Probabilistic Sensitivity Analysis for Launch Vehicles with Varying Payloads and Adapters for Structural Dynamics and Loads

This paper examines Probabilistic Sensitivity Analysis (PSA) methods and tools in an effort to understand their utility in vehicle loads and dynamic analysis. Specifically, this study addresses how these methods may be used to establish limits on payload mass and cg location and requirements on adaptor stiffnesses while maintaining vehicle loads and frequencies within established bounds. To this end, PSA methods and tools are applied to a realistic, but manageable, integrated launch vehicle analysis where payload and payload adaptor parameters are modeled as random variables. This analysis is used to study both Regional Response PSA (RRPSA) and Global Response PSA (GRPSA) methods, with a primary focus on sampling based techniques. For contrast, some MPP based approaches are also examined

OUTDOOR RECREATION TRENDS AND MARKET OPPORTUNITIES IN THE UNITED STATES

In 1994 and 1995, the National Survey of Recreation and Environment (NSRE) was accomplished by interviewing approximately 17,000 Americans over age 15 in random-digit-dialing telephone samplings. The primary purpose was to learn about the outdoor recreation activities of people over age 15 in the United States. They were asked about their participation in 62 specific recreation activities.Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Performance of wood treated with prospective organic surface protectants upon outdoor exposure: FTIR spectroscopic analysis of weathered surfaces

Visual appeal of wood is as important as its structural integrity in outdoor applications. Discoloration and checking of wood favor the utilization of alternative materials for outdoor cladding and decking. Lignin depolymerization is one of the critical processes leading to weathering. In the present paper, the potential of different classes of surface protection agents has been assessed on loblolly pine ( Pinus taeda ) impregnated with water repellents, organic UV inhibitors, and an organic biocide. The treated samples were exposed to predetermined doses of solar radiation in Eastern Oregon, and the chemical changes occurring on the surfaces were evaluated by FTIR spectroscopy. After 1-year exposure, lignin loss was complete on all surfaces; however, some treatments provided longer term protection than others. Organic UV light inhibitors were most effective in this regard. A petroleumbased water repellent with a melting point of 54 – 58 ° C also provided protection against lignin degradation.Keywords: FTIR spectroscopy, chromic acid, weathering, wood surfaces, Pinus taeda, water repellents, hindered amine light stabilizer (HAL), wax, lignin, isothiazolone, loblolly pine, 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-3-isothiazolinone (DCOIT), hydroxyphenyl bezotriazole, UV stabilizer

A pragmatic cluster randomized trial evaluating the impact of a community pharmacy intervention on statin adherence: rationale and design of the Community Pharmacy Assisting in Total Cardiovascular Health (CPATCH) study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Traditional randomized controlled trials are considered the gold standard for evaluating the efficacy of a treatment. However, in adherence research, limitations to this study design exist, especially when evaluating real-world applicability of an intervention. Although adherence interventions by community pharmacists have been tested, problems with internal and external validity have limited the usefulness of these studies, and further well-designed and well-conducted research is needed. We aimed to determine the real-world effectiveness of a community pharmacy adherence intervention using a robust study design. This novel design integrates cluster randomization and an outcome evaluation of medication adherence using a population-based administrative data source in the province of Saskatchewan, Canada.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>Community pharmacies from across the province of Saskatchewan, Canada were randomized to deliver an adherence intervention to their patients or usual care. Intervention pharmacies were trained to employ a practical adherence strategy targeted at new users of statin medications. While randomization and implementation of the intervention occurred at the community pharmacy level, the outcome analysis will occur at the level of the individual subjects. The primary outcome is the mean statin adherence among all eligible new users of statin medications. Secondary outcomes include the proportion of new statin users who exhibit adherence ≥80%, and persistence with statin use.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>This novel study design was developed to combine the rigor of a randomized trial with a pragmatic approach to implementing and capturing the results in a real-world fashion. We believe this approach can serve as an example for future study designs evaluating practice-based adherence interventions.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>ClinicalTrials.gov no. NCT00971412.</p

Measuring the Equation-of-state of the Universe: Pitfalls and Prospects

We explore various pitfalls and challenges in determining the equation-of-state (w) of dark energy component that dominates the universe and causes the current accelerated expansion. We demonstrated in an earlier paper the existence of a degeneracy that makes it impossible to resolve well the value of w or its time-derivative with supernovae data. Here we consider standard practices, such as assuming priors that w is constant or greater than -1, and show that they also can lead to gross errors in estimating the true equation-of-state. We further consider combining measurements of the cosmic microwave background anisotropy and the Alcock-Paczynski test with supernovae data and find that the improvement in resolving the time-derivative of w is marginal, although the combination can constrain its present value perhaps to 20 percent uncertainty.Comment: 27 pages, 10 figure

Technical Analysis of cDNA Microarrays

Background: There is extensive variation in gene expression among individuals within and between populations. Accurate measures of the variation in mRNA expression using microarrays can be confounded by technical variation, which includes variation in RNA isolation procedures, day of hybridization and methods used to amplify and dye label RNA for hybridization. Methodology/Principal Findings: In this manuscript we analyze the relationship between the amount of mRNA and the fluorescent signal from the microarray hybridizations demonstrating that for a wide-range of mRNA concentrations the fluorescent signal is a linear function of the amount of mRNA. Additionally, the separate isolation, labeling or hybridization of RNA does not add significant amounts of variation in microarray measures of gene expression. However, single or double rounds of amplification for labeling do have small but significant affects on 10 % of genes, but this source of technical variation is easy to avoid. To examine both technical and stochastic biological variation, mRNA expression was measured from the same five individuals over a six-week time course. Conclusion: There were few, if any, meaningful differences in gene expression among time points. Thus, microarray measures using standard laboratory procedures can be precise and quantitative and are not subject to significant rando

The Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment: Exploring Fundamental Symmetries of the Universe

The preponderance of matter over antimatter in the early Universe, the dynamics of the supernova bursts that produced the heavy elements necessary for life and whether protons eventually decay --- these mysteries at the forefront of particle physics and astrophysics are key to understanding the early evolution of our Universe, its current state and its eventual fate. The Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment (LBNE) represents an extensively developed plan for a world-class experiment dedicated to addressing these questions. LBNE is conceived around three central components: (1) a new, high-intensity neutrino source generated from a megawatt-class proton accelerator at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, (2) a near neutrino detector just downstream of the source, and (3) a massive liquid argon time-projection chamber deployed as a far detector deep underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. This facility, located at the site of the former Homestake Mine in Lead, South Dakota, is approximately 1,300 km from the neutrino source at Fermilab -- a distance (baseline) that delivers optimal sensitivity to neutrino charge-parity symmetry violation and mass ordering effects. This ambitious yet cost-effective design incorporates scalability and flexibility and can accommodate a variety of upgrades and contributions. With its exceptional combination of experimental configuration, technical capabilities, and potential for transformative discoveries, LBNE promises to be a vital facility for the field of particle physics worldwide, providing physicists from around the globe with opportunities to collaborate in a twenty to thirty year program of exciting science. In this document we provide a comprehensive overview of LBNE's scientific objectives, its place in the landscape of neutrino physics worldwide, the technologies it will incorporate and the capabilities it will possess.Comment: Major update of previous version. This is the reference document for LBNE science program and current status. Chapters 1, 3, and 9 provide a comprehensive overview of LBNE's scientific objectives, its place in the landscape of neutrino physics worldwide, the technologies it will incorporate and the capabilities it will possess. 288 pages, 116 figure