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Introduction {#sec1_1}
============
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of mortality in the United States. Nearly 90% of all stroke cases are ischemic in nature \[[@B1]\]. Rapid assessment of patient eligibility for intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is critical in these cases to re-establish blood flow to the ischemic area \[[@B2], [@B3], [@B4]\]. The use of warfarin by itself is not an absolute contraindication to rt-PA administration; though due to increased bleeding risk, an international normalized ratio (INR) of \>1.7 is a contraindication \[[@B5]\]. Because of this, tests of coagulation are included in the acute workup of patients on anticoagulation who present with new neurologic deficits \[[@B6]\]. Another reason to obtain an INR on admission in these patients may be its ability to help determine the likelihood of ischemia.
There is little published data regarding the incidence of ischemic stroke in patients already on warfarin with varying INR cutoffs, or the predictive value of INR in informing the likelihood of ischemia versus a stroke mimic. For the majority of patients on warfarin, available guidelines recommend an INR goal of 2--3 \[[@B7]\]. Unfortunately, patients are often sub-therapeutic given the difficulty in controlling INR due to medication and food interactions \[[@B8], [@B9]\]. For many indications, such as atrial fibrillation or a hypercoagulable state, a sub-therapeutic INR could increase risk for an ischemic stroke \[[@B10]\]. The aim of the present study is to determine the likelihood of ischemia (stroke or transient ischemic attack \[TIA\]) in patients on warfarin who present with stroke-like symptoms, based on their INR result.
Materials and Methods {#sec1_2}
=====================
Patient Selection {#sec2_1}
-----------------
A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients presenting to our urban, academic stroke center with symptoms suggestive of acute stroke within the last 6 h, who were also on warfarin, between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2014. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Johns Hopkins Health System. Eligible patients included adults (age ≥18 years), with warfarin documented as home medication, who had an INR obtained at presentation, and were included in our Brain Attack Registry. This registry is maintained by our Stroke Program to track patients presenting to the Emergency Department with symptoms concerning for acute stroke. Patients were excluded if they failed to meet the above criteria, had lack of further follow-up information regarding diagnosis, or were on warfarin because of mechanical valve (different INR goal: 2.5--3.5).
Patients were evaluated by a neurologist as part of the "brain attack (BAT)" or acute stroke code. They were categorized by final diagnosis using history, examination, laboratory data, and neuroimaging (MRI and non-contrast head CT) into ischemic (ischemic stroke or TIA) versus non-ischemic (hemorrhagic stroke or stroke mimic \[other determined diagnosis\]). In addition to demographic information, admission INR, and indication for warfarin therapy; baseline laboratory results, stroke characteristics when applicable (Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment \[TOAST\] criteria), thrombolytic administration, and outcome (discharge modified Rankin scale score \[mRS\]) data were collected. The primary objective was to determine the association between initial INR and ischemia in patients on warfarin presenting with acute neurologic deficits. The secondary objective was to compare outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke who presented with a therapeutic versus sub-therapeutic INR. We hypothesized that those with a therapeutic INR would be less likely to have ischemia than individuals who were sub-therapeutic, and that when they did present with strokes, they would be less severe.
Analysis {#sec2_2}
--------
Statistical analyses were performed using Stata® (version 13·2, College Park, TX, USA). Continuous and normally distributed variables were compared using Student *t* tests. Categorical and nominal variables were calculated using χ^2^ tests. A *p* value of \<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Multivariable regression was used to determine the odds ratio for any variable significant in univariate analysis and those predetermined to be potentially clinically significant (age, race, sex). A subsequent sensitivity and specificity analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between INR and ischemic risk. Positive and negative predictive values were determined for multiple INR cut-points. In a secondary analysis, patients presenting with hemorrhage were removed from the "non-ischemic" group and analyses were repeated.
Results {#sec1_3}
=======
Patients and Baseline Characteristics {#sec2_3}
-------------------------------------
One-hundred eighteen patients met inclusion/exclusion criteria for this study (Fig. [1](#F1){ref-type="fig"}). Two additional patients were excluded due to indication for anticoagulation (mechanical valve). The baseline characteristics of the 116 patients are shown in Table [1](#T1){ref-type="table"}. The median age was 77 years; 57% were women; 74% were white. Indications for warfarin therapy could be divided into two groups: arterial (atrial fibrillation \[*n* = 86\] and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome \[*n* = 2\]) and venous (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism \[*n* = 28\]). Thirty-four patients had ischemic stroke; 12 TIA; 24 hemorrhagic strokes; and 46 stroke mimics. Four patients received thrombolytic therapy (rt-PA) and 1 patient received intra-arterial intervention. Common stroke mimics included: seizure (*n* = 6), infection (*n* = 6), dementia/delirium (*n* = 3), hypoglycemia (*n* = 3), recrudescence (*n* = 4), drug toxicity (*n* = 4), systemic impairment (*n* = 4), and functional deficit (*n* = 2).
Initial INR and Ischemic Stroke {#sec2_4}
-------------------------------
Univariate analysis showed a statistically significant difference in the initial INR for ischemic versus non-ischemic patients (1.7 vs. 2.8, *p* \< 0.001). The initial INR values ranged from 1 to 3.4 for ischemic patients versus 1 to 6.4 for those diagnosed with hemorrhagic strokes. Twenty-five percent of hemorrhages were supra-therapeutic and the mean INR was 2.7. Individuals diagnosed with ischemic stroke or TIA were more likely to be on warfarin therapy because of arterial indications, namely atrial fibrillation, compared to non-ischemic patients (87 vs. 67%, *p* = 0.024). The cause of stroke was most often cardioembolic (76%). Aside from a significant difference in platelet number between the ischemic and non-ische mic groups (252 vs. 215, *p* = 0.024), there were no other differences seen in patient characteristics, including initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), CHADS~2~, CHA~2~DS~2~VASc, and serum creatinine (Table [1](#T1){ref-type="table"}). Results were unchanged when patients with hemorrhage (*n* = 24) were removed from analysis.
A multivariable regression was performed with 5 independent variables: age, sex, race, initial INR, and indication for warfarin. Initial INR (OR per 1.0-point increase 0.30; 95% confidence interval \[CI\] 0.17--0.55) and arterial indication for warfarin (OR 4.11; 95% CI 1.33--12.67) remained statistically significant (Table [2](#T2){ref-type="table"}).
Table [3](#T3){ref-type="table"} displays the sensitivity and specificity analysis for INR values. When INR was used to predict ischemia, the area under the curve was high at 0.77 indicating its ability to correctly classify patients. As the INR value increased, the number of patients incorrectly identified as "non-ischemic" significantly decreased (increased specificity). No patient had ischemia with an INR value of 3.6 or greater (specificity 100%). Predictive values were calculated to determine the likelihood of a patient with a therapeutic INR at ≥2 and ≥2.5 to have a mimic or hemorrhage rather than ischemia. The predictive value for both an INR of ≥2 (sensitivity of 69% and specificity of 67%) and an INR of ≥2.5 (sensitivity of 47% and specificity of 80%) was 79% for a non-ischemic etiology.
Initial INR and Clinical Outcome in Stroke Patients {#sec2_5}
---------------------------------------------------
The effect of INR result on clinical outcome was examined using discharge mRS. A mRS of 0--2 was defined as good outcome and a mRS 0--1 was considered a great outcome. There was a lack of an effect of INR on mRS \<3 (OR 0.9; 95% CI 0.3--2.5) or mRS \<2 (OR 4.7; 95% CI 0.6--35.3) within the ischemic group. In the entire patient population, initial INR also did not affect mRS \<3 (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.2--1.1) or mRS \<2 (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.5--2.5).
Discussion {#sec1_4}
==========
Our results indicate that for patients on warfarin presenting with a potential stroke, indication for anticoagulation and INR values are associated with cerebral ischemia. Within our cohort, patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke or TIA were more likely to present with a sub-therapeutic INR than those with non-ischemic etiologies in both univariate testing and multivariable regression analyses. Arterial indications for warfarin, mainly atrial fibrillation, further increased the likelihood for ischemic stroke or TIA. This is consistent with prior research. Several studies have shown that a sub-therapeutic INR and atrial fibrillation increase the incidence of ischemic stroke in patients on warfarin with concurrent acute neurologic deficits \[[@B11], [@B12], [@B13]\]. In addition to showing an association, our data suggests that admission INR can be used to reliably predict the likelihood of ischemia.
The predictive value of INR for ischemic stroke in patients on warfarin who present with acute neurologic symptoms has not been previously well established in literature. The sensitivity and specificity results of this study elucidate the value of INR in this group. When diagnostic imaging does not reveal evidence of hemorrhage or other clear etiology, the INR and indication for anticoagulation may be used in conjunction with pre-test probability (e.g., vascular risk factors) to direct immediate further management. There should be high suspicion for ischemia in individuals with atrial fibrillation who present with a sub-therapeutic INR. Alternatively, the negative predictive value of INR emphasizes the low likelihood of ischemia in patients on warfarin with therapeutic INR values. In our cohort, no ischemia occurred in patients with an INR ≥3.6.
Interestingly, patients who presented with ischemia had a small but statistically significant elevation in platelets compared to those who were not ischemic. Elevated platelets may represent an acute phase reactant \[[@B14], [@B15]\]. Advanced age and higher NIHSS scores were not associated with ischemia. This may illustrate that older individuals are at higher risk not only for ischemic stroke but also for other causes of acute neurologic symptoms such as urinary tract infection \[[@B16]\]. While assessing for suspected stroke, physicians\' attention should also be given to identifying any clinical or laboratory signs of stroke mimics \[[@B15]\].
We also evaluated the association between INR and patient outcome in our stroke patients using mRS at discharge. We hypothesized that patients with a therapeutic INR would have better outcomes than those with a non-therapeutic INR because emboli may break into smaller pieces, leading to smaller infarcts and less severe strokes in those on anticoagulation. Wakita et al. \[[@B17]\] showed that individuals who are anticoagulated do tend to have smaller infarcts. We found no such association despite that, as expected, the majority of our population had cardioembolic strokes due to atrial fibrillation \[[@B18]\]. There are several possible explanations including our relatively small sample and the numerous medical comorbidities of our population (Table [1](#T1){ref-type="table"}) that may have negatively impacted the outcome. It is also possible that a larger difference in mRS would have been observed 90 days after the stroke, allowing time for divergence of the recovery curves for varying stroke severity. Many previous trials found that therapeutic INR was associated with more favorable stroke outcomes in patients with cardioembolic stroke types \[[@B19], [@B20]\], though some failed to detect such a correlation \[[@B21]\]. A larger prospective trial including infarct size and longer-term follow-up is needed.
Our study is not without limitations. The patient population was from a single stroke center - with a relatively small sample size and the majority of patients above the age of 75 years, white, and at high risk for ischemic stroke give their numerous vascular risk factors. The relatively small sample size may have limited our ability to find statistically significant results, and our sensitivities and specificities were based on the prevalence of stroke within our population and therefore our results may not be generalizable to all other populations. In addition, given the retrospective nature, we relied on physician notes and test results within the electronic medical record to determine final diagnosis. Fortunately, the underlying etiology was clear in the majority of cases and any questions were reviewed by a stroke neurologist to ensure that the cases most likely represented mimics rather than ischemic strokes. Finally, the INR can be influenced by numerous factors (foods, medications) and the value on presentation represents only a single data point rather than coagulability over time. A patient may have been sub-therapeutic for several days at home but present with a single therapeutic INR. In spite of this, we feel that our data support that admission INR is a fairly good indicator of likelihood of ischemia and may have important clinical applications.
Conclusions {#sec1_5}
===========
This study illustrates the usefulness of both INR values and the indication for anticoagulation, specifically atrial fibrillation, in determining the likelihood of ischemic stroke in patients on anticoagulation presenting to the Emergency Department with an acute onset of neurologic symptoms. A sub-therapeutic INR in a patient with atrial fibrillation should significantly increase the suspicion for ischemia; while a supra-therapeutic INR, or lack of atrial fibrillation, is more reassuring that symptoms are more likely due to a mimic. While it is not our intention for a laboratory test to replace physician acumen, it may help to more accurately risk stratify patients and determine the need and urgency of further neurologic imaging and workup.
Disclosure Statement {#sec1_6}
====================
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
{#F1}
######
Patient characteristics: predictors of stroke in patients on warfarin
Total (*n* = 116) Ischemia (*n* = 46) Non-ischemia (*n* = 70) *p* value
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------- ------------------------- -------------
*Demographic information*
Median age (IQR), years 77 (67--84) 77 (67--82) 77 (67--84) 0.830
Race, *n* (%) 0.716
White 86 (74) 35 (76) 51 (73) \-
Black 23 (20) 9 (20) 14 (20) \-
Asian 2 (2) 0 (0) 2 (3) \-
Women, *n* (%) 66 (57) 28 (61) 38 (54) 0.484
Smoking, *n* (%) 26 (23) 9 (20) 17 (25) 0.497
Alcohol, *n* (%) 26 (23) 6 (13) 20 (29) **0.041**
*Present medical history, n (%)*
Coronary artery disease 74 (64) 30 (65) 44 (64) 0.874
History of stroke 54 (47) 21 (46) 33 (47) 0.875
History of TIA 36 (31) 14 (30) 22 (31) 0.910
Chronic heart failure 38 (33) 15 (33) 23 (33) 0.978
Hypertension 110 (95) 44 (96) 66 (94) 0.745
Diabetes mellitus 46 (40) 17 (37) 29 (41) 0.630
*Warfarin information*
Mean initial INR (SD) 2.4 (1.5) 1.7 (0.7) 2.8 (1.7) **\<0.001**
Arterial indication for warfarin, *n* (%)[^1^](#T1F1){ref-type="table-fn"} 88 (76) 40 (87) 48 (67) **0.024**
*Laboratory values*
Mean platelets (SD), 10^3^/mm^3^ 230 (85) 252 (99) 215 (71) **0.021**
Mean LDL (SD), mg/dL 75 (30) 78 (33) 70 (22) 0.309
Mean SBP (SD), mm Hg 154 (28) 155 (27) 152 (29) 0.533
Mean DBP (SD), mm Hg 84 (16) 85 (15) 82 (17) 0.337
Mean glucose (SD), mg/dL 138 (52) 132 (41) 143 (58) 0.254
Mean albumin (SD), g/dL 3.5 (0.7) 3.4 (0.6) 3.5 (0.7) 0.377
Mean HbA~1c~ (SD) 6.5 (1.3) 6.4 (1.1) 6.8 (1.5) 0.277
Mean WBC (SD), 10^3^/mm^3^ 9.1 (3.9) 8.8 (2.9) 9.3 (4.4) 0.488
Median CHADS~2~ (IQR) 3 (2--4) 3 (2--4) 3 (2--4) 0.940
Median CHA~2~DS~2~VASc (IQR) 4 (3--5) 3 (3--5) 4 (3--5) 0.670
Median NIHSS (IQR) 5 (2--11) 4.5 (2--11) 5 (2--14) 0.180
Mean serum creatinine (SD), mg/dL 1.3 (0.6) 1.3 (0.6) 1.2 (0.6) 0.752
*Medication use, n (%)*
rt-PA 4 (4) 4 (9) 0 **0.010**
Antiplatelet 43 (37) 14 (30) 29 (41) 0.230
Statin 65 (56) 22 (48) 43 (61) 0.149
*Final diagnosis*
Ischemic stroke, *n* (%) 34 (29) 34 (74) 0 \-
TIA, *n* (%) 12 (10) 12 (26) 0 \-
Hemorrhagic stroke, *n* (%) 24 (21) 0 24 (34) \-
Mimics, *n* (%) 46 (40) 0 46 (66) \-
TOAST criteria, *n* 34 34 \- \-
Cardioembolism 26 26 \- \-
Lacune 3 3 \- \-
Large vessel 1 1 \- \-
Undetermined 4 4 \- \-
DBP, diastolic blood pressure; INR, international normalized ratio; LDL, low-density lipoprotein; rt-PA, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator; SBP, systolic blood pressure; TIA, transient ischemic attack; WBC, white blood cells.
Arterial indications include atrial fibrillation and antiphospholipid syndrome; venous indications include deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
######
Multivariable analysis of likelihood of ischemia
Odds ratio 95% confidence interval
--------------------------------- ------------ -------------------------
Entire cohort (*n* = 116)
Age 1.03 0.99--1.08
Race 1.18 0.80--1.73
Sex 1.03 0.41--2.57
Initial INR 0.30 0.17--0.55
Indication for warfarin 4.11 1.33--12.67
Hemorrhages excluded (*n* = 92)
Age 1.04 0.99--1.09
Race 0.97 0.58--1.61
Sex 0.84 0.29--2.42
Initial INR 0.32 0.17--0.59
Indication for warfarin 4.91 1.46--16.57
INR; international normalized ratio.
######
Sensitivity and specificity analysis of INR result
INR result Sensitivity, % Specificity, %
------------ ---------------- ----------------
≥1 100 0
≥1.1 4.35 4.35
≥1.2 91.43 13.04
≥1.3 85.71 34.78
≥1.4 78.57 45.65
≥1.5 78.57 52.17
≥1.6 75.71 58.70
≥1.7 75.71 63.04
≥1.8 71.43 65.22
≥1.9 68.57 67.39
≥2.1 64.29 73.91
≥2.2 60.00 73.91
≥2.3 51.43 78.26
≥2.4 48.57 80.43
≥2.5 47.14 80.43
≥2.6 42.86 86.96
≥2.7 38.57 86.96
≥2.8 37.14 86.96
≥2.9 32.86 86.96
≥3 31.43 89.13
≥3.1 30.00 97.83
≥3.2 28.57 97.83
≥3.3 27.14 97.83
≥3.4 24.29 97.83
≥3.6 21.43 100
≥3.7 20.00 100
≥4.3 15.71 100
≥4.6 12.86 100
≥5.3 11.43 100
≥5.4 10.00 100
≥5.6 8.57 100
≥6.2 5.71 100
≥6.4 4.29 100
≥9.1 2.86 100
≥9.1 0.00 100
| {
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The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires the removal of physical obstacles to those who are physically challenged. The stated objective of this legislation has increased public awareness and concern over the requirements of the physically challenged. Consequentially, there has been more emphasis in providing systems that assist such a person to access a vehicle, such as a bus, van, or train.
A common manner of providing the physically challenged with access to vehicles is a ramp. Various ramp operating systems for vehicles are known in the art. Some ramps slide out from underneath the floor of the vehicle and tilt down. Others, known as foldout ramps, stow horizontally within a recess in the vehicle floor and pivot upward and outward to a downward-sloping position. Further, others are stowed in a vertical position and are pivoted about a hinge, while still others are supported by boom and cable assemblies.
Fold out ramps on vehicles confront a variety of technical problems. Longer ramps are desirable because the resulting slope is more gradual and more accessible by wheelchair-bound passengers. Longer ramps are, however, heavier and require more torque about the pivot axis to be reciprocated between deployed and stowed positions. Also, the ramp length is typically limited by the space available in the vehicle. Further, as briefly described above, fold out ramps require a recess or well in the vehicle's vestibule floor in which to store the retracted/stowed ramp. The recess or well, as well as the location of the vehicle chassis can present installation challenges that can result in ramp operability problems. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Q: What Opry member was recognized for his humanitarian efforts with the 1993 Minnie Pearl and Harmony Awards?
A: Vince Gill, who will perform at the Ryman American Pride Benefit Concert Nov. 11. Proceeds will benefit the victims families of the Sept. 11 attacks.
MUSIC AND MORE
REBA DOES THE CMA AWARDS
Reba McEntire has been added to the list of artists who'll perform on "The 35th Annual CMA Awards."
The three-hour show -- airing live from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on Wed., Nov. 7 (8-11 p.m. EST) on CBS --- will also feature a special Country Music Hall of Fame segment introduced by Marty Stuart and a musical tribute to "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" with Dan Tyminski, Alison Krauss and Union Station and more.
CMA is teaming with eBay for weekly "CMA Awards Charity Auctions" until Nov. 14 to help raise funds and build awareness for eBay's "Auction For America" and other causes (members.ebay.com/aboutme/cma-charity).
TIM MCGRAW'S 17th NO.1
Tim McGraw has nothing to be angry about as he reaches the top spot on the country singles chart for the 17th time with the Bruce Robison penned "Angry All The Time." This is the second consecutive No.1 single from the platinum-selling and CMA-nominated album "Set This Circus Down."
Last weekend saw McGraw's most successful Swampstock benefit to date and two Radio Music Awards wins for Country Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for "My Next Thirty Years."
In a message taped for the RMAs during band rehearsals in Nashville, McGraw said, "Thanks to the fans and country radio and for the band and their families support. We had a lot of fun touring this summer, they (Dance Hall Doctors) did a great job."
McGraw is currently gearing up for his performance of "Cowboy In Me" on the 35th Annual CMA Awards Show on CBS Nov. 7.
HANK WILLIAMS' PATRIOTIC SONG
Hank Williams Jr. has hit the heart of America with his remake of "A Country Boy Can Survive." The new song, "America Can Survive," debuted this week at No. 47 on the R & R charts and 55 on Billboard.
Williams sang the song on the Country Freedom Concert Oct. 21 and received the longest ovation of the concert. Fellow artists -- including Tim McGraw and Faith Hil --, rose to their feet backstage for a standing ovation as he left the stage.
Williams will support his new project, "The Almeria Club & Other Select Venues," with a major media tour. The new CD mixes high-end acoustics with fiddle, banjo, piano and slide guitar all by top musicians from Nashville, Austin and Los Angeles. Nickel Creek and Kid Rock make guest appearances.
GARTH BROOKS TV APPEARANCES
Opry member Garth Brooks is negotiating with CBS to do a series of three live performance TV specials to promote his new album, "Scarecrow." No details regarding location or dates for the specials have been revealed. However, there is speculation that the specials may assist in the Sept. 11 relief efforts.
Brooks has said he won't be touring in support of "Scarecrow."
WYNONNA SINGS ELVIS
Wynnona Judd will appear in song on the new Disney animated movie "Lilo & Stitch." She has recorded Elvis Presley's "Burning Love" for the movie soundtrack. The film will be released next summer.
United Press International is a leading provider of news, photos and information to millions of readers around the globe via UPI.com and its licensing services.
With a history of reliable reporting dating back to 1907, today’s UPI is a credible source for the most important stories of the day, continually updated - a one-stop site for U.S. and world news, as well as entertainment, trends, science, health and stunning photography. UPI also provides insightful reports on key topics of geopolitical importance, including energy and security.
A Spanish version of the site reaches millions of readers in Latin America and beyond.
UPI was founded in 1907 by E.W. Scripps as the United Press (UP). It became known as UPI when after a merger with the International News Service in 1958, which was founded in 1909 by William Randolph Hearst. Today, UPI is owned by News World Communications. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Roorda
Roorda is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
Bas Roorda (born 1973), Dutch football goalkeeper
Geert Arend Roorda (born 1988), Dutch footballer
Jeff Roorda (born 1965), American politician
Norman Roorda (1928–2012), American politician
Stephanie Roorda (born 1986), Canadian racing cyclist | {
"pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)"
} |
Why Startups Really Succeed: Strings of Luck - dennybritz
http://blog.dennybritz.com/2015/09/13/why-startups-really-succeed/
======
SQL2219
I agree, unicorn founders are not a bazillion times smarter than the rest of
us, maybe 1.05X smarter and 10,000X luckier. But what is the formula for luck?
Do we have some minor control over that? I think I read somewhere that
luck=opportunity + preparation. Preparation we have control over, but we must
be preparing for the right thing. I guess we have some control over
opportunity, which might include building your network and getting out of the
basement once in a while.
~~~
dennybritz
Good question. The problem with "luck" is that you only know what's good or
bad in hindsight. For example, if Google had been acquired for $1M the
founders may have lived happily every after. Only in hindsight we can say that
it was lucky the deal fell through. So I guess it'd be better to call them
"random events" instead of "luck".
~~~
dkersten
I do believe that we can influence our luck (increase or decrease the
likelihood of said random events) but I think some people are better at
capitalising on random events than others.
But despite our influences or skills at making use of these things, at some
point random chance does take over and we have no control over that. All we
can do is influence the probability of random events, not control them
completely.
| {
"pile_set_name": "HackerNews"
} |
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Mega Man RPG Prototype Roleplay & Games
As you may know, Zero/Phoenix made a MMPU script that isn't EXACTLY MMPU, but similar in style. Here, you can do the same thing he does! The main character can be whoever you want him to be.Phoenix may step in to do his own story here as an example, or I may do my own to do an example, we shall see what happens.If it's ACTUALLY Mega Man Powered Up, go to this RP.
Some random storylines based upon Mega Man Powered Up Posted by Beta Miser on March 4th, 2015 at 10:26pm Viewed 846 Times
The year was 20XX. Dr. Wily has plotted to take over the world once more. He had kidnapped Mega Man and hypnotized 8 robot masters. Bt Man had to take Mega Man's place. However, the robot masters he faced were familiar to him...
What's going on!? Where's Rock!? Not sure, but I'm going to have to do his job for him, I guess.
Bt Man travels through a field of the basic mets. The weapons he has is his buster, the Shadow Blade, and the Skull Barrier. He ends up inside the lab, where Sargent Man is seen protecting Dr. Light.
The mechas here are getting in fast! They are multiplying! But it makes me wonder why Wily would send these creatures instead of his own robot masters. Bt Man, we're going to need you to find Proto Man and bring him here. We also need you to make Wily leave the lab before it collapses! Got it! There is a whole lot of mets out there. You'll need this.Sargent Man tosses his shield in front of Bt Man. Your shield? You sure about this? With these weaklings coming at us? The ones outside are way bigger in numbers. You might need it more than I do. Besides, who knows WHAT Wily has up his sleeve.
Obtained Sargent Shield!
Bt Man faces more Mets and even a Big Eye before finding Proto Man facing a robot that looks Similar to Dr. Wily, which is in a red version of the Wily Saucer. Wily appears in the screen that is on the top.
MUHAHAHAHAHA! How do you like my new creation, the Wily-tron?
The robot has a buster for an arm, in which it uses to fire a fully-charged shot at Proto Man, who didn't block the attack in time, shutting down and becoming severely damaged, but not fully disabled.
Proto Man! What is your plan this time, Dr. Wily!? Hahahahahaha! You think you could stop ME!? HA! If you MUST know, I have hypnotized 8 of your little friends and I'm using them for my evil purposes! You also might be wondering about Mega Man... Heh. That is why I was here. I wanted to DISTRACT you so I can get away with KIDNAPPING him! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You aren't getting away with this! I already have. Wily-tron! Destroy him!
The screen turns off. Bt Man faces Wily-tron. Before Wily-tron and the Red Saucer was destroyed, Wily-tron fires a quick and powerful shot at Bt Man, destroying his buster. Then the Wily-tron does the all-so-familiar blowing up thing.Bt Man returns, carrying Proto Man with the arm that wasn't destroyed.
Bt Man! What happened? And Proto Man? Wily created some robotic buster-arm clone of himself that blew off my buster and disabled Proto Man. Luckily, he isn't too terribly damaged, or else he could've been destroyed. Or worse, his Nuclear core would destroy the whole lab! I see. I may be able to fix Proto Man. I, sadly, only have extra parts for Mega Man and Proto Man, and Mega Man's buster is the only weapon to fit you. And that's good, actually. Wily kidnapped Mega Man and made all my friends evil. They are not the type of Robot Masters to be taken down easily, either. I may need to use the extra firepower. Alright. Roll, I need your assistance for this...
Screen fades to black. Dr. Light and Roll gives Bt Man a copy of the Mega Buster, and started on fixing Proto Man. Sargent Man was sent to make sure no other mechas were at the lab or near it. The scene is skipped to when Sargent Man re-enters.
No sign of a mecha anywhere. Wily must've sent them back to his lab or to other areas. Good. The lab is safe, but who knows what my hypnotized friends are doing. I actually managed to find their location.
And this is where the rest of the story depends on where you go, but the scenes are all the same.Bt Man goes through a field called Abbandoned Chamber and faces Zero.
Maverick Spotted! Z-Zero!? What are you talking about!? Wily changed his ways, and warned me that you became Maverick! I won't allow this! I'm taking you down!
With all 8 of his friends defeated, Bt Man heads off to the lair of Dr. Wily to- wait, what's this?
MESSAGE FROM DR. LIGHT Dr. Light, what's the problem? It seems that Wily had a back-up plan! He sent the Mega Man Killers out with another robot with each of them! Find them and stop whatever plans Wily has for them! Got it, Dr. Light!
So, Zero is on the top left corner, and MegaBossMan is on the top right. MegaBoy is in the middle of them. MetaKirb is on the bottom left corner, and Mikey is on the bottom right. In between them is Spinstrike. Between Zero and MetaKirb is EnderMan, and between MBM and Mikey is Tails. The places where Zero, MBM, Mikey, and MetaKirb were is the loctation of Enker, Punk, Ballade, and Quint respectively. Once again, the choice is yours, but the scripts are the same.
Bt Man goes halfway through Abbandoned Chamber and faces Enker.
Not so fast! Your journey ends here! Out of the way, Enker! Just try and attack! It'll just come right back at you!
Bt Man takes down Enker and continues on. At the end of the stage, he faces Dark Man.
M-my mission is to face you... I fear of my own end... Is Wily RECYCLING? That's a first. H-hey! I may not be strong, but that gives you no right to be mean!
You were lucky to defeat me once. Try to do it again! RAAAAH!Retro Pikachu transforms into his Ultimate Form. Retro Pikachu!? But I thought- HA! You really thought you could beat me THAT easily!? This ends here!
Bt Man takes down Retro Pikachu's Ultimate Form and continues.
Bt Man takes down all the Robot Master rematches and faces Copy Robot.
Heh. So you made it. A copy of ME!? Smart move, Wily, but it won't work! We'll see about that!
H-how were you able to defeat my robots!? Remaking Yellow Devil with an actual speaking voice? Smart. Sending Retro Pikachu at me in his Ultimate Form? A really good idea. Reusing ALL the Robot Masters I already faced AND making a clone of myself? Not so much of a smart idea. It ends now, Dr. Wily! You will pay for what you done! Wha- How dare you! The Wily Machine 10 won't fail this time!
Bt Man takes down both forms. Wily, however, escapes, but Bt Man follows behind to Wily Castle 5, where he fights and takes down the Wily Capsule. But as it turns out, Wily was in a safety room, and it was Wily-tron riding the capsule all along! The Wily clone's legs replaced with jets, Bt Man faces off against the robot once more, and the Wily-tron was defeated once and for all. The room lightens up, and Wily steps out. Bt Man spots him.
Uh oh. This calls for a retreat!
Dr. Wily runs away, but Bt Man chases him to the cage that contains Mega Man in his neutral form of Rock. Wily, of course, begs for mercy for about the 12th time when his castle starts falling apart!
@Bt Man : Nice. XD dont forget that in the game i can PWN you with my toad. i guess i could make a fight with you. Lets do this.... Oh boy... I'm ready!
Ok... Lets get Ready,
Too easy. WEAPON GET: SHADOW BLADE!
After facing BT Man and obtaining the shadow blade, MetaKirb goes off to fight... And faces Rhythm_BCA!
So you are the acclaimed Rhythm_BCA.
Let's settle this in a Duel...
Easy. Weapon Get: Search Snake! After the supreme victory against Rhythm_BCA, Meta Goes of to fight... ThatOneEnderMan. Hey, It's my Pal ender. How about we go to a Duel and settle it?
Alright, Be prepared, I just faced like, 5 different people.
A little harder, but alright. WEAPON GET: Needle Cannon! After facing EnderMan, Meta Decides to face... Early Boss Battle??!?!?!?!?!?!!! This is random... Uh, who am i facing exactly? There's nothing i can do, I'm the announcer, but the rules For you are that you have to face some Boss battles. Your the stronger of the two people who are doing the thing right now! You need some more power for the battles To be even better! Also, your facing... Quint, Later you'll face the others...
Normal Ending:Bt Man and Rock teleports out. Wily, of course, managed to sneak out while the place was crumbling. The credits plays.
The ending for completing Wily-tron's 2nd Battle with no damage:Rock teleports out, but a random Quick Boomerang hits Bt Man, disabling his teleporting! Bt Man heads for the nearest exist, but a robot stops him in his path: Ninja Man!
I don't think so! I'm not letting you leave unless you defeat me, Bt Man! Ninja Man!? Are you insane!? You're gonna get us both crushed! Don't worry about that. I'll have enough time to escape after I destroy you!
Ninja Man can switch randomly between two forms: Swift and Cutter. After Ninja Man's health bar goes all the way down...
It's not over yet!Ninja Man pulls out 4 shadow starforce and transforms into his Shadow Form. THIS ENDS NOW! YOU WILL BE DESTROYED! No I will not! I will not back down! Time to say goodbye!
Bt Man takes down Ninja Man. Ninja Man reverts to normal.
How did you... Bah, forget this! I'm running out of time! You win this round, Bt Man, but I shall return!
Ninja Man teleports out. Bt Man manages to leave before the building collapses.
Aftermath:Proto Man was rebuilt, Mega Man was returned safely, and Bt Man's buster and teleporting system (For no damage against Wily-tron rematch) was repaired, and the extra Mega Buster was returned to storage when ever needed again.
Well Dr light seend me her so i have to find the objective and eliminate itSnake man stared walking sundely shadow blade strikes front of him!1!Stop it right there Snakeman im her to eliminate you WIly orders traitor
Wait what are you talking about shadow man im not a traitor im your feind sightShadowman did not lisen to snakeman words it fully charged at him and throws an shadow blade but snake man dodges it
Alright you want to battle Shadowman you will get one shoots Three Snake Search
Shadowman gets biten by one of the snakes but he Attacks with multi clones snake man looks around
Argh i cant find the right one wich one is???Sundly somen slashes the right Shadowman falls on ground half of its body is cuted down Cutman stands front of snakeman
Well snakeman i helped you so Wily is achiving all robots what he stolen long ago again on its side
Well thanks for help cutman lets get the stolen parts
Shadowman knew taht he made a mistake and he asked for forgivnes snakeman asked cutman to stop
Alright we gona rebuild you so you guessed to join on our side freind
I guess you were in right carry me on your back im damaged badly we need find wily and stop him
Snakeman and cutman and damaged shadowman head to the basse and retriving the Stollen robot parts what shadow man stoled but shadowman joins the good side whats going to happen next you will see | {
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The body of a man has been found in the River Thames near Windsor.
Officers were called to reports of a body being found in the river near The Avenue in Datchet at 11.20am on Sunday, January 5.
The body has been retrieved.
Although formal identification has not yet taken place, the body is thought to be that of Tony Williams, aged 45, who went missing from Windsor more than one month ago on Saturday, November 30, 2019.
Officers expressed severe concern for his welfare at the time of his disappearance .
Mr Williams’ family have been informed and are being supported by Thames Valley Police at this time.
The death at this stage is being treated as unexplained while investigators continue to make enquiries, but there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances related to the death at this time.
Don't forget you can keep up to date with the latest news, what’s on and Reading FC stories via the free BerkshireLive app. | {
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Project Tango Hands-On: Computer Vision Is So Much Cooler Than You Think
Google's Project Tango tablet can see in 3D, but I didn't really understand why I, human person, would actually care about the technology beyond an abstract appreciation of the ideas behind it. Until I strapped one to my face, with an Oculus Rift-like head mask.
Until I strapped the mask on, I never believed that Project Tango could be more than just a concept. At best, I thought, it would end up being a gimmick, sold to sucker consumers who didn't know how to shop. I was so wrong.
Announced earlier this year, Project Tango wants "to give mobile devices a human scale understanding of space and motion." It uses a motion-sensing camera, a 3D depth camera (basically a really sophisticated Kinect), as well as a regular visual camera. All of the data is pulled in and processed in real-time by two computer vision processors.
The tablet version of the hardware uses Nvidia's Tegra K. In the words of one Google employee, "it's basically the most powerful tablet in the world right now." And the tech works very well! During Lee's presentation today, he says that the team has achieved just 1 per cent drift when using the tablets to map complicated spaces by walking around in them.
But it goes beyond just developer edition dreams. Project Tango's technical lead Johnny Lee announced that in addition to the dev-focused tablets, ATAP is working with LG to make a consumer version for 2015. For normals. Seriously.
Why would a regular person ever want to use a Tango device, even if it can see like a human and fit in your pocket? What does that mean in practical terms? How does it transcend gimmick status? Today I got my hands on a number of the apps and tools Google's been working on to explore that very question.
The one that made me giggle (joyful, not mocking) the most was an augmented reality headset built by Durious. The company already makes a Dive headset that lets you insert a phone so you can use it for VR experiences like an Oculus Rift. At Google I/O, though, Durious showed off a prototype developed especially for Project Tango, as well as a little demonstration app, that overlays an aquarium in front of your face. Fishes flying around right in front of Google's booth personnel. You can even move in and out of the water by kneeling and standing up. It takes all of the 3D gaming and immersive experience potential of the Oculus Rift but steps it up because it can see the world in front of you as well. Sure, the application is a little silly, but it shows you the potential of what's possible with Google Tango used as a head mounted display.
It's also an interesting expansion on the other VR concept Google is showing off at I/O. The simple concept uses a very basic cardboard design to turn your smartphone into a VR headset — so it's basically like a Dive made out of cardboard instead of Dive.
Gaming is one of the main development focuses for Project Tango team, and they have gone to lengths to build out a few different gaming experiences as well as partnering with studios like Epic Games. At I/O, Google showed off a few sample games, including a zombie killer in which you aim by moving the tablet around. Killing zombies is fun! But the most compelling experiences were some relatively empty maps you might find in a 3D shooter, which use Project Tango's 3D sensing capabilities. When you take a step forward in real life, the tablet notices you've moved and moves you inside the map you're looking at. As with the augmented reality experience above, it adds a new dimension to the the 360 VR you get from Oculus or Cardboard.
cThen there are more utilitarian applications that let you map the real world in front of you. In one very simple app, you walk to the four corners of a room, and Google Tango rends a very precise SketchUp outline of the space.
In another, designed by AutoCAD, you can precisely measure and model a room and its contents so that it's easier to do a little interior designing. No more going back and forth from the furniture store to measure something over and over. No more guess how much carpeting you need to buy.
More than anything else, I was impressed at just how well the technology works. Some of the real-time rendering in front of you can be a little a choppy and buggy, but when it comes to the actual measurements that the technology is making, they're ultra-precise. Project Tango works, and it's got real-world potential. It just needs some regular people polish now.
Over the last month or so I've spoken with several of the partner companies that actually built the technology that underlies Project Tango about what exactly Google hoped to do — and what it should do with Project Tango going forward. According to Farshid Sabet, SVP of Movidius, a company that makes one of the computer vision processors in the Tango smartphone from earlier this year, Google really wants to illustrate that the technology is more than just a professional tool or a wonky concept. And to make it more than tool for professionals, the software has to work in a dead simple way, because we're not going to put up with the hiccups the way a developer or a member of ATAP might.
Today, I got my first taste of what Google's been cooking up, and I can't wait to try to whole thing. And what might be most amazing is that it won't be long before we all get to.
Trending Stories Right Now
A paper published Monday in a well-known science journal begins with the following sentence: “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a pair of grape hemispheres exposed to intense microwave radiation will spark, igniting a plasma.” A universally acknowledged truth indeed... but what causes this microwave marvel?
Samsung came in swinging with its new S10 range yesterday.
The largely-overhauled device has been given some huge upgrades - from the camera to all of the specs under the hood. But all of those shiny new features come at a price, especially in the flagship S10+.
But is it actually worth it? We've compared it to one of the other most popular Android phones on the market - the Pixel 3 XL. | {
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A randomized controlled trial of the NEAT expandable tip continence device.
Urethral devices are one conservative management option for stress and mixed urinary incontinence, but there is little published data about their use. The aims of this study were to assess the safety and efficacy of a new urethral device (NEAT) and compare it with the Reliance Insert. The ease of use of both devices was then evaluated. Twenty-four women with mixed or stress urinary incontinence, patients at our tertiary care urogynecology unit and who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were enrolled in the study. Study subjects were blinded and randomly assigned to a device group. Device efficacy was assessed by pad weighing at 0 and 4 months. Success was defined as a 50% or greater reduction in urine loss using the formula 100[(pad weight without device -pad weight with device)/pad weight with device]. Safety was evaluated using urinalysis and urine cultures. Ease of use assessment scales were also completed. Eleven patients were randomized to the Reliance Insert and 13 to the NEAT device. There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, height, weight, duration of incontinence, pad weight, leakage score, parity or quality of life score. Based on the pad weight success formula, there was no significant difference in device success between the two groups at 4 months. Women who were postmenopausal had a trend towards a higher level of success in reduction of their pad weight. Previous treatment, diagnosis and hormone replacement therapy all had no relationship to device success. Leakage score data showed that subjects had a significant decrease in urine leakage when using either device. There was no statistically significant difference in ease of use between the two devices. Adverse symptoms most commonly noted were awareness of the device (62.5%), urgency (29.2%), and urethral discomfort or pain (20.8%). One urinary tract infection (UTI) was observed. The most common finding on urinalysis was trace hematuria (15.8%). Our conclusions are that the NEAT device appears to be at least as effective and safe as the Reliance Insert. Both devices are effective at decreasing urine leakage in patients with stress or mixed urinary incontinence. The risk of UTI is low, but these devices may cause trace hematuria. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Q:
Why are braces after a for() loop statement making my code behave different?
#include<iostream>
int main()
{
int n,t,i;
cout<<"input a number"<<endl;
cin>>n;
for(i=1;i<=10;++i)
t=n*i;
cout<<t<<endl;
return 0;
}
here if I input 10 on console screen then the the output I get is just 100,
while below when I input then the I get the whole table of 10 on my console. I don't understand what stopped my above code to show the below output. Was it the return?
#include<iostream>
int main()
{
int n,t,i;
cout<<"input a number"<<endl;
cin>>n;
for(i=1;i<=10;++i)
{
t=n*i;
cout<<t<<endl;
}
return 0;
}
in this I get whole table until 10. Why is that?
A:
If you indent your code properly, you can see the the first for loop only executes one statement:
#include<iostream>
int main()
{
int n,t,i;
cout<<"input a number"<<endl;
cin>>n;
for(i=1;i<=10;++i)
t=n*i; // Executed within for loop
cout<<t<<endl;
return 0;
}
while
#include<iostream>
int main()
{
int n,t,i;
cout<<"input a number"<<endl;
cin>>n;
for(i=1;i<=10;++i)
{ // Every statement within the scope block is executed in the for loop
t=n*i;
cout<<t<<endl;
}
return 0;
}
Any conditional or loop construct (if,else,for,while,do) followed by a single statement will only execute that statement, if it's followed by a scope block ({}) all statements within the scope block will be executed.
A:
for(i=1;i<=10;++i)
t=n*i;
cout<<t<<endl;
is equivalent to:
for(i=1;i<=10;++i) {
t=n*i;
}
cout<<t<<endl;
so, the first snippet computes t = n * i 10 times, but prints only last evaluation of t due to cout<<t<<endl; that is placed outside the loop.
| {
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I have shot hypersonics and black clouds ( I consider these higher end shells), but in all honesty, cheap winchesters and kents work just fine for me. My opinion is that hypersonics are not worth it for me, but that might not be the case for you if you shoot them and they work well for you. Then again, you are probably a better shot than me and you might take 40 yard shots and longer (maybe blindsides and hypersonics are better for longer shots). I really try to keep my shooting within my comfortable range which is no longer than 30 yards, but prefer to shoot ducks 20 yards and closer. Cheap shells work very good for me when I shoot in my range. I would buy a box next season if I were you and try them. Love to see them fold and hit the water dead!
the new remington shells are super loud.hunting buddy used them for 2 seasons he shot one woodie just as it poped of the water. it fell not dead he shot it again then again.this was over decoys so 25 yard tops.i start walking out to get it the duck pops up and tries to fly away i pulled up and shot it with cheap 8yr old federal ammo and put an end to that.second year we hunted 2 ducks come in we shot at them just above the water i was shooting cheap winchester experts him hypersonic.mine droped dead he missed his first shot then hit it with a second and it lived long enough to give us the slip 2 hrs of looking couldnt find it. were both not good shots and missed alot with ammo we both use.i never personaly tried the ammo.like the concept of the new winchester blindside but to rich for my blood.
BDhunter (3/21/2013)the new remington shells are super loud.hunting buddy used them for 2 seasons he shot one woodie just as it poped of the water. it fell not dead he shot it again then again.this was over decoys so 25 yard tops.i start walking out to get it the duck pops up and tries to fly away i pulled up and shot it with cheap 8yr old federal ammo and put an end to that.second year we hunted 2 ducks come in we shot at them just above the water i was shooting cheap winchester experts him hypersonic.mine droped dead he missed his first shot then hit it with a second and it lived long enough to give us the slip 2 hrs of looking couldnt find it. were both not good shots and missed alot with ammo we both use.i never personaly tried the ammo.like the concept of the new winchester blindside but to rich for my blood.
Sounds like your buddy's choke is too open.
"When you hear my third shot.....that's your signal to take 'em."-Phil Robertson
ya he used an improved choke then went to a mod.he gave up duck hunting couse he cant use lead anymore i suggested hevi shot if you like paying alot for shells his response was its not fast enough.some people i guess.good pattern results just picked up an 870 and have a bunch of cheap remington sportsmen ammo.hopping to pattern it soon.
I know that you were wanting to decide between the hypersonic and the blind side, but i think Federal Ammo's Black Cloud is by far the best shell for sale. I had always been biased for anything Remington especially when it came to ammo, but this past season i decided to give Black Clouds a try. It was by far the hardest hitting shell i had ever shot despite the 1450 fps. I did not have to take second shots on wounded ducks but instead they were dropping first hit. The best thing to do is just try different shells out on your own! hope this is some help!
While I won't put down Winchesters load I will say it is STEEL and only STEEL. No matter what color, how fast and what shape you make it... steel is steel is steel and will always be steel.
With that said, Hevi Metal is my go to load, 3" BB's for just about everything so I don't have to worry what box for what hunt. Yes it does have steel in it, which does help keep the price lower, but has REAL Hevi Shot pellets in this that truly make it hard hitting and the pattern density is amazing. | {
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Short-chain fatty acid enemas fail to decrease colonic hypersensitivity and inflammation in TNBS-induced colonic inflammation in rats.
Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) (especially butyrate) enemas are widely used to reduce symptoms associated with human inflammatory bowel disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate their real effect on colonic sensitivity in rats. The effects of saline and SCFA enemas (acetate, propionate and particularly butyrate) were studied on visceral pain thresholds following colonic distension in control rats and in rats with colitis (instilled with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)). Butyrate enemas (40 mM twice daily for 14 days) decreased colonic pain thresholds in control rats; they did not reduce the TNBS-induced hypersensitivity, but on the contrary increased its duration (without modifying the inflammation score). This pronociceptive effect was confirmed in control rats receiving twice daily enemas of 80 mM for 3 days and two enemas of 240 mM of a butyrate solution. The other SCFA enemas did not modify the hypersensitivity of rats with colitis and induced proinflammatory effects. The beneficial effect of SCFA (especially butyrate) enemas on hypersensitivity and inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease is questionable and needs to be thoroughly investigated in humans. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Catch as catch can
Catch as catch can may refer to:
Catch wrestling, also known as Catch As Catch Can Wrestling
Catch as Catch Can (album), a 1983 album by Kim Wilde
Catch as Catch Can: The Collected Stories and Other Writings, by Joseph Heller
Catch as Catch Can (1937 film), a film starring James Mason
Catch as Catch Can (1967 film), a 1967 Italian film
"Catch as Catch Can", an episode of the TV series WordGirl
See also
Catch as Cash Can, an episode of DuckTales
Catch as Cats Can, a 1947 animated cartoon featuring caricatures of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby | {
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HEREI wake up here, to the sweet sound of nothing To the peace and the quiet inside my head To a hush, hiding in the dark In the drowsy tranquility of your bed I get lost in the deep lull of my thoughts In the dulcet tones of my repose I hear the faintest echo of your breathing as it comes, and ever so gradually goes
I hear your body move across the sheetsYou graze my ear, as you touch my hair My arm brushes slightly against the duvet as I reach to find you there I feel the weight of your head upon my chest I feel the warmth of your hand on my thigh The silence is broken, for the briefest moment by the contented exhale of my sigh
Here, in the calm of your presenceHere, with the ease of your touch There is a peace, here in this quietAnd it’s telling me so much In the comfort of our silence Here, within this soothing serenity I close my eyes, and I listen, and Sunday morning whispers to me
If there were just a few more hoursto this perfect time of day If only, the din of our realities would kindly stay away If we could just keep the afternoon on the other side of the door We could stay here, in the stillness and I could hold you, a little more
No words that I need to say hereIn the peace of this quiet, I knowI want to hold on to this feeling, and to never let it go Here, in the comfort of our silence There is no place I’d rather be I close my eyes, and I listen,as Sunday morning whispers to me
I open my window, a crack, just to hear you You have this way, a knack, when I’m near you I close my eyes and listen Imagine the leaves, their glisten You relax and you sooth me You inspire and you move me You put my mind at ease As you breeze through the trees The rhythmof your tears It’s music to my ears The breath of a sigh As the clouds gently cry
I open the curtain, the blind Open my heart, my mind I see your scattered flight Framed in morning light
You relax
and you sooth me
You inspire
and you move me
You change
my mood
in an instance
You wash
my worries
to the distance
The tranquility
of the scene
Sprinkles
on my screen
The essence
The refrain
My affinity
for the rain
Silence I hear the furnace kick in, on this cool morning.An awakening nudge, from within the silence…my creative silence.
It is then that I notice,gradually notice moreThe nuances of early morningJust outside my doorThe stillness of the lakeThe shadows near the shoreA family of four ducksAnd behind them two moreA peaceful place to begin my dayAlone, with some time to explore
A window to an opened mind.A unique view, from within the silence…my creative silence.
The façade of my introspectionProtective, but paper thinAccessible, in the early morningWithout the voices or the dinAn undisturbed opportunityTo summon, from withinThe chance to visit placesWhere I have seldom beenInsights, subtly perceptibleLike the drop of a pin
The sound of my ideas resonates,clearly audible to me, from within the silence…my creative silence.
Discernable refrains of thoughtEchoing inside my peaceful shellThe intricacies of perceptionFrom the depths of my wellThe complexities of emotionThe conflicts that I must quellLost, and found, in the early morningImmersed in what to tellA place to elevate my opinionsUp from where they fell
I find my positive inspiration,emerging, from within the silence…my creative silence.
The early morning moves meAs the words start to flowDrifting through the shadowsLike the ducks, in a rowLines of innate substanceGaining momentum as they goBuoyant, lucid, more certainShedding inhibitions as they growBrought into the morning lightFrom this tranquil place I know
The quiet of the morning finds me here.Where I can hear myself think…within my creative silence.
The morning starts out the same…With smiles and good intentions With energy and lofty goals But, the minutes are tickingToward the end of both Toward the mid-day lull Imagination grinding to a halt Hitting the proverbial wall.
Wheels locked in place,gears wanting in power. I am time standing still,hand stuck on the hour.
The reluctant optimist,hopeful that there is more. I am a tree lined road,winding to the shore.
There is a fine line in place…That separates good from greatThat distinguishes less from more Potential, on the threshold of changeSometimes it meets a pathSometimes it’s on a ledgeThe brink of a breakthrough Precariously near the edge.
An expanse from a destination, a misstep from being lost. I am a suspension bridge,longing to be crossed.
The battered pitcher, that’s been to the well. I am the grizzled veteran, with stories left to tell.
Personal insights ready to be shared…
Seeing the importance of each day
Seeing the enormity of the little things
So much potential, yet to be met
Bringing along a passion for life
Bringing an open book to the table The mind is more than willing The body, fighting to be able.
A semi-automatic rifle, unsure of where it’s aimed. I am the winning lottery ticket, waiting to be claimed.
“People try to hide their pain. But they’re wrong. Pain is something to carry, like a radio. You feel your strength in the experience of pain. It’s all in how you carry it.”
– Jim Morrison
Confined
He goes to bed each night alone with the ache His internal conflict keeping them both awake Wakes up weary every morning lying beside his vanity With a smile for his children and a check mark for his sanity
Physical versus mentalin a battle of his pain Sensory and substantialis thesignal from his brain From necessity and habit you conceal what you feel It’s mind against matter with wounds that won’t heal
Scar tissue and time The confines of the mind Self-motivation Self-preservation Selfishly suppressing the pain Scar tissue and time A safe place to hide
He fights the painHis wounds remainSustaining himself from inside
An actor playing himselfin the true story of he
Absorbed in the role of everyman
and that’s who he has to beScripted by circumstancehe has lines on every page
Penned for his own purposes
he is resplendent on his stageA song written in his head
but needed by his heart Lyrics intended for healing they’re upbeat from the start Motivation for mind and body Affected, but indeed sincereHe givesa selfless performance for everyone to hear
Scar tissue and time The complexities of the mind Self-medication Self-preservation Selfishly deflecting the pain Scar tissue and time Enduring another dayDifferent roots of painNo Ledger or CobainDetermined to go another way
Scar tissue and time You conceal what you feel It’s mind against matter When wounds never heal
Scar tissue and timeIn theconfines of your mind You ascend another day Starting from behind
OursI sit at the end of the dock Alone, on the edge of a new dayI scan our horizon, and smile
Content, about thinking this wayIt just feels like it belongs to us That it’s all ours, and therefor mine That we have our own entire lake And our own sprawling shore lineThere is a definite sense of self A fulfillment, based on our decision Circumstances, that brought us to now How I got to this positionAs I breathe in our fresh air and feel our cool morning breeze My heart embraces the moment My mind notes all that it sees
I see our fence and our fire wood I see the garden we need to weed I see our house that we are renovating into the home that we needI look up to see our deck I see just how it’s positioned I can picture our awesome view Even more than we envisionedI see our tall, imposing hemlock Our kayaks that lie in its shade See the route we’ve taken to our place I see all the choices we’ve made
I see the end result to our patience I see the fruits of this past yearI see the promise in our future I see exactly how we got hereI see all of our perseverance I see the challenges that we’ve met I see how we’ve faced them all together and I am as content as I can get
Content with this life for our family Content with how this all came to be Content with this time that is ours Content, and smiling, at all that I see
The morning has a way of seducing me with her obvious charm. Quiet and unassuming, but full of character and warmth. She knows precisely how to push my buttons or when to put me at ease with that subtle smile. The openness and availability of the morning often leaves me sitting and listening, and thinking about how to extend that moment and capture her essence. I try to absorb the feeling she creates and take it with me into my busy day. When I let the morning touch my mood, the rest of the day becomes our companion and we have the morning to thank for getting us together. Our ebb and flow are interconnected in a reciprocal relationship and the pace of the day is whatever we agree upon. More often than not she gives me the energy to propel myself headlong into all of the possibilities…the crispness of that first rush of air filling my senses…body and mind invigorated with the newness of the day.
Six a.m. came none too soonI was up to join the birds.The sun stood smiling downA brightness warmth beyond my words.As I packed my thoughts to goI could feel my heart pound.I crept down the creaky stairwayDoor closed with little sound.There was no early morning chillI was fervent with anticipation.Striding anxiously down the roadThrough the schoolyard, past the station.There would be all day to play…To ride my bike or toss the ballFor now my focus was very clear…And I could hear this other call.
At last the dirt trail, framed by dewMy pace grew more rapid still.Soon I would see the brookAnd beside it was my hill.Perched there on top of the worldI spent many a boyhood morn.While all around me life beganAs another new day was born.Sometimes I would just lie thereStudying each nuance of sky.Imagining some world beyondWhere clearest blue was not so high.Where every breath of air is fresh…Where peaceful thoughts reside.A place where discovery goes on…Where days like this have never died. | {
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Fifth graders across New York State can describe the Age of Homespun as the time in our history when goods were not manufactured but made by hand. I can only hope that mothers of twins back then had friends as great as ours. In addition to all of the delicious food that keeps us going, check out these homespun beauties
Beautiful quilts hand-stitched by Diane Wardlow. The guys’ names are stitched right in! Matt and Leo love to rest on their bellies and look at the beautiful colors
Sue Salzman crocheted these soft clouds. Each is uniquely designed, just like our twins.
The star design of these blankets look great on the stars of our show, thanks to Eileen Selzer.
Moon boots compliments of Aunt Julia. (I happen to know there is a fifth bootie out there – it’s fun to learn on the fly!)
Aunt Susie is the heir apparent to a renowned knitting tradition. The “Netter Sweater ” has a whole new look and matching hats!
And these last two photographs? Gorgeous, right? Stay tuned for more, and for many, many touts and kudos to our dear friend Anna Sawin. Full blog entry to come on her and her talents. In the meantime, check her out at her website. She documents our lives so beautifully and we are indebted to her in countless ways. More on this in entries to come.
In the meantime, much love and thanks to all of the talented baby lovers who have been so generous to us. Matt & Leo know how much love is held in the stitches. | {
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Stripping voltammetry in environmental and food analysis.
The review covers over 230 papers published mostly in the last 5 years. The goal of the review is to attract the attention of researchers and users to stripping voltammetry in particular, its application in environmental monitoring and analysis of foodstuffs. The sensors employed are impregnated graphite, carbon paste, thick film carbon/graphite and thin film metallic electrodes modified in-situ or beforehand. Hanging mercury drop electrodes and mercury coated glassy carbon electrodes are also mentioned. Strip and long-lived sensors for portable instruments and flow through systems are discussed as devices for future development and application of stripping voltammetry. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
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Tire Service for Toyota & All Makes near Lynchburg, VA
Detailed Tire Inspections at Danville Toyota
When the tires on your Toyota Camry or RAV4 could use an inspection, rotation or inflation, turn to a professional tire service center like the one at Danville Toyota. Our dealership and service center caters to Toyota drivers from nearby Collinsville and Lynchburg, VA, and offer quality tire service as well as new tires for sale with professional installation.
Our service department staff consists of ASE Certified and Toyota factory-trained technicians who are here to provide comprehensive maintenance for your Toyota or other make; that includes keeping your vehicle's tires in quality condition, to promote continued safe travels.
When you visit our service center in Danville, VA for a tire-related issue or any other maintenance, our service technicians will first inspect your tires, inflating and rotating them if needed. When additional tire service or replacement is needed, our service advisors can go over a range of affordable options.
Find the Right Tires for Your Toyota
If new replacement tires are recommended after the detailed tire inspection from our trained and certified techs, we can assist you with selecting the right tire for your vehicle, taking into account your budget, preferences and driving needs.
We offer everything from value-priced all-season tires for your SUV or pickup truck to summer performance rubber for your sports car or sedan, so be sure to explore your tire options here at Danville Toyota. With our regular service and parts specials, you could save money on that new set of tires for your RAV4!
Schedule Tire Service & Visit Us in Danville, VA
Local drivers can schedule a tire service appointment online or give our service advisors a call at (434) 822-0300 for further assistance with their tire service or replacement needs.
Our service department staff in Danville, VA is proud to serve drivers near the cities of Lynchburg, Collinsvilland Martinsville. | {
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Credit: Jamie Betts Photos
Nearly a year after the untimely passing of Cory Smoot, a.k.a. Flattus Maximus, Gwar have unveiled their new guitarist: Pustulus Maximus ( no relation They actually are related. My apologies! -AR).
Maximus is said to have “a skin condition where his face and feet are covered in painful pustules that can only be soothed by the application of savage metal, spoiled elephant semen or oral sex,” will make his live debut with the band in a performance video that will appear on The A.V. Club tomorrow; I don’t want to give anything away, but I’ve heard tell that said performance is both awesome and hilarious. In other words: just what we’d expect from Gwar!
In addition, if you wanna see Maximus in the flesh… or… the latex… or styrofoam… or whatever those costumes are made out, he’ll be (duh) playing with the band on their upcoming tour with DevilDriver, Cancer Bats, and Legacy of Disorder. You can get dates here. Presumably, he’ll make his studio debut with the band on their next album, whenever that comes to pass.
If the A.V. Club performance is as good as I hear it is, we’ll post it whenever it becomes available tomorrow.
-AR | {
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11.6K Shares
SANTA FE, NM – After a battery of laboratory tests, radiographic imaging, and subspecialty consultations, a team of health care professionals has formally diagnosed their medically complex patient as an acute on chronic hot mess.
“This was a very challenging case, and unfortunately, these type of cases are increasingly common nowadays,” said infectious diseases fellow Dr. Eloisa Dolina. “We may have a diagnosis now but that doesn’t make this particular patient’s outcome any better. We just know what we’re dealing with.”
The 59-year-old patient has a past medical history significant for everything: coronary artery disease s/p 47 stents and a septuple-vessel CABG; chronic respiratory failure secondary to end-stage interstitial lung disease on 4 liters nasal cannula; end stage liver disease complicated by hepatic encephalopathy, gastric and esophageal bleeding, ascites; end stage renal disease on hemodialysis; and metastatic cancer of unknown primary recently hospitalized for MRSA osteomyelitis of a sacral decubitus wound and bacteremia. He presented to the ER with fevers, chills, confusion, neck stiffness, chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, melena, and diffuse rash.
It took nearly two weeks of testing – none of which has come back normal by the way – but the primary team and the 32 subspecialists involved came up with the unifying diagnosis late yesterday evening.
“The patient meets all the criteria of an acute on chronic hot mess and then some,” explained critical care physician Dr. Grace Iconik, who has already taken care of the patient three times during this hospitalization in her ICU. “The differential diagnosis was finally whittled down to two: acute on chronic hot mess and acute on chronic train wreck. We settled on the former.” | {
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Sacroiliac dysfunction in construction workers.
In the literature of manual medicine the sacroiliac joint is widely accepted as a potential source of low back pain. On the other hand, some investigations have detected sacroiliac joint dysfunction without concomitant low back pain. The prevalence of sacroiliac dysfunction in the population has been noted in the medical literature to be between 19.3% and 47.9%. However, the prevalence of sacroiliac dysfunction in the general population and for construction workers is unknown. This article presents results from the Hamburg Construction Workers Study in respect to sacroiliac diagnostics. The prevalence of and connection between sacroiliac dysfunction and low back pain are particularly interesting. The sacroiliac joint diagnostics were studied in a cross-section investigation of a cohort of 480 male construction workers. Manual examination is the standard in the diagnostics of sacroiliac joint conditions at present. The assessment of sacroiliac joint function by standing flexion test, the spine test, the iliac compression test, and the iliac springing test was operationalized as two categories: sacroiliac dysfunction I and II. A prevalence of 29.0% was found for dysfunction I and 6.3% for dysfunction II, whereas a prevalence of 7.9% was found for the coprevalence of low back pain and sacroiliac dysfunction on the day of examination. This study demonstrated no statistical associations between low back pain and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The reason why symptomatic and asymptomatic sacroiliac dysfunctions exist has not yet been sufficiently explained. The identification of pain-provoking factors should be the aim of subsequent investigations. A further study with a prospective design will be necessary to answer the questions that remain. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Choose Other Models to Add
I only dislike that sometimes is hard for me to find parking o and the fact that it doesn't have sunroof or gps,i don't like leather seats so im good with cloth I like that is blue and gray inside and aslo is 4 doors really soft to drive and really economy with the gas too.
2010 Honda Accord EX-L V6Used Cars
in
Troy, NY 12182
Average time on market:
25 days
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
Color: Gold
Description:
Used 2010 Honda Accord EX-L V6 for sale
- $10,500, 81,000 miles with Bluetooth,
Sunroof/Moonroof
Avg. Dealer Rating: (9 reviews)
"My request for 'best price' was responded to with a request for me to come
look at the car. I was hoping for more, but did not expect to get more. So, all
in all, I'd say the dealer met my expectations."
2012 Honda Accord LX-PUsed Cars
in
Clifton Park, NY 12065
Average time on market:
25 days
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
Color: Gray
Description:
Used 2012 Honda Accord LX-P for sale
- $12,500, 30,341 miles with Aluminum Wheels
Avg. Dealer Rating: (10 reviews)
"I purchased a used 2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover.
Good:
* Used inventory seemed to be good quality, and pretty well prepped for sale.
* Dave Nash was quickly responsive to emails and phone calls, which I did appreciate.
* He was very helpful in arranging free delivery of the car from NY to CT.
Not So Good:
* I felt that some elements of the car's performance were swept under the carpet. For example, in test driving both the 2009 and the 2012 Suzuki SX4 Crossover that were on the lot, the engine performance of the 2009 seemed lacking compared to the 2012, even though they both carried the same engine. The response of: "Well, it's a 2009" didn't quite make sense to me.
In the end, I was satisfied enough to make a purchase."
2012 Honda Accord SEUsed Cars
in
Peekskill, NY 10566
Average time on market:
29 days
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Transmission: Automatic
Color: White
Description:
Used 2012 Honda Accord SE for sale
- $12,350, 38,683 miles with Leather Seats,
Alloy Wheels
Avg. Dealer Rating: (4 reviews)
"The Car was set out for me for our appointment, it was what he described
over the phone, and we made the deal - no worries, no hassle, easy process
- would come back again for my next purchase of a daily driver C300 or so....." | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
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Posts Tagged ‘Fusionism’
In my previous post, I took umbridge at faux-conservatives who repudiate core conservative beliefs in small government, and instead argue for the power of the state to achieve their aims. These people – the Mike Huckabees of the world – are a cancer on centre-right politics, and are anathema to the core values that we as a movement believe in.
The question remains however, how traditional conservatives – by which I mean people who believe in small government, but have socially conservative values, can reconcile such views with libertarianism within the Liberal Party, and work together towards a common goal.
I would suggest a possible way forward for the fusionism of conservatives and libertarians revolves around the “Leave Us Alone Coalition” – a direct opposition to the “Takings Coalition” of the left.
This dichotomy was first articulated by Conservative Guru Grover Norquist, and can be expressed as follows:
The Reagan Republican party and conservative movement can best be understood as a coalition of individuals and groups that — on the issue that brings them to politics — want the federal government to leave them alone.
The “Leave us Alone” coalition includes taxpayers who want the government to reduce the tax burden, property owners, farmers, and homeowners who want their property rights respected, gunowners who want the government to leave them and their guns alone, homeschoolers who wish to educate their own children as they see fit, traditional values conservatives who don’t want the government throwing condoms at their children and making fun of their religious values.
The Leave us Alone coalition also includes those Americans who serve in the military and police as they are the legitimate functions of government that protect Americans’ right to be left alone by foreign agressors or domestic criminals.
The modern American left is a “Takings Coalition,” a coalition of groups and individuals who view the proper role of government as taking things from one group and giving to another. This often is in the form of money. And the recipients of others money are usually the leaders of the “Takings Coalition.”
The Takings coalition consists of the Trial Lawyers, the corrupt Big City Machines, the Labor Union Bosses and the two wings of the Dependency Movement — those who remain trapped in dependency and those who make $80,000 a year managing the dependency of others and making sure they don’t get jobs and become Republicans. They are joined by the various coercive Utopians who want to reorganize society through force to make us stop wearing leather or driving sport utility vehicles or owning large toilets or otherwise run our lives as they see fit.
The Left puts forward the fiction that the Right want to force their morality on others. However, the homeschooler movement does not demand that homeschoolers be recognized as an alternative lifestyle. Gunowners do not insist that schools teach ten year olds books entitled “Heather has Two Hunters.”
What we see is a vision that conservatives and libertarians can agree on 90% of the time. One of a government that leaves people free to spend their money how they choose, leaves people free to practice their religion and does not force socially progressive programs down their throat.
Conservatives often rail about the breakdown of the family unit and call for government intervention to ‘fix’ this. Yet this ‘breakdown’ can be traced directly to government actions imposed upon soceity, through things like top-down changes to the Marriage Act. Similarly, one can make the case that sexual permissiveness was formulated through government mandated educational programs. Indeed, virtually every complaint on family issues by conservatives was caused directly by government action.
However, there is a clear and present danger here if social conservatives become social authoritarians. To quote Grover once again:
“In the 1980s, conservatives looked at polling data, and 70 percent of the people in the country were for prayer in school. And they introduced bills in Congress and constitutional amendments to legalize prayer in school. But most people who are for prayer in school think everybody else is for prayer in school, and therefore it’s not really a threatening issue.
But there’s a strong contingent who fear prayer in school because they’re pretty sure the prayer won’t be one they like. Some of these people may be antireligious, but some are other religious people who don’t get enough votes to be in charge of writing the prayers: Jews, the Amish, religious minorities. They hate prayer in school. So even though 70 percent tell you that they’re for prayer in school, 3 percent of the people in the room will say, “I hate you forever.” On Election Day, those 3 percent remember what you did, and you just lost votes on a 70 percent issue, as impossible as that sounds.
The answer, therefore, lies in fusionism:
“When you go from prayer in school to school choice, where you can send your kid to a school with exactly the kind of prayer you want—or no prayer at all—then all of a sudden the 3 percent you scared to death will be going, “Hey, I’m for that.” You’ve just turned opponents into allies.”
Another issue that often divides libertarians and conservatives is that of immigration. Libertarians often call for complete free trade in labour – ie open borders. Conservatives on the other hand are concerned about community and assimilation. This could lead to tension. However, if we look at the concerns conservatives have, again, it is government action that is to blame.And a similar solution can be applied. To once again quote Grover on the problem:
“People don’t become assimilated. They don’t learn American history. They don’t learn English. They don’t learn what it means to be an American. Well, that’s because we have a public school system that’s run by a monopoly, a unionized set of bureaucrats, and they don’t teach the people born in Nebraska how to be Americans and American history and how to speak and write English very well. So we have a problem with our government monopoly education system, and we have a problem with the welfare system.”
Fix that, and many of the concerns about immigration will become moot.
Perhaps more controversially, let us look at the issue of gay marriage:
“Sometime around 1600s, religion allows the state to nationalize marriage. So when people say, “We can’t let the state change a sacrament by allowing same-sex marriage,” I go, “Where were you 300 years ago, when you handed the state control of this issue?” So the proper political answer is: Churches, synagogues, and mosques should write marriage contracts, and the state should enforce contracts. You shouldn’t have sacraments organized, managed, and defined by the states. Communities of faith ought to be into denationalizing marriage, just as I want to denationalize healthcare and education, rather than trying to get the federal government to run the post office correctly or manage marriage correctly.”
Again, an outcome conservatives and libertarians can be happy with. And the list goes on.
Sure there are some things that conservatives and libertarians will disagree with, yet if we place politics into the dichotomy of a Leave Us Alone vs Takings Coalition, we can focus our energies on the 90% of things we agree on – and make a difference!
Obviously this will involve some compromise. Libertarians will have to accept that a total end to drug prohibition is unfeasible anytime in the foreseeable future, and conservatives will have to accept that they can no-longer support any financial or other discrimination against same sex couples, to use but two examples. But at the end of the day, this is a model that works.
Conservative/libertarian fusion formed the basis of the Reagan & Thatcher Revolutions. It achieved real results. Working together, we can make it happen again. But it involves a recognition that the heart of true conservative values are those classical liberal/libertarian principles of small government, individual freedom, and free markets.
Thus spoke President Ronald Reagan, without doubt one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century. He continued “I think conservatism is really a misnomer just as liberalism is a misnomer for the liberals–if we were back in the days of the Revolution, so-called conservatives today would be the Liberals and the liberals would be the Tories. The basis of conservatism is a desire for less government interference or less centralized authority or more individual freedom and this is a pretty general description also of what libertarianism is.”
Thus it pains me greatly to see some self-proclaimed conservatives these days spitting on the legacy of great men like President Reagan and attacking libertarianism. Instead of true conservative beliefs – those of small government, individual freedom, and free markets, they preach social authoritarianism and government control. Casting aside the ideology of the ‘founding fathers’ of what is now considered conservative thought – great thinkers from John Locke and Thomas Jefferson to Milton Friedman and FA Von Hayek, they instead replace it with a statist regime little different to that of the socialists. Rather than trying to minimise the size and scope of government, they instead seek to use it to their own ends.
Seeking to use government to achieve your desired aims is certainly not without intellectual underpinnings. It is something many philosophers have argued in favour of for centuries. It certainly is not without some intellectual merit, although I vociferously disagree. One thing you can NOT call it, however, is conservative.
This new brand of statist social authoritarians style themselves as conservatives and attack libertarians for believing in the very things that conservative have argued in favour of for generations. Sure, there have been differences between conservatives and libertarians, drug prohibition being probably the greatest of the last two decades, but, at the core, both ideologies shared the same desire for freedom, and this is what made fusionism work.
Indeed, while conservatives and libertarians certainly can disagree on some issues, these are at the periphery. It is our shared view on the size and scope of government that unites us. Thus it is especially distressing that this new mould of faux-conservatives, who wish to impose their extreme and radical personal world-view upon society, seem so hostile to libertarian thought. I do not need to start listing examples of anti-freedom things such people propose, although adopting Obama’s ‘compulsory volunteerism’ conscription plan and supporting internet censorship come to mind. Nor do I need to remind people on how these people have shown no interest in free markets or supporting private enterprise. All I need to say is that conservatives previously – even social conservatives – accepted the notion of small government.
It was, after all, never laissez-faire government that led to the social outcomes that these people now so decry. It was not an absence of government regulation that led to the attack on the family unity, and social breakdown. Rather, it was – consistently and without exception – government intervention that caused such things. It always was, is, and will be, the actions of the government that have led to the outcomes that social conservatives now decry. Even on matters as divisive as abortion, many libertarians have supported the socially conservative position . Traditional social conservatives recognised this, and recognised that they, like libertarians, would have their outcomes achieved by a reduction of the power of the state. Alas no longer.
It is for this reason that rise of the Christian Left in the Liberal Party disturbs me greatly (and I use the term “Christian” loosely, and only as is the self-styled moniker of those who preach this mantra – their actions, let alone their theology, I find little Christian about). I joined the Liberal Party because, like Menzies, like Howard I believed in individual freedom – and I’ll be damned if some extremist social democrats hijack the party I love, and turn it into no more than a socially authoritarian labor whilst trumpeting their self-proclaimed conservative values.
The fact that there are now these faux-conservatives who argue for greater government regulation, greater responsibilities for the State and greater control over peoples lives, is nothing more than an insult to the memories of the true conservative heroes. It is not conservatism, but socialism in drag, and it is a disgrace.
If you want to be a social authoritarian statist, that’s fine. We live in a free country, and you have the right to be wrong. But please, please, don’t you dare call yourself a conservative. | {
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v-Src transformation is mediated through farnesylated proteins.
Src is an oncoprotein which has been implicated in a number of human malignancies in which it has been shown to be overexpressed and highly activated. The precise mechanism of Src transformation, however, is still poorly understood. We hypothesized that Ras and other farnesylated proteins may mediate Src transformation. To test this hypothesis, v-Src-transfected rat fibroblasts (3Y1) were treated every 72 h with a 15 microM concentration of a farnesyl-transferase inhibitor (FTI). At 2 weeks, a focus formation assay was performed to assess transformation potential. Untreated and FTI-treated v-Src-transfected 3Y1 cells formed a mean of 39 (+/-2.6) and 29.8 (+/-2.9) foci per well, respectively. This 24% decrease was judged to be statistically significant (P = 0.02). Moreover, foci (>90%) in the FTI-treated wells were also consistently smaller than foci in the untreated wells. Western blots with antibody directed toward H-Ras confirmed complete inhibition of Ras farnesylation in the treated cell lines. The specificity of this inhibition was verified by Western blot using antibody specific for Rap1A. The transforming potential of v-Src is inhibited, but not eliminated by FTI treatment. This suggests that v-Src transformation is mediated in part by farnesylated proteins, one of which may be Ras. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
is the tens digit of a?
3
Suppose a = -a + 480. Suppose 2*x - 41 = 9. Suppose -4*y + 310 = 2*h, 5*h + a + x = 3*y. What is the tens digit of y?
8
What is the tens digit of (17/5)/((-6)/(-30180))?
0
Let h(v) = -v**3 + v**2 + 2*v + 486. Let p be h(0). Suppose 3*u - 21 - p = 0. What is the units digit of u?
9
Let a(i) = -i**2 - 10*i + 12. Let o be a(-11). Let w be (1 + o)/((-11)/(-22)). Suppose -10*c + w*c = -468. What is the tens digit of c?
7
Let s = -89 - -91. Suppose 640 = 3*i + s*z - 0*z, 4*z - 638 = -3*i. What is the units digit of i?
4
Let l = -230 - -250. What is the units digit of ((-456)/l)/((-24)/540)?
3
Let y = 10610 - 5106. What is the units digit of y?
4
Let w(t) = -3*t**2 + 18*t - 47*t + t**3 - 3 - 4 + 22*t. Let h be w(5). What is the units digit of 154/h - (-3)/(-12)?
9
Let q(z) be the first derivative of -25*z**2/2 - 49*z - 14. What is the hundreds digit of q(-43)?
0
Let b = 79703 + -11734. What is the ten thousands digit of b?
6
Let x = 339 - 339. Suppose -b = -4, x = -4*h - 5*b + 1624 + 156. What is the units digit of h?
0
Suppose 9*j + 4*x = 4*j - 380, 2*x + 310 = -4*j. Let r = 210 + j. What is the units digit of r?
0
Let g(m) = -154*m + 3. Let q(r) = 2*r + 19. Let f be q(-10). What is the hundreds digit of g(f)?
1
Suppose 0 = -4*h + 3*l + 15, l = -8*h + 3*h - 5. Suppose -9*k + 11*k - 734 = h. What is the units digit of k?
7
Let n(x) = 41*x**2 - 14*x - 14. Suppose 9*j - 20*j - 22 = 0. What is the tens digit of n(j)?
7
Suppose -1 = -4*b + 11. What is the hundreds digit of b/(-6) - 1875/(-6)?
3
Suppose 50*f - 8759 = 40*f + 25391. What is the hundreds digit of f?
4
Let i(j) = -j**2 + 35*j - 97. Let f be i(3). What is the units digit of (-451 + (4 - f))/(-1)?
6
Let l = 6 - 4. Let z(t) = 11*t**2 + 6*t + 2. Let q(p) = 3*p. Let o(n) = -3*q(n) + z(n). What is the tens digit of o(l)?
4
Let n(w) = w**2 + 17*w - 26. Let r be n(-20). Suppose 0 = 5*i + r - 439. What is the units digit of i?
1
What is the ten thousands digit of (600/16)/75 + 23141/2?
1
Let v = 1238 - 685. Let z = v - -290. What is the tens digit of z?
4
Let w(d) = -d**3 - d**2 + 6*d + 5. Let z = 22 - 25. Let r be w(z). What is the units digit of 3/(-15) + 891/r?
8
Let x(z) = 7*z**3 + 59*z**2 + 64*z - 199. Let i(k) = 4*k**3 + 30*k**2 + 33*k - 100. Let g(d) = -5*i(d) + 3*x(d). What is the hundreds digit of g(-25)?
4
Let j(q) = 49*q + 9748. What is the hundreds digit of j(29)?
1
Suppose -127*j = -20*j - 1287852. What is the thousands digit of j?
2
Let k(y) = y**3 + 27*y**2 - 19*y - 77. Let o be k(-13). Suppose 2*s + o = 2*g, 4*g - s - 5120 = -57. What is the hundreds digit of g?
2
Let y(x) = -x**2 - 13*x + 66. Let r(w) = -2*w**2 - 26*w + 132. Let g(o) = -3*r(o) + 5*y(o). What is the units digit of g(-21)?
2
Let r = -2821 + 4388. What is the units digit of r?
7
Let i(h) be the third derivative of -h**5/30 + 5*h**4/6 - 7*h**3/2 + 3*h**2 - 5. What is the units digit of i(8)?
1
Suppose 21*c + 4278 = 20*c + 5*g, 8563 = -2*c + 3*g. Let n = -2898 - c. What is the thousands digit of n?
1
Let z = 1023 - 269. What is the hundreds digit of z?
7
Let n = 14591 - 5328. What is the thousands digit of n?
9
Let i(n) = -2*n**3 + 46*n**2 + 3*n - 8. What is the hundreds digit of i(7)?
5
Let k = -413 - -650. What is the hundreds digit of k?
2
Suppose 171*h - 24 = 179*h. What is the units digit of ((-1)/2 - 1)*134/h?
7
Suppose -s - 8*n + 25554 = 7751, 5*n = -4*s + 71023. What is the thousands digit of s?
7
Let h be ((-4)/8)/(3*1/204). Let y(z) = z**2 + 14*z + 32. What is the hundreds digit of y(h)?
7
Let d(n) = 39*n**3 - 8*n**2 - 82*n + 598. What is the ten thousands digit of d(7)?
1
Let v(m) = -8*m - 102. Let l be v(-13). What is the units digit of (-6 - -289) + -2 + l?
3
Suppose 49*w - 47971 = 38*w. What is the thousands digit of w?
4
Suppose -5*i - 15 - 10 = 0. Let a(p) = -42*p + 49. What is the hundreds digit of a(i)?
2
Let v = 31 + -22. Suppose -v*t + 615 = -1068. Let i = -25 + t. What is the hundreds digit of i?
1
Suppose -12*g = -11*g - 1, -11 = 4*s - 3*g. What is the hundreds digit of 151 + s + 3 + (-5 - -6)?
1
Let m = -42 - -75. Suppose 5*t - 2*f = -140, 5*t = -3*f - 107 - m. Let w = 2 - t. What is the tens digit of w?
3
Let q(y) = 3*y**2 - 39*y + 458. What is the units digit of q(34)?
0
Let b(r) = -3*r + 4*r + r**2 + 264 - 292. What is the tens digit of b(-7)?
1
Suppose 5*h = -4*h + 18. Let s be (-5*4/(-60))/(h/24). Suppose -x + 237 = s*x - 2*u, 0 = 2*x + 2*u - 92. What is the units digit of x?
7
Let n(l) = l**2 - 23*l + 84. Let u be n(19). Let b(z) be the second derivative of z**5/20 - 2*z**4/3 + 3*z**3/2 - z**2/2 - z. What is the tens digit of b(u)?
