A model for solids transport in flighted rotary dryers based on physical considerations

The following paper outlines the development of empirically fitted and pseudo-physically derived compartment models of a flighted rotary dryer with counter current airflow processing solid material. Underloaded, overloaded and design-loaded dryers are considered. Four key parameters are estimated to fit the empirical model to industrial residence time distribution data and common empirical mean residence time/holdup correlations. Utilising the fundamental structure of the empirical model and physical and mechanical properties such as the dryer and flight geometry as well as solids material properties, the number of estimated parameters in the pseudo-physical model was reduced to 2. The experimental data required to characterise and validate the models is discussed. Optimisations to determine the model parameters were undertaken by comparison with an experimental residence time distribution curve for an industrial dryer processing sugar. Simulation of the model using gPROMS^® illustrates model performance. The potential to integrate the solids transport model and a full heat and mass transfer model is also discussed.     

Applicability of X-ray reflectometry to studies of polymer solar cell degradation

Although degradation of polymer solar cells is widely acknowledged, the cause, physical or chemical, has not been identified. The purpose of this work is to determine the applicability of X-ray reflectometry for in situ observation of physical degradation mechanisms. We find that the rough interfaces of the polymer solar cell constituent layers seriously obstruct the sensitivity of the technique, rendering it impossible to elucidate changes in the layer/interface structure at the sub-nanometer level.     

Early specification and autonomous development of cortical fields in the mouse hippocampus

Studies of the specification of distinct areas in the developing cerebral cortex have until now focused mainly on neocortex. We demonstrate that the hippocampus, an archicortical structure, offers an elegant, alternative system in which to explore cortical area specification. Individual hippocampal areas, called CA fields, display striking molecular differences in maturity. We use these distinct patterns of gene expression as markers of CA field identity, and show that the two major hippocampal fields, CA1 and CA3, are specified early in hippocampal development, during the period of neurogenesis. Two field-specific markers display consistent patterns of expression from the embryo to the adult. Presumptive CA1 and CA3 fields (Pca1, Pca3) can therefore be identified between embryonic days 14.5 and 15.5 in the mouse, a week before the fields are morphologically distinct. No other individual cortical areas have been detected by gene expression as early in development. Indeed, other features that distinguish between the CA fields appear after birth, indicating that mature CA field identity is acquired over at least 3 weeks. To determine if Pca1 and Pca3 are already specified to acquire mature CA field identities, the embryonic fields were isolated from further potential specification cues by maintaining them in slice culture. CA field development proceeds in slices of the entire embryonic hippocampus. More strikingly, slices restricted to Pca1 or Pca3 alone also develop appropriate mature features of CA1 or CA3. Pca1 and Pca3 are therefore able to develop complex characteristics of mature CA field identity autonomously, that is, without contact or innervation from other fields or other parts of the brain. Because Pca1 and Pca3 can be identified before major afferents grow into the hippocampus, innervation may also be unnecessary for the initial division of the hippocampus into separate fields. Providing a clue to the source of the true specifying signals, the earliest field markers appear first at the poles of the hippocampus, then progress inwards. General hippocampal development does not follow this pronounced pattern. We suggest that the sources of signals that specify hippocampal field identity lie close to the hippocampal poles, and that the signals operate first on cells at the poles, then move inwards.     

Performing accurate joint kinematics from 3-D in vivo image sequences through consensus-driven simultaneous registration.

This paper addresses the problem of the robust registration of multiple observations of the same object. Such a problem typically arises whenever it becomes necessary to recover the trajectory of an evolving object observed through standard 3-D medical imaging techniques. The instances of the tracked object are assumed to be variously truncated, locally subject to morphological evolutions throughout the sequence, and imprinted with significant segmentation errors as well as significant noise perturbations. The algorithm operates through the robust and simultaneous registration of all surface instances of a given object through median consensus. This operation consists of two interwoven processes set up to work in close collaboration. The first one progressively generates a median and implicit shape computed with respect to current estimations of the registration transformations, while the other refines these transformations with respect to the current estimation of their median shape. When compared with standard robust techniques, tests reveal significant improvements, both in robustness and precision. The algorithm is based on widely-used techniques, and proves highly effective while offering great flexibility of utilization.     

