). This will further allow utilizing this HUP for other potential applications, including radioactive samples, novel ceramic waste forms, advanced oxide fuels, air-sensitive samples, metallic systems, advanced powder metallurgy, diffusion experiments and more. (authors)« less

Fourier crosstalk analysis of multislice and cone-beam helical CT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

La Riviere, Patrick J.

2004-05-01

Multi-slice helical CT scanners allow for much faster scanning and better x-ray utilization than do their single-slice predecessors, but they engender considerably more complicated data sampling patterns due to the interlacing of the samples from different rows as the patient is translated. Characterizing and optimizing this sampling is challenging because the conebeam geometry of such scanners means that the projections measured by each detector row are at least slightly oblique, making it difficult to apply standard multidimensional sampling analyses. In this study, we seek to apply a more general framework for analyzing sampled imaging systems known as Fourier crosstalk analysis. Our purpose in this preliminary work is to compare the information content of the data acquired in three different scanner geometries and operating conditions with ostensibly equivalent volume coverage and average longitudinal sampling interval: a single-slice scanner operating at pitch 1, a four-slice scanner operating at pitch 3 and a 15-slice scanner operating at pitch 15. We find that moving from a single-slice to a multi-slice geometry introduces longitudinal crosstalk characteristic of the longitudinal sampling interval between periods of individual each detector row, and not of the overall interlaced sampling pattern. This is attributed to data inconsistencies caused by the obliqueness of the projections in a multi-slice/conebeam configuration. However, these preliminary results suggest that the significance of this additional crosstalk actually decreases as the number of detector rows increases.

Effective dust control systems on concrete dowel drilling machinery.

PubMed

Echt, Alan S; Sanderson, Wayne T; Mead, Kenneth R; Feng, H Amy; Farwick, Daniel R; Farwick, Dawn Ramsey

2016-09-01

Rotary-type percussion dowel drilling machines, which drill horizontal holes in concrete pavement, have been documented to produce respirable crystalline silica concentrations above recommended exposure criteria. This places operators at potential risk for developing health effects from exposure. United States manufacturers of these machines offer optional dust control systems. The effectiveness of the dust control systems to reduce respirable dust concentrations on two types of drilling machines was evaluated under controlled conditions with the machines operating inside large tent structures in an effort to eliminate secondary exposure sources not related to the dowel-drilling operation. Area air samples were collected at breathing zone height at three locations around each machine. Through equal numbers of sampling rounds with the control systems randomly selected to be on or off, the control systems were found to significantly reduce respirable dust concentrations from a geometric mean of 54 mg per cubic meter to 3.0 mg per cubic meter on one machine and 57 mg per cubic meter to 5.3 mg per cubic meter on the other machine. This research shows that the dust control systems can dramatically reduce respirable dust concentrations by over 90% under controlled conditions. However, these systems need to be evaluated under actual work conditions to determine their effectiveness in reducing worker exposures to crystalline silica below hazardous levels.

Turbidity. Operational Control Tests for Wastewater Treatment Facilities. Instructor's Manual [and] Student Workbook.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carnegie, John W.

Designed for individuals who have completed National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) level 1 laboratory training skills, this module provides waste water treatment plant operators with the basic skills and information needed to: (1) standardize a nephelometric turbidimeter; (2) determine the turbidity of a sample; and (3) calculate…

International Space Station Major Constituent Analyzer On-Orbit Performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gardner, Ben D.; Erwin, Philip M.; Thoresen, Souzan; Granahan, John; Matty, Chris

2011-01-01

The Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) is an integral part of the International Space Station (ISS) Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS). The MCA is a mass spectrometer-based instrument designed to provide critical monitoring of six major atmospheric constituents; nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. These gases are sampled continuously and automatically in all United States On-Orbit Segment (USOS) modules via the Sample Distribution System (SDS). The MCA is the primary tool for management of atmosphere constituents and is therefore critical for ensuring a habitable ISS environment during both nominal ISS operations and campout EVA preparation in the Airlock. The MCA has been in operation in the US Destiny Laboratory Module for over 10 years, and a second MCA has been delivered to the ISS for Node 3 operation. This paper discusses the performance of the MCA over the two past year, with particular attention to lessons learned regarding the operational life of critical components. Recent data have helped drive design upgrades for a new set of orbit-replaceable units (ORUs) currently in production. Several ORU upgrades are expected to increase expected lifetimes and reliability.

Robotic sampling system for an unmanned Mars mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chun, Wendell

1989-01-01

A major robotics opportunity for NASA will be the Mars Rover/Sample Return Mission which could be launched as early as the 1990s. The exploratory portion of this mission will include two autonomous subsystems: the rover vehicle and a sample handling system. The sample handling system is the key to the process of collecting Martian soils. This system could include a core drill, a general-purpose manipulator, tools, containers, a return canister, certification hardware and a labeling system. Integrated into a functional package, the sample handling system is analogous to a complex robotic workcell. Discussed here are the different components of the system, their interfaces, forseeable problem areas and many options based on the scientific goals of the mission. The various interfaces in the sample handling process (component to component and handling system to rover) will be a major engineering effort. Two critical evaluation criteria that will be imposed on the system are flexibility and reliability. It needs to be flexible enough to adapt to different scenarios and environments and acquire the most desirable specimens for return to Earth. Scientists may decide to change the distribution and ratio of core samples to rock samples in the canister. The long distance and duration of this planetary mission places a reliability burden on the hardware. The communication time delay between Earth and Mars minimizes operator interaction (teleoperation, supervisory modes) with the sample handler. An intelligent system will be required to plan the actions, make sample choices, interpret sensor inputs, and query unknown surroundings. A combination of autonomous functions and supervised movements will be integrated into the sample handling system.

40 CFR 63.1019 - Applicability.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... leaks are placed here for administrative convenience and only apply to those owners and operators of... relief devices, sampling connection systems, open-ended valves or lines, valves, connectors...

Analysis system for characterisation of simple, low-cost microfluidic components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Suzanne; Naidoo, Thegaran; Nxumalo, Zandile; Land, Kevin; Davies, Emlyn; Fourie, Louis; Marais, Philip; Roux, Pieter

2014-06-01

There is an inherent trade-off between cost and operational integrity of microfluidic components, especially when intended for use in point-of-care devices. We present an analysis system developed to characterise microfluidic components for performing blood cell counting, enabling the balance between function and cost to be established quantitatively. Microfluidic components for sample and reagent introduction, mixing and dispensing of fluids were investigated. A simple inlet port plugging mechanism is used to introduce and dispense a sample of blood, while a reagent is released into the microfluidic system through compression and bursting of a blister pack. Mixing and dispensing of the sample and reagent are facilitated via air actuation. For these microfluidic components to be implemented successfully, a number of aspects need to be characterised for development of an integrated point-of-care device design. The functional components were measured using a microfluidic component analysis system established in-house. Experiments were carried out to determine: 1. the force and speed requirements for sample inlet port plugging and blister pack compression and release using two linear actuators and load cells for plugging the inlet port, compressing the blister pack, and subsequently measuring the resulting forces exerted, 2. the accuracy and repeatability of total volumes of sample and reagent dispensed, and 3. the degree of mixing and dispensing uniformity of the sample and reagent for cell counting analysis. A programmable syringe pump was used for air actuation to facilitate mixing and dispensing of the sample and reagent. Two high speed cameras formed part of the analysis system and allowed for visualisation of the fluidic operations within the microfluidic device. Additional quantitative measures such as microscopy were also used to assess mixing and dilution accuracy, as well as uniformity of fluid dispensing - all of which are important requirements towards the successful implementation of a blood cell counting system.

Generic particulate-monitoring system for retrofit to Hanford exhaust stacks

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

Camman, J.W.; Carbaugh, E.H.

1982-11-01

Evaluations of 72 sampling and monitoring systems were performed at Hanford as the initial phase of a program to upgrade such systems. Each evaluation included determination of theoretical sampling efficiencies for particle sizes ranging from 0.5 to 10 micrometers aerodynamic equivalent diameter, addressing anisokinetic bias, sample transport line losses, and collector device efficiency. Upgrades needed to meet current Department of Energy guidance for effluent sampling and monitoring were identified, and a cost for each upgrade was estimated. A relative priority for each system's upgrade was then established based on evaluation results, current operational status, and future plans for the facilitymore » being exhausted. Common system upgrade requirements lead to the development of a generic design for common components of an exhaust stack sampling and monitoring system for airborne radioactive particulates. The generic design consists of commercially available off-the-shelf components to the extent practical and will simplify future stack sampling and monitoring system design, fabrication, and installation efforts. Evaluation results and their significance to system upgrades are empasized. A brief discussion of the analytical models used and experience to date with the upgrade program is included. Development of the generic stack sampling and monitoring system design is outlined. Generic system design features and limitations are presented. Requirements for generic system retrofitting to existing exhaust stacks are defined and benefits derived from generic system application are discussed.« less

Software Engineering Laboratory (SEL) Data Base Maintenance System (DBAM) user's guide and system description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lo, P. S.; Card, D.

1983-01-01

The Software Engineering Laboratory (SEL) Data Base Maintenance System (DBAM) is explained. The various software facilities of the SEL, DBAM operating procedures, and DBAM system information are described. The relationships among DBAM components (baseline diagrams), component descriptions, overlay descriptions, indirect command file listings, file definitions, and sample data collection forms are provided.

ROMPS critical design review data package

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dobbs, M. E.

1992-01-01

The design elements of the Robot-Operated Material Processing in Space (ROMPS) system are described in outline and graphical form. The following subsystems/topics are addressed: servo system, testbed and simulation results, System V Controller, robot module, furnace module, SCL experiment supervisor and script sample processing control, battery system, watchdog timers, mechanical/thermal considerations, and fault conditions and recovery.

Compact drilling and sample system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gillis-Smith, Greg R.; Petercsak, Doug

1998-01-01

The Compact Drilling and Sample System (CDSS) was developed to drill into terrestrial, cometary, and asteroid material in a cryogenic, vacuum environment in order to acquire subsurface samples. Although drills were used by the Apollo astronauts some 20 years ago, this drill is a fraction of the mass and power and operates completely autonomously, able to drill, acquire, transport, dock, and release sample containers in science instruments. The CDSS has incorporated into its control system the ability to gather science data about the material being drilled by measuring drilling rate per force applied and torque. This drill will be able to optimize rotation and thrust in order to achieve the highest drilling rate possible in any given sample. The drill can be commanded to drill at a specified force, so that force imparted on the rover or lander is limited. This paper will discuss the cryo dc brush motors, carbide gears, cryogenic lubrication, quick-release interchangeable sampling drill bits, percussion drilling and the control system developed to achieve autonomous, cryogenic, vacuum, lightweight drilling.

System and method for controlling depth of imaging in tissues using fluorescence microscopy under ultraviolet excitation following staining with fluorescing agents

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

Demos, Stavros; Levenson, Richard

The present disclosure relates to a method for analyzing tissue specimens. In one implementation the method involves obtaining a tissue sample and exposing the sample to one or more fluorophores as contrast agents to enhance contrast of subcellular compartments of the tissue sample. The tissue sample is illuminated by an ultraviolet (UV) light having a wavelength between about 200 nm to about 400 nm, with the wavelength being selected to result in penetration to only a specified depth below a surface of the tissue sample. Inter-image operations between images acquired under different imaging parameters allow for improvement of the imagemore » quality via removal of unwanted image components. A microscope may be used to image the tissue sample and provide the image to an image acquisition system that makes use of a camera. The image acquisition system may create a corresponding image that is transmitted to a display system for processing and display.« less

Robotic Sample Manipulator for Handling Astromaterials Inside the Geolab Microgravity Glovebox

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bell, Mary S.; Calaway, M. J.; Evans, C. A.; Li,Z.; Tong, S.; Zhong, Y.; Dahiwala, R.; Wang, L.; Porter, F.

2013-01-01

Future human and robotic sample return missions will require isolation containment systems with strict protocols and procedures for reducing inorganic and organic contamination. Robotic handling and manipulation of astromaterials may be required for preliminary examination inside such an isolation containment system. In addition, examination of astromaterials in microgravity will require constant contact to secure samples during manipulation. The National Space Grant Foundation exploration habitat (XHab) academic innovative challenge 2012 administered through the NASA advanced exploration systems (AES) deep space habitat (DSH) project awarded funding to the University of Bridgeport team to develop an engineering design for tools to facilitate holding and handling geological samples for analysis in a microgravity glovebox environment. The Bridgeport XHab team developed a robotic arm system with a three-finger gripper that could manipulate geologic samples within the existing GeoLab glovebox integrated into NASA's DSH called the GeoLab Robotic Sample Manipulator (see fig. 1 and 2). This hardware was deployed and tested during the 2012 DSH mission operations tests [1].

Synchronization sampling method based on delta-sigma analog-digital converter for underwater towed array system.

PubMed

Jiang, Jia-Jia; Duan, Fa-Jie; Li, Yan-Chao; Hua, Xiang-Ning

2014-03-01

Synchronization sampling is very important in underwater towed array system where every acquisition node (AN) samples analog signals by its own analog-digital converter (ADC). In this paper, a simple and effective synchronization sampling method is proposed to ensure synchronized operation among different ANs of the underwater towed array system. We first present a master-slave synchronization sampling model, and then design a high accuracy phase-locked loop to synchronize all delta-sigma ADCs to a reference clock. However, when the master-slave synchronization sampling model is used, both the time-delay (TD) of messages traveling along the wired transmission medium and the jitter of the clocks will bring out synchronization sampling error (SSE). Therefore, a simple method is proposed to estimate and compensate the TD of the messages transmission, and then another effective method is presented to overcome the SSE caused by the jitter of the clocks. An experimental system with three ANs is set up, and the related experimental results verify the validity of the synchronization sampling method proposed in this paper.

Synchronization sampling method based on delta-sigma analog-digital converter for underwater towed array system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Jia-Jia; Duan, Fa-Jie; Li, Yan-Chao; Hua, Xiang-Ning

2014-03-01

Synchronization sampling is very important in underwater towed array system where every acquisition node (AN) samples analog signals by its own analog-digital converter (ADC). In this paper, a simple and effective synchronization sampling method is proposed to ensure synchronized operation among different ANs of the underwater towed array system. We first present a master-slave synchronization sampling model, and then design a high accuracy phase-locked loop to synchronize all delta-sigma ADCs to a reference clock. However, when the master-slave synchronization sampling model is used, both the time-delay (TD) of messages traveling along the wired transmission medium and the jitter of the clocks will bring out synchronization sampling error (SSE). Therefore, a simple method is proposed to estimate and compensate the TD of the messages transmission, and then another effective method is presented to overcome the SSE caused by the jitter of the clocks. An experimental system with three ANs is set up, and the related experimental results verify the validity of the synchronization sampling method proposed in this paper.

Analysis and design of a capsule landing system and surface vehicle control system for Mars exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

A number of problems related to the design, construction and evaluation of an autonomous roving planetary vehicle and its control and operating systems intended for an unmanned exploration of Mars are studied. Vehicle configuration, dynamics, control, systems and propulsion; systems analysis; terrain sensing and modeling and path selection; and chemical analysis of samples are included.

APDS: the autonomous pathogen detection system.

PubMed

Hindson, Benjamin J; Makarewicz, Anthony J; Setlur, Ujwal S; Henderer, Bruce D; McBride, Mary T; Dzenitis, John M

2005-04-15

We have developed and tested a fully autonomous pathogen detection system (APDS) capable of continuously monitoring the environment for airborne biological threat agents. The system was developed to provide early warning to civilians in the event of a bioterrorism incident and can be used at high profile events for short-term, intensive monitoring or in major public buildings or transportation nodes for long-term monitoring. The APDS is completely automated, offering continuous aerosol sampling, in-line sample preparation fluidics, multiplexed detection and identification immunoassays, and nucleic acid-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and detection. Highly multiplexed antibody-based and duplex nucleic acid-based assays are combined to reduce false positives to a very low level, lower reagent costs, and significantly expand the detection capabilities of this biosensor. This article provides an overview of the current design and operation of the APDS. Certain sub-components of the ADPS are described in detail, including the aerosol collector, the automated sample preparation module that performs multiplexed immunoassays with confirmatory PCR, and the data monitoring and communications system. Data obtained from an APDS that operated continuously for 7 days in a major U.S. transportation hub is reported.

Development of a real-time microchip PCR system for portable plant disease diagnosis.

PubMed

Koo, Chiwan; Malapi-Wight, Martha; Kim, Hyun Soo; Cifci, Osman S; Vaughn-Diaz, Vanessa L; Ma, Bo; Kim, Sungman; Abdel-Raziq, Haron; Ong, Kevin; Jo, Young-Ki; Gross, Dennis C; Shim, Won-Bo; Han, Arum

2013-01-01

Rapid and accurate detection of plant pathogens in the field is crucial to prevent the proliferation of infected crops. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process is the most reliable and accepted method for plant pathogen diagnosis, however current conventional PCR machines are not portable and require additional post-processing steps to detect the amplified DNA (amplicon) of pathogens. Real-time PCR can directly quantify the amplicon during the DNA amplification without the need for post processing, thus more suitable for field operations, however still takes time and require large instruments that are costly and not portable. Microchip PCR systems have emerged in the past decade to miniaturize conventional PCR systems and to reduce operation time and cost. Real-time microchip PCR systems have also emerged, but unfortunately all reported portable real-time microchip PCR systems require various auxiliary instruments. Here we present a stand-alone real-time microchip PCR system composed of a PCR reaction chamber microchip with integrated thin-film heater, a compact fluorescence detector to detect amplified DNA, a microcontroller to control the entire thermocycling operation with data acquisition capability, and a battery. The entire system is 25 × 16 × 8 cm(3) in size and 843 g in weight. The disposable microchip requires only 8-µl sample volume and a single PCR run consumes 110 mAh of power. A DNA extraction protocol, notably without the use of liquid nitrogen, chemicals, and other large lab equipment, was developed for field operations. The developed real-time microchip PCR system and the DNA extraction protocol were used to successfully detect six different fungal and bacterial plant pathogens with 100% success rate to a detection limit of 5 ng/8 µl sample.

Development of a Real-Time Microchip PCR System for Portable Plant Disease Diagnosis

PubMed Central

Kim, Hyun Soo; Cifci, Osman S.; Vaughn-Diaz, Vanessa L.; Ma, Bo; Kim, Sungman; Abdel-Raziq, Haron; Ong, Kevin; Jo, Young-Ki; Gross, Dennis C.; Shim, Won-Bo; Han, Arum

2013-01-01

Rapid and accurate detection of plant pathogens in the field is crucial to prevent the proliferation of infected crops. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process is the most reliable and accepted method for plant pathogen diagnosis, however current conventional PCR machines are not portable and require additional post-processing steps to detect the amplified DNA (amplicon) of pathogens. Real-time PCR can directly quantify the amplicon during the DNA amplification without the need for post processing, thus more suitable for field operations, however still takes time and require large instruments that are costly and not portable. Microchip PCR systems have emerged in the past decade to miniaturize conventional PCR systems and to reduce operation time and cost. Real-time microchip PCR systems have also emerged, but unfortunately all reported portable real-time microchip PCR systems require various auxiliary instruments. Here we present a stand-alone real-time microchip PCR system composed of a PCR reaction chamber microchip with integrated thin-film heater, a compact fluorescence detector to detect amplified DNA, a microcontroller to control the entire thermocycling operation with data acquisition capability, and a battery. The entire system is 25×16×8 cm3 in size and 843 g in weight. The disposable microchip requires only 8-µl sample volume and a single PCR run consumes 110 mAh of power. A DNA extraction protocol, notably without the use of liquid nitrogen, chemicals, and other large lab equipment, was developed for field operations. The developed real-time microchip PCR system and the DNA extraction protocol were used to successfully detect six different fungal and bacterial plant pathogens with 100% success rate to a detection limit of 5 ng/8 µl sample. PMID:24349341

NASA JSC water monitor system: City of Houston field demonstration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, R. E.; Jeffers, E. L.; Fricks, D. H.

1979-01-01

A water quality monitoring system with on-line and real time operation similar to the function in a spacecraft was investigated. A system with the capability to determine conformance to future high effluent quality standards and to increase the potential for reclamation and reuse of water was designed. Although all system capabilities were not verified in the initial field trial, fully automated operation over a sustained period with only routine manual adjustments was accomplished. Two major points were demonstrated: (1) the water monitor system has great potential in water monitoring and/or process control applications; and (2) the water monitor system represents a vast improvement over conventional (grab sample) water monitoring techniques.

Destruction of PCDD/Fs by SCR from flue gases of municipal waste incinerator and metal smelting plant.

PubMed

Chang, Moo Been; Chi, Kai Hsien; Chang, Shu Hao; Yeh, Jhy Wei

2007-01-01

Partitioning of PCDD/F congeners between vapor/solid phases and removal and destruction efficiencies achieved with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for PCDD/Fs at an existing municipal waste incinerator (MWI) and metal smelting plant (MSP) in Taiwan are evaluated via stack sampling and analysis. The MWI investigated is equipped with electrostatic precipitators (EP, operating temperature: 230 degrees C), wet scrubbers (WS, operating temperature: 70 degrees C) and SCR (operating temperature: 220 degrees C) as major air pollution control devices (APCDs). PCDD/F concentration measured at stack gas of the MWI investigated is 0.728 ng-TEQ/Nm(3). The removal efficiency of WS+SCR system for PCDD/Fs reaches 93% in the MWI investigated. The MSP investigated is equipped with EP (operating temperature: 240 degrees C) and SCR (operating temperature: 290 degrees C) as APCDs. The flue gas sampling results also indicate that PCDD/F concentration treated with SCR is 1.35 ng-TEQ/Nm(3). The SCR system adopted in MSP can remove 52.3% PCDD/Fs from flue gases (SCR operating temperature: 290 degrees C, Gas flow rate: 660 kN m(3)/h). In addition, the distributions of PCDD/F congeners observed in the flue gases of the MWI and MSP investigated are significantly different. This study also indicates that the PCDD/F congeners measured in the flue gases of those two facilities are mostly distributed in vapor phase prior to the SCR system and shift to solid phase (vapor-phase PCDD/Fs are effectively decomposed) after being treated with catalyst. Besides, the results also indicate that with SCR highly chlorinated PCDD/F congeners can be transformed to lowly chlorinated PCDD/F congeners probably by dechlorination, while the removal efficiencies of vapor-phase PCDD/Fs increase with increasing chlorination.

SNIFFER: An aerial platform for the plume phase of a nuclear emergency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castelluccio, D. M.; Cisbani, E.; Frullani, S.

2012-04-01

When a nuclear or radiological accident results in a release of a radioactive plume, AGS (Aerial Gamma Spectrometry) systems used in many countries, equipped with passive detectors, can help in giving quantitative assessment on the radiological situation (land surface contamination level) only when the air contamination due to the passage of the travelling plume has become negligible. To overcome this limitation, the Italian Institute of Health has developed and implemented a multi purpose air sampling system based on a fixed wing aircraft, for time-effective, large areas radiological surveillance (to face radiological emergency and to support homeland security). A fixed wing aircraft (Sky Arrow 650) with the front part of the fuselage properly adapted to house the detection equipment has been equipped with a compact air sampling line where the isokinetic sampling is dynamically maintained. Aerosol is collected on a Teflon® filter positioned along the line and hosted on a rotating 4-filters disk. A complex of detectors allows radionuclide identification in the collected aerosol samples. A correlated analysis of these two detectors data allows a quantitative measurement of air as well as ground surface concentration of gamma emitting radioisotopes. Environmental sensors and a GPS receiver support the characterization of the sampling conditions and the temporal and geolocation of the acquired data. Acquisition and control system based on compact electronics and real time software that operate the sampling line actuators, guarantee the dynamical isokinetic condition, and acquire the detectors and sensor data. The system is also equipped with other sampling lines to provide information on the concentration of other chemical pollutants. Operative flights have been carried out in the last years, and performances and results are presented.

Electronic field permeameter

DOEpatents

Chandler, Mark A.; Goggin, David J.; Horne, Patrick J.; Kocurek, Gary G.; Lake, Larry W.

1989-01-01

For making rapid, non-destructive permeability measurements in the field, a portable minipermeameter of the kind having a manually-operated gas injection tip is provided with a microcomputer system which operates a flow controller to precisely regulate gas flow rate to a test sample, and reads a pressure sensor which senses the pressure across the test sample. The microcomputer system automatically turns on the gas supply at the start of each measurement, senses when a steady-state is reached, collects and records pressure and flow rate data, and shuts off the gas supply immediately after the measurement is completed. Preferably temperature is also sensed to correct for changes in gas viscosity. The microcomputer system may also provide automatic zero-point adjustment, sensor calibration, over-range sensing, and may select controllers, sensors, and set-points for obtaining the most precise measurements. Electronic sensors may provide increased accuracy and precision. Preferably one microcomputer is used for sensing instrument control and data collection, and a second microcomputer is used which is dedicated to recording and processing the data, selecting the sensors and set-points for obtaining the most precise measurements, and instructing the user how to set-up and operate the minipermeameter. To provide mass data collection and user-friendly operation, the second microcomputer is preferably a lap-type portable microcomputer having a non-volatile or battery-backed CMOS memory.

Spalax™ new generation: A sensitive and selective noble gas system for nuclear explosion monitoring.

PubMed

Le Petit, G; Cagniant, A; Gross, P; Douysset, G; Topin, S; Fontaine, J P; Taffary, T; Moulin, C

2015-09-01

In the context of the verification regime of the Comprehensive nuclear Test ban Treaty (CTBT), CEA is developing a new generation (NG) of SPALAX™ system for atmospheric radioxenon monitoring. These systems are able to extract more than 6cm(3) of pure xenon from air samples each 12h and to measure the four relevant xenon radioactive isotopes using a high resolution detection system operating in electron-photon coincidence mode. This paper presents the performances of the SPALAX™ NG prototype in operation at Bruyères-le-Châtel CEA centre, integrating the most recent CEA developments. It especially focuses on an innovative detection system made up of a gas cell equipped with two face-to-face silicon detectors associated to one or two germanium detectors. Minimum Detectable activity Concentrations (MDCs) of environmental samples were calculated to be approximately 0.1 mBq/m(3) for the isotopes (131m)Xe, (133m)Xe, (133)Xe and 0.4 mBq/m(3) for (135)Xe (single germanium configuration). The detection system might be used to simultaneously measure particulate and noble gas samples from the CTBT International Monitoring System (IMS). That possibility could lead to new capacities for particulate measurements by allowing electron-photon coincidence detection of certain fission products. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel atmospheric tritium sampling system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Lailai; Xia, Zhenghai; Gu, Shaozhong; Zhang, Dongxun; Bao, Guangliang; Han, Xingbo; Ma, Yuhua; Deng, Ke; Liu, Jiayu; Zhang, Qin; Ma, Zhaowei; Yang, Guo; Liu, Wei; Liu, Guimin

2018-06-01

The health hazard of tritium is related to its chemical form. Sampling different chemical forms of tritium simultaneously becomes significant. Here a novel atmospheric tritium sampling system (TS-212) was developed to collect the tritiated water (HTO), tritiated hydrogen (HT) and tritiated methane (CH3T) simultaneously. It consisted of an air inlet system, three parallel connected sampling channels, a hydrogen supply module, a methane supply module and a remote control system. It worked at air flow rate of 1 L/min to 5 L/min, with temperature of catalyst furnace at 200 °C for HT sampling and 400 °C for CH3T sampling. Conversion rates of both HT and CH3T to HTO were larger than 99%. The collecting efficiency of the two-stage trap sets for HTO was larger than 96% in 12 h working-time without being blocked. Therefore, the collected efficiencies of TS-212 are larger than 95% for tritium with different chemical forms in environment. Besides, the remote control system made sampling more intelligent, reducing the operator's work intensity. Based on the performance parameters described above, the TS-212 can be used to sample atmospheric tritium in different chemical forms.

Comparison of a high temperature torch integrated sample introduction system with a desolvation system for the analysis of microsamples through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sánchez, Raquel; Cañabate, Águeda; Bresson, Carole; Chartier, Frédéric; Isnard, Hélène; Maestre, Salvador; Nonell, Anthony; Todolí, José-Luis

2017-03-01

This work describes for the first time the comparison of the analytical performances obtained with a high temperature torch integrated sample introduction system (hTISIS) against those found with a commercially available desolvation system (APEX) associated with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A double pass spray chamber was taken as the reference system. Similar detection limits and sensitivities were obtained in continuous injection mode at low liquid flow rates for the APEX and hTISIS operating at high temperatures. In contrast, in the air-segmented injection mode, the detection limits obtained with hTISIS at high temperatures were up to 12 times lower than those found for the APEX. Regarding memory effects, wash out times were shorter in continuous mode and peaks were narrower in air segmented mode for the hTISIS as compared to the APEX. Non spectral interferences (matrix effects) were studied with 10% nitric acid, 2% methanol, for an ICP multielemental solution and a hydro-organic matrix containing 70% (v/v) acetonitrile in water, 15 mmol L- 1 ammonium acetate and 0.5% formic acid containing lanthanide complexes. In all the cases, matrix effects were less severe for the hTISIS operating at 200 °C and the APEX than for the double pass spray chamber. Finally, two spiked reference materials (sea water and Antartic krill) were analyzed. The hTISIS operating at 200 °C gave the best results compared to those obtained with the APEX and the double pass spray chamber. In conclusion, despite the simplicity of the hTISIS, it provided, at low liquid flow rates, results similar to or better than those obtained with the by other sample introduction systems.

Bio-logic analysis of injury biomarker patterns in human serum samples.

