Parallel Profiles Research Articles

Asymptotic Expansions of the Null Distribution of the LR Test Statistic for Random-Effects Covariance Structure in a Parallel Profile Model

This paper is concerned with the null distribution of the likelihood ratio test statistic −2log Λ for testing the adequacy of a random-effects covariance structure in a parallel profile model. It is known that the null distribution of −2log Λ converges to χ2f or 0.5χ2f + 0.5χ2f+1 when the sample size tends to infinity. In order to extend this result, we derive asymptotic expansions of the null distribution of −2log Λ. The accuracy of the approximations based on the limiting distribution and an asymptotic expansion are compared through numerical experiments.

An innovative radiographic technique for the determination of dimensions of dentogingival unit in North Indian population

Background: The physiologic dentogingival unit (DGU), also known as the biologic width, is considered to be essential for longevity of the teeth as well as of restorations. Although the clinical relevance of determining the dimensions of DGU is obvious, there is no description in the literature of any simple, standardized, and noninvasive technique for the measurement of DGU in humans. Aim: This study was undertaken to evaluate an innovative radiographic exploration technique (parallel profile radiography [PPRx]) for measuring the dimensions of the DGU on the labial surfaces of maxillary anterior teeth and to provide additional information on the dimensions of the DGU in humans. Methodology: In this study, two radiographs were made in fifty periodontally healthy volunteers, one in frontal projection, while the second radiograph was a PPRx obtained from a lateral position. The dimensions of the DGU were measured radiographically over these images. All data analyses were performed using SPSS 14.0. Results: PPRx was a highly reproducible exploratory technique. Mean dentogingival measurements on the labial surface of right maxillary central incisor were 1.76 ± 0.87 mm for cementoenamel junction (CEJ)-bone crest distance, 1.39 ± 0.50 for gingival sulcus depth, 1.56 ± 0.28 mm for thickness of connective tissue attachment at CEJ, 1.09 ± 0.28 mm for thickness of free gingiva at its base, 1.95 ± 0.43 mm for biologic width, 0.47 ± 0.22 mm for thickness of bone plate at crest level, and 1.76 ± 0.67 mm for gingival overlap on enamel surface. A statistically significant relationship was observed between gingival width and gingival sulcus depth (P = 0.06). These results suggest that the dimensions of DGU are highly variable in humans. Conclusions: We conclude that the dimensions of the DGU in humans can be measured with the PPRx technique, and this technique offers a simple, concise, noninvasive, inexpensive, and reproducible method that can be used in the clinical setup to measure both the length and thickness of the DGU with accuracy. Clinical Relevance to Interdisciplinary Dentistry The dimensions and relationships of the structures of the DGU are essential aspects in many fields of dentistry, and our study strengthen the view that parallel profile radiography can be used as a noninvasive and reliable procedure for measuring the dimensions of the DGU.

Resistivity imaging survey to delineate subsurface seepage of hydrocarbon contaminated water at Karbala Governorate, Iraq

This research is an attempt to accomplish a 3-D resistivity imaging survey, which was carried out near a water well contaminated with hydrocarbon materials in Karbala governorate. Two-dimensional resistivity imaging measurements were collected along four parallel profiles, using a Wenner array with electrode spacing of 1 m. The RES3DINV program was used to invert the apparent resistivity data. The results displayed a resistivity distribution of the subsurface in a three-dimensional volume. Thus, both the horizontal and vertical extents of the contaminated zone were displayed. This technique revealed a low resistivity zone at depth ranges from 3 to 6 m in the investigation area, but the seepage starts at depth ranges between 2 and 3 m and continues down depth (may be to the groundwater level). This low resistivity zone is the most likely location for a subsurface seepage of contaminated water. It is clear that the sufficient measurement points along 2-D lines in a small area can increase the 3-D imaging resolution, and nearly real 3-D imaging can be achieved, when the size of subsurface anomaly compared with the electrode spacing (a) of the Wenner array is taken into consideration.

