Immiscible fluid: Heat of fusion heat storage system

Both heat and mass transfer in direct contact aqueous crystallizing systems were studied as part of a program desig- ned to evaluate the feasibility of direct contact heat transfer in phase change storage using aqueous salt system. Major research areas, discussed include (1) crystal growth velocity study on selected salts; (2) selection of salt solutions; (3) selection of immiscible fluids; (4) studies of heat transfer and system geometry; and (5) system demonstration

A Mathematical Model for β1-adrenergic Regulation of the Mouse Ventricular Myocyte Contraction

The β1-adrenergic signaling system is one of the most important systems regulating heart function. Activation of this system leads to an increased heart rate, which can be beneficial during exercise, but can lead to cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure with continuous over-stimulation. In this dissertation, we have developed two comprehensive mathematical models of mouse ventricular myocyte contraction. The first model is based on a previously published mathematical model of action potential and Ca2+ handling mechanism of the mouse cardiac cell that are not modulated by the β1-adrenergic signaling system. The model was verified with experimental data on mouse myocyte contraction at room temperature. In the model, we implement simplified sarcomere length variability and indirect modulation of the tropomyosin transition rates by Ca2+ and troponin. The resulting model describes well steady-state force-calcium relationships, dependence of contraction force on sarcomere length, time course of contraction force and myocyte shortening, frequency dependence of contraction force and cellular contraction, and experimentally measured derivatives of myocyte length variation. We emphasize the importance of including variable sarcomere length in the model for ventricular myocyte contraction and investigate the differences in contraction force and cell shortening for epicardial and endocardial ventricular myocytes. The second model of the mouse ventricular myocyte contraction includes a more advanced description of the forces involved in myocyte contraction (active, passive, viscous, and flexible forces) and the β1-adrenergic signaling system. The model was verified by the simulation of major experimental protocols on measurements of steady-state force-calcium relationships, crossbridge release rate (krel) and force development rate (kdf), force-velocity relationship, and force redevelopment rate (ktr). It also reproduces quite well frequency and isoproterenol dependencies for [Ca2+]i transients, total contraction force, and sarcomere shortening. The resulting mathematical model reveals the mechanisms of increased contraction force and myocyte shortening upon stimulation of β1-adrenergic receptors. The developed mathematical models can be used further for simulations of contraction of ventricular myocytes from genetically modified mice and myocytes from mice which have developed chronic cardiac diseases

Archaeology for the People: Community-Based Research, Hands-On Education, and Their Place in Archaeology

Archaeology has long been in the interest of the public, but archaeologists have not always been capable of bringing our discipline to the people. There is untapped potential for archaeology to bridge gaps between communities’ pasts and presents, and to provide practical assistance in the realm of social change and education. Through a series of online surveys targeting former participants and coordinators of pre-college archaeological education programs, this thesis seeks to understand how archaeology can impact students’ ability to learn basic STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) skills and their relationship with their own communities through community-based educational programs. These educational youth programs can lead to a better educated – and more interested – citizenry, creating a community of fierce protectors of the past, and it can lead to a more inclusive field of archaeology.Master of Art

Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy for Blind and Visually Impaired Adults: Acceptance, Problem-solving, and Cognitive Distortions

This study sought to explore the efficacy of group Problem-Solving Therapy (PST) adapted for individuals living with visual impairment. Specifically, this study investigated changes in quality of life, levels of acceptance, problem-solving, depression, and cognitive distortions following treatment. A group of ten participants (N = 10) were recruited in a large Northeastern city from a non-profit organization providing programming to individuals with visual impairment. Combined pretest-posttest experimental and qualitative study designs were utilized. Individuals were assessed using measures to acquire baseline and outcomes on depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II), acceptance (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II), quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief), problem-solving (Vision Specific Optimization in Primary and Secondary Control), and cognitive distortions (Inventory of Cognitive Distortions). Eight of the original ten participants completed posttest measures immediately following the PST group treatment and six of the original ten were assessed at three-month follow-up. Of the eight participants whose posttest data were available, five participants reported decreases in depression scores, two reported increases in acceptance, and seven reported decreased levels of cognitive distortions. Results on quality of life and problem-solving were mixed. Qualitative data were also explored and relevant themes were identified and discussed. This study identified a number of obstacles to efficacious, evidence-based treatment for the sight-impaired community and offers practical suggestions on how to overcome these impediments to effective treatment

Celestial target observability for astro spacelab missions

This report presents the mathematical technique for calculating the amount of time that an astronomical object, e.g., a star, can be observed from a satellite in near Earth orbit. This includes the places and times in the orbit where the object is acquired and where it is lost. Constraints placed on the observation of the object, such as the line-of-sight from observer to the target must not come within less than some specified angle to the limb of the Earth, are included in the calculations. The equations developed within the report are then used for a detailed analysis of the observation possibilities for objects at any place on the celestial sphere for a typical Spacelab ASTRO mission. The results, presented in graphic form, are suitable for use in pre-mission planning and also for use in real-time replanning

The motion of throw away detectors relative to the space shuttle

The motions of throw away detectors (TAD's) are analyzed using the linearized relative motion equations. The TAD's are to be used in the amps program as diagnostic instruments for making various measurements near the shuttle. The TAD's are ejected from the shuttle in arbitrary directions with small relative velocities (0.1 to 1.0 m/s) their subsequent trajectories relative to the shuttle are analyzed. Initial conditions that are likely to result in recontact between the TAD and the shuttle are identified. The sensitivity of the motion to variations in the initial conditions, possibly resulting from inaccuracy in the ejection mechanism, are analyzed as are effects of atmospheric drag. A targeting method, a method of giving the TAD correct initial conditions such that it will pass through a given point relative to the shuttle at a given time, is developed. The results of many specific cases are presented in graphical form

A Mathematical Model of the Mouse Ventricular Myocyte Contraction

Mathematical models of cardiac function at the cellular level include three major components, such as electrical activity, Ca2+ dynamics, and cellular shortening. We developed a model for mouse ventricular myocyte contraction which is based on our previously published comprehensive models of action potential and Ca2+ handling mechanisms. The model was verified with extensive experimental data on mouse myocyte contraction at room temperature. In the model, we implemented variable sarcomere length and indirect modulation of the tropomyosin transition rates by Ca2+ and troponin. The resulting model described well steady-state force-calcium relationships, dependence of the contraction force on the sarcomere length, time course of the contraction force and myocyte shortening, frequency dependence of the contraction force and cellular contraction, and experimentally measured derivatives of the myocyte length variation. We emphasized the importance of the inclusion of variable sarcomere length into a model for ventricular myocyte contraction. Differences in contraction force and cell shortening for epicardial and endocardial ventricular myocytes were investigated. Model applicability for the experimental studies and model limitations were discussed