7
What is the hundreds digit of 2*(-36158)/(-8) + ((-407)/22)/37?
0
Suppose 5*n + 5*g = 13847 + 66368, 3*g + 16019 = n. What is the tens digit of n?
3
Let c = 59189 - 41010. What is the ten thousands digit of c?
1
Let q be 4 + 2*2/(-4). Suppose -29*g + 30*g = q. Suppose 2*r - 4*v - v - 428 = 0, g*r + 3*v = 642. What is the hundreds digit of r?
2
Let r = -56377 - -88497. What is the units digit of r?
0
Suppose -15*i - 25800 = 19*i - 42*i. What is the hundreds digit of i?
2
Suppose -u = 3*n - 83, -3*u + 231 = -4*n + 47. Let g = -15 + u. What is the units digit of g?
3
Let x = 70 + -75. Let k be -1*2/x + 83/5. Suppose 10*w - k*w = -651. What is the tens digit of w?
9
Let h(v) = v**3 - v**2 - 24*v + 25. Let p be h(10). Let a = -266 + p. What is the hundreds digit of a?
4
What is the tens digit of (-8)/(-18) + -5*(-25518)/270?
7
Suppose 0 = 3*r - 8*r - 25, 4*f = -2*r - 50. Let b = -3 - f. Suppose 0*w - b*w = -175. What is the tens digit of w?
2
Let c = 81272 - 44555. What is the thousands digit of c?
6
Suppose -29 + 14 = -3*h. Suppose 67 = -f + 5*s - 82, -h*s = -2*f - 318. Let c = 345 + f. What is the units digit of c?
6
Let d = 28 + -24. Let h be (-7 - -9)/((-1)/d). Let r(z) = z**3 + 9*z**2 + 4*z + 2. What is the units digit of r(h)?
4
What is the tens digit of (-4 + 664/(-12))*-30?
8
Let x = 11457 - 469. What is the ten thousands digit of x?
1
Let l be 8/((-32)/(-9836)) + (-5)/1. Suppose 2*g = 5*g - 9, -3*d + l = g. What is the hundreds digit of d?
8
Let l be 4*(7 - (3 + 1)). Suppose -5*g = 16*f - l*f - 2257, -2*f + 1148 = -4*g. What is the hundreds digit of f?
5
Suppose -25 = -3*b + 5*n, 5*b + 5*n = -14 - 11. Suppose b = -4*r + 6*r - 618. What is the tens digit of r?
0
Let g be (-8)/6*6/(-4). What is the units digit of (g + (-42)/9)*(-1218)/8?
6
Suppose -3*q - 12*h + 12965 = -7*h, -q + h + 4311 = 0. What is the thousands digit of q?
4
What is the hundreds digit of ((-4)/5 + (-24084)/180)*-15?
0
Let z = -16039 - -30233. What is the thousands digit of z?
4
Suppose 0 = d - 3*m - 31463, 4*d - d = -5*m + 94473. What is the units digit of d?
1
Suppose 0 + 128 = 4*y. Suppose 5*j = 3 + y. Let s = j + 4. What is the tens digit of s?
1
Let y be -8 + -446 + -10 + 2. Let d be (-3 + 2)*(181 - 0). Let x = d - y. What is the tens digit of x?
8
Let x(h) be the second derivative of -31*h**4/12 + h**3/3 - h**2 - 6*h. Let a be x(1). What is the units digit of 2 + (-5 - -3) - a?
1
Suppose 143*b + 49150 = 153*b. What is the hundreds digit of b?
9
Let u = -37546 + 54246. What is the tens digit of u?
0
What is the tens digit of 8/(-14)*(-71065 - -120)?
4
Let g = 22023 - 8951. What is the ten thousands digit of g?
1
Let v = 6903 - 3593. What is the thousands digit of v?
3
Let y(h) = h**3 - 13*h**2 - 23*h - 12. Let q be y(23). Let w = q - 3307. Suppose 428 + w = 10*j. What is the tens digit of j?
8
Suppose s + 997 = 2*x, 4*x - x = 3. Let t = s + 1112. What is the hundreds digit of t?
1
Let l(n) = -32*n**3 - 61*n**2 - 16*n + 23. What is the tens digit of l(-9)?
5
Suppose -4*j = -9*j + 375. Let k = j + 14. Suppose 2*p = 25 + k. What is the tens digit of p?
5
Let m be 226/8 + 19/(-76). Suppose m = 4*o + 96. Let a(n) = 2*n**2 + 25*n + 10. What is the tens digit of a(o)?
6
Suppose -8*v + 162 = 18. Let d be 3/v*34 + 2/6. Suppose -100 = -d*c + 116. What is the units digit of c?
6
Let s = 3318 + -2986. What is the units digit of s?
2
Let x(w) = 5*w**2 + 4*w**2 + 10*w**2 + 3 - 22*w**2 - w + 107*w**3. What is the tens digit of x(1)?
0
Let x be (-4)/6 + (-957)/(-99). Suppose -4*y + 3*c + 1156 = 0, x*c - 12*c = 3*y - 867. What is the units digit of y?
9
Suppose 0 = r - 4*g + | {
"pile_set_name": "DM Mathematics"
} |
Evolutionary implications of the frequent horizontal transfer of mismatch repair genes.
Mutation and subsequent recombination events create genetic diversity, which is subjected to natural selection. Bacterial mismatch repair (MMR) deficient mutants, exhibiting high mutation and homologous recombination rates, are frequently found in natural populations. Therefore, we have explored the possibility that MMR deficiency emerging in nature has left some "imprint" in the sequence of bacterial genomes. Comparative molecular phylogeny of MMR genes from natural Escherichia coli isolates shows that, compared to housekeeping genes, individual functional MMR genes exhibit high sequence mosaicism derived from diverse phylogenetic lineages. This apparent horizontal gene transfer correlates with hyperrecombination phenotype of MMR-deficient mutators. The sequence mosaicism of MMR genes may be a hallmark of a mechanism of adaptive evolution that involves modulation of mutation and recombination rates by recurrent losses and reacquisitions of MMR gene functions. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Originally posted on Google Apps Developers blog
Posted by Henry Wang, Associate Product Marketing Manager
An all expenses paid, week-long trip to San Francisco, including a visit to the Googleplex in Mountain View, CA
A featured spot on the Google Play Store
A promotional video starring you and your app
A healthy amount of Google schwag, including a new Google device
* Cisco, Cisco Visual Networking Index: Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast Update 2014–2019 White Paper, February 2015
** eMarketer, US Time Spent with Media, October 2014
*** Nielsen, Smartphones: So Many Apps, So Much Time, July 2014
To win the challenge, you’ll need to build a great app (either Android or iOS) and create a sound business plan that shows how you managed the project, gained users, and leveraged AdMob to make money. The contest will be judged by a panel of app industry leaders. To learn more about the judges, visit here The winning team will receive:Last year’s global winner was Phani Gaddipati, who created Stacks Flashcards , an app that lets people create electronic flashcards on any subject, quiz themselves and analyze their performance. Check out his video to learn more.In addition to one overall winner, the finalist from each of the four global regions (North America, Latin America, Europe Middle East & Africa, and Asia Pacific) will receive Google devices and see their app featured on the AdMob website.The challenge starts today, and you’ll have until June 28, 2016 to build your winning app. Be sure to visit the AdMob website to learn more and register . Follow us on AdMob G+ and Twitter and keep an update on #AdMobSAC16 too, for regular updates on the challenge. .Best of luck -- we can’t wait to see what you build! | {
"pile_set_name": "OpenWebText2"
} |
Q:
Where do folds come from on a surfboard and are they bad?
Why are there sometimes folds on the top of a surfboard and where do they come from? Do they mean the board is in bad shape (or more exactly, is the board less usable or less effective)?
A:
Those are creases. They effect performance as the board will flesh (bend) more around that point. The board is much more likely to break in half at that point as well. Creases can be fixed, can be expensive for epoxy boards ($200-$300 minimum) and requires a pro to do it right. A bad fix can weaken the board further.
| {
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
} |
Monday, January 16, 2012
FASTING TIP
For many, week three feels like a breakthrough week! By now your body should be thoroughly detoxified, and if you successfully navigated that metabolic shift that happened in week two, you’re likely to find your-self coasting until day twenty-one.
As your body has become used to less food, you are more than likely experiencing fewer hunger pangs. Since your body has detoxified, you are most likely also experiencing less achiness and headaches. Because your body is not using as much energy to digest food, it can devote more energy into the restorative processes. During this last week you may also find you are sleeping better too.
Spiritually speaking, this week can be really powerful as you find yourself in your Fast Zone and your mind has made the leap to focusing more on God. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Q:
Conditionally dequeue dependency of scripts
Please note that, I'm not telling about conditionally enqueue/dequeue scripts, I'm referring to conditionally dequeue certain dependencies from an existing enqueued scripts in front end. And please note the question is not plugin-specific. I want to be enlightened about the general rules.
I used Elementor (page builder) for front end. But it's not used in all my pages. So the default lightbox feature enabled in Elementor doesn't work in those pages. That's why I added my own lightbox throughout the site, using a regex $pattern ="/<a(.*?)href=('|\")(.*?).(bmp|gif|jpeg|jpg|png)('|\")(.*?)>/i"; hooked to the the_content filter. Thing's working fine, but-
Where there the Elementor gallery or lightbox is triggered, both the scripts are messing up. Two lightbox are being called, sometimes the gallery lightbox are conflicting and not working etc.
Solution 1:
I know I can conditionally filter the_content with the regex like:
if( ! is_singular('cpt') ) {
return $content = preg_replace($pattern, $replacement, $content);
}
But I actually want to keep this feature everywhere. Just want to remove the elementor lightbox where I want 'em to. So, I's trying the solution#2.
Solution 2:
What Elementor did, is something, like:
wp_enqueue_script('elementor-frontend', 'link/to/frontend.js', array('elementor-dialog', 'elementor-waypoints', 'jquery-swiper'), '1.9.7', true);
Now I want not to load the lightbox feature from Elementor, so I tried to dequeue the 'elementor-dialog':
if( is_singular('cpt') ) {
wp_dequeue_script( 'elementor-dialog' );
}
But it's not working, as the dependencies are set in 'elementor-frontend'. So I tried deregistering dialog:
if( is_singular('cpt') ) {
wp_dequeue_script( 'elementor-dialog' );
wp_deregister_script( 'elementor-dialog' );
}
It's devastating, because it dequeued the frontend.js.
How can I change the dependencies of frontend.js (handle: 'elementor-frontend') on the fly, so that I can change the dependencies to array('elementor-waypoints', 'jquery-swiper')?
A:
Solution 1:
Here we will dequeue and deregister elementor-dialog and elementor-frontend, then we will re-register elementor-frontend without the elementor-dialog dependency:
// This needs to fire after priority 5 which is where Elementor
// handles enqueueing scripts. We're ok since the default is 10.
add_action( 'wp_enqueue_scripts', 'wpse_elementor_frontend_scripts' );
function wpse_elementor_frontend_scripts() {
// Optionally add guard clauses such as checking if( ! is_singular('cpt') )...
// Bail if Elementor is not available.
if ( ! defined( 'ELEMENTOR_VERSION' ) ) {
return;
}
// Dequeue and deregister elementor-dialog
wp_dequeue_script( 'elementor-dialog' );
wp_deregister_script( 'elementor-dialog' );
// Dequeue and deregister elementor-frontend
wp_dequeue_script( 'elementor-frontend' );
wp_deregister_script( 'elementor-frontend' );
// Re-register elementor-frontend without the elementor-dialog dependency.
$suffix = ( defined( 'SCRIPT_DEBUG' ) && SCRIPT_DEBUG ) ? '' : '.min';
wp_register_script(
'elementor-frontend',
ELEMENTOR_ASSETS_URL . 'js/frontend' . $suffix . '.js',
[
//'elementor-dialog', // <-- We removed this
'elementor-waypoints',
'jquery-swiper',
],
ELEMENTOR_VERSION,
true
);
// debugging...
//$scripts = wp_scripts();
//exit ( print_r( $scripts ) );
}
Solution 2:
In this solution, we will use wp_scripts() to modify the $wp_scripts global and then safely deregister elementor-dialog.
We will remove the elementor-dialog dependency from the elementor-frontend handle, then dequeue the elementor-dialog script which is enqueued separately by the Elementor\Frontend class.
/**
* The Elementor\Frontend class runs its register_scripts() method on
* wp_enqueue_scripts at priority 5, so we want to hook in after this has taken place.
*/
add_action( 'wp_enqueue_scripts', 'wpse_elementor_frontend_scripts_modifier', 6 );
function wpse_elementor_frontend_scripts_modifier() {
// Customize guard clauses to bail if we don't want to run this code.
/*if ( ! is_singular( 'cpt' ) ) {
return;
}*/
// Get all scripts.
$scripts = wp_scripts();
// Bail if something went wrong.
if ( ! ( $scripts instanceof WP_Scripts ) ) {
return;
}
// Array of handles to remove.
$handles_to_remove = [
'elementor-dialog',
];
// Flag indicating if we have removed the handles.
$handles_updated = false;
// Remove desired handles from the elementor-frontend script.
foreach ( $scripts->registered as $dependency_object_id => $dependency_object ) {
if ( 'elementor-frontend' === $dependency_object_id ) {
// Bail if something went wrong.
if ( ! ( $dependency_object instanceof _WP_Dependency ) ) {
return;
}
// Bail if there are no dependencies for some reason.
if ( empty( $dependency_object->deps ) ) {
return;
}
// Do the handle removal.
foreach ( $dependency_object->deps as $dep_key => $handle ) {
if ( in_array( $handle, $handles_to_remove ) ) {
unset( $dependency_object->deps[ $dep_key ] );
$dependency_object->deps = array_values( $dependency_object->deps ); // "reindex" array
$handles_updated = true;
}
}
}
}
// If we have updated the handles, dequeue the relevant dependencies which
// were enqueued separately Elementor\Frontend.
if ( $handles_updated ) {
wp_dequeue_script( 'elementor-dialog' );
wp_deregister_script( 'elementor-dialog' );
}
}
By modifying elementor-frontend before dequeueing elementor-dialog, we will not unintentionally dequeue elementor-frontend when we dequeue elementor-dialog.
When testing this code, I inspected the $wp_scripts global (via wp_scripts()) to ensure that the desired results took effect. E.g.
$scripts = wp_scripts();
print_r( $scripts );
Relevant part of $scripts before modification:
...
[elementor-dialog] => _WP_Dependency Object
(
[handle] => elementor-dialog
[src] => http://example.com/wp-content/plugins/elementor/assets/lib/dialog/dialog.js
[deps] => Array
(
[0] => jquery-ui-position
)
[ver] => 4.1.0
[args] =>
[extra] => Array
(
[group] => 1
)
)
[elementor-frontend] => _WP_Dependency Object
(
[handle] => elementor-frontend
[src] => http://example.com/wp-content/plugins/elementor/assets/js/frontend.js
[deps] => Array
(
[0] => elementor-dialog
[1] => elementor-waypoints
[2] => jquery-swiper
)
[ver] => 1.9.7
[args] =>
[extra] => Array
(
[group] => 1
)
)
...
Relevant part of $scripts after modification:
(Note that the elementor-dialog node has now been removed.)
...
[elementor-frontend] => _WP_Dependency Object
(
[handle] => elementor-frontend
[src] => http://example.com/wp-content/plugins/elementor/assets/js/frontend.js
[deps] => Array
(
[0] => elementor-waypoints
[1] => jquery-swiper
)
[ver] => 1.9.7
[args] =>
[extra] => Array
(
[group] => 1
)
)
...
| {
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
} |
Intel to Discontinue Itanium 9700 ‘Kittson’ Processor, the Last of the Itaniums - ch_123
https://www.anandtech.com/show/13924/intel-to-discontinue-itanium-9700-kittson-processor-the-last-itaniums
======
q3k
Mixed feelings. On the one hand, Itanium (as a platform) was batshit insane,
impossible to write good compilers for and the pinnacle of Intel
overengineering. Good riddance.
On the other hand, Itanium was ugly, but had its charm and uniqueness. Itanium
is what EFI was first developed for. Itanium is where the C++ ABI got started.
Itanium being discontinued further reduces mainstream CPUs to the most boring,
safe designs possible: IA32/amd64. ARM was kinda quirky (conditional
execution, barrel shifter), but those were slowly neutered (by introducing
Thumb), and then totally thrown out of the window with aarch64. SPARC is dead.
PA-RISC is dead. RISC-V is new and promising, but is also the most pragmatic
and safe design of an ISA ever. The Mill CPU is interesting, but is
underfunded and I don't think it will ever be taped out.
Similar as with OS research (think: Solaris, Plan9/Inferno), researchy and
experimental CPU ISAs seem to be a thing of the past now.
~~~
pcwalton
x86-64 is anything but "boring" and "safe". :)
Real mode, Mod R/M and SIB byte encoding weirdness, REX prefixes, 80-bit
floats, parity flag, hard-wired registers for shifts/multiplies/divisions,
builtin CRC32 over the wrong polynomial, Pascal calling convention support,
binary-coded decimal, high halves of 16-bit registers, MMX overlap with x87
floating point, etc. etc.
~~~
q3k
Right, but most of these are just past crimes^W^Wlegacy that Intel has to deal
with in the name of backwards compatibility.
~~~
Klathmon
>most of these are just past crimes^W^Wlegacy
This is completely off topic, but I've seen things like the "^W^W" a few times
before, and I don't know what it means.
Is this a weird encoding mismatch thing? is it from some editor/system that
people instinctively type? Is it from some other forum which has a strange
markup syntax for something?
~~~
q3k
Emacs/readline bindings for Delete Word. Open up a bash shell, type in `foo
bar baz`, then press ctrl-W twice.
'^W' is what would appear instead if you weren't in a readline/emacs editor,
but instead a dumb line terminal. Thus, leaving '^W' behind makes it look like
you didn't realize what you just corrected is still visible.
It's a joke. I've now explained and ruined it.
~~~
bluedino
Slashdot posters would use ^H^H in their posts (backspace)
~~~
lscotte
It goes back way further than that - probably to the dawn of IRC or so.
~~~
pjscott
I believe it dates back to the unix talk(1) program, quite a bit earlier than
IRC.
~~~
TheCondor
It’s from the dec terminal emulation, VT100. I think specifically when you
connected to like an ansi type system with dec mode. Or something like that,
the memories are fuzzy
------
chx
From almost exactly ten years ago: How the Itanium Killed the Computer
Industry
[https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2339629,00.asp](https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2339629,00.asp)
> The MIPS chip, the DEC Alpha (perhaps the fastest chip of its era), and
> anything else in the pipeline were all cancelled or deemphasized. Why?
> Because Itanium was the future for all computing. Why bother wasting money
> on good ideas that didn't include it?
> The failure of this chip to do anything more than exist as a niche processor
> sealed the fate of Intel—and perhaps the entire industry, since from 1997 to
> 2001 everyone waited for the messiah of chips to take us all to the next
> level.
> It did that all right. It took us to the next level. But we didn't know that
> the next level was below us, not above. The next level was the basement, in
> fact. Hopefully Intel won't come up with any more bright ideas like the
> Itanium. We can't afford to excavate another level down.
~~~
ghaff
I'm not sure what point Dvorak is even making in that article. Yeah, a lot of
ultimately wasted effort went into Itanium. But we ended up with x86-64 plus a
somewhat diminished set of CPUs from some of the big Unix vendors. It's an
interesting question but I'm ultimately not sure that the computer industry
would look all that different today had Intel just done 64-bit extensions to
x86 or something similarly evolutionary.
AMD might well not exist. But, except for HP, the big Unix vendors mostly
hedged their bets anyway. The large Japanese companies who also backed Itanium
never were going to make the investments to break out beyond Japan.
~~~
codinger
X86-64/AMD64 was solely developed by AMD and licensed to Intel.
I'm stating this because I can't tell what you mean by:
"wasted effort went into Itanium. But we ended up with x86-64"
~~~
ghaff
Intel was independently developing 64-bit extensions under the code name
Yamhill. I know there some legal settlements around the time so they may have
cross-licensed technology. AMD came out first but Intel had much the same
thing in its back pocket.
What I last statement meant was we ended up by an industry dominated by 64-bit
x86 anyway in spite of all the effort that went into an alternative 64-bit
architecture. So we’d probably be in a similar place had Intel just decided
Itanium was a bad idea from the start.
~~~
chx
What ...? Yamhill was an _answer_ to AMD64. The first rumors appeared in 2002
where AMD announced AMD64 in 1999, released the full specs in 2000 and
actually shipped the first Opteron CPU in 2003 April, Intel shipped the Nocona
in June 2004. This trailing remained for a while -- LAHF/SAHF in 64 bit was
shipped in March 2005 by AMD but only December 2005 by Intel.
~~~
ghaff
Well sure. Intel much preferred Itanium to succeed. Absent AMD, it’s possuble
Itanium would have muddled through in the end. (Or something completely
different would have played out.)
it’s safe to say that Intel has some sort of contingency plan going back quite
a while. Some analysts even thought they saw features in Pentium that
suggested 64-bit readiness.
But it wasn’t until Opteron’s success and its adoption by esp. HP and Dell
that Intel felt they needed to make their 64 bit extensions plan public.
~~~
FullyFunctional
You are correct. What people don't seem to appreciate are the internal
conflicts within large organizations. There were in fact massive internal
conflicts at Intel between the Itanic and the legacy. Companies that large
doesn't "think with a single brain".
Random aside: Itanic was HP's brainchild that was adopted and refined at Intel
(and far from all of Intel was excited about that). Having experienced a VLIW
that _didn't_ suck (the internal engine of Transmeta's Astro 2/Efficieon) I'm
sad that EPIC/Itanic gives VLIW as bad name. However, the future belongs to
RISC-V.
------
johnklos
They shouldn't have killed an excellent processor (the Alpha) which already
had tons of software and history and was already being used in the fastest
supercomputers in the world for a product that was never (and still isn't)
proven. The Itanic was never best in its class at anything.
~~~
skynetv2
agreed, Itanium investment should have gone to the Alpha.
Itanium was really good at raw performance as long as you could write hand
tuned math kernels or kept working with the compiler team to optimize code for
your kernel. Took me a while, but I got 97% efficiency with single core DGEMM.
~~~
shereadsthenews
Hand-written code for Itanium was always smoking fast. One-clock microkernel
message passes and other insanity. But nobody ever figured out how to write a
compiler that could generate code like that for that machine.
~~~
zamalek
> nobody ever figured out how to write a compiler that could generate code
> like that for that machine
Were a lot of people trying? It was a pretty difficult platform to get hold of
and tinker with.
~~~
shereadsthenews
I’m not sure how many people, but it’s all the compiler group at HP did for
the last twenty years.
~~~
Something1234
HP has a compiler group. I wasn't aware there were all that many commercial
compilers still around, and I definitely wouldn't have thought of HP.
~~~
ghaff
Who else do you think would have developed the compilers for HP-UX, VMS, and
NonStop?
~~~
Something1234
Present tense. The GP comment was in present tense, not a long time ago.
------
leetrout
The end of an era and one of the worst technology bets / choices. Every time I
hear Itanium I think of SGI going under.
~~~
tyingq
The original RISC/Unix players were most of my career. Pyramid MIPS/OSX, then
Sparc/SunOS, AIX, PA-RISC/HPUX, Dec Ultrix followed by Alpha, etc. I remember
trying to tell my co-workers that Linux would wipe it all out, shortly after
AMD rolled out Opteron. Most of them chuckled.
~~~
Theodores
I chuckled. Which was silly as I missed the boat with Linux until Ubuntu came
along. The versions of Linux I first saw were mere toys compared to the SGI
awesomeness I knew at the time.
~~~
tyingq
Oh, yeah. I did not see it with early Linux, and like you, thought it was a
fun toy. It was specifically the 64 bit x86 thing that caught my attention.
The memory ceiling for 32 bit x86 made it easy to ignore Linux. If I remember
right, Linux was also still crashing pretty regularly under load just before
that time frame too.
~~~
burfog
Before that time frame, PC hardware vendors had little incentive to make
stable hardware. It was easy to blame crashes on Windows. If the hardware
itself made a few crashes per week, that wasn't going to be enough to be
noticed.
The early 64-bit PC hardware was server grade, intended for NT and Linux. That
set a standard, and then gradually people moved away from junk like Windows
98SE and Windows ME. Hardware bugs no longer had such an easy time hiding in a
flood of software crashes.
------
tyingq
So HPUX finally dies. Doesn't leave much of the original commercial RISC/Unix
players still on some level of life support. I guess there's still AIX/Power.
~~~
protomyth
Last I looked, they were porting HP/UX over to x86. The port came up in the
whole HP vs Oracle lawsuit.
~~~
ch_123
There was talk of this, but it went away. The last suggestion I’ve read about
were some kind of ‘containers’ which emulate HP-UX
[https://www.pcworld.com/article/3196353/data-center/hpe-
offe...](https://www.pcworld.com/article/3196353/data-center/hpe-offers-an-
escape-from-the-aging-hp-ux-os-via-containers.html)
[https://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/06/08/hp_ux_on_x86_projec...](https://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/06/08/hp_ux_on_x86_project_kinetic/)
~~~
greglindahl
Novell Netware lived on for a long time running as a VM. Doing that makes it
much easier to support new hardware.
~~~
Twirrim
I didn't realise Netware had finally been discontinued. That's the server OS I
originally cut my teeth on, dealing with IPX/SPX based networks.
~~~
pjmlp
Me too. :)
We used it for a Clipper based management application.
My first task was bringing back to life our school labs network, so that we
could use it for that application, got to love those coaxial cable
terminators.
~~~
Twirrim
> got to love those coaxial cable terminators.
Man. So many memories of walking around the school with a cable tester trying
to find where the ring had been broken _this_ time.
I was so glad to see that ring network be retired.
~~~
protomyth
We are buying a new iSeries and the IBM person was very specific that the
terminal we have in the server room is NOT supported anymore without some
weird interface board. I was kind of sad at the thought. Even sadder knowing
I'm going have to load IBM's client access software on some poor PC.
~~~
Twirrim
SNA? It's super fantastic fun. Honest.
I worked for an egovernment company several years ago. A state (county?)
agency built a service with us, and wouldn't expose the actual database to us,
just an SNA supporting interface. We were essentially scraping the data.
Messy, unsanitised data. I really didn't envy the developer who looked after
that particular application.
~~~
protomyth
I'm pretty sure what we are getting is a renamed Client Access on a small PC
we need to set in the server room. Client Access is legendary for how bad it
is from installing to using. I would rather have the terminal.
------
gumby
I wonder what it’s like working on Itanium over the last decade (and perhaps
earlier). I can see someone joining early on when the marketing buzz was
exciting and reality had not set in.
But now...you’re working on a product that is widely mocked and has no future,
yet releases are still being made. How depressing...what causes someone to
stay on?
~~~
ghaff
A lot of people have good jobs supporting and incrementally enhancing legacy
products and product lines of various kinds in software, computer hardware,
and in many other areas. It’s mostly a Silicon Valley concept that if you’re
not working on something ground-breaking you’re wasting your life. And how
many people at some of those big SV companies are mostly just working on ad
tech?
~~~
gumby
True, my point is that itanium itself was a laughingstock, and clearly with no
future, so must have been embarrassing to talk to your friends about what you
do for work.
Making spare parts for the B-52, or maintaining security fixes for Solaris
(which has its fanatic fans) can be rewarding, no question. But to work on the
Itanium any time in the last decade must have been soul-sucking.
~~~
achiang
I was an HP-UX kernel engineer from 2002 til 2005, a brief interlude writing
IA64 CPU diagnostics, and then and a Linux kernel engineer from 2007 til 2010,
all on Itanium systems.
In that time frame, it wasn't clear that horizontal scale out architecture
(aka "the cloud") was going to dominate, and that scale up systems were going
the way of the mainframe. The thinking was that there would always be a
healthy balance of scale out vs scale up, and btw, HP alone did $30B+ revenue
yearly on scale up with very slow decline, just like the mainframe market,
which is still $10B+, even today.
To put that in today's terms, if you pitched a startup with a $30B TAM, VCs
will definitely be returning your emails.
So no, it wasn't embarrassing to talk about working on IPF any moreso than it
would be to talk about POWER today. It's just another CPU architecture with
some interesting properties but ultimately failed in the market place. Just
like Transmeta or Lisp Machines.
What _should_ be embarrassing, but clearly is not, is to slag off entire
industries not knowing shit about them.
Edit: I think working on B-52 parts would be an amazingly fun job.
~~~
gumby
thanks.
------
ithkuil
OpenVMS port to x86-64 still work in progress:
[http://www.openvms.org/node/111](http://www.openvms.org/node/111)
~~~
rocky1138
I was surprised to see this so far down the comments chain. What will OpenVMS
do without Itanium?
~~~
ghaff
As the parent indicates they're porting it to x86-64. I've been away from
following HP proprietary systems for almost 10 years but they put a plan in
place quite a while ago when it became obvious that Itanium had no future.
Remember that systems in this space don't need to be the latest and greatest.
They need a long support roadmap but it's mostly fine if hardware is on the
older side.
------
pinewurst
Back in 2012, Oracle published some interesting (and IMHO amusing) internal HP
documents re Intel and ongoing Itanium development.
[http://www.oracle.com/us/corporate/features/itanium-346707.h...](http://www.oracle.com/us/corporate/features/itanium-346707.html)
------
ttul
I got to work with one of the first Itanium machines back in 2000 working as
an intern. My job was to port Perl to IA-64. It was an amazingly fast machine
- like living a few years into the future.
I can see why it failed to gain mass traction, but that’s a shame. IA-64 was
so innovative.
~~~
macintux
HP paid my employer (Progeny) to help port Debian packages to an early Itanium
system. I don’t remember thinking it was fast _at all_ , but maybe my memory
is colored by later miseries.
------
arnon
It's interesting that it was actually AMD that kept the Intel x86-64
architecture alive.
Intel knew that the x86 architecture was limited in time, and tried to kill it
off with the the 64-bit Itanium.
AMD had a different plan, and released 64-bit capable x86 processors,
obstructing Intel’s plans to dominate with Itanium. I think this is key to why
Itanium never caught on, and why writing software for it is so hard.
------
kijiki
Itanic inspired what is unquestionably the best graph-based trolling of
bullshit marketing ever:
[https://regmedia.co.uk/2004/09/19/itanium_sales_small.jpg](https://regmedia.co.uk/2004/09/19/itanium_sales_small.jpg)
Wikipedia has an updated version as well:
[https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/88/Itanium_...](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/88/Itanium_Sales_Forecasts_edit.png)
------
InclinedPlane
Itanium represents a classic case of jumping architectures and committing too
soon. Any mature system represents not just the sum of a huge amount of design
work but also an untold number of hours (years really) of beta testing, bug
fixing, and iterative refinement. A new system may be built on a better
foundation but more often than not in its immature state it will still have
shortcomings until it's been through a long period of "burn-in" and bug
fixing.
------
ddtaylor
It's x86 all the way down.
------
baybal2
People have to admit that "Itanic" was a just name for it.
------
tapland
Well, guess we'll hope for that X86 OpenVMS to be released soon then.
------
paulie_a
Honestly I thought they ditched the itanic a decade ago.
------
robk
Goodbye Itanic
------
hestefisk
R.I.P. Itanic.
| {
"pile_set_name": "HackerNews"
} |
Sourcing a 3d Printer - ph0rque
http://blog.reprap.org/2011/04/sourcing-3d-printer.html
======
sambeau
The most exciting news from this project is that it has gone from costing
$3000+ to just $400 in 3 years.
If they keep innovating at that rate we could see some seriously useful kit in
a few year's time.
~~~
rcamera
Actually, the most exciting news from the project is that it has gone from a
prototype with poor printing quality to a 3d printer of a great quality to its
low cost. Not to mention that it has also inspired dozens of other printers
design, including comercial ones like the Makerbot, and can easily be modified
to support a lot more printing materials than just thermoplastics (you can
even use it to print electronic circuits or food!). In the end, if you know
what you are doing, with a couple of these you can print models as good as the
ones from the expensive comercial printers.
| {
"pile_set_name": "HackerNews"
} |
The dynamic random access memory (DRAM) market shows a growing need for DRAM products that consume very little power. DRAM products that consume very little power in a standby mode in a mobile application, such as in a cellular phone or other portable electronic device, are especially in demand. A DRAM memory cell needs to be refreshed during standby mode to maintain the information stored in the memory cell. An increase in the time between refreshes of memory cells reduces the amount of power consumed by the memory cells in a standby mode. The time between refreshes of memory cells is limited by the data retention time of the memory cells. Since the time between refreshes is the same for all memory cells in an array of memory cells, the refresh limit is based on the data retention time not of the average memory cell in the array of memory cells, but of the worst memory cell in the array of memory cells.
Using two memory cells to store a single bit of data significantly increases the data retention time. The data retention time increases since there is a high probability that a bad memory cell will be combined with an average memory cell. The resulting combined data retention time will then be much closer to the average data retention time. It is advantageous, however, to test and repair a memory using a single cell configuration to find and replace the worst cells based on single cell test results so that the worst cells are identified more easily and the redundancy in the array of memory cells is used more effectively.
For low power and/or battery powered applications, such as cellular phones and other portable electronic devices, memories that conserve power are desired. These memories may include dynamic random access memories (DRAMs), synchronous dynamic random access memories (SDRAMs), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memories (DDR SDRAMs), double data rate II synchronous dynamic random access memories (DDR2 SDRAMs), pseudo static random access memories (PSRAMs), cellular random access memories (Cellular RAMs), and mobile random access memories (Mobile RAMs). | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
In the original article, there was a mistake in Figure 1 and Figure 2 as published. The coefficients for the effects of the experimental intervention condition on thought related test anxiety were mistakenly reported as negative even though the coefficients for these effects are positive. The corrected Figure [1](#F1){ref-type="fig"} and Figure [2](#F2){ref-type="fig"} appear below.
{#F1}
{#F2}
Because of the error mentioned above, a correction has been made to the **Results, Model 1: Combined Analyses**:
"The fit statistics for model 1 were as follows, χ^2^(3) = 1.26, *p* = 0.739; CFI = 1.00; RMSEA = 0; SRMR = 0.03. Allover, a significant degree of the variance of thought related test anxiety measured at time 2 (*R*^2^ = 0.59, *SE* = 0.05, *p* \< 0.001) and time 3 (*R*^2^ = 0.57, *SE* = 0.06, *p* \< 0.001) was explained. All path coefficients are depicted in Figure [1](#F1){ref-type="fig"}. Trait test anxiety proved to be a significant positive predictor of thought related test anxiety at time 2 (β = 0.34, *SE* = 0.08, *p* \< 0.001) and time 3 (β = 0.34, *SE* = 0.08, *p* \< 0.001). The same was true for exams\' personal value regarding thought related test anxiety measured at time 2 (β = 0.09, *SE* = 0.05, *p* = 0.037), but not regarding thought related test anxiety measured at time 3 (β = 0.04, *SE* = 0.05, *p* = 0.215). As expected, we also found a significant effect of the dummy variable d1 (IBSR vs. control groups) on thought related test anxiety measured at time 2 (β = 0.19, *SE* = 0.05, *p* \< 0.001) and at time 3 (β = 0.15, *SE* = 0.06, *p* \< 0.001). The direction of the coefficients indicates that exploration of an individual worry thought with the IBSR technique is effective in reducing thought related test anxiety compared to reflecting on or distracting oneself from a worry thought."
A correction has also been made to the **Results, Model 2: Differential Analyses**:
"The fit statistics for model 2 were as follows, χ^2^(6) = 1.58, *p* = 0.954; CFI = 1.00; RMSEA = 0; SRMR = 0.02. Model 2 explained a significant degree of the variance of thought related test anxiety measured at time 2 (*R*^2^ = 0.63, *SE* = 0.04, *p* \< 0.001) and time 3 (*R*^2^ = 0.58, *SE* = 0.06, *p* \< 0.001). All path coefficients are depicted in Figure [2](#F2){ref-type="fig"}. Again, trait test anxiety proved to be a significant positive predictor of thought related test anxiety at time 2 (β = 0.34, *SE* = 0.08, *p* \< 0.001) and time 3 (β = 0.34, *SE* = 0.08, *p* \< 0.001). The same was true for exams\' personal value regarding thought related test anxiety measured at time 2 (β = 0.08, *SE* = 0.05, *p* = 0.046), but not regarding thought related test anxiety measured at time 3 (β = 0.04, *SE* = 0.06, *p* = 0.245). Results also revealed a significant effect of the dummy variable d2a (IBSR vs. reflection) on thought related test anxiety measured at time 2 (β = 0.29, *SE* = 0.05, *p* \< 0.001) and time 3 (β = 0.21, *SE* = 0.06, *p* \< 0.001). The effect of the dummy variable d2b (IBSR vs. distraction) on thought related test anxiety measured at time 2 (β = 0.08, *SE* = 0.06, *p* = 0.084) and time 3 (β = 0.09, *SE* = 0.07, *p* = 0.088) was statistically non-significant. These results indicate that exploration of an individual worry thought with the IBSR technique is effective in reducing thought related test anxiety in comparison to reflecting on a worry thought. The β-values also indicated that IBSR was associated with lower thought related test anxiety than distraction, however, this effects was statistically non-significant."
The authors apologize for these errors and state that this does not change the scientific conclusions of the article in any way. The original article has been updated.
Conflict of Interest Statement
==============================
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
[^1]: Edited and reviewed by: Jesus de la Fuente, University of Navarra, Spain
[^2]: This article was submitted to Educational Psychology, a section of the journal Frontiers in Psychology
| {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Central"
} |
Holiday lights
Friday
Oct 5, 2012 at 12:35 PMOct 5, 2012 at 12:38 PM
Darrin Newman, of Illuminations by Newman towers over buildings in downtown Chillicothe, making preparations for the annual holiday lighting. Here, he is working on the building just north of where the old Leeper Hotel building once stood. Main Street Chillicothe oversees the downtown lighting program, which includes nearly every downtown structure outlined in white lights.
Never miss a story
Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
"Red Rover, Red Rover Send to Emily now!" "Emily Come on!" "Who will be next?" "Well Bobby Tricker" "Asco!" "He scratches his nose, and eats boogers" "What's that?" "Is weak" "Well friends, we can do Chrissy we can only take" "Red Rover, Red Rover send to Tricker Bobby immediately!" "Hi, Sam had to leave but leave your message, here comes the beep" "Hi, I was not sure out the correct number ..." "But now I hear your voice the message is that it is you" "I!" "Chrissy, ie that is waiting ..." "Expecting a baby, and I also hope show up as promised" "In the old days ..." "I say we are not old but if we are an old group" "So I hope you come ... after all A promise is a promise" "Thomas Wolf once said "You can not go home"" "What is good for Tom, but it was a girl he had made a pact with her friends ..." "At the age of 12 years to meet when some of them needed it." "So here I am, driving down my childhood, somewhere in Indiana" "A place you should know not wish to return." "So imagine that a promise is a promise ..." "I chose a bad day to quit." "Hi Doc Coming to Play?" "Not today, I'm busy ... oh that's for me." "Good morning, Chrissy Is there anybody home?" "One minute!" "Now look at your shoulder, baby." "Hi, stop by the store and thought of you." "Thanks!" "Do not go near the stove or operated" "Very funny" "But if this baby is born I will soon have that out myself." "That would be nice." ""Where is the list?" "I have." "What I can not believe it has to people so excited?" " Long legs, waist and beautiful breasts." " Roberta I do not like dirty things." "Chrissy's breasts are nothing dirty." " I can not hear!" " Boobs!" " I can not hear!" " Boobs!" " I can not hear!" " Boobs!" "Hello ..." "I'm glad to see you." "Hi Roberta, you look great." " How are you?" " Well!" "Photo!" "And you, Look!" "Thanks for coming." "Hey bitches." "Holy God!" " How do you star?" " Hi Roberta" " Glad to see you." " Oh God!" "Photo!" " Look at your belly!" " Tina Tercell!" "Photo!" "No, you look good!" "Yes, I'm a supermodel" " Glad to see you Teeny" " It's been a long time" "Go Girls enter." " Well, the weather turned." " It looks exactly like when you moved here." "You know what they say, Like mother like daughter." "What I offer you a drink?" " Whisky would be nice." " That I love." "We do not have these liqueurs at home." "Well what is right." "Beer, beer." " Cool." " Cool." " Okay." " Back in a second." "I was looking for one of these." " I can not believe that you've retained." " Morton wanted to throw it away and use the wood." " If you love." " But could not afford, well not mine." "It belongs to all." "I am so grateful you came." "Do not worry I think Chrissy will be a great mother, a little heavy and stiff" "But by the grace of God, the boy grow relatively unharmed." "And if not, it is therapy." "I can not believe they expect a baby Chrissy I feel so old." "All this puzzled me baby ie they are educated" "And inevitably something goes wrong, one is Recently, the guilt makes us feel that way." " This crazy!" " If you have a baby only perpetuates the vicious cycle." "Herod Thanks!" " What are you working now Sam?" " In another." "If you ask me, you should write something that people can relate" "I have not understood any of the things you writing about aliens." ""I can take that as a compliment?" "How about a romance novel as Danielle " Steve?" "She really knows how to keep the emotion." "Roberta is true, the longer the more books are sold." "You know something?" "I would like to see them more often." "What happened?" "10 years ago who did not return." " Do not complain." " I'm sorry." "Roberta has chosen to be such ..." "Alternative!" "Living in sin with her boyfriend but is normal." "If I am normal." "There have been 4 failed marriages ..." "Neither has completed a series of monogamous relationships ..." "Not wearing black." " It's happy." " Technically, I have been married 3 times." "The first was annulled." "See?" "You think everything is funny, if I should ask mature." "Maybe it's true." "Indiana Shelby was not the place exciting I know ..." "In fact the most common cause of death before of puberty, was boredom." "And in the days before MTV and Nintendo, we to look as entertain." "The summer of 1970 began like any other summer school was out ..." "And we had 3 months of boredom, but that year was not enough freedom, wanted independence ..." "Own place, so we decided to buy a tree house ..." "And the search for making money was the goal of the summer." "The 4 lived in a beautiful new neighborhood ..." "Within a planned community and built ..." "When everything came back and the old things went." " I'm tired of this I do not listen anymore." " But ..." " But what?" " Calm down please." "I'm tired of talking about these things How many times we'll have this conversation?" "Any partner is having trouble Why not try to fix it?" " We have tried too, is useless." " Maybe if you spend more time at home." "No!" "Say What for?" "Come here" "My parents had been fighting since I have memory, I never bothered" "It was actually the opposite, it was so comfortable this consistency." "No matter what I do is get bigger." "Breakfast is cold, hurry" "Roberta grew up with his father 3 older brothers his mother died when she was 4 years old" "That's his picture, never leaves home without it." "Tina, Tell us, did you feel at the exact moment they knew you were chosen?" "Well I can only say that I've dreamed of this day I've dreamed of this day since I have memory" "Winning an Academy Award at such a young age is an incredible achievement." "Where will you go from here?" "Teeny was an only child, his parents liked meetings with her were never" "They were gifted actors and pathological liars." "92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98 ..." "Chrissy, oh sorry darling "I can go?" "Sure!" "Oh shut this daughter, the discs become dusty" "Oh oh, covered up and down okay?" "Chrissy know ..." "I thought ... what I wonder" ""About sex?" "If you love, you mentioned and my mom is scared to say boo played!" "I felt so" "Sorry Mom" "Okay, okay, I think you're too young to be informed" "But your friends will tell lies I think I'll give you the facts." "This will be a shock to you but ..." "This is a flower ... all women have a garden" "And a garden needs a huge pipeline to water it ..." "Or a little while to work ..." "As a direct result of that conversation Chrissy spent part of his adult life obsessed with gardening." "These are worms, everyone in the neighborhood Felt sorry for his mother." "Since we had a goal of summer, let us life miserable." "They were the enemy" "Hi dirty worm." "Now!" "Chrissy down" "Run, run." ""Roberta, are you okay?" "We have a worm, and always get." "As if we were afraid of little girls" "Best bear this" "Your idea of ?" "an appointment is sensual:" "A) A light dinner candlelight and a walk in the moonlight." "B) lie down on the skin of a bear a cabin in the mountains." "C) Watch a sexy tape or D) All of the above." "B" "E, none of the above." "Roberta, this is not a possible answer" "B then" "Definitely A" "Surprise, Surprise!" "I choose D, the above" "Surprise, Surprise!" "Are 107 and 24 cents" "How much more do we need?" " 23 more and the house will be ours" " Hear the first night we'll have a party." "Oh Sam, your mom!" " What are your short pants" " What are your high boots." "Do not know why, but at the beginning of summer my mom He began to dress like Nancy Sinatra" "Wow your mom is great" "Hey girls, today will be the full moon festival of spirits returning to earth ..." "And walk among the living" "4 black cows is $ 1.90 children" "We are girls" "I know" " It's too weird" " What did you expect?" "It's a witch" "I swear it Budu dolls and everything else" "Listen to this" "One of the dolls looked like the director Winters And you know something?" "Had a needle through his heart ..." "I met him a day before the heart attack" " Then do another session tonight?" " It did not work last time and will not this time." "If it worked, this is the night that the barrier between death and living can be broken" " I read in the encyclopedia of supernatural phenomena." " You are so strange." " I come." " Yeah, me too." "Read the horoscope, Roberta, you're a woman, even your sensuality is hidden ..." "You are like a volcano ready to erupt ..." "Wow Roberta beware." " It's rubbish." " Samantha walk the fine line between ..." "Romanticism and sex appeal, not fear to dive, might be surprised." " I'll keep that in mind." " Chrissy, making your dreams ..." "Before you wilt like a flower." "What am I supposed to understand?" "I go on, Teeny are a magnet for sex ..." "What attracts men of the 4 points cardinal, relax." "Back for the rest of my stuff when girls leave home" " No need to move out" " Please already went through this not work, goodbye." "I decided not to tell my friends about my father" "Call me silly but I thought it would." "That was a wish that I had for years" "At that time none of our city had divorced" "And what I wanted was to be different from my friends." " Well it's so cold here." " Take my shirt, I'll have cold, but you shut up." " It makes me look fat." " These fat." "I'm not fat ..." "Do I look fat?" "Take the hand of the person who is at his side palm to palm." " Contact Marilyn Monroe." " Do not cooperated the last time." "No one ever cooperates." "Should contact someone buried in this cemetery." "What about the dear Johnny?" "DEAR JOHNNY MAY 22 1933" " October 1945 JUNE" "Find out how he died" "Close your eyes, guide to finding the spiritual world that our circle is safe from all evil and harm" "Dear Johnny know you were a child when let us know how you died." " I'm here." " Shut up!" "Concentrate." "Dear Johnny, did we hear?" "if so give us a sign" "Okay just want to talk to you tell us how you died" "This here ..." " Says he wants to tell his story." " Chrissy." "I think we should stop." "Afraid" "Tell him not to be afraid, it's all good." "This alone is very lonely, you need a friend." "The fool" " Oh it hurts." " You deserve it and if you're fat." "Do not do it again." "Sorry ladies but they are so innocent about these things, ie everything is fake." "Chrissy!" "Where you going?" "Somebody stop it!" " Chrissy, back!" " Chrissy!" "Let Sam!" " Sam, let's go from here." " Look, there's someone else here, Look there!" " Perhaps only the wind better let's go." " Sam Let's go, let's go!" "Roberta, What are you doing?" "Why can not act as a child?" "Look what you've done." "What?" "You know I hate getting dirty" "It's nothing" "The crazy Pette." " Let's cut way." " Let's go." "Base Chrissy, Chrissy basis, Are you listening?" ", Change." "What?" "We need to meet." "Now?" "Remember I saw someone after the meeting?" "I think it was in my room." " Who?" " Dear Johnny." "Please, this was a bad idea not a good idea" " Shut up Chrissy!" "I do not want your complaints now." " Likewise." "Sam!" ", Are you okay?" " Oh my God." " We did indeed make it." "He's back, we call it." "There's nothing about dear Johnny, documents before 1948 were lost ..." "In a fire, but Ms. Wendy Greenfield says the library has a copy of every newspaper in the county." " That settles it." " What do you manage?" "We can not go by bicycle to Greenfield." "Or do you?" " Truth or Dare, Roberta?" " Truth" "What size are your breasts?" "Die" "Have to say Is not Sam?" "There has to say unless you want." " Can we see them?" " No!" "They can not see them." " And yours grow?" " Although I have not really." "The will, and hate." "No, you're lucky Roberta men like great look at the size of mine." "They almost look real" "Fill them with pudding." ""Pudding?" "Worms gave me the idea" "Gelatin is moving much" "The pudding has a better texture" "What flavor is it?" "Vanilla." " Chrissy, "Truth or Dare?" " Truth" "Have you been given a French kiss?" "Are you kidding?" "I do not get pregnant!" "No one gets pregnant by a kiss." "I know, insect brain but everyone knows that if you kiss and Automatically think you'll do with it, can not help it, they are driven, is his curse" ""And what kind of relationship do you mean?" "You know ... put the seed and watering the flower" "What?" "Does not work that way?" ", Man carries your hose and spray the flowers." " I think it's time to rest." " But we must come before lunch." " We continued Chrissy." " Well, go away, leave me here." " Chrissy!" " I do not care I want to rest" "Wait, listen, shut it." "It's beautiful" "Wow." " Where did it fall?" " Do not know." "What?" "What?" "Is in your hair" "Quítenmelo!" "This thin" "Chrissy Calm" "Watch below!" "Roberta!" "There is deep" "Where does he go?" "Roberta!" "Roberta!" "Oh God" "Roberta!" "No!" "Roberta!" "Roberta!" "Roberta!" "You have to remove it." " Stop breathing!" " Give him mouth to mouth" " You do, I will rise again." " No, the opposite!" "Take off!" "Please Roberta." "Go!" "It's good to know my friends." " Do you know?" "I thought it" " I, too, Roberta." "If clear Chrissy is the only one who cares about that ..." "Chrissy!" " Never again will you make us something to happen, never!" " It was a joke" "It was the first time that Roberta faked his death, Earlier that year, we scared to jump off the roof ..." "And pretend that he had broken his neck, had no experienced a loss like Roberta ..." "And we did not understand his jokes, but I wanted to death seem funny ..." "Perhaps to make it easier for her." "What was that?" "Sorry, if it means anything to you really thank you for trying to save." " But it scared me." " Sorry" "Roberta, you're my best friend" "If you have strength Chriss, Curse." "Roberta, do not curse." "Hey, check this out!" " Oh my God!" " What?" " I saw his penis." " Who?" " And his balls." " Who?" "Scott." "Oh my God!" "Of course, now I'm the one who has not seen Scott's team which as will be the talk of the summer" " I was forced to watch." " Chrissy nobody is forcing anything." "I have to look at but let me be very clear I see under protest." "If course!" "It is not very large." " What are you laughing?" " Do you know?" "is not large, only when you have an erection." " When that happens it is of this size." " What is erection?" "Your mother has not told you anything?" "Beginning to believe my mom is ill-informed." "Hey girls." "Let's do it." "Friends get ready to run." " If you will be better than you get ahead" " Do not send me an insect brain" "No, I mean better go" "This is too easy" "Hey worms, time to pay Come and get it sloppy." " Hey, back the clothes!" " Not in your dreams, worm!" "Let's go girls" "Already we Chrissy" "This does not stay well" "Return the clothes" "Please!" "Come and get it" "Come and get it" "One for all and all for one." "GREENFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY." " Hurry Chrissy." " Hey wait for me" "I think I'm allergic to dust." "Nothing happened in April" " Nothing ever happens here." " I prefer it that way" "Nothing" "COMMUNITY TEACHER DIES IN CRASH." "What happens?" "It's Mom" "It was a collision, the driver of the truck fell asleep at the wheel ..." "Was stuck in the car for an hour and a half before the rescue ..." "He was conscious as rescuers worked out of its vehicle ..." "He died that night at the county hospital of massive blows to the head and massive bleeding." " I do not understand, there is something wrong." " What are you talking?" "It must have been horrible, felt pain." "She was very beautiful" "It was a movie star." " Hey, I think I found something" " Read it" "On Saturday, funeral services were made to Jonathan Simmons 12 years and mother aged 36" "Due to the tragic circumstances that led to his death in the family has requested that the services are private" " It's all, nothing more" " How is everything?" "How did he die?" "Wait ..." "The pages were torn" "Someone took the time to keep his death a mystery." "Hello" "Hello" "Are you in the army?" "I" ""In Vietnam?" "I" "Did you kill anyone?" "Not because he wanted" "Are you injured?" "Hey this is a great song" "Does it hurt your leg?" "If it hurts too much" "You know get that bullet was the best thing that could happen." "What are you talking?" "Well I got a ticket back home" "But are we not winning?" "Nobody won" "Want some?" "Thank you, Smoke?" " If" "I love smoking" "Smoking stops the growth" "It is soft" "Have you got the heart of honor?" "If" "Why not use it?" "If this is a great honor it?" "No" "In the news says we are winning ground in Vietnam" "Forget it OK?" "forget what they say, forget what they see." "Those who were there lie to say that they saw or what they did" "Do not think much about them I think." "You can believe in" "If they are lucky ..." "Will you stay here long?" "No, I do not like to spend much time anywhere You know what I mean?" " Yeah right "Yes definitely" " Is that an earring?" " If" " Are you a hippie then, right?" "You're amazing" "Mom says all hippies seeking sex" "I'll tell you that he wished know when I was your age" " What else?" " That the parents deceive" "Really?" " It's getting late and let's go, bye" " Goodbye" "I think he's right" "Thanks" "Goodbye" "We" "Goodbye" "Hey ..." "Whatever you're looking hopefully you find it." "Thanks." "Peace" " Where is Daddy?" " I told you had to leave for a while but back soon" " As weekends and holidays?" " I see it now" "I wish I could but can not" " Angela, yesterday I saw the crazy Petter" " Leave the man alone Did I hear?" " Why do you dress like that?" " So how?" "Thus, it is shameful" " Is there anybody home?" " Do not move!" " Hello" " It's just Grandma" " What happens?" " Your grandmother is upset that your father moved" "So?" "You yell at him, he was gone." "I know they're there ..." "I saw your car in the garage, opens the door" " Ocúltense!" " What?" "Hide!" "For now I can not drive to grandma" " I hate this!" " Why not let it go?" "Open the damn door!" "We arrived" "The large number of suspicious events surrounding death of dear Johnny" "They took us to the only person who could give us more information." "Yes?" "We need your help" "Today I am a bit depressed girls." "Come on, give him the money" "Maybe this will encourage you." "Forward" "I can not believe we have given $ 10 our house." " We contact a spirit, called Jonathan Simmons" " I know" " I feel a strong spiritual presence here." " For ten dollars will assure you that I also feel." "Silence!" "The spirits are here and if you want to talk to" "Okay, I want you to shuffle and cut twice three before me." "We know how he died." " Did you see the look on his face?" " I was scared" " Girl, to me it makes me a faker." " He was afraid and you too." " What do we do now?" " The spirits scare the living for a purpose" " Dear Johnny wants to investigate how he died." " Did you see the letter?" "He was murdered." " Maybe he wants to settle accounts." " Come on, this is already getting out of control." "We need to talk with someone who has been when he died" "But who?" "My grandmother is the oldest I know." "Play cards this afternoon but we said go tomorrow morning" " Your grandmother played cards?" " I like to gamble" "Oh!" "Wait, I promised my dad to paint the garage tomorrow, we friends are $ 10" " Kenny, where's the fire?" " There is a game of softball on the field." " Walking!" " Just be kids." "And what are we waiting?" " We Roberta you can!" " The owner of the home run stood at the plate" "Guys, come" "This is for yesterday" " Come on Roberta. you can!" " Shut up!" "Ignore Roberta, focus." "If" "We Roberta, scores!" " Hello beautiful" " Get lost dwarf" "Who you kidding?" "Girls can not play softball." "What?" "Said that girls can not play softball" "What are you doing?" "Roberta, remember you're a lady." "Why not go home and play with your dolls?" "The only doll that is Roberta He is a soldier." "Fight!" "Is sufficient" "Oh watch your hair stay" " You are a stupid" " And your rude child" "How does it feel to win you a woman?" "It's a shame that your mother is dead, need someone to teach you to act like a girl." "Fight!" "There you are!" "Samantha want to meet a friend of mine." "Hi Samantha, your mom has told me many about you ... you're a good girl." "Says you're a good girl ... is a pleasure" "Nice to meet cute, you are so beautiful ..." "Like your mom." " Samantha your mom tells me you're interested in science." " Science fiction." "Have you been to simpsoni?" "I'll tell you it's amazing the place is huge, bigger and bigger." "Maybe we can plan a trip to D.C before school starts What do you think?" "That would be great Is not Samantha?" "I think we could have fun together." "My dad took us." "Yeah right" " Mr Ken ..." " Oh please tell me Budd." " Butt?" " No!" "Budd B-u-d-d." "Budd Well, you have a piece of food between the teeth." "Demons" " Still I have it?" " There is no longer." "Did he?" "Thanks." "Wow that pretty scarf." "Oh thanks Angela." " Use this." " Thanks" " You'll dirty your chair" " Okay." "Samantha!" "Samantha!" "Love is never having to say "sorry."" "How is the movie?" "Heartbreaking." "Why are you late?" "I had to think about some things." "What summer?" " Want to go to the tree house?" " Claro." "Does not fit." "Who do you ask?" "Goodbye." "Hey!" " You're good you know?" " Thanks" " And not to be girl, you're good." " Thanks" " Hey, want a soda or something." " Super, would be great." " Roberta?" " What?" "Why we fight forever?" "To have something to do I guess." "You know?" "I was wondering, I think you're a pretty girl." "I always thought that I detested." "I too." " Roberta." " What?" " I can give you a kiss?" " What do you murmur?" "What if I would be okay if I kiss you?" "I think so." " Cool Ready?" " Do you want to do now?" " Sure, that is, if you wish." " Okay." " Cool." " Okay." " Scott ..." " Yes ..." "If you mention to someone special to your brothers, we Gouge." "Ok." ""Truth or Dare?" "Truth." "If you were on a desert island and we HAD my Chrissy and Roberta ...." "And not have to eat Who of us would kill?" ""I can discuss the question?" "Odds are very poor." "Even you must respond." "Chrissy would use." "Why?" "For food to more people." ""Truth or Dare?" "Truth." "Do you like your parents?" "I know my parents, but far as we are a mess." "Remember what I told the soldier on parents tell lies?" " Because as adults does not mean they know everything." " Never thought I knew something." "I do." " My father moved, got divorced." " I thought that your parents wanted." " I lied." " Why?" "No, I want a normal family you know?" "bridlegt as family." "Well 6 children sharing a bathroom is not very funny, well michael and carol are widowed" " As the family patrill." "Henry's widow, Body and John are orphans." "In family court eddie's father is a widower, my 3 children are widowers, widows bonnanza." "The Beverly Rich, also a widower." "Do you see Sam?" "There are no perfect families is normal things are well." "May be normal" "But just hurts." "These parents were killed ..." "The mine just decided to leave." "I really miss him." "Always be with you." "What are you doing?" "Love them." "When you have 12 years to live without effort when" "No regrets from the past and we are not concerned about the future." "At this point in the tree house, Tiny full my heart with hope and warmth." " Now and forever." " For a lifetime." " Better let's go." " Yes." "You know?" "I heard that in 10 years half of the population is divorced." "That's not hard to believe." "Soon get out of here." " Tiny!" " What?" " Missed" " You lost?" "My bracelet fell." " Well, back in the morning it is raining." " We find it now." "There he is." " Where?" "I do not see." " There is "You see?" " Demons." " Okay, go for it." " Be careful." " Okay, hold on." "Are you okay?" "Watch your head." "There are many things here." "Look!" "A yoyo." "Great!" "Hurry up, okay?" "raining hard." " I have it!" " Great, let's go from here." "Okay." "Samantha!" "Sam!" "Sam!" "Sam!" "Tiny, give me your hand!" " I slip!" " No!" " Hold." " No!" " Sam!" " Help me!" "Tiny!" "Someone, Help!" "I'm coming Sam!" "Tiny, help me!" "No!" "Tiny!" "Sam!" "Sam!" "Are you okay?" "Are you okay?" "Why do I fear?" "It is strange that only go out at night, that Do you know scares us?" "Yeah, well, I hate to see a lot of people, I do not think they want to see me." "Take her home, OK?" "Until then Pette." "If Sam had not been here ..." "Tiny and I knew what would have happened if he had not been there." "And since that night we saw a hero Petter crazy." "Roberta, you left a hole." "Why not take off your fat rear asphalt and help us?" "But as you know that my hours me nauseous." " Alert worm." " I smell something rotten." " Must be your ball underarm fat." " Your culture amazes me." "Come on, get out of here." "Damas." " What is your problem?" " Maybe it's a robot." "Maybe not so stupid." "That was the day that Roberta left to hide her breasts." "I did not know you'd bring the whole neighborhood." " Hello." " Adelante." "Go ahead, I have a jar filled lemonade for you." "Have a seat." " Samantha, tell me how are you." " I'm fine grandmother." " Glad I was very worried." " I'm really good." "She's fine sir, we look after it very well." "Glad to hear it." "Now, we have extra company, go for a vessels and can then ask what they want." " Why did your grandmother was worried about you?" " Do not know." "Well, Chrissy, Roberta, Teeny, Samantha and I, to the bottom." " What about?" " Cool." "It's refreshing." "Grandma, Do you remember the child in our old and her mother who died in 1945?" "We wonder how they died." " "Something terrible happened to them?" " Yes." " It's the things you do not want to know." " Please we want to know." " Would have nightmares for weeks." " Come on ladies, tell us." "Yes please grandmother what happened?" "It took me a long time to forget this tragedy Samantha, I do not want to go through that again." "You're just like your grandfather, had great pile of trash in the attic." "And that strange fascination to know what happens in this city." "Drink all ..." "I'd like to talk but I have bingo tournament." "Fast girls." " I sure got a good board, out!" " Your keys." " Give me that." " Hurry, do not want to be late." "Goodbye Grandma." "Goodbye lady." " Visit me soon Samantha." " Okay." "You must love the bingo." "We must hurry, we could get in trouble for this." " We Chrissy!" " Do not throw me." " And now pull on!" " 1 ... 2 ... 3!" "I know those pictures of Grandma should be here." " Did you find something?" " Not yet." "Sam, I think I found something." "They are my parents" " They make a great couple" " Yes ..." "A CITY HOMICIDE Wow." "Jackpot!" "Were killed." "Beverly Simmons age 32, your 12 were found brutally murdered ..." "Yesterday, their bodies Petter found by Simmons ..." "After the father returned from a bar local home ..." "To find his wife and son shot dead." "The sheriff's department believes the thief was caught red-handed and killed the two witnesses ..." "When awakened from their sleep, no clues of the suspect, the sheriff believes the thief ..." "Passerby and already left the area." "This is a letter my grandfather sent to the newspaper." "What seems to be not enough ..." "This is the teaching of the deaths of Jonathan Simmons ..." "And Beverly Simmons;" "If they thought that Shelby was a safe area safe from the violence of the outside world ..." "We only deceive ourselves." "But Shelby is a safe city, if anything Imagine going on here like this out there." "Roberta, fine." "No, it is not, not right!" "Why did they die?" "Why did she die?" "My father lied to me, told me a beautiful angel Had fallen to the ground and had taken ..." "A second before the pain." "Why she had to die?" "Why did I lie?" "It was everything I had." "It is not all you have left." "Only I have you." " I know how you feel." " What are you talking?" " My father moved, got divorced." " A divorce?" "Sorry Sam." "Hell, you have us." "Let's make a pact here and now, always help, no matter what happens in life ..." "Although Teeny go to Hollywood and marrying a rich, remember this day and this pact ..." "When you need a friend, we tell each other, provided no matter what." "It is a covenant." " All for one." " And one for all." "Now more than ever we need to Johnny wanted to rest in peace." " Are you ready?" " Lists." "We brought Johnny wanted death and depends of us send him home, close your eyes." "Guide us in the search for the spiritual, protect our circle of all evil and want us hurt ..." "Dear Johnny, we know that you and your mother were brutally murdered ..." "You came back to tell us who did it, we're here to help you rest in peace ... we listen." "Here." "Do not break the circle." "Johnny did tell us who you want to help." "REST IN PEACE Dear Johnny." "22 MAY 1933" " JUNE October 1945." " Is the murderer!" " Please do not hurt us!" "Hey, this is not a game room, is a cemetery." "And you have no respect for the dead." " We have great respect for the dead." " Why we're here." " We did that Johnny wanted to leave the tomb." " Really?" "How do you think the grave is broke in half?" "I left with my tractor." " Yes?" " If it is not easy to move around the tombs." "Not to do these sessions are a waste of time." "I can not believe you even think about them." " What about the tarot cards?" " Forget it." "At that moment I realized that our days of innocence was over ..." "Growing up it becomes difficult to believe ..." "Not that I want, but spend many things that is difficult." "Walk." "Pette Look ... it's crazy." "Let him alone, OK?" " What happens?" " What is missing in the cemetery, reached later." " Do you want to go with you?" " No, I'll be fine." ""Pette?" "REST IN PEACE DEAR JOHNNY." ""Are you Petter Simmons?" "They were my family." "It's terrible what happened to them, I'm sorry." "For a long time I thought I could stop him, I should be home and not at the bar." "You were there for me." "I lost many years, afraid to face the people and afraid to face myself." "I have also scared." " What is your name?" " Samantha." "Well ..." "Samantha, things happen your life that you can not help ..." "But that is no reason to close the world there is a purpose for good and bad." "I gave the only gift he could offer, the lesson I had taken a lifetime to learn ..." "And although I learned the importance of those words, is so far looking back I understand its meaning." "Rest in peace dear Johnny." "Stops and paint you." " Do I look better with this?" " Yeah, right." "Thanks." "All strive to still fit, As we wanted to see us, do the same things ..." "Almost be the same people, and without realizing ... that change, the tree house was supposed ..." "That should give us more independence, but that summer actually brought was independence between us." "Samantha!" "Samantha!" "Samantha!" "Samantha!" " What?" " Your car will not let me out." " Oh damn!" " Honey I think I saw his head." " Did you see his head?" " Can you see the head?" "She did not see the head." " I'll get the keys." " Forget your keys, take the limo." " Is the limo?" " If the limo." "Well, we use the limo." "Bring the stock and Morton calls." " Ok." " No, wait do not leave me alone." "Let the car before something happens." " Hi How about?" " Hello." " Outside, I need the car." " Excuse me?" "I have a pregnant woman and I take her to hospital." "No problem, tell me where this and will take them away." "Well ... that was not enough." "Idiot Move!" "See?" "Thank you very much." " Just tell your wife have a baby." " Have a nice day." "Vamos!" "Sorry." "Morton is in the midst of an intervention but see you in the hospital." "This is great." " Do you have to do that?" " There is a VCR here ..." "I can not believe it." " Roberta!" "is a VCR." " Does it have remote control?" " No shouting please ... thanks." " Breathe we breathe." " Chrissy Your uncle!" "Oh no, not the." " Oh, damn." "Stop cursing in front of my baby." "Damn!" "Chrissy have to bid more, come on." "Change your mind and want a sedative." " It's too late for that." " Give me the drugs or I'll kill you!" " Dale drugs, give it!" " Hey!" "You have to calm down." "Chrissy Now let go!" "Here comes the head, I see the head." "You can actually see." " What is supposed to look like?" " Yes, you have to do, do it very well Chrissy." " Is it a boy or a girl?" " Do not know, I just see a head." "Okay, here's a great almost done you can do it go!" " I want out of my tear it out take it out!" " Get him out get him out!" "A daughter, a beautiful girl." "My baby." " Am I late?" " Not Morton, come to see is your baby." " Hi, honey." " We have a baby." "Thanks." "You're welcome." " See?" " It is very beautiful." " Do you know?" "looks like a little tadpole." " That funny Roberta." "Chrissy ... "Truth or Dare?" " Truth." " Are you happy?" "Yes!" "I'm so happy I could explode and happiness would go everywhere." " Roberta ... "Truth or Dare?" " Truth." "How big are your boobs now?" " How big are yours?" " 36 D and worth every penny." " D?" "wow." " Sam ..." "Truth or Dare?" " Truth." " Are you happy?" "Not really, but I think it's normal things have gone well." "Look, take a 10 in my career, it's just me lost in the kinds of relationships." "You could add some color into your wardrobe Samantha, men love the pastel." "This is not the colors or men ... this is me." "What are you talking about Sam?" "How many relationships I've had in many years?" "And I all fled, and avoid reaching the next level." " The level of privacy." " Well, if you fall you do not suffer." "But that will always be alone." "That's right." " Hey, Do you remember the summer with Petter crazy?" " We liked mysteries." " Go to have fun this year." " Yes, it was the best." "Petter used to send a gift every Christmas with a some money but I returned it last year." "Yes, he died." "I never told you this, but was Pette dear father of Johnny." " What?" " Was he?" "How did you know?" "Remember the last meeting in the cemetery?" "Pette turned and put flowers on the grave of dear Johnny ..." "And then said something that meant so much as now." "He said that there are things in life that can not be avoided, but were not reasons to avoid the world." "I realized that was so fear of the bad things ..." "I had lost all good." "You know?" "I never wanted ..." "But I'm glad I did ..." "I had forgotten how much I helped take them you as friends." "We are lucky to have this place and we ..." "There is a part of me which you like stay here forever." "I would not go that far." " But it would be great to see us more often." " I agree." "Let's make a pact." " All for one." " And one for all." "Vamos!" "You can not escape the disappointments to try to forget ..." "But it is only when he embraces the past that really is progress ..." "Tomas Wolf may never return home again ..." "But I found my way to the ..." "and I'm glad I did." | {
"pile_set_name": "OpenSubtitles"
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// StringUtils.cpp
#include "StdAfx.h"
#include "StringUtils.h"
void SplitStringToTwoStrings(const UString &src, UString &dest1, UString &dest2)
{
dest1.Empty();
dest2.Empty();
bool quoteMode = false;
int i;
for (i = 0; i < src.Length(); i++)
{
wchar_t c = src[i];
if (c == L'\"')
quoteMode = !quoteMode;
else if (c == L' ' && !quoteMode)
{
if (!quoteMode)
{
i++;
break;
}
}
else
dest1 += c;
}
dest2 = src.Mid(i);
}
void SplitString(const UString &srcString, UStringVector &destStrings)
{
destStrings.Clear();
UString string;
int len = srcString.Length();
if (len == 0)
return;
for (int i = 0; i < len; i++)
{
wchar_t c = srcString[i];
if (c == L' ')
{
if (!string.IsEmpty())
{
destStrings.Add(string);
string.Empty();
}
}
else
string += c;
}
if (!string.IsEmpty())
destStrings.Add(string);
}
UString JoinStrings(const UStringVector &srcStrings)
{
UString destString;
for (int i = 0; i < srcStrings.Size(); i++)
{
if (i != 0)
destString += L' ';
destString += srcStrings[i];
}
return destString;
}
| {
"pile_set_name": "Github"
} |
Swimming at the 2007 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 50 metre backstroke
The men's 50 metre backstroke at the 2007 World Aquatics Championships took place on 31 March (prelims and semifinals ) and on the evening of 1 April (final) at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia. 107 swimmers were entered in the event, of which 98 swam.
Existing records at the start of the event were:
World record (WR): 24.80, Thomas Rupprath (Germany), 27 July 2003 in Barcelona, Spain.
Championship record (CR): same
Results
Final
Semifinals
Heats
See also
Swimming at the 2005 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 50 metre backstroke (previous Worlds)
Swimming at the 2009 World Aquatics Championships – Men's 50 metre backstroke (next Worlds)
References
Category:Swimming at the 2007 World Aquatics Championships | {
"pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)"
} |
Michael Birch Reveals Ridiculous Plan To Reinvent Bebo, The Company He Sold For $US850 Million And Bought Back For $US1 Million
Earlier this summer, Michael Birch bought back the company he and his wife founded together, Bebo.
Bebo was once an all-powerful social network and in 2008, it sold to AOL for $US850 million. Facebook came from behind and crushed it, destroying Bebo’s value but not Birch’s wealth. He and his wife made a combined $US600 million on the deal. Birch was able to re-acquire Bebo for $US1 million.
What does he plan to do with the company? He’s not sure.
“The new Bebo will be very different from the old one,” he says after showcasing some phallic artwork produced on the initial site. “Will it work? Who knows.” | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Opening New Windows With JavaScript, Version 1.2
A an excellent script for allowing links to open new windows while keeping the code standards compliant.
If you look at the last line of the script, you will notice that the JSTarget.init() function takes three parameters (all optional). This is what makes this script more flexible than the previous versions. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Terry Tolkin
Terry Tolkin was the Vice President of A&R at Elektra Records from 1992 to 1996. He signed a number of critically acclaimed alternative rock bands, including Luna, Stereolab, Afghan Whigs, Vaganza, Scrawl, Jennyanykind and Nada Surf.
Career
In addition to his work at Elektra, Terry ran the independent label No.6 Records, which released singles and albums by acts such as The Tindersticks, Charles Douglas, Unrest, Vegetarian Meat, Jule Brown and Dean Wareham. In the early 1980s he worked for Touch & Go Records where he signed the Butthole Surfers and the Virgin Prunes among other bands. Terry was also known for his work as a DJ and booker at popular New York clubs such as Danceteria, CBGBs, and Limelight. He also worked at the seminal 99 Records store in Greenwich Village, the birthplace of Liquid Liquid and ESG.
In 1979, while writing and charting records for the music industry publication Rockpool Newsletter, Terry coined the term "Alternative Music" to raise awareness of the US and UK post-punk groups he was reviewing. In 1988, Terry conceived and produced the alternative rock tribute album The Bridge: A Tribute To Neil Young," which featured many new and upcoming bands who would later achieve great commercial and critical success, such as the Pixies, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., The Flaming Lips, Soul Asylum, Nick Cave and Psychic TV. Over 80% percent of the profits from The Bridge went directly to The Bridge School, an organization for children suffering from Cerebral Palsy run by Neil Young and his wife Peggi. Young once said of the project, "I love it! We played it on the tour bus all year long!" while Rolling Stone called The Bridge "one of the best conceived and executed" tribute albums of all time. Terry Tolkin currently lives in New Orleans and is writing a book about his experiences in the music industry.
In April 2009, Teenbeat Records released a compilation of all the No.6 Records 7" singles on a 2-CD set titled "Speed Dating: The No.6 Records Compendium."
References
Category:A&R people
Category:Living people
Category:American music industry executives
Category:Year of birth missing (living people)
Category:Place of birth missing (living people) | {
"pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)"
} |
Sample records for ray spectrometer suite
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in its role as collector and disseminator of information on nuclear techniques has long had an interest in gamma rayspectrometer methods and has published a number of Technical Reports on various aspects of the subject. At an Advisory Group Meeting held in Vienna in November 1986 to review appropriate activities the IAEA could take following the Chernobyl accident, it was recommended that preparation begin on a new Technical Report on airborne gamma rayspectrometer surveying, taking into account the use of the technique for environmental monitoring as well as for nuclear emergency response requirements. Shortly thereafter the IAEA became the lead organization in the Radioelement Geochemical Mapping section of the International Geological Correlation Programme/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Project on International Geochemical Mapping. These two factors led to the preparation of the present Technical Report. 18 figs, 4 tabs
A free standing x-ray transmission grating has been coupled with a soft x-ray streak camera to produce a time resolved x-rayspectrometer. The instrument has a temporal resolution of approx. 20 psec, is capable of covering a broad spectral range, 2 to 120 A, has high sensitivity, and is simple to use requiring no complex alignment procedure. In recent laser fusion experiments the spectrometer successfully recorded time resolved spectra over the range 10 to 120 A with a spectral resolving power, lambda/Δlambda of 4 to 50, limited primarily by source size and collimation effects
The authors describe a spectrometer system developed for electron, ion, and x-ray spectroscopy of gas-phase atoms and molecules following inner-shell excitation by tunable synchrotron radiation. The spectrometer has been used on beamline X-24A at the National Synchrotron Light Source for excitation-dependent studies of Ar L-shell and K-shell photoexcitation and vacancy decay processes. The instrumentation and experimental methods are discussed, and examples are given of electron spectra and coincidence spectra between electrons and fluorescent x-rays
An outline is given of recent developments in particle and photon induced x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. Following a brief description of the basic mechanism of semiconductor detector operation a comparison is made between semiconductor detectors, scintillators and gas filled proportional devices. Detector fabrication and cryostat design are described in more detail and the effects of various device parameters on system performance, such as energy resolution, count rate capability, efficiency, microphony, etc. are discussed. The main applications of these detectors in x-ray fluorescence analysis, electron microprobe analysis, medical and pollution studies are reviewed
Measurement of energy spectra of beta particles emitted from nuclei in beta-decay processes provides information concerning the mass difference of these nuclei between initial and final state. Moreover, experimental beta spectra yield information on the feeding of the levels in the daughter nucleus. Such data are valuable in the construction and checking of the level schemes. This thesis describes the design, construction, testing and usage of a detector for the accurate measurement of the mentioned spectra. In ch. 2 the design and construction of the beta spectrometer, which uses a hyper-pure germanium crystal for energy determination, is described. A simple wire chamber is used to discriminate beta particles from gamma radiation. Disadvantages arise from the large amounts of scattered beta particles deforming the continua. A method is described to minimize the scattering. In ch. 3 some theoretical aspects of data analysis are described and the results of Monte-Carlo simulations of the summation of annihilation radiation are compared with experiments. Ch. 4 comprises the results of the measurements of the beta decay energies of 103-108 In. 87 refs.; 34 figs.; 7 tabs
A subkilovolt spectrometer has been produced to permit high-energy-resolution, time-dependent x-ray intensity measurements. The diffracting element is a curved mica (d = 9.95A) crystal. To preclude higher order (n > 1) diffractions, a carbon x-ray mirror that reflects only photons with energies less than approx. 1.1 keV is utilized ahead of the diffracting element. The nominal energy range of interest is 800 to 900 eV. The diffracted photons are detected by a gold-surface photoelectric diode designed to have a very good frequency response, and whose current is recorded on an oscilloscope. A thin, aluminium light barrier is placed between the diffracting crystal and the photoelectric diode detector to keep any uv generated on or scattered by the crystal from illuminating the detector. High spectral energy resolution is provided by many photocathodes between 8- and 50-eV wide placed serially along the diffracted x-ray beam at the detector position. The spectrometer was calibrated for energy and energy dispersion using the Ni Lα 1 2 lines produced in the LLNL IONAC accelerator and in third order using a molybdenum target x-ray tube. For the latter calibration the carbon mirror was replaced by one surfaced with rhodium to raise the cut-off energy to about 3 keV. The carbon mirror reflection dependence on energy was measured using one of our Henke x-ray sources. The curved mica crystal diffraction efficiency was measured on our Low-Energy x-ray (LEX) machine. The spectrometer performs well although some changes in the way the x-ray mirror is held are desirable. 16 figures
Currently, field γ ray spectrometry can not rapidly measure γ ray full spectrum, so a field microcomputerized multichannel γ rayspectrometer based on notebook computer is described, and the γ ray full spectrum can be rapidly measured in the field
The Geological Survey of Norway has developed a system for mobile gamma rayspectrometer surveying suitable for use in nuclear emergencies where potentially dangerous radioactive materials have been released into the environment. The measuring system has been designed for use with different kinds of transportation platforms. These include fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and vans. The choice of transportation platform depends on the nature of the nuclear emergency. Widespread fallout from a distant source can be mapped quickly from the air while local sources of radiation can be delineated by a car-borne system. The measuring system processes gamma ray spectra in real time. The operator of the system is therefore able to guide surveying in accordance with meaningful data values and immediately report these values to decision making The operator is presented with a number of different displays suited to different kinds of nuclear emergencies that lead to more efficient surveying. Real time processing of data m...
Rutherford electronic X-rayspectrometer readout is based on the combination of two established techniques (a) the detection and location of soft X-rays by means of multichannel electron multiplier arrays (MCP's), and (b) the electronic readout of charge distributions (generally in multi-wire proportional counters) by means of the delay line techniques. In order for the latter device to function well a charge signal of approximately 10 6 electrons must be available to the delay line wand. This is achieved in the present device by means of two cascaded MCP's which can produce electron gains up to approximately 10 8 , and so operate the delay line from the single electron pulses generated at the front face of an MCP by a soft X-ray. The delay line readout technique was chosen because of its simplicity (both in terms of the necessary hardware and the associated electronics), robustness, and ease of implementation. In order to achieve the target spatial resolution of 50 μm (fwhm) or 20 μm (standard deviation) it was necessary to adapt the charge collection system so that the readout takes place from a length of delay line 200 mm long. The general layout of the system and the functions of the electronic circuits are described. Performance testing, setting up procedures and trouble shooting of the system are discussed. (U.K.)
