Tectonics of the central Andes

Acquisition of nearly complete coverage of Thematic Mapper data for the central Andes between about 15 to 34 degrees S has stimulated a comprehensive and unprecedented study of the interaction of tectonics and climate in a young and actively developing major continental mountain belt. The current state of the synoptic mapping of key physiographic, tectonic, and climatic indicators of the dynamics of the mountain/climate system are briefly reviewed

A thermionic energy converter with a molybdenum-alumina cermet emitter

A study is made of the properties of cermets as electrode materials for thermionic energy converters. For thermodynamic reasons it is expected that all cermets composed of pure Mo and refractory oxides have the same bare work function. From data on the work function of Mo in an oxygen atmosphere this bare work function is estimated to be F=4.9 eV (at T=1400¿°C). Experimentally, the bare work function of Al2O3-Mo cermets was found to be F=4.5 eV, independent of the relative amounts of Al2O3 and Mo. The cesiated work function of the Al2O3-Mo cermets was found to be 0.15 eV lower than the cesiated work function of pure Mo. The bare work function of Mo3Al was found to be F=4.0 eV. The cesiated work function of Mo3Al at collector temperature conditions was 0.3 eV lower than the cesiated work function of pure Mo. The electrical power density of a diode with an Al2O3-Mo cermet emitter was 0.4 W/cm2 at 1300¿°C. The barrier index at this temperature was 2.36 V. The high barrier index is attributed to a high plasma voltage drop Vd=0.91 V

Dose Effects of Encapsulated Butyric Acid and Zinc on Beef Feedlot Steer Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Dietary Net Energy Utilization

Study Description: Steers (n = 272; shrunk BW = 794 ± 163 pounds) were assigned to one of four dietary treatments in a 143.5 d feedlot finishing trial: 0 g BPZ/ kg diet dry matter (DM) (CON), 1 g BPZ/ kg diet DM (1BPZ), 2 g BPZ/ kg diet DM (2BPZ), or 3 g BPZ/ kg diet DM (3BPZ). Carcass data and liver health outcomes were collected, and feedlot growth performance data and efficiency of dietary net energy utilization were calculated on a carcass-adjusted basis

Exploring the Thermodynamics of a Universal Fermi Gas

From sand piles to electrons in metals, one of the greatest challenges in modern physics is to understand the behavior of an ensemble of strongly interacting particles. A class of quantum many-body systems such as neutron matter and cold Fermi gases share the same universal thermodynamic properties when interactions reach the maximum effective value allowed by quantum mechanics, the so-called unitary limit [1,2]. It is then possible to simulate some astrophysical phenomena inside the highly controlled environment of an atomic physics laboratory. Previous work on the thermodynamics of a two-component Fermi gas led to thermodynamic quantities averaged over the trap [3-5], making it difficult to compare with many-body theories developed for uniform gases. Here we develop a general method that provides for the first time the equation of state of a uniform gas, as well as a detailed comparison with existing theories [6,14]. The precision of our equation of state leads to new physical insights on the unitary gas. For the unpolarized gas, we prove that the low-temperature thermodynamics of the strongly interacting normal phase is well described by Fermi liquid theory and we localize the superfluid transition. For a spin-polarized system, our equation of state at zero temperature has a 2% accuracy and it extends the work of [15] on the phase diagram to a new regime of precision. We show in particular that, despite strong correlations, the normal phase behaves as a mixture of two ideal gases: a Fermi gas of bare majority atoms and a non-interacting gas of dressed quasi-particles, the fermionic polarons [10,16-18].Comment: 8 pages, 5 figure

Challenges in lifestyle and community interventions research

Earlier this year the BMC portfolio was enriched by a new journal BMC Obesity. Here, we present the aims and objectives of the section on Lifestyle and Community Interventions. Innovative research is needed. Preventing or managing obesity requires addressing different determinants across multiple levels where diverse levers and stakeholders can play a critical role. Interactions of these determinants within and between systems need to be studied. How to leverage, manage and measure this complexity underlies the innovation that is needed in the next generation of obesity interventions. The ambition of the Lifestyle and Community Interventions section is to provide a space for innovative research, including research that falls outside the traditional comfort zone. We welcome studies of heterogeneous designs, including those of qualitative, quantitative, mixed and systems methodologies. Studies of interest include not only outcomes research of interventions but also process evaluation, cost effectiveness or cost-benefit analysis, and implementation and dissemination research. Innovations that integrate diverse intervention levers or combine primary and secondary levels of prevention are particularly encouraged. The general aim of BMC Obesity’ s Lifestyle and Community Interventions section is to advance our ability to decide on what combinations of approaches will be required to effectively and equitably prevent obesity

Precision cutting of glassy polymers: influence of aging on the cutting process

ABSTRACT This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the influence of aging on the cutting mechanics of glassy polymers. Polystyrene (PS), a glassy polymer, typically behaves brittle when subjected to a stress, it can be made ductile by rejuvenation. It was expected that PS would show a different cutting behaviour when it would be aged or rejuvenated. To investigate this two different molecular weight PS grades were used. Both aged and (mechanically) rejuvenated samples were made from each grade and cut. Cutting forces, chip morphology and surface quality were investigated. Although the chips showed no differences in brittleness and ductility, the measured cutting forces indicated that there is a difference between aged and rejuvenated PS. Also an interesting difference in cutting forces between the two PS grades was found. Investigation of the surface quality of the PS samples showed that the aged samples have smoother surfaces than the rejuvenated samples. It can be concluded that aging does have effect on the cutting mechanics and the obtained surface roughness