The interaction of procion dyes with aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases

Imperial Users onl

Propaganda or persuasion: The Communist Party and its campaign to integrate baseball

This thesis discusses whether propaganda, persuasion or a mix of both was used in the American Communist Party\u27s (CPUSA) campaign to integrate professional baseball. Representative articles published in the Daily and Sunday Worker sports sections from 1936 through 1947 were chosen for examination and analysis. Specifically, the use of god, devil, and charismatic terms are identified and discussed how the terms were used to educate, motivate, and activate members to participate. The use of charismatic terms is also examined in relationship to Aesopian language. The author concludes that a mix of propaganda and persuasion was used because intent of the campaign to secure new African American members was hidden from the audience. At the same time, the CPUSA also actively supported integration and consistently argued in support of this belief. In regard to Aesopian language, with the exception of name changes and one article from an Editorial Board member, little evidence suggests this form of propaganda was used during this particular campaign

Measurements of hillslope debris flow impact pressure on obstacles

We present measurements of hillslope debris flow impact pressures on small obstacles. Two impact sensors have been installed in a real-scale experimental site where 50m3 of water-saturated soil material are released from rest. Impact velocities vary between 2 and 13m/s; flow heights between 0.3 and 1.0m. The maximum impact pressures measured over 15 events represent between 2 and 50 times the equivalent static pressures. The measurements reveal that quadratic velocity-dependent formulas can be used to estimate impact pressures. Impact coefficients C are constant from front to tail and range between 0.4 < C < 0.8 according to the individual events. The pressure fluctuations to depend on the sensor size and are between 20% and 60% of the mean pressure values. Our results suggest that hazard guidelines for hillslope debris flows should be based on quadratic velocity-dependent formula

Comparison of 2D debris-flow simulation models with field events

Three two-dimensional (2D) debris-flow simulation models are applied to two large well-documented debris-flow events which caused major deposition of solid material on the fan. The models are based on a Voellmy fluid rheology reflecting turbulent-like and basal frictional stresses, a quadratic rheologic formulation including Bingham, collisional and turbulent stresses, and a Herschel-Bulkley rheology representing a viscoplastic fluid. The rheologic or friction parameters of the models are either assumed a priori or adjusted to best match field observations. All three models are capable of reasonably reproducing the depositional pattern on the alluvial fan after the models have been calibrated using historical data from the torrent. Accurate representation of the channel and fan topography is especially important to achieve a good replication of the observed deposition patter

Comparison of flow resistance relations for debris flows using a one-dimensional finite element simulation model

International audienceThis paper describes a one-dimensional finite element code for debris flows developed to model the flow within a steep channel and the stopping conditions on the fan. The code allows the systematic comparison of a wide variety of previously proposed one-phase flow resistance laws using the same finite element solution method. The one-dimensional depth-averaged equations of motion and the numerical model are explained. The model and implementation of the flow resistance relations was validated using published analytical results for the dam break case. Reasonable agreement for the front velocities and stopping location for a debris-flow event in the Kamikamihori torrent in Japan can be achieved with turbulent flow resistance relations including "stop" terms which allow the flow to come to rest on a gently sloping surface. While it is possible to match the overall bulk flow behavior using relatively simple flow resistance relations, they must be calibrated. A sensitivity analysis showed that the shape of the upstream input hydrograph does not much affect the flow conditions in the lower part of the flow path, whereas the event volume is much more important

A debris-flow alarm system for the Alpine Illgraben catchment: design and performance

We describe the development, implementation, and first analyses of the performance of a debris-flow warning system for the Illgraben catchment and debris fan area. The Illgraben catchment (9.5km2), located in the Canton of Valais, Switzerland, in the Rhone River valley, is characterized by frequent and voluminous sediment transport and debris-flow activity, and is one of the most active debris-flow catchments in the Alps. It is the site of an instrumented debris-flow observation station in operation since the year 2000. The residents in Susten (municipality Leuk), tourists, and other land users, are exposed to a significant hazard. The warning system consists of four modules: community organizational planning (hazard awareness and preparedness), event detection and alerting, geomorphic catchment observation, and applied research to facilitate the development of an early warning system based on weather forecasting. The system presently provides automated alert signals near the active channel prior to (5-15min) the arrival of a debris flow or flash flood at the uppermost frequently used channel crossing. It is intended to provide data to support decision-making for warning and evacuation, especially when unusually large debris flows are expected to leave the channel near populated areas. First-year results of the detection and alert module in comparison with the data from the independent debris-flow observation station are generally favorable. Twenty automated alerts (alarms) were issued, which triggered flashing lights and sirens at all major footpaths crossing the channel bed, for three debris flows and 16 flood flows. Only one false alarm was issued. The major difficulty we encountered is related to the variability and complexity of the events (e.g., events consisting of multiple surges) and can be largely solved by increasing the duration of the alarm. All of the alarms for hazardous events were produced by storms with a rainfall duration and intensity larger than the threshold for debris-flow activity that was defined in an earlier study, supporting our intention to investigate the use of rainfall forecasts to increase the time available for warning and implementation of active countermeasure