2,4-Dihydroxy and O2 Protonated Tautomers of dThd and Thd Coexist in the Gas Phase: Methylation Alters Protonation Preferences versus dUrd and Urd.

The gas-phase structures of protonated thymidine, [dThd + H](+), and its modified form, protonated 5-methyluridine, [Thd + H](+), are examined by infrared multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) action spectroscopy combined with electronic structure calculations. IRMPD action spectra are measured over the ranges extending from ~600 to 1900 cm(-1) and ~2800 to 3800 cm(-1) using the FELIX free electron laser and an optical parametric oscillator/amplifier (OPO/OPA) laser system, respectively. Comparisons between the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) linear IR spectra calculated for the stable low-energy conformers and the measured IRMPD spectra are used to determine the most favorable tautomeric conformations of [dThd + H](+) and [Thd + H](+) and to identify those populated in the experiments. Both B3LYP and MP2 levels of theory predict a minor 2,4-dihydroxy tautomer as the ground-state conformer of [dThd + H](+) and [Thd + H](+) indicating that the 2'-hydroxyl substituent of Thd does not exert a significant impact on the structural features. [dThd + H](+) and [Thd + H](+) share parallel IRMPD spectral profiles and yields in both the FELIX and OPO regions. Comparisons between the measured IRMPD and calculated IR spectra suggest that minor 2,4-dihydroxy tautomers and O2 protonated conformers of [dThd + H](+) and [Thd + H](+) are populated in the experiments. Comparison of this work to our previous IRMPD spectroscopy study of protonated 2'-deoxyuridine and uridine suggests that the 5-methyl substituent alters the preferences of O2 versus O4 protonation.

Dansylation isotope labeling liquid chromatography mass spectrometry for parallel profiling of human urinary and fecal submetabolomes

Human urine and feces can be non-invasively collected for metabolomics-based disease biomarker discovery research. Because urinary and fecal metabolomes are thought to be different, analysis of both biospecimens may generate a more comprehensive metabolomic profile that can be better related to the health state of an individual. Herein we describe a method of using differential chemical isotope labeling (CIL) liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for parallel metabolomic profiling of urine and feces. Dansylation labeling was used to quantify the amine/phenol submetabolome changes among different samples based on 12C-labeling of individual samples and 13C-labeling of a pooled urine or pooled feces and subsequent analysis of the 13C-/12C-labeled mixture by LC-MS. The pooled urine and pooled feces are further differentially labeled, mixed and then analyzed by LC-MS in order to relate the metabolite concentrations of the common metabolites found in both biospecimens. This method offers a means of direct comparison of urinary and fecal submetabolomes. We evaluated the analytical performance and demonstrated the utility of this method in the analysis of urine and feces collected daily from three healthy individuals for 7 days. On average, 2534 ± 113 (n = 126) peak pairs or metabolites could be detected from a urine sample, while 2507 ± 77 (n = 63) peak pairs were detected from a fecal sample. In total, 5372 unique peak pairs were detected from all the samples combined; 3089 and 3012 pairs were found in urine and feces, respectively. These results reveal that the urine and fecal metabolomes are very different, thereby justifying the consideration of using both biospecimens to increase the probability of finding specific biomarkers of diseases. Furthermore, the CIL LC-MS method described can be used to perform parallel quantitative analysis of urine and feces, resulting in more complete coverage of the human metabolome.

Integrated Archaeogeophysical Approach for the Study of a Medieval Monastic Settlement in Basilicata