PubMed

Zhou, Jian; Halámek, Jan; Bocharova, Vera; Wang, Joseph; Katz, Evgeny

2011-01-15

Digital biosensor systems analyzing biomarkers characteristic of liver injury (LI), soft tissue injury (STI) and abdominal trauma (ABT) were developed and optimized for their performance in serum solutions spiked with injury biomarkers in order to mimic real medical samples. The systems produced 'Alert'-type optical output signals in the form of "YES-NO" separated by a threshold value. The new approach aims at the reliable detection of injury biomarkers for making autonomous decisions towards timely therapeutic interventions, particularly in conditions when a hospital treatment is not possible. The enzyme-catalyzed reactions performing Boolean AND/NAND logic operations in the presence of different combinations of the injury biomarkers allowed high-fidelity biosensing. Robustness of the systems was confirmed by their operation in serum solutions, representing the first example of chemically performed logic analysis of biological fluids and a step closer towards practical biomedical applications of enzyme-logic bioassays. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Life sciences flight experiments microcomputer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bartram, Peter N.

1987-01-01

A promising microcomputer configuration for the Spacelab Life Sciences Lab. Equipment inventory consists of multiple processors. One processor's use is reserved, with additional processors dedicated to real time input and output operations. A simple form of such a configuration, with a processor board for analog to digital conversion and another processor board for digital to analog conversion, was studied. The system used digital parallel data lines between the boards, operating independently of the system bus. Good performance of individual components was demonstrated: the analog to digital converter was at over 10,000 samples per second. The combination of the data transfer between boards with the input or output functions on each board slowed performance, with a maximum throughput of 2800 to 2900 analog samples per second. Any of several techniques, such as use of the system bus for data transfer or the addition of direct memory access hardware to the processor boards, should give significantly improved performance.

Supply Warehouse#3, SWMU 088 Operations, Maintenance, and Monitoring Report Kennedy Space Center, Florida

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murphy, Alex

2016-01-01

This document presents the findings, observations, and results associated with Operations, Maintenance, and Monitoring (OM&M) activities of Corrective Measures Implementation (CMI) activities conducted at Supply Warehouse #3 (SW3) located at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida from October 8, 2015, to September 12, 2016, and performance monitoring results for semi-annual sampling events conducted in March and September 2016. The primary objective of SW3 CMI is to actively decrease concentrations of trichloroethene (TCE) and vinyl chloride (VC) to less than Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Natural Attenuation Default Concentrations (NADCs), and the secondary objective is to reduce TCE, cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cDCE), trans-1,2-dichloroethene (tDCE), 1,1-dichloroethene (11DCE), and VC concentrations to less than FDEP Groundwater Cleanup Target Levels (GCTLs). The SW3 facility has been designated Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) 088 under KSC's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action Program. Based on the results to date, the SW3 air sparging (AS) system is operating at or below the performance criteria as presented in the 2008 SW3 Corrective Measures Implementation (CMI) Work Plan and 2009 and 2012 CMI Work Plan Addenda. Since the start of AS system operations on December 19, 2012, through the September 2016 groundwater sampling event, TCE concentrations have decreased to less than the GCTL in all wells within the Active Remediation Zone (ARZ), and VC results remain less than NADC but greater than GCTL. Based on these results, team consensus was reached at the October 2016 KSC Remediation Team (KSCRT) meeting to continue AS system operations and semi-annual performance monitoring of volatile organic compounds in March 2017 at ten monitoring wells at select locations, and in September 2017 at four monitoring wells at select locations to reduce VC concentrations to below GCTL. Additionally, surface water samples will be collected at locations SW0001, SW0002, and SW0003 during both the March and September 2017 events. Team consensus was also reached at the October 2017 KSCRT meeting to continue with operation and maintenance (O&M) of the AS system at SW3.

Architecture for a 1-GHz Digital RADAR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mallik, Udayan

2011-01-01

An architecture for a Direct RF-digitization Type Digital Mode RADAR was developed at GSFC in 2008. Two variations of a basic architecture were developed for use on RADAR imaging missions using aircraft and spacecraft. Both systems can operate with a pulse repetition rate up to 10 MHz with 8 received RF samples per pulse repetition interval, or at up to 19 kHz with 4K received RF samples per pulse repetition interval. The first design describes a computer architecture for a Continuous Mode RADAR transceiver with a real-time signal processing and display architecture. The architecture can operate at a high pulse repetition rate without interruption for an infinite amount of time. The second design describes a smaller and less costly burst mode RADAR that can transceive high pulse repetition rate RF signals without interruption for up to 37 seconds. The burst-mode RADAR was designed to operate on an off-line signal processing paradigm. The temporal distribution of RF samples acquired and reported to the RADAR processor remains uniform and free of distortion in both proposed architectures. The majority of the RADAR's electronics is implemented in digital CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor), and analog circuits are restricted to signal amplification operations and analog to digital conversion. An implementation of the proposed systems will create a 1-GHz, Direct RF-digitization Type, L-Band Digital RADAR--the highest band achievable for Nyquist Rate, Direct RF-digitization Systems that do not implement an electronic IF downsample stage (after the receiver signal amplification stage), using commercially available off-the-shelf integrated circuits.

Measurement of peak impact loads differ between accelerometers - Effects of system operating range and sampling rate.

PubMed

Ziebart, Christina; Giangregorio, Lora M; Gibbs, Jenna C; Levine, Iris C; Tung, James; Laing, Andrew C

2017-06-14

A wide variety of accelerometer systems, with differing sensor characteristics, are used to detect impact loading during physical activities. The study examined the effects of system characteristics on measured peak impact loading during a variety of activities by comparing outputs from three separate accelerometer systems, and by assessing the influence of simulated reductions in operating range and sampling rate. Twelve healthy young adults performed seven tasks (vertical jump, box drop, heel drop, and bilateral single leg and lateral jumps) while simultaneously wearing three tri-axial accelerometers including a criterion standard laboratory-grade unit (Endevco 7267A) and two systems primarily used for activity-monitoring (ActiGraph GT3X+, GCDC X6-2mini). Peak acceleration (gmax) was compared across accelerometers, and errors resulting from down-sampling (from 640 to 100Hz) and range-limiting (to ±6g) the criterion standard output were characterized. The Actigraph activity-monitoring accelerometer underestimated gmax by an average of 30.2%; underestimation by the X6-2mini was not significant. Underestimation error was greater for tasks with greater impact magnitudes. gmax was underestimated when the criterion standard signal was down-sampled (by an average of 11%), range limited (by 11%), and by combined down-sampling and range-limiting (by 18%). These effects explained 89% of the variance in gmax error for the Actigraph system. This study illustrates that both the type and intensity of activity should be considered when selecting an accelerometer for characterizing impact events. In addition, caution may be warranted when comparing impact magnitudes from studies that use different accelerometers, and when comparing accelerometer outputs to osteogenic impact thresholds proposed in literature. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison of different finishing/polishing systems on surface roughness and gloss of resin composites.

PubMed

Antonson, Sibel A; Yazici, A Rüya; Kilinc, Evren; Antonson, Donald E; Hardigan, Patrick C

2011-07-01

The aim of this study was to compare four finishing/polishing systems (F/P) on surface roughness and gloss of different resin composites. A total of 40 disc samples (15 mm × 3 mm) were prepared from a nanofill - Filtek Supreme Plus (FS) and a micro-hybrid resin composite - Esthet-X (EX). Following 24h storage in 37°C water, the top surfaces of each sample were roughened using 120-grit sandpaper. Baseline measurements of surface roughness (Ra, μm) and gloss were recorded. Each composite group was divided into four F/P disk groups: Astropol[AP], Enhance/PoGo[EP], Sof-Lex[SL], and an experimental disk system, EXL-695[EXL] (n=5). The same operator finished/polished all samples. One sample from each group was evaluated under SEM. Another blinded-operator conducted postoperative measurements. Results were analysed by two-way ANOVA, two interactive MANOVA and Tukey's t-test (p<0.05). In surface roughness, the baseline of two composites differed significantly from each other whereas postoperatively there was no significance. The Sof-Lex F/P system provided the smoothest surface although there were no statistical significance differences between F/P systems (p>0.01). In gloss, FS composite with the EXL-695 system provided a significantly higher gloss (p<0.01). EX treated by Soflex revealed the least gloss (p<0.05). SEM images revealed comparable results for F/P systems but EX surfaces included more air pockets. Four different finishing/polishing systems provided comparable surface smoothness for both composites, whereas EXL with FS provided significantly higher gloss. SEM evaluations revealed that the EX surface contained more air pockets but F/P systems were compatible. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pump efficiency in solar-energy systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

Study investigates characteristics of typical off-the-shelf pumping systems that might be used in solar systems. Report includes discussion of difficulties in predicting pump efficiency from manufacturers' data. Sample calculations are given. Peak efficiencies, flow-rate control, and noise levels are investigated. Review or theory of pumps types and operating characteristics is presented.

Simple gas chromatographic system for analysis of microbial respiratory gases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carle, G. C.

1972-01-01

Dual column ambient temperature system, consisting of pair of capillary columns, microbead thermistor detector and micro gas-sampling valve, is used in remote life-detection equipment for space experiments. Performance outweighs advantage gained by utilizing single-column systems to reduce weight, conserve carrier gas and operate at lower power levels.

Design and fabrication of a glovebox for the Plasma Hearth Process radioactive bench-scale system

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

Wahlquist, D.R.

This paper presents some of the design considerations and fabrication techniques for building a glovebox for the Plasma Hearth Process (PHP) radioactive bench-scale system. The PHP radioactive bench-scale system uses a plasma torch to process a variety of radioactive materials into a final vitrified waste form. The processed waste will contain plutonium and trace amounts of other radioactive materials. The glovebox used in this system is located directly below the plasma chamber and is called the Hearth Handling Enclosure (HHE). The HHE is designed to maintain a confinement boundary between the processed waste and the operator. Operations that take placemore » inside the HHE include raising and lowering the hearth using a hydraulic lift table, transporting the hearth within the HHE using an overhead monorail and hoist system, sampling and disassembly of the processed waste and hearth, weighing the hearth, rebuilding a hearth, and sampling HEPA filters. The PHP radioactive bench-scale system is located at the TREAT facility at Argonne National Laboratory-West in Idaho Falls, Idaho.« less

Space radiator simulation manual for computer code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Black, W. Z.; Wulff, W.

1972-01-01

A computer program that simulates the performance of a space radiator is presented. The program basically consists of a rigorous analysis which analyzes a symmetrical fin panel and an approximate analysis that predicts system characteristics for cases of non-symmetrical operation. The rigorous analysis accounts for both transient and steady state performance including aerodynamic and radiant heating of the radiator system. The approximate analysis considers only steady state operation with no aerodynamic heating. A description of the radiator system and instructions to the user for program operation is included. The input required for the execution of all program options is described. Several examples of program output are contained in this section. Sample output includes the radiator performance during ascent, reentry and orbit.

Continuous analysis of nitrogen dioxide in gas streams of plants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Durkin, W. T.; Kispert, R. C.

1969-01-01

Analyzer and sampling system continuously monitors nitrogen dioxide concentrations in the feed and tail gas streams of a facility recovering nitric acid. The system, using a direct calorimetric approach, makes use of readily available equipment and is flexible and reliable in operation.

43 CFR 418.13 - Maximum allowable limits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... OF THE INTERIOR OPERATING CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES FOR THE NEWLANDS RECLAMATION PROJECT, NEVADA... 308,319 acre-feet for the 1995 Example. The sample MAD corresponds to a system efficiency for full... Expected Project Distribution System Efficiency shows the target efficiencies which will be used over the...

43 CFR 418.13 - Maximum allowable limits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... OF THE INTERIOR OPERATING CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES FOR THE NEWLANDS RECLAMATION PROJECT, NEVADA... 308,319 acre-feet for the 1995 Example. The sample MAD corresponds to a system efficiency for full... Expected Project Distribution System Efficiency shows the target efficiencies which will be used over the...

A novel visual pipework inspection system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Summan, Rahul; Jackson, William; Dobie, Gordon; MacLeod, Charles; Mineo, Carmelo; West, Graeme; Offin, Douglas; Bolton, Gary; Marshall, Stephen; Lille, Alexandre

2018-04-01

The interior visual inspection of pipelines in the nuclear industry is a safety critical activity conducted during outages to ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of plant. Typically, the video output by a manually deployed probe is viewed by an operator looking to identify and localize surface defects such as corrosion, erosion and pitting. However, it is very challenging to estimate the nature and extent of defects by viewing a large structure through a relatively small field of view. This work describes a new visual inspection system employing photogrammetry using a fisheye camera and a structured light system to map the internal geometry of pipelines by generating a photorealistic, geometrically accurate surface model. The error of the system output was evaluated through comparison to a ground truth laser scan (ATOS GOM Triple Scan) of a nuclear grade split pipe sample (stainless steel 304L, 80mm internal diameter) containing defects representative of the application - the error was found to be submillimeter across the sample.

Investigation, development and application of optimal output feedback theory. Volume 2: Development of an optimal, limited state feedback outer-loop digital flight control system for 3-D terminal area operation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Broussard, J. R.; Halyo, N.

1984-01-01

This report contains the development of a digital outer-loop three dimensional radio navigation (3-D RNAV) flight control system for a small commercial jet transport. The outer-loop control system is designed using optimal stochastic limited state feedback techniques. Options investigated using the optimal limited state feedback approach include integrated versus hierarchical control loop designs, 20 samples per second versus 5 samples per second outer-loop operation and alternative Type 1 integration command errors. Command generator tracking techniques used in the digital control design enable the jet transport to automatically track arbitrary curved flight paths generated by waypoints. The performance of the design is demonstrated using detailed nonlinear aircraft simulations in the terminal area, frequency domain multi-input sigma plots, frequency domain single-input Bode plots and closed-loop poles. The response of the system to a severe wind shear during a landing approach is also presented.

Microtrap assembly for greenhouse gas and air pollution monitoring

DOEpatents

Mitra, Somenath; Saridara, Chutarat

2015-08-25

A microtrap assembly includes a carbon nanotube sorbent. The microtrap assembly may be employed as a preconcentrator operable to deliver a sample to an analytical device to measure the concentrations of greenhouse gases. A system includes a microtrap having a carbon nanotube sorbent for measuring the concentrations of greenhouse gases in a sample.

Detection of bacteraemias during non-surgicalroot canal treatment.

PubMed

Savarrio, L; Mackenzie, D; Riggio, M; Saunders, W P; Bagg, J

2005-04-01

Some dental procedures initiate a bacteraemia. In certain compromised patients, this bacteraemia may lead to distant site infections, most notably infective endocarditis. To investigate whether a detectable bacteraemia was produced during non-surgical root canal therapy. Thirty patients receiving non-surgical root canal therapy were studied. Three blood samples were taken per patient: pre-operatively, peri-operatively and post-operatively. In addition, a paper point sample was collected from the root canal. The blood samples were cultured by pour plate and blood bottle methods. The isolated organisms were identified by standard techniques. Blood samples were analysed for the presence of bacterial DNA by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In two cases where the same species of organism was identified in the root canal and the bloodstream, the isolates were typed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). By conventional culturing, a detectable bacteraemia was present in 9 (30%) of the 30 patients who had no positive pre-operative control blood sample. In 7 (23.3%) patients, the same species of organism was identified in both the bloodstream and in the paper point sample from the root canal system. Overall, PCR gave lower detection rates compared with conventional culture, with 10 of 90 (11%) of the blood samples displaying bacterial DNA. PFGE typing was undertaken for two pairs of culture isolates from blood and paper points; these were found to be genetically identical. Non-surgical root canal treatment may invoke a detectable bacteraemia.

Wolf: What's On the Lunar Farside?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

WOLF (What's On the Lunar Farside?) is a lunar sample return mission to the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) Basin, located on the farside of the moon, seeking to answer some of the remaining questions about our solar system. Through the return and analysis of SPA samples, scientists can constrain the period of inner solar system late heavy bombardment and gain momentous knowledge of the SPA basin. WOLF provides the opportunity for mankind's progression in further understanding our solar system, its history, and unknowns surrounding the lunar farside. The orbiter will provide intermittent, direct communication between the lander and ground operations via the Deep Space Network (DSN). Received images and spectrometry will aid in real-time sample selection.

Automated mass spectrometer analysis system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Giffin, Charles E. (Inventor); Kuppermann, Aron (Inventor); Dreyer, William J. (Inventor); Boettger, Heinz G. (Inventor)

1982-01-01

An automated mass spectrometer analysis system is disclosed, in which samples are automatically processed in a sample processor and converted into volatilizable samples, or their characteristic volatilizable derivatives. Each volatilizable sample is sequentially volatilized and analyzed in a double focusing mass spectrometer, whose output is in the form of separate ion beams all of which are simultaneously focused in a focal plane. Each ion beam is indicative of a different sample component or different fragments of one or more sample components and the beam intensity is related to the relative abundance of the sample component. The system includes an electro-optical ion detector which automatically and simultaneously converts the ion beams, first into electron beams which in turn produce a related image which is transferred to the target of a vilicon unit. The latter converts the images into electrical signals which are supplied to a data processor, whose output is a list of the components of the analyzed sample and their abundances. The system is under the control of a master control unit, which in addition to monitoring and controlling various power sources, controls the automatic operation of the system under expected and some unexpected conditions and further protects various critical parts of the system from damage due to particularly abnormal conditions.

Automated mass spectrometer analysis system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boettger, Heinz G. (Inventor); Giffin, Charles E. (Inventor); Dreyer, William J. (Inventor); Kuppermann, Aron (Inventor)

1978-01-01

An automated mass spectrometer analysis system is disclosed, in which samples are automatically processed in a sample processor and converted into volatilizable samples, or their characteristic volatilizable derivatives. Each volatizable sample is sequentially volatilized and analyzed in a double focusing mass spectrometer, whose output is in the form of separate ion beams all of which are simultaneously focused in a focal plane. Each ion beam is indicative of a different sample component or different fragments of one or more sample components and the beam intensity is related to the relative abundance of the sample component. The system includes an electro-optical ion detector which automatically and simultaneously converts the ion beams, first into electron beams which in turn produce a related image which is transferred to the target of a vidicon unit. The latter converts the images into electrical signals which are supplied to a data processor, whose output is a list of the components of the analyzed sample and their abundances. The system is under the control of a master control unit, which in addition to monitoring and controlling various power sources, controls the automatic operation of the system under expected and some unexpected conditions and further protects various critical parts of the system from damage due to particularly abnormal conditions.

Legionnaires' disease bacteria in power plant cooling systems: downtime report. Final report

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

Tyndall, R.L.; Solomon, J.A.; Christensen, S.W.

1985-11-01

Legionnaires' disease bacteria (Legionella) are a normal part of the aquatic community that, when aerosolized, can be pathogenic to man. The downtime study was designed to determine the degree to which Legionella populations are aerosolized during cleaning and maintenance operations in a closed-cycle steam-electric power plant. Both high-volume and impinger air samples were collected prior to and during downtime operations. Emphasis was placed on sampling inside or adjacent to water boxes, condensers, and cooling towers. Control air samples were taken upwind from the plant site. Water and sludge samples were also collected at various locations. In the laboratory, the concentrationsmore » of Legionella were determined using the direct fluorescent antibody method. All positive air samples, and other selected air samples, were injected into guinea pigs to detect infectious Legionella. Legionella could be detected in only 12 of the 127 air samples collected. These were predominantly L. pneumophila, serogroups 1-6. In contrast to the air samples, most of the water and sludge samples were positive for Legionella, again predominantly L. pneumophila, serogroups 1-6. The highest Legionella concentrations were found in sludge samples associated with condenser tube cleaning. Among the water samples, the highest Legionella concentrations were found in cooling towers, immediately after the tower basins were cleaned and refilled, and in condenser tubes. Two of the three cooling tower water samples collected prior to downtime operations were infectious for guinea pigs. 16 refs., 4 figs., 11 tabs.« less

Turbine gas temperature measurement and control system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Webb, W. L.

1973-01-01

A fluidic Turbine Inlet Gas Temperature (TIGIT) Measurement and Control System was developed for use on a Pratt and Whitney Aircraft J58 engine. Based on engine operating requirements, criteria for high temperature materials selection, system design, and system performance were established. To minimize development and operational risk, the TIGT control system was designed to interface with an existing Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) Trim System and thereby modulate steady-state fuel flow to maintain a desired TIGT level. Extensive component and system testing was conducted including heated (2300F) vibration tests for the fluidic sensor and gas sampling probe, temperature and vibration tests on the system electronics, burner rig testing of the TIGT measurement system, and in excess of 100 hours of system testing on a J58 engine. (Modified author abstract)

Telescience operations with the solar array module plasma interaction experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wald, Lawrence W.; Bibyk, Irene K.

1995-01-01

The Solar Array Module Plasma Interactions Experiment (SAMPIE) is a flight experiment that flew on the Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-62) in March 1994, as part of the OAST-2 mission. The overall objective of SAMPIE was to determine the adverse environmental interactions within the space plasma of low earth orbit (LEO) on modern solar cells and space power system materials which are artificially biased to high positive and negative direct current (DC) voltages. The two environmental interactions of interest included high voltage arcing from the samples to the space plasma and parasitic current losses. High voltage arcing can cause physical damage to power system materials and shorten expected hardware life. parasitic current losses can reduce power system efficiency because electric currents generated in a power system drain into the surrounding plasma via parasitic resistance. The flight electronics included two programmable high voltage DC power supplies to bias the experiment samples, instruments to measure the surrounding plasma environment in the STS cargo bay, and the on-board data acquisition system (DAS). The DAS provided in-flight experiment control, data storage, and communications through the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Hitchhiker flight avionics to the GSFC Payload Operations Control Center (POCC). The DAS and the SAMPIE POCC computer systems were designed for telescience operations; this paper will focus on the experiences of the SAMPIE team regarding telescience development and operations from the GSFC POCC during STS-62. The SAMPIE conceptual development, hardware design, and system verification testing were accomplished at the NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC). SAMPIE was developed under the In-Space Technology Experiment Program (IN-STEP), which sponsors NASA, industry, and university flight experiments designed to enable and enhance space flight technology. The IN-STEP Program is sponsored by the Office of Space Access and Technology (OSAT).

Standard Operating Procedure for the Grinding and Extraction of Lead in Paint using Nitric Acid and a Rotor/Stator System Powered by a High Speed Motor

EPA Science Inventory

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) describes a new, rapid, and relatively inexpensive one step procedure which grinds the paint samples removed from the substrate and simultaneously quantitatively extracts the Pb from the paint in only one step in preparation for quantitativ...

40 CFR 61.242-5 - Standards: Sampling connecting systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...) Collect and recycle the purged process fluid; or (3) Be designed and operated to capture and transport all the purged process fluid to a control device that complies with the requirements of § 61.242-11; or (4... operated in compliance with the provisions of 40 CFR part 63, subpart G, applicable to Group 1 wastewater...

40 CFR 61.242-5 - Standards: Sampling connecting systems.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

...) Collect and recycle the purged process fluid; or (3) Be designed and operated to capture and transport all the purged process fluid to a control device that complies with the requirements of § 61.242-11; or (4... operated in compliance with the provisions of 40 CFR part 63, subpart G, applicable to Group 1 wastewater...

Pulse-excited, auto-zeroing multiple channel data transmission system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fasching, G. E.

1985-02-01

A multiple channel data transmission system is provided in which signals from a plurality of pulse operated transducers and a corresponding plurality of pulse operated signal processor channels are multiplexed for single channel FM transmission to a receiving station. The transducers and corresponding channel amplifiers are powered by pulsing the dc battery power to these devices to conserve energy and battery size for long-term data transmission from remote or inaccessible locations. Auto zeroing of the signal channel amplifiers to compensate for drift associated with temperature changes, battery decay, component aging, etc., in each channel is accomplished by means of a unique auto zero feature which between signal pulses holds a zero correction voltage on an integrating capacitor coupled to the corresponding channel amplifier output. Pseudo-continuous outputs for each channel are achieved by pulsed sample-and-hold circuits which are updated at the pulsed operation rate. The sample-and-hold outputs are multiplexed into an FM/FM transmitter for transmission to an FM receiver station for demultiplexing and storage in separate channel recorders.

Pulse-excited, auto-zeroing multiple channel data transmission system

DOEpatents

Fasching, G.E.

1985-02-22

A multiple channel data transmission system is provided in which signals from a plurality of pulse operated transducers and a corresponding plurality of pulse operated signal processor channels are multiplexed for single channel FM transmission to a receiving station. The transducers and corresponding channel amplifiers are powered by pulsing the dc battery power to these devices to conserve energy and battery size for long-term data transmission from remote or inaccessible locations. Auto zeroing of the signal channel amplifiers to compensate for drift associated with temperature changes, battery decay, component aging, etc., in each channel is accomplished by means of a unique auto zero feature which between signal pulses holds a zero correction voltage on an integrating capacitor coupled to the corresponding channel amplifier output. Pseudo-continuous outputs for each channel are achieved by pulsed sample-and-hold circuits which are updated at the pulsed operation rate. The sample-and-hold outputs are multiplexed into an FM/FM transmitter for transmission to an FM receiver station for demultiplexing and storage in separate channel recorders.

Pulse-excited, auto-zeroing multiple channel data transmission system

DOEpatents

Fasching, George E.

1987-01-01

A multiple channel data transmission system is provided in which signals from a plurality of pulse operated transducers and a corresponding plurality of pulse operated signal processor channels are multiplexed for single channel FM transmission to a receiving station. The transducers and corresponding channel amplifiers are powered by pulsing the dc battery power to these devices to conserve energy and battery size for long-term data transmission from remote or inaccessible locations. Auto zeroing of the signal channel amplifiers to compensate for drift associated with temperature changes, battery decay, component aging, etc., in each channel is accomplished by means of a unique auto zero feature which between signal pulses holds a zero correction voltage on an integrating capacitor coupled to the corresponding channel amplifier output. Pseudo-continuous outputs for each channel are achieved by pulsed sample-and-hold circuits which are updated at the pulsed operation rate. The sample-and-hold outputs are multiplexed into an FM/FM transmitter for transmission to an FM receiver station for demultiplexing and storage in separate channel recorders.

Intelligent unmanned vehicle systems suitable for individual or cooperative missions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, Matthew O.; McKay, Mark D.; Wadsworth, Derek C.

2007-04-01

The Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has been researching autonomous unmanned vehicle systems for over fifteen years. Areas of research have included unmanned ground and aerial vehicles used for hazardous and remote operations as well as teamed together for advanced payloads and mission execution. Areas of application include aerial particulate sampling, cooperative remote radiological sampling, and persistent surveillance including real-time mosaic and geo-referenced imagery in addition to high-resolution still imagery. Both fixed-wing and rotary airframes are used possessing capabilities spanning remote control to fully autonomous operation. Patented INL-developed auto steering technology is taken advantage of to provide autonomous parallel path swathing with either manned or unmanned ground vehicles. Aerial look-ahead imagery is utilized to provide a common operating picture for the ground and air vehicles during cooperative missions. This paper will discuss the various robotic vehicles, including sensor integration, used to achieve these missions and anticipated cost and labor savings.

ARIES NDA Robot operators` manual

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

Scheer, N.L.; Nelson, D.C.

1998-05-01

The ARIES NDA Robot is an automation device for servicing the material movements for a suite of Non-destructive assay (NDA) instruments. This suite of instruments includes a calorimeter, a gamma isotopic system, a segmented gamma scanner (SGS), and a neutron coincidence counter (NCC). Objects moved by the robot include sample cans, standard cans, and instrument plugs. The robot computer has an RS-232 connection with the NDA Host computer, which coordinates robot movements and instrument measurements. The instruments are expected to perform measurements under the direction of the Host without operator intervention. This user`s manual describes system startup, using the mainmore » menu, manual operation, and error recovery.« less

Adaptive linearization of phase space. A hydrological case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Angarita, Hector; Domínguez, Efraín

2013-04-01

Here is presented a method and its implementation to extract transition operators from hydrological signals with significant algorithmic complexity, i.e. signals with an identifiable deterministic component and a non-periodic and irregular part, being the latter a source of uncertainty for the observer. The method assumes that in a system such as a hydrological system, from the perspective of information theory, signals cannot be known to an arbitrary level of precision due to limited observation or coding capabilities. According to the Shannon-Hartley theorem, at a given sampling frequency -fs' there is a theoretical peak capacity C to observe data from a random signal (i.e. the discharge) transmitted through a noisy channel with a signal to noise ratio -SNR. This imposes a limit on the observer capability to completely reconstruct an observed signal if the sampling frequency -fs' is lower than a given threshold -fs', for which a system signal can be completely recovered for any given SNR. Since most hydrological monitoring systems have low monitoring frequency, the observations may contain less information than required to describe the process dynamics and as a result observed signals exhibit some level of uncertainty if compared with the "true" signal. In the proposed approach, a simple local phase-space model, with locally linearized deterministic and stochastic differential equations, is applied to extract system's state transition operators and to probabilistically characterize the signal uncertainty. In order to determine optimality of the local operators, three main elements are considered: i: System state dimensionality, ii. Sampling frequency and, iii. Parameterization window length. Two examples are shown and discussed to illustrate the method. First, the evaluation of the feasibility of real-time forecasting models for levels and fow rates, from hourly to 14-day lead times. The results of this application demonstrate the operational feasibility for simple predictive models for most of the evaluated cases. The second application is the definition of a stage-discharge decoding method based on the dynamics of the water level observed signal. The results indicate that the method leads to a reduction of hysteresis in the decoded flow, which however is not satisfactory as a quadratic bias emerged in the decoded values and needs explanation. Both examples allow to conclude about the optimal sampling frequency of studied variables.

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

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nguyen, Charles C.

1996-01-01

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

User-driven integrated software lives: ``Paleomag'' paleomagnetics analysis on the Macintosh

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, Craig H.

2002-12-01

"PaleoMag," a paleomagnetics analysis package originally developed for the Macintosh operating system in 1988, allows examination of demagnetization of individual samples and analysis of directional data from collections of samples. Prior to recent reinvigorated development of the software for both Macintosh and Windows, it was widely used despite not running properly on machines and operating systems sold after 1995. This somewhat surprising situation demonstrates that there is a continued need for integrated analysis software within the earth sciences, in addition to well-developed scripting and batch-mode software. One distinct advantage of software like PaleoMag is in the ability to combine quality control with analysis within a unique graphical environment. Because such demands are frequent within the earth sciences, means of nurturing the development of similar software should be found.

