Hybrid finite-volume/transported PDF simulations of a partially premixed methane-air flame

A hybrid finite-volume (FV)/transported probability density function (PDF) method is used for the simulation of a partially premixed flame with detailed chemistry. The FV code is implemented to handle detailed chemistry implicitly with no subgrid closure. A partially premixed methane-air flame is simulated to illustrate the need for closure. The PDF scheme is then substituted to handle the species transport using a subgrid mixing model. The algorithmic modifications to the PDF code are discussed in the context of a generalized structured grid solution technique. A multi-step particle transport algorithm is used to eliminate grid dependence of the time step. A detailed chemistry mechanism (GRI-2.11) is handled using in situ adaptive tabulation. It is shown that with simple modifications, the Interaction by Exchange with the Mean mixing model is able to predict the flame quite accurately. Mean profiles and conditional means obtained using the 49-species GRI-2.11 and 53-species GRI-3.0 mechanisms and the 16-species Augmented Reduced Mechanism are compared with the experimental data from the Sandia D flame. It is shown that with the mixing model, good agreement with the experimental data is achieved. Also the effect of the value of the mechanical-to-scalar time-scale ratio used in the mixing model is analyzed. The effect of the model constants in the dissipation equation for the turbulence model and the effect of radiation on flame predictions are also discussed.     

A Distortion-Sensitive Seam Carving Algorithm for Content-Aware Image Resizing

As displays become less expensive and are incorporated into more and more devices, there has been an increased focus on image resizing techniques to fill an image to an arbitrary screen size. Traditional methods such as cropping or resampling can introduce undesirable losses in information or distortion in perception. Recently, content-aware image retargeting methods have been proposed (Avidan and Shamir, ACM Trans Graphics 26(3), 2007; Guo et al., IEEE Trans Multimedia 11(5):856–867, 2009; Shamir and Avidan, Commun ACM 52(1), 2009; Simakov et al. 2008; Wolf et al. 2007), which produce exceptional results. In particular, seam carving, proposed by Avidan and Shamir, has gained attention as an effective solution. However, there are many cases where it can fail. In this paper we propose a distortion-sensitive seam carving algorithm for content-aware image resizing that improves edge preservation and decreases aliasing artifacts. In the proposed approach, we use local gradient information along with a thresholding technique to guide the seam selection process and provide a mechanism to halt seam carving when further processing would introduce unacceptable visual distortion in the resized image. Furthermore, anti-aliasing filter is used to reduce the aliasing artifacts caused by seam removal. Experiments have demonstrated superior performance over the current seam carving methods.     

Carfilzomib Promotes the Unfolded Protein Response and Apoptosis in Cetuximab-Resistant Colorectal Cancer

Cetuximab is a common treatment option for patients with wild-type K-Ras colorectal carcinoma. However, patients often display intrinsic resistance or acquire resistance to cetuximab following treatment. Here we generate two human CRC cells with acquired resistance to cetuximab that are derived from cetuximab-sensitive parental cell lines. These cetuximab-resistant cells display greater in vitro proliferation, colony formation and migration, and in vivo tumour growth compared with their parental counterparts. To evaluate potential alternative therapeutics to cetuximab-acquired-resistant cells, we tested the efficacy of 38 current FDA-approved agents against our cetuximab-acquired-resistant clones. We identified carfilzomib, a selective proteosome inhibitor to be most effective against our cell lines. Carfilzomib displayed potent antiproliferative effects, induced the unfolded protein response as determined by enhanced CHOP expression and ATF6 activity, and enhanced apoptosis as determined by enhanced caspase-3/7 activity. Overall, our results indicate a potentially novel indication for carfilzomib: that of a potential alternative agent to treat cetuximab-resistant colorectal cancer.     

Working Alliance, Treatment Satisfaction, and Patterns of Posttreatment Use Among Adolescent Substance Users.

This longitudinal study examined the relationships among the working alliance, treatment satisfaction, and posttreatment use among adolescents in treatment for substance abuse. Adolescents (N = 600) from the Cannabis Youth Treatment study (M. L. Dennis et al., 2002) completed measures of working alliance and treatment satisfaction as well as substance use and substance-related problems at intake and 3, 6, 9, 12, and 30 months' postintake. When controlling for initial substance use and substance-related problems, working alliance, but not treatment satisfaction, predicted use at 3 and 6 months' postintake. Neither working alliance nor treatment satisfaction were predictive of longitudinal patterns of posttreatment use. Implications for the assessment of working alliance and treatment satisfaction are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

运营控制与项目治理

在过去的三期文章里，我主要阐述了项目的治理问题。本期我们来讨论运营控制和单个项目的治理，如图1所示。达两个主题涵盖了传统的项目管理的所有内容，在这里我只着重阐述以下两方面：     

Parametric optimisation of composite shell structures for an aircraft Krueger flap

This paper details the conceptual design optimisation of the configuration and composite lay-ups used to replace the conventional honeycomb stiffened structure of a Krueger flap. The multiple composite laminates selected for redesigning the lay-ups within an initial symmetrical quasi-isotropic ply configuration of [0/45/−45/90]_s, had to demonstrate full orthotropic characteristics. In order to construct a numerical process to optimise the required multi-layered composite shells, a commercial finite element code, Ansys, was used to develop a parametric analysis file. This analysis subroutine was then integrated into an Ansys Parametric Design Language code embedding the objective of the optimisation process––mass minimisation––as well as all the constraints and the allowable domains of the parameters. The paper, in its conclusion, presents a comparison between the original product and the optimal design, and reviews the advantages of the future implementation of this design.     

New directions for graduate training in consulting psychology.

This article develops the theme that the field of consulting psychology needs its own doctoral training programs. The work of Division 13 (Consulting Psychology) of the American Psychological Association in identifying model doctoral training programs in consulting psychology is described. Alternative training models to reach the same core competencies are also discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Radiative heat flux measurement uncertainty

As part of an effort to characterize the uncertainties associated with heat flux measurements in a fire environment, an uncertainty analysis example was performed using measurement data from a room corner surface products test that followed the guidelines of ISO 9705. Equations to model the heat transfer at the surface of a Schmidt‐Boelter (thermopile) type total heat flux gauge were selected for use to calculate the incident radiative flux from a total heat flux measurement. The effects of the heat flux measurement uncertainty sources were evaluated by conducting an uncertainty propagation on the resulting equation for incident radiation. For the model equations and the example conditions selected, the free‐stream temperature estimate and the heat flux gauge calibration constant were determined to be major uncertainty contributors. The study demonstrates how to systematically identify major sources of uncertainty for the purpose of reducing total uncertainty and thereby enhancing experiment design. Published in 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.