AbstractThe paper deals with the results of an archaeo-geophysical approach adopted for the study and the reconstruction of the architectural plan of the medieval monastery of San Pietro a Cellaria in Calvello (Basilicata, Southern Italy). The monastery is a remarkable witness to Benedectine architecture of the 12-13th century in Basilicata, built by monks of the Congregation of S. Maria di Pulsano, who were active mainly in southern Italy. The historical data and the diachronic architectural study, based on the analysis of building techniques, provide evidence for a long and intense history, during which the monastery underwent several architectural changes, including the demolition of buildings and the superposition of other constructional elements. The only preserved medieval remains are a church with a nave; the adjacent structures are more recent. This preliminary data prompted a research project to shed new light on the as yet unknown history of the medieval monastery. Specifically, a remote sensing approach around the monastery including aerial survey by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and geomagnetic survey in gradiometric configuration (MAG), was adopted in order to verify the possible existence of buried masonry structures and other possible features of archaeological interest, including channels and aqueducts. The GPR time slices were constructed from closely spaced parallel profiles. The time slices, computed by averaging radar reflections over vertical time windows several nanoseconds thick, are used to map subsoil features associated with the structures, probably of anthropogenic origin. To facilitate the interpretation of the results, a threedimensional image was constructed using closely spaced parallel profiles, which are linearly interpolated. The MAG survey was carried in gradiometer configuration, in order to study magnetic properties of the shallow subsoil. Ground-penetrating radar gives details about archaeological structures in a limited area where survey was possible, while gradiometer survey confirms GPR results and improves archaeological knowledge in the areas where GPR survey was impossible. This multi-sensor remote sensing program revealed a wide variety of archaeological features of interest, which may be targeted accurately with excavations in the future.

Entry trajectory planning based on three-dimensional acceleration profile guidance

A new entry trajectory generation approach based on rapid planning three-dimensional acceleration profile (TDAP) is proposed in this paper. The TDAP planner concept means extending the traditional drag planning approach into three dimensional drag space to accommodate much larger downrange or cross-range, and improve the maneuvering capability by utilizing both angle of attack and bank as primary control commands. To figure out this problem, firstly, the planner transforms the generation of TDAP into scheming two sub-profiles, longitudinal drag acceleration profile and lateral lift to drag acceleration profile in parallel. Each profile is generated in the corridor converted by all path constraints correspondingly. Secondly, a reduced order dynamics system is employed to extract all standard state variables and adjust the three-dimensional acceleration profile, ensuring the terminal position precision requirement to be met. Finally, a combined proportional derivative (PD) feedback law is designed to track the reference profile. Simulations with the Common Aero Vehicle (CAV) model show that the 3-D trajectories of both planned and generated by the guidance law can successfully satisfy all path constraints and flight task requirements.

Rotational dephasing of a gold complex probed by anisotropic femtosecond x-ray solution scattering using an x-ray free-electron laser

The orientational dynamics of a gold trimer complex in a solution are investigated by using anisotropic femtosecond x-ray solution scattering measured by an x-ray free-electron laser. A linearly polarized laser pulse preferentially excites molecules with transition dipoles oriented parallel to the laser polarization, leading to the transient alignment of excited molecules. Such photoselectively aligned molecules give rise to an anisotropic scattering pattern that has different profiles in parallel and perpendicular directions with respect to laser polarization. Anisotropic x-ray scattering patterns obtained from the transiently aligned molecules contain information on the molecular orientation. By monitoring the time evolution of the anisotropic scattering pattern, we probe the rotational dephasing dynamics of [Au(CN)2−]3 in a solution. We found that rotational dephasing of [Au(CN)2−]3 occurs with a time constant of 13 ± 4 ps. By contrast, time-resolved scattering data on FeCl3 in a water solution, which does not accompany any structural change and gives only the contributions of solvent heating, lacks any anisotropy in the scattering signal.

A Distributed Collaborative Platform for Personal Health Profiles in Patient-Driven Health Social Network

Health social networks (HSNs) have become an integral part of healthcare to augment the ability of people to communicate, collaborate, and share information in the healthcare domain despite obstacles of geography and time. Doctors disseminate relevant medical updates in these platforms and patients take into account opinions of strangers when making medical decisions. This paper introduces our efforts to develop a core platform called Distributed Platform for Health Profiles (DPHP) that enables individuals or groups to control their personal health profiles. DPHP stores user's personal health profiles in a non-proprietary manner which will enable healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies to reuse these profiles in parallel in order to maximize the effort where users benefit from each usage for their personal health profiles. DPHP also facilitates the selection of appropriate data aggregators and assessing their offered datasets in an autonomous way. Experimental results were described to demonstrate the proposed search model in DPHP. Multiple advantages might arise when healthcare providers utilize DPHP to collect data for various data analysis techniques in order to improve the clinical diagnosis and the efficiency measurement for some medications in treating certain diseases.