The Arctic Lower Troposphere Observed Structure (ALTOS) Campaign

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

Verlinde, J

2010-10-18

The ALTOS campaign focuses on operating a tethered observing system for routine in situ sampling of low-level (< 2 km) Arctic clouds. It has been a long-term hope to fly tethered systems at Barrow, Alaska, but it is clear that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will not permit in-cloud tether systems at Barrow, even if unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations are allowed in the future. We have provided the scientific rationale for long-term, routine in situ measurements of cloud and aerosol properties in the Arctic. The existing restricted air space at Oliktok offers an opportunity to do so.

Automated soil gas monitoring chamber

DOEpatents

Edwards, Nelson T.; Riggs, Jeffery S.

2003-07-29

A chamber for trapping soil gases as they evolve from the soil without disturbance to the soil and to the natural microclimate within the chamber has been invented. The chamber opens between measurements and therefore does not alter the metabolic processes that influence soil gas efflux rates. A multiple chamber system provides for repetitive multi-point sampling, undisturbed metabolic soil processes between sampling, and an essentially airtight sampling chamber operating at ambient pressure.

Operational Cyber Testing Recommendations- Version 1

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-02

be used to verify 5 representative pieces of the environment via sample test runs. Also, ideally, an early version of each test case can also be stood...extraneous effort). Comparing the sample results collected from the scripts with expected results can reveal deficiencies in the data collection techniques...the reporting mechanisms, and the system components themselves. The sample results can also be used for confirming that data is collected with high

A multi-probe thermophoretic soot sampling system for high-pressure diffusion flames

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

Vargas, Alex M.; Gülder, Ömer L.

Optical diagnostics and physical probing of the soot processes in high pressure combustion pose challenges that are not faced in atmospheric flames. One of the preferred methods of studying soot in atmospheric flames is in situ thermophoretic sampling followed by transmission electron microscopy imaging and analysis for soot sizing and morphology. The application of this method of sampling to high pressures has been held back by various operational and mechanical problems. In this work, we describe a rotating disk multi-probe thermophoretic soot sampling system, driven by a microstepping stepper motor, fitted into a high-pressure chamber capable of producing sooting laminarmore » diffusion flames up to 100 atm. Innovative aspects of the sampling system design include an easy and precise control of the sampling time down to 2.6 ms, avoidance of the drawbacks of the pneumatic drivers used in conventional thermophoretic sampling systems, and the capability to collect ten consecutive samples in a single experimental run. Proof of principle experiments were performed using this system in a laminar diffusion flame of methane, and primary soot diameter distributions at various pressures up to 10 atm were determined. High-speed images of the flame during thermophoretic sampling were recorded to assess the influence of probe intrusion on the flow field of the flame.« less

Automated fault-management in a simulated spaceflight micro-world

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lorenz, Bernd; Di Nocera, Francesco; Rottger, Stefan; Parasuraman, Raja

2002-01-01

BACKGROUND: As human spaceflight missions extend in duration and distance from Earth, a self-sufficient crew will bear far greater onboard responsibility and authority for mission success. This will increase the need for automated fault management (FM). Human factors issues in the use of such systems include maintenance of cognitive skill, situational awareness (SA), trust in automation, and workload. This study examine the human performance consequences of operator use of intelligent FM support in interaction with an autonomous, space-related, atmospheric control system. METHODS: An expert system representing a model-base reasoning agent supported operators at a low level of automation (LOA) by a computerized fault finding guide, at a medium LOA by an automated diagnosis and recovery advisory, and at a high LOA by automate diagnosis and recovery implementation, subject to operator approval or veto. Ten percent of the experimental trials involved complete failure of FM support. RESULTS: Benefits of automation were reflected in more accurate diagnoses, shorter fault identification time, and reduced subjective operator workload. Unexpectedly, fault identification times deteriorated more at the medium than at the high LOA during automation failure. Analyses of information sampling behavior showed that offloading operators from recovery implementation during reliable automation enabled operators at high LOA to engage in fault assessment activities CONCLUSIONS: The potential threat to SA imposed by high-level automation, in which decision advisories are automatically generated, need not inevitably be counteracted by choosing a lower LOA. Instead, freeing operator cognitive resources by automatic implementation of recover plans at a higher LOA can promote better fault comprehension, so long as the automation interface is designed to support efficient information sampling.

Field performance of a low-cost and fully-automated blood counting system operated by trained and untrained users (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Dengling; Xie, Yanjun; Liu, Peng; Tong, Lieshu; Chu, Kaiqin; Smith, Zachary J.

2017-02-01

Current flow-based blood counting devices require expensive and centralized medical infrastructure and are not appropriate for field use. In this paper we report a method to count red blood cells, white blood cells as well as platelets through a low-cost and fully-automated blood counting system. The approach consists of using a compact, custom-built microscope with large field-of-view to record bright-field and fluorescence images of samples that are diluted with a single, stable reagent mixture and counted using automatic algorithms. Sample collection is performed manually using a spring loaded lancet, and volume-metering capillary tubes. The capillaries are then dropped into a tube of pre-measured reagents and gently shaken for 10-30 seconds. The sample is loaded into a measurement chamber and placed on a custom 3D printed platform. Sample translation and focusing is fully automated, and a user has only to press a button for the measurement and analysis to commence. Cost of the system is minimized through the use of custom-designed motorized components. We performed a series of comparative experiments by trained and untrained users on blood from adults and children. We compare the performance of our system, as operated by trained and untrained users, to the clinical gold standard using a Bland-Altman analysis, demonstrating good agreement of our system to the clinical standard. The system's low cost, complete automation, and good field performance indicate that it can be successfully translated for use in low-resource settings where central hematology laboratories are not accessible.

Electromagnetic induction imaging of concealed metallic objects by means of resonating circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guilizzoni, R.; Watson, J. C.; Bartlett, P. A.; Renzoni, F.

2016-05-01

An electromagnetic induction system, suitable for 2D imaging of metallic samples of different electrical conductivities, has been developed. The system is based on a parallel LCR circuit comprising a ferrite-cored coil (7.8 mm x 9.5 mm, L=680 μH at 1 KHz), a variable resistor and capacitor. The working principle of the system is based on eddy current induction inside a metallic sample when this is introduced into the AC magnetic field created by the coil. The inductance of the LCR circuit is modified due to the presence of the sample, to an extent that depends on its conductivity. Such modification is known to increase when the system is operated at its resonant frequency. Characterizing different metals based on their values of conductivity is therefore possible by utilizing a suitable system operated at resonance. Both imaging and material characterization were demonstrated by means of the proposed electromagnetic induction technique. Furthermore, the choice of using a system with an adjustable resonant frequency made it possible to select resonances that allow magnetic-field penetration through conductive screens. Investigations on the possibility of imaging concealed metals by penetrating such shields have been carried out. A penetration depth of δ~3 mm through aluminium (Al) was achieved. This allowed concealed metallic samples- having conductivities ranging from 0.54 to 59.77 MSm-1 and hidden behind 1.5-mm-thick Al shields- to be imaged. Our results demonstrate that the presence of the concealed metallic objects can be revealed. The technique was thus shown to be a promising detection tool for security applications.

BioMICADAS: Compact next generation AMS system for pharmaceutical science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulze-König, Tim; Dueker, Stephen R.; Giacomo, Jason; Suter, Martin; Vogel, John S.; Synal, Hans-Arno

2010-04-01

The next generation Accelerator Mass Spectrometer system specifically designed to address the needs of the growing pharmaceutical science market has passed validation testing. The system dubbed BioMICADAS is based on a previously developed compact carbon dating instrument, the MICADAS. Like its predecessor, it has an overall footprint of only 2.5 × 3 m 2 and uses a 200 kV high voltage platform for tandem based ion acceleration. The ion source can accommodate samples as graphite or gaseous CO 2. It is equipped with two independently operating vacuum locks, allowing continuous measurement sequence and providing a capacity of ˜20,000 samples per annum. A barcoded cathode tracking system allows data capture into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) regulated work. It can be housed in research laboratories alongside other complementary bioanalytical equipment and operated by general laboratory staff as the system is designed to be robust and user-friendly. The system has undergone rigorous validation over the range from 0.1 to 100 Modern Carbon, including accuracy, linearity, robustness, and precision experiments over the course of 7 months. It has been shipped and installed at the site of our collaborative partner, Vitalea Science in Davis, California. The installation process took ˜2 weeks from boxes to beam. The feasibility of the system to determine the absolute specific activity of biogenic samples was also shown by using the method of isotopic dilution.

Control of the positional relationship between a sample collection instrument and a surface to be analyzed during a sampling procedure with image analysis

DOEpatents

Van Berkel, Gary J.; Kertesz, Vilmos

2011-08-09

A system and method utilizes an image analysis approach for controlling the collection instrument-to-surface distance in a sampling system for use, for example, with mass spectrometric detection. Such an approach involves the capturing of an image of the collection instrument or the shadow thereof cast across the surface and the utilization of line average brightness (LAB) techniques to determine the actual distance between the collection instrument and the surface. The actual distance is subsequently compared to a target distance for re-optimization, as necessary, of the collection instrument-to-surface during an automated surface sampling operation.

Optoelectronic system of online measurements of unburned carbon in coal fly ash

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golas, Janusz; Jankowski, Henryk; Niewczas, Bogdan; Piechna, Janusz; Skiba, Antoni; Szkutnik, Wojciech; Szkutnik, Zdzislaw P.; Wartak, Ryszarda; Worek, Cezary

2001-08-01

Carbon-in-ash level is an important consideration for combustion efficiency as well as ash marketing. The optoelectronic analyzing system for on-line determination and monitoring of the u burned carbon content of ash samples is presented. The apparatus operates on the principle that carbon content is proportional to the reflectance of IR light. Ash samples are collected iso kinetically from the flue gas duct and placed in a sample tube with a flat glass bottom. The same is then exposed to a light. The reflectance intensity is used by the system's computer to determine residual carbon content from correlation curves. The sample is then air purged back to the duct or to the attached sample canister to enable laboratory check analysis. The total cycle time takes between 5 and 10 minutes. Real time result of carbon content with accuracy 0.3-0.7 percent are reported and can be used for boiler controlling.

Mutagenicity of biodiesel or diesel exhaust particles and the effect of engine operating conditions.

PubMed

Kisin, Elena R; Shi, X C; Keane, Michael J; Bugarski, Aleksandar B; Shvedova, Anna A

2013-03-01

Changing the fuel supply from petroleum based ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) to biodiesel and its blends is considered by many to be a viable option for controlling exposures to particulate material (PM). This is critical in the mining industry where approximately 28,000 underground miners are potentially exposed to relatively high concentrations of diesel particulate matter (DPM). This study was conducted to investigate the mutagenic potential of diesel engine emissions (DEE) from neat (B100) and blended (B50) soy-based fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) biodiesel in comparison with ULSD PM using different engine operating conditions and exhaust aftertreatment configurations. The DPM samples were collected for engine equipped with either a standard muffler or a combination of the muffler and diesel oxidation catalytic converter (DOC) that was operated at four different steady-state modes. Bacterial gene mutation activity of DPM was tested on the organic solvent extracts using the Ames Salmonella assay. The results indicate that mutagenic activity of DPM was strongly affected by fuels, engine operating conditions, and exhaust aftertreatment systems. The mutagenicity was increased with the fraction of biodiesel in the fuel. While the mutagenic activity was observed in B50 and B100 samples collected from both light-and heavy-load operating conditions, the ULSD samples were mutagenic only at light-load conditions. The presence of DOC in the exhaust system resulted in the decreased mutagenicity when engine was fueled with B100 and B50 and operated at light-load conditions. This was not the case when engine was fueled with ULSD. Heavy-load operating condition in the presence of DOC resulted in a decrease of mutagenicity only when engine was fueled with B50, but not B100 or ULSD. Therefore, the results indicate that DPM from neat or blended biodiesel has a higher mutagenic potency than that one of ULSD. Further research is needed to investigate the health effect of biodiesel as well as efficiency of DOC or other exhaust aftertreatment systems.

Mutagenicity of biodiesel or diesel exhaust particles and the effect of engine operating conditions

PubMed Central

Kisin, Elena R; Shi, X.C; Keane, Michael J; Bugarski, Aleksandar B; Shvedova, Anna A

2015-01-01

Background Changing the fuel supply from petroleum based ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) to biodiesel and its blends is considered by many to be a viable option for controlling exposures to particulate material (PM). This is critical in the mining industry where approximately 28,000 underground miners are potentially exposed to relatively high concentrations of diesel particulate matter (DPM). This study was conducted to investigate the mutagenic potential of diesel engine emissions (DEE) from neat (B100) and blended (B50) soy-based fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) biodiesel in comparison with ULSD PM using different engine operating conditions and exhaust aftertreatment configurations. Methods The DPM samples were collected for engine equipped with either a standard muffler or a combination of the muffler and diesel oxidation catalytic converter (DOC) that was operated at four different steady-state modes. Bacterial gene mutation activity of DPM was tested on the organic solvent extracts using the Ames Salmonella assay. Results The results indicate that mutagenic activity of DPM was strongly affected by fuels, engine operating conditions, and exhaust aftertreatment systems. The mutagenicity was increased with the fraction of biodiesel in the fuel. While the mutagenic activity was observed in B50 and B100 samples collected from both light-and heavy-load operating conditions, the ULSD samples were mutagenic only at light-load conditions. The presence of DOC in the exhaust system resulted in the decreased mutagenicity when engine was fueled with B100 and B50 and operated at light-load conditions. This was not the case when engine was fueled with ULSD. Heavy-load operating condition in the presence of DOC resulted in a decrease of mutagenicity only when engine was fueled with B50, but not B100 or ULSD. Conclusions Therefore, the results indicate that DPM from neat or blended biodiesel has a higher mutagenic potency than that one of ULSD. Further research is needed to investigate the health effect of biodiesel as well as efficiency of DOC or other exhaust aftertreatment systems. PMID:26457185

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a wetland constructed for benzene-, methyl tert-butyl ether- and ammonia-contaminated groundwater bioremediation

PubMed Central

Fester, Thomas

2013-01-01

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which are present in most natural environments, have demonstrated capacity to promote biodegradation of organic pollutants in the greenhouse. However, it is not certain whether AMF can spontaneously establish in phytoremediation systems constructed to decontaminate groundwater, because of the unusual conditions during the construction and operation of such systems. To assess this possibility, root samples from a wetland constructed for the phytoremediation of groundwater contaminated with benzene, methyl tert-butyl ether and ammonia were analysed. Substantial AMF colonization was observed in plant roots sampled close to the inlet of a basin filled with fine gravel and planted with Phragmites australis. In addition, analysis of a fragment of the nuclear large ribosomal subunit, amplified by nested PCR, revealed the presence of AMF molecular operational taxonomic units closely related to Funneliformis mosseae and Rhizophagus irregularis in the samples. These findings demonstrate the capacity of generalist AMF strains to establish spontaneously, rapidly and extensively in groundwater bioremediation technical installations. PMID:22846140

Positive Wigner functions render classical simulation of quantum computation efficient.

PubMed

Mari, A; Eisert, J

2012-12-07

We show that quantum circuits where the initial state and all the following quantum operations can be represented by positive Wigner functions can be classically efficiently simulated. This is true both for continuous-variable as well as discrete variable systems in odd prime dimensions, two cases which will be treated on entirely the same footing. Noting the fact that Clifford and Gaussian operations preserve the positivity of the Wigner function, our result generalizes the Gottesman-Knill theorem. Our algorithm provides a way of sampling from the output distribution of a computation or a simulation, including the efficient sampling from an approximate output distribution in the case of sampling imperfections for initial states, gates, or measurements. In this sense, this work highlights the role of the positive Wigner function as separating classically efficiently simulable systems from those that are potentially universal for quantum computing and simulation, and it emphasizes the role of negativity of the Wigner function as a computational resource.

Sample Acquisition and Instrument Deployment (SAID)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boyd, Robert C.

1994-01-01

This report details the interim progress for contract NASW-4818, Sample Acquisition and Instrument Deployment (SAID), a robotic system for deploying science instruments and acquiring samples for analysis. The system is a conventional four degree of freedom manipulator 2 meters in length. A baseline design has been achieved through analysis and trade studies. The design considers environmental operating conditions on the surface of Mars, as well as volume constraints on proposed Mars landers. Control issues have also been studied, and simulations of joint and tip movements have been performed. A passively braked shape memory actuator with the ability to measure load has been developed. The wrist also contains a mechanism which locks the lid output to the bucket so that objects can be grasped and released for instrument deployment. The wrist actuator has been tested for operational power and mechanical functionality at Mars environmental conditions. The torque which the actuator can produce has been measured. Also, testing in Mars analogous soils has been performed.

Experiment Automation with a Robot Arm using the Liquids Reflectometer Instrument at the Spallation Neutron Source

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

Zolnierczuk, Piotr A; Vacaliuc, Bogdan; Sundaram, Madhan

The Liquids Reflectometer instrument installed at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) enables observations of chemical kinetics, solid-state reactions and phase-transitions of thin film materials at both solid and liquid surfaces. Effective measurement of these behaviors requires each sample to be calibrated dynamically using the neutron beam and the data acquisition system in a feedback loop. Since the SNS is an intense neutron source, the time needed to perform the measurement can be the same as the alignment process, leading to a labor-intensive operation that is exhausting to users. An update to the instrument control system, completed in March 2013, implementedmore » the key features of automated sample alignment and robot-driven sample management, allowing for unattended operation over extended periods, lasting as long as 20 hours. We present a case study of the effort, detailing the mechanical, electrical and software modifications that were made as well as the lessons learned during the integration, verification and testing process.« less

Making the most of data: An information selection and assessment framework to improve water systems operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giuliani, M.; Pianosi, F.; Castelletti, A.

2015-11-01

Advances in Environmental monitoring systems are making a wide range of data available at increasingly higher temporal and spatial resolution. This creates an opportunity to enhance real-time understanding of water systems conditions and to improve prediction of their future evolution, ultimately increasing our ability to make better decisions. Yet, many water systems are still operated using very simple information systems, typically based on simple statistical analysis and the operator's experience. In this work, we propose a framework to automatically select the most valuable information to inform water systems operations supported by quantitative metrics to operationally and economically assess the value of this information. The Hoa Binh reservoir in Vietnam is used to demonstrate the proposed framework in a multiobjective context, accounting for hydropower production and flood control. First, we quantify the expected value of perfect information, meaning the potential space for improvement under the assumption of exact knowledge of the future system conditions. Second, we automatically select the most valuable information that could be actually used to improve the Hoa Binh operations. Finally, we assess the economic value of sample information on the basis of the resulting policy performance. Results show that our framework successfully select information to enhance the performance of the operating policies with respect to both the competing objectives, attaining a 40% improvement close to the target trade-off selected as potentially good compromise between hydropower production and flood control.

Optically-synchronized encoder and multiplexer scheme for interleaved photonics analog-to-digital conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Villa, Carlos; Kumavor, Patrick; Donkor, Eric

2008-04-01

Photonics Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) utilize a train of optical pulses to sample an electrical input waveform applied to an electrooptic modulator or a reverse biased photodiode. In the former, the resulting train of amplitude-modulated optical pulses is detected (converter to electrical) and quantized using a conversional electronics ADC- as at present there are no practical, cost-effective optical quantizers available with performance that rival electronic quantizers. In the latter, the electrical samples are directly quantized by the electronics ADC. In both cases however, the sampling rate is limited by the speed with which the electronics ADC can quantize the electrical samples. One way to increase the sampling rate by a factor N is by using the time-interleaved technique which consists of a parallel array of N electrical ADC converters, which have the same sampling rate but different sampling phase. Each operating at a quantization rate of fs/N where fs is the aggregated sampling rate. In a system with no real-time operation, the N channels digital outputs are stored in memory, and then aggregated (multiplexed) to obtain the digital representation of the analog input waveform. Alternatively, for real-time operation systems the reduction of storing time in the multiplexing process is desired to improve the time response of the ADC. The complete elimination of memories come expenses of concurrent timing and synchronization in the aggregation of the digital signal that became critical for a good digital representation of the analog signal waveform. In this paper we propose and demonstrate a novel optically synchronized encoder and multiplexer scheme for interleaved photonics ADCs that utilize the N optical signals used to sample different phases of an analog input signal to synchronize the multiplexing of the resulting N digital output channels in a single digital output port. As a proof of concept, four 320 Megasamples/sec 12-bit of resolution digital signals were multiplexed to form an aggregated 1.28 Gigasamples/sec single digital output signal.

AUTOMATIC COUNTING APPARATUS

DOEpatents

Howell, W.D.

1957-08-20

An apparatus for automatically recording the results of counting operations on trains of electrical pulses is described. The disadvantages of prior devices utilizing the two common methods of obtaining the count rate are overcome by this apparatus; in the case of time controlled operation, the disclosed system automatically records amy information stored by the scaler but not transferred to the printer at the end of the predetermined time controlled operations and, in the case of count controlled operation, provision is made to prevent a weak sample from occupying the apparatus for an excessively long period of time.

Development and Flight Testing of an Autonomous Landing Gear Health-Monitoring System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woodard, Stanley E.; Coffey, Neil C.; Gonzalez, Guillermo A.; Taylor, B. Douglas; Brett, Rube R.; Woodman, Keith L.; Weathered, Brenton W.; Rollins, Courtney H.

2003-01-01

Development and testing of an adaptable vehicle health-monitoring architecture is presented. The architecture is being developed for a fleet of vehicles. It has three operational levels: one or more remote data acquisition units located throughout the vehicle; a command and control unit located within the vehicle; and, a terminal collection unit to collect analysis results from all vehicles. Each level is capable of performing autonomous analysis with a trained expert system. Communication between all levels is done with wireless radio frequency interfaces. The remote data acquisition unit has an eight channel programmable digital interface that allows the user discretion for choosing type of sensors; number of sensors, sensor sampling rate and sampling duration for each sensor. The architecture provides framework for a tributary analysis. All measurements at the lowest operational level are reduced to provide analysis results necessary to gauge changes from established baselines. These are then collected at the next level to identify any global trends or common features from the prior level. This process is repeated until the results are reduced at the highest operational level. In the framework, only analysis results are forwarded to the next level to reduce telemetry congestion. The system's remote data acquisition hardware and non-analysis software have been flight tested on the NASA Langley B757's main landing gear. The flight tests were performed to validate the following: the wireless radio frequency communication capabilities of the system, the hardware design, command and control; software operation; and, data acquisition, storage and retrieval.

Implementation of in-line infrared monitor in full-scale anaerobic digestion process.

PubMed

Spanjers, H; Bouvier, J C; Steenweg, P; Bisschops, I; van Gils, W; Versprille, B

2006-01-01

During start up but also during normal operation, anaerobic reactor systems should be run and monitored carefully to secure trouble-free operation, because the process is vulnerable to disturbances such as temporary overloading, biomass wash out and influent toxicity. The present method of monitoring is usually by manual sampling and subsequent laboratory analysis. Data collection, processing and feedback to system operation is manual and ad hoc, and involves high-level operator skills and attention. As a result, systems tend to be designed at relatively conservative design loading rates resulting in significant over-sizing of reactors and thus increased systems cost. It is therefore desirable to have on-line and continuous access to performance data on influent and effluent quality. Relevant variables to indicate process performance include VFA, COD, alkalinity, sulphate, and, if aerobic post-treatment is considered, total nitrogen, ammonia and nitrate. Recently, mid-IR spectrometry was demonstrated on a pilot scale to be suitable for in-line simultaneous measurement of these variables. This paper describes a full-scale application of the technique to test its ability to monitor continuously and without human intervention the above variables simultaneously in two process streams. For VFA, COD, sulphate, ammonium and TKN good agreement was obtained between in-line and manual measurements. During a period of six months the in-line measurements had to be interrupted several times because of clogging. It appeared that the sample pre-treatment unit was not able to cope with high solids concentrations all the time.

A Field Investigation and Facility Review of Eight Modular Starved-Air Heat Recovery Incinerator Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-10-01

are shared with the production facility. I Capital Costs: $260,000 (1976) plus $45,000 for the building. Operating and Maintenance Costs: O&M costs are...agricultural product processing plant. Operation: Three shifts, 5.5 days/week, 52 weeks/year. Capital Costs: Total capital cost S1,400,000 (1981...which makes their operating and maintenance costs, waste tonnages, ; and steam production readily available. Sample Data (All Numbers Rounded) 1st

Automated Scheduling of Personnel to Staff Operations for the Mars Science Laboratory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knight, Russell; Mishkin, Andrew; Allbaugh, Alicia

2014-01-01

Leveraging previous work on scheduling personnel for space mission operations, we have adapted ASPEN (Activity Scheduling and Planning Environment) [1] to the domain of scheduling personnel for operations of the Mars Science Laboratory. Automated scheduling of personnel is not new. We compare our representations to a sampling of employee scheduling systems available with respect to desired features. We described the constraints required by MSL personnel schedulers and how each is handled by the scheduling algorithm.

Data Modeling, Development, Installation and Operation of the ACEX Offshore Drilling Information System for the Mission Specific Platform Expedition to the Lomonosov Ridge, Arctic Ocean.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conze, R.; Krysiak, F.; Wallrabe-Adams, H.; Graham, C. C.

2004-12-01

During August/September 2004, the Arctic Coring Expedition (ACEX) was used to trial a new Offshore Drilling Information System (OffshoreDIS). ACEX was the first Mission Specific Platform (MSP) expedition of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Programme (IODP), funded by the European Consortium for Ocean Research Drilling (ECORD). The British Geological Survey in conjunction with the University of Bremen and the European Petrophysics Consortium were the ECORD Science Operator (ESO) for ACEX. IODP MSP expeditions have very similar data management requirements and operate in similar working environments to the lake drilling projects conducted by the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program (ICDP), for example, the GLAD800, which has very restricted space on board and operates in difficult conditions. Both organizations require data capture and management systems that are mobile, flexible and that can be deployed quickly on small- to medium-sized drilling platforms for the initial gathering of data, and that can also be deployed onshore in laboratories where the bulk of the scientific work is conducted. ESO, therefore, decided that an adapted version of the existing Drilling Information System (DIS) used by ICDP projects would satisfy its requirements. Based on the existing DIS, an OffshoreDIS has been developed for MSP expeditions. The underlying data model is compatible with IODP(JANUS), the Bremen Core Repository, WDC-MARE/PANGAEA and the LacCore in Minneapolis. According to the specific expedition platform configuration and on-board workflow requirements for the Arctic, this data model, data pumps and user interfaces were adapted for the ACEX-OffshoreDIS. On the drill ship Vidar Viking the cores were catalogued and petrophysically logged using a GeoTek Multi-Sensor Core Logger System, while further initial measurements, lithological descriptions and biostratigraphic investigations were undertaken on the Oden, which provided laboratory facilities for the expedition. Onboard samples were registered in a corresponding sample archive on both vessels. The ACEX-OffshoreDIS used a local area network covering the two ships of the three icebreaker fleet by wireless LAN between the ships and partly wired LAN on the ships. A DIS-server was installed on each ship. These were synchronized by database replication and linked to a total of 10 client systems and label printers across both ships. The ACEX-OffshoreDIS will also be used for the scientific measurement and analysis phase of the expedition during the post-field operations `shore-party' in November 2004 at the Bremen Core Repository (BCR). The data management system employed in the Arctic will be reconfigured and deployed at the BCR. In addition, an eXtended DIS (XDIS) Web interface will be available. This will allow controlled sample distribution (core curation, sub-sampling) as well as sharing of data (registration, upload and download) with other laboratories which will be undertaking additional sampling and analyses. The OffshoreDIS data management system will be of long-term benefit to both IODP and ICDP, being deployed in forthcoming MSP offshore projects, ICDP lake projects and joint IODP-ICDP projects such as the New Jersey Coastal Plain Drilling Project.

System and process for dissolution of solids

DOEpatents

Liezers, Martin; Farmer, III, Orville T.

2017-10-10

A system and process are disclosed for dissolution of solids and "difficult-to-dissolve" solids. A solid sample may be ablated in an ablation device to generate nanoscale particles. Nanoparticles may then swept into a coupled plasma device operating at atmospheric pressure where the solid nanoparticles are atomized. The plasma exhaust may be delivered directly into an aqueous fluid to form a solution containing the atomized and dissolved solids. The composition of the resulting solution reflects the composition of the original solid sample.

Expert system isssues in automated, autonomous space vehicle rendezvous

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goodwin, Mary Ann; Bochsler, Daniel C.

1987-01-01

The problems involved in automated autonomous rendezvous are briefly reviewed, and the Rendezvous Expert (RENEX) expert system is discussed with reference to its goals, approach used, and knowledge structure and contents. RENEX has been developed to support streamlining operations for the Space Shuttle and Space Station program and to aid definition of mission requirements for the autonomous portions of rendezvous for the Mars Surface Sample Return and Comet Nucleus Sample return unmanned missions. The experience with REMEX to date and recommendations for further development are presented.

Use of multivariate statistics to identify unreliable data obtained using CASA.