A high resolution solar soft X-rayspectrometer (SOX) payload onboard a satellite is developed. A silicon drift detector (SDD) is adopted as the detector of the SOX spectrometer. The spectrometer consists of the detectors and their readout electronics, a data acquisition unit and a payload data handling unit. A ground test system is also developed to test SOX. The test results show that the design goals of the spectrometer system have been achieved. (authors)
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) in collaboration with SRI/Sarnoff is developing monolithic CMOS detectors optimized for x-ray astronomy. The goal of this multi-year program is to produce CMOS x-ray imaging spectrometers that are Fano noise limited over the 0.1-10keV energy band while incorporating the many benefits of CMOS technology. These benefits include: low power consumption, radiation "hardness", high levels of integration, and very high read rates. Small format test devices from a previous wafer fabrication run (2011-2012) have recently been back-thinned and tested for response below 1keV. These devices perform as expected in regards to dark current, read noise, spectral response and Quantum Efficiency (QE). We demonstrate that running these devices at rates ~> 1Mpix/second eliminates the need for cooling as shot noise from any dark current is greatly mitigated. The test devices were fabricated on 15μm, high resistivity custom (~30kΩ-cm) epitaxial silicon and have a 16 by 192 pixel format. They incorporate 16μm pitch, 6 Transistor Pinned Photo Diode (6TPPD) pixels which have ~40μV/electron sensitivity and a highly parallel analog CDS signal chain. Newer, improved, lower noise detectors have just been fabricated (October 2013). These new detectors are fabricated on 9μm epitaxial silicon and have a 1k by 1k format. They incorporate similar 16μm pitch, 6TPPD pixels but have ~ 50% higher sensitivity and much (3×) lower read noise. These new detectors have undergone preliminary testing for functionality in Front Illuminated (FI) form and are presently being prepared for back thinning and packaging. Monolithic CMOS devices such as these, would be ideal candidate detectors for the focal planes of Solar, planetary and other space-borne x-ray astronomy missions. The high through-put, low noise and excellent low energy response, provide high dynamic range and good time resolution; bright, time varying x-ray features could be temporally and
For the development of small-scale soft X-rayspectrometer, first, some small-scale soft X-ray detection elements are developed, it is included GaAs irradiated with neutron, GaAs irradiated with proton, multi-layer mirror, plane mirror and small scale X-ray diode et al. Soft X-rayspectrometers built of multi-layer mirror-GaAs (with neutron irradiation), and plane mirror-small-scale XRD, and plane mirror-GaAs (with proton irradiation) are prepared. These spectrometers are examined in Shen Guang-II laser facility, and some external estimation are given. (authors)
A high intensity electron-impact x-ray source using a one-dimensional Pierce lens has been built for the purpose of calibrating a bent crystal x-rayspectrometer. This source focuses up to 100 mA of 20-keV electrons to a line on a liquid-cooled anode. The line (which can serve as a virtual slit for the spectrometer) measures approximately 800 μ x 2 cm. The source is portable and therefore adaptable to numerous types of spectrometer applications. One particular application, the calibration of a high resolution (r = 10 4 ) time-resolved cyrstal spectrometer, will be discussed in detail
A prototype gamma-rayspectrometer utilizing xenon gas near the critical point (166 degrees C, 58 atm) is under development. The spectrometer will function as a room-temperature ionization chamber detecting gamma rays in the energy range 100 keV2 MeV, with an energy resolution intermediate between semiconductor (Ge) and scintillation (NaI) spectrometers. The energy resolution is superior to that of a NaI scintillation spectrometer by a substantial margin (approximately a factor 5), and accordingly, much more information can be extracted from a given gamma-ray spectrum. Unlike germanium detectors, the spectrometer possesses the capability for sustained operation under ambient temperature conditions without a requirement for liquid nitrogen
The distribution of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in himematsutake was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-rayspectrometer (SEM-EDX). The atomic percentage of the metals was confirmed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Results show that the accumulation of ...
A sample planchette with several samples in a spectrometer is rotated so as to position each sample in succession in a counting position. To change the planchette, the cover of the spectrometer raises together with the planchette and rotates to the side into a vertical magazine. The planchette is unhooked onto a tray which rapidly moves to a position above the cover, and the next planchette in the magazine stack moves upwards on a tray and is hooked to the cover and taken to the counting station. Three chains ensure the movement of the planchette trays in the magazine, one for raising the uncounted samples up the magazine, one for shifting the counted ones to the upper stack, and one to move the counted planchettes higher up the magazine. The movement of the chains is controlled by microswitches. (ORU) [de
The Geological Survey of Norway has developed a system for mobile gamma rayspectrometer surveying suitable for use in nuclear emergencies where potentially dangerous radioactive materials have been released into the environment. The measuring system has been designed for use with different kinds of transportation platforms. These include fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and vans. The choice of transportation platform depends on the nature of the nuclear emergency. Widespread fallout from a distant source can be mapped quickly from the air while local sources of radiation can be delineated by a car-borne system. The measuring system processes gamma ray spectra in real time. The operator of the system is therefore able to guide surveying in accordance with meaningful data values and immediately report these values to decision making authorities. The operator is presented with a number of different displays suited to different kinds of nuclear emergencies that lead to more efficient surveying. Real time processing of data means that the results of a survey can be delivered to decision makers immediately upon return to base. It is also possible to deliver data via a live mobile telephone link while surveying is underway. The measuring system can be adjusted to make measurements lasting between 1 second and 5 seconds. The spatial density of measuring positions depends on the duration of each measurement and the speed of travel of the measuring system. Measuring with 1 s intervals while travelling at 50 km/h in a car results in a measurement every 14 m along the road. Measuring with 1 s intervals in an aeroplane travelling at 250 km/h produces a measurement for every 70 m travelled. Eight hours surveying can produce up to 30000 measurements over a region hundreds of kilometres across. (Author)
To study the light collection optics of the ISX-B two-dimensional (2-D) Thomson scattering system, we have implemented in the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Fusion Energy Division (FED) PDP-10 two computer programs, LENS and SPECT, that trace rays through a lens system and a spectrometer, respectively. The lens package follows the path of any kind of ray (meridional or skew) through a centered optical system formed by an arbitrary number of spherical surfaces. The spectrometer package performs geometrical ray tracing through a Czerney-Turner spectrometer and can be easily modified for studying any other configuration. Contained herein is a description of the procedures followed and a listing of the computer programs
A secondary-source energy-dispersive x-rayspectrometer has been built and tested. In this instrument the primary source of x rays is a tungsten-target tube powered by a high-voltage (75 kV), a high-power (3.7 kW) generator from a wavelength spectrometer (G.E. XRD-6). The primary polychromatic x rays irradiate an elemental foil, the secondary source. Its characteristic essentially monochromatic x rays are used to irradiate the sample. Fluorescent x rays from the sample are detected and resolved by a lithium-drifted silicon detector, multichannel-analyzer system. The design of the instrument provides a convenient means for changing the secondary, and hence, the energy of the excitation radiation
The calibration campaign of the National Ignition Facility X-raySpectrometer (NXS) was carried out at the OMEGA laser facility. Spherically symmetric, laser-driven, millimeter-scale x-ray sources of K-shell and L-shell emission from various mid-Z elements were designed for the 2–18 keV energy range of the NXS. The absolute spectral brightness was measured by two calibrated spectrometers. We compare the measured performance of the target design to radiation hydrodynamics simulations.
The calibration campaign of the National Ignition Facility X-raySpectrometer (NXS) was carried out at the Omega laser facility. Spherically symmetric, laser-driven, millimeter-scale x-ray sources of K-shell and L-shell emission from various mid-Z elements were designed for the 2-18 keV energy range of the NXS. The absolute spectral brightness was measured by two calibrated spectrometers. We compare the measured performance of the target design to radiation hydrodynamics simulations.
The evaluation unit is designed as a CAMAC modular system. It processes analog signals from the detector, amplifies them, digitizes them, stores them, and displays them. The analog data collection system consists of a high voltage supply, a linear amplifier, and an analog-to-digital convertor. The digital part of the data collection system consists of a data memory and a mapping unit. The control and calculation system consisting of a controller, a memory, an expandable working memory, a floppy disk controller, a parallel input and output for the terminal, and a controller for block transfer, provides the control of the entire spectrometer and the calculations for qualitative and quantitative analyses. It also provides connection to the peripherals: the disk operating system, the graphics terminal with keyboard, and the mosaic printer. (M.D.)
GA.SP is a general purpose 4{pi} detector array for advanced {gamma}-spectroscopy and, in the same time, a suitable system for reaction mechanism studies. The detector is sited at the LNL Tandem+Linac accelerator and has been built as a joint project of INFN Padova, LNL, Milano and Firenze. The array consists of 40 Compton suppressed HPGe detectors and of a 4{pi} calorimeter composed of 80 BGO crystals. The detector houses a reaction chamber of 34 cm diameter where a charged particles multiplicity filter composed of 40 Si detectors is going to be installed. Evaporation residues produced in the centre of GA.SP can be injected into the recoil mass spectrometer (RMS, named CAMEL) in use at LNL, without the need to remove any of the gamma detectors. The coupled operation of GA.SP, RMS and Si ball will give a unique instrument for identification and study of weak reaction channels. (author). 6 figs.
GA.SP is a general purpose 4π detector array for advanced γ-spectroscopy and, in the same time, a suitable system for reaction mechanism studies. The detector is sited at the LNL Tandem+Linac accelerator and has been built as a joint project of INFN Padova, LNL, Milano and Firenze. The array consists of 40 Compton suppressed HPGe detectors and of a 4π calorimeter composed of 80 BGO crystals. The detector houses a reaction chamber of 34 cm diameter where a charged particles multiplicity filter composed of 40 Si detectors is going to be installed. Evaporation residues produced in the centre of GA.SP can be injected into the recoil mass spectrometer (RMS, named CAMEL) in use at LNL, without the need to remove any of the gamma detectors. The coupled operation of GA.SP, RMS and Si ball will give a unique instrument for identification and study of weak reaction channels. (author). 6 figs
An X-rayspectrometer with the pulse light feedback in the preamplifier has been designed. The resolution has been obtained to be 168 eV on line of 5.9 keV. The analysis of the electronics and detector contribution to the resolution has been performed
The current state-of-the-art in portable gamma-rayspectrometers and portable spectrometry systems is discussed. A comparison of detector performance and features of commercially available systems are summarised. Finally, several applications of portable systems are described. (author)
X-ray fluorescence is an analytical technique of prier importance in archaeometry, for restoration and art history investigation; it is because of non-destructive and multi-elemental character of the analysis simplicity and high speed of operation, ability to produce immediate analytical results for the objects, which can neither be sampled nor removed to the laboratory Recent advances in X-ray tubes, X-ray detectors and electronic provided an opportunity to produce portable high resolution XRF spectrometers characterized by a good reliability and analytical performance; in this paper a prototype portable XRF spectrometer based on a small size, low power X-ray tube and a thermometrically cooled Si-Pin detector is described. The spectrometer provides a possibility for direct and secondary target excitation geometry use of proper secondary target and filter and size adjustment of the primary photon bean by using a set of different beam collimators; the portable XRF spectrometer was successfully applied to study art objects in the Art History Museum in Vienna, including such objects as old master paintings bronze and brass alloys of antique as well as Renaissance objects and silver/copper coins produced at different locations. Quantitative and Quantitative analysis were amedee depending of the curator questions and discussed from the point of view of art History. The importance of the results for restoration and authentification of the art objects is also emphasized
A description is given of an instrumentation for control of an X-rayspectrometer used in solid state physics experiments. The instrumentation includes a personal computer (PC) and a European Computer Bus (ECB) interface system. Details are given of the operating software. (author)
For x-ray spot sizes of a few tens of microns or smaller, a millimeter-sized flat analyzer crystal placed ???1 cm from the sample will exhibit high energy resolution while subtending a collection solid angle comparable to that of a typical spherically bent crystal analyzer (SBCA) at much larger working distances. Based on this observation and a nonfocusing geometry for the analyzer optic, we have constructed and tested a short working distance (SWD) multicrystal x-rayspectrometer. This prototype instrument has a maximum effective collection solid angle of 0.14 sr, comparable to that of 17 SBCA at 1 m working distance. We find good agreement with prior work for measurements of the Mn K?? x-ray emission and resonant inelastic x-ray scattering for MnO, and also for measurements of the x-ray absorption near-edge structure for Dy metal using L??2 partial-fluorescence yield detection. We discuss future applications at third- and fourth-generation light sources. For concentrated samples, the extremely large collection angle of SWD spectrometers will permit collection of high-resolution x-ray emission spectra with a single pulse of the Linac Coherent Light Source. The range of applications of SWD spectrometers and traditional multi-SBCA instruments has some overlap, but also is significantly complementary. ?? 2008 American Institute of Physics.
This paper describes the onboard calibration process of REXIS (the Regolith X-ray Imaging Spectrometer), an instrument on OSIRIS-REx. OSIRIS-REx, scheduled to be launched in 2016, is a planetary mission intending to return a regolith sample from a near Earth asteroid called Bennu. REXIS, a student-led collaboration between Harvard and MIT, is a soft X-ray (0.5-7.5 keV) coded-aperture telescope with four X-ray CCDs and a gold coated stainless steel mask. REXIS will measure the surface elementa...
The X-ray/gamma-rayspectrometer (XGRS) instrument onboard the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) spacecraft will map asteroid 433 Eros in the 0.2 keV to 10 MeV energy region. Measurements of the discrete line X-ray and gamma-ray emissions in this energy domain can be used to obtain both qualitative and quantitative elemental composition maps of the asteroid surface. The NEAR X-ray/gamma-rayspectrometer (XGRS) was turned on for the first time during the week of 7 April 1996. Rendezvous with Eros 433 is expected during December 1998. Observations of solar X-ray spectra during both quiescent and active periods have been made. A gamma-ray transient detection system has been implemented and about three gamma-ray transient events a week have been observed which are associated with either gamma-ray bursts or solar flares
An X-rayspectrometer has been designed consisting of a preamplifier with light pulse feedback, and a Si (Li) detector. The electric(FET) circuit is given of the preamplifier designed on field effect transistors. An identification is made of the types of noises of a sink current of 7.5 mA. It is established that a significant part of the total noise comes from the detector-FET system, and white noise from leakage current in the detector. The use in the spectrometer of the preamplifier with light pulse feedback enables the white noise to be reduced to 40-45 eV with a detector leakage current of 10 -13 A. A decrease in the noise of the detector-FET system is only possible owing to the improved technology in the manufacture of FET's. The energy resolution of the spectrometer for the 5.9 keV line is 168 eV
This paper discusses the development of an energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectrometer for the rapid, automated, close-coupled analysis of solid mixed plutonium--uranium oxide fuel pellets. Reasons are given for the system design, which is intended to give a relative precision (RSD) of +-0.3% in a total analysis time of three minutes. The principal problems in an EDX system are in maximizing the plutonium count rates
Two Dual Ion Spectrometer flight units of the Fast Plasma Instrument Suite (FPI) for the Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission (MMS) have returned to MSFC for flight testing. Anticipated to begin on June 30, tests will ensue in the Low Energy Electron and Ion Facility of the Heliophysics and Planetary Science Office (ZP13), managed by Dr. Victoria Coffey of the Natural Environments Branch of the Engineering Directorate (EV44). The MMS mission consists of four identical spacecraft, whose purpose is to study magnetic reconnection in the boundary regions of Earth's magnetosphere.
To assist in the characterization of the radiological contents of contract-handled waste containers at the Stored Waste Examination Pilot Plant (SWEPP), the SWEPP Gamma-RaySpectrometer (SGRS) System has been developed by the Radiation Measurements and Development Unit of the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. The SGRS system software controls turntable and detector system activities. In addition to determining the concentrations of gamma-ray-emitting radionuclides, this software also calculates attenuation-corrected isotopic mass ratios of-specific interest. This document describes the software design for the data acquisition and analysis software associated with the SGRS system
To assist in the characterization of the radiological contents of contract-handled waste containers at the Stored Waste Examination Pilot Plant (SWEPP), the SWEPP Gamma-RaySpectrometer (SGRS) System has been developed by the Radiation Measurements and Development Unit of the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. The SGRS system software controls turntable and detector system activities. In addition to determining the concentrations of gamma-ray-emitting radionuclides, this software also calculates attenuation-corrected isotopic mass ratios of-specific interest. This document describes the software design for the data acquisition and analysis software associated with the SGRS system.
The SWEPP Gamma-RaySpectrometer (SGRS) System has been developed by the Radiation Measurement and Development Unit of the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory to assist in the characterization of the radiological contents of contact-handled waste containers at the Stored Waste Examination Pilot Plant (SWEPP). In addition to determining the concentrations of gamma-ray-emitting radionuclides, the software also calculates attenuation-corrected isotopic mass ratios of specific interest, and provides controls for SGRS hardware as required. This document serves as a user's guide for the data acquisition and analysis software associated with the SGRS system
Many planetary surface processes leave traces of their actions as features in the size range 10s to 100s of microns. The Mapping X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (MapX) will provide elemental imaging at 100 micron spatial resolution, yielding elemental chemistry at a scale where many relict physical, chemical, or biological features can be imaged and interpreted in ancient rocks on planetary bodies and planetesimals. MapX is an arm-based instrument positioned on a rock or regolith with touch sensors. During an analysis, an X-ray source (tube or radioisotope) bombards the sample with X-rays or alpha-particles / gamma-rays, resulting in sample X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). X-rays emitted in the direction of an X-ray sensitive CCD imager pass through a 1:1 focusing lens (X-ray micro-pore Optic (MPO)) that projects a spatially resolved image of the X-rays onto the CCD. The CCD is operated in single photon counting mode so that the energies and positions of individual X-ray photons are recorded. In a single analysis, several thousand frames are both stored and processed in real-time. Higher level data products include single-element maps with a lateral spatial resolution of 100 microns and quantitative XRF spectra from ground- or instrument- selected Regions of Interest (ROI). XRF spectra from ROI are compared with known rock and mineral compositions to extrapolate the data to rock types and putative mineralogies. When applied to airless bodies and implemented with an appropriate radioisotope source for alpha-particle excitation, MapX will be able to analyze biogenic elements C, N, O, P, S, in addition to the cations of the rock-forming elements >Na, accessible with either X-ray or gamma-ray excitation. The MapX concept has been demonstrated with a series of lab-based prototypes and is currently under refinement and TRL maturation.
The Marshall Grazing Incidence X-raySpectrometer (MaGIXS) is a NASA sounding rocket instrument designed to obtain spatially resolved soft X-ray spectra of the solar atmosphere in the 6-24 Å (0.5-2.0 keV) range. The instrument consists of a single shell Wolter Type-I telescope, a slit, and a spectrometer comprising a matched pair of grazing incidence parabolic mirrors and a planar varied-line space diffraction grating. The instrument is designed to achieve a 50 mÅ spectral resolution and 5 arcsecond spatial resolution along a +/-4-arcminute long slit, and launch is planned for 2019. We report on the status and our approaches for fabrication and alignment for this novel optical system. The telescope and spectrometer mirrors are replicated nickel shells, and are currently being fabricated at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. The diffraction grating is currently under development by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); because of the strong line spacing variation across the grating, it will be fabricated through e-beam lithography.
Wired array studies are being conducted at the SNL Z accelerator to maximize the x-ray generation for inertial confinement fusion targets and high energy density physics experiments. An integral component of these studies is the characterization of the time-resolved spectral content of the x-rays. Due to potential spatial anisotropy in the emitted radiation, it is also critical to diagnose the time-evolved spectral content in a space-resolved manner. To accomplish these two measurement goals, we developed an x-rayspectrometer using a set of high-speed detectors (silicon PIN diodes) with a collimated field-of-view that converged on a 1-cm-diameter spot at the pinch axis. Spectral discrimination is achieved by placing high Z absorbers in front of these detectors. We built two spectrometers to permit simultaneous different angular views of the emitted radiation. Spectral data have been acquired from recent Z shots for the radial and polar views. UNSPEC1 has been adapted to analyze and unfold the measured data to reconstruct the x-ray spectrum. The unfold operator code, UFO2, is being adapted for a more comprehensive spectral unfolding treatment
The ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider has collected several hundred million cosmic ray events during 2008 and 2009. These data were used to commission the Muon Spectrometer and to study the performance of the trigger and tracking chambers, their alignment, the detector control system, the data acquisition and the analysis programs. We present the performance in the relevant parameters that determine the quality of the muon measurement. We discuss the single element efficiency, resolution and noise rates, the calibration method of the detector response and of the alignment system, the track reconstruction efficiency and the momentum measurement. The results show that the detector is close to the design performance and that the Muon Spectrometer is ready to detect muons produced in high energy proton-proton collisions.
The vTAS suite provides graphical assistance to prepare and perform inelastic neutron scattering experiments on a TAS instrument, including latest multiplexed instrumental configurations, such as FlatCone, IMPS and UFO. The interactive display allows for flexible translation between instrument positions in real space and neutron scattering conditions represented in reciprocal space. It is a platform independent public domain software tool, available for download from the website of the Institut Laue Langevin (ILL).
Efforts to measure the double beta decay of 76 Ge as predicted by Grand Unified Theories have resulted in the development of a high resolution germanium diode gamma-rayspectrometer with an exceptionally low background. This paper describes the development of this system and how these techniques can be utilized to significantly reduce the background in high resolution photon spectrometers at only a moderate cost
A NaI scintillator spectrometer system for the measurement of gamma-ray spectra in tokamak discharges has been developed and installed on the Frascati Tokamak Upgrade. Two NaI scintillators are viewing the plasma at two different angles with respect to the equatorial plane. The main features of the spectrometer system (energy range: 0.3-23 MeV) and of the unfolding technique used to restore physical spectra from the pulse-height distributions are described: a method of solution with regularisation for matrix equations of large size, allowing to process count distributions with significant statistical noise, has been developed. A dedicated software, portable to any platform, has been written both for the acquisition and the analysis of the spectra. The typical gamma-ray spectra recorded in hydrogen and deuterium discharges, also with additional heating, are presented and discussed; two components have been observed: (a) thick-target Bremsstrahlung gamma-rays produced by runaway electrons hitting the Inconel po...
Calorimetric X-ray detectors are very sensitive to their environment. The boundary conditions can have a profound effect on the gain including heat sink temperature, the local radiation temperature, bias, and the temperature of the readout electronics. Any variation in the boundary conditions can cause temporal variations in the gain of the detector and compromise both the energy scale and the resolving power of the spectrometer. Most production X-ray calorimeter spectrometers, both on the ground and in space, have some means of tracking the gain as a function of time, often using a calibration spectral line. For small gain changes, a linear stretch correction is often sufficient. However, the detectors are intrinsically non-linear and often the event analysis, i.e., shaping, optimal filters etc., add additional non-linearity. Thus for large gain variations or when the best possible precision is required, a linear stretch correction is not sufficient. Here, we discuss a new correction technique based on non-linear interpolation of the energy-scale functions. Using Astro-HSXS calibration data, we demonstrate that the correction can recover the X-ray energy to better than 1 part in 104 over the entire spectral band to above 12 keV even for large-scale gain variations. This method will be used to correct any temporal drift of the on-orbit per-pixel gain using on-board calibration sources for the SXS instrument on the Astro-H observatory.
A low background gamma-rayspectrometer has been constructed for measuring artificial and natural radioative isotopes. The design of the spectrometer, its properties and the application to the determination of natural radioactivity of dental ceramics are described. (orig.)
The Institute of Solid State Physics of the Vienna University of Technology is established with an X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer Kratos XSAM 800. In its original state the instrument enables measurements of photoelectron spectra in a semiautomatical mode. After mounting of the specimen an eventual surface cleaning by argon ion sputtering is possible. Next steps are setting of x-ray tube high voltage and current, start energy and energy range of spectrum and time of measurement. Data are obtained by an x-t plotter and evaluations are performed from the registration charts. If necessary, measured spectra have to be digitized by means of a scanner. In the Introduction of this thesis the principle of X-ray photoelectron spectrometry is treated including a number of practical examples. It shows that an automation allows an extension of the performance of the instrument. Details are remote controlled experiments, wider energy ranges with improved energy resolution. Furthermore, the digitized data treatment enables background subtration, determination of line positions and integrated signal strengths, and is the detection of lowlevel of lines (the peak with lowamplitude) possible. A further advantage is the computer assisted documentation and comparison of results from different specimens. After this description of the essential requirements different possible solutions of an automation are discussed. Thus, it is decided to develop a completely new hardware for a perfect control of the spectrometer. A further decision is to be made on the most efficient kind of micro processor. From the considerations follows a completely new control board with a transputer as multi tasking processor. The complete control unit consists of a digital system, an analog system and a power unit. The digital system controls settings and spectra accumulation and includes the transputer board, the pc-link card, the i/o-card and the step scanning control board. The analog system controls the
A new generation of advanced laser, accelerator, and plasma confinement devices are emerging that are producing extreme states of light and matter that are unprecedented for laboratory study. Examples of such sources that will produce laboratory x-ray emissions with unprecedented characteristics include megajoule-class and ultrafast, ultraintense petawatt laser-produced plasmas; tabletop high-harmonic-generation x-ray sources; high-brightness zeta-pinch and magnetically confined plasma sources; and coherent x-ray free electron lasers and compact inverse-Compton x-ray sources. Characterizing the spectra, time structure, and intensity of x rays emitted by these and other novel sources is critical to assessing system performance and progress as well as pursuing the new and unpredictable physical interactions of interest to basic and applied high-energy-density (HED) science. As these technologies mature, increased emphasis will need to be placed on advanced diagnostic instrumentation and metrology, standard reference data, absolute calibrations and traceability of results.We are actively designing, fabricating, and fielding wavelength-calibrated x-rayspectrometers that have been employed to register spectra from a variety of exotic x-ray sources (electron beam ion trap, electron cyclotron resonance ion source, terawatt pulsed-power-driven accelerator, laser-produced plasmas). These instruments employ a variety of curved-crystal optics, detector technologies, and data acquisition strategies. In anticipation of the trends mentioned above, this paper will focus primarily on optical designs that can accommodate the high background signals produced in HED experiments while also registering their high-energy spectral emissions. In particular, we review the results of recent laboratory testing that explores off-Rowland circle imaging in an effort to reclaim the instrumental resolving power that is increasingly elusive at higher energies when using wavelength
The tangential gamma-rayspectrometer (TGRS) of the JET tokamak fusion facility is an important diagnostics for investigating the fast particle evolution. A well defined field of view for the TGRS diagnostics is essential for its proper operation and this is to be determined by a rather complex system of collimators and shields both for the neutron and gamma radiations. A conceptual design for this system has been carried out with the main design target set to maximize the signal-to-background ratio at the spectrometer detector, the ratio being defined in terms of the plasma emitted gamma radiation and the gamma-ray background. As a first phase of the TGRS diagnostics upgrade a set of two tandem collimators has been designed with the aim of determining a quasi-tangential field of view through JET tokamak plasmas. A modular design of the tandem system has been developed in order to allow for the construction of different configurations for deuterium and deuterium-tritium discharges. The internal structure of the collimators consists of nuclear grade lead and high density polyethylene slabs arranged in an optimized pattern. The performance of a simplified geometry of the tandem collimator configuration has been evaluated by neutron and photon transport calculations and the numerical results show that the design parameters can be attained.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration — We utilize a new detector material, polycrystalline mercuric iodide, for background suppression by active anticoincidence shielding in gamma-rayspectrometers. Two...
The Atmospheric Chemistry Suite (ACS) package is an element of the Russian contribution to the ESA-Roscosmos ExoMars 2016 Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) mission. ACS consists of three separate infrared spectrometers, sharing common mechanical, electrical, and thermal interfaces. This ensemble of spectrometers has been designed and developed in response to the Trace Gas Orbiter mission objectives that specifically address the requirement of high sensitivity instruments to enable the unambiguous detection of trace gases of potential geophysical or biological interest. For this reason, ACS embarks a set of instruments achieving simultaneously very high accuracy (ppt level), very high resolving power (>10,000) and large spectral coverage (0.7 to 17 μm—the visible to thermal infrared range). The near-infrared (NIR) channel is a versatile spectrometer covering the 0.7-1.6 μm spectral range with a resolving power of ˜20,000. NIR employs the combination of an echelle grating with an AOTF (Acousto-Optical Tunable Filter) as diffraction order selector. This channel will be mainly operated in solar occultation and nadir, and can also perform limb observations. The scientific goals of NIR are the measurements of water vapor, aerosols, and dayside or night side airglows. The mid-infrared (MIR) channel is a cross-dispersion echelle instrument dedicated to solar occultation measurements in the 2.2-4.4 μm range. MIR achieves a resolving power of >50,000. It has been designed to accomplish the most sensitive measurements ever of the trace gases present in the Martian atmosphere. The thermal-infrared channel (TIRVIM) is a 2-inch double pendulum Fourier-transform spectrometer encompassing the spectral range of 1.7-17 μm with apodized resolution varying from 0.2 to 1.3 cm-1. TIRVIM is primarily dedicated to profiling temperature from the surface up to ˜60 km and to monitor aerosol abundance in nadir. TIRVIM also has a limb and solar occultation capability. The technical concept of
The monitoring of minimum detectable activity is becoming increasingly important as environmental concerns and regulations require more sensitive measurement of the radioactivity levels in the workplace and the home. In measuring this activity, however, the background becomes one of the limiting factors. Anticoincidence systems utilizing both NaI(T1) and plastic scintillators have proven effective in reducing some components of the background, but radiocontaminants in the various regions of these systems have limited their effectiveness, and their cost is often prohibitive. In order to obtain a genuinely low background detector system, all components must be free of detectable radioactivity, and the cosmic ray produced contribution must be significantly reduced. Current efforts by the authors to measure the double beta decay of Germanium 76 as predicted by Grand Unified Theories have resulted in the development of a high resolution germanium diode gamma spectrometer with an exceptionally low background. This paper describes the development of this system, outlines the configuration and operation of its preamplifier, linear amplifier, analog-to-digital converter, 4096-channel analyzer, shielding consisting of lead-sandwiched plastic scintillators wrapped in cadmium foil, photomultiplier, and its pulse generator and discriminator, and then discusses how the system can be utilized to significantly reduce the background in high resolution photon spectrometers at only moderate cost
A 3 cm 3 multichannel gamma spectrometer for DOE applications is under development by Digirad Corporation. The device is based on a position sensitive detector packaged in a compact multi-chip module (MCM) with integrated readout circuitry. The modular, multichannel design will enable identification and quantitative analysis of radionuclides in extended sources, or sources containing low levels of activity. The MCM approach has the advantages that the modules are designed for imaging applications, and the sensitivity can be arbitrarily increased by increasing the number of pixels, i.e. adding modules to the instrument. For a high sensitivity probe, the outputs for each pixel can be corrected for gain and offset variations, and summed digitally. Single pixel results obtained with discrete low noise readout indicate energy resolution of 3 keV can be approached with currently available CdZnTe. The energy resolution demonstrated to date with MCMs for 511 keV gamma rays is 10 keV
Full Text Available A portable gamma-rayspectrometer based on a Pocket PC has been developed. A 12-bit pipeline analog-to-digitalconverter (ADC associated with an implemented pulse height histogram function on field programmable gate array (FPGAoperating at 15 MHz is employed for pulse height analysis from built-in pulse amplifier. The system, which interfaces withthe Pocket PC via an enhanced RS-232 serial port under the microcontroller facilitation, is utilized for spectrum acquisition,display and analysis. The pulse height analysis capability of the system was tested and it was found that the ADC integralnonlinearity of ±0.45% was obtained with the throughput rate at 160 kcps. The overall system performance was tested usinga PIN photodiode-CsI(Tl crystal coupled scintillation detector and gamma standard radioactive sources of Cs-137 andCo-60. Low cost and the compact system size as a result of the implemented logical function are also discussed.
Model H-90A is a 4-channel differential Gamma-rayspectrometer with microcomputer. It consists of a console and NaI(TL) crystal detector with a diameter of φ75 mm x 75 mm. The instrument has excellent performance such as automatic spectrum stabilization, automatic regular timing measurement and automatic calculation of uranium, thorium and potassium contents and their ratios. Original data can be manually and automatically stored. The instrument is provided with shut down supply protective device, reading out can be repeated or be further processed through RS-232 interface output in the case of connection with computer. The working command is inputted by 'soft key' and performed by slice microcomputer automatically through software. It can be used not only in radioactive geological mapping, geochemical research and rapid field assay of radioactive elements in mineral and rock samples, but also for exploration and reconnaissance survey for uranium, thorium, potassium and seeking gold, as well as environmental monitoring
Observations for transient radiation made by the Gamma RaySpectrometer on the SMM satellite are summarized. Spectra were obtained from 215 solar flares and 177 gamma-ray bursts. No narrow or moderately broadened lines were observed in any of the bursts. The rate of bursts is consistent with a constant over the mission but is weakly correlated with solar activity. No evidence was found for bursts of 511 keV line emission, unaccompanied by a strong continuum, at levels not less than 0.05 gamma/sq cm s for bursts lasting not more than 16 s. No evidence was found for broad features near 1 MeV from Cyg X-1, the Galactic center, or the Crab in 12-d integrations at levels not less than 0.006 gamma/sq cm s. No evidence was found for transient celestial narrow-line emission from 300 keV to 7 MeV on min-to-hrs-long time scales from 1984 to 1989.
The X-rayspectrometer (XRS) onboard Suzaku is the first X-ray microcalorimeter array in orbit. The sensor array is operated at 60mK, which is attained by an adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator and superfluid liquid helium. The neon dewar is a vacuum-insulated container for the XRS. The requirements for the XRS dewar are to maintain the detector and the cryogenic system under the mechanical environment at launch ({approx}15G), and to attain a lifetime of 3 years in a near-earth orbit. It is characterized with adoptions of solid neon as the second cryogen and a mechanical cooler, design optimization of the support straps for the neon tank to reduce the heat load as much as possible, and shock absorbers to mitigate the mechanical environment at launch. Microphonics from the mechanical cooler was one of the concerns for the detector performance, but the ground test results proved that they do not interfere with the detector. After about 1 month in orbit, its thermal performance showed that the dewar potentially achieves its design goals.
The objective transmission grating was one of the earliest inventions in the field of X-ray astronomy and has been incorporated into Skylab, HERO-P, and EXOTAT. In recent years there have been advances in grating technology and spectrometer design. A high precision mechanical ruling and replication process for manufacturing large self-supporting transmission gratings has been developed by an industrial manufacturer in cooperation with the Max-Planck-Institute (MPI). Theoretical analyses have determined the optimum configuration of the grating facets and the grating surface in order to correct third order aberations and obtain maximum resolving power. We have verified experimentally that the predicted efficiencies may be achieved. In addition, an experimental study of large grating assemblies for space telescopes was made in industry with scientific guidance by MPI. Main objectives of this study were the determination of mechanical loads during launch, as well as the design, construction and fabrication of a representative model of a ROSAT grating ring. Performancy studies including instrument pro-perties as well as the simulated radiation from hot plasmas have shown the ability of SPECTROSAT to perform high efficiency, high resolution line-spectroscopy on a wide variety of cosmic X-ray sources.
The MESSENGER Gamma-RaySpectrometer (GRS) measures energy spectra of gamma rays emanating from the surface of Mercury. Analysis of these spectra provides elemental abundances of surface material. The MESSENGER mission necessarily provides some data normalization challenges for GRS analysis. So as to keep the spacecraft cool while orbiting the dayside of the planet, the orbits are highly eccentric, with altitudes varying from 200-500 km to ~ 15,000 km. A small fraction of time is spent at the low altitudes where gamma-ray signals are largest, requiring a large number of orbits to yield sufficient counting statistics for elemental analysis. Also, the sunshade must always shield the spacecraft from the Sun, which causes the orientation of the GRS often to be far from nadir-pointing, so the detector efficiency and attenuation of gamma rays from the planet must be known for a wide range of off-nadir orientations. An efficiency/attenuation map for the expected ranges of orientations and energies was constructed in a ground calibration experiment for a limited range of orientations using a nuclear reactor and radioisotope sources, and those results were extended to other orientations by radiation transport computations using as input a computer-aided design model of the spacecraft and its composition. This normalization has allowed abundance determinations of elements K, Th, and U from radioisotopes of these elements in the Mercury regolith during the first quarter of the year-long mission. These results provide constraints on models of Mercury's chemical and thermal evolution. The normalization of gamma-ray spectra for surface elements not having radioisotopes is considerably more complex; these gamma rays come from neutron inelastic-scatter and capture reactions in the regolith, where the neutrons are generated by cosmic ray impact onto the planet. A radiation transport computation was performed to generate the expected count rates in the neutron-generated gamma-ray
The documentation and software programs developed for the reception, initial processing (quickbook), and production analysis of data obtained by solar X-ray spectroscopy, stellar spectroscopy, and X-ray polarimetry experiments on OSO-8 are listed. The effectiveness and sensitivity of the Bragg crystal scattering instruments used are assessed. The polarization data polarimetric data obtained shows that some X-ray sources are polarized and that a larger polarimeter of this type is required to perform the measurements necessary to fully understand the physics of X-ray sources. The scanning Bragg crystal spectrometer was ideally suited for studying rapidly changing solar conditions. Observations of the Crab Nebula and pulsar, Cyg X-1, Cyg X-2, Cyg X-3, Sco X-1, Cen X-3, and Her X-1 are discussed as well as of 4U1656-53 and 4U1820-30. Evidence was obtained for iron line emission from Cyg X-3.
The filter-fluorescer spectrometer (FFS) is a powerful tool for measuring x-ray spectrum from high fluence x-ray sources. However, this technique is limited to energies less than 120 keV, because there are no practical absorption edges available above this energy. In this paper, we present a new method of utilizing the filter-fluorescer system for x-ray spectral measurement above 120 keV. The new apparatus is called hyper-filter-fluorescer spectrometer
A Philips 1220 X-rayspectrometer (semi-automatic) was fully automated by the addition of a custom-built automatic sample-loader constructed at the National Institute for Metallurgy and a Texas 980 A mini-computer. The mini-computer was interfaced to the existing control circuits of the X-rayspectrometer through a custom-built logic-circuit unit that controls the automatic sample-loader and X-rayspectrometer on instructions received from the mini-computer. The controlling software is written in BASIC
The project developed a new method for producing high quality mercuric iodide crystals of x-ray and gamma spectrometers. Included are characterization of mercuric iodide crystal properties as a function of growth environment and fabrication and demonstration of room-temperature-operated high-resolution mercuric iodide spectrometers
Wave length Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (WD-XRF) is a non-destructive well-established analytical technique widely used in industrial and research applications for materials characterization. In nuclear industry various types of alloys have been used as per their application and importance. Few of them like SS-304, SS-316 and SS-316L are being regularly used for manufacturing of glove boxes at AFFF SS-304 alloy has been used in glove boxes of production line of MOX fuel due to its corrosive resistance and SS-316L is being used in chemical quality control lab and microwave applicator due to its acidic resistivity. In view of this an endeavor has been taken up to characterize these alloy steel. The experiments were carried out using a Rigaku make 'supermini', WD-XRF spectrometer having 200W Pd X-ray tube, 12 sample holder position, scintillation and proportional counters as a detector. All the parameters such as kV, mA, collimator, crystal and detectors were selected and operated via computer as per the given programme except for the sample preparation. EZscan (Energy Atomic Number Scan) technique is applied for the analysis of the above samples and the results obtained were in close agreement with the standard values. The present paper describes the characterization of SS-304L and SS-316L which have got better corrosion resistance properties against acids due to its compositions and suited for glove box manufacturing. (author)
We discuss the performance simulation of the X-raySpectrometer in Chang'E-1 satellite based on Geant4 system. It is divided in three parts, the efficiency simulation, the energy spectrum response and direction response. It provides the guidance on making the spectrometer. (authors)
The application of a fully automatic Philips PW 1220 X-rayspectrometer to the analysis of slag and silicate materials is described. The controlling software, written in BASIC and the operational instructions for the automatic spectrometer as applied in this report are available on request
National Aeronautics and Space Administration — Abstract ======== This data set consists of the MESSENGER GRS uncalibrated observations, also known as EDRs. The GRS experiment is a gamma rayspectrometer designed...
We have built a 36-pixel superconducting tunnel junction X-rayspectrometer for chemical analysis of dilute samples in the soft X-ray band. It offers an energy resolution of {approx}10-20 eV FWHM below 1 keV, a solid angle coverage of {approx}10{sup -3}, and can be operated at total rates of up to {approx}10{sup 6} counts/s. Here, we describe the spectrometer performance in speciation measurements by fluorescence-detected X-ray absorption spectroscopy at the Advanced Biological and Environmental X-ray facility at the ALS synchrotron.
We have built a 36-pixel high-resolution superconducting tunnel junction (STJ) soft X-rayspectrometer for chemical analysis of dilute metals by fluorescence-detected X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at the Advanced Light Source synchrotron. Soft X-ray absorption edges are preferred over traditional hard X-ray spectroscopy at the K-edges, since they have narrower natural linewidths and exhibit stronger chemical shifts. STJ detectors are preferred in the soft X-ray band over traditional Ge or grating spectrometers, since they have sufficient energy resolution to resolve transition metal L and M lines from light element K emission, and sufficient detection efficiency to measure the weak lines of dilute specimens within an acceptable time. We demonstrate the capabilities of our STJ spectrometer for chemical analysis with soft XAS measurements of molybdenum speciation on the Mo M{sub 4,5}-edges.
Prototype gamma-rayspectrometers utilizing xenon gas at high pressure, suitable for applications in the nuclear safeguards, arms control, and nonproliferation communities, have been developed at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). These spectrometers function as ambient-temperature ionization chambers detecting gamma rays with good efficiency in the energy range 50 keV - 2 MeV, with an energy resolution intermediate between semiconductor (Ge) and scintillation (NaI) spectrometers. They are capable of prolonged, low-power operation without a requirement for cryogenic fluids or other cooling mechanisms, and with the addition of small quantities of 3 He gas, can function simultaneously as efficient thermal neutron detectors
Filter-fluorescer x-rayspectrometer using solid state photo-detectors instead of the photomultiplier tubes in order to reduce the γ-ray background noise is reported. A significant reduction of the γ-ray background noise is expected, because solid state photo-detectors are very small in size compared with the photomultiplier tubes. It has been confirmed that the γ-ray background is reduced in the target irradiation experiments with the Gekko MII glass laser. (author)
The paper describes a multiplex coding system associated with a solid state spectrometer Si(Li) designed to be placed at the focus of a grazing incidence telescope. In this instrument the spectrometric and imaging functions are separated. The coding system consists in a movable mask with pseudo randomly distributed holes, located in the focal plane of the telescope. The pixel size lies in the range 100-200 microns. The close association of the coding system with a Si(Li) detector gives an imaging spectrometer combining the good efficiency (50% between 0,5 and 10 keV) and energy resolution (ΔE approximately 90 to 160 eV) of solid state spectrometers with the spatial resolution of the mask. Simulations and results obtained with a laboratory model are presented
High resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy is a relatively new field that holds great promise for further understanding of high energy astrophysical processes. When the high resolution gamma-rayspectrometer (GRSE) was removed from the GRO payload, a balloon program was initiated to permit continued development and improvement of instrumentation in this field, as well as continued scientific observations. The Gamma-Ray Imaging Spectrometer (GRIS) is one of the experiments selected as part of this program. The instrument contains a number of new and innovative features that are expected to produce a significant improvement in source location accuracy and sensitivity over previous balloon and satellite experiments
Full Text Available Bruker™ EM27/SUN instruments are commercial mobile solar-viewing near-IR spectrometers. They show promise for expanding the global density of atmospheric column measurements of greenhouse gases and are being marketed for such applications. They have been shown to measure the same variations of atmospheric gases within a day as the high-resolution spectrometers of the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON. However, there is little known about the long-term precision and uncertainty budgets of EM27/SUN measurements. In this study, which includes a comparison of 186 measurement days spanning 11 months, we note that atmospheric variations of Xgas within a single day are well captured by these low-resolution instruments, but over several months, the measurements drift noticeably. We present comparisons between EM27/SUN instruments and the TCCON using GGG as the retrieval algorithm. In addition, we perform several tests to evaluate the robustness of the performance and determine the largest sources of errors from these spectrometers. We include comparisons of XCO2, XCH4, XCO, and XN2O. Specifically we note EM27/SUN biases for January 2015 of 0.03, 0.75, –0.12, and 2.43 % for XCO2, XCH4, XCO, and XN2O respectively, with 1σ running precisions of 0.08 and 0.06 % for XCO2 and XCH4 from measurements in Pasadena. We also identify significant error caused by nonlinear sensitivity when using an extended spectral range detector used to measure CO and N2O.
An X-rayspectrometer which is sensitive in the 0.5-7-keV energy range and is intended for use onboard astronomical satellites has been studied. The Bragg reflected rays from a doubly bent crystal positioned downstream of the focal plane of a grazing-incidence concentrator are focused along the a...
A "stigmatic" focusing, Bragg crystal spectrometer was developed and used for high spectral resolution X-ray emission line diagnostics on hot laboratory plasmas. The concept be applied at the focal plane of an orbiting X-ray telescope where it offers several advantages over conventional spectrometers, i.e., mechanical simplicity, high resolving power and sensitivity, simultaneous measurement of an extended segment of spectrum, and good imaging properties. The instrument features a simple, unambiguous, non-scanning spectrum readout that is not adversely affected by either spacecraft pointing error or source extent. The performance of the instrument is estimated in the context of the Advanced X-Ray Astrophysical Facility mission.
Radioactivity induced in detectors by protons and secondary neutrons limits the sensitivity of spaceborne gamma-rayspectrometers. Three dimensional Monte Carlo transport codes have been employed to simulate particle transport of cosmic rays and inner-belt protons in various representations of the Gamma Ray Observatory Spacecraft and the Oriented Scintillation Spectrometer Experiment. Results are used to accurately quantify the contributions to the radioactive background, assess shielding options and examine the effect of detector and space-craft orientation in anisotropic trapped proton fluxes. (author)
The use of barium based products in protective barrier materials proved successful for many years until their cost of manufacture and increases in labour costs for fixing and stopping saw the introduction of lead ply as the material of choice in diagnostic X-raysuites. Whilst the advantage of sheet lead as a barrier for diagnostic X-rays, where the photoelectric effect predominates is recognised, this precedence is somewhat negated by the high cost of manufacture and delays in supply. Lead lined ply also requires external cladding after erection for an acceptable finish to be obtained. Such cost increases have prompted us to re-evaluate the use of precast barium plaster sheets (Barytes Board) as an alternative barrier material
A bent quartz crystal spectrometer of the Johann type with a spectral resolution of lambda/Δlambda = 10,000 to 25,000 is used on TFTR to determine central plasma parameters from the spectra of heliumlike and lithiumlike metal impurity ions (Ti, Cr, Fe, and Ni). The spectra are observed along a central radial chord and are recorded by a position sensitive multiwire proportional counter with a spatial resolution of 250. Standard delay-line time-difference readout is employed. The data are histogrammed and stored in 64k of memory providing 128 time groups of 512-channel spectra. The central ion temperature and the toroidal plasma rotation are inferred from the Doppler broadening and Doppler shift of the K lines. The central electron temperature, the distribution of ionization states, and dielectronic recombination rates are obtained from satellite-to-resonance line ratios. The performance of the spectrometer is demonstrated by measurements of the Ti XXI K radiation
There is a need for higher resolution spectrometers as a tool for inelastic x-ray scattering. Currently, resolving power around R = 10,000 is advertised. Measured RIXS spectra are often limited by this instrumental resolution and higher resolution spectrometers using conventional gratings would be prohibitively large. We are engaged in a development program to build blazed multilayer grating structures for diffracting soft x-rays in high order. This leads to spectrometers with dispersion much higher than is possible using metal coated-gratings. The higher dispersion then provides higher resolution and the multilayer gratings are capable of operating away from grazing incidence as required. A spectrometer design is presented with a total length 3.8 m and capable of 10 5 resolving power.
There is a need for higher resolution spectrometers as a tool for inelastic x-ray scattering. Currently, resolving power around R = 10,000 is advertised. Measured RIXS spectra are often limited by this instrumental resolution and higher resolution spectrometers using conventional gratings would be prohibitively large. We are engaged in a development program to build blazed multilayer grating structures for diffracting soft x-rays in high order. This leads to spectrometers with dispersion much higher than is possible using metal coated-gratings. The higher dispersion then provides higher resolution and the multilayer gratings are capable of operating away from grazing incidence as required. A spectrometer design is presented with a total length 3.8m and capable of 10 5 resolving power.
Background spectra of several spectrometers have been recorded in a deep underground laboratory located in the Frejus tunnel. The results show that an α ray induced background from the 210 Pb decay is observed. A possible explanation could be related to the adsorption of the Rn gas on the surfaces of the Ge crystal and/or other parts during the assembly of the spectrometer. (orig.)
The high resolution X-Ray crystal spectrometer at the JET tokamak has been upgraded with the main goal of measuring the tungsten impurity concentration. This is important for understanding impurity accumulation in the plasma after installation of the JET ITER-like wall (main chamber: Be, divertor: W). This contribution provides details of the upgraded spectrometer with a focus on the aspects important for spectral analysis and plasma parameter calculation. In particular, we describe the determination of the spectrometer sensitivity: important for impurity concentration determination.
Problems and possibilities of applying semiconductor detector spectrometers in radiometric analyses are described. A summary of the state of the art and tendencies of device engineering and spectra evaluation is given. Liquid-nitrogen cooled Li-drifted Si-detectors and high-purity Ge-detectors are compared. Semiconductor detectors working at room temperature are under development. In this connection CdTe and HgI 2 semiconductor detectors are compared. The use of small efficient computers in the spectrometer systems stimulates the development of algorithms for spectra analyses and for determining the concentration. Fields of application of energy dispersive X-rayspectrometers are X-ray diffraction and X-ray macroanalysis in investigating the structure of extensive surface regions
GRIS is a prospective experiment designed to measure hard X-rays and γ-rays of solar flares in the energy range from 50 keV to 200 MeV as well as solar neutrons > 30 MeV. This study considers results of GEANT 4 simulation of GRIS detectors response to cosmic background radiation and to the solar flare SOL2002-07-23 (X4.8). It is shown that the GRIS spectrometers have enough sensitivity and energy resolution to measure redshifts of some narrow γ-rays in flare spectra, that the low energy thresholds of the detectors can be lowered considerably without a risk of counting rate saturation during high magnitude flares and that at a choice between LaBr 3 (Ce) and CeBr 3 the second one is a preferable scintillator for a hard X-ray and γ-rayspectrometer of solar flares. (paper)
Two calculational methods for analyzing the spectrum which measured by indoor low background multi-channels gamma-raysspectrometer (Na(Tl)) to get the specific activity of 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K of the sample are discussed, they are the spectrum analysis method and the characteristic energy peak method (inverse matrix method) respectively. The sample spectrum are analyzed with the program designed according to the two methods, and compared with the results by HPGe gamma-raysspectrometer, showing that the relative deviation is ≤10% with the two methods. (authors)
Mercuric iodide (HgI 2 ) exhibits properties which make it attractive for use as a solid state nuclear radiation detector. The wide bandgap (E g = 2.1 eV) and low dark current allow room temperature operation, while the high atomic number provides a large gamma-ray cross section. However, poor hole transport has been a major limitation in the routine fabrication of high-resolution spectrometers using this material. This paper presents the results of gamma-ray response and charge transport parameter measurements conducted during the past year at EG ampersand G/EM on 96 HgI 2 spectrometers. The gamma-ray response measurements reveal that detector quality is correlated with the starting material used in the crystal growth. In particular, an increased yield of high-resolution spectrometers was obtained from HgI 2 which was synthesized by precipitation from an aqueous solution, as opposed to using material from commercial vendors. Data are also presented which suggest that better spectrometer performance is tied to improved hole transport. Finally, some initial results on a study of detector uniformity reveal spatial variations which may explain why the correlation between hole transport parameters and spectrometer performance is sometimes violated. 6 refs., 3 figs
New mobile analytical device based on combination of X-ray fluorescence and Raman spectrometer has been developed for prompt and quantitative characterization of chemical component from Al to U in nuclear waste or undeclared materials. The excitation source of the X-ray fluorescence spectrometer is an air-cooled X-ray tube with Ag transmission anode. For collection of secondary X-ray photons and data processing, a compact Amptek X-ray detector system is applied with silicon drift X-ray detector. The XRF system operates in confocal mode with focal volume around 1-4 mm 3 . Varying the geometrical position and orientation of the sample optional part of its surface can be analyzed. The Raman unit includes thermoelectrically cooled laser source having 500 mW power at wavelength 785 nm. In order to obtain spectral information from sample surface a reflection-type probe is connected by optical fibres to the Raman spectrometer. A mini focusing optics is set up to the sensor-fibre that provides the system to operate as confocal optical device in reflection mode. The XRF spectrometer with X-ray detector, Raman probe and X-ray tube are mechanically fixed and hermetically connected to an aluminium chamber, which can be optionally filled with helium. The chamber is mounted on a vertical stage that provides moving it to the sample surface. A new model and computer code have been developed for XRF quantitative analysis which describes the mathematical relationship between the concentration of sample elements and their characteristic X-ray intensities. For verification of the calculations standard reference alloy samples were measured. The results was in good agreement with certified concentrations in range of 0.001-100 w%. According to these numerical results this new method is successfully applicable for quick and non-destructive quantitative analysis of waste materials without using standard samples. (author)
The WINKLER spectrometer is a matrix of nine high-purity {ital n}-type germanium detectors developed for astrophysical observations and terrestrial radiation monitoring. The spectrometer has been fitted with a set of modulation collimator grids designed for imaging hard x-ray and gamma-ray sources by the Mertz, Nakano, and Kilner method. This technique employs a pair of gridded collimators in front of each detector with the number of grid bars varying from one to {ital N}, where {ital N} is the number of detectors. When the collimator pairs are rotated through a full 360-degree angular range, the detector signals provide the information for a two-dimensional band-limited Fourier reconstruction of order {ital N}. Tests of the spectrometer with single and multiple point sources as well as continuous source distributions are reported.
X-ray spectroscopy is the primary tool for performing atomic physics with Electron beam ion trap (EBITs). X-ray instruments have generally fallen into two general categories, 1) dispersive instruments with very high spectral resolving powers but limited spectral range, limited count rates, and require an entrance slit, generally, for EBITs, defined by the electron beam itself, and 2) non-dispersive solid-state detectors with much lower spectral resolving powers but that have a broad dynamic range, high count rate ability and do not require a slit. Both of these approaches have compromises that limit the type and efficiency of measurements that can be performed. In 1984 NASA initiated a program to produce a non-dispersive instrument with high spectral resolving power for x-ray astrophysics based on the cryogenic x-ray calorimeter. This program produced the XRS non-dispersive spectrometers on the Astro-E, Astro-E2 (Suzaku) orbiting observatories, the SXS instrument on the Astro-H observatory, and the planned XMS instrument on the International X-ray Observatory. Complimenting these spaceflight programs, a permanent high-resolution x-ray calorimeter spectrometer, the XRS/EBIT, was installed on the LLNL EBIT in 2000. This unique instrument was upgraded to a spectral resolving power of 1000 at 6 keV in 2003 and replaced by a nearly autonomous production-class spectrometer, the EBIT Calorimeter Spectrometer (ECS), in 2007. The ECS spectrometer has a simultaneous bandpass from 0.07 to over 100 keV with a spectral resolving power of 1300 at 6 keV with unit quantum efficiency, and 1900 at 60 keV with a quantum efficiency of 30%. X-ray calorimeters are event based, single photon spectrometers with event time tagging to better than 10 us. We are currently developing a follow-on instrument based on a newer generation of x-ray calorimeters with a spectral resolving power of 3000 at 6 keV, and improved timing and measurement cadence. The unique capabilities of the x-ray
An efficient, high-resolution, vertical-focusing, Bragg crystal x-rayspectrometer has been specifically designed and constructed for use in measurements of x rays produced in collisions of energetic heavy ions. In this report the design and resulting operational characteristics of the final instrument are fully described. A wide variety of sample data is also included to illustrate the utility of this device in several areas of research. 14 refs., 38 figs
The TRIUMF-ISAC gamma-ray escape-suppressed spectrometer (TIGRESS) is a new γ-ray detector array being developed for use at TRIUMF's Isotope Separator and Accelerator (ISAC) radioactive ion beam facility. TIGRESS will comprise 12 32-fold segmented clover-type HPGe detectors coupled with 20-fold segmented modular Compton suppression shields and custom digital signal processing electronics. This paper provides an overview of the TIGRESS project and progress in its development to date.
To determine the calibration factors of an airborne gamma-rayspectrometer measuring large area gamma-ray emitting source at deferent flying height, a series of Monte Carlo simulations were drawn. Response energy spectrums of NaI crystals in airplane caused by nature-decay-series calibration-pads, and calibration factors on different heights above Cs-137 plane source, were obtained. The calculated results agreed with the experimental data well. (authors)
Solar Orbiter is a Sun-observing mission led by the European Space Agency, addressing the interaction between the Sun and the heliosphere. It will carry ten instruments, among them the X-ray imaging spectrometer STIX. STIX will determine the intensity, spectrum, timing, and location of thermal and accelerated electrons near the Sun through their bremsstrahlung X-ray emission. This report gives a brief overview of the STIX scientific goals and covers in more detail the instrument design and challenges
The test principle, test set and surveying methods for conducting gamma-ray spectrometry on conveyer are presented. The conversion coefficient of the spectrometer has been found by using duallinear regression analysis of uranium and radon and their higher and lower bands of gamma-ray spectra. The efficient equilibrium factor can be quickly determined, and the direct determination of uranium in the non-equilibrium condition of uranium and radium can be made
This report discusses the various problems which are encountered when a crystal spectrometer is used for the purpose of observing polarized x-ray lines. A polarimeter is proposed based on the novel idea of using two series of equivalent atomic planes in a single crystal. The present status of the astronomical x-ray detection techniques are described with emphasis on two dimensional detectors which are polarization sensitive. (author)
A review of the different curves for the efficiency fit of a high resolution gamma-rayspectrometer was made. These curves are used to fit the efficiency of our detector system. In order to study the goodness of the different fits various standards were used, and the ICRP GAM-83 exercise results were employed. (author)
Solar X-raySpectrometer (SOXS)' mission, which was launched onboard GSAT-2 Indian spacecraft on 08 May 2003 by GSLV-D2 rocket to study the solar flares. The SOXS Low Energy Detector (SLD) payload was designed, developed and ...
Jan 27, 2016 ... We present the first results from the 'Low Energy Detector' payload of 'Solar X-raySpectrometer (SOXS)' mission, which was launched onboard GSAT-2 Indian spacecraft on 08 May 2003 by GSLV-D2 rocket to study the solar flares. The SOXS Low Energy Detector (SLD) payload was designed, developed ...
The Paranaguá Terrane, located in the coastal portion of the states of Santa Catarina, Paraná and São Paulo in Southern Brazil is a crustal segment constituted mainly by an igneous complex, with a variety of granitic rocks inserted into the Serra do Mar ridge. The average altitude is approximately 1200 m above sea level, with peaks of up to 1800 m. Due to the difficulty of accessing the area, a shortage of outcrops and the thick weathering mantle, this terrane is understudied. This research aims to evaluate the gamma-ray spectrometry data of the granitic suites of the Paranaguá Terrane, in correspondence with the geological, petrographical, lithogeochemical, relief and mass movement information available in the literature. Aerogeophysical data were acquired along north-south lines spaced at 500 m, with a mean terrain clearance of 100 m. These data cover potassium (K, %), equivalent in thorium (eTh, ppm) and equivalent in uranium (eU, ppm). After performing a critical analysis of the data, basic (K, eU, eTh) and ternary (R-K/G-eTh/B-eU) maps were generated and then superimposed on the digital elevation model (DEM). The investigation of the radionuclide mobility across the relief and weathering mantle consisted of an analysis of the schematic profiles of elevation related with each radionuclide; a comparison of the K, eU and eTh maps with their 3D correspondents; and the study of mass movements registered in the region. A statistical comparison of lithogeochemical (K, U, Th) and geophysical (K, eU, eTh) data showed consistency in all the granitic suites studied (Morro Inglês, Rio do Poço and Canavieiras-Estrela). Through gamma-ray spectrometry, it was possible to establish relationships between scars (from mass movements) and the gamma-ray responses as well as the radionuclide mobility and the relief and to map the granitic bodies.
The PorGamRays project aims to develop a portable gamma-ray detection system with both spectroscopic and imaging capabilities. The system is designed around a stack of thin Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) detectors. The imaging capability utilises the Compton camera principle. Each detector is segmented into 100 pixels which are read out through custom designed Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). This device has potential applications in the security, decommissioning and medical fields. This work focuses on the near-field imaging performance of a lab-based demonstrator consisting of two pixelated CZT detectors, each of which is bonded to a NUCAM II ASIC. Measurements have been made with point {sup 133}Ba and {sup 57}Co sources located {approx}35mm from the surface of the scattering detector. Position resolution of {approx}20mm FWHM in the x and y planes is demonstrated.
X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy has become a widely accepted method in the metallurgical field for analysis of both minor and major elements. As encountered in many other analytical techniques, the problem of matrix effect generally known as the interelemental effects is to be dealt with effectively in order to make the analysis accurate. There are several methods by which the effects of matrix on the analyte are minimised or corrected for and the mathematical correction is one among them. In this method the characteristic secondary X-ray intensities are measured from standard samples and correction coefficients. If any, for interelemental effects are evaluated by mathematical calculations. This paper describes attempts to evaluate the correction coefficients for interelemental effects by multiple linear regression programmes using a computer for the quantitative analysis of stainless steel and a nickel base cast alloy. The quantitative results obtained using this method for a standard stainless steel sample are compared with the given certified values. (author)
The X-RaySpectrometer (XRS) instrument of Suzaku provided the first measurement of the non-X-ray background (NXB) of an X-ray calorimeter spectrometer, but the data set was limited. The Soft X-raySpectrometer (SXS) instrument of Hitomi was able to provide a more detailed picture of X-ray calorimeter background, with more than 360 ks of data while pointed at the Earth, and a comparable amount of blank-sky data. These data are important not only for analyzing SXS science data, but also for categorizing the contributions to the NXB in X-ray calorimeters as a class. In this paper, we present the contributions to the SXS NXB, the types and effectiveness of the screening, the interaction of the screening with the broad-band redistribution, and the residual background spectrum as a function of magnetic cut-off rigidity. The orbit-averaged SXS NXB in the range 0.3-12 keV was 4 × 10-2 counts s-1 cm-2. This very low background in combination with groundbreaking spectral resolution gave SXS unprecedented sensitivity to weak spectral lines.
High resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy is a relatively new field that holds great promise for further understanding of high energy astrophysical processes. Preliminary results such as the annihilation radiation from the galactic center, the 26 Al line from the galactic plane and cyclotron lines from neutron stars may well be just the initial discoveries of a rich and as yet undeveloped field. When the high resolution gamma-rayspectrometer (GRSE) was removed from the GRO payload NASA decided to initiate a balloon program to permit continued development and improvement of instrumentation in this field, as well as continued scientific observations. The Gamma-Ray Imaging Spectrometer (GRIS) is one of the experiments selected as part of this program. The instrument contains a number of new and innovative features that are expected to produce a significant improvement in source location accuracy and sensitivity over previous balloon and satellite experiments. 6 refs., 2 figs
Hard X-ray spectroscopy is an essential diagnostics used to understand physical processes that take place in high energy density plasmas produced by intense laser-plasma interactions. A bundle of hard X-ray detectors, of which the responses have different energy thresholds, is used as a conventional single-shot spectrometer for high-flux (>10{sup 13} photons/shot) hard X-rays. However, high energy resolution (Δhv/hv < 0.1) is not achievable with a differential energy threshold (DET) X-rayspectrometer because its energy resolution is limited by energy differences between the response thresholds. Experimental demonstration of a Compton X-rayspectrometer has already been performed for obtaining higher energy resolution than that of DET spectrometers. In this paper, we describe design details of the Compton X-rayspectrometer, especially dependence of energy resolution and absolute response on photon-electron converter design and its background reduction scheme, and also its application to the laser-plasma interaction experiment. The developed spectrometer was used for spectroscopy of bremsstrahlung X-rays generated by intense laser-plasma interactions using a 200 μm thickness SiO{sub 2} converter. The X-ray spectrum obtained with the Compton X-rayspectrometer is consistent with that obtained with a DET X-rayspectrometer, furthermore higher certainly of a spectral intensity is obtained with the Compton X-rayspectrometer than that with the DET X-rayspectrometer in the photon energy range above 5 MeV.
An instrument was fabricated for use of x-ray resonant inelastic scattering with high-energy resolution in expectation of finding new physical phenomena in strongly correlated electron systems. In the scattering x-rayspectrometer, an asymmetric Johanson crystal spectrometer, which was deployed in an asymmetric Rowland configuration, was designed, fabricated and assessed. The performance expected theoretically for the Johanson spectrometer was recognized from experiments by use of synchrotron radiation. (Y. Kazumata)
Here we present an operational method to improve accuracy and information content of ground-based measurements of stratospheric NO 2 . The motive is to improve the investigation of trends in NO 2 , and is important because the current trend in NO 2 appears to contradict the trend in its source, suggesting that the stratospheric circulation has changed. To do so, a new software package for retrieving NO 2 vertical profiles from slant columns measured by zenith-sky spectrometers has been created. It uses a Rodgers optimal linear inverse method coupled with a radiative transfer model for calculations of transfer functions between profiles and columns, and a chemical box model for taking into account the NO 2 variations during twilight and during the day. Each model has parameters that vary according to season and location. Forerunners of each model have been previously validated. The scheme maps random errors in the measurements and systematic errors in the models and their parameters on to the retrieved profiles. Initialisation for models is derived from well-established climatologies. The software has been tested by comparing retrieved profiles to simultaneous balloon-borne profiles at mid-latitudes in spring
Here we present an operational method to improve accuracy and information content of ground-based measurements of stratospheric NO{sub 2}. The motive is to improve the investigation of trends in NO{sub 2}, and is important because the current trend in NO{sub 2} appears to contradict the trend in its source, suggesting that the stratospheric circulation has changed. To do so, a new software package for retrieving NO{sub 2} vertical profiles from slant columns measured by zenith-sky spectrometers has been created. It uses a Rodgers optimal linear inverse method coupled with a radiative transfer model for calculations of transfer functions between profiles and columns, and a chemical box model for taking into account the NO{sub 2} variations during twilight and during the day. Each model has parameters that vary according to season and location. Forerunners of each model have been previously validated. The scheme maps random errors in the measurements and systematic errors in the models and their parameters on to the retrieved profiles. Initialisation for models is derived from well-established climatologies. The software has been tested by comparing retrieved profiles to simultaneous balloon-borne profiles at mid-latitudes in spring.
The application of a space-resolving spectrometer to X-ray Thomson Scattering (XRTS) experiments has the potential to advance the study of warm dense matter. This has motivated the design of a spherical crystal spectrometer, which is a doubly focusing geometry with an overall high sensitivity and the capability of providing high-resolution, space-resolved spectra. A detailed analysis of the image fluence and crystal throughput in this geometry is carried out and analytical estimates of these quantities are presented. This analysis informed the design of a new spectrometer intended for future XRTS experiments on the Z-machine. The new spectrometer collects 6 keV x-rays with a spherically bent Ge (422) crystal and focuses the collected x-rays onto the Rowland circle. The spectrometer was built and then tested with a foam target. The resulting high-quality spectra prove that a spherical spectrometer is a viable diagnostic for XRTS experiments.
Safeguards isotopic measurements require the best spectrometer systems with excellent resolution, stability and throughput. Up until about a year ago, gamma ray spectroscopy has always been done using the analog amplifier, which processes the pulses from the preamplifier to remove the noise, reject the pile up signals, and shape the signals into some desirable form before sending them to the analog to digital converter (ADC) to be digitized. In late 1996, EG and G Ortec introduced a digital gamma rayspectrometer (DSPec) which uses digital technology to analyze the preamplifiers' pulses from all types of germanium and silicon detectors. Considering its performance, digital based spectroscopy may become the way of future gamma ray spectroscopy
The XSST (X-RaySpectrometer/Spectrograph Telescope) rocket payload launched by a Nike Boosted Black Brant was designed to provide high spectral resolution coronal soft X-ray line information on a spectrographic plate, as well as time resolved photo-electric records of pre-selected lines and spectral regions. This spectral data is obtained from a 1 x 10 arc second solar region defined by the paraboloidal telescope of the XSST. The transition region camera provided full disc images in selected spectral intervals originating in lower temperature zones than the emitting regions accessible to the XSST. A H-alpha camera system allowed referencing the measurements to the chromospheric temperatures and altitudes. Payload flight and recovery information is provided along with X-ray photoelectric and UV flight data, transition camera results and a summary of the anomalies encountered. Instrument mechanical stability and spectrometer pointing direction are also examined.
The authors described the method and results for determination of seven radionuclides: 238 U, 235 U, 226 Ra, 232 Th, 40 K, 60 Co and 137 Cs in the river sediment Certified Reference Material (CRM) using a HPGe gamma-rayspectrometer. The accuracy and reliability of measurement results were improved through varieties of techniques, which include: precise calibration of the gamma-rayspectrometer, coincidence summing correction and interference peak correction, two kinds of peak analysis methods (TPA and function fit), and utilization of as many as possible characteristic gamma-rays. Present measurement results for the seven radionuclides were in agreement with the verification results of the CRM with 1 σ or 2σ uncertainty, and its relative deviation were in the range of +1.0%--6.5%
A matrix-independent fundamental parameter-based calibration model for an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer has been developed. This model, which is part of a fundamental parameter approach quantification method, accounts for both the excitation and detection probability. For each...... secondary target a number of relative calibration constants are calculated on the basis of knowledge of the irradiation geometry, the detector specifications, and tabulated fundamental physical parameters. The absolute calibration of the spectrometer is performed by measuring one pure element standard per...
A high resolution fluorescence spectrometer using a Johann geometry in a back scattering arrangement was developed. The spectrometer, with a resolution of 0.3 eV at 6.5 keV, combined with an incident beam, with a resolution of 0.7 eV, form the basis of a high resolution instrument for measuring x-ray absorption spectra. The advantages of the instrument are illustrated with the near edge absorption spectrum of dysprosium nitrate. 10 refs., 4 figs
A new X-rayspectrometer developed in ATOMKI is described. The measuring head contains a p-type Si(Li) detector surrounded by an Al collimator, a charge sensitive preamplifier and a vacuum cryostat. The analog pulse processor uses filters with variable parameters. The characteristic properties of the spectrometer (energy resolution, its dependence on load, stability) are investigated. The background is measured using three different radioactive sources and the results are compared with those of other pulse forming techniques. (D.Gy.)
The regional radiometric gamma-ray spectrometry map of Syria, scaled 1/1000000, for surficial concentration of the total radioactivity (Ur), eU, eTh and %K was completely achieved after normalizing the airborne and carbon data sets to match each other. It worthy notice that, the anomalies found to be closely related to either phosphate and/or glauconite deposits. It is worth mentioning that throughout the survey work many scattered occurrences of secondary uranium mineralization were found as spots in some formations and phosphate rocks. Where this phenomena attributes to chemical and physical disseminating instead of accumulating the radioelements. So, that leads to a weak expectation for usual surface uranium deposits where attributed to the oxidizing condition. Then this expectation remains, as an open question requires answering through planning to subsurface prospecting. (Author)
A novel, light-weight, hand-held gamma-ray detector with directional sensitivity is being designed. The detector uses a set of multiple rings around two cylindrical surfaces, which provides precise location of two interaction points on two concentric cylindrical planes, wherefrom the source location can be traced back by back projection and/or Compton imaging technique. The detectors are 2.0 × 2.0 mm europium-doped strontium iodide (SrI2:Eu2+) crystals, whose light output has been measured to exceed 120,000 photons/MeV, making it one of the brightest scintillators in existence. The crystal’s energy resolution, less than 3% at 662 keV, is also excellent, and the response is highly linear over a wide range of gamma-ray energies. The emission of SrI2:Eu2+ is well matched to both photo-multiplier tubes and blue-enhanced silicon photodiodes. The solid-state photomultipliers used in this design (each 2.0 × 2.0 mm) are arrays of active pixel sensors (avalanche photodiodes driven beyond their breakdown voltage in reverse bias); each pixel acts as a binary photon detector, and their summed output is an analog representation of the total photon energy, while the individual pixel accurately defines the point of interaction. A simple back-projection algorithm involving cone-surface mapping is being modeled. The back projection for an event cone is a conical surface defining the possible location of the source. The cone axis is the straight line passing through the first and second interaction points.
In order to obtain information on radioactive background induced in the Apollo 15 and 16 gamma-rayspectrometers (7 cm x 7 cm NaI) by particle irradiation during spaceflight, and identical detector was flown and returned to earth on the Apollo 17 mission. The induced radioactivity was monitored both internally and externally from one and a half hours after splashdown. When used in conjunction with a computation scheme for estimating induced activation from calculated trapped proton and cosmic-ray fluences, these results show an important contribution resulting from both thermal and energetic neutrons produced in the heavy spacecraft by cosmic-ray interactions.
We are developing high-resolution cryogenic gamma-rayspectrometers for nuclear science and non-proliferation applications. The gamma-ray detectors are composed of a bulk superconducting Sn foil absorber attached to multilayer Mo/Cu transition-edge sensors (TES). The energy resolution achieved with a 1 x 1 x 0.25 mm 3 Sn absorber is 50 -90eV for γ-rays up to 100 keV and it decreases for large absorber sizes. We discuss the trade-offs between energy resolution and dynamic range, as well as development of TES arrays for higher count rates and better sensitivity
We are developing high-resolution cryogenic gamma-rayspectrometers for nuclear science and non-proliferation applications. The gamma-ray detectors are composed of a bulk superconducting Sn foil absorber attached to a multilayer Mo/Cu transition-edge sensor (TES). The energy resolution of a detector with a 1x1x0.25 mm{sup 3} Sn absorber is 50-90 eV FWHM for {gamma}-rays up to 100 keV, and it decreases for larger absorbers. Here, we present the detector performance for different absorber volumes, and discuss the trade-offs between energy resolution and dynamic range.
A portable X-ray diffractometer equipped with an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer was improved so as to obtain a diffraction pattern and a fluorescence spectrum in air from one and the same small area of a specimen. The reason why the portable XRD with an XRF spectrometer was specially designed for archaeology may be understood from the following facts: (1) some objects exhibited in museums are not allowed to be transferred from the open air to a vacuum, even if their volumes are small; (2) some objects are very difficult to move from their original sites; (3) some parts of exhibits are extremely fragile and cannot be examined in a vacuum; and (4) information on the chemical composition and structure from the same area of an object offers a better understanding of the constitutive materials of the object. Some examples of the use of a portable X-ray diffractometer equipped with an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer in the field are also introduced. Experimental results of Sho-kannon, Snew's mask and Tutankhamun's golden mask are shown here. (author)
The use of Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTS) in the soft x-ray region is advocated as a possible route to spectral resolution superior to that attainable with a grating system. A technical plan is described for applying FTS to the study of the absorption spectrum of helium in the region of double ionization around 60--80 eV. The proposed scheme includes a Mach-Zehnder interferometer deformed into a rhombus shape to provide grazing incidence reflections. The path difference between the interfering beams is to be tuned by translation of a table carrying four mirrors over a range ±1 cm which, in the absence of errors generating relative tilts of the wave fronts, would provide a resolving power equal to the number of waves of path difference: half a million at 65 eV, for example. The signal-to-noise ratio of the spectrum is analyzed and for operation on an Advanced Light Source bending magnet beam line should be about 330
This report describes the application of portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry to characterize materials related to deactivation and decommissioning (D and D) of contaminated facilities. Two portable XRF instruments manufactured by TN Spectrace were used in a technology evaluation as part of the Large-Scale Demonstration Project (LSDP) held at the Chicago Pile-5 Research Reactor (CP-5) located at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). The LSDP is sponsored by the US Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Science and Technology, Deactivation and Decommissioning Focus Are (DDFA). The objective of the LSDP is to demonstrate innovative technologies or technology applications potentially beneficial to the D and D of contaminated facilities. The portable XRF technology offers several potential benefits for rapid characterization of facility components and contaminants, including significant cost reduction, fast turnaround time,a nd virtually no secondary waste. Field work for the demonstration of the portable XRF technology was performed from August 28--September 3, 1996 and October 30--December 13, 1996
Beta-decay studies are one of the main goals of the DEcay SPECtroscopy experiment (DESPEC) to be installed at the future Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research (FAIR). DESPEC aims at the study of nuclear structure of exotic nuclei. A new modular Decay Total Absorption gamma-raySpectrometer (DTAS) is being built at IFIC and is specially adapted to studies at fragmentation facilities such as the Super Fragment Separator (Super-FRS) at FAIR. The designed spectrometer is composed of 16 identical NaI(Tl) scintillation crystals. This work focuses on the characterization of these independent modules, as an initial step for the characterization of the full spectrometer. Monte Carlo simulations have been performed in order to understand the detector response.
In this work, we have built a portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer in a planar configuration coupled to a Raman head and a digital optical microscope, for in situ analysis. Several geometries for the XRF apparatus and digital microscope are possible in order to overcome spatial constraints and provide better measurement conditions. With this combined spectrometer, we are now able to perform XRF and Raman measurements in the same point without the need for sample collection, which can be crucial when dealing with cultural heritage objects, as well as forensic analysis. We show the capabilities of the spectrometer by measuring several standard reference materials, as well as other samples usually encountered in cultural heritage, geological, as well as biomedical studies.
LAXRIS (large area x-ray imaging spectrometer) is an experimental, balloon-borne, hard x-ray telescope that consists of a coaligned array of x-ray imaging spectrometer modules capable of obtaining high angular resolution (1--3 arcminutes) with moderate energy resolution in the 20- to 300-keV region. Each spectrometer module consists of a CsI(Na) crystal coupled to a position-sensitive phototube with a crossed-wire, resistive readout. Imaging is provided by a coded aperture mask with a 4-m focal length. The high angular resolution is coupled with rather large area (/approximately/800 cm 2 ) to provide good sensitivity. Results are presented on performance and overall design. Sensitivity estimates are derived from a Monte-Carlo code developed to model the LAXRIS response to background encountered at balloon altitudes. We discuss a variety of observations made feasible by high angular resolution. For instance, spatially resolving the nonthermal x-ray emission from clusters of galaxies is suggested as an ideal program for LAXRIS. 15 refs., 5 figs
Extensive studies have been carried out on the structure of X-ray spectra from the highly stripped ions of first transition elements and their behavior in high temperature plasma, using a high resolution crystal spectrometer. Calculation was made on the design and the use of a curved crystal spectrometer for plasma diagnostics. A Johann type crystal spectrometer for measuring X-ray lines was constructed on the basis of the calculation. The characteristics of curved crystals of LiF, Ge and quartz used for the measurement of Kα lines from first transition elements were investigated. Vacuum sparks have been formed for producing high temperature plasma which emits X-ray lines from highly stripped ions. Two different structures of vacuum spark plasma were shown, that is, thermalized point plasma and extended plasma associated with non-thermal electrons. The X-ray lines from the extended plasma, those associated with the K shell from the point plasma and the Kα lines of Ti through Zn from the point plasma have been observed. (Kako, I.)
Two portable NaI(Tl) spectrometers with four energy windows were used for the recording of gamma-ray counts over soil and rock of differing natural radioactivity. The exposure rates at the field sites were simultaneously measured with a high-pressure argon ionization chamber. Background measureme......Two portable NaI(Tl) spectrometers with four energy windows were used for the recording of gamma-ray counts over soil and rock of differing natural radioactivity. The exposure rates at the field sites were simultaneously measured with a high-pressure argon ionization chamber. Background...... measurements at sea were carried out in order to estimate the non-terrestrial contributions to the instrument readings. Counts recorded in the three high-energy windows of the spectrometers were converted into radiometrically equivalent concentrations of thorium, uranium, and potassium in the ground. Large....... The theoretical exposure rates deducible from the experimental radioelement concentrations at the field sites were in good agreement both with the ionization-chamber readings (corrected for cosmic-ray background) and with the exposure rates measured by total gamma-ray counting. From this and other results...
An X-ray bent-crystal spectrometer, which is developed by Southwestern Institute of Physics, has been aligned and experimental on the HL-1 Tokamak device. It has been used to acquire experimental spectrum. This spectrometer has time resolution function and is a high through-put and high resolution Bragg crystal spectrometer with Johann configuration. It uses a large quartz lamina, its effective area is 11 x 5 cm 2 , with a radius of curvature of 377 cm as the dispersion element. The detector is a large size (10 x 10 cm 2 ) one-dimensional resolving multiwire proportional counter, and the spectral resolving power is R ≅ 18000. Under the injection of Ar into hydrogen plasma, the He-like Ar ion satellite spectra at some wavelength ranges are obtained. The central ion temperature has been given out from the Doppler broadening of He-like Ar x VII 3.9457 angstrom resonance line. This shows the success of spectrometer developed. The experimental results and the further improvement of this spectrometer are also discussed
A monolithic spectrometer is disclosed for use in spectroscopy. The spectrometer is a single body of translucent material with positioned surfaces for the transmission, reflection and spectral analysis of light rays.
The high resolving measurement of hard X-ray spectra generated in laser-produced plasma is usually performed using a cylindrically curved crystal spectrometer. In this paper, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation are performed to investigate the dependence of the energy range and resolving power on various design parameters, including crystal bending radius, source to crystal standoff distance, source size, location of the detector, etc. The investigation provides a means to design and develop cylindrically transmission curved crystal spectrometer which is used in hard X-ray diagnostics. The results show that crystal bending radius has a great influence on energy range of spectra and resolving power, and the separation between the spectral lines increases with the distance behind the focal circle faster than the line width, resulting in increased resolving power with distance. (authors)
A BASIC computer programme has been developed that measures the long- and short-term stability of an X-rayspectrometer and operational errors (and compares them with the limits specified by the manufacturer) and the dead time of the associated detectors. The programme also carries out checks on the spectrometer with regard to the performance of different combinations of the crystals, the detectors, the collimators, the sin 2 THETA angles, the apertures, the tracking of the sin 2 THETA amplifier, the operation of the second-order spectrum circuits, the operation of the automatic pulse-height analyser, the condition of the detectors, the condition of the X-ray tube, spectral contamination by the tube spectrum, and physical contamination by analytical specimens. Although the measurements take 15 hours, there is no disruption to normal, routine laboratory work since the measurements can be made automatically after routine work has been completed. Only four sample positions are required for this monitoring programme
In order to make the magnetic β-rayspectrometer suitable for rapid measurements of electron spectra with short-lived nuclides, twelve small GM counters have been arrayed along the focal plane of a 180deg focusing flat type design. All the signal pulses from each one of these detectors are mixed together onto a single cable. By means of multichannel PHA, each pulse can be traced back to the specific detector which sent it out. In order to avoid time consuming evacuation procedures, the sample source is placed outside a thin window of the preevacuated analyzer chamber. By the use of this multichannel spectrometer a β-ray spectrum with maximum energy up to about 10 MeV can be measured within 1 min or so. Electron spectra measured with 113m In, 119m In and 144 Pr source are shown. (author)
This paper presents the principal results of a study concerning low-level counting capabilities of GeLi gamma-rayspectrometers. The expression adopted for the theoretical sensitivity limit of gamma spectrometers has been experimentally verified with very low activity samples, using 17 installations of various characteristics. This expression sets off the influence of the efficiency, the environmental conditions on the sensitivity limits. It can be used also to eliminate the fraudulents peaks in automatical analysis of gamma-ray spectras. At last, it provides a list of criteria to determine the most suitable characteristics of a detector according to a special problem. Informations which have to be obtained from the manufacturers are specified [fr
The first aim of this project was the characterisation of the VG Scientific Clam 100 based, XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy). Spectrometer in the Physics department at Dublin City University Detailed energy scale and intensity scale calibrations were carried out using sputter-cleaned Au (Gold), Ag (Silver), Cu (Copper) and Pd (Palladium) foil samples. Analysis of these calibration spectra against standard reference spectra led to an accurate energy calibration and the production of indi...
