7 CFR 810.1204 - Grades and grade requirements for rye.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Section 810.1204 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) GRAIN INSPECTION, PACKERS AND STOCKYARD ADMINISTRATION (FEDERAL GRAIN INSPECTION SERVICE), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICIAL UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRAIN United States Standards for Rye Principles Governing the...

7 CFR 810.207 - Special grades and special grade requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Section 810.207 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) GRAIN INSPECTION, PACKERS AND STOCKYARD ADMINISTRATION (FEDERAL GRAIN INSPECTION SERVICE), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICIAL UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRAIN United States Standards for Barley Special Grades and Special...

7 CFR 810.1004 - Grades and grade requirements for oats.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Section 810.1004 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) GRAIN INSPECTION, PACKERS AND STOCKYARD ADMINISTRATION (FEDERAL GRAIN INSPECTION SERVICE), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICIAL UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRAIN United States Standards for Oats Principles Governing the...

78 FR 43854 - Designation for the Muncie, IN; Fremont, NE; Annapolis, MD; and West Lafayette, IN Areas...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-22

... Grain Inspection, Inc. (Titus) to provide official services under the United States Grain Standards Act.... Comments were due by February 14, 2013. GIPSA received one comment from a grain company that used East... herein. Pursuant to Section 79(f)(2) of the United States Grain Standards Act, the following amended...

76 FR 31579 - Designation for the State of Georgia and State of Montana Areas

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-01

... DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration Designation for the State of Georgia and State of Montana Areas AGENCY: Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards... the United States Grain Standards Act, as amended (USGSA). DATES: Effective Date: July 1, 2011...

78 FR 27857 - United States Standards for Wheat

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-05-13

... DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration 7 CFR Part 810... INFORMATION: Background The United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA) authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture...-2007 Census of Agriculture-updated), handlers, processors, and merchandisers are the primary users of...

7 CFR 868.13 - Regulations not applicable for certain purposes.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... inspection of grain under the United States Grain Standards Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 71 et seq.) or the inspection of commodities under the United States Warehouse Act, as amended (7 U.S.C. 241 et seq...

76 FR 317 - Opportunity for Designation in the State of Georgia and State of Montana Areas; Request for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-04

... DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration Opportunity for... Servicing These Areas AGENCY: Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, USDA. ACTION: Notice....gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 7(f)(1) of the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA) (7 U...

7 CFR 810.102 - Definition of other terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) GRAIN INSPECTION, PACKERS AND STOCKYARD ADMINISTRATION (FEDERAL GRAIN INSPECTION SERVICE), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICIAL UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRAIN General Provisions Terms Defined § 810.102 Definition of other terms. Unless otherwise stated, the...

7 CFR 810.801 - Definition of mixed grain.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 7 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Definition of mixed grain. 810.801 Section 810.801 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) GRAIN INSPECTION, PACKERS AND STOCKYARD... GRAIN United States Standards for Mixed Grain Terms Defined § 810.801 Definition of mixed grain. Any...

7 CFR 810.801 - Definition of mixed grain.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 7 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Definition of mixed grain. 810.801 Section 810.801 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) GRAIN INSPECTION, PACKERS AND STOCKYARD... GRAIN United States Standards for Mixed Grain Terms Defined § 810.801 Definition of mixed grain. Any...

7 CFR 810.801 - Definition of mixed grain.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 7 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Definition of mixed grain. 810.801 Section 810.801 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) GRAIN INSPECTION, PACKERS AND STOCKYARD... GRAIN United States Standards for Mixed Grain Terms Defined § 810.801 Definition of mixed grain. Any...

7 CFR 810.801 - Definition of mixed grain.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 7 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Definition of mixed grain. 810.801 Section 810.801 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) GRAIN INSPECTION, PACKERS AND STOCKYARD... GRAIN United States Standards for Mixed Grain Terms Defined § 810.801 Definition of mixed grain. Any...

7 CFR 810.801 - Definition of mixed grain.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 7 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Definition of mixed grain. 810.801 Section 810.801 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) GRAIN INSPECTION, PACKERS AND STOCKYARD... GRAIN United States Standards for Mixed Grain Terms Defined § 810.801 Definition of mixed grain. Any...

LACIE large area acreage estimation. [United States of America

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chhikara, R. S.; Feiveson, A. H. (Principal Investigator)

1979-01-01

A sample wheat acreage for a large area is obtained by multiplying its small grains acreage estimate as computed by the classification and mensuration subsystem by the best available ratio of wheat to small grains acreages obtained from historical data. In the United States, as in other countries with detailed historical data, an additional level of aggregation was required because sample allocation was made at the substratum level. The essential features of the estimation procedure for LACIE countries are included along with procedures for estimating wheat acreage in the United States.

Technical Note: Field-observed angles of repose for stored grain in the United States

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Bulk grain angle of repose (AoR) is a key parameter for inventorying grain, predicting flow characteristics, and designing bins and grain handling systems. The AoR is defined for two cases, piling (dynamic) or emptying (static), and usually varies with grain type. The objective of this study was to ...

7 CFR 810.103 - Basis of determination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) GRAIN INSPECTION, PACKERS AND STOCKYARD ADMINISTRATION (FEDERAL GRAIN INSPECTION SERVICE), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICIAL UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRAIN General Provisions Principles Governing the Application of Standards § 810.103 Basis of...

7 CFR 810.105 - Grades and grade requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture (Continued) GRAIN INSPECTION, PACKERS AND STOCKYARD ADMINISTRATION (FEDERAL GRAIN INSPECTION SERVICE), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICIAL UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRAIN General Provisions Grades, Grade Requirements, and Grade Designations § 810.105 Grades and grade...

7 CFR 457.118 - Malting barley price and quality endorsement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... and succeeding crop years are as follows: FCIC policies United States Department of Agriculture... the class barley in accordance with the Official United States Standards for Grain; and (3) Is not... identified by the Food and Drug Administration or other public health organizations of the United States as...

7 CFR 457.118 - Malting barley price and quality endorsement.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... and succeeding crop years are as follows: FCIC policies United States Department of Agriculture... the class barley in accordance with the Official United States Standards for Grain; and (3) Is not... identified by the Food and Drug Administration or other public health organizations of the United States as...

76 FR 318 - Designation of Minot Grain Inspection, Inc. To Provide Official Class X Weighing Services

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-04

... Minot Grain Inspection, Inc. To Provide Official Class X Weighing Services AGENCY: Grain Inspection... of Minot Grain Inspection, Inc. to provide official Class X weighing services under the United States... designation is amended to include Class X weighing within their assigned geographic area, as specified in the...

7 CFR 810.1801 - Definition of sunflower seed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 7 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Definition of sunflower seed. 810.1801 Section 810... STATES STANDARDS FOR GRAIN United States Standards for Sunflower Seed Terms Defined § 810.1801 Definition of sunflower seed. Grain that, before the removal of foreign material, consists of 50.0 percent or...

7 CFR 810.1801 - Definition of sunflower seed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 7 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Definition of sunflower seed. 810.1801 Section 810... STATES STANDARDS FOR GRAIN United States Standards for Sunflower Seed Terms Defined § 810.1801 Definition of sunflower seed. Grain that, before the removal of foreign material, consists of 50.0 percent or...

Speciation And Localization Of Arsenic In White And Brown Rice Grains

EPA Science Inventory

Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence (S-XRF) was utilized to locate arsenic (As) in polished (white) and unpolished (brown) rice grains from the United States, China, and Bangladesh. In white rice As was generally dispersed throughout the grain, the bulk of which constitutes the...

7 CFR 810.1401 - Definition of sorghum.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... bicolor (L.) Moench) excluding nongrain sorghum and not more than 10.0 percent of other grains for which... 7 Agriculture 7 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Definition of sorghum. 810.1401 Section 810.1401... GRAIN United States Standards for Sorghum Terms Defined § 810.1401 Definition of sorghum. Grain that...

7 CFR 810.1401 - Definition of sorghum.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... bicolor (L.) Moench) excluding nongrain sorghum and not more than 10.0 percent of other grains for which... 7 Agriculture 7 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Definition of sorghum. 810.1401 Section 810.1401... GRAIN United States Standards for Sorghum Terms Defined § 810.1401 Definition of sorghum. Grain that...

77 FR 56608 - Designation for the Pocatello, ID; Evansville, IN; and Salt Lake City, UT Areas

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-13

...GIPSA is announcing the designation of Idaho Grain Inspection Service (Idaho); Ohio Valley Grain Inspection, Inc. (Ohio Valley); and Utah Depart of Agriculture and Food (Utah) to provide official services under the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA), as amended.

78 FR 51138 - Partial Cancellation of Fremont Grain Inspection Department Inc. Designation; Selection of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-20

... to provide official inspection service through June 30, 2016, under the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA), as amended. Fremont informed the Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration... Service Company as the interim provider effective August 1, 2013 until a permanent designee is selected...

Sugarcane aphid spatial distribution in grain sorghum fields

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Sorghum is an important summer grain crop in the United States. In 2014, the U.S. produced 432 million bushels of sorghum valued at $1.67 billion on more than 6 million acres. The sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner), was discovered in damaging numbers in grain sorghum, Sorghum bicolor ...

75 FR 29310 - Designation for the Muncie, IN; Fremont, NE; Maryland; and West Lafayette, IN Areas

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-05-25

... DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration Designation for the Muncie, IN; Fremont, NE; Maryland; and West Lafayette, IN Areas AGENCY: Grain Inspection, Packers... the following organizations to provide official services under the United States Grain Standards Act...

7 CFR 810.1405 - Special grades and special grade requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... AGRICULTURE OFFICIAL UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRAIN United States Standards for Sorghum Special Grades and.... Sorghum that has kernels covered with smut spores to give a smutty appearance in mass, or that contains 20...

7 CFR 810.1803 - Basis of determination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... GRAIN United States Standards for Sunflower Seed Principles Governing the Application of Standards § 810... per bushel, and dehulled seed is made on the basis of the grain when free from foreign material. Other...

7 CFR 810.1803 - Basis of determination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... GRAIN United States Standards for Sunflower Seed Principles Governing the Application of Standards § 810... per bushel, and dehulled seed is made on the basis of the grain when free from foreign material. Other...

7 CFR 810.2203 - Basis of determination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... GRAIN United States Standards for Wheat Principles Governing the Application of Standards § 810.2203..., wheat of other classes, contrasting classes, and subclasses is made on the basis of the grain when free...

Analysis of sorghum wax and carnauba wax by reversed phase liquid chromatography mass spectrometry

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Sorghum is a genus in the grass family, which is used for both grain and forage production throughout the world. In the United States, sorghum grain is predominantly used as livestock feed, and in ethanol production. In recent years however, sorghum grain has been investigated for other industrial a...

78 FR 13015 - Designation for the Sandusky, MI; Davenport, IA; Enid, OK; Keokuk, IA; Marshall, MI; and Omaha...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-26

... Service, Inc. (Eastern Iowa); Enid Grain Inspection Company, Inc. (Enid); Keokuk Grain Inspection Service.... (Omaha) to provide official services under the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA), as amended... March 31, 2016. Interested persons may obtain official services by contacting these agencies at the...

Whole grains, refined grains and fortified refined grains: What's the difference?

PubMed

Slavin, J L

2000-09-01

Dietary guidance universally supports the importance of grains in the diet. The United States Department of Agriculture pyramid suggests that Americans consume from six to 11 servings of grains per day, with three of these servings being whole grain products. Whole grain contains the bran, germ and endosperm, while refined grain includes only endosperm. Both refined and whole grains can be fortified with nutrients to improve the nutrient profile of the product. Most grains consumed in developed countries are subjected to some type of processing to optimize flavor and provide shelf-stable products. Grains provide important sources of dietary fibre, plant protein, phytochemicals and needed vitamins and minerals. Additionally, in the United States grains have been chosen as the best vehicle to fortify our diets with vitamins and minerals that are typically in short supply. These nutrients include iron, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin and, more recently, folic acid and calcium. Grains contain antioxidants, including vitamins, trace minerals and non-nutrients such as phenolic acids, lignans and phytic acid, which are thought to protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer. Additionally, grains are our most dependable source of phytoestrogens, plant compounds known to protect against cancers such as breast and prostate. Grains are rich sources of oligosaccharides and resistant starch, carbohydrates that function like dietary fibre and enhance the intestinal environment and help improve immune function. Epidemiological studies find that whole grains are more protective than refined grains in the prevention of chronic disease, although instruments to define intake of refined, whole and fortified grains are limited. Nutritional guidance should support whole grain products over refined, with fortification of nutrients improving the nutrient profile of both refined and whole grain products.

Impact of improved information on the structure of world grain trade. [wheat

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

The benefits to be derived by the United States from improvements in global grain crop forecasting capability are discussed. The improvements in forecasting accuracy, which are a result of the use of satellite technology in conjunction with existing ground based estimating procedures are described. The degree of forecasting accuracy to be obtained from satellite technology is also examined. Specific emphasis is placed on wheat production in seven countries/regions: the United States; Canada; Argentina; Australia; Western Europe; the USSR; and all other countries in a group.

Individual detection of genetically modified maize varieties in non-identity-preserved maize samples.

PubMed

Akiyama, Hiroshi; Sakata, Kozue; Kondo, Kazunari; Tanaka, Asako; Liu, Ming S; Oguchi, Taichi; Furui, Satoshi; Kitta, Kazumi; Hino, Akihiro; Teshima, Reiko

2008-03-26

In many countries, the labeling of grains and feed- and foodstuffs is mandatory if the genetically modified organism (GMO) content exceeds a certain level of approved GM varieties. The GMO content in a maize sample containing the combined-trait (stacked) GM maize as determined by the currently available methodology is likely to be overestimated. However, there has been little information in the literature on the mixing level and varieties of stacked GM maize in real sample grains. For the first time, the GMO content of non-identity-preserved (non-IP) maize samples imported from the United States has been successfully determined by using a previously developed individual kernel detection system coupled to a multiplex qualitative PCR method followed by multichannel capillary gel electrophoresis system analysis. To clarify the GMO content in the maize samples imported from the United States, determine how many stacked GM traits are contained therein, and which GM trait varieties frequently appeared in 2005, the GMO content (percent) on a kernel basis and the varieties of the GM kernels in the non-IP maize samples imported from the United States were investigated using the individual kernel analysis system. The average (+/-standard deviation) of the GMO contents on a kernel basis in five non-IP sample lots was determined to be 51.0+/-21.6%, the percentage of a single GM trait grains was 39%, and the percentage of the stacked GM trait grains was 12%. The MON810 grains and NK603 grains were the most frequent varieties in the single GM traits. The most frequent stacked GM traits were the MON810xNK603 grains. In addition, the present study would provide the answer and impact for the quantification of GM maize content in the GM maize kernels on labeling regulation.

77 FR 74781 - Safety Zones; Columbia Grain and United Grain Corporation Facilities; Columbia and Willamette Rivers

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-18

... 45-38'30'' N/122- 46'25'' W. In essence, these boundaries extend from the shoreline of the facility.../122-41'31'' W. In essence, these boundaries extend from the shoreline of the facility 150 yards onto... waters of the United States means those waters defined as such in 33 CFR part 2. (3) Navigation Rules...

7 CFR 800.2 - Administrator.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... which would not impair the objectives of the Act, suspend for period determined by the Administrator any... ADMINISTRATION (FEDERAL GRAIN INSPECTION SERVICE), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE GENERAL REGULATIONS Administration... administration of the United States Grain Standards Act and responsibilities under the Agricultural Marketing Act...

78 FR 63160 - United States Standards for Feed Peas, Split Peas, and Lentils

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-23

... DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration United States... Administration, USDA ACTION: Notice and request for comments. SUMMARY: The Department of Agriculture's (USDA... Standards for Feed Peas, Split Peas, and Lentils under the Agriculture Marketing Act (AMA) of 1946. To...

The Changing United States Diet

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Page, Louise; Friend, Berta

1978-01-01

The nature of the United States diet has changed markedly in this century. We are using more meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products; sugars and other sweeteners; fats and oils; and processed fruits and vegetables. We are using fewer grain products, potatoes, fresh fruits and vegetables, and eggs. (BB)

Temporal dynamics and population genetic structure of Fusarium graminearum in the upper Midwestern United States

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Fusarium graminearum sensu stricto causes Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat and barley, and contaminates grains with several trichothecene mycotoxins, causing destructive yield losses and economic impact in the United States. Recently, a F. graminearum strain collected from Minnesota (MN) was dete...

7 CFR 810.1804 - Grades and grade requirements for sunflower seed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 7 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Grades and grade requirements for sunflower seed. 810... AGRICULTURE OFFICIAL UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRAIN United States Standards for Sunflower Seed Principles Governing the Application of Standards § 810.1804 Grades and grade requirements for sunflower seed. Grade...

7 CFR 810.1804 - Grades and grade requirements for sunflower seed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 7 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Grades and grade requirements for sunflower seed. 810... AGRICULTURE OFFICIAL UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRAIN United States Standards for Sunflower Seed Principles Governing the Application of Standards § 810.1804 Grades and grade requirements for sunflower seed. Grade...

7 CFR 810.404 - Grades and grade requirements for corn.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 7 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Grades and grade requirements for corn. 810.404... OFFICIAL UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRAIN United States Standards for Corn Principles Governing the Application of Standards § 810.404 Grades and grade requirements for corn. Grade Minimum test weight per...

7 CFR 810.404 - Grades and grade requirements for corn.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 7 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Grades and grade requirements for corn. 810.404... OFFICIAL UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRAIN United States Standards for Corn Principles Governing the Application of Standards § 810.404 Grades and grade requirements for corn. Grade Minimum test weight per...

7 CFR 319.41 - Notice of quarantine.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

...), grain sorghums (Andropogon sorghum), Sudan grass (Andropogon sorghum sudanensis), Johnson grass... the States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands of the United States...

7 CFR 319.41 - Notice of quarantine.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

...), grain sorghums (Andropogon sorghum), Sudan grass (Andropogon sorghum sudanensis), Johnson grass... the States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands of the United States...

Spring Small Grains Area Estimation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Palmer, W. F.; Mohler, R. J.

1986-01-01

SSG3 automatically estimates acreage of spring small grains from Landsat data. Report describes development and testing of a computerized technique for using Landsat multispectral scanner (MSS) data to estimate acreage of spring small grains (wheat, barley, and oats). Application of technique to analysis of four years of data from United States and Canada yielded estimates of accuracy comparable to those obtained through procedures that rely on trained analysis.

Integrated process for extraction of wax as a value-added co-product and improved ethanol production by converting both starch and cellulosic components in sorghum grains

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Grain sorghum is a potential feedstock for fuel ethanol production due to its high starch content, which is equivalent to that of corn, and has been successfully used in several commercial corn ethanol plants in the United States. Some sorghum grain varieties contain significant levels of surface wa...

A comprehensive survey of soft wheat grain quality in United States germplasm

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) quality is dependent upon both genetic and environmental factors, which work in combination to produce specific grain, milling, and baking characteristics. Along with these genetic and environmental factors, the adaptation of the genetics to the given growing environment...

Convergence of agricultural intensification and climate change in the midwestern United States: Implications for soil and water conservation

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Society faces substantial challenges to expand food production while adapting to climatic changes and ensuring ecosystem services are maintained. A convergence of these issues is occurring in the Midwestern United States, i.e., the ‘cornbelt’ region that provides substantial grain supplies to world ...

7 CFR 810.405 - Special grades and special grade requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... OFFICIAL UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRAIN United States Standards for Corn Special Grades and Special Grade Requirements § 810.405 Special grades and special grade requirements. (a) Flint corn. Corn that consists of 95 percent or more of flint corn. (b) Flint and dent corn. Corn that consists of a mixture of...

Adoption of precision agriculture technology in the Southeastern United States

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Agricultural production in the Southeast is diverse and differs from other regions of the United States (U.S.). Crops grown in the Southeast are specific to the region, such as cotton and peanuts. Corn farmers supply most of the grain produced to the poultry industry to support over 15 billion dolla...

7 CFR 810.405 - Special grades and special grade requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... OFFICIAL UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR GRAIN United States Standards for Corn Special Grades and Special Grade Requirements § 810.405 Special grades and special grade requirements. (a) Flint corn. Corn that consists of 95 percent or more of flint corn. (b) Flint and dent corn. Corn that consists of a mixture of...

7 CFR 810.403 - Basis of determination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... GRAIN United States Standards for Corn Principles Governing the Application of Standards § 810.403 Basis of determination. Each determination of class, damaged kernels, heat-damaged kernels, waxy corn, flint corn, and flint and dent corn is made on the basis of the grain after the removal of the broken...

75 FR 56911 - Request for Public Comment on the United States Standards for Rough Rice, Brown Rice for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-17

... DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration 7 CFR Part 868... Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) is... Milled Rice under the Agriculture Marketing Act of 1946 (AMA). Since the standards were last revised...

7 CFR 810.403 - Basis of determination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... GRAIN United States Standards for Corn Principles Governing the Application of Standards § 810.403 Basis of determination. Each determination of class, damaged kernels, heat-damaged kernels, waxy corn, flint corn, and flint and dent corn is made on the basis of the grain after the removal of the broken...

7 CFR 810.2201 - Definition of wheat.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 7 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Definition of wheat. 810.2201 Section 810.2201... GRAIN United States Standards for Wheat Terms Defined § 810.2201 Definition of wheat. Grain that, before the removal of dockage, consists of 50 percent or more common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), club wheat...

Dietary intake and food sources of whole grains among US children and adolescents: data from the 1994-1996 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals.

PubMed

Harnack, Lisa; Walters, Shelley-Ann H; Jacobs, David R

2003-08-01

This study characterizes whole grain consumption among a nationally representative sample of US children and adolescents. Data used in this study were collected as part of the 1994-1996 US Department of Agriculture Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals (CSFII). CSFII was designed to obtain a nationally representative sample of noninstitutionalized persons of all ages residing in the United States. Analyses reported in this article are limited to participants aged 2 to 18 years with two days of dietary recall data (n=4,802). Foods reported in the survey were quantified in servings as defined by the Food Guide Pyramid using the US Department of Agriculture Pyramid Servings Database, which contains reference data for each food reported in CSFII in servings per 100 g for 30 Pyramid food groups, including whole grain and total grain. Means, frequencies, and logistic regression analyses were conducted as appropriate. Average whole grain intake ranged from 0.8 servings per day for preschool-aged children to 1.0 servings per day for adolescents. Ready-to-eat cereals, corn and other chips, and yeast breads were found to be the major food sources of whole grains accounting for 30.9%, 21.7%, and 18.1% of whole grain intake respectively among those aged two to 18 years. Given the apparent low level of whole grain intake among most children and adolescents in the United States, interventions are needed to increase intake of whole-grain foods.

78 FR 263 - Safety Zones; TEMCO Grain Facilities; Columbia and Willamette Rivers

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-03

...'01'' W. In essence, these boundaries extend from the shoreline of the facility 150 yards onto the...'' N/122-40'28'' W. In essence, these boundaries extend from the shoreline of the facility 150 yards... criminal laws of the United States. (2) Navigable waters of the United States means those waters defined as...

7 CFR 810.1601 - Definition of soybeans.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 7 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Definition of soybeans. 810.1601 Section 810.1601... GRAIN United States Standards for Soybeans Terms Defined § 810.1601 Definition of soybeans. Grain that consists of 50 percent or more of whole or broken soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) that will not pass...

78 FR 59059 - Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel From China, Czech Republic, Germany, Japan, Korea, Poland, and...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-25

... INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION [Investigation Nos. 701-TA-505 and 731-TA-1231-1237 (Preliminary)] Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel From China, Czech Republic, Germany, Japan, Korea, Poland, and Russia... Republic, Germany, Japan, Korea, Poland, and Russia that are alleged to be sold in the United States at...

7 CFR 810.202 - Definition of other terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... GRAIN United States Standards for Barley Terms Defined § 810.202 Definition of other terms. (a) Black barley. Barley with black hulls. (b) Broken kernels. Barley with more than 1/4 of the kernel removed. (c... barley kernels, other grains, and wild oats that are badly shrunken and distinctly discolored black or...

7 CFR 810.401 - Definition of corn.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 7 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Definition of corn. 810.401 Section 810.401... GRAIN United States Standards for Corn Terms Defined § 810.401 Definition of corn. Grain that consists of 50 percent or more of whole kernels of shelled dent corn and/or shelled flint corn (Zea mays L...

7 CFR 810.401 - Definition of corn.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 7 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Definition of corn. 810.401 Section 810.401... GRAIN United States Standards for Corn Terms Defined § 810.401 Definition of corn. Grain that consists of 50 percent or more of whole kernels of shelled dent corn and/or shelled flint corn (Zea mays L...

An analytical coarse-graining method which preserves the free energy, structural correlations, and thermodynamic state of polymer melts from the atomistic to the mesoscale.

PubMed

McCarty, J; Clark, A J; Copperman, J; Guenza, M G

2014-05-28

Structural and thermodynamic consistency of coarse-graining models across multiple length scales is essential for the predictive role of multi-scale modeling and molecular dynamic simulations that use mesoscale descriptions. Our approach is a coarse-grained model based on integral equation theory, which can represent polymer chains at variable levels of chemical details. The model is analytical and depends on molecular and thermodynamic parameters of the system under study, as well as on the direct correlation function in the k → 0 limit, c0. A numerical solution to the PRISM integral equations is used to determine c0, by adjusting the value of the effective hard sphere diameter, dHS, to agree with the predicted equation of state. This single quantity parameterizes the coarse-grained potential, which is used to perform mesoscale simulations that are directly compared with atomistic-level simulations of the same system. We test our coarse-graining formalism by comparing structural correlations, isothermal compressibility, equation of state, Helmholtz and Gibbs free energies, and potential energy and entropy using both united atom and coarse-grained descriptions. We find quantitative agreement between the analytical formalism for the thermodynamic properties, and the results of Molecular Dynamics simulations, independent of the chosen level of representation. In the mesoscale description, the potential energy of the soft-particle interaction becomes a free energy in the coarse-grained coordinates which preserves the excess free energy from an ideal gas across all levels of description. The structural consistency between the united-atom and mesoscale descriptions means the relative entropy between descriptions has been minimized without any variational optimization parameters. The approach is general and applicable to any polymeric system in different thermodynamic conditions.

Early Mesozoic paleogeography and tectonic evolution of the western United States: Insights from detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology, Blue Mountains Province, northeastern Oregon

USGS Publications Warehouse

LaMaskin, Todd A.; Vervoort, J.D.; Dorsey, R.J.; Wright, J.E.

2011-01-01

This study assesses early Mesozoic provenance linkages and paleogeographic-tectonic models for the western United States based on new petrographic and detrital zircon data from Triassic and Jurassic sandstones of the "Izee" and Olds Ferry terranes of the Blue Mountains Province, northeastern Oregon. Triassic sediments were likely derived from the Baker terrane offshore accretionary subduction complex and are dominated by Late Archean (ca. 2.7-2.5 Ga), Late Paleoproterozoic (ca. 2.2-1.6 Ga), and Paleozoic (ca. 380-255 Ma) detrital zircon grains. These detrital ages suggest that portions of the Baker terrane have a genetic affinity with other Cordilleran accretionary subduction complexes of the western United States, including those in the Northern Sierra and Eastern Klamath terranes. The abundance of Precambrian grains in detritus derived from an offshore complex highlights the importance of sediment reworking. Jurassic sediments are dominated by Mesozoic detrital ages (ca. 230-160 Ma), contain significant amounts of Paleozoic (ca. 290, 380-350, 480-415 Ma), Neoproterozoic (ca. 675-575 Ma), and Mesoproterozoic grains (ca. 1.4-1.0 Ga), and have lesser quantities of Late Paleoproterozoic grains (ca. 2.1-1.7 Ga). Detrital zircon ages in Jurassic sediments closely resemble well-documented age distributions in transcontinental sands of Ouachita-Appalachian provenance that were transported across the southwestern United States and modified by input from cratonal, miogeoclinal, and Cordilleran-arc sources during Triassic and Jurassic time. Jurassic sediments likely were derived from the Cordilleran arc and an orogenic highland in Nevada that yielded recycled sand from uplifted Triassic backarc basin deposits. Our data suggest that numerous Jurassic Cordilleran basins formed close to the Cordilleran margin and support a model for moderate post-Jurassic translation (~400 km) of the Blue Mountains Province. ?? 2011 Geological Society of America.

Registration of 42 blast resistant medium grain rice genetic stocks with suitable agronomic, yield, milling yield, and grain characteristics

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Rice blast disease caused by the filamentous ascomycete fungus Magnaporthe oryzae Cav. [Magnaporthe grisea (Herbert) Barr.] is one of the most threatening rice diseases in the southern United States. In the present study, 42 rice (Oryza sativa L.) blast resistant genetic stocks (GSOR102501 to 201542...

New value-added co-products from grain-based ethanol production by a patent-pending recovery method

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The production of fuel ethanol in the United States and elsewhere is a quickly growing industry. At present, a major co-product of the ethanol industry is corn distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), the primary use is in the livestock industry. However, DDGS typically has characteristics t...

Scale problems in reporting landscape pattern at the regional scale

Treesearch

R.V. O' Neill; C.T. Hunsaker; S.P. Timmins; B.L. Jackson; K.B. Jones; Kurt H. Riitters; James D. Wickham

1996-01-01

Remotely sensed data for Southeastern United States (Standard Federal Region 4) are used to examine the scale problems involved in reporting landscape pattern for a large, heterogeneous region. Frequency distribu-tions of landscape indices illustrate problems associated with the grain or resolution of the data. Grain should be 2 to 5 times smaller than the...

Diversity in grain physico-chemical characteristics of West African rice, including Nerica genotypes, as compared to cultivars from the United States of America

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Landraces from West Africa (WA), NERICA progenies derived from crosses between Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima, and improved O. sativa lines from Africa Rice Center were introduced to the Beaumont Rice Research Center in Texas, United States of America (USA) (29 degrees 57’ N and 94 degrees 30’ W)...

Becoming Proactive With the Whole-Grains Message.

PubMed

Jones, Julie Miller; Reicks, Marla; Adams, Judi; Fulcher, Gary; Marquart, Len

2004-01-01

Whole-grain foods have always been considered a healthy part of the diet. Only recently have epidemiologic and other data shown that whole grains have a role in preventing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, some types of cancer, and even obesity. What nearly all consumers and most health professionals fail to realize is that whole grains deliver as many if not more phytochemicals and antioxidants than do fruits and vegetables. Healthy People 2010 (DHHS) recommends 3 servings of whole grains per day. Because the average intake in the United States is less than 1 serving per day, health professionals must mount an active campaign to help consumers better understand the important health benefits of whole grains and work to increase their intake in the diet.

Fortification of corn masa flour with folic acid in the United States: an overview of the evidence

PubMed Central

Hamner, Heather C.; Tinker, Sarah C.

2015-01-01

Corn masa flour, used to make products such as corn tortillas, is a staple food for Hispanic populations residing in the United States, particularly among Mexican Americans and Central Americans. Research has indicated that Hispanic women in the United States continue to be at a higher risk of having a neural tube defect–affected pregnancy than women of other races/ethnicities, even after the introduction of folic acid fortification of cereal grain products labeled as “enriched.” Corn masa flour has, therefore, been suggested as a potential food vehicle for folic acid in the United States. This paper explores the potential impact that folic acid fortification of corn masa flour could have on the Hispanic population in the United States. PMID:24494975

Fortification of corn masa flour with folic acid in the United States: an overview of the evidence.

PubMed

Hamner, Heather C; Tinker, Sarah C

2014-04-01

Corn masa flour, used to make products such as corn tortillas, is a staple food for Hispanic populations residing in the United States, particularly among Mexican Americans and Central Americans. Research has indicated that Hispanic women in the United States continue to be at a higher risk of having a neural tube defect-affected pregnancy than women of other races/ethnicities, even after the introduction of folic acid fortification of cereal grain products labeled as "enriched." Corn masa flour has, therefore, been suggested as a potential food vehicle for folic acid in the United States. This paper explores the potential impact that folic acid fortification of corn masa flour could have on the Hispanic population in the United States. © 2014 New York Academy of Sciences.

Advances in the identification of adulterated cereals and cereal products

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This book chapter addresses the most common occurrences of adulteration in the cereal grains, the regulations in place by countries (such as the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, India, and the European Union), and the methodologies by which detection and quantification of the contaminant are ma...

The theory of granular packings for coarse soils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanqui, Calixtro

2013-06-01

Coarse soils are substances made of grains of different shape, size and orientation. In this paper, new massive-measurable grain indexes are defined to develop a simple and systematic theory for the ideal packing of grains. First, a linear relationship between an assemblage of monodisperse spheres and an assemblage of polydisperse grains is deduced. Then, a general formula for the porosity of linearly ordered packings of spheres in contact is settled down by the appropriated choosing of eight neighboring spheres located at the vertices of the unit parallelepiped. The porosity of axisymmetric packings of grains, related to sand piles and axisymmetric compression tests, is proposed to be determined averaging the respective linear parameters. Since they can be tested experimentally, porosities of the densest state and the loosest state of a granular soil can be used to verify the accuracy of the present theory. Diagrams for these extreme quantities show a good agreement between the theoretical lines and the experimental data, no matter the dependency on the protocols and mineral composition.

Geologic map of the Mound Spring quadrangle, Nye and Clark Counties, Nevada, and Inyo County, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lundstrom, Scott C.; Mahan, Shannon; Blakely, Richard J.; Paces, James B.; Young, Owen D.; Workman, Jeremiah B.; Dixon, Gary L.

2003-01-01

The Mound Spring quadrangle, the southwestern-most 7.5' quadrangle of the area of the Las Vegas 1:100,000-scale quadrangle, is entirely within the Pahrump Valley, spanning the Nevada/California State line. New geologic mapping of the predominantly Quaternary materials is combined with new studies of gravity and geochronology in this quadrangle. Eleven predominantly fine-grained units are delineated, including playa sediment, dune sand, and deposits associated with several cycles of past groundwater discharge and distal fan sedimentation. These units are intercalated with 5 predominantly coarse-grained alluvial-fan and wash gravel units mainly derived from the Spring Mountains. The gravel units are distinguished on the basis of soil development and associated surficial characteristics. Thermoluminescence and U-series geochronology constrain most of the units to the Holocene and late and middle Pleistocene. Deposits of late Pleistocene groundwater discharge in the northeast part of the quadrangle are associated with a down-to-the-southwest fault zone that is expressed by surface fault scarps and a steep gravity gradient. The gravity field also defines a northwest-trending uplift along the State line, in which the oldest sediments are poorly exposed. About 2 km to the northeast a prominent southwest-facing erosional escarpment is formed by resistant beds in middle Pleistocene fine-grained sediments that dip northeast away from the uplift. These sediments include cycles of groundwater discharge that were probably caused by upwelling of southwesterly groundwater flow that encountered the horst.

Review of Reports on Lake Erie - Lake Ontario Waterway, New York. Appendix D. Economics.

DTIC Science & Technology

1973-10-01

Venezuela (29 percent). Canada produced 48.3 million tons of iron ore in 1970 ,of which 23.9 million tons were exported to the United States (14.4 million...grain traffic, 1971 D-14 D-6 U.S. - Great Lakes grain exports 1960 - 1971 and projected D-15 D-7 U.S. doal traffic, Lake Erie - Lake Ontario, 1958-1970...Soybeans Wheat Barley Oats Rice Sorghum Grains Flaxseed Oilseeds, n.e.c. Tobacco, leaf Hay and Fodder Field crops, n.e.c. Fresh fruits Co ffee Cocoa beans

7 CFR 810.2201 - Definition of wheat.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... ADMINISTRATION (FEDERAL GRAIN INSPECTION SERVICE), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICIAL UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR... the removal of dockage, consists of 50 percent or more common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), club wheat...

7 CFR 810.2201 - Definition of wheat.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... ADMINISTRATION (FEDERAL GRAIN INSPECTION SERVICE), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICIAL UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR... the removal of dockage, consists of 50 percent or more common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), club wheat...

7 CFR 810.2201 - Definition of wheat.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... ADMINISTRATION (FEDERAL GRAIN INSPECTION SERVICE), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICIAL UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR... the removal of dockage, consists of 50 percent or more common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), club wheat...

7 CFR 810.2201 - Definition of wheat.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... ADMINISTRATION (FEDERAL GRAIN INSPECTION SERVICE), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICIAL UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR... the removal of dockage, consists of 50 percent or more common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), club wheat...

CANCER MORTALITY IN FOUR NORTHERN WHEAT PRODUCING STATES

EPA Science Inventory

Chlorophenoxy herbicides are used both in cereal grain agriculture and in nonagricultural settings such as right-of-ways, lawns, and parks. Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana grow most of the spring and durum wheat produced in the United States. More than 90% of s...

26 CFR 1.954-3 - Foreign base company sales income.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... table I shall be considered grown in the United States in commercially marketable quantities. Bananas... plants Cotton Raspberries Cranberries Rice Cucumbers Rhubarb Cut flowers Rye Dates Sorghum grain Eggplant...

26 CFR 1.954-3 - Foreign base company sales income.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... table I shall be considered grown in the United States in commercially marketable quantities. Bananas... plants Cotton Raspberries Cranberries Rice Cucumbers Rhubarb Cut flowers Rye Dates Sorghum grain Eggplant...

26 CFR 1.954-3 - Foreign base company sales income.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... table I shall be considered grown in the United States in commercially marketable quantities. Bananas... plants Cotton Raspberries Cranberries Rice Cucumbers Rhubarb Cut flowers Rye Dates Sorghum grain Eggplant...

26 CFR 1.954-3 - Foreign base company sales income.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... table I shall be considered grown in the United States in commercially marketable quantities. Bananas... plants Cotton Raspberries Cranberries Rice Cucumbers Rhubarb Cut flowers Rye Dates Sorghum grain Eggplant...

7 CFR 319.41 - Notice of quarantine.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

...), grain sorghums (Andropogon sorghum), Sudan grass (Andropogon sorghum sudanensis), Johnson grass... Islands of the United States. [24 FR 10788, Dec. 29, 1959, as amended at 66 FR 21056, Apr. 27, 2001; 78 FR...

Effect of changing slope of grain on ash, maple, and yellow birch in bending strength

Treesearch

David E. Kretschmann; James J. Bridwell; Timothy C. Nelson

2010-01-01

The presence of slope of grain (SoG) in wood can severely reduce the bending strength in wood. Failure to recognize the degree to which SoG can reduce strength can be catastrophic if wood is in single member use. In the United States, a growing concern in the sport of baseball relates to the high frequency of multi-piece broken wood bats. It was observed that hard...

76 FR 13972 - United States Warehouse Act; Export Food Aid Commodities Licensing Agreement

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-15

... such as peas, beans and lentils. Current USWA licenses for agricultural products include grain, cotton, nuts, cottonseed, and dry beans. Warehouse operators that apply voluntarily agree to be licensed...

United States Navy Nutrition Culture and How Best to Select Food While Underway

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-13

3000 to 4500 calories, 10 to 15 percent of calories from protein , 55 to 70 percent from carbohydrates, and 20 to 30 percent from fat (United States...given for age, weight, or gender, with protein taking 10 to 15 percent, carbohydrates taking up 55 to 70 percent, and fat taking 20 to 30 percent of...servings for grains, protein /dairy, fruits, vegetables, fats , and calories for each of the six eating times per day (Commander Navy Installations Command

Textural analysis of marine sediments at the USGS Woods Hole Science Center; methodology and data on DVD

USGS Publications Warehouse

Poppe, Lawrence J.; Williams, S. Jeffress; Paskevich, Valerie F.

2006-01-01

Marine sediments off the eastern United States vary markedly in texture (i.e., the size, shape, composition, and arrangement of their grains) due to a complex geologic history. For descriptive purposes, however, it is typically most useful to classify these sediments according to their grain-size distributions. In 1962, the U.S. Geological Survey began a program to study the marine geology of the continental margin off the Atlantic coast of the United States. As part of this program and numerous subsequent projects, thousands of sediment grab samples and cores were collected and analyzed for grain size at the Woods Hole Science Center. USGS Open-File Report 2005-1001 (Poppe et al., 2005), available on DVD and online, describes the field methods used to collect marine sediment samples as well as the laboratory methods used to determine and characterize grain-size distributions, and presents these data in several formats that can be readily employed by interested parties. The report is divided into three sections. The first section discusses procedures and contains pictures of the equipment, analytical flow diagrams, video clips with voice commentary, classification schemes, useful forms and compiled and uncompiled versions of the data-acquisition and data-processing software with documentation. The second section contains the grain-size data for more than 23,000 analyses in two “flat-file” formats, a data dictionary, and color-coded browse maps. The third section provides a GIS data catalog of the available point, interpretive, and baseline data layers, with FGDC-compliant metadata to help users visualize the textural information in a geographic context.

Spectral Profiler Probe for In Situ Snow Grain Size and Composition Stratigraphy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berisford, Daniel F.; Molotch, Noah P.; Painter, Thomas

2012-01-01

An ultimate goal of the climate change, snow science, and hydrology communities is to measure snow water equivalent (SWE) from satellite measurements. Seasonal SWE is highly sensitive to climate change and provides fresh water for much of the world population. Snowmelt from mountainous regions represents the dominant water source for 60 million people in the United States and over one billion people globally. Determination of snow grain sizes comprising mountain snowpack is critical for predicting snow meltwater runoff, understanding physical properties and radiation balance, and providing necessary input for interpreting satellite measurements. Both microwave emission and radar backscatter from the snow are dominated by the snow grain size stratigraphy. As a result, retrieval algorithms for measuring snow water equivalents from orbiting satellites is largely hindered by inadequate knowledge of grain size.

Cold War competition and food production in China, 1957-1962.

PubMed

Chen, Yixin

2009-01-01

This article examines how Mao's grand strategy for Cold War competition inflicted a catastrophic agricultural failure in China and victimized tens of millions of Chinese peasants. It argues that Khrushchev's 1957 boast about the Soviet Union surpassing the United States in key economic areas inspired Mao to launch an industrialization program that would push the People's Republic past Great Britain in some production categories within fifteen years. Beginning in 1958 Mao imposed unrealistic targets on Chinese grain production to extract funds from agriculture for rapid industrial growth. Maoists placed relentless pressure on communist cadres for ruthless implementation of the Great Leap Forward. Contrary to Maoist plans, China's grain output in 1959-1960 declined sharply from 1957 levels and rural per capita grain retention decreased dramatically. Throughout China, party cadres' mismanagement of agricultural production was responsible for the decline in grain output, and the communist state's excessive requisition of grain caused food shortages for the peasants. But the key factor determining the famine's uneven impact on the peasantry in the provinces was the degree to which provincial leaders genuinely and energetically embraced Maoist programs. This is illustrated by a close examination of the Great Leap famine in Anhui Province.

Spin-1/2 kagome XXZ model in a field: Competition between lattice nematic and solid orders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kshetrimayum, Augustine; Picot, Thibaut; Orús, Román; Poilblanc, Didier

2016-12-01

We study numerically the spin-1/2 XXZ model in a field on an infinite kagome lattice. We use different algorithms based on infinite projected entangled pair states (iPEPSs) for this, namely, (i) an approach with simplex tensors and a 9-site unit cell, and (ii) an approach based on coarse-graining three spins in the kagome lattice and mapping it to a square-lattice model with local and nearest-neighbor interactions, with the usual PEPS tensors, 6- and 12-site unit cells. Similarly to our previous calculation at the SU(2)-symmetric point (Heisenberg Hamiltonian), for any anisotropy from the Ising limit to the XY limit, we also observe the emergence of magnetization plateaus as a function of the magnetic field, at mz=1/3 using 6-, 9-, and 12-site PEPS unit cells, and at mz=1/9 ,5/9 , and 7/9 using a 9-site PEPS unit cell, the latter setup being able to accommodate √{3 }×√{3 } solid order. We also find that, at mz=1/3 , (lattice) nematic and √{3 }×√{3 } VBC-order states are degenerate within the accuracy of the nine-site simplex method, for all anisotropy. The 6- and 12-site coarse-grained PEPS methods produce almost-degenerate nematic and 1 ×2 VBC-solid orders. We also find that, within our accuracy, the six-site coarse-grained PEPS method gives slightly lower energies, which can be explained by the larger amount of entanglement this approach can handle, even in cases where the PEPS unit cell is not commensurate with the expected ground-state unit cell. Furthermore, we do not observe chiral spin liquid behaviors at and close to the XY point, as has been recently proposed. Our results are the first tensor network investigations of the XXZ model in a field and reveal the subtle competition between nearby magnetic orders in numerical simulations of frustrated quantum antiferromagnets, as well as the delicate interplay between energy optimization and symmetry in tensor network numerical simulations.

The Carolina Sandhills: Quaternary eolian sand sheets and dunes along the updip margin of the Atlantic Coastal Plain province, southeastern United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Swezey, Christopher; Fitzwater, Bradley A.; Whittecar, G. Richard; Mahan, Shannon; Garrity, Christopher P.; Aleman Gonzalez, Wilma B.; Dobbs, Kerby M.

2016-01-01

The Carolina Sandhills is a physiographic region of the Atlantic Coastal Plain province in the southeastern United States. In Chesterfield County (South Carolina), the surficial sand of this region is the Pinehurst Formation, which is interpreted as eolian sand derived from the underlying Cretaceous Middendorf Formation. This sand has yielded three clusters of optically stimulated luminescence ages: (1) 75 to 37 thousand years ago (ka), coincident with growth of the Laurentide Ice Sheet; (2) 28 to 18 ka, coincident with the last glacial maximum (LGM); and (3) 12 to 6 ka, mostly coincident with the Younger Dryas through final collapse of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. Relict dune morphologies are consistent with winds from the west or northwest, coincident with modern and inferred LGM January wind directions. Sand sheets are more common than dunes because of effects of coarse grain size (mean range: 0.35–0.59 mm) and vegetation. The coarse grain size would have required LGM wind velocities of at least 4–6 m/sec, accounting for effects of colder air temperatures on eolian sand transport. The eolian interpretation of the Carolina Sandhills is consistent with other evidence for eolian activity in the southeastern United States during the last glaciation.

Geotechnical soil characterization of intact Quaternary deposits forming the March 22, 2014 SR-530 (Oso) landslide, Snohomish County, Washington

USGS Publications Warehouse

Riemer, Michael F.; Collins, Brian D.; Badger, Thomas C.; Toth, Csilla; Yu, Yat Chun

2015-01-01

This report provides a description of the methods used to obtain and test the intact soil stratigraphy behind the headscarp of the March 22 landslide. Detailed geotechnical index testing results are presented for 24 soil samples representing the stratigraphy at 19 different depths along a 650 ft (198 m) soil profile. The results include (1) the soil's in situ water content and unit weight (where applicable); (2) specific gravity of soil solids; and (3) each sample's grain-size distribution, critical limits for fine-grain water content states (that is, the Atterberg limits), and official Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) designation. In addition, preliminary stratigraphy and geotechnical relations within and between soil units are presented.

Widespread potential for microbial MTBE degradation in surface-water sediments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bradley, P.M.; Landmeyer, J.E.; Chapelle, F.H.

2001-01-01

Microorganisms indigenous to stream and lake bed sediments, collected from 11 sites throughout the United States, demonstrated significant mineralization of the fuel oxygenate, methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE). Mineralization of [U-14C]MTBE to 14CO2 ranged from 15 to 66% over 50 days and did not differ significantly between sediments collected from MTBE contaminated sites and from sites with no history of MTBE exposure. This result suggests that even the microbial communities indigenous to newly contaminated surface water systems will exhibit some innate ability to attenuate MTBE under aerobic conditions. The magnitude of MTBE mineralization was related to the sediment grain size distribution. A pronounced, inverse correlation (p < 0.001; r2 = 0.73) was observed between the final recovery of 14CO2 and the percentage content of silt and clay sized grains (grain diameter < 0.125 mm). The results of this study indicate that the microorganisms that inhabit the bed sediments of streams and lakes can degrade MTBE efficiently and that this capability is widespread in the environment. Thus aerobic bed sediment microbial processes may provide a significant environmental sink for MTBE in surface water systems throughout the United States and may contribute to the reported transience of MTBE in some surface waters.

Fortification of corn masa flour with folic acid in the United States.

PubMed

Fleischman, Alan R; Oinuma, Motoko

2011-08-01

Food fortification is an effective public health tool for addressing micronutrient deficiencies. The mandatory fortification of enriched cereal grains (e.g., wheat flour) with folic acid, which began in the United States in 1998, is an example of a successful intervention that significantly reduced the rate of neural tube defects (NTDs). However, despite the drop in NTD rates across all racial/ethnic groups after fortification, Hispanics continue to have the highest rates of this condition. One possible way to reduce this disparity is to fortify corn masa flour to increase the overall intake of folic acid in Hispanic women. We present the available evidence in favor of this approach, address possible safety issues, and outline next steps in the fortification of corn masa flour with folic acid in the United States.

Ten-Year Trends in Fiber and Whole Grain Intakes and Food Sources for the United States Population: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2010

PubMed Central

McGill, Carla R.; Fulgoni, Victor L.; Devareddy, Latha

2015-01-01

Current U.S. dietary guidance includes recommendations to increase intakes of both dietary fiber and whole grain (WG). This study examines fiber and WG intakes, food sources and trends from 2001 to 2010 based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data for children/adolescents (n = 14,973) and adults (n = 24,809). Mean fiber intake for children/adolescents was 13.2 (±0.1) g/day. Mean fiber intake for adults 19–50 years (y) was 16.1 (±0.2) g/day and for adults 51+ was 16.1 (±0.2) g/day. There were significant increases in fiber intake from 2001–2010 for children/adolescents and for adults 51+ y. Mean WG intake for children/adolescents was 0.52 (±0.01) oz eq/day. Mean WG intake for adults 19–50 y was 0.61 (±0.02) oz eq/day and for adults 51+ 0.86 (±0.02) oz eq/day. There were no significant changes in WG intake for any age group from 2001–2010. The main food groups contributing to dietary fiber intake for children/adolescents were vegetables (16.6%), grain mixtures (16.3%), other foods (15.8%) and fruits (11.3%). For adults 19+ y, the main sources of dietary fiber were vegetables (22.6%), other foods (14.3%), grain mixtures (12.0%) and fruits (11.1%). Major WG sources for children/adolescents included ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC) (31%), yeast breads/rolls (21%) and crackers and salty grain snacks (21%). The main sources of WG for adults 19+ were yeast breads/rolls (27%), RTEC (23%) and pastas/cooked cereals/rice (21%). Recommending cereals, breads and grain mixtures with higher contents of both dietary fiber and WG, along with consumer education, could increase intakes among the United States (U.S.) population. PMID:25671414

Ten-year trends in fiber and whole grain intakes and food sources for the United States population: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2010.

PubMed

McGill, Carla R; Fulgoni, Victor L; Devareddy, Latha

2015-02-09

Current U.S. dietary guidance includes recommendations to increase intakes of both dietary fiber and whole grain (WG). This study examines fiber and WG intakes, food sources and trends from 2001 to 2010 based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data for children/adolescents (n=14,973) and adults (n=24,809). Mean fiber intake for children/adolescents was 13.2 (±0.1) g/day. Mean fiber intake for adults 19-50 years (y) was 16.1 (±0.2) g/day and for adults 51+ was 16.1 (±0.2) g/day. There were significant increases in fiber intake from 2001-2010 for children/adolescents and for adults 51+y. Mean WG intake for children/adolescents was 0.52 (±0.01) oz eq/day. Mean WG intake for adults 19-50 y was 0.61 (±0.02) oz eq/day and for adults 51+0.86 (±0.02) oz eq/day. There were no significant changes in WG intake for any age group from 2001-2010. The main food groups contributing to dietary fiber intake for children/adolescents were vegetables (16.6%), grain mixtures (16.3%), other foods (15.8%) and fruits (11.3%). For adults 19+y, the main sources of dietary fiber were vegetables (22.6%), other foods (14.3%), grain mixtures (12.0%) and fruits (11.1%). Major WG sources for children/adolescents included ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC) (31%), yeast breads/rolls (21%) and crackers and salty grain snacks (21%). The main sources of WG for adults 19+ were yeast breads/rolls (27%), RTEC (23%) and pastas/cooked cereals/rice (21%). Recommending cereals, breads and grain mixtures with higher contents of both dietary fiber and WG, along with consumer education, could increase intakes among the United States (U.S.) population.

75 FR 36348 - Opportunity for Designation in the Amarillo, TX; Cairo, IL; and State of North Carolina Areas

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-25

... by the southern Childress County line to the western Childress County line north to U.S. Route 287; U.S. Route 287 northwest to Donley County; the southern Donley and Armstrong County lines west to... . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 7(f)(1) of the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA) (7 U.S.C. 71-87k...

77 FR 76454 - Opportunity for Designation in Muncie, IN; Fremont, NE; Annapolis, MD; and Lafayette, IN Areas...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-28

... United States Grain Standards Act, the following geographic areas in the States of Indiana and Ohio are...), Randolph, Rush, Union, and Wayne Counties. In Ohio Darke County. Fremont Pursuant to Section 79(f)(2) of... (north of County Road B24 and east of U.S. Route 59), Osceola (east of U.S. Route 59), and Shelby...

On the interaction of solutes with grain boundaries

DOE PAGES

Dingreville, Remi Philippe Michel; Berbenni, Stephane

2015-11-01

Solute segregation to grain boundaries is considered by modeling solute atoms as misfitting inclusions within a disclination structural unit model describing the grain boundary structure and its intrinsic stress field. The solute distribution around grain boundaries is described through Fermi–Dirac statistics of site occupancy. The susceptibility of hydrogen segregation to symmetric tilt grain boundaries is discussed in terms of the misorientation angle, the defect type characteristics at the grain boundary, temperature, and the prescribed bulk hydrogen fraction of occupied sites. Through this formalism, it is found that hydrogen trapping on grain boundaries clearly correlates with the grain boundary structure (i.e.more » type of structural unit composing the grain boundary), and the associated grain boundary misorientation. Specifically, for symmetric tilt grain boundaries about the [001] axis, grain boundaries composed of both B and C structural units show a lower segregation susceptibility than other grain boundaries. A direct correlation between the segregation susceptibility and the intrinsic net defect density is provided through the Frank–Bilby formalism. Moreover, the present formulation could prove to be a simple and useful model to identify classes of grain boundaries relevant to grain boundary engineering.« less

On the interaction of solutes with grain boundaries

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

Dingreville, Remi Philippe Michel; Berbenni, Stephane

Solute segregation to grain boundaries is considered by modeling solute atoms as misfitting inclusions within a disclination structural unit model describing the grain boundary structure and its intrinsic stress field. The solute distribution around grain boundaries is described through Fermi–Dirac statistics of site occupancy. The susceptibility of hydrogen segregation to symmetric tilt grain boundaries is discussed in terms of the misorientation angle, the defect type characteristics at the grain boundary, temperature, and the prescribed bulk hydrogen fraction of occupied sites. Through this formalism, it is found that hydrogen trapping on grain boundaries clearly correlates with the grain boundary structure (i.e.more » type of structural unit composing the grain boundary), and the associated grain boundary misorientation. Specifically, for symmetric tilt grain boundaries about the [001] axis, grain boundaries composed of both B and C structural units show a lower segregation susceptibility than other grain boundaries. A direct correlation between the segregation susceptibility and the intrinsic net defect density is provided through the Frank–Bilby formalism. Moreover, the present formulation could prove to be a simple and useful model to identify classes of grain boundaries relevant to grain boundary engineering.« less

Characterizing Chickpeas for End Use Characteristics

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In the United States, cool-season grain legumes, including chickpeas, are integral components of cereal-based cropping systems in the Pacific Northwest and the Upper Midwest. The addition of a pulse crop helps break disease and weed cycles and adds nitrogen and organic matter to the soil. In this ...

Vietnam PNTR Status and WTO Accession: Issues and Implications for the United States

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-08-02

footwear, wooden furniture, frozen shrimp, petroleum products, cashew nuts , coffee Major Exports to Vietnam aircraft, mining equipment, electronic...agricultural products (including beef, pork, dairy, fruits, nuts , processed foods, soybean products, cotton and hides and skins, and grains) to rates of 15% or

Environmental impacts of emerging biomass feedstock markets: energy, agriculture, and the farmer

EPA Science Inventory

The production of biofuels in the United States and elsewhere has the potential to induce major changes in rural landscapes via a burgeoning demand for biomass resources. This includes existing agricultural commodities such as corn grain for ethanol and soybean oil for biodiesel,...

7 CFR 868.252 - Definition of other terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... of brown rice for processing to a well-milled degree. (h) Objectionable seeds. Whole or broken seeds... FOR CERTAIN AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES United States Standards for Brown Rice for Processing Terms...) Classes. There are four classes of brown rice for processing. Long Grain Brown Rice for Processing. Medium...

7 CFR 868.252 - Definition of other terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... of brown rice for processing to a well-milled degree. (h) Objectionable seeds. Whole or broken seeds... FOR CERTAIN AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES United States Standards for Brown Rice for Processing Terms...) Classes. There are four classes of brown rice for processing. Long Grain Brown Rice for Processing. Medium...

7 CFR 868.252 - Definition of other terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... of brown rice for processing to a well-milled degree. (h) Objectionable seeds. Whole or broken seeds... FOR CERTAIN AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES United States Standards for Brown Rice for Processing Terms...) Classes. There are four classes of brown rice for processing. Long Grain Brown Rice for Processing. Medium...

Nitrogen management of switchgrass and miscanthus on marginal soils

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Miscanthus × giganteus and switchgrass yield and fertilizer N requirements have been well studied in Europe and parts of the United States, but few reports have investigated their production on eroded claypan soils economically marginal for grain crops. This study was conducted to evaluate yield pot...

ECO-FRIENDLY GOLF TEES FILLED WITH CORN-BASED DDGS

EPA Science Inventory

The ethanol industry in the United States currently produces approximately 10,000,000 tons of corn processing co-products, namely distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). The primary use of DDGS to date has been in animal feed applications. However, there are limits to th...

Stored grain pack factors for wheat: comparison of three methods to field measurements

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Storing grain in bulk storage units results in grain packing from overbearing pressure, which increases grain bulk density and storage-unit capacity. This study compared pack factors of hard red winter (HRW) wheat in vertical storage bins using different methods: the existing packing model (WPACKING...

Chemical Heterogeneity of a Large Cluster IDP: Clues to its Formation History Using X-ray Fluorescence Mapping and XANES Spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wirick, S.; Flynn, G. J.; Sutton, S.; Zolensky, M. E.

2013-01-01

Chondritic porous IDPs may be among the most primitive objects found in our solar system [1]. They consist of many micron to submicron minerals, glasses and carbonaceous matter [2,3,4,5,6,7] with > 10(exp 4) grains in a 10 micron cluster [8]. Speculation on the environment where these fine grained, porous IDPs formed varies with possible sources being presolar dusty plasma clouds, protostellar condensation, solar asteroids or comets [4,6,9]. Also, fine grained dust forms in our solar system today [10,11]. Isotopic anomalies in some particles in IDPs suggest an interstellar source[4,7,12]. IDPs contain relic particles left from the dusty plasma that existed before the protostellar disk formed and other grains in the IDPs formed later after the cold dense nebula cloud collapsed to form our protostar and other grains formed more recently. Fe and CR XANES spectroscopy is used here to investigate the oxygen environment in a large (>50 10 micron or larger sub-units) IDP. Conclusions: Analyzing large (>50 10 micron or larger sub-units) CP IDPs gives one a view on the environments where these fine dust grains formed which is different from that found by only analyzing the small, 10 micron IDPs. As with cluster IDP L2008#5 [3], L2009R2 cluster #13 appears to be an aggregate of grains that sample a diversity of solar and perhaps presolar environments. Sub-micron, grain by grain measurement of trace element contents and elemental oxidation states determined by XANES spectroscopy offers the possibility of understanding the environments in which these grains formed when compared to standard spectra. By comparing thermodynamic modeling of condensates with analytical data an understanding of transport mechanisms operating in the early solar system may be attained.

The Technology Roadmap for Plant/Crop-Based Renewable Resources 2020

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-01-01

field. Poultry Swine Cattle Feed for Livestock Export (grain) Export (food) Food and Industrial Ethanol High Fructose Corn Syrup In a similar manner...terrestrial nutrients. The United States has significant resources in good soils, extensive natural water distribution, and a technology base that allows...yield to provide a 2-fold (vs 98) increase in carbon output per unit input. Develop systems approaches to minimize impact on land, air, and water

Soil nutrients, bacterial communities, and veterinary pharmaceuticals in beef cattle backgrounding confinement on karst environment

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The United States hosts the world’s largest grain fed beef production. Commercial beef production in the US consists of three tiers that include: cow-calf enterprises, cattle backgrounding/stockering, and feedlot finishing. Beef cattle backgrounding/stockering represents an intermediate between the ...

Stability of soybean aphid resistance in soybean across different temperatures

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, is the most important insect pest posing a threat to soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., grain production in the United States. Soybean cultivars with resistance are currently being deployed to aid in management of the pest. Temperature has been reported to ...

7 CFR 810.602 - Definition of other terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 7 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Definition of other terms. 810.602 Section 810.602... GRAIN United States Standards for Flaxseed Terms Defined § 810.602 Definition of other terms. (a..., or otherwise materially damaged. (b) Dockage. All matter other than flaxseed that can be removed from...

Sugarcane aphid resistant sorghums found within USDA-ARS Lubbock, TX genotypes

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The sugarcane aphid, Melanaphis sacchari, was discovered infesting grain sorghum in the southern United States in 2013 and has been a perennial pest through 2016. We evaluated 25 sorghum genotypes in a search for host plant resistance to this pest. Plants were started from seed (N = 16 replication...

Genetic architecture of kernel composition in global sorghum germplasm

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an important cereal crop for dryland areas in the United States and for small-holder farmers in Africa. Natural variation of sorghum grain composition (protein, fat, and starch) between accessions can be used for crop improvement, but the genetic controls are...

Characterization of Fusarium strains recovered from wheat with symptoms of head blight in Kentucky

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC) members cause Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and small grains in the United States. The U.S. population is diverse, and includes several genetically distinct local emergent subpopulations, some more aggressive and toxigenic than...

Sugarcane aphid resistance in sorghum and a host range

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The sugarcane aphid (SCA), Melanaphis sacchari, has been present in the United States primarily on sugarcane in Florida, Hawaii, and Louisiana until 2013 where it was found on grain sorghum near Beaumont, Texas. Since 2013, the SCA has been rapidly spreading and overwintering. Depending on the plant...

Yield potential and nitrogen requirements of Miscanthus × giganteus on eroded soil

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Miscanthus × giganteus yield and fertilizer N requirements have been well studied in Europe and parts of the United States, but few reports have investigated its production on eroded claypan soils economically marginal for grain crops. This study was conducted to evaluate yield potential and fertili...

Acculturation, education, nutrition education, and household composition are related to dietary practices among Cambodian refugee women in Lowell, MA.

PubMed

Peterman, Jerusha Nelson; Silka, Linda; Bermudez, Odilia I; Wilde, Parke E; Rogers, Beatrice Lorge

2011-09-01

Refugees in the United States have higher rates of some chronic diseases than US-born residents or other first-generation immigrants. This may be partially a result of dietary practices in the United States. There is limited information about which factors are related to dietary practices in refugee populations, particularly those who have been in the United States for 10 to 20 years. Research with Cambodian communities may be useful for examining the relationship between refugee characteristics and dietary practices. Two focus groups (n=11) and a survey (n=150) of Cambodian refugee women were conducted in Lowell, MA, from 2007 to 2008. χ(2) analyses, t tests, and analysis of variance tests were used to describe differences in dietary practices (24-hour recall and a targeted qualitative food assessment) by group characteristics. Higher acculturation was related to higher likelihood of eating brown rice/whole grains, and to lower likelihood of eating high-sodium Asian sauces. Higher education was related to higher likelihood of eating vegetables and fruits and to eating white rice fewer times. Nutrition education and receiving dietary advice from a health care provider were related to higher likelihood of eating whole grains/brown rice. Having a child at home was related to a higher likelihood of eating fast food. Among Cambodian refugees who have been in the United States for 10 to 20 years, dietary practices appear to have a relationship with acculturation (positive association), the interrupted education common to refugees (negative association), nutrition education from either programs or health care providers (positive association), and having a child at home (negative association). Copyright © 2011 American Dietetic Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fortification of Corn Masa Flour With Folic Acid in the United States

PubMed Central

Oinuma, Motoko

2011-01-01

Food fortification is an effective public health tool for addressing micronutrient deficiencies. The mandatory fortification of enriched cereal grains (e.g., wheat flour) with folic acid, which began in the United States in 1998, is an example of a successful intervention that significantly reduced the rate of neural tube defects (NTDs). However, despite the drop in NTD rates across all racial/ethnic groups after fortification, Hispanics continue to have the highest rates of this condition. One possible way to reduce this disparity is to fortify corn masa flour to increase the overall intake of folic acid in Hispanic women. We present the available evidence in favor of this approach, address possible safety issues, and outline next steps in the fortification of corn masa flour with folic acid in the United States. PMID:21680940

A three-dimensional polyhedral unit model for grain boundary structure in fcc metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banadaki, Arash Dehghan; Patala, Srikanth

2017-03-01

One of the biggest challenges in developing truly bottom-up models for the performance of polycrystalline materials is the lack of robust quantitative structure-property relationships for interfaces. As a first step in analyzing such relationships, we present a polyhedral unit model to classify the geometrical nature of atomic packing along grain boundaries. While the atomic structure in disordered systems has been a topic of interest for many decades, geometrical analyses of grain boundaries has proven to be particularly challenging because of the wide range of structures that are possible depending on the underlying macroscopic crystallographic character. In this article, we propose an algorithm that can partition the atomic structure into a connected array of three-dimensional polyhedra, and thus, present a three-dimensional polyhedral unit model for grain boundaries. A point-pattern matching algorithm is also provided for quantifying the distortions of the observed grain boundary polyhedral units. The polyhedral unit model is robust enough to capture the structure of high-Σ, mixed character interfaces and, hence, provides a geometric tool for comparing grain boundary structures across the five-parameter crystallographic phase-space. Since the obtained polyhedral units circumscribe the voids present in the structure, such a description provides valuable information concerning segregation sites within the grain boundary. We anticipate that this technique will serve as a powerful tool in the analysis of grain boundary structure. The polyhedral unit model is also applicable to a wide array of material systems as the proposed algorithm is not limited by the underlying lattice structure.

Preliminary technical results review of FY81 experiments. Volume 1: Fiscal year 1981/82 spring small grains pilot experiment. [Canada and the United States

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

Technical progress made in the foreign commodity production forecasting for the advancement of spring small grains (SSG) area estimation is reported with emphasis on results achieved since the last AgRISTARS level semiannual review. Major objectives and accomplishments are reviewed and the experiment is described. The technical approach data assessment, and data systems used are considered. Results of the group approach comparison study are presented along with preliminary aggregation results for SSG processing procedures. The outlook for the future is assessed.

Tillage practices in the conterminous United States, 1989-2004-Datasets Aggregated by Watershed

USGS Publications Warehouse

Baker, Nancy T.

2011-01-01

This report documents the methods used to aggregate county-level tillage practices to the 8-digit hydrologic unit (HU) watershed. The original county-level data were collected by the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC). The CTIC collects tillage data by conducting surveys about tillage systems for all counties in the United States. Tillage systems include three types of conservation tillage (no-till, ridge-till, and mulch-till), reduced tillage, and intensive tillage. Total planted acreage for each tillage practice for each crop grown is reported to the CTIC. The dataset includes total planted acreage by tillage type for selected crops (corn, cotton, grain sorghum, soybeans, fallow, forage, newly established permanent pasture, spring and fall seeded small grains, and 'other' crops) for 1989-2004. Two tabular datasets, based on the 1992 enhanced and 2001 National Land Cover Data (NLCD), are provided as part of this report and include the land-cover area-weighted interpolation and aggregation of acreage for each tillage practice in each 8-digit HU watershed in the conterminous United States for each crop. Watershed aggregations were done by overlying the 8-digit HU polygons with a raster of county boundaries and a raster of either the enhanced 1992 or the 2001 NLCD for cultivated land to derive a county/land-cover area weighting factor. The weighting factor then was applied to the county-level tillage data for the counties within each 8-digit HU and summed to yield the total acreage of each tillage type within each 8-digit HU watershed.

Petrology of Mississippian carbonate eolianites and associated facies: Ste. Genevieve Limestone of Indiana

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

Dodd, J.R.; Brown, T.W.; Harris, C.D.

1990-05-01

Descriptions of carbonate eolianites of pre-Pleistocene age are rare. Based largely on sedimentary structures and facies associations, Hunter has recently identified eolian deposits in the middle Mississippian Ste. Genevieve Limestone near Corydon, Indiana. Eolianite grainstones contain a diverse assemblage of allochems, including a variety of skeletal grains, ooids (some broken and abraded), peloids, intraclasts, and abundant quartz silt. Carbonate grains, which rarely exceed 0.5 mm are usually more spherical than grains from associated marine unit. Eolian units contain cross-laminations that sometimes coarsen upward. No evidence for vadose cement was found in the eolianite units; the extensive solution packing suggest thatmore » cementation did not occur until burial to considerable depth. Marine grainstones, which probably formed on shallow shoals or an open platform, are common in the section. They contain a diverse assemblage of skeletal grain types as well as ooids, peloids, and intraclasts; however, one grain type (such as ooids) frequently dominates an individual unit. Detrital quartz grains are rare. Rounding of grains is usually good, but sphericity of skeletal grains which were not originally spherical is low. Fine laminations are uncommon, and no systematic grading is found on a thin-section scale. Grains and fossils in excess of 10 mm are common in the marine unit. Carbonate mud-rich rocks that probably formed in a shallow lagoonal setting also occur in the Ste. Genevieve section as do poorly developed exposure surfaces with pedogenic features.« less

Spectral Units on Europa and Ganymede

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mccord, T. B.; Nelson, M. L.; Clark, R. N.; Johnson, T. V.; Matson, D. L.; Johnson, R. E.; Boring, J.

1985-01-01

Comparisons of Europa and Ganymede multispectral data show that Ganymede is less spectrally variable than Europa. Four major spectral units dominate Ganymede, corresponding to the ancient cratered terrain and the grooved terrain in the leading and trailing hemispheres. A hemispheric asymmetry in UV absorption definitely exists on Ganymede, although it is not so strong as that on Europa. Comparison of normalized spectra for the four major units shows that the sense of the asymmetry (more absoption toward shorter wavelengths on the trailing hemisphere) is also the same on the two bodies. This hemispheric asymmetry is interpreted as evidence of alteration of the surface by magnetospheric bombardment or micrometorite bombardment. It is concluded that the pattern observed represents a steady state involving both of these exogenic modifying agents. The spectral changes which could be produced by these two processes are grain size alteration and changes in composition. The spectral effects of variation in water ice grain size are fairly well known. Laboratory experiments are being conducted to study the spectral effects of sulfur irradiation on water ice.

Impacts of biofuel-based land-use change on water quality and sustainability in a Kansas watershed

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The growth in ethanol production in the United States has sparked interest in potential land-use change and the associated environmental impacts that may occur in order to accommodate the increasing demand for grain feedstocks. In this study water quality and sustainability indicators are used to ev...

Multiple view image analysis of freefalling U.S. wheat grains for damage assessment

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Currently, inspection of wheat in the United States for grade and class is performed by human visual analysis. This is a time consuming operation typically taking several minutes for each sample. Digital imaging research has addressed this issue over the past two decades, with success in recognition...

7 CFR 810.1802 - Definition of other terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 7 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Definition of other terms. 810.1802 Section 810.1802... GRAIN United States Standards for Sunflower Seed Terms Defined § 810.1802 Definition of other terms. (a) Cultivated sunflower seed. Sunflower seed grown for oil content. The term seed in this and other definitions...

7 CFR 810.1802 - Definition of other terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 7 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Definition of other terms. 810.1802 Section 810.1802... GRAIN United States Standards for Sunflower Seed Terms Defined § 810.1802 Definition of other terms. (a) Cultivated sunflower seed. Sunflower seed grown for oil content. The term seed in this and other definitions...

Diallel analysis for aflatoxin accumulation and fall armyworm leaf feeding damage in maize

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Two of the major impediments to profitable maize, Zea mays L., production in the southern United States are losses from feeding by fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), and losses from the production and accumulation of aflatoxin in maize grain. The fall armyworm feeds on all above-grou...

7 CFR 810.1802 - Definition of other terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... GRAIN United States Standards for Sunflower Seed Terms Defined § 810.1802 Definition of other terms. (a) Cultivated sunflower seed. Sunflower seed grown for oil content. The term seed in this and other definitions related to sunflower seed refers to both the kernel and hull which is a fruit or achene. (b) Damaged...

7 CFR 810.1802 - Definition of other terms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... GRAIN United States Standards for Sunflower Seed Terms Defined § 810.1802 Definition of other terms. (a) Cultivated sunflower seed. Sunflower seed grown for oil content. The term seed in this and other definitions related to sunflower seed refers to both the kernel and hull which is a fruit or achene. (b) Damaged...

7 CFR 810.301 - Definition of canola.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... glucosinolate, per gram of air-dried, oil free solid. Before the removal of dockage, the seed shall contain not... GRAIN United States Standards for Canola-Terms Defined § 810.301 Definition of canola. Seeds of the genus Brassica from which the oil shall contain less than 2 percent erucic acid in its fatty acid...

7 CFR 810.301 - Definition of canola.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... glucosinolate, per gram of air-dried, oil free solid. Before the removal of dockage, the seed shall contain not... GRAIN United States Standards for Canola-Terms Defined § 810.301 Definition of canola. Seeds of the genus Brassica from which the oil shall contain less than 2 percent erucic acid in its fatty acid...

Phenology and biomass production of adapted and non-adapted tropical corn populations in Central Iowa

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Biofuel production in the Midwestern United States has largely focused on corn (Zea mays L.) grain for ethanol production and more recently, corn stover for lignocellulosic ethanol. As an alternative to conventional corn, tropical corn populations have been evaluated. Tropical corn is the term used ...

Report of the 64th National Conference on Weights and Measures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wollin, H. F.; Babeoq, L. E.; Heffernan, A. P.

1980-03-01

Major issues discussed at this conference include metric conversion in the United States, particularly the conversion of gasoline dispensers, problems relating to the quantity fill of packaged commodities especially as affected by moisture loss and statistical approach to package checking. Federal grain inspection, and a legal metrology control system are also discussed.

Use of Spectral Vegetation Indices for Detection of European Corn Borer Infestation in Iowa Corn Plots

EPA Science Inventory

Recently, corn grown for grain in the United States has increased from 28 million ha in 2006 to more than 35 million ha in 2007 with a production value of over $52 billion dollars. Transgenic corn expressing the plant incorporated protectant Bacillus thuringiensis toxin represen...

SEDIMENT MICROBIAL RESPIRATION IN A SYNOPTIC SURVEY OF MID-ATLANTIC REGION STREAMS

EPA Science Inventory

l. The rate of microbial respiration on fine-grained stream sediments was measured at 196 first-to third-order sites in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States.2. Sample collection took place between April and July in 1993, 1994 and 1995.3. Study streams were randomly sele...

78 FR 2627 - Fees for Official Inspection and Official Weighing Services Under the United States Grain...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-14

... compensation and benefits, travel, rent, communications, utilities, contractual services, supplies, and...- contract rate, plus the prevailing Toledo field office tonnage fee, plus the actual cost of travel. GIPSA... weighing services to recover its costs and build an operating reserve. Fees for foreign travel would be...

Can Sediment Total Organic Carbon and Grain Size Be Used to Diagnose Organic Enrichment in Estuaries

EPA Science Inventory

Eutrophication (i.e., nutrient enrichment, organic enrichment and oxygen depletion) is one of the most common sources of impairment in 303(d) listed waters in the United States. While eutrophication can eventually cause adverse effects to the benthos, it may be hard to diagnose....

Climate Impacts on Agriculture in the United States: The Value of Past Observations

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Climate impacts on agriculture cause variations in crop yields and lead to lack of stability in grain production. This will become more critical as the world population continues to increase and demands more food. There have been many studies that have shown the impact of climate on agricultural pro...

Deflection of the local interstellar dust flow by solar radiation pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Landgraf, M.; Augustsson, K.; Grun, E.; Gustafson, B. A.

1999-01-01

Interstellar dust grains intercepted by the dust detectors on the Ulysses and Galileo spacecrafts at heliocentric distances from 2 to 4 astronomical units show a deficit of grains with masses from 1 x 10(-17) to 3 x 10(-16) kilograms relative to grains intercepted outside 4 astronomical units. To divert grains out of the 2- to 4-astronomical unit region, the solar radiation pressure must be 1.4 to 1.8 times the force of solar gravity. These figures are consistent with the optical properties of spherical or elongated grains that consist of astronomical silicates or organic refractory material. Pure graphite grains with diameters of 0.2 to 0.4 micrometer experience a solar radiation pressure force as much as twice the force of solar gravity.

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service stored-grain areawide integrated pest management program.

PubMed

Flinn, Paul W; Hagstrum, David W; Reed, Carl; Phillips, Tom W

2003-01-01

The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) funded a demonstration project (1998-2002) for areawide IPM for stored wheat in Kansas and Oklahoma. This project was a collaboration of researchers at the ARS Grain Marketing and Production Research Center in Manhattan, Kansas, Kansas State University, and Oklahoma State University. The project utilized two elevator networks, one in each state, for a total of 28 grain elevators. These elevators stored approximately 31 million bushels of wheat, which is approximately 1.2% of the annual national production. Stored wheat was followed as it moved from farm to the country elevator and finally to the terminal elevator. During this study, thousands of grain samples were taken in concrete elevator silos. Wheat stored at elevators was frequently infested by several insect species, which sometimes reached high numbers and damaged the grain. Fumigation using aluminum phosphide pellets was the main method for managing these insect pests in elevators in the USA. Fumigation decisions tended to be based on past experience with controlling stored-grain insects, or were calendar based. Integrated pest management (IPM) requires sampling and risk benefit analysis. We found that the best sampling method for estimating insect density, without turning the grain from one bin to another, was the vacuum probe sampler. Decision support software, Stored Grain Advisor Pro (SGA Pro) was developed that interprets insect sampling data, and provides grain managers with a risk analysis report detailing which bins are at low, moderate or high risk for insect-caused economic losses. Insect density was predicted up to three months in the future based on current insect density, grain temperature and moisture. Because sampling costs money, there is a trade-off between frequency of sampling and the cost of fumigation. The insect growth model in SGA Pro reduces the need to sample as often, thereby making the program more cost-effective. SGA Pro was validated during the final year of the areawide program. Based on data from 533 bins, SGA Pro accurately predicted which bins were at low, moderate or high risk. Only in two out of 533 bins did SGA Pro incorrectly predict bins as being low risk and, in both cases, insect density was only high (> two insects kg(-1)) at the surface, which suggested recent immigration. SGA Pro is superior to calendar-based management because it ensures that grain is only treated when insect densities exceed economic thresholds (two insects kg(-1)). This approach will reduce the frequency of fumigation while maintaining high grain quality. Minimizing the use of fumigant improves worker safety and reduces both control costs and harm to the environment.

Developing a Standard Definition of Whole-Grain Foods for Dietary Recommendations: Summary Report of a Multidisciplinary Expert Roundtable Discussion12

PubMed Central

Ferruzzi, Mario G.; Jonnalagadda, Satya S.; Liu, Simin; Marquart, Len; McKeown, Nicola; Reicks, Marla; Riccardi, Gabriele; Seal, Chris; Slavin, Joanne; Thielecke, Frank; van der Kamp, Jan-Willem; Webb, Densie

2014-01-01

Although the term “whole grain” is well defined, there has been no universal standard of what constitutes a “whole-grain food,” creating challenges for researchers, the food industry, regulatory authorities, and consumers around the world. As part of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the U.S. Dietary Guidelines Technical Advisory Committee issued a call to action to develop definitions for whole-grain foods that could be universally accepted and applied to dietary recommendations and planning. The Committee’s call to action, and the lack of a global whole-grain food definition, was the impetus for the Whole Grain Roundtable held 3–5 December 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. The objective was to develop a whole-grain food definition that is consistent with the quartet of needs of science, food product formulation, consumer behavior, and label education. The roundtable’s expert panel represented a broad range of expertise from the United States and Europe, including epidemiology and dietary intervention researchers, consumer educators, government policy makers, and food and nutrition scientists from academia and the grain food industry. Taking into account the totality, quality, and consistency of available scientific evidence, the expert panel recommended that 8 g of whole grain/30 g serving (27 g/100 g), without a fiber requirement, be considered a minimum content of whole grains that is nutritionally meaningful and that a food providing at least 8 g of whole grains/30-g serving be defined as a whole-grain food. Having an established whole-grain food definition will encourage manufacturers to produce foods with meaningful amounts of whole grain, allow consistent product labeling and messaging, and empower consumers to readily identify whole-grain foods and achieve whole-grain dietary recommendations. PMID:24618757

Commentary: A cautionary tale regarding use of the National Land Cover Dataset 1992

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thogmartin, Wayne E.; Gallant, Alisa L.; Knutson, Melinda G.; Fox, Timothy J.; Suarez, Manuel J.

2004-01-01

Digital land-cover data are among the most popular data sources used in ecological research and natural resource management. However, processes for accurate land-cover classification over large regions are still evolving. We identified inconsistencies in the National Land Cover Dataset 1992, the most current and available representation of land cover for the conterminous United States. We also report means to address these inconsistencies in a bird-habitat model. We used a Geographic Information System (GIS) to position a regular grid (or lattice) over the upper midwestern United States and summarized the proportion of individual land covers in each cell within the lattice. These proportions were then mapped back onto the lattice, and the resultant lattice was compared to satellite paths, state borders, and regional map classification units. We observed mapping inconsistencies at the borders between mapping regions, states, and Thematic Mapper (TM) mapping paths in the upper midwestern United States, particularly related to grass I and-herbaceous, emergent-herbaceous wetland, and small-grain land covers. We attributed these discrepancies to differences in image dates between mapping regions, suboptimal image dates for distinguishing certain land-cover types, lack of suitable ancillary data for improving discrimination for rare land covers, and possibly differences among image interpreters. To overcome these inconsistencies for the purpose of modeling regional populations of birds, we combined grassland-herbaceous and pasture-hay land-cover classes and excluded the use of emergent-herbaceous and small-grain land covers. We recommend that users of digital land-cover data conduct similar assessments for other regions before using these data for habitat evaluation. Further, caution is advised in using these data in the analysis of regional land-cover change because it is not likely that future digital land-cover maps will repeat the same problems, thus resulting in biased estimates of change.

Landscape trends in Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States ecoregions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Griffith, J.A.; Stehman, S.V.; Loveland, Thomas R.

2003-01-01

Landscape pattern and composition metrics are potential indicators for broad-scale monitoring of change and for relating change to human and ecological processes. We used a probability sample of 20-km × 20-km sampling blocks to characterize landscape composition and pattern in five US ecoregions: the Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain, Southeastern Plains, Northern Piedmont, Piedmont, and Blue Ridge Mountains. Land use/land cover (LULC) data for five dates between 1972 and 2000 were obtained for each sample block. Analyses focused on quantifying trends in selected landscape pattern metrics by ecoregion and comparing trends in land cover proportions and pattern metrics among ecoregions. Repeated measures analysis of the landscape pattern documented a statistically significant trend in all five ecoregions towards a more fine-grained landscape from the early 1970s through 2000. The ecologically important forest cover class also became more fine-grained with time (i.e., more numerous and smaller forest patches). Trends in LULC, forest edge, and forest percent like adjacencies differed among ecoregions. These results suggest that ecoregions provide a geographically coherent way to regionalize the story of national land use and land cover change in the United States. This study provides new information on LULC change in the southeast United States. Previous studies of the region from the 1930s to the 1980s showed a decrease in landscape fragmentation and an increase in percent forest, while this study showed an increase in forest fragmentation and a loss of forest cover.

Extrusion of barley and oat influence the fecal microbiota and SCFA profile of growing pigs.

PubMed

Moen, Birgitte; Berget, Ingunn; Rud, Ida; Hole, Anastasia S; Kjos, Nils Petter; Sahlstrøm, Stefan

2016-02-01

The effect of extrusion of barley and oat on the fecal microbiota and the formation of SCFA was evaluated using growing pigs as model system. The pigs were fed a diet containing either whole grain barley (BU), oat groat (OU), or their respective extruded samples (BE and OE). 454 pyrosequencing showed that the fecal microbiota of growing pigs was affected by both extrusion and grain type. Extruded grain resulted in lower bacterial diversity and enrichment in operational taxonomic units (OTUs) affiliated with members of the Streptococcus, Blautia and Bulleidia genera, while untreated grain showed enrichment in OTUs affiliated with members of the Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus genera, and the butyrate-producing bacteria Butyricicoccus, Roseburia, Coprococcus and Pseudobutyrivibrio. Untreated grain resulted in a significant increase of n-butyric, i-valeric and n-valeric acid, which correlated with an increase of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. This is the first study showing that cereal extrusion affects the microbiota composition and diversity towards a state generally thought to be less beneficial for health, as well as less amounts of beneficial butyric acid.

Cottonwood: An American Wood

Treesearch

Harvey E. Kennedy

1985-01-01

Two species of cottonwood trees in the United States are commercially important: eastern cottonwood and black cottonwood. Eastern cottonwood is the more important of these. Wood of both species is similar in appearance and properties, being light in weight and color with a fairly straight grain and uniform texture. It is not strong and decays rapidly in damp areas or...

Population subdivision of Fusarium graminearum from barley and wheat in the upper Midwestern United States at the turn of the century

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Fusarium graminearum, the causal agent of Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat and barley, is one of the most economically destructive pathogens of these grains worldwide. Recent population genetic studies of the pathogen obtained from wheat in North America supported population subdivision in part c...

Detection of European corn borer infestation in rainfed and irrigated corn using airborne hyperspectral imaging: implications for resistance management

EPA Science Inventory

Recently, corn grown for grain in the United States has increased from 28 million ha in 2006 to more than 35 million ha in 2007 with a production value of over $52 billion dollars. Transgenic corn expressing the plant incorporated protectant Bacillus thuringiensis toxin represen...

Development and validation of KASP markers for the greenbug resistance gene Gb7 and the Hessian fly resistance gene H32 in wheat

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Greenbug (GB, Schizaphis graminum Rondani) and Hessian fly [HF, Mayetiola destructor (Say)] are two major destructive insect pests of wheat (Triticum aestivum L) throughout wheat production regions of the United States and worldwide. GB and HF infestation can significantly reduce grain yield and qu...

Consumer ring count and grain texture preferences of selected eastern United States hardwoods

Treesearch

Delton Alderman; Matthew Bumgardner; Scott Bowe; David Brinberg

2008-01-01

Historically, eastern hardwoods have been a staple of forest products production. However, hardwood producers are now faced with serious challenges from substitutable products, such as imports of foreign species, utilization of foreign species in overseas manufacture (e.g., case goods, etc.), and composite-based materials that are imported or manufactured here in the...

Hardwood genetics and tree improvement - A Midwest USA perspective

Treesearch

C. H. Michler; R. Meilan; K. E. Woeste; P. M. Pijut; D. Jacobs; P. Aldrich; J. Glaubitz

2005-01-01

Fine hardwood trees in the Central Hardwoods region of the United States are an important resource for the furniture, cabinetry, flooring, modular home, and paneling manufacturing industries. Consumers find wood from these trees to be very desirable because of quality factors such as grain, strength and color. To enhance wood production, tree improvement programs can...

Wheat: The Whole Story.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oklahoma State Dept. of Education, Oklahoma City.

This publication presents information on wheat. Wheat was originally a wild grass and not native to the United States. Wheat was not planted there until 1777 (and then only as a hobby crop). Wheat is grown on more acres than any other grain in this country. Soft wheats are grown east of the Mississippi River, and hard wheats are grown west of the…

78 FR 43853 - Designation for the Champaign-Danville, IL Area; Correction to Geographic Area for Champaign...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-22

...) to provide official services under the United States Grain Standards Act (USGSA), as amended. In... March 31, 2016. Interested persons may obtain official services by contacting these agencies at the... Designation end Champaign Urbana, IL, (217) 344-9306..... 4/1/2013 3/31/2016 Section 79(f) of the USGSA...

Susceptibility of Tribolium castaneum and Trogoderma variabile larvae and adults exposed to methoprene-treated woven packaing material

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Methoprene is an insect growth regulator (IGR) registered in the United States for direct application to stored raw grains, as an aerosol or residual contact insecticide, or for use as a packaging treatment for protection of bagged processed food products. A series of tests were conducted to determi...

Distribution of cadmium, iron and zinc in millstreams of hard winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Hard winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major crop in the Great Plains of the United 14 States, and our previous work demonstrated that wheat genotypes vary for grain cadmium 15 accumulation, with some exceeding the CODEX standard (0.2 mg kg-1). Previous reports of 16 cadmium distribution in ...

Extractives in eastern hardwoods : a review

Treesearch

John W. Rowe

1979-01-01

This report extensively reviews the chemistry of extractives from wood and bark of hardwoods from the eastern United States. While such extractives are not used to a great extent commercially, they may influence properties of the wood and performance of wood products. For example, extractives can protect wood from decay, add color and odor to wood, accent grain pattern...

Association analysis of cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) resistance in the USDA cowpea germplasm collection

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is an important legume crop, widely grown in Africa, South America, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the southern United States. Cowpea is consumed as both fresh vegetable and dry grain, and as an animal feed and fodder, and it is a major dietary protein source t...

Speciation and Localization of Arsenic in White and Brown Rice Grains

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

Meharg, Andrew A.; Lombi, Enzo; Williams, Paul N.

2008-06-30

Synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence (S-XRF) was utilized to locate arsenic (As) in polished (white) and unpolished (brown) rice grains from the United States, China, and Bangladesh. In white rice As was generally dispersed throughout the grain, the bulk of which constitutes the endosperm. In brown rice As was found to be preferentially localized at the surface, in the region corresponding to the pericarp and aleurone layer. Copper, iron, manganese, and zinc localization followed that of arsenic in brown rice, while the location for cadmium and nickel was distinctly different, showing relatively even distribution throughout the endosperm. The localization of As inmore » the outer grain of brown rice was confirmed by laser ablation ICP?MS. Arsenic speciation of all grains using spatially resolved X-ray absorption near edge structure (?-XANES) and bulk extraction followed by anion exchange HPLC?ICP?MS revealed the presence of mainly inorganic As and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). However, the two techniques indicated different proportions of inorganic:organic As species. A wider survey of whole grain speciation of white (n = 39) and brown (n = 45) rice samples from numerous sources (field collected, supermarket survey, and pot trials) showed that brown rice had a higher proportion of inorganic arsenic present than white rice. Furthermore, the percentage of DMA present in the grain increased along with total grain arsenic.« less

Magnetic properties of the upper mantle beneath the continental United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Friedman, S. A.; Ferre, E. C.; Demory, F.; Rochette, P.; Martin Hernandez, F.; Conder, J. A.

2012-12-01

The interpretation of long wavelength satellite magnetic data (Magsat, Oersted, CHAMP, SWARM) requires an understanding of magnetic mineralogy in the lithospheric mantle and reliable models of induced and remanent magnetic sources in the lithospheric mantle and the crust. Blakely et al. (2005) proposed the hypothesis of a magnetic lithospheric mantle in subduction zones. This prompted us to reexamine magnetic sources in the lithospheric mantle in different tectonic settings where unaltered mantle xenolith have been reported since the 1990s. Xenoliths from the upper mantle beneath the continental United States show different magnetic properties depending on the tectonic setting in which they equilibrated. Three localities in the South Central United States (San Carlos, AZ; Kilbourne Hole, NM; Knippa, TX) produced lherzolite and harzburgite xenoliths, while the Bearpaw Mountains in Montana (subduction zone) produced dunite and phlogopite-rich dunite xenoliths. Paleomagnetic data on these samples shows the lack of secondary alteration which is commonly caused by post-eruption serpentinization and the lack of basalt contamination. The main magnetic carrier is pure magnetite. The ascent of mantle xenoliths to the surface of the Earth generally takes only a few hours. Numerical modelling shows that nucleation of magnetite during ascent would form superparamagnetic grains and therefore cannot explain the observed magnetic grain sizes. This implies that the ferromagnetic phases present in the studied samples formed at mantle depth. The samples from the South Central United States exhibit a small range in low-field magnetic susceptibility (+/- 0.00003 [SI]), and Natural Remanent Magnetization (NRM) between 0.001 - 0.100 A/m. To the contrary samples from the Bearpaw Mountains exhibit a wider range of low-field susceptibilities (0.00001 to 0.0015 [SI]) and NRM (0.01 and 9.00 A/m). These samples have been serpentinized in-situ by metasomatic fluids related to the Farallon plate (Facer et al., 2009). Hence, the magnetic properties of the lithospheric mantle beneath the continental United States differ significantly depending on tectonic setting. The combination of the low geotherm observed in the Bearpaw Mountains with the stronger induced and remanent magnetization of mantle rocks in this area may produce a detectable LWMA.

A 10-year climatology of pollen aerosol for the continental United States: implications for aerosol-climate interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wozniak, M. C.

2016-12-01

Our current understanding of biological particles and their role in the climate system is uncertain. Pollen, a primary biological aerosol particle, has been understudied in the context of climate and atmospheric science because of its coarse size (10-100 µm). Local coarse grain pollen concentrations can reach up to 10,000 grains m-3, and when ruptured by wet or turbulent atmospheric conditions, can produce fine particles (sub-pollen particles, 10-1000 nm) that may increase pollen's lifetime in the atmosphere. Therefore, pollen contributes to both coarse and fine particle loads in the atmosphere that may have climatic impacts. During peak pollen emissions season, what impacts does pollen have on aerosol concentrations in the atmosphere and their indirect forcing? Here we use a model of accurately timed and scaled pollen and sub-pollen particle emissions with climate-dependent phenological dates for four plant functional types (deciduous broadleaf, evergreen needleleaf, grass and ragweed) that dominate emissions across the continental United States. Terrestrial pollen emissions are coupled with the land component of a regional climate model (RegCM4-CLM), and are transported as atmospheric tracers that are allowed interact with radiation and clouds, accounting for the direct and indirect effects of pollen. A ten-year climatology of pollen emissions and climate interactions is calculated for both pollen grains and sub-pollen particles. Its implications for the local and overall radiation budget, aerosol-cloud-precipitation interactions and regional climate are discussed.

Further optimization of a hybrid united-atom and coarse-grained force field for folding simulations: Improved backbone hydration and interactions between charged side chains

PubMed Central

Han, Wei; Schulten, Klaus

2012-01-01

PACE, a hybrid force field which couples united-atom protein models with coarse-grained (CG) solvent, has been further optimized, aiming to improve itse ciency for folding simulations. Backbone hydration parameters have been re-optimized based on hydration free energies of polyalanyl peptides through atomistic simulations. Also, atomistic partial charges from all-atom force fields were combined with PACE in order to provide a more realistic description of interactions between charged groups. Using replica exchange molecular dynamics (REMD), ab initio folding using the new PACE has been achieved for seven small proteins (16 – 23 residues) with different structural motifs. Experimental data about folded states, such as their stability at room temperature, melting point and NMR NOE constraints, were also well reproduced. Moreover, a systematic comparison of folding kinetics at room temperature has been made with experiments, through standard MD simulations, showing that the new PACE may speed up the actual folding kinetics 5-10 times. Together with the computational speedup benefited from coarse-graining, the force field provides opportunities to study folding mechanisms. In particular, we used the new PACE to fold a 73-residue protein, 3D, in multiple 10 – 30 μs simulations, to its native states (Cα RMSD ~ 0.34 nm). Our results suggest the potential applicability of the new PACE for the study of folding and dynamics of proteins. PMID:23204949

A 5-year analysis of crop phenologies from the United States Heartland (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, D. M.

2010-12-01

Time series imagery data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) was intersected with annually updated field-level crop data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). Phenological metrics were derived for major crop types found in the United States (US) Heartland region. The specific MODIS data consisted of the 16-day composited Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) 250 meter spatial resolution imagery from the Terra satellite. Crops evaluated included corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, sorghum, rice, and other small grains. Charts showing the annual average state-level NDVI phenologies by crop were constructed for the five years between 2006 and 2010. The states of interest covered the intensively cultivated regions in the US Great Plains, Corn Belt, and Mississippi River Alluvial Plain. Results demonstrated the recent biophysical growth cycles of prevalent and widespread US crops and how they varied by geography and year. Linkages between the time series data and planting practices, weather impacts, crop progress reports, and yields were also investigated.

Impact of Kansas grain transportation on Kansas highway damage costs

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-03-01

Changes have occurred in the Kansas grain transportation systems that have increased trucking of grain. Kansas farmers will truck their grain a much greater distance to obtain the higher grain price at the unit train loading location. Farmers will by...

"I've Got an Idea": A Social Semiotic Perspective on Agency in the Second Language Classroom

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pinnow, Rachel J.

2011-01-01

This paper addresses the role of multimodal fluency in establishing agency in the second language classroom. The focus of the paper is on the semiotic resourcefulness of an English Language Learner in an English as a Second Language classroom in the United States. Framed from a social semiotic perspective, fine grained multimodal analysis of…

Biofuel Food Disasters and Cellulosic Ethanol Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pimentel, David

2009-01-01

As shortages of fossil energy, especially oil and natural gas, become evident, the United States has moved to convert corn grain into ethanol with the goal to make the nation oil independent. Using more than 20% of all U.S. corn on 15 million acres in 2007 was providing the nation with less than 1% of U.S. oil consumption. Because the corn ethanol…

76 FR 12400 - WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding China-Countervailing and Anti-Dumping Duties on Grain...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-03-07

... at http://www.wto.org , in a document designated as WT/DS414/2. USTR invites written comments from....org contained in a document designated as WT/DS414/1. The United States and China held consultations... on the Web site of the World Trade Organization, http://www.wto.org . Comments open to public...

Report on Progress Toward Security and Stability in Afghanistan

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-11-01

administered by the World Bank; contributors are Australia ($5.9 million), Finland ($2.5 million) and the United States ($50 million). Window B is...workshops for female extension personnel, launched on- farm grain storage trials, and conducted training on agro-ecosystem observation and analysis...Upcoming training will focus on wheat and vegetable production, marketing, post-harvest storage, farm financial management, and participatory

Adding Fuel to the Fire: Life and Meaning of Data in a Principal's World

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Angelaccio, Donald S.; Miskovic, Maja

2015-01-01

In this paper a former middle school principal and his dissertation chair look back at the research process envisioned and carried out against the neo-positivist grain aggressively put forward by the government and espoused in school districts across the United States. We revisit the meaning of data and show how they emerged from the paradigmatic…

Supplementation of organic and inorganic selenium to diets using grains grown in various regions of the United States with differing natural Se concentrations and fed to grower-finisher swine.

PubMed

Mahan, D C; Azain, M; Crenshaw, T D; Cromwell, G L; Dove, C R; Kim, S W; Lindemann, M D; Miller, P S; Pettigrew, J E; Stein, H H; van Heugten, E

2014-11-01

Grains grown in various regions of the United States vary in their innate or natural Se contents. A regional study evaluated the effects of adding inorganic Se (sodium selenite) or organic Se (Se yeast) to diets with differing innate Se contents. A 2 × 2 + 1 factorial experiment evaluating 2 Se sources (organic or inorganic) at 2 Se levels (0.15 or 0.30 mg/kg) in 18 total replicates (n = 360 total pigs). A basal diet was fed without supplemental Se and served as the negative (basal) control. The study was conducted as a randomized complete block design in 9 states (Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin) with each station conducting 2 replicates. Pigs were fed from 25 to approximately 115 kg BW. Similar dietary formulations were used at each station, incorporating a common source of trace mineral and Se premixes. Three pigs per treatment in 16 replicates (n = 240) were bled at 55, 85, and 115 kg BW and serum Se and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were determined. Three pigs (n = 260) from each treatment pen were killed at 115 kg BW and issues (liver, loin, and hair) were analyzed for Se. The corn Se content from the various states ranged from 0.026 to 0.283 mg Se/kg while the soybean meal Se content ranged from 0.086 to 0.798 mg Se/kg. Tissue and serum Se concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) when supplemental organic Se was fed, whereas serum GSH-Px was greater (P < 0.01) as Se level increased. There were linear increases (P < 0.01) in loin and quadratic increases (P < 0.01) in liver and hair Se concentrations as dietary Se level increased within each state. There was a source × level interaction (P < 0.01) for each tissue resulting in a greater increase when organic Se was fed. Serum Se and GSH-Px activity increased (P < 0.01) when both Se sources were fed and plateaued at each state at 0.15 mg Se/kg. There was a high and significant correlation between each tissue Se, serum Se, and GSH-Px activity to dietary Se level indicating that those states having greater grain natural Se contents also had greater tissue Se concentrations. These results indicate that a large difference in corn and soybean meal Se concentrations exists between states, that the addition of organic or inorganic Se to these grains increased tissue and serum Se in each state, and that organic Se was incorporated at greater concentrations in the loin, liver, and hair tissues of grower-finisher pigs than inorganic Se.

Holocene debris flows on the Colorado Plateau: The influence of clay mineralogy and chemistry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Webb, R.H.; Griffiths, P.G.; Rudd, L.P.

2008-01-01

Holocene debris flows do not occur uniformly on the Colorado Plateau province of North America. Debris flows occur in specific areas of the plateau, resulting in general from the combination of steep topography, intense convective precipitation, abundant poorly sorted material not stabilized by vegetation, and the exposure of certain fine-grained bedrock units in cliffs or in colluvium beneath those cliffs. In Grand and Cataract Canyons, fine-grained bedrock that produces debris flows contains primarily single-layer clays - notably illite and kaolinite - and has low multilayer clay content. This clay-mineral suite also occurs in the colluvium that produces debris flows as well as in debris-flow deposits, although unconsolidated deposits have less illite than the source bedrock. We investigate the relation between the clay mineralogy and major-cation chemistry of fine-grained bedrock units and the occurrence of debris flows on the entire Colorado Plateau. We determined that 85 mapped fine-grained bedrock units potentially could produce debris flows, and we analyzed clay mineralogy and major-cation concentration of 52 of the most widely distributed units, particularly those exposed in steep topography. Fine-grained bedrock units that produce debris flows contained an average of 71% kaolinite and illite and 5% montmorillonite and have a higher concentration of potassium and magnesium than nonproducing units, which have an average of 51% montmorillonite and a higher concentration of sodium. We used multivariate statistics to discriminate fine-grained bedrock units with the potential to produce debris flows, and we used digital-elevation models and mapped distribution of debris-flow producing units to derive a map that predicts potential occurrence of Holocene debris flows on the Colorado Plateau. ?? 2008 Geological Society of America.

Large grain instruction and phonological awareness skill influence rime sensitivity, processing speed, and early decoding skill in adult L2 learners

PubMed Central

Brennan, Christine; Booth, James R.

2016-01-01

Linguistic knowledge, cognitive ability, and instruction influence how adults acquire a second orthography yet it remains unclear how different forms of instruction influence grain size sensitivity and subsequent decoding skill and speed. Thirty-seven monolingual, literate English-speaking adults were trained on a novel artificial orthography given initial instruction that directed attention to either large or small grain size units (i.e., words or letters). We examined how initial instruction influenced processing speed (i.e., reaction time (RT)) and sensitivity to different orthographic grain sizes (i.e., rimes and letters). Directing attention to large grain size units during initial instruction resulted in higher accuracy for rimes, whereas directing attention to smaller grain size units resulted in slower RTs across all measures. Additionally, phonological awareness skill modulated early learning effects, compensating for the limitations of the initial instruction provided. Collectively, these findings suggest that when adults are learning to read a second orthography, consideration should be given to how initial instruction directs attention to different grain sizes and inherent phonological awareness ability. PMID:27829705

Communication Enhancement Project. Manitoba Pool Elevators and United Grain Growers. Phase One Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Howell, Sandi

In 1992, United Grain Growers (UGG) and Manitoba Pool (MP) formed a partnership to examine the literacy and numeracy needs of their rural grain elevator operators and the potential of delivering a communications enhancement program in the rural areas. During part 1, the committee held a series of initial planning meetings. Both companies held…

The Rosiwal Principle and the regolithic distributions of solar-wind elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Criswell, D. R.

1975-01-01

In situ accumulation of solar elements is studied for the purpose of determining the extent of applicability of the Rosiwal Principle. The Rosiwal Principle states that the grain exposure area is proportional to the fraction of the unit volume occupied by the grains, and the test involves measurement of the relative concentrations of inert gases and reactive elements across sets of lunar fines samples for which mean grain size, sorting, and minimum radius of surface correlation are known. In some cases, the quantity of an element implanted into the lunar fines from the solar wind is found to be surface correlated, and the implications of this relationship are considered. According to the Rosiwal Principle, coarse soils should retain less inert gas than fine soil. The Principle can also be applied to species volatized or sputtered from the lunar surface and redeposited locally.

Mechanisms of the effects of grains on insulin and glucose responses.

PubMed

Hallfrisch, J; Facn; Behall, K M

2000-06-01

Consumption of a number of grains and grain extracts has been reported to control or improve glucose tolerance and reduce insulin resistance. The inability of the body to maintain normal glucose levels or to require excessive levels of insulin to do so has been called glucose intolerance, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. These conditions are associated with obesity and may be preliminary steps in the progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although dietary goals recommend the consumption of three servings of whole grains per day, average consumption in the United States is less than one serving per day. There are a number of mechanisms by which grains may improve glucose metabolism and delay or prevent the progression of impaired glucose tolerance to insulin resistance and diabetes. These mechanisms are related to the physical properties and structure of grains. The composition of the grain, including particle size, amount and type of fiber, viscosity, amylose and amylopectin content all affect the metabolism of carbohydrates from grains. Increasing whole grain intake in the population can result in improved glucose metabolism and delay or reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Whole grains can provide a substantial contribution to the improvement of the diets of Americans. A number of whole grain foods and grain fiber sources are beneficial in reduction of insulin resistance and improvement in glucose tolerance. Form, amount and method of cooking of these foods as well as the health characteristics, age and gender of the group of subjects studied are all important factors in the effectiveness of the foods in altering these responses. Dietary recommendations of health organizations suggest consumption of three servings a day of whole grain foods; however, Americans generally fall below this standard. Recent research using various grains and grain products effective in improving insulin resistance or lowering glycemic index will be discussed below by possible mechanisms of action.

Potential for the use of germinated wheat and soybeans to enhance human nutrition.

PubMed

Finney, P L

1978-01-01

Wheat and soybeans are the major agricultural exports of the United States. The U.S. sells more of each crop than any other nation. Soybeans are the main staple in China, but the U.S. sells more soybeans than China grows. For hundreds of millions of other people, wheat is the main staple. And yet, most Americans eat whole grains of neither wheat nor soybeans. In the United States, many nutrients of wheat and soybeans are lost in processing or are fed to animals. A highly significant share of the wheat nutrients are lost from the main foodstream when the germ and bran (with aleurone) portions are separated. Whole soybeans are carefully processed for food by only a handful of Americans.

Dietary intake of whole grains.

PubMed

Cleveland, L E; Moshfegh, A J; Albertson, A M; Goldman, J D

2000-06-01

The objective of this study was to provide national estimates of whole-grain intake in the United States, identify major dietary sources of whole grains and compare food and nutrient intakes of whole-grain consumers and nonconsumers. Data were collected from 9,323 individuals age 20 years and older in USDA's 1994-96 Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals through in-person interviews on two non-consecutive days using a multiple-pass 24-hour recall method. Foods reported by respondents were quantified in servings as defined by the Food Guide Pyramid using a new database developed by the USDA. Whole-grain and nonwhole-grain servings were determined based on the proportion, by weight, of the grain ingredients in each food that were whole grain and nonwhole grain. Sampling weights were applied to provide national probability estimates adjusted for differential rates of selection and nonresponse. Then, t tests were used to assess statistically significant differences in intakes of nutrients and food groups by whole-grain consumers and nonconsumers. According to the 1994-96 survey, U.S. adults consumed an average of 6.7 servings of grain products per day; 1.0 serving was whole grain. Thirty-six percent averaged less than one whole-grain serving per day based on two days of intake data, and only eight percent met the recommendation to eat at least three servings per day. Yeast breads and breakfast cereals each provided almost one-third of the whole-grain servings, grain-based snacks provided about one-fifth, and less than one-tenth came from quick breads, pasta, rice, cakes, cookies, pies, pastries and miscellaneous grains. Whole-grain consumers had significantly better nutrient profiles than nonconsumers, including higher intakes of vitamins and minerals as percentages of 1989 Recommended Dietary Allowances and as nutrients per 1,000 kilocalories, and lower intakes of total fat, saturated fat and added sugars as percentages of food energy. Consumers were significantly more likely than nonconsumers to meet Pyramid recommendations for the grain, fruit and dairy food groups. Consumption of whole-grain foods by U.S. adults falls well below the recommended level. A large proportion of the population could benefit from eating more whole grain, and efforts are needed to encourage consumption.

Steady state and a general scale law of deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Yan

2017-07-01

Steady state deformation has been characterized based on the experimental results for dilute single-phase aluminium alloys. It was found that although characteristic properties such as flow stress and grain size remained constant with time, a continuous loss of grain boundaries occurred as an essential feature at steady state. A physical model, which takes into account the activity of grain boundary dislocations, was developed to describe the kinetics of steady state deformation. According to this model, the steady state as a function of strain rate and temperature defines the limit of the conventional grain size and strength relationship, i.e., the Hall-Petch relation holds when the grain size is larger than that at the steady state, and an inverse Hall-Petch relation takes over if grain size is smaller than the steady state value. The transition between the two relationships relating grain size and strength is a phenomenon that depends on deformation conditions, rather than an intrinsic property as generally perceived. A general scale law of deformation is established accordingly.

Combination of Methoprene and Controlled Aeration to Manage Insects in Stored Wheat.

PubMed

Liu, Samuel S; Arthur, Frank H; VanGundy, Douglas; Phillips, Thomas W

2016-06-17

A commercial formulation of the insect growth regulator methoprene was applied to wheat stored in small bins either alone or in combination with controlled aeration of the bins, to lower grain temperature for insect pest management of stored wheat. Grain temperatures were monitored and modified by a computer-controlled thermocouple system that also activated the aeration system at programmed set-points to move cool ambient air through the grain mass to lower grain temperature. Results from sampling insect populations in experimental storage bins along with laboratory mortality bioassays of insects placed on wheat taken from the bins over the course of the storage period showed that methoprene was very effective in controlling infestation by the externally-feeding stored grain insects Plodia interpunctella (Hübner), the Indian meal moth Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), the red flour beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens), the rusty grain beetle, and also for the internal-feeding pest Rhyzopertha dominica( Fauvel), the lesser grain borer. Methoprene did not give good control of the internal-feeding pest Sitophilus oryzae (L.), the rice weevil. Aeration alone was somewhat effective in suppressing insect population development, while methoprene alone or when combined with aeration greatly enhanced insect control. Commercial grain grading for industry quality standards at the end of the storage period confirmed the impact of insect suppression on maintaining high quality of the stored wheat. This field experiment shows that methoprene combined with aeration to cool grain can be effective for pest management of stored wheat in the southern plains of the United States of America.

CO2 Dynamics in winter wheat and canola under different management practices in the Southern Great Plains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagle, P.; Manjunatha, P.; Gowda, P. H.; Northup, B. K.; Neel, J. P. S.; Turner, K.; Steiner, J. L.

2017-12-01

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and increased air temperature and climatic variability concerns have prompted considerable interest regarding CO2 dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems in response to major climatic and biophysical factors. However, detailed information on CO2 dynamics in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and canola (Brassica napus L.) under different agricultural management practices is lacking. As a part of the GRL-FLUXNET, a cluster of eight eddy covariance (EC) systems was deployed on the 420-ha Grazinglands Research on agroEcosystems and the ENvironment (GREEN) Farm at the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Grazinglands Research Laboratory (GRL), El Reno, OK. The GRL is also one of 18 USDA-ARS Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network sites in the United States. A 4-year crop rotation plan at the farm includes winter wheat for grain only, graze-grain, and graze-out, and canola under conventional till and no-till management conditions. Biometric measurements such as biomass, leaf area index (LAI), canopy cover %, canopy height, and chlorophyll content were collected approximately every 16 days to coincide with Landsat satellite overpass dates. As expected, biomass and LAI were highest in the grain only wheat fields followed by graze-grain and graze-out wheat fields, but they were similar for till and no-till wheat fields within the same grazing practice. Biomass and LAI were similar in till and no-till canola in fall 2016, but both were substantially lower in no-till compared to tilled canola during spring 2017 due to more severe winter damage. Because net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) is strongly regulated by vegetation cover, the magnitudes of NEE were highest in the grain only wheat fields due to more biomass and LAI, followed by graze-grain and graze-out wheat fields. Similarly, the magnitudes of NEE were also higher in tilled canola (i.e., higher biomass and LAI) than in no-till. Moving forward, our clustered and paired EC towers can provide insights into the effects of tillage and different grazing management practices on CO2 dynamics in winter wheat and the effects of tillage on CO2 dynamics in canola production systems.

78 FR 22151 - Fees for Official Inspection and Official Weighing Services Under the United States Grain...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-15

... kit) \\5\\ 17.50 (v) NIR or NMR Analysis (protein, oil, starch, etc.) 2.40 (vi) Waxy corn (per test) 2...) (d) All other Mycotoxins (rapid test kit 38.50 method-applicant provides kit) \\3\\ (e) NIR or NMR... kit) \\3\\ (e) NIR or NMR Analysis (protein, oil, starch, 18.60 etc.) (f) Sunflower oil (per test) 18.60...

Roadmap for Biomass Technologies in the United States

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-12-01

landfill gases, anaerobic digestion of animal manure and food/feed/grain products and by-products, use of wastewater treatment digestion gas, sludge...include ethanol, biodiesel, and methanol. Biogas : A methane-bearing gas from the digestion of biomass. Biomass: Any organic matter that is available...Research pathways and milestones to improving the understanding of plant biochemis- try and enzyme production are provided in Exhibit 4. Objective Two

The Guanajuato Communication about the Potential for Implementation of Conservation Practices for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation to Achieve Food Security in Mexico During the 21st Century

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The scientific literature reports that climate change will impact weather in North America, with projections for a drier and hotter southeastern United States and northwestern Mexico. The areas of Mexico that are projected to be impacted cover important grain areas of the country. Additionally, seve...

Inbreeding, Genetic Variation, and Invasiveness: The Strange Case of Bromus tectorum

Treesearch

Susan E. Meyer; Elizabeth A. Leger

2010-01-01

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum, downy brome) is arguably the most common plant in the western United States, dominating literally millions of acres of degraded rangeland; yet it is a relative newcomer, having arrived on the scene only a little over a century ago. It first entered the West as an unknown but probably small number of seeds in contaminated grain or packing...

The historical impact of climate extremes on global agricultural production and trade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Troy, T. J.; Pal, I.; Block, P. J.; Lall, U.

2011-12-01

How does climate variability at interannual time scales impact the volume and prices of key agricultural products on the global market? Do concurrent climate shocks in major breadbaskets of the world have serious impacts on global stocks and food prices? To what extent may irrigated agriculture or food storage buffer such impacts? Is there evidence of such impacts and/or buffering in the publicly available historical data? This talk explores these questions through empirical data analysis. During the past two years, we have seen drought in China, Europe, and Russia and floods in the United States and Australia. In this study, we examine the relationship between climate and crop yields, focusing on three main grain staples: wheat, rice, and maize. To do this, we use global production, trade, and stock data from the Food and Agricultural Organization and the United States Department of Agriculture for agriculture information and gridded observations of temperature and precipitation from 1960 through 2008. We focus on the impact of climate shocks (extreme temperatures, drought, and floods) on the agricultural production for the top exporting countries and quantify how these shocks propagate through the country's exports, imports, and grain stocks in order to understand the effect climate variability and extremes have on global food security. The ability to forecast these climate shocks at seasonal to longer lead times would significantly improve our ability to cope with perturbations in the global food supply, and we evaluate the ability of current models to produce skillful seasonal forecasts over the major grain producing regions.

Soil nutrient budgets following projected corn stover harvest for biofuel production in the conterminous United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Tan, Zhengxi; Liu, Shuguang

2015-01-01

Increasing demand for food and biofuel feedstocks may substantially affect soil nutrient budgets, especially in the United States where there is great potential for corn (Zea mays L) stover as a biofuel feedstock. This study was designed to evaluate impacts of projected stover harvest scenarios on budgets of soil nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) currently and in the future across the conterminous United States. The required and removed N, P, and K amounts under each scenario were estimated on the basis of both their average contents in grain and stover and from an empirical model. Our analyses indicate a small depletion of soil N (−4 ± 35 kg ha−1) and K (−6 ± 36 kg ha−1) and a moderate surplus of P (37 ± 21 kg ha−1) currently on the national average, but with a noticeable variation from state to state. After harvesting both grain and projected stover, the deficits of soil N, P, and K were estimated at 114–127, 26–27, and 36–53 kg ha−1 yr−1, respectively, in 2006–2010; 131–173, 29–32, and 41–96 kg ha−1 yr−1, respectively, in 2020; and 161–207, 35–39, and 51–111 kg ha−1 yr−1, respectively, in 2050. This study indicates that the harvestable stover amount derived from the minimum stover requirement for maintaining soil organic carbon level scenarios under current fertilization rates can be sustainable for soil nutrient supply and corn production at present, but the deficit of P and K at the national scale would become larger in the future.

78 FR 6209 - Safety Zone; Grain-Shipment Vessels, Columbia and Willamette Rivers

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-30

... 1625-AA00 Safety Zone; Grain-Shipment Vessels, Columbia and Willamette Rivers AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS... temporary safety zone around all inbound and outbound grain-shipment vessels involved in commerce with the Columbia Grain facility on the Willamette River in Portland, OR, the United Grain Corporation facility on...

77 FR 74587 - Safety Zone; Grain-Shipment Vessels, Columbia and Willamette Rivers

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-12-17

... 1625-AA00 Safety Zone; Grain-Shipment Vessels, Columbia and Willamette Rivers AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS... inbound and outbound grain-shipment vessels involved in commerce with the Columbia Grain facility on the Willamette River in Portland, OR, and the United Grain Corporation facility on the Columbia River in...

Maps and grids of hydrogeologic information created from standardized water-well drillers’ records of the glaciated United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bayless, E. Randall; Arihood, Leslie D.; Reeves, Howard W.; Sperl, Benjamin J.S.; Qi, Sharon L.; Stipe, Valerie E.; Bunch, Aubrey R.

