COSMIC/NASTRAN-PATRAN Interface

A three dimensional solid modeling and finite element pre and postprocessing program, PATRAN, uses the latest interactive computer graphics technology, provides a visual means to define a finite element model and its environment, and reviews its resultant model behavior. The capabilities provided by the PATRAN-COSMIC/NASTRAN interface are discussed. While the translator capabilities give some indication of the interface quality between the two programs, there are other attributes to be considered. The ideal interface would be a user transparent union of the two programs so that the engineer could move from one program to the other fluently and naturally. Hence, a valid assessment of the interface completeness must consider how close the current capabilities are to the idealized case. An example problem is presented to demonstrate how COSMIC/NASTRAN and PATRAN can be used together to meet the requirements of an actual engineering application

Reversible ring counter employing cascaded single SCR stages Patent

Reversible ring counter using cascaded single silicon controlled rectifier stage

Ring counter may be advanced or retarded by command signal

A power logic circuit, with bidirectional capability, is used to drive small loads in planned sequence. This is designed in the form of a shift register, with a reversible ring counter

Evaluation of a pulsed quasi-steady MPD thruster and associated subsystems

The performance of quasi-steady magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters at high power levels is discussed. An axisymmetric configuration is used for the MPD thruster, with various cathode and anode sizes, over a wide range of experimental conditions. Thrust is determined from impulse measurements with current waveforms, while instantaneous measurements are made for all other variables. It is demonstrated that the thrust produced has a predominately self-magnetic origin and is directly proportional to the square of the current. The complete set of impulse measurement data is presented

Gender socialization: Implications for gender differences in self-concept among adolescents

The purpose of this research study was to investigate the relationship between traditional gender socialization and self-concept during adolescence, in the domains of athletic competence, physical appearance, social competence, and close friendship. The sample used in the study consisted of 33 eighth graders, of which 19 were female and 14 were male. Participants completed an instrument developed by the researcher to measure level of gender socialization, along with Harter\u27s (1988) Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents (SPPA) to measure self-concept in the above-referenced domains. The Mann-Whitney U-Test was used to test distributions of means. Results were not statistically significant and therefore failed to reject the null hypotheses. Still, gender differences were reported which reflect some of the current research. Future research should consider further the relationship between gender socialization, traditional and nontraditional alike, and self-concept in adolescents

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Orthodontics: Awareness Assessment

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a specific orthodontic community\u27s knowledge and understanding of Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) technology as well as awareness of the implications of CBCT use, including risk assessment, radiation dose estimation, diagnostic utility, and issues of informed consent. It is incumbent on the profession to understand how practitioners view this technology as it gains popularity and ease of use. Materials and Methods: A 21-question survey with 13 additional demographic questions was distributed to several different populations affiliated with Loma Linda University School of Dentistry: 1) undergraduate dental students, 2) students in specialty programs (orthodontics, implant, oral surgery), and 3) orthodontic alumni. The survey tried to gain understanding of practitioners\u27 knowledge of radiation dosage related to CBCT, diagnostic usage, and explore ethical issues such as informed consent, clinical and diagnostic utility, and the influence of business and market forces on CBCT usage. Results were compiled and examined using non-parametric statistical tests (Independent Samples Kruskal-Wallis and Independent Samples Median) and post-hoc comparisons (Bonferroni, pairwise comparisons) to compare effects of education, time in practice since residency completion, frequency of CBCT use, age, gender, and dental specialty. Results and Conclusions: Level of education in dentistry, specialty training, years since completion of residency, age, and frequency of use of CBCT were all related to performance on Part 2 of the CBCT survey. Responses to Part 1 questions were similar among orthodontic alumni, however, significant differences were noted among intergroup comparisons when evaluating the questions in Part 1 of the CBCT Survey. Technical, objective knowledge of CBCT is related to subjective, value judgments about CBCT implementation with patients

Report of conference evaluation committee

A general classification is made of a number of approaches used for the prediction of turbulent shear flows. The sensitivity of these prediction methods to parameter values and initial data are discussed in terms of variable density, pressure fluctuation, gradient diffusion, low Reynolds number, and influence of geometry