High Resolution Seismic Reflection Studies in Godavari Coal Fields: Mapping of Coal Seams and Associated Structural Features

Abstract High Resolution seismic Reflection technique is one of the most suitable geophysical methods for mapping the shallow coal seams and associated structural features, which will provide essential input for adopting proper methodology for exploitation and mine planning of coal reserves. In the present study, depth of the coal horizons were determined and the geometry of the faults in Ramagundam area, Gondwana basin is illustrated which is located at the junction of the Bastar and Dharwar cratons. The High Resolution seismic surveys conducted along eight parallel profiles with coverage of surface area one km2 in the study region. The study reveals (1) seismic sections up to 1000m depth with thick, gently dipping Barakar Formation, (2) thick coal horizons at a depth range of 200 to 500m, and (3) NW-SE striking and gently dipping normal faults are observed in coal horizons. The obtained results will provide better knowledge of the coal reserves in the study area.

Abstract 1591: Comprehensive molecular profiling of circulating tumor cells from metastatic breast cancer patients

Abstract Background: Recent enumeration studies on CTCs have demonstrated the clinical value of these cells. The molecular biology of CTCs, however, remains poorly understood. Methods: We performed RNA and DNA profiling of CTCs from metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients. 244 blood samples from 162 MBC patients were subjected to immunomagnetic enrichment and fluorescence activated cell sorting (IE/FACS) to isolate highly pure CTCs. Microfluidic-based multiplex QPCR analysis was utilized to determine the expression levels of 64 cancer-related genes. Parallel genome-wide copy number analysis by array comparative genomic hybridization was also performed on CTCs isolated from the same enriched blood samples. Results: Transcriptional analysis of CTCs was successfully performed in 151 samples from 105 patients. We observed the up-regulation of several genes including CCND1, EPCAM, KRT7 and MUC1 and the down-regulation of hematopoietic-related genes including PTPRC (CD45) and CD68 (adjusted p <0.001) in CTCs. Clustering analysis of expression profiles revealed three CTC clusters, one containing both subtypes basal (ESR1-low) and normal-like (ESR1-low, CAV1/VIM-high) and two other clusters containing luminal subtype (ESR1-high). A subset of CTCs expressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition genes, however, genes for stem cellness were not generally expressed. Serial CTC expression profiling in 28 patients demonstrated changes in expression over time. Exploratory single CTC expression analysis revealed cell-to-cell heterogeneity. Parallel genome-wide copy number analysis in matched CTCs from 49 patients revealed gains (e.g. 1q and 8q), losses (e.g., 8p and 16q), and focal amplifications (e.g. on 8q and 11q including CCND1) that are frequently observed in primary breast cancers. We also observed three copy number clusters with varying levels of genomic aberrations. Up-regulation of CCND1 and ERBB2 in CTCs was associated with increased level of genomic instability. Conclusions: Parallel gene expression and copy number profiling provided novel insights on the biology of CTCs. Molecular characterization of CTCs may shed further light on the biology of metastasis and disease progression. Citation Format: Mark Jesus Mendoza Magbanua, Louai Hauranieh, Ritu Roy, Praveen Pendyala, Eduardo Sosa, Janet Scott, Hope Rugo, John Park. Comprehensive molecular profiling of circulating tumor cells from metastatic breast cancer patients. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1591. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1591

Parallel profiling of water distribution networks using the Clément formula

Optimization of water distribution is a crucial issue which has been targeted by many modeling tools. Useful models, implemented several decades ago, need to be updated and implemented in more powerful computing environments. This paper presents the distributed and redesigned version of a legacy hydraulic simulation software written in Fortran (IRMA) that has been used for over 30years by the Société du Canal de Provence in order to design and to maintain water distribution networks. IRMA was developed aiming mainly at the treatment of irrigation networks – by using the Clément demand model and is now used to manage more than 6000km of piped networks. The complexity and size of networks have been growing since the creation of IRMA and the legacy software could not handle the simulation of very large networks in terms of performance. This limitation has finally imposed to redesign the code by using modern tools and language (Java), and also to run distributed simulations by using the ProActive Parallel Suite.

