16,137 research outputs found
Doppler measurements of the ionosphere on the occasion of the Apollo-Soyuz test project. Part 2: Inversion of differential and rotating Doppler shifts
The preparation of the analytical approach and of the related software used in the inversion of the differential and rotating Doppler data obtained from the ionospheric experiment of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP) is discussed. These data were collected in space-to-space paths (between the ASTP Docking Module (DM) and the Apollo Command Service Module and in space-to-ground paths (between the DM and ground). The Doppler links operated at 162 and 324 MHz and have an accuracy better than 3 MHz over 10-sec integration time. The inversion approach was tested with dummy data obtained with a computer simulation. It was found that a measurement accuracy of 1 to 10% in the value of the horizontal electron density gradient at 221-km altitude can be achieved, in space-to-space paths. For space-to-ground paths near the orbital plane, possible effects of the horizontal gradients on the received differential Doppler shifts were identified. It was possible to reduce the gradient-associated errors in the inversion that leads to the columnar electron content by approximately one-half. Accuracies of 5 to 10% in columnar electron content are achievable, with this gradient-compensation technique
Energy efficient engine. Low pressure turbine test hardware detailed design report
The low pressure turbine for the energy efficient engine is a five-stage configuration with moderate aerodynamic loading incorporating advanced features of decambered airfoils and extended blade overlaps at platforms and shrouds. Mechanical integrity of 18,000 hours on flowpath components and 36,000 hours on all other components is achieved along with no aeromechanical instabilities within the steady-state operating range. Selection of a large number (156) of stage 4 blades, together with an increased stage 4 vane-to-blade gap, assists in achieving FAR 36 acoustic goals. Active clearance control (ACC) of gaps at blade tips and interstage seals is achieved by fan air cooling judiciously applied at responsive locations on the casing. This ACC system is a major improvement in preventing deterioration of the 0.0381 cm (0.015 in.) clearances required to meet the integrated-core/low-spool turbine efficiency goal of 91.1% and the light propulsion system efficiency goal of 91.7%
A variational principle for fluid sloshing with vorticity, dynamically coupled to vessel motion
A variational principle is derived for two-dimensional incompressible
rotational fluid flow with a free surface in a moving vessel when both the
vessel and fluid motion are to be determined. The fluid is represented by a
stream function and the vessel motion is represented by a path in the planar
Euclidean group. Novelties in the formulation include how the pressure boundary
condition is treated, the introduction of a stream function into the
Euler-Poincar\'e variations, the derivation of free surface variations, and how
the equations for the vessel path in the Euclidean group, coupled to the fluid
motion, are generated automatically.Comment: 19 pages, 3 figure
A migrating epithelial monolayer flows like a Maxwell viscoelastic liquid
We perform a bidimensional Stokes experiment in an active cellular material:
an autonomously migrating monolayer of Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK)
epithelial cells flows around a circular obstacle within a long and narrow
channel, involving an interplay between cell shape changes and neighbour
rearrangements. Based on image analysis of tissue flow and coarse-grained cell
anisotropy, we determine the tissue strain rate, cell deformation and
rearrangement rate fields, which are spatially heterogeneous. We find that the
cell deformation and rearrangement rate fields correlate strongly, which is
compatible with a Maxwell viscoelastic liquid behaviour (and not with a
Kelvin-Voigt viscoelastic solid behaviour). The value of the associated
relaxation time is measured as ~min, is observed to be
independent of obstacle size and division rate, and is increased by inhibiting
myosin activity. In this experiment, the monolayer behaves as a flowing
material with a Weissenberg number close to one which shows that both elastic
and viscous effects can have comparable contributions in the process of
collective cell migration.Comment: 17 pages, 15 figure
Simulations of Electron Capture and Low-Mass Iron Core Supernovae
The evolutionary pathways of core-collapse supernova progenitors at the
low-mass end of the spectrum are beset with major uncertainties. In recent
years, a variety of evolutionary channels has been discovered in addition to
the classical electron capture supernova channel of super-AGB stars. The few
available progenitor models at the low-mass end have been studied with great
success in supernova simulations as the peculiar density structure makes for
robust neutrino-driven explosions in this mass range. Detailed nucleosynthesis
calculations have been conducted both for models of electron capture supernovae
and low-mass iron core supernovae and revealed an interesting production of the
lighter trans-iron elements (such as Zn, Sr, Y, Zr) as well as rare isotopes
like Ca-48 and Fe-60. We stress the need to explore the low-mass end of the
supernova spectrum further and link various observables to understand the
diversity of explosions in this regime.Comment: 7 page, 3 figures, proceedings of the conference "The AGB-Supernova
Mass Transition", to appear in Memorie della Societ\`a Astronomica Italian
Fixing the ‘Ready’ in E-Learning Readiness
