First look analysis of geologic ground patterns on ERTS-1 imagery of Missouri

Examination of ERTS-1 data for selected areas of Missouri revealed not only many of the known geologic features but also a number of unknown linear, circular and arcuate ground patterns. The number of new geologic elements that have been brought to light as well as the sharp definition and probable extensions of several known geologic features point out the importance of multispectral imagery via satellite and the synoptic views which they provide. To date, analysis and interpretations have been a first-look visual examination of the unenhanced projected images

Summary of an integrated ERTS-1 project and its results at the Missouri Geological Survey

Use of the ERTS imagery involved the recognition and interpretation of various ground patterns. Analysis and application are tied to ongoing programs. Specific studies utilizing the imagery and NASA aircraft photography are: a statewide lake and dam inventory; assessment of flooding and floodprone areas along the Missouri portion of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers; land-use classification for several counties; structural features in selected areas; and Pleistocene features in northern Missouri. Though it has been suggested that repetitive coverage is not necessary for geologic studies, it is this specific feature along with the synoptic view of large portions of the State that provided the potential for the utilization of the ERTS imagery in Missouri. Other State agencies, Departments of Conservation, Agriculture, and Community Affairs, have expressed interest in the potential application of ERTS data in their respective fields

Testing statistical Isotropy in Cosmic Microwave Background Polarization maps

We apply our symmetry based Power tensor technique to test conformity of PLANCK Polarization maps with statistical isotropy. On a wide range of angular scales (l=40-150), our preliminary analysis detects many statistically anisotropic multipoles in foreground cleaned full sky PLANCK polarization maps viz., COMMANDER and NILC. We also study the effect of residual foregrounds that may still be present in the galactic plane using both common UPB77 polarization mask, as well as the individual component separation method specific polarization masks. However some of the statistically anisotropic modes still persist, albeit significantly in NILC map. We further probed the data for any coherent alignments across multipoles in several bins from the chosen multipole range.Comment: 11 pages, 6 figures, Accepted for publication in MNRA

Process for purification of solids

A process for purifying solids, especially silicon, by melting and subsequent resolidification, is described. Silicon used in solar cell manufacturing is processed more efficiently and cost effectively

Dynamic and Static Transmission Electron Microscopy Studies on Structural Evaluation of Au nano islands on Si (100) Surface

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study on morphological changes in gold nanostructures deposited on Si (100) upon annealing under different vacuum conditions has been reported. Au thin films of thickness ~2.0 nm were deposited under high vacuum condition (with the native oxide at the interface of Au and Si) using thermal evaporation. In-situ, high temperature (from room temperature (RT) to 850\degreeC) real time TEM measurements showed the evaluation of gold nanoparticles into rectangular/square shaped gold silicide structures. This has been attributed to selective thermal decomposition of native oxide layer. Ex-situ annealing in low vacuum (10-2 mbar) at 850\degreeC showed no growth of nano-gold silicide structures. Under low vacuum annealing conditions, the creation of oxide could be dominating compared to the decomposition of oxide layers resulting in the formation of barrier layer between Au and Si.Comment: 15 pages, 4 figure

Glioma cells influence the migration of neuralized mouse embryonic stem cells in vivo [abstract]

Abstract only availableOf the 200,000 brain tumors diagnosed in the United States each year, approximately 23% of them are glioblastomas (Brain Tumor Society 2004). These aggressive tumors spread rapidly and are resistant to standard treatment, and the average survival rate of patients diagnosed with glioblastomas is approximately one year. Current research suggests there is great potential for neural stem cells (NSCs) to be used as a delivery vehicle for therapeutic agents against tumors. Studies have shown NSCs have an innate attraction to tumors and other inflammatory diseases of the brain. This NSC pathotropism is due in part to inflammatory signals, angiogenesis, reactive astrocytosis, and tumor cytokines (M&uumlller, et al. 2006). By harnessing their natural tropism, NSCs engineered with chemotherapeutic properties can be used to track and target tumors for destruction. To demonstrate the therapeutic potential of NSCs as a transplantable, therapeutic delivery system, we are investigating the in vivo migratory behavior and cellular fate of neuralized mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) in the presence of glioma cells. In this study, neuralized mESCs and SF767 human glioblastoma cells were injected into opposite hemispheres of the mouse cortex, and frozen sections of the brain tissue were examined to determine the extent of mESC migration and survival. After 3 days in vivo, co-localization of tumor and neuralized mESCs was evident in multiple sections. Previously, we have seen co-localization of neuralized mESCs and tumor cells on organotypic mouse brain slices after approximately one week of migration. NSC migration to tumor cells in vivo lends support to current efforts to use stem cells as a therapeutic deliver system. Furthermore, the neuralized mESCs' proximity to the tumor cells will allow for the specific delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to tumor sites. Expanding our knowledge of fundamental characteristics and behaviors of neural stem cells will facilitate the development of novel and effective stem cell therapies for glioblastomas

Diamond electro-optomechanical resonators integrated in nanophotonic circuits

Diamond integrated photonic devices are promising candidates for emerging applications in nanophotonics and quantum optics. Here we demonstrate active modulation of diamond nanophotonic circuits by exploiting mechanical degrees of freedom in free-standing diamond electro-optomechanical resonators. We obtain high quality factors up to 9600, allowing us to read out the driven nanomechanical response with integrated optical interferometers with high sensitivity. We are able to excite higher order mechanical modes up to 115 MHz and observe the nanomechanical response also under ambient conditions.Comment: 15 pages, 4 figure