Regulation of miR-24, miR-30b, and miR-142-3p during macrophage and dendritic cell differentiation potentiates innate immunity.

miRNAs are ubiquitous regulators of human biology. Parallel profiling of in vitro monocyte-to-Mφ and monocyte-to-DC differentiation revealed static, convergent, and divergent expression of miRNA. Bioinformatic and network analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs implicated miR-24, miR-30b, and miR-142-3p as negative regulators of intracellular signaling pathways, triggered not only by differentiation factors (M-CSF/GM-CSF/IL-4) but also from PRRs. Manipulation of miR-24, miR-30b, and miR-142-3p expression during the differentiation of mD-Mφ and mD-DC differentiation had minimal impact on the acquisition of phenotype but significantly abrogated the ability of these cells to mount inflammatory responses to pathogen-associated stimuli. Forced expression of these miRNAs, which are down-regulated during differentiation, inhibited release of inflammatory cytokines [TNF-α, IL-12(p40), IL-6] upon stimulation with LPS. Functional analysis revealed overlapping mechanisms of inhibition, including surface expression of TLR4/CD14/MD-1 and intracellular PKCα/NF-κB activation. Potential intermediary targets of the TLR4-NF-κB axis included members of the PI3K and MAPK families and PKC isoforms. These results demonstrate the requirement of miR-24, miR-30b, and miR-142-3p down-regulation for the generation of fully functional Mφs and DCs.

The SIRT1/TP53 axis is activated upon B-cell receptor triggering via miR-132 up-regulation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells.

The B-cell receptor (BCR) plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). By global microRNA profiling of CLL cells stimulated or not stimulated by anti-IgM, significant up-regulation of microRNAs from the miR-132~212 cluster was observed both in IGHV gene unmutated (UM) and mutated (M) CLL cells. Parallel gene expression profiling identified SIRT1, a deacetylase targeting several proteins including TP53, among the top-ranked miR-132 target genes down-regulated upon anti-IgM exposure. The direct regulation of SIRT1 expression by miR-132 was demonstrated using luciferase assays. The reduction of SIRT1 mRNA and protein (P = 0.001) upon anti-IgM stimulation was associated with an increase in TP53 acetylation (P = 0.007), and the parallel up-regulation of the TP53 target gene CDKN1A. Consistently, miR-132 transfections of CLL-like cells resulted in down-regulation of SIRT1 and an induction of a TP53-dependent apoptosis. Finally, in a series of 134 CLL samples, miR-132, when expressed above the median value, associated with prolonged time-to-first-treatment in patients with M CLL (HR = 0.41; P = 0.02). Collectively, the miR-132/SIRT1/TP53 axis was identified as a novel pathway triggered by BCR engagement that further increases the complexity of the interactions between tumor microenvironments and CLL cells.

Thermal performance of six different types of wavy-fins

Purpose – Heat transfer inside wavy fins is analyzed in this work. The paper aim to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach – Six different types of wavy fins are considered. The fin equation for each fin type is solved using a high accurate finite difference method. Excellent agreement is obtained between the numerical solution under zero wave amplitude and the exact solution of the plain fin. Findings – The following wavy fin types and conditions are found to produce larger heat transfer rate and its volumetric value than those for the plain fin and other wavy fins: short fins with parallel wavy profiles and large surface-wave frequency; long fins with symmetric wavy surface around the length axis, positive cross-sectional area gradient at the base, and large surface-wave frequency; and long fins with symmetric wavy profiles around the length axis, positive cross-sectional area gradient at the base, and small surface-wave frequency. Research limitations/implications – In addition, both fins with symmetric wavy surface around the width axis and parallel wavy surfaces along the width axis have same performance indicators. Also, these wavy fins possess higher fin efficiency than either that of the plain fin or those of the other types of wavy fins. Originality/value – Finally, heat transfer enhancements in the studied wavy fins are increased by increases in the excess of the surface area, cross-sectional area gradient at the base, arc length and arc width relative to those of the plain fin.