The results obtained from an airborne high sensitivity gamma-rayspectrometer and magnetometer survey over the Sagavanirktok map area of Alaska are presented. Based on the criteria outlined in the general section on interpretation, a total of eight uranium anomalies have been outlined on the interpretation map. However, all of these zones are only weakly to moderately anomalous. None are thought to be indicative of local enrichment of uranium to economically significant levels. No follow-up work is recommended
Preliminary identifications of instrumental and atmospheric background lines detected by the gamma-rayspectrometer on NASA's Solar Maximum Mission satellite (SMM) are presented. The long-term and stable operation of this experiment has provided data of high quality for use in this analysis. Methods are described for identifying radioactive isotopes which use their different decay times. Temporal evolution of the features are revealed by spectral comparisons, subtractions, and fits. An understanding of these temporal variations has enabled the data to be used for detecting celestial gamma-ray sources.
The wavelength calibration of x-ray imaging crystal spectrometer is a key issue for the measurements of plasma rotation. For the lack of available standard radiation source near 3.95 Å and there is no other diagnostics to measure the core rotation for inter-calibration, an indirect method by using tokamak plasma itself has been applied on joint Texas experimental tokamak. It is found that the core toroidal rotation velocity is not zero during locked mode phase. This is consistent with the observation of small oscillations on soft x-ray signals and electron cyclotron emission during locked-mode phase
A semiconductor detector x-rayspectrometer has been constructed for the analysis of elements in air particulate specimens. The excitation radiation is provided, either directly or indirectly, using a low power (40 watts) Ag anode x-ray tube. Less than 100 ng for most of the elements in the range Mg → Zr, Pb are easily detected within two 1-minute counting intervals. A calibration technique for light element analysis and an experimental method which compensates for particle size effects are discussed. (auth)
The SWEPP Gamma-RaySpectrometer (SGRS) System has been developed by the Radiation Measurements and Development Unit of the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory to assist in the characterization of the radiological contents of contact-handled waste containers at the Stored Waste Examination Pilot Plant (SWEPP). In addition to determining the concentrations of gamma-ray-emitting radionuclides, the software also calculates attenuation-corrected isotopic mass ratios of specific interest, and provides controls for SGRS hardware as required. This document presents the test plan and report for the data acquisition and analysis software associated with the SGRS system
OSIRIS-REx is the third spacecraft in the NASA New Frontiers Program and is planned for launch in 2016. OSIRIS-REx will orbit the near-Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu, characterize it, and return a sample of the asteroid's regolith back to Earth. The Regolith X-ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) is an instrument on OSIRIS-REx designed and built by students at MIT and Harvard. The purpose of REXIS is to collect and image sun-induced fluorescent X-rays emitted by Bennu, thereby providing spectrosco...
This paper summarizes the experience gained in the use of a carborne gamma-rayspectrometer system for mapping both natural and man-made radiation. Particular emphasis is placed on the calibration of the system for converting the gamma-ray measurements to ground concentrations of potassium, uranium and thorium and the activity of {sup 137}Cs. During the Finnish Emergency Response Exercise (Resume95), the carborne system was shown to be effective in mapping both natural and man-made radiation from {sup 137}Cs fallout and in locating radioactive sources. The application of the carborne system for mineral exploration is also demonstrated. (au). 10 refs.
We propose a new method of alpha (α)-ray measurement that detects helium atoms with a Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (QMS). A demonstration is undertaken with a plastic-covered 241 Am α-emitting source to detect α-rays stopped in the capsule. We successfully detect helium atoms that diffuse out of the capsule by accumulating them for 1-20h in a closed chamber. The detected amount is found to be proportional to the accumulation time. Our method is applicable to probe α-emitting radioactivity in bulk material
This paper summarizes the experience gained in the use of a carborne gamma-rayspectrometer system for mapping both natural and man-made radiation. Particular emphasis is placed on the calibration of the system for converting the gamma-ray measurements to ground concentrations of potassium, uranium and thorium and the activity of 137 Cs. During the Finnish Emergency Response Exercise (Resume95), the carborne system was shown to be effective in mapping both natural and man-made radiation from 137 Cs fallout and in locating radioactive sources. The application of the carborne system for mineral exploration is also demonstrated. (au)
Cryogenic high-resolution X-rayspectrometers are typically operated with thin IR blocking windows to reduce radiative heating of the detector while allowing good x-ray transmission. We have estimated the temperature profile of these IR blocking windows under typical operating conditions. We show that the temperature in the center of the window is raised due to radiation from the higher temperature stages. This can increase the infrared photon flux onto the detector, thereby increasing the IR noise and decreasing the cryostat hold time. The increased window temperature constrains the maximum window size and the number of windows required. We discuss the consequences for IR blocking window design
This paper summarizes the experience gained in the use of a carborne gamma-rayspectrometer system for mapping both natural and man-made radiation. Particular emphasis is placed on the calibration of the system for converting the gamma-ray measurements to ground concentrations of potassium, uranium and thorium and the activity of {sup 137}Cs. During the Finnish Emergency Response Exercise (Resume95), the carborne system was shown to be effective in mapping both natural and man-made radiation from {sup 137}Cs fallout and in locating radioactive sources. The application of the carborne system for mineral exploration is also demonstrated. (au). 10 refs.
The Regolith X-ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) is the student collaboration experiment proposed and built by an MIT-Harvard team, launched aboard NASA's OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission. REXIS complements the scientific investigations of other OSIRIS-REx instruments by determining the relative abundances of key elements present on the asteroid's surface by measuring the X-ray fluorescence spectrum (stimulated by the natural solar X-ray flux) over the range of energies 0.5 to 7 keV. REXIS consists of two components: a main imaging spectrometer with a coded aperture mask and a separate solar X-ray monitor to account for the Sun's variability. In addition to element abundance ratios (relative to Si) pinpointing the asteroid's most likely meteorite association, REXIS also maps elemental abundance variability across the asteroid's surface using the asteroid's rotation as well as the spacecraft's orbital motion. Image reconstruction at the highest resolution is facilitated by the coded aperture mask. Through this operation, REXIS will be the first application of X-ray coded aperture imaging to planetary surface mapping, making this student-built instrument a pathfinder toward future planetary exploration. To date, 60 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels have been involved with the REXIS project, with the hands-on experience translating to a dozen Master's and Ph.D. theses and other student publications.
The Elpasolite Planetary Ice and Composition Spectrometer (EPICS) is an innovative, low-resource gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer for planetary science missions, enabled by new scintillator and photodetector technologies. Neutrons and gamma rays are produced by cosmic ray interactions with planetary bodies and their subsequent interactions with the near-surface materials produce distinctive energy spectra. Measuring these spectra reveals details of the planetary near-surface composition that are not accessible through any other phenomenology. EPICS will be the first planetary science instrument to fully integrate the neutron and gamma-rayspectrometers. This integration is enabled by the elpasolite family of scintillators that offer gamma-ray spectroscopy energy resolutions as good as 3% FWHM at 662 keV, thermal neutron sensitivity, and the ability to distinguish gamma-ray and neutron signals via pulse shape differences. This new detection technology will significantly reduce size, weight, and power (SWaP) while providing similar neutron performance and improved gamma energy resolution compared to previous scintillator instruments, and the ability to monitor the cosmic-ray source term. EPICS will detect scintillation light with silicon photomultipliers rather than traditional photomultiplier tubes, offering dramatic additional SWaP reduction. EPICS is under development with Los Alamos National Laboratory internal research and development funding. Here we report on the EPICS design, provide an update on the current status of the EPICS development, and discuss the expected sensitivity and performance of EPICS in several potential missions to airless bodies.
The main goal of the gamma-rayspectrometer (GRS) onboard Chang'E-1 (CE-1) is to acquire global maps of elemental abundances and their distributions on the moon, since such maps will significantly improve our understanding of lunar formation and evolution. To derive the elemental maps and enable research on lunar formation and evolution, raw data that are received directly from the spacecraft must be converted into time series corrected gamma-ray spectra. The data correction procedures for the CE-1 GRS time series data are thoroughly described. The processing procedures to create the time series gamma-ray spectra described here include channel processing, optimal data selection, energy calibration, gain correction, dead time correction, geometric correction, orbit altitude normalization, eliminating unusable data and galactic cosmic ray correction. Finally, descriptions are also given on data measurement uncertainties, which will help the interested scientists to understand and estimate various uncertainties associated with the above data processing. (research papers)
The next generation of γ-rayspectrometers like AGATA will provide high quality γ-ray spectra by the new Gamma-Ray Tracking technique (GRT). Position sensitive HPGe detectors will allow for precise Doppler correction and small broadening of lines for spectroscopy at relativistic energies. GRT is based on the interaction position of the γ-rays within the volume of the highly segmented germanium detectors provided by Pulse Shape Analysis (PSA) methods. The proof of principle of GRT was already demonstrated with great success however systematic deviations from expected results occur. The parameterization of the following detector properties and their impact on PSA were thoroughly investigated and optimized: electron and hole mobility, crystal axis orientation, space charge distributions, crystal impurities, response functions of preamplifiers and digitizers, linear and differential crosstalk, time alignment of pulses and the distance metric. Results of an improved PSA performance are presented.
The main goal of the gamma-rayspectrometer (GRS) onboard Chang'E-l (CE-1) is to acquire global maps of elemental abundances and their distributions on the moon, since such maps will significantly improve our understanding of lunar formation and evolution. To derive the elemental maps and enable research on lunar formation and evolution, raw data that are received directly from the spacecraft must be converted into time series corrected gamma-ray spectra. The data correction procedures for the CE-1 GRS time series data are thoroughly described. The processing procedures to create the time series gamma-ray spectra described here include channel processing, optimal data selection, energy calibration, gain correction, dead time correction, geometric correction, orbit altitude normalization, eliminating unusable data and galactic cosmic ray correction. Finally, descriptions are also given on data measurement uncertainties, which will help the interested scientists to understand and estimate various uncertainties associated with the above data processing.
We present a short working distance miniature x-ray emission spectrometer (miniXES) based on the cylindrical von Hamos geometry. We describe the general design principles for the spectrometer and detail a specific implementation that covers Kβ and valence level emission from Fe. Large spatial and angular access to the sample region provides compatibility with environmental chambers, microprobe, and pump/probe measurements. The primary spectrometer structure and optic is plastic, printed using a 3-dimensional rapid-prototype machine. The spectrometer is inexpensive to construct and is portable; it can be quickly set up at any focused beamline with a tunable narrow bandwidth monochromator. The sample clearance is over 27 mm, providing compatibility with a variety of environment chambers. An overview is also given of the calibration and data processing procedures, which are implemented by a multiplatform user-friendly software package. Finally, representative measurements are presented. Background levels are below the level of the Kβ 2,5 valence emission, the weakest diagram line in the system, and photometric analysis of count rates finds that the instrument is performing at the theoretical limit.
A multichannel vacuum Brag-crystal spectrometer has been developed for high-resolution measurements of the line emission from tokamak plasmas in the wavelength region between 4 and 25 /angstrom/. The spectrometer employs a bent crystal in Johann geometry and a microchannel-plate intensified photodiode array. The instrument is capable of measuring high-resolution spectra (λ/Δλ ∼ 3000) with fast time resolution (4 msec per spectrum) and good spatial resolution (3 cm). The spectral bandwidth is Δλ/λ 0 = 8/angstrom/. A simple tilt mechanism allows access to different wavelength intervals. In order to illustrate the utility of the new spectrometer, time- and space-resolved measurements of the n = 3 to n = 2 spectrum of selenium from the Princeton Large Torus tokamak plasmas are presented. The data are used to determine the plasma transport parameters and to infer the radial distribution of fluorinelike, neonlike, and sodiumlike ions of selenium in the plasma. The new ultra-soft x-rayspectrometer has thus enabled us to demonstrate the utility of high-resolution L-shell spectroscopy of neonlike ions as a fusion diagnostic. 43 refs., 23 figs
A gamma-rayspectrometer based on LaBr{sub 3}(Ce) scintillator has been used for measurements of hard X-ray emission generated by runaway electrons in the FT-2 tokamak plasmas. Using of the fast LaBr{sub 3}(Ce) has allowed extending count rate range of the spectrometer by a factor of 10. A developed digital processing algorithm of the detector signal recorded with a digitizer sampling rate of 250 MHz has provided a pulse height analysis at count rates up to 10{sup 7} s{sup −1}. A spectrum deconvolution code DeGaSum has been applied for inferring the energy distribution of runaway electrons escaping from the plasma and interacting with materials of the FT-2 limiter in the vacuum chamber. The developed digital signal processing technique for LaBr{sub 3}(Ce) spectrometer has allowed studying the evolution of runaways energy distribution in the FT-2 plasma discharges with time resolution of 1–5 ms.
A preliminary design study is being performed on a soft X-rayspectrometer to measure K-shell spectra emitted by a warm dense plasma generated on Axis-I of the Dual-Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Testing (DARHT) facility at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The 100-ns-long intense, relativistic electron pulse with a beam current of 1.7 kA and energy of 19.8 MeV deposits energy into a thin metal foil heating it to a warm dense plasma. The collisional ionization of the target by the electron beam produces an anisotropic angular distribution of K-shell radiation and a continuum of both scattered electrons and Bremsstrahlung up to the beam energy of 19.8 MeV. The principal goal of this project is to characterize these angular distributions to determine the optimal location to deploy the soft X-rayspectrometer. In addition, a proof-of-principle design will be presented. The ultimate goal of the spectrometer is to obtain measurements of the plasma temperature and density to benchmark equation-of-state models of the warm dense matter regime.
The software suite SITENNO is developed for processing diffraction data collected in coherent X-ray diffraction imaging experiments of non-crystalline particles using an X-ray free-electron laser. Coherent X-ray diffraction imaging is a promising technique for visualizing the structures of non-crystalline particles with dimensions of micrometers to sub-micrometers. Recently, X-ray free-electron laser sources have enabled efficient experiments in the ‘diffraction before destruction’ scheme. Diffraction experiments have been conducted at SPring-8 Angstrom Compact free-electron LAser (SACLA) using the custom-made diffraction apparatus KOTOBUKI-1 and two multiport CCD detectors. In the experiments, ten thousands of single-shot diffraction patterns can be collected within several hours. Then, diffraction patterns with significant levels of intensity suitable for structural analysis must be found, direct-beam positions in diffraction patterns determined, diffraction patterns from the two CCD detectors merged, and phase-retrieval calculations for structural analyses performed. A software suite named SITENNO has been developed to semi-automatically apply the four-step processing to a huge number of diffraction data. Here, details of the algorithm used in the suite are described and the performance for approximately 9000 diffraction patterns collected from cuboid-shaped copper oxide particles reported. Using the SITENNO suite, it is possible to conduct experiments with data processing immediately after the data collection, and to characterize the size distribution and internal structures of the non-crystalline particles
Mars Pathfinder and the Russian Mars-96 will carry an Alpha Proton X-RaySpectrometer (APXS) for the determination of the chemical composition of Martian rocks and soil. The instrument will measure the concentration of all major and many minor elements, including C,N and O, at levels above typically 1%. The method employed consist of bombarding a sample of 50 mm diameter with alpha particles from a radioactive source (50 mCi of Cm-244) and measuring: (i) backscattered alpha particles (alpha mode) (ii) protons from (a,p) reactions with some light elements (proton mode) (iii) characteristic X-rays emitted from the sample (X-ray mode). The APXS has a long standing space heritage, going back to Surveyor V,VI and VII (1967/68) and the Soviet Phobos (1988) missions. The present design is the result of an endeavour to reduce mass and power consumption to 600g/ 300mW. It consist of a sensor head containing the alpha sources, a telescope of a silicon detectors for the detection of the alpha particles and protons and a separate X-ray detector with its preamplifier, and an electronics box (80x70x60 mm) containing a microcontroller based multichannel spectrometer. The paper will describe the APXS flight hardware and present results obtained with the flight instrument that will show the instrument capabili- ties and the expected results to be obtained during surface operations on Mars.
The SAGE spectrometer allows simultaneous in-beam γ-ray and internal conversion electron measurements, by combining a germanium detector array with a highly segmented silicon detector and an electron transport system. SAGE is coupled with the ritu gas-filled recoil separator and the great focal-plane spectrometer for recoil-decay tagging studies. Digital electronics are used both for the γ ray and the electron parts of the spectrometer. SAGE was commissioned in the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyvaeskylae in the beginning of 2010.
The 40 K radioactive of' the pressed powder sample was determined by Epsilon 5 high-energy polarized energy dispersive X ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer. The correlation coefficient of the standard curve method was 0.9910, the precision was 2.98% and the relative deviation of the measurement standard samples was up to 6.40%, which showed that the precision and accuracy of the method were also good. Simultaneous measurement of seven soil samples using this method and γ-spectrometer were carried, the results of two analytical methods were compared using a paired t-test by SPSS program, which showed that there was no significant difference in the two sets of data, P>0.05. It indicated that EDXRF could be a potential simple method for analyzing 40 K radioactive in soil samples. (authors)
A portable and compact photon spectrometer to be used for photon in-photon out experiments, in particular x-ray emission spectroscopy, is presented. The instrument operates in the 25–800 eV energy range to cover the full emissions of the FEL1 and FEL2 stages of FERMI. The optical design consists of two interchangeable spherical varied-lined-spaced gratings and a CCD detector. Different input sections can be accommodated, with/without an entrance slit and with/without an additional relay mirror, that allow to mount the spectrometer in different end-stations and at variable distances from the target area both at synchrotron and at free-electron-laser beamlines. The characterization on the Gas Phase beamline at ELETTRA Synchrotron (Italy) is presented
The possibility of decreasing the background of the X-rayspectrometer detector using the rise-time pulse selection method was investigated. Si(Li)-detectors of 10 and 25 mm 2 square were investigated. Spectrometer channel was composed of ORTEC-472 amplifier and ULTIMA/2 multichannel analyzer on the base of NOVA-3 minicomputer. The energy resolution was equal to 300 eV on 14 KeV line. The pulses of detection allowing were transmitted to analog-to-digital converter. The detection was allowed if front photopeak square) were measured at 17.4, 20.3 and 59.6 keV. 4-6-fold decrease of X-factor was obtained without any loss of detection efficiency. The combination of the method with collimation of radiation in the centre of the detector gives an extremely low value of X-factor which agress with theretical estimations
A matrix-independent fundamental parameter-based calibration model for an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer has been developed. This model, which is part of a fundamental parameter approach quantification method, accounts for both the excitation and detection probability. For each secondary target a number of relative calibration constants are calculated on the basis of knowledge of the irradiation geometry, the detector specifications, and tabulated fundamental physical parameters. The absolute calibration of the spectrometer is performed by measuring one pure element standard per secondary target. For sample systems where all elements can be analyzed by means of the same secondary target the absolute calibration constant can be determined during the iterative solution of the basic equation. Calculated and experimentally determined relative calibration constants agree to within 5-10% of each other and so do the results obtained from the analysis of an NBS certified alloy using the two sets of constants. (orig.)
A combined thermal neutron detector and gamma-rayspectrometer system, including: a detection medium including a lithium chalcopyrite crystal operable for detecting thermal neutrons in a semiconductor mode and gamma-rays in a scintillator mode; and a photodetector coupled to the detection medium also operable for detecting the gamma rays. Optionally, the detection medium includes a .sup.6LiInSe.sub.2 crystal. Optionally, the detection medium comprises a compound formed by the process of: melting a Group III element; adding a Group I element to the melted Group III element at a rate that allows the Group I and Group III elements to react thereby providing a single phase I-III compound; and adding a Group VI element to the single phase I-III compound and heating; wherein the Group I element includes lithium.
A large NaI(T1) spectrometer is expected to play a crucial role in the measurement of the energy spectra from an all-sky survey of high-energy celestial gamma rays on the Gamma Ray Observatory. The crystal size and requirements of space flight have resulted in a novel crystal-packaging and optics combination. The structure of this spectrometer and the operating characteristics determined in a test program using high energy positrons are described
The REgolith X-ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) instrument is a student collaboration instrument on the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission scheduled for launch in September 2016. The REXIS science mission is to characterize the elemental abundances of the asteroid Bennu on a global scale and to search for regions of enhanced elemental abundance. The thermal design of the REXIS instrument is challenging due to both the science requirements and the thermal environment in which it will operate. The REXIS instrument consists of two assemblies: the spectrometer and the solar X-ray monitor (SXM). The spectrometer houses a 2x2 array of back illuminated CCDs that are protected from the radiation environment by a one-time deployable cover and a collimator assembly with coded aperture mask. Cooling the CCDs during operation is the driving thermal design challenge on the spectrometer. The CCDs operate in the vicinity of the electronics box, but a 130 °C thermal gradient is required between the two components to cool the CCDs to -60 °C in order to reduce noise and obtain science data. This large thermal gradient is achieved passively through the use of a copper thermal strap, a large radiator facing deep space, and a two-stage thermal isolation layer between the electronics box and the DAM. The SXM is mechanically mounted to the sun-facing side of the spacecraft separately from the spectrometer and characterizes the highly variable solar X-ray spectrum to properly interpret the data from the asteroid. The driving thermal design challenge on the SXM is cooling the silicon drift detector (SDD) to below -30 °C when operating. A two-stage thermoelectric cooler (TEC) is located directly beneath the detector to provide active cooling, and spacecraft MLI blankets cover all of the SXM except the detector aperture to radiatively decouple the SXM from the flight thermal environment. This paper describes the REXIS thermal system requirements, thermal design, and analyses, with
An x-rayspectrometer employing a thin (50 μm) silicon transmission crystal was used to record high-resolution Cu Kα spectra from a laboratory x-ray source. The diffraction was from the (331) planes that were at an angle of 13.26° to the crystal surface. The components of the spectral lines resulting from single-vacancy (1s) and double-vacancy (1s and 3d) transitions were observed. After accounting for the natural lifetime widths from reference double-crystal spectra and the spatial resolution of the image plate detector, the intrinsic broadening of the transmission crystal was measured to be as small as 0.67 eV and the resolving power 12 000, the highest resolving power achieved by a compact (0.5 m long) spectrometer employing a single transmission crystal operating in the hard x-ray region. By recording spectra with variable source-to-crystal distances and comparing to the calculated widths from various geometrical broadening mechanisms, the primary contributions to the intrinsic crystal broadening were found to be the source height at small distances and the crystal apertured height at large distances. By reducing these two effects, using a smaller source size and vignetting the crystal height, the intrinsic crystal broadening is then limited by the crystal thickness and the rocking curve width and would be 0.4 eV at 8 keV energy (20 000 resolving power).
An active polynomial grating has been designed for use in synchrotron radiation soft-X-ray monochromators and spectrometers. The grating can be dynamically adjusted to obtain the third-order-polynomial surface needed to eliminate the defocus and coma aberrations at any photon energy. Ray-tracing results confirm that a monochromator or spectrometer based on this active grating has nearly no aberration limit to the overall spectral resolution in the entire soft-X-ray region. The grating substrate is made of a precisely milled 17-4 PH stainless steel parallel plate, which is joined to a flexure-hinge bender shaped by wire electrical discharge machining. The substrate is grounded into a concave cylindrical shape with a nominal radius and then polished to achieve a roughness of 0.45 nm and a slope error of 1.2 mu rad rms. The long trace profiler measurements show that the active grating can reach the desired third-order polynomial with a high degree of figure accuracy.
Superconducting tunnel junctions (STJs) are being developed as X-ray detectors because they combine the high energy resolution of cryogenic detector technologies with the high count rate capabilities of athermal devices. We have built STJ spectrometers for chemical analysis of dilute samples by high-resolution soft X-ray spectroscopy at the synchrotron. The instruments use 36 pixels of 200 (micro)m x 200 (micro)m Nb-Al-AlOx-Al-Nb STJs with 165 nm thick Nb absorber films. They have achieved an energy resolution of ∼10-20 eV FWHM for X-ray energies below 1 keV, and can be operated at a total count rate of ∼10 6 counts/s. For increased user-friendliness, we have built a liquid-cryogen-free refrigerator based on a two-stage pulse tube cryocooler in combination with a two-stage adiabatic demagnetization stage. It holds the STJ detector at the end of a 40-cm-long cold finger, and attains the required operating temperature of ∼0.3 K at the push of a button. We describe the instrument performance and present speciation measurements on Eu dopant activators in the novel scintillator material SrI 2 to illustrate the potential for STJ spectrometers at the synchrotron
This manual was prepared as an aid to those interested in the interpretation and application of high-sensitivity aerial gamma-rayspectrometer data in uranium exploration. Particular emphasis is on the first 10 radiometric surveys performed under the National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) program. The primary purpose of aerial gamma-rayspectrometer surveys in the NURE program is to map regional distributions of near-surface natural radioelements, i.e., the uranium and thorium decay series, and potassium-40. These data along with an understanding of the geochemical behavior of the pertinent isotopes under a variety of conditions allow uranium-enriched areas of the earth's crust (uraniferous provinces) to be identified as part of the regional appraisal phase of prospecting. Uranium ore deposits tend to occur more frequently in these generally enriched regions than elsewhere, and, consequently, uraniferous provinces constitute preferred territory for follow-up exploration methods such as detailed aerial or surface radiometric prospecting, geological studies, etc., to define potential prospects. These in turn may be investigated by still more detailed surface geological studies perhaps supplemented by radon or uranium geochemical surveys and exploration drilling and logging. This manual outlines the fundamentals of uranium geology and geochemistry along with interpretive approaches which may be used to identify statistically and geochemically significant uranium anomalies and uraniferous provinces. Follow-up prospecting methods are summarized along with guides to recent literature. Specific suggestions are made as to interpretive approaches and applicable follow-up prospecting procedures tailored to fit the data characteristics and general environment of each of the first 10 NURE aerial gamma-rayspectrometer surveys performed by Geodata International, Inc. and Texas Instruments Incorporated
The REgolith X-Ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) is a student-led instrument being designed, built, and operated as a collaborative effort involving MIT and Harvard. It is a part of NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, which is scheduled for launch in September of 2016 for a rendezvous with, and collection of a sample from the surface of the primitive carbonaceous chondrite-like asteroid 101955 Bennu in 2019. REXIS will determine spatial variations in elemental composition of Bennu's surface through solar-induced X-ray fluorescence. REXIS consists of four X-ray CCDs in the detector plane and an X-ray mask. It is the first coded-aperture X-ray telescope in a planetary mission, which combines the benefit of high X-ray throughput of wide-field collimation with imaging capability of a coded-mask, enabling detection of elemental surface distributions at approximately 50-200 m scales. We present an overview of the REXIS instrument and the expected performance.
A number of observations from the SMM Gamma-RaySpectrometer are presented that altogether strongly indicate that the high-energy emission from flares is anisotropic. They are: (1) the fraction of events detected at energies above 300 keV near the limb is significantly higher than is expected for isotropically emitting flares; (2) there is a statistically significant center-to-limb variation in the 300-1000-keV spectra of flares; and (3) nearly all of the events detected at above 10 MeV are located near the limb.
The alpha particle X-rayspectrometers on the Mars exploration rovers Spirit and Opportunity accomplished extensive elemental analysis of the Martian surface through a combination of XRF and PIXE. An advanced APXS is now part of the Mars Science Laboratory's Curiosity rover. APXS spectra contain contributions which enhance elemental peak areas but which do not arise from these elements within the sample under study, thereby introducing error into derived concentrations. A detailed examination of these effects in the MSL APXS enables us to test two schemes for making the necessary corrections.
During the months of July and August of 1980, Aero Service Division Western Geophysical Company of America conducted an airborne high sensitivity gamma-rayspectrometer and magnetometer survey over eleven (11) 3 0 x 1 0 and one (1) 4 0 x 1 0 NTMS quadrangles of the Alaska North Slope. These include the Barrow, Wainwright, Meade River, Teshekpuk, Harrison Bay, Beechey Point, Point Lay, Utukok River, Lookout Ridge, Ikpikpuk River, Umiat, and Sagavanirktok quadrangles. This report discusses the results obtained over the Harrison Bay map area
The design and performance of a self-contained microprocessor-based gamma-rayspectrometer for use in geophysical measurements using nuclear techniques is described. The instrument uses single-channel analyzers which are inherently simpler and faster than the Wilkinson or successive approximation ADC. A novel technique of gain stabilization together with a simple means of energy calibration has been developed. The modular design of the equipment makes it suitable for multidetector usage, required in a number of nucleonic gauges for the quantitative measurement of chemical constituents. (orig.)
Four separate techniques for calibrating energy dispersive x-rayspectrometers are described. They include the use of (1) individual evaporated elemental thin-film standards, (2) nebulized multielement standard solution deposits to determine relative elemental sensitivity factors, (3) a semi-empirical approach to calculate relative elemental sensitivity factors, and (4) thick pure element disks. The first three techniques are applicable for a broad range of elements. The utilization of nebulized multielement standard solution deposits, along with an evaporated single element thin-film standard for absolute system calibration, is the most accurate method of the calibration techniques described
During the months of June through October, 1980, Aero Service Division Western Geophysical Company of America conducted an airborne high sensitivity gamma-rayspectrometer and magnetometer survey over eleven (11) 2 0 x 1 0 NTMS quadrangles located in the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin and seven (7) 2 0 x 1 0 NTMS quadrangles in North and South Dakota. This report discusses the results obtained over the Aberdeen, South Dakota map area. The final data are presented in four different forms: on magnetic tape; on microfiche; in graphic form as profiles and histograms; and in map form as anomaly maps, flight path maps, and computer printer maps
An airborne high sensitivity gamma-rayspectrometer and magnetometer survey was conducted along the 99 0 longitude meridian from the Canadian border southward to the Mexican border. A total of 1555 line miles of geophysical data were acquired and, subsequently, compiled. The north-south tieline was flown as part of the National Uranium Resources Evaluation. NURE is a program of the US Department of Energy's Grand Junction, Colorado, office to acquire and compile geologic and other information with which to assess the magnitude and distribution of uranium resources and to determine areas favorable for the occurrence of uranium in the United States
Our gamma-rayspectrometer system, designed for field use, offers high efficiency and high resolution for safeguards applications. The system consists of three 40% high-purity germanium detectors and a LeCroy 3500 data acquisition system that calculates a composite spectrum for the three detectors. The LeCroy 3500 mainframe can be operated remotely from the detector array with control exercised through modems and the telephone system. System performance with a mixed source of 125 Sb, 154 Eu, and 155 Eu confirms the expected efficiency of 120% with the overall resolution showing little degradation over that of the worst detector
The results obtained from an airborne high sensitivity gamma-rayspectrometer and magnetometer survey over the Point Lay map area of Alaska are presented. Based on the criteria outlined in the general section on interpretation, a total of six uranium anomalies have been indicated on the interpretation map. All six are only weakly to moderately anomalous in either uranium or the uranium ratios. None of these are thought to be of any economic significance. No follow-up work is recommended for the Point Lay Quadrangle
The results obtained from a gamma-rayspectrometer and magnetometer survey over the Wainwright map area of Alaska are presented. Based on the criteria outlined in the general section of interpretation, a total of seven uranium anomalies have been outlined on the interpretation map. With the exception of Anomaly 1, all are located over the higher terrain of the foothills in the southern portion of the quadrangle. All seven anomalies are only weakly to moderately anomalous. There are no indications anywhere within the area of any significant preferential accumulations of uranium. None of the anomalies are thought to be of any economic importance. No follow-up work is recommended
The results obtained from an airborne high sensitivity gamma-rayspectrometer and magnetometer survey over the Meade River map area of Alaska are presented. Based on the criteria outlined in the general section on interpretation, a total of eight uranium anomalies have been outlined on the interpretation map. Most of these are only weakly to moderately anomalous. Zones 3 and 7 are relatively better than the others though none of the anomalies are thought to be of any economic significance. No follow-up work is recommended
Processing the analog signals from an energy dispersive X-rayspectrometer requires a great number of functions to be assembled. Instead of using function modules, it was decided to build a unit intended for working out digital-input data to the mini-computer, from the signals delivered by the Si(Li) detector. The unit contains six cards intended for the following functions: main amplifier, stabilizer of the threshold level and pile-up detector, amplitude encoder, pulse generator and fast amplifier, chronometer with dead time correction and high voltage polarization [fr
During the months of June through October, 1980, Aero Service Division Western Geophysical Company of America conducted an airborne high sensitivity gamma-rayspectrometer and magnetometer survey over eleven (11) 2 0 x 1 0 NTMS quadrangles located in the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin and seven (7) 2 0 x 1 0 NTMS quadrangles in North and South Dakota. This report discusses the results obtained over the Devil's Lake map area of North Dakota. The final data are presented in four different forms: on magnetic tape; on microfiche; in graphic form as profiles and histograms; and in map form as anomaly maps, flight path maps, and computer printer maps
A comprehensive study of the efficiency calibration and calibration verification of Ge gamma-rayspectrometers was performed using semi-empirical, computational Monte-Carlo (MC), and transfer methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the quantification of gamma-emitting radionuclides in complex matrices normally encountered in environmental and food samples. A wide range of gamma energies from 59.5 to 1836.0 keV and geometries from a 10-mL jar to 1.4-L Marinelli beaker were studied on four Ge spectrometers with the relative efficiencies between 102% and 140%. Density and coincidence summing corrections were applied. Innovative techniques were developed for the preparation of artificial complex matrices from materials such as acidified water, polystyrene, ethanol, sugar, and sand, resulting in the densities ranging from 0.3655 to 2.164 g cm{sup −3}. They were spiked with gamma activity traceable to international standards and used for calibration verifications. A quantitative method of tuning MC calculations to experiment was developed based on a multidimensional chi-square paraboloid. - Highlights: • Preparation and spiking of traceable complex matrices in extended geometries. • Calibration of Ge gamma spectrometers for complex matrices. • Verification of gamma calibrations. • Comparison of semi-empirical, computational Monte Carlo, and transfer methods of Ge calibration. • Tuning of Monte Carlo calculations using a multidimensional paraboloid.
The operation of a beta ray energy spectrometer based on a two-or three-element silicon detector telescope is described. The front detector (A) is a thin, totally depleted, silicon surface barrier detector either 40 μm, 72 μm or 98 μm thick. The back detector (C) is a Li compensated silicon detector, 5000 μm thick. An additional thin detector can be inserted between these two detectors when additional photon rejection capability is required in intense photon fields. The capability of the spectrometer to reject photons is based on the fact that incident photons will have a small probability of simultaneously losing detectable energy in two detectors and an even smaller probability of losing detectable energy in all three detectors. Electrons, however, above a low energy threshold, will always record simultaneous, events in all three detectors. The spectrometer is capable of measuring electron energies from a lower energy coincidence threshold of 70 keV with 60% efficiency increasing to 100% efficiency in the energy region between 150 keV and 2.5 MeV. (Author)
A comprehensive study of the efficiency calibration and calibration verification of Ge gamma-rayspectrometers was performed using semi-empirical, computational Monte-Carlo (MC), and transfer methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the quantification of gamma-emitting radionuclides in complex matrices normally encountered in environmental and food samples. A wide range of gamma energies from 59.5 to 1836.0 keV and geometries from a 10-mL jar to 1.4-L Marinelli beaker were studied on four Ge spectrometers with the relative efficiencies between 102% and 140%. Density and coincidence summing corrections were applied. Innovative techniques were developed for the preparation of artificial complex matrices from materials such as acidified water, polystyrene, ethanol, sugar, and sand, resulting in the densities ranging from 0.3655 to 2.164 g cm −3 . They were spiked with gamma activity traceable to international standards and used for calibration verifications. A quantitative method of tuning MC calculations to experiment was developed based on a multidimensional chi-square paraboloid. - Highlights: • Preparation and spiking of traceable complex matrices in extended geometries. • Calibration of Ge gamma spectrometers for complex matrices. • Verification of gamma calibrations. • Comparison of semi-empirical, computational Monte Carlo, and transfer methods of Ge calibration. • Tuning of Monte Carlo calculations using a multidimensional paraboloid
This work shows the possibility of use of the nondedicated gamma and X-ray detection head on the basis of planar HPGe detector with a big sensitive area equal to 2000 mm''2 as a part of X-ray fluorescent spectrometer during students' practicum.
The new alpha particle X-rayspectrometer (APXS) is part of the Athena payload of the two Mars Exploration Rovers (MER). The APXS sensor head is attached to the turret of the instrument deployment device (IDD) of the rover. The APXS is a very light-weight instrument for determining the major and minor elemental composition of Martian soils, rocks, and other geological materials at the MER landing sites. The sensor head has simply to be docked by the IDD on the surface of the selected sample. X-ray radiation, excited by alpha particles and X rays of the radioactive sources, is recorded by a high-resolution X-ray detector. The X-ray spectra show elements starting from sodium up to yttrium, depending on their concentrations. The backscattered alpha spectra, measured by a ring of detectors, provide additional data on carbon and oxygen. By means of a proper calibration, the elemental concentrations are derived. Together with data from the two other Athena instruments mounted on the IDD, the samples under investigation can be fully characterized. Key APXS objectives are the determination of the chemistry of crustal rocks and soils and the examination of water-related deposits, sediments, or evaporates. Using the rock abrasion tool attached to the IDD, issues of weathering can be addressed by measuring natural and abraded surfaces of rocks.
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) in collaboration with SRI/Sarnoff has been engaged in a multi year effort to advance the technology of monolithic back-thinned CMOS detectors for use as X-ray imaging spectrometers. The long term goal of this campaign is to produce X-ray Active Pixel Sensor (APS) detectors with Fano limited performance over the 0.1-10keV band while incorporating the many benefits of CMOS technology. These benefits include: low power consumption, radiation "hardness", high levels of integration, and very high read rates. Such devices would be ideal for candidate post 2020 decadal missions such as LYNX and for smaller more immediate applications such as CubeX. Devices from a recent fabrication have been back-thinned, packaged and tested for soft X-ray response. These devices have 16μm pitch, 6 Transistor Pinned Photo Diode (6TPPD) pixels with ˜135μV/electron sensitivity and a highly parallel signal chain. These new detectors are fabricated on 10μm epitaxial silicon and have a 1k by 1k format. We present details of our camera design and device performance with particular emphasis on those aspects of interest to single photon counting X-ray astronomy. These features include read noise, X-ray spectral response and quantum efficiency.
The Gamma RaySpectrometer (GRS) on the SMM completed close to 10 years of highly successful operation when the spacecraft reentered the atmosphere on December 2, 1989. During this period the GRS detected 177 events above 300 keV which have been classified as cosmic gamma-ray bursts. A catalog of these events is in preparation which will include time profiles and spectra for all events. Visual inspection of the spectra indicates that emission typically extends into the MeV range, without any evidence for a high-energy cutoff; 17 of these events are also observed above 10 MeV. We find no convincing evidence for line-like emission features in any of the time-integrated spectra.
The Soft X-raySpectrometer (SXS) on the Astro-H observatory contains a 6x6 array of x-ray microcalorimeters that are cooled to 50 mK by an adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator (ADR). The ADR consists of three stages in order to provide stable detector cooling using either a 1.2 K superfluid helium bath or a 4.5 K Joule-Thomson (JT) cryocooler as its heat sink. Astro-H was renamed Hitomi after it was successfully launched in February 2016. The SXS carried approximately 36 liters of helium into orbit, and by day 5 the helium had cooled sufficiently (1.4 K) to allow operation of the ADR. This paper summarizes the ADRs performance during the 38 days that the satellite was operational.
Spectroscopy of K-shell transitions in highly charged heavy ions, like hydrogen-like uranium, has the potential to yield information about quantum electrodynamics (QED) in extremely strong nuclear fields as well as tests of the standard model, specifically parity violation in atomic systems. These measurements would represent the 'holy grail' in high-Z atomic spectroscopy. However, the current state-of-the-art detection schemes used for recording the K-shell spectra from highly charged heavy ions does not yet have the resolving power to be able to attain this goal. As such, to push the field of high-Z spectroscopy forward, new detectors must be found. Recently, x-ray calorimeter spectrometers have been developed that promise to make such measurements. In an effort to make the first steps towards attaining the 'holy grail', measurements have been performed with two x-ray calorimeter spectrometers (the XRS/EBIT and the ECS) designed and built at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. The calorimeter spectrometers have been used to record the K-shell spectra of highly charged ions produced in the SuperEBIT electron beam ion trap at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, CA. Measurements performed with the XRS/EBIT calorimeter array found that the theoretical description of well-above threshold electron-impact excitation cross sections for hydrogen-like iron and nickel ions are correct. Furthermore, the first high-resolution spectrum of hydrogen-like through carbon-like praseodymium ions was recorded with a calorimeter. In addition, the new high-energy array on the EBIT Calorimeter Spectrometer (ECS) was used to resolve the K-shell x-ray emission spectrum of highly charged xenon ions, where a 40 ppm measurement of the energy of the K-shell resonance transition in helium-like xenon was achieved. This is the highest precision result, ever, for an element with such high atomic number. In addition, a first-of-its-kind measurement of
Spectroscopy of K-shell transitions in highly charged heavy ions, like hydrogen-like uranium, has the potential to yield information about quantum electrodynamics (QED) in extremely strong nuclear fields as well as tests of the standard model, specifically parity violation in atomic systems. These measurements would represent the 'holy grail' in high-Z atomic spectroscopy. However, the current state-of-the-art detection schemes used for recording the K-shell spectra from highly charged heavy ions does not yet have the resolving power to be able to attain this goal. As such, to push the field of high-Z spectroscopy forward, new detectors must be found. Recently, x-ray calorimeter spectrometers have been developed that promise to make such measurements. In an effort to make the first steps towards attaining the 'holy grail', measurements have been performed with two x-ray calorimeter spectrometers (the XRS/EBIT and the ECS) designed and built at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. The calorimeter spectrometers have been used to record the K-shell spectra of highly charged ions produced in the SuperEBIT electron beam ion trap at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, CA. Measurements performed with the XRS/EBIT calorimeter array found that the theoretical description of well-above threshold electron-impact excitation cross sections for hydrogen-like iron and nickel ions are correct. Furthermore, the first high-resolution spectrum of hydrogen-like through carbon-like praseodymium ions was recorded with a calorimeter. In addition, the new high-energy array on the EBIT Calorimeter Spectrometer (ECS) was used to resolve the K-shell x-ray emission spectrum of highly charged xenon ions, where a 40 ppm measurement of the energy of the K-shell resonance transition in helium-like xenon was achieved. This is the highest precision result, ever, for an element with such high atomic number. In addition, a first-of-its-kind measurement of the effect of the
The goal of the Miniature X-ray Solar Spectrometer ( MinXSS ) CubeSat is to explore the energy distribution of soft X-ray (SXR) emissions from the quiescent Sun, active regions, and during solar flares and to model the impact on Earth's ionosphere and thermosphere. The energy emitted in the SXR range (0.1–10 keV) can vary by more than a factor of 100, yet we have limited spectral measurements in the SXRs to accurately quantify the spectral dependence of this variability. The MinXSS primary science instrument is an Amptek, Inc. X123 X-rayspectrometer that has an energy range of 0.5–30 keV with a nominal 0.15 keV energy resolution. Two flight models have been built. The first, MinXSS -1, has been making science observations since 2016 June 9 and has observed numerous flares, including more than 40 C-class and 7 M-class flares. These SXR spectral measurements have advantages over broadband SXR observations, such as providing the capability to derive multiple-temperature components and elemental abundances of coronal plasma, improved irradiance accuracy, and higher resolution spectral irradiance as input to planetary ionosphere simulations. MinXSS spectra obtained during the M5.0 flare on 2016 July 23 highlight these advantages and indicate how the elemental abundance appears to change from primarily coronal to more photospheric during the flare. MinXSS -1 observations are compared to the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite ( GOES ) X-ray Sensor (XRS) measurements of SXR irradiance and estimated corona temperature. Additionally, a suggested improvement to the calibration of the GOES XRS data is presented.
The ASPECT consortium (Adaptable Spectrometer Enabled by Cryogenic Technology) is currently constructing a generalised cryogenic platform for cryogenic detector work which will be able to accommodate a wide range of sensors. The cryogenics system is based on a small mechanical cooler with a further adiabatic demagnetisation stage and will work with cryogenic detectors at sub-Kelvin temperatures. The commercial aim of the consortium is to produce a compact, user-friendly device with an emphasis on reliability and portability which can easily be transported for specialised on-site work, such as beam-lines or telescope facilities. The cryogenic detector platform will accommodate a specially developed cryogenic sensor, either a metallic magnetic calorimeter or a magnetic penetration-depth thermometer. The detectors will be designed to work in various temperatures regions with an emphasis on optimising the various detector resolutions for specific temperatures. One resolution target is of about 10 eV at the energies range typically created in kaonic atoms experiments (soft x-ray energies). A following step will see the introduction of continuous, high-power, sub-Kelvin cooling which will bring the cryogenic basis for a high resolution spectrometer system to the market. The scientific goal of the project will produce an experimental set-up optimised for kaon-mass measurements performing high-resolution x-ray spectroscopy on a beam-line provided foreseeably by the J-PARC (Tokai, Japan) or DAΦNE (Frascati, Italy) facilities.
The Gamma-Ray Imaging Spectrometer (GRIS) is a powerful second-generation high-resolution gamma-rayspectrometer. It consists of an array of seven large (typically >200 cm 3 ) n-type Germanium detectors surrounded by a thick (15 m) NaI active shield. Its energy range is 0.02 to 10 MeV. A new detector segmentation technique will be employed to reduce the detector background. The β-decay background component, which is expected to be dominant in the 0.2--2 MeV range, will be suppressed by roughly a factor of 20. The 3σ GRIS sensitivity to a narrow Fe line at 847 keV (expected to be the most intense from a supernova) will be ∼2 x 10 -4 photons/cm 2 -s for an 8 hr observation of the LMC over Alice Springs, Australia with unsegmented detectors. The instrument in simplified form will be ready to observe SN 1987A in early 1988
Full Text Available In the experimental investigations of inertial confinement fusion, the laser-produced high-temperature plasma contains very abundant information, such as the electron temperature and density, ionization. In order to diagnose laser-plasma distribution in space and evolution in time, an elliptical curved crystal spectrometer has been developed and applied to diagnose X-ray of laser-produced plasma in 0.2~2.46 nm region. According to the theory of Bragg diffraction, four kinds of crystal including LiF, PET, MiCa, and KAP were chosen as dispersive elements. The distance of crystal lattice varies from 0.4 to 2.6 nm. Bragg angle is in the range of 30°~67.5°, and the spectral detection angle is in 55.4°~134°. The curved crystal spectrometer mainly consists of elliptical curved crystal analyzer, vacuum configuration, aligning device, spectral detectors and three-dimensional microadjustment devices. The spectrographic experiment was carried out on the XG-2 laser facility. Emission spectrum of Al plasmas, Ti plasma, and Au plasmas have been successfully recorded by using X-ray CCD camera. It is demonstrated experimentally that the measured wavelength is accorded with the theoretical value.
A high resolution (E/ΔE = 1200-1800) Bragg crystal x-rayspectrometer is being developed to measure plasma parameters in National Ignition Facility experiments. The instrument will be a diagnostic instrument manipulator positioned cassette designed mainly to infer electron density in compressed capsules from Stark broadening of the helium-β (1s 2 -1s3p) lines of krypton and electron temperature from the relative intensities of dielectronic satellites. Two conically shaped crystals will diffract and focus (1) the Kr Heβ complex and (2) the Heα (1s 2 -1s2p) and Lyα (1s-2p) complexes onto a streak camera photocathode for time resolved measurement, and a third cylindrical or conical crystal will focus the full Heα to Heβ spectral range onto an image plate to provide a time integrated calibration spectrum. Calculations of source x-ray intensity, spectrometer throughput, and spectral resolution are presented. Details of the conical-crystal focusing properties as well as the status of the instrumental design are also presented.
A method and an ultrahigh-resolution spectrometer including a precision mechanical structure for positioning inelastic X-ray scattering optics are provided. The spectrometer includes an X-ray monochromator and an X-ray analyzer, each including X-ray optics of a collimating (C) crystal, a pair of dispersing (D) element crystals, anomalous transmission filter (F) and a wavelength (W) selector crystal. A respective precision mechanical structure is provided with the X-ray monochromator and the X-ray analyzer. The precision mechanical structure includes a base plate, such as an aluminum base plate; positioning stages for D-crystal alignment; positioning stages with an incline sensor for C/F/W-crystal alignment, and the positioning stages including flexure-based high-stiffness structure.
Multi-elemental analysis by total reflection x-ray fluorescence spectrometry has evolved during two decades. At the present there are commercial equipment available for the chemical analysis in all kind of biological and mineral samples. The electronic industry has also been benefited from the scientific and technological developments in the field of TXRF. The basic components of the spectrometers can be summarized as follow: a) excitation source; b) geometric arrangement (optics) for collimation and monochromatization of the primary radiation; c) x-ray detector; d) hardware and software for operation of the instrument, data acquisition and spectral deconvolution to determine the concentrations of the element present in the sample (quantitative analysis). As optional there are manufacturers offering the conventional 45 degrees geometry for direct excitation of bulky liquid or solid samples. Personal communications of the author and the commercial brochures available at the moment of writing this presentation have allowed to list the following type of components used in the TXRF spectrometers for multi-elemental analysis (the devices used in the electronic industry to analyze silicon wafers are excluded). Excitation: high power x-ray tube, output from 1300 to 2000 watts; metal ceramic low power-ray tube, output up to 50 watts. Different anodes are used but molybdenum, tungsten and copper are frequent. The excitation systems can be customized according to the requirements of the laboratory. Detector: Si-Li semi-conductor liquid nitrogen cooled; silicon solid state thermoelectrically cooled (silicon drift detector SDD and Si-PIN diode). Optics: multilayer monochromator of Si-W or Ni-C; double multilayer monochromator. Electronics: spectroscopy amplifier, analog to digital converter adapted to a PC compatible computer with software in Windows environment for the whole operation of the spectrometer and for qualy/quantitative analysis of samples are standards in the
A Compton-scattering-based X-rayspectrometer is developed to obtain the energy distribution of fast electrons produced by intense laser and matter interactions. Bremsstrahlung X-rays generated by fast electrons in a material are used to measure fast electrons’ energy distribution in matter. In the Compton X-rayspectrometer, X-rays are converted into recoil electrons by Compton scattering in a converter made from fused silica glass, and a magnet-based electron energy analyzer is used to measure the energy distribution of the electrons that recoil in the direction of the incident X-rays. The spectrum of the incident X-rays is reconstructed from the energy distribution of the recoil electrons. The accuracy of this spectrometer is evaluated using a quasi-monoenergetic 6 MeV electron bunch that emanates from a linear accelerator. An electron bunch is injected into a 1.5 mm thick tungsten plate to produce bremsstrahlung X-rays. The spectrum of these bremsstrahlung X-rays is obtained in the range from 1 to 9 MeV. The energy of the electrons in the bunch is estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation of particle-matter interactions. The result shows that the spectrometer's energy accuracy is ±0.5 MeV for 6.0 MeV electrons.
The Marshall Grazing Incidence X-raySpectrometer (MaGIXS) is a NASA sounding rocket instrument designed to observe soft X-ray emissions at 0.5 - 2.0 keV energies (24 - 6 Å) from a solar active region. MaGIXS will, for the first time, obtain spatially resolved spectra of high-temperature, low-emission plasma within an active region core. The unique optical design includes a Wolter I telescope and a 3-optic grazing incidence spectrograph. The spectrograph consists of a finite conjugate, stigmatic mirror pair and a planar varied line space grating. The grazing incidence mirrors are being developed at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and are produced using electroform nickel-replication techniques, employing the same facilities developed for HERO, FOXSI, ART-XC and IXPE. The MaGIXS mirror mandrels have been fabricated, figured, and have completed the first phase of polishing. A set of three test shells were replicated and exposed to X-rays in the Stray Light Facility (SLF) at MSFC. Here we present results from mandrel metrology and X-ray testing at the SLF. We also discuss the development of a new polishing technique for the MaGIXS mirror mandrels, where we plan to use the Zeeko polishing machine.
OSIRIS-REx is the third spacecraft in the NASA New Frontiers Program and is planned for launch in 2016. OSIRIS-REx will orbit the near-Earth asteroid (101955) Bennu, characterize it, and return a sample of the asteroid's regolith back to Earth. The Regolith X-ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) is an instrument on OSIRIS-REx designed and built by students at MIT and Harvard. The purpose of REXIS is to collect and image sun-induced fluorescent X-rays emitted by Bennu, thereby providing spectroscopic information related to the elemental makeup of the asteroid regolith and the distribution of features over its surface. Telescopic reflectance spectra suggest a CI or CM chondrite analog meteorite class for Bennu, where this primitive nature strongly motivates its study. A number of factors, however, will influence the generation, measurement, and interpretation of the X-ray spectra measured by REXIS. These include: the compositional nature and heterogeneity of Bennu, the time-variable solar state, X-ray detector characteristics, and geometric parameters for the observations. In this paper, we will explore how these variables influence the precision to which REXIS can measure Bennu's surface composition. By modeling the aforementioned factors, we place bounds on the expected performance of REXIS and its ability to ultimately place Bennu in an analog meteorite class.
High-resolution X-ray spectra were recorded by the High-Energy Electronic X-ray (HENEX) spectrometer from a variety of targets irradiated by the Omega laser at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics. The HENEX spectrometer utilizes four reflection crystals covering the 1-20keV energy range and one quartz(10-11) transmission crystal (Laue geometry) covering the 11-40keV range. The time-integrated spectral images were recorded on five CMOS X-ray detectors. In the spectra recorded from krypton-filled gasbag and hohlraum targets, the helium-like K-shell transitions n=1-2, 1-3, and 1-4 appeared in the 13-17keV energy range. A number of additional spectral features were observed at energies lower than the helium-like n=1-3 and n=1-4 transitions. Based on computational simulations of the spectra using the FLYCHK/FLYSPEC codes, which included opacity effects, these additional features are identified to be inner-shell transitions from the Li-like through N-like krypton charge states. The comparisons of the calculated and observed spectra indicate that these transitions are characteristic of the plasma conditions immediately after the laser pulse when the krypton density is 2x10{sup 18}cm{sup -3} and the electron temperature is in the range 2.8-3.2keV. These spectral features represent a new diagnostic for the charge state distribution, the density and electron temperature, and the plasma opacity. Laboratory experiments indicate that it is feasible to record K-shell spectra from gold and higher Z targets in the >60keV energy range using a Ge(220) transmission crystal.
This report of research is on the development of X-ray Photo-Electron Spectrometer (PES) for diagnosis of tokamak plasma. The spectrometer utilizes the fact that the energy of photo-electron is given by the difference between the energy of X-ray and the binding energy of materials. In the research of this year, we constructed two spectrometers; one is operated in KAIST tokamak and the other in KT1 tokamak. In addition, we reviewed the characteristics of the x-ray filter, the photo-electric effect of carbon foils and the detection efficiency of MCP and x-ray radiation of plasma. We measured the x-ray radiation in tokamak and diagnosed the qualitative plasma parameters from the analysis of data. The major interesting plasma parameters, which we can diagnose with the spectrometer, are the electron temperature, Z{sub eff}, the spatial distribution of x-ray radiation and etc. 27 refs., 2 tabs., 20 figs. (author)
High resolution L X-ray emission spectra of Cu have been measured by 0.75 MeV/u H, He, and F, 0.73 MeV/u Ar, 0.64 MeV/u Si, and 0.073 MeV/u Si ion impacts with a crystal spectrometer. The X-ray transition energies in the Cu target for L{iota}, L{eta}, L{alpha}{sub 1,2}, L{beta}{sub 1}, and L{beta}{sub 3,4} diagram lines induced by light ion impacts are determined, which are in good agreement with those given in the reference. The difference in L X-ray emission spectra produced by H, He, F, Si, and Ar ions are considered and the L{alpha}{sub 1,2} and L{beta}{sub 1} emission spectra are compared with the calculated ones based on the multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock method. (author)
The time constant of the output signal of the front-end readout circuit of a traditional gamma-rayspectrometer with a NaI(Tl)+PMT structure is affected by temperature, measurement environment and the signal transmission cable, so it is difficult to get a good resolution spectrum, especially at higher counting rates. In this paper, a reset charge sensitive amplifier (RCSA) is designed for the gamma-rayspectrometer with a NaI(Tl)+PMT structure. The designed RCSA outputs a step signal, thus enabling the acquisition of double-exponential signals with a stable time constant by using the next stage of a CR differentiating circuit. The designed RCSA is mainly composed of a basic amplifying circuit, a reset circuit and a dark current compensation circuit. It provides the output step signal through the integration of the PMT output charge signal. When the amplitude of the step signal exceeds a preset voltage threshold, it triggers the reset circuit to generate a reset pulse (about 5 µs pulse width) to reset the output signal. Experimental results demonstrated that the designed RCSA achieves a charge sensitivity of 4.26×10 10 V/C, with a zero capacitance noise of 51.09 fC and a noise slope of 1.98 fC/pF. Supported by the digital shaping algorithm of the digital multi-channel analyzer (DMCA), it can maintain good energy resolution with high counting rates up to 150 kcps and with a temperature range from −19 °C to 50 °C. - Highlights: • A new reset type charge sensitive amplifier for gamma-rayspectrometer based on a photomultiplier tube is proposed. • Reset circuit formed by constant current source output a fixed width pulse to reset charge sensitive amplifier. • Photomultiplier tube dark current compensation circuit could increase the pulse through rate by decreasing reset frequency. • This amplifier outputs a step function signal that could match next stage circuit easily
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) proposes a two year program to further advance the scientific capabilities of monolithic CMOS detectors for use as x-ray imaging spectrometers. This proposal will build upon the progress achieved with funding from a previous APRA proposal that ended in 2013. As part of that previous proposal, x- ray optimized, highly versatile, monolithic CMOS imaging detectors and technology were developed and tested. The performance and capabilities of these devices were then demonstrated, with an emphasis on the performance advantages these devices have over CCDs and other technologies. The developed SAO/SRI-Sarnoff CMOS devices incorporate: Low noise, high sensitivity ("gain") pixels; Highly parallel on-chip signal chains; Standard and very high resistivity (30,000Ohm-cm) Si; Back-Side thinning and passivation. SAO demonstrated the performance benefits of each of these features in these devices. This new proposal high-lights the performance of this previous generation of devices, and segues into new technology and capability. The high sensitivity ( 135uV/e) 6 Transistor (6T) Pinned Photo Diode (PPD) pixels provided a large charge to voltage conversion gain to the detect and resolve even small numbers of photo electrons produced by x-rays. The on-chip, parallel signal chain processed an entire row of pixels in the same time that a CCD requires to processes a single pixel. The resulting high speed operation ( 1000 times faster than CCD) provide temporal resolution while mitigating dark current and allowed room temperature operation. The high resistivity Si provided full (over) depletion for thicker devices which increased QE for higher energy x-rays. In this proposal, SAO will investigate existing NMOS and existing PMOS devices as xray imaging spectrometers. Conventional CMOS imagers are NMOS. NMOS devices collect and measure photo-electrons. In contrast, PMOS devices collect and measure photo-holes. PMOS devices have various
Core-level spectroscopy in the soft X-ray regime is a powerful tool for the study of chemical bonding processes. The ultrafast, ultrabright X-ray pulses generated by the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) allow these reactions to be studied in greater detail than ever before. In this study, we investigated a conceptual design of a spectrometer for the LCLS with imaging in the non-dispersive direction. This would allow single-shot collection of X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) measurements with varying laser pump X-ray probe delay or a variation of incoming X-ray energy over the illuminated area of the sample. Ray-tracing simulations were used to demonstrate how the components of the spectrometer affect its performance, allowing a determination of the optimal final design. These simulations showed that the spectrometer's non-dispersive focusing is extremely sensitive to the size of the sample footprint; the spectrometer is not able to image a footprint width larger than one millimeter with the required resolution. This is compatible with a single shot scheme that maps out the laser pump X-ray probe delay in the non-dispersive direction as well as resonant XES applications at normal incidence. However, the current capabilities of the Soft X-Ray (SXR) beamline at the LCLS do not produce the required energy range in a small enough sample footprint, hindering the single shot resonant XES application at SXR for chemical dynamics studies at surfaces. If an upgraded or future beamline at LCLS is developed with lower monochromator energy dispersion the width can be made small enough at the required energy range to be imaged by this spectrometer design.
Two computer programmes have been written for use on a fully automated Siemens SRS200 sequential X-ray-fluorescence spectrometer. The first of these is used to control the spectrometer via an LC200 logic controller using a Data General Nova IV minicomputer; the second is used for the on-line evaluation of the intensity results and the printout of the analytical results. This system is an alternative to the systems offered by Siemens Ltd, which consist of a Process PR310 or Digital DEC PDP1103 computer and the Siemens Spectra 310 software package. The multibatch capabilities of the programmes, with the option of measuring one sample or a tray of samples before the results are calculated, give the new programmes a major advantage over the dedicated software and, together with the elimination of human error in calculation, have resulted in increased efficiency and quality in routine analyses. A description is given of the two programmes, as well as instruction and guidelines to the user
Improvements in superconductor device fabrication, detector hybridization techniques, and superconducting quantum interference device readout have made square-centimeter-sized arrays of gamma-ray microcalorimeters, based on transition-edge sensors (TESs), possible. At these collecting areas, gamma microcalorimeters can utilize their unprecedented energy resolution to perform spectroscopy in a number of applications that are limited by closely-spaced spectral peaks, for example, the nondestructive analysis of nuclear materials. We have built a 256 pixel spectrometer with an average full-width-at-half-maximum energy resolution of 53 eV at 97 keV, a useable dynamic range above 400 keV, and a collecting area of 5 cm{sup 2}. We have demonstrated multiplexed readout of the full 256 pixel array with 236 of the pixels (91%) giving spectroscopic data. This is the largest multiplexed array of TES microcalorimeters to date. This paper will review the spectrometer, highlighting the instrument design, detector fabrication, readout, operation of the instrument, and data processing. Further, we describe the characterization and performance of the newest 256 pixel array.
This equipment, developed by Ital Structures, combines two kinds of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence techniques, the first using total reflection geometry and the second conventional 45 o geometry. The equipment is completely controlled by a PC and to reach the condition of total reflection is very easy because it is enough to load the file with the right position for the corresponding energy. In this apparatus we used an x-ray tube with an alloy anode of Mo/W with a long fine focus at 2200 W. To monochromatize the x-ray beam while choosing, for example, the Mo K alpha or W L alpha or a piece of white spectrum of 33 keV, we use a highly reflective multilayer made of Si/W with 2d = 45.5 A o . The detector used in the equipment is a lithium drifted silicon detector (Si(Li)) with an excellent energy resolution of 135 eV at 5.9 keV and 1000 cps. We developed two programs written in Windows 95, 98 and NT for a 32 bit microprocessor. The first one is called TYACQ32 and has the following functions: first, complete control of the hardware, second automatic alignment of the TX 2000 spectrometer and third acquisition of spectra. The second program is EDXRF32. This is a program to accomplish spectrum and quantitative analysis for TXRF and EDXRF 45 o degrees analysis. (author)
We present the result of the in-flight calibration of the effective area of the Soft X-raySpectrometer (SXS) on board the Hitomi X-ray satellite using an observation of the Crab nebula. We corrected for artifacts when observing high count rate sources with the X-ray microcalorimeter. We then constructed a spectrum in the 0.5-20 keV band, which we modeled with a single power-law continuum attenuated by interstellar extinction. We evaluated the systematic uncertainty of the spectral parameters by various calibration items. In the 2-12 keV band, the SXS result is consistent with the literature values in flux (2.20 ± 0.08 × 10-8 erg s-1 cm-2 with a 1 σ statistical uncertainty) but is softer in the power-law index (2.19 ± 0.11). The discrepancy is attributable to the systematic uncertainty of about +6%/-7% and +2%/-5% respectively for the flux and the power-law index. The softer spectrum is affected primarily by the systematic uncertainty of the Dewar gate valve transmission and the event screening.
We present results of inflight calibration of the point spread function of the Soft X-ray Telescope that focuses X-rays onto the pixel array of the Soft X-raySpectrometer system. We make a full array image of a point-like source by extracting a pulsed component of the Crab nebula emission. Within the limited statistics afforded by an exposure time of only 6.9 ks and limited knowledge of the systematic uncertainties, we find that the raytracing model of 1 {^'.} 2 half-power-diameter is consistent with an image of the observed event distributions across pixels. The ratio between the Crab pulsar image and the raytracing shows scatter from pixel to pixel that is 40% or less in all except one pixel. The pixel-to-pixel ratio has a spread of 20%, on average, for the 15 edge pixels, with an averaged statistical error of 17% (1 σ). In the central 16 pixels, the corresponding ratio is 15% with an error of 6%.
A test material for routine performance evaluation of energy-dispersive X-rayspectrometers (EDS) is presented. It consists of a synthetic, thick coating of C, Al, Mn, Cu, and Zr, in an elemental composition that provides interference-free characteristic X-ray lines of similar intensities at 10 kV scanning electron microscope voltage. The EDS energy resolution at the C-K, Mn-Lα, Cu-Lα, Al-K, Zr-Lα, and Mn-Kα lines, the calibration state of the energy scale, and the Mn-Lα/Mn-Kα intensity ratio as a measure for the low-energy detection efficiency are calculated by a dedicated software package from the 10 kV spectrum. Measurements at various input count rates and processor shaping times enable an estimation of the operation conditions for which the X-ray spectrum is not yet corrupted by pile-up events. Representative examples of EDS systems characterized with the test material and the related software are presented and discussed.
A gamma-rayspectrometer for use in geological exploration possesses four stripping ratios and three window sensitivities which must be determined to make the instrumentation applicable for field assay or airborne measurement of potassium, uranium, and thorium contents in the ground. Survey organizations in many parts of the world perform the instrument calibration using large pads of concrete which simulate a plane ground of known radioelement concentration. Calibration and monitoring trials with twelve facilities in ten countries prove that moisture absorption, radon exhalation, and particle-size effects can offset a radiometric grade assigned to concrete whose aggregate contains an embedded radioactive mineral. These and other calibration problems are discussed from a combined theoretical and practical viewpoint. (author)
A compact, low-cost, wireless gamma-rayspectrometer is a tool sought by a number of different organizations in the field of radiation detection. Such a device has applications in emergency response, battlefield assessment, and personal dosimetry. A prototype device fitting this description has been constructed in the Advanced Radiation Instrumentation Laboratory at Oregon State University. The prototype uses a CsI(Tl) scintillator coupled to a solid-state photomultiplier and a 40 MHz, 12-bit, FPGA-based digital pulse processor to measure gamma radiation, and is able to be accessed wirelessly by mobile phone. The prototype device consumes roughly 420 mW, weighs about 28 g (not including battery), and measures 2.54×3.81 cm{sup 2}. The prototype device is able to achieve 5.9% FWHM energy resolution at 662 keV.
Full Text Available The radioactivity of the three elements, potassium, uranium and thorium, in rocks of various types in Pattani Province was investigated by using a gamma rayspectrometer. It was found that potassium contents in igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks were 6.29 %, 2.21% and 1.54 % respectively. Uranium equivalent contents in igneous rock, sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks were found to be 22.51 ppm, 11.25 ppm and 14.13 ppm, while thorium contents in these rocks were 21.78 ppm, 18.88 ppm and 18.15 ppm respectively. The results obtained were similar to those reported by Pungtip Ranglek (1995 for igneous rock at Liwong Pluton site in Thepha, Na Thawi, Chana and Saba Yoi Districts, Songkhla Province, and were about six times higher than those reported by Kittichai Wattananikorn (1994 for igneous rock in the northern part of Thailand.
An investigation of the gamma background was carried out in the VESUVIO spectrometer at the ISIS spallation neutron source. This study, performed with a yttrium-aluminum-perovskite (YAP) scintillator, follows high resolution pulse height measurements of the gamma background carried out on the same instrument with the use of a high-purity germanium detector. In this experimental work, a mapping of the gamma background was attempted, trying to find the spatial distribution and degree of directionality of the different contributions identified in the previous study. It is found that the gamma background at low times is highly directional and mostly due to the gamma rays generated in the moderator-decoupler system. The other contributions, consistently to the findings of a previous experiment, are identified as a nearly isotropic one due to neutron absorption in the walls of the experimental hall, and a directional one coming from the beam dump.
An investigation of the gamma background was carried out in the VESUVIO spectrometer at the ISIS spallation neutron source. This study, performed with a yttrium-aluminum-perovskite (YAP) scintillator, follows high resolution pulse height measurements of the gamma background carried out on the same instrument with the use of a high-purity germanium detector. In this experimental work, a mapping of the gamma background was attempted, trying to find the spatial distribution and degree of directionality of the different contributions identified in the previous study. It is found that the gamma background at low times is highly directional and mostly due to the gamma rays generated in the moderator-decoupler system. The other contributions, consistently to the findings of a previous experiment, are identified as a nearly isotropic one due to neutron absorption in the walls of the experimental hall, and a directional one coming from the beam dump.
An investigation of the gamma background was carried out in the VESUVIO spectrometer at the ISIS spallation neutron source. This study, performed with a yttrium-aluminum-perovskite (YAP) scintillator, follows high resolution pulse height measurements of the gamma background carried out on the same instrument with the use of a high-purity germanium detector. In this experimental work, a mapping of the gamma background was attempted, trying to find the spatial distribution and degree of directionality of the different contributions identified in the previous study. It is found that the gamma background at low times is highly directional and mostly due to the gamma rays generated in the moderator-decoupler system. The other contributions, consistently to the findings of a previous experiment, are identified as a nearly isotropic one due to neutron absorption in the walls of the experimental hall, and a directional one coming from the beam dump.
The REgolith X-ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) instrument contains a one-time deployable radiation cover that is opened using a shape memory alloy actuator (a "Frangibolt") from TiNi Aerospace and two torsion springs. The door will be held closed by the bolt for several years in cold storage during travel to the target asteroid, Bennu, and it is imperative to gain confidence that the door will open at predicted operational temperatures. This paper briefly covers the main design features of the radiation cover and measures taken to mitigate risks to cover deployment. As the chosen FD04 model Frangibolt actuator has minimal flight heritage, the main focus of this paper is the testing, results and conclusions with the FD04 while discussing key lessons learned with respect to the use of the FD04 actuator in this application.
A high-resolution x-rayspectrometer has been designed, calibrated, and deployed on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) to measure plasma parameters for a Kr-doped surrogate capsule imploded at NIF conditions. Two conical crystals, each diffracting the He α and He β complexes respectively, focus the spectra onto a steak camera photocathode for time-resolved measurements with a temporal resolution of NIF experimental results will also be discussed. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory under contract DE-AC02-09CH11466 and by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.
Electron cyclotron resonance heating and electron cyclotron current drive, disruptive events, and sawtooth activity are all known to produce suprathermal electrons in fusion devices, motivating increasingly detailed studies of the generation and dynamics of this suprathermal population. Measurements have been performed in the past years in the tokamak a configuration variable (TCV) tokamak using a single pinhole hard-x-ray (HXR) camera and electron-cyclotron-emission radiometers, leading, in particular, to the identification of the crucial role of spatial transport in the physics of ECCD. The observation of a poloidal asymmetry in the emitted suprathermal bremsstrahlung radiation motivates the design of a proposed new tomographic HXR spectrometer reported in this paper. The design, which is based on a compact modified Soller collimator concept, is being aided by simulations of tomographic reconstruction. Quantitative criteria have been developed to optimize the design for the greatly variable shapes and positions of TCV plasmas.
Alpha particle X-rayspectrometer (APXS) is one of the payloads of Chang'E-3 lunar rover, the scientific objective of which is in-situ observation and off-line analysis of lunar regolith and rock. Distance measurement is one of the important functions for APXS to perform effective detection on the moon. The present paper will first give a brief introduction to APXS, and then analyze the specific requirements and constraints to realize distance measurement, at last present a new near infrared distance sensing algorithm by using the inflection point of response curve. The theoretical analysis and the experiment results verify the feasibility of this algorithm. Although the theoretical analysis shows that this method is not sensitive to the operating temperature and reflectance of the lunar surface, the solar infrared radiant intensity may make photosensor saturation. The solutions are reducing the gain of device and avoiding direct exposure to sun light.
The streaked x-rayspectrometer (SXS) is used with streak cameras [D. H. Kalantar, P. M. Bell, R. L. Costa, B. A. Hammel, O. L. Landen, T. J. Orzechowski, J. D. Hares, and A. K. L. Dymoke-Bradshaw, in 22nd International Congress on High-Speed Photography and Photonics, edited by D. L. Paisley and A. M. Frank (SPIE, Bellingham, WA, 1997), Vol. 2869, p. 680] positioned with a ten-inch manipulator on OMEGA [T. R. Boehly et al., Opt. Commun. 133, 495 (1997)] and OMEGA EP [L. J. Waxer et al., Presented at CLEO/QELS 2008, San Jose, CA, 4-9 May 2008 (Paper JThB1)] for time-resolved, x-ray spectroscopy of laser-produced plasmas in the 1.4- to 20-keV photon-energy range. These experiments require measuring a portion of this photon-energy range to monitor a particular emission or absorption feature of interest. The SXS relies on a pinned mechanical reference system to create a discrete set of Bragg reflection geometries for a variety of crystals. A wide selection of spectral windows is achieved accurately and efficiently using this technique. It replaces the previous spectrometer designs that had a continuous Bragg angle adjustment and required a tedious alignment calibration procedure. The number of spectral windows needed for the SXS was determined by studying the spectral ranges selected by OMEGA users over the last decade. These selections are easily configured in the SXS using one of the 25 discrete Bragg reflection geometries and one of the six types of Bragg crystals, including two curved crystals.
We present the optical design of the Centurion soft X-ray resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) spectrometer to be located on the SIX beamline at NSLS-II. The spectrometer is designed to reach a resolving power of 100 000 at 1000 eV at its best resolution. It is also designed to have continuously variable 2θ motion over a range of 112° using a custom triple rotating flange. We have analyzed several possible spectrometer designs capable of reaching the target resolution. After careful analysis, we have adopted a Hettrick-Underwood spectrometer design, with an additional plane mirror to maintain a fixed direction for the outgoing beam. The spectrometer can cancel defocus and coma aberrations at all energies, has an erect focal plane, and minimizes mechanical motions of the detector. When the beamline resolution is accounted for, the net spectral resolution will be 14 meV at 1000 eV. This will open up many low energy excitations to study and will expand greatly the power of soft X-ray RIXS.
We present the optical design of the Centurion soft X-ray resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXS) spectrometer to be located on the SIX beamline at NSLS-II. The spectrometer is designed to reach a resolving power of 100 000 at 1000 eV at its best resolution. It is also designed to have continuously variable 2θ motion over a range of 112° using a custom triple rotating flange. We have analyzed several possible spectrometer designs capable of reaching the target resolution. After careful analysis, we have adopted a Hettrick-Underwood spectrometer design, with an additional plane mirror to maintain a fixed direction for the outgoing beam. The spectrometer can cancel defocus and coma aberrations at all energies, has an erect focal plane, and minimizes mechanical motions of the detector. When the beamline resolution is accounted for, the net spectral resolution will be 14 meV at 1000 eV. This will open up many low energy excitations to study and will expand greatly the power of soft X-ray RIXS.
In this study the authors report on the results of the investigation of lead iodide material properties. The effectiveness of a zone refining purification method on the material purity is determined by ICP-MS and ICP-OES and correlated to the electrical and physical material properties. They show that this zone refining method is very efficient in removing impurities from lead iodide, and they also determine the segregation coefficient for some of these impurities. Triple axis X-ray diffraction (TAD) analysis has been used to determine the crystalline perfection of the lead iodide after applying various cutting, etching and fabrication methods. The soft lead iodide crystal was found to be damaged when cleaved by a razor blade, but by using a diamond wheel saw, followed by etching, the crystallinity of the material was much improved, as observed by TAD. Low temperature photoluminescence also indicates an improvement in the material properties of the purified lead iodide. Electrical properties of lead iodide such as carrier mobility, were calculated based on carrier-phonon scattering. The results for the electrical properties were in good agreement with the experimental data
The NEAR Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) spacecraft will encounter the 433Eros asteroid for a one year orbital mission in December 1998. Its on-board remote sensing instrumentation includes X-ray and gamma-ray (XGRS) spectrometers. NEAR is an orbital mission and long integrations over spatially specific asteroid regions are generally not possible. A methodology for simulating longer integrations has been developed for XGRS and uses unique management, correlative and analytical ground systems to render mapping data products. Evaluation of the spatial environment is accomplished through virtual renderings of the asteroid surface giving incidence, emission and surface roughness factors. Extended computer plate modeling information is employed to optimize ground computer systems processing time. Interactive visualization systems have been developed to manage close to a million spectra that will be collected during the encounter. Feedback systems are employed to inspect, tag and calibrate spectral data products. Mission planning, systems development and managerial responsibilities have been distributed to cooperating science organizations at The Goddard Space Flight Center, The University of Arizona, Cornell University, The Applied Physics Laboratory and The Max Plank Institute
We have designed, built, and successfully fielded a highly efficient and gated Bragg crystal spectrometer for x-ray Thomson scattering measurements on the National Ignition Facility (NIF). It utilizes a cylindrically curved Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite crystal. Its spectral range of 7.4–10 keV is optimized for scattering experiments using a Zn He-α x-ray probe at 9.0 keV or Mo K-shell line emission around 18 keV in second diffraction order. The spectrometer has been designed as a diagnostic instrument manipulator-based instrument for the NIF target chamber at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, USA. Here, we report on details of the spectrometer snout, its novel debris shield configuration and an in situ spectral calibration experiment with a Brass foil target, which demonstrated a spectral resolution of E/ΔE = 220 at 9.8 keV.
Results connected with concentration measurements of Ni and Cu in low alloy steel and pig iron samples are presented. The samples were analysed by a Si(Li) detector X-rayspectrometer developed by the authors. The characteristic X-rays of elements were excited by a 5 mCi activity ring-shaped 125 I radioisotope source which emits the K-X-rays of Te and a weak γ-line of 35 keV energy. The semiconductor detector X-rayspectrometer can be used even more advantageously for analysis of major components of metallurgical samples. The method for quantitative analysis needed only one or a small number of standards. The interelement disturbing effects were mathematically corrected with computer
A reflecting crystal spectrometer consisting of three cylindrically bent quartz (110) crystals is described. It was designed to measure the 3 keV K β X-rays from pionic hydrogen and deuterium. Charge coupled devices (CCDs) were used as X-ray detectors. Projecting the reflexes of all three crystals on one common focus, an instrumental energy resolution below 1 eV was obtained at an energy of 2.9 keV. (orig.)
The Fourier Imaging X-raySpectrometer (FIXS) is one of four instruments on SAC-1, the Argentinian satellite being proposed for launch by NASA on a Scout rocket in 1992/3. The FIXS is designed to provide solar flare images at X-ray energies between 5 and 35 keV. Observations will be made on arcsecond size scales and subsecond time scales of the processes that modify the electron spectrum and the thermal distribution in flaring magnetic structures
Design and operating principle of the X-rayspectrometer which is applied for investigations of the chemical composition of the Mars soil, are described. The measurement performed in two points of the Mars surface have permitted to determine the content of magnesium, aluminium, silicon, potassium and 9 other elements in the Mars ground
The author reports the comparison results on natural radioactive nuclide contents of soil specimen from an uranium diggings with HPGe and NaI(Tl) γ-rayspectrometer. Relative method and athwart matrix method are used to analyze natural radioactive nuclide contents in samples of soil. The results are compared and are proven to be in accordance with each other
TIGRESS is a new generation γ-rayspectrometer designed for use with radioactive beams from ISAC. This paper gives an overview of the project and presents results from the first radioactive beam experiment with TIGRESS, the Coulomb excitation of 20,21Na.
The details of the quantitative X-ray spectral microanalysis performed with a wave dispersive spectrometer are described. Hydration of biological tissues, light element composition, low concentration of analyzed elements and their nonuniform distribution are the specific features of bioorganic film and tissue section. This paper is aimed to discuss the general approaches to both preparation technique and quantitative analysis principles [ru
The evolution of the hardware platforms, the modernization of the software tools, the access to the codes of a large number of young people and the popularization of the open source software for scientific applications drove us to design OASYS (ORange SYnchrotron Suite), a completely new graphical environment for modelling X-ray experiments. The implemented software architecture allows to obtain not only an intuitive and very-easy-to-use graphical interface, but also provides high flexibility and rapidity for interactive simulations, making configuration changes to quickly compare multiple beamline configurations. Its purpose is to integrate in a synergetic way the most powerful calculation engines available. OASYS integrates different simulation strategies via the implementation of adequate simulation tools for X-ray Optics (e.g. ray tracing and wave optics packages). It provides a language to make them to communicate by sending and receiving encapsulated data. Python has been chosen as main programming language, because of its universality and popularity in scientific computing. The software Orange, developed at the University of Ljubljana (SLO), is the high level workflow engine that provides the interaction with the user and communication mechanisms.