PubMed

Martínez, Luis Becerril; Crispín, Rubén Huerta; Mendoza, Maximino Méndez; Gallegos, Oswaldo Hernández; Martínez, Andrés Aragón

2013-06-01

In order to identify unreliable data in a dataset of motility parameters obtained from a pilot study acquired by a veterinarian with experience in boar semen handling, but without experience in the operation of a computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system, a multivariate graphical and statistical analysis was performed. Sixteen boar semen samples were aliquoted then incubated with varying concentrations of progesterone from 0 to 3.33 µg/ml and analyzed in a CASA system. After standardization of the data, Chernoff faces were pictured for each measurement, and a principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reduce the dimensionality and pre-process the data before hierarchical clustering. The first twelve individual measurements showed abnormal features when Chernoff faces were drawn. PCA revealed that principal components 1 and 2 explained 63.08% of the variance in the dataset. Values of principal components for each individual measurement of semen samples were mapped to identify differences among treatment or among boars. Twelve individual measurements presented low values of principal component 1. Confidence ellipses on the map of principal components showed no statistically significant effects for treatment or boar. Hierarchical clustering realized on two first principal components produced three clusters. Cluster 1 contained evaluations of the two first samples in each treatment, each one of a different boar. With the exception of one individual measurement, all other measurements in cluster 1 were the same as observed in abnormal Chernoff faces. Unreliable data in cluster 1 are probably related to the operator inexperience with a CASA system. These findings could be used to objectively evaluate the skill level of an operator of a CASA system. This may be particularly useful in the quality control of semen analysis using CASA systems.

Laboratory-based ROTEM(®) analysis: implementing pneumatic tube transport and real-time graphic transmission.

PubMed

Colucci, G; Giabbani, E; Barizzi, G; Urwyler, N; Alberio, L

2011-08-01

ROTEM(®) is considered a helpful point-of-care device to monitor blood coagulation. Centrally performed analysis is desirable but rapid transport of blood samples and real-time transmission of graphic results are an important prerequisite. The effect of sample transport through a pneumatic tube system on ROTEM(®) results is unknown. The aims of the present work were (i) to determine the influence of blood sample transport through a pneumatic tube system on ROTEM(®) parameters compared to manual transportation, and (ii) to verify whether graphic results can be transmitted on line via virtual network computing using local area network to the physician in charge of the patient. Single centre study with 30 normal volunteers. Two whole blood samples were transferred to the central haematology laboratory by either normal transport or pneumatic delivery. EXTEM, INTEM, FIBTEM and APTEM were analysed in parallel with two ROTEM(®) devices and compared. Connection between central laboratory, emergency and operating rooms was established using local area network. All collected ROTEM(®) parameters were within normal limits. No statistically significant differences between normal transport and pneumatic delivery were observed. Real-time transmission of the original ROTEM(®) curves using local area network is feasible and easy to establish. At our institution, transport of blood samples by pneumatic delivery does not influence ROTEM(®) parameters. Blood samples can be analysed centrally, and results transmitted live via virtual network computing to emergency or operating rooms. Prior to analyse blood samples centrally, the type of sample transport should be tested to exclude in vitro blood activation by local pneumatic transport system. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Automated high-throughput protein purification using an ÄKTApurifier and a CETAC autosampler.

PubMed

Yoo, Daniel; Provchy, Justin; Park, Cynthia; Schulz, Craig; Walker, Kenneth

2014-05-30

As the pace of drug discovery accelerates there is an increased focus on screening larger numbers of protein therapeutic candidates to identify those that are functionally superior and to assess manufacturability earlier in the process. Although there have been advances toward high throughput (HT) cloning and expression, protein purification is still an area where improvements can be made to conventional techniques. Current methodologies for purification often involve a tradeoff between HT automation or capacity and quality. We present an ÄKTA combined with an autosampler, the ÄKTA-AS, which has the capability of purifying up to 240 samples in two chromatographic dimensions without the need for user intervention. The ÄKTA-AS has been shown to be reliable with sample volumes between 0.5 mL and 100 mL, and the innovative use of a uniquely configured loading valve ensures reliability by efficiently removing air from the system as well as preventing sample cross contamination. Incorporation of a sample pump flush minimizes sample loss and enables recoveries ranging from the low tens of micrograms to milligram quantities of protein. In addition, when used in an affinity capture-buffer exchange format the final samples are formulated in a buffer compatible with most assays without requirement of additional downstream processing. The system is designed to capture samples in 96-well microplate format allowing for seamless integration of downstream HT analytic processes such as microfluidic or HPLC analysis. Most notably, there is minimal operator intervention to operate this system, thereby increasing efficiency, sample consistency and reducing the risk of human error. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of compounds by time-of-flight measurement utilizing random fast ions

DOEpatents

Conzemius, R.J.

1989-04-04

An apparatus is described for characterizing the mass of sample and daughter particles, comprising a source for providing sample ions; a fragmentation region wherein a fraction of the sample ions may fragment to produce daughter ion particles; an electrostatic field region held at a voltage level sufficient to effect ion-neutral separation and ion-ion separation of fragments from the same sample ion and to separate ions of different kinetic energy; a detector system for measuring the relative arrival times of particles; and processing means operatively connected to the detector system to receive and store the relative arrival times and operable to compare the arrival times with times detected at the detector when the electrostatic field region is held at a different voltage level and to thereafter characterize the particles. Sample and daughter particles are characterized with respect to mass and other characteristics by detecting at a particle detector the relative time of arrival for fragments of a sample ion at two different electrostatic voltage levels. The two sets of particle arrival times are used in conjunction with the known altered voltage levels to mathematically characterize the sample and daughter fragments. In an alternative embodiment the present invention may be used as a detector for a conventional mass spectrometer. In this embodiment, conventional mass spectrometry analysis is enhanced due to further mass resolving of the detected ions. 8 figs.

Characterization of compounds by time-of-flight measurement utilizing random fast ions

DOEpatents

Conzemius, Robert J.

1989-01-01

An apparatus for characterizing the mass of sample and daughter particles, comprising a source for providing sample ions; a fragmentation region wherein a fraction of the sample ions may fragment to produce daughter ion particles; an electrostatic field region held at a voltage level sufficient to effect ion-neutral separation and ion-ion separation of fragments from the same sample ion and to separate ions of different kinetic energy; a detector system for measuring the relative arrival times of particles; and processing means operatively connected to the detector system to receive and store the relative arrival times and operable to compare the arrival times with times detected at the detector when the electrostatic field region is held at a different voltage level and to thereafter characterize the particles. Sample and daughter particles are characterized with respect to mass and other characteristics by detecting at a particle detector the relative time of arrival for fragments of a sample ion at two different electrostatic voltage levels. The two sets of particle arrival times are used in conjunction with the known altered voltage levels to mathematically characterize the sample and daughter fragments. In an alternative embodiment the present invention may be used as a detector for a conventional mass spectrometer. In this embodiment, conventional mass spectrometry analysis is enhanced due to further mass resolving of the detected ions.

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

Baker, A. A.; Hesjedal, T.; Diamond Light Source, Didcot OX11 0DE

We present a miniaturized molecular beam epitaxy (miniMBE) system with an outer diameter of 206 mm, optimized for flexible and high-throughput operation. The three-chamber system, used here for oxide growth, consists of a sample loading chamber, a storage chamber, and a growth chamber. The growth chamber is equipped with eight identical effusion cell ports with linear shutters, one larger port for either a multi-pocket electron beam evaporator or an oxygen plasma source, an integrated cryoshroud, retractable beam-flux monitor or quartz-crystal microbalance, reflection high energy electron diffraction, substrate manipulator, main shutter, and quadrupole mass spectrometer. The system can be combined withmore » ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) end stations on synchrotron and neutron beamlines, or equivalently with other complex surface analysis systems, including low-temperature scanning probe microscopy systems. Substrate handling is compatible with most UHV surface characterization systems, as the miniMBE can accommodate standard surface science sample holders. We introduce the design of the system, and its specific capabilities and operational parameters, and we demonstrate the epitaxial thin film growth of magnetoelectric Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} on c-plane sapphire and ferrimagnetic Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} on MgO (001)« less

Digital Plasma Control System for Alcator C-Mod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferrara, M.; Wolfe, S.; Stillerman, J.; Fredian, T.; Hutchinson, I.

2004-11-01

A digital plasma control system (DPCS) has been designed to replace the present C-Mod system, which is based on hybrid analog-digital computer. The initial implementation of DPCS comprises two 64 channel, 16 bit, low-latency cPCI digitizers, each with 16 analog outputs, controlled by a rack-mounted single-processor Linux server, which also serves as the compute engine. A prototype system employing three older 32 channel digitizers was tested during the 2003-04 campaign. The hybrid's linear PID feedback system was emulated by IDL code executing a synchronous loop, using the same target waveforms and control parameters. Reliable real-time operation was accomplished under a standard Linux OS (RH9) by locking memory and disabling interrupts during the plasma pulse. The DPCS-computed outputs agreed to within a few percent with those produced by the hybrid system, except for discrepancies due to offsets and non-ideal behavior of the hybrid circuitry. The system operated reliably, with no sample loss, at more than twice the 10kHz design specification, providing extra time for implementing more advanced control algorithms. The code is fault-tolerant and produces consistent output waveforms even with 10% sample loss.

The IAGOS GHG package: a measurement system for continuous airborne observations of CO2, CH4, H2O and CO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerbig, C.; Filges, A.; Franke, H.; Klaus, C.; Chen, H.

2012-12-01

A cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) based measurement system for greenhouse gases was designed, tested, and qualified for deployment on commercial airliners within the IAGOS-ERI (In-service Aircraft for a Global Observing System - European Research Infrastructure) project. The design meets requirements regarding physical dimensions (size, weight), performance (long term stability, low maintenance, robustness, full automation) and safety issues (fire prevention regulations). The system uses components of a commercially available CRDS instrument (G2401-m, Picarro Inc.) integrated in a frame suitable for integration in the avionics bay of the Airbus A-340. The first of the IAGOS GHG packages is scheduled for integration in early 2013. The aim is to have seven systems operational within four years, providing for long-term GHG observations with near-global coverage. To enable robust and automated operation of the IAGOS GHG package over six-month deployment periods, numerous technical issues had to be addressed. An inlet system, designed as virtual impactor to eliminate sampling of larger aerosols, ice particles, and water droplets, and provides additional positive ram-pressure. In combination with a lowered sample flow of 0.1 slpm, this ensures a fully controlled sample pressure in the cavity of 140 torr throughout the aircraft altitude operating range up to 12.5 km without the need of an upstream sampling pump. Furthermore, no sample drying is required, as the simultaneously measured water vapor mole fraction is used to correct for dilution and spectroscopic effects. This also enables the collection of science-quality water vapor measurements throughout the atmosphere. To allow for trace gas measurements to be fully traceable to WMO scales, a two-standard calibration system has been designed and tested that periodically provides calibration gas to the instrument during flight and on ground. A targeted six-month deployment cycle followed by maintenance of the package ensures a safe operation. During maintenance, calibration gases are analysed and replenished, and a functional inspection, followed by replacement of depleted or damaged parts, will be undertaken. Spare instrumentation will be used to provide for year-round GHG measurements on board each aircraft. We present results from recent test flights and laboratory tests that document the performance for GHG and water vapor measurements. Furthermore, future applications of the IAGOS-GHG data stream, provided in near-real-time via SatCom to the weather prediction centres, will be discussed, including the improved estimation of GHG budgets at regional to continental scales, the assessment of vertical transport in atmospheric models through comparison with observed vertical tracer distributions, and the validation of remote sensing measurements of GHGs.

Optical effects module. [housing instruments used to measure degradation of optical samples from contamination during orbital operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

The possible degradation of optical samples exposed to the effluent gases and particulate matter emanating from the payload of the space transportation system during orbital operations may be determined by measuring two optical parameters for five samples exposed to this environment, namely transmittance and diffuse reflectance. Any changes detected in these parameters as a function of time during the mission are then attributable to surface contamination or to increased material absorption. These basic functions are attained in the optical effects module by virtue of the following subsystems which are described: module enclosure; light source with collimator and modulator; sample wheel with holders and rotary drive; photomultipliers for radiation detection; processing and sequencing electronic circuitry; and power conditioning interfaces. The functions of these subsystems are reviewed and specified.

Automatic amino acid analyzer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berdahl, B. J.; Carle, G. C.; Oyama, V. I.

1971-01-01

Analyzer operates unattended or up to 15 hours. It has an automatic sample injection system and can be programmed. All fluid-flow valve switching is accomplished pneumatically from miniature three-way solenoid pilot valves.

A sapphire loaded TE011 cavity for surface impedance measurements: design, construction, and commissioning status

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

L. Phillips; G. K. Davis; J. R. Delayen

2005-07-10

In order to measure the superconducting surface properties of niobium that are of interest to SRF applications, a facility which utilizes a Nb cavity operating in the TE011 mode at 7.65 GHz which provides a well-defined RF field on a disk shaped sample has been designed and fabricated. The RF losses due to the sample's surface impedance are determined by using a calorimetric technique. The system has the capability to measure such properties as Rs,(T), and penetration depth, which can then be correlated with surface properties and preparation processes. The design, fabrication, and results from initial commissioning operations will bemore » discussed, along with the near term sample evaluation program.« less

NHEXAS PHASE I ARIZONA STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR PREPARATION OF PM AND URG IMPACTORS AND IMPACTION PLATES (UA-L-8.1)

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this SOP is to describe the stages of preparation required for Harvard particulate matter (PM) sampler impactor: (1) prior to in-field use of the particulate sampling system, (2) in-field sampling, and (3) disassembly after field use. This procedure applies direct...

NHEXAS PHASE I ARIZONA STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR FIELD USE OF THE PARTICULATE SAMPLER (UA-F-3.1)

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this SOP is to describe the in-field use of the particulate sampling system (pumping, control unit, and size selective inlet impactors) for collecting samples of particulate matter from the air during a predetermined time period during the Arizona NHEXAS project an...

Development of Skylab medical equipment and flight preparations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnston, R. S.; Stonesifer, J. C.; Hawkins, W. R.

1975-01-01

The major medical systems in the Skylab orbital workshop are described. They comprise the food system, the waste management system, operational bioinstrumentation, personal hygiene, gas sampling, an inflight medical support system, and a cardiovascular counterpressure garment. Life sciences experiments carried out aboard Skylab are also reviewed; these include an ergometer and metabolic analyzer, a lower-body negative pressure device, an electrode harness and body temperature probe, a blood pressure cuff, a leg volume measuring band, sleep studies, a body-mass measuring device, a rotating litter chair, a blood sample processor, and small-mass measuring apparatus. All performance requirements were met with the equipment, and no failures were encountered.

Least-mean-square spatial filter for IR sensors.

PubMed

Takken, E H; Friedman, D; Milton, A F; Nitzberg, R

1979-12-15

A new least-mean-square filter is defined for signal-detection problems. The technique is proposed for scanning IR surveillance systems operating in poorly characterized but primarily low-frequency clutter interference. Near-optimal detection of point-source targets is predicted both for continuous-time and sampled-data systems.

Software Engineering Laboratory (SEL) data base reporting software user's guide and system description. Volume 1: Introduction and user's guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1983-01-01

Reporting software programs provide formatted listings and summary reports of the Software Engineering Laboratory (SEL) data base contents. The operating procedures and system information for 18 different reporting software programs are described. Sample output reports from each program are provided.

DEVELOPMENT, EVALUATION AND APPLICATION OF AN AUTOMATED EVENT PRECIPITATION SAMPLER FOR NETWORK OPERATION

EPA Science Inventory

In 1993, the University of Michigan Air Quality Laboratory (UMAQL) designed a new wet-only precipitation collection system that was utilized in the Lake Michigan Loading Study. The collection system was designed to collect discrete mercury and trace element samples on an event b...

Supplementary and Enrichment Series: Mathematical Systems. Teachers' Commentary. SP-20.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Syer, Henry W., Ed.

This is one in a series of manuals for teachers using SMSG high school supplementary materials. The pamphlet includes commentaries on the sections of the student's booklet, answers to the exercises, and sample test questions. Topics covered include addition, multiplication, operations, closure, identity element, mathematical systems, mathematical…

Microbial contamination of meat during the skinning of beef carcass hindquarters at three slaughtering plants.

PubMed

Gill, C O; McGinnis, J C; Bryant, J

1998-07-21

The microbiological effects on the product of the series of operations for skinning the hindquarters of beef carcasses at three packing plants were assessed. Samples were obtained at each plant from randomly selected carcasses, by swabbing specified sites related to opening cuts, rump skinning or flank skinning operations, randomly selected sites along the lines of the opening cuts, or randomly selected sites on the skinned hindquarters of carcasses. A set of 25 samples of each type was collected at each plant, with the collection of a single sample from each selected carcass. Aerobic counts, coliforms and Escherichia coli were enumerated in each sample, and a log mean value was estimated for each set of 25 counts on the assumption of a log normal distribution of the counts. The data indicated that the hindquarters skinning operations at plant A were hygienically inferior to those at the other two plants, with mean numbers of coliforms and E. coli being about two orders of magnitude greater, and aerobic counts being an order of magnitude greater on the skinned hindquarters of carcasses from plant A than on those from plants B or C. The data further indicated that the operation for cutting open the skin at plant C was hygienically superior to the equivalent operation at plant B, but that the operations for skinning the rump and flank at plant B were hygienically superior to the equivalent operations at plant C. The findings suggest that objective assessment of the microbiological effects on carcasses of beef carcass dressing processes will be required to ensure that Hazard Analysis: Critical Control Point and Quality Management Systems are operated to control the microbiological condition of carcasses.

Automated simultaneous measurement of the δ(13) C and δ(2) H values of methane and the δ(13) C and δ(18) O values of carbon dioxide in flask air samples using a new multi cryo-trap/gas chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry system.

PubMed

Brand, Willi A; Rothe, Michael; Sperlich, Peter; Strube, Martin; Wendeberg, Magnus

2016-07-15

The isotopic composition of greenhouse gases helps to constrain global budgets and to study sink and source processes. We present a new system for high-precision stable isotope measurements of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in atmospheric methane and carbon dioxide. The design is intended for analyzing flask air samples from existing sampling programs without the need for extra sample air for methane analysis. CO2 and CH4 isotopes are measured simultaneously using two isotope ratio mass spectrometers, one for the analysis of δ(13) C and δ(18) O values and the second one for δ(2) H values. The inlet carousel delivers air from 16 sample positions (glass flasks 1-5 L and high-pressure cylinders). Three 10-port valves take aliquots from the sample stream. CH4 from 100-mL air aliquots is preconcentrated in 0.8-mL sample loops using a new cryo-trap system. A precisely calibrated working reference air is used in parallel with the sample according to the Principle of Identical Treatment. It takes about 36 hours for a fully calibrated analysis of a complete carousel including extractions of four working reference and one quality control reference air. Long-term precision values, as obtained from the quality control reference gas since 2012, account for 0.04 ‰ (δ(13) C values of CO2 ), 0.07 ‰ (δ(18) O values of CO2 ), 0.11 ‰ (δ(13) C values of CH4 ) and 1.0 ‰ (δ(2) H values of CH4 ). Within a single day, the system exhibits a typical methane δ(13) C standard deviation (1σ) of 0.06 ‰ for 10 repeated measurements. The system has been in routine operation at the MPI-BGC since 2012. Consistency of the data and compatibility with results from other laboratories at a high precision level are of utmost importance. A high sample throughput and reliability of operation are important achievements of the presented system to cope with the large number of air samples to be analyzed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Microbiological sampling plan based on risk classification to verify supplier selection and production of served meals in food service operation.

PubMed

Lahou, Evy; Jacxsens, Liesbeth; Van Landeghem, Filip; Uyttendaele, Mieke

2014-08-01

Food service operations are confronted with a diverse range of raw materials and served meals. The implementation of a microbial sampling plan in the framework of verification of suppliers and their own production process (functionality of their prerequisite and HACCP program), demands selection of food products and sampling frequencies. However, these are often selected without a well described scientifically underpinned sampling plan. Therefore, an approach on how to set-up a focused sampling plan, enabled by a microbial risk categorization of food products, for both incoming raw materials and meals served to the consumers is presented. The sampling plan was implemented as a case study during a one-year period in an institutional food service operation to test the feasibility of the chosen approach. This resulted in 123 samples of raw materials and 87 samples of meal servings (focused on high risk categorized food products) which were analyzed for spoilage bacteria, hygiene indicators and food borne pathogens. Although sampling plans are intrinsically limited in assessing the quality and safety of sampled foods, it was shown to be useful to reveal major non-compliances and opportunities to improve the food safety management system in place. Points of attention deduced in the case study were control of Listeria monocytogenes in raw meat spread and raw fish as well as overall microbial quality of served sandwiches and salads. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 1065.340 - Diluted exhaust flow (CVS) calibration.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

...-open position. (6) Operate the PDP for at least 3 min to stabilize the system. Continue operating the PDP and record the mean values of at least 30 seconds of sampled data of each of the following... the PDP, p in. (8) Repeat the steps in paragraphs (e)(6) and (7) of this section to record data at a...

User's manual for a computer program for simulating intensively managed allowable cut.

Treesearch

Robert W. Sassaman; Ed Holt; Karl Bergsvik

1972-01-01

Detailed operating instructions are described for SIMAC, a computerized forest simulation model which calculates the allowable cut assuming volume regulation for forests with intensively managed stands. A sample problem illustrates the required inputs and expected output. SIMAC is written in FORTRAN IV and runs on a CDC 6400 computer with a SCOPE 3.3 operating system....

ROMPS critical design review. Volume 1: Hardware

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dobbs, M. E.

1992-01-01

Topics concerning the Robot-Operated Material Processing in Space (ROMPS) Program are presented in viewgraph form and include the following: a systems overview; servocontrol and servomechanisms; testbed and simulation results; system V controller; robot module; furnace module; SCL experiment supervisor; SCL script sample processing control; SCL experiment supervisor fault handling; block diagrams; hitchhiker interfaces; battery systems; watchdog timers; mechanical/thermal systems; and fault conditions and recovery.

Benthic Flux Sampling Device. Operations, Methods, and Procedures

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-02-01

nitric acid (HNO3) overnight, then rinse with D.I. water. When in doubt, consult with the chemist for proper cleaning protocols. CHARGE BATTERIES...sis being performed. The system will be flushed with methanol to remove organic com- pounds and with nitric acid to remove metals. The nitric acid ... acid -washed, 500-me Teflon (TFE) sampling bottles aboard the BFSD. After each deployment, blank ferrules are fitted in place of the sampling lines and

Identifying compromised systems through correlation of suspicious traffic from malware behavioral analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Camilo, Ana E. F.; Grégio, André; Santos, Rafael D. C.

2016-05-01

Malware detection may be accomplished through the analysis of their infection behavior. To do so, dynamic analysis systems run malware samples and extract their operating system activities and network traffic. This traffic may represent malware accessing external systems, either to steal sensitive data from victims or to fetch other malicious artifacts (configuration files, additional modules, commands). In this work, we propose the use of visualization as a tool to identify compromised systems based on correlating malware communications in the form of graphs and finding isomorphisms between them. We produced graphs from over 6 thousand distinct network traffic files captured during malware execution and analyzed the existing relationships among malware samples and IP addresses.

Underground Transport Restoration (UTR) Operational Technology Demonstration (OTD)

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This full-scale study focused on gathering sampling, decontamination (decon), waste management, and cost analysis information for the remediation of a subway system after contamination with a Bacillus anthracis (Ba) surrogate.

Particle-sampling statistics in laser anemometers Sample-and-hold systems and saturable systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Edwards, R. V.; Jensen, A. S.

1983-01-01

The effect of the data-processing system on the particle statistics obtained with laser anemometry of flows containing suspended particles is examined. Attention is given to the sample and hold processor, a pseudo-analog device which retains the last measurement until a new measurement is made, followed by time-averaging of the data. The second system considered features a dead time, i.e., a saturable system with a significant reset time with storage in a data buffer. It is noted that the saturable system operates independent of the particle arrival rate. The probabilities of a particle arrival in a given time period are calculated for both processing systems. It is shown that the system outputs are dependent on the mean particle flow rate, the flow correlation time, and the flow statistics, indicating that the particle density affects both systems. The results are significant for instances of good correlation between the particle density and velocity, such as occurs near the edge of a jet.

Automation and integration of multiplexed on-line sample preparation with capillary electrophoresis for DNA sequencing

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

Tan, H.

1999-03-31

The purpose of this research is to develop a multiplexed sample processing system in conjunction with multiplexed capillary electrophoresis for high-throughput DNA sequencing. The concept from DNA template to called bases was first demonstrated with a manually operated single capillary system. Later, an automated microfluidic system with 8 channels based on the same principle was successfully constructed. The instrument automatically processes 8 templates through reaction, purification, denaturation, pre-concentration, injection, separation and detection in a parallel fashion. A multiplexed freeze/thaw switching principle and a distribution network were implemented to manage flow direction and sample transportation. Dye-labeled terminator cycle-sequencing reactions are performedmore » in an 8-capillary array in a hot air thermal cycler. Subsequently, the sequencing ladders are directly loaded into a corresponding size-exclusion chromatographic column operated at {approximately} 60 C for purification. On-line denaturation and stacking injection for capillary electrophoresis is simultaneously accomplished at a cross assembly set at {approximately} 70 C. Not only the separation capillary array but also the reaction capillary array and purification columns can be regenerated after every run. DNA sequencing data from this system allow base calling up to 460 bases with accuracy of 98%.« less

Advanced electronics for the CTF MEG system.

PubMed

McCubbin, J; Vrba, J; Spear, P; McKenzie, D; Willis, R; Loewen, R; Robinson, S E; Fife, A A

2004-11-30

Development of the CTF MEG system has been advanced with the introduction of a computer processing cluster between the data acquisition electronics and the host computer. The advent of fast processors, memory, and network interfaces has made this innovation feasible for large data streams at high sampling rates. We have implemented tasks including anti-alias filter, sample rate decimation, higher gradient balancing, crosstalk correction, and optional filters with a cluster consisting of 4 dual Intel Xeon processors operating on up to 275 channel MEG systems at 12 kHz sample rate. The architecture is expandable with additional processors to implement advanced processing tasks which may include e.g., continuous head localization/motion correction, optional display filters, coherence calculations, or real time synthetic channels (via beamformer). We also describe an electronics configuration upgrade to provide operator console access to the peripheral interface features such as analog signal and trigger I/O. This allows remote location of the acoustically noisy electronics cabinet and fitting of the cabinet with doors for improved EMI shielding. Finally, we present the latest performance results available for the CTF 275 channel MEG system including an unshielded SEF (median nerve electrical stimulation) measurement enhanced by application of an adaptive beamformer technique (SAM) which allows recognition of the nominal 20-ms response in the unaveraged signal.

An ultrahigh-vacuum cryostat for simultaneous scanning tunneling microscopy and magneto-transport measurements down to 400 mK

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liebmann, Marcus; Bindel, Jan Raphael; Pezzotta, Mike; Becker, Stefan; Muckel, Florian; Johnsen, Tjorven; Saunus, Christian; Ast, Christian R.; Morgenstern, Markus

2017-12-01

We present the design and calibration measurements of a scanning tunneling microscope setup in a 3He ultrahigh-vacuum cryostat operating at 400 mK with a hold time of 10 days. With 2.70 m in height and 4.70 m free space needed for assembly, the cryostat fits in a one-story lab building. The microscope features optical access, an xy table, in situ tip and sample exchange, and enough contacts to facilitate atomic force microscopy in tuning fork operation and simultaneous magneto-transport measurements on the sample. Hence, it enables scanning tunneling spectroscopy on microstructured samples which are tuned into preselected transport regimes. A superconducting magnet provides a perpendicular field of up to 14 T. The vertical noise of the scanning tunneling microscope amounts to 1 pmrms within a 700 Hz bandwidth. Tunneling spectroscopy using one superconducting electrode revealed an energy resolution of 120 μeV. Data on tip-sample Josephson contacts yield an even smaller feature size of 60 μeV, implying that the system operates close to the physical noise limit.

An ultrahigh-vacuum cryostat for simultaneous scanning tunneling microscopy and magneto-transport measurements down to 400 mK.

PubMed

Liebmann, Marcus; Bindel, Jan Raphael; Pezzotta, Mike; Becker, Stefan; Muckel, Florian; Johnsen, Tjorven; Saunus, Christian; Ast, Christian R; Morgenstern, Markus

2017-12-01

We present the design and calibration measurements of a scanning tunneling microscope setup in a 3 He ultrahigh-vacuum cryostat operating at 400 mK with a hold time of 10 days. With 2.70 m in height and 4.70 m free space needed for assembly, the cryostat fits in a one-story lab building. The microscope features optical access, an xy table, in situ tip and sample exchange, and enough contacts to facilitate atomic force microscopy in tuning fork operation and simultaneous magneto-transport measurements on the sample. Hence, it enables scanning tunneling spectroscopy on microstructured samples which are tuned into preselected transport regimes. A superconducting magnet provides a perpendicular field of up to 14 T. The vertical noise of the scanning tunneling microscope amounts to 1 pm rms within a 700 Hz bandwidth. Tunneling spectroscopy using one superconducting electrode revealed an energy resolution of 120 μeV. Data on tip-sample Josephson contacts yield an even smaller feature size of 60 μeV, implying that the system operates close to the physical noise limit.

Portable capillary electrophoresis-system for on-site food analysis with lab-on-a-chip based contactless conductivity detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gärtner, Claudia; Sewart, René; Klemm, Richard; Becker, Holger

2014-06-01

A portable analytical system for the characterization of liquid environmental samples and beverages in food control was realized. The key element is the implementation of contactless conductivity detection on lab-on-a-chip basis ensuring the system to be operated in a label free mode. Typical target molecules such as small ionic species like Li+, Na+, K+, SO4 2- or NO3-, organic acids in wine whose concentration and ratio to each other documents the wine quality, or caffeine or phosphate in coke were detected. Results from sample matrices like various beverages as water, cola, tea, wine and milk, water from heaters, environmental samples and blood will be presented.

Versatile variable temperature and magnetic field scanning probe microscope for advanced material research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Jin-Oh; Choi, Seokhwan; Lee, Yeonghoon; Kim, Jinwoo; Son, Donghyeon; Lee, Jhinhwan

2017-10-01

We have built a variable temperature scanning probe microscope (SPM) that covers 4.6 K-180 K and up to 7 T whose SPM head fits in a 52 mm bore magnet. It features a temperature-controlled sample stage thermally well isolated from the SPM body in good thermal contact with the liquid helium bath. It has a 7-sample-holder storage carousel at liquid helium temperature for systematic studies using multiple samples and field emission targets intended for spin-polarized spectroscopic-imaging scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) study on samples with various compositions and doping conditions. The system is equipped with a UHV sample preparation chamber and mounted on a two-stage vibration isolation system made of a heavy concrete block and a granite table on pneumatic vibration isolators. A quartz resonator (qPlus)-based non-contact atomic force microscope (AFM) sensor is used for simultaneous STM/AFM operation for research on samples with highly insulating properties such as strongly underdoped cuprates and strongly correlated electron systems.

