Automated Propulsion Data Screening demonstration system

A fully-instrumented firing of a propulsion system typically generates a very large quantity of data. In the case of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME), data analysis from ground tests and flights is currently a labor-intensive process. Human experts spend a great deal of time examining the large volume of sensor data generated by each engine firing. These experts look for any anomalies in the data which might indicate engine conditions warranting further investigation. The contract effort was to develop a 'first-cut' screening system for application to SSME engine firings that would identify the relatively small volume of data which is unusual or anomalous in some way. With such a system, limited and expensive human resources could focus on this small volume of unusual data for thorough analysis. The overall project objective was to develop a fully operational Automated Propulsion Data Screening (APDS) system with the capability of detecting significant trends and anomalies in transient and steady-state data. However, the effort limited screening of transient data to ground test data for throttle-down cases typical of the 3-g acceleration, and for engine throttling required to reach the maximum dynamic pressure limits imposed on the Space Shuttle. This APDS is based on neural networks designed to detect anomalies in propulsion system data that are not part of the data used for neural network training. The delivered system allows engineers to build their own screening sets for application to completed or planned firings of the SSME. ERC developers also built some generic screening sets that NASA engineers could apply immediately to their data analysis efforts

Measuring kinetic coefficients by molecular dynamics simulation of zone melting

Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to measure the kinetic coefficient at the solid-liquid interface in pure gold. Results are obtained for the (111), (100) and (110) orientations. Both Au(100) and Au(110) are in reasonable agreement with the law proposed for collision-limited growth. For Au(111), stacking fault domains form, as first reported by Burke, Broughton and Gilmer [J. Chem. Phys. {\bf 89}, 1030 (1988)]. The consequence on the kinetics of this interface is dramatic: the measured kinetic coefficient is three times smaller than that predicted by collision-limited growth. Finally, crystallization and melting are found to be always asymmetrical but here again the effect is much more pronounced for the (111) orientation.Comment: 8 pages, 9 figures (for fig. 8 : [email protected]). Accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.

Pilot Study of Zonisamide (1,2-Benzisoxazole-3-methanesulfonamide) in Patients with Refractory Partial Seizures

