Magnetic field structure of the extended 3C 380 jet

An earlier study of the complex jet of 3C 380 by Papageorgiou et al. revealed total intensity and polarization structure associated with a bright knot K1 about 0.7 arcsec from the core that was reminiscent of that expected for a conical shock wave. In this new study, 1.42, 1.66 and 4.99 GHz total intensity, polarization and Faraday rotation images are presented and analysed. These images were derived from observations with the Very Long Baseline Array plus one antenna of the Very Large Array, obtained in 2006 March. These new images confirm the overall magnetic field structure of the knot K1 indicated in the earlier observations. In addition, a clear Faraday rotation gradient has been detected across the jet, extending roughly from 10 to 30 mas (70–200 pc) along the jet from the core (a radial distance of approximately two beamwidths). The gradient spans roughly 3.5 beamwidths in the transverse direction, and the difference in the rotation measures on either side of the jet is 4–5σ, demonstrating that the detection of the gradient is firm. We interpret this transverse Faraday rotation gradient as reflecting systematic variation of the line-of-sight component of a helical or toroidal magnetic field (B) associated with the jet of 3C 380. These results provide evidence that the helical field arising due to the joint action of the rotation of the central black hole and its accretion disc and the jet outflow can survive to distances of hundreds of parsecs from the central engine

An Examination of Preschool Teachers’ Beliefs about Early Literacy within the Context of a Transdisciplinary Neuroeducation Learning Framework: An Exploratory Qualitative Case Study

Teacher beliefs have been shown to be an influential factor in student outcomes in all areas of learning. In light of the persistent achievement gap between White students and students of color, it seems important to study and understand the role of teacher beliefs in public education. This exploratory case study contributes to a deeper understanding of how preschool teachers’ beliefs about early literacy are expressed or may evolve within a context of implementing the Neuro-semantic Language Learning Theory, a learning framework integrating neuroscience, Western cognitive psychology, and language acquisition into educational applications. The study design included a sample of three preschool educators and multiple data collection events using a robust variety of elicitation methods, including concept map construction, video-stimulated recall, and semi-structured interviews. The data were analyzed following Saldaña’s first, second, and third cycle coding methods and employed both deductive and inductive approaches. Findings included broader definitions of early literacy by study participants than are noted in the literature and the belief that meaningful learning requires context within social interactions in addition to skill-based interventions. The most significant finding highlighted the complex and contextualized nature of teacher beliefs, which may be changed through the insertion of cognitive disequilibrium supported by a complex and contextualized system of theoretical translation, professional learning opportunities, ongoing coaching, and believable vicarious experiences. Specific recommendations for professional learning experiences and future research are offered

Double-branched vortex generator

In order to assess the suitability of using a double branched vortex generator in parametric studies involving vortex interactions, an experimental study of the main vortex and secondary flows produced by a double branched vortex generator was conducted in a 20-by-40 cm indraft wind tunnel. Measurements of the cross flow velocities were made with a five hole pressure probe from which vorticity contours and vortex parameters were derived. The results showed that the optimum configuration consisted of chord extensions with the absence of a centerbody

Integrating tuberculosis and HIV care in the primary care setting in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: In many countries including South Africa, the increasing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) epidemics have impacted significantly on already weakened public health services. This paper reviews the scope, process and performance of the HIV and TB services in a primary care setting where antiretroviral therapy is provided, in Khayelitsha, South Africa, in order to assess whether there is a need for some form of integration. METHODS: The scope and process of both services were assessed through observations of the service and individual and group interviews with key persons. The performance was assessed by examining the 2001-2002 reports from the health information system and clinical data. RESULTS: The TB service is programme oriented to the attainment of an 85% cure rate amongst smear-positive patients while the HIV service has a more holistic approach to the patient with HIV. The TB service is part of a well-established programme that is highly standardized. The HIV service is in the pilot phase. There is a heavy load at both services and there is large degree of cross-referral between the two services. There are lessons that can be learnt from each service. There is an overlap of activities, duplication of services and under-utilization of staff. There are missed opportunities for TB and HIV prevention, diagnosis and management. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that there may be benefits to integrating HIV and TB services. Constraints to this process are discussed

