Significance of elevated K/Rb ratios in lower crustal rocks

The granulite uncertainty principle, which states that it is difficult or impossible to determine with certainty the maximum geopressure and geotemperature that a granulite has experienced, is addressed. Also, geochemical fingerprinting cannot always be used reliably in the nebulous region that is transitional between metamorphic and igneous environments. Ion exchange thermometers are typically useful to approximately 800 C in slowly cooled plutonic rocks unless one uses a reintegration technique on unmixed minerals, or unless a metastable mineral assemblage can be observed. It is argued that in most granulites, fossil temperatures are typically obliterated by reequilibration and/or deformation during slow cooling. Granulite metamorphism may be further complicated by the common association with igneous activity. The previously-used geochemical indicators such as high K/Rb ratios and LIL depletion may not be strictly the result of granulite facies metamorphic depletion, but also may result from igneous processes, which depend on bulk and mineral compositions and on the mineralogy of the protolith. Detailed geologic mapping will be the ultimate arbitrator of whether a given geochemical signature is the result of igneous or metamorphic processes

Electronic sleep analyzer

Electronic instrument automatically monitors the stages of sleep of a human subject. The analyzer provides a series of discrete voltage steps with each step corresponding to a clinical assessment of level of consciousness. It is based on the operation of an EEG and requires very little telemetry bandwidth or time

The use of composted woodchip as a substrate for growing varieties of edible mushrooms

The world market for edible mycorrhizal mushrooms has experienced considerable growth over the past two decades with annual production estimated to exceed 14 billion USD. The market continues to grow due to interest in the nutritional and health benefits of edible mushrooms. The size of the market for speciality mushrooms has also increased and the overall market trend has been towards fresh rather than canned product. There are a number of different cultural methods in commercial use, with a wide variety of species produced on different substrates. The aim of this project was to evaluate woodchip compost as a substrate to produce edible mushrooms. Woodchip compost appears to have potential as a growing medium but more development is necessary to make this a commercial proposition. This report sets out these findings in more detail

EEG sleep analyzer and method of operation Patent

Development of apparatus and method for quantitatively measuring brain activity as automatic indication of sleep state and level of consciousnes

Potato Blight (Phytophthora infestans) field demonstrations, 2004

The results are presented of a trial of 28 potato varieties, including 19 blight-resistant Sarpo varieties, at Llanrhystud in Ceredigion. The effects of compost tea preparations in protecting against blight were also studied

Automated electroencephalography system and electroencephalographic correlates of space motion sickness, part 2

Sleep pattern alterations were detected in two subjects by electroencephalographic, electrographic, and electromyographic monitoring before, during and after a 28 day bed rest. Standardized criteria were used for data analysis. During the second half of the bed-rest period, sleep latency and stage 3 increased, while total sleep time, stage 2, and REM latency decreased. In addition, during bed rest both subjects showed an increase in the number of REM periods and a slight increase in stage REM amount. No major alterations were seen in the recovery period. Of the alterations found to be associated with bed rest, only one, the increase in stage 3 sleep, was also seen consistently during Skylab. Conversely, none of the postflight changes seen following Skylab were observed during the post-bed-rest recovery period

Analysis of the inversion monitoring capabilities of a monostatic acoustic radar in complex terrain

A qualitative interpretation of the records from a monostatic acoustic radar is presented. This is achieved with the aid of airplane, helicopter, and rawinsonde temperature soundings. The diurnal structure of a mountain valley circulation pattern is studied with the use of two acoustic radars, one located in the valley and one on the downwind ridge. The monostatic acoustic radar was found to be sufficiently accurate in locating the heights of the inversions and the mixed layer depth to warrant use by industry even in complex terrain

Automated electroencephalography system and electroencephalographic coordinates of space motion sickness, part 1

A self-contained and portable device which permits clinical electroencephalography (EEG) to be conducted in remote locations by minimally trained, nontechnical personnel was developed and tested. The unit accomplishes semiautomatic acquisition of EEG data from the patient, simultaneous transmission of eight data channels to a central hospital facility over conventional telephone equipment, and automatic printing (at the remote site) of the EEG report generated at the central location. Consequently, this system enables the delivery of high-quality EEG diagnostic services in a geographically remote site with the accuracy and speed formerly possible only in certain large medical centers. Beside obvious potential clinical applications, this system serves as an initial prototype of a unit which could provide inflight EEG during future space missions

A more informative way to name plutonic rocks — comment by Frost et al.

Published versio

Current research on aviation weather (bibliography)

This bibliography of 326 readily usable references of basic and applied research programs related to the various areas of aviation meteorology was assembled. A literature search was conducted which surveyed the major abstract publications such as the International Aerospace Abstracts, the Meteorological and Geoastrophysical Abstracts, and the Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports. In addition, NASA and DOT computer literature searches were run; and NASA, NOAA, and FAA research project managers were requested to provide writeups on their ongoing research