Advanced Propulsion Physics Lab: Eagleworks Investigations

Eagleworks Laboratory is an advanced propulsions physics laboratory with two primary investigations currently underway. The first is a Quantum Vacuum Plasma Thruster (QVPT or Q-thrusters), an advanced electric propulsion technology in the development and demonstration phase. The second investigation is in Warp Field Interferometry (WFI). This is an investigation of Dr. Harold "Sonny" White's theoretical physics models for warp field equations using optical experiments in the Electro Optical laboratory (EOL) at Johnson Space Center. These investigations are pursuing technology necessary to enable human exploration of the solar system and beyond

The effect of diffusion on the evaporation rate of liquid hydrocarbons using nanosediments in lakes on Titan

Titan, Saturn\u27s largest moon, has a hydrological cycle with hydrocarbons including methane and ethane in its atmosphere, and may be analogous to a frozen prebiotic Earth. Tholins created in Titan\u27s atmosphere fall to the surface and interact with these liquid hydrocarbons. As a surrogate for tholins, nanophase silica was used as the nanosediment that interacts with the chosen liquids used to be analogous to those found on Titan. The effect on the evaporation rate of these liquids with and without the added silica was explored through 10 experiments

Foliar Flavonoids of Camellia Chrysantha (Theaceae)

Foliar flavonoids of Camellia chrysantha consist of two flavone C-glycosides which have chromatographic and spectroscopic properties very similar to corymboside and isocorymboside. The lack of detectable foliar flavonol glycosides contrasts with their presence in flowers of this species and may be anomalous within the genus Camellia

Determining Transmission Loss from Measured External and Internal Acoustic Environments

An estimate of the internal acoustic environment in each internal cavity of a launch vehicle is needed to ensure survivability of Space Launch System (SLS) avionics. Currently, this is achieved by using the noise reduction database of heritage flight vehicles such as the Space Shuttle and Saturn V for liftoff and ascent flight conditions. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is conducting a series of transmission loss tests to verify and augment this method. For this test setup, an aluminum orthogrid curved panel representing 1/8th of the circumference of a section of the SLS main structure was mounted in between a reverberation chamber and an anechoic chamber. Transmission loss was measured across the panel using microphones. Data measured during this test will be used to estimate the internal acoustic environments for several of the SLS launch vehicle internal spaces

Predicting first year academic success of the student-athlete population at the University of Missouri

The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file.Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on October 9, 2007)Vita.Thesis (Ph. D.) University of Missouri-Columbia 2007.This study compares the predictive validity of the Office of University Admission's model to predict first year grade point average for student athletes at the University of Missouri. In a majority of the cases, it was found that student athletes had higher first year grade point averages than the campus prediction. Based on these findings, the researcher used a stepwise multiple regression to identify variables that account for a significant portion of the variance in first year grade point average for student athletes. The research was able to identify a significant model including three variables that explained 50% of the total variance in first year GPA. High school GPA (42%), ACT composite (5%), and aid status (2.5%) were significant predictors of first year academic performance for student athletes at the University of Missouri

Leaf Phenolics of Gunnera Manicata (Gunneraceae)

Foliar material of Gunnera manicata (Gunneraceae) was examined for the presence of phenolics using standard extraction and identification techniques. Two lIavonoids, quercetin 3-0-ga1actoside and quercetin 3-0-g1ucoside and an unidentified ellagitannin are reported as occurring in G. manicata . The presence of quercetin 3-0-galactoside and a high concentration of ellagitannins offers some phytochemical support for a putative relationship between the Gunneraceae and Saxifragales

Results of Archaeological Survey and Limited Archival Research of Fairfield Lake State Park, Freestone County, Texas

Following the 2008 reassessment, TPWD contracted CAS to carry out a systematic survey of the 1,460-acre park, excluding previously recorded sites, inundated terrain, and areas of modern disturbance that resulted from park infrastructure developments. The purpose of the survey was to ensure a complete inventory of cultural resources within the park. The effort included pedestrian survey and excavation of 215 shovel tests, as well as archival research to identify historic structures that may have once been present, but that were now razed and that could be considered potential sites. An additional element of this project involved some archival research to determine whether 41FT630, the abandoned cemetery, had ever been platted at the Freestone County Clerk’s office, as required under Chapter 711 of the State of Texas Health and Safety Code. Archival and field work was performed in April and May of 2009 by Julian A. Sitters, Project Archaeologist, Sarah Scogin, CAS Staff Archaeologist, and Jon C. Lohse, who served as Principal Investigator. No new sites were recorded during this project, and CAS found no indication that 41FT630 has ever been platted. Available records indicate that it likely represents a freedmen descendant community cemetery, containing individuals who were probably slaves or immediate descendants of freed slaves. CAS recommends archaeological survey and oral interviews concerning this site before it is legally platted at the County Clerk’s office in Fairfield, Texas

Anthocyanins of Bignoniaceae. II. Additional Data and Cladistic Analysis

Floral anthocyanins for 13 species of Bignoniaceae are reported, including the first report of the occurrence of acylated anthocyanins in this family. No additional occurrences of 3-desoxyanthocyanins were detected. The Hennigian cladogram based on floral pigments agrees poorly with phylogenetic affinities postulated on the basis of more general taxonomic characters