Skin friction drag reduction over staggered three dimensional cavities

The effect of three-dimensional staggered circular cavities on a zero-pressure gradient incompressible turbulent boundary layer was studied. Two key parameters were varied, being the ratio of the diameter, d, to the depth, h, of the cavity, d/h and the Reynolds number based on the diameter of the cavity, Rd. Velocity profile measurements showed that for the cases of d/h>1 an increase in skin friction drag was experienced with respect to a smooth surface, but for d/h≤1 the drag increment was almost negligible and in some cases it was lower than that of a smooth surface by up to 10%. Measurements along the spanwise plane showed the presence of organised transverse velocity components which bear some resemblance with the flow over riblets. The skin friction drag appears to be a strong function of Rd, where for Rd>5500 a drag increment is experienced which could potentially be due to shear layer breakdown and more production of turbulence

Increased expression of circulating miRNA-93 in women with polycystic ovary syndrome may represent a novel, non-invasive biomarker for diagnosis

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are a novel class of small noncoding single-stranded RNA molecules that regulate gene expression. There is increasing evidence of their importance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The objective was to determine if miRNA-93 and miRNA-223 are differentially expressed in the circulation of women with PCOS compared to age matched women. A case–control study comparing women with PCOS (n = 25) to age and weight matched controls (n = 24) without PCOS was performed. MiRNA-93 and miRNA-223 were determined by total RNA reverse transcription. Both miRNA-93 and miRNA-223 were significantly increased relative to the control group (p < 0.01, p = 0.029 respectively). In both groups there was no correlation of either miRNA-93 or miRNA-223 with insulin, HOMA-IR, HOMA-β or testosterone levels. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve for miR-223 and miR-93 was 0.66 and 0.72 respectively, suggesting miR-93 is a more efficient biomarker than miR-223 for diagnosis of PCOS. The combination of the two miRNAs together, tested using multiple logistic regression analysis, did not improve the diagnostic potential. In conclusion, circulating miRNA-93 and miRNA-223 were higher in women with PCOS compared to age and weight matched controls independent of insulin resistance and testosterone levels, and miR-93 may represent a novel diagnostic biomarker for PCOS

What Kind of Property is "Relationship Property"?

This article explores the meaning of "property" in the Property (Relationships) Act 1976. The definition of "property" in the Act is a wide one and is fundamental to jurisdiction under the Act. The article surveys the spectrum of legislative definitions of property. Then, with respect to the definition in the 1976 Act and in light of contemporary legislative aims, it is suggested that the meaning of the term should not be shackled by traditional concepts. Some of the leading judgments are examined, including two regarding relationship property from the Supreme Court, and it is found that the courts have already been adventuresome

Compensation for Personal Injury in New Zealand - Its Rise and Fall

This article is a book review of Ian Campbell Compensation for Personal Injury in New Zealand: Its Rise and Fall (Auckland University Press, Auckland, 1996) 286 + x pages, $39.95. Atkin notes that New Zealand's accident compensation scheme was initially developed in a largely non-partisan way and was greeted positively. However, he notes that accident compensation has become a political football in recent years. Atkin thus recognises the timeliness of this book which provides the scheme's history and competing arguments for future change. Atkin concludes that the book's reference to the scheme's rise and fall is too pessimistic a picture, as the scheme continues to work well for many New Zealanders. However, Atkin notes that the book adds legitimate weight to the idea that accident compensation is under attack. Thus, with its grounding in the history of compensation mechanisms, the book is said to represent a valuable addition to the debate about future directions.&nbsp

Family Property Law Reform

This article sets out some of the recent history of family property reform in New Zealand. The courts, parliament and government bodies have been involved in this process over the past three decades but further reforms are likely. The writer lists a number of considerations which should be borne in mind when reform is considered and then some possible future policy directions are foreshadowed