IGSN e.V.: Registration and Identification Services for Physical Samples in the Digital Universe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lehnert, K. A.; Klump, J.; Arko, R. A.; Bristol, S.; Buczkowski, B.; Chan, C.; Chan, S.; Conze, R.; Cox, S. J.; Habermann, T.; Hangsterfer, A.; Hsu, L.; Milan, A.; Miller, S. P.; Noren, A. J.; Richard, S. M.; Valentine, D. W.; Whitenack, T.; Wyborn, L. A.; Zaslavsky, I.

2011-12-01

The International Geo Sample Number (IGSN) is a unique identifier for samples and specimens collected from our natural environment. It was developed by the System for Earth Sample Registration SESAR to overcome the problem of ambiguous naming of samples that has limited the ability to share, link, and integrate data for samples across Geoscience data systems. Over the past 5 years, SESAR has made substantial progress in implementing the IGSN for sample and data management, working with Geoscience researchers, Geoinformatics specialists, and sample curators to establish metadata requirements, registration procedures, and best practices for the use of the IGSN. The IGSN is now recognized as the primary solution for sample identification and registration, and supported by a growing user community of investigators, repositories, science programs, and data systems. In order to advance broad disciplinary and international implementation of the IGSN, SESAR organized a meeting of international leaders in Geoscience informatics in 2011 to develop a consensus strategy for the long-term operations of the registry with approaches for sustainable operation, organizational structure, governance, and funding. The group endorsed an internationally unified approach for registration and discovery of physical specimens in the Geosciences, and refined the existing SESAR architecture to become a modular and scalable approach, separating the IGSN Registry from a central Sample Metadata Clearinghouse (SESAR), and introducing 'Local Registration Agents' that provide registration services to specific disciplinary or organizational communities, with tools for metadata submission and management, and metadata archiving. Development and implementation of the new IGSN architecture is underway with funding provided by the US NSF Office of International Science and Engineering. A formal governance structure is being established for the IGSN model, consisting of (a) an international not-for-profit organization, the IGSN e.V. (e.V. = 'Eingetragener Verein', legal status for a registered voluntary association in Germany), that defines the IGSN scope and syntax and maintains the IGSN Handle system, and (b) a Science Advisory Board that guides policies, technology, and best practices of the SESAR Sample Metadata Clearinghouse and Local Registration Agents. The IGSN e.V. is being incorporated in Germany at the GFZ Potsdam, a founding event is planned for the AGU Fall Meeting.

Evaluation of constructed wetland treatment performance for winery wastewater.

PubMed

Grismer, Mark E; Carr, Melanie A; Shepherd, Heather L

2003-01-01

Rapid expansion of wineries in rural California during the past three decades has created contamination problems related to winery wastewater treatment and disposal; however, little information is available about performance of on-site treatment systems. Here, the project objective was to determine full-scale, subsurface-flow constructed wetland retention times and treatment performance through assessment of water quality by daily sampling of total dissolved solids, pH, total suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand (COD), tannins, nitrate, ammonium, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, phosphate, sulfate, and sulfide across operating systems for winery wastewater treatment. Measurements were conducted during both the fall crush season of heavy loading and the spring following bottling and racking operations at the winery. Simple decay model coefficients for these constituents as well as COD and tannin removal efficiencies from winery wastewater in bench-scale reactors are also determined. The bench-scale study used upward-flow, inoculated attached-growth (pea-gravel substrate) reactors fed synthetic winery wastewater. Inlet and outlet tracer studies for determination of actual retention times were essential to analyses of treatment performance from an operational subsurface-flow constructed wetland that had been overloaded due to failure to install a pretreatment system for suspended solids removal. Less intensive sampling conducted at a smaller operational winery wastewater constructed wetland that had used pretreatment suspended solids removal and aeration indicated that the constructed wetlands were capable of complete organic load removal from the winery wastewater.

Automated Liquid Microjunction Surface Sampling-HPLC-MS/MS Analysis of Drugs and Metabolites in Whole-Body Thin Tissue Sections

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

Kertesz, Vilmos; Van Berkel, Gary J

A fully automated liquid extraction-based surface sampling system utilizing a commercially available autosampler coupled to high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) detection is reported. Discrete spots selected for droplet-based sampling and automated sample queue generation for both the autosampler and MS were enabled by using in-house developed software. In addition, co-registration of spatially resolved sampling position and HPLC-MS information to generate heatmaps of compounds monitored for subsequent data analysis was also available in the software. The system was evaluated with whole-body thin tissue sections from propranolol dosed rat. The hands-free operation of the system was demonstrated by creating heatmapsmore » of the parent drug and its hydroxypropranolol glucuronide metabolites with 1 mm resolution in the areas of interest. The sample throughput was approximately 5 min/sample defined by the time needed for chromatographic separation. The spatial distributions of both the drug and its metabolites were consistent with previous studies employing other liquid extraction-based surface sampling methodologies.« less

Prototyping a new, high-temperature SQUID magnetometer system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grappone, J. Michael; Shaw, John; Biggin, Andrew J.

2017-04-01

High-sensitivity Superconducting Quantum Inference Devices (SQUIDs) and μ-metal shielding have largely solved paleomagnetic noise problems. Combing the two allows successful measurements of previously unusable samples, generally sediments with very weak (<10 pAm2) magnetizations. The improved sensitivity increases the fidelity of magnetic field variation surveys, but surveys continue to be somewhat slow. SQUIDs have historically been expensive to buy and operate, but technological advances now allow them to operate at liquid nitrogen temperatures (77 K), drastically reducing their costs. Step-wise thermal paleomagnetics studies cause large lag times during later steps as a result of heating from and cooling to room temperature for measurements. If the cooling step is removed entirely, however, the lag time drops by at least half. Available magnetometers currently provide either SQUID-level (0.1 - 1 pAm2) sensitivity or continuous heating. Combining a SQUID magnetometer with a high temperature oven is the logical next step to uncover the mysteries of the paleofield. However, the few that currently offer high temperature capabilities with noise levels approaching 10 pAm2 require either spinning or vibrating the sample, necessitating additional handling and potentially causing damage to the sample. Two primary factors have plagued previous developments: noise levels and temperature gradients. Our entire system is shielded from the environment using 4 layers of μ-metal. Our sample oven (designed for 7 mm diameter samples) sits inside a copper pipe and operates at high-frequency AC voltages. High frequency (10 kHz) AC current reduces the skin depth of radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic noise, which allows the 2 mm-thick copper shielding to reduce RF noise by ˜94%, leaving a residual field of ˜1.5 nT at the SQUID's location, 14.9 mm from the oven. A computer-controlled Eurotherm 3216 thermal controller regulates the temperature within ± 0.5 ˚ C. To reach 700 ˚ C, just above the Curie temperature of Hematite, a temperature difference of nearly 900 ˚ C between the sample and the SQUID is required. Since dipole fields decay rapidly with distance (∝ r -3 ), the equipment is designed to handle temperature gradients above 500 ˚ C cm-1 for maximum sensitivity using a passive double-vacuum separation system. All the parts used are commercially available to help reduce the operating costs and increase versatility.

Infrared calibration for climate: a perspective on present and future high-spectral resolution instruments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Revercomb, Henry E.; Anderson, James G.; Best, Fred A.; Tobin, David C.; Knuteson, Robert O.; LaPorte, Daniel D.; Taylor, Joe K.

2006-12-01

The new era of high spectral resolution infrared instruments for atmospheric sounding offers great opportunities for climate change applications. A major issue with most of our existing IR observations from space is spectral sampling uncertainty and the lack of standardization in spectral sampling. The new ultra resolution observing capabilities from the AIRS grating spectrometer on the NASA Aqua platform and from new operational FTS instruments (IASI on Metop, CrIS for NPP/NPOESS, and the GIFTS for a GOES demonstration) will go a long way toward improving this situation. These new observations offer the following improvements: 1. Absolute accuracy, moving from issues of order 1 K to <0.2-0.4 K brightness temperature, 2. More complete spectral coverage, with Nyquist sampling for scale standardization, and 3. Capabilities for unifying IR calibration among different instruments and platforms. However, more needs to be done to meet the immediate needs for climate and to effectively leverage these new operational weather systems, including 1. Place special emphasis on making new instruments as accurate as they can be to realize the potential of technological investments already made, 2. Maintain a careful validation program for establishing the best possible direct radiance check of long-term accuracy--specifically, continuing to use aircraft-or balloon-borne instruments that are periodically checked directly with NIST, and 3. Commit to a simple, new IR mission that will provide an ongoing backbone for the climate observing system. The new mission would make use of Fourier Transform Spectrometer measurements to fill in spectral and diurnal sampling gaps of the operational systems and provide a benchmark with better than 0.1K 3-sigma accuracy based on standards that are verifiable in-flight.

Clinical applications of gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer/computer systems.

PubMed

Horning, M G; Nowlin, J; Butler, C M; Lertratanangkoon, K; Sommer, K; Hill, R M

1975-08-01

Gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer/computer systems can be used to quantify a wide variety of compounds of clinical interest. A quadrupole instrument operated in the chemical ionization (Cl) mode was used in these studies. Because of the sensitivity and specificity of selective ion detection, it is possible to make measurements routinely in the nanogram to picogram range, with 0.1-1.0 ml samples of plasma and 1-5 ml samples or urine. Internal standards, preferably stable-isotope-labeled compounds, were added to the biological samples before isolation was begun. We describe clinical applications of these procedures to problems in toxicology, pharmacokinetics, and perinatal pharmacology.

An expert system shell for inferring vegetation characteristics: Implementation of additional techniques (task E)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harrison, P. Ann

1992-01-01

The NASA VEGetation Workbench (VEG) is a knowledge based system that infers vegetation characteristics from reflectance data. The VEG subgoal PROPORTION.GROUND.COVER has been completed and a number of additional techniques that infer the proportion ground cover of a sample have been implemented. Some techniques operate on sample data at a single wavelength. The techniques previously incorporated in VEG for other subgoals operated on data at a single wavelength so implementing the additional single wavelength techniques required no changes to the structure of VEG. Two techniques which use data at multiple wavelengths to infer proportion ground cover were also implemented. This work involved modifying the structure of VEG so that multiple wavelength techniques could be incorporated. All the new techniques were tested using both the VEG 'Research Mode' and the 'Automatic Mode.'

Competition between Naegleria fowleri and Free Living Amoeba Colonizing Laboratory Scale and Operational Drinking Water Distribution Systems.

PubMed

Miller, Haylea C; Wylie, Jason T; Kaksonen, Anna H; Sutton, David; Puzon, Geoffrey J

2018-03-06

Free living amoebae (FLA), including pathogenic Naegleria fowleri, can colonize and grow within pipe wall biofilms of drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs). Studies on the interactions between various FLA species in biofilms are limited. Understanding the interaction between FLA and the broader biofilm ecology could help better predict DWDS susceptibility to N. fowleri colonization. The aim of this study was to determine if N. fowleri and other FLAs ( Naegleria, Vermamoeba, Willaertia, and Vahlkampfia spp.) cocolonize DWDS biofilm. FLAs commonly isolated from DWDSs ( N. fowleri, V. vermiformis, and N. lovaniensis) were introduced into laboratory-scale biomonitors to determine the impact of these amoebae on N. fowleri's presence and viability. Over 18 months, a single viable amoebae ( N. fowleri, N. lovaniensis, or V. vermiformis) was detected in each biofilm sample, with the exception of N. lovaniensis and N. fowleri, which briefly cocolonized biofilm following their coinoculation. The analysis of biofilm and bulk water samples from operational DWDSs revealed a similar lack of cocolonization with a single FLA detected in 99% ( n = 242) of samples. Interestingly, various Naegleria spp. did colonize the same DWDS locations but at different times. This knowledge furthers the understanding of ecological factors which enable N. fowleri to colonize and survive within operational DWDSs and could aid water utilities to control its occurrence.

Setup of an interface for operation of IAGOS (In-service Aircraft Global Observing System) CORE instruments onboard the IAGOS CARIBIC platform.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bundke, Ulrich; Berg, Marcel; Franke, Harald; Zahn, Andreas; Boenisch, Harald; Perim de Faria, Julia; Berkes, Florian; Petzold, Andreas

2017-04-01

The European Research Infrastructure IAGOS (In-service Aircraft for a Global Observing System; www.iagos.org) responds to the increasing requests for long-term, routine in-situ observational data by using commercial passenger aircraft as measurement platforms. The infrastructure is built from two complementary approaches: The "CORE" component comprises the implementation and operation of autonomous instruments installed on up to 20 long-range aircraft of international airlines for continuous measurements of important reactive gases and greenhouse gases, as well as aerosol particles, dust and cloud particles. The fully automated instruments are designed for operation aboard the aircraft in unattended mode for several months and the data are transmitted automatically. The complementary "CARIBIC" component consists of the monthly deployment of a cargo container equipped with instrumentation for a larger suite of components. The CARIBIC container has equipment for measuring ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, water vapor and airborne particles. Furthermore the container is equipped with a system for collecting air samples. These air samples are analyzed in the laboratory. For each sample measurements for more than 40 trace gases including CFC's prohibited by the Montreal protocol, and all greenhouse gases are performed. The Interface described in this work is designed to host one of IAGOS CORE (Package2) instruments. Available are: P2a, P2b, measuring { NO_y} and {NO_x} em P2c, measuring the aerosol size-distribution (0.25

Use telecommunications for real-time process control

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

Zilberman, I.; Bigman, J.; Sela, I.

1996-05-01

Process operators design real-time accurate information to monitor and control product streams and to optimize unit operations. The challenge is how to cost-effectively install sophisticated analytical equipment in harsh environments such as process areas and maintain system reliability. Incorporating telecommunications technology with near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy may be the bridge to help operations achieve their online control goals. Coupling communications fiber optics with NIR analyzers enables the probe and sampling system to remain in the field and crucial analytical equipment to be remotely located in a general purpose area without specialized protection provisions. The case histories show how two refineriesmore » used NIR spectroscopy online to track octane levels for reformate streams.« less

Space acceleration measurement system description and operations on the First Spacelab Life Sciences Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Delombard, Richard; Finley, Brian D.

1991-01-01

The Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS) project and flight units are briefly described. The SAMS operations during the STS-40 mission are summarized, and a preliminary look at some of the acceleration data from that mission are provided. The background and rationale for the SAMS project is described to better illustrate its goals. The functions and capabilities of each SAMS flight unit are first explained, then the STS-40 mission, the SAMS's function for that mission, and the preparation of the SAMS are described. Observations about the SAMS operations during the first SAMS mission are then discussed. Some sample data are presented illustrating several aspects of the mission's microgravity environment.

[Identification of Systemic Contaminations with Legionella Spec. in Drinking Water Plumbing Systems: Sampling Strategies and Corresponding Parameters].

PubMed

Völker, S; Schreiber, C; Müller, H; Zacharias, N; Kistemann, T

2017-05-01

After the amendment of the Drinking Water Ordinance in 2011, the requirements for the hygienic-microbiological monitoring of drinking water installations have increased significantly. In the BMBF-funded project "Biofilm Management" (2010-2014), we examined the extent to which established sampling strategies in practice can uncover drinking water plumbing systems systemically colonized with Legionella. Moreover, we investigated additional parameters that might be suitable for detecting systemic contaminations. We subjected the drinking water plumbing systems of 8 buildings with known microbial contamination (Legionella) to an intensive hygienic-microbiological sampling with high spatial and temporal resolution. A total of 626 drinking hot water samples were analyzed with classical culture-based methods. In addition, comprehensive hygienic observations were conducted in each building and qualitative interviews with operators and users were applied. Collected tap-specific parameters were quantitatively analyzed by means of sensitivity and accuracy calculations. The systemic presence of Legionella in drinking water plumbing systems has a high spatial and temporal variability. Established sampling strategies were only partially suitable to detect long-term Legionella contaminations in practice. In particular, the sampling of hot water at the calorifier and circulation re-entrance showed little significance in terms of contamination events. To detect the systemic presence of Legionella,the parameters stagnation (qualitatively assessed) and temperature (compliance with the 5K-rule) showed better results. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

A comparison of operational and LANDSAT-aided snow water content estimation systems. [Feather River Basin, California

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sharp, J. M.; Thomas, R. W.

1975-01-01

How LANDSAT imagery can be cost effectively employed to augment an operational hydrologic model is described. Attention is directed toward the estimation of snow water content, a major predictor variable in the volumetric runoff forecasting model. A stratified double sampling scheme is supplemented with qualitative and quantitative analyses of existing operations to develop a comparison between the existing and satellite-aided approaches to snow water content estimation. Results show a decided advantage for the LANDSAT-aided approach.

Nonlinear compensation techniques for magnetic suspension systems. Ph.D. Thesis - MIT

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trumper, David L.

1991-01-01

In aerospace applications, magnetic suspension systems may be required to operate over large variations in air-gap. Thus the nonlinearities inherent in most types of suspensions have a significant effect. Specifically, large variations in operating point may make it difficult to design a linear controller which gives satisfactory stability and performance over a large range of operating points. One way to address this problem is through the use of nonlinear compensation techniques such as feedback linearization. Nonlinear compensators have received limited attention in the magnetic suspension literature. In recent years, progress has been made in the theory of nonlinear control systems, and in the sub-area of feedback linearization. The idea is demonstrated of feedback linearization using a second order suspension system. In the context of the second order suspension, sampling rate issues in the implementation of feedback linearization are examined through simulation.

Environmentally-induced voltage limitations in large space power systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stevens, N. J.

1984-01-01

Large power systems proposed for future space missions imply higher operating voltage requirements which, in turn, will interact with the space plasma environment. The effects of these interactions can only be inferred because of the limited data base of ground simulations, small test samples, and two space flight experiments. This report evaluates floating potentials for a 100 kW power system operating at 300, 500, 750, and 1000 volts in relation to this data base. Of primary concern is the possibility of discharging to space. The implications of such discharges were studied at the 500 volt operational setting. It was found that discharging can shut down the power system if the discharge current exceeds the array short circuit current. Otherwise, a power oscillation can result that ranges from 2 to 20 percent, depending upon the solar array area involved in the discharge. Means of reducing the effect are discussed.

Dual liquid and gas chromatograph system

DOEpatents

Gay, D.D.

A chromatographic system is described that utilizes one detection system for gas chromatographic and micro-liquid chromatographic determinations. The detection system is a direct-current, atmospheric-pressure, helium plasma emission spectrometer. The detector utilizes a nontransparent plasma source unit which contains the plasma region and two side-arms which receive effluents from the micro-liquid chromatograph and the gas chromatograph. The dual nature of this chromatographic system offers: (1) extreme flexibility in the samples to be examined; (2) extreme low sensitivity; (3) element selectivity; (4) long-term stability; (5) direct correlation of data from the liquid and gas samples; (6) simpler operation than with individual liquid and gas chromatographs, each with different detection systems; and (7) cheaper than a commercial liquid chromatograph and a gas chromatograph.

Dual liquid and gas chromatograph system

DOEpatents

Gay, Don D.

1985-01-01

A chromatographic system that utilizes one detection system for gas chromatographic and micro-liquid chromatographic determinations. The detection system is a direct-current, atmospheric-pressure, helium plasma emission spectrometer. The detector utilizes a non-transparent plasma source unit which contains the plasma region and two side-arms which receive effluents from the micro-liquid chromatograph and the gas chromatograph. The dual nature of this chromatographic system offers: (1) extreme flexibility in the samples to be examined; (2) extremely low sensitivity; (3) element selectivity; (4) long-term stability; (5) direct correlation of data from the liquid and gas samples; (6) simpler operation than with individual liquid and gas chromatographs, each with different detection systems; and (7) cheaper than a commercial liquid chromatograph and a gas chromatograph.

Integrated microfluidic systems for cell lysis, mixing/pumping and DNA amplification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Chia-Yen; Lee, Gwo-Bin; Lin, Jr-Lung; Huang, Fu-Chun; Liao, Chia-Sheng

2005-06-01

The present paper reports a fully automated microfluidic system for the DNA amplification process by integrating an electroosmotic pump, an active micromixer and an on-chip temperature control system. In this DNA amplification process, the cell lysis is initially performed in a micro cell lysis reactor. Extracted DNA samples, primers and reagents are then driven electroosmotically into a mixing region where they are mixed by the active micromixer. The homogeneous mixture is then thermally cycled in a micro-PCR (polymerase chain reaction) chamber to perform DNA amplification. Experimental results show that the proposed device can successfully automate the sample pretreatment operation for DNA amplification, thereby delivering significant time and effort savings. The new microfluidic system, which facilitates cell lysis, sample driving/mixing and DNA amplification, could provide a significant contribution to ongoing efforts to miniaturize bio-analysis systems by utilizing a simple fabrication process and cheap materials.

Food and waste management biotechnology for the space shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murray, R. W.; Schelkopf, J. D.; Hunt, S. R.; Sauer, R. L.

1979-01-01

Space-crew facilities for preparation, eating, personal hygiene and waste management are contained in one small area of the Shuttle Orbiter Mid-Deck, all the functional systems being interconnected. The paper discusses three major systems: (1) the Galley, which includes the personal hygiene station and food packages; (2) the Waste Collector, which includes provisions for male and female users, urine, feces and emesis collection in both a normal and contigency mode of operation; and (3) Biowaste Monitoring, which includes mass measurement and sampling. The technology improvement continues by assuring that the Orbiter systems have sufficient design flexibility to permit later improvements in operation and in function.

Ten-Year Summary and Evaluation of Operations and Performance of the Utica Aquifer and North Lake Basin Wetlands Restoration Project, 2004-2014

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

LaFreniere, Lorraine M.

This document reviews the performance of the groundwater (and wetlands) restoration program implemented by the Commodity Credit Corporation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (CCC/USDA) at the former CCC/USDA grain storage facility in Utica, Nebraska, during the first ten years of this initiative (2004-2014). The results of the program for the first five-year period of operation were previously discussed in detail (Argonne 2011). The present report focuses on treatment system operational data and regulatory compliance monitoring results for the site during the second five-year period of operation (2010-2014), together with the results of (1) ongoing monitoring and (2) targeted groundwatermore » sampling for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) analyses conducted at Utica in 2015 (following completion of the tenth year of systems operation), to assess the 10-year progress of the Utica remediation effort.« less

Air-conditioning vs. presence of pathogenic fungi in hospital operating theatre environment.

PubMed

Gniadek, Agnieszka; Macura, Anna B

2011-01-01

Infections related to modern surgical procedures present a difficult problem for contemporary medicine. Infections acquired during surgery represent a risk factor related to therapeutical interventions. Eradication of microorganisms from hospital operating theatre environment may contribute to reduction of infections as the laminar flow air-conditioning considerably reduces the number of microorganisms in the hospital environment. The objective of the study was to evaluate the occurrence of fungi in air-conditioned operating theatre rooms. The study was carried out in one of the hospitals in Krak6w during December 2009. Indoor air samples and imprints from the walls were collected from five operating theatre rooms. A total of fifty indoor air samples were collected with a MAS-100 device, and twenty five imprints from the walls were collected using a Count Tact method. Fungal growth was observed in 48 air samples; the average numbers of fungi were within the range of 5-100 c.f.u. in one cubic metre of the air. Fungi were detected only in four samples of the wall imprints; the number of fungi was 0.01 c.f.u. per one square centimetre of the surface. The mould genus Aspergillus was most frequently isolated, and the species A. fumigatus and A. versicolor were the dominating ones. To ensure microbiological cleanness of hospital operating theatre, the air-conditioning system should be properly maintained. Domination of the Aspergillus fungi in indoor air as well as increase in the number of moulds in the samples taken in evenings (p < 0.05) may suggest that the room decontamination procedures were neglected.

U.S. Geological Survey Catskill/Delaware Water-Quality Network: Water-Quality Report Water Year 2006

USGS Publications Warehouse

McHale, Michael R.; Siemion, Jason

2010-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey operates a 60-station streamgaging network in the New York City Catskill/Delaware Water Supply System. Water-quality samples were collected at 13 of the stations in the Catskill/Delaware streamgaging network to provide resource managers with water-quality and water-quantity data from the water-supply system that supplies about 85 percent of the water needed by the more than 9 million residents of New York City. This report summarizes water-quality data collected at those 13 stations plus one additional station operated as a part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Regional Long-Term Monitoring Network for the 2006 water year (October 1, 2005 to September 30, 2006). An average of 62 water-quality samples were collected at each station during the 2006 water year, including grab samples collected every other week and storm samples collected with automated samplers. On average, 8 storms were sampled at each station during the 2006 water year. The 2006 calendar year was the second warmest on record and the summer of 2006 was the wettest on record for the northeastern United States. A large storm on June 26-28, 2006, caused extensive flooding in the western part of the network where record peak flows were measured at several watersheds.

A microfluidic platform for precision small-volume sample processing and its use to size separate biological particles with an acoustic microdevice [Precision size separation of biological particles in small-volume samples by an acoustic microfluidic system

DOE PAGES

Fong, Erika J.; Huang, Chao; Hamilton, Julie; ...

2015-11-23

Here, a major advantage of microfluidic devices is the ability to manipulate small sample volumes, thus reducing reagent waste and preserving precious sample. However, to achieve robust sample manipulation it is necessary to address device integration with the macroscale environment. To realize repeatable, sensitive particle separation with microfluidic devices, this protocol presents a complete automated and integrated microfluidic platform that enables precise processing of 0.15–1.5 ml samples using microfluidic devices. Important aspects of this system include modular device layout and robust fixtures resulting in reliable and flexible world to chip connections, and fully-automated fluid handling which accomplishes closed-loop sample collection,more » system cleaning and priming steps to ensure repeatable operation. Different microfluidic devices can be used interchangeably with this architecture. Here we incorporate an acoustofluidic device, detail its characterization, performance optimization, and demonstrate its use for size-separation of biological samples. By using real-time feedback during separation experiments, sample collection is optimized to conserve and concentrate sample. Although requiring the integration of multiple pieces of equipment, advantages of this architecture include the ability to process unknown samples with no additional system optimization, ease of device replacement, and precise, robust sample processing.« less

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

Fong, Erika J.; Huang, Chao; Hamilton, Julie

Here, a major advantage of microfluidic devices is the ability to manipulate small sample volumes, thus reducing reagent waste and preserving precious sample. However, to achieve robust sample manipulation it is necessary to address device integration with the macroscale environment. To realize repeatable, sensitive particle separation with microfluidic devices, this protocol presents a complete automated and integrated microfluidic platform that enables precise processing of 0.15–1.5 ml samples using microfluidic devices. Important aspects of this system include modular device layout and robust fixtures resulting in reliable and flexible world to chip connections, and fully-automated fluid handling which accomplishes closed-loop sample collection,more » system cleaning and priming steps to ensure repeatable operation. Different microfluidic devices can be used interchangeably with this architecture. Here we incorporate an acoustofluidic device, detail its characterization, performance optimization, and demonstrate its use for size-separation of biological samples. By using real-time feedback during separation experiments, sample collection is optimized to conserve and concentrate sample. Although requiring the integration of multiple pieces of equipment, advantages of this architecture include the ability to process unknown samples with no additional system optimization, ease of device replacement, and precise, robust sample processing.« less

A simple dual online ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography system (sDO-UHPLC) for high throughput proteome analysis.

PubMed

Lee, Hangyeore; Mun, Dong-Gi; Bae, Jingi; Kim, Hokeun; Oh, Se Yeon; Park, Young Soo; Lee, Jae-Hyuk; Lee, Sang-Won

2015-08-21

We report a new and simple design of a fully automated dual-online ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography system. The system employs only two nano-volume switching valves (a two-position four port valve and a two-position ten port valve) that direct solvent flows from two binary nano-pumps for parallel operation of two analytical columns and two solid phase extraction (SPE) columns. Despite the simple design, the sDO-UHPLC offers many advantageous features that include high duty cycle, back flushing sample injection for fast and narrow zone sample injection, online desalting, high separation resolution and high intra/inter-column reproducibility. This system was applied to analyze proteome samples not only in high throughput deep proteome profiling experiments but also in high throughput MRM experiments.

Noninvasive metabolic profiling using microfluidics for analysis of single preimplantation embryos.

PubMed

Urbanski, John Paul; Johnson, Mark T; Craig, David D; Potter, David L; Gardner, David K; Thorsen, Todd

2008-09-01

Noninvasive analysis of metabolism at the single cell level will have many applications in evaluating cellular physiology. One clinically relevant application would be to determine the metabolic activities of embryos produced through assisted reproduction. There is increasing evidence that embryos with greater developmental capacity have distinct metabolic profiles. One of the standard techniques for evaluating embryonic metabolism has been to evaluate consumption and production of several key energetic substrates (glucose, pyruvate, and lactate) using microfluorometric enzymatic assays. These assays are performed manually using constriction pipets, which greatly limits the utility of this system. Through multilayer soft-lithography, we have designed a microfluidic device that can perform these assays in an automated fashion. Following manual loading of samples and enzyme cocktail reagents, this system performs sample and enzyme cocktail aliquotting, mixing of reagents, data acquisition, and data analysis without operator intervention. Optimization of design and operating regimens has resulted in the ability to perform serial measurements of glucose, pyruvate, and lactate in triplicate with submicroliter sample volumes within 5 min. The current architecture allows for automated analysis of 10 samples and intermittent calibration over a 3 h period. Standard curves generated for each metabolite have correlation coefficients that routinely exceed 0.99. With the use of a standard epifluorescent microscope and CCD camera, linearity is obtained with metabolite concentrations in the low micromolar range (low femtomoles of total analyte). This system is inherently flexible, being easily adapted for any NAD(P)H-based assay and scaled up in terms of sample ports. Open source JAVA-based software allows for simple alterations in routine algorithms. Furthermore, this device can be used as a standalone device in which media samples are loaded or be integrated into microfluidic culture systems for in line, real time metabolic evaluation. With the improved throughput and flexibility of this system, many barriers to evaluating metabolism of embryos and single cells are eliminated. As a proof of principle, metabolic activities of single murine embryos were evaluated using this device.

