Search for top quark at Fermilab Collider

The status of a search for the top quark with Collider Detector at Fermilab (CDF), based on a data sample recorded during the 1988--1989 run is presented. The plans for the next Fermilab Collider run in 1992--1993 and the prospects of discovering the top quark are discussed. 19 refs., 4 figs., 2 tabs

Motivational component profiles in university students learning histology: a comparative study between genders and different health science curricula

Background: The students' motivation to learn basic sciences in health science curricula is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of different components of motivation (intrinsic motivation, self-determination, self-efficacy and extrinsic -career and grade-motivation) on learning human histology in health science curricula and their relationship with the final performance of the students in histology. Methods: Glynn Science Motivation Questionnaire II was used to compare students' motivation components to learn histology in 367 first-year male and female undergraduate students enrolled in medical, dentistry and pharmacy degree programs. Results: For intrinsic motivation, career motivation and self-efficacy, the highest values corresponded to medical students, whereas dentistry students showed the highest values for self-determination and grade motivation. Genders differences were found for career motivation in medicine, self-efficacy in dentistry, and intrinsic motivation, self-determination and grade motivation in pharmacy. Career motivation and self-efficacy components correlated with final performance in histology of the students corresponding to the three curricula. Conclusions: Our results show that the overall motivational profile for learning histology differs among medical, dentistry and pharmacy students. This finding is potentially useful to foster their learning process, because if they are metacognitively aware of their motivation they will be better equipped to self-regulate their science-learning behavior in histology. This information could be useful for instructors and education policy makers to enhance curricula not only on the cognitive component of learning but also to integrate students' levels and types of motivation into the processes of planning, delivery and evaluation of medical education.This research was supported by the Unidad de Innovación Docente, University of Granada, Spain through grants UGR11-294 and UGR11-303

Application of neutron diffraction to measure residual strains in high temperature composites

An experimental neutron diffraction technique was used to measure residual thermal strains developed in high temperature composites during postfabrication cooling. Silicon carbide fiber-reinforced titanium aluminide (over the temperature range 20--950{degree}C) and tungsten and saphikon fiber-reinforced nickel aluminide composites (at room temperature) were investigated. As a result of thermal expansion mismatch, compressive residual strains and stresses were generated in the silicon carbide fibers during cooldown. The axial residual strains were tensile in the matrix and were lower in nickel aluminide matrix as compared to those in titanium aluminide matrix. The average transverse residual strains in the matrix were compressive. Liquid-nitrogen dipping and thermal-cycling tend to reduce the fabrication-induced residual strains in silicon carbide fiber-reinforced titanium aluminide matrix composite. However, matrix cracking can occur as a result of these processes. 10 refs., 5 figs., 2 tabs

Abnormal tibial position is correlated to early degenerative changes one year following ACL reconstruction

Altered knee kinematics following ACL reconstruction may predispose patients to the development of early onset post-traumatic osteoarthritis. The goal of our study was to examine the longitudinal interrelationship between altered tibial position relative to the femur and cartilage health measured by quantitative T1ρ MRI. Twenty-five patients with isolated unilateral ACL injury underwent kinematic and cartilage T1ρ MRI at baseline prior to ACL reconstruction and then at 1-year post-reconstruction. Tibial position relative to the femur in the anterior-posterior plane was calculated as well as cartilage T1ρ relaxation values in the injured and uninjured knee. At baseline prior to ACL reconstruction, the tibia was in a significantly more anterior position relative to the femur in the ACL deficient knee compared to the healthy contralateral knee. This difference was no longer present at 1-year follow-up. Additionally, the side-side difference in tibial position correlated to increased cartilage T1ρ relaxation values in the medial compartment of the knee 1-year post-reconstruction. Altered tibial position following ACL reconstruction is correlated with detectable cartilage degeneration as soon as 1 year following ACL reconstruction

Finite element analysis of monolithic solid oxide fuel cells

This paper investigates the stress and fracture behavior of a monolithic solid oxide fuel cell (MSOFC) currently under joint development by Allied Signal Corporation and Argonne National Laboratory. The MSOFC is an all-ceramic fuel cell capable of high power density and tolerant of a variety of hydrocarbon fuels, making it potentially attractive for stationary utility and mobile transportation systems. The monolithic design eliminates inactive structural supports, increases active surface area, and lowers voltage losses caused by internal resistance

Specifically Designed Ionic Liquids—Formulations, Physicochemical Properties, and Electrochemical Double Layer Storage Behavior

Two key features—non-volatility and non-flammability—make ionic liquids (ILs) very attractive for use as electrolyte solvents in advanced energy storage systems, such as supercapacitors and Li-ion batteries. Since most ILs possess high viscosity and are less prone to dissolving common electrolytic salts when compared to traditional electrolytic solvents, they must be formulated with low viscosity thinner solvents to achieve desired ionic conductivity and dissolution of electrolyte salts in excess of 0.5 M concentration. In the past few years, our research group has synthesized several specifically designed ILs (mono-cationic, di-cationic, and zwitterionic) with bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (TFSI) and dicyanamide (DCA) as counter anions. This article describes several electrolyte formulations to achieve superior electrolytic properties. The performance of a few representative IL-based electrolytes in supercapacitor coin cells is presented