Impact-induced delayed detonation in an energetic material debris bubble formed at an air gap

A planar model of a rocket motor has been developed that allows reaction in a central bore perforated by a projectile to be viewed with high-speed photography. Earlier work with this model showed that a “bubble” of propellant debris forms in the air gap between energetic material layers (bore region) as a result of projectile penetration of one of the layers. Ignition of the bubble occurs upon impact with the second layer, followed by a reaction ranging from mild burning to delayed delonation, depending on the width of the air gap, properties of the energetic material, and degree of confinement. The present paper presents the results of experimental and hydrocode studies to characterize the latter (delayed detonation) reaction. Results show that reaction initiates in the frontal portion of the bubble wall through mechanical (impact) shock. It then propagates backward through the bubble wall towards the first layer which then detonates. Detonation of the second layer occurs sympathetically. The reaction is bounded by a lower velocity limit and confined within a range of air gaps that increases with impact velocity. The upper-air-gap limit roughly coincides with the maximum expansion distance for the bubble before breakup, while the lower limit represents the minimum (threshold) damage level for detonation.     

Mapping of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDC3, CDC25, and CDC42 genes to chromosome XII by chromosome blotting and tetrad analysis

CDC3, CDC25 and CDC42 were localized to chromosome XII by hybridizing the cloned genes to Southern blots of chromosomes separated by orthogonal-field-alternation gel electrophoresis. Meiotic tetrad analyses further localized these genes to the region distal to the RDN1 locus on the right arm of the chromosome. The STE11 gene, which had previously been mapped to chromosome XII (Chaleff and Tatchell, 1985), was found to be tightly linked to ILV5. The data suggest a map order of CEN12-RDN1-CDC42-(CDC25-CDC3)-(ILV5- STE11)-URA4. Certain oddities of the data set raise the possibility that there may be constraints on the patterns of recombination in this region of chromosome XII.     

Ecological consequences of hydropower development in Central America: impacts of small dams and water diversion on neotropical stream fish assemblages

Small dams for hydropower have caused widespread alteration of Central American rivers, yet much of recent development has gone undocumented by scientists and conservationists. We examined the ecological effects of a small hydropower plant (Doña Julia Hydroelectric Center) on two low‐order streams (the Puerto Viejo River and Quebradon stream) draining a mountainous area of Costa Rica. Operation of the Doña Julia plant has dewatered these streams, reducing discharge to ～10% of average annual flow. This study compared fish assemblage composition and aquatic habitat upstream and downstream of diversion dams on two streams and along a ～4 km dewatered reach of the Puerto Viejo River in an attempt to evaluate current instream flow recommendations for regulated Costa Rican streams. Our results indicated that fish assemblages directly upstream and downstream of the dam on the third order Puerto Viejo River were dissimilar, suggesting that the small dam (< 15 m high) hindered movement of fishes. Along the ～4 km dewatered reach of the Puerto Viejo River, species count increased with downstream distance from the dam. However, estimated species richness and overall fish abundance were not significantly correlated with downstream distance from the dam. Our results suggested that effects of stream dewatering may be most pronounced for a subset of species with more complex reproductive requirements, classified as equilibrium‐type species based on their life‐history. In the absence of changes to current operations, we expect that fish assemblages in the Puerto Viejo River will be increasingly dominated by opportunistic‐type, colonizing fish species. Operations of many other small hydropower plants in Costa Rica and other parts of Central America mirror those of Doña Julia; the methods and results of this study may be applicable to some of those projects. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Vaginal colonization with Group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus as a risk factor for post-cesarean section febrile morbidity

Vaginal colonization of mothers with Group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GBS) has been recognized as a risk factor for neonatal morbidity. The relationship of GBS colonization to risks for the mother who undergoes cesarean section has not been defined. In this study, we found that, among patients who underwent cesarean section, the 19% of them who were colonized with GBS had a higher incidence of standard fever (66.6% vs. 30.5%), clinical diagnosis of endomyometritis (61.1% vs. 12.5%), and use of antibiotics (61.1% vs. 26.3%) in relationship to a significantly increased frequency of premature rupture of the membranes (50.0% vs. 14.8%). Reasons for the association between vaginal colonization and increased morbidity are discussed.     

Langerhans' cell histiocytosis of the spine: use of MRI in guiding biopsy

The MRI features of two cases of spinal Langerhans' cell histiocytosis with multilevel involvement are presented in which MRI was of help in differentiating active from inactive healing lesions by the demonstration of signal changes in the vertebral body marrow of the active lesion, manifest as low signal intensity on T1-weighted sequences and high signal intensity on T2-weighted sequences. This distinction could not be made by plain radiography or bone scintigraphy. In cases where biopsy is required for diagnosis, MRI is recommended to guide the biopsy towards levels suggestive of active involvement.     

Amphotericin B-induced changes in K+ content, viability, and ultrastructure of yeast-phase Histoplasma capsulatum

Yeast-phase cells of Histoplasma capsulatum were challenged with amphotericin B, and membrane perturbation was monitored by K+ efflux. Suspensions of washed cells readily absorbed about 1.12 microgram of amphotericin B per mg (dry weight) and further nonspecific sites were also apparent. The dose-response curve for initial rate of K+ efflux was sigmoidal within the range 0.1 to 1.0 microgram of amphotericin B per ml. A fungistatic concentration of amphotericin B (0.3 microgram/ml) evoked an efflux of 85 to 90% K+ from the cells within 15 min, but cell viability decreased only 13% (yeast phase) or 33% (transformed to mycelial units). Ultrastructural changes in treated cells were detected within 5 min, and the hallmark was expansion of vacuoles during the 1-h monitoring period. In contradistinction to a previous report, the appearance of the protoplasmic membrane was not altered by fungistatic concentration. When treated cells were returned to a fresh growth medium, there was a pronounced lag (20 h). During this apparent recovery phase, the large vacuoles fragmented and returned to normal size. It is proposed that vacuoles of H. capsulatum act as a spatial buffer of considerable survival value to stressed cells.     

Toward High-Energy-Density Lithium Metal Batteries: Opportunities and Challenges for Solid Organic Electrolytes

With increasing demands for safe, high capacity energy storage to support personal electronics, newer devices such as unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as the commercialization of electric vehicles, current energy storage technologies are facing increased challenges. Although alternative batteries have been intensively investigated, lithium (Li) batteries are still recognized as the preferred energy storage solution for the consumer electronics markets and next generation automobiles. However, the commercialized Li batteries still have disadvantages, such as low capacities, potential safety issues, and unfavorable cycling life. Therefore, the design and development of electromaterials toward high-energy-density, long-life-span Li batteries with improved safety is a focus for researchers in the field of energy materials. Herein, recent advances in the development of novel organic electrolytes are summarized toward solid-state Li batteries with higher energy density and improved safety. On the basis of new insights into ionic conduction and design principles of organic-based solid-state electrolytes, specific strategies toward developing these electrolytes for Li metal anodes, high-energy-density cathode materials (e.g., high voltage materials), as well as the optimization of cathode formulations are outlined. Finally, prospects for next generation solid-state electrolytes are also proposed.