Nanoimaging using soft X-ray and EUV laser-plasma sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wachulak, Przemyslaw; Torrisi, Alfio; Ayele, Mesfin; Bartnik, Andrzej; Czwartos, Joanna; Węgrzyński, Łukasz; Fok, Tomasz; Fiedorowicz, Henryk

2018-01-01

In this work we present three experimental, compact desk-top imaging systems: SXR and EUV full field microscopes and the SXR contact microscope. The systems are based on laser-plasma EUV and SXR sources based on a double stream gas puff target. The EUV and SXR full field microscopes, operating at 13.8 nm and 2.88 nm wavelengths are capable of imaging nanostructures with a sub-50 nm spatial resolution and short (seconds) exposure times. The SXR contact microscope operates in the "water-window" spectral range and produces an imprint of the internal structure of the imaged sample in a thin layer of SXR sensitive photoresist. Applications of such desk-top EUV and SXR microscopes, mostly for biological samples (CT26 fibroblast cells and Keratinocytes) are also presented. Details about the sources, the microscopes as well as the imaging results for various objects will be presented and discussed. The development of such compact imaging systems may be important to the new research related to biological, material science and nanotechnology applications.

Chance-constrained economic dispatch with renewable energy and storage

DOE PAGES

Cheng, Jianqiang; Chen, Richard Li-Yang; Najm, Habib N.; ...

2018-04-19

Increased penetration of renewables, along with uncertainties associated with them, have transformed how power systems are operated. High levels of uncertainty means that it is not longer possible to guarantee operational feasibility with certainty, instead constraints are required to be satisfied with high probability. We present a chance-constrained economic dispatch model that efficiently integrates energy storage and high renewable penetration to satisfy renewable portfolio requirements. Specifically, it is required that wind energy contributes at least a prespecified ratio of the total demand and that the scheduled wind energy is dispatchable with high probability. We develop an approximated partial sample averagemore » approximation (PSAA) framework to enable efficient solution of large-scale chanceconstrained economic dispatch problems. Computational experiments on the IEEE-24 bus system show that the proposed PSAA approach is more accurate, closer to the prescribed tolerance, and about 100 times faster than sample average approximation. Improved efficiency of our PSAA approach enables solution of WECC-240 system in minutes.« less

Chance-constrained economic dispatch with renewable energy and storage

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

Cheng, Jianqiang; Chen, Richard Li-Yang; Najm, Habib N.

Increased penetration of renewables, along with uncertainties associated with them, have transformed how power systems are operated. High levels of uncertainty means that it is not longer possible to guarantee operational feasibility with certainty, instead constraints are required to be satisfied with high probability. We present a chance-constrained economic dispatch model that efficiently integrates energy storage and high renewable penetration to satisfy renewable portfolio requirements. Specifically, it is required that wind energy contributes at least a prespecified ratio of the total demand and that the scheduled wind energy is dispatchable with high probability. We develop an approximated partial sample averagemore » approximation (PSAA) framework to enable efficient solution of large-scale chanceconstrained economic dispatch problems. Computational experiments on the IEEE-24 bus system show that the proposed PSAA approach is more accurate, closer to the prescribed tolerance, and about 100 times faster than sample average approximation. Improved efficiency of our PSAA approach enables solution of WECC-240 system in minutes.« less

PCI/iRMX-Based Front-End Data Acquisition for the HT-7U Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shu, Yantai; Luo, Jiarong; Yan, Jianbing; Zhao, Feng; Zhang, Liang

2004-06-01

A PCI/iRMX-based front-end system is being designed to serve as data acquisition (DAQ) subsystem for the HT-7U superconducting tokamak. The diagnostic instruments are connected to four analog-to-digital converter (ADC) boards that are directly plugged into the peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus of a personal computer (PC) running the iRMX real-time operating system. Each ADC board has eight channels. The sampling rate of each channel can be up to 125 K samples per second. The acquired data are directly transferred from the ADC board into the memory of the PC, and then transferred to servers through the network. As a testbed, one PCI/iRMX subsystem has been built and has acquired data from the existing HT-7 tokamak. The DAQ can easily support a wide range of pulse lengths, even matching extremely long pulse and steady-state operation. This paper describes the system design and performance evaluation in detail.

Fourier transform spectrometer for spectral emissivity measurement in the temperature range between 60 and 1500°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Jingmin; Wang, Xinbei; Yuan, Guibin

2005-01-01

A new spectral emissivity measurement system has been developed at Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) by using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. The spectral range between 0.6 and 25 µm was covered by a photovoltaic HgCdTe and a silicon photodiode detector. A SiC heater with a black hole was employed for heating the sample. The temperature of the sample can be controlled in a range between 60 and 1500°C with an error of less than 1°C. The system was calibrated against two high quality reference blackbodies: a low temperature heat-pipe blackbody operated in the temperature range between 60°C and 300°C and a high temperature blackbody with SiC heater operated in the temperature range between 300°C and 1500°C. Several tests were done for this new system. The estimated uncertainty of emissivity measurement is better than 3%.

Doppler-corrected differential detection system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, Marvin K. (Inventor); Divsalar, Dariush (Inventor)

1991-01-01

Doppler in a communication system operating with a multiple differential phase-shift-keyed format (MDPSK) creates an adverse phase shift in an incoming signal. An open loop frequency estimation is derived from a Doppler-contaminated incoming signal. Based upon the recognition that, whereas the change in phase of the received signal over a full symbol contains both the differentially encoded data and the Doppler induced phase shift, the same change in phase over half a symbol (within a given symbol interval) contains only the Doppler induced phase shift, and the Doppler effect can be estimated and removed from the incoming signal. Doppler correction occurs prior to the receiver's final output of decoded data. A multiphase system can operate with two samplings per symbol interval at no penalty in signal-to-noise ratio provided that an ideal low pass pre-detection filter is employed, and two samples, at 1/4 and 3/4 of the symbol interval T sub s, are taken and summed together prior to incoming signal data detection.

Study of toluene stability for an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) space-based power system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Havens, Vance; Ragaller, Dana

1988-01-01

The design, fabrication, assembly, and endurance operation of a dynamic test loop, built to evaluate the thermal stability of a proposed Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) working fluid, is discussed. The test fluid, toluene, was circulated through a heater, simulated turbine, regenerator, condenser and pump to duplicate an actual ORC system. The maximum nominal fluid temperature, 750 F, was at the turbine simulator inlet. Samples of noncondensible gases and liquid toluene were taken periodically during the test. The samples were analyzed to identify the degradation products formed and the quantity of these products. From these data it was possible to determine the degradation rate of the working fluid and the generation rate of noncondensible gases. A further goal of this work was to relate the degradation observed in the dynamic operating loop to degradation obtained in isothermal capsule tests. This relationship was the basis for estimating the power loop degradation in the Space Station Organic Rankine Cycle system.

40 CFR Appendix K to Part 75 - Quality Assurance and Operating Procedures for Sorbent Trap Monitoring Systems

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... until the leak check is passed. Post-test leak check ≤4% of average sampling rate After sampling ** See... the test site. The sorbent media must be obtained from a source that can demonstrate the quality...-traceable calibration gas standards and reagents shall be used for the tests and procedures required under...

U.S.-MEXICO BORDER PROGRAM ARIZONA BORDER STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR PREPARATION OF PM AND URG IMPACTORS AND IMPACTION PLATES (UA-L-8.1)

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this SOP is to describe the stages of preparation required for Harvard particulate matter (PM) sampler impactor: (1) prior to in-field use of the particulate sampling system, (2) in-field sampling, and (3) disassembly after field use. This procedure applies direct...

Oil field management system

DOEpatents

Fincke, James R.

2003-09-23

Oil field management systems and methods for managing operation of one or more wells producing a high void fraction multiphase flow. The system includes a differential pressure flow meter which samples pressure readings at various points of interest throughout the system and uses pressure differentials derived from the pressure readings to determine gas and liquid phase mass flow rates of the high void fraction multiphase flow. One or both of the gas and liquid phase mass flow rates are then compared with predetermined criteria. In the event such mass flow rates satisfy the predetermined criteria, a well control system implements a correlating adjustment action respecting the multiphase flow. In this way, various parameters regarding the high void fraction multiphase flow are used as control inputs to the well control system and thus facilitate management of well operations.

Fluidic hydrogen detector production prototype development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roe, G. W.; Wright, R. E.

1976-01-01

A hydrogen gas sensor that can replace catalytic combustion sensors used to detect leaks in the liquid hydrogen transfer systems at Kennedy Space Center was developed. A fluidic sensor concept, based on the principle that the frequency of a fluidic oscillator is proportional to the square root of the molecular weight of its operating fluid, was utilized. To minimize sensitivity to pressure and temperature fluctuations, and to make the sensor specific for hydrogen, two oscillators are used. One oscillator operates on sample gas containing hydrogen, while the other operates on sample gas with the hydrogen converted to steam. The conversion is accomplished with a small catalytic converter. The frequency difference is taken, and the hydrogen concentration computed with a simple digital processing circuit. The output from the sensor is an analog signal proportional to hydrogen content. The sensor is shown to be accurate and insensitive to severe environmental disturbances. It is also specific for hydrogen, even with large helium concentrations in the sample gas.

An investigation of potential applications of OP-SAPS: Operational sampled analog processors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parrish, E. A.; Mcvey, E. S.

1976-01-01

The impact of charge-coupled device (CCD) processors on future instrumentation was investigated. The CCD devices studied process sampled analog data and are referred to as OP-SAPS - operational sampled analog processors. Preliminary studies into various architectural configurations for systems composed of OP-SAPS show that they have potential in such diverse applications as pattern recognition and automatic control. It appears probable that OP-SAPS may be used to construct computing structures which can serve as special peripherals to large-scale computer complexes used in real time flight simulation. The research was limited to the following benchmark programs: (1) face recognition, (2) voice command and control, (3) terrain classification, and (4) terrain identification. A small amount of effort was spent on examining a method by which OP-SAPS may be used to decrease the limiting ground sampling distance encountered in remote sensing from satellites.

Electrochemical pesticide detection with AutoDip--a portable platform for automation of crude sample analyses.

PubMed

Drechsel, Lisa; Schulz, Martin; von Stetten, Felix; Moldovan, Carmen; Zengerle, Roland; Paust, Nils

2015-02-07

Lab-on-a-chip devices hold promise for automation of complex workflows from sample to answer with minimal consumption of reagents in portable devices. However, complex, inhomogeneous samples as they occur in environmental or food analysis may block microchannels and thus often cause malfunction of the system. Here we present the novel AutoDip platform which is based on the movement of a solid phase through the reagents and sample instead of transporting a sequence of reagents through a fixed solid phase. A ball-pen mechanism operated by an external actuator automates unit operations such as incubation and washing by consecutively dipping the solid phase into the corresponding liquids. The platform is applied to electrochemical detection of organophosphorus pesticides in real food samples using an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) biosensor. Minimal sample preparation and an integrated reagent pre-storage module hold promise for easy handling of the assay. Detection of the pesticide chlorpyrifos-oxon (CPO) spiked into apple samples at concentrations of 10(-7) M has been demonstrated. This concentration is below the maximum residue level for chlorpyrifos in apples defined by the European Commission.

A Real-Time Image Acquisition And Processing System For A RISC-Based Microcomputer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luckman, Adrian J.; Allinson, Nigel M.

1989-03-01

A low cost image acquisition and processing system has been developed for the Acorn Archimedes microcomputer. Using a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) architecture, the ARM (Acorn Risc Machine) processor provides instruction speeds suitable for image processing applications. The associated improvement in data transfer rate has allowed real-time video image acquisition without the need for frame-store memory external to the microcomputer. The system is comprised of real-time video digitising hardware which interfaces directly to the Archimedes memory, and software to provide an integrated image acquisition and processing environment. The hardware can digitise a video signal at up to 640 samples per video line with programmable parameters such as sampling rate and gain. Software support includes a work environment for image capture and processing with pixel, neighbourhood and global operators. A friendly user interface is provided with the help of the Archimedes Operating System WIMP (Windows, Icons, Mouse and Pointer) Manager. Windows provide a convenient way of handling images on the screen and program control is directed mostly by pop-up menus.

Enhancing AUV Operational Capabilities: Hovering, Rendezvous, and Docking

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-09-30

ton on the dock that plunges into the bottom of the puck. A rubber sheath insulates the end of the button from the seawater and the exposed current...AUV Navigation and Self -Motion in Shallow Water, ONR. Autonomous Oceanographic Sampling Network Development, ONR. Enhancing AUV Operational...and Failure Recovery, ONR. Dependable Network Topologies with Network Fragment Healing for Component Level Intelli- gent Distributed Control Systems for

Apparatus and methods for manipulation and optimization of biological systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sun, Ren (Inventor); Ho, Chih-Ming (Inventor); Wong, Pak Kin (Inventor); Yu, Fuqu (Inventor)

2012-01-01

The invention provides systems and methods for manipulating, e.g., optimizing and controlling, biological systems, e.g., for eliciting a more desired biological response of biological sample, such as a tissue, organ, and/or a cell. In one aspect, systems and methods of the invention operate by efficiently searching through a large parametric space of stimuli and system parameters to manipulate, control, and optimize the response of biological samples sustained in the system, e.g., a bioreactor. In alternative aspects, systems include a device for sustaining cells or tissue samples, one or more actuators for stimulating the samples via biochemical, electromagnetic, thermal, mechanical, and/or optical stimulation, one or more sensors for measuring a biological response signal of the samples resulting from the stimulation of the sample. In one aspect, the systems and methods of the invention use at least one optimization algorithm to modify the actuator's control inputs for stimulation, responsive to the sensor's output of response signals. The compositions and methods of the invention can be used, e.g., to for systems optimization of any biological manufacturing or experimental system, e.g., bioreactors for proteins, e.g., therapeutic proteins, polypeptides or peptides for vaccines, and the like, small molecules (e.g., antibiotics), polysaccharides, lipids, and the like. Another use of the apparatus and methods includes combination drug therapy, e.g. optimal drug cocktail, directed cell proliferations and differentiations, e.g. in tissue engineering, e.g. neural progenitor cells differentiation, and discovery of key parameters in complex biological systems.

Light Emitting Diode (LED) circular traffic signal lifetime management system.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-02-01

The objective of this research is to build lifetime curves for red, yellow, and green LED circular traffic signals through 20,000-hr. accelerated stress testing of samples operating under Louisianas environmental conditions.

AUTOMATIC MASS SPECTROMETER

DOEpatents

Hanson, M.L.; Tabor, C.D. Jr.

1961-12-01

A mass spectrometer for analyzing the components of a gas is designed which is capable of continuous automatic operation such as analysis of samples of process gas from a continuous production system where the gas content may be changing. (AEC)

Non-Contact Conductivity Measurement for Automated Sample Processing Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beegle, Luther W.; Kirby, James P.

2012-01-01

A new method has been developed for monitoring and control of automated sample processing and preparation especially focusing on desalting of samples before analytical analysis (described in more detail in Automated Desalting Apparatus, (NPO-45428), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 34, No. 8 (August 2010), page 44). The use of non-contact conductivity probes, one at the inlet and one at the outlet of the solid phase sample preparation media, allows monitoring of the process, and acts as a trigger for the start of the next step in the sequence (see figure). At each step of the muti-step process, the system is flushed with low-conductivity water, which sets the system back to an overall low-conductivity state. This measurement then triggers the next stage of sample processing protocols, and greatly minimizes use of consumables. In the case of amino acid sample preparation for desalting, the conductivity measurement will define three key conditions for the sample preparation process. First, when the system is neutralized (low conductivity, by washing with excess de-ionized water); second, when the system is acidified, by washing with a strong acid (high conductivity); and third, when the system is at a basic condition of high pH (high conductivity). Taken together, this non-contact conductivity measurement for monitoring sample preparation will not only facilitate automation of the sample preparation and processing, but will also act as a way to optimize the operational time and use of consumables

CANISTER TRANSFER SYSTEM DESCRIPTION DOCUMENT

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

B. Gorpani

2000-06-23

The Canister Transfer System receives transportation casks containing large and small disposable canisters, unloads the canisters from the casks, stores the canisters as required, loads them into disposal containers (DCs), and prepares the empty casks for re-shipment. Cask unloading begins with cask inspection, sampling, and lid bolt removal operations. The cask lids are removed and the canisters are unloaded. Small canisters are loaded directly into a DC, or are stored until enough canisters are available to fill a DC. Large canisters are loaded directly into a DC. Transportation casks and related components are decontaminated as required, and empty casks aremore » prepared for re-shipment. One independent, remotely operated canister transfer line is provided in the Waste Handling Building System. The canister transfer line consists of a Cask Transport System, Cask Preparation System, Canister Handling System, Disposal Container Transport System, an off-normal canister handling cell with a transfer tunnel connecting the two cells, and Control and Tracking System. The Canister Transfer System operating sequence begins with moving transportation casks to the cask preparation area with the Cask Transport System. The Cask Preparation System prepares the cask for unloading and consists of cask preparation manipulator, cask inspection and sampling equipment, and decontamination equipment. The Canister Handling System unloads the canister(s) and places them into a DC. Handling equipment consists of a bridge crane hoist, DC loading manipulator, lifting fixtures, and small canister staging racks. Once the cask has been unloaded, the Cask Preparation System decontaminates the cask exterior and returns it to the Carrier/Cask Handling System via the Cask Transport System. After the DC is fully loaded, the Disposal Container Transport System moves the DC to the Disposal Container Handling System for welding. To handle off-normal canisters, a separate off-normal canister handling cell is located adjacent to the canister transfer cell and is interconnected to the transfer cell by means of the off-normal canister transfer tunnel. All canister transfer operations are controlled by the Control and Tracking System. The system interfaces with the Carrier/Cask Handling System for incoming and outgoing transportation casks. The system also interfaces with the Disposal Container Handling System, which prepares the DC for loading and subsequently seals the loaded DC. The system support interfaces are the Waste Handling Building System and other internal Waste Handling Building (WHB) support systems.« less

Flight Validation of On-Demand Operations: The Deep Space One Beacon Monitor Operations Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wyatt, Jay; Sherwood, Rob; Sue, Miles; Szijjarto, John

2000-01-01

After a brief overview of the operational concept, this paper will provide a detailed description of the _as-flown_ flight software components, the DS1 experiment plan, and experiment results to date. Special emphasis will be given to experiment results and lessons learned since the basic system design has been previously reported. Mission scenarios where beacon operations is highly applicable will be described. Detailed cost savings estimates for a sample science mission will be provided as will cumulative savings that are possible over the next fifteen years of NASA missions.

The effects of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) system additives on solid by-products. Final report

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

Huyck, K.A.; Tatum, G.S.; DeKraker, D.P.

This study was designed to examine characteristics of by-products from flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems that use performance-enhancing additives. The by-products were evaluated for handling, disposal, properties, and utilization potential. This study was designed to identify potential operation-limiting consequences (fatal flaws) caused by using FGD system additives. It was not intended to be an all-encompassing study of the possible process, environmental, and utilization circumstances at each plant. Seven utilities conducting additive testing agreed to provide samples for this study both before and during their testing. Solid samples were collected from FGD systems using the following additives: di-basic acid (DBA), whichmore » is a mixture of succinic, glutaric, and adipic acids; formate; sulfur; ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA); and chloride. Changes in handling properties that may alter process operations were observed at sites where DBS was used. Changes in leaching behavior, permeability and unconfined compressive strength (properties that affect by-product disposal properties) showed no clear trend for additive or system type. The intent of this study is to provide an overall assessment of potential system-limiting effects of FGD additive use. There were no overriding problems relating to disposal with the use of additives. However, properties of solids produced with and without additives should be tested at each site prior to use of an FGD system additive. This is necessary because of the variability in state disposal and permitting requirements and the influence of specific operating conditions on by-product properties.« less

Portable, lightweight, low power, ion chromatographic system with open tubular capillary columns.

PubMed

Kiplagat, Isaac K; Kubán, Petr; Pelcová, Pavlína; Kubán, Vlastimil

2010-07-30

Basic operation principles of a lightweight, low power, low cost, portable ion chromatograph utilizing open tubular ion chromatography in capillary columns coated with multi-layer polymeric stationary phases are demonstrated. A minimalistic configuration of a portable IC instrument was developed that does not require any chromatographic eluent delivery system, nor sample injection device as it uses gravity-based eluent flow and hydrodynamic sample injection adopted from capillary electrophoresis. As a detection device, an inexpensive commercially available capacitance sensor is used that has been shown to be a suitable substitute for contactless conductivity detection in capillary separation systems. The built-in temperature sensor allows for baseline drift correction typically encountered in conductivity/capacitance measurements without thermostating device. The whole instrument does not require any power supply for its operation, except the detection and data acquisition part that is provided by a USB port of a Netbook computer. It is extremely lightweight, its total weight including the Netbook computer is less than 2.5kg and it can be continuously operated for more than 8h. Several parameters of the instrument, such as detection cell design, eluent delivery systems and data treatment were optimized as well as the composition of eluent for non-suppressed ion chromatographic analysis of common inorganic cations (Na(+), NH(4)(+), K(+), Cs(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), transition metals). Low conductivity eluents based on weakly complexing organic acids such as tartaric, oxalic or pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acids were used with contactless capacitance detection for simultaneous separation of mono- and divalent cations. Separation of Na(+) and NH(4)(+) cations was optimized by addition of 18-crown-6 to the eluent. The best separation of 6 metal cations commonly present in various environmental samples was accomplished in less than 30min using a 1.75mM pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid and 3mM 18-crown-6 eluent with excellent repeatability (below 2%) and detection limits in the low micromolar range. The analysis of field samples is demonstrated; the concentrations of common inorganic cations in river water, mineral water and snow samples were determined.

Comparative performance study of different sample introduction techniques for rapid and precise selenium isotope ratio determination using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP/MS).

PubMed

Elwaer, Nagmeddin; Hintelmann, Holger

2007-11-01

The analytical performance of five sample introduction systems, a cross flow nebulizer spray chamber, two different solvent desolvation systems, a multi-mode sample introduction system (MSIS), and a hydride generation (LI2) system were compared for the determination of Se isotope ratio measurements using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP/MS). The optimal operating parameters for obtaining the highest Se signal-to-noise (S/N) ratios and isotope ratio precision for each sample introduction were determined. The hydride generation (LI2) system was identified as the most suitable sample introduction method yielding maximum sensitivity and precision for Se isotope ratio measurement. It provided five times higher S/N ratios for all Se isotopes compared to the MSIS, 20 times the S/N ratios of both desolvation units, and 100 times the S/N ratios produced by the conventional spray chamber sample introduction method. The internal precision achieved for the (78)Se/(82)Se ratio at 100 ng mL(-1) Se with the spray chamber, two desolvation, MSIS, and the LI2 systems coupled to MC-ICP/MS was 150, 125, 114, 13, and 7 ppm, respectively. Instrument mass bias factors (K) were calculated using an exponential law correction function. Among the five studied sample introduction systems the LI2 showed the lowest mass bias of -0.0265 and the desolvation system showed the largest bias with -0.0321.

Adaptable structural synthesis using advanced analysis and optimization coupled by a computer operating system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sobieszczanski-Sobieski, J.; Bhat, R. B.

1979-01-01

A finite element program is linked with a general purpose optimization program in a 'programing system' which includes user supplied codes that contain problem dependent formulations of the design variables, objective function and constraints. The result is a system adaptable to a wide spectrum of structural optimization problems. In a sample of numerical examples, the design variables are the cross-sectional dimensions and the parameters of overall shape geometry, constraints are applied to stresses, displacements, buckling and vibration characteristics, and structural mass is the objective function. Thin-walled, built-up structures and frameworks are included in the sample. Details of the system organization and characteristics of the component programs are given.

Development of critical dimension measurement scanning electron microscope for ULSI (S-8000 series)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ezumi, Makoto; Otaka, Tadashi; Mori, Hiroyoshi; Todokoro, Hideo; Ose, Yoichi

1996-05-01

The semiconductor industry is moving from half-micron to quarter-micron design rules. To support this evolution, Hitachi has developed a new critical dimension measurement scanning electron microscope (CD-SEM), the model S-8800 series, for quality control of quarter- micron process lines. The new CD-SEM provides detailed examination of process conditions with 5 nm resolution and 5 nm repeatability (3 sigma) at accelerating voltage 800 V using secondary electron imaging. In addition, a newly developed load-lock system has a capability of achieving a high sample throughput of 20 wafers/hour (5 point measurements per wafer) under continuous operation. To support user friendliness, the system incorporates a graphical user interface (GUI), an automated pattern recognition system which helps locating measurement points, both manual and semi-automated operation, and user-programmable operating parameters.

Biofilm formation and control in a simulated spacecraft water system - Interim results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schultz, John R.; Taylor, Robert D.; Flanagan, David T.; Gibbons, Randall E.; Brown, Harlan D.; Sauer, Richard L.

1989-01-01

The ability of iodine to control microbial contamination and biofilm formation in spacecraft water distribution systems is studied using two stainless steel water subsystems. One subsystem has an iodine level of 2.5 mg/L maintained by an iodinated ion-exchange resin. The other subsystem has no iodine added. Stainless steel coupons are removed from each system to monitor biofilm formation. Results from the first six months of operation indicate that 2.5 mg/L of iodine has limited the number of viable bacteria that can be recovered from the iodinated subsystem. Epifluorescence microscopy of the coupons taken from this subsystem, however, indicates some evidence of microbial colonization after 15 weeks of operation. Numerous bacteria have been continually removed from both the water samples and the coupons taken from the noniodinated subsystem after only 3 weeks of operation.

Sample injection and electrophoretic separation on a simple laminated paper based analytical device.

PubMed

Xu, Chunxiu; Zhong, Minghua; Cai, Longfei; Zheng, Qingyu; Zhang, Xiaojun

2016-02-01

We described a strategy to perform multistep operations on a simple laminated paper-based separation device by using electrokinetic flow to manipulate the fluids. A laminated crossed-channel paper-based separation device was fabricated by cutting a filter paper sheet followed by lamination. Multiple function units including sample loading, sample injection, and electrophoretic separation were integrated on a single paper based analytical device for the first time, by applying potential at different reservoirs for sample, sample waste, buffer, and buffer waste. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, mixed sample solution containing carmine and sunset yellow were loaded in the sampling channel, and then injected into separation channel followed by electrophoretic separation, by adjusting the potentials applied at the four terminals of sampling and separation channel. The effects of buffer pH, buffer concentration, channel width, and separation time on resolution of electrophoretic separation were studied. This strategy may be used to perform multistep operations such as reagent dilution, sample injection, mixing, reaction, and separation on a single microfluidic paper based analytical device, which is very attractive for building micro total analysis systems on microfluidic paper based analytical devices. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

AixMICADAS, the accelerator mass spectrometer dedicated to 14C recently installed in Aix-en-Provence, France

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bard, Edouard; Tuna, Thibaut; Fagault, Yoann; Bonvalot, Lise; Wacker, Lukas; Fahrni, Simon; Synal, Hans-Arno

2015-10-01

A compact AMS system dedicated to measuring 14C in ultra-small samples was installed at the CEREGE in Aix-en-Provence at the end of March 2014, together with an automated graphitization system. AixMICADAS operates at around 200 kV with carbon ion stripping in helium leading to a transmission of about 47%. The hybrid ion source works with graphite targets and CO2 gas. It is coupled to a versatile gas interface system that ensures stable gas measurements from different sources: a cracker for CO2 in glass ampoules, an elemental analyzer for combusting organic matter and an automated system to handle carbonate by wet chemistry. The analyses performed during the first half-year of operation show that a precision of about 2‰ is reached on modern samples of about 1 mg of carbon. Measurements of IAEA reference materials of various 14C ages show a good agreement with consensus values. Direct measurements of geological graphites indicate a machine background equivalent to an age of 68,000 years BP. AixMICADAS is thus limited solely by the 14C contamination of samples in the field and in the laboratory. The performances of the gas ion source and its gas interface system were tested with two CO2 production units: the elemental analyzer and the automated carbonate hydrolysis unit. These tests show that samples ranging between 10 and 100 μg C can produce a 12C- ion beam of the order of 10-15 μA during time spans ranging from 3 to 30 min depending on the sample mass. Coupling the automated hydrolysis system to the gas ion source of AixMICADAS, enables us to develop a method involving sequential leaching of carbonate samples with direct 14C measurements of the leached fractions and the residual sample. The main advantage is that all of steps leaching and hydrolysis are performed in the same vial for a particular sample. A sequential leaching was applied to a young carbonate sample (ca. 6600 years BP) whose 14C age agrees with previous determination and which shows no sign of significant surface contamination. By contrast, the tests also show that the leached CO2 from very old carbonates is significantly "younger" than the residual sample. This study, though preliminary, already confirms that pretreatment by acid leaching of old carbonates is essential if we are to accurately measure the true age of such samples.

Automated Drug Identification for Urban Hospitals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shirley, Donna L.

1971-01-01

Many urban hospitals are becoming overloaded with drug abuse cases requiring chemical analysis for identification of drugs. In this paper, the requirements for chemical analysis of body fluids for drugs are determined and a system model for automated drug analysis is selected. The system as modeled, would perform chemical preparation of samples, gas-liquid chromatographic separation of drugs in the chemically prepared samples, infrared spectrophotometric analysis of the drugs, and would utilize automatic data processing and control for drug identification. Requirements of cost, maintainability, reliability, flexibility, and operability are considered.