2017-01-18

As part of the National Water Availability and Use Program established by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in 2005, this study took advantage of about 14 million records from State-managed collections of water-well drillers’ records and created a database of hydrogeologic properties for the glaciated United States. The water-well drillers’ records were standardized to be relatively complete and error-free and to provide consistent variables and naming conventions that span all State boundaries.Maps and geospatial grids were developed for (1) total thickness of glacial deposits, (2) total thickness of coarse-grained deposits, (3) specific-capacity based transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity, and (4) texture-based estimated equivalent horizontal and vertical hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity. The information included in these maps and grids is required for most assessments of groundwater availability, in addition to having applications to studies of groundwater flow and transport. The texture-based estimated equivalent horizontal and vertical hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity were based on an assumed range of hydraulic conductivity values for coarse- and fine-grained deposits and should only be used with complete awareness of the methods used to create them. However, the maps and grids of texture-based estimated equivalent hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity may be useful for application to areas where a range of measured values is available for re-scaling.Maps of hydrogeologic information for some States are presented as examples in this report but maps and grids for all States are available electronically at the project Web site (USGS Glacial Aquifer System Groundwater Availability Study, http://mi.water.usgs.gov/projects/WaterSmart/Map-SIR2015-5105.html) and the Science Base Web site, https://www.sciencebase.gov/catalog/item/58756c7ee4b0a829a3276352.

Origin and depositional environment of fine-grained sediments since the last glacial maximum in the southeastern Yellow Sea: evidence from rare earth elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Um, In Kwon; Choi, Man Sik; Lee, Gwang Soo; Chang, Tae Soo

2015-12-01

Despite the well-reconstructed seismic stratigraphy of the Holocene mud deposit in the southeastern Yellow Sea, known as the Heuksan mud belt (HMB), the provenances of these sediments and their depositional environments are unclear, especially for the fine-grained sediments. According to seismic data (extracted from another article in this special issue), the HMB comprises several sedimentary units deposited since the last glacial maximum. Based on analytical results on rare earth elements, fine-grained sediments in all sedimentary units can be interpreted as mixtures of sediments discharged from Chinese and Korean rivers. The proportions of fine-grained sediments from Chinese rivers (74.5 to 80.0%) were constant and higher than those from Korean rivers in all units. This fact demonstrates that all units have the same fine-grained sediment provenance: units III-b and III-a, located in the middle and northern parts of the HMB and directly deposited from Chinese rivers during the sea-level lowstand, could be the sediment source for units II-b and II-a. Unit I, while ambiguous, is of mixed origin combining reworked sediments from nearby mud deposits and Changjiang River-borne material with those of the Keum River. The results of this study indicate that at least 18.6% of bulk sediments in the HMB clearly originate from Chinese rivers, despite its location close to the southwestern coast of Korea.

Lower crustal section of the Oman Ophiolite drilled in Hole GT1A, ICDP Oman Drilling Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umino, S.; Kelemen, P. B.; Matter, J. M.; Coggon, J. A.; Takazawa, E.; Michibayashi, K.; Teagle, D. A. H.

2017-12-01

Hole GT1A (22° 53.535'N, 58° 30.904'E) was drilled by the Oman Drilling Project (OmDP) into GT1A of the Samail ophiolite, Oman. OmDP is an international collaboration supported by the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program, the Deep Carbon Observatory, NSF, IODP, JAMSTEC, and the European, Japanese, German and Swiss Science Foundations, with in-kind support in Oman from the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, Public Authority of Mining, Sultan Qaboos University, and the German University of Technology. Hole GT1A was diamond cored in 22 Jan to 08 Feb 2017 to a total depth of 403.05 m. The outer surfaces of the cores were imaged and described on site before being curated, boxed and shipped to the IODP drill ship Chikyu, where they underwent comprehensive visual and instrumental analysis. Hole GT1A drilled the lower crustal section in the southern Oman Ophiolite and recovered 401.52 m of total cores (99.6% recovery). The main lithology is dominated by olivine gabbro (65.9%), followed in abundance by olivine-bearing gabbro (21.5%) and olivine melagabbro (3.9%). Minor rock types are orthopyroxene-bearing olivine gabbro (2.4%), oxide-bearing olivine gabbro (1.5%), gabbro (1.1%), anorthositic gabbro (1%), troctolitic gabbro (0.8%); orthopyroxene-bearing gabbro (0.5%), gabbronorite (0.3%); and dunite (0.3%). These rocks are divided into Lithologic Unit I to VII at 26.62 m, 88.16 m, 104.72 m, 154.04 m, 215.22 m, 306.94 m in Chikyu Curated Depth in descending order; Unit I and II consist of medium-grained olivine gabbro with lower olivine abundance in Unit II. Unit III is medium-grained olivine melagabbros, marked by an increase in olivine. Unit IV is relatively homogenous medium-grained olivine gabbros with granular textures. Unit V is identified by the appearance of fine-grained gabbros, but the major rocktypes are medium grained olivine gabbros. Unit VI is medium-grained olivine gabbro, marked by appearance of orthopyroxene. Unit VII is of fine- to medium-grained olivine gabbros with less olivine.

Late Quaternary environmental changes inferred from n-alkane evidence in coastal area of southern Hainan Island, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Mengyuan; Zheng, Zhuo

2016-04-01

The studied core was a coastal core in Hainan Island, China. It is in length of 49.01m and divided into four Units (MIS 1~MIS 6) according to lithology description. The Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) attributes the sediments from Unit 3 to the Oxygen Isotope Stage of MIS 5e (Unit 3b and 3c) and 5d (Unit 3a). To interpret the origination of organic carbons and to reconstruct paleovegetation changes, n-alkane, δ13C and TOC have been used in the present research. The result of n-alkanes distribution indicates a series of changes of sedimentary environment and terrestrial input. The shallow water facies at Unit 2, 3a and 4 is mainly characterized by short carbon chain n-alkanes and relatively low concentration. Contrasting with that of deep-water marine facies of MIS 5e (Unit 3b), the n-alkane pattern is typical bimodal and the main peaks are both in short and long carbon chains. During Unit 3b-1 (MIS 5e), more terrestrial original n-alkanes contribute to the concentration of TOC than oceanic. Organic matter source is mainly terrestrial origination. Total organic matter input mechanism of TLG-01 correlates with sediment grain size (average grain size). Total organic carbon input is enhanced with the increasing of fine grain size component. The variation of CPI (25-33) value in this study correlates with hydrological energy. The highest CPI (25-33) value is shown in the high sea level period of MIS 5e, comparing with that in MIS 5d and MIS 1. High CPI value corresponds to high TOC and average grain size (Φ) value. In the weak hydrological energy sedimentary environment, more terrestrial organic matter, together with TOC, deposit in the study area. ACL (25-33) index display higher values in the interglacial period (MIS 5 and MIS 1) than MIS 3 (sediments weathered during MIS 2) and MIS 6. Paq proxy, together with δ13C, estimates the mangrove growing depth in MIS 5e. The correlation between δ13C and each carbon chain alkane state stabilize and turbulence of sedimentary environment in MIS 5e. Sediments deposit in stable weak hydrological energy environment show order and grouped alkanes distribution (Unit 3b-2). High and positive correlation coefficients of δ13C and each carbon chain alkane show the dominant alkanes contributed to organic carbon (δ13C).

Origins of Shear Jamming for Frictional Grains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Dong; Zheng, Hu; Ren, Jie; Dijksman, Joshua; Bares, Jonathan; Behringer, Robert

2016-11-01

Granular systems have been shown to be able to behave like solids, under shear, even when their densities are below the critical packing fraction for frictionless isotropic jamming. To understand such a phenomena, called shear jamming, the question we address here is: how does shear bring a system from a unjammed state to a jammed state, where the coordination number, Z, is no less than 3, the isotropic jamming point for frictional grains? Since Z can be used to distinguish jammed states from unjammed ones, it is vital to understand how shear increases Z. We here propose a set of three particles in contact, denoted as a trimer, as the basic unit to characterize the deformation of the system. Trimers, stabilized by inter-grain friction, fail under a certain amount of shear and bend to make extra contacts to regain stability. By defining a projection operator of the opening angle of the trimer to the compression direction in the shear, O, we see a systematically linear decrease of this quantity with respect to shear strain, demonstrating the bending of trimers as expected. In addition, the average change of O from one shear step to the next shows a good collapse when plotted against Z, indicating a universal behavior in the process of shear jamming. We acknowledge support from NSF DMR1206351, NASA NNX15AD38G, the William M. Keck Foundation and a RT-MRSEC Fellowship.

Electromigration model for the prediction of lifetime based on the failure unit statistics in aluminum metallization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Jong Ho; Ahn, Byung Tae

2003-01-01

A failure model for electromigration based on the "failure unit model" was presented for the prediction of lifetime in metal lines.The failure unit model, which consists of failure units in parallel and series, can predict both the median time to failure (MTTF) and the deviation in the time to failure (DTTF) in Al metal lines. The model can describe them only qualitatively. In our model, both the probability function of the failure unit in single grain segments and polygrain segments are considered instead of in polygrain segments alone. Based on our model, we calculated MTTF, DTTF, and activation energy for different median grain sizes, grain size distributions, linewidths, line lengths, current densities, and temperatures. Comparisons between our results and published experimental data showed good agreements and our model could explain the previously unexplained phenomena. Our advanced failure unit model might be further applied to other electromigration characteristics of metal lines.

High proportions of foods recommended for consumption by United States Dietary Guidance contain solid fats and added sugar: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2008)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommend that individuals older than one year reduce intakes of solid fats (SoF) and added sugars (AS; together SoFAS). MyPlate, illustrates the proportions of five major food groups to promote healthy eating (Vegetables, Grains, Protein Foods, Fruit...

Research core drilling in the Manson impact structure, Iowa

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, R. R.; Hartung, J. B.; Roddy, D. J.; Shoemaker, E. M.

1992-01-01

The Manson impact structure (MIS) has a diameter of 35 km and is the largest confirmed impact structure in the United States. The MIS has yielded a Ar-40/Ar-39 age of 65.7 Ma on microcline from its central peak, an age that is indistinguishable from the age of the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary. In the summer of 1991 the Iowa Geological Survey Bureau and U.S. Geological Survey initiated a research core drilling project on the MIS. The first core was beneath 55 m of glacial drift. The core penetrated a 6-m layered sequence of shale and siltstone and 42 m of Cretaceous shale-dominated sedimentary clast breccia. Below this breccia, the core encountered two crystalline rock clast breccia units. The upper unit is 53 m thick, with a glassy matrix displaying various degrees of devitrification. The upper half of this unit is dominated by the glassy matrix, with shock-deformed mineral grains (especially quartz) the most common clast. The glassy-matrix unit grades downward into the basal unit in the core, a crystalline rock breccia with a sandy matrix, the matrix dominated by igneous and metamorphic rock fragments or disaggregated grains from those rocks. The unit is about 45 m thick, and grains display abundant shock deformation features. Preliminary interpretations suggest that the crystalline rock breccias are the transient crater floor, lifted up with the central peak. The sedimentary clast breccia probably represents a postimpact debris flow from the crater rim, and the uppermost layered unit probably represents a large block associated with the flow. The second core (M-2) was drilled near the center of the crater moat in an area where an early crater model suggested the presence of postimpact lake sediments. The core encountered 39 m of sedimentary clast breccia, similar to that in the M-1 core. Beneath the breccia, 120 m of poorly consolidated, mildly deformed, and sheared siltstone, shale, and sandstone was encountered. The basal unit in the core was another sequence of sedimentary clast breccia. The two sedimentary clast units, like the lithologically similar unit in the M-1 core, probably formed as debris flows from the crater rim. The middle, nonbrecciated interval is probably a large, intact block of Upper Cretaceous strata transported from the crater rim with the debris flow. Alternatively, the sequence may represent the elusive postimpact lake sequence.

Analysis of mixed-layer clay mineral structures

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bradley, W.F.

1953-01-01

Among the enormously abundant natural occurrences of clay minerals, many examples are encountered in which no single specific crystallization scheme extends through a single ultimate grain. The characterization of such assemblages becomes an analysis of the distribution of matter within such grains, rather than the simple identification of mineral species. It having become established that the particular coordination complex typified by mica is a common component of many natural subcrystalline assemblages, the opportunity is afforded to analyze scattering from random associations of these complexes with other structural units. Successful analyses have been made of mixed hydration states of montmorillonite, of montmorillonite with mica, of vermiculite with mica, and of montmorillonite with chlorite, all of which are variants of the mica complex, and of halloysite with hydrated halloysite.

Ultrafine-grained mineralogy and matrix chemistry of olivine-rich chondritic interplanetary dust particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rietmeijer, F. J. M.

1989-01-01

Olivine-rich chondritic interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) are an important subset of fluffy chondritic IDPs collected in the earth's stratosphere. Particles in this subset are characterized by a matrix of nonporous, ultrafine-grained granular units. Euhedral single crystals, crystals fragments, and platey single crystals occur dispersed in the matrix. Analytical electron microscopy of granular units reveals predominant magnesium-rich olivines and FeNi-sulfides embedded in amorphous carbonaceous matrix material. The variable ratio of ultrafine-grained minerals vs. carbonaceous matrix material in granular units support variable C/Si ratios, and some fraction of sulfur is associated with carbonaceous matrix material. The high Mg/(Mg+Fe) ratios in granular units is similar to this distribution in P/Comet Halley dust. The chondritic composition of fine-grained, polycrystalline IDPs gradually breaks down into nonchondritic, and ultimately, single mineral compositions as a function of decreased particle mass. The relationship between particle mass and composition in the matrix of olivine-rich chondritic IDPs is comparable with the relationship inferred for P/Comet Halley dust.

Quantum decimation in Hilbert space: Coarse graining without structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Ashmeet; Carroll, Sean M.

2018-03-01

We present a technique to coarse grain quantum states in a finite-dimensional Hilbert space. Our method is distinguished from other approaches by not relying on structures such as a preferred factorization of Hilbert space or a preferred set of operators (local or otherwise) in an associated algebra. Rather, we use the data corresponding to a given set of states, either specified independently or constructed from a single state evolving in time. Our technique is based on principle component analysis (PCA), and the resulting coarse-grained quantum states live in a lower-dimensional Hilbert space whose basis is defined using the underlying (isometric embedding) transformation of the set of fine-grained states we wish to coarse grain. Physically, the transformation can be interpreted to be an "entanglement coarse-graining" scheme that retains most of the global, useful entanglement structure of each state, while needing fewer degrees of freedom for its reconstruction. This scheme could be useful for efficiently describing collections of states whose number is much smaller than the dimension of Hilbert space, or a single state evolving over time.

Study of structural, electrical, magnetic and optical properties of BaFe12O19 and its modified systems with Ni and Ti

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nayak, Debabrata; Pattanayak, Ranjit; Raut, Subhajit; Panigrahi, Simanchalo

2018-02-01

In this work, BaFe12O19 (BaM) and its modified systems (by substitution of Ni and Ti) have been synthesized by solid-state reaction method. From Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction pattern, it is found that volume of unit cell increased slightly in case of modified systems. SEM images provided the information about the microstructure of BaM and its modified systems. The electric, magnetic and optical properties have been carried out with the help of complex impedance spectroscopy, VSM and UV spectrum, respectively. From electrical analysis, it is perceived that Ni-substitution system has shown co-contribution of grain and grain boundary effect due to increases of grain size. The M- H loops are explored that, with substitution of Ni and Ti both M s and H c are decreased. From the variation of band gap ( E g), it is observed that E g has been significantly decreased with substitution (least for Ni-substitution).

Ecological Networks in Stored Grain: Key Postharvest Nodes for Emerging Pests, Pathogens, and Mycotoxins.

PubMed

Hernandez Nopsa, John F; Daglish, Gregory J; Hagstrum, David W; Leslie, John F; Phillips, Thomas W; Scoglio, Caterina; Thomas-Sharma, Sara; Walter, Gimme H; Garrett, Karen A

2015-10-01

Wheat is at peak quality soon after harvest. Subsequently, diverse biota use wheat as a resource in storage, including insects and mycotoxin-producing fungi. Transportation networks for stored grain are crucial to food security and provide a model system for an analysis of the population structure, evolution, and dispersal of biota in networks. We evaluated the structure of rail networks for grain transport in the United States and Eastern Australia to identify the shortest paths for the anthropogenic dispersal of pests and mycotoxins, as well as the major sources, sinks, and bridges for movement. We found important differences in the risk profile in these two countries and identified priority control points for sampling, detection, and management. An understanding of these key locations and roles within the network is a new type of basic research result in postharvest science and will provide insights for the integrated pest management of high-risk subpopulations, such as pesticide-resistant insect pests.

Ecological Networks in Stored Grain: Key Postharvest Nodes for Emerging Pests, Pathogens, and Mycotoxins

PubMed Central

Hernandez Nopsa, John F.; Daglish, Gregory J.; Hagstrum, David W.; Leslie, John F.; Phillips, Thomas W.; Scoglio, Caterina; Thomas-Sharma, Sara; Walter, Gimme H.; Garrett, Karen A.

2015-01-01

Wheat is at peak quality soon after harvest. Subsequently, diverse biota use wheat as a resource in storage, including insects and mycotoxin-producing fungi. Transportation networks for stored grain are crucial to food security and provide a model system for an analysis of the population structure, evolution, and dispersal of biota in networks. We evaluated the structure of rail networks for grain transport in the United States and Eastern Australia to identify the shortest paths for the anthropogenic dispersal of pests and mycotoxins, as well as the major sources, sinks, and bridges for movement. We found important differences in the risk profile in these two countries and identified priority control points for sampling, detection, and management. An understanding of these key locations and roles within the network is a new type of basic research result in postharvest science and will provide insights for the integrated pest management of high-risk subpopulations, such as pesticide-resistant insect pests. PMID:26955074

Composition of forage and grain from second-generation insect-protected corn MON 89034 is equivalent to that of conventional corn (Zea mays L.).

PubMed

Drury, Suzanne M; Reynolds, Tracey L; Ridley, William P; Bogdanova, Natalia; Riordan, Susan; Nemeth, Margaret A; Sorbet, Roy; Trujillo, William A; Breeze, Matthew L

2008-06-25

Insect-protected corn hybrids containing Cry insecticidal proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis have protection from target pests and provide effective management of insect resistance. MON 89034 hybrids have been developed that produce both the Cry1A.105 and Cry2Ab2 proteins, which provide two independent modes of insecticidal action against the European corn borer ( Ostrinia nubilalis ) and other lepidopteran insect pests of corn. The composition of MON 89034 corn was compared to conventional corn by measuring proximates, fiber, and minerals in forage and by measuring proximates, fiber, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, antinutrients, and secondary metabolites in grain collected from 10 replicated field sites across the United States and Argentina during the 2004-2005 growing seasons. Analyses established that the forage and grain from MON 89034 are compositionally comparable to the control corn hybrid and conventional corn reference hybrids. These findings support the conclusion that MON 89034 is compositionally equivalent to conventional corn hybrids.

What does it mean to be pseudo single domain? Demystifying the PSD state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lascu, I.; Harrison, R. J.; Einsle, J. F.; Ball, M.

2016-12-01

Until recently, non-interacting stable single domain grains were thought to be the sole reliable paleomagnetic recorders. However most natural samples contain so-called "non-ideal" paleomagnetic recorders, which are either interacting single domain particles, or magnetic grains larger than single domain grains, but smaller than proper multi domain grains, which are poor paleomagnetic recorders. The grain size range for these recorders, which for magnetite comprises grains from 100 nm to a few μm in size, is known as the pseudo single domain (PSD) state. Natural samples containing abundant PSD grains have been shown time and again to reliably record thermomagnetic remanent magnetizations that are stable over billions of years. Here we attempt to shed new light on the PSD state by investigating obsidian varieties found at Glass Butte, Oregon, which present the opportunity to study simple cases of magnetic grains encapsulated in volcanic glass. We do this by combining rock magnetism, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) nanotomography, and finite-element micromagnetic modeling. Using rock magnetism we have identified PSD signatures in these samples via their fingerprint in first-order reversal curve (FORC) diagrams. Tomographic reconstructions obtained by stacking SEM images acquired via sequential milling through sample volumes of a few tens of cubic μm reveal the presence of abundant grains that span the PSD grain size interval. These grains have a variety of shapes, from simple ellipsoidal particles, to more complex morphologies attained through the coalescence of neighboring grains during crystallization, to intricate "rolling snowball" morphologies in larger grains that contain appendices formed as a result of particle growth in a dynamic environment as the flowing lava cooled. Micromagnetic modeling of the simplest morphologies reveals that these grains are in single vortex states, with the remanence controlled by irregularities in grain morphology. Coalesced grains present extreme cases of shape anisotropy, which will control the remanence. The remanence of the largest grains is controlled by the collection of PSD states from areas of the grain with pronounced shape anisotropy. Finally, micromagnetic modeling of realistic grain shapes allows the understanding of PSD signatures in FORC diagrams.

What is shale gas and why is it important?

EIA Publications

2012-01-01

Shale gas refers to natural gas that is trapped within shale formations. Shales are fine-grained sedimentary rocks that can be rich sources of petroleum and natural gas. Over the past decade, the combination of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing has allowed access to large volumes of shale gas that were previously uneconomical to produce. The production of natural gas from shale formations has rejuvenated the natural gas industry in the United States.

Source and dispersal of silt on northern Gulf of Mexico continental shelf

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

Peterson, M.; Mazzullo, J.

1988-01-01

The surficial sediment on the continental shelf of the northern Gulf of Mexico is characterized by abundant silty clay which was deposited during the late Pleistocene lowstand and reworked during and after the Holocene transgression. The purposes of this study were to determine the sources of the silt fraction in this surficial sediment by quartz grain roundness and surface texture analysis, and to determine the effects of modern shelf currents upon the distribution of silt. Areal variations in quartz grain roundness and surface texture define six silt provinces on the northern Gulf of Mexico continental shelf. The Mississippi province ismore » the largest province and stretches from the Chandeleur Islands to Matagorda Bay. It is characterized by a mixture of rounded grains that were derived from the sedimentary rocks of the Gulf coastal plain and the Mid-Continent, and angular, fractured grains that were derived from glacial deposits in the northern United States. A comparison of the areal distribution of these six provinces with the late Pleistocene paleogeography of the continental shelf shows evidence for varying degrees of shore-parallel transport of silt by modern shelf currents.« less

Comparison of the forage and grain composition from insect-protected and glyphosate-tolerant MON 88017 corn to conventional corn (Zea mays L.).

PubMed

McCann, Melinda C; Trujillo, William A; Riordan, Susan G; Sorbet, Roy; Bogdanova, Natalia N; Sidhu, Ravinder S

2007-05-16

The next generation of biotechnology-derived products with the combined benefit of herbicide tolerance and insect protection (MON 88017) was developed to withstand feeding damage caused by the coleopteran pest corn rootworm and over-the-top applications of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicides. As a part of a larger safety and characterization assessment, MON 88017 was grown under field conditions at geographically diverse locations within the United States and Argentina during the 2002 and 2003-2004 field seasons, respectively, along with a near-isogenic control and other conventional corn hybrids for compositional assessment. Field trials were conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replication blocks at each site. Corn forage samples were harvested at the late dough/early dent stage, ground, and analyzed for the concentration of proximate constituents, fibers, and minerals. Samples of mature grain were harvested, ground, and analyzed for the concentration of proximate constituents, fiber, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, antinutrients, and secondary metabolites. The results showed that the forage and grain from MON 88017 are compositionally equivalent to forage and grain from control and conventional corn hybrids.

Effects of stored feed cropping systems and farm size on the profitability of Maine organic dairy farm simulations.

PubMed

Hoshide, A K; Halloran, J M; Kersbergen, R J; Griffin, T S; DeFauw, S L; LaGasse, B J; Jain, S

2011-11-01

United States organic dairy production has increased to meet the growing demand for organic milk. Despite higher prices received for milk, organic dairy farmers have come under increasing financial stress due to increases in concentrated feed prices over the past few years, which can make up one-third of variable costs. Market demand for milk has also leveled in the last year, resulting in some downward pressure on prices paid to dairy farmers. Organic dairy farmers in the Northeast United States have experimented with growing different forage and grain crops to maximize on-farm production of protein and energy to improve profitability. Three representative organic feed systems were simulated using the integrated farm system model for farms with 30, 120, and 220 milk cows. Increasing intensity of equipment use was represented by organic dairy farms growing only perennial sod (low) to those with corn-based forage systems, which purchase supplemental grain (medium) or which produce and feed soybeans (high). The relative profitability of these 3 organic feed systems was strongly dependent on dairy farm size. From results, we suggest smaller organic dairy farms can be more profitable with perennial sod-based rather than corn-based forage systems due to lower fixed costs from using only equipment associated with perennial forage harvest and storage. The largest farm size was more profitable using a corn-based system due to greater economies of scale for growing soybeans, corn grain, winter cereals, and corn silages. At an intermediate farm size of 120 cows, corn-based forage systems were more profitable if perennial sod was not harvested at optimum quality, corn was grown on better soils, or if milk yield was 10% higher. Delayed harvest decreased the protein and energy content of perennial sod crops, requiring more purchased grain to balance the ration and resulting in lower profits. Corn-based systems were less affected by lower perennial forage quality, as corn silage is part of the forage base. Growing on better soils increased corn yields more than perennial forage yields. Large corn-based organic dairy farms that produced and fed soybeans minimized off-farm grain purchases and were the most profitable among large farms. Although perennial sod-based systems purchased more grain, these organic systems were more profitable under timely forage harvest, decreased soil quality, and relatively lower purchased energy prices and higher protein supplement prices. Copyright © 2011 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Safety and Interoperability Agreements on Bilateral Use of Artillery, Tank, and Mortar Ammunition during Training - Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and the United States

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-10-01

BRIEFIN-G OF CINCUSAREUR ON STATUS OF SUBJ. 2 NCV 77. 1. r£F A EXPLAINED BASIC CONCEPT PLAN FOR SUBJ INITIATIVE...TM 43-0001-2 8) Diameter Color Propellant: Composition — Grain Type --- Weight Web — - Primer M82 - TB 9-2300-303-10 PaUet: 165 -mm (6...perforated cylinder Weight 12. 9 kg (28. 51bs.) Web - — .109-mm (0.043 in.) Primer M82 Used with Cannon (Weapon) M2A2 (M2A1E1

Genetic architecture of kernel composition in global sorghum germplasm.

PubMed

Rhodes, Davina H; Hoffmann, Leo; Rooney, William L; Herald, Thomas J; Bean, Scott; Boyles, Richard; Brenton, Zachary W; Kresovich, Stephen

2017-01-05

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an important cereal crop for dryland areas in the United States and for small-holder farmers in Africa. Natural variation of sorghum grain composition (protein, fat, and starch) between accessions can be used for crop improvement, but the genetic controls are still unresolved. The goals of this study were to quantify natural variation of sorghum grain composition and to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with variation in grain composition concentrations. In this study, we quantified protein, fat, and starch in a global sorghum diversity panel using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Protein content ranged from 8.1 to 18.8%, fat content ranged from 1.0 to 4.3%, and starch content ranged from 61.7 to 71.1%. Durra and bicolor-durra sorghum from Ethiopia and India had the highest protein and fat and the lowest starch content, while kafir sorghum from USA, India, and South Africa had the lowest protein and the highest starch content. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for sorghum protein, fat, and starch. Previously published RNAseq data was used to identify candidate genes within a GWAS QTL region. A putative alpha-amylase 3 gene, which has previously been shown to be associated with grain composition traits, was identified as a strong candidate for protein and fat variation. We identified promising sources of genetic material for manipulation of grain composition traits, and several loci and candidate genes that may control sorghum grain composition. This survey of grain composition in sorghum germplasm and identification of protein, fat, and starch QTL contributes to our understanding of the genetic basis of natural variation in sorghum grain nutritional traits.

Astrochemistry and the Role of Laboratory and Theoretical Support

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herbst, E.

2006-01-01

We emphasize some current needs of astrochemists for laboratory data. The data are urgently required both to detect molecules in assorted regions and to produce robust models of these regions. Three areas of laboratory-based research are particularly crucial and yet are not being studied in the United States: (i) reactions more complex than the formation of molecular hydrogen occurring on interstellar grain analogs, (ii) molecular spectroscopy in the THz (far-infrared) region of the electromagnetic spectrum, and (iii) gas-phase kinetics of reactions leading to complex molecules. Without solid knowledge of many unstudied but key reactions, both in the gas and on grains, astrochemists will not be in position to keep up with the large amount of new information expected to come from the next generation of telescopes.

Multiscale simulations of PS-SiO2 nanocomposites: from melt to glassy state.

PubMed

Mathioudakis, I G; Vogiatzis, G G; Tzoumanekas, C; Theodorou, D N

2016-09-28

The interaction energetics, molecular packing, entanglement network properties, segmental dynamics, and elastic constants of atactic polystyrene-amorphous silica nanocomposites in the molten and the glassy state are studied via molecular simulations using two interconnected levels of representation: (a) a coarse-grained one, wherein each polystyrene repeat unit is mapped onto a single "superatom" and the silica nanoparticle is viewed as a solid sphere. Equilibration at all length scales at this level is achieved via connectivity-altering Monte Carlo simulations. (b) A united-atom (UA) level, wherein the polymer chains are represented in terms of a united-atom forcefield and the silica nanoparticle is represented in terms of a simplified, fully atomistic model. Initial configurations for UA molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are obtained by reverse mapping well-equilibrated coarse-grained configurations. By analysing microcanonical UA MD trajectories, the polymer density profile is studied and the polymer is found to exhibit layering in the vicinity of the nanoparticle surface. An estimate of the enthalpy of mixing between polymer and nanoparticles, derived from the UA simulations, compares favourably against available experimental values. The dynamical behaviour of polystyrene (in neat and filled melt systems) is characterized in terms of bond orientation and dihedral angle time autocorrelation functions. At low concentration in the molten polymer matrix, silica nanoparticles are found to cause a slight deceleration of the segmental dynamics close to their surface compared to the bulk polymer. Well-equilibrated coarse-grained long-chain configurations are reduced to entanglement networks via topological analysis with the CReTA algorithm, yielding a slightly lower density of entanglements in the filled than in the neat systems. UA melt configurations are glassified by MD cooling. The elastic moduli of the resulting glassy nanocomposites are computed through an analysis of strain fluctuations in the undeformed state and through explicit mechanical deformation by MD, showing a stiffening of the polymer in the presence of nanoparticles. UA simulation results for the elastic constants are compared to continuum micromechanical calculations invoked in homogenization models of the overall mechanical behaviour of heterogeneous materials. They can be interpreted in terms of the presence of an "interphase" of approximate thickness 2 nm around the nanoparticles, with elastic constants intermediate between those of the filler and the matrix.

Plate-tectonic boundary formation by grain-damage and pinning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bercovici, David

2015-04-01

Shear weakening in the lithosphere is an essential ingredient for understanding how and why plate tectonics is generated from mantle convection on terrestrial planets. I present continued work on a theoretical model for lithospheric shear-localization and plate generation through damage, grain evolution and Zener pinning in two-phase (polycrystalline) lithospheric rocks. Grain size evolves through the competition between coarsening, which drives grain-growth, with damage, which drives grain reduction. The interface between phases controls Zener pinning, which impedes grain growth. Damage to the interface enhances the Zener pinning effect, which then reduces grain-size, forcing the rheology into the grain-size-dependent diffusion creep regime. This process thus allows damage and rheological weakening to co-exist, providing a necessary shear-localizing feedback. Moreover, because pinning inhibits grain-growth it promotes shear-zone longevity and plate-boundary inheritance. This theory has been applied recently to the emergence of plate tectonics in the Archean by transient subduction and accumulation of plate boundaries over 1Gyr, as well as to rapid slab detachment and abrupt tectonic changes. New work explores the saturation of interface damage at low interface curvature (e.g., because it is associated with larger grains that take up more of the damage, and/or because interface area is reduced). This effect allows three possible equilibrium grain-sizes for a given stress; a small-grain-size high-shear state in diffusion creep, a large grain-size low shear state in dislocation creep, and an intermediate state (often near the deformation map phase-boundary). The low and high grain-size states are stable, while the intermediate one is unstable. This implies that a material deformed at a given stress can acquire two stable deformation regimes, a low- and high- shear state; these are indicative of plate-like flows, i.e, the coexistence of both slowly deforming plates and rapidly deforming plate boundaries.

Grain Handling and Transportation Policy in Canada: Implications for the United States

DOE PAGES

Nolan, James; Peterson, Steven K

2015-08-01

The grain handling and transportation system in Canada (GHTS) is currently going through a major transition, both with respect to handling and transportation. Historically, the system has pitted farmers against the railways with respect to securing individual fair shares of grain revenues. But with the removal of the single desk marketing and logistics function of the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) in late 2012, a very interesting and potentially game-changing outcome is emerging with respect to the new functionality of the grain companies in the Canadian system. While historical awareness of rail s natural monopoly position in the grain handling systemmore » has kept that sector regulated (in several ways) for close to a century, we are now starting to see the effects of a less than competitive Canadian grain handling sector on revenue sharing, along with renewed movement in the industry with respect to buyouts and potential mergers. This overview will highlight some of the changes now occurring and how they are potentially going to interact or evolve as the system moves forward. For example, the on-going regulatory instrument used to regulate grain transportation rates in Canada (called the maximum revenue entitlement (MRE) or revenue cap) is under current debate because of the introduction a few months ago of a modification to an old regulatory instrument known as extended (or reciprocal) interswitching. As opposed to the revenue cap which is a direct intervention on monopoly behavior, extended interswitching is designed to encourage the major Canadian grain carriers to compete with one another and potentially seek out new traffic (Nolan and Skotheim, 2008). But the most intriguing aspect of extended interswitching is how it might allow a major rail carrier from the U.S. to solicit grain traffic in some areas of the Canadian grain transportation system.« less

Grain Handling and Transportation Policy in Canada: Implications for the United States

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

Nolan, James; Peterson, Steven K

The grain handling and transportation system in Canada (GHTS) is currently going through a major transition, both with respect to handling and transportation. Historically, the system has pitted farmers against the railways with respect to securing individual fair shares of grain revenues. But with the removal of the single desk marketing and logistics function of the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) in late 2012, a very interesting and potentially game-changing outcome is emerging with respect to the new functionality of the grain companies in the Canadian system. While historical awareness of rail s natural monopoly position in the grain handling systemmore » has kept that sector regulated (in several ways) for close to a century, we are now starting to see the effects of a less than competitive Canadian grain handling sector on revenue sharing, along with renewed movement in the industry with respect to buyouts and potential mergers. This overview will highlight some of the changes now occurring and how they are potentially going to interact or evolve as the system moves forward. For example, the on-going regulatory instrument used to regulate grain transportation rates in Canada (called the maximum revenue entitlement (MRE) or revenue cap) is under current debate because of the introduction a few months ago of a modification to an old regulatory instrument known as extended (or reciprocal) interswitching. As opposed to the revenue cap which is a direct intervention on monopoly behavior, extended interswitching is designed to encourage the major Canadian grain carriers to compete with one another and potentially seek out new traffic (Nolan and Skotheim, 2008). But the most intriguing aspect of extended interswitching is how it might allow a major rail carrier from the U.S. to solicit grain traffic in some areas of the Canadian grain transportation system.« less

Grain-damage hysteresis and plate tectonic states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bercovici, David; Ricard, Yanick

2016-04-01

Shear localization in the lithosphere is an essential ingredient for understanding how and why plate tectonics is generated from mantle convection on terrestrial planets. The theoretical model for grain-damage and pinning in two-phase polycrystalline rocks provides a frame-work for understanding lithospheric shear weakening and plate-generation, and is consistent with laboratory and field observations of mylonites. Grain size evolves through the competition between coarsening, which drives grain-growth, and damage, which drives grain reduction. The interface between crystalline phases controls Zener pinning, which impedes grain growth. Damage to the interface enhances the Zener pinning effect, which then reduces grain-size, forcing the rheology into the grain-size-dependent diffusion creep regime. This process thus allows damage and rheological weakening to co-exist, providing a necessary positive self-weakening feedback. Moreover, because pinning inhibits grain-growth it promotes shear-zone longevity and plate-boundary inheritance. However, the suppression of interface damage at low interface curvature (wherein inter-grain mixing is inefficient and other energy sinks of deformational work are potentially more facile) causes a hysteresis effect, in which three possible equilibrium grain-sizes for a given stress coexist: (1) a stable, large-grain, weakly-deforming state, (2) a stable, small-grain, rapidly-deforming state analogous to ultramylonites, and (3) an unstable, intermediate grain-size state perhaps comparable to protomylonites. A comparison of the model to field data suggests that shear-localized zones of small-grain mylonites and ultra-mylonites exist at a lower stress than the co-existing large-grain porphyroclasts, rather than, as predicted by paleopiezometers or paleowattmeters, at a much higher stress; this interpretation of field data thus allows localization to relieve instead of accumulate stress. The model also predicts that a lithosphere that deforms at a given stress can acquire two stable deformation regimes indicative of plate-like flows, i.e., it permits the coexistence of both slowly deforming plate interiors, and rapidly deforming plate boundaries. Earth seems to exist squarely inside the hysteresis loop and thus can have coexisting deformation states, while Venus appears to straddle the end of the loop where only the weakly deforming branch exists.

Pyroclastic Activity at Home Plate in Gusev Crater, Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Squyres, S. W.; Aharonson, O.; Clark, B. S.; Cohen, B.; Crumpler, L.; deSouza, P. A.; Farrand, W. H.; Gellert, R.; Grant, J.; Grotzinger, J. P.;

Pyroclastic activity at home plate in Gusev crater, Mars

USGS Publications Warehouse

Squyres, S. W.; Aharonson, O.; Clark, B. C.; Cohen, B. A.; Crumpler, L.; de Souza, P.A.; Farrand, W. H.; Gellert, Ralf; Grant, J.; Grotzinger, J.P.; Haldemann, A.F.C.; Johnson, J. R.; Klingelhofer, G.; Lewis, K.W.; Li, R.; McCoy, T.; McEwen, A.S.; McSween, H.Y.; Ming, D. W.; Moore, Johnnie N.; Morris, R.V.; Parker, T.J.; Rice, J. W.; Ruff, S.; Schmidt, M.; Schroder, C.; Soderblom, L.A.; Yen, A.

2007-01-01

Home Plate is a layered plateau in Gusev crater on Mars. It is composed of clastic rocks of moderately altered alkali basalt composition, enriched in some highly volatile elements. A coarse-grained lower unit lies under a finer-grained upper unit. Textural observations indicate that the lower strata were emplaced in an explosive event, and geochemical considerations favor an explosive volcanic origin over an impact origin. The lower unit likely represents accumulation of pyroclastic materials, whereas the upper unit may represent eolian reworking of the same pyroclastic materials.

Waterborne Commerce of the United States, Calendar Year 1982. Part 3. Waterways and Harbors, Great Lakes.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-07-01

34 2099 MISCELLANE1uS FOOD ONUUCT- 77,36 2 986 951 4,02:...........--.--.,...... lll TORACCn MANUFACT ,RES........... . ........... ... "..:.09...0102 Barley and rye 0103 Corn Group 20- Food and Kindred Products 0104 OatsS0105 Rice 2011 Meat, fresh, chilled, or frozen 0106 Sorghum Grains 2012 Meat...marine Products 2094 Groceries 2099 Miscellaneous food products 0911 Fresh fish, except shellfish 0912 Shellfish, except prepared or preserved Group

Dermatoses associated with mites other than Sarcoptes.

PubMed

Ken, Kimberly M; Shockman, Solomon C; Sirichotiratana, Melissa; Lent, Megan P; Wilson, Morgan L

2014-09-01

Mites are arthropods of the subclass Acari (Acarina). Although Sarcoptes is the mite most commonly recognized as a cause of human skin disease in the United States, numerous other mite-associated dermatoses have been described, and merit familiarity on the part of physicians treating skin disease. This review discusses several non-scabies mites and their associated diseases, including Demodex, chiggers, Cheyletiella, bird mites, grain itch, oak leaf itch, grocer's itch, tropical rat mite, snake mite, and Psoroptes.

Protecting Secure Facilities From Underground Intrusion Using Seismic/Acoustic Sensor Arrays

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-08-01

the upper 6 meters of sediments were deposited as part of a delta during a time of higher sea level, when low-gradient rivers carried fine-grained...geological site characterization and stratigraphy and sedimentation processes. Dr. Jason R. McKenna is a geophysicist at the United States Army Engineer...doctrine is being revised to address the engineer force structure at all levels to ensure that emerging lessons learned from Iraq and Afghanistan are

The Instruments of National Power in Respect to the United States Counterdrug Efforts in Colombia

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-06-01

of the development in the industrial sector can be contributed to the export of coffee . The 20 Colombian Government has attempted to expand the...the Colombian economy began to recede due to the complex political crisis, the fall of coffee prices on the world market, and a contraction in the...Substituted crops have included bananas, corn, rice, coffee , citrus fruit, and various grains (Carpenter 2003, 106). This study will examine the

Coarse-Grained Models for Automated Fragmentation and Parametrization of Molecular Databases.

PubMed

Fraaije, Johannes G E M; van Male, Jan; Becherer, Paul; Serral Gracià, Rubèn

2016-12-27

We calibrate coarse-grained interaction potentials suitable for screening large data sets in top-down fashion. Three new algorithms are introduced: (i) automated decomposition of molecules into coarse-grained units (fragmentation); (ii) Coarse-Grained Reference Interaction Site Model-Hypernetted Chain (CG RISM-HNC) as an intermediate proxy for dissipative particle dynamics (DPD); and (iii) a simple top-down coarse-grained interaction potential/model based on activity coefficient theories from engineering (using COSMO-RS). We find that the fragment distribution follows Zipf and Heaps scaling laws. The accuracy in Gibbs energy of mixing calculations is a few tenths of a kilocalorie per mole. As a final proof of principle, we use full coarse-grained sampling through DPD thermodynamics integration to calculate log P OW for 4627 compounds with an average error of 0.84 log unit. The computational speeds per calculation are a few seconds for CG RISM-HNC and a few minutes for DPD thermodynamic integration.

Effects of grain size, mineralogy, and acid-extractable grain coatings on the distribution of the fallout radionuclides 7Be, 10Be, 137Cs, and 210Pb in river sediment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singleton, Adrian A.; Schmidt, Amanda H.; Bierman, Paul R.; Rood, Dylan H.; Neilson, Thomas B.; Greene, Emily Sophie; Bower, Jennifer A.; Perdrial, Nicolas

2017-01-01

Grain-size dependencies in fallout radionuclide activity have been attributed to either increase in specific surface area in finer grain sizes or differing mineralogical abundances in different grain sizes. Here, we consider a third possibility, that the concentration and composition of grain coatings, where fallout radionuclides reside, controls their activity in fluvial sediment. We evaluated these three possible explanations in two experiments: (1) we examined the effect of sediment grain size, mineralogy, and composition of the acid-extractable materials on the distribution of 7Be, 10Be, 137Cs, and unsupported 210Pb in detrital sediment samples collected from rivers in China and the United States, and (2) we periodically monitored 7Be, 137Cs, and 210Pb retention in samples of known composition exposed to natural fallout in Ohio, USA for 294 days. Acid-extractable materials (made up predominately of Fe, Mn, Al, and Ca from secondary minerals and grain coatings produced during pedogenesis) are positively related to the abundance of fallout radionuclides in our sediment samples. Grain-size dependency of fallout radionuclide concentrations was significant in detrital sediment samples, but not in samples exposed to fallout under controlled conditions. Mineralogy had a large effect on 7Be and 210Pb retention in samples exposed to fallout, suggesting that sieving sediments to a single grain size or using specific surface area-based correction terms may not completely control for preferential distribution of these nuclides. We conclude that time-dependent geochemical, pedogenic, and sedimentary processes together result in the observed differences in nuclide distribution between different grain sizes and substrate compositions. These findings likely explain variability of measured nuclide activities in river networks that exceeds the variability introduced by analytical techniques as well as spatial and temporal differences in erosion rates and processes. In short, we suggest that presence and amount of pedogenic grain coatings is more important than either specific surface area or surface charge in setting the distribution of fallout radionuclides.

77 FR 25121 - Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-04-27

... it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyard Administration Title: Export Inspection and Weighing Waiver for High Quality Specialty Grains Transported in... amended (7 U.S.C. 71-87) (USGSA), with few exceptions, requires that all grain shipped from the United...

Exploring economically and environmentally viable northeastern US dairy farm strategies for coping with rising corn grain prices.

PubMed

Ghebremichael, L T; Veith, T L; Cerosaletti, P E; Dewing, D E; Rotz, C A

2009-08-01

In 2008, corn grain prices rose $115/t of DM above the 2005 average. Such an increase creates tight marginal profits for small (<100) and medium-sized (100 to 199) dairy farms in the northeastern United States importing corn grain as animal feed supplement. Particularly in New York State, dairy farmers are attempting to avoid or minimize profit losses by growing more corn silage and reducing corn grain purchases. This study applies the Integrated Farm Systems Model to 1 small and 1 medium-sized New York State dairy farm to predict 1) sediment and P loss impacts from expanding corn fields, 2) benefits of no-till or cover cropping on corn fields, and 3) alternatives to the economic challenge of the current farming system as the price ratio of milk to corn grain continues to decline. Based on the simulation results, expanding corn silage production by 3% of the cultivated farm area increased sediment and sediment-bound P losses by 41 and 18%, respectively. Implementing no-till controlled about 84% of the erosion and about 75% of the sediment-bound P that would have occurred from the conventionally tilled, expanded corn production scenario. Implementing a conventionally tilled cover crop with the conventionally tilled, expanded corn production scenario controlled both erosion and sediment-bound P, but to a lesser extent than no-till corn with no cover crop. However, annual farm net return using cover crops was slightly less than when using no-till. Increasing on-farm grass productivity while feeding cows a high-quality, high-forage diet and precise dietary P levels offered dual benefits: 1) improved farm profitability from reduced purchases of dietary protein and P supplements, and 2) decreased runoff P losses from reduced P-levels in applied manure. Moreover, alternatives such as growing additional small grains on marginal lands and increasing milk production levels demonstrated great potential in increasing farm profitability. Overall, it is crucial that conservation measures such as no-till and cover cropping be implemented on new or existing corn lands as these areas often pose the highest threat for P losses through runoff. Although alternatives that would likely provide the largest net profit were evaluated one at a time to better quantify their individual impacts, combinations of these strategies, such as no-till corn plus a minimum-till cover crop, are recommended whenever feasible.

Nonlinear evolution of coarse-grained quantum systems with generalized purity constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burić, Nikola

2010-12-01

Constrained quantum dynamics is used to propose a nonlinear dynamical equation for pure states of a generalized coarse-grained system. The relevant constraint is given either by the generalized purity or by the generalized invariant fluctuation, and the coarse-grained pure states correspond to the generalized coherent, i.e. generalized nonentangled states. Open system model of the coarse-graining is discussed. It is shown that in this model and in the weak coupling limit the constrained dynamical equations coincide with an equation for pointer states, based on Hilbert-Schmidt distance, that was previously suggested in the context of the decoherence theory.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jeff Thon, an SRB mechanic with United Space Alliance, tests a technique for vertical solid rocket booster propellant grain inspection. The inspection of segments is required as part of safety analysis.

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-09-11

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jeff Thon, an SRB mechanic with United Space Alliance, tests a technique for vertical solid rocket booster propellant grain inspection. The inspection of segments is required as part of safety analysis.

Introduction to Agronomy, Grain Crops, Weeds and Controls. A Learning Activity Pac in Agricultural Education Courses in Wisconsin.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wisconsin State Dept. of Public Instruction, Madison. Div. of Instructional Services.

This learning activity pac contains information to help the teachers of high school vocational agriculture in the instructional area of agronomy. Each of the two main sections, grain crops and weeds and controls, includes teacher and student units for the section lessons. Teacher units include special instructions--equipment needed (film…

Dietary recommendations: comparing dietary guidelines from Brazil and the United States.

PubMed

Sichieri, Rosely; Chiuve, Stephanie E; Pereira, Rosângela Alves; Lopes, Aline Cristine Souza; Willett, Walter C

2010-11-01

The Brazilian dietary guidelines are based in part on mainstream United States' recommendations, in spite of the criticisms and shortcomings of the American guidelines. In this paper, Brazilian food guidelines are summarized and discussed in comparison with the USA recommendations. American and Brazilian dietary recommendations are quite similar in many aspects, particularly those related to variety in the diet, the importance of physical activity and weight management. Different to American guidelines, those from Brazil advise people to choose fresh foods, to prefer healthier types of fat, to limit trans fat intake and to eat good sources of protein, but does not recommend the consumption of whole grains. Besides the challenges related to their implementation, indicators for the evaluation of the effectiveness of these guidelines should be established from the beginning, particularly those related to changes in dietary habits and the prevalence of obesity.

Economic and environmental impacts of the corn grain ethanol industry on the United States agricultural sector

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

Larson, J.A.; English, B.C.; De La Torre Ugarte, D. G.

2010-09-10

This study evaluated the impacts of increased ethanol production from corn starch on agricultural land use and the environment in the United States. The Policy Analysis System simulation model was used to simulate alternative ethanol production scenarios for 2007 through 2016. Results indicate that increased corn ethanol production had a positive effect on net farm income and economic wellbeing of the US agricultural sector. In addition, government payments to farmers were reduced because of higher commodity prices and enhanced net farm income. Results also indicate that if Conservation Reserve Program land was converted to crop production in response to highermore » demand for ethanol in the simulation, individual farmers planted more land in crops, including corn. With a larger total US land area in crops due to individual farmer cropping choices, total US crop output rose, which decreased crop prices and aggregate net farm income relative to the scenario where increased ethanol production happened without Conservation Reserve Program land. Substantial shifts in land use occurred with corn area expanding throughout the United States, especially in the traditional corn-growing area of the midcontinent region.« less

Rapid assessment of mid-infrared refractive index anisotropy using a prism coupler: chemical vapor deposited ZnS

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

Qiao, Hong; Lipschultz, Kristen A.; Anheier, Norman C.

2012-04-01

A state-of-the-art mid-infrared prism coupler was used to study the refractive index properties of forward-looking-infrared (FLIR) grade zinc sulfide samples prepared with unique planar grain orientations and locations with respect to the CVD growth axis. This study was motivated by prior photoluminescence and x-ray diffraction measurements that suggested refractive index may vary according to grain orientation. Measurements were conducted to provide optical dispersion and thermal index (dn/dT) data at discrete laser wavelengths between 0.633 and 10.591 {mu}m at two temperature set points (30 C and 90 C). Refractive index measurements between samples exhibited an average standard deviation comparable to themore » uncertainty of the prism coupler measurement (0.0004 refractive index units), suggesting that the variation in refractive index as a function of planar grain orientation and CVD deposition time is negligible, and should have no impact on subsequent optical designs. Measured dispersion data at mid-infrared wavelengths was found to agree well with prior published measurements.« less

Diatreme evolution during the phreatomagmatic eruption of the Songaksan tuff ring, Jeju Island, Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Go, S. Y.; Kim, G. B.; Jeong, J. O.; Sohn, Y. K.

2017-03-01

The Songaksan tuff ring, Jeju Island, Korea, which erupted ca. 3.7 ka BP in a coastal setting, provides an unusual opportunity to study the processes of phreatomagmatic eruption and the formation of a diatreme because of the exceptionally well-preserved ejecta beds and well-known subsurface geology. The tuff sequence can be divided into four units (A to D), which have distinctly different accidental componentry (quartz-rich vs. quartz-poor), grain surface features (abraded and ash-coated vs. unabraded and uncoated), and chemical compositions of juvenile particles. The basal tephra bed of unit A, which probably erupted after the removal of the relatively hard shallow-level (<120 m deep) substrate by initial cratering, comprises only unabraded and uncoated grains and contains abundant relatively deep-derived (>120 m deep) accidental grains, suggesting that the early erupted tephra had not yet experienced recycling and pre-eruption mixing in the diatreme. On the other hand, the overlying tephra beds of units A, B, and D contain an abundance of abraded and ash-coated juvenile/accidental grains, suggesting that the tephra comprised significant proportions of "recycled" or "premixed" materials from previous eruptions or subsurface explosions, which participated in the explosion-driven mixing in the diatreme before eventual ejection from the diatreme. Unit C is unusual in that it comprises extremely rare accidental grains and ash-coated juvenile/accidental grains. We interpret that the supply of solid materials, either accidental or juvenile, to the diatreme was greatly reduced because of temporary stabilization of the diatreme and the reduction in magma flux to the diatreme. The diatreme is therefore envisaged to have been filled with a water-saturated slurry, in which particle abrasion and adhesion were inhibited. We also infer that the diatreme fill was temporarily removed by a powerful explosion before eruption of unit C on the basis of the near absence of the tephra grains from earlier eruptions throughout the tephra beds of unit C. The ratio of tachylite to sideromelane grains generally increases up-section of the tuff sequence with two abrupt drops across the tuff unit boundaries. These variations are coincident with the changes in the chemical composition of juvenile particles, suggesting an overall decrease in magma flux punctuated by brief increases in magma flux associated with the arrival of new magma batches. The textural and compositional variations of the Songaksan tuff ring suggest that there can be significant variability in diatreme processes even during a purely phreatomagmatic eruption of a tuff ring, including removal and renewal of the diatreme fill, and that there is still much room for further investigation of the diatreme processes from the ejecta beds in order to make the current diatreme model more robust.

Ceramic Translations. Volume 41. Grain Boundaries and Interfacial Phenomena in Electronic Ceramics

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-01-01

will be dealt with below. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE Two BaTiO 3 powders were examined. The first was a commercially prepared hydrothermal powder whilst...the second was hydrothermally grown in the present work to an average particle size (0.28 To the extent authorized under the laws of the United States...program [14]. Particle sizes were determined with a JEOL JXA-840 scanning electron microscope running at 15 keV. Fresh commercial hydrothermal BaTiO 3

Grain-size analysis and sediment dynamics of hurricane-induced event beds in a coastal New England pond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castagno, K. A.; Ruehr, S. A.; Donnelly, J. P.; Woodruff, J. D.

2017-12-01

Coastal populations have grown increasingly susceptible to the impacts of tropical cyclone events as they grow in size, wealth, and infrastructure. Changes in tropical cyclone frequency and intensity, augmented by a changing climate, pose an increasing threat of property damage and loss of life. Reconstructions of intense-hurricane landfalls from a series of southeastern New England sediment cores identify a series of events spanning the past 2,000 years. Though the frequency of these landfalls is well constrained, the intensity of these storms, particularly those for which no historical record exists, is not. This study analyzes the grain-size distribution of major storm event beds along a transect of sediment cores from a kettle pond in Falmouth, MA. The grain-size distribution of each event is determined using an image processing, size, and shape analyzer. The depositional patterns and changes in grain-size distribution in these fine-grained systems may both spatially and temporally reveal characteristics of both storm intensity and the nature of sediment deposition. An inverse-modeling technique using this kind of grain-size analysis to determine past storm intensity has been explored in back-barrier lagoon systems in the Caribbean, but limited research has assessed its utility to assess deposits from back-barrier ponds in the northeastern United States. Increases in hurricane intensity may be closely tied to increases in sea surface temperature. As such, research into these prehistoric intervals of increased frequency and/or intensity provides important insight into the current and future hurricane risks facing coastal communities in New England.

Overview of Hole GT2A: Drilling middle gabbro in Wadi Tayin massif, Oman ophiolite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takazawa, E.; Kelemen, P. B.; Teagle, D. A. H.; Coggon, J. A.; Harris, M.; Matter, J. M.; Michibayashi, K.

2017-12-01

Hole GT2A (UTM: 40Q 655960.7E / 2529193.5N) was drilled by the Oman Drilling Project (OmDP) into Wadi Gideah of Wadi Tayin massif in the Samail ophiolite, Oman. OmDP is an international collaboration supported by the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program, the Deep Carbon Observatory, NSF, IODP, JAMSTEC, and the European, Japanese, German and Swiss Science Foundations, with in-kind support in Oman from the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, Public Authority of Mining, Sultan Qaboos University, and the German University of Technology. Hole GT2A was diamond cored in 25 Dec 2016 to 18 Jan 2017 to a total depth of 406.77 m. The outer surfaces of the cores were imaged and described on site before being curated, boxed and shipped to the IODP drill ship Chikyu, where they underwent comprehensive visual and instrumental analysis. 33 shipboard scientists were divided into six teams (Igneous, Alteration, Structural, Geochem, Physical Properties, Paleomag) to describe and analyze the cores. Hole GT2A drilled through the transition between foliated and layered gabbro. The transition zone occurs between 50 and 150 m curation corrected depth (CCD). The top 50 m of Hole GT2A is foliated gabbro whereas the bottom 250 m consists of layered gabbro. Brittle fracture is observed throughout the core. Intensity of alteration vein decreases from the top to the bottom of the hole. On the basis of changes in grain size and/or modal abundance and/or appearance/disappearance of igneous primary mineral(s) five lithological units are defined in Hole GT2A (Unit I to V). The uppermost part of Hole GT2A (Unit I) is dominated by fine-grained granular olivine gabbro intercalated with less dominant medium-grained granular olivine gabbro and rare coarse-grained varitextured gabbro. The lower part of the Hole (Units II, III and V) is dominated by medium-grained olivine gabbro, olivine melagabbro and olivine-bearing gabbro. Modally-graded rhythmic layering with olivine melagabbro and olivine-bearing gabbro is well conspicuous in the bottom part of Unit II. The Unit IV occurs between 284.25 m and 293.92 m CCD from the top of the hole and is characterized by orthopyroxene-bearing lithologies such as fine-grained gabbronorite and coarse-grained troctolite. Discrete orthopyroxene crystals occur in these lithologies.

Rotation-limited growth of three-dimensional body-centered-cubic crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarp, Jens M.; Mathiesen, Joachim

2015-07-01

According to classical grain growth laws, grain growth is driven by the minimization of surface energy and will continue until a single grain prevails. These laws do not take into account the lattice anisotropy and the details of the microscopic rearrangement of mass between grains. Here we consider coarsening of body-centered-cubic polycrystalline materials in three dimensions using the phase field crystal model. We observe, as a function of the quenching depth, a crossover between a state where grain rotation halts and the growth stagnates and a state where grains coarsen rapidly by coalescence through rotation and alignment of the lattices of neighboring grains. We show that the grain rotation per volume change of a grain follows a power law with an exponent of -1.25 . The scaling exponent is consistent with theoretical considerations based on the conservation of dislocations.

Can coarse surface layers in gravel-bedded rivers be mobilized by finer gravel bedload?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venditti, J. G.; Dietrich, W. E.; Nelson, P. A.; Wydzga, M. A.; Fadde, J.; Sklar, L.

