Casting And Solidification Technology (CAST): Directional solidification phenomena in a metal model at reduced gravity

The Casting and Solidification Technology (CAST) experiment will study the phenomena that occur during directional solidification of an alloy, e.g., constitutional supercooling, freckling, and dendrite coarsening. The reduced gravity environment of space will permit the individual phenomena to be examined with minimum complication from buoyancy driven flows

An experimental study of laser-supported plasmas for laser propulsion: Center director's discretionary fund project DFP-82-33

The rudiments of a rocket thruster, which receives its enthalpy from an energy source which is remotely beamed from a laser, is described. An experimental study, now partially complete, is discussed which will eventually provide a detailed understanding of the physics for assessing the feasibility of using hydrogen plasmas for accepting and converting this energy to enthalpy. A plasma ignition scheme which uses a pulsed CO2 laser was develped and the properites of the ignition spark documented, including breakdown intensities in hydrogen. A complete diagnostic system capable of determining plasma temperature and the plasma absorptivitiy for subsequent steady-state absorption of a high power CO2 laser beam are developed and demonstrative use is discussed for the preliminary case study, a two atmosphere laser supported argon plasma

Laser Welding Dissimilar Reflective Alloys

This project, jointly sponsored by Rocketdyne and CSTAR, involves the development of laser joining of materials which have heretofore been impractical to bond. Of particular interest are joints between stainless steel and copper and also aluminum 6061 to aluminum 2219. CSTAR has a unique opportunity in this area since both the process and development and diagnostics are of interest to industry. Initial results using the pulse tailored laser welding technique developed in CLA for joining crack sensitive materials have proven promising for the aluminum joints based upon metallurgical and electronic microprobe analysis. A declaration of success requires additional mechanical testing. A CW technique has been applied to the stainless-copper joining with some preliminary success. These joints are of significant interest for aeronautics and rocket propulsion applications and the project is expected to continue

Self-monitoring of Blood Glucose in Black Caribbean and South Asian Canadians with Non-insulin Treated Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Qualitative Study of Patients’ Perspectives.

Abstract Background:To examine the views and current practice of SMBG among Black Caribbean and South Asian individuals with non-insulin treated Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Twelve participants completed semi-structured interviews that were guided by the Health Belief Model and analyzed using thematic network analysis. Results: The frequency of monitoring among participants varied from several times a day to once per week. Most participants expressed similar experiences regarding their views and practices of SMBG. Minor differences across gender and culture were observed. All participants understood the benefits, but not all viewed SMBG as beneficialto their personal diabetes management. SMBG can facilitate a better understanding and maintenance of self-care behaviours. However, it can trigger both positive and negative emotional responses, such as a sense of disappointment when high readings are not anticipated, resulting in emotional distress. Health care professionals play a key role in the way SMBG is perceived and used by patients. Conclusion:While the majority of participants value SMBG as a self-management tool, barriers exist that impede its practice, particularly its cost. How individuals cope with these barriers is integral to understanding why some patients adopt SMBG more than others

Stratigraphy of Cretaceous to Lower Pliocene sediments in the northern part of Cyprus based on comparative 87Sr/86Sr isotopic, nannofossil and planktonic foraminiferal dating

New age data from Sr isotope analysis and both planktonic foraminifera and nannofossils are presented and discussed here for the Upper Eocene–Upper Miocene sedimentary rocks of the Değirmenlik (Kythrea) Group. New dating is also given of some Cretaceous and Pliocene sediments. In a revised stratigraphy the Değirmenlik (Kythrea) Group is divided into ten formations. Different Upper Miocene formations are developed to the north and south of a regionally important, E–W-trending syn-sedimentary fault. The samples were dated wherever possible by three independent methods, namely utilizing Sr isotopes, calcareous nannofossils and planktonic foraminifera. Some of the Sr isotopic dates are incompatible with the nannofossil and/or the planktonic foraminiferal dates. This is mainly due to reworking within gravity-deposited or current-affected sediments. When combined, the reliable age data allow an overall biostratigraphy and chronology to be erected. Several of the boundaries of previously defined formations are revised. Sr data that are incompatible with well-constrained biostratigraphical ages are commonly of Early Miocene age. This is attributed to a regional uplift event located to the east of Cyprus, specifically the collision of the Anatolian (Eurasian) and Arabian (African) plates during Early Miocene time. This study, therefore, demonstrates that analytically sound Sr isotopic ages can yield geologically misleading ages, particularly where extensive sediment reworking has occurred. Convincing ages are obtained when isotopic dating is combined with as many forms of biostratigraphical dating as possible, and this may also reveal previously unsuspected geological events (e.g. tectonic uplift or current activity)

Critical Behavior of the 3d Random Field Ising Model: Two-Exponent Scaling or First Order Phase Transition?