Indoor and Outdoor Mobile Mapping Systems for Architectural Surveys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campi, M.; di Luggo, A.; Monaco, S.; Siconolfi, M.; Palomba, D.

2018-05-01

This paper presents the results of architectural surveys carried out with mobile mapping systems. The data acquired through different instruments for both indoor and outdoor surveying are analyzed and compared. The study sample shows what is required for an acquisition in a dynamic mode indicating the criteria for the creation of a georeferenced network for indoor spaces, as well as the operational processes concerning data capture, processing, and management. The differences between a dynamic and static scan have been evaluated, with a comparison being made with the aerial photogrammetric survey of the same sample.

Laser Shot Peening System Final Report CRADA No. TC-1369-96

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

Stuart, B. C.; Harris, F.

This CRADA project was established with a primary goal to develop a laser shot peening system which could operate at production throughput rates and produce the desired depth and intensity of induced shots. The first objective was to understand all parameters required for acceptable peening, including pulse energy, pulse temporal format, pulse spatial format, sample configuration and tamping mechanism. The next objective was to demonstrate the technique on representative samples and then on representative parts. The final objective was to implement the technology into a meaningful industrial peen.

Application of an atmospheric pressure sampling mass spectrometer to chlorination reactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jacobson, N. S.

1986-01-01

An atmospheric pressure mass spectrometric sampling system, based on a free jet expansion was used to study certain M-Cl-O reactions at high temperatures. The apparatus enables the volatile species from a 1-atm chemical process to be directly identified with a mass spectrometer which operates at approx. 10 to the minus 8th power torr. Studies for both pure metals and alloys are discussed. It is shown that this mass spectrometer system aids in identifying the volatile species, and provides fundamental information on the reaction mechanism.

Surface Movement Incidents Reported to the NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Connell, Linda J.; Hubener, Simone

1997-01-01

Increasing numbers of aircraft are operating on the surface of airports throughout the world. Airport operations are forecast to grow by more that 50%, by the year 2005. Airport surface movement traffic would therefore be expected to become increasingly congested. Safety of these surface operations will become a focus as airport capacity planning efforts proceed toward the future. Several past events highlight the prevailing risks experienced while moving aircraft during ground operations on runways, taxiways, and other areas at terminal, gates, and ramps. The 1994 St. Louis accident between a taxiing Cessna crossing an active runway and colliding with a landing MD-80 emphasizes the importance of a fail-safe system for airport operations. The following study explores reports of incidents occurring on an airport surface that did not escalate to an accident event. The Aviation Safety Reporting System has collected data on surface movement incidents since 1976. This study sampled the reporting data from June, 1993 through June, 1994. The coding of the data was accomplished in several categories. The categories include location of airport, phase of ground operation, weather /lighting conditions, ground conflicts, flight crew characteristics, human factor considerations, and airport environment. These comparisons and distributions of variables contributing to surface movement incidents can be invaluable to future airport planning, accident prevention efforts, and system-wide improvements.

JAX Colony Management System (JCMS): an extensible colony and phenotype data management system.

PubMed

Donnelly, Chuck J; McFarland, Mike; Ames, Abigail; Sundberg, Beth; Springer, Dave; Blauth, Peter; Bult, Carol J

2010-04-01

The Jackson Laboratory Colony Management System (JCMS) is a software application for managing data and information related to research mouse colonies, associated biospecimens, and experimental protocols. JCMS runs directly on computers that run one of the PC Windows operating systems, but can be accessed via web browser interfaces from any computer running a Windows, Macintosh, or Linux operating system. JCMS can be configured for a single user or multiple users in small- to medium-size work groups. The target audience for JCMS includes laboratory technicians, animal colony managers, and principal investigators. The application provides operational support for colony management and experimental workflows, sample and data tracking through transaction-based data entry forms, and date-driven work reports. Flexible query forms allow researchers to retrieve database records based on user-defined criteria. Recent advances in handheld computers with integrated barcode readers, middleware technologies, web browsers, and wireless networks add to the utility of JCMS by allowing real-time access to the database from any networked computer.

APS Storage Ring Monopulse RF BPM Upgrade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lill, R.; Pietryla, A.; Norum, E.; Lenkszus, F.

2004-11-01

The Advanced Photon Source (APS) is a third-generation synchrotron light source in its ninth year of operation. The storage ring monopulse radio frequency (rf) beam position monitor (BPM) was designed to measure single-turn and multi-turn beam positions for operations and machine physics studies. Many of the components used in the original design are obsolete and costly to replace. In this paper we present a proposal to upgrade the monopulse rf BPMs in which the existing system hardware is repartitioned and the aging data acquisition system is replaced. By replacing only the data acquisition system, we will demonstrate a cost-effective approach to improved beam stability, reliability, and enhanced postmortem capabilities. An eight-channel ADC/digitizer VXI board with sampling rate of up to 105 MHz (per channel) and 14-bit resolution coupled with a field-programmable gate array and embedded central processing will provide the flexibility to revitalize this system for another decade of operation. We will discuss the upgrade system specifications, design, and prototype test results.

[Synchronous extraction and determination of phenoxy acid herbicides in water by on-line monolithic solid phase microextraction-high performance liquid chromatography].

PubMed

Wang, Jiabin; Wu, Fangling; Zhao, Qi

2015-08-01

A C18 monolithic capillary column was utilized as the solid phase microextraction column to construct an in-tube SPME-HPLC system which was used to simultaneously extract and detect five phenoxy acid herbicides, including 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 2- (2-chloro)-phenoxy propionic acid (2,2-CPPA), 2-(3-chloro)-phenoxy propionic acid (2,3- CPPA), phenoxy propionic acid (PPA) and 2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) propionic acid (2,4-DP). The operating parameters of the in-tube SPME-HPLC system, including the length of the monolithic column, the sampling flow rate, the sampling time, the elution flow rate and the elution time, had been investigated in detail. The optimized operating parameters of the in-tube SPME-HPLC system were as follow: the length of the monolithic column was 20 cm, the sampling flow rate was 0. 04 mL/min, sampling time was 13 min; the elution flow rate was 0.02 mL/min, elution time was 5 min. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limits of the five phenoxy acid herbicides were as follows: 9 µg/L for PPA, 4 µg/L for 2,2-CPPA, 4 µg/L for 2,3-CPPA, 5 µg/L for 2,4-D, 5 µg/L for 2,4-DP. Compared with the HPLC method with direct injection, the combined system showed a good enrichment factors to the analytes. The recoveries of the five phenoxy acid herbicides were between 79.0% and 98.0% (RSD ≤ 3.9%). This method was successfully used to detect the five phenoxy acid herbicides in water samples with satisfactory results.

A microfluidic flow injection system for DNA assay with fluids driven by an on-chip integrated pump based on capillary and evaporation effects.

PubMed

Xu, Zhang-Run; Zhong, Chong-Hui; Guan, Yan-Xia; Chen, Xu-Wei; Wang, Jian-Hua; Fang, Zhao-Lun

2008-10-01

A miniaturized flow injection analysis (FIA) system integrating a micropump on a microfluidic chip based on capillary and evaporation effects was developed. The pump was made by fixing a filter paper plug with a vent tube at the channel end, it requires no peripheral equipment and provides steady flow in the microl min(-1) range for FIA operation. Valve-free sample injection was achieved at nanolitre level using an array of slotted vials. The practical applicability of the system was demonstrated by DNA assay with laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection. A precision of 1.6% RSD (10.0 ng microl(-1), n=15) was achieved with a sampling throughput of 76 h(-1) and sample consumption of 95 nl.

A study of PC-based ultrasonic goniometer system of surface properties and characterization of materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sani, S.; Saad, M. H. Md; Jamaludin, N.; Ismail, M. P.; Mohd, S.; Mustapha, I.; Masenwat, N. A.; Tengku Amran, T. S.; Megat Ahmad, M. H. A.

2018-01-01

This paper discussed the design and development of a portable PC-based ultrasonic goniometer system that can be used to study material properties using ultrasonic wave. The system utilizes an ultrasonic pulse-receiver card model attached to computer notebook for signal display. A new specific software package (GoNIO) was developed to control the operation of the scanner, displaying the data and analyze characteristics of materials. System testing was carried out using samples with cubic dimension of about 10 mm x 20 mm x 30 mm. This size allows the sample to be fitted into the goniometer specimen holder and immersed in a liquid during measurement. The sample was rotated from incident angle of 0° to 90° during measurement and the amplitude reflected signals were recorded at every one degree of rotation. Immersion transducers were used to generate and receive the ultrasounds that pass through the samples. Longitudinal, shear and Rayleigh wave measurements were performed on the samples to determine the Dynamic Young’s Modulus. Results of measurements are explained and discussed.

DAQ application of PC oscilloscope for chaos fiber-optic fence system based on LabVIEW

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Manman; Fang, Nian; Wang, Lutang; Huang, Zhaoming; Sun, Xiaofei

2011-12-01

In order to obtain simultaneously high sample rate and large buffer in data acquisition (DAQ) for a chaos fiber-optic fence system, we developed a double-channel high-speed DAQ application of a digital oscilloscope of PicoScope 5203 based on LabVIEW. We accomplished it by creating call library function (CLF) nodes to call the DAQ functions in the two dynamic link libraries (DLLs) of PS5000.dll and PS5000wrap.dll provided by Pico Technology Company. The maximum real-time sample rate of the DAQ application can reach 1GS/s. We can control the resolutions of the application at the sample time and data amplitudes by changing their units in the block diagram, and also control the start and end times of the sampling operations. The experimental results show that the application has enough high sample rate and large buffer to meet the demanding DAQ requirements of the chaos fiber-optic fence system.

General purpose rocket furnace

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aldrich, B. R.; Whitt, W. D. (Inventor)

1979-01-01

A multipurpose furnace for space vehicles used for material processing experiments in an outer space environment is described. The furnace contains three separate cavities designed to process samples of the widest possible range of materials and thermal requirements. Each cavity contains three heating elements capable of independent function under the direction of an automatic and programmable control system. A heat removable mechanism is also provided for each cavity which operates in conjunction with the control system for establishing an isothermally heated cavity or a wide range of thermal gradients and cool down rates. A monitoring system compatible with the rocket telemetry provides furnace performance and sample growth rate data throughout the processing cycle.

Human-Robot Site Survey and Sampling for Space Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fong, Terrence; Bualat, Maria; Edwards, Laurence; Flueckiger, Lorenzo; Kunz, Clayton; Lee, Susan Y.; Park, Eric; To, Vinh; Utz, Hans; Ackner, Nir

2006-01-01

NASA is planning to send humans and robots back to the Moon before 2020. In order for extended missions to be productive, high quality maps of lunar terrain and resources are required. Although orbital images can provide much information, many features (local topography, resources, etc) will have to be characterized directly on the surface. To address this need, we are developing a system to perform site survey and sampling. The system includes multiple robots and humans operating in a variety of team configurations, coordinated via peer-to-peer human-robot interaction. In this paper, we present our system design and describe planned field tests.

Waste Management System overview for future spacecraft.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ingelfinger, A. L.; Murray, R. W.

1973-01-01

Waste Management Systems (WMS) for post Apollo spacecraft will be significantly more sophisticated and earthlike in user procedures. Some of the features of the advanced WMS will be accommodation of both males and females, automatic operation, either tissue wipe or anal wash, measurement and sampling of urine, feces and vomitus for medical analysis, water recovery, and solids disposal. This paper presents an overview of the major problems of and approaches to waste management for future spacecraft. Some of the processes discussed are liquid/gas separation, the Dry-John, the Hydro-John, automated sampling, vapor compression distillation, vacuum distillation-catalytic oxidation, incineration, and the integration of the above into complete systems.

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

Takahashi, Masato; Maeda, Hideaki; Graduate School of Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045

Achieving a higher magnetic field is important for solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). But a conventional low temperature superconducting (LTS) magnet cannot exceed 1 GHz (23.5 T) due to the critical magnetic field. Thus, we started a project to replace the Nb{sub 3}Sn innermost coil of an existing 920 MHz NMR (21.6 T) with a Bi-2223 high temperature superconducting (HTS) innermost coil. Unfortunately, the HTS magnet cannot be operated in persistent current mode; an external dc power supply is required to operate the NMR magnet, causing magnetic field fluctuations. These fluctuations can be stabilized by a field-frequency lock system basedmore » on an external NMR detection coil. We demonstrate here such a field-frequency lock system in a 500 MHz LTS NMR magnet operated in an external current mode. The system uses a {sup 7}Li sample in a microcoil as external NMR detection system. The required field compensation is calculated from the frequency of the FID as measured with a frequency counter. The system detects the FID signal, determining the FID frequency, and calculates the required compensation coil current to stabilize the sample magnetic field. The magnetic field was stabilized at 0.05 ppm/3 h for magnetic field fluctuations of around 10 ppm. This method is especially effective for a magnet with large magnetic field fluctuations. The magnetic field of the compensation coil is relatively inhomogeneous in these cases and the inhomogeneity of the compensation coil can be taken into account.« less

Direct coupling of pulsed radio frequency and pulsed high power in novel pulsed power system for plasma immersion ion implantation.

PubMed

Gong, Chunzhi; Tian, Xiubo; Yang, Shiqin; Fu, Ricky K Y; Chu, Paul K

2008-04-01

A novel power supply system that directly couples pulsed high voltage (HV) pulses and pulsed 13.56 MHz radio frequency (rf) has been developed for plasma processes. In this system, the sample holder is connected to both the rf generator and HV modulator. The coupling circuit in the hybrid system is composed of individual matching units, low pass filters, and voltage clamping units. This ensures the safe operation of the rf system even when the HV is on. The PSPICE software is utilized to optimize the design of circuits. The system can be operated in two modes. The pulsed rf discharge may serve as either the seed plasma source for glow discharge or high-density plasma source for plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII). The pulsed high-voltage glow discharge is induced when a rf pulse with a short duration or a larger time interval between the rf and HV pulses is used. Conventional PIII can also be achieved. Experiments conducted on the new system confirm steady and safe operation.

Niobium thin film coating on a 500-MHz copper cavity by plasma deposition

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

Haipeng Wang; Genfa Wu; H. Phillips

2005-05-16

A system using an Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) plasma source for the deposition of a thin niobium film inside a copper cavity for superconducting accelerator applications has been designed and is being constructed. The system uses a 500-MHz copper cavity as both substrate and vacuum chamber. The ECR plasma will be created to produce direct niobium ion deposition. The central cylindrical grid is DC biased to control the deposition energy. This paper describes the design of several subcomponents including the vacuum chamber, RF supply, biasing grid and magnet coils. Operational parameters are compared between an operating sample deposition system andmore » this system. Engineering work progress toward the first plasma creation will be reported here.« less

77 FR 19954 - Special Local Regulations for Marine Events, Swim Event, Lake Gaston; Littleton, NC

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-03

..., and swimming north along the western side of Eaton Ferry Bridge to the Waterview Restaurant. A fleet..., design, or operation; test methods; sampling procedures; and related management systems practices) that...

Autonomous microfluidic sample preparation system for protein profile-based detection of aerosolized bacterial cells and spores.

PubMed

Stachowiak, Jeanne C; Shugard, Erin E; Mosier, Bruce P; Renzi, Ronald F; Caton, Pamela F; Ferko, Scott M; Van de Vreugde, James L; Yee, Daniel D; Haroldsen, Brent L; VanderNoot, Victoria A

2007-08-01

For domestic and military security, an autonomous system capable of continuously monitoring for airborne biothreat agents is necessary. At present, no system meets the requirements for size, speed, sensitivity, and selectivity to warn against and lead to the prevention of infection in field settings. We present a fully automated system for the detection of aerosolized bacterial biothreat agents such as Bacillus subtilis (surrogate for Bacillus anthracis) based on protein profiling by chip gel electrophoresis coupled with a microfluidic sample preparation system. Protein profiling has previously been demonstrated to differentiate between bacterial organisms. With the goal of reducing response time, multiple microfluidic component modules, including aerosol collection via a commercially available collector, concentration, thermochemical lysis, size exclusion chromatography, fluorescent labeling, and chip gel electrophoresis were integrated together to create an autonomous collection/sample preparation/analysis system. The cycle time for sample preparation was approximately 5 min, while total cycle time, including chip gel electrophoresis, was approximately 10 min. Sensitivity of the coupled system for the detection of B. subtilis spores was 16 agent-containing particles per liter of air, based on samples that were prepared to simulate those collected by wetted cyclone aerosol collector of approximately 80% efficiency operating for 7 min.

PAVENET OS: A Compact Hard Real-Time Operating System for Precise Sampling in Wireless Sensor Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saruwatari, Shunsuke; Suzuki, Makoto; Morikawa, Hiroyuki

The paper shows a compact hard real-time operating system for wireless sensor nodes called PAVENET OS. PAVENET OS provides hybrid multithreading: preemptive multithreading and cooperative multithreading. Both of the multithreading are optimized for two kinds of tasks on wireless sensor networks, and those are real-time tasks and best-effort ones. PAVENET OS can efficiently perform hard real-time tasks that cannot be performed by TinyOS. The paper demonstrates the hybrid multithreading realizes compactness and low overheads, which are comparable to those of TinyOS, through quantitative evaluation. The evaluation results show PAVENET OS performs 100 Hz sensor sampling with 0.01% jitter while performing wireless communication tasks, whereas optimized TinyOS has 0.62% jitter. In addition, PAVENET OS has a small footprint and low overheads (minimum RAM size: 29 bytes, minimum ROM size: 490 bytes, minimum task switch time: 23 cycles).

Robust Learning Control Design for Quantum Unitary Transformations.

PubMed

Wu, Chengzhi; Qi, Bo; Chen, Chunlin; Dong, Daoyi

2017-12-01

Robust control design for quantum unitary transformations has been recognized as a fundamental and challenging task in the development of quantum information processing due to unavoidable decoherence or operational errors in the experimental implementation of quantum operations. In this paper, we extend the systematic methodology of sampling-based learning control (SLC) approach with a gradient flow algorithm for the design of robust quantum unitary transformations. The SLC approach first uses a "training" process to find an optimal control strategy robust against certain ranges of uncertainties. Then a number of randomly selected samples are tested and the performance is evaluated according to their average fidelity. The approach is applied to three typical examples of robust quantum transformation problems including robust quantum transformations in a three-level quantum system, in a superconducting quantum circuit, and in a spin chain system. Numerical results demonstrate the effectiveness of the SLC approach and show its potential applications in various implementation of quantum unitary transformations.

Preliminary acclimation strategies for successful startup in conventional biofilters.

PubMed

Elías, Ana; Barona, Astrid; Gallastegi, Gorka; Rojo, Naiara; Gurtubay, Luis; Ibarra-Berastegi, Gabriel

2010-08-01

The question of how to obtain the best inocula for conventional biofilters arises when an acclimation/adaptation procedure is to be applied. Bearing in mind that no standardized procedure for acclimating inocula exists, certain preliminary strategies for obtaining an active inoculum from wastewater treatment sludge are proposed in this work. Toluene was the contaminant to be degraded. Concerning the prior separation of sludge phases, no obvious advantage was found in separating the supernatant phase of the sludge before acclimation. As far as a continuous or discontinuous acclimation mode is concerned, the latter is recommended for rapidly obtaining acclimated sludge samples by operating the system for no longer than 1 month. The continuous mode rendered similar degradation rates, although it required longer operating time. Nevertheless, the great advantage of the continuous system lay in the absence of daily maintenance and the ready availability of the activated sample.

Standoff spectroscopic interrogation of samples irradiated by high energy lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daigle, Jean-François; Pudo, Dominik; Théberge, Francis

2017-10-01

We report on a novel method that shows the potential to provide real-time, standoff forensic analysis of samples being irradiated by a high energy laser (HEL). The interaction of the HEL beam with matter produces specific optical signatures that can be detected from the location of the HEL system. A spectroscopic analysis of these signals can then provide useful information to the operator including the impact the laser has on the sample as well as providing data about the its structure and composition.

Comparison of Aircraft Models and Integration Schemes for Interval Management in the TRACON

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neogi, Natasha; Hagen, George E.; Herencia-Zapana, Heber

2012-01-01

Reusable models of common elements for communication, computation, decision and control in air traffic management are necessary in order to enable simulation, analysis and assurance of emergent properties, such as safety and stability, for a given operational concept. Uncertainties due to faults, such as dropped messages, along with non-linearities and sensor noise are an integral part of these models, and impact emergent system behavior. Flight control algorithms designed using a linearized version of the flight mechanics will exhibit error due to model uncertainty, and may not be stable outside a neighborhood of the given point of linearization. Moreover, the communication mechanism by which the sensed state of an aircraft is fed back to a flight control system (such as an ADS-B message) impacts the overall system behavior; both due to sensor noise as well as dropped messages (vacant samples). Additionally simulation of the flight controller system can exhibit further numerical instability, due to selection of the integration scheme and approximations made in the flight dynamics. We examine the theoretical and numerical stability of a speed controller under the Euler and Runge-Kutta schemes of integration, for the Maintain phase for a Mid-Term (2035-2045) Interval Management (IM) Operational Concept for descent and landing operations. We model uncertainties in communication due to missed ADS-B messages by vacant samples in the integration schemes, and compare the emergent behavior of the system, in terms of stability, via the boundedness of the final system state. Any bound on the errors incurred by these uncertainties will play an essential part in a composable assurance argument required for real-time, flight-deck guidance and control systems,. Thus, we believe that the creation of reusable models, which possess property guarantees, such as safety and stability, is an innovative and essential requirement to assessing the emergent properties of novel airspace concepts of operation.

Ultra-High Temperature Materials Characterization for Propulsion Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rogers, Jan; Hyers, Robert

2007-01-01

Propulsion system efficiency increases as operating temperatures are increased. Some very high-temperature materials are being developed, including refractory metal alloys, carbides, borides, and silicides. System design requires data for materials properties at operating temperatures. Materials property data are not available for many materials of interest at the desired operating temperatures (up to approx. 3000 K). The objective of this work is to provide important physical property data at ultra-high temperatures. The MSFC Electrostatic levitation (ESL) facility can provide measurements of thermophysical properties which include: creep strength, density and thermal expansion for materials being developed for propulsion applications. The ESL facility uses electrostatic fields to position samples between electrodes during processing and characterization studies. Because the samples float between the electrodes during studies, they are free from any contact with a container or test apparatus. This provides a high purity environment for the study of high-temperature, reactive materials. ESL can be used to process a wide variety of materials including metals, alloys, ceramics, glasses and semiconductors. The MSFC ESL has provided non-contact measurements of properties of materials up to 3400 C. Density and thermal expansion are measured by analyzing digital images of the sample at different temperatures. Our novel, non-contact method for measuring creep uses rapid rotation to deform the sample. Digital images of the deformed samples are analyzed to obtain the creep properties, which match those obtained using ASTM Standard E-139 for Nb at 1985 C. Data from selected ESL-based characterization studies will be presented. The ESL technique could support numerous propulsion technologies by advancing the knowledge base and the technology readiness level for ultra-high temperature materials. Applications include non-eroding nozzle materials and lightweight, high-temperature alloys for turbines and structures.

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

Cornwell, Paris A; Bunn, Jeffrey R; Schmidlin, Joshua E

The December 2010 version of the guide, ORNL/TM-2008/159, by Jeff Bunn, Josh Schmidlin, Camden Hubbard, and Paris Cornwell, has been further revised due to a major change in the GeoMagic Studio software for constructing a surface model. The Studio software update also includes a plug-in module to operate the FARO Scan Arm. Other revisions for clarity were also made. The purpose of this revision document is to guide the reader through the process of laser alignment used by NRSF2 at HFIR and VULCAN at SNS. This system was created to increase the spatial accuracy of the measurement points in amore » sample, reduce the use of neutron time used for alignment, improve experiment planning, and reduce operator error. The need for spatial resolution has been driven by the reduction in gauge volumes to the sub-millimeter level, steep strain gradients in some samples, and requests to mount multiple samples within a few days for relating data from each sample to a common sample coordinate system. The first step in this process involves mounting the sample on an indexer table in a laboratory set up for offline sample mounting and alignment in the same manner it would be mounted at either instrument. In the shared laboratory, a FARO ScanArm is used to measure the coordinates of points on the sample surface ('point cloud'), specific features and fiducial points. A Sample Coordinate System (SCS) needs to be established first. This is an advantage of the technique because the SCS can be defined in such a way to facilitate simple definition of measurement points within the sample. Next, samples are typically mounted to a frame of 80/20 and fiducial points are attached to the sample or frame then measured in the established sample coordinate system. The laser scan probe on the ScanArm can then be used to scan in an 'as-is' model of the sample as well as mounting hardware. GeoMagic Studio 12 is the software package used to construct the model from the point cloud the scan arm creates. Once a model, fiducial, and measurement files are created, a special program, called SScanSS combines the information and by simulation of the sample on the diffractometer can help plan the experiment before using neutron time. Finally, the sample is mounted on the relevant stress measurement instrument and the fiducial points are measured again. In the HFIR beam room, a laser tracker is used in conjunction with a program called CAM2 to measure the fiducial points in the NRSF2 instrument's sample positioner coordinate system. SScanSS is then used again to perform a coordinate system transformation of the measurement file locations to the sample positioner coordinate system. A procedure file is then written with the coordinates in the sample positioner coordinate system for the desired measurement locations. This file is often called a script or command file and can be further modified using excel. It is very important to note that this process is not a linear one, but rather, it often is iterative. Many of the steps in this guide are interdependent on one another. It is very important to discuss the process as it pertains to the specific sample being measured. What works with one sample may not necessarily work for another. This guide attempts to provide a typical work flow that has been successful in most cases.« less

Underestimated effects of sediments on enhanced startup performance of biofilm systems for polluted source water pretreatment.

PubMed

Lv, Zheng-Hui; Wang, Jing; Yang, Guang-Feng; Feng, Li-Juan; Mu, Jun; Zhu, Liang; Xu, Xiang-Yang

2018-02-01

In order to evaluate the enhancement mechanisms of enhanced startup performance in biofilm systems for polluted source water pretreatment, three lab-scale reactors with elastic stereo media (ESM) were operated under different enhanced sediment and hydraulic agitation conditions. It is interesting to found the previously underestimated or overlooked effects of sediment on the enhancement of pollutants removal performance and enrichment of functional bacteria in biofilm systems. The maximum NH 4 + -N removal rate of 0.35 mg L -1 h -1 in sediment enhanced condition was 2.19 times of that in control reactor. Sediment contributed to 42.0-56.5% of NH 4 + -N removal and 15.4-41.2% of total nitrogen removal in different reactors under different operation conditions. The enhanced hydraulic agitation with sediment further improved the operation performance and accumulation of functional bacteria. Generally, Proteobacteria (48.9-52.1%), Bacteroidetes (18.9-20.8%) and Actinobacteria (15.7-18.5%) were dominant in both sediment and ESM bioiflm at  phylum level. The potentially functional bacteria found in sediment and ESM biofilm samples with some functional bacteria mainly presented in sediment samples only (e.g., Genera Bacillus and Lactococcus of Firmicutes phylum) may commonly contribute to the removal of nitrogen and organics.

Initial operation of the NSTX-Upgrade real-time velocity diagnostic

DOE PAGES

Podestà, M.; Bell, R. E.

2016-11-03

A real-time velocity (RTV) diagnostic based on active charge-exchange recombination spectroscopy is now operational on the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade (NSTX-U) spherical torus (Menard et al 2012 Nucl. Fusion 52 083015). We designed the system in order to supply plasma velocity data in real time to the NSTX-U plasma control system, as required for the implementation of toroidal rotation control. Our measurements are available from four radii at a maximum sampling frequency of 5 kHz. Post-discharge analysis of RTV data provides additional information on ion temperature, toroidal velocity and density of carbon impurities. Furthermore, examples of physics studies enabled bymore » RTV measurements from initial operations of NSTX-U are discussed.« less

Market Survey: Biological Detectors. Guide for Selection of Detection Devices and Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-02-01

samples. There are no real concerns with logistical or operational concerns, as issues such as size, weight, signature, transportation , additional equipment...of the detection system or device on support and logistical systems. 2.1 Transportation Measure. Ability to transport the detection system or device...supplied, such as water, fuel, batteries, chemical, power, etc.) that have to be transported to the site for detection. 100 0-1 consumable or

Implication of Gastric Cancer Molecular Genetic Markers in Surgical Practice.

PubMed

Nemtsova, Marina V; Strelnikov, Vladimir V; Tanas, Alexander S; Bykov, Igor I; Zaletaev, Dmitry V; Rudenko, Viktoria V; Glukhov, Alexander I; Kchorobrich, Tatiana V; Li, Yi; Tarasov, Vadim V; Barreto, George E; Aliev, Gjumrakch

2017-10-01

We have investigated aberrant methylation of genes CDH1, RASSF1A, MLH1, N33, DAPK, expression of genes hTERT, MMP7, MMP9, BIRC5 (survivin), PTGS2, and activity of telomerase of 106 gastric tumor samples obtained intra-operatively and 53 gastric tumor samples from the same group of patients obtained endoscopically before surgery. Biopsy specimens obtained from 50 patients with chronic calculous cholecystitis were used as a control group. Together with tissue samples obtained from different sites remote to tumors, a total of 727 samples have been studied. The selected parameters comprise a system of molecular markers that can be used in both diagnostics of gastric cancer and in dynamic monitoring of patients after surgery. Special attention was paid to the use of molecular markers for the diagnostics of malignant process in the material obtained endoscopically since the efficacy of morphological diagnostics in biopsies is compromised by intratumoral heterogeneity, which may prevent reliable identification of tumor cells in the sampling. Our data indicated that certain molecular genetic events provided more sensitive yet specific markers of the tumor. We demonstrated that molecular profiles detected in preoperative biopsies were confirmed by the material obtained intra-operatively. The use of endoscopic material facilitates gastric tumors pre-operative diagnostics, improving early detection of gastric cancer and potential effective treatment strategies.