Wind effects of parapets on low buildings: Part 1. Basic aerodynamics and local loads

This is the first paper in a series on the effects of parapets on the wind-induced loads on low buildings. Part 1 focuses on the basic aerodynamic effects of parapets and the local (components and cladding) loads. Wind tunnel data were obtained from about 700 pressure taps in the area of a corner panel of 3.7 m×7.6 m (equivalent full-scale dimensions) for several parapet heights and configurations. Significant downward loads were observed which exceed code values for all parapet heights. This may be significant when combined with other loads (such as snow or water). It was also found that parapets alter the suction loads on the roof by changing the location of the corner vortex relative to the roof, for continuous perimetric parapets, and the type of vortex formed, for isolated (single wall) parapets. In the ASCE-defined interior region, the measured coefficients for component and cladding loads exceed those in the code for all parapets and areas examined. For the edge zone, the experimental coefficients for areas less than 1 m² exceed the code values (except for tall perimetric parapets). However, it was found that the component and cladding loads in the ASCE 7 adequately envelope the uplift caused by perimetric parapets in the corner zone for H=4.6 m, but not for isolated parapets, in particular for areas less than 1 m². It was also discussed that the ASCE 7 will be unconservative for larger eaves heights since H² is the correct normalizing factor for roof areas beneath the separated flow. Furthermore, the use of edge zone coefficients in the corner zone for h ?0.9 m should be changed to h/(H+h)?0.23 in the ASCE 7.     

Limits on a Common Approximation for Layered Consolidation Analysis

A widely used procedure for solving the problem of vertical consolidation of layers with different properties is to transform the thicknesses of the layers in proportion to the square root of their coefficients of consolidation. However, the Gray–Barber closed-form solution shows that this procedure is not correct except under a restrictive set of conditions. The transformation method should not be used. When solutions are needed for layered systems, the Gary–Barber solution or numerical methods should be employed.     

Female counselor–client dyads: Effects of counselor age, client marital status, and intimacy level of presenting problem on perceptions of counselors.

Explored the impact of counselor age, level of intimacy of clients' presenting problems, and client marital status on perception of counselors and the counseling relationship with 48 married females (mean age 21.9 yrs) and 48 unmarried females (mean age 26.3 yrs). Ss viewed a series of 3 videotapes, which were counterbalanced for level of intimacy of client's presenting problems and depicted initial interviews between young female clients and either younger or older female counselors. After viewing each individual vignette, Ss completed a counselor rating form, a client satisfaction form, and manipulation checks for presenting problem intimacy and counselor age. Overall, differences in presenting problems and counselor age were perceived as intended. Ss' marital status was unrelated to any measures. Counselors were judged as most expert, attractive, and trustworthy when dealing with presenting problems that were least intimate. Ss anticipated greater satisfaction with younger rather than older counselors only for the least intimate presenting problem. (22 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Report of an IEEE Task Force?An IEEE Opinion on Research Needs for Biomedical Engineerng Systems

MORE than 200 years ago, our forefathers made note of man's inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To the engineering community (applied science in the service of man), these may be coincident with applications to medicine and biology (biomedical engineering), defense, and entertainment. Biomedical engineering research has the distinction, among these three missions, of not only contributing to the quality of human life through the industrial economy but also to life itself?the most fundamental concern of all people. It is through biomedical engineering research that we have been able to learn much concerning the functioning of living systems, and it is through such knowledge that we have been able to develop improved clinical diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment, including life-sustaining devices and aids to the handicapped. Each step represents an improvement in the quality of life, and each step forms the foundation upon which to gain new knowledge to improve upon earlier developments.