2005-12-01

In response to reductions in sediment supply, gravel-bed rivers undergo a coarsening of the sediments that comprise the river's bed and, over some longer time scale, a river's grade may also be reduced as sediments are depleted from upstream reaches. Coarse, degraded river reaches are commonly observed downstream of dams across the Western United States. Following dam closure, these riverbeds become immobile under the altered flow and sediment supply regimes, leading to a reduction in the available salmon spawning and rearing habitat. Gravel augmentation to these streams is now common practice. This augmentation is typically seen as resurfacing the static coarse bed. As an alternative, we propose that the addition of appropriately finer gravels to these channels may be capable of mobilizing an otherwise immobile coarse surface layer, creating the potential to release fine material trapped beneath the surface. A series of laboratory experiments are being undertaken to test this hypothesis in a 30 m long and 0.86 m wide gravel-bedded flume channel using a constant discharge and a unimodal bed sediment with a median grain size of 8 mm and no sand present. The channel width-to-depth ratio of ~4 suppresses the development of lateral topography and allows us to focus on grain-to-grain interactions. Experiments proceed by maintaining a constant sediment feed until an equilibrium grade and transport rate are established, starving the flume of sediment for at least 24 hours, and then adding narrowly graded gravel over a period of one to two hours at a rate that is ~4x the bedload rate observed prior to terminating the sediment supply. The bed prior to sediment addition has an armor median grain size that is typically twice that of the subsurface and feed size distribution. The volume and median grain size of the resulting pulses are varied. Pulses move downstream rapidly with well-defined fronts in the form of bedload sheets and cause peaks in the sediment flux approximately equal to the supply rate. Once the pulse has passed through the flume, bedload flux rapidly drops to background values, leaving few introduced grains on the bed. When the sediment feed is the median grain size of the subsurface bed material mixture, few armor grains are mobilized, although there is some exchange between the surface and bedload. Pulses composed of the fine tail of the surface grain size distribution are capable of mobilizing all grain sizes in the armor (including the largest grains) as finer bedload fills the interstices of the coarse surface layer. This suggests that gravel augmentation using fine gravel may provide an effective means of improving bed mobility conditions. Further experiments are underway to explore the effects of repeated fine gravel addition on bed state.

Insights into the deformation behavior of the CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy revealed by elevated temperature nanoindentation

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

Maier-Kiener, Verena; Schuh, Benjamin; George, Easo P.

A CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy was investigated by nanoindentation from room temperature to 400 °C in the nanocrystalline state and cast plus homogenized coarse-grained state. In the latter case a < 100 >-orientated grain was selected by electron back scatter diffraction for nanoindentation. It was found that hardness decreases more strongly with increasing temperature than Young’s modulus, especially for the coarse-grained state. The modulus of the nanocrystalline state was slightly higher than that of the coarse-grained one. For the coarse-grained sample a strong thermally activated deformation behavior was found up to 100–150 °C, followed by a diminishing thermally activated contribution atmore » higher testing temperatures. For the nanocrystalline state, different temperature dependent deformation mechanisms are proposed. At low temperatures, the governing processes appear to be similar to those in the coarse-grained sample, but with increasing temperature, dislocation-grain boundary interactions likely become more dominant. Finally, at 400 °C, decomposition of the nanocrystalline alloy causes a further reduction in thermal activation. Furthermore, this is rationalized by a reduction of the deformation controlling internal length scale by precipitate formation in conjunction with a diffusional contribution.« less

Principal component analysis for protein folding dynamics.

PubMed

Maisuradze, Gia G; Liwo, Adam; Scheraga, Harold A

2009-01-09

Protein folding is considered here by studying the dynamics of the folding of the triple beta-strand WW domain from the Formin-binding protein 28. Starting from the unfolded state and ending either in the native or nonnative conformational states, trajectories are generated with the coarse-grained united residue (UNRES) force field. The effectiveness of principal components analysis (PCA), an already established mathematical technique for finding global, correlated motions in atomic simulations of proteins, is evaluated here for coarse-grained trajectories. The problems related to PCA and their solutions are discussed. The folding and nonfolding of proteins are examined with free-energy landscapes. Detailed analyses of many folding and nonfolding trajectories at different temperatures show that PCA is very efficient for characterizing the general folding and nonfolding features of proteins. It is shown that the first principal component captures and describes in detail the dynamics of a system. Anomalous diffusion in the folding/nonfolding dynamics is examined by the mean-square displacement (MSD) and the fractional diffusion and fractional kinetic equations. The collisionless (or ballistic) behavior of a polypeptide undergoing Brownian motion along the first few principal components is accounted for.

Direct Correlations of Grain Boundary Potentials to Chemical States and Dielectric Properties of Doped CaCu3Ti4O12 Thin Films.

PubMed

Cho, Ahra; Han, Chan Su; Kang, Meenjoo; Choi, Wooseok; Lee, Jihwan; Jeon, Jaecheol; Yu, Sujae; Jung, Ye Seul; Cho, Yong Soo

2018-05-09

Colossal dielectric constant CaCu 3 Ti 4 O 12 has been recognized as one of the rare materials having intrinsic interfacial polarization and thus unusual dielectric characteristics, in which the electrical state of the grain boundary is critical. Here, the direct correlation between the grain boundary potential and relative permittivity is proposed for the CaCu 3 Ti 4 O 12 thin films doped with Zn, Ga, Mn, and Ag as characterized by Kelvin probe force microscopy. The dopants are intended to provide the examples of variable grain boundary potentials that are driven by chemical states including Cu + , Ti 3+ , and oxygen vacancy. Grain boundary potential is nearly linearly proportional to the dielectric constant. This effect is attributed to the increased charge accumulation near the grain boundary, depending on the choice of the dopant. As an example, 1 mol % Ag-doped CaCu 3 Ti 4 O 12 thin films demonstrate the best relative permittivity as associated with a higher grain boundary potential of 120.3 mV compared with 82.6 mV for the reference film. The chemical states across grain boundaries were further verified by using spherical aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy with the simultaneous electron energy loss spectroscopy.

Testing the responses of four wheat crop models to heat stress at anthesis and grain filling.

PubMed

Liu, Bing; Asseng, Senthold; Liu, Leilei; Tang, Liang; Cao, Weixing; Zhu, Yan

2016-05-01

Higher temperatures caused by future climate change will bring more frequent heat stress events and pose an increasing risk to global wheat production. Crop models have been widely used to simulate future crop productivity but are rarely tested with observed heat stress experimental datasets. Four wheat models (DSSAT-CERES-Wheat, DSSAT-Nwheat, APSIM-Wheat, and WheatGrow) were evaluated with 4 years of environment-controlled phytotron experimental datasets with two wheat cultivars under heat stress at anthesis and grain filling stages. Heat stress at anthesis reduced observed grain numbers per unit area and individual grain size, while heat stress during grain filling mainly decreased the size of the individual grains. The observed impact of heat stress on grain filling duration, total aboveground biomass, grain yield, and grain protein concentration (GPC) varied depending on cultivar and accumulated heat stress. For every unit increase of heat degree days (HDD, degree days over 30 °C), grain filling duration was reduced by 0.30-0.60%, total aboveground biomass was reduced by 0.37-0.43%, and grain yield was reduced by 1.0-1.6%, but GPC was increased by 0.50% for cv Yangmai16 and 0.80% for cv Xumai30. The tested crop simulation models could reproduce some of the observed reductions in grain filling duration, final total aboveground biomass, and grain yield, as well as the observed increase in GPC due to heat stress. Most of the crop models tended to reproduce heat stress impacts better during grain filling than at anthesis. Some of the tested models require improvements in the response to heat stress during grain filling, but all models need improvements in simulating heat stress effects on grain set during anthesis. The observed significant genetic variability in the response of wheat to heat stress needs to be considered through cultivar parameters in future simulation studies. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Screening of sorghum lines against long smut and grain mold pathogens

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Long smut infection is severe in the drier regions of Africa and Asia; whereas, grain mold is the most important widespread complex disease where sorghum is grown worldwide. Both fungal diseases cause significant losses in grain yield and quality. Long smut has not yet been observed in the United ...

Heterogeneity in homogeneous nucleation from billion-atom molecular dynamics simulation of solidification of pure metal.

PubMed

Shibuta, Yasushi; Sakane, Shinji; Miyoshi, Eisuke; Okita, Shin; Takaki, Tomohiro; Ohno, Munekazu

2017-04-05

Can completely homogeneous nucleation occur? Large scale molecular dynamics simulations performed on a graphics-processing-unit rich supercomputer can shed light on this long-standing issue. Here, a billion-atom molecular dynamics simulation of homogeneous nucleation from an undercooled iron melt reveals that some satellite-like small grains surrounding previously formed large grains exist in the middle of the nucleation process, which are not distributed uniformly. At the same time, grains with a twin boundary are formed by heterogeneous nucleation from the surface of the previously formed grains. The local heterogeneity in the distribution of grains is caused by the local accumulation of the icosahedral structure in the undercooled melt near the previously formed grains. This insight is mainly attributable to the multi-graphics processing unit parallel computation combined with the rapid progress in high-performance computational environments.Nucleation is a fundamental physical process, however it is a long-standing issue whether completely homogeneous nucleation can occur. Here the authors reveal, via a billion-atom molecular dynamics simulation, that local heterogeneity exists during homogeneous nucleation in an undercooled iron melt.

Initial Isotopic Heterogeneities in ZAGAMI: Evidence of a Complex Magmatic History

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nyquist, L. E.; Shih, C.-Y.; Reese, Y. D.

2006-01-01

Interpretations of Zagami s magmatic history range from complex [1,2] to relatively simple [3]. Discordant radiometric ages led to a suggestion that the ages had been reset [4]. In an attempt to identify the mechanism, Rb-Sr isochrons were individually determined for both fine-grained and coarse-grained Zagami [5]. Ages of approx.180 Ma were obtained from both lithologies, but the initial Sr-87/Sr-86 (ISr) of the fine-grained lithology was higher by 8.6+/-0.4 e-units. Recently, a much older age of approx.4 Ga has been advocated [6]. Here, we extend our earlier investigation [5]. Rb-Sr Data: In [5] we applied identical, simplified, procedures to both lithologies to test whether a grain-size dependent process such as thermally-driven subsolidus isotopic reequilibration had caused age-resetting. Minerals were separated only by density. In the present experiment, purer mineral separates were analysed with improved techniques. Combined Rb-Sr results give ages (T) = 166+/-12 Ma and 177+/-9 Ma and I(subSr) = 0.72174+/-9 and 0.72227+/-7 for the coarse-grained and fine-grained lithologies, respectively. ISr in the fine-grained sample is thus higher than in the coarse-grained sample by 7.3+/-1.6 e-units. The results for the coarse-grained lithology are in close agreement with T = 166+/-6 Ma, ISr = 0.72157+/-8 for an adjacent sample [7] and T = 178+/-4 Ma, ISr = 0.72151+/-5 [4, adjusted] for a separate sample. Thus, fine-grained Zagami appears on average to be less typical of the bulk than coarse-grained Zagami.

Molecular microelectrostatic view on electronic states near pentacene grain boundaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verlaak, Stijn; Heremans, Paul

2007-03-01

Grain boundaries are the most inevitable and pronounced structural defects in pentacene films. To study the effect of those structural defects on the electronic state distribution, the energy levels of a hole on molecules at and near the defect have been calculated using a submolecular self-consistent-polarization-field approach in combination with atomic charge-quadrupole interaction energy calculations. This method has been benchmarked prior to application on four idealized grain boundaries: a grain boundary void, a void with molecules squeezed in between two grains, a boundary between two grains with different crystallographic orientations, and a grain boundary void in which a permanent dipole (e.g., a water molecule) has nested. While idealized, those views highlight different aspects of real grain boundaries. Implications on macroscopic charge transport models are discussed, as well as some relation between growth conditions and the formation of the grain boundary.

The grain of spatially referenced economic cost and biodiversity benefit data and the effectiveness of a cost targeting strategy.

PubMed

Sutton, N J; Armsworth, P R

2014-12-01

Facing tight resource constraints, conservation organizations must allocate funds available for habitat protection as effectively as possible. Often, they combine spatially referenced economic and biodiversity data to prioritize land for protection. We tested how sensitive these prioritizations could be to differences in the spatial grain of these data by demonstrating how the conclusion of a classic debate in conservation planning between cost and benefit targeting was altered based on the available information. As a case study, we determined parcel-level acquisition costs and biodiversity benefits of land transactions recently undertaken by a nonprofit conservation organization that seeks to protect forests in the eastern United States. Then, we used hypothetical conservation plans to simulate the types of ex ante priorities that an organization could use to prioritize areas for protection. We found the apparent effectiveness of cost and benefit targeting depended on the spatial grain of the data used when prioritizing parcels based on local species richness. However, when accounting for complementarity, benefit targeting consistently was more efficient than a cost targeting strategy regardless of the spatial grain of the data involved. More pertinently for other studies, we found that combining data collected over different spatial grains inflated the apparent effectiveness of a cost targeting strategy and led to overestimation of the efficiency gain offered by adopting a more integrative return-on-investment approach. © 2014 Society for Conservation Biology.

Composition of grain and forage from insect-protected and herbicide-tolerant corn, MON 89034 × TC1507 × MON 88017 × DAS-59122-7 (SmartStax), is equivalent to that of conventional corn (Zea mays L.).

PubMed

Lundry, Denise R; Burns, J Austin; Nemeth, Margaret A; Riordan, Susan G

2013-02-27

Monsanto Company and Dow AgroSciences LLC have developed the combined-trait corn product MON 89034 × TC1507 × MON 88017 × DAS-59122-7 (SmartStax, a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC). The combination of four biotechnology-derived events into a single corn product (stacking) through conventional breeding provides broad protection against lepidopteran and corn rootworm insect pests as well as tolerance to the glyphosate and glufosinate-ammonium herbicide families. The purpose of the work described here was to assess whether the nutrient, antinutrient, and secondary metabolite levels in grain and forage tissues of the combined-trait product are comparable to those in conventional corn. Compositional analyses were conducted on grain and forage from SmartStax, a near-isogenic conventional corn hybrid (XE6001), and 14 conventional reference hybrids, grown at multiple locations across the United States. No statistically significant differences between SmartStax and conventional corn were observed for the 8 components analyzed in forage and for 46 of the 52 components analyzed in grain. The six significant differences observed in grain components (p < 0.05) were assessed in context of the natural variability for that component. These results demonstrate that the stacked product, SmartStax, produced through conventional breeding of four single-event products containing eight proteins, is compositionally equivalent to conventional corn, as previously demonstrated for the single-event products.

Phase-field model with plastic flow for grain growth in nanocrystalline material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steinbach, Ingo; Song, Xiaoyan; Hartmaier, Alexander

2010-01-01

A phase-field model is presented which considers the accumulation of structural defects in grain boundaries by an isotropic eigenstrain associated with the grain boundaries. It is demonstrated that the elastic energy caused by dilatation of the grain boundary with respect to the bulk crystal contributes largely to the grain boundary energy. The sign of this contribution can be both positive and negative dependent on the local stress state in the grain boundary. Self-diffusion of atoms is taken into account to relax the stress caused by the dilatation of the grain boundary. Application of the model to discontinuous grain growth in pure nanocrystalline cobalt material is presented. Linear grain growth is found in the nanocrystalline state, which is explained by the interpretation of grain boundary motion as a diffusive process defining an upper limit of the grain boundary velocity independent of the grain boundary curvature but dependent on temperature. The transition to regular grain growth at a critical temperature, as observed experimentally, is explained by the drop of theoretical grain boundary velocity due to its mean curvature during coarsening of the nanograin structure below the maximum velocity.

Growing large columnar grains of CH3NH3PbI3 using the solid-state reaction method enhanced by less-crystallized nanoporous PbI2 films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Huifeng; Wang, Weiqi; Liu, Yangqiao; Sun, Jing

2017-03-01

Compact, pinhole-free and PbI2-free perovskite films, are desirable for high-performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs), especially if large columnar grains are obtained in which the adverse effects of grain boundaries will be minimized. However, the conventional solid-state reaction methods, originated from the two-step method, failed to grow columnar grains of CH3NH3PbI3 in a facile way. Here, we demonstrate a strategy for growing large columnar grains of CH3NH3PbI3, by less-crystallized nanoporous PbI2 (ln-PbI2) film enhanced solid-state reaction method. We demonstrated columnar grains were obtainable only when ln-PbI2 films were applied. Therefore, the replacement of compact PbI2 by ln-PbI2 in the solid-sate reaction, leads to higher power conversion efficiency, better reproducibility, better stability and less hysteresis. Furthermore, by systematically investigating the effects of annealing temperature and duration, we found that an annealing temperature ≥120 °C was also critical for growing columnar grains. With the optimal process, a champion efficiency of 16.4% was obtained and the average efficiency reached 14.2%. Finally, the mechanism of growing columnar grains was investigated, in which a VPb″ -assisted hooping model was proposed. This work reveals the origins of grain growth in the solid-state reaction method, which will contribute to preparing high quality perovskite films with much larger columnar grains.

Isotopic age of the Black Forest Bed, Petrified Forest Member, Chinle Formation, Arizona: An example of dating a continental sandstone

USGS Publications Warehouse

Riggs, N.R.; Ash, S.R.; Barth, A.P.; Gehrels, G.E.; Wooden, J.L.

2003-01-01

Zircons from the Black Forest Bed, Petrified Forest Member, Chinle Formation, in Petrified Forest National Park, yield ages that range from Late Triassic to Late Archean. Grains were analyzed by multigrain TIMS (thermal-ionization mass spectrometry), single-crystal TIMS, and SHRIMP (sensitive, high-resolution ion-microprobe). Multiple-grain analysis yielded a discordia trajectory with a lower intercept of 207 ?? 2 Ma, which because of the nature of multiple-grain sampling of a detrital bed, is not considered conclusive. Analysis of 29 detrital-zircon grains by TIMS yielded U-PB ages of 2706 ?? 6 Ma to 206 ?? 6 Ma. Eleven of these ages lie between 211 and 216 ?? 6.8 Ma. Our statistical analysis of these grains indicates that the mean of the ages, 213 ?? 1.7 Ma, reflects more analytical error than geologic variability in sources of the grains. Grains with ages of ca. 1400 Ma were derived from the widespread plutons of that age exposed throughout the southwestern Cordillera and central United States. Twelve grains analyzed by SHRIMP provide 206Pb*/238U ages from 214 ?? 2 Ma to 200 ?? 4 Ma. We use these data to infer that cores of inherited material were present in many zircons and that single-crystal analysis provides an accurate estimation of the age of the bed. We further propose that, even if some degree of reworking has occurred, the very strong concentration of ages at ca. 213 Ma provides a maximum age for the Black Forest Bed of 213 ?? 1.7 Ma. The actual age of the bed may be closer to 209 Ma. Dating continental successions is very difficult when distinct ash beds are not clearly identified, as is the case in the Chinle Formation. Detrital zircons in the Black Forest Bed, however, are dominated by an acicular morphology with preserved delicate terminations. The shape of these crystals and their inferred environment of deposition in slow-water settings suggest that the crystals were not far removed from their site of deposition in space and likely not far in time. Plinian ash clouds derived from explosive eruptions along the early Mesozoic Cordilleran margin provided the crystals to the Chinle basin, where local conditions insured their preservation. In the case of the Black Forest Bed, the products of one major eruption may dominate the volcanic contribution to the unit. Volcanic detritus in the Chinle Formation was derived from multiple, distinct sources. Coarse pebble- to cobble-size material may have originated in eastern California and/or western Arizona, where Triassic plutons are exposed. Fine-grained detritus, in contrast, was carried in ash clouds that derived from caldera eruptions in east-central California or western Nevada.

Dietary sources of energy, solid fats, and added sugars among children and adolescents in the United States.

PubMed

Reedy, Jill; Krebs-Smith, Susan M

2010-10-01

The objective of this research was to identify top dietary sources of energy, solid fats, and added sugars among 2- to 18-year-olds in the United States. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a cross-sectional study, were used to examine food sources (percentage contribution and mean intake with standard errors) of total energy (data from 2005-2006) and energy from solid fats and added sugars (data from 2003-2004). Differences were investigated by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and family income, and the consumption of empty calories-defined as the sum of energy from solid fats and added sugars-was compared with the corresponding discretionary calorie allowance. The top sources of energy for 2- to 18-year-olds were grain desserts (138 kcal/day), pizza (136 kcal/day), and soda (118 kcal/day). Sugar-sweetened beverages (soda and fruit drinks combined) provided 173 kcal/day. Major contributors varied by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and income. Nearly 40% of total energy consumed (798 of 2,027 kcal/day) by 2- to 18-year-olds were in the form of empty calories (433 kcal from solid fat and 365 kcal from added sugars). Consumption of empty calories far exceeded the corresponding discretionary calorie allowance for all sex-age groups (which range from 8% to 20%). Half of empty calories came from six foods: soda, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk. There is an overlap between the major sources of energy and empty calories: soda, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk. The landscape of choices available to children and adolescents must change to provide fewer unhealthy foods and more healthy foods with less energy. Identifying top sources of energy and empty calories can provide targets for changes in the marketplace and food environment. However, product reformulation alone is not sufficient-the flow of empty calories into the food supply must be reduced.

Dietary Sources of Energy, Solid Fats, and Added Sugars Among Children and Adolescents in the United States

PubMed Central

Reedy, Jill; Krebs-Smith, Susan M.

2010-01-01

Objective The objective of this research was to identify top dietary sources of energy, solid fats, and added sugars among 2–18 year olds in the United States. Methods Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a cross-sectional study, were used to examine food sources (percentage contribution and mean intake with standard errors) of total energy (2005–06) and calories from solid fats and added sugars (2003–04). Differences were investigated by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and family income, and the consumption of empty calories—defined as the sum of calories from solid fats and added sugars—was compared with the corresponding discretionary calorie allowance. Results The top sources of energy for 2–18 year olds were grain desserts (138 kcal/day), pizza (136 kcal), and soda (118 kcal). Sugar-sweetened beverages (soda and fruit drinks combined) provided 173 kcal/day. Major contributors varied by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and income. Nearly 40% of total calories consumed (798 kcal/day of 2027 kcal) by 2–18 year olds were in the form of empty calories (433 kcal from solid fat and 365 kcal from added sugars). Consumption of empty calories far exceeded the corresponding discretionary calorie allowance for all sex-age groups (which range from 8–20%). Half of empty calories came from six foods: soda, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk. Conclusion There is an overlap between the major sources of energy and empty calories: soda, grain desserts, pizza, and whole milk. The landscape of choices available to children and adolescents must change to provide fewer unhealthy foods and more healthy foods with fewer calories. Identifying top sources of energy and empty calories can provide targets for changes in the marketplace and food environment. However, product reformulation alone is not sufficient—the flow of empty calories into the food supply must be reduced. PMID:20869486

Accelerating the Gillespie Exact Stochastic Simulation Algorithm using hybrid parallel execution on graphics processing units.

PubMed

Komarov, Ivan; D'Souza, Roshan M

2012-01-01

The Gillespie Stochastic Simulation Algorithm (GSSA) and its variants are cornerstone techniques to simulate reaction kinetics in situations where the concentration of the reactant is too low to allow deterministic techniques such as differential equations. The inherent limitations of the GSSA include the time required for executing a single run and the need for multiple runs for parameter sweep exercises due to the stochastic nature of the simulation. Even very efficient variants of GSSA are prohibitively expensive to compute and perform parameter sweeps. Here we present a novel variant of the exact GSSA that is amenable to acceleration by using graphics processing units (GPUs). We parallelize the execution of a single realization across threads in a warp (fine-grained parallelism). A warp is a collection of threads that are executed synchronously on a single multi-processor. Warps executing in parallel on different multi-processors (coarse-grained parallelism) simultaneously generate multiple trajectories. Novel data-structures and algorithms reduce memory traffic, which is the bottleneck in computing the GSSA. Our benchmarks show an 8×-120× performance gain over various state-of-the-art serial algorithms when simulating different types of models.

Solid propellant grain design and internal ballistics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The ballistic aspects of grain design were studied to outline the steps necessary to achieve a successful grain design. The relationships of the grain design to steady-state mass balance and erosive burning are considered. Grain design criteria is reviewed, and recommended design criteria are included.

Uranium- and thorium-bearing pegmatites of the United States

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

Adams, J.W.; Arengi, J.T.; Parrish, I.S.

1980-04-01

This report is part of the National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) Program designed to identify criteria favorable for the occurrence of the world's significant uranium deposits. This project deals specifically with uranium- and thorium-bearing pegmatites in the United States and, in particular, their distribution and origin. From an extensive literature survey and field examination of 44 pegmatite localities in the United States and Canada, the authors have compiled an index to about 300 uranium- and thorium-bearing pegmatites in the United States, maps giving location of these deposits, and an annotated bibliography to some of the most pertinent literature on themore » geology of pegmatites. Pegmatites form from late-state magma differentiates rich in volatile constituents with an attendant aqueous vapor phase. It is the presence of an aqueous phase which results in the development of the variable grain size which characterizes pegmatites. All pegmatites occur in areas of tectonic mobility involving crustal material usually along plate margins. Those pegmatites containing radioactive mineral species show, essentially, a similar distribution to those without radioactive minerals. Criteria such as tectonic setting, magma composition, host rock, and elemental indicators among others, all serve to help delineate areas more favorable for uranium- and thorium-bearing pegmatites. The most useful guide remains the radioactivity exhibited by uranium- and thorium-bearing pegmatites. Although pegmatites are frequently noted as favorable hosts for radioactive minerals, the general paucity and sporadic distribution of these minerals and inherent mining and milling difficulties negate the resource potential of pegmatites for uranium and thorium.« less

Research on Early Warning of Chinese Food Safety Based on Social Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Yonghuan; Niu, Wenyuan; Li, Qianqian

Based on social physics, this paper designs the index system of food safety, builds early warning model of food safety, calculates the degree of food safety, and assesses the state of early warning of 2007 in China. The result shows the degree of food safety is near 0.7 in securer state, belonging to slight emergency. It is much lower in eastern areas of developed regions, belonging to insecure state in the mass. That the food safety is ensured in major grain producing areas, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia and Xinjiang is the prerequisite of realizing the food safety of China. The result also shows four significant indices, grain production capacity, grain circulation order, grain demand and grain supply, which are important indicatio to control food safety.

An estimate of field size distributions for selected sites in the major grain producing countries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Podwysocki, M. H.

1977-01-01

The field size distributions for the major grain producing countries of the World were estimated. LANDSAT-1 and 2 images were evaluated for two areas each in the United States, People's Republic of China, and the USSR. One scene each was evaluated for France, Canada, and India. Grid sampling was done for representative sub-samples of each image, measuring the long and short axes of each field; area was then calculated. Each of the resulting data sets was computer analyzed for their frequency distributions. Nearly all frequency distributions were highly peaked and skewed (shifted) towards small values, approaching that of either a Poisson or log-normal distribution. The data were normalized by a log transformation, creating a Gaussian distribution which has moments readily interpretable and useful for estimating the total population of fields. Resultant predictors of the field size estimates are discussed.

Post-harvest entomology research in the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service.

PubMed

Throne, James E; Hallman, Guy J; Johnson, Judy A; Follett, Peter A

2003-01-01

This is a review of current post-harvest entomology research conducted by the Agricultural Research Service, the research branch of the US Department of Agriculture. The review covers both durable and perishable commodities. Research on biochemistry, genetics, physiology, monitoring and control of insects infesting stored grain, dried fruits and nuts, and processed commodities is reviewed. Research on development of quarantine treatments, particularly for fruit flies, is also reviewed, including research on thermal and irradiation treatments and a discussion of risk management for quarantine pests. Two areas of research are covered more extensively: a project to map the genome of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, and the use of near-infrared spectroscopy for detection of hidden infestations in grain, quantification of insect fragments in food, determination of quality in dried fruits, identification of insect species and age-grading insects. Future research directions are identified.

Nodules of Cemented Sand Grains Within Martian Sandstone

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-03-11

This view from NASA Curiosity shows nodules exposed in sandstone that is part of the Stimson geological unit on Mount Sharp, Mars. The nodules can be seen to consist of grains of sand cemented together.

Structure and phase composition of ultrafine-grained TiNb alloy after high-temperature annealings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eroshenko, Anna Yu.; Glukhov, Ivan A.; Mairambekova, Aikol; Tolmachev, Alexey I.; Sharkeev, Yurii P.

2017-12-01

The paper presents the experimental data observed in the microstructure and phase composition of ultrafine-grained Ti-40 mass % Nb (Ti40Nb) alloy after high-temperature annealings. The ultrafine-grained Ti40Nb alloy is produced by severe plastic deformation (SPD). This method includes multiple abc-pressing and multi-pass rolling followed by further pre-recrystallizing annealing which, in its turn, enhances the formation of ultrafine-grained structures with mean size of 0.28 µm involving stable β- and α-phase and metastable nanosized ω-phase in the alloy. It is shown that annealing at 500°C preserves the ultrafine-grained structure and phase composition. In cases of annealing at 800°C the ultrafine-grained state transforms into the coarse-grained state. The stable β-phase and the nanosized metastable ω-phase have been identified in the coarse-grained structure.

The Butterflies of Principal Components: A Case of Ultrafine-Grained Polyphase Units

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rietmeijer, F. J. M.

1996-03-01

Dusts in the accretion regions of chondritic interplanetary dust particles [IDPs] consisted of three principal components: carbonaceous units [CUs], carbon-bearing chondritic units [GUs] and carbon-free silicate units [PUs]. Among others, differences among chondritic IDP morphologies and variable bulk C/Si ratios reflect variable mixtures of principal components. The spherical shapes of the initially amorphous principal components remain visible in many chondritic porous IDPs but fusion was documented for CUs, GUs and PUs. The PUs occur as coarse- and ultrafine-grained units that include so called GEMS. Spherical principal components preserved in an IDP as recognisable textural units have unique proporties with important implications for their petrological evolution from pre-accretion processing to protoplanet alteration and dynamic pyrometamorphism. Throughout their lifetime the units behaved as closed-systems without chemical exchange with other units. This behaviour is reflected in their mineralogies while the bulk compositions of principal components define the environments wherein they were formed.

Biomarkers of airway acidity and oxidative stress in exhaled breath condensate from grain workers.

PubMed

Do, Ron; Bartlett, Karen H; Dimich-Ward, Helen; Chu, Winnie; Kennedy, Susan M

2008-11-15

Grain workers report adverse respiratory symptoms due to exposures to grain dust and endotoxin. Studies have shown that biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) vary with the severity of airway inflammation. The purpose of the study was to evaluate biomarkers of airway acidity (pH and ammonium [NH(4)(+)]) and oxidative stress (8-isoprostane) in the EBC of grain workers. A total of 75 workers from 5 terminal elevators participated. In addition to EBC sampling, exposure monitoring for inhalable grain dust and endotoxin was performed; spirometry, allergy testing, and a respiratory questionnaire derived from that of the American Thoracic Society were administered. Dust and endotoxin levels ranged from 0.010 to 13 mg/m(3) (median, 1.0) and 8.1 to 11,000 endotoxin units/m(3) (median, 610) respectively. EBC pH values varied from 4.3 to 8.2 (median, 7.9); NH(4)(+) values from 22 to 2,400 microM (median, 420); and 8-isoprostane values from 1.3 to 45 pg/ml (median, 11). Univariate and multivariable analyses revealed a consistent effect of cumulative smoking and obesity with decreased pH and NH(4)(+), and intensity of grain dust and endotoxin with increased 8-isoprostane. Duration of work on the test day was associated with decreased pH and NH(4)(+), whereas duration of employment in the industry was associated with decreased 8-isoprostane. Chronic exposures are associated with airway acidity, whereas acute exposures are more closely associated with oxidative stress. These results suggest that the collection of EBC may contribute to predicting the pathological state of the airways of workers exposed to acute and chronic factors.

Study on Iron Distribution and Electrical Activities at Grain Boundaries in Polycrystalline Silicon Substrate for Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arafune, Koji; Ohishi, Eichiro; Sai, Hitoshi; Terada, Yasuko; Ohshita, Yoshio; Yamaguchi, Masafumi

2006-08-01

To clarify the role of grain boundaries in iron sinks and carrier recombination centers, iron distributions and their chemical states were studied before and after gettering. They were measured by the X-ray microprobe fluorescence and the X-ray absorption in the near-edge structure using the beamline 37XU at the SPring-8 third-generation synchrotron facility. To determine the crystallographic orientation of the grain boundaries, electron backscatter diffraction measurements were performed. The distribution of electric active defects was characterized by electron-beam-induced current measurements. Before gettering, the iron was distributed in the small grain and its chemical state was similar to that of iron oxide. After gettering, the iron was redistributed along the small angle grain boundary, and its chemical state was similar to the iron silicide complexed with the iron oxide. Regarding the electrical activity, high carrier recombination was observed along the small-angle grain boundary. On the contrary, Σ 3 grain boundaries were relatively weak impurity sinks and showed low recombination activity.

Fine Structure of Tibetan Kefir Grains and Their Yeast Distribution, Diversity, and Shift

PubMed Central

Lu, Man; Wang, Xingxing; Sun, Guowei; Qin, Bing; Xiao, Jinzhou; Yan, Shuling; Pan, Yingjie; Wang, Yongjie

2014-01-01

Tibetan kefir grains (TKGs), a kind of natural starter for fermented milk in Tibet, China, host various microorganisms of lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, and occasionally acetic acid bacteria in a polysaccharide/protein matrix. In the present study, the fine structure of TKGs was studied to shed light on this unusual symbiosis with stereomicroscopy and thin sections. The results reveal that TKGs consist of numerous small grain units, which are characterized by a hollow globular structure with a diameter between 2.0 and 9.0 mm and a wall thickness of approximately 200 µm. A polyhedron-like net structure, formed mainly by the bacteria, was observed in the wall of the grain units, which has not been reported previously to our knowledge. Towards the inside of the grain unit, the polyhedron-like net structures became gradually larger in diameter and fewer in number. Such fine structures may play a crucial role in the stability of the grains. Subsequently, the distribution, diversity, and shift of yeasts in TKGs were investigated based on thin section, scanning electron microscopy, cloning and sequencing of D1/D2 of the 26S rRNA gene, real-time quantitative PCR, and in situ hybridization with specific fluorescence-labeled oligonucleotide probes. These show that (i) yeasts appear to localize on the outer surface of the grains and grow normally together to form colonies embedded in the bacterial community; (ii) the diversity of yeasts is relatively low on genus level with three dominant species – Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kluyveromyces marxianus, and Yarrowia lipolytica; (iii) S. cerevisiae is the stable predominant yeast species, while the composition of Kluyveromyces and Yarrowia are subject to change over time. Our results indicate that TKGs are relatively stable in structure, and culture conditions to some extent shape the microbial community and interaction in kefir grains. These findings pave the way for further study of the specific symbiotic associations between S. cerevisiae and Lactobacillus bacteria in TKGs. PMID:24977409

Reactor vessels: weld cladding - base metal interaction

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

Mager, T.R.; Landerman, E.; Kubit, C.J.

1971-07-01

An underclad anomaly first observed during magnetic particle inspection of a European steam generator and subsequently discovered during inspection of certain reactor vessels manufactured in both the United States and in Europe is shown to be inconsequential for the intended application because of its small size and insignificant expected growth. Metallurgical investigation identifies the anomaly as grain boundary separations in the base metal, restricted in extent to the grain coarsened part of the weld heat-affected zone beneath the weld bead overlap. In all cases the depth of the separations was less than the maximum depth (0.125 inches) of the grainmore » coarsened area. The occurrence of the anomaly depends on the specific weld overlay process. It has been found generally after post-weld stress relief in forging and plate material (SA508 Class 2 composition). Fracture mechanics evaluation of the affected materials shows that the expected growth of the grain boundary separations during the lifetime of the plant is insignificant, being only 0.004 inches maximum as calculated based on conservative assumptions verified by the metallurgical investigation. Since the original size of the grain boundary separations is negligible and its growth is insignificant during the 40-year plant life, the structural integrity of the vessels has not been compromised and the affected vessels are suitable for the use intended.« less

An Evaluation of the United States Air Force Menu Concerning Kilocalorie, Total Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-05-01

following changes in food selection * and preparation: - increase consumption of fruits and vegetables and whole grains . - decrease consumption of refined...NONSTANDARD ITEMS VEGETABLE JUICE 45 TRACE -- 887 8 oz. HALF GRAPEFRUIT 95 TRACE -- 1 BACON 85 8 70 274 2 slices MINCED BEEF 140 5 40 55 2 oz. PECAN ROLLS...8 oz. ADDITIONAL NONSTANDARD ITEMS VEGETABLE JUICE 45 TRACE -- 887 8 oz. FRESH PEACHES 40 TRACE -- 1 1 peach BACON 85 8 70 274 2 slices SAUSAGE 60 6

Correlation chart of Pennsylvanian rocks in Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, and Pennsylvania showing approximate position of coal beds, coal zones, and key stratigraphic units

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ruppert, Leslie F.; Trippi, Michael H.; Slucher, Ernie R.

2010-01-01

This report contains a simplified provisional correlation chart that was compiled from both published and unpublished data in order to fill a need to visualize the currently accepted stratigraphic relations between Appalachian basin formations, coal beds and coal zones, and key stratigraphic units in the northern, central, and southern Appalachian basin coal regions of Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Appalachian basin coal beds and coal zones were deposited in a variety of geologic settings throughout the Lower, Middle, and Upper Pennsylvanian and Pennsylvanian formations were defined on the presence or absence of economic coal beds and coarse-grained sandstones that often are local or regionally discontinuous. The correlation chart illustrates how stratigraphic units (especially coal beds and coal zones) and their boundaries can differ between States and regions.

77 FR 6781 - Opportunity for Designation in the Topeka, KS; Cedar Rapids, IA; Minot, ND; and Cincinnati, OH...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-02-09

... Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming, is assigned to this official agency: 1. The entire State of Colorado. 2. The entire State of Kansas. 3. In Nebraska and Wyoming: Bounded on the North by the northern...: Kansas Grain Inspection Service, Inc. (Kansas); Mid-Iowa Grain Inspection, Inc. (Mid-Iowa); Minot Grain...

Impact of Corn Earworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Field Corn (Poales: Poaceae) Yield and Grain Quality.

PubMed

Bibb, Jenny L; Cook, Donald; Catchot, Angus; Musser, Fred; Stewart, Scott D; Leonard, Billy Rogers; Buntin, G David; Kerns, David; Allen, Tom W; Gore, Jeffrey

2018-05-28

Corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), commonly infests field corn, Zea mays (L.). The combination of corn plant biology, corn earworm behavior in corn ecosystems, and field corn value renders corn earworm management with foliar insecticides noneconomical. Corn technologies containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Berliner (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) were introduced that exhibit substantial efficacy against corn earworm and may reduce mycotoxin contamination in grain. The first generation Bt traits in field corn demonstrated limited activity on corn earworm feeding on grain. The pyramided corn technologies have greater cumulative protein concentrations and higher expression throughout the plant, so these corn traits should provide effective management of this pest. Additionally, reduced kernel injury may affect physical grain quality. Experiments were conducted during 2011-2012 to investigate corn earworm impact on field corn yield and grain quality. Treatments included field corn hybrids expressing the Herculex, YieldGard, and Genuity VT Triple Pro technologies. Supplemental insecticide treatments were applied every 1-2 d from silk emergence until silk senescence to create a range of injured kernels for each technology. No significant relationship between the number of corn earworm damaged kernels and yield was observed for any technology/hybrid. In these studies, corn earworm larvae did not cause enough damage to impact yield. Additionally, no consistent relationship between corn earworm damage and aflatoxin contamination was observed. Based on these data, the economic value of pyramided Bt corn traits to corn producers, in the southern United States, appears to be from management of other lepidopteran insect pests including European and southwestern corn borer.

Survey of aflatoxin concentrations in wild bird seed purchased in Texas.

PubMed

Henke, S E; Gallardo, V C; Martinez, B; Balley, R

2001-10-01

The use of backyard feeders to attract avian wildlife is a common practice throughout the United States. However, feeding wildlife may create a problem due to aflatoxin, a harmful fungal metabolite, which can affect wildlife that are fed contaminated grain. Our study was initiated to determine if songbirds were being exposed to aflatoxin-contaminated feed throughout Texas. Bags of wild bird seed (n = 142) were purchased from grain cooperatives, grocery stores, and pet shops located in the panhandle, central, south, east, and west regions of Texas during spring and summer 1999. Aflatoxin concentrations in bird seed ranged from non-detectable to 2,780 micrograms/kg. Overall, 17% of samples had aflatoxin concentrations greater than 100 micrograms/kg, of which 83% contained corn as an ingredient. Retail establishment effects were noted in the southern and western regions of Texas, with average concentrations of aflatoxin greater from bags of bird seed purchased from grain cooperatives, followed by pet shops, then grocery stores. Regional differences in aflatoxin levels were not apparent from bags of seed purchased at pet shops: however, regional differences were noted in aflatoxin levels from seeds obtained at grocery stores and grain cooperatives. Average aflatoxin concentration from seed purchased at grocery stores was greatest in the panhandle region, followed by the remaining regions. Within grain cooperatives, the panhandle, south, and west regions of Texas exhibited higher levels of aflatoxin-contaminated bird seed than cooperatives within the east and central regions of Texas. Granivorous songbirds in Texas are exposed to aflatoxins at backyard feeders, which may be a significant morbidity and mortality factor.

Nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation characterisation of water status of developing grains of maize (Zea mays L.) grown at different nitrogen levels.

PubMed

Krishnan, Prameela; Chopra, Usha Kiran; Verma, Ajay Pal Singh; Joshi, Devendra Kumar; Chand, Ishwar

2014-04-01

Changes in water status of developing grains of maize (Zea mays L.) grown under different nitrogen levels were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. There were distinct changes in water status of grains due to the application of different levels of nitrogen (0, 120 and 180 kg N ha(-1)). A comparison of the grain developmental characteristics, composition and physical properties indicated that, not only the developmental characteristics like grain weight, grain number/ear, and rate of grain filling increased, but also bound water characterized by the T2 component of NMR relaxation increased with nitrogen application (50-70%) and developmental stages leading to maturation (10-60%). The consistency in the patterns of responses to free water and intermediate water to increasing levels of nitrogen application and grain maturity suggested that nitrogen application resulted in more proportion of water to both bound- and intermediate states and less in free state. These changes are further corroborated by the concomitant increases in protein and starch contents in grains from higher nitrogen treatments as macromolecules like protein and starch retain more amount of water in the bound state. The results of the changes in T2 showed that water status during grain development was not only affected by developmental processes but also by nitrogen supply to plants. This study strongly indicated a clear nutrient and developmental stage dependence of grain tissue water status in maize. Copyright © 2013 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Coarse-Grained and Atomistic Modeling of Polyimides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clancy, Thomas C.; Hinkley, Jeffrey A.

2004-01-01

A coarse-grained model for a set of three polyimide isomers is developed. Each polyimide is comprised of BPDA (3,3,4,4' - biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride) and one of three APB isomers: 1,3-bis(4-aminophenoxy)benzene, 1,4-bis(4-aminophenoxy)benzene or 1,3-bis(3-aminophenoxy)benzene. The coarse-grained model is constructed as a series of linked vectors following the contour of the polymer backbone. Beads located at the midpoint of each vector define centers for long range interaction energy between monomer subunits. A bulk simulation of each coarse-grained polyimide model is performed with a dynamic Monte Carlo procedure. These coarsegrained models are then reverse-mapped to fully atomistic models. The coarse-grained models show the expected trends in decreasing chain dimensions with increasing meta linkage in the APB section of the repeat unit, although these differences were minor due to the relatively short chains simulated here. Considerable differences are seen among the dynamic Monte Carlo properties of the three polyimide isomers. Decreasing relaxation times are seen with increasing meta linkage in the APB section of the repeat unit.

Tunable Coarse Graining for Monte Carlo Simulations of Proteins via Smoothed Energy Tables: Direct and Exchange Simulations

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Many commonly used coarse-grained models for proteins are based on simplified interaction sites and consequently may suffer from significant limitations, such as the inability to properly model protein secondary structure without the addition of restraints. Recent work on a benzene fluid (LettieriS.; ZuckermanD. M.J. Comput. Chem.2012, 33, 268−27522120971) suggested an alternative strategy of tabulating and smoothing fully atomistic orientation-dependent interactions among rigid molecules or fragments. Here we report our initial efforts to apply this approach to the polar and covalent interactions intrinsic to polypeptides. We divide proteins into nearly rigid fragments, construct distance and orientation-dependent tables of the atomistic interaction energies between those fragments, and apply potential energy smoothing techniques to those tables. The amount of smoothing can be adjusted to give coarse-grained models that range from the underlying atomistic force field all the way to a bead-like coarse-grained model. For a moderate amount of smoothing, the method is able to preserve about 70–90% of the α-helical structure while providing a factor of 3–10 improvement in sampling per unit computation time (depending on how sampling is measured). For a greater amount of smoothing, multiple folding–unfolding transitions of the peptide were observed, along with a factor of 10–100 improvement in sampling per unit computation time, although the time spent in the unfolded state was increased compared with less smoothed simulations. For a β hairpin, secondary structure is also preserved, albeit for a narrower range of the smoothing parameter and, consequently, for a more modest improvement in sampling. We have also applied the new method in a “resolution exchange” setting, in which each replica runs a Monte Carlo simulation with a different degree of smoothing. We obtain exchange rates that compare favorably to our previous efforts at resolution exchange (LymanE.; ZuckermanD. M.J. Chem. Theory Comput.2006, 2, 656−666). PMID:25400525

Results from the NOAA National Status and Trends Program on distribution and effects of chemical contamination in the coastal and estuarine United States.

PubMed

O'Connor, T P; Ehler, C N

1991-04-01

The NOAA National Status and Trends (NS&T) Program has been monitoring chemical contamination in fish livers, and surface sediments since 1984 and in molluscan tissue and sediments since 1986. Data from fine-grained sediment at 175 sites are used to describe the spatial distribution of contamination throughout the coastal and estuarine United States. Highest levels are generally found in, and considered representative of, urban areas. It should be noted, however, that these levels are not as high as have been found near discharge pipes or in isolated industrial areas through other monitoring efforts. Dramatic biological responses, such as liver tumors in fish or apparently toxic contaminant levels in sediment, are found infrequently. Subtle biological changes, especially those that affect reproductive ability, are being sought. Data from three annual collections of mollusks have been used to identify early signals of temporal trends in contamination at NS&T sites.

US forest response to projected climate-related stress: a tolerance perspective.

PubMed

Liénard, Jean; Harrison, John; Strigul, Nikolay

2016-08-01

Although it is widely recognized that climate change will require a major spatial reorganization of forests, our ability to predict exactly how and where forest characteristics and distributions will change has been rather limited. Current efforts to predict future distribution of forested ecosystems as a function of climate include species distribution models (for fine-scale predictions) and potential vegetation climate envelope models (for coarse-grained, large-scale predictions). Here, we develop and apply an intermediate approach wherein we use stand-level tolerances of environmental stressors to understand forest distributions and vulnerabilities to anticipated climate change. In contrast to other existing models, this approach can be applied at a continental scale while maintaining a direct link to ecologically relevant, climate-related stressors. We first demonstrate that shade, drought, and waterlogging tolerances of forest stands are strongly correlated with climate and edaphic conditions in the conterminous United States. This discovery allows the development of a tolerance distribution model (TDM), a novel quantitative tool to assess landscape level impacts of climate change. We then focus on evaluating the implications of the drought TDM. Using an ensemble of 17 climate change models to drive this TDM, we estimate that 18% of US ecosystems are vulnerable to drought-related stress over the coming century. Vulnerable areas include mostly the Midwest United States and Northeast United States, as well as high-elevation areas of the Rocky Mountains. We also infer stress incurred by shifting climate should create an opening for the establishment of forest types not currently seen in the conterminous United States. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Photoemission of Single Dust Grains for Heliospheric Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spann, James F., Jr.; Venturini, Catherine C.; Abbas, Mian M.; Comfort, Richard H.

2000-01-01

Initial results of an experiment to measure the photoemission of single dust grains as a function of far ultraviolet wavelengths are presented. Coulombic forces dominate the interaction of the dust grains in the heliosphere. Knowledge of the charge state of dust grains, whether in a dusty plasma (Debye length < intergrain distance) or in the diffuse interplanetary region, is key to understanding their interaction with the solar wind and other solar system constituents. The charge state of heliospheric grains is primarily determined by primary electron and ion collisions, secondary electron emission and photoemission due to ultraviolet sunlight. We have established a unique experimental technique to measure the photoemission of individual micron-sized dust grains in vacuum. This technique resolves difficulties associated with statistical measurements of dust grain ensembles and non-static dust beams. The photoemission yield of Aluminum Oxide 3-micron grains For wavelengths from 120-300 nm with a spectral resolution of 1 nm FWHM is reported. Results are compared to interplanetary conditions.

Carbonate Mineralization of Volcanic Province Basalts

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

Schaef, Herbert T.; McGrail, B. Peter; Owen, Antionette T.

2010-03-31

Flood basalts are receiving increasing attention as possible host formations for geologic sequestration of anthropogenic CO2, with studies underway in the United States, India, Iceland, and Canada. As an extension of our previous experiments with Columbia River basalt, basalts from the eastern United States, India, and South Africa were reacted with aqueous dissolved CO2 and aqueous dissolved CO2-H2S mixtures under supercritical CO2 (scCO2) conditions to study the geochemical reactions resulting from injection of CO2 in such formations. The results of these studies are consistent with cation release behavior measured in our previous experiments (in press) for basalt samples tested inmore » single pass flow through dissolution experiments under dilute solution and mildly acidic conditions. Despite the basalt samples having similar bulk chemistry, mineralogy and apparent dissolution kinetics, long-term static experiments show significant differences in rates of mineralization as well as compositions and morphologies of precipitates that form when the basalts are reacted with CO2-saturated water. For example, basalt from the Newark Basin in the United States was by far the most reactive of any basalt tested to date. Carbonate reaction products for the Newark Basin basalt were globular in form and contained significantly more Fe than the secondary carbonates that precipitated on the other basalt samples. In comparison, the post-reacted samples associated with the Columbia River basalts from the United States contained calcite grains with classic dogtooth spar morphology and trace cation substitution (Mg and Mn). Carbonation of the other basalts produced precipitates with compositions that varied chemically throughout the entire testing period. Examination of polished cross sections of the reacted grains by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy show precipitate overgrowths with varying chemical compositions. Compositional differences in the precipitates suggest changes in fluid chemistry unique to the dissolution behavior of each basalt sample reacted with CO2-saturated water. The Karoo basalt from South Africa appeared the least reactive, with very limited mineralization occurring during the testing with CO2-saturated water. The relative reactivity of different basalt samples were unexpectedly different in the experiments conducted using aqueous dissolved CO2-H2S mixtures versus those reacted with aqueous dissolved CO2 mixtures. For example, the Karoo basalt was highly reactive in the presence of aqueous dissolved CO2-H2S, as evident by small nodules of carbonate coating the basalt grains after 181 days of testing. However the most reactive basalt in CO2-H2O, Newark Basin, formed limited amounts of carbonate precipitates in the presence of aqueous dissolved CO2-H2S mixture. Basalt reactivity in CO2-H2O mixtures appears to be controlled by the composition of the glassy mesostasis, which is the most reactive component in the basalt rock. With the addition of H2S to the CO2-H2O system, basalt reactivity appears to be controlled by precipitation of coatings of insoluble Fe sulfides.« less

Coarse-Grained Clustering Dynamics of Heterogeneously Coupled Neurons.

PubMed

Moon, Sung Joon; Cook, Katherine A; Rajendran, Karthikeyan; Kevrekidis, Ioannis G; Cisternas, Jaime; Laing, Carlo R

2015-12-01

The formation of oscillating phase clusters in a network of identical Hodgkin-Huxley neurons is studied, along with their dynamic behavior. The neurons are synaptically coupled in an all-to-all manner, yet the synaptic coupling characteristic time is heterogeneous across the connections. In a network of N neurons where this heterogeneity is characterized by a prescribed random variable, the oscillatory single-cluster state can transition-through [Formula: see text] (possibly perturbed) period-doubling and subsequent bifurcations-to a variety of multiple-cluster states. The clustering dynamic behavior is computationally studied both at the detailed and the coarse-grained levels, and a numerical approach that can enable studying the coarse-grained dynamics in a network of arbitrarily large size is suggested. Among a number of cluster states formed, double clusters, composed of nearly equal sub-network sizes are seen to be stable; interestingly, the heterogeneity parameter in each of the double-cluster components tends to be consistent with the random variable over the entire network: Given a double-cluster state, permuting the dynamical variables of the neurons can lead to a combinatorially large number of different, yet similar "fine" states that appear practically identical at the coarse-grained level. For weak heterogeneity we find that correlations rapidly develop, within each cluster, between the neuron's "identity" (its own value of the heterogeneity parameter) and its dynamical state. For single- and double-cluster states we demonstrate an effective coarse-graining approach that uses the Polynomial Chaos expansion to succinctly describe the dynamics by these quickly established "identity-state" correlations. This coarse-graining approach is utilized, within the equation-free framework, to perform efficient computations of the neuron ensemble dynamics.

Allogenic sedimentary components of Bear Lake, Utah and Idaho

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rosenbaum, J.G.; Dean, W.E.; Reynolds, R.L.; Reheis, M.C.

2009-01-01

Bear Lake is a long-lived lake filling a tectonic depression between the Bear River Range to the west and the Bear River Plateau to the east, and straddling the border between Utah and Idaho. Mineralogy, elemental geochemistry, and magnetic properties provide information about variations in provenance of allogenic lithic material in last-glacial-age, quartz-rich sediment in Bear Lake. Grain-size data from the siliciclastic fraction of late-glacial to Holocene carbonate-rich sediments provide information about variations in lake level. For the quartz-rich lower unit, which was deposited while the Bear River fl owed into and out of the lake, four source areas are recognized on the basis of modern fluvial samples with contrasting properties that reflect differences in bedrock geology and in magnetite content from dust. One of these areas is underlain by hematite-rich Uinta Mountain Group rocks in the headwaters of the Bear River. Although Uinta Mountain Group rocks make up a small fraction of the catchment, hematite-rich material from this area is an important component of the lower unit. This material is interpreted to be glacial fl our. Variations in the input of glacial flour are interpreted as having caused quasi-cyclical variations in mineralogical and elemental concentrations, and in magnetic properties within the lower unit. The carbonate-rich younger unit was deposited under conditions similar to those of the modern lake, with the Bear River largely bypassing the lake. For two cores taken in more than 30 m of water, median grain sizes in this unit range from ???6 ??m to more than 30 ??m, with the coarsest grain sizes associated with beach or shallow-water deposits. Similar grain-size variations are observed as a function of water depth in the modern lake and provide the basis for interpreting the core grain-size data in terms of lake level. Copyright ?? 2009 The Geological Society of America.

Possible Gems and Ultra-Fine Grained Polyphase Units in Comet Wild 2.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gainsforth, Z.; Butterworth, A. L.; Jilly-Rehak, C. E.; Westphal, A. J.; Brownlee, D. E.; Joswiak, D.; Ogliore, R. C.; Zolensky, M. E.; Bechtel, H. A.; Ebel, D. S.;

"Electrostructural Phase Changes" In Charged Particulate Clouds: Planetary and Astrophysical Implications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshall, J. R.

1999-01-01

There is empirical evidence that freely-suspended triboelectrostatically charged particulate clouds of dielectric materials undergo rapid conversion from (nominally) monodispersed "aerosols" to a system of well-defined grain aggregates after grain motion or fluid turbulence ceases within the cloud. In United States Microgravity Laboratory Space Shuttle experiments USML-1 and USML-2, it was found that ballistically-energized grain dispersions would rapidly convert into populations of filamentary aggregates after natural fluid (air) damping of grain motion. Unless continuously disrupted mechanically, it was impossible to maintain a non-aggregated state for the grain clouds of sand-size materials. Similarly, ground- based experiments with very fine dust-size material produced the same results: rapid, impulsive "collapse" of the dispersed grains into well-defined filamentary structures. In both ground-based and microgravity experiments, the chains or filaments were created by long-range dipole electrostatic forces and dipole-induced dielectric interactions, not by monopole interactions. Maintenance of the structures was assisted by short-range static boundary adhesion forces and van der Waals interactions. When the aggregate containers in the USML experiments were disturbed after aggregate formation, the quiescently disposed filaments would rearrange themselves into fractal bundles and tighter clusters as a result of enforced encounters with one another. The long-range dipole interactions that bring the grains together into aggregates are a product of randomly-distributed monopole charges on the grain surfaces. In computer simulations, it has been shown that when the force vectors of all the random charges (of both sign) on a grain are resolved mathematically by assuming Coulombic interaction between them, the net result is a dipole moment on individual grains, even though the grains are electrically neutral insofar as there is no predominance, on their surface, of one charge sign over another. The random charges of both sign derive from natural grain-to-grain interactions that produce triboelectrification via charge exchange every time grain surfaces make contact with one another. The conversion from a random distribution of grains (upon which there are randomly distributed charges) into an organization of electrostatically-ordered aggregates, can be regarded (within the framework of granular-material science) as an "electrical or Coulombic phase change" of the particulate cloud. It is not totally dissimilar from the more normal phase-change concept in which, for example, a gas with long free-path-molecules suddenly becomes a solid as a result of structural ordering of the molecules (notably, also the result of electronic forces, albeit at a different scale). In both the gas-to-solid case, and the aerosol-to-aggregate case, the same materials and charges are present before and after the phase change, but their arrangement now has a higher degree of order and a lower-energy configuration. An input of energy into the system is required to reverse the situation. The aggregates in the USML experiments were observed to undergo at least two phase changes as noted above. The point about phase changes, and by implication, the "electrostructural" reorganizations in particulate clouds, is the following: (a) they can occur very rapidly, almost spontaneously, above a critical cloud density, (b) in going from a higher energy state to a lower energy state, they convert to a denser system, (c) energy must be required to reverse the situation, implying that energy is released during the high-to-low energy phase change. In applying this information to natural particulate clouds, some inferences can be made (it is stressed that reference is still to dielectric materials attracted by dipole forces). There are several natural settings to which the USML observations apply, and to which the phase-change implications likewise apply. Dense clouds of triboelectrically-charged, kinetically-energized grains are to be found in volcanic eruptions (particularly on earth), aeolian dust storms (particularly on Mars), meteorite impact ejecta curtains (on all planets), in "immature" debris rings around planets (e.g., that from which our own Moon may have condensed), and in gravitationally collapsing protoplanetary dust/planetesimal debris disks where dielectric granules are being increasingly brought into collisional relationships with one another (increasing both charge exchange and physical proximity). It is noted that in many of these cases, the degree of electrical charging on the grains is likely to be much higher than that in the USML experiments where charging was not enhanced above the "normal", naturally encountered level for the particular materials (quartz, glass, and various silicate minerals). Application of the phase-change concept suggests that volcanic, aeolian, and impact debris clouds may, under certain circumstances, undergo rapid, impulsive, or even catastrophic collapse into a denser state that will lead to rapid precipitation or fall-out of suspended particulates. Although this idea has been suggested previously by the author , the phase change concept possibly permits some new insights into cloud-system behavior. For example, in a protoplanetary debris disk, the work of gravity may suddenly be enhanced by electrostatically driven collapse of the system when materials reach a critical intergranular spacing or grain number density. This might reduce the rate of planet formation by orders of magnitude (considering the ratio of g-forces to electrostatic ones for very small grains in close proximity), and indeed, it might drive the collapse into a system configuration that would perhaps not be created by gravity alone. Additional information is contained in the original.

76 FR 31580 - Opportunity for Designation in the State of Alabama; Saginaw, TX; Essex, IL; Springfield, IL...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-06-01

... DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration Opportunity for... Washington Areas; Request for Comments on the Official Agencies Servicing These Areas AGENCY: Grain...); Gulf Country Grain Inspection Service, Inc. (Gulf Country); Kankakee Grain Inspection, Inc. (Kankakee...

