Sound radiation from randomly vibrating beams of finite circular cross section

The radiation of sound from vibrating cylindrical beams is analyzed based on the frequency of the beam vibrations and the physical characteristics of the beam and its surroundings. A statistical analysis of random beam vibrations allows this result to be independent of the boundary conditions at the ends of the beam. The acoustic power radiated by the beam can be determined from a knowledge of the frequency band vibration data without a knowledge of the individual modal vibration amplitudes. A practical example of the usefulness of this technique is provided by the application of the theoretical calculations to the prediction of the octave band acoustic power output of the picking sticks of an automatic textile loom. Calculations are made of the expected octave band sound pressure levels based on measured acceleration data. These theoretical levels are subsequently compared with actual sound pressure level measurements of loom noise

Conversion of waste corn cobs to activated carbons for natural gas (methane) adsorption

Abstract only availableAdsorbed Natural Gas (ANG) is an alternative energy source technology that uses micropores in adsorbent materials to store natural gas. Activated carbons, which are useful adsorbents with a highly porous form of carbon are promising adsorbent materials that can be used to store methane. In this study, dried crushed corn cobs were used to produce activated carbons, using a chemical activation method. A set of experiments was performed under various conditions to determine the optimum conditions for preparing the activated carbons. The activation process varies depending on the concentration of the activating agent (phosphoric acid), the impregnation temperature, the carbonization temperature, and the heating rate. The resultant activated carbon is further immobilized into monolithic form, to increase the density. The micro porosity of the activated carbons produced from corn cobs can have a methane uptake capacity of 150v/v or greater, and a BET surface area of 800m2/g-1600m2/g.NSF Program Alliance for Collaborative Research in Alternative Fuel Technology and Louis Stokes Missouri Alliance for Minority Participatio

Conversion of waste corncob to activated carbon for use of methane storage

Abstract only availableMissouri being one of the leading states in corn production has a large quantity of corn cobs. Corn cob can be used to produce activated carbon because its organic origin is similar to coconut and peach pits which have been previously used to make activated carbons. In this project, researchers at the University of Missouri Columbia are using adsorbents produced from corn cobs to store natural gas. Results have shown that a BET surface area of 800m2/g-1600m2/g can be obtained. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images confirms that micro porous nature of the carbon. The main objective of this research is to develop flat low pressure high capacity natural gas tank holding no greater than 500psi of methane, allowing for more trunk space in cars. It is anticipated that the new Absorbed Natural Gas (ANG) will be the competitor with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) which is currently stored in heavy tanks at high pressures of about 3600psi. Activated carbons obtained from the corn cob that has been through chemical activation process are used to make monoliths, in order to achieve the maximum density. The powdered form of the activated carbon is combined with a binding agent and pressed using a hydraulic press and die. By this process corn cobs can be converted into monolithic carbon and having methane uptake of 150v/v or more.NSF Program Alliance for Collaborative Research in Alternative Fuel Technology and Louis Stokes Missouri Alliance for Minority Participatio

By-product Formation in Respect of Operating Conditions on Conversion of Glycerol to Propylene Glycol [abstract]

Abstract only availableFaculty Mentor: Dr. Galen Suppes, Chemical EngineeringThe conversion reaction of glycerol to propylene glycol (PG) results in the yield of different products namely acetol, water, PG and it has also shown little selectivity toward ethylene glycol and other unknown by-products. These unidentified compounds are consequently called “unknowns”. In order to maximize the production of propylene glycol these unknown by-products have to be reduced. To properly assess the unknowns, Gas Chromatograph (GC) testing is done on the finish product in order to create new methods to eradicate the unknowns. PG and seven of the most prominent unknowns were chosen to carry out the study where the trends are studied in relation to propylene glycol and reaction conditions. The seven unknowns are named as the retention time shown in the gas chromatogram 8.74, 8.78, 9.11 (Ethylene Glycol), 9.15, 9.28, 9.32, and 9.405. The impact of two independent reaction parameters were investigated—referred to as Parameter A (PA) and Parameter B (PB). At higher PA less unknown are produced during the reaction. The value of PB applied in this reaction is very critical as the higher values result in the production of more unknowns and less PG in the end product. Based on this analysis, the reaction should be conducted at higher value of PA and low PB.Louis Stokes Missouri Alliance for Minority ParticipationMissouri Soybean Merchandizing Counci

