Breadboard linear array scan imager using LSI solid-state technology

The performance of large scale integration photodiode arrays in a linear array scan (pushbroom) breadboard was evaluated for application to multispectral remote sensing of the earth's resources. The technical approach, implementation, and test results of the program are described. Several self scanned linear array visible photodetector focal plane arrays were fabricated and evaluated in an optical bench configuration. A 1728-detector array operating in four bands (0.5 - 1.1 micrometer) was evaluated for noise, spectral response, dynamic range, crosstalk, MTF, noise equivalent irradiance, linearity, and image quality. Other results include image artifact data, temporal characteristics, radiometric accuracy, calibration experience, chip alignment, and array fabrication experience. Special studies and experimentation were included in long array fabrication and real-time image processing for low-cost ground stations, including the use of computer image processing. High quality images were produced and all objectives of the program were attained

The Economics of Building Codes to Resist Seismic Shock

This paper applies the theory of optimal investment under risk to the problem of evaluating building codes to make structures more resistant to earthquakes. A simple equation is derived that can be used to estimate the implicit values of the social costs of earth quake damages that are necessary to justify an increment to the seismic resistivity of a structure, and an illustrative empirical application is made to evaluate a recently proposed earthquake building code. The paper also examines the effects of earthquake prediction information on both private decisions regarding the structural integrity of buildings and the social attractiveness of seismic building codes

Local regulation of the coronary circulation in health and disease: role of nitric oxide and endothelin

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in western countries. Its pathogenesis is unknown, but involves enhanced vasoconstriction, increased interaction of platelets and monocytes with the vessel wall, as well as proliferation, migration and extracellular matrix formation of vascular smooth muscle. The endothelium lies in a strategic anatomical position between circulating blood and vascular smooth muscle cells. This supports the concept that dysfunction of these cells significantly contributes to coronary artery disease. Besides other mediators, endothelial cells are a source of nitric oxide and endothelin. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, an inhibitor of both platelet function and proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle. Endothelin is a potent vasoconstrictor that facilitates proliferation. Under pathological conditions, in particular the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, endothelial dysfunction occurs and is a major contributor to the increase in platelet vessel wall interaction, vasoconstriction and proliferation in the coronary system. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation is usually reduced and endothelium-dependent constrictor responses, as well as endothelin production, are augmented. Hence, endothelial cells are important targets and mediators of coronary artery diseas

Chemical shifts in 1H and 13C NMR spectra of Alkyl- and Arylalkylureas

The paper dwells on the 1H and 13C spectra of the N-aryl- and N-arylalkylureas. The effects of the aryland arylalkyl- substituents on the chemical shifts are mutually compared, as well as correlated with the corresponding effects for methylureas. Correlations between methanetriyl group's carbon Δδ's and steric factors are discussed briefly. The neighboring group influence on aromatic carbon's chemical shifts has proven to be insignificant. Comparative analysis of the 1H spectra allowed us to describe the differences between effects of various substituents on the amino proton shieldings

Chocolat noir ou chocolat blanc? Le cacao et la santé cardiovasculaire

Epidemiological data show that a regular dietary intake of plant-derived foods reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Recent research indeed demonstrates interesting data about cocoa consumption, with high concentrations of polyphenols, and beneficial effects on blood pressure, insulin resistance and platelet function. Although still debated, a range of potential mechanisms through which cocoa might exert their benefits on cardiovascular health have been suggested: activation of nitric oxide, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet effects, which might in turn improve endothelial function, lipid levels, blood pressure and insulin resistance. This article reviews available data about the effects of the consumption of cocoa and different types of chocolate on cardiovascular health, and outlines potential mechanisms involved on the basis of recent studies

Safety Regulation

Since the late 1960s, Congress has enacted several laws that expand and amplify the role of the federal government in intervening in private market decisions on matters relating to the safety of products and workplaces. This legislation has increased the number of policy instruments available to the government with respect to safety issues, and has created several new government agencies with safety regulatory responsibilities. So dramatic has been the appearance, if not the reality, of increased government control over product and worker safety that these activities, along with environmental controls, recently have come to be called the "new regulation.

Geothermal probabilistic cost study

A tool is presented to quantify the risks of geothermal projects, the Geothermal Probabilistic Cost Model (GPCM). The GPCM model was used to evaluate a geothermal reservoir for a binary-cycle electric plant at Heber, California. Three institutional aspects of the geothermal risk which can shift the risk among different agents was analyzed. The leasing of geothermal land, contracting between the producer and the user of the geothermal heat, and insurance against faulty performance were examined

Implementation of the Hydrographic Data Acquisition and Processing System (HDAPS) in the NOAA Fleet

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has developed an automated system for acquiring and processing hydrographic field data in support of its charting mission. The Hydrographic Data Acquisition and Processing System (HDAPS) addresses NOAA’s broad requirement to conduct hydrographic surveys in the coastal waters of the U.S. Systems have been successfully deployed on ships, launches, and small boats. Two types of HDAPS data acquisition systems (DAS) are presented. The first system, based on Hewlett-Packard (HP) hardware, is deployed on ships and launches. The second type is a small boat, 24-volt system, based on 1BM-PC compatible hardware. Both types of DAS are capable of conducting echo sounding and side scan sonar surveys. Data acquired by both systems are processed on an HP-based data processing system