High supersonic stability and control characteristics of a 0.015-scale (remotely controlled elevon) model 49-0 of the space shuttle orbiter tested in the NASA/LaRC 4-foot UPWT (LEG 2) (LA63B)

The model tested was a Langley-built 0.015-scale SSV Orbiter model with remote independently operated left and right elevon surfaces. The objective of the test was to generate a detailed aerodynamic data base for the current Shuttle Orbiter Configuration. Special attention was directed to definition of nonlinear aerodynamic characteristics by taking data at small increments, angle of attack, angle of sideslip, and elevon position. Six-component aerodynamic force and moment and elevon position data were recorded over an angle-of-attack range from -4 deg to 45 deg, at angles of sideslip of 0 deg, + or - 2 deg, and + or - 4 deg. Additional tests were made over an angle of sideslip range from -6 deg to 8 deg at selected angles of attack. The test Mach numbers were 2.86, 3.90, and 4.60 with Reynolds number held at a constant two million per foot

Colour normalisation to reduce inter-patient and intra-patient variability in microaneurysm detection in colour retinal images

Images of the human retina vary considerably in their appearance depending on the skin pigmentation (amount of melanin) of the subject. Some form of normalisation of colour in retinal images is required for automated analysis of images if good sensitivity and specificity at detecting lesions is to be achieved in populations involving diverse races. Here we describe an approach to colour normalisation by shade-correction intra-image and histogram normalisation inter-image. The colour normalisation is assessed by its effect on the automated detection of microaneurysms in retinal images. It is shown that the Na¨ıve Bayes classifier used in microaneurysm detection benefits from the use of features measured over colour normalised images

\u3cem\u3eAnolis\u3c/em\u3e Sex Chromosomes Are Derived from A Single Ancestral Pair

To explain the frequency and distribution of heteromorphic sex chromosomes in the lizard genus Anolis, we compared the relative roles of sex chromosome conservation versus turnover of sex‐determining mechanisms. We used model‐based comparative methods to reconstruct karyotype evolution and the presence of heteromorphic sex chromosomes onto a newly generated Anolis phylogeny. We found that heteromorphic sex chromosomes evolved multiple times in the genus. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) of repetitive DNA showed variable rates of Y chromosome degeneration among Anolis species and identified previously undetected, homomorphic sex chromosomes in two species. We confirmed homology of sex chromosomes in the genus by performing FISH of an X‐linked bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) and quantitative PCR of X‐linked genes in multiple Anolis species sampled across the phylogeny. Taken together, these results are consistent with long‐term conservation of sex chromosomes in the group. Our results pave the way to address additional questions related to Anolis sex chromosome evolution and describe a conceptual framework that can be used to evaluate the origins and evolution of heteromorphic sex chromosomes in other clades

Tertiary Climate Change and the Diversification of the Amazonian Gecko Genus Gonatodes (Sphaerodactylidae, Squamata)

The genus Gonatodes is a monophyletic group of small-bodied, diurnal geckos distributed across northern South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. We used fragments of three nuclear genes (RAG2, ACM4, and c-mos) and one mitochondrial gene (16S) to estimate phylogenetic relationships among Amazonian species of Gonatodes. We used Penalized Likelihood to estimate timing of diversification in the genus. Most cladogenesis occurred in the Oligocene and early Miocene and coincided with a burst of diversification in other South American animal groups including mollusks, birds, and mammals. The Oligocene and early Miocene were periods dominated by dramatic climate change and Andean orogeny and we suggest that these factors drove the burst of cladogenesis in Gonatodes geckos as well as other taxa. A common pattern in Amazonian taxa is a biogeographic split between the eastern and western Amazon basin. We observed two clades with this spatial distribution, although large differences in timing of divergence between the east–west taxon pairs indicate that these divergences were not the result of a common vicariant event

Crushing of Cultures: Western Applied Science in Northern Societies

Western scientific traditions and technology are both vital underpinnings for the dominant culture in the Americas. Although only rarely acknowledged as such, both science and technology are value laden. Both define and are defined by a habitual way of thinking that is rational and hence "true." While this tradition of thinking provides a kind of intellectual rigor and strength, it can also be tyrannical. The unbending thought habits that provide the strength and rigor in the scientific tradition also give rise to intolerance that often crushes other world views. This paper highlights issues that exemplify the problems inherent in applying Western scientific traditions in traditional northern societies. Citing personal experience with the creation of a new town for Indian peoples in the north, and drawing from Western philosophy and psychology, the author raises questions about cherished values and beliefs that are often unconsciously a part of the Western scientific tradition.Key words: scientific traditions, applied science/engineering, cultural conflict, Native American societies, northern development, aboriginal traditions and western psychology, Rae-Edzo, new towns, northern policy and planningMots clés: traditions scientifiques, science et génie appliqués, conflit culturel, sociétés autochtones américaines, développement du nord, traditions autochtones et psycologie occidentale, Rae-Edzo, nouveaux villages, politique et planification du nor

5-Bar Linkage Kinematic Solver and Simulator

The 5-Bar Linkage (5BL) is a planar robot design that is mechanically far simpler than standard x-y gantry style planar robots. While simpler and cheaper to construct, the kinematics of the 5BL are non-linear and more complex than the gantry style. Making open-source path control software available for 5BL style robots, would greatly increase accessibility to planar robots such as laser cutters, 3D printers, and CNC mills. Singularities, working modes, and error sensitivity are discussed and analyzed. Finally, a simple transform to approximate the forward and inverse kinematics is proposed

Experimental Analysis of Propeller Interactions with a Flexible Wing Micro-Air-Vehicle

An investigation into the effects of the propeller slipstream on a flexible wing micro-air-vehicle (MAV) was conducted. The Air Force Research Lab, Munitions Directorate designed a man-portable MAV with a 24 in. wingspan and 6 in. root chord to be used for battle damage assessment and reconnaissance. Two wings have been developed for this MAV. One is a rigid carbon-fiber wing and the other consists of flexible parachute material attached to a carbon-fiber skeleton. Experimental methods were implemented to investigate propeller and wing interactions, characterizing torque and thrust requirements on the motor along with aerodynamic forces on the aircraft as the wing was placed in various locations. Initially, the motor and propeller were mounted on an air bearing table and connected to a torque and load cell. A fuselage prototype was developed and built to mount the wing at multiple heights and distances from the propeller while keeping the same angle of attack. The airframe was attached to a six degree-of-freedom balance. A tri-axial hot-wire anemometer was used to capture velocity profiles in the wind tunnel to characterize propeller wake interactions. Momentum theory provided a method to extract drag and thrust from the velocity profiles. Propeller wake results indicate 12-18% of propeller thrust translates into aircraft drag while 25-45% of motor torque is countered by aircraft roll moment. Values depend on wing location. Results indicate that changing wing location is a viable option for improving pitch and yaw stability, without increasing power requirements