76 FR 58241 - Designation for the Aberdeen, SD; Decatur, IL; Hastings, NE; Fulton, IL; the State of Missouri...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-20

... DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration Designation for... Carolina Areas AGENCY: Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration, USDA. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: GIPSA is announcing the designation of Aberdeen Grain Inspection, Inc. (Aberdeen); Decatur Grain...

Folding kinetics of WW domains with the united residue force field for bridging microscopic motions and experimental measurements

PubMed Central

Zhou, Rui; Maisuradze, Gia G.; Suñol, David; Todorovski, Toni; Macias, Maria J.; Xiao, Yi; Scheraga, Harold A.; Czaplewski, Cezary; Liwo, Adam

2014-01-01

To demonstrate the utility of the coarse-grained united-residue (UNRES) force field to compare experimental and computed kinetic data for folding proteins, we have performed long-time millisecond-timescale canonical Langevin molecular dynamics simulations of the triple β-strand from the Formin binding protein 28 WW domain and six nonnatural variants, using UNRES. The results have been compared with available experimental data in both a qualitative and a quantitative manner. Complexities of the folding pathways, which cannot be determined experimentally, were revealed. The folding mechanisms obtained from the simulated folding kinetics are in agreement with experimental results, with a few discrepancies for which we have accounted. The origins of single- and double-exponential kinetics and their correlations with two- and three-state folding scenarios are shown to be related to the relative barrier heights between the various states. The rate constants obtained from time profiles of the fractions of the native, intermediate, and unfolded structures, and the kinetic equations fitted to them, correlate with the experimental values; however, they are about three orders of magnitude larger than the experimental ones for most of the systems. These differences are in agreement with the timescale extension derived by scaling down the friction of water and averaging out the fast degrees of freedom when passing from all-atom to a coarse-grained representation. Our results indicate that the UNRES force field can provide accurate predictions of folding kinetics of these WW domains, often used as models for the study of the mechanisms of proein folding. PMID:25489078

The ATLAS Event Service: A new approach to event processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calafiura, P.; De, K.; Guan, W.; Maeno, T.; Nilsson, P.; Oleynik, D.; Panitkin, S.; Tsulaia, V.; Van Gemmeren, P.; Wenaus, T.

2015-12-01

The ATLAS Event Service (ES) implements a new fine grained approach to HEP event processing, designed to be agile and efficient in exploiting transient, short-lived resources such as HPC hole-filling, spot market commercial clouds, and volunteer computing. Input and output control and data flows, bookkeeping, monitoring, and data storage are all managed at the event level in an implementation capable of supporting ATLAS-scale distributed processing throughputs (about 4M CPU-hours/day). Input data flows utilize remote data repositories with no data locality or pre-staging requirements, minimizing the use of costly storage in favor of strongly leveraging powerful networks. Object stores provide a highly scalable means of remotely storing the quasi-continuous, fine grained outputs that give ES based applications a very light data footprint on a processing resource, and ensure negligible losses should the resource suddenly vanish. We will describe the motivations for the ES system, its unique features and capabilities, its architecture and the highly scalable tools and technologies employed in its implementation, and its applications in ATLAS processing on HPCs, commercial cloud resources, volunteer computing, and grid resources. Notice: This manuscript has been authored by employees of Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC under Contract No. DE-AC02-98CH10886 with the U.S. Department of Energy. The publisher by accepting the manuscript for publication acknowledges that the United States Government retains a non-exclusive, paid-up, irrevocable, world-wide license to publish or reproduce the published form of this manuscript, or allow others to do so, for United States Government purposes.

Folding kinetics of WW domains with the united residue force field for bridging microscopic motions and experimental measurements.

PubMed

Zhou, Rui; Maisuradze, Gia G; Suñol, David; Todorovski, Toni; Macias, Maria J; Xiao, Yi; Scheraga, Harold A; Czaplewski, Cezary; Liwo, Adam

2014-12-23

To demonstrate the utility of the coarse-grained united-residue (UNRES) force field to compare experimental and computed kinetic data for folding proteins, we have performed long-time millisecond-timescale canonical Langevin molecular dynamics simulations of the triple β-strand from the Formin binding protein 28 WW domain and six nonnatural variants, using UNRES. The results have been compared with available experimental data in both a qualitative and a quantitative manner. Complexities of the folding pathways, which cannot be determined experimentally, were revealed. The folding mechanisms obtained from the simulated folding kinetics are in agreement with experimental results, with a few discrepancies for which we have accounted. The origins of single- and double-exponential kinetics and their correlations with two- and three-state folding scenarios are shown to be related to the relative barrier heights between the various states. The rate constants obtained from time profiles of the fractions of the native, intermediate, and unfolded structures, and the kinetic equations fitted to them, correlate with the experimental values; however, they are about three orders of magnitude larger than the experimental ones for most of the systems. These differences are in agreement with the timescale extension derived by scaling down the friction of water and averaging out the fast degrees of freedom when passing from all-atom to a coarse-grained representation. Our results indicate that the UNRES force field can provide accurate predictions of folding kinetics of these WW domains, often used as models for the study of the mechanisms of proein folding.

ORIGIN OF QUARTZ IN COAL.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ruppert, Leslie F.; Cecil, C. Blaine; Stanton, Ronald W.

1984-01-01

Both a scanning electron microscope and an electron microprobe (EMP) were used in this study to analyze the cathodoluminescence properties of quartz grains in samples of the Upper Freeport coal bed because quartz grains in coal are small (silt sized) and below the resolution capabilities of a standard luminoscope. Quartz grains were identified by the detection of silicon alone with energy dispersive X-ray units attached to both the SEM and the EMP.

Influence of genotype and ensiling of corn grain on in situ degradation of starch in the rumen.

PubMed

Philippeau, C; Michalet-Doreau, B

1998-08-01

This trial was conducted to determine the influence of genotype and ensiling of corn grain on the rate and extent of ruminal starch degradation. Two cultivars of corn that differed in texture of the endosperm, dent (Zea mays ssp. indentata) or flint (Zea mays ssp. indentura) were harvested at 30% whole-plant dry matter (DM). After separation from stover and cob, the kernels were coarsely chopped and ensiled or not ensiled. Grains were oven-dried at 40 degrees C and either ground through a 3-mm sieve or left unground. Ruminal DM and starch degradabilities were determined using the in situ technique. The proportion of starch lost through the pores of the bag without degradation was also determined. Mean ruminal DM and starch degradabilities were higher for ground grains than for chopped grains, which could be related to the proportion of DM and starch lost through the pores of the bag. For unensiled, chopped grain, ruminal starch degradability was higher for dent corn than for flint corn (72.3% vs. 61.6%). The ensiling process increased ruminal starch degradability, averaging 5.8 percentage units. The difference in ruminal starch degradability between dent corn and flint corn remained constant whether the corn was unensiled or ensiled (10.7 vs. 11.6 percentage units).

Microstructural evolution during reheating of A356 machining chips at semisolid state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Fang; Zhang, Wen-qiang; Xiao, Wen-long; Yamagata, Hiroshi; Ma, Chao-li

2017-08-01

The microstructural evolution of A356 machining chips in the semisolid state was studied at different temperatures and holding times. The results showed that the elongated α-Al grains first recrystallized in the semisolid state and then became globular with a high shape factor (SF). Both the temperature and the holding time clearly affected the grain size and SF. When the heating temperature or holding time was increased, the grain size and SF gradually increased and finally became stable. Moreover, the Vickers hardness of primary α-Al grains gradually decreased with increasing heating temperature. The optimal slurry for semisolid processing, with a good combination of grain size and SF, was obtained when the chips were held at 600°C for 15 min. The semisolid slurry of A356 chips exhibited a lower coarsening rate of α-Al grains than those produced by most of the conventional semisolid processes. The coarsening coefficient was determined to be 436 μm3·s-1 on the basis of the linear Lifshitz-Slyozov-Wagner (LSW) relationship.

Land usage attributed to corn ethanol production in the United States: sensitivity to technological advances in corn grain yield, ethanol conversion, and co-product utilization.

PubMed

Mumm, Rita H; Goldsmith, Peter D; Rausch, Kent D; Stein, Hans H

2014-01-01

Although the system for producing yellow corn grain is well established in the US, its role among other biofeedstock alternatives to petroleum-based energy sources has to be balanced with its predominant purpose for food and feed as well as economics, land use, and environmental stewardship. We model land usage attributed to corn ethanol production in the US to evaluate the effects of anticipated technological change in corn grain production, ethanol processing, and livestock feeding through a multi-disciplinary approach. Seven scenarios are evaluated: four considering the impact of technological advances on corn grain production, two focused on improved efficiencies in ethanol processing, and one reflecting greater use of ethanol co-products (that is, distillers dried grains with solubles) in diets for dairy cattle, pigs, and poultry. For each scenario, land area attributed to corn ethanol production is estimated for three time horizons: 2011 (current), the time period at which the 15 billion gallon cap for corn ethanol as per the Renewable Fuel Standard is achieved, and 2026 (15 years out). Although 40.5% of corn grain was channeled to ethanol processing in 2011, only 25% of US corn acreage was attributable to ethanol when accounting for feed co-product utilization. By 2026, land area attributed to corn ethanol production is reduced to 11% to 19% depending on the corn grain yield level associated with the four corn production scenarios, considering oil replacement associated with the soybean meal substituted in livestock diets with distillers dried grains with solubles. Efficiencies in ethanol processing, although producing more ethanol per bushel of processed corn, result in less co-products and therefore less offset of corn acreage. Shifting the use of distillers dried grains with solubles in feed to dairy cattle, pigs, and poultry substantially reduces land area attributed to corn ethanol production. However, because distillers dried grains with solubles substitutes at a higher rate for soybean meal, oil replacement requirements intensify and positively feedback to elevate estimates of land usage. Accounting for anticipated technological changes in the corn ethanol system is important for understanding the associated land base ascribed, and may aid in calibrating parameters for land use models in biofuel life-cycle analyses.

Land usage attributed to corn ethanol production in the United States: sensitivity to technological advances in corn grain yield, ethanol conversion, and co-product utilization

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Although the system for producing yellow corn grain is well established in the US, its role among other biofeedstock alternatives to petroleum-based energy sources has to be balanced with its predominant purpose for food and feed as well as economics, land use, and environmental stewardship. We model land usage attributed to corn ethanol production in the US to evaluate the effects of anticipated technological change in corn grain production, ethanol processing, and livestock feeding through a multi-disciplinary approach. Seven scenarios are evaluated: four considering the impact of technological advances on corn grain production, two focused on improved efficiencies in ethanol processing, and one reflecting greater use of ethanol co-products (that is, distillers dried grains with solubles) in diets for dairy cattle, pigs, and poultry. For each scenario, land area attributed to corn ethanol production is estimated for three time horizons: 2011 (current), the time period at which the 15 billion gallon cap for corn ethanol as per the Renewable Fuel Standard is achieved, and 2026 (15 years out). Results Although 40.5% of corn grain was channeled to ethanol processing in 2011, only 25% of US corn acreage was attributable to ethanol when accounting for feed co-product utilization. By 2026, land area attributed to corn ethanol production is reduced to 11% to 19% depending on the corn grain yield level associated with the four corn production scenarios, considering oil replacement associated with the soybean meal substituted in livestock diets with distillers dried grains with solubles. Efficiencies in ethanol processing, although producing more ethanol per bushel of processed corn, result in less co-products and therefore less offset of corn acreage. Shifting the use of distillers dried grains with solubles in feed to dairy cattle, pigs, and poultry substantially reduces land area attributed to corn ethanol production. However, because distillers dried grains with solubles substitutes at a higher rate for soybean meal, oil replacement requirements intensify and positively feedback to elevate estimates of land usage. Conclusions Accounting for anticipated technological changes in the corn ethanol system is important for understanding the associated land base ascribed, and may aid in calibrating parameters for land use models in biofuel life-cycle analyses. PMID:24725504

Reordering transitions during annealing of block copolymer cylinder phases

DOE PAGES

Majewski, Pawel W.; Yager, Kevin G.

2015-10-06

While equilibrium block-copolymer morphologies are dictated by energy-minimization effects, the semi-ordered states observed experimentally often depend on the details of ordering pathways and kinetics. In this study, we explore reordering transitions in thin films of block-copolymer cylinder-forming polystyrene- block-poly(methyl methacrylate). We observe several transient states as films order towards horizontally-aligned cylinders. In particular, there is an early-stage reorganization from randomly-packed cylinders into hexagonally-packed vertically-aligned cylinders; followed by a reorientation transition from vertical to horizontal cylinder states. These transitions are thermally activated. The growth of horizontal grains within an otherwise vertical morphology proceeds anisotropically, resulting in anisotropic grains in the finalmore » horizontal state. The size, shape, and anisotropy of grains are influenced by ordering history; for instance, faster heating rates reduce grain anisotropy. These results help elucidate aspects of pathway-dependent ordering in block-copolymer thin films.« less

Hydrogen segregation to inclined Σ3 < 110 >twin grain boundaries in nickel

DOE PAGES

O’Brien, Christopher J.; Foiles, Stephen M.

2016-08-04

Low-mobility twin grain boundaries dominate the microstructure of grain boundary-engineered materials and are critical to understanding their plastic deformation behaviour. The presence of solutes, such as hydrogen, has a profound effect on the thermodynamic stability of the grain boundaries. This work examines the case of a Σ3 grain boundary at inclinations from 0° ≤ Φ ≤ 90°. The angle Φ corresponds to the rotation of the Σ3 (1 1 1) < 1 1 0 > (coherent) into the Σ3 (1 1 2) < 1 1 0 > (lateral) twin boundary. To this end, atomistic models of inclined grain boundaries, utilisingmore » empirical potentials, are used to elucidate the finite-temperature boundary structure while grand canonical Monte Carlo models are applied to determine the degree of hydrogen segregation. In order to understand the boundary structure and segregation behaviour of hydrogen, the structural unit description of inclined twin grain boundaries is found to provide insight into explaining the observed variation of excess enthalpy and excess hydrogen concentration on inclination angle, but the explanatory power is limited by how the enthalpy of segregation is affected by hydrogen concentration. At higher concentrations, the grain boundaries undergo a defaceting transition. In order to develop a more complete mesoscale model of the interfacial behaviour, an analytical model of boundary energy and hydrogen segregation that relies on modelling the boundary as arrays of discrete 1/3 < 1 1 1 > disconnections is constructed. Lastly, the complex interaction of boundary reconstruction and concentration-dependent segregation behaviour exhibited by inclined twin grain boundaries limits the range of applicability of such an analytical model and illustrates the fundamental limitations for a structural unit model description of segregation in lower stacking fault energy materials.« less

Detrital zircon geochronology of Neoproterozoic to Middle Cambrian miogeoclinal and platformal strata: Northwest Sonora, Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gross, E.L.; Stewart, John H.; Gehreis, G.E.

2000-01-01

Eighty-five detrital zircon grains from Mesoproterozoic and/or Neoproterozoic to Middle Cambrian sedimentary strata in northwest Sonora, Mexico, have been analyzed to determine source terranes and provide limiting depositional ages of the units. The zircon suites from the Mesoproterozoic and/or Neoproterozoic El Alamo Formation and El Aguila unit yield ages between 1.06 Ga and 2.67 Ga, with predominant ages of 1.1 to 1.2 Ga. Zircons from the Lower? and Middle Cambrian Bolsa Quartzite show age groups from 525 Ma to 1.63 Ga, with a dominant population of 1.1 to 1.2 Ga grains. Grains older than 1.2 Ga in the samples were most likely derived from basement terranes and ???1.4 Ga granitic bodies of the southwest U.S. and northwest Mexico. It is also possible that the sediments were transported from the south, although source rocks of the appropriate age are not presently exposed south of the study area in northern Mexico. Three possibilities for the dominant 1.1 to 1.2 Ga grains include derivation from: (I) exposures of the Grenville belt in southern North America, (2) local 1.1-1.2 Ga granite bodies, or (3) a southern source, such as the Oaxaca terrane, that was subsequently rifted away. Sampling of additional units in the western U.S. and northern Mexico may help resolve the ambiguity surrounding the source of the 1.1 to 1.2 Ga grains.

Investigating the influence of lithologic heterogeneity on gas hydrate formation and methane recycling at the base of the gas hydrate stability zone in channelized systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daigle, H.; Nole, M.; Cook, A.; Malinverno, A.

2017-12-01

In marine environments, gas hydrate preferentially accumulates in coarse-grained sediments. At the meso- to micro-scale, however, hydrate distribution in these coarse-grained units is often heterogeneous. We employ a methane hydrate reservoir simulator coupling heat and mass transfer as well as capillary effects to investigate how capillary controls on methane solubility affect gas and hydrate accumulations in reservoirs characterized by graded bedding and alternating sequences of coarse-grained sands and fine-grained silt and clay. Simulations bury a channelized reservoir unit encased in homogeneous, fine-grained material characterized by small pores (150 nm) and low permeability ( 1 md in the absence of hydrate). Pore sizes within each reservoir bed between vary between coarse sand and fine silt. Sands have a median pore size of 35 microns and a lognormal pore size distribution. We also investigate how the amount of labile organic carbon (LOC) affects hydrate growth due to microbial methanogenesis within the sediments. In a diffusion-dominated system, methane movies into reservoir layers along spatial gradients in dissolved methane concentration. Hydrate grows in such a way as to minimize these concentration gradients by accumulating slower in finer-grained reservoir layers and faster in coarser-grained layers. Channelized, fining-upwards sediment bodies accumulate hydrate first along their outer surfaces and thence inward from top to bottom. If LOC is present in thin beds within the channel, higher saturations of hydrate will be distributed more homogeneously throughout the unit. When buried beneath the GHSZ, gas recycling can occur only if enough hydrate is present to form a connected gas phase upon dissociation. Simulations indicate that this is difficult to achieve for diffusion-dominated systems, especially those with thick GHSZs and/or small amounts of LOC. However, capillary-driven fracturing behavior may be more prevalent in settings with thick GHSZs.

Investigating the influence of lithologic heterogeneity on gas hydrate formation and methane recycling at the base of the gas hydrate stability zone in channelized systems

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

Daigle, Hugh; Nole, Michael; Cook, Ann

In marine environments, gas hydrate preferentially accumulates in coarse-grained sediments. At the meso- to micro-scale, however, hydrate distribution in these coarse-grained units is often heterogeneous. We employ a methane hydrate reservoir simulator coupling heat and mass transfer as well as capillary effects to investigate how capillary controls on methane solubility affect gas and hydrate accumulations in reservoirs characterized by graded bedding and alternating sequences of coarse-grained sands and fine-grained silt and clay. Simulations bury a channelized reservoir unit encased in homogeneous, fine-grained material characterized by small pores (150 nm) and low permeability (~1 md in the absence of hydrate). Poremore » sizes within each reservoir bed between vary between coarse sand and fine silt. Sands have a median pore size of 35 microns and a lognormal pore size distribution. We also investigate how the amount of labile organic carbon (LOC) affects hydrate growth due to microbial methanogenesis within the sediments. In a diffusion-dominated system, methane movies into reservoir layers along spatial gradients in dissolved methane concentration. Hydrate grows in such a way as to minimize these concentration gradients by accumulating slower in finer-grained reservoir layers and faster in coarser-grained layers. Channelized, fining-upwards sediment bodies accumulate hydrate first along their outer surfaces and thence inward from top to bottom. If LOC is present in thin beds within the channel, higher saturations of hydrate will be distributed more homogeneously throughout the unit. When buried beneath the GHSZ, gas recycling can occur only if enough hydrate is present to form a connected gas phase upon dissociation. Simulations indicate that this is difficult to achieve for diffusion-dominated systems, especially those with thick GHSZs and/or small amounts of LOC. However, capillary-driven fracturing behavior may be more prevalent in settings with thick GHSZs.« less

A multi-state coarse grained modeling approach for an intrinsically disordered peptide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramezanghorbani, Farhad; Dalgicdir, Cahit; Sayar, Mehmet

2017-09-01

Many proteins display a marginally stable tertiary structure, which can be altered via external stimuli. Since a majority of coarse grained (CG) models are aimed at structure prediction, their success for an intrinsically disordered peptide's conformational space with marginal stability and sensitivity to external stimuli cannot be taken for granted. In this study, by using the LKα 14 peptide as a test system, we demonstrate a bottom-up approach for constructing a multi-state CG model, which can capture the conformational behavior of this peptide in three distinct environments with a unique set of interaction parameters. LKα 14 is disordered in dilute solutions; however, it strictly adopts the α -helix conformation upon aggregation or when in contact with a hydrophobic/hydrophilic interface. Our bottom-up approach combines a generic base model, that is unbiased for any particular secondary structure, with nonbonded interactions which represent hydrogen bonds, electrostatics, and hydrophobic forces. We demonstrate that by using carefully designed all atom potential of mean force calculations from all three states of interest, one can get a balanced representation of the nonbonded interactions. Our CG model behaves intrinsically disordered in bulk water, folds into an α -helix in the presence of an interface or a neighboring peptide, and is stable as a tetrameric unit, successfully reproducing the all atom molecular dynamics simulations and experimental results.

A multi-state coarse grained modeling approach for an intrinsically disordered peptide.

PubMed

Ramezanghorbani, Farhad; Dalgicdir, Cahit; Sayar, Mehmet

2017-09-07

Many proteins display a marginally stable tertiary structure, which can be altered via external stimuli. Since a majority of coarse grained (CG) models are aimed at structure prediction, their success for an intrinsically disordered peptide's conformational space with marginal stability and sensitivity to external stimuli cannot be taken for granted. In this study, by using the LKα14 peptide as a test system, we demonstrate a bottom-up approach for constructing a multi-state CG model, which can capture the conformational behavior of this peptide in three distinct environments with a unique set of interaction parameters. LKα14 is disordered in dilute solutions; however, it strictly adopts the α-helix conformation upon aggregation or when in contact with a hydrophobic/hydrophilic interface. Our bottom-up approach combines a generic base model, that is unbiased for any particular secondary structure, with nonbonded interactions which represent hydrogen bonds, electrostatics, and hydrophobic forces. We demonstrate that by using carefully designed all atom potential of mean force calculations from all three states of interest, one can get a balanced representation of the nonbonded interactions. Our CG model behaves intrinsically disordered in bulk water, folds into an α-helix in the presence of an interface or a neighboring peptide, and is stable as a tetrameric unit, successfully reproducing the all atom molecular dynamics simulations and experimental results.

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

Krasheninnikov, S. I.

The equations of motion of a dust grain with non-spherical shape in plasma are generalized by incorporating the effects associated with propeller-like features of the grain's shape. For the grain shape close to rotationally symmetric, the stability of “stationary” (in terms of variables used in the grain dynamic equations) solutions are considered. It is found that propeller-like features of the grain's shape can crucially alter stability of such “stationary” states.

The role of boundary variability in polycrystalline grain-boundary diffusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moghadam, M. M.; Rickman, J. M.; Harmer, M. P.; Chan, H. M.

2015-01-01

We investigate the impact of grain-boundary variability on mass transport in a polycrystal. More specifically, we perform both numerical and analytical studies of steady-state diffusion in prototypical microstructures in which there is either a discrete spectrum of grain-boundary activation energies or else a complex distribution of grain-boundary character, and hence a continuous spectrum of boundary activation energies. An effective diffusivity is calculated for these structures using simplified multi-state models and, for the case of a continuous spectrum, employing experimentally obtained grain-boundary energy data. We identify different diffusive regimes for these cases and quantify deviations from Arrhenius behavior using effective medium theory. Finally, we examine the diffusion kinetics of a simplified model of an interfacial layering (i.e., complexion) transition.

Size-Dependent Grain-Boundary Structure with Improved Conductive and Mechanical Stabilities in Sub-10-nm Gold Crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chunyang; Du, Kui; Song, Kepeng; Ye, Xinglong; Qi, Lu; He, Suyun; Tang, Daiming; Lu, Ning; Jin, Haijun; Li, Feng; Ye, Hengqiang

2018-05-01

Low-angle grain boundaries generally exist in the form of dislocation arrays, while high-angle grain boundaries (misorientation angle >15 ° ) exist in the form of structural units in bulk metals. Here, through in situ atomic resolution aberration corrected electron microscopy observations, we report size-dependent grain-boundary structures improving both stabilities of electrical conductivity and mechanical properties in sub-10-nm-sized gold crystals. With the diameter of a nanocrystal decreasing below 10 nm, the high-angle grain boundary in the crystal exists as an array of dislocations. This size effect may be of importance to a new generation of interconnects applications.

Towards the understanding of network information processing in biology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Vijay

Living organisms perform incredibly well in detecting a signal present in the environment. This information processing is achieved near optimally and quite reliably, even though the sources of signals are highly variable and complex. The work in the last few decades has given us a fair understanding of how individual signal processing units like neurons and cell receptors process signals, but the principles of collective information processing on biological networks are far from clear. Information processing in biological networks, like the brain, metabolic circuits, cellular-signaling circuits, etc., involves complex interactions among a large number of units (neurons, receptors). The combinatorially large number of states such a system can exist in makes it impossible to study these systems from the first principles, starting from the interactions between the basic units. The principles of collective information processing on such complex networks can be identified using coarse graining approaches. This could provide insights into the organization and function of complex biological networks. Here I study models of biological networks using continuum dynamics, renormalization, maximum likelihood estimation and information theory. Such coarse graining approaches identify features that are essential for certain processes performed by underlying biological networks. We find that long-range connections in the brain allow for global scale feature detection in a signal. These also suppress the noise and remove any gaps present in the signal. Hierarchical organization with long-range connections leads to large-scale connectivity at low synapse numbers. Time delays can be utilized to separate a mixture of signals with temporal scales. Our observations indicate that the rules in multivariate signal processing are quite different from traditional single unit signal processing.

Influence of inocula and grains on sclerotia biomass and carotenoid yield of Penicillium sp. PT95 during solid-state fermentation.

PubMed

Han, Jian-Rong; Yuan, Jing-Ming

2003-10-01

Various inocula and grains were evaluated for carotenoid production by solid-state fermentation using Penicillium sp. PT95. Millet medium was more effective in both sclerotia growth and carotenoid production than other grain media. An inoculum in the form of sclerotia yielded higher sclerotia biomass compared to either a spore inoculum or a mycelial pellet inoculum. Adding wheat bran to grain medium favored the formation of sclerotia. However, neither the inoculum type nor addition of wheat bran resulted in a significant change in the carotenoid content of sclerotia. Among grain media supplemented with wheat bran (wheat bran:grain =1:4 w/w, dry basis), a medium consisting of rice and wheat bran gave the highest sclerotia biomass (15.10 g/100 g grain), a medium consisting of buckwheat and wheat bran gave the highest content of carotenoid in sclerotia (0.826 mg/g dry sclerotia), and a medium consisting of millet and wheat bran gave the highest carotenoid yield (11.457 mg/100 g grain).

A comparative computational study of coarse-grained and all-atom water models in shock Hugoniot states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Min, Sa Hoon; Berkowitz, Max L.

2018-04-01

We performed molecular dynamics simulations to study how well some of the water models used in simulations describe shocked states. Water in our simulations was described using three different models. One was an often-used all-atom TIP4P/2005 model, while the other two were coarse-grained models used with the MARTINI force field: non-polarizable and polarizable MARTINI water. The all-atom model provided results in good agreement with Hugoniot curves (for data on pressure versus specific volume or, equivalently, on shock wave velocity versus "piston" velocity) describing shocked states in the whole range of pressures (up to 11 GPa) under study. If simulations of shocked states of water using coarse-grained models were performed for short time periods, we observed that data obtained for shocked states at low pressure were fairly accurate compared to experimental Hugoniot curves. Polarizable MARTINI water still provided a good description of Hugoniot curves for pressures up to 11 GPa, while the results for the non-polarizable MARTINI water substantially deviated from the Hugoniot curves. We also calculated the temperature of the Hugoniot states and observed that for TIP4P/2005 water, they were consistent with those from theoretical calculations, while both coarse-grained models predicted much higher temperatures. These high temperatures for MARTINI water can be explained by the loss of degrees of freedom due to coarse-graining procedure.

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

Frolov, T.; Setyawan, W.; Kurtz, R. J.

We report a computational discovery of novel grain boundary structures and multiple grain boundary phases in elemental bcc tungsten. While grain boundary structures created by the - surface method as a union of two perfect half crystals have been studied extensively, it is known that the method has limitations and does not always predict the correct ground states. Here, we use a newly developed computational tool, based on evolutionary algorithms, to perform a grand-canonical search of high-angle symmetric tilt boundary in tungsten, and we find new ground states and multiple phases that cannot be described using the conventional structural unitmore » model. We use MD simulations to demonstrate that the new structures can coexist at finite temperature in a closed system, confirming these are examples of different GB phases. The new ground state is confirmed by first-principles calculations.Evolutionary grand-canonical search predicts novel grain boundary structures and multiple grain boundary phases in elemental body-centered cubic (bcc) metals represented by tungsten, tantalum and molybdenum.« less

LACIE analyst interpretation keys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baron, J. G.; Payne, R. W.; Palmer, W. F. (Principal Investigator)

1979-01-01

Two interpretation aids, 'The Image Analysis Guide for Wheat/Small Grains Inventories' and 'The United States and Canadian Great Plains Regional Keys', were developed during LACIE phase 2 and implemented during phase 3 in order to provide analysts with a better understanding of the expected ranges in color variation of signatures for individual biostages and of the temporal sequences of LANDSAT signatures. The keys were tested using operational LACIE data, and the results demonstrate that their use provides improved labeling accuracy in all analyst experience groupings, in all geographic areas within the U.S. Great Plains, and during all periods of crop development.

Phytochemicals in the Fight Against Cancer.

PubMed

Davidson, Kristoffer T; Zhu, Ziwen; Fang, Yujiang

2016-10-01

Phytochemicals are chemical compounds from fruits, vegetables, or grains and they have been used to treat various diseases for thousands of years. More than one million people in the United States get cancer each year. Although recent advances in medicine have improved the outcomes for cancer patients, there is still a need for novel approaches in the fight against cancer. One such approach that has shown promise in recent years is the use of phytochemicals alone or as synergistic agents. In this review, we will discuss the use of phytochemicals as therapeutic agents against cancer with an emphasis on apple extract.

Evidence of van Hove singularities in ordered grain boundaries of graphene.

PubMed

Ma, Chuanxu; Sun, Haifeng; Zhao, Yeliang; Li, Bin; Li, Qunxiang; Zhao, Aidi; Wang, Xiaoping; Luo, Yi; Yang, Jinlong; Wang, Bing; Hou, J G

2014-06-06

It has long been under debate whether the electron transport performance of graphene could be enhanced by the possible occurrence of van Hove singularities in grain boundaries. Here, we provide direct experimental evidence to confirm the existence of van Hove singularity states close to the Fermi energy in certain ordered grain boundaries using scanning tunneling microscopy. The intrinsic atomic and electronic structures of two ordered grain boundaries, one with alternative pentagon and heptagon rings and the other with alternative pentagon pair and octagon rings, are determined. It is firmly verified that the carrier concentration and, thus, the conductance around ordered grain boundaries can be significantly enhanced by the van Hove singularity states. This finding strongly suggests that a graphene nanoribbon with a properly embedded ordered grain boundary can be a promising structure to improve the performance of graphene-based electronic devices.

Horsing Around with Climate: Effect of Technology-Driven Landuse Change on Extreme Precipitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sines, T. R.; Arritt, R. W.

2016-12-01

The shift from work animals such as horses to mechanized labor and transport led to a decrease in acreage devoted to small grains (primarily oats) in the United States. Land formerly devoted to these crops was converted mostly to soybeans, which saw a forty-fold increase in planted acreage from 1940 to present. The same period saw an increase in extreme precipitation over the continental United States. We investigate possible connections between this agricultural landuse modification and precipitation changes in the central United States using the WRF-ARW model coupled with the Community Land Model. Crop acreages for maize, soybean, winter wheat, spring wheat, and other C3 and C4 crops were reconstructed for 1940-2010 using county-level data. This landuse was then used as surface input for two regional climate simulations, one using constant 1940s landuse and another using constant 2010 landuse. The landuse change was found to produce a shift in the precipitation intensity spectrum, with simulations using 2010 landuse having higher frequencies for heavier precipitation amounts and lower frequencies of light amounts compared to 1940s landuse. The break point for this shift corresponded to daily precipitation of about 24 mm. This indicates that agricultural landuse change has contributed to the observed trend in extreme precipitation, increasing the frequency of heavy daily rainfall.

Structural, magnetic and impedance spectroscopic analysis of LaFeO3 nano-particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, T. Lakshmana; Pradhan, M. K.; Dash, S.

2018-04-01

Physical properties are known to be drastically varied with crystallite size and in a multifunctional material this size reduction is seem to be interesting. One such material is chosen as LaFeO3 nanoparticles which have been prepared by wet-chemical route. The average particle size found to be in the order of 45nm in which the chemical content of the unit cell has been verified. A distorted orthorhombic structure with Pbnm space group is possessed by this nanoparticle. From the bifurcation of ZFC and FC in low field, behavior of inverse susceptibility and the small hysteresis loop favors the material to be in a weak FM state well below the Neel temperature. The electrical behavior and the conduction mechanism above room temperature have been studied by cole-cole plot of the Impedance spectra. The high frequency depressed semi circles represent the grain conduction while the intermediate frequency semi circles appear may be due to grain boundary effect.

Analysis of Maize versus Ethanol Production in Nebraska, United States and International Agricultural Droughts: Lessons for Global Food Security

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boken, V.; Tenkorang, F.

2012-04-01

Nebraska is one of the eight main corn (maize) belt states of the United States. Maize is the major crop of Nebraska with an average annual production of about 38 million tons (about 12% of U.S. production), which contributes billions of dollars to the state's economy. The yield of maize has increased significantly over the past century - from 1.6 t/ha in 1900 to 10.4 t/ha in 2010. While the majority of maize (about 40%) is currently used for animal feed and ethanol production, only about six percent is exported. It is estimated that about one billion people accounting for about 15% population of the world live in chronic hunger because of low agricultural productivity and drought. Most of these people depend on the U.S. for grains including maize. If a greater quantity of maize is diverted to ethanol production, considerably less quantity of maize would be available for export to developing countries where it could be used for human consumption and to mitigate hunger and improve food security. This paper presents analysis of maize production in Nebraska for the past three decades and examines how its commercialization for ethanol production has affected its exports in the face of drought at an international level.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Seen from below and through a solid rocket booster segment mockup, Jeff Thon, an SRB mechanic with United Space Alliance, tests the feasibility of a vertical solid rocket booster propellant grain inspection technique. The inspection of segments is required as part of safety analysis.

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-09-11

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Seen from below and through a solid rocket booster segment mockup, Jeff Thon, an SRB mechanic with United Space Alliance, tests the feasibility of a vertical solid rocket booster propellant grain inspection technique. The inspection of segments is required as part of safety analysis.

Wear-Resistant, Self-Lubricating Surfaces of Diamond Coatings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa

1995-01-01

In humid air and dry nitrogen, as-deposited, fine-grain diamond films and polished, coarse-grain diamond films have low steady-state coefficients of friction (less than 0.1) and low wear rates (less than or equal to 10(exp -6) mm(exp 3)/N-m). In an ultrahigh vacuum (10(exp -7) Pa), however, they have high steady-state coefficients of friction (greater than 0.6) and high wear rates (greater than or equal to 10(exp -4) mm(exp 3)/N-m). Therefore, the use of as-deposited, fine-grain and polished, coarse-grain diamond films as wear-resistant, self-lubricating coatings must be limited to normal air or gaseous environments such as dry nitrogen. On the other hand, carbon-ion-implanted, fine-grain diamond films and nitrogen-ion-implanted, coarse-grain diamond films have low steady-state coefficients of friction (less than 0.1) and low wear rates (less than or equal to 10(exp -6) mm(exp 3)/N-m) in all three environments. These films can be effectively used as wear-resistant, self-lubricating coatings in an ultrahigh vacuum as well as in normal air and dry nitrogen.

Grain Size of Recall Practice for Lengthy Text Material: Fragile and Mysterious Effects on Memory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wissman, Kathryn T.; Rawson, Katherine A.

2015-01-01

The current research evaluated the extent to which the grain size of recall practice for lengthy text material affects recall during practice and subsequent memory. The "grain size hypothesis" states that a smaller vs. larger grain size will increase retrieval success during practice that in turn will enhance subsequent memory for…

Sprouted barley for dairy cows: Nutritional composition and digestibility

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A 4-unit dual-flow continuous culture fermentor system was used to assess the effect of supplementing 7-d sprouted barley or barley grain with an haylage or pasture diet on nutrient digestibility and methane output. Barley grain was sprouted in climate controlled growth chambers, to be used as part ...

Rocky Mountain Arsenal Chemical Index. Volume 3. Potential Chemical- Specific ARARs for On-Post Operable Unit, RMA

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-08-01

clover, corn, cottonseed, cowpeas , grain sorghum (milo), grapes, grass (pasture and range), kohlrabi, lima beans, meat, milk, oats, onions, peaches...cauliflower, cherries, clover, corn, cottonseed, cowpeas , grain sorghum (milo), grapes, grass (pasture and range), kohlrabi, lima beans, meat, milk, oats

Carbon footprint of grain production in China.

PubMed

Zhang, Dan; Shen, Jianbo; Zhang, Fusuo; Li, Yu'e; Zhang, Weifeng

2017-06-29

Due to the increasing environmental impact of food production, carbon footprint as an indicator can guide farmland management. This study established a method and estimated the carbon footprint of grain production in China based on life cycle analysis (LCA). The results showed that grain production has a high carbon footprint in 2013, i.e., 4052 kg ce/ha or 0.48 kg ce/kg for maize, 5455 kg ce/ha or 0.75 kg ce/kg for wheat and 11881 kg ce/ha or 1.60 kg ce/kg for rice. These footprints are higher than that of other countries, such as the United States, Canada and India. The most important factors governing carbon emissions were the application of nitrogen fertiliser (8-49%), straw burning (0-70%), energy consumption by machinery (6-40%), energy consumption for irrigation (0-44%) and CH 4 emissions from rice paddies (15-73%). The most important carbon sequestration factors included returning of crop straw (41-90%), chemical nitrogen fertiliser application (10-59%) and no-till farming practices (0-10%). Different factors dominated in different crop systems in different regions. To identity site-specific key factors and take countermeasures could significantly lower carbon footprint, e.g., ban straw burning in northeast and south China, stopping continuous flooding irrigation in wheat and rice production system.

Shock-darkening in ordinary chondrites: Determination of the pressure-temperature conditions by shock physics mesoscale modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moreau, J.; Kohout, T.; Wünnemann, K.

2017-11-01

We determined the shock-darkening pressure range in ordinary chondrites using the iSALE shock physics code. We simulated planar shock waves on a mesoscale in a sample layer at different nominal pressures. Iron and troilite grains were resolved in a porous olivine matrix in the sample layer. We used equations of state (Tillotson EoS and ANEOS) and basic strength and thermal properties to describe the material phases. We used Lagrangian tracers to record the peak shock pressures in each material unit. The post-shock temperatures (and the fractions of the tracers experiencing temperatures above the melting point) for each material were estimated after the passage of the shock wave and after the reflections of the shock at grain boundaries in the heterogeneous materials. The results showed that shock-darkening, associated with troilite melt and the onset of olivine melt, happened between 40 and 50 GPa with 52 GPa being the pressure at which all tracers in the troilite material reach the melting point. We demonstrate the difficulties of shock heating in iron and also the importance of porosity. Material impedances, grain shapes, and the porosity models available in the iSALE code are discussed. We also discuss possible not-shock-related triggers for iron melt.

Sequence-based analysis of the microbial composition of water kefir from multiple sources.

PubMed

Marsh, Alan J; O'Sullivan, Orla; Hill, Colin; Ross, R Paul; Cotter, Paul D

2013-11-01

Water kefir is a water-sucrose-based beverage, fermented by a symbiosis of bacteria and yeast to produce a final product that is lightly carbonated, acidic and that has a low alcohol percentage. The microorganisms present in water kefir are introduced via water kefir grains, which consist of a polysaccharide matrix in which the microorganisms are embedded. We aimed to provide a comprehensive sequencing-based analysis of the bacterial population of water kefir beverages and grains, while providing an initial insight into the corresponding fungal population. To facilitate this objective, four water kefirs were sourced from the UK, Canada and the United States. Culture-independent, high-throughput, sequencing-based analyses revealed that the bacterial fraction of each water kefir and grain was dominated by Zymomonas, an ethanol-producing bacterium, which has not previously been detected at such a scale. The other genera detected were representatives of the lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria. Our analysis of the fungal component established that it was comprised of the genera Dekkera, Hanseniaspora, Saccharomyces, Zygosaccharomyces, Torulaspora and Lachancea. This information will assist in the ultimate identification of the microorganisms responsible for the potentially health-promoting attributes of these beverages. © 2013 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved.

ISO observations of the reflection nebula Ced 201: evolution of carbonaceous dust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cesarsky, D.; Lequeux, J.; Ryter, C.; Gérin, M.

2000-02-01

We present spectrophotometric imaging mid-IR observations of the reflection nebula Ced 201. Ced 201 is a part of a molecular cloud illuminated by a B9.5V star moving through it at more than 12 km s-1. The spectra of Ced 201 give evidence for transformation of very small carbonaceous grains into the carriers of the Aromatic Infrared Bands (AIBs), due to the radiation field of the illuminating star and/or to shock waves created by its motion. These very small grains emit mainly very broad bands and a continuum. We suggest that they are present everywhere in the interstellar medium but can only be detected in the mid-IR under special circumstances such as those prevailing in this reflection nebula. The efficiency of energy conversion of stellar light into mid-infrared emission is 7.5% for both the very small grains and the AIB carriers, and the fraction of interstellar carbon locked in these emitters is approximately 15%. Based on observations at the Cal Tech submillimeter observatory (CSO) and with ISO, an ESA project with instruments funded by ESA member states (especially the PI countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom) and with the participation of ISAS and NASA.

Coarse-grained Simulations of Substrate Export through Multidrug Efflux Transporter AcrB

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jewel, Yead; Dutta, Prashanta; Liu, Jin

2017-11-01

The treatment of bacterial infectious diseases hampered by the overexpression of multidrug resistance (MDR) systems. The MDR system actively pumps the antibiotic drugs as well as other toxic compounds out of the cells. During the pumping, AcrB (one of the key MDR components) undergoes a series of large-scale proton/substrate dependent conformational changes. In this work, we implement a hybrid coarse-grained PACE force field that couples the united-atom protein model with the coarse-grained MARTINI water/lipid, to investigate the conformational changes of AcrB. We first develop the substrate force field which is compatible with PACE, then we implement the force field to explore large scale structural changes of AcrB in microsecond simulations. The effects of the substrate and the protonation states of two key residues: Asp407 and Asp408, are investigated. Our results show that the drug export through AcrB is proton as well as substrate dependent. Our simulations explain molecular mechanisms of substrate transport through AcrB complex, as well as provide valuable insights for designing proper antibiotic drugs. Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R01GM122081.

Optical Sensing of Weed Infestations at Harvest.

PubMed

Barroso, Judit; McCallum, John; Long, Dan

2017-10-19

Kochia ( Kochia scoparia L.), Russian thistle ( Salsola tragus L.), and prickly lettuce ( Lactuca serriola L.) are economically important weeds infesting dryland wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) production systems in the western United States. Those weeds produce most of their seeds post-harvest. The objectives of this study were to determine the ability of an optical sensor, installed for on-the-go measurement of grain protein concentration, to detect the presence of green plant matter in flowing grain and assess the potential usefulness of this information for mapping weeds at harvest. Spectra of the grain stream were recorded continuously at a rate of 0.33 Hz during harvest of two spring wheat fields of 1.9 and 5.4 ha. All readings were georeferenced using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver with 1 m positional accuracy. Chlorophyll of green plant matter was detectable in the red (638-710 nm) waveband. Maps of the chlorophyll signal from both fields showed an overall agreement of 78.1% with reference maps, one constructed prior to harvest and the other at harvest time, both based on visual evaluations of the three green weed species conducted by experts. Information on weed distributions at harvest may be useful for controlling post-harvest using variable rate technology for herbicide applications.

Optical Sensing of Weed Infestations at Harvest

PubMed Central

Barroso, Judit; McCallum, John; Long, Dan

2017-01-01

Kochia (Kochia scoparia L.), Russian thistle (Salsola tragus L.), and prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola L.) are economically important weeds infesting dryland wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production systems in the western United States. Those weeds produce most of their seeds post-harvest. The objectives of this study were to determine the ability of an optical sensor, installed for on-the-go measurement of grain protein concentration, to detect the presence of green plant matter in flowing grain and assess the potential usefulness of this information for mapping weeds at harvest. Spectra of the grain stream were recorded continuously at a rate of 0.33 Hz during harvest of two spring wheat fields of 1.9 and 5.4 ha. All readings were georeferenced using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver with 1 m positional accuracy. Chlorophyll of green plant matter was detectable in the red (638–710 nm) waveband. Maps of the chlorophyll signal from both fields showed an overall agreement of 78.1% with reference maps, one constructed prior to harvest and the other at harvest time, both based on visual evaluations of the three green weed species conducted by experts. Information on weed distributions at harvest may be useful for controlling post-harvest using variable rate technology for herbicide applications. PMID:29048342

Mycotoxins in ethanol co-products: modeling economic impacts on the livestock industry and management strategies.

PubMed

Wu, Felicia; Munkvold, Gary P

2008-06-11

The rapidly expanding U.S. ethanol industry is generating a growing supply of co-products, mostly in the form of dried distillers' grain and solubles (DDGS) or wet distillers' grains (WDG). In the United States, 90% of the co-products of maize-based ethanol are fed to livestock. An unintended consequence is that animals are likely to be fed higher levels of mycotoxins, which are concentrated up to three times in DDGS compared to grain. The model developed in this study estimates current losses to the swine industry from weight gain reduction due to fumonisins in added DDGS at $9 million ($2-18 million) annually. If there is complete market penetration of DDGS in swine feed with 20% DDGS inclusion in swine feed and fumonisins are not controlled, losses may increase to $147 million ($29-293 million) annually. These values represent only those losses attributable to one mycotoxin on one adverse outcome on one species. The total loss due to mycotoxins in DDGS could be significantly higher due to additive or multiplicative effects of multiple mycotoxins on animal health. If mycotoxin surveillance is implemented by ethanol producers, losses are shifted among multiple stakeholders. Solutions to this problem include methods to reduce mycotoxin contamination in both pre- and postharvest maize.

Attraction of likely charged nano-sized grains in dust-electron plasmas

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

Vishnyakov, Vladimir I., E-mail: eksvar@ukr.net

2016-01-15

Dust-electron plasma, which contains only the dust grains and electrons, emitted by them, is studied. Assumption of almost uniform spatial electrons distribution, which deviates from the uniformity only near the dust grains, leads to the grain charge division into two parts: first part is the individual for each grain “visible” charge and the second part is the common charge of the neutralized background. The visible grain charge can be both negative and positive, while the total grain charge is only positive. The attraction of likely charged grains is possible, because the grain interaction is determined by the visible charges. Themore » equilibrium state between attraction and repulsion of grains is demonstrated.« less

Petrography and preliminary interpretations of the crystalline breccias from the Manson M-1 core

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bell, M. S.; Reagan, M. K.; Anderson, R. R.; Foster, C. T., Jr.

1993-01-01

The M-1 core was drilled on the eastern edge of the central uplift within the Manson Impact Structure in Iowa. The lower 107.9 m of the core consists of crystalline breccias. Twelve intervals of thin sections from this core have been studied for preliminary discussion. The breccias are divided into three units by matrix size and abundance. Unit 1 is characterized by a high volume fraction of matrix, and a decreasing proportion of matrix with depth. This matrix is nearly isotropic and consists of grains less than 0.005 to less than 0.02 mm in length. The matrix between 112 and 146 meters depth consists of a crystalline intergrowth of felsic and opaque minerals with or without chlorite. This was the hottest section of the core after impact, and may have undergone high temperature metamorphic recrystallization. Unit 2 is transitional between units 1 and 3, and is delineated by a rapid increase in grain size to .01-.04 mm and a decrease in matrix abundance to 10 percent. Unit 3 has a coarse, often porous matrix, whose abundance changes from about 10 percent at the top to about 2 percent at the base. Grain sizes range from 0.01-0.1 mm over this interval and coarsen with depth. Changes in the character of the matrix as well as the changes in clast lithology and abundance outlined below suggest that unit 3 is in-situ brecciated basement with injected melt and shale fragments; unit 1 is a crater veneer deposit consisting of transported basement materials and unit 2 is a mixed zone between units 1 and 3.

Ruminal Transcriptomic Analysis of Grass-Fed and Grain-Fed Angus Beef Cattle

PubMed Central

Li, Yaokun; Carrillo, José A.; Ding, Yi; He, YangHua; Zhao, Chunping; Zan, Linsen; Song, Jiuzhou

2015-01-01

Beef represents a major diet component and one of the major sources of protein in human. The beef industry in the United States is currently undergoing changes and is facing increased demands especially for natural grass-fed beef. The grass-fed beef obtained their nutrients directly from pastures, which contained limited assimilable energy but abundant amount of fiber. On the contrary, the grain-fed steers received a grain-based regime that served as an efficient source of high-digestible energy. Lately, ruminant animals have been accused to be a substantial contributor for the green house effect. Therefore, the concerns from environmentalism, animal welfare and public health have driven consumers to choose grass-fed beef. Rumen is one of the key workshops to digest forage constituting a critical step to supply enough nutrients for animals’ growth and production. We hypothesize that rumen may function differently in grass- and grain-fed regimes. The objective of this study was to find the differentially expressed genes in the ruminal wall of grass-fed and grain-fed steers, and then explore the potential biopathways. In this study, the RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq) method was used to measure the gene expression level in the ruminal wall. The total number of reads per sample ranged from 24,697,373 to 36,714,704. The analysis detected 342 differentially expressed genes between ruminal wall samples of animals raised under different regimens. The Fisher’s exact test performed in the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software found 16 significant molecular networks. Additionally, 13 significantly enriched pathways were identified, most of which were related to cell development and biosynthesis. Our analysis demonstrated that most of the pathways enriched with the differentially expressed genes were related to cell development and biosynthesis. Our results provided valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms resulting in the phenotype difference between grass-fed and grain-fed cattle. PMID:26090810

Charging of Interstellar Dust Grains in the out-of-equilibrium Heliosheath Plasma traced by IBEX ENAs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frisch, P. C.; Ogasawara, K.; Livadiotis, G.; Slavin, J. D.; McComas, D. J.; Funsten, H. O.; Schwadron, N.; Heerikhuisen, J.

2017-12-01

Dusty bow waves are common around stars and anticipated around the heliosphere due to the deficit of low-mass interstellar dust grains in the inner heliosphere. Interstellar grains entering the heliosphere must first cross barriers of non-Maxwellian plasma in the heliosheath regions where collisional charging of grains is highly effective. IBEX measures 0.1-6 keV ENAs in the heliosheath plasma, providing an in situ sample of the heliosheath plasma thermodynamics that can be used for grain-charging calculations. Plasma in three-quarters of the sky can be described with a stationary state kappa-distribution, giving predictions for kappa, kappa-distribution temperature, and plasma density [1]. This thermodynamic description allows a more realistic evaluation of the dominant heliosheath electron and ion currents, and hence also grain gyroradii and exclusion from the heliosphere. At the highest temperatures ion collisional currents dominate grain charging; at lower temperatures collisional electron currents are more important together with the photoelectric ejection of electrons. An absence of data on the thermodynamical state of heliosheath electrons has led to the assumption of similar thermodynamic parameters for the electron and ion populations. The balance between electron, proton and photoionization currents on the grains then yield the equilibrium grain charges. Grain gyroradii calculated based on these charging currents differentiate between interstellar grains able to penetrate the heliosphere, versus those that are excluded, and allow predictions of properties of the dusty bow wave likely to be present around the heliosphere. The smallest grains are excluded and grains at the high latitude edges of the described regions tend to have systematically lower grain potentials. Grain charging calculations utilize the modeling of [2]. [1] Livadiotis et al., ApJ 734, 1 (2011). [2] Weingartner Draine, ApJSS 263 (2001)

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

O’Brien, Christopher J.; Foiles, Stephen M.

Low-mobility twin grain boundaries dominate the microstructure of grain boundary-engineered materials and are critical to understanding their plastic deformation behaviour. The presence of solutes, such as hydrogen, has a profound effect on the thermodynamic stability of the grain boundaries. This work examines the case of a Σ3 grain boundary at inclinations from 0° ≤ Φ ≤ 90°. The angle Φ corresponds to the rotation of the Σ3 (1 1 1) < 1 1 0 > (coherent) into the Σ3 (1 1 2) < 1 1 0 > (lateral) twin boundary. To this end, atomistic models of inclined grain boundaries, utilisingmore » empirical potentials, are used to elucidate the finite-temperature boundary structure while grand canonical Monte Carlo models are applied to determine the degree of hydrogen segregation. In order to understand the boundary structure and segregation behaviour of hydrogen, the structural unit description of inclined twin grain boundaries is found to provide insight into explaining the observed variation of excess enthalpy and excess hydrogen concentration on inclination angle, but the explanatory power is limited by how the enthalpy of segregation is affected by hydrogen concentration. At higher concentrations, the grain boundaries undergo a defaceting transition. In order to develop a more complete mesoscale model of the interfacial behaviour, an analytical model of boundary energy and hydrogen segregation that relies on modelling the boundary as arrays of discrete 1/3 < 1 1 1 > disconnections is constructed. Lastly, the complex interaction of boundary reconstruction and concentration-dependent segregation behaviour exhibited by inclined twin grain boundaries limits the range of applicability of such an analytical model and illustrates the fundamental limitations for a structural unit model description of segregation in lower stacking fault energy materials.« less

A phase quantification method based on EBSD data for a continuously cooled microalloyed steel

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

Zhao, H.; Wynne, B.P.; Palmiere, E.J., E-mail: e.j

2017-01-15

Mechanical properties of steels depend on the phase constitutions of the final microstructures which can be related to the processing parameters. Therefore, accurate quantification of different phases is necessary to investigate the relationships between processing parameters, final microstructures and mechanical properties. Point counting on micrographs observed by optical or scanning electron microscopy is widely used as a phase quantification method, and different phases are discriminated according to their morphological characteristics. However, it is difficult to differentiate some of the phase constituents with similar morphology. Differently, for EBSD based phase quantification methods, besides morphological characteristics, other parameters derived from the orientationmore » information can also be used for discrimination. In this research, a phase quantification method based on EBSD data in the unit of grains was proposed to identify and quantify the complex phase constitutions of a microalloyed steel subjected to accelerated coolings. Characteristics of polygonal ferrite/quasi-polygonal ferrite, acicular ferrite and bainitic ferrite on grain averaged misorientation angles, aspect ratios, high angle grain boundary fractions and grain sizes were analysed and used to develop the identification criteria for each phase. Comparing the results obtained by this EBSD based method and point counting, it was found that this EBSD based method can provide accurate and reliable phase quantification results for microstructures with relatively slow cooling rates. - Highlights: •A phase quantification method based on EBSD data in the unit of grains was proposed. •The critical grain area above which GAM angles are valid parameters was obtained. •Grain size and grain boundary misorientation were used to identify acicular ferrite. •High cooling rates deteriorate the accuracy of this EBSD based method.« less

State-of-the-art in Heterogeneous Computing

DOE PAGES

Brodtkorb, Andre R.; Dyken, Christopher; Hagen, Trond R.; ...

2010-01-01

Node level heterogeneous architectures have become attractive during the last decade for several reasons: compared to traditional symmetric CPUs, they offer high peak performance and are energy and/or cost efficient. With the increase of fine-grained parallelism in high-performance computing, as well as the introduction of parallelism in workstations, there is an acute need for a good overview and understanding of these architectures. We give an overview of the state-of-the-art in heterogeneous computing, focusing on three commonly found architectures: the Cell Broadband Engine Architecture, graphics processing units (GPUs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). We present a review of hardware, availablemore » software tools, and an overview of state-of-the-art techniques and algorithms. Furthermore, we present a qualitative and quantitative comparison of the architectures, and give our view on the future of heterogeneous computing.« less

Speedup for quantum optimal control from automatic differentiation based on graphics processing units

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leung, Nelson; Abdelhafez, Mohamed; Koch, Jens; Schuster, David

2017-04-01

We implement a quantum optimal control algorithm based on automatic differentiation and harness the acceleration afforded by graphics processing units (GPUs). Automatic differentiation allows us to specify advanced optimization criteria and incorporate them in the optimization process with ease. We show that the use of GPUs can speedup calculations by more than an order of magnitude. Our strategy facilitates efficient numerical simulations on affordable desktop computers and exploration of a host of optimization constraints and system parameters relevant to real-life experiments. We demonstrate optimization of quantum evolution based on fine-grained evaluation of performance at each intermediate time step, thus enabling more intricate control on the evolution path, suppression of departures from the truncated model subspace, as well as minimization of the physical time needed to perform high-fidelity state preparation and unitary gates.

78 FR 43850 - Opportunity for Designation in Owensboro, KY; Bloomington, IL; Iowa Falls, IA; Casa Grande, AZ...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-22

... State Route 26; State Route 26 north to State Route 18. The following grain elevator is not part of this... part of this geographic area assignment. In D.R. Schaal Agency's area: Agvantage F.S., Chapin, Franklin County and Five Star Coop, Rockwell, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa. The following grain elevators are not part...

Offshore sediments record the history of onshore iron ore mining in Goa State, India.

PubMed

Sebastian, Tyson; Nath, B Nagender; Naik, Sangeeta; Borole, D V; Pierre, Salou; Yazing, Armoury Kazip

2017-01-30

Environmental magnetic and geochemical analyses combined with 210 Pb dating were carried out on a sediment core off Goa from Arabian Sea to reconstruct the sedimentation history of last three and a half centuries and to investigate the impact of onshore iron ore mining on the offshore sedimentation. A drastic increase in sedimentation rate and mineral magnetic concentration parameters divides the core into two units (1 & 2) at a depth of 41cm (1982CE). The high magnetic susceptibility values in Unit 1 sediments are coeval with increased iron ore production on land and illustrate the role of terrestrial mining on the increased offshore sedimentation. The early diagenetic signals were observed in Unit 2 of the core with low concentration parameters, coarse magnetic grain size and magnetically hard mineralogy. The geochemical data of the core also record the Little Ice Age (LIA) climatic events of Dalton and Maunder solar minima. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The creep properties of dispersion-strengthened silver-gallium oxide alloys.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lenel, F. V.; Ansell, G. S.; Nazmy, M. Y.

1971-01-01

Steady-state creep rates were measured for two preparations of a dispersion-strengthened alloy of silver with 1 mol % gallium oxide. One preparation, an internally-oxidized type, had a grain size 40 times that of the other preparation, which was a consolidated-powder type of alloy. The temperature and stress dependence of the steady-state creep rate differs widely for the two alloys and must be attributed to the difference in grain size. The activation energy for steady-state creep of the internally-oxidized coarse grained material is near that for self-diffusion of silver, which strongly indicates a creep process controlled by dislocation climb.

Stratification in the lunar regolith - A preliminary view

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duke, M. B.; Nagle, J. S.

1975-01-01

Although our knowledge of lunar regolith stratification is incomplete, several categories of thick and thin strata have been identified. Relatively thick units average 2 to 3 cm in thickness, and appear surficially to be massive. On more detailed examination, these units can be uniformly fine-grained, can show internal trends, or can show internal variations which apparently are random. Other thick units contain soil clasts apparently reworked from underlying units. Thin laminae average approximately 1 mm in thickness; lenticular distribution and composition of some thin laminae indicates that they are fillets shed from adjacent rock fragments. Other dark fine-grained well-sorted thin laminae appear to be surficial zones reworked by micrometeorites. Interpretations of stratigraphic succession can be strengthened by the occurrence of characteristic coarse rock fragments and the orientation of large spatter agglutinates, which are commonly found in their original depositional orientation.

Paleovalley fills: Trunk vs. tributary

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kvale, E.P.; Archer, A.W.

2007-01-01

A late Mississippian-early Pennsylvanian eustatic sea level drop resulted in a complex lowstand drainage network being eroded across the Illinois Basin in the eastern United States. This drainage system was filled during the early part of the Pennsylvanian. Distinct differences can be recognized between the trunk and tributary paleovalley fills. Fills preserved within the trunk systems tend to be fluvially dominated and consist of bed-load deposits of coarse- to medium-grained sandstone and conglomerate. Conversely, the incised valleys of tributary systems tend to be filled with dark mudstone, thinly interbedded sandstones, and mudstones and siltstones. These finer grained facies exhibit marine influences manifested by tidal rhythmites, certain traces fossils, and macro- and microfauna. Examples of tributary and trunk systems, separated by no more than 7 km (4.3 mi) along strike, exhibit these styles of highly contrasting fills. Useful analogs for understanding this Pennsylvanian system include the Quaternary glacial sluiceways present in the lower Ohio, White, and Wabash river valleys of Indiana (United States) and the modern Amazon River (Brazil). Both the Amazon River and the Quaternary rivers of Indiana have (or had) trunk rivers that are (were) dominated by large quantities of bed load relative to their tributaries. The trunk valley systems of these analogs aggraded much more rapidly than their tributary valleys, which evolved into lakes because depositional rates along the trunk are (were) so high that the mouths of the tributaries have been dammed by bed-load deposits. These Holocene systems illustrate that sediment yields can significantly influence the nature of fill successions within incised valleys independent of rates of sea level changes or proximity to highstand coastlines. Copyright ?? 2007. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists. All rights reserved.

Sources and ages of fine-grained sediment to streams using fallout radionuclides in the Midwestern United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gellis, Allen; Fuller, Christopher C.; Van Metre, Peter C.

2017-01-01

Fallout radionuclides, 7Be and 210Pbex, sampled in bed sediment for 99 watersheds in the Midwestern region of the United States and in 15 samples of suspended sediment from 3 of these watersheds were used to partition upland from channel sources and to estimate the age or the time since the surface-derived portion of sediment was on the land surface (0–∼1 year). Channel sources dominate: 78 of the 99 bed material sites (79%) have >50% channel-derived sediment, and 9 of the 15 suspended-sediment samples (60%) have >50% channel-derived sediment. 7Be was detected in 82 bed sediment samples and all 15 suspended-sediment samples. The surface-derived portion of 54 of the 80 (68%) streams with detectable 7Be and 210Pbex were ≤ 100 days old and the surface-derived portion of all suspended-sediment samples were ≤ 100 days old, indicating that surface-derived fine-grained sediment moves rapidly though these systems. The concentrations of two hydrophobic pesticides–DDE and bifenthrin–are correlated with the proportion of surface-derived sediment, indicating a link between geomorphic processes and particle-associated contaminants in streams. Urban areas had the highest pesticide concentrations and the largest percentage of surface-derived sediment. Although the percentage of surface-derived sediment is less than channel sources at most of the study sites, the relatively young age of the surface-derived sediment might indicate that management actions to reduce sediment contamination where the land surface is an important source could have noticeable effects.

Dielectric and nonlinear current-voltage characteristics of rare-earth doped CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Laijun; Fang, Liang; Huang, Yanmin; Li, Yunhua; Shi, Danping; Zheng, Shaoying; Wu, Shuangshuang; Hu, Changzheng

2011-11-01

CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) ceramics doped with rare earth (RE) oxides, including Y2O3, La2O3, Eu2O3, and Gd2O3, were prepared by the traditional solid-state reaction method in order to investigate the effect of RE oxide dopants on the electrical properties as a varistor. The phase identification and morphology of the ceramics were investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. A high voltage measuring unit and precision impedance analyzer were used to determine the nonohmic (J-E) behaviors and measure the dielectric properties and impedance spectroscopy of the ceramics, respectively. The results showed that RE oxides enhanced greatly the breakdown electric flied but reduced the nonlinear coefficient and the mean grain size of CCTO ceramics. There was a good linear relationship between ln J and E1/2, which demonstrated that the Schottky barrier should exist at the grain boundary. A double Schottky barrier model composed of a depletion layer and a negative charge sheet was proposed, analogous to the barrier model for ZnO varistors. The depletion layer width determined by diffusion distance of RE ions and the effective surface states played important roles on the electrical properties of the ceramics.

Using lake sediments from Buarvatnet to reconstruct multiple episodic events found at Folgefonn Peninsula, Norway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roethe, T.; Bakke, J.; Støren, E.

2016-12-01

Here we present work in progress from Buarvatnet at the Folgefonn Peninsula, located on the west coast of Norway. Earlier work from Buarvatnet indicated several distinct spikes in the Silica count rates, detected by the ITRAX surface XRF-scanner. However, the process behind these distinct spikes was not understood. The arrival of high-resolution and innovative instruments at EARTHLAB, in particular the computed tomography (CT) scanner and grain Morphometer, have the potential to get a process-based understanding of these distinct layers and unravel the frequency and timing of such events. Multiple sediment cores were retrieved using a modified piston corer and a Uwitech corer from Buarvatnet. The sediments have been analysed using a multi-proxy approach and the analyses included magnetic properties, loss-on-ignition, dry bulk density, grain size/shape, geochemical analysis (XRF scanning) and CT-scanning. Accurate age-control will be achieved through 210Pb dating of the top-most sediments and 14C dating of terrestrial macrofossils. The lithostratigraphy of the 3.6 m long master sediment core from Buarvatnet is divided into three distinct units. The lower most unit ( 87 cm) is massive with fine-grained greyish sediments, most likely representing the deglaciation of the area. A 224 cm long unit is found above, characterised as dark brown gyttja with multiple thin layers (sub-mm to cm thick) of fine grained sediments. Also in this unit is two distinct sub-units showing a finer upwards sequence. At top, a gradual transition from dark brown gyttja to grey fine-grained sediments is found in the upper-most 19 cm of the sediment core. In total 16 distinct layers is found in the gyttja sequence, including the two sub-units, based on the lithostratigraphy and the prelimnary results from the magnetic, physical and geochemical properties. A preliminary hypothesis is that these distinct layers are due to outburst floods from a glacier-dammed lake upstream from Buarvatnet. In such a scenario, a bedrock threshold dams the meltwater from the retreating glacier and an outburst flood is triggered when the glacier calves or advances into the lake. Understanding the processes behind the multiple events is therefore important in order to highlight the potential hazards in rapid outburst floods in a warming world.

High-field magnetoconductance in La-Sr manganites of FM and AFM ground states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jirák, Zdeněk; Kaman, Ondřej; Knížek, Karel; Levinský, Petr; Míšek, Martin; Veverka, Pavel; Hejtmánek, Jiří

2018-06-01

Large-grain La1-xSrxMnO3 ceramic samples of compositions x = 0.45 and 0.55, representing the ferromagnetic (FM) and A-type antiferromagnetic (AFM) ground states, were produced via classical sintering at 1500 °C of cold-pressed sol-gel prepared single-phase nanoparticles. Using the same precursors, nanogranular forms of both manganite ceramics were prepared by fast spark plasma sintering at low temperature of 900 °C, which limits the growth of crystal grains. The magnetotransport of both the bulk and nanogranular forms was investigated in a broad range of magnetic fields up to 130 kOe and analyzed on the basis of detailed magnetic measurements. Both the large-grain and nanogranular systems with x = 0.45, possessing a pure FM state with similar Curie tempereature TC ≈ 345 K), show nearly the same conductivity enhancement in external fields when expressed relatively to the zero-field values. This positive magnetoconductance (MC) can be separated into two terms: (i) the hysteretic low-field MC that reflects the field-induced orientation of magnetic moments of individual grains, and (ii) the high-field MC that depends linearly on external field. In the case of large-grain ceramics with x = 0.55, a partially ordered FM state formed below TC = 264 K is replaced by pure A-type AFM ground state below 204 K. This A-type AFM state is characterized by positive magnetoconductance that is essentially of quadratic dependence on external field in the investigated range up to 130 kOe. On contrary, the nanogranular product with x = 0.55 exhibits a mixed FM/AFM state at low temperatures, and, as a consequence, its magnetotransport combines the features of FM and A-type AFM systems, in which the quadratic term is much enhanced and clearly dominates at high fields. For interpretation of observed behaviors, the theory of grain-boundary tunneling is revisited.

Structure and electronic properties of grain boundaries in earth-abundant photovoltaic absorber Cu2ZnSnSe4.

PubMed

Li, Junwen; Mitzi, David B; Shenoy, Vivek B

2011-11-22

We have studied the atomic and electronic structure of Cu(2)ZnSnSe(4) and CuInSe(2) grain boundaries using first-principles calculations. We find that the constituent atoms at the grain boundary in Cu(2)ZnSnSe(4) create localized defect states that promote the recombination of photon-excited electron and hole carriers. In distinct contrast, significantly lower density of defect states is found at the grain boundaries in CuInSe(2), which is consistent with the experimental observation that CuInSe(2) solar cells exhibit high conversion efficiency without the need for deliberate passivation. Our investigations suggest that it is essential to effectively remove these defect states in order to improve the conversion efficiency of solar cells with Cu(2)ZnSnSe(4) as photovoltaic absorber materials. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Changes in the physical and mechanical properties of Al-Mg alloy processed by severe plastic deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krasnoveikin, V. A.; Kozulin, A. A.; Skripnyak, V. A.; Moskvichev, E. N.; Borodulin, D. A.

2017-12-01

This paper presents the results of studies into the effect of severe plastic deformation on the microstructure, physical and mechanical properties of coarse-grained Al-Mg alloy 1560 in the as-received state with an average grain size of 50 µm. Severe plastic deformation is performed by four-pass equal channel angular pressing (ECAP), which results in the formation of an ultrafine-grained structure with an average grain size of 3 µm in the alloy. Analysis of experimental data revealed that the physical and mechanical properties change significantly after severe plastic deformation. The microhardness of the ECAPed alloy increases by 50%, tensile yield strength by 80%, and ultimate strength by 44% in comparison with these parameters in the as-received state. The constants of approximating functions have been determined for the experimental stress-strain curves of the alloy specimens in the as-received and ECAPed states.

Grain Foods Are Contributors of Nutrient Density for American Adults and Help Close Nutrient Recommendation Gaps: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009–2012

PubMed Central

Papanikolaou, Yanni; Fulgoni, Victor L.

2017-01-01

The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2015-2020 DGA) maintains recommendations for increased consumption of whole grains while limiting intake of enriched/refined grains. A variety of enriched grains are sources of several shortfall nutrients identified by 2015-2020 DGA, including dietary fiber, folate, iron, and magnesium. The purpose of this study was to determine food sources of energy and nutrients for free-living U.S. adults using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009–2012. Analyses of grain food sources were conducted using a single 24-h recall collected in adults ≥19 years of age (n = 10,697). Sources of nutrients contained in all grain foods were determined using United States Department of Agriculture nutrient composition databases and the food grouping scheme for grains (excluding mixed dishes). Mean energy and nutrient intakes from the total diet and from various grain food groups were adjusted for the sample design using appropriate weights. All grains provided 285 ± 5 kcal/day or 14 ± 0.2% kcal/day in the total diet in adult ≥19 years of age. In the total daily diet, the grain category provided 7.2 ± 0.2% (4.9 ± 0.1 g/day) total fat, 5.4 ± 0.2% (1.1 ± 0.03 g/day) saturated fat, 14.6 ± 0.3% (486 ± 9 mg/day) sodium, 7.9 ± 0.2% (7.6 ± 0.2 g/day) total sugar, 22.8 ± 0.4% (3.9 ± 0.1 g/day) dietary fiber, 13.2 ± 0.3% (122 ± 3 mg/day) calcium, 33.6 ± 0.5% (219 ± 4 mcg dietary folate equivalents (DFE)/day) folate, 29.7 ± 0.4% (5.3 ± 0.1 mg/day) iron, and 13.9 ± 0.3% (43.7 ± 1.1 mg/day) magnesium. Individual grain category analyses showed that breads, rolls and tortillas and ready-to-eat cereals provided minimal kcal/day in the total diet in men and women ≥19 years of age. Similarly, breads, rolls and tortillas, and ready-to-eat cereals supplied meaningful contributions of shortfall nutrients, including dietary fiber, folate and iron, while concurrently providing minimal amounts of nutrients to limit. Cumulatively, a variety of grain food groups consumed by American adults contribute to nutrient density in the total diet and have the potential to increase consumption of shortfall nutrients as identified by 2015–2020 DGA, particularly dietary fiber, folate, and iron. PMID:28805734

Grain Foods Are Contributors of Nutrient Density for American Adults and Help Close Nutrient Recommendation Gaps: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009-2012.

PubMed

Papanikolaou, Yanni; Fulgoni, Victor L

2017-08-14

The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2015-2020 DGA) maintains recommendations for increased consumption of whole grains while limiting intake of enriched/refined grains. A variety of enriched grains are sources of several shortfall nutrients identified by 2015-2020 DGA, including dietary fiber, folate, iron, and magnesium. The purpose of this study was to determine food sources of energy and nutrients for free-living U.S. adults using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2009-2012. Analyses of grain food sources were conducted using a single 24-h recall collected in adults ≥19 years of age ( n = 10,697). Sources of nutrients contained in all grain foods were determined using United States Department of Agriculture nutrient composition databases and the food grouping scheme for grains (excluding mixed dishes). Mean energy and nutrient intakes from the total diet and from various grain food groups were adjusted for the sample design using appropriate weights. All grains provided 285 ± 5 kcal/day or 14 ± 0.2% kcal/day in the total diet in adult ≥19 years of age. In the total daily diet, the grain category provided 7.2 ± 0.2% (4.9 ± 0.1 g/day) total fat, 5.4 ± 0.2% (1.1 ± 0.03 g/day) saturated fat, 14.6 ± 0.3% (486 ± 9 mg/day) sodium, 7.9 ± 0.2% (7.6 ± 0.2 g/day) total sugar, 22.8 ± 0.4% (3.9 ± 0.1 g/day) dietary fiber, 13.2 ± 0.3% (122 ± 3 mg/day) calcium, 33.6 ± 0.5% (219 ± 4 mcg dietary folate equivalents (DFE)/day) folate, 29.7 ± 0.4% (5.3 ± 0.1 mg/day) iron, and 13.9 ± 0.3% (43.7 ± 1.1 mg/day) magnesium. Individual grain category analyses showed that breads, rolls and tortillas and ready-to-eat cereals provided minimal kcal/day in the total diet in men and women ≥19 years of age. Similarly, breads, rolls and tortillas, and ready-to-eat cereals supplied meaningful contributions of shortfall nutrients, including dietary fiber, folate and iron, while concurrently providing minimal amounts of nutrients to limit. Cumulatively, a variety of grain food groups consumed by American adults contribute to nutrient density in the total diet and have the potential to increase consumption of shortfall nutrients as identified by 2015-2020 DGA, particularly dietary fiber, folate, and iron.

Nano-Sized Grain Refinement Using Friction Stir Processing

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

friction stir weld is a very fine grain microstructure produced as a result of dynamic recrystallization. The friction stir ... Friction Stir Processing, Magnesium, Nano-size grains Abstract A key characteristic of a friction stir weld is a very fine grain microstructure...state process developed on the basis of the friction stir welding (FSW) technique invented by The Welding Institute (TWI) in 1991 [2]. During

Bulk critical state and fundamental length scales of superconducting nanocrystalline Nb3Al in Nb-Al matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mondal, Puspen; Manekar, Meghmalhar; Srivastava, A. K.; Roy, S. B.

2009-07-01

We present the results of magnetization measurements on an as-cast nanocrystalline Nb3Al superconductor embedded in Nb-Al matrix. The typical grain size of Nb3Al ranges from about 2-8 nm with the maximum number of grains at around 3.5 nm, as visualized using transmission electron microscopy. The isothermal magnetization hysteresis loops in the superconducting state can be reasonably fitted within the well-known Kim-Anderson critical-state model. By using the same fitting parameters, we calculate the variation in field with respect to distance inside the sample and show the existence of a critical state over length scales much larger than the typical size of the superconducting grains. Our results indicate that a bulk critical current is possible in a system comprising of nanoparticles. The nonsuperconducting Nb-Al matrix thus appears to play a major role in the bulk current flow through the sample. The superconducting coherence length ξ is estimated to be around 3 nm, which is comparable to the typical grain size. The penetration depth λ is estimated to be about 94 nm, which is much larger than the largest of the superconducting grains. Our results could be useful for tuning the current carrying capability of conductors made out of composite materials which involve superconducting nanoparticles.

Room temperature deformation mechanisms of alumina particles observed from in situ micro-compression and atomistic simulations.

DOE PAGES

Sarobol, Pylin; Chandross, Michael E.; Carroll, Jay D.; ...

2015-09-22

Aerosol deposition (AD) is a solid-state deposition technology that has been developed to fabricate ceramic coatings nominally at room temperature. Sub-micron ceramic particles accelerated by pressurized gas impact, deform, and consolidate on substrates under vacuum. Ceramic particle consolidation in AD coatings is highly dependent on particle deformation and bonding; these behaviors are not well understood. In this work, atomistic simulations and in situ micro-compressions in the scanning electron microscope, and the transmission electron microscope (TEM) were utilized to investigate fundamental mechanisms responsible for plastic deformation/fracture of particles under applied compression. Results showed that highly defective micron-sized alumina particles, initially containingmore » numerous dislocations or a grain boundary, exhibited no observable shape change before fracture/fragmentation. Simulations and experimental results indicated that particles containing a grain boundary only accommodate low strain energy per unit volume before crack nucleation and propagation. In contrast, nearly defect-free, sub-micron, single crystal alumina particles exhibited plastic deformation and fracture without fragmentation. Dislocation nucleation/motion, significant plastic deformation, and shape change were observed. Simulation and TEM in situ micro-compression results indicated that nearly defect-free particles accommodate high strain energy per unit volume associated with dislocation plasticity before fracture. As a result, the identified deformation mechanisms provide insight into feedstock design for AD.« less

Neglecting legumes has compromised human health and sustainable food production.

PubMed

Foyer, Christine H; Lam, Hon-Ming; Nguyen, Henry T; Siddique, Kadambot H M; Varshney, Rajeev K; Colmer, Timothy D; Cowling, Wallace; Bramley, Helen; Mori, Trevor A; Hodgson, Jonathan M; Cooper, James W; Miller, Anthony J; Kunert, Karl; Vorster, Juan; Cullis, Christopher; Ozga, Jocelyn A; Wahlqvist, Mark L; Liang, Yan; Shou, Huixia; Shi, Kai; Yu, Jingquan; Fodor, Nandor; Kaiser, Brent N; Wong, Fuk-Ling; Valliyodan, Babu; Considine, Michael J

2016-08-02

The United Nations declared 2016 as the International Year of Pulses (grain legumes) under the banner 'nutritious seeds for a sustainable future'. A second green revolution is required to ensure food and nutritional security in the face of global climate change. Grain legumes provide an unparalleled solution to this problem because of their inherent capacity for symbiotic atmospheric nitrogen fixation, which provides economically sustainable advantages for farming. In addition, a legume-rich diet has health benefits for humans and livestock alike. However, grain legumes form only a minor part of most current human diets, and legume crops are greatly under-used. Food security and soil fertility could be significantly improved by greater grain legume usage and increased improvement of a range of grain legumes. The current lack of coordinated focus on grain legumes has compromised human health, nutritional security and sustainable food production.

Molecular dynamics simulations investigating consecutive nucleation, solidification and grain growth in a twelve-million-atom Fe-system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okita, Shin; Verestek, Wolfgang; Sakane, Shinji; Takaki, Tomohiro; Ohno, Munekazu; Shibuta, Yasushi

2017-09-01

Continuous processes of homogeneous nucleation, solidification and grain growth are spontaneously achieved from an undercooled iron melt without any phenomenological parameter in the molecular dynamics (MD) simulation with 12 million atoms. The nucleation rate at the critical temperature is directly estimated from the atomistic configuration by cluster analysis to be of the order of 1034 m-3 s-1. Moreover, time evolution of grain size distribution during grain growth is obtained by the combination of Voronoi and cluster analyses. The grain growth exponent is estimated to be around 0.3 from the geometric average of the grain size distribution. Comprehensive understanding of kinetic properties during continuous processes is achieved in the large-scale MD simulation by utilizing the high parallel efficiency of a graphics processing unit (GPU), which is shedding light on the fundamental aspects of production processes of materials from the atomistic viewpoint.

Motion of packings of frictional grains.

PubMed

Halsey, Thomas C

2009-07-01

Friction plays a key role in controlling the rheology of dense granular flows. Counting the number of constraints vs the number of variables indicates that critical coordination numbers Zc=3 (in D=2) and Zc=4 (in D=3) are special, in that states in which all contacts roll without frictional sliding are naively possible at and below these average coordination numbers. We construct an explicit example of such a state in D=2 based on a honeycomb lattice. This state has surprisingly large values for the typical angular velocities of the particles. Solving for the forces in such a state, we conclude that organized shear can exist in this state only on scales l

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jeff Thon, an SRB mechanic with United Space Alliance, is fitted with a harness to test a vertical solid rocket booster propellant grain inspection technique. Thon will be lowered inside a mockup of two segments of the SRBs. The inspection of segments is required as part of safety analysis.

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-09-11

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Jeff Thon, an SRB mechanic with United Space Alliance, is fitted with a harness to test a vertical solid rocket booster propellant grain inspection technique. Thon will be lowered inside a mockup of two segments of the SRBs. The inspection of segments is required as part of safety analysis.

13. INTERIOR VIEW, FIRST FLOOR SHOWING THE ELEVATORS FEEDING GRAIN ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

13. INTERIOR VIEW, FIRST FLOOR SHOWING THE ELEVATORS FEEDING GRAIN FROM THE SECOND FLOOR TO THE GRINDING STONES, WITH GRAIN ELEVATORS IN BACKGROUND (NOTE OUTLINE ON THE FLOOR WHERE ROLLER MILLS WERE ORIGINALLY PLACED) - Schech's Mill, Beaver Creek State Park, La Crescent, Houston County, MN

Cyclicity and reservoir properties of Lower-Middle Miocene sediments of South Kirinsk oil and gas field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurdina, Nadezhda

2017-04-01

Exploration and additional exploration of oil and gas fields, connected with lithological traps, include the spreading forecast of sedimentary bodies with reservoir and seal properties. Genetic identification and forecast of geological bodies are possible in case of large-scale studies, based on the study of cyclicity, structural and textural features of rocks, their composition, lithofacies and depositional environments. Porosity and permeability evaluation of different reservoir groups is also an important part. Such studies have been successfully completed for productive terrigenous Dagi sediments (Lower-Middle Miocene) of the north-eastern shelf of Sakhalin. In order to identify distribution of Dagi reservoirs with different properties in section, core material of the one well of South Kirinsk field has been studied (depth interval from 2902,4 to 2810,5 m). Productive Dagi deposits are represented by gray-colored sandstones with subordinate siltstones and claystones (total thickness 90,5 m). Analysis of cyclicity is based on the concepts of Vassoevich (1977), who considered cycles as geological body, which is the physical result of processes that took place during the sedimentation cycle. Well section was divided into I-X units with different composition and set of genetic features due to layered core description and elementary cyclites identification. According to description of thin sections and results of cylindrical samples porosity and permeability studies five groups of reservoirs were determined. There are coarse-grained and fine-coarse-grained sandstones, fine-grained sandstones, fine-grained silty sandstones, sandy siltstones and siltstones. It was found, in Dagi section there is interval of fine-coarse-grained and coarse-grained sandstones with high petrophysical properties: permeability 3000 mD, porosity more than 25%, but rocks with such properties spread locally and their total thickness is 6 meters only. This interval was described in the IV unit. In the IV unit lower cyclites elements consist of conglomerates and upper by above-mentioned sandstones. The appearance of conglomerates indicates a coastal-marine depositional environment. The most widely spread reservoir type of Dagi section is fine-grained sandstones and fine-grained silty sandstones with porosity value 22-24% and permeability 100-500 mD. They present the lower elements of cyclites in I, II, VII and VIII units. These sandstones contain fragments of pelecypods shells and marks of bioturbation. There are long (up to 1 m) vertical burrows, which means shallow basin and a weak hydrodynamics. The most clayey section parts (units V and VI) that are presented by wavy-horizontal interlayering of clayey siltstones and clayey-silty rocks contain reservoirs but of poorer petrophysical properties. Sandy siltstones with 14-23% porosity and permeability value 1-10 mD. In general, units V and VI are characterized by conditions of active hydrodynamic and sandy siltstones appearance - with additional supply of sediments with temporary flows. Presence of different reservoir groups in Dagi section is controlled by sedimentation factors and reflects succession of vertical genetic series. According to the preliminary assessment, rocks accumulated predominantly in coastal-marine and shallow-marine environment. Frequent change of lithotypes in Dagi section in well 5 of South Kirinsk field indicates significant changes of depositional environment whose diagnostic and identification are an integral part of the field exploration works.

On the competing affects of shear heating and grainsize reduction in lithospheric shear zone formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foley, B. J.

2017-12-01

Grain-size reduction is thought to play an important role in shear localization within the lithosphere, as mylonites are commonly seen in regions that have undergone intense deformation. However, flow in lithospheric shear zones can also cause heating due to the energy dissipated by deformation. As grain growth is strongly enhanced by warmer temperatures, shear heating may impede grainsize reduction and the formation of mylonite zones. I use models of simple shear, with length-scales representative of lithospheric shear zones and plate boundaries, including shear heating and grainsize evolution. Grain-damage theory is used to represent the evolution of grainsize. The models are used to determine conditions where grainsize reduction dominates versus those where shear heating dominates; if grainsize reduction dominates, then heating is held in check by the drop in viscosity brought about by small grains. On the other hand, if heating dominates then grain-reduction is prevented by fast grain-growth rates. From the numerical models, simple scaling laws are developed that give the stready-state grainsize and temperature rise as a function of strain-rate, background temperature, and parameters for grain-growth and grain-reduction. I find that for parameter ranges constrained by field observations of shear zones and rock deformation experiments, grainsize reduction dominated over shear heating. Very high strain-rates or driving stresses, above what is typically expected in natural shear zones, are needed for shear heating to dominate over grainsize reduction. Also explored is the timescale to reach steady-state grainsize and temperature conditions in a shear zone. For realistic driving stress or strain-rate, timescales to reach steady-state are often very long, on the order of hundreds of millions of years or longer. This might indicate that natural shear zones do not reach steady-state, or that additional processes are important in initiating lithospheric shear localization.

Micromagnetic Modeling: a Tool for Studying Remanence in Magnetite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

ter Maat, G. W.; Fabian, K.; Church, N. S.; McEnroe, S. A.

2017-12-01

Micromagnetic modeling is a useful tool in understanding magnetic particle behavior. The domain state of, and interaction between, particles is influenced by their shape, size and spacing. Rocks contain a collection of grains with varying geometries. This study presents models of true geometries obtained by dual-beam focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). Using focused ion beam nanotomography (FIB-nT) the shape and size of individual grains and their spacing are accurately determined. The particle assemblages discussed here are basalts from the Stardalur volcano in Iceland. The main carrier of the magnetization is oxy-exsolved magnetite which contains extensive microstructures from the micron to nanometer scale. The complex morphologies vary in shape from spherical to elongated to sheet-like shapes with SD to PSD domain states. We investigate large oxy-exsolved magnetite grains as well as smaller oxy-exsolved dendritic grains. The obtained 3D volumes are modeled using finite element micromagnetics software MERRILL, to calculate magnetization structures. By modeling a full hysteresis loop we can observe the complete switching process and visualize the mechanism of the reversal of the magnetization. Micromagnetic simulation of hysteresis loops of grains with varying geometry and spacing shows the magnetization state of, and magnetostatic interaction between, different grains. From the simulations the remanence state of the modeled reconstructed geometry is obtained. Modeling the behavior of separate individual grains is compared with modeling assemblages of grains with varying spacing to study the effect of interaction. The use of realistic geometries of oxy-exsolved magnetite in micromagnetic models allows the examination of the influence of shape, size and spacing on the magnetic properties of single particles, and magnetostatic interactions between them.These parameters are varied and tested to find if there is an increase in remanence-carrying capacity. The use of modeling of the realistic representation of the widespread microstructures allow us to test proposed enhancement of remanence, and more stable paleomagnetic recorders.

Inorganic arsenic in rice bran and its products are an order of magnitude higher than in bulk grain.

PubMed

Sun, Guo-Xin; Williams, Paul N; Carey, Anne-Marie; Zhu, Yong-Guan; Deacon, Claire; Raab, Andrea; Feldmann, Joerg; Islam, Rafiqul M; Meharg, Andrew A

2008-10-01

Rice is more elevated in arsenic than all other grain crops tested to date, with whole grain (brown) rice having higher arsenic levels than polished (white). It is reported here that rice bran, both commercially purchased and specifically milled for this study, have levels of inorganic arsenic, a nonthreshold, class 1 carcinogen, reaching concentrations of approximately 1 mg/kg dry weight, around 10-20 fold higher than concentrations found in bulk grain. Although pure rice bran is used as a health food supplement, perhaps of more concern is rice bran solubles, which are marketed as a superfood and as a supplement to malnourished children in international aid programs. Five rice bran solubles products were tested, sourced from the United States and Japan, and were found to have 0.61-1.9 mg/kg inorganic arsenic. Manufactures recommend approximately 20 g servings of the rice bran solubles per day, which equates to a 0.012-0.038 mg intake of inorganic arsenic. There are no maximum concentration levels (MCLs) set for arsenic or its species in food stuffs. EU and U.S. water regulations, set at 0.01 mg/L total or inorganic arsenic, respectively, are based on the assumption that 1 L of water per day is consumed, i.e., 0.01 mg of arsenic/ day. At the manufacturers recommended rice bran solubles consumption rate, inorganic arsenic intake exceeds 0.01 mg/ day, remembering that rice bran solubles are targeted at malnourished children and that actual risk is based on mg kg(-1) day(-1) intake.

Rotation-induced grain growth and stagnation in phase-field crystal models.

PubMed

Bjerre, Mathias; Tarp, Jens M; Angheluta, Luiza; Mathiesen, Joachim

2013-08-01

We consider grain growth and stagnation in polycrystalline microstructures. From the phase-field crystal modeling of the coarsening dynamics, we identify a transition from a grain-growth stagnation upon deep quenching below the melting temperature T(m) to a continuous coarsening at shallower quenching near T(m). The grain evolution is mediated by local grain rotations. In the deep quenching regime, the grain assembly typically reaches a metastable state where the kinetic barrier for recrystallization across boundaries is too large and grain rotation with subsequent coalescence or boundary motion is infeasible. For quenching near T(m), we find that the grain growth depends on the average rate of grain rotation, and follows a power-law behavior with time, with a scaling exponent that depends on the quenching depth.

Optimization of a Nucleic Acids united-RESidue 2-Point model (NARES-2P) with a maximum-likelihood approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Yi; Liwo, Adam; Scheraga, Harold A.

2015-12-01

Coarse-grained models are useful tools to investigate the structural and thermodynamic properties of biomolecules. They are obtained by merging several atoms into one interaction site. Such simplified models try to capture as much as possible information of the original biomolecular system in all-atom representation but the resulting parameters of these coarse-grained force fields still need further optimization. In this paper, a force field optimization method, which is based on maximum-likelihood fitting of the simulated to the experimental conformational ensembles and least-squares fitting of the simulated to the experimental heat-capacity curves, is applied to optimize the Nucleic Acid united-RESidue 2-point (NARES-2P) model for coarse-grained simulations of nucleic acids recently developed in our laboratory. The optimized NARES-2P force field reproduces the structural and thermodynamic data of small DNA molecules much better than the original force field.

A Calculus for Boxes and Traits in a Java-Like Setting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bettini, Lorenzo; Damiani, Ferruccio; de Luca, Marco; Geilmann, Kathrin; Schäfer, Jan

The box model is a component model for the object-oriented paradigm, that defines components (the boxes) with clear encapsulation boundaries. Having well-defined boundaries is crucial in component-based software development, because it enables to argue about the interference and interaction between a component and its context. In general, boxes contain several objects and inner boxes, of which some are local to the box and cannot be accessed from other boxes and some can be accessible by other boxes. A trait is a set of methods divorced from any class hierarchy. Traits can be composed together to form classes or other traits. We present a calculus for boxes and traits. Traits are units of fine-grained reuse, whereas boxes can be seen as units of coarse-grained reuse. The calculus is equipped with an ownership type system and allows us to combine coarse- and fine-grained reuse of code by maintaining encapsulation of components.

Self-confinement of finite dust clusters in isotropic plasmas.

PubMed

Miloshevsky, G V; Hassanein, A

2012-05-01

Finite two-dimensional dust clusters are systems of a small number of charged grains. The self-confinement of dust clusters in isotropic plasmas is studied using the particle-in-cell method. The energetically favorable configurations of grains in plasma are found that are due to the kinetic effects of plasma ions and electrons. The self-confinement phenomenon is attributed to the change in the plasma composition within a dust cluster resulting in grain attraction mediated by plasma ions. This is a self-consistent state of a dust cluster in which grain's repulsion is compensated by the reduced charge and floating potential on grains, overlapped ion clouds, and depleted electrons within a cluster. The common potential well is formed trapping dust clusters in the confined state. These results provide both valuable insights and a different perspective to the classical view on the formation of boundary-free dust clusters in isotropic plasmas.

Fuel alcohol: some economic complexities in Brazil and in the United States. Energy in developing countries series: Discussion Paper D-73G. [Monograph

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

Islam, S.; Ramsay, W.

1982-01-01

Two related papers (one by each author) examine some of the problems and point out some complexities that must be taken into account in evaluating the alcohol option. Islam notes particularly Brazil's dilemma in relinquishing its domination of world sugar markets in favor of fuel-alcohol programs that will offer more resilience to future oil shocks. Ramsay stresses the practicability of alcohol for fuel import replacement compared to other synthetic fuels; he prefers the alcohol-from-grain option, especially when considered within the context of government incentives and availability of idle land. 24 references. (DCK)

A Weighty Subject: Exploration for Heavy Minerals Across the State of Mississippi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gifford, J.; Woolsey, A. I.; Yarbrough, L. D.; Platt, B. F.; Widanagamage, I. H.; Easson, G. L.

2017-12-01

Preliminary analysis has shown that an array of industrial minerals is known to occur in offshore deposits on the Gulf Coast as well as on-shore deposits in the Upper Cretaceous and Paleogene-Neogene clastic units, such as the Meridian Sand Member of the Eocene Tallahatta Formation in northeastern Mississippi. Furthermore, economic deposits occur within Holocene sediments along the Pearl and Pascagoula Rivers as well as along the modern Gulf of Mexico shoreline. These industrial minerals include suites of heavy minerals (specific gravity ≥2.97) that contain oxides of titanium (ilmenite, rutile, and leucoxene), oxides of zirconium (zircon), and the complex rare-earth-bearing phosphates (monazite and xenotime). These oxides are essential constituents of a wide-range of industrial materials critical to common technologies and the bulk of these mineral commodities are presently dependent on foreign supply. Current offshore deposits have been shown to be economic but are likely no longer accessible given their location within the Gulf Islands National Seashore. This comprehensive study is developing a heavy mineral occurrence dataset for the state of Mississippi including detailed analyses of the industrial mineral resources available within the state. More than 100 samples have been collected across the state from active and non-operating sand pit mining locations. The heavy mineral fraction of each sample was separated using lithium heteropolytungstates (LST) and gravity-based separation techniques. A grain mount for each sample was prepared with the heavy mineral fraction and the percentage values for each heavy mineral species were obtained from 200 grain counts per sample grain mount. Typical heavy mineral fraction for the sample set was approximately 0.9 % with an array from 0.0% to some samples ranging to a greater concentration of 7.5%. The resulting dataset will be further analyzed for geospatial similarities in trends and occurrences. Additional data collection is needed to confirm if heavy mineral enrichment is related to specific geomorphologic features, depositional features, or a combination of weathering specific source material at particular times in the geologic record.

Gas hydrate reservoirs and gas migration mechanisms in the Terrebonne Basin, Gulf of Mexico

DOE PAGES

Hillman, Jess I. T.; Cook, Ann E.; Daigle, Hugh; ...

2017-07-27

Here, the interactions of microbial methane generation in fine-grained clay-rich sediments, methane migration, and gas hydrate accumulation in coarse-grained, sand-rich sediments are not yet fully understood. The Terrebonne Basin in the northern Gulf of Mexico provides an ideal setting to investigate the migration of methane resulting in the formation of hydrate in thin sand units interbedded with fractured muds. Using 3D seismic and well log data, we have identified several previously unidentified hydrate bearing units in the Terrebonne Basin. Two units are >100 m- thick fine-grained clay-rich units where gas hydrate occurs in near-vertical fractures. In some locations, these fine-grainedmore » units lack fracture features, and they contain 1-4-m thick hydrate bearing-sands. In addition, several other thin sand units were identified that contain gas hydrate, including one sand that was intersected by a well at the location of a discontinuous bottom-simulating reflector. Using correlation of well log data to seismic data, we have mapped and described these new units in detail across the extent of the available data, allowing us to determine the variation of seismic amplitudes and investigate the distribution of free gas and/or hydrate. We present several potential source-reservoir scenarios between the thick fractured mud units and thin hydrate bearing sands. We observe that hydrate preferentially forms within thin sand layers rather than fractures when sands are present in larger marine mud units. Based on regional mapping showing the patchy lateral extent of the thin sand layers, we propose that diffusive methane migration or short-migration of microbially generated methane from the marine mud units led to the formation of hydrate in these thin sands, as discontinuous sands would not be conducive to long-range migration of methane from deeper reservoirs.« less

Gas hydrate reservoirs and gas migration mechanisms in the Terrebonne Basin, Gulf of Mexico

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

Hillman, Jess I. T.; Cook, Ann E.; Daigle, Hugh

Here, the interactions of microbial methane generation in fine-grained clay-rich sediments, methane migration, and gas hydrate accumulation in coarse-grained, sand-rich sediments are not yet fully understood. The Terrebonne Basin in the northern Gulf of Mexico provides an ideal setting to investigate the migration of methane resulting in the formation of hydrate in thin sand units interbedded with fractured muds. Using 3D seismic and well log data, we have identified several previously unidentified hydrate bearing units in the Terrebonne Basin. Two units are >100 m- thick fine-grained clay-rich units where gas hydrate occurs in near-vertical fractures. In some locations, these fine-grainedmore » units lack fracture features, and they contain 1-4-m thick hydrate bearing-sands. In addition, several other thin sand units were identified that contain gas hydrate, including one sand that was intersected by a well at the location of a discontinuous bottom-simulating reflector. Using correlation of well log data to seismic data, we have mapped and described these new units in detail across the extent of the available data, allowing us to determine the variation of seismic amplitudes and investigate the distribution of free gas and/or hydrate. We present several potential source-reservoir scenarios between the thick fractured mud units and thin hydrate bearing sands. We observe that hydrate preferentially forms within thin sand layers rather than fractures when sands are present in larger marine mud units. Based on regional mapping showing the patchy lateral extent of the thin sand layers, we propose that diffusive methane migration or short-migration of microbially generated methane from the marine mud units led to the formation of hydrate in these thin sands, as discontinuous sands would not be conducive to long-range migration of methane from deeper reservoirs.« less

Quantitative comparison of alternative methods for coarse-graining biological networks

PubMed Central

Bowman, Gregory R.; Meng, Luming; Huang, Xuhui

2013-01-01

Markov models and master equations are a powerful means of modeling dynamic processes like protein conformational changes. However, these models are often difficult to understand because of the enormous number of components and connections between them. Therefore, a variety of methods have been developed to facilitate understanding by coarse-graining these complex models. Here, we employ Bayesian model comparison to determine which of these coarse-graining methods provides the models that are most faithful to the original set of states. We find that the Bayesian agglomerative clustering engine and the hierarchical Nyström expansion graph (HNEG) typically provide the best performance. Surprisingly, the original Perron cluster cluster analysis (PCCA) method often provides the next best results, outperforming the newer PCCA+ method and the most probable paths algorithm. We also show that the differences between the models are qualitatively significant, rather than being minor shifts in the boundaries between states. The performance of the methods correlates well with the entropy of the resulting coarse-grainings, suggesting that finding states with more similar populations (i.e., avoiding low population states that may just be noise) gives better results. PMID:24089717

Effect of sprouted barley grain supplementation of an herbage or haylage diet on ruminal fermentation and methane output in continuous culture

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A 4-unit dual-flow continuous culture fermentor system was used to assess the effect of supplementing 7-d sprouted barley (SB) or barley grain (BG), with a pasture (orchardgrass) or haylage diet, on nutrient digestibility, VFA production, bacterial protein synthesis, and methane production. Treatmen...

78 FR 13014 - Designation of West Lafayette (IN) To Provide Class X or Class Y Weighing Services

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-02-26

... West Lafayette (IN) To Provide Class X or Class Y Weighing Services AGENCY: Grain Inspection, Packers... Titus Grain Inspection, Inc. (Titus) to provide Class X or Class Y weighing services under the United... currently assigned geographic area. Titus's present designation is amended to include Class X or Class Y...

78 FR 51138 - Designation of Muncie (IN) To Provide Class X or Class Y Weighing Services

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-20

... Muncie (IN) To Provide Class X or Class Y Weighing Services AGENCY: Grain Inspection, Packers and... Grain Inspection, Inc. (East Indiana) to provide Class X or Class Y weighing services under the United... amended to include Class X or Class Y weighing within their assigned geographic area, effective July 29...

Mapping grasslands suitable for cellulosic biofuels in the Greater Platte River Basin, United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wylie, Bruce K.; Gu, Yingxin

2012-01-01

Biofuels are an important component in the development of alternative energy supplies, which is needed to achieve national energy independence and security in the United States. The most common biofuel product today in the United States is corn-based ethanol; however, its development is limited because of concerns about global food shortages, livestock and food price increases, and water demand increases for irrigation and ethanol production. Corn-based ethanol also potentially contributes to soil erosion, and pesticides and fertilizers affect water quality. Studies indicate that future potential production of cellulosic ethanol is likely to be much greater than grain- or starch-based ethanol. As a result, economics and policy incentives could, in the near future, encourage expansion of cellulosic biofuels production from grasses, forest woody biomass, and agricultural and municipal wastes. If production expands, cultivation of cellulosic feedstock crops, such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and miscanthus (Miscanthus species), is expected to increase dramatically. The main objective of this study is to identify grasslands in the Great Plains that are potentially suitable for cellulosic feedstock (such as switchgrass) production. Producing ethanol from noncropland holdings (such as grassland) will minimize the effects of biofuel developments on global food supplies. Our pilot study area is the Greater Platte River Basin, which includes a broad range of plant productivity from semiarid grasslands in the west to the fertile corn belt in the east. The Greater Platte River Basin was the subject of related U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) integrated research projects.

Timing of chaotic terrain formation in Argadnel Regio, Europa, and implications for geological history

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parro, Laura M.; Ruiz, Javier; Pappalardo, Robert T.

2016-10-01

Chaos terrains are among the most prominent landforms of Europa, and are generally among the youngest features recorded on the surface. Chaos units were formed by to endogenic activity, maybe related to solid-state convection and thermal diapirism in the ice shell, perhaps aided by melting of salt-rich ice bodies below the surface. In this work, we analyze the different units of chaotic terrain in a portion of Argadnel Regio, a region located on the anti-Jovian hemisphere of Europa, and their possible timing in the general stratigraphic framework of this satellite. Two different chaos units can be differentiated, based on surface texture, morphology, and cross-cutting relationships with other units, and from interpretations based on pre-existing surface restoration through elimination of a low albedo band. The existence of two stratigraphically different chaos units implies that conditions for chaos formation occurred during more than a single discreet time on Europa, at least in Argadnel Regio, and perhaps in other places. The existence of older chaos units on Europa might be related to convective episodes possibly favored by local conditions in the icy shell, such as variations in grain size, abundance of non-water ice-components, or regional thickness of the brittle lithosphere or the entire ice shell.

Sedimentary architecture of the Shaler outcrop, Gale Crater, Mars: paleoenvironmental and sediment transport implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, S.; Edgar, L. A.; Rubin, D. M.; Lewis, K. W.; Kocurek, G.; Anderson, R. B.; Bell, J. F.; Dromart, G.; Edgett, K. S.; Grotzinger, J. P.; Hardgrove, C. J.; Kah, L. C.; Leveille, R. J.; Malin, M.; Mangold, N.; Milliken, R.; Minitti, M. E.; Muller, J.; Rice, M. S.; Rowland, S. K.; Schieber, J.; Stack, K.; Sumner, D. Y.; Team, M.

2013-12-01

Sedimentary rocks are archives of ancient depositional processes and environments on planetary surfaces. Reconstructing such processes and environments requires observations of sedimentary structures and architecture (the large-scale geometry and organisation of sedimentary bedsets). We report the analysis of the distinct Shaler outcrop, a prominent stratified unit located between the Bathurst Inlet outcrop and the floor of Yellowknife bay. The Shaler outcrop is an ~1 m thick stratal unit that spans approximately 30 m outcrop in length, and was examined by Curiosity on sols 120-121 and more recently on sols 309-324. Detailed stereo observations of the outcrop across most of its entire lateral extent were made using Navigation and Mast Cameras. These data permit detailed analysis of stratal geometries, distribution of sedimentary structures, and broad grain size trends. Overall the Shaler outcrop comprises a heterogeneous assemblage of interstratified platy sandstones separated by recessive, likely finer-grained beds. Coarser-grained beds are characterised by decimeter-scale trough cross-bedding. The north-eastern section of the outcrop shows greater abundance of interstratified sandstones and finer-grained beds. The southwestern section is characterised by darker bedsets that are likely coarser grained interstratified with finer-grained sandstones. The darker bedsets appear to comprise stacked trough-cross stratified bedsets. Finer-grained recessive intervals are not apparent in this section. The presence and scale of trough cross-stratification indicates that sediment was transported by the migration of sinuous crested dunes. Bedding geometries indicate sub-critical angles of climb. We examine the large-scale bedset architecture to evaluate the original depositional geometry of the Shaler sedimentary system, and consider its plausible depositional processes and paleoenvironmental setting. Finally, we consider its relationship to the sedimentary succession exposed in the Yellowknife bay region.

Microstructural Indicators Of Convection In Sills And Dykes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holness, M. B.; Neufeld, J. A.; Gilbert, A. J.; Macdonald, R.

2016-12-01

The question of whether or not convection occurs in crustal magma chambers is a vexed one, with some advocating vigorous convection while others argue that convection is weak and short-lived. We argue that microstructural analysis is key to determining whether crystallization took place in solidification fronts or whether crystals grew suspended in a convecting magma before settling. The 168m, composite, Shiant Isles Main Sill is dominated by a 140m unit, of which the lower 45m contains olivine phenocrysts. The phenocrysts first fine upwards, then coarsen upwards. The coarsening-upwards sequence contains clustered olivines. Both the extent of sintering and average cluster size increase upwards. The coarsening-upwards sequence is mirrored at the roof. The fining-upwards sequence formed by rapid settling of incoming cargo crystals, while the coarsening-upwards sequence represents post-emplacement growth and clustering of grains suspended in a convecting magma. Convection is also recorded by plagioclase grain shape. Well-facetted and compact plagioclase grains are platy in rapidly-cooled rocks and blocky in slowly-cooled rocks. Plagioclase grain shape varies smoothly across mafic sills, consistent with growth in solidification fronts. In contrast, grain shape is invariant across mafic dykes, consistent with growth as individual grains and clusters suspended in a convecting magma. Convection in sills occurs when the critical Rayleigh number is exceeded, but cooling at vertical walls always results in convective instabilities. That the Shiant Isles Main Sill records prolonged and vigorous convection, while other sills of comparable thickness record grain growth predominantly in solidification fronts, is most likely due to the composite nature of the Shiant. The 140m unit is underlain by 23m of picrite which intruded shortly before - the strongly asymmetric cooling and absence of a cold, stagnant basal thermal boundary layer make convection throughout the sill more likely.

Polarization and microstructural effects of ceramic hydroxyapatite electrets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Yumi; Iwasaki, Takeshi; Nakamura, Miho; Nagai, Akiko; Katayama, Keiichi; Yamashita, Kimihiro

2010-01-01

To provide bioelectrets with controlled electrical energy, the polarization and relaxation characteristics of hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramic electrets were investigated in terms of poling conditions and microstructures. HA electrets were prepared between 250 and 500 °C for 5-120 min under a 5 kV cm-1 dc electrical field. Poling conditions and grain size of HA ceramics significantly influenced the thermally stimulated depolarization current (TSDC) spectra and charge storage (Q). Under a poling field of 5 kV cm-1, varying the poling temperature from 250 to 500 °C drastically shifted the TSDC peak temperature from 250 to 620 °C and increased Q from 0.5 to 45 μC cm-2. The change in the average grain size from 2 to 11 μm increased the Q value from 15 to 60 μC cm-2 with a negligible shift in the TSDC peak position. The measured difference of the TSDC peak shapes and positions, as well as the Q values, was theoretically due to the four polarization states with different activation energies (Edr) of dipole relaxation and the pre-exponential factor of relaxation times (τ0). The dependences on the poling conditions and grain size indicated that the four states were due to the orientation polarization of absorbed water (state 1), the localizations of displaced protons around PO43- and OH- in the grains (states 2 and 3), and the localization of displaced protons in the grain boundaries (state 4).

Image analysis using reflected light: an underutilized tool for interpreting magnetic fabrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waters-Tormey, C. L.; Liner, T.; Miller, B.; Kelso, P. R.

2010-12-01

Grain shape fabric analysis is one of the most common tools used to compare magnetic fabric and handsample scale rock fabric. Usually, this image analysis uses photomicrographs taken under plane or polarized light, which may be problematic if there are several dominant magnetic carriers (e.g., magnetite and pyrrhotite). The method developed for this study uses reflected light photomicrographs, and is effective in assessing the relative contribution of different phases to the opaque mineral shape-preferred orientation (SPO). Mosaics of high-resolution photomicrographs are first assembled and processed in Adobe Photoshop®. The Adobe Illustrator® “Live Trace” tool, whose settings can be optimized for reflected light images, completes initial automatic grain tracing and phase separation. Checking and re-classification of phases using reflected light properties and trace editing occurs manually. Phase identification is confirmed by microprobe or quantitative EDS, after which grain traces are easily reclassified as needed. Traces are imported into SPO2003 (Launeau and Robin, 2005) for SPO analysis. The combination of image resolution and magnification used here includes grains down to 10 microns. This work is part of an ongoing study examining fabric development across strain gradients in the granulite facies Capricorn ridge shear zone exposed in the Mt. Hay block of central Australia (Waters-Tormey et al., 2009). Strain marker shape fabrics, mesoscale structures, and strain localization adjacent to major lithologic boundaries all indicate that the deformation involved flattening, but that components of the deformation have been partitioned into different lithological domains. Thin sections were taken from the two gabbroic map units which volumetrically dominate the shear zone (northern and southern) using samples with similar outcrop fabric intensity. Prior thermomagnetic analyses indicate these units contain magnetite ± titanomagnetite ± ilmenite ± pyrrhotite. When all opaque minerals are combined into one SPO in the northern unit, they define a triaxial (plane) shape fabric, wheras AMS and AARM T values, the orientation distribution of AMS and AARM axes, and shape fabrics defined by other strain markers (pyroxene grains, biotite grains, felsic grain aggregates in outcrop) indicate overall oblate shape fabrics. Magnetite, ilmenite and sulfides were identified in reflected light in all three samples. Magnetite ± ilmenite are dominant (1-2%; 300-1500 sample sizes) with sulfides <1% (16-223 grains). Backscatter images and EDS were used to improve magnetite and ilmenite classification, and isolate pyrrhotite from sulfide complexes. Shape axes of individual and clustered opaque grains are overall well-aligned in all three samples. However, ilmenite shape axis ratios are 2-3 times that of magnetite and pyrrhotite. Separating opaque phase shape fabrics in these samples therefore better characterizes SPO intensity and grain fabric type for comparison with AMS and AARM results.

Cytoplasmic connection of sperm cells to the pollen vegetative cell nucleus: potential roles of the male germ unit revisited.

PubMed

McCue, Andrea D; Cresti, Mauro; Feijó, José A; Slotkin, R Keith

2011-03-01

The male germ cells of angiosperm plants are neither free-living nor flagellated and therefore are dependent on the unique structure of the pollen grain for fertilization. During angiosperm male gametogenesis, an asymmetric mitotic division produces the generative cell, which is completely enclosed within the cytoplasm of the larger pollen grain vegetative cell. Mitotic division of the generative cell generates two sperm cells that remain connected by a common extracellular matrix with potential intercellular connections. In addition, one sperm cell has a cytoplasmic projection in contact with the vegetative cell nucleus. The shared extracellular matrix of the two sperm cells and the physical association of one sperm cell to the vegetative cell nucleus forms a linkage of all the genetic material in the pollen grain, termed the male germ unit. Found in species representing both the monocot and eudicot lineages, the cytoplasmic projection is formed by vesicle formation and microtubule elongation shortly after the formation of the generative cell and tethers the male germ unit until just prior to fertilization. The cytoplasmic projection plays a structural role in linking the male germ unit, but potentially plays other important roles. Recently, it has been speculated that the cytoplasmic projection and the male germ unit may facilitate communication between the somatic vegetative cell nucleus and the germinal sperm cells, via RNA and/or protein transport. This review focuses on the nature of the sperm cell cytoplasmic projection and the potential communicative function of the male germ unit.

Spectroscopic classification of icy satellites of Saturn I: Identification of terrain units on Dione

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scipioni, F.; Tosi, F.; Stephan, K.; Filacchione, G.; Ciarniello, M.; Capaccioni, F.; Cerroni, P.

2013-11-01

Dione is one of the largest and densest icy satellites of Saturn. Its surface shows a marked asymmetry between its leading and trailing hemispheres, the leading side being brighter than the trailing side, which shows regions mantled by a dark veneer whose origin is likely exogenic. In order to identify different terrain units we applied the Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) classification technique to Dione’s hyperspectral images acquired by the Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) onboard the Cassini Orbiter in the infrared range (0.88-5.12 μm). On a relatively limited portion of the surface of Dione we first identified nine spectral endmembers, corresponding to as many terrain units, which mostly distinguish for water ice abundance and ice grain size. We then used these endmembers in SAM to achieve a comprehensive classification of the entire surface. The analysis of the infrared spectra returned by VIMS shows that different regions of Dione have variations in water ice bands depths, in average ice grain size, and in the concentration of contaminants, such as CO2 and hydrocarbons, which are clearly connected to morphological and geological structures. Generally, the spectral units that classify optically dark terrains are those showing suppressed water ice bands, a finer ice grain size and a higher concentration of carbon dioxide. Conversely, spectral units labeling brighter regions have deeper water ice absorption bands, higher albedo and a smaller concentration of contaminants. We also considered VIMS cubes of the small satellite Helene (one of the two Dione’s trojan moons) and we compared its infrared spectra to those of the spectral units found on Dione. We observe that the closest match between the spectra of the two satellites occurs for one of the youngest and freshest terrain units on Dione: the Creusa crater region.

Large enhancement of superconducting transition temperature in single-element superconducting rhenium by shear strain

PubMed Central

Mito, Masaki; Matsui, Hideaki; Tsuruta, Kazuki; Yamaguchi, Tomiko; Nakamura, Kazuma; Deguchi, Hiroyuki; Shirakawa, Naoki; Adachi, Hiroki; Yamasaki, Tohru; Iwaoka, Hideaki; Ikoma, Yoshifumi; Horita, Zenji

2016-01-01

Finding a physical approach for increasing the superconducting transition temperature (Tc) is a challenge in the field of material science. Shear strain effects on the superconductivity of rhenium were investigated using magnetic measurements, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and first-principles calculations. A large shear strain reduces the grain size and simultaneously expands the unit cells, resulting in an increase in Tc. Here we show that this shear strain approach is a new method for enhancing Tc and differs from that using hydrostatic strain. The enhancement of Tc is explained by an increase in net electron–electron coupling rather than a change in the density of states near the Fermi level. The shear strain effect in rhenium could be a successful example of manipulating Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer-type Cooper pairing, in which the unit cell volumes are indeed a key parameter. PMID:27811983

Self-assembly kinetics of DNA functionalised liposomes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mognetti, B. M.; Bachmann, S. J.; Kotar, J.; Parolini, L.; Petitzon, M.; Cicuta, P.; di Michele, L.

DNA has been largely used to program state-dependent interactions between functionalised Brownian units resulting in responsive systems featuring complex phase behaviours. In this talk I will show how DNA can also be used to control aggregation kinetics in systems of liposomes functionalised by three types of linkers that can simultaneously bind. In doing so, I will present a general coarse-graining strategy that allows calculating the adhesion free energy between pairs of compliant units functionalised by mobile binders. I will highlight the important role played by bilayer deformability and will calculate the free energy contribution due to the presence of complexes made by more than two binders. Finally we will demonstrate the importance of explicitly accounting for the kinetics underlying ligand-receptor reactions when studying large-scale self-assembly. We acknowledge support from ULB, the Oppenheimer Fund, and the EPSRC Programme Grant CAPITALS No. EP/J017566/1.

The Silurian Hoedongri Formation in the Taebaeksan Basin of Korea Revisited: its Significance in the Tectonic Reconstruction of East Asia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chae, S.; Hong, J.; Jung, S.; Ree, J.

2011-12-01

The Silurian Hoedongri Formation of the Taebaeksan Basin of South Korea has been used as a key unit to the correlation of tectonic provinces of East Asia since the South China craton (or Yangtz block) contains Silurian-Devonian sequences as well as Cambrian-Ordovician ones in the Paleozoic basins while the North China craton (or Sino-Korea block) is devoid of Silurian-Devonian sequences. In the Biryongdong area near the type locality of the Hoedongri Formation, it has been reported that the gray limestone of the Hoedongri Formation unconformably overlies brownish gray limestone of the Ordovician Haengmae Formation. However, our detailed examination on the Biryongdong section reveals that both of the brownish gray and gray limestones are mylonitic marbles with the boundary between the two units being a healed fault breccia zone (~ 12 m thick). The main difference of the two units is that repeated cycles of plastic deformation and fracturing occurred in the underlying brownish gray marble ('Haengmae') while the gray marble ('Hoedongri') deformed mainly by intracrystalline plasticity. The mylonitic foliation strikes NW with a low to moderate dip angle (20-60°) to NE. The ridge-in-groove type lineation on foliation surface trends NNW. The shape-preferred foliation of elongated calcite grains are oblique to the mylonitic foliation defined by layers with a grain-size variation, indicating a top-to-the-SSE shear sense. The mylonitic marble consists of elongated remnant grains (80-120 μm) with deformation twins and dynamically recrystallized matrix grains (10-40 μm). Grain boundaries and twin boundaries are lobate or wavy, indicating dynamic boundary migration. Some layers of the gray mylonitic marble are composed entirely of larger (80-120 μm) elongated calcite grains. In the brownish gray mylonitic marble unit, layers of brittle fracturing overprinting mylonitic foliation occur. In some of these layers, fragments (several cm - tens of cm) of the mylonitic marble are angular to subangular with coarse calcite fillings between the fragments. In other layers, mylonitic marble fragments are elongated with matrix foliation wrapping around them. These features suggest repeated cycles of plastic deformation and fracturing. Tectonic significance of this shear zone (at least 90 m thick) is not clear at present, and the regional extent and absolute age constraint of the shear zone should be clarified.

