Optimal conditions for wet snow detection using RADARSAT SAR data

This paper presents simulation results of the backscattering coefficient, in order to discriminate between wet snow and dry snow covers sensed at 5.3 GHz by the RADARSAT Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensor. Snow-field measurements coinciding with the RADARSAT SAR overpasses are used to explore and set out optimal conditions for wet snow detection, as a function of the sensor incidence angles. The conditions concern wet snow surface characteristics, mainly the roughness represented by the surface slope m and the volumetric liquid water content, snwc (vol.%). Based on the 3-dB threshold value used in several wet snow detection algorithms, the results show that in order to be discriminated from dry snow covers, wet snow surfaces must be characterized as: (a) m≤0.058 and snwc≤1.1, if the sensor operates in the S1 mode (20-27° incidence angle range), and (b) m≤0.082 and snwc≤3.0, if the observations are made in the S7 mode (45-49° incidence angle range). For the identification of a very wet snow, it is also shown that the S7 mode of RADARSAT SAR sensor is more suitable than the S1 mode. The latter, however, provides better discrimination for low values of the snow liquid water content. Furthermore, for wet snow detection based on modeling, the present paper demonstrates the importance of using the appropriate methodology to assess the dielectric constant of the background medium.     

Structure–properties relations in flexible polyurethane foams containing a novel bio-based crosslinker

The structure, morphology and properties of PU foams containing the novel bio-based crosslinker 3-hydroxy-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)butanamide (HBHBA) were investigated in comparison with PU foams containing the conventional crosslinker diethanolamine (DEOA). FTIR results indicate that HBHBA increases the degree of microphase separation in the foam and hydrogen bond concentration in the hard domains, suggesting that the incorporation of HBHBA produces better ordering of hard domains as compared with DEOA-crosslinked foam. Uniquely, the tri-functional crosslinker, HBHBA, can act as a chain extender due to the presence of a low reactivity secondary hydroxyl, reducing the crosslink density of the HBHBA foam vs. that of DEOA foam. Concerning foam morphology, the lower reactivity of HBHBA tends to favor larger cell sizes and more complete cell opening as compared to the more reactive DEOA. This behavior may in turn be related to the onset of phase separation and the rate of viscosity build-up. Mechanical properties measurements indicate that the elongation at break and the tensile strength of the HBHBA foam are ∼33% and 41% higher than the DEOA foam, respectively. The HBHBA foam also exhibits 40% greater tear strength and 10% greater compression strength without any loss in resilience. These results indicate that this bio-based crosslinker enhances properties and has clear potential in molded foam applications.     

Spontaneously produced anti-DNA/DNase I autoantibodies modulate nuclear apoptosis in living cells

Apoptosis has received increased attention over the past decade, and it is established as an essential process in physiological and disease states. Much effort has been devoted to understanding the intracellular mechanisms culminating in apoptosis; intense investigation has also focused on its role during inflammation. Despite these efforts, these events remain incompletely understood. It has been suggested that the Ca(2+)- and Mg2+-dependent endonuclease that mediates DNA fragmentation is DNase I; however, the precise role of DNase I during apoptosis has been debated. Recent observations using anti-DNA antibodies derived from autoimmune mice (MRL-lpr/lpr) provided both the means and the reagents to approach these issues in a more direct manner. We previously discovered that many anti-DNA antibodies cross-react with DNase I, and a subset of these Ig inhibited DNase I enzymatic activity in vitro. Serendipitously, in separate studies, a subset of these antibodies were observed to enter and localize within the nuclei of living cells. The aim of the present investigation was to determine whether these nuclear-localizing anti-DNA antibodies could interact with DNase I in living cells. We found that, once internalized, these autoantibodies bound DNase I and inhibited activity of the enzyme. Furthermore, living cells containing the intracellular antibodies appeared resistant to apoptotic stimuli; both morphological features of nuclear apoptosis and DNA fragmentation were inhibited. These results support a pivotal role for DNase I in apoptosis, and they provide a novel paradigm for autoantibody-mediated inflammatory disease.     

Recrystallization of W-1 wt pct ThO2 wire

The recrystallization behavior of W-l wt pct ThO₂ wires of two sizes, 0.457 and 0.178 mm (18 and 7 mil), was studied using optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, hardness, and resistivity ratio techniques. For the 0.178 mm wire the effects of heating rate were also analyzed. Recrystallization of the 18 mil wire is characterized by rather gradual changes in hardness, resistivity ratio, and microstructure leading to a small recrystallized grain size. The 0.178 mm wire, on the other hand, exhibits more abrupt changes in resistivity ratio and hardness which coincide with the development of a recrystallized structure having a large grain-size range. Variation of heating rates between about 150,000°C/min and 500°C/min did not significantly affect the grain structure or hardness achieved for annealing temperatures of 2000°, 2500°, and 2700°C. However, very slow heating rates, less than 10°C/min, were shown to prevent the formation of large grains in the 0.178 mm wire. These results are explained on the basis of differences in the effectiveness of ThO₂ particles in hindering grain boundary motion.     

Evaluation of a microbiological indicator test for antibiotic detection in ewe and goat milk

Antibiotics are widely used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes in dairy animals. The presence of residual antibiotics in milk could cause potentially serious problems in human health and have technological implication in the manufacturing of dairy products. The aim of this study was to evaluate Delvotest Accelerator (DSM Food Specialties, Delft, the Netherlands), a new system for a fully automated microbial test to detect antibiotic residues in ewe and goat milk. Forty-three samples of raw, whole, refrigerated bulk-tank milk samples (22 of ewe milk and 21 of goat milk) were analyzed during the whole lactation period. Four concentrations of 4 antibiotics were diluted in milk: penicillin G at 1, 2, 3, and 4 μg/L; sulfadiazine at 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/L; tetracycline at 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/L; and gentamicin at 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/L. The detection limit of the Delvotest Accelerator was calculated as the range of antibiotic concentrations within which 95% of positive result lie. The range of detection limit of penicillin G and sulfadiazine was easily detected by Delvotest Accelerator at or below the European Union maximum residue limits, both for ewe and goat milk samples. In contrast, the system showed a lower ability to detect tetracycline and gentamicin both for ewe and goat milk samples. Very low percentages of false-positive outcomes were obtained. Lactation phase did not seem to be a crucial factor affecting the ability of the Delvotest Accelerator to detect spiked milk samples. A higher detection ability was observed for goat milk samples compared with ewe milk samples. A negative correlation between the percentage of positive milk samples detected and milk fat, protein, and lactose contents was observed for gentamicin only.