Sampled-data design for sliding mode control based on various robust specifications in open quantum system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Yinghua; Ju-Ju, Hu; Jian-Hua, Huang; Qiang, Ke

Due to the influence of decoherence, the quantum state probably evolves from the initial pure state to the mixed state, resulting in loss of fidelity, coherence and purity, which is deteriorating for quantum information transmission. Thus, in quantum engineering, quantum control should not only realize the transfer and track of quantum states through manipulation of the external electromagnetic field but also enhance the robustness against decoherence. In this paper, we aim to design a control law to steer the system into the sliding mode domain and maintain it in that domain when bounded uncertainties exist in the system Hamiltonian. We first define the required control performance by fidelity, degree of coherence and purity in terms of the uncertainty of the Hamiltonian in Markovian open quantum system. By characterizing the required robustness using a sliding mode domain, a sampled-data design method is introduced for decoherence control in the quantum system. Furthermore, utilizing the sampled data, a control scheme has been designed on the basis of sliding mode control, and the choice of sampling operator and driving of quantum state during the sampling by the Lyapunov control method are discussed.

A large volume particulate and water multi-sampler with in situ preservation for microbial and biogeochemical studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breier, J. A.; Sheik, C. S.; Gomez-Ibanez, D.; Sayre-McCord, R. T.; Sanger, R.; Rauch, C.; Coleman, M.; Bennett, S. A.; Cron, B. R.; Li, M.; German, C. R.; Toner, B. M.; Dick, G. J.

2014-12-01

A new tool was developed for large volume sampling to facilitate marine microbiology and biogeochemical studies. It was developed for remotely operated vehicle and hydrocast deployments, and allows for rapid collection of multiple sample types from the water column and dynamic, variable environments such as rising hydrothermal plumes. It was used successfully during a cruise to the hydrothermal vent systems of the Mid-Cayman Rise. The Suspended Particulate Rosette V2 large volume multi-sampling system allows for the collection of 14 sample sets per deployment. Each sample set can include filtered material, whole (unfiltered) water, and filtrate. Suspended particulate can be collected on filters up to 142 mm in diameter and pore sizes down to 0.2 μm. Filtration is typically at flowrates of 2 L min-1. For particulate material, filtered volume is constrained only by sampling time and filter capacity, with all sample volumes recorded by digital flowmeter. The suspended particulate filter holders can be filled with preservative and sealed immediately after sample collection. Up to 2 L of whole water, filtrate, or a combination of the two, can be collected as part of each sample set. The system is constructed of plastics with titanium fasteners and nickel alloy spring loaded seals. There are no ferrous alloys in the sampling system. Individual sample lines are prefilled with filtered, deionized water prior to deployment and remain sealed unless a sample is actively being collected. This system is intended to facilitate studies concerning the relationship between marine microbiology and ocean biogeochemistry.

Experience with soluble neutron poisons for criticality control at ICPP

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

Wilson, R.E.; Mortimer, S.R.

1978-01-01

Soluble neutron poisons assure criticality control in two of the headend fuel reprocessing systems at the Idaho Chemical Processing Plant. Soluble poisons have been used successfully since 1964 and will be employed in the projected new headend processes. The use of soluble poisons (1) greatly increases the process output (2) allows versatility in the size of fuel assemblies processed and (3) allows the practical reprocessing of some fuels. The safety limit for all fluids entering the U-Zr alloy dissolver is 3.6 g/liter boron. To allow for possible deviations in the measurement systems and drift between analytical sampling periods, the standardmore » practice is to use 3.85 g/liter boron as the lower limit. This dissolver has had 4000 successful hours of operation using soluble poisons. The electrolytic dissolution process depends on soluble gadolinium for criticality safety. This system is used to process high enriched uranium clad in stainless steel. Electrolytic dissolution takes advantage of the anodic corrosion that occurs when a large electrical current is passed through the fuel elements in a corrosive environment. Three control methods are used on each headend system. First, the poison is mixed according to standard operating procedures and the measurements are affirmed by the operator's supervisor. Second, the poisoned solution is stirred, sampled, analyzed, and the analysis reported while still in the mix tank. Finally, a Nuclear Poison Detection System (NPDS) must show an acceptable poison concentration before the solution can be transferred. The major disadvantage of using soluble poisons is the need for very sophisticated control systems and procedures, which require extensive checkout. The need for a poisoned primary heating and cooling system means a secondary system is needed as well. Experience has shown, however, that production enhancement more than makes up for the problems.« less

Effect of water chemistry upsets on the dynamics of corrective reagent dosing systems at thermal power stations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voronov, V. N.; Yegoshina, O. V.; Bolshakova, N. A.; Yarovoi, V. O.; Latt, Aie Min

2016-12-01

Typical disturbances in the dynamics of a corrective reagent dosing system under unsteady-state conditions during the unsatisfactory operation of a chemical control system with some water chemistry upsets at thermal and nuclear power stations are considered. An experimental setup representing a physical model for the water chemistry control system is described. The two disturbances, which are most frequently encountered in water chemistry control practice, such as a breakdown or shutdown of temperature compensation during pH measurement and an increase in the heat-transfer fluid flow rate, have been modeled in the process of study. The study of the effect produced by the response characteristics of chemical control analyzers on the operation of a reagent dosing system under unsteady-state conditions is important for the operative control of a water chemistry regime state. The effect of temperature compensation during pH measurement on the dynamics of an ammonia-dosing system in the manual and automatic cycle chemistry control modes has been studied. It has been demonstrated that the reading settling time of a pH meter in the manual ammonia- dosing mode grows with a breakdown in temperature compensation and a simultaneous increase in the temperature of a heat-transfer fluid sample. To improve the efficiency of water chemistry control, some systems for the quality control of a heat-transfer fluid by a chemical parameter with the obligatory compensation of a disturbance in its flow rate have been proposed for use. Experimental results will possibly differ from industrial data due to a great length of sampling lines. For this reason, corrective reagent dosing systems must be adapted to the conditions of a certain power-generating unit in the process of their implementation.

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

Derenzo, Stephen E.; Moses, William W.

An embodiment of a liquid chromatography detection unit includes a fluid channel and a radiation detector. The radiation detector is operable to image a distribution of a radiolabeled compound as the distribution travels along the fluid channel. An embodiment of a liquid chromatography system includes an injector, a separation column, and a radiation detector. The injector is operable to inject a sample that includes a radiolabeled compound into a solvent stream. The position sensitive radiation detector is operable to image a distribution of the radiolabeled compound as the distribution travels along a fluid channel. An embodiment of a method ofmore » liquid chromatography includes injecting a sample that comprises radiolabeled compounds into a solvent. The radiolabeled compounds are then separated. A position sensitive radiation detector is employed to image distributions of the radiolabeled compounds as the radiolabeled compounds travel along a fluid channel.« less

Optimization and performance of the Robert Stobie Spectrograph Near-InfraRed detector system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mosby, Gregory; Indahl, Briana; Eggen, Nathan; Wolf, Marsha; Hooper, Eric; Jaehnig, Kurt; Thielman, Don; Burse, Mahesh

2018-01-01

At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, we are building and testing the near-infrared (NIR) spectrograph for the Southern African Large Telescope-RSS-NIR. RSS-NIR will be an enclosed cooled integral field spectrograph. The RSS-NIR detector system uses a HAWAII-2RG (H2RG) HgCdTe detector from Teledyne controlled by the SIDECAR ASIC and an Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCCA) ISDEC card. We have successfully characterized and optimized the detector system and report on the optimization steps and performance of the system. We have reduced the CDS read noise to ˜20 e- for 200 kHz operation by optimizing ASIC settings. We show an additional factor of 3 reduction of read noise using Fowler sampling techniques and a factor of 2 reduction using up-the-ramp group sampling techniques. We also provide calculations to quantify the conditions for sky-limited observations using these sampling techniques.

Research on lunar and planet development and utilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

1992-08-01

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

Northern Arabian Sea Circulation - Autonomous Research: Optimal Planning Systems (NASCar-OPS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-30

vehicles ( gliders , drifters, floats, and/or wave- gliders ) - Provide guidance for persistent optimal sampling, including for long-duration observation...headings and relative operating speeds will be provided to the operational fleets of instruments and vehicles (e.g. gliders , drifters, floats or wave... gliders ). We plan to use models specific to vehicle types (floats, wave- gliders , etc.). We also plan to further parallelize and optimize our codes

LV software support for supersonic flow analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bell, William A.

1991-01-01

During 1991, the software developed allowed an operator to configure and checkout the TSI, Inc. laser velocimeter (LV) system prior to a run. This setup procedure established the operating conditions for the TSI MI-990 multichannel interface and the RMR-1989 rotating machinery resolver. In addition to initializing the instruments, the software package provides a means of specifying LV calibration constants, controlling the sampling process, and identifying the test parameters.

Compendium of Operations Research and Economic Analysis Studies.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-09-01

robots , conveyor belts, etc. are modeled as well. Simulation results indicate that the IMC design for receiving and packing is feasible from a system...Logistics Services Center (DLSC) operation. Benef its were evaluated through analysis of a sample of data from recipients as to the use being made of...Modernization of the DPSC Manufacturing Facility (August 1969) This study explored the feasibility of a proposal to air condition and modernize the

Nose biopsy: a comparison between two sampling techniques.

PubMed

Segal, Nili; Osyntsov, Lidia; Olchowski, Judith; Kordeluk, Sofia; Plakht, Ygal

2016-06-01

Pre operative biopsy is important in obtaining preliminary information that may help in tailoring the optimal treatment. The aim of this study was to compare two sampling techniques of obtaining nasal biopsy-nasal forceps and nasal scissors in terms of pathological results. Biopsies of nasal lesions were taken from patients undergoing nasal surgery by two techniques- with nasal forceps and with nasal scissors. Each sample was examined by a senior pathologist that was blinded to the sampling method. A grading system was used to rate the crush artifact in every sample (none, mild, moderate, severe). A comparison was made between the severity of the crush artifact and the pathological results of the two techniques. One hundred and forty-four samples were taken from 46 patients. Thirty-one were males and the mean age was 49.6 years. Samples taken by forceps had significantly higher grades of crush artifacts compared to those taken by scissors. The degree of crush artifacts had a significant influence on the accuracy of the pre operative biopsy. Forceps cause significant amount of crush artifacts compared to scissors. The degree of crush artifact in the tissue sample influences the accuracy of the biopsy.

Reliable measurement of the Seebeck coefficient of organic and inorganic materials between 260 K and 460 K

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

Beretta, D.; Lanzani, G.; Dipartimento di Fisica, P.zza Leonardo da Vinci 32, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano

2015-07-15

A new experimental setup for reliable measurement of the in-plane Seebeck coefficient of organic and inorganic thin films and bulk materials is reported. The system is based on the “Quasi-Static” approach and can measure the thermopower in the range of temperature between 260 K and 460 K. The system has been tested on a pure nickel bulk sample and on a thin film of commercially available PEDOT:PSS deposited by spin coating on glass. Repeatability within 1.5% for the nickel sample is demonstrated, while accuracy in the measurement of both organic and inorganic samples is guaranteed by time interpolation of datamore » and by operating with a temperature difference over the sample of less than 1 K.« less

Handheld nonlinear microscope system comprising a 2 MHz repetition rate, mode-locked Yb-fiber laser for in vivo biomedical imaging

PubMed Central

Krolopp, Ádám; Csákányi, Attila; Haluszka, Dóra; Csáti, Dániel; Vass, Lajos; Kolonics, Attila; Wikonkál, Norbert; Szipőcs, Róbert

2016-01-01

A novel, Yb-fiber laser based, handheld 2PEF/SHG microscope imaging system is introduced. It is suitable for in vivo imaging of murine skin at an average power level as low as 5 mW at 200 kHz sampling rate. Amplified and compressed laser pulses having a spectral bandwidth of 8 to 12 nm at around 1030 nm excite the biological samples at a ~1.89 MHz repetition rate, which explains how the high quality two-photon excitation fluorescence (2PEF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) images are obtained at the average power level of a laser pointer. The scanning, imaging and detection head, which comprises a conventional microscope objective for beam focusing, has a physical length of ~180 mm owing to the custom designed imaging telescope system between the laser scanner mirrors and the entrance aperture of the microscope objective. Operation of the all-fiber, all-normal dispersion Yb-fiber ring laser oscillator is electronically controlled by a two-channel polarization controller for Q-switching free mode-locked operation. The whole nonlinear microscope imaging system has the main advantages of the low price of the fs laser applied, fiber optics flexibility, a relatively small, light-weight scanning and detection head, and a very low risk of thermal or photochemical damage of the skin samples. PMID:27699118

Handheld nonlinear microscope system comprising a 2 MHz repetition rate, mode-locked Yb-fiber laser for in vivo biomedical imaging.

PubMed

Krolopp, Ádám; Csákányi, Attila; Haluszka, Dóra; Csáti, Dániel; Vass, Lajos; Kolonics, Attila; Wikonkál, Norbert; Szipőcs, Róbert

2016-09-01

A novel, Yb-fiber laser based, handheld 2PEF/SHG microscope imaging system is introduced. It is suitable for in vivo imaging of murine skin at an average power level as low as 5 mW at 200 kHz sampling rate. Amplified and compressed laser pulses having a spectral bandwidth of 8 to 12 nm at around 1030 nm excite the biological samples at a ~1.89 MHz repetition rate, which explains how the high quality two-photon excitation fluorescence (2PEF) and second harmonic generation (SHG) images are obtained at the average power level of a laser pointer. The scanning, imaging and detection head, which comprises a conventional microscope objective for beam focusing, has a physical length of ~180 mm owing to the custom designed imaging telescope system between the laser scanner mirrors and the entrance aperture of the microscope objective. Operation of the all-fiber, all-normal dispersion Yb-fiber ring laser oscillator is electronically controlled by a two-channel polarization controller for Q-switching free mode-locked operation. The whole nonlinear microscope imaging system has the main advantages of the low price of the fs laser applied, fiber optics flexibility, a relatively small, light-weight scanning and detection head, and a very low risk of thermal or photochemical damage of the skin samples.

The Interactivity Effect in Multimedia Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Evans, Chris; Gibbons, Nicola J.

2007-01-01

The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of interactivity to a computer-based learning package enhances the learning process. A sample of 33 (22 male and 11 female) undergraduates on a Business and Management degree used a multimedia system to learn about the operation of a bicycle pump. The system consisted of a labelled…

A cyber-enabled spatial decision support system to inventory Mangroves in Mozambique: coupling scientific workflows and cloud computing

Treesearch

Wenwu Tang; Wenpeng Feng; Meijuan Jia; Jiyang Shi; Huifang Zuo; Christina E. Stringer; Carl C. Trettin

2017-01-01

Mangroves are an important terrestrial carbon reservoir with numerous ecosystem services. Yet, it is difficult to inventory mangroves because of their low accessibility. A sampling approach that produces accurate assessment while maximizing logistical integrity of inventory operation is often required. Spatial decision support systems (SDSSs) provide support for...

10 CFR 36.59 - Detection of leaking sources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... alarm set-point to a higher level if necessary to operate the pool water purification system to clean up... certificate from a transferor that leak test has been done within the 6 months before the transfer. Water from... either by using a radiation monitor on a pool water circulating system or by analysis of a sample of pool...

10 CFR 36.59 - Detection of leaking sources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... alarm set-point to a higher level if necessary to operate the pool water purification system to clean up... certificate from a transferor that leak test has been done within the 6 months before the transfer. Water from... either by using a radiation monitor on a pool water circulating system or by analysis of a sample of pool...

10 CFR 36.59 - Detection of leaking sources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... alarm set-point to a higher level if necessary to operate the pool water purification system to clean up... certificate from a transferor that leak test has been done within the 6 months before the transfer. Water from... either by using a radiation monitor on a pool water circulating system or by analysis of a sample of pool...

10 CFR 36.59 - Detection of leaking sources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... alarm set-point to a higher level if necessary to operate the pool water purification system to clean up... certificate from a transferor that leak test has been done within the 6 months before the transfer. Water from... either by using a radiation monitor on a pool water circulating system or by analysis of a sample of pool...

Combined, solid-state molecular property and gamma spectrometers for CBRNE detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogers, Ben; Grate, Jay; Pearson, Brett; Gallagher, Neal; Wise, Barry; Whitten, Ralph; Adams, Jesse

2013-05-01

Nevada Nanotech Systems, Inc. (Nevada Nano) has developed a multi-sensor solution to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) detection that combines the Molecular Property Spectrometer™ (MPS™)—a micro-electro-mechanical chip-based technology capable of measuring a variety of thermodynamic and electrostatic molecular properties of sampled vapors and particles—and a compact, high-resolution, solid-state gamma spectrometer module for identifying radioactive materials, including isotopes used in dirty bombs and nuclear weapons. By conducting multiple measurements, the system can provide a more complete characterization of an unknown sample, leading to a more accurate identification. Positive identifications of threats are communicated using an integrated wireless module. Currently, system development is focused on detection of commercial, military and improvised explosives, radioactive materials, and chemical threats. The system can be configured for a variety of CBRNE applications, including handheld wands and swab-type threat detectors requiring short sample times, and ultra-high sensitivity detectors in which longer sampling times are used. Here we provide an overview of the system design and operation and present results from preliminary testing.

A fully automated liquid–liquid extraction system utilizing interface detection

PubMed Central

Maslana, Eugene; Schmitt, Robert; Pan, Jeffrey

2000-01-01

The development of the Abbott Liquid-Liquid Extraction Station was a result of the need for an automated system to perform aqueous extraction on large sets of newly synthesized organic compounds used for drug discovery. The system utilizes a cylindrical laboratory robot to shuttle sample vials between two loading racks, two identical extraction stations, and a centrifuge. Extraction is performed by detecting the phase interface (by difference in refractive index) of the moving column of fluid drawn from the bottom of each vial containing a biphasic mixture. The integration of interface detection with fluid extraction maximizes sample throughput. Abbott-developed electronics process the detector signals. Sample mixing is performed by high-speed solvent injection. Centrifuging of the samples reduces interface emulsions. Operating software permits the user to program wash protocols with any one of six solvents per wash cycle with as many cycle repeats as necessary. Station capacity is eighty, 15 ml vials. This system has proven successful with a broad spectrum of both ethyl acetate and methylene chloride based chemistries. The development and characterization of this automated extraction system will be presented. PMID:18924693

Sustainable Mars Sample Return

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alston, Christie; Hancock, Sean; Laub, Joshua; Perry, Christopher; Ash, Robert

2011-01-01

The proposed Mars sample return mission will be completed using natural Martian resources for the majority of its operations. The system uses the following technologies: In-Situ Propellant Production (ISPP), a methane-oxygen propelled Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV), a carbon dioxide powered hopper, and a hydrogen fueled balloon system (large balloons and small weather balloons). The ISPP system will produce the hydrogen, methane, and oxygen using a Sabatier reactor. a water electrolysis cell, water extracted from the Martian surface, and carbon dioxide extracted from the Martian atmosphere. Indigenous hydrogen will fuel the balloon systems and locally-derived methane and oxygen will fuel the MAV for the return of a 50 kg sample to Earth. The ISPP system will have a production cycle of 800 days and the estimated overall mission length is 1355 days from Earth departure to return to low Earth orbit. Combining these advanced technologies will enable the proposed sample return mission to be executed with reduced initial launch mass and thus be more cost efficient. The successful completion of this mission will serve as the next step in the advancement of Mars exploration technology.

Monte Carlo simulation of energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Fusheng

Four key components with regards to Monte Carlo Library Least Squares (MCLLS) have been developed by the author. These include: a comprehensive and accurate Monte Carlo simulation code - CEARXRF5 with Differential Operators (DO) and coincidence sampling, Detector Response Function (DRF), an integrated Monte Carlo - Library Least-Squares (MCLLS) Graphical User Interface (GUI) visualization System (MCLLSPro) and a new reproducible and flexible benchmark experiment setup. All these developments or upgrades enable the MCLLS approach to be a useful and powerful tool for a tremendous variety of elemental analysis applications. CEARXRF, a comprehensive and accurate Monte Carlo code for simulating the total and individual library spectral responses of all elements, has been recently upgraded to version 5 by the author. The new version has several key improvements: input file format fully compatible with MCNP5, a new efficient general geometry tracking code, versatile source definitions, various variance reduction techniques (e.g. weight window mesh and splitting, stratifying sampling, etc.), a new cross section data storage and accessing method which improves the simulation speed by a factor of four and new cross section data, upgraded differential operators (DO) calculation capability, and also an updated coincidence sampling scheme which including K-L and L-L coincidence X-Rays, while keeping all the capabilities of the previous version. The new Differential Operators method is powerful for measurement sensitivity study and system optimization. For our Monte Carlo EDXRF elemental analysis system, it becomes an important technique for quantifying the matrix effect in near real time when combined with the MCLLS approach. An integrated visualization GUI system has been developed by the author to perform elemental analysis using iterated Library Least-Squares method for various samples when an initial guess is provided. This software was built on the Borland C++ Builder platform and has a user-friendly interface to accomplish all qualitative and quantitative tasks easily. That is to say, the software enables users to run the forward Monte Carlo simulation (if necessary) or use previously calculated Monte Carlo library spectra to obtain the sample elemental composition estimation within a minute. The GUI software is easy to use with user-friendly features and has the capability to accomplish all related tasks in a visualization environment. It can be a powerful tool for EDXRF analysts. A reproducible experiment setup has been built and experiments have been performed to benchmark the system. Two types of Standard Reference Materials (SRM), stainless steel samples from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and aluminum alloy samples from Alcoa Inc., with certified elemental compositions, are tested with this reproducible prototype system using a 109Cd radioisotope source (20mCi) and a liquid nitrogen cooled Si(Li) detector. The results show excellent agreement between the calculated sample compositions and their reference values and the approach is very fast.

A space transportation system operations model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, W. Douglas; White, Nancy H.

1987-01-01

Presented is a description of a computer program which permits assessment of the operational support requirements of space transportation systems functioning in both a ground- and space-based environment. The scenario depicted provides for the delivery of payloads from Earth to a space station and beyond using upper stages based at the station. Model results are scenario dependent and rely on the input definitions of delivery requirements, task times, and available resources. Output is in terms of flight rate capabilities, resource requirements, and facility utilization. A general program description, program listing, input requirements, and sample output are included.

Radiation Effects on Emerging Technologies: Implications of Space Weather Risk Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

LaBel, Kenneth A.; Barth, Janet L.

2000-01-01

As NASA and its space partners endeavor to develop a network of satellites capable of supporting humankind's needs for advanced space weather prediction and understanding, one of the key challenges is to design a space system to operate in the natural space radiation environment In this paper, we present a description of the natural space radiation environment, the effects of interest to electronic or photonic systems, and a sample of emerging technologies and their specific issues. We conclude with a discussion of operations in the space radiation hazard and considerations for risk management.

Skill acquisition while operating in-vehicle information systems: interface design determines the level of safety-relevant distractions.

PubMed

Jahn, Georg; Krems, Josef F; Gelau, Christhard

2009-04-01

This study tested whether the ease of learning to use human-machine interfaces of in-vehicle information systems (IVIS) can be assessed at standstill. Assessing the attentional demand of IVIS should include an evaluation of ease of learning, because the use of IVIS at low skill levels may create safety-relevant distractions. Skill acquisition in operating IVIS was quantified by fitting the power law of practice to training data sets collected in a driving study and at standstill. Participants practiced manual destination entry with two route guidance systems differing in cognitive demand. In Experiment 1, a sample of middle-aged participants was trained while steering routes of varying driving demands. In Experiment 2, another sample of middle-aged participants was trained at standstill. In Experiment 1, display glance times were less affected by driving demands than by total task times and decreased at slightly higher speed-up rates (0.02 higher on average) than task times collected at standstill in Experiment 2. The system interface that minimized cognitive demand was operated more quickly and was easier to learn. Its system delays increased static task times, which still predicted 58% of variance in display glance times compared with even 76% for the second system. The ease of learning to use an IVIS interface and the decrease in attentional demand with training can be assessed at standstill. Fitting the power law of practice to static task times yields parameters that predict display glance times while driving, which makes it possible to compare interfaces with regard to ease of learning.

Remote Monitoring of the Structural Health of Hydrokinetic Composite Turbine Blades

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

J.L. Rovey

A health monitoring approach is investigated for hydrokinetic turbine blade applications. In-service monitoring is critical due to the difficult environment for blade inspection and the cost of inspection downtime. Composite blade designs have advantages that include long life in marine environments and great control over mechanical properties. Experimental strain characteristics are determined for static loads and free-vibration loads. These experiments are designed to simulate the dynamic characteristics of hydrokinetic turbine blades. Carbon/epoxy symmetric composite laminates are manufactured using an autoclave process. Four-layer composite beams, eight-layer composite beams, and two-dimensional eight-layer composite blades are instrumented for strain. Experimental results for strainmore » measurements from electrical resistance gages are validated with theoretical characteristics obtained from in-house finite-element analysis for all sample cases. These preliminary tests on the composite samples show good correlation between experimental and finite-element strain results. A health monitoring system is proposed in which damage to a composite structure, e.g. delamination and fiber breakage, causes changes in the strain signature behavior. The system is based on embedded strain sensors and embedded motes in which strain information is demodulated for wireless transmission. In-service monitoring is critical due to the difficult environment for blade inspection and the cost of inspection downtime. Composite blade designs provide a medium for embedding sensors into the blades for in-situ health monitoring. The major challenge with in-situ health monitoring is transmission of sensor signals from the remote rotating reference frame of the blade to the system monitoring station. In the presented work, a novel system for relaying in-situ blade health measurements in hydrokinetic systems is described and demonstrated. An ultrasonic communication system is used to transmit sensor data underwater from the rotating frame of the blade to a fixed relay station. Data are then broadcast via radio waves to a remote monitoring station. Results indicate that the assembled system can transmit simulated sensor data with an accuracy of ±5% at a maximum sampling rate of 500 samples/sec. A power investigation of the transmitter within the blade shows that continuous max-sampling operation is only possible for short durations (~days), and is limited due to the capacity of the battery power source. However, intermittent sampling, with long periods between samples, allows for the system to last for very long durations (~years). Finally, because the data transmission system can operate at a high sampling rate for short durations or at a lower sampling rate/higher duty cycle for long durations, it is well-suited for short-term prototype and environmental testing, as well as long-term commercially-deployed hydrokinetic machines.« less

Experimental and Analytical Determination of the Motion of Hydraulically Operated Valve Stems in Oil Engine Injection Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gelalles, A G; Rothrock, A M

1930-01-01

This research on the pressure variations in the injection system of the N.A.C.A. Spray Photography Equipment and on the effects of these variations on the motion of the timing valve stem was undertaken in connection with the study of fuel injection systems for high-speed oil engines. The methods of analysis of the pressure variations and the general equation for the motion of the spring-loaded stem for the timing valve are applicable to a spring-loaded automatic injection valve, and in general to all hydraulically operated valves. A sample calculation for a spring-loaded automatic injection valve is included.

Microgravity effects on electrodeposition of metals and metal-cermet mixtures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maybee, George W.; Riley, Clyde; Coble, H. Dwain

1987-01-01

An experimental system, designed to investigate the potential advantages of electrodeposition in microgravity, is being developed by the McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Company-Huntsville Division and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. It is intended to fly as an Orbiter payload when NASA resumes STS operations. The system will provide power, thermal conditioning, command and control for the production of electrodeposits; system performance data will be recorded for post-flight analysis. Plated metal surfaces will be created using simple electrolytic cells with pure metal electrodes immersed in aqueous electrolytic solutions. Crystalline structure and other properties will be analyzed to identify differences between samples produced in flight and those obtained from ground-based operations.

Adaptive/learning control of large space structures - System identification techniques. [for multi-configuration flexible spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thau, F. E.; Montgomery, R. C.

1980-01-01

Techniques developed for the control of aircraft under changing operating conditions are used to develop a learning control system structure for a multi-configuration, flexible space vehicle. A configuration identification subsystem that is to be used with a learning algorithm and a memory and control process subsystem is developed. Adaptive gain adjustments can be achieved by this learning approach without prestoring of large blocks of parameter data and without dither signal inputs which will be suppressed during operations for which they are not compatible. The Space Shuttle Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) experiment is used as a sample problem for the testing of adaptive/learning control system algorithms.

SRB Processing Facilities Media Event

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-03-01

Inside the Booster Fabrication Facility (BFF) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Jeff Cook, a thermal protection system specialist with Orbital ATK, displays a sample of the painted thermal protection system that is being applied to booster segments. Members of the news media toured the BFF. Orbital ATK is a contractor for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama, and operates the BFF to prepare aft booster segments and hardware for the SLS rocket boosters. The SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft will launch on Exploration Mission-1 in 2018. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is preparing the infrastructure to process and launch spacecraft for deep-space missions and the journey to Mars.

Operational considerations in monitoring oxygen levels at the National Transonic Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zalenski, M. A.; Rowe, E. L.; Mcphee, J. R.

1985-01-01

Laboratory monitoring of the level of oxygen in sample gas mixtures is a process which can be performed with accurate and repeatable results. Operations at the National Transonic Facility require the storage and pumping of large volumes of liquid nitrogen. To protect against the possibility of a fault resulting in a localized oxygen deficient atmosphere, the facility is equipped with a monitoring system with an array of sensors. During the early operational stages, the system produced recurrent alarms, none of which could be traced to a true oxygen deficiency. A thorough analysis of the system was undertaken with primary emphasis placed on the sensor units. These units sense the partial pressure of oxygen which, after signal conditioning, is presented as a % by volume indication at the system output. It was determined that many of the problems experienced were due to a lack of proper accounting for the partial pressure/% by volume relationship, with a secondary cause being premature sensor failure. Procedures were established to consider atmospherically induced partial pressure variations. Sensor rebuilding techniques were examined, and those elements contributing to premature sensor failure were identified. The system now operates with a high degree of confidence and reliability.