Spectral/hp element methods: recent developments, applications, and perspectives

The spectral/hp element method combines the geometric flexibility of the classical h-type finite element technique with the desirable numerical properties of spectral methods, employing high-degree piecewise polynomial basis functions on coarse finite element-type meshes. The spatial approximation is based upon orthogonal polynomials, such as Legendre or Chebychev polynomials, modified to accommodate C0-continuous expansions. Computationally and theoretically, by increasing the polynomial order p, high-precision solutions and fast convergence can be obtained and, in particular, under certain regularity assumptions an exponential reduction in approximation error between numerical and exact solutions can be achieved. This method has now been applied in many simulation studies of both fundamental and practical engineering flows. This paper briefly describes the formulation of the spectral/hp element method and provides an overview of its application to computational fluid dynamics. In particular, it focuses on the use the spectral/hp element method in transitional flows and ocean engineering. Finally, some of the major challenges to be overcome in order to use the spectral/hp element method in more complex science and engineering applications are discussed

The Influence of Strain Rate on the Mode III Interlaminar Fracture of Composite Materials

The Mode III interlaminar fracture toughness, GIIIc, of composite materials based on both thermoplastic and thermosetting-matrices have been investigated using the edge crack torsion (ECT) test geometry. Tests were undertaken at room temperature and ove

Optimising the performance of the spectral/hp element method with collective linear algebra operations

This is the final version of the article. Available from Elsevier via the DOI in this record.As computing hardware evolves, increasing core counts mean that memory bandwidth is becoming the deciding factor in attaining peak performance of numerical methods. High-order finite element methods, such as those implemented in the spectral/hp framework Nektar++, are particularly well-suited to this environment. Unlike low-order methods that typically utilise sparse storage, matrices representing high-order operators have greater density and richer structure. In this paper, we show how these qualities can be exploited to increase runtime performance on nodes that comprise a typical high-performance computing system, by amalgamating the action of key operators on multiple elements into a single, memory-efficient block. We investigate different strategies for achieving optimal performance across a range of polynomial orders and element types. As these strategies all depend on external factors such as BLAS implementation and the geometry of interest, we present a technique for automatically selecting the most efficient strategy at runtime.We thank D. Ekelschot and M. Turner for their assistance in generating the mesh and parameters for the simulation of Section 6. We also thank F. Witherden for initial discussions motivating this study. This work was funded in part by support from the libHPC II EPSRC project under grant EP/K038788/1. DM additionally acknowledges support under the Laminar Flow Control Centre funded by Airbus/EADS and EPSRC under grant EP/I037946. SJS acknowledges Royal Academy of Engineering support under their research chair scheme. We thank the Imperial College High Performance Computing Service for computing time used to calculate the results seen in Section 6. We additionally acknowledge access to ARCHER with support from the UK Turbulence Consortium under EPSRC grant EP/L000261/1

Free Electron Density Measurements By IR Absorption In CdS

A contactless method for determining the spatial variation of the free carrier density in CdS is presented. The method involves the correlation of IR transmission with the free carrier density via the IR absorption coefficient. Preliminary measurements indicate a free electron density sensitivity of less than 5x1014 cm-3 and a spatial resolution which is limited only by the spot size of a CO2 (λ=10.6 μm) laser; this should be of the order of 100 μm. Experimental results indicate that the predominate scattering is due to impurity interaction at room temperature; this is indicative of the high degree of compensation in CdS

Nanometer-scale sharpness in corner-overgrown heterostructures

A corner-overgrown GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure is investigated with transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopy, demonstrating self-limiting growth of an extremely sharp corner profile of 3.5 nm width. In the AlGaAs layers we observe self-ordered diagonal stripes, precipitating exactly at the corner, which are regions of increased Al content measured by an XEDS analysis. A quantitative model for self-limited growth is adapted to the present case of faceted MBE growth, and the corner sharpness is discussed in relation to quantum confined structures. We note that MBE corner overgrowth maintains nm-sharpness even after microns of growth, allowing the realization of corner-shaped nanostructures.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure