Inversion algorithms for the microwave remote sensing of soil moisture. Experiments with swept frequency microwaves

Two experiments were performed employing swept frequency microwaves for the purpose of investigating the reflectivity from soil volumes containing both discontinuous and continuous changes in subsurface soil moisture content. Discontinuous moisture profiles were artificially created in the laboratory while continuous moisture profiles were induced into the soil of test plots by the environment of an agricultural field. The reflectivity for both the laboratory and field experiments was measured using bi-static reflectometers operated over the frequency ranges of 1.0 to 2.0 GHz and 4.0 to 8.0 GHz. Reflectivity models that considered the discontinuous and continuous moisture profiles within the soil volume were developed and compared with the results of the experiments. This comparison shows good agreement between the smooth surface models and the measurements. In particular the comparison of the smooth surface multi-layer model for continuous moisture profiles and the yield experiment measurements points out the sensitivity of the specular component of the scattered electromagnetic energy to the movement of moisture in the soil

Lyman alpha line shapes from electron impact H2 dissociative processes in the Jovian auroral zone

Over the past two years several Lyman alpha line profile spectra of Jupiter were obtained using the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) telescope. Several different regions of the planet were observed including the auroral zone, the low and mid latitudes, and the equatorial region which includes the Lyman alpha bulge region. These results have presented a very interesting picture of atomic hydrogen on Jupiter with explanations that range from ion outflow in the auroral zone to large thermospheric winds at low and mid latitudes. New data are needed to address the outstanding questions. Almost certainly, high resolution spectra from the Hubble Space Telescope will play a role in new observations. Better data also require better models, and better models require new laboratory data as inputs. The purpose of this program is two-fold: (1) to introduce a method by which new laboratory electron impact measurements of H2 dissociation can be used to calculate both the slow and fast H(S-2) and H(P-2) fragments in an H2 atmosphere; and (2) to determine the predicted Lyman alpha line shape that would result from electron impact production of these dissociative fragments in the Jovian auroral zone

First observation of Jupiter by XMM-Newton

We present the first X-ray observation of Jupiter by XMM-Newton. Images taken with the EPIC cameras show prominent emission, essentially all confined to the 0.2-2.0 keV band, from the planet's auroral spots; their spectra can be modelled with a combination of unresolved emission lines of highly ionised oxygen (OVII and OVIII), and a pseudo-continuum which may also be due to the superposition of many weak lines. A 2.8 sigma enhancement in the RGS spectrum at 21-22 A (~0.57 keV) is consistent with an OVII identification. Our spectral analysis supports the hypothesis that Jupiter's auroral emissions originate from the capture and acceleration of solar wind ions in the planet's magnetosphere, followed by X-ray production by charge exchange. The X-ray flux of the North spot is modulated at Jupiter's rotation period. We do not detect evidence for the ~45 min X-ray oscillations observed by Chandra more than two years earlier. Emission from the equatorial regions of the planet's disk is also observed. Its spectrum is consistent with that of scattered solar X-rays.Comment: 7 pages, 9 figures; to be published in Astronomy & Astrophysic

Sensitizing processing-resistant foodborne spoilage and pathogenic bacteria to ultra-high pressure by food colorants

Treating foods with ultra-high pressure (UHP) causes significant inactivation of microbial load, however a small number of survivors are often observed after extreme pressure treatments (a tailing phenomenon). Consequently, it is important to identify conditions and additives that enhance the efficacy of pressure against foodborne pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. Based on preliminary work, it was hypothesized that food colorants could be used in combination with UHP to enhance pressure lethality. The seven U.S. certified food colorants (FD&C Blue No. 1, Blue No. 2, Green No. 3, Red No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, and Yellow No. 6) were tested for synergy with UHP against Lactobacillus plantarum in citrate-phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). FD&C Red No. 3 was the only food colorant exhibited antimicrobial properties as well as enhancing UHP lethality. Further studies were performed using FD&C Red No. 3 against processing-resistant Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains. Synergy of inactivation occurred with FD&C Red No. 3 concentrations as low as 3 ppm when the pathogens were treated with 400 MPa for 3 minutes. FD&C Red No. 3 (10 ppm) and UHP (400 MPa for 3 minutes) inactivated a large population (>7 log cfu/ml) of the processing-resistant L. monocytogenes OSY-328; UHP treatment alone inactivated ~0.3 log cfu/ml, whereas dye treatment alone inactivated 1.8 log cfu/ml. Gram-positive strains were sensitive to FD&C Red No. 3 alone, while E. coli O157:H7 was only affected when treated with the colorant in combination with UHP

The Long-Term Lease As an Alternative to Home Ownership: A Proposal

This Article suggests that the long-term lease be utilized to bring many of the amenities of living in a detached, single-family dwelling within reach of persons who presently find the purchase of such a home prohibitive