Mice with targeted disruption of the acyl-CoA binding protein display attenuated urine concentrating ability and diminished renal aquaporin-3 abundance

The acyl-CoA binding protein (ACBP) is a small intracellular protein that specifically binds and transports medium to long chain acyl-CoA esters. Previous studies have shown that ACBP is ubiquitously expressed but found at particularly high levels in lipogenic cell types as well as in many epithelial cells. Here we show that ACBP is widely expressed in human and mouse kidney epithelium with the highest expression in the proximal convoluted tubules. To elucidate the role of ACBP in the renal epithelium, mice with targeted disruption of the ACBP gene (ACBP(-/-)) were used to study water and NaCl balance as well as urine concentrating ability in metabolic cages. Food intake and urinary excretion of Na(+) and K(+) did not differ between ACBP(-/-) and (+/+) mice. Water intake and diuresis were significantly higher at baseline in ACBP(-/-) mice compared to that of (+/+) mice. Subsequent to 20h water deprivation, ACBP(-/-) mice exhibited increased diuresis, reduced urine osmolality, elevated hematocrit and higher relative weight loss compared to (+/+) mice. There were no significant differences in plasma concentrations of renin, corticosterone and aldosterone between mice of the two genotypes. At baseline, renal medullary interstitial fluid osmolality was not different between genotypes. After water deprivation, renal medullary interstitial fluid osmolality rose significantly while osmolality and concentrations of Na(+), K(+) and urea did not differ between ACBP(-/-) and (+/+). Cyclic AMP excretion was similar. Renal aquaporin (AQP)-2 and -4 protein abundances did not differ between water-deprived ACBP (+/+) and (-/-) mice. AQP3 abundance was lower in water-deprived ACBP(-/-) mice than in (+/+) control animals. Thus, we conclude that ACBP is necessary for intact urine concentrating ability. Our data suggest that the deficiency in urine concentrating ability in the ACBP(-/-) may be caused by reduced AQP3 leading to impaired efflux over the basolateral membrane of the collecting duct

Introduction to the Eastern Arctic Marine Environmental Studies Program

The primary objective of the EAMES program was to collect, collate and interpret environmental data in order to prepare Environmental Impact Statements to be submitted to the Federal Environmental Assessment and Review Process. A secondary objective was to provide data to be used in the development of oil spill contingency plans. Within this context, two basic approaches emerge regarding the acquisition of environmental data: (1) survey techniques and (2) process-oriented studies. ... Most of the studies carried out were either comprehensive ship-borne operations or aerial surveys. Work was also undertaken from shore-based camps. Extensive use was made of remote sensing, by radar and satellites. ... The physical studies ... [comprised] three principal disciplines: oceanography, meteorology and geomorphology. ... The biological studies were primarily large-scale surveys, although there were several smaller-scale studies of specific features such as ice edges. The larger-scale studies were designed to document the distribution and abundance of organisms in all trophic levels .... Given the fact that the original reports were far too voluminous for distribution ... the decision was made to ask each of the scientists who contributed to the EAMES program to write up the essence of his or her study(s) as a scientific manuscript and subject it to the peer review system. The papers favourably evaluated would be published together in a single number of Arctic. ... This edition of Arctic contains that series of papers. ... The content of this issue is a reflection of the integrated, multi-disciplinary approach of the EAMES program and will permit the reader to see the ecosystem of the Baffin Bay/Lancaster Sound area as a whole, as well as the sum of its component parts. ..

RAF1-activated MEK1 is found on the Golgi apparatus in late prophase and is required for Golgi complex fragmentation in mitosis

Amitotically activated mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MEK1) fragments the pericentriolar Golgi stacks in mammalian cells. We show that activated MEK1 is found on the Golgi apparatus in late prophase. The fragmented and dispersed Golgi membranes in prometaphase and later stages of mitosis do not contain activated MEK1. MEK1-dependent Golgi complex fragmentation is through activation by RAF1 and not MEK1 kinase 1. We propose that a RAF1-dependent activation of MEK1 and its presence on the Golgi apparatus in late prophase is required for Golgi complex fragmentation