Highly Parallel Genome-wide Expression Profiling of Individual Cells Using Nanoliter Droplets

Cells, the basic units of biological structure and function, vary broadly in type and state. Single-cell genomics can characterize cell identity and function, but limitations of ease and scale have prevented its broad application. Here we describe Drop-seq, a strategy for quickly profiling thousands of individual cells by separating them into nanoliter-sized aqueous droplets, associating a different barcode with each cell's RNAs, and sequencing them all together. Drop-seq analyzes mRNA transcripts from thousands of individual cells simultaneously while remembering transcripts' cell of origin. We analyzed transcriptomes from 44,808 mouse retinal cells and identified 39 transcriptionally distinct cell populations, creating a molecular atlas of gene expression for known retinal cell classes and novel candidate cell subtypes. Drop-seq will accelerate biological discovery by enabling routine transcriptional profiling at single-cell resolution. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

Abstract P5-10-11: Comparison of the parallel quantitative expression profiling in paired FF and FFPE samples with IHC4 by using two prespecified prognostic models

Abstract Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the leading malignancies and causes of cancer death for women now in China especially in the developed cities. Early diagnosis and adjuvant therapy have helped to improve the survival of the patients. The technique limitation slowed the pace of development of gene expression profiling. QuantiGene Plex(QGP) assay of bDNA technique without requiring RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis or PCR amplification which is suitable for the FFPE samples analysis. QGP could quantify the expression of RNA in FFPE tissues. Our primary purpose was to verify the value of the QGP platform in conjunction with multi-analysis in paired FFPE and FF tissues. The second purpose is focusing the key genes (ESR1, PGR, ERBB2 and MKI67) expression signature in early breast cancer patients (T1-2N0-1M0), and compare the gene expression profiling with the immunohistochemistry(IHC) corresponding panels by using two prespecified models-power and linear, based on the different combinations of the variables (FF4_P, FF4_L, FFPE4_P, FFPE_L, IHC4_P, IHC4_L). Methods: We retrospectively selected 103 paired archival tumor blocks and fresh frozen samples consecutively from the fresh tissue bank from the year 2006 to now. All the tissues are without neoadjuvant treatment. The tumor specimens with local recurrence or distance metastasis had the priority. The QGP data were harvested from a paralled bDNA assay with multiplex capability of the Luminex platform by coupling xMAP fluorescent beads. We compared the QGP result of FFPE samples with FF and IHC results head-to-head. We used automatic IHC staining instrument (BenchMark XT) to retest all the Ki67 staining. We divide the total sample into training and test groups. According to the data from the training group to create the two models, and through the cross-validation to build a model based on a subset of the provided data, then calculate their average value to create the final model. And then through the test group on the construction of group training model validation. Results: The storage time of the FF and FFPE samples used in our study ranged from 20.5 to 96.6 months. There is no different expression in each storage times intergroup and intra-group. FFPE and FF of QGP assay (single gene markers ESR1, PGR, HER2, and MKI67) correlated with the IHC result. The two models created the different scores. Both the power and linear models scores of FF4, FFPE4 and IHC4 are the prognostic factors in univariate and multivariate analysis of disease free survival with significant statistic(p<0.01), but in the bootstrapping resampling the FFPE4_L was borderline (p=0.068). The AUC of ROC in the test group is from 0.760-0.820 of each scores, and there is no statistic difference between each AUC. Conclusion:The multiplex bDNA assay is a reliable and accuracy technique, and could bridge the gap among the FF tissue to FFPE. The both models of QGP could be complement of the immunohistochemistry panels and provide more reproducible results. The parallel multiplex QGP could leading to a great potential for translational cancer research for future study and resolve the complex pathological interpreting. Citation Format: Xiaoyan Huang, Genhong Di, Xiaojing Xu, Bingyu Sun, Rui Bi, Wentao Yang, Rui Li, Guangyu Liu, Jiong Wu, Zhenzhou Shen, Zhimin Shao. Comparison of the parallel quantitative expression profiling in paired FF and FFPE samples with IHC4 by using two prespecified prognostic models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Seventh Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2014 Dec 9-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(9 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-10-11.

