Influence of Material Selection and Fabrication Process Repeatability on Mechanical Properties of Glass-Polymer Matrix Composite Structures

This study has aimed to evaluate property uniformity from data obtained utilizing one design of a single layup composite plaque, three sources of glass fibers and a single, industry accepted resin to produce a repeatable fabrication process. This thesis has investigated the following: 1. Whether the type of glass (E-Glass, S-Glass, and R-Glass) influences the property values of individually tested samples compared between glass types. 2. Whether the type of glass influences the property uniformity throughout the set of tested samples. 3. Whether the composite plaque design and resulting performance, as defined by ASTM Standards or industry accepted parameters, is adequate for use in the defined military application or wind specific application. The resulting data showed trends that established the relationship between the mechanical properties of the materials used in constructing the composites and the properties of fabricated composite test plaques. The S-glass resulted in the highest ultimate fracture strength and modulus, yet had the highest properties per cost value. The E-glass demonstrated the worst mechanical properties of the three grades, however had the highest value comparing properties to cost. All of the composites were fabricated a

Phenolic metabolites of anthocyanins modulate mechanisms of endothelial function

Anthocyanins are reported to have vascular bioactivity, however their mechanisms of action are largely unknown. Evidence suggests that anthocyanins modulate endothelial function, potentially by increasing nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, or enhancing NO bioavailability. This study compared the activity of cyanidin-3-glucoside, its degradation product protocatechuic acid, and phase II metabolite, vanillic acid. Production of NO and superoxide and expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), NADPH oxidase (NOX), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were established in human vascular cell models. Nitric oxide levels were not modulated by the treatments, although eNOS was upregulated by cyanidin-3-glucoside, and superoxide production was decreased by both phenolic acids. Vanillic acid upregulated p22phox mRNA but did not alter NOX protein expression, although trends were observed for p47phox downregulation and HO-1 upregulation. Anthocyanin metabolites may therefore modulate vascular reactivity by inducing HO-1 and modulating NOX activity, resulting in reduced superoxide production and improved NO bioavailability

Insight into the pathogenesis and nature of Central giant cell lesions of the jaws

Central giant cell lesions of the jaws are not uncommon. While the majority of these represent single, sporadic lesions, histologically identical lesions are seen in association with a number of other bone lesions, as well as in certain syndromes. This manuscript offers a brief update on recent developments in this area that provide new insight into the pathogenesis and nature of Central Giant Cell Lesions of the Jaws

Preliminary Analysis of the Degree and Patterns of Seasonal Mobility within Australia

Seasonal variation or seasonality is a critical, yet under-researched, dimension of temporary mobility. Koenig and Bischcoff's (2003) recent paper 'Seasonality of tourism in Wales; a comparative analysis' outlined a methodology for examining and comparing patterns of seasonality in tourism data. The methodology outlined in that paper has been replicated here using Australian data