A new anticonvulsant compound, zonisamide (1,2 benzioxazole-methanesulfonamide), was studied in 10 adults with medically refractory partial seizures. Following a single oral dose of 400 mg, peak plasma levels occurred an average of 2.8 h after dosing, and the mean clearance from plasma was 2.34 L/h. Whole blood concentrations were high than plasma concentrations because of red blood cell binding. steady-state plasma concentrations were high than predicted from a linear kinetic model. In most patients, seizure frequency was reduced after zonisamide was substituted for a standard antiepileptic drug. Dose-related reversible side effects in the central nervous and gastrointestinal system were observed. Most patients tolerated doses between 5.2 and 12.5 mg/kg/day. RÉSUMÉ Un nouveau produit anticonvulsivant, le zonisamide (1,2 benziosoxazole-methylsulfonamide) a ÉtÉ administrÉÀ 10 adultes atteints de crises partielles non contrÔlÉes par le traitement mÉdical. AprÈs une dose unique orale de 400 mg, le pic du taux plasmatique survient en moyenne 2 h 1/2 aprÉs l'ingestion, et la clairance plasmatique moyenne est de 2,34 litres par heure. les concentrations sanguines totales sont plus ÉlevÉes que les concentrations plasmatiques, en raison de la liaison aux globules rouges, les concentrations plasmatiques À l'État d'equilibre sont plus ÉlevÉes que celles que l'on peut dÉdurie d'un modÈle de cinÉtique linÉaire. Chez la plupart des patients, la frÉquence des crises a ÉtÉrÉduite par la substitution du zonisamide au traitement antiÉpileptique standard. Des effets secondaires doses-dÉpendants et rÉversibles ont ÉtÉ observÉs au niveau du systÈme nerveux central et du tube digestif. La plupart des patients ont tolÉrÉ des doses entre 5,2 et 12,5 mg/kg de poids par jour. RESUMEN En 10 adultos con ataques parciales refractarios a1 tratamiento mÉdico, se ha estudiado la acciÓn de un nuevo compuesto anticonvulsivo, la zonisamida (1,2 benzisoxazol-metanosulfonamida). Tras la ingestiÓn de una sola dosis oral de 400 mg., se alcanzaron los niveles pico en plasma en un promedio de 2.8 horas desputs de la dosis y el aclaramiento medio del plasma fuÉ de 2, 34 litros/hora. Las concentraciones en sangre fueron mÁs altas que las plasmÁticas debido a que la medicaciÓn se ligaba a los hematies. Las concentraciones plasmÁticas estables fueron mÁs altas que las previsibles de un modelo cinÉtico lineal. En la mayorÍa de los pacientes la frecuencia de los ataques se redujo despuÉs de cambiar la medicaciÓn antiepilÉptica standard por la zonisamida. TambiÉn se observaron los efectos colaterales sobre el tracto gastrointestinal y el sistema nervioso central que estaban relacionadas con la dosis y eran reversibles. La mayor parte de los pacientes tolerÓ dosis que oscilaban entre 5.2 y 12.5 mg/kg/dÍa. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Ein neues Antikonvulsivum, Zonisamid (1,2 Benzisoxazol-Methansulfonamid) wurde bei 10 Envachsenen mit therapieresistenten PartialanfÄllen gesucht. Nach einer oralen Einzeldosis von 400 mg wurden Plasmaspitzenwerte im Durchschnitt nach 2, 8 Stunden erreicht. Die mittlere Clearance aus dem Plasma betrug 2, 34 L/Stunde. Ganzblutkonzentrationen waren hÖher als Plasmakonzentrationen aufgrund der Bindung an die roten BlutkÖrperchen. Die steady-state Plasmakonzentrationen waren hÖher als bei einem linearen kinetischen Modell zu envarten. Bei den meisten Patienten konnte die Anfallsfrequenz nach Substitution eines Standardantiepileptikums durch Zonisamid reduziert werden. Es bestanden dosisabhÄngige, reversible, zentral-nervÖse und gastrointestinale Nebenwirkungen. Die meisten Patienten tolerierten Dosen zwischen 5, 2 und 12, 5 mg/kg/Tag.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/65938/1/j.1528-1157.1985.tb05407.x.pd

Interaction of peptides corresponding to mitochondrial presequences with membranes

The transport of the F1-ATPase beta-subunit precursor into mitochondria is dependent upon a presequence at its amino terminus. Within the mitochondrial membrane translocation site the potential amphiphilic character of the presequence region may be necessary to stabilize binding to the mitochondrial inner membrane. To better understand its role in protein import, the interaction of the F1 beta-presequence with lipid membranes was measured using circular dichroism and surface tensiometry. These studies reveal that a 20-residue peptide containing the F1 beta-presequence binds to phospholipid vesicles (Kd = 4.5-6.0 x 10(-8)M and adopts a predominantly alpha-helical structure. Although the presequence peptide binds avidly to lipids, it does not appear to penetrate deeply into the bilayer to perturb a reporter probe in the membrane interior. Compared with the effect of the peptides with demonstrated membrane insertion and lytic properties, the F1-beta-presequence appears to displace phospholipid head groups but not insert deeply into the bilayer. High concentrations (greater than 50 microM) of presequence peptides are required to noticibly perturb import of the full length F1 alpha- or F1 beta-subunit precursors. Thus, the F1 beta-presequence alone is not sufficient to efficiently compete for import but may require a protein context or a minimal length to assist insertion into the transport site. These observations are discussed in light of the different requirements for import of various presequence containing precursors into mitochondria

High temperature/pressure MAS-NMR for the study of dynamic processes in mixed phase systems