The cosmic gamma-ray burst spectrometer Konus-W has been successfully making observations for nearly one year, since the launch of the GGS-Wind spacecraft. The instrument consists of two large scintillator units of size and shape very nearly the same as the spectroscopy detectors on CGRO BATSE. These face towards the ecliptic poles so as to survey the sky in a moderately uniform fashion. At least 114 gamma ray bursts have triggered the system in the first 330 days of operation, yielding detailed time histories and spectra. A large number of additional events are seen in the background mode at much coarser resolution. These observations can be combined with those of the Interplanetary Network to reduce the total area of the segmented annular source fields derived from several degrees to about one degree in length, although the data cannot obtained from this spacecraft in the rapid turnaround mode needed to benefit the BACODINE system. The Konus spectra can be summarized presently as providing little indication of the frequent occurrence of major spectral features
The present work describes a few methodologies developed for fitting efficiency curves obtained by means of a HPGe gamma-rayspectrometer. The interpolated values were determined by simple polynomial fitting and polynomial fitting between the ratio of experimental peak efficiency and total efficiency, calculated by Monte Carlo technique, as a function of gamma-ray energy. Moreover, non-linear fitting has been performed using a segmented polynomial function and applying the Gauss-Marquardt method. For the peak area obtainment different methodologies were developed in order to estimate the background area under the peak. This information was obtained by numerical integration or by using analytical functions associated to the background. One non-calibrated radioactive source has been included in the curve efficiency in order to provide additional calibration points. As a by-product, it was possible to determine the activity of this non-calibrated source. For all fittings developed in the present work the covariance matrix methodology was used, which is an essential procedure in order to give a complete description of the partial uncertainties involved. (author)
We develop a ultra-low background gamma rayspectrometer, using active and passive shielding technique at the same time. Cosmic ray induced background is suppressed by means of active shield devices consisting of plastic scintillating plates of 50 mm thick and anti-coincidence electronic system. The shield is made of 150 mm thick walls of very low activity lead, especially 20 mm with activity of -1 and 0.36 s -1 with and without active shield, respectively, on the regions from 50 keV to 3 MeV. The detection efficiency curve has been precisely measured for regions from 80 keV to 2 MeV with a 10 3 ml marinelli beaker sample, made with calibrated mixed-sources consists of 109 Cd, 57 Co, 139 Ce, 203 Hg, 113 Sn, 85 Sr, 137 Cs, 60 Co and 88 Y. The virtues of the method are demonstrated by applying on experiment that requires the lowest detection limit
We are developing ultra-high energy resolution gamma-ray detectors based on superconducting transition edge sensors (TESs) for nuclear non-proliferation and fundamental science applications. They use bulk tin absorbers attached to molybdenum-copper multilayer TESs, and have achieved an energy resolution between 50 and 90 eV FWHM for gamma-ray energies below 122 keV. For increased user-friendliness, we have built a cryostat that attains the required detector operating temperature of 0.1 K at the push of a button without the use of cryogenic liquids. It uses a two-stage mechanical pulse tube refrigerator for precooling to ∼3 K, and a two-stage adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator for cooling to the base temperature. The cryostat is fully automated, attains a base temperature below 30 mK without the use of cryogenic liquids, and has a hold time of ∼2 days at 0.1 K between 1-hour demagnetization cycles. Here we discuss the performance of the cryostat for operation in a Gamma-spectrometer with 112-pixel arrays of superconducting TES detectors
Hard X-ray spectra in solar flares obtained by the broadband spectrometers aboard Hinotori and SMM are compared. Within the uncertainty brought about by assuming the typical energy of the background X-rays, spectra by the Hinotori spectrometer are usually consistent with those by the SMM spectrometer for flares in 1981. On the contrary, flares in 1982 persistently show 20-50-percent higher flux by Hinotori than by SMM. If this discrepancy is entirely attributable to errors in the calibration of energy ranges, the errors would be about 10 percent. Despite such a discrepancy in absolute flux, in the the decay phase of one flare, spectra revealed a hard X-ray component (probably a 'superhot' component) that could be explained neither by emission from a plasma at about 2 x 10 to the 7th K nor by a nonthermal power-law component. Imaging observations during this period show hard X-ray emission nearly cospatial with soft X-ray emission, in contrast with earlier times at which hard and soft X-rays come from different places.
Recent advances in field-portable X-ray fluorescence (FP XRF) spectrometer technology have made it a potentially valuable screening tool for the industrial hygienist to estimate worker exposures to airborne metals. Although recent studies have shown that FP XRF technology may be better suited for qualitative or semiquantitative analysis of airborne lead in the workplace, these studies have not extensively addressed its ability to measure other elements. This study involved a laboratory-based evaluation of a representative model FP XRF spectrometer to measure elements commonly encountered in workplace settings that may be collected on air sample filter media, including chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc. The evaluation included assessments of (1) response intensity with respect to location on the probe window, (2) limits of detection for five different filter media, (3) limits of detection as a function of analysis time, and (4) bias, precision, and accuracy estimates. Teflon, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, and mixed cellulose ester filter media all had similarly low limits of detection for the set of elements examined. Limits of detection, bias, and precision generally improved with increasing analysis time. Bias, precision, and accuracy estimates generally improved with increasing element concentration. Accuracy estimates met the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health criterion for nearly all the element and concentration combinations. Based on these results, FP XRF spectrometry shows potential to be useful in the assessment of worker inhalation exposures to other metals in addition to lead.
Experiments have been made to provide calibrated kinetic energy values for AES peaks in order to calibrate Auger electron spectrometers of various resolving powers. The kinetic energies are measured using a VG Scientific ESCALAB 2 which has power supplies appropriate for AES measurements in both the constant ΔE and constant ΔE/E modes. The absolute calibration of the energy scale is obtained by the development of a new measurement chain which, in turn, is calibrated in terms of the post-1990 representation of electron volts using XPS peaks with a traceable kinetic energy accuracy of 0.02 eV. The effects of instrumental and operating parameters, including the spectrometer dispersion and stray magnetic fields, are all assessed and contribute errors for three peaks not exceeding 0.06 eV and for two peaks not exceeding 0.03 eV. Calibrated positions in the direct spectrum are given for the Cu M 2,3 VV, Au N 6,7 VV, Ag M 4 NN, Cu L 3 VV and Au M 5 N 6,7 N 6,7 transitions at 0.2 eV resolution, referred to both the Standard Vacuum Level and the Fermi level. For the derivative spectrum the positions of the negative excursions are derived numerically by computer from this data and are established with the same accuracy. Data are tabulated for the above peaks in both the direct and differentiated modes for the popular resolutions of 0.15%, 0.3% and 0.6% produced by Gaussian broadening of the high resolution spectra. Differentiations are effected by both sinusoidal modulation and Savitzky-Golay functions of 2 eV and 5 eV peak-to-peak
Superconducting tunnel junctions (STJs) are being developed as energy-dispersive soft X-ray detectors, because they combine the high energy resolution of low-temperature detectors with the comparably high count rates of non-thermal devices. We have built a 36-pixel spectrometer based on 200 (micro)m x 200 (micro)m Nb-Al-AlOx-Al-Nb STJs. It offers an energy resolution of ∼10 to 20 eV FWHM in the soft X-ray band below 1 keV, a solid angle coverage (Omega)/4π ∼ 10 -3 , and can be operated at total rates up to ∼10 6 counts/s. For STJ operation by non-expert users, we have built a liquid-cryogen-free spectrometer with a mechanical pulse-tube cryocooler and a two-stage adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator. It is fully automated for cooldown to a base temperature of 3 days between demagnetization cycles for STJ operation at 0.3 K. The STJ spectrometers are used for speciation measurements on dilute samples by fluorescence-detected X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and can achieve sensitivities below 100 ppm. We discuss the spectrometer performance in representative applications on metals in meteorites in the context of geological signatures of biological activity
Superconducting tunnel junctions (STJs) are being developed as energy-dispersive soft X-ray detectors, because they combine the high energy resolution of low-temperature detectors with the comparably high count rates of non-thermal devices. We have built a 36-pixel spectrometer based on 200 {micro}m x 200 {micro}m Nb-Al-AlOx-Al-Nb STJs. It offers an energy resolution of {approx}10 to 20 eV FWHM in the soft X-ray band below 1 keV, a solid angle coverage {Omega}/4{pi} {approx} 10{sup -3}, and can be operated at total rates up to {approx}10{sup 6} counts/s. For STJ operation by non-expert users, we have built a liquid-cryogen-free spectrometer with a mechanical pulse-tube cryocooler and a two-stage adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator. It is fully automated for cooldown to a base temperature of <30 mK in 15 hours, and has a hold time of >3 days between demagnetization cycles for STJ operation at 0.3 K. The STJ spectrometers are used for speciation measurements on dilute samples by fluorescence-detected X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and can achieve sensitivities below 100 ppm. We discuss the spectrometer performance in representative applications on metals in meteorites in the context of geological signatures of biological activity.
This paper describes two alternative algorithms which are applied to reduce the telemetry requirements for a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) based, space-borne, X-rayspectrometer by on-board reconstruction of the X-ray events split over two or more adjacent pixels. The algorithms have been developed for the Reflection Grating Spectrometer (RGS) on the X-ray multi-mirror (XMM) mission, the second cornerstone project in the European Space Agency's Horizon 2000 programme. The overall instrument and some criteria which provide the background of the development of the algorithms, implemented in Tartan ADA on an MA31750 microprocessor, are described. The on-board processing constraints and requirements are discussed, and the performances of the algorithms are compared. Test results are presented which show that the recursive implementation is faster and has a smaller executable file although it uses more memory because of its stack requirements. (orig.)
A portable total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (TXRF) was used to analyze leaching solutions of hijiki seaweeds. S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Fe, Ni, As and Br were detected in the solutions. Arsenic quantification results were compared to those from ICP-AES. The TXRF quantification results of arsenic were not significantly different from those of ICP-AES, as two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) method was applied to the significance test. This kind of small and high sensitive TXRF spectrometer can be used in food quality and environmental pollution investigation. (author)
The scheme of electronic module for sample feeding device control for the CRV type X-ray fluorescence analysis spectrometers is considered. This module provides realization of next functions: sample change operations and installation in starting position; signaling and defense at emergency cases; indication of any sample amount in the spectrometer chamber; testing function at tuning and testing of modules. All these principal functions are entrusted with microcontroller. Programming of the microcontroller is putting into effect by algorithm of the whole sample feeding device. In the capacity of microcontroller the single crystalline processor PICI16C54 and stepping motor of NV-306-V2202 model have been used
Data accumulated from 1980 to 1983 with the Gamma RaySpectrometer aboard NASA's Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) satellite were searched for evidence of red and blue Doppler-shifted 1.37 MeV Mg-24 nuclear lines from SS 433. The SMM data base covers 270 days when SS 433 was in the field of view and includes periods of radio flaring and quiescence. No evidence was found for Doppler-shifted line emission in any of the spectra. The range of 3-sigma upper limits for individual 9 day integration periods was 0.0008-0.0023 photons/sq cm per sec for the blue beam, encompassing the reported about 1.5 MeV line, and 0.0008-0.002 photons/sq cm per sec for the red beam, encompassing the reported about 1.2 MeV line; the average 3-sigma upper limit in each beam for shifted about 1.37 MeV lines is 0.0015 photons/sq cm per sec for single 9 day integrations. The 3-sigma upper limit on 1.37 MeV gamma-ray emission over 23 9-day integration intervals for the red beam and 28 intervals for the blue beam is 0.0002 photons/sq cm per sec. These new limits from SMM can be reconciled with the HEAO 3 results only if SS 433 emits gamma radiation at or above the SMM sensitivity limit on rare occasions due to variable physical conditions in the system. 19 refs
Data accumulated from 1980 to 1983 with the Gamma RaySpectrometer aboard NASA's Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) satellite were searched for evidence of red and blue Doppler-shifted 1.37 MeV Mg-24 nuclear lines from SS 433. The SMM data base covers 270 days when SS 433 was in the field of view and includes periods of radio flaring and quiescence. No evidence was found for Doppler-shifted line emission in any of the spectra. The range of 3-sigma upper limits for individual 9 day integration periods was 0.0008-0.0023 photons/sq cm per sec for the blue beam, encompassing the reported about 1.5 MeV line, and 0.0008-0.002 photons/sq cm per sec for the red beam, encompassing the reported about 1.2 MeV line; the average 3-sigma upper limit in each beam for shifted about 1.37 MeV lines is 0.0015 photons/sq cm per sec for single 9 day integrations. The 3-sigma upper limit on 1.37 MeV gamma-ray emission over 23 9-day integration intervals for the red beam and 28 intervals for the blue beam is 0.0002 photons/sq cm per sec. These new limits from SMM can be reconciled with the HEAO 3 results only if SS 433 emits gamma radiation at or above the SMM sensitivity limit on rare occasions due to variable physical conditions in the system.
Diffraction grating-based, wavelength dispersive high-resolution soft x-ray spectroscopy of celestial sources promises to reveal crucial data for the study of the Warm-Hot Intergalactic Medium, the Interstellar Medium, warm absorption and outflows in Active Galactic Nuclei, coronal emission from stars, and other areas of interest to the astrophysics community. Our recently developed critical-angle transmission (CAT) gratings combine the advantages of the Chandra high and medium energy transmission gratings (low mass, high tolerance of misalignments and figure errors, polarization insensitivity) with those of blazed reflection gratings (high broad band diffraction efficiency, high resolution through use of higher diffraction orders) such as the ones on XMM-Newton. Extensive instrument and system configuration studies have shown that a CAT grating-based spectrometer is an outstanding instrument capable of delivering resolving power on the order of 5,000 and high effective area, even with a telescope point-spread function on the order of many arc-seconds. We have fabricated freestanding, ultra-high aspect-ratio CAT grating bars from silicon-on-insulator wafers using both wet and dry etch processes. The 200 nm-period grating bars are supported by an integrated Level 1 support mesh, and a coarser external Level 2 support mesh. The resulting grating membrane is mounted to a frame, resulting in a grating facet. Many such facets comprise a grating array that provides light-weight coverage of large-area telescope apertures. Here we present fabrication results on the integration of CAT gratings and the different high-throughput support mesh levels and on membrane-frame bonding. We also summarize recent x-ray data analysis of 3 and 6 micron deep wet-etched CAT grating prototypes.
Materials containing radionuclides of natural origin and being subject to regulation because of their radioactivity are known as Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM). By following International Atomic Energy Agency, we include in NORM those materials with an activity concentration, which is modified by human made processes. We present a brief review of the main categories of non-nuclear industries together with the levels of activity concentration in feed raw materials, products and waste, including mechanisms of radioisotope enrichments. The global management of NORM shows a high level of complexity, mainly due to different degrees of radioactivity enhancement and the huge amount of worldwide waste production. The future tendency of guidelines concerning environmental protection will require both a systematic monitoring based on the ever-increasing sampling and high performance of gamma-ray spectroscopy. On the ground of these requirements a new low-background fully automated high-resolution gamma-rayspectrometer MCA R ad has been developed. The design of lead and cooper shielding allowed to reach a background reduction of two order of magnitude with respect to laboratory radioactivity. A severe lowering of manpower cost is obtained through a fully automation system, which enables up to 24 samples to be measured without any human attendance. Two coupled HPGe detectors increase the detection efficiency, performing accurate measurements on small sample volume (180 cm 3 ) with a reduction of sample transport cost of material. Details of the instrument calibration method are presented. MCA R ad system can measure in less than one hour a typical NORM sample enriched in U and Th with some hundreds of Bq kg -1 , with an overall uncertainty less than 5 %. Quality control of this method has been tested. Measurements of three certified reference materials RGK-1, RGU-2 and RGTh-1 containing concentrations of potassium, uranium and thorium comparable to NORM have
During the months of August, September, and October of 1980, Aero Service Division Western Geophysical Company of America conducted an airborne high sensitivity gamma-rayspectrometer and magnetometer survey over ten (10) areas over northern California and southwestern Oregon. These include the 2 0 x 1 0 NTMS quadrangles of Roseburg, Medford, Weed, Alturas, Redding, Susanville, Ukiah, and Chico along with the 1 0 x 2 0 areas of the Coos Bay quadrangle and the Crescent City/Eureka areas combined. This report discusses the results obtained over the Coos Bay, Oregon, map area. Line spacing was generally six miles for east/west traverses and eighteen miles for north/south tie lines over the northern one-half of the area. Traverses and tie lines were flown at three miles and twelve miles respectively over the southern one-half of the area. A total of 16,880.5 line miles of geophysical data were acquired, compiled, and interpreted during the survey, of which 863.8 line miles are in this quadrangle
We present an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for high-resolution x-rayspectrometers. The ASIC is designed to read out signals from a pixelated silicon drift detector (SDD). Each hexagonal pixel has an area of 15 mmz and an anode capacitance of less than 100 fF. There is no integrated Field Effect transistor (FET) in the pixel, rather, the readout is done by wirebonding the anodes to the inputs of the ASIC. The ASIC provides 14 channels of low-noise charge amplification, high-order shaping with baseline stabilization, and peak detection with analog memory. The readout is sparse and based on low voltage differential signaling. An interposer provides all the interconnections required to bias and operate the system. The channel dissipates 1.6 mW. The complete 14-pixel unit covers an area of 210 mm 2 , dissipates 12 mW cm -2 , and can be tiled to cover an arbitrarily large detection area. We measured a preliminary resolution of 172 eV at -35 C on the 6 keV peak of a 55 Fe source
The construction technology for the calibration facilities of gamma-rayspectrometer oil logging system is introduced. It is referenced to the experience from similar calibration facilities at home and abroad. Facilities consist of 9 models. The effective diameter of each model is 1.5 m and the height is 6 m. Each borehole has U ore zone, Th ore zone, K ore zone, high mixed zone, high mixed thin zone, low mixed zone and barren zone. There are 45 zones in total. Each element model has 6 in, 8.5 in and 12 in of different diameters. The preventing radon migration and complete sealing technology are used for each zone to prevent radon from escaping. The density of models, homogeneity and moisture of radio elements have been measured that gives a complete data for calibration adjusting of the instrument. The sizes of facilities and the concentration of radioactivity are reasonable designed and conformed to the recommendation of IAEA. Parameters are consistent with the parameters of calibration facilities built by Houston University in America. The emanation coefficient of the facilities is lees than 1%. The dry density of filling is 2.12 g/cm 3 and the relative standard deviation is +- 1.9%
During the months of July-August 1980, Aero Service Division Western Geophysical Company of America conducted an airborne high sensitivity gamma-rayspectrometer and magnetometer survey over eleven (11) 3 0 x 1 0 and one (1) 4 0 x 1 0 NTMS quadrangles of the Alaskan North Slope. This report discusses the results obtained over the Barrow map area. The final data are presented in four different forms: on magnetic tape; on microfiche; in graphic form as profiles and histograms; and in map form as anomaly maps, flight path maps, and computer printer maps. The histograms and the multiparameter profiles are presented with the anomaly maps and flight path map in a separate bound volume. Complete data listings of both the reduced single record and the reduced averaged record data are found in the back of this report. The format of the printout of the microfiches and the format of the data files delivered on magnetic tape are in accordance with the specifications of the BFEC 1200-C and are described in appendices F through L of this report
An airborne high sensitivity gamma-rayspectrometer and magnetometer survey was conducted over ten (10) areas over northern California and southwestern Oregon. These include the 2 0 x 1 0 NTMS quadrangles of Roseburg, Medford, Weed, Alturas, Redding, Susanville, Ukiah, and Chico along with the 1 0 x 2 0 areas of the Coos Bay quadrangle and the Crescent City/Eureka areas combined. This report discusses the results obtained over the Alturas, California, map area. Traverse lines were flown in an east-west direction at a line spacing of six (6) miles. Tie lines were flown north-south approximately eighteen (18) miles apart. A total of 16,880.5 line miles of geophysical data were acquired, compiled, and interpreted during the survey, of which 1631.6 line miles are in this quadrangle. The purpose of this study is to acquire and compile geologic and other information with which to assess the magnitude and distribution of uranium resources and to determine areas favorable for the occurrence of uranium in the United States
Considered are main peculiarities of apparata called MIS-diods having metal-thin isolating semiconductor structure and used as detectors of low-energy gamma and X-ray radiation. Discussed are advantages of tunnel MIS-diods based on non-primitive carriers. Presented are results of experimental measurements carried out using system of metal-silion oxide-silicon with the oxide layer width of 10-25 A (silicon with acceptor concentration of 10 19 m -3 ). Data presented show that MIS-diods can be considered as diods with p-n - transition in which n + - region is an inversion layer near the semiconductor surface, and further a leant region is situated. When voltage is applied only the depth of the leant region changes. In case of high quality diods the leakage currents are very small. Results of the investigation performed show that MIS-diods with oxide film wiolth of 10-22 A (the film covering p-silicon with high specific resistance) can be used as spectrometers of low-energy photons having particularly high energetic solution at room temperature. An advantage of new diods is the reverse current significantly lower in comparison with that of usual detectors with the Schottky barrier
An airborne combined radiometric and magnetic survey was performed for the Department of Energy (DOE) over the area covered by the Mariposa, California and Nevada; Fresno, California; and Bakersfield, Caifornia 1:250,000 National Topographic Map Series (NTMS) 1 0 x 2 0 quadrangle maps. The survey was a part of DOE's National Aerial Radiometric Reconnaissance (ARR) program, which in turn is a part of the National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) program. Data were collected by a helicopter equipped with a gamma-rayspectrometer having a large crystal volume, and a high sensitivity proton precession magnetometer. The radiometric system was calibrated at the Walker Field Calibration pads and the Lake Mead Dynamic Test range. Data quality was ensured throughout the survey by daily test flights and equipment checks. Radiometric data were corrected for live time, aircraft and equipment background, cosmic background, atmospheric radon, Compton scatter, and altitude dependence. The corrected data were statistically evaluated, plotted, and contoured to produce anomaly maps based on the radiometric response of individual geological units. These maps were interpreted and an anomaly interpretation map produced. Volume I contains a description of the systems used in the survey, a discussion of the calibration of the systems, the data processing procedures, the data display format, the interpretation rationale, and the interpretation methodology. A separate Volume II for each quadrangle contains the data displays and the interpretation results
Over 100 plastic toys from the 1970s and 1980s, both polyvinyl chloride ("vinyl") and nonvinyl, were analyzed in the study described here using a handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to quantify hazardous metal content. A sampling of recent vinyl toys was also tested. The majority of nonvinyl samples were Fisher Price brand toys. The vinyl toys consisted largely of Barbie dolls and other dolls. Overall, lead or cadmium was found in 67% of vintage plastic toys, frequently at concentrations exceeding current U.S. and European limits. Arsenic was detected at levels of concern in 16% of the samples. In the nonvinyl toys, heavy metal content was found to correlate with certain colors of plastic. The likely sources of the detected metals are discussed. None of the contemporary vinyl toys contained detectable cadmium, lead, or arsenic. Given that vintage toys remain in widespread use by children in homes and other locations, the results illuminate a potential source of heavy metal exposure for children.
An airborne combined radiometric and magnetic survey was performed for the Department of Energy (DOE) over the area covered by the Peoria, Decatur, and Belleville, 1:250,000 National Topographic Map Series (NTMS), quadrangle maps. The survey was part of DOE's National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) program. Data were collected by a helicopter equipped with a gamma-rayspectrometer with a large crystal volume, and with a high sensitivity proton procession magnetometer. The radiometric system was calibrated at the Walker Field Calibration pads and the Lake Mead Dynamic Test Range. Data quality was ensured during the survey by daily test flights and equipment checks. Radiometric data were corrected for live time, aircraft and equipment background, cosmic background, atmospheric radon, Compton scatter, and altitude dependence. The corrected data were statistically evaluated, plotted, and contoured to produce anomaly maps based on the radiometric response of individual geological units. The anomalies were interpreted and an interpretation map produced. Volume I contains a description of the systems used in the survey, a discussion of the calibration of the systems, the data collection procedures, the data processing procedures, the data presentation, the interpretation rationale, and the interpretation methodology. A separate Volume II for each quadrangle contains the data displays and the interpretation results
An airborne high sensitivity gamma-rayspectrometer and magnetometer survey was conducted over ten (10) areas over northern California and southwestern Oregon. These include the 2 0 x 1 0 NTMS quadrangles of Roseburg, Medford, Weed, Alturas, Redding, Susanville, Ukiah, and Chico along with the 1 0 x 2 0 areas of the Coos Bay quadrangle and the Crescent City/Eureka areas combined. This report discusses the results obtained over the Susanville, California, map area. Traverse lines were flown in an east-west direction at a line spacing of six (6) miles. Tie lines were flown north-south approximately eighteen (18) miles apart. A total of 16,880.5 line miles of geophysical data were acquired, compiled, and interpreted during the survey, of which 1642.8 line miles are in this quadrangle. The purpose of this study is to acquire and compile geologic and other information with which to assess the magnitude and distribution of uranium resources and to determine areas favorable for the occurrence of uranium in the United States
An airborne high sensitivity gamma-rayspectrometer and magnetometer survey was conducted over eleven (11) 2 0 x 1 0 NTMS quadrangles located in the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin and seven (7) 2 0 x 1 0 NTMS quadrangles in North and South Dakota. The quadrangles located within the North and South Dakota survey area include Devil's Lake, New Rockford, Jamestown, Aberdeen, Huron, Mitchell, and Sioux Falls. This report discusses the results obtained over the Mitchell map area. The purpose of this program is to acquire and compile geologic and other information with which to assess the magnitude and distribution of uranium resources and to determine areas favorable for the occurrence of uranium in the United States. Traverse lines were flown in an east-west direction at a line spacing of six (6) miles. Tie lines were flown north-south approximately twenty-four (24) miles apart. A total of 21,481 line miles of geophysical data were acquired, compiled, and interpreted during the survey, of which 1479 line miles are in this quadrangle
Oxidation in a regime where diffusion is rapid and pressures are low is addressed. Kinetic effects under these conditions are minimized and a protective oxide film of near-equilibrium composition that is a few nanometers thick may form. Ultrathin oxides have great potential for addressing the corrosion resistance of metals, since they do not always suffer stress-induced cracking upon thermal cycling, and can be reformed under high temperature, oxidizing environments. Ultrathin oxide films are also preferable to those on a thick oxide scale for electrochemical applications due to their electrical properties. To study the growth of these oxide films, we have developed a high signal x-ray photoelectron spectrometer. The instrument can measure the near-surface composition during growth under oxygen partial pressures of up to 10-5 mbar and surface temperatures up to 1300 K. Under these conditions, films grow to a level of 3 nm in 1 h. Experiments with Cu-Al alloys show rapid segregation of Al upon oxygen exposure at 875 K, whereas exposures at lower temperatures result in a mixed oxide. With a Ni-Al intermetallic, higher temperatures were needed to preferentially segregate Al. Thermal cycling followed by exposure to chlorine in the same instrument is used as a measure of the degree of corrosion resistance of the oxides in question.
An airborne high sensitivity gamma-rayspectrometer and magnetometer survey was conducted over eleven (11) 2 0 x 1 0 NTMS quadrangles located in the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin and seven (7) 2 0 x 1 0 NTMS quadrangles in North and South Dakota. The quadrangles located within the North and South Dakota survey area include Devil's Lake, New Rockford, Jamestown, Aberdeen, Huron, Mitchell, and Sioux Falls. This report discusses the results obtained over the New Rockford map area. Traverse lines were flown in an east-west direction at a line spacing of six (6) miles. Tie lines were flown north-south approximately twenty-four (24) miles apart. A total of 21,481 line miles of geophysical data were acquired, compiled, and interpreted during the survey, of which 1397 line miles are in this quadrangle. The purpose of this study is to acquire and compile geologic and other information with which to assess the magnitude and distribution of uranium resources and to determine areas favorable for the occurrence of uranium in the United States
An airborne high sensitivity gamma-rayspectrometer and magnetometer survey was conducted over eleven (11) 2 0 x 1 0 NTMS quadrangles located in the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin and seven (7) 2 0 x 1 0 NTMS quadrangles in North and South Dakota. The quadrangles located within the North and South Dakota survey area include Devil's Lake, New Rockford, Jamestown, Aberdeen, Huron, Mitchell, and Sioux Falls. This report discusses the results obtained over the Huron map area. Traverse lines were flown in an east-west direction at a line spacing of six (6) miles. Tie lines were flown north-south approximately twenty-four (24) miles apart. A total of 21,481 line miles of geophysical data were acquired, compiled, and interpreted during the survey, of which 1459 line miles are in this quadrangle. The purpose of this study is to acquire and compile geologic and other information with which to assess the magnitude and distribution of uranium resources and to determine areas favorable for the occurrence of uranium in the United States
A portable total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometer has been applied to a trace elemental analysis of wines. Sulfur, K, Mn, Fe, and Rb were detected. These five elements were quantified by using 1 ppm of Co as an internal standard. The quantified concentrations ranged from sub-ppm to several hundred ppm. Because of organic substances in wines, the scattering of the incident X-rays from the dry residues of wines becomes strong. Therefore, a high spectral background appears in TXRF spectra of wines. Because of this background, relative standard deviations of the quantified concentrations were from 4 to 28%. Although the high spectral background appeared in the TXRF spectra of the wines, a detection limit down to several tens of ppb was achieved. The present portable spectrometer can be applied to screening for trace elements in wines before an accurate and precise analysis using a large elemental analyzer. (author)
Basic design methods about the magnetic shield of an X-rayspectrometer for Chang'E Mission were introduced in this paper. The real magnetic field distribution was obtained through the measure experiment, and according to the measure results, the simulation to evaluate the magnetic shield effect was carded on. The results showed that the collimator can play a good role in magnetic shield to the electron. (authors)
Upgrade of the imaging X-ray crystal spectrometers continues in order to fulfill the high-performance diagnostics requirements on EAST. For the tangential spectrometer, a new large pixelated two-dimensional detector was deployed on tokamaks for time-resolved X-ray imaging. This vacuum-compatible detector has an area of 83.8 × 325.3 mm{sup 2}, a framing rate over 150 Hz, and water-cooling capability for long-pulse discharges. To effectively extend the temperature limit, a double-crystal assembly was designed to replace the previous single crystals for He-like argon line measurement. The tangential spectrometer employed two crystal slices attached to a common substrate and part of He- and H-like Ar spectra could be recorded on the same detector when crystals were chosen to have similar Bragg angles. This setup cannot only extend the measurable Te up to 10 keV in the core region, but also extend the spatial coverage since He-like argon ions will be present in the outer plasma region. Similarly, crystal slices for He-like iron and argon spectra were adopted on the poloidal spectrometer. Wavelength calibration for absolute rotation velocity measurement will be studied using cadmium characteristic L-shell X-ray lines excited by plasma radiation. A Cd foil is placed before the crystal and can be inserted and retracted for in situ wavelength calibration. The Geant4 code was used to estimate X-ray fluorescence yield and optimize the thickness of the foil.
During the months of July, August, and September 1979, an airborne high sensitivity gamma-rayspectrometer and magnetometer survey was conducted over ten 3 0 x 1 0 NTMS quadrangles of West-Central Alaska. The results obtained over the Norton Bay Map area are discussed. The final data are presented in four different forms: on magnetic tape; on microfiche; in graphic form as profiles and histograms; and in map form as anomaly maps and flight path maps. The histograms and the multiparameter are presented with the anomaly maps and flight path map in a separate volume. A total of twenty (20) uranium anomalies have been indicated on the interpretation map. No thorium anomalies were found. The uranium anomalies are all weak and generally have only U/K or U/T expression. Often the uranium concentration within the zone is low, and generally is less than 2.5 ppM. Only zones 9, with an average of 3.0 ppM eU, and 14, with 2.6 ppm have above average uranium content. Zone 14 is also the only uranium anomaly with combined U/K and U/T ratio anomalies. No single uranium anomaly is believed to represent an economic follow-up target. The most prospective area appears to be the elongate zone of generally high uranium content, formed by the deposits of the Shaktolik group, to the east of the Ungalik conglomerate. This zone flanks an elongate area of relatively strong shallow magnetic sources, interpreted to be related to a monozonitic intrusive of which the Christmas mountain forms part. This intrusive rock contains in other neighboring areas often high thorium and uranium concentrations and may here as well served as a possible source of uranium deposits
Highlights: • Proposed substantial radiation shielding design improvements of the CIXS system. • Radiation protection of the CIXS Port Interspace (PI) to provide personnel access. • The SDDR at PI was reduced by 100× from 2 mSv/h to 20 microSv/h. • A screen plate as a temporary shield at the CIXS maintenance period has been proposed. • The shadow effect created by a screen plate reduces SDDR by 9×. - Abstract: This paper presents new results of the MCNP neutronics analysis for the core imaging X-rayspectrometer (CIXS) system of the ITER Equatorial Port Plug #17 (EPP#17). Substantial radiation shielding design improvements of the CIXS system have been suggested as the outcomes of this analysis. These suggested improvements allow reaching two major goals: (1) radiation protection of the CIXS Port Interspace (PI) to provide personnel access for maintenance of the vacuum extension flange; (2) reduction of the neutron and gamma loads on the detectors to reduce the need for maintenance itself. By implementing the improvements in our models such as filling void spaces around the CIXS beams with boron carbide and inserting the tungsten collimators in the narrowed beam channel, we were able to reduce the Shut-Down Dose Rate (SDDR) in the PI by 100× from 2 mSv/h in the original CIXS design to 20 microSv/h. In case of non-changed MCNP geometry, the D1S method was applied in calculations of SDDR. To allow the maintenance access to the flange, a part of shielding was removed, therefore the R2Smesh methodology was applied instead of D1S. During the maintenance access of CIXS from the PI side, a screen plate was proposed to introduce behind which a worker receives much less SDDR.
A unique, alternative educational and public outreach product was created to investigate the use and effectiveness of auditory displays in science education. The product, which allows students to both visualize and hear seasonal variations in data detected by the Gamma RaySpectrometer (GRS) aboard the Mars Odyssey spacecraft, consists of an animation of false-color maps of hydrogen concentrations on Mars along with a musical presentation, or sonification, of the same data. Learners can access this data using the visual false-color animation, the auditory false-pitch sonification, or both. Central to the development of this product is the question of its educational effectiveness and implementation. During the spring 2003 semester, three sections of an introductory astronomy course, each with ˜100 non-science undergraduates, were presented with one of three different exposures to GRS hydrogen data: one auditory, one visual, and one both auditory and visual. Student achievement data was collected through use of multiple-choice and open-ended surveys administered before, immediately following, and three and six weeks following the experiment. It was found that the three student groups performed equally well in their ability to perceive and interpret the data presented. Additionally, student groups exposed to the auditory display reported a higher interest and engagement level than the student group exposed to the visual data alone. Based upon this preliminary testing,we have made improvements to both the educational product and our evaluation protocol. This fall, we will conduct further testing with ˜100 additional students, half receiving auditory data and half receiving visual data, and we will conduct interviews with individual students as they interface with the auditory display. Through this process, we hope to further assess both learning and engagement gains associated with alternative and multi-modal representations of scientific data that extend beyond
A high-resolution, time-resolving soft X-ray multichannel spectrometer (SOXMOS) that permits the simultaneous measurement of emission in two different spectral ranges has been developed and tested extensively for tokamak plasma diagnostics. The basic instrument is a high-resolution, interferometrically adjusted, extreme grazing incidence Schwob-Fraenkel duochromator. The instrument is equipped with two multichannel detectors that are adjusted interferometrically and scan along the Rowland circle. Each consists of an MgF 2 coated, funneled microchannel plate, associated with a phosphor screen image intensifier that is coupled to a 1024-element photodiode array by a flexible fibrer optic conduit. The total wavelength coverage of the instrument is 5 to 340 0 A with a measured resolution (FWHM) of about 0.2 A when equipped with a 600 g/mm grating, and 5 to 85 A with a resolution of about 0.06 A using a 2400 g/mm grating. The simultaneous spectral coverage of each detector varies from 15 A at the short wavelength limit to 70 A at the long wavelength limit with the lower dispersion grating. The minimum read-out time for a full spectral portion is 17 ms, but several individual lines can be measured with 1 ms time resolution by selected pixel readout. Higher time resolution can be achieved by replacing one multichannel detector with a single channel electron multiplier detector. Examples of data from the PLT and TFTR tokamaks are presented to illustrate the instrument's versatility, high spectral resolution, and high signal-to-noise ratio even in the 10 A region. 44 refs., 20 figs
X-ray spectra due to intrinsic Titanium are obtained on the FTU tokamak by using a space resolved bent crystal spectrometer. In a single discharge, spectra along five lines of sight with a maximum of 16 acquisitions at different times are recorded. Line identification is straightforward from previously published Ti spectra, and no wavelength disagreement (within the experimental errors) has been observed. To fit the spectra, three different methods are tested, each having as free parameters the background level, position (i.e. channel number of the peak) intensity and width of the resonance w line, and line intensity ratios of the satellites with respect to the resonance. Many information can be deduced from the results of the fit: ion and electron temperatures, He-like/Li-like ion charge ratio. Titanium density in the plasma core. Synthetic spectra built up with the values calculated by the fits are compared with the experimental data, and the temperature values are compared with the values from other diagnostics. The best agreement for ion and electron temperatures is obtained by simultaneous fitting of the resonance with 29 most prominent resolved and unresolved satellites; intensities of the dielectronic satellites have been calculated with the Boltzmann-Saha equation, while intensities of intercombination lines x and y and forbidden line z have been calculated with the Mewe's formula. For the dielectronic satellites as well as for intercombination lines, simulations are satisfactory, whereas for the forbidden line z the simulated lines are only 15-30% of the corresponding experimental values. A comparison of the resonance peak positions in different lines of sight allowed to exclude poloidal plasma rotation velocities > 2 10 4 m/s [it
Primary beam spectra were obtained for an X-ray industrial equipment (40-150 kV), and for a clinical mammography apparatus (25-35 kV) from beams scattered at angles close to 90 o , measured with a CdTe Compton spectrometer. Actual scattering angles were determined from the Compton energy shift of characteristic X-rays or spectra end-point energy. Evaluated contribution of coherent scattering amounts to more than 15% of fluence in mammographic beams. This technique can be used in clinical environments.
The Marshall Grazing Incidence X-raySpectrometer is a NASA sounding rocket payload providing a 0.6 - 2.5 nm spectrum with unprecedented spatial and spectral resolution. The instrument is comprised of a novel optical design, featuring a Wolter1 grazing incidence telescope, which produces a focused solar image on a slit plate, an identical pair of stigmatic optics, a planar diffraction grating and a low-noise detector. When MaGIXS flies on a suborbital launch in 2019, a slit-jaw camera system will reimage the focal plane of the telescope providing a reference for pointing the telescope on the solar disk and aligning the data to supporting observations from satellites and other rockets. The telescope focuses the X-ray and EUV image of the sun onto a plate covered with a phosphor coating that absorbs EUV photons, which then fluoresces in visible light. This 10-week REU project was aimed at optimizing an off-axis mounted camera with 600-line resolution NTSC video for extremely low light imaging of the slit plate. Radiometric calculations indicate an intensity of less than 1 lux at the slit jaw plane, which set the requirement for camera sensitivity. We selected a Watec 910DB EIA charge-coupled device (CCD) monochrome camera, which has a manufacturer quoted sensitivity of 0.0001 lux at F1.2. A high magnification and low distortion lens was then identified to image the slit jaw plane from a distance of approximately 10 cm. With the selected CCD camera, tests show that at extreme low-light levels, we achieve a higher resolution than expected, with only a moderate drop in frame rate. Based on sounding rocket flight heritage, the launch vehicle attitude control system is known to stabilize the instrument pointing such that jitter does not degrade video quality for context imaging. Future steps towards implementation of the imaging system will include ruggedizing the flight camera housing and mounting the selected camera and lens combination to the instrument structure.
In this work, we describe the solution developed by the gamma ray camera upgrade enhancement project to improve the spectroscopic properties of the existing JET γ-ray camera. Aim of the project is to enable gamma-ray spectroscopy in JET deuterium-tritium plasmas. A dedicated pilot spectrometer based on a LaBr{sub 3} crystal coupled to a silicon photo-multiplier has been developed. A proper pole zero cancellation network able to shorten the output signal to a length of 120 ns has been implemented allowing for spectroscopy at MHz count rates. The system has been characterized in the laboratory and shows an energy resolution of 5.5% at E{sub γ} = 0.662 MeV, which extrapolates favorably in the energy range of interest for gamma-ray emission from fast ions in fusion plasmas.
A hard X-ray (HXR) spectrometer has been developed to study the runaway electrons during the sawtooth activities and during the runaway current plateau phase on the J-TEXT tokamak. The spectrometer system contains four NaI scintillator detectors and a multi-channel analyzer (MCA) with 0.5 ms time resolution. The dedicated peak detection circuit embedded in the MCA provides a pulse height analysis at count rate up to 1.2 million counts per second (Mcps), which is the key to reach the high time resolution. The accuracy and reliability of the system have been verified by comparing with the hardware integrator of HXR flux. The temporal evolution of HXR flux in different energy ranges can be obtained with high time resolution by this dedicated HXR spectrometer. The response of runaway electron transport with different energy during the sawtooth activities can be studied. The energy evolution of runaway electrons during the plateau phase of runaway current can be obtained. - Highlights: • A HXR spectrometer with high time resolution has been developed on J-TEXT tokamak. • The response of REs transport during the sawtooth activities can be investigated. • The energy evolution of REs following the disruptions can be monitored.
The design of the gamma spectrometer PRIPYAT` intended for gamma spectra measurement in the energy range 0.2-3 MeV is discussed. The spectrometer may be used for the food and water control as well as for massive control of environmental contamination. Its background at Cs{sup 134} + Cs{sup 137} measurement regime is less then 9 c/s. 1 fig.
Accurate simulation of pellet implosions for direct drive inertial confinement fusion requires benchmarking the codes with experimental data. The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has begun to measure the absolute intensity of radiation from laser irradiated targets to provide critical information for the radiatively preheated pellet designs developed by the Nike laser group. Two main diagnostics for this effort are two spectrometers incorporating three detection systems. While both spectrometers use 2500 lines/mm transmission gratings, one instrument is coupled to a soft x-ray streak camera and the other is coupled to both an absolutely calibrated Si photodiode array and a charge coupled device (CCD) camera. Absolute calibration of spectrometer components has been undertaken at the National Synchrotron Light Source at Brookhaven National Laboratories. Currently, the system has been used to measure the spatially integrated soft x-ray flux as a function of target material, laser power, and laser spot size. A comparison between measured and calculated flux for Au and CH targets shows reasonable agreement to one-dimensional modeling for two laser power densities
We present a cylindrically curved GaAs x-rayspectrometer with energy resolution ΔE/E = 1.1 × 10(-4) and wave-number resolution of Δk/k = 3 × 10(-3), allowing plasmon scattering at the resolution limits of the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) x-ray free-electron laser. It spans scattering wavenumbers of 3.6 to 5.2/Å in 100 separate bins, with only 0.34% wavenumber blurring. The dispersion of 0.418 eV/13.5 μm agrees with predictions within 1.3%. The reflection homogeneity over the entire wavenumber range was measured and used to normalize the amplitude of scattering spectra. The proposed spectrometer is superior to a mosaic highly annealed pyrolytic graphite spectrometer when the energy resolution needs to be comparable to the LCLS seeded bandwidth of 1 eV and a significant range of wavenumbers must be covered in one exposure.
A high-resolution, DIM-based (Diagnostic Instrument Manipulator) x-ray crystal spectrometer has been calibrated for and deployed at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) to diagnose plasma conditions and mix in ignition capsules near stagnation times. Two conical crystals in the Hall geometry focus rays from the Kr He- α, Ly- α, and He- β complexes onto a streak camera for time-resolved spectra, in order to measure electron density and temperature by observing Stark broadening and relative intensities of dielectronic satellites. Signals from these two crystals are correlated with a third crystal that time-integrates the intervening energy range. The spectrometer has been absolutely calibrated using a microfocus x-ray source, an array of CCD and single-photon-counting detectors, and K- and L-absorption edge filters. Measurements of the integrated reflectivity, energy range, and energy resolution for each crystal will be presented. The implications of the calibration on signal levels from NIF implosions and x-ray filter choices will be discussed. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. DoE by Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory under contract DE-AC02-09CH11466 and by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.
Advances in technology and instrumentation open new windows for observing astrophysical objects. The first half of my dissertation involves the development of atomic layer deposition (ALD) coatings to create high reflectivity UV mirrors for future satellite astronomical telescopes. Aluminum (Al) has intrinsic reflectance greater than 80% from 90 – 2,000 nm, but develops a native aluminum oxide (Al2O3) layer upon exposure to air that readily absorbs light below 250 nm. Thus, Al based UV mirrors must be protected by a transmissive overcoat. Traditionally, metal-fluoride overcoats such as MgF2 and LiF are used to mitigate oxidation but with caveats. We utilize a new metal fluoride (AlF3) to protect Al mirrors deposited by ALD. ALD allows for precise thickness control, conformal and near stoichiometric thin films. We prove that depositing ultra-thin ( 3 nm) ALD ALF3 to protect Al mirrors after removing the native oxide layer via atomic layer etching (ALE) enhances the reflectance near 90 nm from 5% to 30%.X-ray detector technology with high readout rates are necessary for the relatively bright Sun, particularly during large flares. The hot plasma in the solar corona generates X-rays, which yield information on the physical conditions of the plasma. The second half of my dissertation includes detector testing, characterization and solar science with the Miniature X-ray Solar Spectrometer (MinXSS) CubeSats. The MinXSS CubeSats employ Silicon Drift Diode (SDD) detectors called X123, which generate full sun spectrally resolved ( 0.15 FWHM at 5.9 keV) measurements of the sparsely measured, 0.5 – 12 keV range. The absolute radiometric calibration of the MinXSS instrument suite was performed at the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) Synchrotron Ultraviolet Radiation Facility (SURF) and spectral resolution determined from radioactive sources. I used MinXSS along with data from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES), Reuven Ramaty
This study extends the application of the portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) spectrometry to the examination of elements in semi-arid urban landscapes of the Southern High Plains (SHP) of the United States, focusing on golf courses. The complex environmental challenges of this region and the unique management practices at golf course facilities could lead to differences in concentration and in the chemistry of elements between managed (irrigated) and non-managed (non-irrigated) portions of these facilities. Soil samples were collected at depths of 0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm from managed and non-managed areas of seven different facilities in the city of Lubbock, Texas, and analyzed for a suite of soil properties. Total elemental quantification was conducted using a PXRF spectrometer. Findings mostly indicated no significant differences in the concentration of examined elements between the managed and non-managed areas of the facilities. However, strong positive relationships (R = 0.82-0.91, p < 0.001) were observed among elements (e.g., Fe on the one hand and Cr, Mn, Ni, and As on the other; Cu and Zn; As and Cr) and between these elements and soil constituents or properties such as clay, calcium carbonate, organic matter, and pH. The strengths of these relationships were mostly higher in the non-managed areas, suggesting a possible alteration in the chemistry of these elements by anthropogenic influences in the managed areas. Principal component and correlation analyses within the managed areas suggested that As, Cr, Fe, Mn, and Ni could be of lithogenic origin, while Cu, Pb, and Zn could have anthropogenic influences. Only one possible, likely lithogenic, source of the elements was identified within the non-managed areas. As evidenced by the study, the PXRF spectrometer can be a valuable tool for elemental quantification and rapid investigation of elemental interaction and source apportionment in semi-arid climates.
X-ray calibration of the Electro-Optical Breadboard Model (EOBB) of the XXM Reflection Grating Spectrometer has been carried out at the Panter test facility in Germany. The EOBB prototype optics consisted of a four-shell grazing incidence mirror module followed by an array of eight reflection gratings. The dispersed x-rays were detected by an array of three CCDs. Line profile and efficiency measurements where made at several energies, orders, and geometric configurations for individual gratings and for the grating array as a whole. The x-ray measurements verified that the grating mounting method would meet the stringent tolerances necessary for the flight instrument. Post EOBB metrology of the individual gratings and their mountings confirmed the precision of the grating boxes fabrication. Examination of the individual grating surface`s at micron resolution revealed the cause of anomalously wide line profiles to be scattering due to the crazing of the replica`s surface.
We here present the principles and main physics capabilities behind the design of the radial gamma rayspectrometers (RGRS) system for alpha particle and runaway electron measurements at ITER. The diagnostic benefits from recent advances in gamma-ray spectrometry for tokamak plasmas and combines...... the measurements sensitive to α particles at characteristic resonant energies and to possible anisotropies of their slowing down distribution function. An independent assessment of the neutron rate by gamma-ray emission is also feasible. In case of runaway electrons born in disruptions with a typical duration...... of 100ms, a time resolution of at least 10ms for runaway electron studies can be achieved depending on the scenario and down to a current of 40 kA by use of external gas injection. We find that the bremsstrahlung spectrum in the MeV range from confined runaways is sensitive to the electron velocity space...
In 2007, a study of back-illuminated Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs) for soft X-ray photon detection demonstrated the improvements that could be brought over more traditional micro-channel plate detectors for X-rayspectrometers based on diffraction gratings and position sensitive detectors. Whilst the spatial resolution was reported to be improved dramatically, an intrinsic limit of approximately 25 micrometers was found due to the spreading of the charge cloud generated in the CCD across several pixels. To overcome this resolution limit, it is necessary to move away from the current integrated imaging methods and consider a photon-counting approach, recording the photon interaction locations to the sub-pixel level. To make use of photon-counting techniques it is important that the individual events are separable. To maintain the throughput of the spectrometer for high intensity lines, higher frame rates and therefore higher readout speeds are required. With CCD based systems, the increased noise at high readout speeds can limit the photon-counting performance. The Electron-Multiplying CCD shares a similar architecture with the standard CCD but incorporates a g ain register . This novel addition allows controllable gain to be applied to the signal before the read noise is introduced, therefore allowing individual events to be resolved above the noise even at much higher readout rates. In the past, the EM-CCD has only been available with imaging areas too small to be practical in soft X-ray emission spectrometers. The current drive for large area Electron-Multiplying CCDs is opening this technology to new photon-counting applications, requiring in-depth analysis of the processes and techniques involved. Early results indicate that through the introduction of photon-counting techniques the resolution in such systems can be dramatically improved.
The trigger for the Barrel Muon Spectrometer of the ATLAS experiment at LHC will be given by means of Resistive Plate Chambers working in avalanche mode. Before being mounted on the experimental apparatus each RPC chamber will undergo detailed quality control tests. A dedicated cosmic rays test station with good tracking resolution is operational in Naples University and INFN laboratory. All working parameters of RPCs are monitored and measured. Moreover, the uniformity of the efficiency on the whole surface is measured. A brief description of the test station and results for the first 148 Units will be presented.
The OSIRIS-REx Mission was selected under the NASA New Frontiers program and is scheduled for launch in September of 2016 for a rendezvous with, and collection of a sample from the surface of asteroid Bennu in 2019. 101955 Bennu (previously 1999 RQ36) is an Apollo (near-Earth) asteroid originally discovered by the LINEAR project in 1999 which has since been classified as a potentially hazardous near-Earth object. The REgolith X-Ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) was proposed jointly by MIT an...
An x-ray imaging crystal spectrometer has been developed on joint Texas experimental tokamak for the measurement of electron and ion temperatures from the K{sub α} spectra of helium-like argon and its satellite lines. A two-dimensional multi-wire proportional counter has been applied to detect the spectra. The electron and ion temperatures have been obtained from the Voigt fitting with the spectra of helium-like argon ions. The profiles of electron and ion temperatures show the dependence on electron density in ohmic plasmas.
A novel x-ray tube with a line filament has been developed for the in-situ calibration of the x-ray crystal spectrometer (XCS) in the KSTAR machine. The characteristics of the x-ray tube are investigated from the x-ray images obtained by using a pinhole and a CCD detector. It is found that the image has the width of about 0.1 mm, which is much improved as compared with the previous experimental results. In addition, there is a uniform region around the center of the image within its full length of 13.5 mm. This work may lead to the development of a novel x-ray tube with a line focus, which is required for the calibration of the XCS. Experimental results from the investigation of the x-ray tube are presented and the technical issues in a design of the in-situ calibration system using the x-ray tube for the KSTAR XCS are discussed. (author)
This research is concerned with the stabilization of spectra provided by a gamma-rayspectrometer. It is required to hold the calibration straight line of the spectrometer in a position which is fixed initially to better than 5x10 -5 channel. A prototype numerical stabilizer has been constructed : the SPECTROSTAB; it is made up of two independent control loops; one of these makes the spectrometer gain depend on the derivatives of a reference peak at high energies; the other makes the origin of the energy scale depend on the derivatives of a second reference peak at low energies A theoretical study of the behaviour of a control loop shows that a direct action stabilizer gives the most accurate stabilization; the loss in resolving power on the theoretical peaks of the spectra attains about 1 % with a scintillation detector, and 10 % with a semi-conductor detector. Various tests show that the expected results are obtained and that the displacement of the spectral peaks produced by the derivatives are hidden by errors in the calculation of the peak abscissae. (author) [fr
Software package for elemental analysis for X-ray spectrum obtained from Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) attached with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) has been developed: A Personal Computer Analyzer card PCA-800 is used to acquire data from the EDS. This spectrum is obtained in binary format, which is transformed into ASCII format using PCAII card software. The program is modular in construction and coded using Microsoft's QUICKBASIC compiler linker. Energy line library containing all lines of elements is created for analysis of acquired characteristic X-ray spectrum. Two techniques of peak identification are provided. Statistical tools are employed for smoothing of a curve and for computing area under the curve. Elemental concentration is calculated in weight % and in atomic. (author)
Precision measurements by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station of the primary cosmic-ray electron flux in the range 0.5 to 700 GeV and the positron flux in the range 0.5 to 500 GeV are presented. The electron flux and the positron flux each require a description beyond a single power-law spectrum. Both the electron flux and the positron flux change their behavior at ∼30 GeV but the fluxes are significantly different in their magnitude and energy dependence. Between 20 and 200 GeV the positron spectral index is significantly harder than the electron spectral index. The determination of the differing behavior of the spectral indices versus energy is a new observation and provides important information on the origins of cosmic-ray electrons and positrons.
From the features of spectra shape of Chang'e-1 γ-rayspectrometer(CE1-GRS) data, it is difficult to determine elemental compositions on the lunar surface. Aimed at this problem, this paper proposes using noise adjusted singular value decomposition (NASVD) method to extract orthogonal spectral components from CE1-GRS data. Then the peak signals in the spectra of lower-order layers corresponding to the observed spectrum of each lunar region are respectively analyzed. Elemental compositions of each lunar region can be determined based upon whether the energy corresponding to each peak signal equals to the energy corresponding to the characteristic gamma-ray line emissions of specific elements. The result shows that a number of elements such as U, Th, K, Fe, Ti, Si, O, Al, Mg, Ca and Na are qualitatively determined by this method. (authors)
The back-illuminated charge coupled devices (CCD) are suitable for soft X-ray photon detection. Their nominal performances suggest that they can boost both efficiency and resolving power of X-rayspectrometers based on diffraction gratings and two-dimensional position sensitive detectors. We tested the performances of two commercially available CCDs, intended to replace a more traditional microchannel plate (MCP) detector. Our tests show that the devices have excellent performances in terms of dark current, response linearity, detection efficiency and spatial resolution. We observed that the CCDs have better efficiency (more than 10 times) and better resolution (∼3 times) than the MCP. Moreover we found an intrinsic limit for the spatial resolution, which is almost independent of the detector pixel size and is estimated around 25 μm
The X-ray nova A0620-00 has been studied with the Ariel V crystal spectrometer/polarimeter for the presence of X-ray lines and polarization. Upper limits are obtained for the Si XIV, S XV and S XVI lines to a level of less than 2 eV at 3 sigma for the sulphur lines and 3.6 eV for Si XIV. No linear polarization is observed to a level of 2 per cent at 2.6 keV. These results are interpreted in terms of an accretion disk model for the source, in which the electron scattering depth tausub(es) approximately 20, and constraints are given on the disk geometry. (author)
We are developing x-ray Thomson scattering for applications in implosion experiments at the National Ignition Facility. In particular we have designed and fielded MACS, a high-efficiency, gated x-rayspectrometer at 7.5–10 keV [T. Döppner et al., Rev. Sci. Instrum. 85, 11D617 (2014)]. Here we report on two new Bragg crystals based on Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite (HOPG), a flat crystal and a dual-section cylindrically curved crystal. We have performed in situ calibration measurements using a brass foil target, and we used the flat HOPG crystal to measure Mo K-shell emission at 18 keV in 2nd order diffraction. Such high photon energy line emission will be required to penetrate and probe ultra-high-density plasmas or plasmas of mid-Z elements.
Precision measurements by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station of the primary cosmic-ray electron flux in the range 0.5 to 700 GeV and the positron flux in the range 0.5 to 500 GeV are presented. The electron flux and the positron flux each require a description beyond a single power-law spectrum. Both the electron flux and the positron flux change their behavior at ˜30 GeV but the fluxes are significantly different in their magnitude and energy dependence. Between 20 and 200 GeV the positron spectral index is significantly harder than the electron spectral index. The determination of the differing behavior of the spectral indices versus energy is a new observation and provides important information on the origins of cosmic-ray electrons and positrons.
Aims: The detection of very hot plasma in the quiescent corona is important for diagnosing heating mechanisms. The presence and the amount of such hot plasma is currently debated. The SphinX instrument on-board the CORONAS-PHOTON mission is sensitive to X-ray emission of energies well above 1 keV and provides the opportunity to detect the hot plasma component. Methods: We analysed the X-ray spectra of the solar corona collected by the SphinX spectrometer in May 2009 (when two active regions were present). We modelled the spectrum extracted from the whole Sun over a time window of 17 days in the 1.34-7 keV energy band by adopting the latest release of the APED database. Results: The SphinX broadband spectrum cannot be modelled by a single isothermal component of optically thin plasma and two components are necessary. In particular, the high statistical significance of the count rates and the accurate calibration of the spectrometer allowed us to detect a very hot component at ~7 million K with an emission measure of ~2.7 × 1044 cm-3. The X-ray emission from the hot plasma dominates the solar X-ray spectrum above 4 keV. We checked that this hot component is invariably present in both the high and low emission regimes, i.e. even excluding resolvable microflares. We also present and discuss the possibility of a non-thermal origin (which would be compatible with a weak contribution from thick-target bremsstrahlung) for this hard emission component. Conclusions: Our results support the nanoflare scenario and might confirm that a minor flaring activity is ever-present in the quiescent corona, as also inferred for the coronae of other stars.
Caliste-SO is a CdTe hybrid detector designed to be used as a spectrometer for a hard X-ray Fourier telescope. The imaging technique was implemented in the Yohkoh satellite in 1991 and the RHESSI satellite in 2002 to achieve arc-second angular resolution images of solar flares with spectroscopic capabilities. The next generation of such instruments will be the Spectrometer Telescope Imaging X-rays (STIX) on-board the Solar Orbiter mission adopted by the European Space Agency in 2011 for launch in 2017. The design and performance of Caliste-SO allows both high spectral resolution and high count rate measurements from 4 to 150 keV with limited demands on spacecraft resources such as mass, power and volume (critical for interplanetary missions). The paper reports on the flight production of the Caliste-SO devices for STIX, describing the test facilities built-up in Switzerland and France. It illustrates some results obtained with the first production samples that will be mounted in the STIX engineering model.
An x-ray grating spectrometer was built in order to measure opacities in the 50 eV to 250 eV spectral range with an average spectral resolution ∼ 50. It has been used at the LULI-2000 laser facility at École Polytechnique (France) to measure the Δn = 0, n = 3 transitions of several elements with neighboring atomic number: Cr, Fe, Ni, and Cu in the same experimental conditions. Hence a spectrometer with a wide spectral range is required. This spectrometer features one line of sight looking through a heated sample at backlighter emission. It is outfitted with one toroidal condensing mirror and several flat mirrors cutting off higher energy photons. The spectral dispersion is obtained with a flatfield grating. Detection consists of a streak camera sensitive to soft x-ray radiation. Some experimental results showing the performance of this spectrometer are presented.
An x-ray grating spectrometer was built in order to measure opacities in the 50 eV to 250 eV spectral range with an average spectral resolution ∼ 50. It has been used at the LULI-2000 laser facility at École Polytechnique (France) to measure the Δn = 0, n = 3 transitions of several elements with neighboring atomic number: Cr, Fe, Ni, and Cu in the same experimental conditions. Hence a spectrometer with a wide spectral range is required. This spectrometer features one line of sight looking through a heated sample at backlighter emission. It is outfitted with one toroidal condensing mirror and several flat mirrors cutting off higher energy photons. The spectral dispersion is obtained with a flatfield grating. Detection consists of a streak camera sensitive to soft x-ray radiation. Some experimental results showing the performance of this spectrometer are presented.
An x-ray grating spectrometer was built in order to measure opacities in the 50 eV to 250 eV spectral range with an average spectral resolution {approx} 50. It has been used at the LULI-2000 laser facility at Ecole Polytechnique (France) to measure the {Delta}n = 0, n = 3 transitions of several elements with neighboring atomic number: Cr, Fe, Ni, and Cu in the same experimental conditions. Hence a spectrometer with a wide spectral range is required. This spectrometer features one line of sight looking through a heated sample at backlighter emission. It is outfitted with one toroidal condensing mirror and several flat mirrors cutting off higher energy photons. The spectral dispersion is obtained with a flatfield grating. Detection consists of a streak camera sensitive to soft x-ray radiation. Some experimental results showing the performance of this spectrometer are presented.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration — We propose to utilize a new detector material, polycrystalline mercuric iodide, for background suppression by active anticoincidence shielding in gamma-ray...
An X-ray and Gamma-RaySpectrometer (XGRS) is on board the Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) spacecraft to determine the elemental composition of the surface of the asteroid 433 Eros. The Eros asteroid is highly oblate and irregular in shape. As a result, analysis methodologies are in many ways a divergence from comparable techniques. Complex temporal, spatial and instrument performance relationships must be accounted for during the analysis process. Field of view and asteroid surface geometry measurements must be modeled and then combined with real measurements of solar, spectral and instrument calibration information to derive scientific results. NEAR is currently orbiting 433 Eros and is in the initial phases of its primary data integration and mapping phases. Initial results have been obtained and bulk chemistry assessments have been obtained through specialized background assessment and data reduction techniques.
The detection sensitivities of the Alpha Particle X-raySpectrometer (APXS) instruments on the Mars Exploration Rovers for a wide range of elements were experimentally determined in 2002 using spectra of geochemical reference materials. A flight spare instrument was similarly calibrated, and the calibration exercise was then continued for this unit with an extended set of geochemical reference materials together with pure elements and simple chemical compounds. The flight spare instrument data are examined in detail here using a newly developed fundamental parameters approach which takes precise account of all the physics inherent in the two X-ray generation techniques involved, namely, X-ray fluorescence and particle-induced X-ray emission. The objectives are to characterize the instrument as fully as possible, to test this new approach, and to determine the accuracy of calibration for major, minor, and trace elements. For some of the lightest elements the resulting calibration exhibits a dependence upon the mineral assemblage of the geological reference material; explanations are suggested for these observations. The results will assist in designing the overall calibration approach for the APXS on the Mars Science Laboratory mission.
The soft x-rayspectrometer (SXS) instrument was launched aboard the Astro-H (Hitomi) observatory on February 17, 2016. The SXS is based on a high-sensitivity x-ray calorimeter detector system that has been successfully deployed in many ground and suborbital spectrometers. The instrument was to provide essential diagnostics for nearly every class of x-ray emitting objects from the atmosphere of Jupiter to the outskirts of galaxy clusters, without degradation for spatially extended objects. The SXS detector system consisted of a 36-pixel cryogenic microcalorimeter array operated at a heat sink temperature of 50 mK. In preflight testing, the detector system demonstrated a resolving power of better than 1300 at 6 keV with a simultaneous bandpass from below 0.3 keV to above 12 keV with a timing precision better than 100 μs. In addition, a solid-state anticoincidence detector was placed directly behind the detector array for background suppression. The detector error budget included the measured interference from the SXS cooling system and the spacecraft. Additional margin for on-orbit gain stability and on-orbit spacecraft interference were also included predicting an on-orbit performance that meets or exceeds the 7-eV FWHM at 6-keV requirement. The actual on-orbit spectral resolution was better than 5 eV FWHM at 6 keV, easily satisfying the instrument requirement. Here, we discuss the actual on-orbit performance of the SXS detector system and compare this to performance in preflight testing and the on-orbit predictions. We will also discuss the on-orbit gain stability, additional on-orbit interference, and measurements of the on-orbit background.
Highlights: • Some lines from X-ray imaging crystal spectrometer (XICS) can be enhanced by non-thermal electrons, such as q, r satellite lines and z lines. • Analyze the non-thermal phenomena can reduce the error of electron temperature deduced from the intensity ratio of different lines of the He-like argon spectra from XICS. • XICS can be a tool to measure the non-thermal phenomena from these enhanced lines. - Abstract: A high spectra resolution X-ray imaging crystal spectrometer has been implemented on J-TEXT Tokamak for the measurements of K{sub α} spectra of helium-like argon and its satellite lines. The wavelength range of K{sub α} spectra of helium-like argon is from 3.9494 Å to 3.9944 Å that includes the resonance line w, intercombination lines x and y, forbidden line z and numerous satellite lines, referenced using standard Gabriel notation. In low-density discharge, the intensity of q, r satellite lines and z lines can be significantly enhanced by non-thermal electrons. Non-thermal electrons are produced due to the low plasma density. The high hard X-ray flux from NaI detector and significant downshift electron cyclotron emissions from energetic runaway electrons also indicated that there is a large population of runaway electrons in the low-density discharge. The non-thermal part of electrons can affect the excitation/transition equilibrium or ionization/recombination equilibrium. The q line is mainly produced by inner-shell excitation of lithium-like argon, and the r line is partially produced by inner-shell excitation of lithium-like argon and dielectronic recombination of helium-like argon.
The X-rayspectrometer used in high-energy-density plasma experiments generally requires both broad X-ray energy coverage and high temporal, spatial, and spectral resolutions for overcoming the difficulties imposed by the X-ray background, debris, and mechanical shocks. By using an elliptical crystal together with a streak camera, we resolve this issue at the SG-II laser facility. The carefully designed elliptical crystal has a broad spectral coverage with high resolution, strong rejection of the diffuse and/or fluorescent background radiation, and negligible source broadening for extended sources. The spectra that are Bragg reflected (23° < θ < 38°) from the crystal are focused onto a streak camera slit 18 mm long and about 80 μm wide, to obtain a time-resolved spectrum. With experimental measurements, we demonstrate that the quartz(1011) elliptical analyzer at the SG-II laser facility has a single-shot spectral range of (4.64–6.45) keV, a typical spectral resolution of E/ΔE = 560, and an enhanced focusing power in the spectral dimension. For titanium (Ti) data, the lines of interest show a distribution as a function of time and the temporal variations of the He-α and Li-like Ti satellite lines and their spatial profiles show intensity peak red shifts. The spectrometer sensitivity is illustrated with a temporal resolution of better than 25 ps, which satisfies the near-term requirements of high-energy-density physics experiments. (atomic and molecular physics)
NASA/GSFC and NIST-Boulder are collaborating on a program to advance superconducting transition-edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeter technology toward Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6. The technology development for a TES imaging X-ray microcalorimeter spectrometer (TES microcalorimeter arrays and time-division multiplexed SQUID readout) is now at TRL 4, as evaluated by both NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) during mission formulation for the International X-ray Observatory (IXO). We will present the status of the development program. The primary goal of the current project is to advance the core X-ray Microcalorimeter Spectrometer (XMS) detector-system technologies to a demonstration of TRL 5 in 2014. Additional objectives are to develop and demonstrate two important related technologies to at least TRL 4: position-sensitive TES devices and code-division multiplexing (CDM). These technologies have the potential to expand significantly the range of possible instrument optimizations; together they allow an expanded focal plane and higher per-pixel count rates without greatly increasing mission resources. The project also includes development of a design concept and critical technologies needed for the thermal, electrical, and mechanical integration of the detector and readout components into the focal-plane assembly. A verified design concept for the packaging of the focal-plane components will be needed for the detector system eventually to advance to TRL 6. Thus, the current project is a targeted development and demonstration program designed to make significant progress in advancing the XMS detector system toward TRL 6, establishing its readiness for a range of possible mission implementations.
Highlights: • Some lines from X-ray imaging crystal spectrometer (XICS) can be enhanced by non-thermal electrons, such as q, r satellite lines and z lines. • Analyze the non-thermal phenomena can reduce the error of electron temperature deduced from the intensity ratio of different lines of the He-like argon spectra from XICS. • XICS can be a tool to measure the non-thermal phenomena from these enhanced lines. - Abstract: A high spectra resolution X-ray imaging crystal spectrometer has been implemented on J-TEXT Tokamak for the measurements of K_α spectra of helium-like argon and its satellite lines. The wavelength range of K_α spectra of helium-like argon is from 3.9494 Å to 3.9944 Å that includes the resonance line w, intercombination lines x and y, forbidden line z and numerous satellite lines, referenced using standard Gabriel notation. In low-density discharge, the intensity of q, r satellite lines and z lines can be significantly enhanced by non-thermal electrons. Non-thermal electrons are produced due to the low plasma density. The high hard X-ray flux from NaI detector and significant downshift electron cyclotron emissions from energetic runaway electrons also indicated that there is a large population of runaway electrons in the low-density discharge. The non-thermal part of electrons can affect the excitation/transition equilibrium or ionization/recombination equilibrium. The q line is mainly produced by inner-shell excitation of lithium-like argon, and the r line is partially produced by inner-shell excitation of lithium-like argon and dielectronic recombination of helium-like argon.
The Miniature X-ray Solar Spectrometer (MinXSS) CubeSat is the first solar science oriented CubeSat mission flown for the NASA Science Mission Directorate, with the main objective of measuring the solar soft X-ray (SXR) flux and a science goal of determining its influence on Earth's ionosphere and thermosphere. These observations can also be used to investigate solar quiescent, active region, and flare properties. The MinXSS X-ray instruments consist of a spectrometer, called X123, with a nominal 0.15 keV full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) resolution at 5.9 keV and a broadband X-ray photometer, called XP. Both instruments are designed to obtain measurements from 0.5 - 30 keV at a nominal time cadence of 10 s. A description of the MinXSS instruments, performance capabilities, and relation to the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) 0.1 - 0.8 nm flux is given in this article. Early MinXSS results demonstrate the capability of measuring variations of the solar spectral soft X-ray (SXR) flux between 0.8 - 12 keV from at least GOES A5-M5 (5 × 10^{-8} - 5 ×10^{-5} W m^{-2}) levels and of inferring physical properties (temperature and emission measure) from the MinXSS data alone. Moreover, coronal elemental abundances can be inferred, specifically for Fe, Ca, Si, Mg, S, Ar, and Ni, when the count rate is sufficiently high at each elemental spectral feature. Additionally, temperature response curves and emission measure loci demonstrate the MinXSS sensitivity to plasma emission at different temperatures. MinXSS observations coupled with those from other solar observatories can help address some of the most compelling questions in solar coronal physics. Finally, simultaneous observations by MinXSS and the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) can provide the most spectrally complete soft X-ray solar flare photon flux measurements to date.
An improved eight power splitter is designed and fabricated newly, which is crucial in the time-scale system of soft X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer. The spectrometer is used in ICF laser facility to measure the evolution of soft X-ray spectrum, whose duration is only several nanoseconds. The synchronization and high bandwidth of signals produced by power splitter are tested, which shows the power splitter could meet the strict requirements of the experiments. The discussion of further improvement of power splitter are also presented. (authors)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration — The X-ray Surveyor mission concept is one of NASA’s four large missions to be studied in the upcoming 2020 Astrophysics Decadal Review. It aims to be a true...
National Aeronautics and Space Administration — This archive contains Mars Exploration Rover x-ray data products from the APXS instrument and ancillary files. Each product has a detached PDS label that describes...
National Aeronautics and Space Administration — Abstract ======== This data set consists of the MESSENGER GRS calibrated observations (CDRs) and the reduced data product (RDR). The GRS experiment is a gamma ray...
X-ray remote sensing is an established technique for chemical mapping of atmosphere-less inner solar system bodies. Chandrayaan-1 X-raySpectrometer (C1XS) [Grande et al, 2009], on-board the first Indian lunar mission Chandrayaan-1 [Bhandari et al, 2004], was flown with the objective [Crawford et al, 2009] of globally mapping the abundances of the major rock-forming elements Mg, Al, Si, Ca ,Ti and Fe with a spatial resolution of 25 km on the lunar surface. The instrument was developed by the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), UK in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). X-ray fluorescence (XRF) observations measure the abundance irrespective of the mineral structure. XRF spectral analysis can uniquely identify and quantify elemental signatures from all commonly occurring elements. C1XS is one of the first instruments to unambiguously map the abundance of elements from Na to Fe at scales of tens of kilometers. Because of the exceptionally low solar activity in 2009, the strongest solar flare observed was of C3 class and hence global mapping could not be achieved. However from the available coverage of ~ 5%, we have determined elemental abundances accurately through a detailed calibration of the instrument and inversion methodology [Narendranath et al, 2010; Athiray et al, 2013]. The end-to-end capacity to derive independent and accurate global surface chemical abundances using x-ray signatures was clearly demonstrated with C1XS. We present results from a comprehensive analysis of all data from C1XS with emphasis on the new finding of enhanced sodium in the southern lunar highlands that suggests possible new lithologies [Narendranath et al, 2011; Athiray et al, 2014]. It is generally believed that lunar highlands are mainly composed of plagioclase feldspar with lower amounts of the mafic minerals. Plagioclase in lunar samples have been found to have an anorthite content as high as An98 with the average highlands estimated to be An95
One uranium anomaly meets the minimum statistical requirements. Potassium (%K), equivalent Uranium (ppM eU), equivalent Thorium (ppM eT), eU/eT, eU/K, eT/K, and magnetic pseudo-contour maps are presented. Stacked Profiles showing geologic strip maps along each flight-line, together with sensor data, and ancillary data are presented. All maps and profiles were prepared on a scale of 1:250,000, but have been reduced to 1:500,000 for presentation. Anomaly number 1 is over an exposure of the Permian Shuksan metamorphic suite which is predominantly phyllite
Highlights: • Fast neutron and gamma-ray spectra were measured in a copper assembly irradiated with DT neutrons. • The results were compared with MCNP calculations. • Primary aim was to provide experimental data for checking and validation of nuclear data evaluations of copper. - Abstract: A neutronics benchmark experiment on a pure Copper assembly was performed at the Frascati Neutron Generator. The work aimed at testing of recent nuclear data libraries. This paper focuses on the measurement of fast neutron and gamma-ray flux spectra in the Copper assembly under DT neutron irradiation in two selected positions with a spectrometer based on the organic liquid scintillator NE-213. The measurement results were compared with Monte Carlo radiation transport calculations using MCNP and nuclear data from the JEFF-3.1.1 library. Calculations have been done with Cu data from JEFF-3.1.1, JEFF-3.2, FENDL-3 and ENDF/B-7.0. Discrepancies appear in the intermediate neutron energy range between experiment and calculation. Large discrepancies were observed in the gamma-ray spectra calculated with JEFF-3.2.
The sixth X-ray Japanese astronomy satellite, namely Astro-H, will be launched in 2015. The Soft X-raySpectrometer onboard the Astro-H is a 6 × 6 X-ray microcalorimeter array and provides us with both a high energy resolution of 3 years, which consequently requires that the vapor flow rate out of the helium tank should be very small knife edge devices to retain the liquid helium under zero gravity and safely vent the small amount of the helium vapor. We measured helium mass flow rates from the helium tank equipped in the engineering model dewar. We tilted the dewar at an angle of 75° so that one side of the porous plug located at the top of the helium tank attaches the liquid helium and the porous plug separates the liquid and vapor helium by thermomechanical effect. Helium mass flow rates were measured at helium tank temperatures of 1.3, 1.5 and 1.9 K. We confirmed that resultant mass flow rates are in good agreement within the systematic error or low compared to component test results and achieve all the requirements. The film flow suppression also worked normally. Therefore, we concluded that the SXS helium vent system satisfactorily performs integrated into the dewar.
We here present the principles and main physics capabilities behind the design of the radial gamma rayspectrometers (RGRS) system for alpha particle and runaway electron measurements at ITER. The diagnostic benefits from recent advances in gamma-ray spectrometry for tokamak plasmas and combines space and high energy resolution in a single device. The RGRS system as designed can provide information on α ~ particles on a time scale of 1/10 of the slowing down time for the ITER 500 MW full power DT scenario. Spectral observations of the 3.21 and 4.44 MeV peaks from the 9\\text{Be}≤ft(α,nγ \\right){{}12}\\text{C} reaction make the measurements sensitive to α ~ particles at characteristic resonant energies and to possible anisotropies of their slowing down distribution function. An independent assessment of the neutron rate by gamma-ray emission is also feasible. In case of runaway electrons born in disruptions with a typical duration of 100 ms, a time resolution of at least 10 ms for runaway electron studies can be achieved depending on the scenario and down to a current of 40 kA by use of external gas injection. We find that the bremsstrahlung spectrum in the MeV range from confined runaways is sensitive to the electron velocity space up to E≈ 30 -40 MeV, which allows for measurements of the energy distribution of the runaway electrons at ITER.
The OSIRIS-REx Mission was selected under the NASA New Frontiers program and is scheduled for launch in September of 2016 for a rendezvous with, and collection of a sample from the surface of asteroid Bennu in 2019. 101955 Bennu (previously 1999 RQ36) is an Apollo (near-Earth) asteroid originally discovered by the LINEAR project in 1999 which has since been classified as a potentially hazardous near-Earth object. The REgolith X-Ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) was proposed jointly by MIT and Harvard and was subsequently accepted as a student led instrument for the determination of the elemental composition of the asteroid's surface as well as the surface distribution of select elements through solar induced X-ray fluorescence. REXIS consists of a detector plane that contains 4 X-ray CCDs integrated into a wide field coded aperture telescope with a focal length of 20 em for the detection of regions with enhanced abundance in key elements at 50 m scales. Elemental surface distributions of approximately 50-200 m scales can be detected using the instrument as a simple collimator. An overview of the observation strategy of the REXIS instrument and expected performance are presented here.
We report for the first time the high-frequency analysis of Cyg X-1 up to hard X-ray using the spectrometer on International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory (INTEGRAL). After analyzing the possible contribution from the background, and using the INTEGRAL archive from 2005 March to 2008 May, power density spectra were obtained up to 130 keV. First, we show that their overall shape is very similar to that observed at lower energies as they are well described by sets of Lorentzians. The strength of this fast variability (up to 40 Hz) does not drop at high energy since we show that it remains at ∼25% rms, even in the highest energy bands. Second, the hard X-ray variability patterns of Cyg X-1 are state dependent: the softer the spectrum (or the lower the hardness ratio), the lower the total fractional variability and the higher the typical frequencies observed. The strength of the total variability as a function of energy and state is then investigated. By comparison with simultaneous and published RXTE/Proportional Counter Array data, we show that in the hard state it remains quite constant in the 2-130 keV energy range. In the softer state it is also flat up to 50 keV and may increase at higher energy. The implications of this behavior on the models are then discussed.
Highlights: • Fast neutron and gamma-ray spectra were measured in a copper assembly irradiated with DT neutrons. • The results were compared with MCNP calculations. • Primary aim was to provide experimental data for checking and validation of nuclear data evaluations of copper. - Abstract: A neutronics benchmark experiment on a pure Copper assembly was performed at the Frascati Neutron Generator. The work aimed at testing of recent nuclear data libraries. This paper focuses on the measurement of fast neutron and gamma-ray flux spectra in the Copper assembly under DT neutron irradiation in two selected positions with a spectrometer based on the organic liquid scintillator NE-213. The measurement results were compared with Monte Carlo radiation transport calculations using MCNP and nuclear data from the JEFF-3.1.1 library. Calculations have been done with Cu data from JEFF-3.1.1, JEFF-3.2, FENDL-3 and ENDF/B-7.0. Discrepancies appear in the intermediate neutron energy range between experiment and calculation. Large discrepancies were observed in the gamma-ray spectra calculated with JEFF-3.2.
with Kr+- and Ar+- ions of 300, 500, and 1000 eV. We examined the effect of different polishing parameters on the smoothening of the Co- and Ni-layers. The in-situ reflectivity of lambda equals 3.16 nm during deposition and the ex-situ grazing incidence reflectivity of Cu-K(alpha ) radiation (lambda...... multiplied by 6 cm2 Si (111) crystals for the Objective Crystal Spectrometer on the Russian Spectrum Rontgen Gamma satellite. The coatings on the flight crystals have a period Lambda of 3.95 plus or minus 0.02 nm and a reflectivity of more than 8% averaged over s- and p-polarization over the entire...
The results of a series of ground tests with a prototype of an active gamma-rayspectrometer based on a new generation of scintillation crystal (CeBr{sub 3}) are presented together with a consideration to its applicability to future Venus landing missions. We evaluated the instrument's capability to distinguish the subsurface elemental composition of primary rock forming elements such as O, Na, Mg, Al, Si, K and Fe. Our study uses heritage from previous ground and field tests and applies to the analysis of gamma lines from activation reaction products generated by a pulsed neutron generator. We have estimated that the expected accuracies achieved in this approach could be as high as 1–10% for the particular chemical element being studied.
