Spatial snow water equivalent estimation for mountainous areas using wireless-sensor networks and remote-sensing products

We developed an approach to estimate snow water equivalent (SWE) through interpolation of spatially representative point measurements using a k-nearest neighbors (k-NN) algorithm and historical spatial SWE data. It accurately reproduced measured SWE, using different data sources for training and evaluation. In the central-Sierra American River basin, we used a k-NN algorithm to interpolate data from continuous snow-depth measurements in 10 sensor clusters by fusing them with 14 years of daily 500-m resolution SWE-reconstruction maps. Accurate SWE estimation over the melt season shows the potential for providing daily, near real-time distributed snowmelt estimates. Further south, in the Merced-Tuolumne basins, we evaluated the potential of k-NN approach to improve real-time SWE estimates. Lacking dense ground-measurement networks, we simulated k-NN interpolation of sensor data using selected pixels of a bi-weekly Lidar-derived snow water equivalent product. k-NN extrapolations underestimate the Lidar-derived SWE, with a maximum bias of −10 cm at elevations below 3000 m and +15 cm above 3000 m. This bias was reduced by using a Gaussian-process regression model to spatially distribute residuals. Using as few as 10 scenes of Lidar-derived SWE from 2014 as training data in the k-NN to estimate the 2016 spatial SWE, both RMSEs and MAEs were reduced from around 20–25 cm to 10–15 cm comparing to using SWE reconstructions as training data. We found that the spatial accuracy of the historical data is more important for learning the spatial distribution of SWE than the number of historical scenes available. Blending continuous spatially representative ground-based sensors with a historical library of SWE reconstructions over the same basin can provide real-time spatial SWE maps that accurately represents Lidar-measured snow depth; and the estimates can be improved by using historical Lidar scans instead of SWE reconstructions

Analysis of platelet-rich plasma extraction variations in platelet and blood components between 4 common commercial kits

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been extensively used as a treatment in tissue healing in tendinopathy, muscle injury, and osteoarthritis. However, there is variation in methods of extraction, and this produces different types of PRP. Purpose: To determine the composition of PRP obtained from 4 commercial separation kits, which would allow assessment of current classification systems used in cross-study comparisons. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Three normal adults each donated 181 mL of whole blood, some of which served as a control and the remainder of which was processed through 4 PRP separation kits: GPS III (Biomet Biologics), Smart-Prep2 (Harvest Terumo), Magellan (Arteriocyte Medical Systems), and ACP (Device Technologies). The resultant PRP was tested for platelet count, red blood cell count, and white blood cell count, including differential in a commercial pathology laboratory. Glucose and pH measurements were obtained from a blood gas autoanalyzer machine. Results: Three kits taking samples from the “buffy coat layer” were found to have greater concentrations of platelets (3-6 times baseline), while 1 kit taking samples from plasma was found to have platelet concentrations of only 1.5 times baseline. The same 3 kits produced an increased concentration of white blood cells (3-6 times baseline); these consisted of neutrophils, leukocytes, and monocytes. This represents high concentrations of platelets and white blood cells. A small drop in pH was thought to relate to the citrate used in the sample preparation. Interestingly, an unexpected increase in glucose concentrations, with 3 to 6 times greater than baseline levels, was found in all samples. Conclusion:This study reveals the variation of blood components, including platelets, red blood cells, leukocytes, pH, and glucose in PRP extractions. The high concentrations of cells are important, as the white blood cell count in PRP samples has frequently been ignored, being considered insignificant. The lack of standardization of PRP preparation for clinical use has contributed at least in part to the varying clinical efficacy in PRP use. Clinical Relevance: The variation of platelet and other blood component concentrations between commercial PRP kits may affect clinical treatment outcomes. There is a need for standardization of PRP for clinical use

A novel noncontact ultrasound indentation system for measurement of tissue material properties using water jet compression

Author name used in this publication: M. H. LuAuthor name used in this publication: Y. P. ZhengAuthor name used in this publication: Q. H. Huang2004-2005 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalAccepted ManuscriptPublishe

Adsorption and desorption kinetics of gallium atoms on 6H-SiC(0001) surfaces

Gallium (Ga) surface adsorption and desorption kinetics on 6H-SiC(0001) are investigated using reflection high-energy electron diffraction. It is found that for Ga adsorption, a wetting layer bonds strongly to the SiC(0001) surface. Additional Ga atoms form droplets on top of the wetting layer. The Ga droplets behave like a metallic liquid. The activation energies for desorption are determined to be 3.5 eV for Ga in the wetting layer and 2.5 eV for Ga in the droplets. It is further found that the desorption of Ga atoms from the wetting layer follows a zero-order kinetics, i.e., the desorption rate is independent of the number of adsorbed atoms. ©2000 The American Physical Society.published_or_final_versio

Ultrasound elastomicroscopy using water beam indentation : preliminary study

Author name used in this publication: M. H. LuAuthor name used in this publication: Y. P. ZhengAuthor name used in this publication: Q. H. Huang2004-2005 > Academic research: not refereed > Chapter in an edited book (author)Accepted ManuscriptPublishe

A novel method to obtain modulus image of soft tissues using ultrasound water jet indentation : a phantom study

2006-2007 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalVersion of RecordPublishe

3-D measurement of body tissues based on ultrasound images with 3-D spatial information

2005-2006 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalAccepted ManuscriptPublishe

Development of a portable 3D ultrasound imaging system for musculoskeletal tissues

Author name used in this publication: Q. H. HuangAuthor name used in this publication: Y. P. ZhengAuthor name used in this publication: M. H. LuAuthor name used in this publication: Z. R. ChiCentre for Signal Processing, Department of Electronic and Information EngineeringRehabilitation Engineering Centre2004-2005 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalAccepted ManuscriptPublishe

Observation of 'ghost' islands and surfactant effect of surface gallium atoms during GaN growth by molecular beam epitaxy

GaN (0001) films grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) were studied using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). 'Ghost' islands were observed on surfaces grown under excess Ga conditions. These ghost islands were associated to a metastable, intermediate nucleation state of the surface.published_or_final_versio

Initial stage of GaN growth and its implication to defect formation in films

In situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) observations of initial growth processes of GaN by molecularbeam epitaxy reveal important differences between growth on vicinal versus flat SiC(0001) substrates. Based on stop-growth STM studies, we explain why there are orders of magnitude reductions in the density of threading screw dislocations in the vicinal films. It is shown that on vicinal surfaces, three-dimensional (3D) islands develop into a characteristic shape. The islands coalesce much sooner than on flat surfaces. Consequently, fewer defects are created at their boundaries.published_or_final_versio