A new MAS-NMR rotor (the WHiMS rotor) has been developed which can reach pressures of 400 bar at 20 °C or 225 bar at 250 °C. These rotors are ideal for mixed phase systems such as a reaction using a solid catalyst with a liquid/supercritical solvent topped with high pressure gas in the head space. After solid and liquid portions of the sample are loaded, the rotor is capped with an o-ring equipped polymer bushing that snaps into a mating groove in the rotor. The bushings incorporate a check valve into the sealing mechanism which allows for pressurization without mechanical manipulation – they will allow gas to flow in but not out. This WHiMS rotor design has enabled experiments on a wide variety of biotic and abiotic mixed-phase systems. Geochemical systems have also been studied, for example, adsorption and confinement studies of supercritical methane/CO2 in clays and other minerals which display pressure dependent 13C chemical shifts. Example data from other mixed-phase chemical and microbial systems are reported. These include monitoring metabolite conversion of extremophilic bacteria found in subsurface systems at elevated pressures and real-time operando reactions in catalysis systems - with liquid-quality resolution for 1H and 13C NMR spectra

Distribution of pollutants from a new paper plant in southern Lake Champlain, Vermont and New York

From November of 1973 to May of 1974, 15 arrays of sediment traps were placed along 33 km of southern Lake Champlain to sample the distribution of effluent from a large paper plant located on the western shore which had commenced operation in 1971. In the arrays located near the effluent diffuser pipeline as much as 2.3 cm of sediment accumulated, whereas elsewhere in the lake less than 1 cm accumulated. In the area of accelerated accumulation, sediments contained high concentrations of several components used in or derived from paper manufacturing. Values for kaolinite, expressed as the ratio of kaolinite to chlorite, for example, were as high as 1.4, anatase (TiO 2 ) concentrations were as high as 0.8%, organic carbon 8.7%, and phosphorus 254 µg/g; all were more abundant than in sediments collected in traps to the south or north. In surficial bottom sediments collected near each array organic carbon and phosphorus were also higher (4.2% and 127 µg/g respectively) near the diffuser than elsewhere. Thus, the new plant after three years of production measurably affected the composition of suspended sediment and surficial bottom sediment despite the construction and use of extensive facilities to reduce the flow of pollutants to the lake.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/46764/1/254_2006_Article_BF02380502.pd

SLC polarized beam source ultra-high-vacuum design

This paper describes the design of the ultra-high vacuum system for the beam-line from the 160-kV polarized electron gun to the linac injector in the Stanford Linear Collider (SLC). The polarized electron source is a GaAs photocathode, requiring 10{sup {minus}11}-Torr-range pressure for adequate quantum efficiency and longevity. The photo-cathode is illuminated by 3-nsec-long laser pulses. Photo-cathode maintenance and improvements require occasional substitution of guns with rapid restoration of UHV conditions. Differential pumping is crucial since the pressure in the injector is more than 10 times greater than the photocathode can tolerate, and since electron-stimulated gas desorption from beam loss in excess of 0.1% of the 20-nC pulses may poison the photocathode. Our design for the transport line contains a differential pumping region isolated by a pair of valves. Exchange of guns requires venting only this isolated region which can be restored to UHV rapidly by baking. The differential pumping is performed by non-evaporable getters (NEGs) and an ion pump. 3 refs., 3 figs

On the verge of Umdeutung in Minnesota: Van Vleck and the correspondence principle (Part One)

In October 1924, the Physical Review, a relatively minor journal at the time, published a remarkable two-part paper by John H. Van Vleck, working in virtual isolation at the University of Minnesota. Van Vleck combined advanced techniques of classical mechanics with Bohr's correspondence principle and Einstein's quantum theory of radiation to find quantum analogues of classical expressions for the emission, absorption, and dispersion of radiation. For modern readers Van Vleck's paper is much easier to follow than the famous paper by Kramers and Heisenberg on dispersion theory, which covers similar terrain and is widely credited to have led directly to Heisenberg's "Umdeutung" paper. This makes Van Vleck's paper extremely valuable for the reconstruction of the genesis of matrix mechanics. It also makes it tempting to ask why Van Vleck did not take the next step and develop matrix mechanics himself.Comment: 82 page

Superconducting proximity effect in a mesoscopic ferromagnetic wire

We present an experimental study of the transport properties of a ferromagnetic metallic wire (Co) in metallic contact with a superconductor (Al). As the temperature is decreased below the Al superconducting transition, the Co resistance exhibits a significant dependence on both temperature and voltage. The differential resistance data show that the decay length for the proximity effect is much larger than we would simply expect from the exchange field of the ferromagnet.Comment: 4 pages, 6 included epsf figures, published version with small change