Network Synthesis

Contains reports on two research projects

How to detect edge electron states in (TMTSF)2X and Sr2RuO4 experimentally

We discuss a number of experiments that could detect the electron edge states in the organic quasi-one-dimensional conductors (TMTSF)2X and the inorganic quasi-two-dimensional perovskites Sr2RuO4. We consider the chiral edges states in the magnetic-field-induced spin-density-wave (FISDW) phase of (TMTSF)2X and in the time-reversal-symmetry-breaking triplet superconducting phase of Sr2RuO4, as well as the nonchiral midgap edge states in the triplet superconducting phase of $(TMTSF)2X. The most realistic experiment appears to be an observation of spontaneous magnetic flux at the edges of Sr2RuO4 by a scanning SQUID microscope.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figures. Submitted to the proceedings of ISCOM-2001 to be published in Synthetic Metals. Uses supplied elsart.cls and synmet.cls. V.2: 1 reference adde

Modelling cyclists’ comfort zones from obstacle avoidance manoeuvres

This paper introduces a framework for modelling the cyclist’s comfort zone. Unlike the driver’s comfort zone, little is known about the cyclist’s. The framework draws on existing literature in cognitive science about driver behaviour to explain experimental results from cycling field trials, and the modelling of these results. We modelled braking and steering manoeuvres from field data of cyclists’ obstacle avoidance within their comfort zone. Results show that when cyclists avoided obstacles by braking, they kept a constant deceleration; as speed increased, they started to brake earlier, farther from the obstacle, maintaining an almost constant time to collision. When cyclists avoided obstacles by steering, they maintained a constant distance from the object, independent of speed. Overall, the higher the speed, the more the steering manoeuvres were temporally delayed compared to braking manoeuvres. We discuss these results and other similarities between cyclist and driver behaviour during obstacle avoidance. Implications for the design of acceptable active safety and infrastructure design are also addressed

Use of Engineering Controls and Personal Protective Equipment by Certified Pesticide Applicators

A convenience survey of 702 certified pesticide applicators was conducted in three states to assess the use of 16 types of engineering controls and 13 types of personal protective equipment (PPE). Results showed that 8 out of 16 engineering devices were adopted by more than 50% of the respondents. The type of crop, size of agricultural operation, and the type of pesticide application equipment were found to influence the adoption of engineering controls. Applicators working on large farms, users of boom and hydraulic sprayers, and growers of field crops were more likely to use engineering devices. Respondents reported a high level of PPE use, with chemical-resistant gloves showing the highest level of compliance. An increase in pesticide applicators wearing appropriate headgear was reported. The majority of respondents did not wear less PPE simply because they used engineering controls. Those who did modify their PPE choices when employing engineering controls used tractors with enclosed cabs and/or were vegetable growers

Quasiclassical theory of electronic transport in mesoscopic systems: Luttinger liquids revisited

The method of the quasiclassical Green's function is used to determine the equilibrium properties of one-dimensional (1D) interacting Fermi systems, in particular, the bulk and the local (near a hard wall) density of states. While this is a novel approach to 1D systems, our findings do agree with standard results for Luttinger liquids obtained with the bosonization method. Analogies to the so-called $P(E)$ theory of tunneling through ultrasmall junctions are pointed out and are exploited. Further applications of the Green's function method for 1D systems are discussed.Comment: 7 pages, Proceedings of ECNM06, Ustron, Poland (references added

Hierarchic finite element bases on unstructured tetrahedral meshes

The problem of constructing hierarchic bases for finite element discretization of the spaces H1, H(curl), H(div) and L2 on tetrahedral elements is addressed. A simple and efficient approach to ensuring conformity of the approximations across element interfaces is described. Hierarchic bases of arbitrary polynomial order are presented. It is shown how these may be used to construct finite element approximations of arbitrary, non-uniform, local order approximation on unstructured meshes of curvilinear tetrahedral elements

Late widespread skeletal metastases from myxoid liposarcoma detected by MRI only

Background Myxoid liposarcoma is the second most commonly occurring sub-type of liposarcomas. In contrast to other soft tissue sarcomas, it is known to have a tendency to spread toward extrapulmonary sites, such as soft tissues, retroperitoneum, and the peritoneal surface. Bony spread, however, is not as common. Case presentation We report an unusual case of diffuse skeletal metastases from myxoid liposarcoma occurring 13 years after treatment of the primary tumour in the left lower limb. The skeletal spread of the disease was demonstrated on MRI only after other imaging modalities (plain radiography, CT and TC99 bone scans) had failed to detect these metastases. Conclusion MRI is an extremely sensitive and specific screening tool in the detection of skeletal involvement in these types of sarcomas, and therefore, should be a part of the staging proces

Network Synthesis

Contains research objectives and reports on three research projects

2002-2003 Kentucky Canola Variety Performance Test

Winter canola is a crop that is well suited for Kentucky’s climate and crop rotation, but production peaked at 20,000 acres in 1989and has since declined mainly due to winter hardiness concerns. Changes in the 2002 farm bill have once again caused farmers to consider converting some of their wheat acreage to canola production. For the past several years, plant breeders have been working to improve canola’s winter hardiness and have released several varieties that seem to be better suited for Kentucky’s variable winters than the varieties grown in the late 1980s. A study was initiated in the fall of 2002 to evaluate emergence, winter hardiness, and yield of 10 canola varieties thought to have characteristics well suited for production in Kentucky. Results presented in this paper are for the first year of the study and do not reflect variety performance over a wide range of climatic conditions. Results from the University of Missouri’s canola variety trials are available at http://www.psu.missouri.edu/ cropsys/Alternative_Crops/ and should also be consulted before deciding on a variety