Growing national interest in public safety has produced a sudden need for a type of radiation-monitoring equipment that doesn't exist anywhere commercially. An easily portable, very rugged, and completely self-contained instrument is required that can be set up quickly and virtually anywhere to detect and identify radioactive isotopes. The Electronics Engineering Department has responded to this need by designing and developing the first equipment that can fulfill all these requirements. This instrument, a 1024-channel gamma-rayspectrometer, has already gone into limited production to provide health physicists at LLL and other Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) laboratories with an effective tool for monitoring possible sources of radioactivity
The chemical state analysis of r.f.-sputtered amorphous oxide thin films was determined by a high resolution X-ray fluorescence spectrometer with double crystals. The polymerization degree of silicate anions in the silicate film was as same as a target (α-Quartz). The oxygen coordination number of Al 3+ ions in the aluminate film was different from a target (α-Al 2 O 3 ), and it was a mixture of 4 and 6 in a spinel-like structure. In CaO-SiO 2 and CaO-Al 2 O 3 films, when the film thickness is thin at the beginning of sputtering, the composition of films are in the shortage of CaO. But when the film thickness become thicker, the composition of films become as same as the target. From the results above, the chemical state of films and their variations with film thickness can be clarified by using the apparatus. (author)
The Soft X-raySpectrometer (SXS) instrument[1] on Astro-H[2] will use a 3-stage ADR[3] to cool the microcalorimeter array to 50 mK. In the primary operating mode, two stages of the ADR cool the detectors using superfluid helium at =1.20 K as the heat sink[4]. In the secondary mode, which is activated when the liquid helium is depleted, the ADR uses a 4.5 K Joule-Thomson cooler as its heat sink. In this mode, all three stages operate together to continuously cool the (empty) helium tank and singleshot cool the detectors. The flight instrument - dewar, ADR, detectors and electronics - were integrated in 2014 and have since undergone extensive performance testing. This paper presents a thermodynamic analysis of the ADR's operation, including cooling capacity, heat rejection to the heat sinks, and various measures of efficiency.
This technical innovation describes our experience using an X-ray magnetic resonance fusion (XMRF) software program to overlay 3-D MR images on real-time fluoroscopic images during sclerotherapy procedures for vascular malformations at a large pediatric institution. Five cases have been selected to illustrate the application and various clinical utilities of XMRF during sclerotherapy procedures as well as the technical limitations of this technique. The cases demonstrate how to use XMRF in the interventional suite to derive additional information to improve therapeutic confidence with regards to the extent of lesion filling and to guide clinical management in terms of intraprocedural interventional measures. (orig.)
A signal processing system which accepts input from an x-ray detector-preamplifier and produces a signal of reduced dynamic range for subsequent analog-to-digital conversion is disclosed. The system conditions the input signal to reduce the number of bits required in the analog-to-digital converter by removing that part of the input signal which varies only slowly in time and retaining the amplitude of the pulses which carry information about the x-rays absorbed by the detector. The parameters controlling the signal conditioner's operation can be readily supplied in digital form, allowing it to be integrated into a feedback loop as part of a larger digital x-ray spectroscopy system. 13 figs
Two types of wavelength-dispersive soft X-rayspectrometers, a high-dispersion type and a conventional one, for transmission electron microscopes were constructed. Those spectrometers were used to study the electronic states of valence electrons (bonding electrons). Both spectrometers extended the acceptable energy regions to higher than 2000 eV. The best energy resolution of 0.08 eV was obtained for an Al L-emission spectrum by using the high-dispersion type spectrometer. By using the spectrometer, C K-emission of carbon allotropes, Cu L-emission of Cu 1-x Zn x alloys and Pt M-emission spectra were presented. The FWHM value of 12 eV was obtained for the Pt Mα-emission peak. The performance of the conventional one was also presented for ZnS and a section specimen of a multilayer device. W-M and Si-K emissions were clearly resolved. Soft X-ray emission spectroscopy based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has an advantage for obtaining spectra from a single crystalline specimen with a defined crystal setting. As an example of anisotropic soft X-ray emission, C K-emission spectra of single crystalline graphite with different crystal settings were presented. From the spectra, density of states of π- and σ-bondings were separately derived. These results demonstrated a method to analyse the electronic states of valence electrons of materials in the nanometre scale based on TEM. (author)
The Crab nebula originates from a core-collapse SN in 1054. It has an anomalously low observed ejecta mass for a Fe-core collapse SN. Intensive searches were made for an undetected massive shell to solve this discrepancy. An alternative idea is that the SN1054 is an electron-capture (EC) explosion with a lower explosion energy than Fe-core collapse SNe. In the X-rays, imaging searches were performed for the plasma emission from the shell in the Crab outskirts. However, the extreme brightness hampers access to its vicinity. We used spectroscopic technique using the X-ray micro-calorimeter onboard Hitomi. We searched for the emission or absorption features by the thermal plasma and set a new limit. We re-evaluated the existing data to claim that the X-ray plasma mass is wind). We found that the observed mass limit can be compatible with both SN models if the environment has a low density of wind density parameter for the wind environment.
ORIGIN is a medium size high-energy mission concept submitted to ESA in response to the Cosmic Vision call issued on July 2010. The mission will investigate the evolution of the Universe by performing soft X-ray high resolution spectroscopic measurements of metals formed in different astrophysica...
design and use of a peltier cooled solid state detector for energy dispersive detection. Alignment and ... X-ray beam at a glancing angle less than the critical angle at which total ... materials is < 1 so that external total reflection takes place at an ...
A description is given of a computer program, GAUSS VII, which has been written to determine nuclide or isotopic activities from γ-ray spectra from GE semiconductor spectrometers. The preliminary portion of the program can determine the energy- and width-calibration equations, locate individual peaks and define ''peak regions'' that are significantly above the local spectral background. The user may edit these lists of peaks and regions. Each peak region is fitted with one or more components in which the peaks are represented by a Gaussian function or a Gaussian with one or two additive exponential tails on the low-energy side and one on the high-energy side. A step-like background function can be used with each component. The program will automatically recycle to add one or more components to a region if needed to improve the fit. The γ-ray energies and intensities are computed from the resulting Gaussian positions and peak areas. From a comparison of these peak energies and the γ-ray energies for various nuclides in a nuclide library, the nuclides that may be present are identified. The user may edit this nuclide list. The program identifies secondary γ rays that should be present for these nuclides and obtains peak areas for them, if the areas are not already available. All of the peak areas are then analyzed to obtain the best nuclidic activities. The peak areas for any one nuclide and those for nuclides that have interfering lines are analyzed in one least-squares ft. Nuclides whose activities are essentially 0, and peaks which cannot be accounted for are removed from the analysis. Besides the nuclidic activities, a peak-by-peak summary is provided. This program is intended to analyze large groups of spectra as well as an individual spectrum
The Fourier Imaging X-raySpectrometer (FIXS) is one of four instruments on SAC-1, the Argentinian satellite being proposed for launch by NASA on a Scout rocket in 1992/3. The FIXS is designed to provide solar flare images at X-ray energies between 5 and 35 keV. Observations will be made on arcsecond size scales and subsecond time scales of the processes that modify the electron spectrum and the thermal distribution in flaring magnetic structures.
The Crab nebula originated from a core-collapse supernova (SN) explosion observed in 1054 AD. When viewed as a supernova remnant (SNR), it has an anomalously low observed ejecta mass and kinetic energy for an Fe-core-collapse SN. Intensive searches have been made for a massive shell that solves this discrepancy, but none has been detected. An alternative idea is that SN 1054 is an electron-capture (EC) explosion with a lower explosion energy by an order of magnitude than Fe-core-collapse SNe. X-ray imaging searches were performed for the plasma emission from the shell in the Crab outskirts to set a stringent upper limit on the X-ray emitting mass. However, the extreme brightness of the source hampers access to its vicinity. We thus employed spectroscopic technique using the X-ray micro-calorimeter on board the Hitomi satellite. By exploiting its superb energy resolution, we set an upper limit for emission or absorption features from as yet undetected thermal plasma in the 2-12 keV range. We also re-evaluated the existing Chandra and XMM-Newton data. By assembling these results, a new upper limit was obtained for the X-ray plasma mass of ≲ 1 M⊙ for a wide range of assumed shell radius, size, and plasma temperature values both in and out of collisional equilibrium. To compare with the observation, we further performed hydrodynamic simulations of the Crab SNR for two SN models (Fe-core versus EC) under two SN environments (uniform interstellar medium versus progenitor wind). We found that the observed mass limit can be compatible with both SN models if the SN environment has a low density of ≲ 0.03 cm-3 (Fe core) or ≲ 0.1 cm-3 (EC) for the uniform density, or a progenitor wind density somewhat less than that provided by a mass loss rate of 10-5 M⊙ yr-1 at 20 km s-1 for the wind environment.
A high speed, digitally based, signal processing system which accepts input data from a detector-preamplifier and produces a spectral analysis of the x-rays illuminating the detector. The system achieves high throughputs at low cost by dividing the required digital processing steps between a ''hardwired'' processor implemented in combinatorial digital logic, which detects the presence of the x-ray signals in the digitized data stream and extracts filtered estimates of their amplitudes, and a programmable digital signal processing computer, which refines the filtered amplitude estimates and bins them to produce the desired spectral analysis. One set of algorithms allow this hybrid system to match the resolution of analog systems while operating at much higher data rates. A second set of algorithms implemented in the processor allow the system to be self calibrating as well. The same processor also handles the interface to an external control computer. 19 figs
EUROGAM is an Anglo/French Gamma Ray Detector which will alternate between the Tandem Van der Graaf at Daresbury and the Vivitron at Strasbourg. Because of the need to conform to the standards of Laboratories in two different countries, and the very sensitive nature of electronics for Germanium Gamma Ray telescopes, the newly emerging VXlbus (VMEbus EXtensions for Instrumentation) was chosen as the basis for control and data acquisition. This entailed a major programme of development for both the signal processing front end modules for Germanium and Bismuth Germanate detectors, and also for the hardware and software management of resources from within the VXI environment. The paper will concentrate mainly on the latter areas. (author)
There is a strong need for portable radiometric instrumentation that can both accurately confirm the presence of nuclear materials and allow isotopic analysis of radionuclides in the field. To fulfill this need the Safeguards Technology Program at LLNL has developed a hand-held, non-cryogenic, low-power gamma-ray and x-ray measurements and analysis instrument that can both search for and then accurately verify the presence of nuclear materials. We will report on the use of cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detectors, detector electronics, and the new field-portable instrument being developed. We will also describe the isotopic analysis that allows enrichment measurements to be made accurately in the field. These systems provide capability for safeguards inspection and verification applications and could find application in counter-smuggling operations
There is a strong need for portable radiometric instrumentation that can both accurately confirm the presence of nuclear materials and allow isotopic analysis of radionuclides in the field. To fulfill this need the Safeguards Technology Program at LLNL has developed a hand-held, non-cryogenic, low-power gamma-ray and x-ray measurements and analysis instrument that can both search for and then accurately verify the presence of nuclear materials. We will report on the use of cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detectors, detector electronics, and the new field-portable instrument being developed. We will also describe the isotopic analysis that allows enrichment measurements to be made accurately in the field. These systems provide capability for safeguards inspection and verification applications and could find application in counter-smuggling operations.
Ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) is a powerful spectroscopy tool that is inherently surface sensitive, elemental, and chemical specific, with the ability to probe sample surfaces under Torr level pressures. Herein, we describe the design of a new lab-based APXPS system with the ability to swap small volume analysis chambers. Ag 3d(5/2) analyses of a silver foil were carried out at room temperature to determine the optimal sample-to-aperture distance, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis spot size, relative peak intensities, and peak full width at half maximum of three different electrostatic lens modes: acceleration, transmission, and angular. Ag 3d(5/2) peak areas, differential pumping pressures, and pump performance were assessed under varying N{sub 2}(g) analysis chamber pressures up to 20 Torr. The commissioning of this instrument allows for the investigation of molecular level interfacial processes under ambient vapor conditions in energy and environmental research.
The results of observations of 22 bright Galactic X-ray point sources are presented, and the most reliable measurements to date of X-ray column densities to these sources are derived. The results are consistent with the idea that some of the objects have a component of column density intrinsic to the source in addition to an interstellar component. The K-edge absorption due to oxygen is clearly detected in 10 of the sources and the Fe L and Ne K edges are detected in a few. The spectra probably reflect emission originating in a collisionally excited region combined with emission from a photoionized region excited directly by the central source.
For quantitative analysis of chemical elements by the method of X-ray spectroscopy a multichannel analyzer on the base of minicomputer with the INTEL 8080 A microprocessor is developed. The data acquisition and data processing systems which comprise a central processor, memory unit, ADC and display are described. Major system subprograms are enumerated. An example of Pb concentration determinating in a bronze specimen is given
Cosmic rays have been detected at energies in excess of 10 20 eV, and individual sources have been conclusively identified as intense emitters of gamma rays at energies up to 10 16 eV. There is clearly a great deal of exciting astrophysics to be learned from such studies, but it has been suggested that there may be particle physics to be learned from the cosmic beam as well. Based in particular on the reports of surprisingly high fluxes of underground muons from the direction of Cygnus X-3 modulated by the known orbital period, there have been several suggestions recently invoking stable supersymmetric particles produced at Cygnus X-3, enhanced muon production from high energy photons, quark matter, and ''cygnets.'' Although the underground muon results have been questioned, it may still be worthwhile to consider the possibility of new physics beyond the standard model with energy scale (G/sub F/)/sup -1/2/ ≥ 0.25 TeV. For example, there have been recent discussions on the experimental signatures to be observed from new high energy photon couplings to matter, exchanges between constituent quarks and leptons, and stable gluinos and photinos mixed in with the cosmic gamma ray flux. We describe here a possible detector to search for such effects. We utilize the possibility that point sources like Cygnus X-3 can be used to provide a directional time-modulated ''tagged'' high energy photon beam
In air-borne gamma-rayspectrometer survey, the observed data must be corrected for the background, Compton scattering and flight altitude. And the corrected data are usually converted into the radiometric elements equivalents of the ground, using the sensitivities of the survey system. Accordingly, the correction coefficients and the sensitivities are determined as follows for the KIER air-borne survey system. The stripping or Compton scattering coefficients α, β and γ at the ground level were first determined on the basis of the gamma-ray count rates due to the 5 concrete calibration pads of the Soosaek Airbase, together with the radiometric elements concentrations of the core samples taken from the pads. As for the determination of the exponential altitude coefficients anti μ(K), anti μ(U), anti μ(Th) and anti μ(Tc), the count rates observed over the Hongseong Test Strip of about 3 km length were used after they had been corrected for the background and Compton scattering. The background count rates mainly caused by the air-craft as well as cosmic radiations were determined with the data taken over the West Sea near Anmyon Island, Chung-cheongnam-do. And the corrected count rates observed over the Strip, combined with the average radiometric elements concentrations of the Strip, yielded the sensitivities k(K), k(U) and k(Th) at the 400 feet flight altitude. (author)
OSIRIS-REx is a NASA New Frontiers mission scheduled for launch in 2016 that will travel to the asteroid Bennu and return a pristine sample of the asteroid to Earth. The REgolith X-ray Imaging Spectrometer (REXIS) is a student collaboration instrument on-board the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. REXIS is a NASA risk Class D instrument, and its design and development is largely student led. The engineering team consists of MIT graduate and undergraduate students and staff at the MIT Space Systems Laboratory. The primary goal of REXIS is the education of science and engineering students through participation in the development of light hardware. In light, REXIS will contribute to the mission by providing an elemental abundance map of the asteroid and by characterizing Bennu among the known meteorite groups. REXIS is sensitive to X-rays between 0.5 and 7 keV, and uses coded aperture imaging to map the distribution of iron with 50 m spatial resolution. This paper describes the science goals, concept of operations, and overall engineering design of the REXIS instrument. Each subsystem of the instrument is addressed with a high-level description of the design. Critical design elements such as the Thermal Isolation Layer (TIL), radiation cover, coded-aperture mask, and Detector Assembly Mount (DAM) are discussed in further detail.
A description is given of a computer program, GAUSS VII, which has been written to determine #betta#-ray spectra from Ge semiconductor spectrometers. The preliminary portions of the program can determine the energy and width calibration equations, loacte individual peaks and define peak regions that are significantly above the local spectral background. The user may edit these lists of peaks and regions. Each peak region is fitted with one or more components in which the peaks are represented by a Gaussian function or a Gaussian with one or two additive exponential tails on the low-energy side and one on the high-energy side. A step-like background function can be used with each component. The program will automatically recycle to add one or more components to a region if needed to improve the fit. The #betta#-ray energies and intensities are computed from resulting Gaussian positions and peak areas. To allow the user to determine the best results, the results from the analyses for each region with different numbers of components can be printed and line-printer plots of the fits to the data can be made. The quality of the results depends primarily on the ability of the program to define a good spectral region for each analysis and the ability to recycle to determine the proper number of components
A coincidence shielded intrinsic Ge gamma-rayspectrometer incorporating a 25% efficient, high resolution coaxial diode inside a 30 cm diameter NaI(Tl) shield is described. System design eliminates the major cause of background and minimizes cosmic-ray created background events through the use of electronic means. The system provides a peak-to-Compton ratio of greater than 1000 to 1 for 137 Cs and high sensitivity for both low and high level radionuclide measurements. At 3 MeV the background is 0.000058 counts per minute per keV. At 1 MeV it is 0.00048 counts per minute per keV, and at 0.5 MeV it is 0.0045 counts per minute per keV. Traces of primordial radionuclides create background events such as at 2.614 MeV (0.016 counts per minute total peak area), at 2.448 MeV (0.0058 counts per minute per total peak area), and at 2.204 MeV (0.023 counts per minute per total peak area). The system is discussed with respect to its background design, methods to improve its design, and its application to measurements of neutron activated and environmental materials problems
The design of the fine grained 300 t liquid argon calorimeter BARS is described. The BARS electronics include about 30 K channels of low noise amplifiers and ADCs. The DAQ system makes it possible to select channels with signals above the chosen threshold. 48 scintillation horoscopes placed inside the liquid argon are used to form the first level trigger. The total number of scintillation counters in liquid argon is 384. Sums of ionization signals are used to produce the second level trigger. Results of the first use of liquid argon calorimetry for the measurements of tagged neutrino interactions, cosmic-ray muon spectra and composition of extensive atmospheric showers are discussed. (author)
The paper describes a white-beam X-ray energy dispersive diffractometer using the synchroton radiation from the DORIS ESR. The following features of the instrument are discussed: Horizontal or vertical scattering plane, collimators, sample environment, remote control of gonimeter, data acquisition, energy-sensitive detectors using small-area and large-area detector crystals, modes of operation, powder and single crystal diffraction. An example is given from a high-pressure study of YbH 2 using a diamond anvil cell. (orig./HP)
This report is the fourth of reports from The Department of Electrophysics covering measurement and interpretation of airborne gamma-spectrometry measurements. It describes different topics concerning the construction of a suitable calibration setup in the laboratory. The goal is to build a simple and cheap laboratory setup that can produce most of the gamma-ray data needed for an interpretation of spectra measured 50 to 120 m above ground level. A simple calibration setup has been build and tested. It may produce gamma-ray spectra similar to those measured in the air - from surface contamination with artificial nuclides and from 'bulk' natural radioactivity. It is possible to investigate the influence of the air above an aircraft carrying the detector (skyshine: scattering of gamma photons in the air above the detector). In order to reduce the influence of non-detected pile-up the count rates are kept low without reaching levels where the background spectra (to be subtracted) would cause unacceptable counting statistical fluctuations. Sources selected for the calibrations are heavy minerals sand (with thorium and uranium), potassium nitrate (with 40 K). These sources are 'bulk sources' of natural radioactivity. Cesium-137 has been selected as the basic artifical surface contamination nuclide. The report also discusses methods for comparing two spectra a priori assumed equal. Finally the properties of some materials that could be used as 'air-substitutes' in the calibration setup have been tested with respect to stability against moisture sorption. (au)
This paper presents the design of a constant memory board for the Rigaku X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, model 3064. This spectroscopy has been used to mineral analysis and materials characterization. It has been applied for elements instrumental analysis in mineral, metallic, ceramic, environmental samples and alloys. The memory board stores the elements sequence to be analyzed in the samples. It allows the automatic continuous operation of the spectroscopy and can be used as temporary register by the system. The spectroscopy data memory was composed by two permanent memory board with magnetic cores. The new memory board has a solid state static RAM, a data bus buffer, control and a special circuit to supply continuous power to the memory. (author)
A new sounding rocket payload that has been developed for X-ray spectroscopic studies of the solar corona is described. The instrument incorporates a grazing incidence Rowland mounted grating spectrograph and an extreme off-axis paraboloic sector feed system to isolate regions of the sun of order 1 x 10 arc seconds in size. The focal surface of the spectrograph is shared by photographic and photoelectric detection systems, with the latter serving as a part of the rocket pointing system control loop. Fabrication and alignment of the optical system is based on high precision machining and mechanical metrology techniques. The spectrograph has a resolution of 16 milliangstroms and modifications planned for future flights will improve the resolution to 5 milliangstroms, permitting line widths to be measured.
Spectroscopic diagnostics have great potential to obtain high temperature measurements of plasmas created in ICF targets. The plasmas may be over 1 mm in size and therefore, one of the first steps in making accurate spectroscopic measurements has been to improve the resolution of the instrument. A spectrograph is now available for Nova experiments which takes advantage of gated technology by coupling a Bragg crystal to a microchannel plate that can record data over a 250 ps time frame. The crystal disperses the x-rays, while slits add the ability to image the plasmas in the perpendicular direction. The characteristics of this diagnostic, TSPEC, will be evaluated for laser-produced plasmas. Recent data will be presented from colliding plasmas and large-scale hohlraums which indicate that imaging can greatly enhance the ability to diagnose these plasmas
Programs for X-ray powder crystallography are defined for use with a Hewlett Packard HP-65 (programmable) pocket calculator. These include the prediction of all Bragg reflections for defined P-, F-, I-cubic, tetragonal, hexagonal and orthorhombic cells; the calculation of the position of a specific Bragg reflection from defined unit cells with all symmetries except triclinic; interconversion of theta, 2theta, sin 2 theta and d, as well as the calculation of the Nelson-Riley function; the computation of crystal densities; the interconversion of rhombohedral and hexagonal unit cells, lsub(c) determinations for graphite, the calculation of a and c for boron carbide; and Miller index transformations between various unit cells. (author)
Full Text Available The set up and control of an underwater measuring instrument for radioactivity pollution in the marine environment is described. The detection system is based on a NaI scintillator (RADAM III with modifications for use in the marine environment with on-line measurements. The system is simple, has low power consumption and is stable for long-term monitoring (10 months. Before its deployment, the sensor was calibrated in the laboratory in a tank full of water to reproduce the marine environment. The calibrations were performed, by detecting the 661keV and 1461 keV gamma rays of known activity liquid sources 137 Cs and 40 K, respectively. The measured spectra in the laboratory were compared with spectra from a similar detector as acquired in the field. The analysis of the parallel measurement gave satisfactory agreement for the concentration of the potassium (40 K, as calculated from the salinity in the seawater, thus enabling the system for quantitative measurement of the seawater radioactivity.
Full Text Available A modeling method based on discrete wavelet transform (DWT was introduced to analyze the concentration of chromium, copper, zinc, arsenic and lead in soil with a portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF spectrometer. A total of 111 soil samples were collected and observed. Denoising and baseline correction were performed on each spectrum before modeling. The optimum conditions for pre-processing were denoising with Coiflet 3 on the 3rd level and baseline correction with Coiflet 3 on the 9th level. Calibration curves were established for the five heavy metals (HMs. The detection limits were compared before and after the application of DWT, the qualitative detection limits and the quantitative detection limits were calculated to be three and ten times as high as the standard deviation with silicon dioxide (blank, respectively. The results showed that the detection limits of the instrument using DWT were lower, and that they were below national soil standards; the determination coefficients (R2 based on DWT-processed spectra were higher, and ranged from 0.990 to 0.996, indicating a high degree of linearity between the contents of the HMs in soil and the XRF spectral characteristic peak intensity with the instrument measurement.
A portable, hand-held X-ray fluorescence spectrometer has been used for a decade to elementally analyze prehistoric obsidian artifacts in the Mediterranean. Nearly 400 geological obsidian samples and 7500 obsidian artifacts have been analyzed. The pXRF can distinguish all individual sources, as well as assign artifacts specifically to most subsources. For the island sources of Lipari, Pantelleria, Sardinia, and Melos, it is important to address the usage of obsidian from specific subsources due to human selection based on physical properties of the raw material and their production practices, which may have changed over time from the Early Neolithic to the Bronze Age. The analysis of 50 or more artifacts from 60 different archaeological sites allows for statistical comparison between sites, and their contexts, geographic areas (e.g. coastal/inland, highland/lowland) and distance from geological sources. The frequency of transport between island sources and mainland sites is suggestive of maritime capabilities also for the transport of domesticated animals, ceramics, and other materials. This presentation will specifically address potential limitations of the portable XRF, including non-destructive surface analysis of potentially heterogeneous materials, and limited trace element detection compared to other analytical methods, versus its highly beneficial ``package'' of analyzing great numbers of artifacts non-destructively and rapidly without needing to export them from museums and facilities in many countries.
When using superfluid helium in low-gravity environments, porous plug phase separators are commonly used to vent boil-off gas while confining the bulk liquid to the tank. Invariably, there is a flow of superfluid film from the perimeter of the porous plug down the vent line. For the soft x-rayspectrometer onboard ASTRO-H (Hitomi), its approximately 30-liter helium supply has a lifetime requirement of more than 3 years. A nominal vent rate is estimated as ˜30 μg/s, equivalent to ˜0.7 mW heat load. It is, therefore, critical to suppress any film flow whose evaporation would not provide direct cooling of the remaining liquid helium. That is, the porous plug vent system must be designed to both minimize film flow and to ensure maximum extraction of latent heat from the film. The design goal for Hitomi is to reduce the film flow losses to knife-edge devices. Design, on-ground testing results, and in-orbit performance are described.
The potentiality of portable instrumentation lies on the possibility of the in situ determinations. Sampling, packaging and transport of samples from the site to the laboratory are avoided and the analysis becomes non destructive at all. However, detection limits for light elements are, in most cases, a limitation for quantification purposes. In this work a comparison between the results obtained with an X ray fluorescence spectrometer laboratory based and a portable instrument is performed. A set of 76 obsidian archaeological specimens from northwest Patagonia, Argentina was used to carry out the study. Samples were collected in the area of the middle and high basin of the Limay River. The analytical information obtained with both instrumentations was complemented with Principal Component Analysis in order to define groups and identify provenance sources. The information from both instruments allows arriving to the same conclusion about sample provenance and mobility of hunter-gatherer groups. Three groups of sources were identified in both cases matching with the geographical information. Also, same sets of outlier samples or not associated to these sources were found. Artifact samples were associated mainly to the closest sources, but some of them are related to sources located more than three hundred kilometers, evidencing the large mobility of the hunter-gatherers by the obsidian interchange. No significant differences between concentrations values obtained by laboratory based instrument and portable one were found. (author)
The Soft X-raySpectrometer (SXS) instrument on Astro-H will use a 3-stage ADR to cool the microcalorimeter array to 50 mK. In the primary operating mode, two stages of the ADR cool the detectors using superfluid helium at 1.20 K as the heat sink. In the secondary mode, which is activated when the liquid helium is depleted, two of the stages continuously cool the (empty) helium tank using a 4.5 K Joule-Thomson cooler as the heat sink, and the third stage cools the detectors. In the design phase, a high-fidelity model of the ADR was developed in order to predict both the cooling capacity and heat rejection rates in both operating modes. The primary sources of heat flow are from the salt pills, hysteresis heat from the magnets and magnetic shields, and power dissipated by the heat switches. The flight instrument dewar, ADR, detectors and electronics were integrated in mid-2014 and have since undergone extensive performance testing, in part to validate the performance model. This paper will present the thermodynamic performance of the ADR, including cooling capacity, heat rejection to the heat sinks, and various measures of efficiency.
An airborne combined radiometric and magnetic survey was performed for the Department of Energy (DOE) over the area covered by the Ely and Lund 1:250,000 National Topographic Map Series (NTMS quadrangle maps). The survey was part of DOE's National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) Aerial Radiometric Reconnaissance program. Data were collected by a helicopter equipped with a gamma-rayspectrometer having a large crystal volume, and a high sensitivity proton precession magnetometer. The radiometric system was calibrated at the Walker Field Calibration pads and the Lake Mead Dynamic Test range. Data quality was ensured during the survey by daily test flights and equipment checks. Radiometric data were corrected for live time, aircraft and equipment background, cosmic background, atmospheric radon, Compton scatter, and altitude dependence. The corrected data were statistically evaluated, plotted, and contoured to produce anomaly maps based on the radiometric response of individual geological units. The maps were interpreted and an anomaly interpretation map produced. Volume I contains a description of the systems used in the survey, a discussion of the calibration of the systems, the data processing procedures, the data display format, the interpretation rationale, and interpretation methodology. Volume II contains the data displays for a quadrangle and the interpretation results
The electron spectrometer, SPEDE, has been developed and will be employed in conjunction with the Miniball spectrometer at the HIE-ISOLDE facility, CERN. SPEDE allows for direct measurement of internal conversion electrons emitted in-flight, without employing magnetic fields to transport or momentum filter the electrons. Together with the Miniball spectrometer, it enables simultaneous observation of γ rays and conversion electrons in Coulomb excitation experiments using radioactive ion beams.
A scintillation type gamma rayspectrometer employing coincidence counting, designed and built at the Physics Department of the University of Western Ontario is described. The spectrometer is composed of two anthracene and photomultiplier radiation detectors, two pulse analyzing channels, a coincidence stage, three scalers and a high voltage stabilized supply. A preliminary experiment to test the operation of the spectrometer was performed and the results of this test are presented. (author)
The design study treats the possibilities of quantitatively measuring the Soft X-ray spectrum of JET with a double crystal spectrometer device in parallel mode. This spectrometer type is much suited for broad band soft X-ray spectroscopy, also - due to its folded optical pathway - during D-T operation of JET; the expected detector count rates are far above the background level. Methods to fulfill the important condition of parallel orientation of the two crystals, to shield the device against neutrons and gamma rays, to obtain spectral resolution sufficient for spectral line profile measurements and to upgrade the device for continuous spatial scanning of the JET plasma are presented. (orig.)
Eight transportable calibration pads were built in to be used as concentration standards for portable and airborne gamma-rayspectrometers calibrations. The pads construction procedure is described in full detail. The pads, with dimensions of 1 m x 1 m x 0,30 m and masses between 593 kg and 673 kg were made radioactive by the addition of different amounts of k-feldspar, caldasite and monazitic sand to the concrete masses. The potassium, uranium and thorium concentration vary significantly in the pads, reaching maximum values of 5,7% of K, 45,6 ppm eU and 137 ppm eTh. The distribution of the gamma radiation flux from the pads surfaces and the heterogeneity magnitudes of the radioactive elements concentration were experimentally established. An example of gamma-rayspectrometer calibration is presented. (author)
Simulations of cosmic ray muon induced background of an HPGe detector placed inside an anti-Compton shield on the surface and in shallow underground is described. Investigation of several model set-ups revealed some trends useful for design of low-level gamma-rayspectrometers. It has been found that background spectrum of an HPGe detector can be scaled down with the shielding depth. No important difference is observed when the same set-up of the anti-Compton spectrometer is positioned horizontally or vertically. A cosmic-muon rejection factor of at least 40 (at around 1 MeV) can be reached when the anti-Compton suppression is operational. The cosmicmuon background can be reduced to such a level that other background components prevail, like those from the residual contamination of the detector and shield materials and/or from radon, especially for the underground facilities.
The X-ray spectra of 25 Seyfert galaxies measured with the Solid State Spectrometer on the Einstein Observatory have been investigated. This new investigation utilizes simultaneous data from the Monitor Proportional Counter, and automatic correction for systematic effects in the Solid State Spectrometer which were previously handled subjectively. It is found that the best-fit single-power-law indices generally agree with those previously reported, but that soft excesses of some form are inferred for about 48 percent of the sources. One possible explanation of the soft excess emission is a blend of soft X-ray lines, centered around 0.8 keV. The implications of these results for accretion disk models are discussed.
A new imaging high resolution x-ray crystal spectrometer (XCS) has been developed to measure continuous profiles of ion temperature and rotation velocity in fusion plasmas. Following proof-of-principle tests on the Alcator C-Mod tokamak and the NSTX spherical tokamak, and successful testing of a new silicon, pixilated detector with 1MHz count rate capability per pixel, an imaging XCS is being designed to measure full profiles of T i and ν φ on C-Mod. The imaging XCS design has also been adopted for ITER. Ion-temperature uncertainty and minimum measurable rotation velocity are calculated for the C-Mod spectrometer. The affects of x-ray and nuclear-radiation background on the measurement uncertainties are calculated to predict performance on ITER
A study of the background radiation in inelastic X-ray scattering (IXS) and X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) based on an analytical model is presented. The calculation model considers spurious radiation originated from elastic and inelastic scattering processes along the beam paths of a Johann-type spectrometer. The dependence of the background radiation intensity on the medium of the beam paths (air and helium), analysed energy and radius of the Rowland circle was studied. The present study shows that both for IXS and XES experiments the background radiation is dominated by spurious radiation owing to scattering processes along the sample-analyser beam path. For IXS experiments the spectral distribution of the main component of the background radiation shows a weak linear dependence on the energy for the most cases. In the case of XES, a strong non-linear behaviour of the background radiation intensity was predicted for energy analysis very close to the backdiffraction condition, with a rapid increase in intensity as the analyser Bragg angle approaches π / 2. The contribution of the analyser-detector beam path is significantly weaker and resembles the spectral distribution of the measured spectra. Present results show that for usual experimental conditions no appreciable structures are introduced by the background radiation into the measured spectra, both in IXS and XES experiments. The usefulness of properly calculating the background profile is demonstrated in a background subtraction procedure for a real experimental situation. The calculation model was able to simulate with high accuracy the energy dependence of the background radiation intensity measured in a particular XES experiment with air beam paths.
A new XUV spectrometer designed to have a time-resolution of 3 ps and a spectral resolution of 0.1 A is described. It is basically a modified version of a Schwob-Fraenkel spectrometer, which is coupled to a new ultrafast electronic streak camera
This work aims to present the radioactive impurities gamma rays emitters detected in some radiopharmaceuticals widely applied to diagnosis and therapy purposes, supplied to nuclear medicine services in Brazil by the Radiopharmaceutical Center(CR) of Nuclear and Energy Research Institute, IPEN, in São Paulo. The analysis was undertaken by means of an HPGe gamma spectrometer. The radiopharmaceuticals analyzed were: {sup 111}In, {sup 201}Tl, {sup 177}Lu and {sup 99m}Tc. (author)
The p/p-ratio from 4 to 19 GeV has been measured using the NMSU/WiZard balloon borne matter antimatter superconducting spectrometer (MASS2) instrument. This is the first confirmation of the cosmic ray antiproton component made in this energy range since their discovery in 1979. The MASS2 instrument is an updated version of the instrument flown in 1979. The p/p- ratio is 1.52x10{sup -}4.
This paper describes the basic construction and performing theory of a set of low-background anti-compton high purity germanium gamma-rayspectrometer. On the basis of experiments, some factors which affect the energy resolution of the system are discussed. The optimum parameters configuration for the system is presented and it provides a decision-making ground for purchasing, installation and alignment of analogous system. (authors)
Elemental analysis of welding fume samples can be done using several laboratory-based techniques. However, portable measurement techniques could offer several advantages. In this study, we sought to determine whether the portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) is suitable for analysis of five metals (manganese, iron, zinc, copper, and chromium) on 37-mm polytetrafluoroethylene filters. Using this filter fitted on a cyclone in line with a personal pump, gravimetric samples were collected from a group of boilermakers exposed to welding fumes. We assessed the assumption of uniform deposition of these metals on the filters, and the relationships between measurement results of each metal obtained from traditional laboratory-based XRF and the portable XRF. For all five metals of interest, repeated measurements with the portable XRF at the same filter area showed good consistency (reliability ratios are equal or close to 1.0 for almost all metals). The portable XRF readings taken from three different areas of each filter were not significantly different (p-values = 0.77 to 0.98). This suggested that the metal rich PM(2.5) deposits uniformly on the samples collected using this gravimetric method. For comparison of the two XRFs, the results from the portable XRF were well correlated and highly predictive of those from the laboratory XRF. The Spearman correlation coefficients were from 0.325 for chromium, to 0.995 for manganese and 0.998 for iron. The mean differences as a percent of the mean laboratory XRF readings were also small (metals were moderately to strongly correlated with the total fine particle fraction on filters (Spearman rho = 0.41 for zinc to 0.97 for iron). Such strong correlations and comparable results suggested that the portable XRF could be used as an effective and reliable tool for exposure assessment in many studies.
A Compton-suppression spectrometer has been constructed for in-beam γ-ray work. It consists of a closed-end Ge(Li) detector with an efficiency of 21% and a resolution of 2.0 keV for 1.33 MeV γ-rays surrounded by a NaI(Tl) shield (dia. 230 mm, length 280 mm). The overall Compton-suppression factor for a 60 Co spectrum is 10. Details of the construction are discussed and experimental properties are compared with design calculations
Si and Ge are widely used as analyzing crystals for x-rays. Drastic and accurate shaping of Si or Ge gives significant advance in the x-ray field, although covalently bonded Si or Ge crystals have long been believed to be not deformable to various shapes. Recently, we developed a deformation technique for obtaining strongly and accurately shaped Si or Ge wafers of high crystal quality, and the use of the deformed wafer made it possible to produce fine-focused x-rays. In the present study, we prepared a cylindrical Ge wafer with a radius of curvature of 50 mm, and acquired fluorescent x-rays simultaneously from four elements by combining the cylindrical Ge wafer with a position-sensitive detector. The energy resolution of the x-ray fluorescence spectrum was as good as that obtained using a flat single crystal, and its gain was over 100. The demonstration of the simultaneous acquisition of high-resolution x-ray fluorescence spectra indicated various possibilities of x-ray spectrometry, such as one-shot x-ray spectroscopy and highly efficient wave-dispersive x-rayspectrometers
For the use of published general or theoretical sensitivity factors in quantitative AES and XPS the energy dependence of both the spectrometer transmission function and the detector sensitivity must be known. Here we develop simple procedures which allow these dependencies to be determined experimentally. Detailed measurements for a modified VG Scientific ESCALAB II, the metrology spectrometer, operated in both the constant ΔE/E and constant ΔE modes, are presented and compared with theoretical estimates. It is shown that an exceptionally detailed electron-optical calculation, involving proprietary information, would be required to match the accuracy of the experimental procedures developed. Removal of the spectrometer transmission function and the detector sensitivity terms allows the measured spectrum to be converted to the true electron emission spectrum irrespective of the mode of operation. This provides the first step to the provision of reference samples to calibrate the transmission functions and detector sensitivities of all instruments so that they, in turn, may produce true electron emission spectra. This is vital if (i) all instruments are to give consistent results, (ii) theoretical terms are to be used in quantifying either AES or XPS and (iii) reference data banks are to be established for AES or XPS
The recent availability of large volume cerium bromide crystals raises the possibility of substantially improving gamma-rayspectrometer limiting flux sensitivities over current systems based on the lanthanum tri-halides, e.g., lanthanum bromide and lanthanum chloride, especially for remote sensing, low-level counting applications or any type of measurement characterized by poor signal to noise ratios. The Russian Space Research Institute has developed and manufactured a highly sensitive gamma-rayspectrometer for remote sensing observations of the planet Mercury from the Mercury Polar Orbiter (MPO), which forms part of ESA's BepiColombo mission. The Flight Model (FM) gamma-rayspectrometer is based on a 3-in. single crystal of LaBr3(Ce(3+)) produced in a separate crystal development programme specifically for this mission. During the spectrometers development, manufacturing, and qualification phases, large crystals of CeBr3 became available in a subsequent phase of the same crystal development programme. Consequently, the Flight Spare Model (FSM) gamma-rayspectrometer was retrofitted with a 3-in. CeBr3 crystal and qualified for space. Except for the crystals, the two systems are essentially identical. In this paper, we report on a comparative assessment of the two systems, in terms of their respective spectral properties, as well as their suitability for use in planetary mission with respect to radiation tolerance and their propensity for activation. We also contrast their performance with a Ge detector representative of that flown on MESSENGER and show that: (a) both LaBr3(Ce(3+)) and CeBr3 provide superior detection systems over HPGe in the context of minimally resourced spacecraft and (b) CeBr3 is a more attractive system than LaBr3(Ce(3+)) in terms of sensitivities at lower gamma fluxes. Based on the tests, the FM has now been replaced by the FSM on the BepiColombo spacecraft. Thus, CeBr3 now forms the central gamma-ray detection element on the MPO spacecraft.
Multilayer desorption measurements of various substances adsorbed on a stainless steel substrate are found to exhibit desorption profiles consistent with a zeroth order desorption model. The singleness of the desorption transients together with their narrow peak widths makes the technique ideally suited for a heat of vaporization spectrometer for either substance analysis or identification
The SAGE spectrometer has been constructed for in-beam nuclear structure studies. SAGE combines a Ge-detector array and an electron spectrometer for detection of γ-rays and internal conversion electrons, respectively, and allows simultaneous observation of both electrons and γ-rays emitted from excited nuclei. SAGE is set up in the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyvaeskylae and works in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled recoil separator and the GREAT focal-plane spectrometer allowing the use of the recoil-decay tagging method. (orig.)
The SAGE spectrometer has been constructed for in-beam nuclear structure studies. SAGE combines a Ge-detector array and an electron spectrometer for detection of γ-rays and internal conversion electrons, respectively, and allows simultaneous observation of both electrons and γ-rays emitted from excited nuclei. SAGE is set up in the Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyvaeskylae and works in conjunction with the RITU gas-filled recoil separator and the GREAT focal-plane spectrometer allowing the use of the recoil-decay tagging method. (orig.)
Soft X-ray imaging and carbon near edge absorption fine structure spectroscopy (C-NEXAFS) has been used for the in-situ analysis of sporinite in a rank variable suite of organic rich sediments extending from recent up to high volatile A bituminous coal. The acquisition of chemically based images (contrast based on the 1s - 1{pi}* transition of unsaturated carbon), revealed a homogeneous chemical structure in the spore exine. C-NEXAFS microanalysis indicates chemical structural evolution in sporopollenin/sporinite with increases in maturation. The most significant change in the C-NEXAFS spectrum is an increase in unsaturated carbon, presumably aromatic, with rank. The rate of aromatization in sporinite exceeds that of the surrounding vitrinite. Increases in the concentration of unsaturated carbon are compensated by losses of aliphatic and hydroxylated aliphatic carbon components. Carboxyl groups are present in low and variable concentrations. Absorption due to carboxyl persists in the most mature specimen in this series, a high volatile A rank coal. The reactions which drive sporopollenin chemical structural evolution during diagenesis presumably involve dehydration, Diels-Alder cyclo-addition, and dehydrogenation reactions which ultimately lead to a progressively aromatized bio/geopolymer.
A performance evaluation of an X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer for X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) cross section measurements in a Secondary Target (ST) set-up has been carried out. Using Cd and Dy as STs, an annular 241 Am (∼1 Ci) radioactive source and an X-RaySpectrometer with a Si(Li) semiconductor detector, the photon effective flux factors (Ι 0 Gε) were measured for some elements with 22≤Ζ≤55 as a function of the characteristics X-Rays energy for two different distances Source-St (0.5 cm and 1.0 cm). Thin high purity foils and a few pellets made out of composed materials were used as samples for the Ι 0 Gε calibrations. the contribution of 59.54 KeV scattered photons to the XRF was analysed and the Scattering Correction Factor (SCF) due to excitation by 59.54 keV scattered photons was estimated in the Cd configuration for further cross section measurements improvements. (Author)
The possibilities of RGS-1M spectral equipment intended for determination of more detailed data on the solar flare structure are discussed. Spectrometer modernization permits to record the fine time structure of solar events in the hard X-ray range (50-90 keV). The main requirement for fine time analysis of nonstationary processes is determination of the maximum possible resolution at the maximum available length of the signal under investigation. The scheme of the time analyzer of splash events with the time resolution Δt=62.5 ms and the length of the range processed T=27.6 s is given and described. Operation of the spectrometer telemetric apparatus is considered in detail. The fine solar flare structure occurred on 14.04.79 with visually chosen periodic structure is shown as an example [ru
A long duration gamma-ray burst, GRB 160530A, was detected by the Compton Spectrometer and Imager (COSI) during the 2016 COSI Super Pressure Balloon campaign. As a Compton telescope, COSI is inherently sensitive to the polarization of gamma-ray sources in the energy range 0.2–5.0 MeV. We measured the polarization of GRB 160530A using (1) a standard method (SM) based on fitting the distribution of azimuthal scattering angles with a modulation curve and (2) an unbinned, maximum likelihood method (MLM). In both cases, the measured polarization level was below the 99% confidence minimum detectable polarization levels of 72.3% ± 0.8% (SM) and 57.5% ± 0.8% (MLM). Therefore, COSI did not detect polarized gamma-ray emission from this burst. Our most constraining 90% confidence upper limit on the polarization level was 46% (MLM).
ASTRO-H is the sixth Japanese astronomy satellite scheduled for launch in 2014. The Soft X-raySpectrometer instrument is onboard ASTRO-H. This is a 6 × 6 array of X-ray microcalorimeters with an energy resolution of gravity, a porous plug phase separator made of sintered stainless is used. Since the vapor mass flow rate is only 29 μg/s, any additional superfluid film loss influences the lifetime of the liquid helium. Therefore, a film flow suppression system consisting of an orifice, a heat exchanger, and knife edge devices is adopted based on the design used for the X-raySpectrometer onboard Suzaku. The film flow will be suppressed to <2 μg/s, sufficiently smaller than the vapor flow rate. In the present investigation, the design and ground experiments of a helium vent system composed of the porous plug and film flow suppression system are presented. The results show that the phase separation and the film flow suppression are satisfactorily achieved.
There are many scientific applications, especially involving topics related to the equilibrium atomic-scale dynamics of condensed matter, that require both a narrower and a steeper resolution function and access to a broader dynamic range than are currently available. To meet these important scientific needs, a prototype of a novel ultrahigh-resolution inelastic x-ray scattering spectrometer system has been designed and constructed at undulator-based beamline 30-ID at the Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory. This prototype is designed to meet challenging mechanical and optical specifications for performing so-called CDFDW angular-dispersive x-ray crystal optics, which include a central ultra-thin CFW crystal and a pair of dispersing elements. The abbreviation CDFDW stands for: C – collimating crystal, D – dispersing-element crystal (two D-crystals are used in each CDFDW), F – anomalous transmission filter, and W – wavelength-selector crystal [1]. The mechanical design of the ultrahigh-resolution inelastic x-ray scattering spectrometer, as well as the preliminary test results of its precision positioning performance are presented in this paper.
CHESS has developed and successfully deployed a novel Dual Array Valence Emission Spectrometer (DAVES) for high energy resolution, hard x-ray spectroscopy. DAVES employs the simplest method for scanning multiple spherical crystals along a Rowland Circle. The new design achieves unique 2-color collection capability and is built to take special advantage of pixel array detectors. Our initial results show why these detectors greatly improve data quality. The presentation emphasizes flexibility of experimental design offered by DAVES. Prospects and benefits of 2-color spectroscopy are illustrated and discussed.
A new x-ray imaging crystal spectrometer diagnostic (XICS) is currently being built for installation on W7-X. This diagnostic will contribute to the study of ion and electron thermal transport and the evolution of the radial electric field by providing high resolution temperature and rotation measurements under many plasma conditions, including ECH heated plasmas. Installation is expected before the first experimental campaign (OP1.1), making an important set of measurements available for the first W7-X plasmas. This diagnostic will also work in concert with the HR-XCS diagnostic to provide an excellent diagnostic set for core impurity transport on W7-X.
We report the observation of new properties of primary cosmic rays He, C, and O measured in the rigidity (momentum/charge) range 2 GV to 3 TV with 90 ×106 helium, 8.4 ×106 carbon, and 7.0 ×106 oxygen nuclei collected by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) during the first five years of operation. Above 60 GV, these three spectra have identical rigidity dependence. They all deviate from a single power law above 200 GV and harden in an identical way.
This paper describes a rapid and accurate method of point-counting sands and silt-size in unconsolidated open-ocean sediments. As traditional techniques for this operation cannot be employed on the fine-grained material which frequently forms the bulk of deep sea marine sediments, an alternative method has been sought. The method described makes use of equipment known as QUANTEX-RAY comprising a computerised data acquisition and reduction system designed for use in X-ray energy spectrometry and used in conjunction with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Grains that cannot be identified by their visual morphology in the scanning electron microscope are analysed by X-ray spectrometry. Spectra are acquired in 200 seconds or less and processed by a sequence of software routines under semi-automatic control producing a listing of oxide concentrations as the final result. Each user must customize the control programme and operating conditions to suit his requirements
X-ray images of the 18 November 1980 limb flare taken by the HXIS instrument aboard SMM were analysed. The hard X-rays originated from three spots on the SW limb of the solar disk with different altitudes and time evolution. The locations of the brightest spots in hard and soft X-rays are compared
High-energy x-ray spectra of the Crab Nebula, Cyg XR-1, and Cen A have been determined from observations with the scintillation spectrometer on board the OSO-8 satellite, launched in June, 1975. Each of these sources was observed over two periods of 8 days or more, enabling a search for day-to-day and year-to-year variations in the spectral and temporal characteristics of the x-ray emission. No variation in the light curve of the Crab pulsar has been found from observations which span a 15-day period in March 1976, with demonstrable phase stability. Transitions associated with the binary phase of Cyg XR-1 and a large change in the emission from Cen A are reported
A 3-stage adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator (ADR) is used on the Soft X-raySpectrometer instrument on Astro-H to cool a 6x6 array of x-ray microcalorimeters to 50 mK. The ADR is supported by a cryogenic system consisting of a superfluid helium tank, a 4.5 K Joule-Thomson (JT) cryocooler, and additional 2-stage Stirling cryocoolers that pre-cool the JT cooler and cool radiation shields within the cryostat. The ADR is configured so that it can use either the liquid helium or the JT cryocooler as its heat sink, giving the instrument an unusual degree of tolerance for component failures or degradation in the cryogenic system. The flight detector assembly, ADR and dewar were integrated into the flight dewar in early 2014, and have since been extensively characterized and calibrated. This paper summarizes the operation and performance of the ADR in all of its operating modes
This work deals with the design of a gamma-rayspectrometer for the remote analysis of the chemical composition of planetary surfaces and was performed in the frame of a mission scenario to explore the planet Mercury. The research studies consisted first in characterizing the detection performances of a gamma-rayspectrometer using a high-purity germanium crystal cooled actively at cryogenic temperatures. The high energy resolution of the detector allows an accurate measurement of the chemical composition for the main elements from oxygen to uranium. Thereafter the studies dealt with the critical issues addressed for the use of such a detector onboard a mission to the inner solar system. The radiation damage caused by solar protons in germanium crystals was investigated by experimental and numerical means. It has been shown that the detector resolution begins getting damaged for proton fluences over 5*10 8 p/cm 2 . An annealing session where the crystal is heated up to 80 C degrees for a 4-day period allows the detector to get back a sufficient resolution. Annealing over 100 C degrees gives back the detector its initial resolution. Finally, a numerical thermal model of the instrument as well as some tests on a thermal mockup were performed to validate the thermal design of the instrument
The development of new focusing optics based on wide band Laue lenses operating from ~60 keV up to several hundred keV is particularly challenging. This type of hard X-ray or gamma ray optics requires a high performance focal plane detector in order to exploit to the best their intrinsic capabili...
SINP MSU provided a number of experiments with scintillator gamma-spectrometers for study of spectral, temporal and spatial characteristics of TGEs as well as for search of fast hard x-ray and gamma-ray flashes probably appearing at the moment of lightning. The measurements were done in Moscow region and in Armenia at Aragats Mountain. Each instrument used in this work was able to record data in so called “event mode”: the time of each interaction was recorded with ∼15 mcs accuracy together with detailed spectral data. Such design allowed one to look for fast sequences of gamma-quanta, coming at the moments of discharges during thunderstorms. The pulse-shape analysis made by detector electronics was used to separate real gammaray events and possible imitations of flashes by electrical disturbances when discharges occur. During the time period from spring to autumn of 2015 a number of TGEs were detected. Spectral analysis of received data showed that the energy spectrum of coming radiation in 20-3000 kev range demonstrate a set of gamma-ray lines that can be interpreted as radiation from Rn-222 daughter isotopes. The increase of Rn-222 radiation was detected during rainfalls with thunderstorm as well as during rainy weather without thunderstorms. Variations of Rn-222 radiation dominate in low energies (<2.6MeV) and must be taken into account in the experiments performed to measure low energy gamma-radiation from the electrons accelerated in thunderclouds. In order to determine the direction from which the additional gamma-quanta come the experiment with collimated gamma-spectrometer placed on rotated platform was done. The results of this experiment realized in Moscow region from august, 2015 will be presented as well as the results of comparison of different TGEs measured in Moscow region and in Armenia. (author)
The data collected by the L3+C muon spectrometer at the CERN Large Electron-Positron collider, LEP, have been used to search for short duration signals emitted by cosmic point sources. A sky survey performed from July to November 1999 and from April to November 2000 has revealed one single flux enhancement (chance probability = 2.6X10^{-3}) between the 17th and 20th of August 2000 from a direction with a galactic longitude of (265.02+-0.42)^° and latitude of (55.58+-0.24)^°. The energy of the detected muons was above 15 GeV.
The X-ray focusing properties of a bent single crystal diffracting in Bragg geometry are discussed. First, it is assumed that a polychromatic point source is focused to a point image. The elliptical arc that the crystal must trace and the aberrations caused by bending the crystal cylindrically are derived from the ray paths. For a source of finite size, the magnification is found to vary over the crystal's length, so that rays of different wavelength produce images of different size. More realistic treatments of penetration and diffraction are performed with spherical monochromatic incident waves, using Takagi-Taupin calculations to create the diffracted wave and the Fresnel integral to trace the diffracted wave's evolution. Such 'wave-optical' calculations on a symmetric Si (1 1 1) crystal with 7 keV X-rays predict beam sizes different from those found in ray traces. Optimal sample and detector placement therefore requires wave effects to be considered.
A selection of marine samples collected in the vicinity of Dublin Bay on the East Coast of Ireland and Galway Bay on the West Coast have been analyzed with a high resolution Compton suppression spectrometer designed for the analysis of low-level environmental samples. Radiocaesium levels in these samples are compared and some preliminary conclusions presented. The principal components of the spectrometer, which is described in detail, are (I) an upward-locking Ge(Li) detector mounted in a special NPR-type cryostat, (II) active shielding in the form of a well detector fashioned from NE102A scintillator and a NaI(T1) detector, (III) an anti-Compton analyzer and (IV) a multichannel analyzer. The multichannel analyzer is interfaced with a 32K microcomputer to a Digital VAX-11/780 computer where up-to-date gamma spectroscopy techniques are employed for the deconvolution of spectra, search and identification of each line and estimation of the activity of each radionuclide. (author)
A high-efficiency gamma-rayspectrometer has been designed and built to provide simultaneous anticoincidence and coincidence spectrometry of low-level environmental samples. The spectrometer consists of a large-volume Ge(Li) detector as the main detector and a well-type NaI(Tl) guard detector. The Ge(Li) detector is a closed-end coaxial detector housed in a crystal of the vertical dip-stick type. Its relative photopeak efficiency is 27.5%. The guard counter is a 23-cm-dia. by 23-cm-long NaI(Tl) crystal with a 7.8-cm-dia. by 18-cm-deep centre well. The passive shield consists of a 10-cm lead shield with copper and cadmium lining. The electronics is designed to operate independently and simultaneously in the anticoincidence mode as well as in the coincidence or in the normal passive shield mode. When operating in the anticoincidence mode the Compton edge of 137 Cs is reduced by a factor of 7.7 to provide a peak-to-Compton edge ratio of 480:1. Bulk samples up to about 300 cm 3 can be measured on the top of the detector end cap inside the well of the NaI(Tl) crystal. The lower limit of detection (1000 min counting time, 95% confidence level) for 137 Cs is 1.6 pCi in a 3.8-cm-dia. by 3.5-cm-high sample geometry. The design of the spectrometer, its properties and the application to investigations on the migration of radionuclides in the soil, the analysis of radioactive emissions of coal-fired power plants and to fallout studies are described. (author)
The SAGE spectrometer combines a Ge-detector array with a Si detector to allow simultaneous detection of γ-rays and electrons. A comprehensive GEANT4 simulation package of the SAGE spectrometer has been developed with the ability to simulate the expected datasets based on user input files. The measured performance of the spectrometer is compared to the results obtained from the simulations. (orig.)
The SAGE spectrometer combines a Ge-detector array with a Si detector to allow simultaneous detection of γ-rays and electrons. A comprehensive GEANT4 simulation package of the SAGE spectrometer has been developed with the ability to simulate the expected datasets based on user input files. The measured performance of the spectrometer is compared to the results obtained from the simulations. (orig.)
A correlation spectrometer can detect a large number of gaseous compounds, or chemical species, with a species-specific mask wheel. In this mode, the spectrometer is optimized for the direct measurement of individual target compounds. Additionally, the spectrometer can measure the transmission spectrum from a given sample of gas. In this mode, infrared light is passed through a gas sample and the infrared transmission signature of the gasses present is recorded and measured using Hadamard encoding techniques. The spectrometer can detect the transmission or emission spectra in any system where multiple species are present in a generally known volume.
The instruments in the extensive suite of spectrometers at the SNS are in various stages of installation and commissioning. The Back Scattering Spectrometer (BASIS) is installed and is in commissioning. It's near backscattering analyzer crystals provide the 3 eV resolution as expected. BASIS will enter the user program in the fall of 2007. The ARCS wide angular-range thermal to epithermal neutron spectrometer will come on line in the fall of 2007 followed shortly by the Cold Neutron Chopper Spectrometer. These two direct geometry instruments provide moderate resolution and the ability to trade resolution for flux. In addition both instruments have detector coverage out to 140o to provide a large Q range. The SEQUOIA spectrometer, complete in 2008, is the direct geometry instrument that will provide fine resolution in the thermal to epithermal range. The Spin-Echo spectrometer, to be completed on a similar time scale, will provide the finest energy resolution worldwide. The HYSPEC spectrometer, available no later than 2011, will provide polarized capabilities and optimized flux in the thermal energy range. Finally, the Vision chemical spectrometer will use crystal analyzers to study energy transfers into the epithermal range
CEA implemented an absolutely calibrated broadband soft X-rayspectrometer called DMX on the Omega laser facility at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) in 1999 to measure radiant power and spectral distribution of the radiation of the Au plasma. The DMX spectrometer is composed of 20 channels covering the spectral range from 50 eV to 20 keV. The channels for energies below 1.5 keV combine a mirror and a filter with a coaxial photo-emissive detector. For the channels above 5 keV the photoemissive detector is replaced by a conductive detector. The intermediate energy channels (1.5 keV power measurements with the new MLM channel and with the usual channel composed of a thin titanium filter and a coaxial detector (without mirror) are compared. All elements of the channel have been calibrated in the laboratory of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Germany's National Metrology Institute, at the synchrotron radiation facility BESSY II in Berlin using dedicated well established and validated methods.
Yet designed to measure charged component of the cosmic rays, the foreseen Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS-02) could also release {gamma}-ray studies, in the energy range from GeV to TeV, using the tracker system, for {gamma}-rays converted in e{sup +}e{sup -} pair, and the electromagnetic calorimeter. In the first part of the thesis are described the calibrations and the performances of the engineering model of the calorimeter, obtained from the analysis of data taken during a test-beam performed at CERN in July 2002. In the second part of the thesis, the AMS-02 discovery potential for {gamma}-astrophysics is presented. While exposure maps of the {gamma}--sky are computed for one year of data taking with the {gamma}--detectors, the acceptance of the calorimeter is obtained from Monte-Carlo simulations. The AMS-02 potential is then estimated for signals from the Vela pulsar and for some supersymmetric signals from the Galactic Center. (author)
Following a NEA high priority nuclear data request, an experimental campaign to measure the prompt $\\gamma$-ray emissions from $^{235}$U has been performed. This has used the STEFF spectrometer at the new Experimental Area 2 (EAR2) within the neutron timeof-flight facility (n_TOF), a white neutron source facility at CERN with energies from thermal to approximately 1 GeV. Prior to the experimental campaign, STEFF has been optimised for the environment of EAR2. The experimental hall features a high background $\\gamma$-ray rate, due to the nature of the spallation neutron source. Thus an investigation into reduction of the background $\\gamma$-ray rate, encountered by the NaI(Tl) detector array of STEFF, has been carried out. This has been via simulations using the simulation package FLUKA. Various materials and shielding geometries have been investigated but the effects determined to be insufficient in reducing the background rate by a meaningful amount. The NaI(Tl) detectors have been modified to improve their ...
Bragg spectroscopy is one of the best established experimental methods for high energy resolution X-ray measurements and has been widely used in several fields, going from fundamental physics to quantum mechanics tests, synchrotron radiation and X-FEL applications, astronomy, medicine and industry. However, this technique is limited to the measurement of photons produced from well collimated or point-like sources and becomes quite inefficient for photons coming from extended and diffused sources like those, for example, emitted in the exotic atoms radiative transitions. The VOXES project's goal is to realise a prototype of a high resolution and high precision X-rayspectrometer, using Highly Annealed Pyrolitic Graphite (HAPG) crystals in the Von Hamos configuration, working also for extended sources. The aim is to deliver a cost effective system having an energy resolution at the level of eV for X-ray energies from about 2 keV up to tens of keV, able to perform sub-eV precision measurements with non point-like sources. In this paper, the working principle of VOXES, together with first results, are presented.
The influence of the instrumental function on the Cu Kα 1 emission line was investigated for the case of a double-crystal spectrometer. The magnitude of broadening for both Si(220) and Si(440) was calculated for a Lorentzian emission line with the width of 1-5 eV; the broadening for Si(220) is 0.12-0.18 eV while that for Si(440) is only 0.015-0.043 eV. The former is too large to be neglected, so the correction for the instrumental function is important. The spectrum affected by the instrumental function seems to keep the shape of Lorentzian though its width is larger. The fact indicates that the Lorentzian fitting analysis is effective if the appropriate correction for width is done
The forensic discrimination of adhesive cloth tapes often used in crimes was developed using a high-energy energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer with 3-dimensional polarization optics. The best measurement condition for discrimination of the tape was as follows: secondary targets, Rh and Al 2 O 3 ; measurement time, 300 s for Rh and 600 s for Al 2 O 3 ; 14 elements (Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn, Sr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Sb, Ba and Pb) were used for discrimination. It is found that the combined information of yarn density and the XRF peak intensity of the 14 elements successfully discriminated 29 out of 31 samples, of which 2 probably had the same origin. This technique is useful for forensic analysis, because it is nondestructive, rapid and easy. Therefore, it can be applied to actual forensic identification. (author)
The environmental measurement-while-drilling-gamma rayspectrometer (EMWD-GRS) system represents an innovative blend of new and existing technology that provides real-time environmental and drill bit data during drilling operations. The EMWD-GRS technology was demonstrated at Savannah River Site F-Area Retention Basin. The EMWD-GRS technology demonstration consisted of continuously monitoring for gamma-radiation-producing contamination while drilling two horizontal boreholes below the backfilled retention basin. These boreholes passed near previously sampled vertical borehole locations where concentrations of contaminant levels of cesium had been measured. Contaminant levels continuously recorded by the EMWD-GRs system during drilling are compared to contaminant levels previously determined through quantitative laboratory analysis of soil samples.
The Environmental Measurement-While-Drilling-Gamma RaySpectrometer (EMWD-GRS) system represents an innovative blend of new and existing technology that provides the capability of producing real-time environmental and drillbit data during drilling operations. This demonstration plan presents information on the EMWD-GRS technology, demonstration design, Cs-137 contamination at the Savannah River Site F-Area Retention Basin, responsibilities of demonstration participants, and the policies and procedures for the demonstration to be conducted at the Savannah River Site F-Area Retention Basin. The EMWD-GRS technology demonstration will consist of continuously monitoring for gamma-radiation contamination while drilling two horizontal boreholes below the backfilled retention basin. These boreholes will pass near previously sampled vertical borehole locations where concentrations of contaminant levels are known. Contaminant levels continuously recorded by the EMWD-GRS system during drilling will be compared to contaminant levels previously determined through quantitative laboratory analysis of soil samples
The environmental measurement-while-drilling-gamma rayspectrometer (EMWD-GRS) system represents an innovative blend of new and existing technology that provides real-time environmental and drill bit data during drilling operations. The EMWD-GRS technology was demonstrated at Savannah River Site F-Area Retention Basin. The EMWD-GRS technology demonstration consisted of continuously monitoring for gamma-radiation-producing contamination while drilling two horizontal boreholes below the backfilled retention basin. These boreholes passed near previously sampled vertical borehole locations where concentrations of contaminant levels of cesium had been measured. Contaminant levels continuously recorded by the EMWD-GRs system during drilling are compared to contaminant levels previously determined through quantitative laboratory analysis of soil samples
The Environmental Measurement-While-Drilling-Gamma RaySpectrometer (EMWD-GRS) system represents an innovative blend of new and existing technology that provides the capability of producing real-time environmental and drillbit data during drilling operations. This demonstration plan presents information on the EMWD-GRS technology, demonstration design, Cs-137 contamination at the Savannah River Site F-Area Retention Basin, responsibilities of demonstration participants, and the policies and procedures for the demonstration to be conducted at the Savannah River Site F-Area Retention Basin. The EMWD-GRS technology demonstration will consist of continuously monitoring for gamma-radiation contamination while drilling two horizontal boreholes below the backfilled retention basin. These boreholes will pass near previously sampled vertical borehole locations where concentrations of contaminant levels are known. Contaminant levels continuously recorded by the EMWD-GRS system during drilling will be compared to contaminant levels previously determined through quantitative laboratory analysis of soil samples.
In this work of nuclear geophysical instrumentation the main purpose was the development of a gamma-rayspectrometer prototype with multi channel analyzer, since the spectroscopic amplifier until your firmware. The heart of the digital part was an ATMEL 8 bits microcontroller (AT89S8252). All circuits were made and assembled in the Laboratory of Applied Geophysical Instrumentation (LIGA) of IAG-USP. A microcontroller software was completely developed in C ANSI language using the Small Device C Compiler version 2.4.8, that is a free software distributed under General Public License (GPL). At first, microcontroller was used to change all digital circuit of one classic SCINTREX GAD-6 differential gamma-rayspectrometer. Measurement times with order of 2 days became possible, and it could work in non climate ambient. Then, after this stage, had been started the development of a multichannel analyzer (MCA) working in pulse height analyzer mode with 4096 channels capacity, to use in many kinds of nuclear detection. Besides it, was developed an automatic gain system for photopeak stabilization, by the use of one radioactive source ( 133 Ba). This automatic gain system is very important in the case of NaI(Tl) scintillometric detectors, due PMT sensitivity with temperature and aging of some laboratory electronic circuits. Two power supplies with high stability, using pulse width modulation (PWM) techniques were developed, in order to all system became free of electrical line break off. One PWM power polarizes a photo multiplier tube (PMT) with high voltage and another supplies remaining developed circuits. Calibration in energy using standards sources 137 Cs and 60 Co showed that gamma detector developed has a good linearity and low thermal drift, even working in absent of air-conditioned. Concentrations measurements of K, U and Th were made in samples of soils, vegetables, etc. (author)'
A multidimensional spectrometer for the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, and a method for making multidimensional spectroscopic measurements in the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The multidimensional spectrometer facilitates measurements of inter- and intra-molecular interactions.
The L3+C muon detector at the Cern electron-position collider, LEP, is used for the detection of very-high-energy cosmic \\gamma-ray sources through the observation of muons of energies above 20, 30, 50 and 100 GeV. Daily or monthly excesses in the rate of single-muon events pointing to some particular direction in the sky are searched for. The periods from mid July to November 1999, and April to November 2000 are considered. Special attention is also given to a selection of known \\gamma-ray sources. No statistically significant excess is observed for any direction or any particular source.
STIX is the X-ray spectral imaging instrument on-board the Solar Orbiter space mission of the European Space Agency, and together with nine other instruments will address questions of the interaction between the Sun and the heliosphere. STIX will study the properties of thermal and accelerated electrons near the Sun through their Bremsstrahlung X-ray emission, addressing in particular the emission from flaring regions on the Sun. The design phase of STIX has been concluded. This paper reports the final flight design of the instrument, focusing on design challenges that were faced recently and how they were addressed.
A method is proposed to determine the effective detector area for energy-dispersive X-rayspectrometers (EDS). Nowadays, detectors are available for a wide range of nominal areas ranging from 10 up to 150 mm2. However, it remains in most cases unknown whether this nominal area coincides with the "net active sensor area" that should be given according to the related standard ISO 15632, or with any other area of the detector device. Moreover, the specific geometry of EDS installation may further reduce a given detector area. The proposed method can be applied to most scanning electron microscope/EDS configurations. The basic idea consists in a comparison of the measured count rate with the count rate resulting from known X-ray yields of copper, titanium, or silicon. The method was successfully tested on three detectors with known effective area and applied further to seven spectrometers from different manufacturers. In most cases the method gave an effective area smaller than the area given in the detector description.
Planned experiment on research X-ray and gamma radiation and neutrons of solar flares is described in the paper. Descriptions of scientific equipment of GRIS, a condition of carrying out experiment and results of calculation of characteristics of its detector are provided [ru
The Active Particle-induced X-raySpectrometer (APXS) is an important payload mounted on the Yutu rover, which is part of the Chang'e-3 mission. The scientific objective of APXS is to perform in-situ analysis of the chemical composition of lunar soil and rock samples. The radioactive sources, 55Fe and 109Cd, decay and produce α-particles and X-rays. When X-rays and α-particles interact with atoms in the surface material, they knock electrons out of their orbits, which release energy by emitting X-rays that can be measured by a silicon drift detector (SDD). The elements and their concentrations can be determined by analyzing their peak energies and intensities. APXS has analyzed both the calibration target and lunar soil once during the first lunar day and again during the second lunar day. The total detection time lasted about 266 min and more than 2000 frames of data records have been acquired. APXS has three operating modes: calibration mode, distance sensing mode and detection mode. In detection mode, work distance can be calculated from the X-ray counting rate collected by SDD. Correction for the effect of temperature has been performed to convert the channel number for each spectrum to X-ray energy. Dead time correction is used to eliminate the systematic error in quantifying the activity of an X-ray pulse in a sample and derive the real count rate. We report APXS data and initial results during the first and second lunar days for the Yutu rover. In this study, we analyze the data from the calibration target and lunar soil on the first lunar day. Seven major elements, including Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti and Fe, have been identified. Comparing the peak areas and ratios of calibration basalt and lunar soil the landing site was found to be depleted in K, and have lower Mg and Al but higher Ca, Ti, and Fe. In the future, we will obtain the elemental concentrations of lunar soil at the Chang'e-3 landing site using APXS data.
For future solar X-ray satellite missions, we are developing a phonon-mediated macro-pixel composed of a Ge crystal absorber with four superconducting transition-edge sensors (TES) distributed on the backside. The X-rays are absorbed on the opposite side and the energy is converted into phonons, which are absorbed into the four TES sensors. By connecting together parallel elements into four channels, fractional total energy absorbed between two of the sensors provides x-position information and the other two provide y-position information. We determine the optimal distribution for the TES sub-elements to obtain linear position information while minimizing the degradation of energy resolution.
A double coaxil Ge(li) spetrometer has been flown for the first time in December, from the Southern Hemisphere and the induced background at ceiling in the diodes was studied. During the flight, different anti-coincidence modes were operated to estimate the gamma-ray lines. The results of 511 Kev line show that the fluxes detected by the upper diode are in good agreement with previous measurements, and indicate a probable contamination of the lower diode. (Author) [pt
Total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) analysis is an excellent tool to determine major, minor and trace elements in minuscule amounts of samples, making this technique very suitable for pigment analysis. Collecting minuscule amounts of pigment material from precious works of art by means of a cotton swab is a well-accepted sampling method, but poses specific challenges when TXRF is to be used for the characterization of the unknown material. (orig.)
Simultaneous fitting of peaks and background functions from gamma-ray spectrometry using multichannel pulse height analysis is considered. The specific case of Gaussian peak and exponential background is treated in detail with respect to simultaneous estimation of both functions by using a technique which incorporates maximum likelihood method as well as a graphical method. Theoretical expressions for the standard errors of the estimates are also obtained. The technique is demonstrated for two experimental data sets. (orig.)
Spectra from the Mars rover alpha particle X-rayspectrometers contain the elastic and inelastic scatter peaks of the plutonium L X-rays emitted by the instrument’s {sup 244}Cm source. Various spectrum fitting approaches are tested using the terrestrial twin of the APXS instrument on the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover, in order to provide accurate extraction of the Lα and Lβ Compton/Rayleigh intensity ratios, which can provide information about light “invisible” constituents such as water in geological samples. A well-defined dependence of C/R ratios upon mean sample atomic number is established using a large and varied set of geochemical reference materials, and the accuracy of this calibration is examined. Detailed attention is paid to the influence of the rubidium and strontium peaks which overlap the Lα scatter peaks. Our Monte Carlo simulation code for prediction of C/R ratios from element concentrations is updated. The ratio between measured and simulated C/R ratios provides a second means of calibration.
Spectra from the laboratory and flight versions of the Curiosity rover’s alpha particle X-rayspectrometer were fitted with an in-house version of GUPIX, revealing departures from linear behavior of the energy-channel relationships in the low X-ray energy region where alpha particle PIXE is the dominant excitation mechanism. The apparent energy shifts for the lightest elements present were attributed in part to multiple ionization satellites and in part to issues within the detector and/or the pulse processing chain. No specific issue was identified, but the second of these options was considered to be the more probable. Approximate corrections were derived and then applied within the GUAPX code which is designed specifically for quantitative evaluation of APXS spectra. The quality of fit was significantly improved. The peak areas of the light elements Na, Mg, Al and Si were changed by only a few percent in most spectra. The changes for elements with higher atomic number were generally smaller, with a few exceptions. Overall, the percentage peak area changes are much smaller than the overall uncertainties in derived concentrations, which are largely attributable to the effects of rock heterogeneity. The magnitude of the satellite contributions suggests the need to incorporate these routinely in accelerator-based PIXE using helium beams.
A joint analysis is carried out of data obtained with the help of the solar X-ray SphinX spectrophotometer and the electron and proton satellite telescope STEP-F in May 2009 in the course of the scientific space experiment CORONAS-PHOTON. In order to determine the energies and particle types, in the analysis of spectrophotometer records data are used on the intensities of electrons, protons, and secondary γ-radiation, obtained by the STEP-F telescope, which was located in close proximity to the SphinX spectrophotometer. The identical reaction of both instruments is noted at the intersection of regions of the Brazilian magnetic anomaly and the Earth's radiation belts. It is shown that large area photodiodes, serving as sensors of the X-rayspectrometer, reliably record electron fluxes of low and intermediate energies, as well as fluxes of the secondary gamma radiation from construction materials of detector modules, the TESIS instrument complex, and the spacecraft itself. The dynamics of electron fluxes, recorded by the SphinX spectrophotometer in the vicinity of a weak geomagnetic storm, supplements the information about the processes of radial diffusion of electrons, which was studied using the STEP-F telescope.
The present work describes a few methodologies developed for fitting efficiency curves obtained by means of a HPGe gamma-rayspectrometer. The interpolated values were determined by simple polynomial fitting and polynomial fitting between the ratio of experimental peak efficiency and total efficiency, calculated by Monte Carlo technique, as a function of gamma-ray energy. Moreover, non-linear fitting has been performed using a segmented polynomial function and applying the Gauss-Marquardt method. For the peak area obtainment different methodologies were developed in order to estimate the background area under the peak. This information was obtained by numerical integration or by using analytical functions associated to the background. One non-calibrated radioactive source has been included in the curve efficiency in order to provide additional calibration points. As a by-product, it was possible to determine the activity of this non-calibrated source. For all fittings developed in the present work the covariance matrix methodology was used, which is an essential procedure in order to give a complete description of the partial uncertainties involved. (author)
“Mad Meg”, a figure of Flemish folklore, is the subject of a famous oil-on-panel painting by the Flemish renaissance artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder, exhibited in the Museum Mayer van den Bergh (Antwerp, Belgium). This article reports on the in situ chemical characterization of this masterpiece by using currently available state-of-the-art portable analytical instruments. The applied non-destructive analytical approach involved the use of a) handheld X-ray fluorescence instrumentation for retrieving elemental information and b) portable X-ray fluorescence/X-ray diffraction instrumentation and laser-based Raman spectrometers for obtaining structural/molecular information. Next to material characterization of the used pigments and of the different preparation layers of the painting, also the verification of two important historical iconographic hypotheses is performed concerning the economic way of painting by Brueghel, and whether or not he used blue smalt pigment for painting the boat that appears towards the top of the painting. The pigments identified are smalt pigment (65% SiO{sub 2} + 15% K{sub 2}O + 10% CoO + 5% Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}) for the blue color present in all blue areas of the painting, probably copper resinate for the green colors, vermillion (HgS) as red pigment and lead white is used to form different colors. The comparison of blue pigments used on different areas of the painting gives no differences in the elemental fingerprint which confirms the existing hypothesis concerning the economic painting method by Bruegel. - Highlights: • In situ, non-destructive investigation of a famous painting by Pieter Bruegel. • Use of a new, commercial available, portable XRF/XRD instrumentation. • Multi-methodological approach: make also use of a mobile Raman spectrometer. • Used pigments and different preparation layers of the painting are characterized. • The verification of two important historical iconographic hypotheses are performed.
“Mad Meg”, a figure of Flemish folklore, is the subject of a famous oil-on-panel painting by the Flemish renaissance artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder, exhibited in the Museum Mayer van den Bergh (Antwerp, Belgium). This article reports on the in situ chemical characterization of this masterpiece by using currently available state-of-the-art portable analytical instruments. The applied non-destructive analytical approach involved the use of a) handheld X-ray fluorescence instrumentation for retrieving elemental information and b) portable X-ray fluorescence/X-ray diffraction instrumentation and laser-based Raman spectrometers for obtaining structural/molecular information. Next to material characterization of the used pigments and of the different preparation layers of the painting, also the verification of two important historical iconographic hypotheses is performed concerning the economic way of painting by Brueghel, and whether or not he used blue smalt pigment for painting the boat that appears towards the top of the painting. The pigments identified are smalt pigment (65% SiO 2 + 15% K 2 O + 10% CoO + 5% Al 2 O 3 ) for the blue color present in all blue areas of the painting, probably copper resinate for the green colors, vermillion (HgS) as red pigment and lead white is used to form different colors. The comparison of blue pigments used on different areas of the painting gives no differences in the elemental fingerprint which confirms the existing hypothesis concerning the economic painting method by Bruegel. - Highlights: • In situ, non-destructive investigation of a famous painting by Pieter Bruegel. • Use of a new, commercial available, portable XRF/XRD instrumentation. • Multi-methodological approach: make also use of a mobile Raman spectrometer. • Used pigments and different preparation layers of the painting are characterized. • The verification of two important historical iconographic hypotheses are performed
The SAGE spectrometer combines a high-efficiency γ-ray detection system with an electron spectrometer. Some of the design features have been known to be problematic and surprises have come up during the early implementation of the spectrometer. Tests related to bismuth germanate Compton-suppression shields, electron detection efficiency and an improved cooling system are discussed in the paper. (paper)
In many cases it is far more economically viable to transport individual constituents to a blending plant and produce a series of custom made products than to manufacture at site. This situation exists in many heavy chemical industries or on large building sites. In the cement industry inter-mixed or interground blends containing slag, fly ash, or limestone are produced. These mixes are designed to enhance certain physical properties and to reduce costs. This paper summarises experience of the application of portable isotope source X-ray analysers in achieving quality control of binary mixes
Nanosatellites, including the CubeSat class of nanosatellites, are about the size of a shoe box, and the CubeSat modular form factor of a Unit (1U is 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm) was originally defined in 1999 as a standardization for students developing nanosatellites. Over the past two decades, the satellite and instrument technologies for nanosatellites have progressed to the sophistication equivalent to the larger satellites, but now available in smaller packages through advanced developments by universities, government labs, and space industries. For example, the Blue Canyon Technologies (BCT) attitude determination and control system (ADCS) has demonstrated 3-axis satellite control from a 0.5-Unit system with 8 arc-second stability using reaction wheels, torque rods, and a star tracker. The first flight demonstration of the BCT ADCS was for the NASA Miniature X-ray Solar Spectrometer (MinXSS) CubeSat. The MinXSS CubeSat mission, which was deployed in May 2016 and had its re-entry in May 2017, provided space weather measurements of the solar soft X-rays (SXR) variability using low-power, miniaturized instruments. The MinXSS solar SXR spectra have been extremely useful for exploring flare energetics and also for validating the broadband SXR measurements from the NOAA GOES X-Ray Sensor (XRS). The technology used in the MinXSS CubeSat and summary of science results from the MinXSS-1 mission will be presented. Web site: http://lasp.colorado.edu/home/minxss/
This study shows how large volumes of airborne data can be displayed in a simple format which provides both mapping and exploration geologists with information not easily obtained from the original data. Eleven lines or part-lines from a gamma-ray survey of the Hearne Lake area were chosen as test lines, and airphotos were used to identify outcrops of each rock type and the distribution of overburden, swamp and water along each line. Geological maps were used to locate the test lines and to provide a listing of the rock types in the area. With this information, it was possible to calculate the average radioelement characteristics of each rock type and to group the rock signatures into a number of rock classes. The techniques described are most usefully applied to those areas where the outcrop is extensive, where some form of geological map already exists, where there are airphotos at scales of 1:30,000 or larger, and where the gamma-ray survey lines are less than 2.5 km apart
For the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) of the next millennium, a large general-purpose high-energy physics experiment, the ATLAS project, is being designed by a world-wide collaboration. One of its detectors, the ATLAS muon tracking detector, the MDT project, is on the scale of a very large industrial project: the design, the construction and assembly of twelve hundred large muon drift chambers are aimed at producing an exceptional quality in terms of accuracy, material reliability, assembly, and monitoring. This detector, based on the concept of very high mechanical precision required by the physics goals, will use tomography as a quality control platform. An X-ray tomograph prototype, monitored by a set of interferometers, has been developed at CERN to provide high-quality control of the MDT chambers which will be built in the collaborating institutes of the ATLAS project. First results have been obtained on MDT prototypes showing the validity of the X-ray tomograph approach for mechanical control of the detec...
Lunar breccia 67975 is a feldspathic fragmental breccia from North Ray crater, Apollo 16. It contains clasts of alkali gabbronorite and ultra-KREEPy mafic fragment-laden melt breccias, which are unique among Apollo 16 samples. Both are alkali- and iron-rich rocks with moderate to high REE concentrations. They more strongly resemble Apollo 14 gabbronorites and alkali anorthosites and KREEP-rich rocks than they do other Apollo 16 samples. The other clasts in 67975 are the ferroan anorthosites, feldspathic melt rocks, and magnesian granulites, which are typical of other feldspathic fragmental breccias. Examination of bulk and mineral compositions of other breccias and melt rocks suggests that alkali gabbronorite may be a minor component in other North Ray crater breccias and feldspathic melt rocks. This implies that alkali gabbronorite was a fairly early (4.0 b.y.) crustal component in the North Ray crater region
Detection of soft X-rays (sxr) from the Sun provide direct information on coronal plasma at temperatures in excess of ~1 MK, but there have been relatively few solar spectrally resolved measurements from 0.5 – 10. keV. The Miniature X-ray Solar Spectrometer (MinXSS) CubeSat is the first solar science oriented CubeSat mission flown for the NASA Science Mission Directorate, and has provided measurements from 0.8 -12 keV, with resolving power ~40 at 5.9 keV, at a nominal ~10 second time cadence. MinXSS design and development has involved over 40 graduate students supervised by professors and professionals at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Instrument radiometric calibration was performed at the National Institute for Standard and Technology (NIST) Synchrotron Ultraviolet Radiation Facility (SURF) and spectral resolution determined from radioactive X-ray sources. The MinXSS spectra allow for determining coronal abundance variations for Fe, Mg, Ni, Ca, Si, S, and Ar in active regions and during flares. Measurements from the first of the twin CubeSats, MinXSS-1, have proven to be consistent with the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) 0.1 – 0.8 nm energy flux. Simultaneous MinXSS-1 and Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) observations have provided the most complete sxr spectral coverage of flares in recent years. These combined measurements are vital in estimating the heating flare loops by non-thermal accelerated electrons. MinXSS-1 measurements have been combined with the Hinode X-ray Telescope (XRT) and Solar Dynamics Observatory Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (SDO-AIA) to further constrain the coronal temperature distribution during quiescent times. The structure of the temperature distribution (especially for T > 5 MK) is important for deducing heating processes in the solar atmosphere. MinXSS-1 observations yield some of the tightest constraints on the high temperature component of the coronal plasma, in the
Our current paper describes the development of a low cost shielding system using liquid scintillator for the cosmic ray detector-neutron moderator which accounts for a tenfold reduction in the cosmic continuum. Our primary objective was to develop a low cost anticoincidence shield for laboratory use which would substantially reduce the background from cosmic ray interactions. The minimum thickness of scintillator which would provide the necessary moderation of neutrons as well as furnish detectable quantities of light generated from cosmic ray interactions was determined experimentally. Tanks holding the liquid scintillator were constructed from stainless steel and were partitioned in such a manner that 10, 20, 30, or 40 cm thicknesses could be selected for background measurements. Lucite was used for construction of a tank which would allow the comparison of light output relative to stainless steel for a 10 cm thickness of liquid scintillator. Plastic scintillator was used for the bottom layer in all cases, however, liquid scintillator could be used with proper internal support. A 20 cm x 20 cm x 40 cm plastic scintillator was machined to completely surround the detector and fit inside 15 cm thick walls of lead which in turn, fit inside the stainless steel scintilllator tanks. Background measurements were taken with this inner scintillator both active and inactive. Measurements were also made using copper as well as iron as replacements for the inner scintillator
This report oulines progress towards development of a high resolution, high throughput, curved crystal spectrometer suitable for line shape diagnostics of x-rays emitted from hot plasmas. The instrument is designed to interface with the MIT Tokamak (Alcator) with the initial aim of studying the prominent MoL lines which occur in the x-ray spectrum. However, it will have the versatility to function over an energy range of at least 1.5 keV to 7 keV allowing determination of temperature, charge state and density distributions for important impurity ions. The spectrometer employs a large, cylindrically bent crystal which focuses the dispersed x-rays along the cylinder axis where they are recorded by a position sensitive proportional counter. Thus, a wide energy range of the spectrum can be recorded simultaneously and sensitively from a short duration plasma. Computer control of data acquisition and analysis will allow real-time diagnostics
Results are presented for the outcome of an international intercomparison of a particular gamma-ray spectrometric procedure. Laboratories were asked to determine full energy peak efficiencies and activities by means of their own procedures, starting from supplied peak-efficiency data. Four data sets for four different conditions of germanium detectors were distributed. The sets comprised: a high accuracy- (uncertainty > 1%) data set with a relatively large number of measured data (SET 1); a low accuracy- (uncertainty 3-5%) data set with a relatively small number of measured data (SET 2); a low energy-data set (SET 3); a high accuracy-data set with a relatively small number of measured data (SET 4). The intercomparison (coded GAM83) was organized and analyzed under auspices of the International Committee for Radionuclide Metrology (ICRM). The results comprise the analysis of the contributions of 41 participants
The development, installation and evaluation of a high resolution X-ray spectroscopic diagnostics are reported. The approach has been to optimize spectrometer throughput to enable single shot plasma diagnostics with good time resolution and to ensure sufficient energy resolution to allow line profile analysis. These goals have been achieved using a new X-ray geometry combined with a new position sensitive X-ray detector. These diagnostics have been used at Alcator C to detect X-ray emission of highly ionized impurity elements as well as argon seed elements specially introduced into the plasma for this diagnostic. Temporally resolved ion temperature profiles have been obtained from the recorded X-ray spectra simultaneously with other plasma parameters such as electron temperature, ionization temperature and ionization stage distribution. Radial profiles have also been measured. The developed X-ray diagnostics thus serve as a major multiparameter probe of the central core of the plasma with complementary informtion on radial profiles
Filled with practical, step-by-step instructions and clear explanations for the most important and useful tasks. A tutorial guide that walks you through how to use the features of Spring Tool Suite using well defined sections for the different parts of Spring.Instant Spring Tool Suite is for novice to intermediate Java developers looking to get a head-start in enterprise application development using Spring Tool Suite and the Spring framework. If you are looking for a guide for effective application development using Spring Tool Suite, then this book is for you.
The need to perform γ-ray measurements with HpGe detectors is a common technique in many fields such as nuclear physics, radiochemistry, nuclear medicine and neutron activation analysis. The use of HpGe detectors is chosen in situations where isotope identification is needed because of their excellent resolution. Our challenge is to obtain the “best” spectroscopy data possible in every measurement situation. “Best” is a combination of statistical (number of counts) and spectral quality (peak, width and position) over a wide range of counting rates. In this framework, we applied Bayesian methods and the Ellipsoidal Nested Sampling (a multidimensional integration technique) to study the most likely distribution for the shape of HpGe spectra. In treating these experiments, the prior information suggests to model the likelihood function with a product of Poisson distributions. We present the efforts that have been done in order to optimize the statistical methods to HpGe detector outputs with the aim to evaluate to a better order of precision the detector efficiency, the absolute measured activity and the spectra background. Reaching a more precise knowledge of statistical and systematic uncertainties for the measured physical observables is the final goal of this research project.
The Environmental Measurement-While-Drilling-Gamma RaySpectrometer (EMWD-GRS) system represents an innovative blend of new and existing technology that provides real-time environmental and drill bit data during drilling operations. The EMWD-GRS technology was demonstrated at Savannah River Site (SRS) F-Area Retention Basin. The EMWD-GRS technology demonstration consisted of continuously monitoring for gamma-radiation-producing contamination while drilling two horizontal boreholes below the backfilled waste retention basin. These boreholes passed near previously sampled locations where concentrations of contaminant levels of cesium had been measured. Contaminant levels continuously recorded by the EMWD-GRS system during drilling were compared to contaminant levels previously determined through quantitative laboratory analysis of soil samples. The results show general agreement between the soil sampling and EMWD-GRS techniques for Cs-137. The EMWD-GRS system has been improved by the integration of an orientation sensor package for position sensing (PS) (EMWD-GRS/PS). This added feature gives the capability of calculating position, which is tied directly to EMWD-GRS sensor data obtained while drilling. The EMWD-GRS/PS system is described and the results of the field tests are presented
In the Chang'e-3 mission, the Active Particle-induced X-raySpectrometer (APXS) on the Yutu rover is used to analyze the chemical composition of lunar soil and rock samples. APXS data are only valid are only if the sensor head gets close to the target and integration time lasts long enough. Therefore, working distance and integration time are the dominant factors that affect APXS results. This study confirms the ability of APXS to detect elements and investigates the effects of distance and time on the measurements. We make use of a backup APXS instrument to determine the chemical composition of both powder and bulk samples under the conditions of different working distances and integration times. The results indicate that APXS can detect seven major elements, including Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti and Fe under the condition that the working distance is less than 30 mm and having an integration time of 30 min. The statistical deviation is smaller than 15%. This demonstrates the instrument's ability to detect major elements in the sample. Our measurements also indicate the increase of integration time could reduce the measurement error of peak area, which is useful for detecting the elements Mg, Al and Si. However, an increase in working distance can result in larger errors in measurement, which significantly affects the detection of the element Mg. (paper)
An airborne combined radiometric and magnetic survey was performed for the Department of Energy (DOE) over the area covered by the Forsyth, Hardin, and Sheridan, and Roundup, 1:250,000 National Topographic Map Series (NTMS), quadrangle maps. The survey was part of DOE's National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) program. Data were collected by a helicopter equipped with a gamma-rayspectrometer with a large crystal volume, and with a high sensitivity proton precession magnetometer. The radiometric system was calibrated at the Walker Field Calibration Pads and the Lake Mead Dynamic Test Range. Data quality was ensured during the survey by daily test flights and equipment checks. Radiometric data were corrected for live time, aircraft and equipment background, cosmic background, atmospheric radon, Compton scatter, and altitude dependence. The corrected data were statistically evaluated, plotted, and contoured to produce anomaly maps based on the radiometric response of individual geological units. The anomalies were interpreted and an interpretation map produced. Volume I contains a description of the systems used in the survey, a discussion of the calibration of the systems, the data collection procedures, the data processing procedures, the data presentation, the interpretation rationale, and the interpretation methodology. A separate Volume II for each quadrangle contains the data displays and the interpretation results
An airborne combining radiometric and magnetic survey was performed for the Department of Energy over the area covered by the Burns, Crescent, Canyon City, Bend, and Salem, Washington 1:250,000 National Topographic Map Series, 1 0 x 2 0 quadrangle maps. The survey was a part of DOE's National Aerial Radiometric Reconnaissance program, which is in turn a part of the National Uranium Resource Evaluation program. Data were collected by a helicopter equipped with a gamma-rayspectrometer having a large crystal volume, and a high sensitivity proton precession magnetometer. The radiometric system was calibrated at the Walker Field Calibration pads and the Lake Mead Dynamic Test range. Data quality was ensured throughout the survey by daily test flights and equipment checks. Radiometric data were corrected for live time, aircraft and equipment background, cosmic background, atmospheric radon, Compton scatter, and altitude dependence. The corrected data were statistically evaluated, plotted, and contoured to produce anomaly maps based on the radiometric response of individual geological units. These maps were interpreted and an anomaly interpretation map produced. Volume I contains a description of the systems used in the survey, a discussion of the calibration of the systems, the data processing procedures, the data display format, the interpretation rationale, and the interpretation methodology. A separate Volume II for each quadrangle contains the data displays and the interpretation results
This research project aims the utilization of NaI(Tl) cylindrical detectors with different sensitive volumes in the Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory (LIN) of the Department of Nuclear Engineering at UFMG (DEN-UFMG) for construction of spectrometers using the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique. Conical coupling devices between the crystal detectors and the photomultiplier valve (VMF) were designed and constructed using easily handled material, joined by an optical fiber cable (FO) for driving the luminescence from the detector crystal to the VFM, allowing greater flexibility and accessibility to the device using the aforementioned technique. The cable connections were adapted to the cones that have a system with adjustable convergent lens to maximize level of luminescence (input and output). The photon beam is conducted by FO from the crystal detector to the VFM. This remote probe may bring new solutions for use not only in EDXRF technique but also in other future applications using the NaI(Tl) detector. The SR was designed and built based on the FO properties to conduct the light by total reflection with minimal loss; the first SR qualitative tests were performed and the results demonstrate that the system works properly. (author)
Highlights: • A high-voltage compatible spin-HAXPES detector based on SPLEED from W(001) has been developed. • Magnetic properties of a TMR device were studied by core-level photoemission on the Fe 2p{sub 3/2} states. • The developed instrument enabled probing of buried layers in the region of the valence states. - Abstract: A novel design of high-voltage compatible polarimeter for spin-resolved hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (Spin-HAXPES) went into operation at beamline BL09XU of SPring-8 in Hyogo, Japan. The detector is based on the well-established principle of electron diffraction from a W(001) single-crystal at a scattering energy of 103.5 eV. It's special feature is that it can be operated at a high negative bias potential up to 10 kV, necessary to access the HAXPES range. The polarimeter is operated behind a large hemispherical analyzer (Scienta R-4000). It was optimized for high transmission of the transfer optics. A delay-line detector (20 mm dia.) is positioned at the exit plane of the analyzer enabling conventional multichannel intensity spectroscopy simultaneously with single-channel spin analysis. The performance of the combined setup is demonstrated by the spin-resolved data for the valence-region of a FeCo functional layer of a tunneling device, buried beneath 3 nm of oxidic material. The well-structured spin polarization spectrum validates Spin-HAXPES in the valence energy range as powerful method for bulk electronic structure analysis. The spin polarization spectrum exhibits a rich structure, originating from clearly discernible transitions in the majority and minority partial spin spectra.
Two validation suites, one for criticality and another for radiation shielding, have been defined and tested for the MCNP Monte Carlo code. All of the cases in the validation suites are based on experiments so that calculated and measured results can be compared in a meaningful way. The cases in the validation suites are described, and results from those cases are discussed. For several years, the distribution package for the MCNP Monte Carlo code1 has included an installation test suite to verify that MCNP has been installed correctly. However, the cases in that suite have been constructed primarily to test options within the code and to execute quickly. Consequently, they do not produce well-converged answers, and many of them are physically unrealistic. To remedy these deficiencies, sets of validation suites are being defined and tested for specific types of applications. All of the cases in the validation suites are based on benchmark experiments. Consequently, the results from the measurements are reliable and quantifiable, and calculated results can be compared with them in a meaningful way. Currently, validation suites exist for criticality and radiation-shielding applications.
A suit was filed by an HIV-positive man against a pharmacy that inadvertently disclosed his HIV status to his ex-wife and children. His ex-wife tried to use the information in a custody battle for their two children. The suit against the pharmacy was settled, but the terms of the settlement remain confidential.
This talk describes the Heavy Ion Spectrometer System (HISS) facility at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory's Bevalac. Three completed experiments and their results are illustrated. The second half of the talk is a detailed discussion of the response of drift chambers to heavy ions. The limitations of trajectory measurement over a large range in incident particle charge are presented
The wavelength-dispersive X-rayspectrometer (WDS) has been around for a long time and the design has not changed much since its original development. The electron microprobe operator using WDS has to be meticulous in monitoring items such as gas flow, gas purity, gas pressure, noise levels of baseline and window, gas flow proportional counter (GFPC) voltage levels, count rate suppression, anode wire contamination and other detector parameters. Recent development and improvements of silicon drift detectors (SDD’s) has allowed the incorporation of a SDD as the X-ray detector in place of the proportional counter (PC) and/or gas flow proportional counter (GFPC). This allows minimal mechanical alteration and no loss of movement range. The superiority of a WDS with a SDD, referred to as SD-WDS, is easily seen once in operation. The SD-WDS removes many artefacts including the worse of all high order diffraction, thus allowing more accurate analysis. The incorporation of the SDD has been found to improve the light and mid element range and consequently improving the detection limit for these elements. It is also possible to obtain much more reliable results at high count rates with almost no change in resolution, gain and zero-peak characteristics of the energy spectrum.
The Environmental Measurement-While-Drilling-Gamma RaySpectrometer (EMWD-GRS) system represents an innovative blend of new and existing technology that provides real-time environmental and drill bit data during drilling operations. The EMWD-GRS technology was demonstrated at Savannah River Site (SRS) F-Area Retention Basin. The EMWD-GRS technology demonstration consisted of continuously monitoring for gamma-radiation-producing contamination while drilling two horizontal boreholes below the backfilled waste retention basin. These boreholes passed near previously sampled locations where concentrations of contaminant levels of cesium had been measured. Contaminant levels continuously recorded by the EMWD-GRS system during drilling were compared to contaminant levels previously determined through quantitative laboratory analysis of soil samples. The demonstration of the EMWD-GRS was a complete success. The results show general agreement between the soil sampling and EMWD-GRS techniques for CS-137. It was recognized that the EMWD-GRS tool would better satisfy our customers' needs if the instrument location could be continuously monitored. During the demonstration at SRS, an electromagnetic beacon with a walkover monitor (Subsitereg s ign) was used to measure bit location at depth. To use a beacon locator drilling must be stopped, thus it is normally only used when a new section of pipe was added. The location of contamination could only be estimated based on the position of the EMED-GRS package and the distance between locator beacon readings. A continuous location system that would allow us to know the location of each spectrum as it is obtained is needed
Searching for biomarkers or signatures of microbial transformations of minerals is a critical aspect for determining how life evolved on Earth, and whether or not life may have existed in other planets, including Mars. In order to solve such questions, several missions to Mars have sought to determine the geochemistry and mineralogy on the Martian surface. This research includes the two miniaturized Mössbauer spectrometers (MIMOS II) on board the Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity, which have detected a variety of iron minerals on Mars, including magnetite (Fe2+Fe3+2O4) and goethite (α-FeO(OH)). On Earth, both minerals can derive from microbiological activity (e.g. through dissimilatory iron reduction of ferrihydrite by Fe(III)-reducing bacteria). Here we used a lab based MIMOS II to characterize the mineral products of biogenic transformations of ferrihydrite to magnetite by the Fe(III)-reducing bacteria Geobacter sulfurreducens. In combination with Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD), we observed the formation of magnetite, goethite and siderite. We compared the material produced by biogenic transformations to abiotic samples in order to distinguish abiotic and biotic iron minerals by techniques that are or will be available onboard Martian based laboratories. The results showed the possibility to distinguish the abiotic and biotic origin of the minerals. Mossbauer was able to distinguish the biotic/abiotic magnetite with the interpretation of the geological context (Fe content mineral assemblages and accompanying minerals) and the estimation of the particle size in a non-destructive way. The Raman was able to confirm the biotic/abiotic principal peaks of the magnetite, as well as the organic principal vibration bands attributed to the bacteria. Finally, the XRD confirmed the particle size and mineralogy.
Airborne particulates trace metals are considered as public health concern as it can enter human lungs through respiratory system. Generally, any substance that has been introduced to the atmosphere that can cause severe effects to living things and the environment is considered air pollution. Manjung, Perak is one of the development districts that is active with industrial activities. There are many industrial activities surrounding Manjung District area such as coal fired power plant, quarries and iron smelting which may contribute to the air pollution into the environment. This study was done to measure the concentrations of Hg, U, Th, K, Cu, Fe, Cr, Zn, As, Se, Pb and Cd in the Airborne Particulate Matter (APM) collected at nine locations in Manjung District area within 15 km radius towards three directions (North, North-East and South-East) in 5 km intervals. The samples were collected using mini volume air sampler with cellulose filter through total suspended particulate (TSP). The sampler was set up for eight hours with the flow rate of 5 L/min. The filter was weighed before and after sample collection using microbalance, to get the amount of APM and kept in desiccator before analyzing. The measurement was done using calibrated Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) Spectrometer. The air particulate concentrations were found below the Malaysia Air Quality Guidelines for TSP (260 µg/m3). All of the metals concentrations were also lower than the guidelines set by World Health Organization (WHO), Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Argonne National Laboratory, USA NCRP (1975). From the concentrations, the enrichment factor were calculated.
A portable RI X-ray fluorescence spectrometer having a weight of 1800 g was constructed by using a radiation annular source ( 241 Am sealed up with ceramics, 1.85 MBq), a small Si-PIN photodiode X-ray detector mounted on a Peltier cooling device, an amplifier and a pocket-type multi-channel pulse-height analyzer. It could also be applied to a non-destructive analysis of the blue colorant in the original Japanese votive picture 'Rashoumon-zu', offered to shrine in 1682. Consequently, it was clarified that the blue colorant (X) was 'Smalt' containing Ga, Fe, Co, Ni and As as major elements. (author)
In the fall of 1999 I was shown an Ocean Optics spectrometer-in-the-computer at St. Patricks College at Maynooth, Ireland, and thought that I had seen heaven. Of course, it could not resolve the sodium D-lines (I had done that many years before with a homemade wire diffraction grating), and I began to realize that inside was some familiar old…
A dead time correction module in EUROcard format was designed and assembled. Its circuitry is a further development of the Barnhart approach. The fast discriminator signal from a spectroscopy amplifier is combined with the preamplifier inhibit signal, and with the messages from the analog-to-digital converter. The unit processes this input and produces a coincidence signal for the multichannel analyzer gate. A complete pile-up rejection system is incorporated in the module. 6 figs
The recent availability of large volume cerium bromide crystals raises the possibility of substantially improving gamma-rayspectrometer limiting flux sensitivities over current systems based on the lanthanum tri-halides, e.g., lanthanum bromide and lanthanum chloride, especially for remote sensing, low-level counting applications or any type of measurement characterized by poor signal to noise ratios. The Russian Space Research Institute has developed and manufactured a highly sensitive gamma-rayspectrometer for remote sensing observations of the planet Mercury from the Mercury Polar Orbiter (MPO), which forms part of ESA’s BepiColombo mission. The Flight Model (FM) gamma-rayspectrometer is based on a 3-in. single crystal of LaBr{sub 3}(Ce{sup 3+}) produced in a separate crystal development programme specifically for this mission. During the spectrometers development, manufacturing, and qualification phases, large crystals of CeBr{sub 3} became available in a subsequent phase of the same crystal development programme. Consequently, the Flight Spare Model (FSM) gamma-rayspectrometer was retrofitted with a 3-in. CeBr{sub 3} crystal and qualified for space. Except for the crystals, the two systems are essentially identical. In this paper, we report on a comparative assessment of the two systems, in terms of their respective spectral properties, as well as their suitability for use in planetary mission with respect to radiation tolerance and their propensity for activation. We also contrast their performance with a Ge detector representative of that flown on MESSENGER and show that: (a) both LaBr{sub 3}(Ce{sup 3+}) and CeBr{sub 3} provide superior detection systems over HPGe in the context of minimally resourced spacecraft and (b) CeBr{sub 3} is a more attractive system than LaBr{sub 3}(Ce{sup 3+}) in terms of sensitivities at lower gamma fluxes. Based on the tests, the FM has now been replaced by the FSM on the BepiColombo spacecraft. Thus, CeBr{sub 3} now forms
After installation of the new-type rotating crystal analyser spectrometer ROTAX at ISIS, we report on practical experience and describe its current status. The rotating analyser technique works feasibly and reliably and provides an ultimate scan flexibility on a pulsed time-of-flight neutron spectrometer. The spinning analyser achieves a mulitplex advantage factor of ca. 50 without compromising the resolution of the instrument. Despite these instrument merits its individual beam position at ISIS has only an unsatisfactorily weak flux, thus hindering this instrument yet to become fully competitive with other high-performance neutron spectrometers based at high-flux reactors. However, we strongly recommend a ROTAX-type instrument to be emphasized when the instrumentation suite of the future European spallation source ESS will come under scrutiny. (orig.)
This study extends the application of the portable x-ray fluorescence (PXRF) spectrometry to examination of elements in semi-arid urban landscapes of the Southern High Plains (SHP) of the United States (US), focusing on golf courses. The complex environmental challenges of this region and the unique management practices at golf course facilities could lead to differences in concentration and chemistry of elements between managed (irrigated) and non-managed (non-irrigated) portions of these facilities. Soil samples were collected at the depths of 0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm from managed and non-managed areas of seven different facilities in the city of Lubbock, Texas, and analyzed for a suite of soil properties. Total elemental quantification was conducted using PXRF. Findings mostly indicated no significant differences in concentration of examined elements between the managed and non-managed areas of the facilities. However, strong positive relationships (R2 = 0.82-0.91, p < 0.001) were observed among elements (e.g. Fe and each of Cr, Mn, Ni, and As; Cu and Zn; As and Cr) and between these elements and soil constituents or properties such as clay, calcium carbonate, organic matter, and pH. The strengths of these relationships were mostly higher in the non-managed areas, suggesting possible alteration in the chemistry of these elements by anthropogenic influences. Principal component analyses (PCA) and correlation analyses within the managed areas suggested that As, Cr, Fe, Mn, and Ni could be of lithogenic origin, while Cu, Pb, and Zn were attributed to anthropogenic influences. Only one possible source of element, likely lithogenic, was identified within non-managed areas. As evidenced from the study, the PXRF can be a valuable tool for elemental quantification, and rapid investigation of elemental interaction and source apportionment in semi-arid climates.
The RAJA Performance Suite is designed to evaluate performance of the RAJA performance portability library on a wide variety of important high performance computing (HPC) algorithmic lulmels. These kernels assess compiler optimizations and various parallel programming model backends accessible through RAJA, such as OpenMP, CUDA, etc. The Initial version of the suite contains 25 computational kernels, each of which appears in 6 variants: Baseline SequcntiaJ, RAJA SequentiaJ, Baseline OpenMP, RAJA OpenMP, Baseline CUDA, RAJA CUDA. All variants of each kernel perform essentially the same mathematical operations and the loop body code for each kernel is identical across all variants. There are a few kernels, such as those that contain reduction operations, that require CUDA-specific coding for their CUDA variants. ActuaJ computer instructions executed and how they run in parallel differs depending on the parallel programming model backend used and which optimizations are perfonned by the compiler used to build the Perfonnance Suite executable. The Suite will be used primarily by RAJA developers to perform regular assessments of RAJA performance across a range of hardware platforms and compilers as RAJA features are being developed. It will also be used by LLNL hardware and software vendor panners for new defining requirements for future computing platform procurements and acceptance testing. In particular, the RAJA Performance Suite will be used for compiler acceptance testing of the upcoming CORAUSierra machine {initial LLNL delivery expected in late-2017/early 2018) and the CORAL-2 procurement. The Suite will aJso be used to generate concise source code reproducers of compiler and runtime issues we uncover so that we may provide them to relevant vendors to be fixed.
Here the deployment of the The Filter Inlet for Gases and AEROsols (FIGAERO) coupled with the Aerodyne High Resolution (HR)-Time of flight (ToF)-Chemical ionisation mass spectrometer (CIMS) in Manaus is presented. This project utilised the Tofwerk X-ray ionisation source in the tropical rainforest in close proximity to Manaus, Brazil, at the ZF2 measurement site. The FIGAERO is a filter based technique that provides simultaneous molecular information of both the gas and particle phase. When analysing particles that have been collected the evolution of the MS signals from different compounds change independently as a function of temperature; creating a thermogram that is m/z specific. The temperature for which the desorbed signal shows a maximum for each compound has been used previously to extract vapour pressure information in laboratory characterisatio. Krieger et al. (2017) defined the homologous series of polyethylene glycols as a series of compounds that showed a very good agreement over a wide range of atmospherically relevant vapour pressures between different experimental setups. PEG samples therefore provide an ideal bench mark for characterising individual FIGAERO inlets to give vapour pressure information essential for partitioning characterisation. The PEG calibration curve has been used to validate vapour pressure measurements in a well-defined single component bases and in simple chamber experiments, results of which are presented. With a high reactivity and large ubiquitous global source, isoprene has a profound effect upon atmospheric chemistry and composition. Despite this there are still significant gaps in the understanding of the processes that lead to isoprene derived secondary organic aerosol (SOA). This project aims to provide insights into the role of isoprene in the mechanisms of production of SOA and its importance in the particulate mass budgets in the tropics and the fundamental chemical processes. The volatility and composition of
Highlights: → A selection of the best features for multivariate forensic glass classification using SEM-EDX was performed. → The feature selection process was carried out by means of an exhaustive search, with an Empirical Cross-Entropy objective function. → Results show remarkable accuracy of the best variables selected following the proposed procedure for the task of classifying glass fragments into windows or containers. - Abstract: In this work, a selection of the best features for multivariate forensic glass classification using Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with an Energy Dispersive X-rayspectrometer (SEM-EDX) has been performed. This has been motivated by the fact that the databases available for forensic glass classification are sparse nowadays, and the acquisition of SEM-EDX data is both costly and time-consuming for forensic laboratories. The database used for this work consists of 278 glass objects for which 7 variables, based on their elemental compositions obtained with SEM-EDX, are available. Two categories are considered for the classification task, namely containers and car/building windows, both of them typical in forensic casework. A multivariate model is proposed for the computation of the likelihood ratios. The feature selection process is carried out by means of an exhaustive search, with an Empirical Cross-Entropy (ECE) objective function. The ECE metric takes into account not only the discriminating power of the model in use, but also its calibration, which indicates whether or not the likelihood ratios are interpretable in a probabilistic way. Thus, the proposed model is applied to all the 63 possible univariate, bivariate and trivariate combinations taken from the 7 variables in the database, and its performance is ranked by its ECE. Results show remarkable accuracy of the best variables selected following the proposed procedure for the task of classifying glass fragments into windows (from cars or buildings) or containers
will be to provide high sensitivity for polarimetric measurements. In this framework, we have presented the concept of a small high-performance imaging spectrometer optimized for polarimetry between 100 and 600 keV suitable for a stratospheric balloon-borne payload and as a pathfinder for a future satellite mission....... The detector with 3D spatial resolution is based on a CZT spectrometer in a highly segmented configuration designed to operate simultaneously as a high performance scattering polarimeter. Herein, we report results of a Monte Carlo study devoted to optimize the configuration of the detector for polarimetry...
In the framework of the investigation of the shapes of the ground states of the parent nucleus, we propose to carry out measurements of the complete Gamow-Teller strength distribution for the $^{76-80}$Sr isotopes, with a new Total Absorption Gamma Spectrometer installed on a new beam line. The results will be compared with theoretical calculations based on the mean field approach. A brief report on the IS370 experiment on $^{72-75}$Kr decay, which was recently performed at ISOLDE, will be given and the performance of the sum spectrometer will be presented.
A Moessbauer effect spectrometer of Harwell type is installed and put in operation. The driving system is of a constant acceleration mode with a velocity range 40mm/sec. and associated to a 1024 multichannel analyser working in a multiscalar time mode. The gamma ray sources are 50 mCi Co 57 in Pd and 20 mCi Snsup(119m) in Ba Sn(O) 3 . Measurements are taken with the source kept at room temperature, while the absorber can be maintained at various temperatures. Gamma ray resonance spectra of different standard samples are obtained. Zero velocity and magnetic field calibration curves are deduced. Examples of some Moessbauer spectra for running investigated materials with a comprehensive general description are also given
The objective crystal spectrometer (OXS) on the forthcoming Spectrum-Roentgen-Gamma satellite is designed to carry three kinds of crystals: LiF(220), Si(111) and RAP(001), placed in front of the SODART telescope. Thirty six super polished (RMS roughness
The OSIRIS-REx (Origins Spectral Interpretation Resource Identification Security Regolith Explorer) Mission is a planetary science mission to study, and return a sample from, the carbonaceous asteroid 1999 RQ-36. The third mission selected under NASA's New Frontiers Program, it is scheduled to be launched in 2016. It is led by PI Dante Lauretta at the University of Arizona and managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The spacecraft and the asteroid sampling mechanism, TAGSAM (Touch-And-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism) will be provided by Lockheed Martin Space Systems. Instrumentation for studying the asteroid include: OCAMS (the OSIRIS-REx Camera Suite), OLA (the OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter, a scanning LIDAR), OTES (The OSIRIS-REx Thermal Emission Spectrometer, a 4-50 micron point spectrometer) and OVIRS (the OSIRIS-REx Visible and IR Spectrometer, a 0.4 to 4.3 micron point spectrometer). The payload also includes REXIS (the Regolith X-ray Imaging Spectrometer) a student provided experiment. This paper presents a description of the OVIRS instrument.
Aspects of experiments at small angles at the Superconducting Super Collider are considered. Topics summarized include a small angle spectrometer, a high contingency spectrometer, dipole and toroid spectrometers, and magnet choices
Smartphones are playing an increasing role in the sciences, owing to the ubiquitous proliferation of these devices, their relatively low cost, increasing processing power and their suitability for integrated data acquisition and processing in a ‘lab in a phone’ capacity. There is furthermore the potential to deploy these units as nodes within Internet of Things architectures, enabling massive networked data capture. Hitherto, considerable attention has been focused on imaging applications of these devices. However, within just the last few years, another possibility has emerged: to use smartphones as a means of capturing spectra, mostly by coupling various classes of fore-optics to these units with data capture achieved using the smartphone camera. These highly novel approaches have the potential to become widely adopted across a broad range of scientific e.g., biomedical, chemical and agricultural application areas. In this review, we detail the exciting recent development of smartphone spectrometer hardware, in addition to covering applications to which these units have been deployed, hitherto. The paper also points forward to the potentially highly influential impacts that such units could have on the sciences in the coming decades. PMID:29342899 | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Introduction
============
Nowadays, online crowdsourcing is one of the widely used methods for conducting behavioral experiments with large numbers of people. In comparison to the traditional way of performing offline experiments, crowdsourcing on the Internet enables researchers to collect massive amounts of data and requires less effort to recruit participants, set up the experimental environments, and run the experiments ([@B24]). In addition, it has been shown that the quality of experimental results from crowdsourcing is almost the same as that from offline-recruited participants ([@B4]).
One of the important issues in conducting crowdsourcing-based experiments is ensuring the quality of experimental data. It is crucial to determine a proper way to motivate people to participate in the experiment, which includes financial reward, altruism, enjoyment, reputation, and implicit work ([@B18]). For example, Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is a financial reward-based crowdsourcing marketplace in which one can post small tasks, called Human Intelligence Tasks (HITs), and people who fulfill those tasks get monetary reward from the task provider. reCAPTCHA is an example of implicit crowdsourcing work in which users are asked to type both scanned and distorted words in order to prevent automated programs that perform abnormal activities such as registering numerous user accounts ([@B23]). Enjoyment-based applications inspired by gaming also exist in many fields, such as music annotation ([@B2]), image labeling ([@B22]), and protein structure prediction ([@B6]).
Many crowdsourcing-based research studies have relied on financial reward to motivate participants due to its simplicity and similarity to traditional offline experiments. MTurk -- which offers an efficient interface to induce mass participation and give financial reward directly to participants, called workers, after completion of the experiment's tasks -- has been widely used. It has been shown that MTurk-based experiments have not only almost the same reliability of results as traditional offline experiments but also higher immediacy for finishing given tasks ([@B3]; [@B10]). In addition, the characteristics and efficiency of financial reward-based experiments have been analyzed extensively in the literature. For example, [@B3] evaluated the efficiency of MTurk in terms of quality of experimental results with respect to the amount of payment. [@B17] showed that enlightening workers is more important to obtaining high-quality results than raising payment rates.
As alternative crowdsourcing media, online social networks have often been considered in recent days. Facebook, one of the most popular social network services with more than 1 billion daily active users around the world ([@B7]), has been used in several experiments, such as those testing quality of experience (QoE) for videos ([@B8]) and photo album summarization ([@B21]). Facebook allows researchers to retrieve users' personal information and interests, so it is easy to recruit participants who have specific interests or to analyze experimental results with respect to demographic characteristics. Moreover, it is not required to pay participants directly, so motivations other than monetary reward can be chosen to prevent issues arising from the discrepancy between the incentives and experimental purpose. Despite these advantages, research studies analyzing the characteristics and efficiency of social networks, which are pivotal for the successful design of crowdsourcing experiments, are rarely found. As with crowdsourcing experiments based on financial reward, it is necessary to analyze the properties of social network-based crowdsourcing to help researchers plan their own experiments tactically to maximize both the efficiency and quality of data.
Recently, we conducted a crowdsourcing-based experiment called "EvoTunes" ([@B5]). It aimed at collecting data regarding user satisfaction with given music playlists that could be used for automatic playlist recommendations. Each participant listened to two specific songs in a row whose order was determined by a recommendation algorithm and provided satisfaction ratings. This procedure was repeated with different song pairs for many participants. When a sufficient amount of feedback data was gathered, the recommendation algorithm calculated the probability of satisfaction for each song-to-song transition to generate new playlists expected to have higher levels of satisfaction.
Optimization of the recommendation process required a large amount of experimental data on users' satisfaction with song transitions. Therefore, it was important to design an efficient and reliable way of conducting a crowdsourcing-based experiment. For this, MTurk was the first candidate as the most popular crowdsourcing medium. However, two problems arose: first, the gathered data could have been largely compromised due to unfaithful responses or cheating if workers pursued only monetary reward, and it was extremely difficult to detect such responses due to the lack of ground-truth data. Second, the environment of music listening through MTurk was significantly different from real music listening situations; thus, even if the gathered data were reliable, they might not have been suitable for playlist generation.
To address these issues, we decided to create our own web-based experiment interface. Participants listened to music clips suggested by the recommendation algorithm through the simple music player shown in **Figure [1](#F1){ref-type="fig"}**, which is similar to that of common music streaming services. If two particular songs were played until the end, the listener was considered satisfied with the playlist; however, if the listener pressed the "skip" button to listen to another song, the listener was considered dissatisfied. This interface was able to provide a natural music listening experience that minimized the feeling of being involved in an experiment.
{#F1}
Since the experiment required voluntary participation, we needed an appropriate way to recruit participants interested in music streaming services. In the end, we decided to exploit an online social network, Facebook, which provides a fully customizable means of public relations, including advertisement and promotional pages^[1](#fn01){ref-type="fn"}^. We recruited a sufficient number of participants over 30 days through Facebook and ran our experiment successfully. Moreover, we collected a massive amount of data regarding users' behaviors on both Facebook and the experiment interface.
Based on the collected data, in this paper, we investigate the efficiency and usability of online social networks to attract participants for crowdsourcing experiments, especially focusing on the following research questions.
1. How can participants be effectively attracted for crowdsourcing experiments in online social networks?
Since monetary reward are not given to participants, ways of attracting participants is a critical issue in social network-based crowdsourcing experiments. For this, advertisement, which is a unique tool in social networks such as Facebook, can be exploited. Previous studies including [@B1] concluded that it is hard to attract participants via advertisement of online social networks due to low response rates. However, they may be still exploitable if a sufficiently large number of participants can be hired at a reasonable cost. Moreover, different types of advertisement have not been compared in existing studies. In this paper, different tools for advertisement on Facebook are tested and compared in terms of effects and efficiency.
1. How can particular groups of users be appropriately targeted in online social networks?
Users' behaviors within a social network-based crowdsourcing experiment may vary with the users' demographic characteristics, such as gender and age group. There have been studies examining gender-dependence of participation in crowdsourcing (e.g., [@B20]), but other characteristics such as age have been rarely studied. Understanding such variability is helpful for designing a recruiting strategy to effectively target particular groups of users suited for the goal of the experiment. We try to answer this question by examining the demographic characteristics of the participants in our Facebook-based experiment.
1. Do online social networks offer reliability and efficiency comparable to other recruitment methods?
To take advantage of online social networks to attract participants for reliable crowdsourcing experiments, their efficiency must first be proved. As aforementioned, this has not been studied well in literature. We analyze how efficient it is to use online social networks for multimedia-involved crowdsourcing experiments in comparison to other media such as MTurk.
The methods used to conduct our experiment are described in Section "Materials and Methods." The analysis of the experimental results in various aspects is shown in "Results." In "Discussion" discusses the outcomes, compares our approach with existing crowdsourcing methods, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of online social networks, makes suggestions for successful recruitment using social networks, and finally presents our conclusions.
Materials and Methods {#s1}
=====================
Procedure
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**Figure [2](#F2){ref-type="fig"}** shows an overview of how participants were attracted in our experiment. The two components that we exploited were advertisements of our experiment interface using the Facebook advertisement system and articles posted on the Facebook page for the interface. The advertisements guided users to visit our experiment interface directly or to click the "Like" button to subscribe to our Facebook page. For those who subscribed to the page, new articles on the page were shown on their main homepage that encouraged them to participate in the experiment repeatedly. The study was carried out in compliance with the ethical recommendations in the Declaration of Helsinki, and informed consent was provided on the experiment interface. In addition, the advertisement data were aggregated on an anonymous basis to abide by the Facebook advertising policies.
{#F2}
### Facebook Advertisement
The Facebook advertisement system allows advertisers to choose various options, such as targeting users who have specific interests and locating an appropriate position to display the advertisement. Once the options are configured, Facebook randomly selects users within the targeted user group to show advertisements. To maximize the efficiency of our advertisement, we targeted users who were over the age of 18, had expressed interest in music-related topics, and lived in English-speaking countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the Philippines.
Advertisers need to set a daily budget and choose one of the two charging options: charge per 1,000 exposures or charge per click. Because inducing users to click the advertisement was more important than exposing the advertisement in our case, we chose the click-based charging option. In this option, the maximum cost per click (CPC) of the advertisement can be set. Then, Facebook automatically decides an optimized CPC based on the maximum costs of other advertisements having similar targets. During our experiment, we often altered the daily budget of our advertisement so that the number of exposures changed accordingly. Here, we set only the total budget for both advertisement types; the budget for each advertisement type was not specified.
Although Facebook provides detailed targeting options, such as gender, education level, and so on, we did not set any other particular targeting configurations except for those mentioned above in order to prevent any bias in the experimental results and enable general conclusions to be drawn from the results. For example, we set the age range as over 18, which is the default targeting option. In addition, we used both types of Facebook advertisements appearing in the desktop version of Facebook, as shown in **Figure [3](#F3){ref-type="fig"}**.
{#F3}
#### Newsfeed advertisement
A newsfeed advertisement appears directly on a user's main homepage of Facebook, called "News Feed." It is marked as "Sponsored" to be distinguished from posts published by friends. Users could click the inner box of the advertisement containing a thumbnail image, title, description, and link to go to our experiment interface or click the "Like" button at the bottom to subscribe to our Facebook page. The number of "Likes" for our Facebook page was shown next to the "Like" button. We activated this type of advertisement for 30 days with adjustment of the daily cost, *N = 30, M = \$7.45, SD = \$8.45*.
#### Right-column advertisement
A right-column advertisement appears in the "Sponsored" section on the right side of the Facebook site. Unlike the newsfeed advertisement, this type of advertisement did not contain the "Like" button for our Facebook page. Users could click any part of the advertisement to launch our experiment interface. We activated this type of advertisement only for 7 days due to its inefficiency (see Differences by Advertisement Type) with adjustment of the daily cost, *N = 7, M = \$5.18, SD = \$5.73*.
### Facebook Page
Facebook allows users to create pages for promoting various goods and services (e.g., a website, entertainment program, shoe brand). Any Facebook user can create a page, and there are no fees. Posts can be written on such a page, which are shown on the "News Feed" of the users who have pressed the "Like" button of the page.
We created a page on the day we launched our experiment interface and maintained it for more than 30 days. Each article that we regularly posted on the page contained the link to the interface to encourage repeated participation in our experiment. The typical content of the articles was as follows: "The algorithm for music recommendation has been updated. \[the link to the interface\]."
Measures
--------
### Statistics from Facebook
We obtained the following statistics from the daily reports produced by Facebook Ads Manager, grouped by advertisement type, age, and gender:
1. Reaches: number of users our advertisements reached
2. Exposures: total number of times our advertisements were exposed
3. Clicks: number of clicks of link to the experiment interface on advertisements
4. Cost per mille (CPM): average cost per 1,000 exposures of advertisements
5. Click-through rate (CTR): number of clicks of link per exposure
6. Cost per click: average CPC of link on advertisements
In addition, we determined the number of people who pressed the "Like" button on our Facebook page from the daily reports of users' activities offered by Facebook.
### User Statistics of Experiment Interface
Our experiment interface was designed in such a way that participants could login to the interface with their Facebook accounts in order to eliminate the inconvenience of creating new accounts. This enabled us to retrieve personal information about each user. We collected only basic personal information because retrieving additional information requires the users' permission, which might have been unacceptable for some users and consequently lowered the number of participants ([@B21]).
Every activity in our experiment interface was tracked in terms of type and time stamp, including logging in and pressing the music player buttons (e.g., play, pause, skip).
Results
=======
During the experimental period, our Facebook advertisement cost \$266.27 in total. It had 1,122,751 reaches, 4,343,736 exposures, and 2,431 clicks, which resulted in a CPM of \$0.06, CTR of 0.056%, and CPC of \$0.11. At the same time, our Facebook page received 768 "Likes." A total of 395 participants joined our experiment interface, the total number of their activities was 3,145, and the average time spent on the experiment interface was 18.59 min.
Daily Flows of Participants
---------------------------
**Figure [4](#F4){ref-type="fig"}** shows the daily statistics of promotional elements and participants' actions. The number of articles posted on our Facebook page and the cost of the Facebook advertisement are shown at the top in blue. The number of "Likes" that the Facebook page received, the number of users who registered on our experiment interface, and the number of actions of the participants are shown at the bottom in green. The days when articles were posted are marked with circles (●), and the days when the advertisement cost was set high are marked with squares (■). The days when both articles were posted and the cost was set high are marked with diamonds (♦).
{#F4}
It is noticeable that the number of participants' actions was significantly higher when we promoted our experiment. For example, when we posted an article on our Facebook page on Days 7, 18, 22, 25, and 26 and when we set the daily budget of the advertisement high on Days 7, 14, 22, 25, and 26, the number of actions prominently increased. When Day 18 (an article was posted on the Facebook page without budget adjustment) and Day 14 (the daily budget was set high without posting an article) were compared, the latter was found to be more effective in facilitating users' actions, which directly influenced the number of exposures.
**Tables [1](#T1){ref-type="table"}** and **[2](#T2){ref-type="table"}** present statistical analysis results regarding the relationship between attractions and responses. As shown in the tables, both articles posting and increasing the advertisement cost have a strong influence on every type of response, especially the number of daily users in our experiment interface.
######
*z*-statistics and *p*-values of one-sided Wilcoxon rank-sum tests comparing responses (number of daily "Likes" of Facebook page, number of daily users of experiment interface, and number of daily actions in interface) when articles were posted on Facebook page (*N = 5*) and those when no articles were posted (*N = 25*).
Page: Daily "Likes" Interface: Daily users Interface: Daily actions
---------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
-2.090 (*p* = 0.018) -3.296 (*p* \< 0.001) -3.062 (*p* = 0.001)
######
Correlation coefficients (Kendall's τ) and *p*-values between advertisement cost and responses (number of daily "Likes" of Facebook page, number of daily users of experiment interface, and number of daily actions in interface).
Page: Daily "Likes" Interface: Daily users Interface: Daily actions
---------------------- ------------------------ --------------------------
0.558 (*p* \< 0.001) 0.637 (*p* \< 0.001) 0.511 (*p* \< 0.001)
Differences by Advertisement Type
---------------------------------
For the two types of Facebook advertisements, CPM, CTR, and CPC are compared in **Figure [5](#F5){ref-type="fig"}**. As shown in the figure, the CPM of the right-column advertisement is much smaller than that of the newsfeed advertisement; the right-column advertisement was exposed to users about 19 times more often than the newsfeed advertisement for the same cost. However, the CTR of the right-column advertisement is much smaller than that of the newsfeed advertisement.
{#F5}
As a result, the CPC of the newsfeed advertisement (*N = 30, M = 0.11, SD = 0.03*) is lower than that of the right-column advertisement (*N = 7, M = 0.21, SD = 0.04*). A one-sided Wilcoxon rank-sum test also confirms the statistical significance of this difference (*z = -3.897, p \< 0.001*). It is because the CTR of the newsfeed advertisement is significantly higher than that of the right-column advertisement (*0.198% \> 0.006%*) even though the latter has a lower CPM (*\$0.19 \> \$0.01*). This implies that the newsfeed advertisement is more effective for attracting participants, while the right-column advertisement is better if frequent exposures of certain information are the aim. Because we needed to maximize the number of clicks rather than the number of exposures, we stopped delivering the right-column advertisement after 7 days and focused our budget on the newsfeed advertisement thereafter.
Differences by Gender
---------------------
In total, the newsfeed advertisement was exposed 603,660 times to 302,112 males and 474,819 times to 254,393 females. From these statistics, we examine gender differences in terms of daily CPM, CTR, and CPC for the newsfeed advertisement via one-sided Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. The test result for CTR (*z = -2.016, p = 0.022*) shows that women clicked more than men for the same number of exposures to the advertisement. In addition, the results for both CPM (*z = 3.949, p \< 0.001*) and CPC (*z = 2.715, p = 0.003*) strongly suggest that a higher budget was required to attract men than women.
**Figure [6](#F6){ref-type="fig"}** shows how differently males and females acted in response to the Facebook advertisements. It is observed that females clicked the "Like" button of the Facebook page 23.2% more than males, while males actually joined the experiment interface 54.8% more than females. One-sided Wilcoxon signed-rank tests also confirm the statistical significance of the gender differences for both the number of page "Likes" (*z = -2.400, p = 0.008*) and the number of participants who joined the interface (*z = 3.491, p \< 0.001*). These imply that females were more active on Facebook than males. However, males showed a higher tendency to use the service immediately, which required going outside of Facebook.
{#F6}
Differences by Age
------------------
**Figure [7](#F7){ref-type="fig"}** compares different age groups (as defined by Facebook) for the newsfeed advertisement in terms of CTR, CPC, and CPM. It can be seen that CTR increases and CPC decreases with increasing age. Kruskal--Wallis tests also confirm significant differences between the age groups for CTR (*χ = 22.052, df = 4, p \< 0.001*) and CPC (*χ = 20.433, df = 4, p \< 0.001*) but not for CPM (*χ = 1.878, df = 4, p = 0.758*).
{#F7}
Discussion
==========
Previous studies have raised concerns about the inefficiency of using online social networks to attract participants. [@B1] noted that it is difficult to recruit participants from social networks, because they have very low response rates. For example, [@B13] got a response rate of 0.024% from MySpace, and [@B14] and [@B11] reported that the CTR of their Facebook advertisement ranged from 0.02 to 0.04% and 0.024 to 0.033%, respectively. In our case, we obtained a CTR of 0.056% on average, which is slightly higher than those in the previous studies but has the same order of magnitude. However, we argue that it is more meaningful to consider the cost than the response rate in evaluating the efficiency of online social networks for crowdsourcing. When a crowdsourcing problem is dealt with, a certain minimum number of participants or responses is usually required in order to be able to conduct reliable statistical analyses. For a fixed value of CTR, this can be achieved via increasing exposures of the advertisement in social networks by, for example, increasing the budget for the advertisement. Of course, the user pool the advertisement will reach must be sufficiently large, but this will be mostly satisfied due to the extremely large number of Facebook users. In our experiment, the overall CPC was \$0.11. In Section "Comparison with other Crowdsourcing Projects," we will show that this result corresponds to reasonable cost efficiency that is comparable to other crowdsourcing experiments using MTurk.
We showed that both advertisements and page articles were able to attract participants, and the former was more effective. When the newsfeed type and right-column type of advertisements were compared, our results showed that the former was more effective than the latter, recording CPMs of 0.198 and 0.006%, respectively. [@B20] recruited participants for a self-report questionnaire about drugs and alcohol via the right-column advertisement of Facebook. They achieved a CTR of 0.054%, which is significantly higher than that of our experiment, because they advertised the chance to win a prize as a reward for participation. Note that, however, such a monetary reward-based approach was not applicable in our case due to the reasons mentioned in the introduction. Instead, we raised the CTR to 0.056% on average by employing the newsfeed advertisement. In the study of [@B14], another method of improving the efficiency of the Facebook advertisement was shown. They did not offer any incentive to participants but achieved a CTR of up to 0.04% by targeting a specific group of interest for the Facebook advertisement (i.e., the advertisement was shown only on the Facebook pages of 24 selected colleges and universities).
We also note that the users' behavioral patterns with respect to their demographic characteristics in our experiment are in line with existing findings, particularly for gender differences. It is known that females usually engage in more Facebook activities than males ([@B9]), but males participate in experiments more than females ([@B20]). Our experimental results also follow the same patterns: women engaged in more Facebook activities but less external engagements. Regarding age differences, our results show a higher CTR as age increases. This seems to be because older people either have higher interest in the advertisement or have more difficulty in distinguishing advertisements from posts published by their friends. It is hard to compare this result with existing findings due to the lack of comparable studies. [@B16] reported less Facebook activities of older people in terms of, for example, number of hours on Facebook, number of friends, and photo activities, but such activities are very different from clicking advertisements.
Comparison with other Crowdsourcing Projects
--------------------------------------------
To examine the suitability of attracting participants via online social networks, we compare our analysis results with existing crowdsourcing projects, especially those that recruit participants via MTurk and whose topics are related to music information retrieval. **Table [3](#T3){ref-type="table"}** shows the comparison of our study and three other studies in terms of experiment type, crowdsourcing medium, data quality-control method, number of participants, number of accepted HITs, number of rejected HITs, average cost per accepted HIT, and completion time per HIT.
######
Comparison of our experiment with existing MTurk-based crowdsourcing experiments.
EvoTunes [@B12] [@B15] [@B19]
----------------------------- ----------------------- --------------------------- ----------------------- -------------------------
Topic Music recommendation Music similarity judgment Music tagging Musical mood annotation
Medium Facebook MTurk MTurk MTurk
Quality control Statistical filtering Duplicated questions Statistical filtering Statistical filtering
Number of participants 395 N/A 209 272
Accepted HITs 935^∗^ 583 2566 634
Rejected HITs 2210^∗^ 464 305 756
Cost per accepted HIT (\$) 0.28^∗^ 0.22 ≥0.03 0.54
Completion time per HIT (s) 248.2^∗^ N/A N/A ≥330
∗
Human Intelligence Tasks are defined only in MTurk, and in our case, HITs are not clearly defined. However, for comparison, we consider each action in our experiment (e.g., listening to as long until the end, pressing the skip button) as a HIT, based on which we estimate HIT-related statistics.
[@B12] examined the efficiency of MTurk for music similarity judgment. Each HIT contained 13--15 pairs of music samples. Workers listened to given pairs of samples and rated them on a 3-point scale (not similar, somewhat similar, and very similar). Each task contained one duplicated pair so that task results containing different answers for the same pairs were rejected. Moreover, tasks that were completed too quickly were also rejected.
[@B15] used MTurk for associating tags to songs. They used 925 10-s song clips. Workers had to provide 5--15 tags for each clip in five categories. Quality control was performed by rejecting tasks based on the length of words, size of vocabulary, or the frequency of stop words. The overall cost spent was approximately \$100, so the average cost per accepted HIT can be estimated as at least \$0.03.
[@B19] used MTurk to annotate the emotional mood of songs. Each HIT contained 11 30-s song clips, including one dummy clip. Workers had to annotate the emotion that they felt on the two-dimensional arousal--valence (A--V) space while listening to each clip. Two clips were identical, so the tasks showing largely different results for that pair were rejected. Some other tasks in which workers did not seem to understand the instruction were also rejected.
These experiments were suitable to be conducted on MTurk, because each of them could be divided into small, distinct tasks and concealing their objectives was not important. In contrast, our experiment could not be constructed with separate, well-defined tasks, and natural music listening situations, which are difficult to be implemented within MTurk, were important to verify the music recommendation algorithm.
Because our experiment did not use MTurk, we need to define which data should be regarded as "accepted HITs" or "rejected HITs" for comparison with the aforementioned experiments. Our experiment interface gathered participants' actions between transitions of song pairs (i.e., listening until the end and pressing the skip button). During the experiment, we implemented the following data validation mechanisms to reject untruthful responses ([@B5]).
1. The system occasionally made the "wrong" recommendation. If the user kept listening without skipping, the actions of the user were filtered out.
2. The system occasionally showed a dialog box containing a "continue" button. If the user did not press the button for a long time, the recent actions of the user were filtered out.
Only the actions that passed these validation mechanisms were used to improve the recommendation algorithm. Therefore, we consider these actions accepted HITs and the rest rejected HITs. The cost per accepted HIT in our experiment is also estimated based on the overall cost paid for the Facebook advertisement.
From the table, it can be concluded that our experiment has reasonable efficiency compared to the MTurk-based experiments. First, our experiment was able to recruit a larger number of participants than the other experiments. Moreover, the estimated cost per accepted HIT in our experiment is within the range of those of the other experiments even though our experiment rejected a larger number of tasks. Here, it should be noted that the HITs of each experiment have different complexities. The time complexity of the HIT in our experiment is similar to (or slightly less than) that in the experiment of [@B19] where a HIT contained 11 30-s song clips. However, the cost per accepted HIT is much less in our case, which shows the efficiency of our crowdsourcing strategy. Although [@B15] did not mention the completion time per HIT, each HIT of the experiment contained only one 10-s song clip, which is very simple, and thus, the cost per accepted HIT is relatively low in comparison to that of our experiment.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networks for Crowdsourced Experiments
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Based on our experiment and the analysis presented above, we find both advantages and disadvantages of using a social network to recruit participants for crowdsourcing-based experiments.
First, the experimenters can easily analyze the demographic characteristics of workers or trace them over time. Most social networks support Application Program Interfaces (APIs) to retrieve the basic information and interests of each user under authorized permission. This allows researchers to categorize collected data with respect to various aspects of personal information, which may be beyond country, age, or gender. In addition, those who participate in the experiment repeatedly can be easily traced.
In addition, social networks enable researchers to choose motivations other than financial reward, including enjoyment and implicit work. These types of motivation do not require direct payment to users. Participants are encouraged to join the experiment voluntarily, and those who wish to participate only for the money are excluded. Moreover, the experiment can proceed as though it is a real service, which allows observation of participants' natural responses without bias.
Moreover, social networks allow experimenters to communicate with workers bilaterally, while most MTurk-based experiments implement only one-way feedback functions ([@B15]; [@B19]). For example, our experiment used a Facebook page to communicate with and receive feedback from participants. Some users may have difficulty participating in experiments due to their particular environmental configurations, such as operating systems, network states, and web browsers. However, one-way feedback may not be sufficiently effective to identify and resolve such problems. Communication in both directions enables researchers to deal with unexpected errors or problems in the experiment in a timely manner, which is critical for ensuring the quality of data.
Finally, attracting participants via social networks is suitable for long-term crowdsourcing-based experiments. If the Facebook page or Twitter account for an experiment is maintained, the number of subscribers or followers can increase, and thus, more and more participants can be involved in the experiment as time goes on. Moreover, posting an article does not incur any charge, so the overall required cost to promote the experiment can be reduced in comparison to the case with one-time financial motivation when the experiment is operated for a long time.
However, there are also drawbacks of using social networks to attract participants. While the amount of money paid to participants can be easily defined and estimated in financial reward-based experiments, it may be rather difficult to estimate the cost required for advertisements to gather a sufficient amount of data in social networks. Moreover, privacy issues must be considered if detailed information of each user needs to be collected. Permission is required for retrieving some types of information, such as Facebook pages that people like and e-mail addresses, and people may not be willing to give such information readily ([@B21]).
Suggestions for Recruitment Based on Social Networks
----------------------------------------------------
In order to exploit the advantages of attracting participants via social networks, proper strategies are required, which are discussed below.
First, apart from paid advertisements, maintaining promotional pages such as the Facebook page is highly beneficial to increase the constant influx of participants. While advertisements are shown only for a limited period at a cost, articles on promotional pages can be permanently accessed at no cost. Moreover, most social network services offer so-called word-of-mouth features, including the "Like" button on Facebook and "Retweet" on Twitter. These features can facilitate the propagation of articles on the page for many people. Our experiment showed that the articles on the Facebook page were effective at attracting participants.
Next, advertisements placed in the same place as normal articles are more effective than those in other places. In our analysis, the newsfeed advertisement was shown to be better than the right-column advertisement on Facebook due to its higher CTR and lower CPC. In addition, the newsfeed advertisement offers socially connected features, such as the "Like" button of the Facebook page and a list of friends who like the page, which can increase interest in the advertisement.
Furthermore, adopting different strategies for different target user groups is important to enhance efficiency due to group-dependent behavioral patterns. According to our results, experiments performed directly on Facebook would engage women more easily than men, while Facebook-independent experiments that require users to go outside of Facebook would attract men better than women. In addition, a higher advertisement budget would be required to draw men than women and younger age groups than older age groups.
Limitations of the Study
------------------------
In these days, people use online social networks via mobile devices. However, the advertisement in our experiment targeted only the desktop environment because the validity of the experimental data gathered from the mobile environment was questionable; for instance, users may lose attention to the experiment easily in the mobile environment. Therefore, it is inconclusive whether our observations are valid in mobile-based experiments.
In addition, our advertisement target was limited to English-speaking countries. This was necessary because all the text in the experiment interface, advertisement, and Facebook page articles was English and the lyrics of the songs were also English. However, this might limit general applicability of our observations to non-English-speaking countries.
Conclusion
==========
In this paper, we presented and analyzed an approach of using a social network to attract participants for crowdsourced multimedia-involved behavioral testing. The analyzed results demonstrated that promoting the experiment on Facebook via a dedicated page and advertisements is effective to attract users. A comparison with other crowdsourcing projects having similar topics in multimedia showed that our approach has competitive efficiency and usability in recruiting a sufficient number of users and retrieving a high quality of data while keeping the cost for running the experiment comparably reasonable. In addition, we suggested methods of using online social networks as crowdsourcing media for achieving high efficiency. We anticipate that our analysis results will help researchers find efficient ways of gathering fine data from crowds.
Conflict of Interest Statement
==============================
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
This research was supported by the MSIP (Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning), Korea, under the "IT Consilience Creative Program" (IITP-2015-R0346-15-1008) supervised by the IITP (Institute for Information & Communications Technology Promotion), and by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the MSIP (2013R1A1A1007822).
Other social networks (e.g., Twitter) may be used, but we chose Facebook because it has the largest number of active users.
[^1]: Edited by: *Javier Jaen, Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Spain*
[^2]: Reviewed by: *Andrej Košir, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Amael Arguel, Macquarie University, Australia*
[^3]: This article was submitted to Human-Media Interaction, a section of the journal Frontiers in Psychology
| {
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Q:
"Multi-facets" rope puzzle
I've done the following, can you tell me if it's correct?
If $n$ is the number of sides of the rope and $k$ is the number of rotation, e.g. $k=0$ for glue each side to itself then I think the number of colours needed is $$ \# \tt{colours} = \gcd (n,k)$$
I think I can view the rope as $G = (\mathbb Z / n \mathbb Z, +)$ and $k$ as an element of $G$. Then the order of $k$ determines how many sides we can reach. In particular, we can reach $n/\gcd(n,k)$ sides with one colour, the size of the subgroup generated by $k$ (which equals the size of the subgroup generated by $\gcd(n,k)$).
Is this right? Thanks for help!
A:
We can indeed view an $n$-faceted rope as $\mathbb Z / n \mathbb Z$ with addition. If $k$ denotes the number of sides we rotate by then the number of sides we colour with one colour is $n / \gcd (n,k)$ which is the size of the subgroup generated by $k$.
As pointed out in the comments by Thomas Andrews, we have $\mathbb Z / k \mathbb Z \cong \mathbb Z / \gcd (n,k) \mathbb Z$. If $\langle k \rangle$ denotes the subgroup generated by $k$ then $\langle k \rangle \cong \mathbb Z / (n / \gcd (n,k)) \mathbb Z$.
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More people from the community are contesting than ever before, in what has proven to be a significant period for transgender rights in Pakistan. Shunned and ridiculed by Pakistan's largely conservative society, the transgender community, also known as hijra or khawaja sira, has long been the subject of widespread discrimination and struggled to access basic services such as education, employment and healthcare. Image caption Pakistan's transgender community faces discrimination and marginalisation During the Mughal empire, eunuchs served as singers, dancers and even advisers in the royal courts. However, when the British colonised India, they vigorously sought to criminalise the transgender community, whom they considered to be deviants, and denied them basic civil rights. But Pakistan is now "leading in the region" in terms of transgender rights, according to Uzma Yaqoob, founder and executive director of transgender rights group, the Forum for Dignity Initiative. Pakistan became one of the first countries to legally recognise a third sex on its national ID cards almost a decade ago and extended this to its passports last year, an option which is still not available to transgender and non-binary people in many Western nations. In May, Pakistan passed new legislation guaranteeing basic rights for its estimated 500,000 transgender citizens - including intersex people, transvestites and eunuchs - and banning discrimination against them. Image caption Marvia Malik, 21, became Pakistan's first transgender newsreader earlier this year The community is also becoming increasingly visible in public life, with a private TV station hiring its first transgender news anchor in March and a transgender actress making her cinematic debut alongside Pakistan's top film stars last month. However, violence and prejudice against transgender people in Pakistan has continued. Transgender men, on the one hand, are barely visible in the public sphere as a result of the social and cultural expectations of those who are assigned female at birth. Transgender women, meanwhile, are marginalised by society from an early age and are often forced to dance, beg or engage in prostitution to make a living, leaving them vulnerable to harassment, physical abuse and rape.
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[Distribution of admission costs].
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"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
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Nonprofit “ dark money” groups have doled out about half of the funds fueling Maine’s five citizen-initiated ballot questions in November.
They include former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund, the National Rifle Association, national and state teachers unions, the Marijuana Policy Project and nonprofits supporting ranked-choice voting.
Unlike political action committees or political party committees, certain nonprofits can spend for political ends but don’t have to disclose their individual donors. Dubbed “dark money” groups, they make it impossible to trace some of the money in this year’s election back to a specific location or source.
But here’s how we estimated where each of Maine’s hotly contested ballot questions raised the most, based on the latest campaign finance reports documenting fundraising through Oct. 25.
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The Bangor Daily News used the latest disclosures from ballot question committees to bundle together amounts donated to groups supporting or opposing each campaign.
That decision means contributions to each campaign may be overstated. That’s a common problem for analyzing such campaign finance report totals.
For instance, 10 groups registered to support Question 4, advocating for a higher minimum wage. Six groups registered to support Question 5, advocating for ranked-choice voting. Within those groups, some were affiliated. There were a few transfers between affiliates, be they affiliated nonprofits, ballot question committees or political action committees.
Because we totaled contributions across those groups, such committee-to-committee transfers may be counted twice.
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Another challenge comes from groups that supported multiple ballot questions. For those, we divided their contributions evenly across the ballot measures they support or oppose to determine a total for each question. The division does not reflect how those groups actually spent that money.
With that in mind, here’s what we know about each campaign from the filings:
Q1: Marijuana legalization
Question 1 found a new top individual donor in the son of former Progressive Insurance chairman and noted marijuana legalization advocate Peter Lewis.
His son, Jonathan Lewis, of Coconut Grove, Florida, donated $250,000 to the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol in October, outdoing PBS host Rick Steves as the top individual contributor to the effort so far.
Supporters have gotten the vast majority of their money from the Washington, D.C., political action committee New Approach PAC. The group was founded in 2014, naming lawyer and consultant Graham Boyd as its custodian, according to IRS records.
The group made up for more than 60 percent of all donations to groups supporting the question. About 13 percent came from individual donors and 21 percent from nonprofits, including the Marijuana Policy Project and its related foundation.
One percent of donations to the campaign came from commercial sources, including many businesses in Maine, such as the medical marijuana industry consultancy Jar Consulting LLC of Standish, the cannabis oils and edible extraction company SJR Labs LLC of Standish, Stone Soup Realty in Poland and Pechinski Capital LLC of Falmouth.
The opposition to the question, through two ballot question groups, has been funded mostly by the Alliance For Healthy Marijuana Policy of Alexandria, Virginia. By Oct. 25, opposition groups had raised about $230,000 compared with $3.2 million from supporters.
The question would legalize retail sales of marijuana, setting up a new industry estimated to grow to $200 million by 2020. The law would establish rules for the industry, legalize possession of up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for adults and allow adults to cultivate a limited number of marijuana plants at home.
Q2: Education tax
Supporters have gotten the bulk of their funding from national and state teachers’ unions, with additional support from other nonprofit groups.
The National Education Association doubled down on its contributions in October, giving another $1.2 million. The national union has given a total of about $2.6 million. The Maine Education Association added about $80,000 in October, with a total contribution of about $634,000 through Oct. 25.
Opponents got the bulk of their money — about half — from commercial sources and business groups around the state.
Individual donors gave about one-third of the campaign’s cash, and political action committees of the Maine Association of Realtors, Maine Bankers Association and Associated Builders and Contractors of Maine contributed tens of thousands.
In total, supporters have far outpaced the opposition to the question, raising more than 13 times as much. Supporters had raised about $3.8 million by Oct. 25, to the nearly $300,000 raised by opponents.
The question would create a 3 percent surtax for single and joint tax filers who bring in more than $200,000 per year. That higher tax would apply to income above that $200,000 mark, adding to the top marginal tax rate, now at 7.15 percent. The money would go into a fund for education spending administered by the Department of Education. The fund intends to supplement but not replace state spending from the General Fund that supports education.
Q3: Gun background checks
Opponents of Question 3, which would broaden background check requirements on gun sales and other transfers, also in October doubled their total fundraising. But they still remained far behind supporters of the measure, who took in $5 for every $1 raised by opponents.
The Yes on 3 campaign has been funded almost entirely by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund. Bloomberg’s nonprofit added another $1.5 million to the coffers of supporters up through Oct. 25.
The political action committee Americans for Responsible Solutions has given about $435,000 to supporters as well. The PAC was started by former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords after her recovery from an assassination attempt.
Supporters have gotten about 4.5 percent of donations from individual contributors, including $250,000 from Bain Capital co-chairman Joshua Bekenstein, $125,000 from Seattle entrepreneur Nicholas Hanauer and $25,000 from author Stephen King.
Opposition to the question has been almost entirely funded by the National Rifle Association, which put another $508,237 into the race in October.
The question would expand the use of background checks to include private sales and lending a gun to a person who is going hunting separately or is not a family member.
Q4: Minimum wage increase
Unions and nonprofits, The Fairness Project and the Restaurant Opportunities Center have contributed most of the cash to the campaign to support raising Maine’s minimum wage to $12 by 2020 and gradually bring tipped workers up to the full minimum wage.
Supporters have raised about $2.2 million, with about 22 percent of the money coming from political action committees affiliated with ballot question committees. That total may reflect double-counting of contributions, as the group Mainers for Fair Wages had both a ballot question committee and political action committee registered to work on the question.
That group was started by the Maine People’s Alliance, which has a separate ballot question committee registered to advocate on Questions 2, 4 and 5. A coming BDN analysis of campaign spending in the races will make clearer where these campaigns directed their money.
Finance data so far show that opponents of the question had raised about $155,000 through Oct. 25, mostly from commercial sources and the political action committee Restaurateurs for a Strong Maine Economy, started by the Maine Restaurant Association.
Those figures may also include some double-counting and illustrate some of the difficulty of tracking total political contributions on ballot questions wherein money is passed from one political action committee to another.
For instance, the Maine Restaurant Association in October passed about $5,550 to its affiliated political action committee Restaurateurs for a Strong Maine Economy. In the same period, the PAC passed about $27,800 to the ballot question committee Maine People for Maine Jobs, also set up by the Maine Restaurant Association.
Q5: Ranked-choice voting
Groups seeking to change Maine’s election system for state and federal political candidates doubled their campaign contributions in October. No groups raised money to oppose the question.
Advocates of the referendum raised about $2.1 million, a total that includes some double-counting for groups that have passed sums back and forth.
Nonprofits supporting the question include the Houston-based Action Now Initiative and the Maryland-based Fairvote, both which have given hundreds of thousands to groups supporting the question, including the political action committee operated by The Chamberlain Project and to The Committee for Ranked Choice Voting.
Those two groups also have reported contributions to each other, which would result in double-counting of contributions.
The prospect of allowing voters to rank their preferred candidates in order has drawn interest from high-dollar individual donors, including New York hedge fund manager William Ackman of Pershing Square Capital Management, and Nelson Peltz, a founding partner of the investment manager Trian Fund Management LP.
Ranked-choice voting made its debut in Maine in Portland’s first mayoral election. The system operates like an instant run-off. The process starts by knocking out the candidate with the fewest first-place votes, redistributing votes to the candidate listed second on those ballots. The elimination and redistribution process continues until one candidate has a majority.
Those are the highlights from the latest filing, which at just 11 days out from the general election is the last comprehensive report from the campaigns before voters go to the polls.
Candidates, PACs, ballot question groups and state party committees will file post-election reports Dec. 20. By then, we’ll know how much of that money was spent in vain or invested in victory. | {
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Athletic Director Mario Moccia announced Thursday that New Mexico State University and San Diego State University have agreed to a home and home series scheduled to begin in 2019.
The first game of the series will take place at Aggie Memorial Stadium on September 14, 2019. The Aggies will then make the journey to San Diego on September 2, 2023 in time to play in the Aztecs new stadium!
NM State is already scheduled to play SDSU on September 4, 2021 in return for a trip the Aztecs made to Las Cruces back in 2013.
The Aggies and Aztecs have played each other 11 times, with the Aztecs holding a 9-1-1 lead in the series.
New Mexico State now has 11 games scheduled* for the 2019 season, needing just one more to complete the schedule.
New Mexico State 2019 Football Schedule Sat. Aug., 31 at Washington St. Sat. Aug., 31 at Washington St. Sat. Sept., 7 at Alabama Sat. Sept., 14 San Diego St. Sat. Sept., 21 at New Mexico Sat. Sept., 28 Fresno State Sat. Oct., 5 Liberty Flames Sat. Oct., 26 at Georgia Southern Sat. Nov., 9 at Ole Miss Sat. Nov., 16 Incarnate Word Sat. Nov., 30 at Liberty Flames
*Home game versus UTEP not yet scheduled
Analysis
As always I am happy with this announcement. Mario Moccia continues to schedule games with close opponents, saving the school money while also scheduling opponents that NMSU can be competitive against.
I also think it is interesting how many Mountain West teams have been scheduled in the past few months. I think it is obvious by now that New Mexico State is using it’s independent status to showcase itself and it’s fan base to the MW and show them they are worth membership. Let’s hope it works out for NMSU.
Go Aggies! | {
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Effects of upper dorsal sympathectomy on esophageal motility in humans.
To evaluate the role of the sympathetic nervous system in modulating esophageal motility, esophageal manometry was performed on two groups of patients who underwent upper dorsal sympathectomy for relief of palmar hyperhydrosis. In six patients sympathectomy was done by the supraclavicular approach, with removal of T2 and T3 ganglia. Manometry was performed before the operation and three weeks after it. In seven other patients sympathectomy was done by the axillary approach, with removal of T2-T4 ganglia. Manometry in this group was performed 28.4 +/- 22.4 months after the operation. Fifteen individuals with an intact sympathetic system served as controls. Manometric parameters evaluated were esophageal contraction amplitude and duration and lower esophageal sphincter pressure. The difference between the results obtained in the pre- and postoperative periods in the first group was not statistically significant. The differences between the two patient groups and between the patient groups and the control group were not statistically significant either. We conclude that upper dorsal sympathectomy does not affect esophageal motility in man. | {
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Since early July, Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund and volunteers have been working to fill a 40-foot Matson container with blue and white plastic for Jason Klimoski and Lesley Chang of StudioKCA in Brooklyn, New York.
The couple plans to build a 30-foot. blue whale sculpture made entirely out of the collected plastic marine debris.
The whale sculpture will be installed as part of a triennial event in the town of Bruges, Belgium, in May 2018.
“The Bruges Whale is meant to spark conversation and raise awareness about the tremendous amount of plastic waste that is ending up in our oceans, hopefully helping the nearly 2,000,000 anticipated visitors reconsider what and how we consume, package, and dispose of plastic,” said Klimoski. “Special thanks to Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund for their tremendous effort over the course of the last several months, helping us collect blue, white and grey plastic to build Skyscraper, or ‘the Bruges Whale for the 2018 Bruges Triennial.”
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In total, 17 Hawai‘i Island cleanup events were coordinated by HWF to fill the shipping container with approximately 19,212 of plastics while it was stationed at the Wai‘ōhinu Transfer Station in Ka‘ū.
Additionally, Surfrider Foundation volunteers on Kaua‘i collected 4,000 pounds of plastic debris that were added to the container once it reached Hilo, courtesy of a Young Brothers gratis-shipping grant that was received by HWF.
Matson Navigation was another supporter of the project by extending the time allowed to fill the container for free. Kona Trans also provided StudioKCA with a discounted hauling rate for the project and the County of Hawai‘i’s Department of Environmental Management provided HWF space to store the 40 ft. container for 12 weeks as volunteers contributed to fill it with plastic debris, making this effort an especially collaborative project by local businesses and residents alike.
The container will ship all 9.5 tons of marine-debris plastics from Hawai’i Island and Kaua‘i to Brooklyn from the port of Hilo on Wednesday Oct. 4, 2017. The material will later be shipped to Belgium.
“We are thrilled to able to work with artists to create awareness installations, like this Blue Whale project, and simultaneously divert some of this plastic pollution from our island landfills,” said Megan Lamson, HWF Hawai’i Island program director. “Since 2003, HWF and volunteers have removed nearly 225 tons of debris from the shores of Hawai’i Island. Whatever cannot be recycled, generally ends up in landfills. Innovative projects that include reuse, art, research and recycling are always preferred!”
HWF is a small nonprofit conservation organization founded in 1996 to conserve native wildlife. During its 21-year existence, HWF and volunteers have removed a total of 260 tons of marine debris from the shores of Hawai’i Island (86% by weight), Maui, Midway and the French Frigate Shoals.
In 2017 alone, HWF and volunteers have removed 63,343 pounds of marine debris from Hawai’i Island and Maui during 51 community cleanup events. The majority of HWF’s marine debris removal work is conducted by volunteer labor, with financial support from the federal government (NOAA’s Marine Debris Program), local businesses (Matson Navigation, Kona Surf Film Festival, Kona Brewers Festival, Norwex, etc.), and individual donations from around the world.
For more information on the project or how to get involved with HWF, email [email protected], call (808) 769-7629 or check out the HWF website.
For information about Klimoski and Chang, visit www.studiokca.com.
For more information, go online. | {
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I came into Buffy first in high school, and then after college. Currently living in NYC with two wonderful cats, and can (and will) wax philosophical on how season 6 of Buffy is one of the most elegant explorations of depression and abuse I have ever seen.
Summary: A response to a challenge by LexiAnnMalfoy:
Buffy lives in a world where almost everyone is born with a tattoo on their body, rumored to be the first words their soulmate will say to them. Buffy's is "Nice work, love," in blood red.
Spike's is "Who are you?" In black
When she meets Spike in School Hard, she realizes who her mate is - But she has no idea what to do about it.
[Note: rating has been increased to R because of some potentially overly graphic descriptions of violence + sensuality] | {
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Jörg Sievers
Jörg Sievers (born 22 September 1965) is a retired goalkeeper and current Assistant manager of Scottish Premiership club
Heart of Midlothian.
Career
Sievers was in Römstedt, West Germany. He played for Hannover 96 for more than 10 years, and made a club record 384 league appearances, primarily playing in the 2. Bundesliga. He remained with the club through relegation to the Regionalliga and eventually played out his final season in the Bundesliga in 2002. His main career highlight with the club was perhaps winning the 1991–92 DFB-Pokal against Borussia Mönchengladbach, where he saved two crucial penalties during the shootout. On 6 March 2010, he made a comeback with the reserve team of Hannover 96.
Coaching career
He has recently joined up with Daniel Stendel at Heart of Midlothian football club, working as an assistant manager.
.
Honours
DFB-Pokal: 1991–92
Trivia
He is also known from the song "Jörg Sievers Blues" by the German band Fury in the Slaughterhouse.
His brother Ralf also played professional football at Eintracht Frankfurt and FC St. Pauli.
His nickname amongst fans and within the team is "Colt" Sievers, stemming from the phonetic resemblance of his last name to the main character of the 80s TV action series The Fall Guy, "Colt Seavers"
References
Category:German footballers
Category:1965 births
Category:Living people
Category:Bundesliga players
Category:2. Bundesliga players
Category:Hannover 96 players
Category:Association football goalkeepers
Category:People from Uelzen (district)
Category:Footballers from Lower Saxony | {
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| {
"pile_set_name": "Github"
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Anatomical, physiological, biochemical and behavioral studies will be carried out on the peripheral auditory system of bats of the genus Pteronotus. These bats emit intense ultrasonic pulses that contain a harmonic series of frequency modulated and constant frequency components. The comparative structure of their pulses will be examined with a new phase-locked loop device capable of resolving instantaneous ultrasonic frequency shifts as small as 20 HZ. The comparative acoustic behavior of these bats will be studied under natural conditions, especially during insect pursuit and capture. Cochlear microphonic potentials will be recorded from flying animals with the aid of miniaturized telemetry systems. The comparative fine structure of the cochleae will be examined with the aid of TEM, SEM and light microscopy. Particular attention will be directed toward: (1) the identifcation, analysis and description of an unusual, thick lining of the scala tympani in Pteronotus parnellii; (2) ultrastructural studies of different cell types in the organ of Corti with attention directed to specialized regions of the cochlea; (3) investigation of evidence indicating that some of the cellular elements of the organ of Corti may contain contractile proteins; (4) the possible physiological significance of these contractile proteins; and (5) the effects of ototoxic drugs on the audiogram, acoustic behavior and ultrastructure of the sharply tuned ear of Pteronotus parnellii. | {
"pile_set_name": "NIH ExPorter"
} |
Q:
Undefined index in PHP post with AJAX
In my local machine, I am trying to save data from a json to my mysql database, I am using Wampserver.