Evaluating the effectiveness of e-learning systems (ELSs) for course delivery can be achieved by measuring the user’s level of readiness for the ELS. While e-learning readiness (e-readiness) is well researched using several models, studies generally provide recommendations for the institution or instructor. However, most students are typically not equipped for using the ELS. This chapter focuses on assisting students in online and face-to-face courses who have e-readiness challenges when accessing an ELS throughout a semester. A survey captures responses on their technological, lifestyle and learning preparedness for the ELS to produce an e-readiness score. A modified DeLone and McLean model evaluates the impact of their level of e-readiness during their use of the ELS. Identifying where and when students have difficulties, pinpointing their deficits or recommending the more appropriate modality could help students achieve a positive course outcome
Potential HPAI Shocks and Welfare Implications of Market Power in the U.S. Broiler Industry
Recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Asia, Europe, and Africa have caused severe impacts on the broiler sector through production losses, trade restrictions and negative shocks to demand. This study develops a multimarket econometric model that is the basis of simulations to assess the spread and market implications of a potential HPAI outbreak in U.S. broiler industry. It takes into account market power that might exist within the livestock and meat sectors and endogenizes the optimal production condition on the model system. The results imply that the HPAI shocks affect prices at different marketing levels unequally and change the price margins along the supply chain with the existence of market power. The change in the price margin, although statistically significant, is quite small in absolute value.animal disease, broilers, HPAI, market power, meat market price margins, Agricultural and Food Policy,
Analgesic action of acetaminophen in symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee
Objectives. The study was designed to investigate the analgesic effects and mechanisms of acetaminophen (paracetamol) in symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Methods. Twenty patients with symptomatic OA were randomly allocated to two groups treated with either acetaminophen or rofecoxib for 3 months. Visits and measurements were scheduled upon entry (T0), at month 1 (T1) and at month 3 (T3). The intensity of joint pain was evaluated with a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). The physical function of the affected knee was evaluated with a questionnaire comparable to the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Levels of serotonin, substance P (SP) and β-endorphin (BEND) were determined with commercial enzyme-linked immunoassay kits. The expression of κ opioid receptor (KOR) in peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMCs) was quantified by real-time PCR. Results. Both acetaminophen and rofecoxib relieved pain considerably but with different kinetics, and affected different biomarkers. Rofecoxib appeared to be more efficient, reducing pain intensity by 56% at T1 (P<0.01), whereas acetaminophen reduced it by only 29%. Physical function improved in both groups by T3. Correlated with the pain relief, acetaminophen significantly reduced plasma BEND levels, whereas rofecoxib did not do so. In both groups plasma SP levels were elevated compared with T0. A reduction in serum serotonin was detected in the rofecoxib group at T1 (P=0.004) but had recovered at T3. No changes in KOR mRNA in PBMCs were observed in either group. Conclusions. There is a correlation between reduction in circulating BEND and OA pain relief in patients treated with acetaminophe
Criterion for purely elastic Taylor-Couette instability in the flows of shear-banding fluids
In the past twenty years, shear-banding flows have been probed by various
techniques, such as rheometry, velocimetry and flow birefringence. In micellar
solutions, many of the data collected exhibit unexplained spatio-temporal
fluctuations. Recently, it has been suggested that those fluctuations originate
from a purely elastic instability of the flow. In cylindrical Couette geometry,
the instability is reminiscent of the Taylor-like instability observed in
viscoelastic polymer solutions. In this letter, we describe how the criterion
for purely elastic Taylor-Couette instability should be adapted to
shear-banding flows. We derive three categories of shear-banding flows with
curved streamlines, depending on their stability.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figure
Analgesic action of acetaminophen in symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee
Objectives. The study was designed to investigate the analgesic effects and mechanisms of acetaminophen (paracetamol) in symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Methods. Twenty patients with symptomatic OA were randomly allocated to two groups treated with either acetaminophen or rofecoxib for 3 months. Visits and measurements were scheduled upon entry (T0), at month 1 (T1) and at month 3 (T3). The intensity of joint pain was evaluated with a 100-mm visual analogue scale (VAS). The physical function of the affected knee was evaluated with a questionnaire comparable to the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Levels of serotonin, substance P (SP) and β-endorphin (BEND) were determined with commercial enzyme-linked immunoassay kits. The expression of κ opioid receptor (KOR) in peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMCs) was quantified by real-time PCR. Results. Both acetaminophen and rofecoxib relieved pain considerably but with different kinetics, and affected different biomarkers. Rofecoxib appeared to be more efficient, reducing pain intensity by 56% at T1 (P<0.01), whereas acetaminophen reduced it by only 29%. Physical function improved in both groups by T3. Correlated with the pain relief, acetaminophen significantly reduced plasma BEND levels, whereas rofecoxib did not do so. In both groups plasma SP levels were elevated compared with T0. A reduction in serum serotonin was detected in the rofecoxib group at T1 (P=0.004) but had recovered at T3. No changes in KOR mRNA in PBMCs were observed in either group. Conclusions. There is a correlation between reduction in circulating BEND and OA pain relief in patients treated with acetaminophe
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