Detecting gypsum caves with microgravity and ERT under soil water content variations (Sorbas, SE Spain)

The detection of caves developed in gypsum and marls through geophysical methods is tested in the gypsum karst of Sorbas (SE Spain). We applied microgravity and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) in the Covadura cave system, which features a large variety of shapes developed in a multilayer structure. The response of caves in different conditions of host rocks and cave dimensions is analysed by means of synthetic models. Gravity studies require very accurate conditions in data acquisition and processing to highlight the associated minima, given the low density contrast between caves and gypsum or marl host rock. Different microgravity station spacing was tested to find the best configuration for the detection of such caves. The suitability of ERT under different conditions of soil humidity is discussed in conjunction with the low resistivity contrast between gypsum bedrock and cave conduits. After measuring 2D ERT parallel profiles coincident in space, yet in wet versus dry soil conditions, the results were compared and it was determined that the ERT profiles measured under wet soil conditions are better than in dry ones for cave detection. A 3D model was drawn up for the two different humidity conditions to obtain the fitted morphology of the cave. The best results for cave detection are obtained when combining gravity and ERT in wet conditions, as they provide for a higher contrast in physical properties and an optimal setting for instrumental measurements.

Magnetotelluric investigation of the geothermal anomaly in Hailin, Mudanjiang, northeastern China

To study the occurrence conditions and locations of geothermal bodies in Hailin, Mudanjiang, northeastern China, we conducted a magnetotelluric investigation to delineate the electrical conductivity structure of the area on three parallel profiles. The area to the west of the Mudanjiang Fault lies in the Hailang sag of the Ning'an Basin. The data were processed using the mutual reference technique, static shift correction, and structural strike and dimensionality analysis based on tensor decomposition. Moreover, a modified anisotropic-diffusion-based method was used to suppress noise for the magnetotelluric time series data. This method retains the advantages of conventional anisotropic diffusion and is superior in its discrimination ability. The method is characteristic not only of the inherited features such as intra-region smoothing and edge preservation, but also of the adaptive selection of the diffusion coefficient. Data analysis revealed that the electrical resistivity structure can be approximated by a two-dimensional characterization. Two-dimensional inversion and rendering visualization show that a highly resistive granite basement is covered with conductive sedimentary layers and that a relatively low-resistivity anomalous structure with a resistivity of approximately 100–600Ω·m is imbedded in the high-resistivity background. The anomalous structure has a narrow top and a wide bottom (the bottom depth is at least 3500m). The shape and electrical features of the structure indicate favorable storage space for hot subsurface water. Fault activities and magma intrusion may result in the fractures of the basement, which are filled with hot water and thus produce the relatively low resistivity. Based on a comprehensive analysis, we infer that the structure is indicative of a geothermal reservoir. An exploratory well drilled near the structure confirms the occurrence of high temperatures. Several geological factors (cap rock, basement, and major faults) determine the favorable geothermal conditions of the reservoir. Large areas of granite form the major thermal source for the study area. The Mudanjiang and Hailang River Faults and their subsidiary faults provide another heat source and movement channels.

Characterizing task-based OpenMP programs.

Programmers struggle to understand performance of task-based OpenMP programs since profiling tools only report thread-based performance. Performance tuning also requires task-based performance in order to balance per-task memory hierarchy utilization against exposed task parallelism. We provide a cost-effective method to extract detailed task-based performance information from OpenMP programs. We demonstrate the utility of our method by quickly diagnosing performance problems and characterizing exposed task parallelism and per-task instruction profiles of benchmarks in the widely-used Barcelona OpenMP Tasks Suite. Programmers can tune performance faster and understand performance tradeoffs more effectively than existing tools by using our method to characterize task-based performance.