In my html page (saveInfo.php), I have this jquery code:
<script type="text/javascript">
var jsObj = {"user_id":5, "login":"hsm"};
var jsonobj = JSON.stringify(jsObj);
$.ajax({
type: "POST",
url: "json_handler.php",
data: { 'jsonobj':jsonobj },
success: function(){
alert('success');
window.location = "http://localhost/quranMapping/php/json_handler.php";
}
});
</script>
In the other side, I have my server-side php code (json_handler.php) like that:
<?php
$input = file_get_contents('php://input');
$input = $_POST['jsonobj'];
$result = json_decode($input);
echo $result->user_id;
?>
But when I run that code, I get this error:
A:
You should remove this:
var jsonobj = JSON.stringify(jsObj);
and change
data: { 'jsonobj':jsonobj },
to
data: jsObj,
On the php side to decode the data just use
$user_id = isset($_POST["user_id"])?$_POST["user_id"]:"";
$login = isset($_POST["login"])?$_POST["login"]:"";
Also there is no need to do
$input = file_get_contents('php://input');
Since the form is being posted with an object as data the value will be application/x-www-form-urlencoded so it don't be valid json.
| {
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
} |
Lobos FM
Lobos FM is a network of radio stations owned by the Universidad Autónoma de Durango (known in the state of Sonora as the Universidad Durango Santander), a private university with campuses in multiple Mexican states. The seven Lobos FM stations cover cities in western Mexico and broadcast from the UAD campuses in each city. With Lobos FM, the UAD is the only multi-state private university broadcaster in the country.
History
The first UAD radio station was XHUAD-FM 94.1 Durango, which was permitted on December 10, 1999. In 2004, the UAD applied for additional stations at Mazatlán and Zacatecas; in 2009 for Gómez Palacio, Los Mochis and Culiacán; and 2011 for Zacatecas. In September 2011, Cofetel approved the first expansion of the Lobos FM network by approving the permit applications in Gómez Palacio and Mazatlán, with XHLUAD-FM 88.7 and XHTLAN-FM 106.7 signing on in 2012. On December 19, 2017, the IFT resolved all remaining permit applications in Hermosillo, Los Mochis and Zacatecas, resulting in the university receiving concessions for XHHMO-FM 103.5, XHHIS-FM 97.3 and XHZTZ-FM 95.5. In Zacatecas, XHZTZ's award marked the state's first university radio station. The Culiacán application was greenlit on January 31, 2018, for XHCUAD-FM 93.7.
The UAD also owns and operates television station XHUAD-TDT channel 4 in Durango.
Lobos FM stations
The Universidad Autónoma de Durango, legally incorporated as Fomento Educativo y Cultural Francisco de Ibarra, A.C., owns seven radio stations:
References
Category:Radio stations in Durango
Category:Media in Durango City
Category:University radio stations in Mexico
Category:Radio stations in the Comarca Lagunera | {
"pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)"
} |
James Davison (California politician)
James Davison (1827 – December 21, 1897) was the seventh President of the Chico Board of Trustees, the governing body of Chico, California from 1886 to 1888.
Early life and family
James Davison was born in Derry, Ireland in 1827. He came to America at the age of three years, with his father, who worked as a weaver in New Jersey. The family returned to Ireland due to his father's health, as well as the failure of a business in New York to which his father had been in consignment. He was thirteen at the time.
Aged 19, in 1846, James returned to America. He enlisted in Company G of the 2nd Ohio Infantry. He served under General Winfield Scott, in the Mexican–American War. After the war, the discovery of gold had become known, and he set out for California.
Life in California
Upon arrival, Davison engaged in mining for several years. He first mined near Nevada City and afterward on the Trinity River. A day's work gave him as much as $100, and over three years he saved $6,000.
After quitting the mines, he engaged in the drug business at Weaverville, with his brother. There, he was also post office clerk under the administration of President James Buchanan. In 1857 he moved to Rabbit Creek (now La Porte), and opened a drug store. He was in business until the outbreak of the American Civil War.
In 1857, Davison married Agnes M. Waldron, a native of Pennsylvania; the couple had five children.
In 1861, Davison enlisted in Company D, 4th California Volunteer Infantry. He was appointed Second Lieutenant, Assistant Quartermaster and Assistant Commissary, and was Commander of the Post at Fort YamHill, Oregon. After this he was promoted to First Lieutenant, Company C, same regiment, serving in Arizona, from where he and his company were sent to Camp Cady, until the close of the war. Having received his discharge he returned to San Francisco and worked in publishing the New Age, which he continued one year. Then he became a teacher for six months. From there he went to Colusa County and took possession of 160 acres of government land. In 1870 he came to Butte County.
He was elected to the office of City Trustee of Chico and served three years, being president of the board two years of that time. In 1890, he was Justice of the Peace.
Associations
32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason
Secretary of the Masonic Lodge
Financial Reporter, Knights of Honor
Member, I. O. O. F.
References
Category:1827 births
Category:1897 deaths
Category:American military personnel of the Mexican–American War
Category:California city council members
Category:Irish emigrants to the United States (before 1923)
Category:American justices of the peace
Category:Mayors of Chico, California
Category:People of California in the American Civil War
Category:Union Army officers | {
"pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)"
} |
Semantic feature production norms for a large set of objects and events.
Semantic features produced by speakers of a language when given a word corresponding to a concept have provided insight into numerous behavioral phenomena concerning semantic representation in language-impaired and -unimpaired speakers. A number of theories concerning the organization of semantic memory have used features as their starting point. Here, we provide a set of feature norms collected from approximately 280 participants for a total of 456 words (169 nouns referring to objects, 71 nouns referring to events, and 216 verbs referring to events). Whereas a number of feature norms for object concepts already exist, we provide the first set of norms for event concepts. We have used these norms (for both objects and events) in research addressing questions concerning the similarities and differences between the semantic representation of objects and events and in research concerning the interface between semantics and syntax, given that events can be expressed in language as nouns or verbs. Some of this research is summarized here. These norms may be downloaded from www.psychonomic.org/archive. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Snapdeal App Sign Up Offer : Free Rs.50 SD Cash for First Time User
After Amazon’s free Rs.100 gift card on sign up offer, Snapdeal has started an offer where they are giving free Rs.50 SD cash to anyone using the Snapdeal android app for the first time.
1 SD Cash is equal to Rs.1. You can use this SD cash for shopping on both Snapdeal app and website.If your cart value is more than Rs.50, then you would have to pay rest of the amount by other methods as shown in the image below.
4) Enter SZBC123525 in the invite code. Without entering Invite code, you will not get any SD cash.
5) Then sign up with a unused email and mobile number.
6) Verify your mobile number using standard One Time Password method.
6) To earn more Snapdeal cash, refer your Invite code to your friends using Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, SMS, Email etc and earn Rs.50 for each referral upto Rs.500. You can only refer a total of 10 people.
Note : Currently the offer is only available to Android and Windows Phone users and not IOS users. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Watch Live Streaming HD Yalla Shoot Sport Ball Beind 8
Watch Live Streaming HD Yalla Shoot Sport Ball Beind 8>Watch Online Ball In Yalla Shoot TV Sport Football Live Streaming HD Quick Quality Without Buffering Suport Mobile Android, iPhone, iPad, Tablet for free which is the world's leading television service is always updated in broadcasting various sporting events, especially live football world, now present with the best quality framed in yalla shoot television station label. Various interesting shows from the world of sports, especially football
In addition to streaming the ball here we also Soccer schedule, schedule motoGP, television schedule either nationally or internasioanal can watch live tv live in Indonesia and abroad, all impressions on broadcast live good broadcast tv News, movies, sports, entertainment and others. else, here we deliberately give Tv free online so we can know. the latest information from various canel which includes info on World live broadcast.
Speaking of world or international information, we are here to provide World Cup live broadcasts that will be held in RUSSIA as well as the Russian state is now preparing for all security needs to the policy of getting to where the compositions are held in 4 years once fixed smoothly, and in accordance with the desired.
With the Yalla Shoot Live Youtube service we provide with what we publish becomes a benefit for all of us, and a place to watch that can produce good inspiration for us all. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Christmas Memories: Snapshots of Christmas Past
With the arrival of the holiday season, it is often a time to reminisce about celebrations of Christmas past, so, in that vain, the staff of TSB, shares their memories of times gone by.
Maryland, Florida and Texas for Christmas!By Bryan Criswell
Growing up in Maryland with my parents in different households due to divorce, and splitting holidays between them, was something I was used to. As a child, I can remember what seemed like long trips between Annapolis, Western Maryland and Maryland’s Eastern Shore during Christmas. As I grew up and my family became more geographically distant, holiday time became more split. Instead of visiting both sides of the family between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, I would break up the holidays and spend Thanksgiving in one place and Christmas in another. This was a great way to see everyone during the holiday season but it required travel in Maryland or to Florida.
When I met my significant other, I added another state to the line up: Texas. After getting used to splitting the holidays between three states and three families, I never imagined that I would one day be able see the entire family during Christmas.
The year was 2006 and that was the year it happened. During a fateful trip to San Francisco with my other half that year, I got engaged! Rather than make phone calls to our families, we decided to exclaim our news in person during Christmastime. The only problem was figuring out how to be in Maryland, Florida and Texas at the same time. Well, after a juggling act with the airlines we had a plan of action and ended up spending a day or two in each place during the week between Christmas and New Years. More than three thousand miles and five planes later, we were able to see the whole family in just a few days… After all was said and done, we decided on a New Years Eve wedding the next year in DC and got the see the entire family again – but this time they all came to us! | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Statement by the President
President
Ladies and gentlemen, the Conference of Presidents has asked me to make a statement on the events in the Middle East. The debate will take place on Wednesday afternoon in the presence of the Chairman of the Council of Foreign Ministers, Czech Foreign Minister Schwarzenberg. I mention this because it was not quite clear. We have put a lot of effort in and found him very willing to be with us, although he will have to travel to South Africa on the same day, if only for a limited time I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Czech Presidency most sincerely for this.
Ladies and gentlemen, whilst we are holding a plenary session at the start of the New Year here, people are once again dying in the Middle East.
Personally, and I am sure the same goes for most of us, I find I have a painful sense of déjà vu when I see the pictures on the television.
In the name of the European Parliament, I would like to express my deepest regret on the escalation of the Gaza conflict between Israel and Hamas.
I say quite categorically: it is not acceptable for people to suffer, for violence to continue and for United Nations employees to come under fire. How far must the spiral of violence go until sense and reason prevail?
The violence must cease immediately on both sides. The firing of rockets on Israeli towns and cities by Hamas is completely unacceptable and deserves the harshest criticism and we must not forget that it was Hamas who ended the ceasefire. Yet the proportionality of the means employed in the response must not be disregarded.
All people in the Middle East have the same worth. The inalienable right of a state to protect itself does not justify violent actions, the primary consequence of which is the suffering of the civilian population.
The people in the Gaza Strip must be given urgent help. A Palestinian is worth the same as an Israeli or a European or an American - all people on this earth are equal. We must not allow a worsening of the humanitarian situation!
As responsible politicians, we must be prepared to decisively contribute to finding a permanent way out of this spiral of violence in the short term.
Attempting to reduce security to purely military aspects is doomed to failure, in my opinion. Therefore, there can be no exclusively military solution to the problem in the Middle East. A political solution must be reached in the end. Above all, this means learning lessons from the failure of the previous approach. Therefore, it is a matter of taking measures that are not only viable but also, and above all, sustainable.
Over the past few days I have been in contact by telephone with the Israeli President, Shimon Peres, the President of the Palestinian Authority, Salam Fayyad, the Speaker of the Knesset, Dalia Itzik, and of course with the EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana, who has been in the region for quite some time now.
I have also been in contact with the Vice President of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly because I am currently Chairman of that Assembly, the President of the Jordanian Parliament, Abdel Hadi Al-Majali, the President of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Gianfranco Fini and the President of the Moroccan Parliament, Mustapha Mansouri
I have always made it clear in all these conversations that the European Parliament is fully behind the demands formulated by the Council of Ministers on behalf of the European Union and confirmed by the resolution of the Security Council of the United Nations on 8 January 2009.
It is depressing that this legally binding resolution of the Security Council, from which the Americans abstained so that it could be carried, is disregarded by both sides in the conflict, which is to say both Israel and Hamas.
An immediate and permanent ceasefire must come into force. This ceasefire must be achieved with the mediation of Egypt and the involvement of all players. Immediate and unhindered access to humanitarian aid must be ensured and the United Nations Work and Relief Agency (UNRWA) enabled to continue its humanitarian activities unhindered. And I would also like to say: not just for three hours a day!
When even the humanitarian organisations and the United Nations have to stop their work because the warring parties do not observe their neutrality, we have reached an unacceptable low point with regard to international law and humanity.
The third requirement is to intensify the peace process. The only viable basis for permanent peace is, and remains, a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine as sovereign states within secure borders.
The European Union, together with the members of the Quartet on the Middle East, with moderate Arab partners and with all participants in the conflict, must bring about a rapid resumption of the peace negotiations under the umbrella of the United Nations. However, a comprehensive solution also clearly requires reconciliation and, in particular, a reconciliation between the Palestinian factions.
Today we must question the method we have used so far in what we have called the 'peace process'. We could still assume until a few weeks ago that we were on the right track with the negotiations despite the well-known difficult environment and barely discernible progress. The international community and, first and foremost, we, as the European Union, have supported these negotiations through our strong commitment and we have given financial aid to create the basic conditions for establishing a Palestinian state.
But was this commitment politically strong enough? We must ask ourselves this question. In the meantime, we are again in the process of escalation. It is understandable that, in times of crisis management, we tend to think in the short term. We actually need an immediate ceasefire right now and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, as required by the UN Security Council.
Experience over recent decades has taught us that peace in the Middle East cannot come from the region alone. However, it also true that it will not be possible without reconciliation between the hostile parties in the conflict.
Therefore, the international community must be prepared to promote peace in the Middle East more than ever before so that the bitter events of past decades do not remain bitter experiences for decades to come.
International forces can and must help to secure a ceasefire. Therefore, we must all make efforts to ensure that the Egyptian-French plan to institute an international mechanism to secure Gaza's borders will be a success and it must, of course, be dependent as a priority upon a cessation of the smuggling of arms and rockets into the Gaza area. The European Union had already announced in its action strategy paper at the start of the Annapolis process that it is prepared to become involved in this way.
But let me highlight one thing in particular: deployment of European and international security forces may not guarantee a ceasefire in the short term. It must pursue a clear political objective of creating the required trust for the conclusion of peace talks by guaranteeing security for Israelis and Palestinians alike. This means that by the deployment of some troops, which is only viable with a solid mandate, political influence will be increased on all sides in order to find a peaceful solution.
We need not only the repeated commitment to peace which we have so often formulated as our goal in the past. What we need is the willingness not only to aim for peace but to achieve it, and in fact before the hatred built up over decades escalates further and unleashes a conflagration.
In closing, I would like to remind you that 2008 was the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. I would also like to remind you how much we as the European Parliament have done to make this year a year of hope and we are setting political priorities that emphasise that the clash of cultures is not the law of nature.
Worldwide reactions to the war in Gaza show how quickly attempts at intercultural dialogue can be destroyed when they are overtaken by the reality of the images that we see daily on the news. Worse still is the fact that this reality plays into the hands of extremists and fundamentalists whose goal is not peace but to continue the spiral of confrontation.
Violence breeds more violence. This concept cannot be repeated often enough. Dialogue and negotiations are the only way out of this crisis. Both are not ends in themselves but must be conducted bravely with the aim that the people of Israel and Palestine can live in real security, in peace and with respect for their dignity.
(Applause)
| {
"pile_set_name": "EuroParl"
} |
Q:
Which Mistake in Webview based Android Browser Application?
I'm making an Android Browser Application. Its splash image opens after loading but afterward it crashes. I haven't found what mistake I have in MainActivity.java code.
When i run the code, my default AVD tells me that my application has crashed.
MainActivity.java
package com.example.package;
import android.annotation.SuppressLint;
import android.app.Activity;
import android.app.AlertDialog;
import android.app.AlertDialog.Builder;
import android.content.BroadcastReceiver;
import android.content.Intent;
import android.content.IntentFilter;
import android.os.Bundle;
import android.view.KeyEvent;
import android.view.Menu;
import android.view.MenuItem;
import android.webkit.WebSettings;
import android.webkit.WebView;
public class MainActivity
extends Activity
{
private WebView a;
@SuppressLint({"InlinedApi"})
private BroadcastReceiver b = new a(this);
public void a()
{
AlertDialog.Builder localBuilder = new AlertDialog.Builder(this);
localBuilder.setTitle("Google");
localBuilder.setMessage("Are you sure you want to Exit?");
localBuilder.setIcon(2130837505);
localBuilder.setPositiveButton("YES", new d());
localBuilder.setNegativeButton("NO", new e());
localBuilder.show();
}
public void onBackPressed()
{
a();
}
protected void onCreate(Bundle paramBundle)
{
super.onCreate(paramBundle);
requestWindowFeature(2);
setContentView(2130903042);
this.a = ((WebView)findViewById(2131230720));
this.a.getSettings().setJavaScriptEnabled(true);
this.a.setFocusableInTouchMode(true);
this.a.getSettings().setLoadWithOverviewMode(true);
this.a.getSettings().setUseWideViewPort(true);
this.a.getSettings().setLoadsImagesAutomatically(true);
this.a.loadUrl("http://www.google.com");
this.a.setWebChromeClient(new b(this));
this.a.setDownloadListener(new c());
this.a.setWebViewClient(new f());
}
public boolean onCreateOptionsMenu(Menu paramMenu)
{
super.onCreateOptionsMenu(paramMenu);
paramMenu.add(0, 1, 0, "Home").setIcon(2130837506);
paramMenu.add(0, 2, 0, "Downloads").setIcon(2130837504);
paramMenu.add(0, 3, 0, "Back").setIcon(2130837506);
paramMenu.add(0, 4, 0, "Forward").setIcon(2130837505);
paramMenu.add(0, 5, 0, "Refresh").setIcon(2130837509);
return true;
}
public boolean onKeyDown(int paramInt, KeyEvent paramKeyEvent)
{
if ((paramInt == 4) && (this.a.canGoBack()))
{
this.a.goBack();
return true;
}
return super.onKeyDown(paramInt, paramKeyEvent);
}
public boolean onOptionsItemSelected(MenuItem paramMenuItem)
{
super.onOptionsItemSelected(paramMenuItem);
switch (paramMenuItem.getItemId())
{
default:
return false;
case 1:
this.a.loadUrl("http://www.google.com");
return true;
case 3:
this.a.goBack();
return true;
case 5:
this.a.reload();
return true;
case 4:
this.a.goForward();
return true;
}
}
protected void onPause()
{
super.onPause();
unregisterReceiver(this.b);
}
@SuppressLint({"InlinedApi"})
protected void onResume()
{
IntentFilter localIntentFilter = new IntentFilter("android.intent.action.DOWNLOAD_COMPLETE");
registerReceiver(this.b, localIntentFilter);
super.onResume();
}
}
a.java
package com.example.package;
import android.content.BroadcastReceiver;
import android.content.Context;
import android.content.Intent;
import android.content.res.Resources;
import android.widget.Toast;
class a
extends BroadcastReceiver
{
a(MainActivity paramMainActivity) {}
public void onReceive(Context paramContext, Intent paramIntent)
{
Toast.makeText(paramContext, paramContext.getResources().getString(2131034114), 0).show();
}
public static void finish() {
// TODO Auto-generated method stub
}
public static void startActivity(Intent localIntent) {
// TODO Auto-generated method stub
}
}
g.java
package com.example.package;
import android.app.Activity;
import android.content.Intent;
import java.util.TimerTask;
class g
extends TimerTask
{
private Object a;
g(splash paramsplash) {}
public void run()
{
((Activity) this.a).finish();
Intent localIntent = new Intent();
((Activity) this.a).startActivity(localIntent);
}
}
A:
Your problem is almost certainly the issue:
this.a = ((WebView)findViewById(2131230720));
The number "2131230720" is a static reference int to resources, in this case a layout view in your Activity. That number comes from R.java which is created when you "build" your project. Each time you perform a build, it will assign an integer to layout objects, strings, etc. that you define in XML in your res folder.
Using the integer value might work for a while (or is present in source code), but then you change your layouts (or other R objects like strings) or rebuild on a different machine, Android library, etc. and it doesn't work anymore;
That line should look like this:
this.a = ((WebView)findViewById(R.id.my_webview_layout_id));
where "my_webview_layout_id" is from your layout XML file. You should find the "id" of the XML defined object in an XML file in res/layout Use that @+id reference. That will keep track of changes to that static reference.
Then when you build or rebuild your Android app, it will create the R.java file with all of the appropriate references.
| {
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
} |
In vitro and in vivo effects of tachykinins on immune cell function in guinea pig airways.
The effects of sensory neuropeptides substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA) on immune cell recruitment and macrophage activation were determined. Guinea pigs exposed to capsaicin aerosol exhibited eosinophil and neutrophil influx into their bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid 24 h after treatment; SP aerosol elicited eosinophil influx, whereas NKA aerosol exposure caused neutrophil recruitment. Inhalation of capsaicin, NKA or SP aerosols also enhanced superoxide production induced by zymosan in cultured alveolar macrophages. Incubation of alveolar macrophages with SP or NKA in culture for the same time (24 h) did not potentiate the response to zymosan. Hence, tachykinin-mediated airway effects may not be the result of direct actions on target cells but rather involve alternate mechanisms and mediators which do not necessarily reflect in vitro data. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
My German Question
In this poignant book, a renowned historian tells of his youth as an assimilated, antireligious Jew in Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1939 - 'the story,' says Peter Gay, 'of a poisoning and how I dealt with it.' With his customary eloquence and analytic acumen, Gay describes his family, the life they led, and the reasons they did not emigrate sooner, and he explores his own ambivalent feelings - then and now - toward Germany and the Germans. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Q:
Permission to activate an Iteration in TFS 2013
I want to give permission for a specific user in my TFS project to do the following.
Create Iterations
Edit the Iterations
Activate the Iteration (In simpler words, 'tick' the Iterations so that they can be seen by others in the team)
MSDN says that
To create or modify areas or iterations, you must either be a member of the Project Administrators group, or your Create and order child nodes, Delete this node, and Edit this node permissions must be set to Allow for the area or iteration node that you want to modify. MSDN
I do not want to give Project Administrator permissions to this specific user.
Hence I gave the following permissions to him in the Parent Iteration.
permissions - screenshot
When logged in as the specific user, TFS says that
You do not have sufficient permissions to configure iterations for this team. You must either be a team administrator or a project administrator.
However, the User can do the following.
Create Child Nodes
Edit the Start/End Dates of existing/new iterations
My question is:
Is there any other way to give a user the permission to 'tick' an iteration without giving him 'Edit collection level permission' or 'project admin permission'
A:
You can create a new TFS group under your team project. Then, grant that group "Edit Project Level Information" permissions. This will allow the user to check the tick box to make the iteration show up in the backlog task board.
What I did was create a "[TEAM PROJECT]\Project Managers" TFS group, I granted that group all permissions on the root node of both the Areas and Iterations. And I also granted that group "Edit Project Level Information." My user was then able to manage areas and iterations - including the "ticking" to activate the iteration.
| {
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
} |
Q:
How to configure Parsley remote validator to handle my API response
I have tried all the possible approaches found, but I am struggled to get the default remote validator working.
I'm just trying to achieve to check if the mail for a registration page of a user is duplicated. Thus, I declare the input as follows:
<input type="email" name="email" required
placeholder="Dirección de correo"
data-parsley-trim-value="true"
data-parsley-trigger="change"
data-parsley-remote-options='{ "type": "POST", "dataType": "jsonp" }'
data-parsley-remote="checkmail.php"
data-parsley-remote-message="Mail duplicated"
class="form-control">
The checkmail.php code is:
require_once("../functions/mysqli_connect.php");
if (empty($_POST['email'])){
$errors[] = 'No llega el parametro de mail';
}else {
$email = trim($_POST['email']);
$q = ("select * from register where email ='" . $email . "'");
$r = mysqli_query($dbc, $q);
if ($r) {
if (($r->num_rows) > 0) {
echo json_encode(404);
} else {
echo json_encode(200);
}
}
}
I've tried multiple combinations for echo response, I've read all the messages on stackoverflow but couldn't find the solution because I've always get the message :
This value seems to be invalid.
As I read on another's user question I've tried:
data-parsley-remote-message="Mail duplicated"
but with no luck either.
The PHP code works as expected, so no errors there, but Parsley always treats the json_encode responses as it is was an error.
Any help would be vey appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
A:
Parsley remote validator looks for HTTP response code not for the body content itself. In your example you're returning json data with probably always HTTP 200 status code.
Maybe look here http://php.net/manual/en/function.http-response-code.php or here Set Response Status Code to see how you could change the response status code.
Best
| {
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
} |
About Us
Partner Link
Translation Apps Will Change the World! Well, almost…
News headlines claiming that Google’s new real-time translation app will “change the world” made the professional language translation community bolt upright. But then people learned how it works and realised the headlines are far from the truth.
There is a lot of media hype about Google’s new Pixel Buds; wireless and voice-activated earphones which can translate in real time and using a voice-activated assistant control your phone’s activity. You can play music, find directions, make calls and all of the other duties without retrieving your phone from your pocket. And yet, the most impressive and important feature of the device is that you can communicate with people in a foreign language, in real-time.
The language translation industry has heard this kind of sensationalism before. When Google launched Google Translate on mobile phones in 2015, there was a lot of fuss made about that too. Tech Radar claimed the tech giant had just “turned your phone into a translator.” Google Translate did turn your phone into a translator, but any conversation in a foreign language was at that point mostly gibberish.
Google Translate has since improved significantly, however we’re not quite convinced that Pixel Buds, the real-time translator, will work any better despite media claims. In one sales pitch on behalf of the Cupertino-based tech giant, online magazine Engadget had this to say about Google Pixel Buds – despite only witnessing a 5-minute display on a San Francisco stage:
“You’ll be able to walk up to nearly anybody in another country and hold a fluid, natural language conversation without the need for pantomime and large hand gestures, or worry of offending with a mispronunciation. International commerce and communication could become as mundane as making a local phone call. The frictions of international diplomacy could be smoothed as well, ensuring that not only are a diplomat’s words faithfully translated but that a copy of the conversation is recorded well.”
Nevertheless, google translate does not translate language in a “fluid” and “natural” way. It makes a sentence understandable – which is about as much as machine translations have advanced in the past two years. Granted, translation apps have come a long way since Altavista launched Babel Fish in 1997, but they also have a long way to go before they are fluid and natural.
How does Google Translate work?
Like most technology Google produces these days, their new translations device principally works on foundations built by artificial intelligence. Google bots have a vast network of data they can tap into where their machines match words which appear to be parallel between two different languages.
The artificial intelligence then crunches this data to determine the most probable word in which language A corresponds to language B. Google Translate therefore is statistical guesswork based on conversations between foreign counterparts.
Although Google has ambitions to “pursue human quality translation and develop machine translation systems” statistical machine translation will never be 100% accurate. However, it is estimated that the accuracy of translations is set between 80-90%.
As a result, we cannot argue that Google Translate is a useful holiday companion. But if you need accurate translations for professional or business purposes such as legal, medical or marketing, the only solution is to work with an expert translation agency specialising in providing business translation services. Such companies will guarantee accuracy and reliability and ensure that your content is precisely localised for the target market or customer.
Translation companies such as TS24 will be able to not only carefully and accurately translate your content, but will also be able to advise you directly in regard to your chosen market and let you know whether your content will be socially and culturally appropriate for the audience. This is due to the fact that majority of human translators working for such agencies are native speakers of the target language and consequently are also aware of any socio-cultural differences between your home and target markets.
Microsoft real-time “translations”?
Companies which are producing online translation apps also claim that translations are given in real-time. We have to say they are pretty quick if you’re on a good wi-fi connection. But if you’re on a slow broadband, expect some lag time.
Early adopters of Skype Translator experienced problems with the speed and accuracy of language translations. Although Microsoft’s database of languages has improved significantly, the US firm is not bridging global communication quickly enough for international firms to justify the subscription fee for Skype Business.
However, even Microsoft will assist a little. They have ten languages; English, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, Chinese (Mandarin), Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, French and German, but for business presentations we would advise to include engaging images and keep talking to a minimum. Skype doesn’t make the list of the six best online translator tools.
Indiegogo translation failure
There have been other translations machines that have come and gone. The much publicised tech start-up, Waverley Labs, didn’t get very far with their attempt at developing a translation tool. The Indiegogo project was dubbed to leverage speech recognition and machine translation for wearables, but had worn out within 18 months.
Over the other side of the globe, Japanese tech firms are leading the way with real-time translation apps. The government-funded National Institute of Information and Communications Technology are due to launch the VoiceTra app ahead of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. This is in contrast to Russia who plan to use some 10,000 professional human translators in next year’s World Cup finals.
Tourists also have an easier time ordering food using translation apps. Way Go App is geared towards food and signage and NTT Docomo Inc. is helping shop assistants and restaurant staff in Japan communicate with foreign customers with their Hanashite Honyaku translation app.
Real-time translation apps do help lift communication barriers. But they still present hurdles in business settings. Until international companies have built a rapport and an understanding of working practices, there is no substitute for professional interpreters and comprehensive language translation services.
Whilst translation technology can fundamentally change how the global community interacts in different languages, don’t be swayed by the corporate paid media that help to sell fledgling technology to unsuspecting businesses. Your money will be better spent on tried and trusted models: qualified and professional human linguists. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Development of the Eating Choices Index (ECI): a four-item index to measure healthiness of diet.
Current indices of diet quality generally include intakes of specific foods or nutrients. We sought to develop an index that discriminates healthy and unhealthy eating choices for use in large surveys as a short questionnaire and as a measure in existing studies with adequate dietary data. The Eating Choices Index (ECI) score included four components: (i) consumption of breakfast, (ii) consumption of two portions of fruit per day, (iii) type of milk consumed and (iv) type of bread consumed, each providing a score from 1 to 5. In analysis of 5 d food records, the ECI score was examined in relation to macronutrients, fibre, vitamin C, Fe, Ca and folate using Pearson correlations. Variation with sex, BMI, socio-economic status, marital status, smoking status and physical activity were also investigated. Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development. Individuals (n 2256) aged 43 years. The ECI score (mean 12·3 (sd 3·5)) was significantly positively associated with protein, carbohydrate, fibre, vitamin C, Fe, Ca and folate (r = 0·2-0·5; P < 0·001) and significantly negatively associated with fat intake (r = -0·2; P < 0·001); ECI scores were not correlated with total energy intake. Individuals with a lower ECI score were more likely to be men (P < 0·001), overweight or obese (P < 0·001), have lower socio-economic status (P < 0·001), smoke more (P < 0·001) and be less physically active (P < 0·001). ECI scores correlated with nutrient profiles consistent with a healthy diet. It provides a simple method to rank diet healthiness in large observational studies. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Q:
Is there an element is best for "Drag and drop" web applications?
I'm building my own "Drag and Drop" web application.
I'm loading data from MySQL and create a HTML element with it.
So I have ID, length, height and so on.
Later I'm going to drag these "blocks" into a square.
Now, which HTML element is best for this?
<div>, <canvas>, <img>?
An example will be with a <div>:
<div style="width: 100px; height:20px; background-color: grey;"></div>
Which element is best suited for being dragged and dropped?
I'm going to save positions for dragged elements, for loading it later..
Specifically, is there a technical reason to prefer one element over any other?
A:
There isn't a best suited element for this. Generally I'll use divs, but it depends on what you want to do. If you wanna do it the HTML5 way, simply add a draggable="true" attribute. If you're open to using libraries, jQuery UI has a very good drag and drop implementation.
| {
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
} |
BofA joins Aegon in CMBS venture as market rebounds
From Bloomberg: Bank of America Corp., the largest U.S. bank, agreed to bundle property loans from Aegon NV into bonds, as the market rebounds for securities backed by commercial real estate.
Bank of America’s Merrill Lynch business may make securities from loans to owners of industrial, office, retail and multifamily residential buildings through Aegon USA Realty Advisors LLC, a unit of the Dutch insurer, according to a statement today from the Charlotte, North Carolina-based firm……………………………………….Full Article: Source | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
The Official unveiling of Dudley the Donkey statue took place at Pier Gardens Cleethorpes
12.30 Friday 17th Aug. read moreSince then people from Manchester, York, Wales and
all over the place have visited to pose with him. Even Buster tells me he had to
queue! | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
The present invention relates broadly to forming ad hoc networks with radio transceivers based on common designations of the transceivers and, in particular, to forming ad hoc networks and distributed databases with radio transceivers in an asset-tracking system based on asset class designations of the transceivers.
Wireless ad hoc networks allow node-to-node communication without central control or wired infrastructure. Such networks may have dynamic, randomly-changing, multihop topologies composed of wireless data communication links between the nodes. Ad hoc networks are advantageous because they are inexpensive, fault-tolerant, and flexible. Various known methods relate to data transmission within an ad hoc wireless data communication network. However, most known methods do not address self-configuration of wireless nodes for the formation and maintenance of efficient network topology.
Known ad hoc networking methods typically organize the network on the basis of geographic proximity of the nodes or the strength of signals received by the various nodes. Known methods of ad hoc network organization also require nodes to regularly transmit network information to all other nodes in the network, which results in increased radio traffic and interference. Increased radio interference inhibits the formation and maintenance of ad hoc networks having a large number of nodes and requires nodes to transmit at a greater power, which reduces their battery life.
Short range wireless technology such as the Bluetooth(™) radio standard promises to remove price barriers to mobile network use. By doing so, wireless devices are becoming available for applications where wired networks have been impracticable and in which prior wireless communication networks have been too expensive or inflexible. Communication between transceivers in accordance with Bluetooth standards is at a frequency of about 2.4 GHz. While Bluetooth radio technology is an ad hoc networking solution for personal data applications, it provides for only a limited number of communication channels, thereby restricting the number of Bluetooth devices that can communicate over an ad hoc network at any given time.
With regard to asset tracking, wireless data networks are known for use in warehouse management and other asset-tracking applications. However, existing wireless data network technologies are not well suited to asset tracking, which involves a large number of network nodes (e.g., hundreds or even thousands). Furthermore, existing wireless technologies are cost prohibitive, are prone to radio frequency (RF) interference, and consume a large amount of electrical power. Accordingly, wireless data networks are not commonly used in asset tracking.
It will therefore be apparent that needs exist: for an improved low cost networking technology that has the benefits of the Bluetooth price and flexibility, but that overcomes the limited networking capacity of typical Bluetooth technology; for more efficient methods of forming, organizing, and maintaining ad hoc wireless networks; and for a wireless data network technology that accommodates a large number of nodes, reduces RF interference, and consumes less power. The present invention relates to one or more of these needs. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Instantaneous Decrease in Left Ventricular Afterload during Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Results in Immediate Changes in Left Ventricular Strain.
Severe aortic stenosis causes chronic increased afterload on the left ventricle (LV) resulting in myocardial hypertrophy and ultimately dysfunction if left untreated. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) immediately decreases the afterload on the LV by reducing the pressure gradient through the aortic valve. In our study, we aim to evaluate immediate changes in LV mechanics using intra-procedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to assess circumferential and radial strain via speckle tracking. Intra-operative TEE was performed during TAVI for 53 patients (mean age 84 ± 8 years). Two-dimensional images in the transgastric view were acquired at the level of the papillary muscle. Circumferential and radial strain was calculated using speckle tracking with Philips Qlab software. Global LV afterload was measured by calculating valvulo-arterial impedance (Zva). Immediately post-TAVI, there was a change in both radial strain rate (Pre: 0.73 ± 0.04 vs. Post: 0.88 ± 0.04 per second, P < 0.001) and circumferential strain rate (-0.53 ± 0.04 (pre) vs. -0.74 ± 0.04 (post) per second, P < 0.001). There was also an immediate improvement in circumferential global strain parameters (-14.5 ± 5% (pre) vs. -16.0 ± 4.7% (post), P < 0.05), whereas there was no significant change seen in global radial strain (15.6 ± 0.8% (pre) vs. 15.2 ± 0.9% (post), P = 0.69). No significant change was seen in LV ejection fraction (51.5 ± 14.2% (pre) vs. 52.1 ± 14.0% (post), P = 0.77). Speckle tracking using TEE images is feasible and identifies significant improvements in LV strain and strain rate immediately following TAVI that is not detected by conventional measure of LV function. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
package cobra
import (
"bytes"
"strings"
"testing"
)
func TestZshCompletion(t *testing.T) {
tcs := []struct {
name string
root *Command
expectedExpressions []string
}{
{
name: "trivial",
root: &Command{Use: "trivialapp"},
expectedExpressions: []string{"#compdef trivial"},
},
{
name: "linear",
root: func() *Command {
r := &Command{Use: "linear"}
sub1 := &Command{Use: "sub1"}
r.AddCommand(sub1)
sub2 := &Command{Use: "sub2"}
sub1.AddCommand(sub2)
sub3 := &Command{Use: "sub3"}
sub2.AddCommand(sub3)
return r
}(),
expectedExpressions: []string{"sub1", "sub2", "sub3"},
},
{
name: "flat",
root: func() *Command {
r := &Command{Use: "flat"}
r.AddCommand(&Command{Use: "c1"})
r.AddCommand(&Command{Use: "c2"})
return r
}(),
expectedExpressions: []string{"(c1 c2)"},
},
{
name: "tree",
root: func() *Command {
r := &Command{Use: "tree"}
sub1 := &Command{Use: "sub1"}
r.AddCommand(sub1)
sub11 := &Command{Use: "sub11"}
sub12 := &Command{Use: "sub12"}
sub1.AddCommand(sub11)
sub1.AddCommand(sub12)
sub2 := &Command{Use: "sub2"}
r.AddCommand(sub2)
sub21 := &Command{Use: "sub21"}
sub22 := &Command{Use: "sub22"}
sub2.AddCommand(sub21)
sub2.AddCommand(sub22)
return r
}(),
expectedExpressions: []string{"(sub11 sub12)", "(sub21 sub22)"},
},
}
for _, tc := range tcs {
t.Run(tc.name, func(t *testing.T) {
buf := new(bytes.Buffer)
tc.root.GenZshCompletion(buf)
output := buf.String()
for _, expectedExpression := range tc.expectedExpressions {
if !strings.Contains(output, expectedExpression) {
t.Errorf("Expected completion to contain %q somewhere; got %q", expectedExpression, output)
}
}
})
}
}
| {
"pile_set_name": "Github"
} |
Q:
How are entities with an identity and a mutable persistent state modelled in a functional programming language?
In an answer to this question (written by Pete) there are some considerations about OOP versus FP. In particular, it is suggested that FP languages are not very suitable for modelling (persistent) objects that have an identity and a mutable state.
I was wondering if this is true or, in other words, how one would model objects in a functional programming language. From my basic knowledge of Haskell I thought that one could use monads in some way, but I really do not know enough on this topic to come up with a clear answer.
So, how are entities with an identity and a mutable persistent state normally modelled in a functional language?
Here are some further details to clarify what I have in mind. Take a typical Java application in which I can (1) read a record from a database table into a Java object, (2) modify the object in different ways, (3) save the modified object to the database.
How would this be implemented e.g. in Haskell? I would initially read the record into a record value (defined by a data definition), perform different transformations by applying functions to this initial value (each intermediate value is a new, modified copy of the original record) and then write the final record value to the database.
Is this all there is to it? How can I ensure that at each moment in time only one copy of the record is valid / accessible? One does not want to have different immutable values representing different snapshots of the same object to be accessible at the same time.
A:
The usual way to go about state changes in a pure language like Haskell is to model them as functions that take the old state and return a modified version. Even for complex objects, this is efficient because of Haskell's lazy evaluation strategy - even though you are syntactically creating a new object, it is not copied in its entirety; each field is evaluated only when it is needed.
If you have more than a few local state changes, things can become clumsy, which is where monads come in. The monad paradigm can be used to encapsulate a state and its changes; the textbook example is the State monad that comes with a standard Haskell install. Note, however, that a monad is nothing special: it's just a data type that exposes two methods (>>= and return), and meets a few expectations (the 'monad laws'). Under the hood, the State monad does exactly the same: take the old state and return a modified state; only the syntax is nicer.
| {
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
} |
/*
Copyright (c) 2011, Daniel Guerrero
All rights reserved.
Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions are met:
* Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright
notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.
* Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright
notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in the
documentation and/or other materials provided with the distribution.
* Neither the name of the Daniel Guerrero nor the
names of its contributors may be used to endorse or promote products
derived from this software without specific prior written permission.
THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE COPYRIGHT HOLDERS AND CONTRIBUTORS "AS IS" AND
ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL DANIEL GUERRERO BE LIABLE FOR ANY
DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
(INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES;
LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND
ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT
(INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS
SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
*/
var Base64Binary = {
_keyStr : "ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789+/=",
/* will return a Uint8Array type */
decodeArrayBuffer: function(input) {
var bytes = Math.ceil( (3*input.length) / 4.0);
var ab = new ArrayBuffer(bytes);
this.decode(input, ab);
return ab;
},
decode: function(input, arrayBuffer) {
//get last chars to see if are valid
var lkey1 = this._keyStr.indexOf(input.charAt(input.length-1));
var lkey2 = this._keyStr.indexOf(input.charAt(input.length-1));
var bytes = Math.ceil( (3*input.length) / 4.0);
if (lkey1 == 64) bytes--; //padding chars, so skip
if (lkey2 == 64) bytes--; //padding chars, so skip
var uarray;
var chr1, chr2, chr3;
var enc1, enc2, enc3, enc4;
var i = 0;
var j = 0;
if (arrayBuffer)
uarray = new Uint8Array(arrayBuffer);
else
uarray = new Uint8Array(bytes);
input = input.replace(/[^A-Za-z0-9\+\/\=]/g, "");
for (i=0; i<bytes; i+=3) {
//get the 3 octects in 4 ascii chars
enc1 = this._keyStr.indexOf(input.charAt(j++));
enc2 = this._keyStr.indexOf(input.charAt(j++));
enc3 = this._keyStr.indexOf(input.charAt(j++));
enc4 = this._keyStr.indexOf(input.charAt(j++));
chr1 = (enc1 << 2) | (enc2 >> 4);
chr2 = ((enc2 & 15) << 4) | (enc3 >> 2);
chr3 = ((enc3 & 3) << 6) | enc4;
uarray[i] = chr1;
if (enc3 != 64) uarray[i+1] = chr2;
if (enc4 != 64) uarray[i+2] = chr3;
}
return uarray;
}
}; | {
"pile_set_name": "Github"
} |
Large-scale inhomogeneities may improve the cosmic concordance of supernovae.
We reanalyze the supernova data from the Union Compilation including the weak-lensing effects caused by inhomogeneities. We compute the lensing probability distribution function for each background solution described by the parameters Ω(M), Ω(Λ), and w in the presence of inhomogeneities, approximately modeled with a single-mass population of halos. We then perform a likelihood analysis in the parameter space of Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker models and compare our results with the standard approach. We find that the inclusion of lensing can move the best-fit model significantly towards the cosmic concordance of the flat Lambda-Cold Dark Matter model, improving the agreement with the constraints coming from the cosmic microwave background and baryon acoustic oscillations. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Occupational Exposure to Respirable Dust, Respirable Crystalline Silica and Diesel Engine Exhaust Emissions in the London Tunnelling Environment.
Personal 8-h shift exposure to respirable dust, diesel engine exhaust emissions (DEEE) (as respirable elemental carbon), and respirable crystalline silica of workers involved in constructing an underground metro railway tunnel was assessed. Black carbon (BC) concentrations were also assessed using a MicroAeth AE51. During sprayed concrete lining (SCL) activities in the tunnel, the geometric mean (GM) respirable dust exposure level was 0.91mg m(-3), with the highest exposure measured on a back-up sprayer (3.20mg m(-3)). The GM respirable crystalline silica concentration for SCL workers was 0.03mg m(-3), with the highest measurement also for the back-up sprayer (0.24mg m(-3)). During tunnel boring machine (TBM) activities, the GM respirable dust concentration was 0.54mg m(-3). The GM respirable elemental carbon concentration for all the TBM operators was 18 µg m(-3); with the highest concentration measured on a segment lifter. The BC concentrations were higher in the SCL environment in comparison to the TBM environment (daily GM 18-54 µg m(-3) versus 3-6 µg m(-3)). This small-scale monitoring campaign provides additional personal data on exposures experienced by underground tunnel construction workers. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
June 30th, 2012
Ugh! As i move things around to pack them or get rid of them, i am finding dustbunnies o'plenty. tons of them. Now i feel like i can't get anything clean enough. I have been scrubbing all day. And i still feel like it is horrible.
I think my obsessive compulsive tendencies are rearing their ugly heads again:( It hasn't happened in a long while, but as things get more unorganised and chaotic it is difficult to completely suppress them. | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Abortion, autonomy and prenatal diagnosis.
The principle of patient self-determination has assumed central importance in British medical law in recent years. This article considers whether this increasingly strong commitment to patient autonomy has any resonance for abortion law. In particular, this article explores the possibility that the priority currently accorded to autonomous decision making may be in tension with the Abortion Act's requirement that a woman's reasons for seeking to terminate her pregnancy be judged acceptable by two medical practitioners. Moreover, interest in the moral legitimacy of a woman's reasons for wanting to terminate her pregnancy seems to be intensifying. Concerns arising from the increasing availability of precise prenatal tests have led to suggestions that access to abortion should be further restricted in order to prevent the cavalier use of abortion for reasons that might seem trivial or misguided. Using abortion following prenatal diagnosis as an example, this article considers whether it is anomalous for the common law's vigorous protection of an individual's freedom to make irrational or morally objectionable choices about his or her medical treatment to coexist with demands for further restriction of the acceptable grounds for abortion. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
---
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headers:
Authorization: AWS4-HMAC-SHA256 Credential=access/20091028/us-east-1/mturk-requester/aws4_request, SignedHeaders=content-type;host;x-amz-content-sha256;x-amz-date, Signature=?
Host: mturk-requester.us-east-1.amazonaws.com
Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded; charset=utf-8
X-Amz-Content-SHA256: abcdef
X-Amz-Date: 20091028T223200Z
body:
''
| {
"pile_set_name": "Github"
} |
Surgical devices are used in various open, endoscopic, and laparoscopic surgeries to transect tissue volumes and blood vessels. The devices generally include jaws for grasping tissue therebetween and a cutting mechanism that is advanced through the grasped tissue to transect it. The cutting mechanism can be designed to travel within a track formed in one or both jaws of the device. In some instances the devices can also be used to seal tissue volumes and blood vessels being transected. Electrodes can be disposed on a face of one or both of the jaws and can apply energy to the grasped tissue to promote hemostasis.
Further, the devices can generally include a handle with a closure actuator used to open and close the jaws, and a shaft allowing for mechanical linkage between the handle and the jaws. Some of these surgical devices incorporate mechanical linkages between a closure actuator and the jaws such that when a user manipulates the closure actuator, e.g., by manually squeezing a trigger, the jaws close.
One issue that can plague tissue cutting devices is that the cutting mechanism and jaws, including the electrode, need to be cleaned or replaced prior to reuse. More particularly, blades can become worn, dull, and should be replaced, and dirt and debris can build up between the jaws, and thus the jaws need to be cleaned and sterilized, or replaced. Existing devices are difficult to clean and sterilize for reuse because it can be complicated and cumbersome to clean, remove, and replace their parts. As a result, often the entire end effector is replaced prior to a subsequent surgical use.
Accordingly, there remains a need for improved surgical devices and methods for compressing tissue and sensing tissue and other objects grasped by the device including surgical devices that can be easily cleaned and/or elements of the device that can be easily replaced. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Effects of signal sequences and folding accessory proteins on extracellular expression of carboxypeptidase Y in recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Carboxypeptidase Y (CPY) is a yeast vacuolar protease with useful applications including C-terminal sequencing of peptides and terminal modification of target proteins. To overexpress CPY with the pro-sequence (proCPY) encoded by the Saccharomyces cerevisiae PRC1 gene in recombinant S. cerevisiae, the proCPY gene was combined with the gene coding for a signal sequence of S. cerevisiae mating factor α (MFα), invertase (SUC2), or Kluyveromyces marxianus inulinase (INU1). Among the three constructs, the MFα signal sequence gave the best specific activity of extracellular CPY. To enhance the CPY expression level, folding accessory proteins of Kar2p, Pdi1p and Ero1p located in the S. cerevisiae endoplasmic reticulum were expressed individually and combinatorially. A single expression of Kar2p led to a 28 % enhancement in extracellular CPY activity, relative to the control strain of S. cerevisiae CEN.PK2-1D/p426Gal1-MFαCPY. Coexpression of Kar2p, Pdi1p and Ero1p gave a synergistic effect on CPY expression, of which activity was 1.7 times higher than that of the control strain. This work showed that engineering of signal sequences and protein-folding proteins would be helpful to overexpress yeast proteins of interest. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Tsurumi
Tsurumi may refer to:
Places (鶴見)
Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama
Tsurumi Station
Tsurumi Line
Tsurumi River, Kanagawa
Tsurumi-ku, Osaka
Tsurumi, Ōita
People with the surname
Koko Tsurumi (鶴見虹子, born 1992), gymnast
Shuji Tsurumi (鶴見修治, born 1938), gymnast
Shunsuke Tsurumi (鶴見俊輔, 1922–2015), philosopher
Yoshihiro Tsurumi (霍見芳浩, born 1935), economist
Roppyaku Tsurumi
Shingo Tsurumi (born 1964), Japanese actor
Tomoyoshi Tsurumi (born 1979), Japanese footballer
Toshitaka Tsurumi (born 1986), Japanese footballer
Category:Japanese-language surnames | {
"pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)"
} |
Timothy (tortoise)
Timothy (c. 1844 – 3 April 2004) was a Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise who was thought to be approximately 160 years old at the time of her death. This made her the UK's oldest known resident. In spite of her name, Timothy was female; it was not properly known how to sex tortoises in the 19th century. Timothy was named after a tortoise owned by Gilbert White.
Timothy was believed to have been born in the Mediterranean shores of Turkey and was found aboard a Portuguese privateer in 1854, aged around 10, by Captain John Guy Courtenay-Everard of the Royal Navy. The tortoise served as a mascot on a series of navy vessels until 1892. She was ship's mascot of during the first bombardment of Sevastopol in the Crimean War (she was the last survivor of this war), then moved to followed by . After her naval service she retired to live out her life on dry land, taken in by the Earl of Devon at his home, Powderham Castle. From 1935 she lived in the castle's rose garden and was owned by Camilla Gabrielle Courtenay (1913–2010), the daughter of the 16th Earl of Devon. On her underside was etched "Where have I fallen? What have I done?", English translation of the Courtenay family motto ubi lapsus, quid feci.
In 1926, Timothy's owners decided that he should mate, and it was then discovered that "he" was actually female. Despite this information, mating attempts were unsuccessful.
Timothy is buried at Powderham Castle.
See also
Jonathan (tortoise), believed to be the oldest living reptile .
Lin Wang
References
External links
Category:1844 animal births
Category:2004 animal deaths
Category:Individual tortoises
Category:Animal mascots
Category:Military animals
Category:English mascots
Category:Individual animals in England
Category:History of the Royal Navy
Category:Military animals of World War I | {
"pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)"
} |
Sadalas II
Sadalas II (Ancient Greek: Σαδάλας) was a king of the Odrysian kingdom of Thrace from 48 BC to 42 BC. He was the son of Cotys VI.
References
See also
List of Thracian tribes
Category:1st-century BC rulers in Europe
Category:Thracian kings | {
"pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)"
} |
A driving mechanism designed to drive in an upward-downward direction a suction nozzle for suction-holding a component is provided in, for example, component transfer apparatuses for handling components such as an electronic component, or manufacturing apparatuses for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a liquid-crystal display device, and others. A linear motor is employed as an element of such the driving mechanism. Demands for this type of linear motor have been increasing year by year. Particularly, there has been a growing need for a high-performance linear motor. To meet such a need, a linear motor, which is suitable for a component transfer apparatus, for example, has been proposed (see, for example, the following Patent Document 1).
Generally, a conventional linear motor has a cuboid housing with a wall thickness sufficient for mechanical strength. The housing contains a plurality of annular-shaped coils each having a hollow hole. These coils are arranged such that central axes of the hollow holes thereof align along a longitudinal direction of the housing to form a stator as a whole. Also, through-holes are formed in each of upper and lower walls of the housing to have a size slightly greater than that a diameter of a driving shaft so as to movably receive the driving shaft. Aligned coils as a stator are fixed to position hollow holes thereof to be concentric to each of the through-holes. The driving shaft as a mover, which is composed of a permanent magnet, is inserted into the through-holes and the hollow holes of the aligned coils to penetrate through the aligned coils concentrically. Patent Document 1: JP 2006-180645A (FIGS. 5 and 8) | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Indications of breast preserving surgery without radiation.
Breast preserving surgery has become a standard therapy for early breast cancer. Breast conserving therapy with radiation has been recognized as a standard strategy, because of the low incidence of local failure and minimal postoperative deformity compared with that of quadrantectomy without radiation. Among cases treated with breast preserving surgery, surgical resection alone may be sufficient for local control. We have experienced 11 cases of local failure from 108 cases who were treated with quadrantectomy. The ability of local control with quadrantectomy was analized. Among 11 cases with local failure, 3 cases had an apparently small resection area, and 3 cases had multiple tumors. In the other five cases, intraductal component was observed in primary tumor, 2 out of the five cases had EIC, and 3 of the five cases relapsed around the areola. After close analysis and modification of indication criteria, we could reduce the recurrence rate of late 66 cases to less than 2%. For local failure cases, seven cases were treated with total mastectomy, 4 with partial mastectomy, and no further relapse resulted. Our data indicated that quadrantectomy is effective and safe for local control if its indication is carefully determined. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a back for a shoe, and more particularly to a pivotal back for a sandal style shoe to make the sandal style shoe convenient to wear.
2. Description of Related Art
A conventional sandal style shoe with a back usually has at least one strap attached to the back to securely hold the sandal on a user""s foot. A fastening device is attached to the at least one strap to release or secure the sandal style shoe.
One fastening devices used is a buckle composed of a frame and a tongue attached to a first strap. Multiple holes are defined in line on a second strap to selectively hold the tongue and attach the second strap to the buckle. When the user wears the sandal style shoe, the second strap must passes through one side of the frame and the tongue is selectively inserted into a desired hole. Then, the second strap passes through the other side of the frame to fasten the buckle, and the sandal style shoe is firmly mounted on the user""s foot. However, wearing a sandal style shoe having a buckle is troublesome and wastes time, even when taking the sandal style shoe off.
Another fastening device is VELCRO composed of two different nylon fabrics detachably connecting to each other. The two nylon fabrics are secured on a first strap and a second strap respectively and are disengaged easily by pulling them apart. Therefore, the straps are engaged or disengaged conveniently when VELCRO is used as the fastening device. However, the straps having no elasticity cannot be adjusted because the two nylon fabrics of the VELCRO are always attached to set positions relative to each other. Moreover, the VELCRO easily loses its ability to hold securely when the two nylon fabric are separated many times and wore out.
To overcome the shortcomings, the present invention provides a pivotal back for a sandal style shoe to mitigate and obviate the aforementioned problems.
The main objective of the invention is to provide a pivotal back for a sandal style shoe to make the sandal style shoe convenient to put on or remove.
Objectives, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. | {
"pile_set_name": "USPTO Backgrounds"
} |
Thirumeni
Thirumeni is a village in Kannur district in the Kerala state of India.The village consists majorly of immigrants from various part of Travancore(Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki Districts) who settled in the famed Malabar migration period. Most of the inhabitants of the village reside in the valley of three major hills by name Chathammangalam Theruvamala alias Alumbumala, Kottathalachimala and Thevarkunnumala. Thirumeni is a small junction with a few government institutions, religious institutions and small shops in int. and is subdivided into smaller villages like Kokkadave, Prapoyil, Chathamangalam (Kannur), Thabore , Muthuvom, Korali, Chattivayal, Thannichal, Paruthikallu etc.
Demographics
India census, Thirumeni had a population of 8919 with 4466 males and 4453 females.
Politics
Thirumeni is a place where Hindus and Christians mainly and a few Muslims live in harmony. The place is surrounded by mountains. Most of the people are migrated from travancore. The villagers are also politically interested. The main political parties are Communist Party of India (Marxist), INC, Kerala Congress. The nearest educational institutions are Government Higher Secondary School Thirumeni, SNDPLP School.
Transportation
The national highway passes through Perumba junction. Goa and Mumbai can be accessed on the northern side and Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram can be accessed on the southern side. The road to the east of Iritty connects to Mysore and Bangalore. The nearest railway station is Payyanur on Mangalore-Palakkad line.
Trains are available to almost all parts of India subject to advance booking over the internet. There are airports at Kannur, Mangalore and Calicut. All of them are international airports but direct flights are available only to Middle Eastern countries.
References
Category:Villages near Payyanur | {
"pile_set_name": "Wikipedia (en)"
} |
An allelic variant of the 6A gene for human surfactant protein A.
Two human surfactant protein A (SP-A) cDNA clones (1A and 6A) encoding human SP-A genes have previously been identified and characterized by our laboratory. The present study was undertaken to assess potential heterogeneity in the 6A locus among specimens from white adults and infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) as well as black adults. The entire and/or a portion of the published SP-A gene was amplified from different genomic DNAs using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cloned, and sequenced. The data revealed the presence of a variant (6A1) of the 6A gene with characteristics of the 1A gene. The most notable changes were a one-base change in exon 1 and an 11-base insertion in the 3' untranslated region (3'UT). Both changes are found in 1A gene. Analysis of the reverse-transcribed (RT) PCR products from lung mRNAs using 6A specific oligos showed that the 6A1 variant is transcribed. The prevalence of each SP-A allele was then assessed in a group of 20 Nigerian Blacks and 43 Whites (26 infants with RDS and 17 adults). Although the data did not reach statistical significance, a trend was shown where the 6A/6A genotype appeared with higher frequency in Blacks. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Career Tests for Kindergarteners: Smart or Silly?
ACT, the organization behind the college entrance exam of the same name, has developed career tests for kindergarteners that will be available in schools as early as 2014. Will this multimillion-dollar project help usher kids toward the careers of their dreams, or is it pure folly?
The career tests will measure and track kids’ professional interests from kindergarten through high school graduation. It’ll also track their progress toward predetermined goals and their academic performance. These assessments hope to uncover students’ skill gaps so that educators can address them as they progress through the school system.
CBS News reports that the career tests for kindergarteners will pair “traditional testing with teacher-led projects to generate an instant, digital score.” Do you think kids display clear career preferences as early as 4 or 5, or should teachers wait a few years before fostering students’ potential professional interests? | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Reward circuitry function in autism during face anticipation and outcomes.
The aim of this study was to investigate reward circuitry responses in autism during reward anticipation and outcomes for monetary and social rewards. During monetary anticipation, participants with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) showed hypoactivation in right nucleus accumbens and hyperactivation in right hippocampus, whereas during monetary outcomes, participants with ASDs showed hyperactivation in left midfrontal and anterior cingulate gyrus. Groups did not differ in nucleus accumbens responses to faces. The ASD group demonstrated hyperactivation in bilateral amygdala during face anticipation that predicted social symptom severity and in bilateral insular cortex during face outcomes. These results add to the growing body of evidence that autism is characterized by altered functioning of reward circuitry. Additionally, atypical amygdala activation during the processing of social rewards may contribute to the development or expression of autistic features. | {
"pile_set_name": "PubMed Abstracts"
} |
Q:
Can a .NET web application run with only dlls and configs?
I remember being told that you can run a .NET web application with only it's DLLs and without the various aspx, ascx asmx files (obviously any html and js files are still required).
Is it possible to publish a .NET web application by copying only the dlls, configs and client side resources?
A:
After a little bit of investigation I don't believe it's possible.
I uploaded just the DLLs (in a bin folder) and the web.config and it didn't work. I added the remaining files and it did.
| {
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
} |
Praise: His Dark Materials
[ENG] I remember claiming I would do critical review of books but this was the best thing ever! It took me so long to read this but I believe this is a must read of middle grade fiction, I wish I had the chance to read it when I was younger. There is so much to talk about, so I decided to pic three important topics that excelled in the novel.
Lyra: Oh Silvertong, you were a pretty good one… Lyra has to be one of the best protagonists I read in a while. Fearless and irreverent, she takes on adventures without looking back. This trilogy is the story of Lyra becoming a teenager and all the turbulence that comes with that period. It’s also her realization that the world has no easy answers to give, but if you strive to be a decent person you can make it a better place. And in the end that is a beautiful message.
Fanaticism: This is a big aspect of the book. You really can’t miss this one, the horrible actions that are justified from the authorities of the church to “save” the Dust. I liked the use of Catholicism imagery, because it made it easier for me to connect the dots. Growing up surrounded by these stories and symbols, I was able to pick the message a lot faster.
The prophecy is also a big criticism to what I mentioned before. While handled with a lot of mysticism from a lot of characters, as a reader you noticed it’s just the normal process of growing up. It was going to happen in the end, Lyra was approaching the age of 13 as the final events take place. This comes to show even more brilliantly that the things that make us human can be distorted for any purpose, as long as it fits an agenda.
That is the sucker punch right there, if you let yourself get taken by the narratives of delusions and extrapolations it will never live up to reality. It takes you further away from the truth.
Imagination: One of the best aspects of the novel. The ability of creating amazing worlds and creatures are amazing. I don’t have much to add other than it left me in awe. I was extremely happy with being taken in an amazing journey.
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2 thoughts on “Praise: His Dark Materials”
I absolutely adored this trilogy and cannot recommend it enough. It is a great “coming of age” work, even though I was also a full grown adult when I read it. I loved Lyra and the whole idea of having a daemon attached to you. The last book was really powerful and the depiction of death stuck to me. On the whole, I agree with you, these are cracking books. 🙂 | {
"pile_set_name": "Pile-CC"
} |
Q:
Populate "Lookup Table" with random values
I have three tables, A B and C. For every entry in A x B (where x is a Cartesian product, or cross join) there is an entry in C.
In other words, the table for C might look like this, if there were 2 entries for A and 3 for B:
| A_ID | B_ID | C_Val |
----------------------|
| 1 | 1 | 100 |
| 1 | 2 | 56 |
| 1 | 3 | 19 |
| 2 | 1 | 67 |
| 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 2 | 3 | 99 |
Thus, for any combination of A and B, there's a value to be looked up in C. I hope this all makes sense.
In practice, the size of A x B may be relatively small for a database, but far too large to populate by hand for testing data. Thus, I would like to randomlly populate C's table for whatever data may already be in A and B.
My knowledge of SQL is fairly basic. What I've determined I can do so far is get that cartesian product as an inner query, like so:
(SELECT B.B_ID, C.C_ID
FROM B CROSS JOIN C)
Then I want to say something like follows:
INSERT INTO A(B_ID, C_ID, A_Val) VALUES
(SELECT B.B_ID, C.C_ID, FLOOR(RAND() * 100)
FROM B CROSS JOIN C)
Not surprisingly, this doesn't work. I don't think its valid syntax to genereate a column on the fly like that, nor to try to insert a whole table as values.
How can I basically convert this normal programming pseudocode to proper SQL?
foreach(A_ID in A){
foreach(B_ID in B){
C.insert(A_ID, B_ID, Rand(100));
}
}
A:
The syntax problem is because:
INSERT INTO A(B_ID, C_ID, A_Val) VALUES
(SELECT B.B_ID, C.C_ID, FLOOR(RAND() * 100)
FROM B CROSS JOIN C)
Should be:
INSERT INTO A(B_ID, C_ID, A_Val)
SELECT B.B_ID, C.C_ID, FLOOR(RAND() * 100)
FROM B CROSS JOIN C;
(You don't use VALUES with INSERT/SELECT.)
However you will still have the problem that RAND() is not evaluated for every row; it will have the same value for every row. Assuming the combination of B_ID and C_ID is unique, you can use something like this:
INSERT INTO A(B_ID, C_ID, A_Val)
SELECT B.B_ID, C.C_ID, ABS(CHEKSUM(RAND(B.B_ID*C.C_ID))) % 100
FROM B CROSS JOIN C;
| {
"pile_set_name": "StackExchange"
} |
The Poland international is on a season-long loan at Roma after Arsene Wenger signed Chelsea's experienced goalkeeper, but the 25-year-old knows the Gunners got a good deal
Wojciech Szczesny does not blame Arsene Wenger for replacing him with Petr Cech , saying that former Chelsea goalkeeper was a bargain for Arsenal Szczesny, 25, joined Roma on a season-long loan deal in the summer after Cech left Chelsea for London rivals Arsenal in a £10 million deal.The Poland international admits that though he wanted to stay at the Emirates and challenge Cech for the No.1 role, he understands why Wenger signed the 33-year-old Champions League winner.“I'm not stupid – if you buy one of the world's best goalkeepers it's not to keep him on the bench,” he told Polish website futbolfejs.pl.“I actually wanted to stay and challenge him for the spot but after a conversation with Wenger it was obvious that I should be looking for new opportunities.”Szczesny – who joined Arsenal as a youth player in 2006 - likened Cech’s fee to signing Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo on a cheap deal, and says Wenger must always put Arsenal above any individual player's concerns.When questioned whether Wenger should have stuck with him instead of prising Cech from Chelsea, Szczesny replied: “Are you joking? For that little money? Of course he had to!“If someone offered him Cristiano Ronaldo for a good price, he would have to buy him. The manager has to think about the club and its fortunes.“Why would Wenger not do it? Because Wojciech Szczesny, who grew up at the club, is here? Let’s be serious – Wenger has to consider the overall good of the club first.”
Roma have had a strong start this season as they sit third in Serie A after 11 games, although former Juventus keeper Stefano Tacconi recently described Szczesny as an "uncontrollable lunatic" who could cost the Giallorossi points this season.
The keeper says that while he is enjoying life in the Italian capital, it is only a temporary move for now – and there is no decision to be made if Arsenal want him back next summer.
“From 16-years-old until now I have lived in London,” he added. “I grew up there, Arsenal is my home. In addition, I still have a valid contract, which will be in force even after the loan at Roma.
“I know it would be easier for me to play and say after two months in Rome that I love Rome. I’m having a great time here, we have a strong team and I believe that together we shall succeed.
“But if Arsenal call me back, then I have to go back to London. And neither I nor Roma have anything to say. If someone does not understand, it's not my problem. But I will give 100 per cent in training and in matches for Roma. There is no doubt."
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58 F.3d 1266
Pens. Plan Guide P 23913TINTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ENTREPRENEURS OF AMERICA;International Association of Entrepreneurs ofAmerica Benefit Trust; InternationalAssociation of Entrepreneursof America, Inc., Appellants,v.Jay ANGOFF, Director, Missouri Department of Insurance, Appellee.
No. 94-3810.
United States Court of Appeals,Eighth Circuit.
Submitted April 12, 1995.Decided June 30, 1995.Rehearing Denied Aug. 4, 1995.
Nicholas M. Monaco, Jefferson City, MO, argued, and Joseph A. Jordano, Omaha, NE, for appellants.
Jeanine D. Hazelton, Jefferson City, MO, argued, for appellee.
Before WOLLMAN and MURPHY, Circuit Judges, and DAVIS,* District Judge.
WOLLMAN, Circuit Judge.
1
International Association of Entrepreneurs of America and associated entities (collectively "IAEA") appeals from the order dismissing its petition filed under the Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. Sec. 2201. IAEA asserted exclusive federal jurisdiction to decide the merits of its ERISA claim. The district court1 held that the matter could be resolved in a parallel state proceeding and dismissed the petition. Although we essentially agree with the district court's treatment of the case, we conclude that the case should not have been dismissed, and we therefore vacate the dismissal and remand for entry of a stay.
2
* IAEA provides various insurance and benefits services to Missouri employers who are association members. Defendant, Jay Angoff, Director of the Missouri Department of Insurance ("Angoff"), sought an injunction in Missouri state court to stop IAEA from selling insurance without a state license. IAEA sought to remove the Missouri action to federal court, but the petition was denied as untimely.
3
IAEA then filed this declaratory action in federal court, alleging that IAEA's insurance activities were covered by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), codified as amended at 29 U.S.C. Secs. 1001-1461, and seeking a declaration that IAEA was exempt from state insurance regulation under ERISA provisions preempting such state rules.
4
The district court granted Angoff's motion to dismiss on the basis that IAEA's federal preemption claim was in substance nothing more than an affirmative defense to Angoff's state law claim and that the Declaratory Judgment Act was not intended to be a vehicle for such affirmative defenses. Having dismissed on this ground, the district court declined to address Angoff's argument that IAEA does not operate an employee welfare benefit plan of the type covered by ERISA. Likewise, the district court purported not to address Angoff's third ground for dismissal, that being Younger abstention. See Middlesex County Ethics Committee v. Garden State Bar Ass'n, 457 U.S. 423, 102 S.Ct. 2515, 73 L.Ed.2d 116 (1982); Younger v. Harris, 401 U.S. 37, 91 S.Ct. 746, 27 L.Ed.2d 669 (1971).
II
5
* The keystone argument upon which IAEA's appeal depends is that ERISA contemplates that only federal courts decide matters of ERISA status. Under IAEA's exclusive federal jurisdiction theory, since ERISA guarantees IAEA a right to petition only federal courts for injunctive relief against state attempts to regulate ERISA plans, this declaratory action must be allowed to proceed, as the issues it raises cannot be addressed in any other forum.
6
ERISA Sec. 502(a)(3), (29 U.S.C. Sec. 1132(a)(3)), establishes the right of an ERISA fiduciary to an injunction against practices violative of ERISA. ERISA Sec. 502(e)(1), (29 U.S.C. Sec. 1132(e)(1)), provides that only a federal court can issue such an injunction. For purposes of discussion we presume that under these provisions an ERISA fiduciary can indeed seek an injunction based on assertions of improper state regulation like those IAEA makes here. E.g., MDPhysicians & Assoc. v. State Bd. of Ins., 957 F.2d 178 (5th Cir.) (rejecting declaratory action on merits ground), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 113 S.Ct. 179, 121 L.Ed.2d 125 (1992); Atlantic Health Care Benefits Trust v. Foster, 809 F.Supp. 365, 368 (M.D.Pa.1992), aff'd mem., 6 F.3d 778 (3rd Cir.1993), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 114 S.Ct. 689, 126 L.Ed.2d 656 (1994). But IAEA's appeal fails because no court has yet decided whether IAEA is an ERISA plan as it alleges.
7
ERISA nowhere makes federal courts the exclusive forum for deciding the ERISA status vel non of a plan or fiduciary. Unless instructed otherwise by Congress, state and federal courts have equal power to decide federal questions. Federal Express Corp. v. Tenn. Pub. Serv. Comm'n, 925 F.2d 962, 968 (6th Cir.), cert. denied, 502 U.S. 812, 112 S.Ct. 59, 116 L.Ed.2d 35 (1991); CSXT, Inc. v. Pitz, 883 F.2d 468, 472 (6th Cir.1989), cert. denied, 494 U.S. 1030, 110 S.Ct. 1480, 108 L.Ed.2d 616 (1990). Because ERISA is silent on the matter of the power to declare ERISA status, we conclude that the question of IAEA's ERISA status falls under the usual concurrent state and federal jurisdiction.
8
Until IAEA has proven its allegation that ERISA applies, questions of preemption and exclusive federal jurisdiction do not enter this case. Until the preliminary issue of ERISA status is decided, IAEA may not seek the exclusive federal protections available to an ERISA plan. See JAMES F. JORDEN, ET AL., HANDBOOK ON ERISA LITIGATION, ch. 1, Sec. 1.01, at 4 (1992) (hereafter ERISA LITIGATION) ("if no [ERISA] plan is involved, then ERISA's broad preemption of state law claims is not triggered."); see also MDPhysicians, 957 F.2d at 182 (preemption issues need not be considered until ERISA status established). (While we presume for discussion purposes that IAEA, if held to be covered by ERISA, could seek to enjoin the state court proceeding, this proposition is at least arguable. See 1975 Salaried Retirement Plan, etc. v. Nobers, 968 F.2d 401, 408 (3rd Cir.1992) (refusing to enjoin state action deciding matters within exclusive federal jurisdiction), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 113 S.Ct. 1066, 122 L.Ed.2d 370 (1993); Total Plan Servs. v. Texas Retailers Ass'n, 925 F.2d 142, 144-46 (5th Cir.1991) (same); ERISA LITIGATION, ch. 1, Sec. 1.04[A], at 29 ("Despite this grant of exclusive jurisdiction, a federal court ordinarily may not enjoin a state court action seeking to adjudicate claims exclusively within federal court jurisdiction.").)
9
Our conclusion that concurrent jurisdiction exists at this preliminary stage of the litigation is buttressed by the fact that the courts of Missouri and other states have in the past decided questions of ERISA status without correction by the United States Supreme Court or Congress. Marshall, et. al. v. Bankers Life and Cas. Co., 2 Cal. 4th 1045, 10 Cal.Rptr.2d 72, 832 P.2d 573, 575 (plan covered by ERISA), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 113 S.Ct. 601, 121 L.Ed.2d 537 (1992); Rizzi v. Blue Cross of S. Calif., 206 Cal.App.3d 380, 253 Cal.Rptr. 541, 542 (1988) (covered), cert. denied, 493 U.S. 821, 110 S.Ct. 78, 107 L.Ed.2d 44 (1989); Cramer v. Ass'n Life Ins. Co., 569 So.2d 533, 534 (La.1990) (covered; ERISA status litigated in lower courts but not appealed to state Supreme Court), cert. denied, 499 U.S. 938, 111 S.Ct. 1391, 113 L.Ed.2d 447 (1991); Blue Cross Hosp. Servs., Inc. of Missouri, et al. v. Frappier, 681 S.W.2d 925, 931 (Mo.1984) (not covered), vacated, 472 U.S. 1014, 105 S.Ct. 3471, 87 L.Ed.2d 608, and readopted on remand, 698 S.W.2d 326 (Mo.1985); Angoff v. Kenemore, et al., 887 S.W.2d 782, 786 (Mo.Ct.App.1994) (not covered).
10
Thus, what IAEA asserts to be an exclusive federal jurisdiction to decide ERISA status by declaration is actually an exclusive federal jurisdiction to grant certain types of declaratory and injunctive relief once ERISA status has been established by either a state or federal court. Accordingly, the district court was correct in holding that IAEA's allegation that it is an ERISA fiduciary can be asserted as an affirmative defense in the ongoing state court action.
B
11
The question remains whether the district court had the discretion to defer consideration of this declaratory action. While as a general proposition an alleged ERISA fiduciary can move for a federal declaration of its ERISA status, see MDPhysicians, 957 F.2d at 180; Atlantic Health Care, 809 F.Supp. at 368, the usual discretionary limitations on declaratory actions apply unless Congress instructs differently. See Franchise Tax Bd. of Calif. v. Constr. Laborers Vacation Trust for S. Calif. et al., 463 U.S. 1, 18-19, 103 S.Ct. 2841, 2850-51, 77 L.Ed.2d 420 (1983); BASF Corp. v. Symington, 50 F.3d 555, 557 (8th Cir.1995); Omaha Property and Cas. Ins. Co. v. Johnson, 923 F.2d 446, 447-48 (6th Cir.1991); Continental Airlines v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 819 F.2d 1519, 1524 (9th Cir.1987); Transamerica Occidental Life Ins. Co. v. DiGregorio, 811 F.2d 1249, 1253 (9th Cir.1987). A review of the procedural facts of this case together with precedent in analogous situations convinces us such limitations may properly be applied here.
12
It was only after it had been sued in state court and its removal petition had been denied as untimely that IAEA filed this declaratory action. This sequence of events alerts us to be on guard for ties between the state and federal actions, because the Declaratory Judgment Act is not to be used either for tactical advantage by litigants or to open a new portal of entry to federal court for suits that are essentially defensive or reactive to state actions. Moses H. Cone Mem. Hosp. v. Mercury Constr. Corp., 460 U.S. 1, 18 n. 20, 103 S.Ct. 927, 937, 74 L.Ed.2d 765 (1983); BASF, 50 F.3d at 558 (citing cases); Continental Cas. Co. v. Robsac Indus., 947 F.2d 1367, 1372-73 (9th Cir.1991); Omaha Property, 923 F.2d at 448; Continental Airlines, 819 F.2d at 1524; Transamerica, 811 F.2d at 1253; Home Fed. Sav. and Loan Ass'n v. Ins. Dept. of Iowa, 571 F.2d 423, 427 (8th Cir.1978).
13
More specifically, the Declaratory Judgment Act is not to be used to bring to the federal courts an affirmative defense which can be asserted in a pending state action. Franchise Tax Bd., 463 U.S. at 16, 103 S.Ct. at 2849-50 (discussing Skelly Oil Co. v. Phillips Petroleum Co., 339 U.S. 667, 70 S.Ct. 876, 94 L.Ed. 1194 (1950)); BASF, 50 F.3d at 558. In addition, the Declaratory Judgment Act is not meant to expand federal jurisdiction. Franchise Tax Bd., 463 U.S. at 15-16, 103 S.Ct. at 2849-50; Home Federal, 571 F.2d at 427 n. 17. Here, IAEA passed up its chance to remove to federal court. Limitations on removal may or may not be jurisdictional; but either way, the limits must be strictly construed and enforced. 14A CHARLES A. WRIGHT, ARTHUR R. MILLER & EDWARD H. COOPER, FEDERAL PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE, Sec. 3732 at 527 & n. 41 (1985 & Supp.1995) (hereafter WRIGHT & MILLER). There is no need to allow state court defendants like IAEA to circumvent the removal statute's deadline by using the Declaratory Judgment Act as a convenient and temporally unlimited back door into federal court. See Continental Airlines, 819 F.2d at 1524 (referring to special federal court discretion to prevent circumvention of removal statute).
14
A district court's decision on whether or not to proceed with a declaratory judgment action is reviewed under the abuse of discretion standard. Wilton v. Seven Falls Co., --- U.S. ----, ----, 115 S.Ct. 2137, 2143, 132 L.Ed.2d 214 (U.S.1995). There was no abuse of discretion here.
C
15
Both parties appear to assume that the district court implicitly engaged in a Younger abstention analysis. It is clear that the district court to some extent relied on the principles of comity and federalism in coming to its decision; also, the district court indicated that its dismissal may have hinged on the existence of a parallel state proceeding. Order at 8-9.
16
Although we need not address the abstention issue, our discussion above may have effectively resolved it. The doctrine of abstention is premised on the idea that a federal court may defer to a state court confronted with a similar controversy: there is no need for abstention unless the state and federal courts have concurrent jurisdiction of an issue or case. See Dailey v. National Hockey League, 987 F.2d 172, 178 (3d Cir.), cert. denied, --- U.S. ----, 114 S.Ct. 67, 126 L.Ed.2d 36 (1993); Levy v. Lewis, 635 F.2d 960, 967 (2d Cir.1980). For this reason, IAEA's argument against abstention presumes that the federal and state suits here are based on two separate causes of action, a presumption that we reject.
17
We note in closing that because concurrent jurisdiction exists in state and federal court to decide the question of IAEA's ERISA status, the district court should not have dismissed for lack of jurisdiction under FED.R.CIV.P. 12(b)(1). While pre-answer motions are ostensibly enumerated in FED.R.CIV.P. 12(b), district courts have the discretion to recognize additional pre-answer motions, including motions to stay cases within federal jurisdiction when a parallel state action is pending. Brillhart v. Excess Ins. Co. of America, 316 U.S. 491, 494-96, 62 S.Ct. 1173, 1175-76, 86 L.Ed. 1620 (1942); see generally 5A WRIGHT & MILLER, Sec. 1360 at 432, 438-41 (1990 & Supp.1995). Here, while the state court action may finally resolve the case, it is also possible that further federal proceedings may prove necessary. So long as a possibility of return to federal court remains, a stay rather than a dismissal is the preferred mode of abstention. See Wilton, --- U.S. at ----, 115 S.Ct. at 2143 n. 2; Bob's Home Service, Inc. v. Warren County, 755 F.2d 625, 628 (8th Cir.1985); 17A CHARLES A. WRIGHT, ARTHUR R. MILLER & EDWARD H. COOPER, Sec. 4247 at 136-38 (1988). Properly understood, Angoff's motion was for such a stay, not dismissal based on lack of jurisdiction. Accordingly, we vacate the dismissal and remand for entry of a stay.
*
The HONORABLE MICHAEL J. DAVIS, United States District Judge for the District of Minnesota, sitting by designation
1
The Honorable Scott O. Wright, Senior United States District Judge for the Western District of Missouri
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This jersey was prepared for use by Amar'e Stoudemire during the Knicks' 100-94 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on December 25, 2012 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California.BIG Color uniforms feature a monochromatic color scheme with solid color team logos, names and numbers framed with minimal accent color. "ONCE A KNICK, ALWAYS A KNICK" is screened on the inside back collar. "LA at Lakers 12/25/12" is handwritten on the jock tag. | {
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