In extensive Monte Carlo simulations the phase transition of the random field Ising model in three dimensions is investigated. The values of the critical exponents are determined via finite size scaling. For a Gaussian distribution of the random fields it is found that the correlation length $\xi$ diverges with an exponent $\nu=1.1\pm0.2$ at the critical temperature and that $\chi\sim\xi^{2-\eta}$ with $\eta=0.50\pm0.05$ for the connected susceptibility and $\chi_{\rm dis}\sim\xi^{4-\bar{\eta}}$ with $\bar{\eta}=1.03\pm0.05$ for the disconnected susceptibility. Together with the amplitude ratio $A=\lim_{T\to T_c}\chi_{\rm dis}/\chi^2(h_r/T)^2$ being close to one this gives further support for a two exponent scaling scenario implying $\bar{\eta}=2\eta$. The magnetization behaves discontinuously at the transition, i.e. $\beta=0$, indicating a first order transition. However, no divergence for the specific heat and in particular no latent heat is found. Also the probability distribution of the magnetization does not show a multi-peak structure that is characteristic for the phase-coexistence at first order phase transition points.Comment: 14 pages, RevTeX, 11 postscript figures (fig9.ps and fig11.ps should be printed separately

Discovering the Unfindable: The Tension Between Findability and Discoverability in a Bookshop Designed for Serendipity

Serendipity is a key aspect of user experience, particularly in the context of information acquisition - where it is known as information encountering. Unexpectedly encountering interesting or useful information can spark new insights while surprising and delighting. However, digital environments have been designed primarily for goal-directed seeking over loosely-directed exploration, searching over discovering. In this paper we examine a novel physical environment - a bookshop designed primarily for serendipity - for cues as to how information encountering might be helped or hindered by digital design. Naturalistic observations and interviews revealed it was almost impossible for participants to find specific books or topics other than by accident. But all unexpectedly encoun-tered interesting books, highlighting a tension between findability and discoverability. While some of the bookshop’s design features enabled information en-countering, others inhibited it. However, encountering was resilient, as it occurred despite participants finding it hard to understand the purpose of even those features that did enable it. Findings suggest the need to consider how transparent or opaque the purpose of design features should be and to balance structure and lack of it when designing digital environments for findability and discoverability

The incremental yield of prenatal exome sequencing over chromosome microarray for congenital heart abnormalities:A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesTo determine the incremental yield of prenatal exome sequencing (PES) over standard testing in fetuses with an isolated congenital heart abnormality (CHA), CHA associated with extra-cardiac malformations (ECMs) and CHA dependent upon anatomical subclassification.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and grey literature January 2010-February 2023. Studies were selected if they included greater than 20 cases of prenatally diagnosed CHA when standard testing (QF-PCR/chromosome microarray/karyotype) was negative. Pooled incremental yield was determined. PROSPERO CRD 42022364747.ResultsOverall, 21 studies, incorporating 1957 cases were included. The incremental yield of PES (causative pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants) over standard testing was 17.4% (95% CI, 13.5%-21.6%), 9.3% (95% CI, 6.6%-12.3%) and 35.9% (95% CI, 21.0%-52.3%) for all CHAs, isolated CHAs and CHAs associated with ECMs. The subgroup with the greatest yield was complex lesions/heterotaxy; 35.2% (95% CI 9.7%-65.3%). The most common syndrome was Kabuki syndrome (31/256, 12.1%) and most pathogenic variants occurred de novo and in autosomal dominant (monoallelic) disease causing genes (114/224, 50.9%).ConclusionThe likelihood of a monogenic aetiology in fetuses with multi-system CHAs is high. Clinicians must consider the clinical utility of offering PES in selected isolated cardiac lesions.What is already known?Congenital heart abnormalities are the most commonly occurring congenital anomalies and can be associated with chromosomal or monogenic conditions. With the increasing use of fetal sequencing, there is a need to define the association between monogenic conditions and specific cardiac abnormalities, particularly when isolated to facilitate triaging for prenatal sequencing.What does this study add?The incremental yield of prenatal exome sequencing over and above chromosome microarray for congenital heart abnormalities is 9.3% in isolated lesions and 35.2% in the presence of complex lesions/heterotaxy. Clinicians should consider the clinical utility of offering prenatal exome sequencing in selected isolated cardiac lesions dependent on resources available

The incremental yield of prenatal exome sequencing over chromosome microarray for congenital heart abnormalities:A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesTo determine the incremental yield of prenatal exome sequencing (PES) over standard testing in fetuses with an isolated congenital heart abnormality (CHA), CHA associated with extra-cardiac malformations (ECMs) and CHA dependent upon anatomical subclassification.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and grey literature January 2010-February 2023. Studies were selected if they included greater than 20 cases of prenatally diagnosed CHA when standard testing (QF-PCR/chromosome microarray/karyotype) was negative. Pooled incremental yield was determined. PROSPERO CRD 42022364747.ResultsOverall, 21 studies, incorporating 1957 cases were included. The incremental yield of PES (causative pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants) over standard testing was 17.4% (95% CI, 13.5%-21.6%), 9.3% (95% CI, 6.6%-12.3%) and 35.9% (95% CI, 21.0%-52.3%) for all CHAs, isolated CHAs and CHAs associated with ECMs. The subgroup with the greatest yield was complex lesions/heterotaxy; 35.2% (95% CI 9.7%-65.3%). The most common syndrome was Kabuki syndrome (31/256, 12.1%) and most pathogenic variants occurred de novo and in autosomal dominant (monoallelic) disease causing genes (114/224, 50.9%).ConclusionThe likelihood of a monogenic aetiology in fetuses with multi-system CHAs is high. Clinicians must consider the clinical utility of offering PES in selected isolated cardiac lesions.What is already known?Congenital heart abnormalities are the most commonly occurring congenital anomalies and can be associated with chromosomal or monogenic conditions. With the increasing use of fetal sequencing, there is a need to define the association between monogenic conditions and specific cardiac abnormalities, particularly when isolated to facilitate triaging for prenatal sequencing.What does this study add?The incremental yield of prenatal exome sequencing over and above chromosome microarray for congenital heart abnormalities is 9.3% in isolated lesions and 35.2% in the presence of complex lesions/heterotaxy. Clinicians should consider the clinical utility of offering prenatal exome sequencing in selected isolated cardiac lesions dependent on resources available