Alpine lakes preserve mineral dust signatures: Implications for long-range mineral dust transport and Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) tornado frequency in the United States

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharya, A.; Lora, J. M.; Pollen, A.; Vollmer, T.; Thomas, M.; Leithold, E. L.; Mitchell, J.; Tripati, A.

2016-12-01

The net amount of mineral dust accumulation in arid and semi-arid regions might not be entirely sourced locally or even regionally; in fact, new evidence suggests that there could be significant contributions from distal sources. The contribution from the distal sources needs to be identified, and accounted for, in order to accurately understand the meteorological and climatologic factors, both regional and global, that control mineral dust accumulation in arid and semi-arid regions. Most importantly, if identified, the two components of mineral dust accumulation- fine fraction (typically <4 microns) and coarse fraction (typically >25 microns)- could provide critical information about regional as well as global climate. There are large-scale climatological controls on the finer fraction of mineral dust, while the coarser fraction is related to intense invents (i.e., the occurrence of cyclones). However, studies attempting to separate these two size fractions in terrestrial archives have been limited. Here we separate the two size fractions using grain size analysis, and use trace element analysis in each size fraction to identify contributing source regions. We apply this technique to well-dated cores collected from three lakes that are distributed across the western, southwestern and Great Plains in the United States: Pear Lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains (CA), Senator Beck Lake in the San Juan Mountains (CO), and North Lake (WY). These lakes are uniquely situated to monitor dust fluxes; previous studies have demonstrated that sedimentation in these lakes are dominated by mineral dust accumulation; there is also evidence of remotely and locally sourced dust in these lakes, and of textural differences between the two types of dust fractions. We compare our results with previously published data on dust from loess deposits in the United States, and isotopic modeling (LMDZ). We find evidence that the finer-grain size fraction in alpine lake cores could be of remote origin; work is underway to quantify this contribution. Most importantly, we find that during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) the Great Plains may not have witnessed an increase in the incidence of tornado frequency. Acknowledgements: James Sigman, Jacob Ashford, Jason Neff and Amato Evan

Graphite

USGS Publications Warehouse

Robinson, Gilpin R.; Hammarstrom, Jane M.; Olson, Donald W.; Schulz, Klaus J.; DeYoung,, John H.; Seal, Robert R.; Bradley, Dwight C.

2017-12-19

Graphite is a form of pure carbon that normally occurs as black crystal flakes and masses. It has important properties, such as chemical inertness, thermal stability, high electrical conductivity, and lubricity (slipperiness) that make it suitable for many industrial applications, including electronics, lubricants, metallurgy, and steelmaking. For some of these uses, no suitable substitutes are available. Steelmaking and refractory applications in metallurgy use the largest amount of produced graphite; however, emerging technology uses in large-scale fuel cell, battery, and lightweight high-strength composite applications could substantially increase world demand for graphite.Graphite ores are classified as “amorphous” (microcrystalline), and “crystalline” (“flake” or “lump or chip”) based on the ore’s crystallinity, grain-size, and morphology. All graphite deposits mined today formed from metamorphism of carbonaceous sedimentary rocks, and the ore type is determined by the geologic setting. Thermally metamorphosed coal is the usual source of amorphous graphite. Disseminated crystalline flake graphite is mined from carbonaceous metamorphic rocks, and lump or chip graphite is mined from veins in high-grade metamorphic regions. Because graphite is chemically inert and nontoxic, the main environmental concerns associated with graphite mining are inhalation of fine-grained dusts, including silicate and sulfide mineral particles, and hydrocarbon vapors produced during the mining and processing of ore. Synthetic graphite is manufactured from hydrocarbon sources using high-temperature heat treatment, and it is more expensive to produce than natural graphite.Production of natural graphite is dominated by China, India, and Brazil, which export graphite worldwide. China provides approximately 67 percent of worldwide output of natural graphite, and, as the dominant exporter, has the ability to set world prices. China has significant graphite reserves, and China’s graphite production is expected to increase, although rising labor costs and some mine production problems are developing. China is expected to continue to be the dominant exporter for the near future. Mexico and Canada export graphite mainly to the United States, which has not had domestic production of natural graphite since the 1950s. Most graphite deposits in the United States are too small, low-grade, or remote to be of commercial value in the near future, and the likelihood of discovering larger, higher-grade, or favorably located domestic deposits is unlikely. The United States is a major producer of synthetic graphite.

Jamming of Cylindrical Grains in Featureless Vertical Channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baxter, G. William; Barr, Nicholas; Weible, Seth; Friedl, Nicholas

2013-03-01

We study jamming of low aspect-ratio cylindrical Delrin grains falling through a featureless vertical channel. With a grain height less than the grain diameter, these grains resemble aspirin tablets, poker chips, or coins. Unidisperse grains are allowed to fall under the influence of gravity through a uniform channel of square cross-section where the channel width is greater than the grain size and constant along the length of the channel. Channel widths are chosen so that no combination of grain heights and diameters is equal to the channel width. Collections of grains sometimes form jams, stable structures in which the grains are supported by the channel walls and not by grains or walls beneath them. The probability of a jam occurring and the jam's strength are influenced by the grain dimensions and channel width. We will present experimental measurements of the jamming probability and jam strength and discuss the relationship of these results to other experiments and theories. Supported by an Undergraduate Research Grant from Penn State Erie, The Behrend College

Gamma-ray dose rate surveys help investigating century-scale beach ridge progradation in the wave-dominated Catumbela delta (Angola)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dinis, Pedro A.; Pereira, Alcides C.; Quinzeca, Domingos; Jombi, Domingos

2017-10-01

A strandplain at the downdrift side of the wave-dominated Catumbela delta (Angola) includes distinguishable deposits with very high natural radioactivity (up to 0.44 microSv/hour). In order to establish the geometry of these sedimentary units and understand their genetic processes, dose rate surveys were performed with the portable equipment Rados RDS-40WE. In addition, grain-size distribution, heavy-mineral composition and gamma-ray mass spectra of the high dose rate deposits were analysed. High dose rate values are found in ribbon units aligned parallel to the shoreline, which are a few tens of meters wide and up to approximately 3 km long. These units reflect the concentration of Th-bearing grains in coastal deposits enriched in heavy minerals. An integrated analysis of the high dose rate ribbons in GIS environment with aerial photography and topographic maps suggests that parts of the high dose rate units formed during the last two centuries may be related with the erosion of older shoreline deposits, due to updrift displacements of the Catumbela river outlet and recycling of shoreline accumulations with downdrift deposition. Simple gamma-ray surveys carried out with a portable detector can unravel depositional units characterised by significant enrichment in heavy-mineral grains that are likely to correspond to key events in the evolution of wave-dominated accumulations. The location of such deposits should be taken into account when planning future work using more expensive or time-consuming techniques.

The contribution of grain boundary and defects to the resistivity in the ferromagnetic state of polycrystalline manganites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sagdeo, P. R.; Anwar, Shahid; Lalla, N. P.; Patil, S. I.

2006-11-01

In the present study we report the precise resistivity measurements for the polycrystalline bulk sample as well as highly oriented thin-films of La 0.8Ca 0.2MnO 3. The poly crystalline sample was prepared by standard solid-state reaction route and the oriented thin film was prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The phase purity of these samples was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and the back-scattered electron imaging using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The oxygen stoichiometry analysis was done by iodimetry titration. The resistivities of these samples were carried out with four-probe resistivity measurement setup. The observed temperature dependence of resistivity data for both the samples was fitted using the polaron model. We have found that polaronic model fits well with the experimental data of both polycrystalline and single crystal samples. A new phenomenological model is proposed and used to estimate contribution to the resistivity due to grain boundary in the ferromagnetic state of polycrystalline manganites and it has been shown that the scattering of electrons from the grain boundary (grain surface) is a function of temperature and controlled by the effective grain resistance at that temperature.

Energy Potential and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Bioenergy Cropping Systems on Marginally Productive Cropland

PubMed Central

Schmer, Marty R.; Vogel, Kenneth P.; Varvel, Gary E.; Follett, Ronald F.; Mitchell, Robert B.; Jin, Virginia L.

2014-01-01

Low-carbon biofuel sources are being developed and evaluated in the United States and Europe to partially offset petroleum transport fuels. Current and potential biofuel production systems were evaluated from a long-term continuous no-tillage corn (Zea mays L.) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) field trial under differing harvest strategies and nitrogen (N) fertilizer intensities to determine overall environmental sustainability. Corn and switchgrass grown for bioenergy resulted in near-term net greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions of −29 to −396 grams of CO2 equivalent emissions per megajoule of ethanol per year as a result of direct soil carbon sequestration and from the adoption of integrated biofuel conversion pathways. Management practices in switchgrass and corn resulted in large variation in petroleum offset potential. Switchgrass, using best management practices produced 3919±117 liters of ethanol per hectare and had 74±2.2 gigajoules of petroleum offsets per hectare which was similar to intensified corn systems (grain and 50% residue harvest under optimal N rates). Co-locating and integrating cellulosic biorefineries with existing dry mill corn grain ethanol facilities improved net energy yields (GJ ha−1) of corn grain ethanol by >70%. A multi-feedstock, landscape approach coupled with an integrated biorefinery would be a viable option to meet growing renewable transportation fuel demands while improving the energy efficiency of first generation biofuels. PMID:24594783

An experimental assessment of the size effects on the strength and ductility of freestanding copper films under macroscopically homogenous deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chauhan, Shakti Singh

Metallic interconnects and circuitry has been experiencing excessive deformation beyond their elastic limits in many applications, ranging from micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) to flexible electronics. These broad applications are creating needs to understand the extent of strength and ductility of freestanding metallic films at scales approaching the micron and sub micron range. This work aims to elucidate the effects of microstructural constraint as well as geometric dimensional constraint on the strength and ductility of freestanding Cu films under uniaxial tension. Two types of films are tested (i) high purity rolled films of 12.5-100microm thickness and average grain sizes of 11-47microm and (ii) electroplated films of 2-50 microm thickness and average grain sizes of 1.8-5microm. Several experimental tools including residual electrical resistivity measurements, surface strain measurements and surface roughness measurements are employed to highlight the underlying deformation mechanisms leading to the observed size effects. With respect to the strength of the specimens, we find that the nature and magnitude of thickness effects is very sensitive to the average grain size. In all cases, coupled thickness and grain size effects were observed. This study shows that this observed coupling, unique to the case of freestanding specimen, arises because the observed size effects are an outcome of the size dependence of two fundamental microstructural parameters i.e. volume fraction of surface grains and grain boundary area per unit specimen volume. For films having thickness and grain sizes greater than 5microm, thickness dependent weakening is observed for a constant grain size. Reducing thickness results in an increase in the volume fraction of grains exposed to the free surface as well as a reduction in the grain boundary area per unit specimen volume. The former effect leads to a reduction in the effective microstructural constraint on the intragranular dislocation activity in individual grains. This free surface related effect is the origin of a weakening contribution to the overall specimen strength with reducing thickness. For specimens with grain sizes ˜ O (10-50microm), this effect was found to be dominating i.e. reducing thickness resulted in reducing strength. A phenomenological model employing the flow strength of surface and bulk grains is proposed to model the observed trends. For films having thickness and grain sizes smaller than 5microm, size dependent strengthening is observed for a constant grain size. At this scale, grain boundary dislocations dominate. As a consequence, thickness effects arise because grain boundary dislocation source density per unit specimen volume reduces with reducing specimen thickness. This statistical reduction in dislocation source density leads to increasing specimen strength via source starvation strengthening. Our results show that such increasing specimen strength with reducing thickness, which has only been observed previously for nanocrystalline thin films, first appears at average grain size of ˜5microm or xx smaller. The measurements showed a characteristic length scale of about 5microm, which defines the size dependent strengthening or weakening of the film. With respect to the thickness effects on ductility, it was found that both thickness and average grain size affect ductility. While prominent thickness effects persist at larger grain sizes, for specimens with grain size approaching 1microm, the loss of strain hardening ability at such fine microstructures dominates and a limiting ductility of ˜2% is seen irrespective of the thickness. The observed thickness effects on ductility were investigated via surface roughness measurements that allow the characterization of initiation and evolution of deformation heterogeneities. It was found that thickness has a strong influence on the characteristic heterogeneity of deformation. At small specimen thicknesses, the deformation was found to be highly localized i.e. widely spaced regions showing substantial thickness reduction, hence increasing the vulnerability to the onset of plastic instabilities. At larger thicknesses, however, the increasing microstructural constraint delocalizes the strain and thereby precludes the early onset of instability, leading to enhanced ductility.

Structural correlates of imbibitional injury in Typha pollen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sack, F. D.; Leopold, A. C.; Hoekstra, F. A.

1988-01-01

The ultrastructure of Typha latifolia pollen was examined as a function of pollen moisture content and incubation temperature, in order to identify possible lesions induced by imbibitional chilling. A syndrome of structural traits was found which characterizes damaged grains. Compared to viable grains, the protoplast of damaged pollen has a higher proportion of its volume occupied by vesicles, and less volume occupied by cytoplasm. Damaged grains also tend to have dilated cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum, larger starch grains and lipid bodies, poorly preserved mitochondria and membranes, and, sometimes, numerous electron-dense globules associated with membranes. The percentage of grains exhibiting this damage syndrome correlates closely with the number of ungerminated grains in most samples, regardless of moisture content or incubation temperature. Injury due to rapid imbibition from the dry state or to imbibitional chilling appear to be similar structurally, regardless of whether the stresses are imposed singly or together. The injury is not confined to one cell component (e.g., mitochondria), but may involve a generalized disruption of membranes. These results suggest that similar stress responses are elicited by imbibition from the dry state and by imbibitional chilling.

Con-Text: Text Detection for Fine-grained Object Classification.

PubMed

Karaoglu, Sezer; Tao, Ran; van Gemert, Jan C; Gevers, Theo

2017-05-24

This work focuses on fine-grained object classification using recognized scene text in natural images. While the state-of-the-art relies on visual cues only, this paper is the first work which proposes to combine textual and visual cues. Another novelty is the textual cue extraction. Unlike the state-of-the-art text detection methods, we focus more on the background instead of text regions. Once text regions are detected, they are further processed by two methods to perform text recognition i.e. ABBYY commercial OCR engine and a state-of-the-art character recognition algorithm. Then, to perform textual cue encoding, bi- and trigrams are formed between the recognized characters by considering the proposed spatial pairwise constraints. Finally, extracted visual and textual cues are combined for fine-grained classification. The proposed method is validated on four publicly available datasets: ICDAR03, ICDAR13, Con-Text and Flickr-logo. We improve the state-of-the-art end-to-end character recognition by a large margin of 15% on ICDAR03. We show that textual cues are useful in addition to visual cues for fine-grained classification. We show that textual cues are also useful for logo retrieval. Adding textual cues outperforms visual- and textual-only in fine-grained classification (70.7% to 60.3%) and logo retrieval (57.4% to 54.8%).

Detrital zircon geochronology of the Adams Argillite and Nation River Formation, east-central Alaska, U.S.A

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gehrels, G.E.; Johnsson, M.J.; Howell, D.G.

1999-01-01

The Cambrian Adams Argillite and the Devonian Nation River Formation are two sandstone-bearing units within a remarkably complete Paleozoic stratigraphic section in east-central Alaska. These strata, now foreshortened and fault-bounded, were originally contiguous with miogeoclinal strata to the east that formed as a passive-margin sequence along the northwestern margin of the North American continent. Seventy-five detrital zircon grains from the Adams Argillite and the Nation River Formation were analyzed in an effort to provide constraints on the original sources of the grains, and to generate a detrital zircon reference for miogeoclinal strata in the northern Cordillera. Thirty-five single zircon grains from a quartzite in the Adams Argillite yield dominant age clusters of 1047-1094 (n = 6), 1801-1868 (n = 10), and 2564-2687 (n = 5) Ma. Forty zircons extracted from a sandstone in the Nation River Formation yield clusters primarily of 424-434 (n = 6), 1815-1838 (n = 6), 1874-1921 (n = 7), and 2653-2771 (n = 4) Ma. The Early Proterozoic and Archean grains in both units probably originated in basement rocks in a broad region of the Canadian Shield. In contrast, the original igneous sources for mid-Protcrozoic grains in the Adams Argillite and ??? 430 Ma grains in the Nation River Formation are more difficult to identify. Possible original sources for the mid-Proterozoic grains include: (1) the Grenville Province of eastern Laurentia, (2) the Pearya terrane along the Arctic margin, and (3) mid-Proterozoic igneous rocks that may have been widespread along or outboard of the Cordilleran margin. The ??? 430 Ma grains may have originated in: (1) arc-type sources along the Cordilleran margin, (2) the Caledonian orogen, or (3) a landmass, such as Pearya, Siberia, or crustal fragments now in northern Asia, that resided outboard of the Innuitian orogen during mid-Paleozoic time. Copyright ?? 1999, SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology).

Food choices and diet costs: an economic analysis.

PubMed

Drewnowski, Adam; Darmon, Nicole

2005-04-01

Obesity in the United States is a socioeconomic issue. It is related to limited social and economic resources and may be linked to disparities in access to healthy foods. Added sugars and added fats are far more affordable than are the recommended "healthful" diets based on lean meats, whole grains, and fresh vegetables and fruit. There is an inverse relationship between energy density of foods (kJ/g) and energy cost ($/MJ), such that energy-dense grains, fats, and sweets represent the lowest-cost dietary options to the consumer. Good taste, high convenience, and the low cost of energy-dense foods, in conjunction with large portions and low satiating power, may be the principal reasons for overeating and weight gain. Financial disparities in access to healthier diets may help explain why the highest rates of obesity and diabetes are found among minorities and the working poor. If so, then encouraging low-income households to consume more costly foods is not an effective strategy for public health. What is needed is a comprehensive policy approach that takes behavioral nutrition and the economics of food choice into account.

Coarse-grained protein-protein stiffnesses and dynamics from all-atom simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hicks, Stephen D.; Henley, C. L.

2010-03-01

Large protein assemblies, such as virus capsids, may be coarse-grained as a set of rigid units linked by generalized (rotational and stretching) harmonic springs. We present an ab initio method to obtain the elastic parameters and overdamped dynamics for these springs from all-atom molecular-dynamics simulations of one pair of units at a time. The computed relaxation times of this pair give a consistency check for the simulation, and we can also find the corrective force needed to null systematic drifts. As a first application we predict the stiffness of an HIV capsid layer and the relaxation time for its breathing mode.

Agricultural Marketing. Student Reference. Volume 12, Number 10. Agdex 810, Catalog Number AG-81-S.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Denker, Robert

This student guide in agricultural marketing is designed to accompany the lessons in the curriculum unit, "Instructor's Guide in Agricultural Marketing" (CE 025 683). There are six sections in the student guide: (1) Introduction to Marketing; (2) Marketing Cash Grains; (3) Marketing Grain with a Protected Price; (4) Marketing Cash Livestock; (5)…

Effect of sprouted barley grain supplementation of an herbage-based or haylage-based diet on ruminal fermentation and methane output in continuous culture

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A 4-unit dual-flow continuous culture fermentor system was used to assess the effect of supplementing 7-d sprouted barley (SB) or barley grain (BG) with an herbage-based or haylage-based diet on nutrient digestibility, volatile fatty acid (VFA) profiles, bacterial protein synthesis, and methane outp...

Models of compacted fine-grained soils used as mineral liner for solid waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sivrikaya, Osman

2008-02-01

To prevent the leakage of pollutant liquids into groundwater and sublayers, the compacted fine-grained soils are commonly utilized as mineral liners or a sealing system constructed under municipal solid waste and other containment hazardous materials. This study presents the correlation equations of the compaction parameters required for construction of a mineral liner system. The determination of the characteristic compaction parameters, maximum dry unit weight ( γ dmax) and optimum water content ( w opt) requires considerable time and great effort. In this study, empirical models are described and examined to find which of the index properties correlate well with the compaction characteristics for estimating γ dmax and w opt of fine-grained soils at the standard compactive effort. The compaction data are correlated with different combinations of gravel content ( G), sand content ( S), fine-grained content (FC = clay + silt), plasticity index ( I p), liquid limit ( w L) and plastic limit ( w P) by performing multilinear regression (MLR) analyses. The obtained correlations with statistical parameters are presented and compared with the previous studies. It is found that the maximum dry unit weight and optimum water content have a considerably good correlation with plastic limit in comparison with liquid limit and plasticity index.

Preferential orientation relationships in Ca{sub 2}MnO{sub 4} Ruddlesden-Popper thin films

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

Lacotte, M.; David, A.; Prellier, W., E-mail: wilfrid.prellier@ensicaen.fr

2015-07-28

A high-throughput investigation of local epitaxy (called combinatorial substrate epitaxy) was carried out on Ca{sub 2}MnO{sub 4} Ruddlesden-Popper thin films of six thicknesses (from 20 to 400 nm), all deposited on isostructural polycrystalline Sr{sub 2}TiO{sub 4} substrates. Electron backscatter diffraction revealed grain-over-grain local epitaxial growth for all films, resulting in a single orientation relationship (OR) for each substrate-film grain pair. Two preferred epitaxial ORs accounted for more than 90% of all ORs on 300 different microcrystals, based on analyzing 50 grain pairs for each thickness. The unit cell over unit cell OR ([100][001]{sub film} ∥ [100][001]{sub substrate}, or OR1) accounted formore » approximately 30% of each film. The OR that accounted for 60% of each film ([100][001]{sub film} ∥ [100][010]{sub substrate}, or OR2) corresponds to a rotation from OR1 by 90° about the a-axis. OR2 is strongly favored for substrate orientations in the center of the stereographic triangle, and OR1 is observed for orientations very close to (001) or to those near the edge connecting (100) and (110). While OR1 should be lower in energy, the majority observation of OR2 implies kinetic hindrances decrease the frequency of OR1. Persistent grain over grain growth and the absence of variations of the OR frequencies with thickness implies that the growth competition is finished within the first few nm, and local epitaxy persists thereafter during growth.« less

A binomial modeling approach for upscaling colloid transport under unfavorable conditions: Emergent prediction of extended tailing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hilpert, Markus; Rasmuson, Anna; Johnson, William P.

2017-07-01

Colloid transport in saturated porous media is significantly influenced by colloidal interactions with grain surfaces. Near-surface fluid domain colloids experience relatively low fluid drag and relatively strong colloidal forces that slow their downgradient translation relative to colloids in bulk fluid. Near-surface fluid domain colloids may reenter into the bulk fluid via diffusion (nanoparticles) or expulsion at rear flow stagnation zones, they may immobilize (attach) via primary minimum interactions, or they may move along a grain-to-grain contact to the near-surface fluid domain of an adjacent grain. We introduce a simple model that accounts for all possible permutations of mass transfer within a dual pore and grain network. The primary phenomena thereby represented in the model are mass transfer of colloids between the bulk and near-surface fluid domains and immobilization. Colloid movement is described by a Markov chain, i.e., a sequence of trials in a 1-D network of unit cells, which contain a pore and a grain. Using combinatorial analysis, which utilizes the binomial coefficient, we derive the residence time distribution, i.e., an inventory of the discrete colloid travel times through the network and of their probabilities to occur. To parameterize the network model, we performed mechanistic pore-scale simulations in a single unit cell that determined the likelihoods and timescales associated with the above colloid mass transfer processes. We found that intergrain transport of colloids in the near-surface fluid domain can cause extended tailing, which has traditionally been attributed to hydrodynamic dispersion emanating from flow tortuosity of solute trajectories.

Grain-grain interaction in stationary dusty plasma

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

Lampe, Martin; Joyce, Glenn

We present a particle-in-cell simulation study of the steady-state interaction between two stationary dust grains in uniform stationary plasma. Both the electrostatic force and the shadowing force on the grains are calculated explicitly. The electrostatic force is always repulsive. For two grains of the same size, the electrostatic force is very nearly equal to the shielded electric field due to a single isolated grain, acting on the charge of the other grain. For two grains of unequal size, the electrostatic force on the smaller grain is smaller than the isolated-grain field, and the force on the larger grain is largermore » than the isolated-grain field. In all cases, the attractive shadowing force exceeds the repulsive electrostatic force when the grain separation d is greater than an equilibrium separation d{sub 0}. d{sub 0} is found to be between 6λ{sub D} and 9λ{sub D} in all cases. The binding energy is estimated to be between 19 eV and 900 eV for various cases.« less

Microstructural optimization of solid-state sintered silicon carbide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vargas-Gonzalez, Lionel R.

Silicon carbide armor, manufactured through solid-state sintering, liquid-phase sintering, and hot-pressing, is being used by the United States Armed Forces for personal and vehicle protection. There is a lack of consensus, however, on which process results in the best-performing ballistic armor. Previous studies have shown that hot-pressed ceramics processed with secondary oxide and/or rare earth oxides, which exhibit high fracture toughness, perform well in handling and under ballistic impact. This high toughness is due to the intergranular nature of the fracture, creating a tortuous path for cracks and facilitating crack deflection and bridging. However, it has also been shown that higher-hardness sintered SiC materials might perform similarly or better to hot-pressed armor, in spite of the large fracture toughness deficit, if the microstructure (density, grain size, purity) of these materials are improved. In this work, the development of theoretically-dense, clean grain boundary, high hardness solid-state sintered silicon carbide (SiC) armor was pursued. Boron carbide and graphite (added as phenolic resin to ensure the carbon is finely dispersed throughout the microstructure) were used as the sintering aids. SiC batches between 0.25--4.00 wt.% carbon were mixed and spray dried. Cylindrical pellets were pressed at 13.7 MPa, cold-isostatically pressed (CIP) at 344 MPa, sintered under varying sintering soaking temperatures and heating rates, and varying post hot-isostatic pressing (HIP) parameters. Carbon additive amounts between 2.0--2.5 wt.% (based on the resin source), a 0.36 wt.% B4C addition, and a 2050°C sintering soak yielded parts with high sintering densities (˜95.5--96.5%) and a fine, equiaxed microstructure (d50 = 2.525 mum). A slow ramp rate (10°C/min) prevented any occurrence of abnormal grain growth. Post-HIPing at 1900°C removed the remaining closed porosity to yield a theoretically-dense part (3.175 g/cm3, according to rule of mixtures). These parts exhibited higher density and finer microstructure than a commercially-available sintered SiC from Saint-Gobain (Hexoloy Enhanced, 3.153 g/cm3 and d50 = 4.837 mum). Due to the optimized microstructure, Verco SiC parts exhibited the highest Vickers (2628.30 +/- 44.13 kg/mm 2) and Knoop (2098.50 +/- 24.8 kg/mm2) hardness values of any SiC ceramic, and values equal to those of the "gold standard" hot-pressed boron carbide (PAD-B4C). While the fracture toughness of hot-pressed SiC materials (˜4.5 MPa m ) are almost double that of Verco SiC (2.4 MPa m ), Verco SiC is a better performing ballistic product, implying that the higher hardness of the theoretically-dense, clean-grain boundary, fine-grained SiC is the defining mechanical property for optimization of ballistic behavior.

Disintegration of Dust Aggregates in Interstellar Shocks and the Lifetime of Dust Grains in the ISM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dominik, C.; Jones, A. P.; Tielens, A. G. G. M.; Cuzzi, Jeff (Technical Monitor)

1994-01-01

Interstellar grains are destroyed by shock waves moving through the ISM. In fact, the destruction of grains may be so effective that it is difficult to explain the observed abundance of dust in the ISM as a steady state between input of grains from stellar sources and destruction of grains in shocks. This is especially a problem for the larger grains. Therefore, the dust grains must be protected in some way. Jones et al. have already considered coatings and the increased post-shock drag effects for low density grains. In molecular clouds and dense clouds, coagulation of grains is an important process, and the largest interstellar grains may indeed be aggregates of smaller grains rather than homogeneous particles. This may provide a means to protect the larger grains, in that, in moderate velocity grain-grain collisions in a shock the aggregates may disintegrate rather than be vaporized. The released small particles are more resilient to shock destruction (except in fast shocks) and may reform larger grains later, recovering the observed size distribution. We have developed a model for the binding forces in grain aggregates and apply this model to the collisions between an aggregate and fast small grains. We discuss the results in the light of statistical collision probabilities and grain life times.

Direct visualization of chemical and thermo-remanent magnetization of pseudo-single-domain magnetite grains and the implications for reliable paleomagentic signal acquisition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almeida, T.; Muxworthy, A. R.; Kasama, T.; Williams, W.; Kovács, A.; Dunin-Borkowski, R.; Hansen, T. W.

2015-12-01

In order to reliably interpret paleomagnetic measurements, the mechanisms of chemical remanent magnetization (CRM) and thermoremanent magnetization (TRM) must be fully understood. Currently, most models of CRM and TRM processes only exist for the smallest, uniformly magnetized grains, termed single domain (SD). However, the magnetic signal from rocks is often dominated by slightly larger grains containing non-uniform magnetization states, termed pseudo-SD (PSD) grains. Magnetite (Fe3O4) is the most magnetic naturally occurring mineral on Earth, carrying the dominant magnetic signature in rocks and providing a critical tool in paleomagnetism. The oxidation of Fe3O4 to other iron oxides, such as maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) and hematite (α-Fe2O3), is of particular interest as it influences the preservation of remanence of the Earth's magnetic field by Fe3O4. Further, TRM in Fe3O4 grains is acquired in the direction of the ambient geomagnetic field as they cool below their Curie temperature (TC) of ~ 580 ˚C. The latest transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques like electron holography and environmental TEM (ETEM) allows for the imaging of magnetization in nano-scale minerals during in situ heating under vacuum and controlled atmospheres. In the present study, synthetic Fe3O4 particles in the PSD size range (< 200 nm) were heated in situ in an ETEM under an O2 atmosphere. Close examination of Fe3O4 particles after in situ heating revealed surface degradation, whilst electron energy-loss spectroscopy confirmed their oxidation. The effect of CRM was visualized using electron holography, in the form of reconstructed magnetic induction maps, where the oxidized grains exhibited a loss of overall remanence and change in remanent direction. The thermomagnetic behavior of Fe3O4 particles in the PSD size range is also investigated using off-axis electron holography. Magnetic induction maps, which are recorded during in situ heating up to above the TC, reveal the PSD nature of several Fe3O4 grains by visualizing their vortex domain states. The vortex states in small Fe3O4 grains (Fig. 1a & b) are shown to rotate or collapse into a single-domain state close to its unblocking temperature (Fig. 1c), rather than remaining thermally stable as seen in the vortex states of larger Fe3O4 grains.

The Impact of Atmosphere on the Local Luminescence Properties of Metal Halide Perovskite Grains.

PubMed

Brenes, Roberto; Eames, Christopher; Bulović, Vladimir; Islam, M Saiful; Stranks, Samuel D

2018-04-01

Metal halide perovskites are exceptional candidates for inexpensive yet high-performing optoelectronic devices. Nevertheless, polycrystalline perovskite films are still limited by nonradiative losses due to charge carrier trap states that can be affected by illumination. Here, in situ microphotoluminescence measurements are used to elucidate the impact of light-soaking individual methylammonium lead iodide grains in high-quality polycrystalline films while immersing them with different atmospheric environments. It is shown that emission from each grain depends sensitively on both the environment and the nature of the specific grain, i.e., whether it shows good (bright grain) or poor (dark grain) luminescence properties. It is found that the dark grains show substantial rises in emission, while the bright grain emission is steady when illuminated in the presence of oxygen and/or water molecules. The results are explained using density functional theory calculations, which reveal strong adsorption energies of the molecules to the perovskite surfaces. It is also found that oxygen molecules bind particularly strongly to surface iodide vacancies which, in the presence of photoexcited electrons, lead to efficient passivation of the carrier trap states that arise from these vacancies. The work reveals a unique insight into the nature of nonradiative decay and the impact of atmospheric passivation on the microscale properties of perovskite films. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Detrital zircon evidence for progressive underthrusting in Franciscan metagraywackes, west-central California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Snow, C.A.; Wakabayashi, J.; Ernst, W.G.; Wooden, J.L.

2010-01-01

We present new U/Pb ages for detrital zircons separated from six quartzose metagraywackes collected from different Franciscan Complex imbricate nappes around San Francisco Bay. All six rocks contain a broad spread of Late Jurassic-Cretaceous grains originating from the Klamath-Sierra Nevada volcanic-plutonic arc. Units young structurally downward, consistent with models of progressive underplating and offscraping within a subduction complex. The youngest specimen is from the structurally lowest San Bruno Mountain sheet; at 52 Ma, it evidently was deposited during the Eocene. None of the other metagraywackes yielded zircon ages younger than 83 Ma. Zircons from both El Cerrito units are dominated by ca. 100-160 Ma grains; the upper El Cerrito also contains several grains in the 1200-1800 Ma interval. These samples are nearly identical to 97 Ma metasedimentary rock from the Hunters Point shear zone. Zircon ages from this m??lange block exhibit a broad distribution, ranging from 97 to 200 Ma, with only a single pre-Mesozoic age. The Albany Hill specimen has a distribution of pre-Mesozoic grains from 1300 to 1800 Ma, generally similar to that of the upper El Cerrito sheet; however, it contains zircons as young as 83 Ma, suggesting that it is significantly younger than the upper El Cerrito unit. The Skaggs Spring Schist is the oldest studied unit; its youngest analyzed grains were ca. 144 Ma, and it is the only investigated specimen to display a significant Paleozoic detrital component. Sedimentation and subduction-accretion of this tract of the trench complex took place along the continental margin during Early to early-Late Cretaceous time, and perhaps into Eocene time. Franciscan and Great Valley deposition attests to erosion of an Andean arc that was active over the entire span from ca. 145 to 80 Ma, with an associated accretionary prism built by progressive underthrusting. We use these new data to demonstrate that the eastern Franciscan Complex in the northern and central Coast Ranges is a classic accretionary prism, where younger, structurally lower allochthons are exposed on the west, and older, structurally higher allochthons occur to the east, in the heavily studied San Francisco Bay area. ?? 2009 Geological Society of America.

Coarse-graining and self-dissimilarity of complex networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Itzkovitz, Shalev; Levitt, Reuven; Kashtan, Nadav; Milo, Ron; Itzkovitz, Michael; Alon, Uri

2005-01-01

Can complex engineered and biological networks be coarse-grained into smaller and more understandable versions in which each node represents an entire pattern in the original network? To address this, we define coarse-graining units as connectivity patterns which can serve as the nodes of a coarse-grained network and present algorithms to detect them. We use this approach to systematically reverse-engineer electronic circuits, forming understandable high-level maps from incomprehensible transistor wiring: first, a coarse-grained version in which each node is a gate made of several transistors is established. Then the coarse-grained network is itself coarse-grained, resulting in a high-level blueprint in which each node is a circuit module made of many gates. We apply our approach also to a mammalian protein signal-transduction network, to find a simplified coarse-grained network with three main signaling channels that resemble multi-layered perceptrons made of cross-interacting MAP-kinase cascades. We find that both biological and electronic networks are “self-dissimilar,” with different network motifs at each level. The present approach may be used to simplify a variety of directed and nondirected, natural and designed networks.

[Ecological cost of grain production in gully area of Loess Plateau].

PubMed

Li, Xiao; Xie, Yong-sheng; Zhang, Ying-long; Li, Wen-zhuo

2010-12-01

Economic and ecological methods were applied to investigate the ecological cost of grain production in the gully area of Loess Plateau. In the study area in 2008, the ecological loss due to grain production was 7.2% of the total crop output, and the ecological cost reached 2.42 yuan x kg(-1) for wheat and 2.12 yuan x kg(-1) for corn. However, the per unit sales were 1.70 yuan x kg(-1) for wheat and 1.28 yuan x kg(-1) for corn. The combination of high production cost and low income affected the sustainable development of local ecological economy. The analysis of grey relationships among various factors affecting the ecological cost of grain production indicated that yield, sown area, and agricultural mechanical cost were the important factors affecting the ecological cost of grain production, while chemical fertilizer cost and organic fertilizer cost had less impact on the ecological cost of grain production. Under current production conditions, the ecological cost of grain production in the area could be reduced by raising the level of scientific and technological inputs, expanding the scale of family agricultural production, and improving the grain yield.

Compositional variations in the Mesoarchean chromites of the Nuggihalli schist belt, Western Dharwar Craton (India): potential parental melts and implications for tectonic setting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherjee, Ria; Mondal, Sisir K.; Rosing, Minik T.; Frei, Robert

2010-12-01

The chromite deposits in the Archean Nuggihalli schist belt are part of a layered ultramafic-mafic sequence within the Western Dharwar Craton of the Indian shield. The 3.1-Ga ultramafic-mafic units occur as sill-like intrusions within the volcano-sedimentary sequences of the Nuggihalli greenstone belt that are surrounded by the tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) suite of rocks. The entire succession is exposed in the Tagdur mining district. The succession has been divided into the lower and the upper ultramafic units, separated by a middle gabbro unit. The ultramafic units comprise of deformed massive chromitite bodies that are hosted within chromite-bearing serpentinites. The chromitite bodies occur in the form of pods and elongated lenses (~60-500 m by ~15 m). Detailed electron microprobe studies reveal intense compositional variability of the chromite grains in silicate-rich chromitite (~50% modal chromite) and serpentinite (~2% modal chromite) throughout the entire ultramafic sequence. However, the primary composition of chromite is preserved in the massive chromitites (~60-75% modal chromite) from the Byrapur and the Bhaktarhalli mining district of the Nuggihalli schist belt. These are characterized by high Cr-ratios (Cr/(Cr + Al) = 0.78-0.86) and moderate Mg-ratios (Mg/(Mg + Fe2+) = 0.38-0.58). The compositional variability occurs due to sub-solidus re-equilibration in the accessory chromite in the serpentinite (Mg-ratio = 0.01-0.38; Cr-ratio = 0.02-0.99) and in silicate-rich chromitite (Mg-ratio = 0.06-0.48; Cr-ratio = 0.60-0.99). In the massive chromitites, the sub-solidus re-equilibration for chromite is less or absent. However, the re-equilibration is prominent in the co-existing interstitial and included olivine (Fo96-98) and pyroxene grains (Mg-numbers = 97-99). Compositional variability on the scale of a single chromite grain occurs in the form of zoning, and it is common in the accessory chromite grains in serpentinite and in the altered grains in chromitite. In the zoned grains, the composition of the core is modified and the rim is ferritchromit. In general, ferritchromit occurs as irregular patches along the grain boundaries and fractures of the zoned grains. In this case, ferritchromit formation is not very extensive. This indicates a secondary low temperature hydrothermal origin of ferritchromit during serpentinization. In some occurrences, the ferritchromit rim is very well developed, and only a small relict core appears to remain in the chromite grain. However, complete alteration of the chromite grains to ferritchromit without any remnant core is also present. The regular, well-developed and continuous occurrence of ferritchromit rims around the chromite grain boundaries, the complete alteration of the chromite grains and the modification of the core composition indicate the alteration in the Nuggihalli schist belt to be intense, pervasive and affected by later low-grade metamorphism. The primary composition of chromite has been used to compute the nature of the parental melt. The parental melt calculations indicate derivation from a high-Mg komatiitic basalt that is similar to the composition of the komatiitic rocks reported from the greenstone sequences of the Western Dharwar Craton. Tectonic discrimination diagrams using the primary composition of chromites indicate a supra-subduction zone setting (SSZ) for the Archean chromitites of Nuggihalli and derivation from a boninitic magma. The composition of the komatiitic basalts resembles those of boninites that occur in subduction zones and back-arc rift settings. Formation of the massive chromitites in Nuggihalli may be due to magma mixing process involving hydrous high-Mg magmas or may be related to intrusions of chromite crystal laden magma; however, there is little scope to test these models because the host rocks are highly altered, serpentinized and deformed. The present configurations of the chromitite bodies are related to the multistage deformation processes that are common in Archean greenstone belts.

Diet, interleukin-17, and childhood asthma in Puerto Ricans.

PubMed

Han, Yueh-Ying; Forno, Erick; Brehm, John M; Acosta-Pérez, Edna; Alvarez, María; Colón-Semidey, Angel; Rivera-Soto, Winna; Campos, Hannia; Litonjua, Augusto A; Alcorn, John F; Canino, Glorisa; Celedón, Juan C

2015-10-01

Dietary patterns might influence the pathogenesis of asthma in Puerto Ricans, the ethnic group most affected by this disease in the United States. To examine the association among diet, T-helper cell type 17 cytokines, and asthma in Puerto Rican children. As part of a case-control study of 678 Puerto Rican children 6 to 14 years old in San Juan, participants completed a 75-item questionnaire on the child's food consumption in the prior week. Foods were aggregated into 7 groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, dairy, fats, and sweets. Logistic regression was used to evaluate consumption frequency of each group, plasma T-helper cell type 17 cytokine levels, and asthma. Based on this analysis, a food score (range -2 [unhealthy diet: high consumption of dairy products and sweets, low consumption of vegetables and grains] to +2 [healthy diet: high consumption of grains and vegetables, low consumption of dairy and sweets]) was created to identify dietary patterns. High consumption of grains was associated with lower odds of asthma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33-0.82), whereas frequent consumption of dairy products (aOR 1.93, 95% CI 1.32-2.84) or sweets (aOR 1.82, 95% CI 1.08-2.72) was associated with higher odds of asthma. A healthier diet (each 1-point increment in food score) was associated with lower levels of interleukin-17F (β = -1.48 pg/mL, 95% CI -1.78 to -1.20) and with 36% decreased odds of asthma (aOR 0.64, 95% CI 0.53-0.77). A healthy diet, with frequent consumption of vegetables and grains and low consumption of dairy products and sweets, was associated with lower levels of interleulin-17F and decreased odds of childhood asthma in Puerto Ricans. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Evaluation of Selected Nutrients and Contaminants in Distillers Grains from Ethanol Production in Texas.

PubMed

Lee, Kyung-Min; Herrman, Timothy J; Post, Lynn

2016-09-01

This article contains the results of the evaluation of distillers grain (DG) coproducts from different ethanol plants around the United States and supplemented in animal diets in Texas, based on samples analyzed from 2008 to 2014. The samples were assessed for concentration, occurrence, and prevalence of selected nutrients and contaminants. Protein and sulfur contents of DG were largely different between maize and sorghum coproducts, as well as wet distillers grain with solubles (WDGS) and dried distillers grain with solubles (DDGS), indicating a significant effect of grain feedstock and dry grind process stream on DG composition and quality. Salmonella was isolated in 4 DDGS samples of a total of 157 DG samples, a percentage (2.5%) that is lower than the percentage of Salmonella -positive samples found in other feed samples analyzed during the same period. A small amount of virginiamycin residue was found in 24 maize DDGS, 1 maize WDGS, and 2 sorghum DDGS samples of 242 samples in total. One sorghum DDGS sample of 168 DG samples was contaminated with animal protein prohibited for use in ruminant feed and was channeled to poultry feed. The concentrations of aflatoxin and fumonisin DG coproducts averaged 3.4 μg/kg and 0.7 mg/kg, respectively. Among contaminated maize DG samples, five DDGS samples for aflatoxin contained a higher concentration than the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) minimum action level of 20 μg/kg for use in animal feed, whereas no sample for fumonisin was found above the action level of 5 mg/kg. The study provides the most current results involving DG coproducts and associated hazards that will assist development of food safety plans required by the FDA in their September 2015 rule titled "Current Good Manufacturing Practice Hazard Analysis and Risk Based Preventive Controls for Food for Animals."

Detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology of Cambrian to Triassic miogeoclinal and eugeoclinal strata of Sonora, Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gehrels, G.E.; Stewart, John H.

1998-01-01

One hundred and eighty two individual detrital zircon grains from Cambrian through Permian miogeoclinal strata, Ordovician eugeoclinal rocks, and Triassic post-orogenic sediments in northwestern Sonora have been analyzed. During Cambrian, Devonian, Permian, and Triassic time, most zircons accumulating along this part of the Cordilleran margin were shed from 1.40-1.45 and 1.62-1.78 Ga igneous rocks that are widespread in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Zircons with ages of approximately 1.11 Ga are common in Cambrian strata and were apparently shed from granite bodies near the sample site. The sources of 225-280 Ma zircons in our Triassic sample are more problematic, as few igneous rocks of these ages are recognized in northwestern Mexico. Such sources may be present but unrecognized, or the grains could have been derived from igneous rocks of the appropriate ages to the northwest in the Mojave Desert region, to the east in Chihuahua and Coahuila, or to the south in accreted(?) arc-type terranes. Because the zircon grains in our Cambrian and Devonian to Triassic samples could have accumulated in proximity to basement rocks near their present position or in the Death Valley region of southern California, our data do not support or refute the existence of the Mojave-Sonora megashear. Ordovician strata of both miogeoclinal and eugeoclinal affinity are dominated by >1.77 Ga detrital zircons, which are considerably older than most basement rocks in the region. Zircon grains in the miogeoclinal sample were apparently derived from the Peace River arch area of northwestern Canada and transported southward by longshore currents. The eugeoclinal grains may also have come from the Peace River arch region, with southward transport by either sedimentary or tectonic processes, or they may have been shed from off-shelf slivers of continents (perhaps Antarctica?) removed from the Cordilleran margin during Neoproterozoic rifting. It is also possible that the Ordovician eugeoclinal strata are far traveled and exotic to North America.

Dietary Fiber Intake Is Inversely Associated with Periodontal Disease among US Adults.

PubMed

Nielsen, Samara Joy; Trak-Fellermeier, Maria Angelica; Joshipura, Kaumudi; Dye, Bruce A

2016-12-01

Approximately 47% of adults in the United States have periodontal disease. Dietary guidelines recommend a diet providing adequate fiber. Healthier dietary habits, particularly an increased fiber intake, may contribute to periodontal disease prevention. Our objective was to evaluate the relation of dietary fiber intake and its sources with periodontal disease in the US adult population (≥30 y of age). Data from 6052 adults participating in NHANES 2009-2012 were used. Periodontal disease was defined (according to the CDC/American Academy of Periodontology) as severe, moderate, mild, and none. Intake was assessed by 24-h dietary recalls. The relation between periodontal disease and dietary fiber, whole-grain, and fruit and vegetable intakes were evaluated by using multivariate models, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and dentition status. In the multivariate logistic model, the lowest quartile of dietary fiber was associated with moderate-severe periodontitis (compared with mild-none) compared with the highest dietary fiber intake quartile (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.69). In the multivariate multinomial logistic model, intake in the lowest quartile of dietary fiber was associated with higher severity of periodontitis than dietary fiber intake in the highest quartile (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.62). In the adjusted logistic model, whole-grain intake was not associated with moderate-severe periodontitis. However, in the adjusted multinomial logistic model, adults consuming whole grains in the lowest quartile were more likely to have more severe periodontal disease than were adults consuming whole grains in the highest quartile (OR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.62). In fully adjusted logistic and multinomial logistic models, fruit and vegetable intake was not significantly associated with periodontitis. We found an inverse relation between dietary fiber intake and periodontal disease among US adults ≥30 y old. Periodontal disease was associated with low whole-grain intake but not with low fruit and vegetable intake. © 2016 American Society for Nutrition.

Genetic architecture of delayed senescence, biomass, and grain yield under drought stress in cowpea.

PubMed

Muchero, Wellington; Roberts, Philip A; Diop, Ndeye N; Drabo, Issa; Cisse, Ndiaga; Close, Timothy J; Muranaka, Satoru; Boukar, Ousmane; Ehlers, Jeffrey D

2013-01-01

The stay-green phenomenon is a key plant trait with wide usage in managing crop production under limited water conditions. This trait enhances delayed senescence, biomass, and grain yield under drought stress. In this study we sought to identify QTLs in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) consistent across experiments conducted in Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Senegal, and the United States of America under limited water conditions. A panel of 383 diverse cowpea accessions and a recombinant inbred line population (RIL) were SNP genotyped using an Illumina 1536 GoldenGate assay. Phenotypic data from thirteen experiments conducted across the four countries were used to identify SNP-trait associations based on linkage disequilibrium association mapping, with bi-parental QTL mapping as a complementary strategy. We identified seven loci, five of which exhibited evidence suggesting pleiotropic effects (stay-green) between delayed senescence, biomass, and grain yield. Further, we provide evidence suggesting the existence of positive pleiotropy in cowpea based on positively correlated mean phenotypic values (0.34< r <0.87) and allele effects (0.07< r <0.86) for delayed senescence and grain yield across three African environments. Three of the five putative stay-green QTLs, Dro-1, 3, and 7 were identified in both RILs and diverse germplasm with resolutions of 3.2 cM or less for each of the three loci, suggesting that these may be valuable targets for marker-assisted breeding in cowpea. Also, the co-location of early vegetative delayed senescence with biomass and grain yield QTLs suggests the possibility of using delayed senescence at the seedling stage as a rapid screening tool for post-flowering drought tolerance in cowpea breeding. BLAST analysis using EST sequences harboring SNPs with the highest associations provided a genomic context for loci identified in this study in closely related common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and soybean (Glycine max) reference genomes.

Estimation of risk management effects on revenue and purchased feed costs on US dairy farms.

PubMed

Hadrich, Joleen C; Johnson, Kamina K

2015-09-01

Variations in milk and feed prices directly affect dairy farm risk management decisions. This research used data from the 2010 US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Resource Management Surveys phase III dairy survey to examine how risk management tools affected revenues and expenses across US dairy farms. The survey was sent to 26 states and collected information on costs and returns to individual dairy farms. This research used the information from milk sales, crops sales, feed expenses, and farm and operator characteristics, as well as the use of risk management tools. Matching methodology was used to evaluate the effect of 5 independent risk management tools on revenues and expenses: selling milk to a cooperative, using a commodity contract to sell grain, feeding homegrown forage at a basic and intensive level, and use of a nutritionist. Results showed that dairy farms located in the Midwest and East benefit from selling milk to a cooperative and using commodity contracts to sell grain. Across the United States, using a nutritionist increased total feed costs, whereas a feeding program that included more than 65% homegrown forages decreased total feed costs. Results point to benefits from educational programming on risk management tools that are region specific rather than a broad generalization to all US dairy farmers. Copyright © 2015 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mental states as macrostates emerging from brain electrical dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allefeld, Carsten; Atmanspacher, Harald; Wackermann, Jiří

2009-03-01

Psychophysiological correlations form the basis for different medical and scientific disciplines, but the nature of this relation has not yet been fully understood. One conceptual option is to understand the mental as "emerging" from neural processes in the specific sense that psychology and physiology provide two different descriptions of the same system. Stating these descriptions in terms of coarser- and finer-grained system states (macro- and microstates), the two descriptions may be equally adequate if the coarse-graining preserves the possibility to obtain a dynamical rule for the system. To test the empirical viability of our approach, we describe an algorithm to obtain a specific form of such a coarse-graining from data, and illustrate its operation using a simulated dynamical system. We then apply the method to an electroencephalographic recording, where we are able to identify macrostates from the physiological data that correspond to mental states of the subject.

Folding and stability of helical bundle proteins from coarse-grained models.

PubMed

Kapoor, Abhijeet; Travesset, Alex

2013-07-01

We develop a coarse-grained model where solvent is considered implicitly, electrostatics are included as short-range interactions, and side-chains are coarse-grained to a single bead. The model depends on three main parameters: hydrophobic, electrostatic, and side-chain hydrogen bond strength. The parameters are determined by considering three level of approximations and characterizing the folding for three selected proteins (training set). Nine additional proteins (containing up to 126 residues) as well as mutated versions (test set) are folded with the given parameters. In all folding simulations, the initial state is a random coil configuration. Besides the native state, some proteins fold into an additional state differing in the topology (structure of the helical bundle). We discuss the stability of the native states, and compare the dynamics of our model to all atom molecular dynamics simulations as well as some general properties on the interactions governing folding dynamics. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Methane Hydrates: Chapter 8

USGS Publications Warehouse

Boswell, Ray; Yamamoto, Koji; Lee, Sung-Rock; Collett, Timothy S.; Kumar, Pushpendra; Dallimore, Scott

2008-01-01

Gas hydrate is a solid, naturally occurring substance consisting predominantly of methane gas and water. Recent scientific drilling programs in Japan, Canada, the United States, Korea and India have demonstrated that gas hydrate occurs broadly and in a variety of forms in shallow sediments of the outer continental shelves and in Arctic regions. Field, laboratory and numerical modelling studies conducted to date indicate that gas can be extracted from gas hydrates with existing production technologies, particularly for those deposits in which the gas hydrate exists as pore-filling grains at high saturation in sand-rich reservoirs. A series of regional resource assessments indicate that substantial volumes of gas hydrate likely exist in sand-rich deposits. Recent field programs in Japan, Canada and in the United States have demonstrated the technical viability of methane extraction from gas-hydrate-bearing sand reservoirs and have investigated a range of potential production scenarios. At present, basic reservoir depressurisation shows the greatest promise and can be conducted using primarily standard industry equipment and procedures. Depressurisation is expected to be the foundation of future production systems; additional processes, such as thermal stimulation, mechanical stimulation and chemical injection, will likely also be integrated as dictated by local geological and other conditions. An innovative carbon dioxide and methane swapping technology is also being studied as a method to produce gas from select gas hydrate deposits. In addition, substantial additional volumes of gas hydrate have been found in dense arrays of grain-displacing veins and nodules in fine-grained, clay-dominated sediments; however, to date, no field tests, and very limited numerical modelling, have been conducted with regard to the production potential of such accumulations. Work remains to further refine: (1) the marine resource volumes within potential accumulations that can be produced through exploratory drilling programs; (2) the tools for gas hydrate detection and characterisation from remote sensing data; (3) the details of gas hydrate reservoir production behaviour through additional, well-monitored and longer duration field tests and (4) the understanding of the potential environmental impacts of gas hydrate resource development. The results of future production tests, in the context of varying market and energy supply conditions around the globe, will be the key to determine the ultimate timing and scale of the commercial production of natural gas from gas hydrates.

Spall Fracture Patterns for the Heterophase Cu-Al-Ni Alloy in Ultrafine- and Coarse-Grained States Exposed to a Nanosecond Relativistic High-Current Electron Beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dudarev, E. F.; Markov, A. B.; Mayer, A. E.; Bakach, G. P.; Tabachenko, A. N.; Kashin, O. A.; Pochivalova, G. P.; Skosyrskii, A. B.; Kitsanov, S. A.; Zhorovkov, M. F.; Yakovlev, E. V.

2013-05-01

A comparative study of spall fracture patterns for the heterophase Cu - 8.45% Al - 5.06% Ni alloy (аt.%) in ultrafine- and coarse-grained states under shock-wave loading using the "SINUS-7" electron accelerator is carried out. For electron energy of 1.4 MeV, pulse duration of 50 ns, and power density of 1.6·1010 W/cm2, the shock wave amplitude was 8 GPa and the strain rate was ~2·105 s-1. It is established that the thickness of the spalled layer increased for both grained structures, and the degree of plastic strain decreased with increasing target thickness. Based on experimental data obtained and results of theoretical calculations, it is demonstrated that the spall strength of ultrafine- and coarse-grained structures is ~3 GPa. The data on the grained structure at different distances from the spall surface and spall fraction patterns and mechanism are presented.

Dynamics of a grain-filled ball on a vibrating plate.

PubMed

Pacheco-Vázquez, F; Ludewig, F; Dorbolo, S

2014-09-12

We study experimentally how the bouncing dynamics of a hollow ball on a vibrating plate is modified when it is partially filled with liquid or grains. Whereas empty and liquid-filled balls display a dominant chaotic dynamics, a ball with grains exhibits a rich variety of stationary states, determined by the grain size and filling volume. In the collisional regime, i.e., when the energy injected to the system is mainly dissipated by interparticle collisions, an unexpected period-1 orbit appears independently of the vibration conditions, over a wide range. This is a self-regulated state driven by the formation and collapse of a granular gas within the ball during one cycle. In the frictional regime (dissipation dominated by friction), the grains move collectively and generate different patterns and steady modes: oscillons, waves, period doubling, etc. From a phase diagram and a geometrical analysis, we deduce that these modes are the result of a coupling (synchronization) between the vibrating plate frequency and the trajectory followed by the particles inside the cavity.

Dynamics of a Grain-Filled Ball on a Vibrating Plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pacheco-Vázquez, F.; Ludewig, F.; Dorbolo, S.

2014-09-01

We study experimentally how the bouncing dynamics of a hollow ball on a vibrating plate is modified when it is partially filled with liquid or grains. Whereas empty and liquid-filled balls display a dominant chaotic dynamics, a ball with grains exhibits a rich variety of stationary states, determined by the grain size and filling volume. In the collisional regime, i.e., when the energy injected to the system is mainly dissipated by interparticle collisions, an unexpected period-1 orbit appears independently of the vibration conditions, over a wide range. This is a self-regulated state driven by the formation and collapse of a granular gas within the ball during one cycle. In the frictional regime (dissipation dominated by friction), the grains move collectively and generate different patterns and steady modes: oscillons, waves, period doubling, etc. From a phase diagram and a geometrical analysis, we deduce that these modes are the result of a coupling (synchronization) between the vibrating plate frequency and the trajectory followed by the particles inside the cavity.

Protein enrichment of brewery spent grain from Rhizopus oligosporus by solid-state fermentation.

PubMed

Canedo, Marianny Silva; de Paula, Fernanda Gomes; da Silva, Flávio Alves; Vendruscolo, Francielo

2016-07-01

Brewery spent grain represents approximately 85 % of total by-products generated in a brewery. Consisting of carbohydrates, fiber, minerals and low amounts of protein, the use of brewery spent grain is limited to the feeding of ruminants; however, its potential use should be investigated. The reuse of this by-product using microorganisms by solid-state fermentation process as the case of protein enrichment by single-cell protein incorporation is an alternative to ensure sustainability and generate commercially interesting products. In this context, the aim of this study was to grow Rhizopus oligosporus in brewery spent grain under different initial moisture contents and nitrogen sources to increase the protein content of the fermented material. After 7 days of fermentation, increase of 2-4 times in the crude protein and soluble protein content was verified, respectively, compared to unfermented brewery spent grain. The kinetics of protein enrichment demonstrated the possibility of application of this technique, which can be a great alternative for use in diets for animals.

Effect of Ag and Pb Addition on Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of SAC 105 Solders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molnar, Aliz; Janovszky, Dora; Kardos, Ibolya; Molnar, Istvan; Gacsi, Zoltan

2015-10-01

Melting and crystallization processes of lead-free and lead-contaminated alloys in near-equilibrium state were investigated. In addition, the effect of silver content up to 4 wt.% on the microstructure of Sn-Ag-Cu alloys was studied. The volume fraction of β-Sn decreased by half owing to 4 wt.% Ag content. Furthermore, contamination by lead strongly influences the properties of the solidified microstructure. The Pb grains appear as a result of two processes when the Pb content is equal to 0.5 wt.% or higher: Pb phase solidifies in the quaternary eutectic at 176°C, and Pb grains precipitate from the primary β-Sn solid solution grain during a solid state reaction. The freezing range enlarges to 51°C due to 2 wt.% Pb content owing to quaternary eutectic. Above 1 wt.% Pb content, the mechanical properties also improve due to grains of quaternary eutectic Pb and precipitated Pb grains with a size <1 μm.

STRUCTURAL UNITS OF STARCH DETERMINED BY X-RAY CRYSTAL STRUCTURE METHOD.

PubMed

Sponsler, O L

1923-07-20

A few brief statements summarizing the foregoing conclusions may make a picture of the structure of the starch grain somewhat clearer. 1. The presence of lines on the negatives indicates a regular arrangement of the planes of atoms. 2. The lines are in close agreement with lines which would be produced by a lattice of the tetragonal system, the elementary cell of which is a square prism with the dimensions 5.94 x 5.94 x 5.05 A.u. 3. The unit of the lattice occupies a space equal to the volume of the starch group, C(6)H(10)O(5). 4. The large number of atoms in the unit makes it highly probable that principal planes and secondary planes of atoms occur for every reflecting position. 5. The effect of the secondary upon the principal planes may readily account for the differences in the density of the lines produced on the negatives. 6. From theoretical considerations, reflections, such as those obtained, would occur if starch grains were built up of concentric layers of units. 7. Two other factors which might affect the density of the lines are thermal agitation and the curvature of the concentric layers. 8. A model of the starch group was constructed to scale based on the accepted sizes of the atoms involved and upon rather meager chemical evidence. The model apparently fulfills the requirements necessary to produce reflections such as were obtained. 9. The model fits the elementary cell loosely enough to suggest a low density and to allow for considerable thermal movement. At the same time, parts of it approach the faces of the cell closely enough to make cohesion seem possible. 10. The model makes clearer the basis for the assumption that reflection from certain positions would be stronger than from others. If the interpretation of the data is correct and if the assumptions made are sound, then the starch grain is built up of units arranged in concentric layers, and the units are groups of atoms, each containing 6 carbon, 10 hydrogen, and 5 oxygen atoms. Such a structure is certainly not an amorphous structure, and on the other hand it is not crystalline in the common sense of the term. Parts of the grain, it is true, act as crystals in that for certain distances the layers of units are in planes, but taken as a whole the layers are curved. As to the validity of the conclusions, those pertaining to the type of lattice and to the size of the unit may be accepted as sound in our present knowledge of x-rays and crystal structure; those, however, pertaining to the nature and the spherical arrangement of the units, while they seem convincing, need the support of further investigation into the various structures deposited by living protoplasm. In conclusion, the assumption that the units form a sort of spherical space lattice, gives a picture of the starch grain which leads us to ponder over the nature of the activity in protoplasm when it is depositing solid substances. Starch, cellulose, and pectic bodies are about the only solid deposits made directly by the living substance of plants, and all three have the same proportional formula, C(6)H(10)O(5). Investigations, as yet incomplete, indicate that cellulose also consists of a regular arrangement of C(6)H(10)O(5) groups, each acting as a unit, but the spacing (6.14 x 6.14 x 5.55) is slightly different from that of starch. Pectin has not been studied. Protoplasm may be thought of as being composed of molecules of many different sizes, polypeptides, or even proteins forming the larger, and amino-acids the smaller, if water and electrolytes are ignored. The smaller molecules, such as those of the amino-acid, leucine, are approximately equal in size to the C(6)H(10)O(5) group of starch. That being the case, what can be the state of affairs at the interface when the starch particles are being deposited? Is it probable that protoplasm is homogeneous to the extent of being able to deposit these particles at 6 A.u. intervals? From quite another view-point a clear picture of the units of structure and their arrangement in cellulose should give a new point of attack on the many problems connected with osmosis. And from still a different view-point, it might lead perhaps, to a solution of problems connected with swelling. Another line of thought is suggested by the uniformity of the groups in the starch grain. Since the C(6)H(10)O(5) group occurs as an individual unit, one is inclined to suspect that it is really the molecule. Generally the starch molecule is considered to be very large, to be composed of several dozens of such groups, and to have a molecular weight of 7,000 or much more. No one figure, however, seems satisfactory to the different authorities. There is already at hand considerable evidence which will be assembled in a later paper favoring the single group, C(6)H(10)O(5), as the molecule. Finally, problems in polarized light may receive more satisfactory explanations through a clearer notion of the molecular structure of the carbohydrates.

Iron state in iron nanoparticles with and without zirconium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Filippov, V. P.; Khasanov, A. M.; Lauer, Yu. A.

2017-11-01

Mössbauer and X-ray methods are used for investigations of structure, stability and characteristics of pure-iron grain and two iron-zirconium alloys such as Fe + 5 wt.% Zr and Fe + 10 wt.% Zr. The used powder was ground for 24 h in a SPEX Model 8000 mill shaker. Complex nanoparticles are found, which change their properties under milling. Mössbauer spectral parameters are obtained for investigated materials. Milling results in formation of nanosized particles with two states of iron atoms: one main part is pure α-Fe and another part of iron atoms displaced in grain boundaries or defective zones in which hyperfine magnetic splitting decrease to ˜ 30.0 T. In alloys with Zr three iron states are formed in each alloy, main part of iron is in the form of α-Fe and another two states depend on the concentration of Zr and represent iron in grain boundaries with Zr atoms in nearest neighbor. The changing of iron states is discussed.

Spectroscopic classification of icy satellites of Saturn II: Identification of terrain units on Rhea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scipioni, F.; Tosi, F.; Stephan, K.; Filacchione, G.; Ciarniello, M.; Capaccioni, F.; Cerroni, P.

2014-05-01

Rhea is the second largest icy satellites of Saturn and it is mainly composed of water ice. Its surface is characterized by a leading hemisphere slightly brighter than the trailing side. The main goal of this work is to identify homogeneous compositional units on Rhea by applying the Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) classification technique to Rhea’s hyperspectral images acquired by the Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) onboard the Cassini Orbiter in the infrared range (0.88-5.12 μm). The first step of the classification is dedicated to the identification of Rhea’s spectral endmembers by applying the k-means unsupervised clustering technique to four hyperspectral images representative of a limited portion of the surface, imaged at relatively high spatial resolution. We then identified eight spectral endmembers, corresponding to as many terrain units, which mostly distinguish for water ice abundance and ice grain size. In the second step, endmembers are used as reference spectra in SAM classification method to achieve a comprehensive classification of the entire surface. From our analysis of the infrared spectra returned by VIMS, it clearly emerges that Rhea’ surface units shows differences in terms of water ice bands depths, average ice grain size, and concentration of contaminants, particularly CO2 and hydrocarbons. The spectral units that classify optically dark terrains are those showing suppressed water ice bands, a finer ice grain size and a higher concentration of carbon dioxide. Conversely, spectral units labeling brighter regions have deeper water ice absorption bands, higher albedo and a smaller concentration of contaminants. All these variations reflect surface’s morphological and geological structures. Finally, we performed a comparison between Rhea and Dione, to highlight different magnitudes of space weathering effects in the icy satellites as a function of the distance from Saturn.

Softening due to Grain Boundary Cavity Formation and its Competition with Hardening in Helium Implanted Nanocrystalline Tungsten

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

Cunningham, W. Streit; Gentile, Jonathan M.; El-Atwani, Osman

The unique ability of grain boundaries to act as effective sinks for radiation damage plays a significant role in nanocrystalline materials due to their large interfacial area per unit volume. Leveraging this mechanism in the design of tungsten as a plasma-facing material provides a potential pathway for enhancing its radiation tolerance under fusion-relevant conditions. In this study, we explore the impact of defect microstructures on the mechanical behavior of helium ion implanted nanocrystalline tungsten through nanoindentation. Softening was apparent across all implantation temperatures and attributed to bubble/cavity loaded grain boundaries suppressing the activation barrier for the onset of plasticity viamore » grain boundary mediated dislocation nucleation. An increase in fluence placed cavity induced grain boundary softening in competition with hardening from intragranular defect loop damage, thus signaling a new transition in the mechanical behavior of helium implanted nanocrystalline tungsten.« less

Softening due to Grain Boundary Cavity Formation and its Competition with Hardening in Helium Implanted Nanocrystalline Tungsten

DOE PAGES

Cunningham, W. Streit; Gentile, Jonathan M.; El-Atwani, Osman; ...

2018-02-13

The unique ability of grain boundaries to act as effective sinks for radiation damage plays a significant role in nanocrystalline materials due to their large interfacial area per unit volume. Leveraging this mechanism in the design of tungsten as a plasma-facing material provides a potential pathway for enhancing its radiation tolerance under fusion-relevant conditions. In this study, we explore the impact of defect microstructures on the mechanical behavior of helium ion implanted nanocrystalline tungsten through nanoindentation. Softening was apparent across all implantation temperatures and attributed to bubble/cavity loaded grain boundaries suppressing the activation barrier for the onset of plasticity viamore » grain boundary mediated dislocation nucleation. An increase in fluence placed cavity induced grain boundary softening in competition with hardening from intragranular defect loop damage, thus signaling a new transition in the mechanical behavior of helium implanted nanocrystalline tungsten.« less

Health-promoting components of fruits and vegetables in the diet.

PubMed

Liu, Rui Hai

2013-05-01

Regular consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other plant foods has been negatively correlated with the risk of the development of chronic diseases. There is a huge gap between the average consumption of fruits and vegetables in Americans and the amount recommended by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The key is to encourage consumers to increase the total amount to 9 to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables in all forms available. Fresh, processed fruits and vegetables including frozen and canned, cooked, 100% fruit juices and 100% vegetable juices, as well as dry fruits are all considered as servings of fruits and vegetables per day. A wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other plant foods provide a range of nutrients and different bioactive compounds including phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and fibers. Potatoes serve as one of the low-fat foods with unique nutrients and phytochemical profiles, particularly rich in vitamin C, vitamin B-6, potassium, manganese, and dietary fibers. Potatoes provide 25% of vegetable phenolics in the American diet, the largest contributors among the 27 vegetables commonly consumed in the United States, including flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol), phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid), and carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin). More and more evidence suggests that the health benefits of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other plant foods are attributed to the synergy or interactions of bioactive compounds and other nutrients in whole foods. Therefore, consumers should obtain their nutrients, antioxidants, bioactive compounds, and phytochemicals from a balanced diet with a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other plant foods for optimal nutrition, health, and well-being, not from dietary supplements.

Health-Promoting Components of Fruits and Vegetables in the Diet12

PubMed Central

Liu, Rui Hai

2013-01-01

Regular consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other plant foods has been negatively correlated with the risk of the development of chronic diseases. There is a huge gap between the average consumption of fruits and vegetables in Americans and the amount recommended by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The key is to encourage consumers to increase the total amount to 9 to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables in all forms available. Fresh, processed fruits and vegetables including frozen and canned, cooked, 100% fruit juices and 100% vegetable juices, as well as dry fruits are all considered as servings of fruits and vegetables per day. A wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other plant foods provide a range of nutrients and different bioactive compounds including phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and fibers. Potatoes serve as one of the low-fat foods with unique nutrients and phytochemical profiles, particularly rich in vitamin C, vitamin B-6, potassium, manganese, and dietary fibers. Potatoes provide 25% of vegetable phenolics in the American diet, the largest contributors among the 27 vegetables commonly consumed in the United States, including flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol), phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid), and carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin). More and more evidence suggests that the health benefits of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other plant foods are attributed to the synergy or interactions of bioactive compounds and other nutrients in whole foods. Therefore, consumers should obtain their nutrients, antioxidants, bioactive compounds, and phytochemicals from a balanced diet with a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other plant foods for optimal nutrition, health, and well-being, not from dietary supplements. PMID:23674808

Grain boundary, triple junction and quadruple point mobility controlled normal grain growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rios, P. R.; Glicksman, M. E.

2015-07-01

Reduction in stored free energy provides the thermodynamic driving force for grain and bubble growth in polycrystals and foams. Evolution of polycrystalline networks exhibit the additional complication that grain growth may be controlled by several kinetic mechanisms through which the decrease in network energy occurs. Polyhedral boundaries, triple junctions (TJs), and quadruple points (QPs) are the geometrically distinct elements of three dimensional networks that follow Plateau's rules, provided that grain growth is limited by diffusion through, and motion of, cell boundaries. Shvindlerman and co-workers have long recognized the kinetic influences on polycrystalline grain growth of network TJs and QPs. Moreover, the emergence of interesting polycrystalline nanomaterials underscored that TJs can indeed influence grain growth kinetics. Currently there exist few detailed studies concerned either with network distributions of grain size, number of faces per grain, or with 'grain trajectories', when grain growth is limited by the motion of its TJs or QPs. By contrast there exist abundant studies of classical grain growth limited by boundary mobility. This study is focused on a topological/geometrical representation of polycrystals to obtain statistical predictions of the grain size and face number distributions, as well as growth 'trajectories' during steady-state grain growth. Three limits to grain growth are considered, with grain growth kinetics controlled by boundary, TJ, and QP mobilities.

The discovery and character of Pleistocene calcrete uranium deposits in the Southern High Plains of west Texas, United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Van Gosen, Bradley S.; Hall, Susan M.

2017-12-18

This report describes the discovery and geology of two near-surface uranium deposits within calcareous lacustrine strata of Pleistocene age in west Texas, United States. Calcrete uranium deposits have not been previously reported in the United States. The west Texas uranium deposits share characteristics with some calcrete uranium deposits in Western Australia—uranium-vanadium minerals hosted by nonpedogenic calcretes deposited in saline lacustrine environments.In the mid-1970s, Kerr-McGee Corporation conducted a regional uranium exploration program in the Southern High Plains province of the United States, which led to the discovery of two shallow uranium deposits (that were not publicly reported). With extensive drilling, Kerr-McGee delineated one deposit of about 2.1 million metric tons of ore with an average grade of 0.037 percent U3O8 and another deposit of about 0.93 million metric tons of ore averaging 0.047 percent U3O8.The west-Texas calcrete uranium-vanadium deposits occur in calcareous, fine-grained sediments interpreted to be deposited in saline lakes formed during dry interglacial periods of the Pleistocene. The lakes were associated with drainages upstream of a large Pleistocene lake. Age determinations of tephra in strata adjacent to one deposit indicate the host strata is middle Pleistocene in age.Examination of the uranium-vanadium mineralization by scanning-electron microscopy indicated at least two generations of uranium-vanadium deposition in the lacustrine strata identified as carnotite and a strontium-uranium-vanadium mineral. Preliminary uranium-series results indicate a two-component system in the host calcrete, with early lacustrine carbonate that was deposited (or recrystallized) about 190 kilo-annum, followed much later by carnotite-rich crusts and strontium-uranium-vanadium mineralization in the Holocene (about 5 kilo-annum). Differences in initial 234U/238U activity ratios indicate two separate, distinct fluid sources.

Carpinteria Coastal Processes Study, 2005-2007; Final Report

USGS Publications Warehouse

Barnard, Patrick L.; Revell, David L.; Eshleman, Jodi L.; Mustain, Neomi

2008-01-01

PROJECT SUMMARY The United States Geological Survey (USGS), in collaboration with the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), conducted a two-year study of the beach and nearshore coastal processes for the City of Carpinteria and adjacent beaches. The work was performed in response to and worked directly with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Project Management Plan (PMP) for the City of Carpinteria: * Carpinteria Shoreline, Santa Barbara County, California PMP (June 2003) www.spl.usace.army.mil/cms/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=487&Itemid=31 The City of Carpinteria has experienced significant erosion and storm damage over the last decade (Figure 1.1). A USACE reconnaissance survey has shown shoreline retreat rates that approach 2 m/yr in some locations. The goals of this project are to analyze historical trends/changes in the beach and nearshore environment, document local wave and tidal currents, and assess current beach and nearshore conditions in terms of grain size, beach size and shape, seasonal changes, and nearshore bathymetry. In summary, this work serves to quantify sediment sources, transport and sinks throughout the study area to support USACE and the City of Carpinteria coastal management activities.

The feasibility of a Paleolithic diet for low-income consumers.

PubMed

Metzgar, Matthew; Rideout, Todd C; Fontes-Villalba, Maelan; Kuipers, Remko S

2011-06-01

Many low-income consumers face a limited budget for food purchases. The United States Department of Agriculture developed the Thrifty Food Plan to address this problem of consuming a healthy diet given a budget constraint. This dietary optimization program uses common food choices to build a suitable diet. In this article, the United States Department of Agriculture data sets are used to test the feasibility of consuming a Paleolithic diet given a limited budget. The Paleolithic diet is described as the diet that humans are genetically adapted to, containing only the preagricultural food groups of meat, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Constraints were applied to the diet optimization model to restrict grains, dairy, and certain other food categories. Constraints were also applied for macronutrients, micronutrients, and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The results show that it is possible to consume a Paleolithic diet given the constraints. However, the diet does fall short of meeting the daily recommended intakes for certain micronutrients. A 9.3% increase in income is needed to consume a Paleolithic diet that meets all daily recommended intakes except for calcium. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Folate Insufficiency Due to Celiac Disease in a 49-Year-Old Woman of Southeast Asian-Indian Ethnicity

PubMed Central

Datta Mitra, Ananya; Gupta, Asha; Jialal, Ishwarlal

2016-01-01

The clinical presentation of celiac disease has evolved from chronic diarrhea and malnutrition to mild nutrient insufficiencies. Recently diagnosed adults with celiac disease should be assessed for micronutrient deficiencies because early institution of a gluten-free diet (GFD) prevents morbidity and reduces the incidence of gastrointestinal malignant neoplasms and osteoporosis. In this report, we present the case of a 49-year-old woman of Southeast Asian–Indian descent living in the United States who had folate insufficiency, as manifested by low serum and red blood cell (RBC) folate levels. Further investigation, including serologic testing and intestinal biopsy, confirmed a diagnosis of celiac disease and other nutrient deficiencies. Managing the condition of this patient with folate supplements and implementation of a recommended GFD reversed the folate insufficiency. In conclusion, when serum and/or RBC levels are low in a person of Southeast Asian-Indian descent living in a country with folate fortification of the grain supply, such as the United States, the medical team needs to look for an organic cause, as in our patient, to diagnose and manage celiac disease early and, hopefully, forestall complications. PMID:27406144

A distribution benefits model for improved information on worldwide crop production. Volume 2: Application to various crops

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andrews, J.

1976-01-01

ECON's distribution benefits model has been applied to worldwide distribution of corn, rye, oats, barley, soybeans, and sugar, and to domestic distribution of potatoes. The results indicate that a LANDSAT system with thematic mapper might produce benefits to the United States of about $119 million per year, due to more efficient distribution of these commodities. The benefits to the rest of the world have also been calculated, with a breakdown between trade benefits and those associated with internal use patterns. By far the greatest part of the estimated benefits are assigned to corn, with smaller benefits assigned to soybeans and the small grains (rye, oats, and barley).

Data on the Design of Plywood for Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elmendorf, Armin

1921-01-01

This report makes available data which will aid the designer in determining the plywood that is best adapted to various aircraft parts. It gives the results of investigations made by the Forest Products Laboratory of the United States Forest Service at Madison, Wisconsin, for the Army and Navy Departments, and is one of a series of reports on the use of wood in aircraft prepared by the Forest Products Laboratory for publication by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics. The object of the study was to determine, through comprehensive tests, the mechanical and physical properties of plywood and how these properties vary with density, number, thickness, arrangement of the plies and direction of grain of the plies.

From the granular Leidenfrost state to buoyancy-driven convection.

PubMed

Rivas, Nicolas; Thornton, Anthony R; Luding, Stefan; van der Meer, Devaraj

2015-04-01

Grains inside a vertically vibrated box undergo a transition from a density-inverted and horizontally homogeneous state, referred to as the granular Leidenfrost state, to a buoyancy-driven convective state. We perform a simulational study of the precursors of such a transition and quantify their dynamics as the bed of grains is progressively fluidized. The transition is preceded by transient convective states, which increase their correlation time as the transition point is approached. Increasingly correlated convective flows lead to density fluctuations, as quantified by the structure factor, that also shows critical behavior near the transition point. The amplitude of the modulations in the vertical velocity field are seen to be best described by a quintic supercritical amplitude equation with an additive noise term. The validity of such an amplitude equation, and previously observed collective semiperiodic oscillations of the bed of grains, suggests a new interpretation of the transition analogous to a coupled chain of vertically vibrated damped oscillators. Increasing the size of the container shows metastability of convective states, as well as an overall invariant critical behavior close to the transition.

Grain-size variations on a longitudinal dune and a barchan dune

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watson, Andrew

1986-01-01

The grain-size characteristics of the sand upon two dunes—a 40 m high longitudinal dune in the central Namib Desert and a 6.0 m high barchan in the Jafurah sand sea of Saudi Arabia—vary with position on the dunes. On the longitudinal dune, median grain size decreases, sorting improves and the grain-size distributions are less skewed and more normalized toward the crest. Though sand at the windward toe is distinct, elsewhere on the dune the changes in grain-size characteristics are gradual. An abrupt change in grain size and sorting near the crest—as described by Bagnold (1941, pp. 226-229)—is not well represented on this dune. Coarse grains remain as a lag on concave slope units and small particles are winnowed from the sand on the steepest windward slopes near the crest. Avalanching down slipfaces at the crest acts only as a supplementary grading mechanism. On the barchan dune median grain size also decreases near the crest, but sorting becomes poorer, though the grain-size distributions are more symmetric and more normalized. The dune profile is a Gaussian curve with a broad convex zone at the apex upon which topset beds had accreted prior to sampling. Grain size increases and sorting improves down the dune's slipface. However, this grading mechanism does not influence sand on the whole dune because variations in wind regime bring about different modes of dune accretion. On both dunes, height and morphology appear to influence significantly the grain-size characteristics.

Grain-size-induced weakening of H2O ices I and II and associated anisotropic recrystallization

USGS Publications Warehouse

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

1997-01-01

Grain-size-dependent flow mechanisms tend to be favored over dislocation creep at low differential stresses and can potentially influence the rheology of low-stress, low-strain rate environments such as those of planetary interiors. We experimentally investigated the effect of reduced grain size on the solid-state flow of water ice I, a principal component of the asthenospheres of many icy moons of the outer solar system, using techniques new to studies of this deformation regime. We fabricated fully dense ice samples of approximate grain size 2 ?? 1 ??m by transforming "standard" ice I samples of 250 ?? 50 ??m grain size to the higher-pressure phase ice II, deforming them in the ice II field, and then rapidly releasing the pressure deep into the ice I stability field. At T ??? 200 K, slow growth and rapid nucleation of ice I combine to produce a fine grain size. Constant-strain rate deformation tests conducted on these samples show that deformation rates are less stress sensitive than for standard ice and that the fine-grained material is markedly weaker than standard ice, particularly during the transient approach to steady state deformation. Scanning electron microscope examination of the deformed fine-grained ice samples revealed an unusual microstructure dominated by platelike grains that grew normal to the compression direction, with c axes preferentially oriented parallel to compression. In samples tested at T ??? 220 K the elongation of the grains is so pronounced that the samples appear finely banded, with aspect ratios of grains approaching 50:1. The anisotropic growth of these crystallographically oriented neoblasts likely contributes to progressive work hardening observed during the transient stage of deformation. We have also documented remarkably similar microstructural development and weak mechanical behavior in fine-grained ice samples partially transformed and deformed in the ice II field.

The single grain fusion dating approach: Determining the factors that control white mica 40Ar/39Ar age formation during HP metamorphism of the Cycladic Blueschist Unit, Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uunk, Bertram; Wijbrans, Jan; Brouwer, Fraukje

2017-04-01

White mica 40Ar/39Ar dating is a proven powerful tool for constraining the timing and rate of metamorphism, deformation and exhumation. However, for high-pressure metamorphic rocks dating often results in wide age ranges, which are not in agreement with constraints from other isotopic systems, indicating that geological and chemical processes complicate straightforward 40Ar/39Ar dating. Despite hosting one of the largest geochronological datasets in the world, the Cycladic Blueschist Unit in Greece is presently one of the focal areas in the discussion on the interpretation of metamorphic 40Ar/39Ar ages. Previous phengite multi grain step heating experiments commonly yielded undulating age spectra ranging between 20 - 60 Ma. While some studies attempt to assign geological significance to these ages, others argue the ages are geologically meaningless and the result of the interplay between partial diffusive resetting and continued crystallization. By taking an alternative approach of multiple single grain fusion experiments, this study investigates age heterogeneity between samples of contrasting metamorphic facies, rheology and strain from the Cycladic islands of Syros and Sifnos. Comparing the size and shape of single grain fusion age distributions at the grain, rock, outcrop and island scale allows determination of the scale at which different age-forming processes operate. Resulting ages show a previously unreported consistent variation between different outcrops, moving from the eclogite-blueschist facies (55-45 Ma) to greenschist overprinting (40-30 Ma). This indicates that outcrop scale homogeneous resetting is the dominant processes for age formation in the CBU. Single grain age variation at the sample and outcrop scale is only limited to 10 Ma, indicating a smaller but observable role for local age perturbing processes of incomplete resetting, continued (re)crystallization or infiltration of excess argon. Some of the partially overprinted samples show homogeneous single grain age populations, indicating at least a partial role for efficient resetting by thermally activated diffusion at the outcrop scale. Traditional multi grain step heating experiments on the same samples yield flat plateaus for various single grain age distributions, indicating that age heterogeneities resolved by single grain fusion dating are mixed to a meaningless average in step heating experiments. In contrast, our approach leads to a better understanding of the processes responsible for age formation during high pressure metamorphism.

A Study to Determine Competencies Needed by Employees Entering the Grain, Feed, and Seed Business.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Donahoo, Alvin W.; And Others

The report is one of a series of four Agricultural Manpower Reports to quantify the nature and extent of employment opportunities associated with agribusiness and production agriculture in Montana in 1971 and predicted to 1974. Montana is a major grain-production state and has a large grain, feed, seed, and fertilizer complex offering a wide…

Small polaronic hole hopping mechanism and Maxwell-Wagner relaxation in NdFeO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, I.; Akhtar, M. J.; Younas, M.; Siddique, M.; Hasan, M. M.

2012-10-01

In the modern micro-electronics, transition metal oxides due to their colossal values of dielectric permittivity possess huge potential for the development of capacitive energy storage devices. In the present work, the dielectric permittivity and the effects of temperature and frequency on the electrical transport properties of polycrystalline NdFeO3, prepared by solid state reaction method, are discussed. Room temperature Mossbauer spectrum confirms the phase purity, octahedral environment for Fe ion, and high spin state of Fe3+ ion. From the impedance spectroscopic measurements, three relaxation processes are observed, which are related to grains, grain boundaries (gbs), and electrode-semiconductor contact in the measured temperature and frequency ranges. Decrease in resistances and relaxation times of the grains and grain boundaries with temperature confirms the involvement of thermally activated conduction mechanisms. Same type of charge carriers (i.e., small polaron hole hopping) have been found responsible for conduction and relaxation processes through the grain and grain boundaries. The huge value of the dielectric constant (˜8 × 103) at high temperature and low frequency is correlated to the Maxwell-Wagner relaxation due to electrode-sample contact.

Accounting for a mirror-image conformation as a subtle effect in protein folding.

PubMed

Kachlishvili, Khatuna; Maisuradze, Gia G; Martin, Osvaldo A; Liwo, Adam; Vila, Jorge A; Scheraga, Harold A

2014-06-10

By using local (free-energy profiles along the amino acid sequence and (13)C(α) chemical shifts) and global (principal component) analyses to examine the molecular dynamics of protein-folding trajectories, generated with the coarse-grained united-residue force field, for the B domain of staphylococcal protein A, we are able to (i) provide the main reason for formation of the mirror-image conformation of this protein, namely, a slow formation of the second loop and part of the third helix (Asp29-Asn35), caused by the presence of multiple local conformational states in this portion of the protein; (ii) show that formation of the mirror-image topology is a subtle effect resulting from local interactions; (iii) provide a mechanism for how protein A overcomes the barrier between the metastable mirror-image state and the native state; and (iv) offer a plausible reason to explain why protein A does not remain in the metastable mirror-image state even though the mirror-image and native conformations are at least energetically compatible.

Accounting for a mirror-image conformation as a subtle effect in protein folding

PubMed Central

Kachlishvili, Khatuna; Maisuradze, Gia G.; Martin, Osvaldo A.; Liwo, Adam; Vila, Jorge A.; Scheraga, Harold A.

2014-01-01

By using local (free-energy profiles along the amino acid sequence and 13Cα chemical shifts) and global (principal component) analyses to examine the molecular dynamics of protein-folding trajectories, generated with the coarse-grained united-residue force field, for the B domain of staphylococcal protein A, we are able to (i) provide the main reason for formation of the mirror-image conformation of this protein, namely, a slow formation of the second loop and part of the third helix (Asp29–Asn35), caused by the presence of multiple local conformational states in this portion of the protein; (ii) show that formation of the mirror-image topology is a subtle effect resulting from local interactions; (iii) provide a mechanism for how protein A overcomes the barrier between the metastable mirror-image state and the native state; and (iv) offer a plausible reason to explain why protein A does not remain in the metastable mirror-image state even though the mirror-image and native conformations are at least energetically compatible. PMID:24912167

Star polymers as unit cells for coarse-graining cross-linked networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molotilin, Taras Y.; Maduar, Salim R.; Vinogradova, Olga I.

2018-03-01

Reducing the complexity of cross-linked polymer networks by preserving their main macroscale properties is key to understanding them, and a crucial issue is to relate individual properties of the polymer constituents to those of the reduced network. Here we study polymer networks in a good solvent, by considering star polymers as their unit elements, and first quantify the interaction between their centers of masses. We then reduce the complexity of a network by replacing sets of its bridged star polymers by equivalent effective soft particles with dense cores. Our coarse graining allows us to approximate complex polymer networks by much simpler ones, keeping their relevant mechanical properties, as illustrated in computer experiments.

Taking the First Full Drink: Epidemiological Evidence on Male-Female Differences in the United States.

PubMed

Cheng, Hui G; Cantave, Marven D; Anthony, James C

2016-04-01

This research extends prior epidemiological estimates for the United States and re-examines a previously described male excess in alcohol drinking. Its aim was to estimate fine-grained age-specific incidence of becoming a drinker among 12- to 24-year-old U.S. males and females, and to compare incidence estimates with prevalence proportions. The study population is 12- to 24-year-old noninstitutionalized U.S. civilian residents. Estimates are from 12 successive U.S. National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), with nationally representative samples drawn each year from 2002 to 2013 and assessed via computer-assisted self-interviews (n ~ 390,000). Analysis-weighted incidence and prevalence estimates are generated using the NSDUH Restricted Data Analysis System for 6 year-pairs. Meta-analysis-derived summary estimates are provided, treating each year-pair as a replication. In this 21st century evidence, there no longer is male excess of incidence with respect to underage drinking. Indeed, in mid-adolescence, there is a clear female excess for the risk of becoming an underage drinker. Meta-analytic summaries disclosed no other male-female differences in incidence. Nevertheless, a male excess in the prevalence of recently active drinking can be seen after the age of 19 years. This new evidence from the United States shows that the so-called "gender gap" in risk of becoming a drinker has narrowed to the point of there being no gap at all. Indeed, in mid-adolescence, risk of starting to drink is greater for females than for males. Copyright © 2016 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

Reduction of the allotropic transition temperature in nanocrystalline zirconium: Predicted by modified equation of state (MEOS) method and molecular dynamics simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salati, Amin; Mokhtari, Esmail; Panjepour, Masoud; Aryanpour, Gholamreza

2013-04-01

The temperature at which polymorphic phase transformation occurs in nanocrystalline (NC) materials is different from that of coarse-grained specimens. This anomaly has been related to the role of grain boundary component in these materials and can be predicted by a dilated crystal model. In this study, based on this model, a modified equation of state (MEOS) method (instead of equation of state, EOS, method) is used to calculate the total Gibbs free energy of each phase (β-Zr or α-Zr) in NC Zr. Thereupon, the change in the total Gibbs free energy for β-Zr to α-Zr phase transformation (ΔGβ→α) via the grain size is calculated by this method. Similar to polymorphic transformation in other NC materials (Fe, Nb, Co, TiO2, Al2O3 and ZnS), it is found that the estimated transformation temperature in NC Zr (β→α) is reduced with decreasing grain size. Finally, a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is employed to confirm the theoretical results.

Elevated CO2 Reduced Floret Death in Wheat Under Warmer Average Temperatures and Terminal Drought

PubMed Central

Dias de Oliveira, Eduardo; Palta, Jairo A.; Bramley, Helen; Stefanova, Katia; Siddique, Kadambot H. M.

2015-01-01

Elevated CO2 often increases grain yield in wheat by enhancing grain number per ear, which can result from an increase in the potential number of florets or a reduction in the death of developed florets. The hypotheses that elevated CO2 reduces floret death rather than increases floret development, and that grain size in a genotype with more grains per unit area is limited by the rate of grain filling, were tested in a pair of sister lines contrasting in tillering capacity (restricted- vs. free-tillering). The hypotheses were tested under elevated CO2, combined with +3°C above ambient temperature and terminal drought, using specialized field tunnel houses. Elevated CO2 increased net leaf photosynthetic rates and likely the availability of carbon assimilates, which significantly reduced the rates of floret death and increased the potential number of grains at anthesis in both sister lines by an average of 42%. The restricted-tillering line had faster grain-filling rates than the free-tillering line because the free-tillering line had more grains to fill. Furthermore, grain-filling rates were faster under elevated CO2 and +3°C above ambient. Terminal drought reduced grain yield in both lines by 19%. Elevated CO2 alone increased the potential number of grains, but a trade-off in yield components limited grain yield in the free-tillering line. This emphasizes the need for breeding cultivars with a greater potential number of florets, since this was not affected by the predicted future climate variables. PMID:26635837

Grain Boundary Effect on Charge Transport in Pentacene Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weis, Martin; Gmucová, Katarína; Nádaždy, Vojtech; Majková, Eva; Haško, Daniel; Taguchi, Dai; Manaka, Takaaki; Iwamoto, Mitsumasa

2011-04-01

We report on charge transport properties of polycrystalline pentacene films with variable average grain size in the range from 0.1 to 0.3 µm controlled by the preparation technology. We illustrate with the organic field-effect transistors decrease of the effective mobility and presence of traps with decrease of the grain size. Analysis of the charge transfer excitons reveals decrease of the mobile charge density and the steady-state voltammetry showed significant increase of oxygen- and hydrogen-related defects. We also briefly discuss accumulation of the defects on the grain boundary and show relation between the defect density and grain boundary length.

Microstructural development of cobalt ferrite ceramics and its influence on magnetic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Gi-Yeop; Jeon, Jae-Ho; Kim, Myong-Ho; Suvorov, Danilo; Choi, Si-Young

2013-11-01

The microstructural evolution and its influence on magnetic properties in cobalt ferrite were investigated. The cobalt ferrite powders were prepared via a solid-state reaction route and then sintered at 1200 °C for 1, 2, and 16 h in air. The microstructures from sintered samples represented a bimodal distribution of grain size, which is associated with abnormal grain growth behavior. And thus, with increasing sintering time, the number and size of abnormal grains accordingly increased but the matrix grains were frozen with stagnant grain growth. In the sample sintered for 16 h, all of the matrix grains were consumed and the abnormal grains consequently impinged on each other. With the appearance of abnormal grains, the magnetic coercivity significantly decreased from 586.3 Oe (1 h sintered sample) to 168.3 Oe (16 h sintered sample). This is due to the magnetization in abnormal grains being easily flipped. In order to achieve high magnetic coercivity of cobalt ferrite, it is thus imperative to fabricate the fine and homogeneous microstructure.

Contamination of wheat grain with microscopic fungi and their metabolites in Poland in 2006-2009.

PubMed

Stuper-Szablewska, Kinga; Perkowski, Juliusz

2014-01-01

Microscopic fungi are microorganisms commonly found in cereal products. Pathogens of cereals colonising kernels are responsible, among other things, for deterioration of the technological value of grain. However, the greatest threat is posed by mycotoxins produced by toxin-forming strains of these microorganisms. The aim of the present study was to determine the level of contamination with microscopic fungi and mycotoxins from the group of trichothecenes in wheat grain from Poland in a 4-year cycle. In the period 2006-2009, studies were conducted on the content of fungal metabolites (ergosterol [ERG] and type A and B trichothecenes) and the content of microscopic fungi expressed in colony-forming units (CFU) in wheat grain. A total of 129 grain samples were examined. Analysed wheat samples had similar contents of both the investigated fungal metabolites and levels of microscopic fungi. Contents of microscopic fungi were low. Concentration of ERG, on average, was 2.64 mg/kg, while in colony forming units this value ranged from 10(1) CFU/g to over 10(3) CFU/g. The total concentration of type A and B trichothecenes was also low and within the 4 years of the investigation did not exceed 0.062 mg/kg. Concentration of DON did not exceed 1,250 µg/kg, established as safe in grain for human consumption, in any of the tested samples. For the results collected in the years 2006-2009 and presented in this paper, correlations were calculated between the amount of mycoflora and analysed metabolites in 3 possible combinations: 0.7096 for ERG/total toxin concentration, 0.6086 for ERG/log CFU/g, and 0.4016 for the concentration of total toxins/log CFU/g. Highly significant correlations between the content of trichothecenes and the concentration of ERG indicate that the level of this metabolite is closely related to the content of mycotoxins in grain.

East Europe Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-07-30

Instead it was imperative to develop and offer an integrated system, because that alone would yield the great total national usefulness for management...to for the period through 1990 (50-52 GE [grain units] per hectare and year- based on an annual 12 million ton grain yield ), it would be necessary to...soil and the plants was gaining ever increasing importance, because the highest possible yields presume the optimum interaction of all intensification

The Microstructure and Gamma Prime Distributions in Inertia Friction Welded Joint of P/M Superalloy FGH96

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chi; Shen, Wenfei; Zhang, Liwen; Xia, Yingnan; Li, Ruiqin

2017-04-01

A gamma prime ( γ') precipitation ( 35% in volume)-hardened powder metallurgy (P/M) superalloy FGH96 was welded using inertia friction welding (IFW). The microstructure and γ' distributions in the joints in two conditions, hot isostatic pressed state and solution-treated and aged state, were characterized. The recrystallization of grains, the dissolution and re-precipitation of γ' in the joints were discussed in terms of the temperature evolutions which were calculated by finite element model analysis. Regardless of the initial states, fully recrystallized fine grain structure formed at welded zone. Meanwhile, very fine γ' precipitations were re-precipitated at the welded zone. These recrystallized grain structure and fine re-precipitated γ' resulted in increasing hardness of IFW joint while making the hardness dependent on the microstructure and γ' precipitation.

Use of textile waste water along with liquid NPK fertilizer for production of wheat on saline sodic soils.

PubMed

Yaseen, Muhammad; Aziz, Muhammad Zahir; Jafar, Abdul Aleem; Naveed, Muhammad; Saleem, Muhammad

2016-01-01

A field experiment in collaboration with a private textile industry (Noor Fatima Fabrics Private (Ltd.), Faisalabad) was conducted to evaluate the effect of disposed water from bleaching unit, printing unit and end drain for improving growth and yield of wheat under saline sodic soil. Textile waste water along with canal water (control) was applied with and without liquid NPK fertilizer. The application of liquid NPK fertilizer with end drain waste water increased plant height, spike length, flag leaf length, root length, number of tillers (m(-2)), number of fertile tillers (m(-2)), 1000 grain weight, grain yield, straw yield and biological yield up to 21, 20, 20, 44, 17, 20, 14, 44, 40 and 41%, respectively compared to canal water (control). Similarly, the NPK uptake in grain was increased up to 15, 30 and 28%, respectively by liquid fertilizer treated end drain water as compare to canal water with liquid fertilizer. Moreover, concentration of different heavy metals particularly Cu, Cr, Pb and Cd was decreased in grains by application of waste water along with liquid NPK. The result may imply that waste water application along with liquid-NPK could be a novel approach for improving growth and yield of wheat in saline sodic soils.

Variations between Dust and Gas in the Diffuse Interstellar Medium. III. Changes in Dust Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reach, William T.; Bernard, Jean-Philippe; Jarrett, Thomas H.; Heiles, Carl

2017-12-01

We study infrared emission of 17 isolated, diffuse clouds with masses of order {10}2 {M}ȯ to test the hypothesis that grain property variations cause the apparently low gas-to-dust ratios that have been measured in those clouds. Maps of the clouds were constructed from Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) data and directly compared with the maps of dust optical depth from Planck. The mid-infrared emission per unit dust optical depth has a significant trend toward lower values at higher optical depths. The trend can be quantitatively explained by the extinction of starlight within the clouds. The relative amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and very small grains traced by WISE, compared with large grains tracked by Planck, are consistent with being constant. The temperature of the large grains significantly decreases for clouds with larger dust optical depth; this trend is partially due to dust property variations, but is primarily due to extinction of starlight. We updated the prediction for molecular hydrogen column density, taking into account variations in dust properties, and find it can explain the observed dust optical depth per unit gas column density. Thus, the low gas-to-dust ratios in the clouds are most likely due to “dark gas” that is molecular hydrogen.

Genetic dissection of grain size and grain number trade-offs in CIMMYT wheat germplasm.

PubMed

Griffiths, Simon; Wingen, Luzie; Pietragalla, Julian; Garcia, Guillermo; Hasan, Ahmed; Miralles, Daniel; Calderini, Daniel F; Ankleshwaria, Jignaben Bipinchandra; Waite, Michelle Leverington; Simmonds, James; Snape, John; Reynolds, Matthew

2015-01-01

Grain weight (GW) and number per unit area of land (GN) are the primary components of grain yield in wheat. In segregating populations both yield components often show a negative correlation among themselves. Here we use a recombinant doubled haploid population of 105 individuals developed from the CIMMYT varieties Weebill and Bacanora to understand the relative contribution of these components to grain yield and their interaction with each other. Weebill was chosen for its high GW and Bacanora for high GN. The population was phenotyped in Mexico, Argentina, Chile and the UK. Two loci influencing grain yield were indicated on 1B and 7B after QTL analysis. Weebill contributed the increasing alleles. The 1B effect, which is probably caused by to the 1BL.1RS rye introgression in Bacanora, was a result of increased GN, whereas, the 7B QTL controls GW. We concluded that increased in GW from Weebill 7B allele is not accompanied by a significant reduction in grain number. The extent of the GW and GN trade-off is reduced. This makes this locus an attractive target for marker assisted selection to develop high yielding bold grain varieties like Weebill. AMMI analysis was used to show that the 7B Weebill allele appears to contribute to yield stability.

Differences in Fusarium Species in brown midrib Sorghum and in Air Populations in Production Fields.

PubMed

Funnell-Harris, Deanna L; Scully, Erin D; Sattler, Scott E; French, Roy C; O'Neill, Patrick M; Pedersen, Jeffrey F

2017-11-01

Several Fusarium spp. cause sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) grain mold, resulting in deterioration and mycotoxin production in the field and during storage. Fungal isolates from the air (2005 to 2006) and from leaves and grain from wild-type and brown midrib (bmr)-6 and bmr12 plants (2002 to 2003) were collected from two locations. Compared with the wild type, bmr plants have reduced lignin content, altered cell wall composition, and different levels of phenolic intermediates. Multilocus maximum-likelihood analysis identified two Fusarium thapsinum operational taxonomic units (OTU). One was identified at greater frequency in grain and leaves of bmr and wild-type plants but was infrequently detected in air. Nine F. graminearum OTU were identified: one was detected at low levels in grain and leaves while the rest were only detected in air. Wright's F statistic (F ST ) indicated that Fusarium air populations differentiated between locations during crop anthesis but did not differ during vegetative growth, grain development, and maturity. F ST also indicated that Fusarium populations from wild-type grain were differentiated from those in bmr6 or bmr12 grain at one location but, at the second location, populations from wild-type and bmr6 grain were more similar. Thus, impairing monolignol biosynthesis substantially effected Fusarium populations but environment had a strong influence.

Genetic Dissection of Grain Size and Grain Number Trade-Offs in CIMMYT Wheat Germplasm

PubMed Central

Griffiths, Simon; Wingen, Luzie; Pietragalla, Julian; Garcia, Guillermo; Hasan, Ahmed; Miralles, Daniel; Calderini, Daniel F.; Ankleshwaria, Jignaben Bipinchandra; Waite, Michelle Leverington; Simmonds, James; Snape, John; Reynolds, Matthew

2015-01-01

Grain weight (GW) and number per unit area of land (GN) are the primary components of grain yield in wheat. In segregating populations both yield components often show a negative correlation among themselves. Here we use a recombinant doubled haploid population of 105 individuals developed from the CIMMYT varieties Weebill and Bacanora to understand the relative contribution of these components to grain yield and their interaction with each other. Weebill was chosen for its high GW and Bacanora for high GN. The population was phenotyped in Mexico, Argentina, Chile and the UK. Two loci influencing grain yield were indicated on 1B and 7B after QTL analysis. Weebill contributed the increasing alleles. The 1B effect, which is probably caused by to the 1BL.1RS rye introgression in Bacanora, was a result of increased GN, whereas, the 7B QTL controls GW. We concluded that increased in GW from Weebill 7B allele is not accompanied by a significant reduction in grain number. The extent of the GW and GN trade-off is reduced. This makes this locus an attractive target for marker assisted selection to develop high yielding bold grain varieties like Weebill. AMMI analysis was used to show that the 7B Weebill allele appears to contribute to yield stability. PMID:25775191

Effect of gamma-irradiation on the occurrence of pathogenic microorganisms and nutritive value of four principal cereal grains.

PubMed

Aziz, N H; Souzan, R M; Shahin Azza, A

2006-12-01

The effects of (60)Co gamma-photon-irradiation on the natural occurrence of pathogenic microorganisms in four principal cereal grains and on amino acids and vitamins in these cereals were investigated. The total numbers of aerobic bacteria were reduced by three logarithmic decades when grains were given a dose of 10kGy. Coliforms and "coagulase- positive" staphylococci were inhibited by a dose of 1kGy, whereas fungi were inhibited by a dose of 5kGy. The 15kGy dose eliminated viable microorganisms in cereal grains, and about 10-30 colony-forming units of Clostridium sp. per gram of grain survived after this dose. The dose of 10kGy did not cause any measurable destruction of total amino acids. Thiamin was reduced by 22-33% and riboflavin by 10-16% after a dose of 10kGy. Irradiation did not increase the acid values significantly, but did increase the peroxide values, which was not accompanied by the off-odors of cereals. We conclude that the overall dose of 10kGy is very effective for microbial decontamination of cereal grains, and does not adversely affect the nutritional quality of cereal grains.

Employing Lead Thiocyanate Additive to Reduce the Hysteresis and Boost the Fill Factor of Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

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

Ke, Weijun; Xiao, Chuanxiao; Wang, Changlei

2016-05-04

Lead thiocyanate in the perovskite precursor can increase the grain size of a perovskite thin film and reduce the conductivity of the grain boundaries, leading to perovskite solar cells with reduced hysteresis and enhanced fill factor. A planar perovskite solar cell with grain boundary and interface passivation achieves a steady-state efficiency of 18.42%.

Distribution of palaeosols and deposits in the temporal evolution of a semiarid fluvial distributary system (Bauru Group, Upper Cretaceous, SE Brazil)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basilici, Giorgio; Bo, Patrick Führ Dal'; de Oliveira, Emerson Ferreira

2016-07-01

The stratigraphic and sedimentological knowledge of the Bauru Group (Upper Cretaceous, SE Brazil) is still generally insufficient and controversial. A sedimentological and palaeopedological study allowed to interpret the south-eastern portion of the Bauru Group according to the model of a fluvial distributary system. This work has two objectives: (1) to include palaeosols in the interpretation of a fluvial distributary system and (2) to give detailed information on the sedimentological and stratigraphic features of the SE portion of the Bauru Group in order to support biostratigraphical, taphonomic and palaeoecological studies. In the south-eastern portion of the Bauru Group, three genetic stratigraphic units were described and interpreted, here informally called lower, intermediate and upper units. The lower unit is constituted of muddy sandstone salt flat deposits and sandstone sheet deltas deposits and is interpreted as a basinal part of a fluvial distributary system. The intermediate unit is formed of very fine to fine-grained sandstone-filled ribbon channel and sandy sheet-shaped beds, suggesting a distal or medial portion of a fluvial distributary system. The upper unit does not match with the present models of the fluvial distributary system because mostly constituted of moderately developed, well-drained, medium- to fine-grained sandstone palaeosols, which testify pauses of sedimentation to the order of 104 years. Preserved features of sedimentary structures suggest that the parent material was formed by occasional catastrophic unconfined flows. This unit may represent the most distal portion of a fluvial distributary system generated by retrogradation of the alluvial system due to aridification of the climate. The upper unit may be interpreted also as proximal portion of fluvial distributary system if considering the coarser-grained and the well-drained palaeosols. However, the absence of channel deposits makes this interpretation unconvincing.

Sedimentology of the lower Karoo Supergroup fluvial strata in the Tuli Basin, South Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bordy, Emese M.; Catuneanu, Octavian

2002-11-01

The Karoo Supergroup in the Tuli Basin (South Africa) consists of a sedimentary sequence (˜450-500 m) composed of four stratigraphic units, namely the informal Basal, Middle and Upper Units, and the formal Clarens Formation. The units were deposited in continental settings from approximately Late Carboniferous to Middle Jurassic. This paper focuses on the ˜60-m-thick Basal Unit, which was examined in terms of sedimentary facies and palaeo-environments based on evidence provided by primary sedimentary structures, palaeo-flow measurements, palaeontological findings, borehole data (59 core descriptions) and stratigraphic relations. Three main facies associations have been identified: (i) gravelstone (breccias and conglomerate-breccias), (ii) sandstone and (iii) fine-grained sedimentary rocks. The coarser facies are interpreted as colluvial fan deposits, possibly associated with glaciogenic diamictites. The sandstone facies association is mainly attributed to channel fills of low sinuosity, braided fluvial systems. The coal-bearing finer-grained facies are interpreted as overbank and thaw-lake deposits, and represent the lower energy correlatives of the sandy channel fills. Sediment aggradation in this fluvio-lacustrine system took place under cold climatic conditions, with floating lake ice likely associated with lacustrine environments. Palaeo-current indicators suggest that the highly weathered, quartz-vein-rich metamorphic rock source of the Basal Unit was situated east-northeast of the study area. The accumulation of the Basal Unit took place within the back-bulge depozone of the Karoo foreland system. In addition to flexural subsidence, the amount of accommodation in this tectonic setting was also possibly modified by extensional tectonism in the later stages of the basin development. Based on sedimentological and biostratigraphic evidence, the coal-bearing fine-grained facies association displays strong similarities with the Vryheid Formation of the main Karoo Basin to the south. The lowermost non-fossiliferous breccias have been correlated before with the Dwyka Group in the main Karoo, and hence the Basal Unit may be regarded as the distal equivalent of the Dwyka and Ecca groups to the south.

An Action-Based Fine-Grained Access Control Mechanism for Structured Documents and Its Application

PubMed Central

Su, Mang; Li, Fenghua; Tang, Zhi; Yu, Yinyan; Zhou, Bo

2014-01-01

This paper presents an action-based fine-grained access control mechanism for structured documents. Firstly, we define a describing model for structured documents and analyze the application scenarios. The describing model could support the permission management on chapters, pages, sections, words, and pictures of structured documents. Secondly, based on the action-based access control (ABAC) model, we propose a fine-grained control protocol for structured documents by introducing temporal state and environmental state. The protocol covering different stages from document creation, to permission specification and usage control are given by using the Z-notation. Finally, we give the implementation of our mechanism and make the comparisons between the existing methods and our mechanism. The result shows that our mechanism could provide the better solution of fine-grained access control for structured documents in complicated networks. Moreover, it is more flexible and practical. PMID:25136651

An action-based fine-grained access control mechanism for structured documents and its application.

PubMed

Su, Mang; Li, Fenghua; Tang, Zhi; Yu, Yinyan; Zhou, Bo

2014-01-01

This paper presents an action-based fine-grained access control mechanism for structured documents. Firstly, we define a describing model for structured documents and analyze the application scenarios. The describing model could support the permission management on chapters, pages, sections, words, and pictures of structured documents. Secondly, based on the action-based access control (ABAC) model, we propose a fine-grained control protocol for structured documents by introducing temporal state and environmental state. The protocol covering different stages from document creation, to permission specification and usage control are given by using the Z-notation. Finally, we give the implementation of our mechanism and make the comparisons between the existing methods and our mechanism. The result shows that our mechanism could provide the better solution of fine-grained access control for structured documents in complicated networks. Moreover, it is more flexible and practical.

Tensile creep behavior of polycrystalline alumina fibers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yun, H. M.; Goldsby, J. C.

1993-01-01

Tensile creep studies were conducted on polycrystalline Nextel 610 and Fiber FP alumina fibers with grain sizes of 100 and 300 nm, respectively. Test conditions were temperatures from 800 to 1050 C and stresses from 60 to 1000 MPa. For both fibers, only a small primary creep portion occurred followed by steady-state creep. The stress exponents for steady-state creep of Nextel 610 and Fiber FP were found to be about 3 and 1, respectively. At lower temperatures, below 1000 C, the finer grained Nextel 610 had a much higher 0.2 percent creep strength for 100 hr than the Fiber FP; while at higher temperatures, Nextel 610 had a comparable creep strength to the Fiber FP. The stress and grain size dependencies suggest Nextel 610 and Fiber FP creep rates are due to grain boundary sliding controlled by interface reaction and Nabarro-Herring mechanisms, respectively.

CLUSTERS OF TASKS PERFORMED BY WASHINGTON STATE FARM OPERATORS ENGAGED IN SEVEN TYPES OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION--GRAIN, DAIRY, FORESTRY, LIVESTOCK, POULTRY, HORTICULTURE, AND GENERAL FARMING. REPORT NO. 27.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

LONG, GILBERT A.

THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS STUDY WAS TO OBTAIN UP-TO-DATE FACTS ABOUT CLUSTERS OF TASKS PERFORMED BY WASHINGTON STATE FARM OPERATORS ENGAGED PRIMARILY IN PRODUCING GRAIN, LIVESTOCK, DAIRY COMMODITIES, POULTRY, FOREST PRODUCTS, HORTICULTURAL COMMODITIES, AND GENERAL FARMING COMMODITIES. FROM A RANDOM SAMPLE OF 267 FARMERS REPRESENTING THOSE CATEGORIES…

Genetic progress in sunflower crop in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil.

PubMed

Follmann, D N; Cargnelutti Filho, A; Lorentz, L H; Boligon, A A; Caraffa, M; Wartha, C A

2017-04-13

The sunflower has adaptability to growing regions with different climatic and soil characteristics, showing drought tolerance and high-quality oil production. The State of Rio Grande do Sul is the third largest sunflower producer in Brazil, with research related to the sunflower breeding initiated after the decade of 1950. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic progress for grain yield, oil content, and oil yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. Data of grain yield, oil content, and oil yield obtained from 58 sunflower cultivar yield trials in 19 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul during the period from 2005 to 2014 were used. Genetic progress was studied according to the methodology proposed by Vencovsky and data from sunflower cultivar yield trials were used. Annual genetic progress of sunflower during the period of 10 years (2005-2014) was 132.46 kg⋅ha -1 ⋅year -1 for grain yield, -0.17%/year for oil content, and 48.11 kg⋅ha -1 ⋅year -1 for oil yield. The sunflower-breeding programs in the State of Rio Grande do Sul were efficient for the traits grain yield and oil yield and presented no efficiency for oil content.

Dominance of grain size impacts on seasonal snow albedo at open sites in New Hampshire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adolph, Alden C.; Albert, Mary R.; Lazarcik, James; Dibb, Jack E.; Amante, Jacqueline M.; Price, Andrea

2017-01-01

Snow cover serves as a major control on the surface energy budget in temperate regions due to its high reflectivity compared to underlying surfaces. Winter in the northeastern United States has changed over the last several decades, resulting in shallower snowpacks, fewer days of snow cover, and increasing precipitation falling as rain in the winter. As these climatic changes occur, it is imperative that we understand current controls on the evolution of seasonal snow albedo in the region. Over three winter seasons between 2013 and 2015, snow characterization measurements were made at three open sites across New Hampshire. These near-daily measurements include spectral albedo, snow optical grain size determined through contact spectroscopy, snow depth, snow density, black carbon content, local meteorological parameters, and analysis of storm trajectories using the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model. Using analysis of variance, we determine that land-based winter storms result in marginally higher albedo than coastal storms or storms from the Atlantic Ocean. Through multiple regression analysis, we determine that snow grain size is significantly more important in albedo reduction than black carbon content or snow density. And finally, we present a parameterization of albedo based on days since snowfall and temperature that accounts for 52% of variance in albedo over all three sites and years. Our improved understanding of current controls on snow albedo in the region will allow for better assessment of potential response of seasonal snow albedo and snow cover to changing climate.

Grain orientation in lunar soil

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mahmood, A.; Mitchell, J. K.; Carrier, W. D., III

1974-01-01

Orientation of lunar soil particles in a vertical plane, as seen in the radiographs of core tubes was characterized by preparing orientation diagrams for the different stratigraphic units. Radiographs of double-core drive tubes 64001/64002, 60009/60010, and 60013/60014 were used. The orientation results reinforced the stratigraphic differences. Another source of fabric data was the laboratory-deposited sample 14163,148. The artificial deposition results showed that the grain arrangements were dependent upon the method of deposition. These results from lunar soil and other data from a crushed basalt simulant can be a basis for the inference that lunar soil grain orientation and properties are useful in interpreting lunar surface history.

An Investigation of Physico-Mechanical Properties of Ultrafine-Grained Magnesium Alloys Subjected to Severe Plastic Deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozulyn, A. A.; Skripnyak, V. A.; Krasnoveikin, V. A.; Skripnyak, V. V.; Karavatskii, A. K.

2015-01-01

The results of investigations of physico-mechanical properties of specimens made from the structural Mg-based alloy (Russian grade Ma2-1) in its coarse-grained and ultrafine-grained states after SPD processing are presented. To form the ultrafine-grained structure, use was made of the method of orthogonal equal-channel angular pressing. After four passes through the die, a simultaneous increase was achieved in microhardness, yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation to failure under conditions of uniaxial tensile loading.

Jamming of Monodisperse Cylindrical Grains in Featureless Vertical Channels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Friedl, Nicholas; Baxter, G. William

2014-03-01

We study jamming of low aspect-ratio cylindrical Delrin grains falling through a featureless vertical channel under the influence of gravity. These grains have an aspect-ratio less than two (H/D < 2) and resemble aspirin tablets, 35mm film canisters, poker chips, or coins. Monodisperse grains are allowed to fall under the influence of gravity through a uniform channel of square cross-section where the channel width is greater than the grain size and constant along the length of the channel. No combination of grain heights and diameters is equal to the channel width. Collections of grains sometimes form jams, stable structures in which the grains are supported by the channel walls and not by grains or walls beneath them. The probability of a jam occurring and the jam's strength are influenced by the grain dimensions and channel width. We will present experimental measurements of the jamming probability and jam strength and discuss the relationship of these results to other experiments and theories. Supported by an Undergraduate Research Grant from Penn State Erie, The Behrend College.