Nondestructive Analysis of Wall Paintings at Ostia Antica

Roman wall paintings at Ostia Antica were studied for the first time in situ in an integrated approach using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) depth profiling, portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and visible induced luminescence (VIL) in order to explore the materials used in their construction and gain insight into the evolution of the Roman painting technique over time. NMR revealed the signatures of covered wall paintings through details of the structure of the top painted mortar layers, and the loss of this information that can be encountered when paintings are detached from the wall for preservation purposes. XRF provided information about the pigment composition of the paintings, and VIL was used to identify Egyptian Blue. Egyptian Blue was only found in the earlier wall paintings studied dating from 1st century B.C.E. to the 1st century C.E. The pigment palette seems to become limited to iron-based pigments in the later paintings, whereas the palette of the earlier paintings appears to be more varied including mercury, lead, and copper-based pigments.

Computer Simulation of Heat Transfer in Alumina and Cement Rotary Kilns

The paper presents computer simulation of heat transfer in alumina and cement rotary kilns. The model incorporates radiation exchange among solids, wall and gas, convective heat transfer from the gas to the wall and the solids, contact heat transfer between the covered wall and the solids, and heat loss to the surroundings as well as chemical reactions. The mass and energy balances of gas and solids have been performed in each axial segment of the kilns. The energy equation for the wall is solved numerically by the finite-difference method. The dust entrainment in the gas is also accounted for. The solution marches from the solids inlet to the solids outlet. The kiln length predicted by the present model of the alumina kiln is 77.5 m as compared to 80 m of the actual kiln of Manitius et al. (1974, Manitius, A., Kurcyusz, E., and Kawecki, W., “Mathematical Model of an Aluminium Oxide Rotary Kiln,” Ind. Eng. Chem. Process Des. Dev., 13 (2), pp. 132-142). In the second part, heat transfer in a dry process cement rotary kiln is modelled. The melting of the solids and coating formation on the inner wall of the kiln are also taken into account. A detailed parametric study lent a good physical insight into axial solids and gas temperature distributions, and axial variation of chemical composition of the products in both the kilns. The effect of kiln rotational speed on the cement kiln wall temperature distribution is also reported.

La Monte Young Trio for Strings Original Full Length Version, Dia 15 VI 13 545 West 22 Street Dream House, New York City

Stepping inside the Dia Art Foundation's transformed gallery space in the heart of Chelsea is a special experience in itself. Darkly dressed ushers closely watch over your every move, preserving what is for the average audience member today a strikingly uncommon concert experience. ‘Turn off all cell phones, remove your shoes, and remain completely silent while in the Dream House’. Free of everyday noise and distractions, this unassuming venue is converted into an almost reverential space of mystical quasi-worship. The air is thick with the fragrance of incense and the floor is covered wall-to-wall with plush white carpet. Blends of deep magenta and rich blue light illuminate the space. In the centre of the room, facing the stage area, are three dark figures – the curators of this numinous sensory environment (La Monte Young, Marian Zazeela and Jung Hee Choi) – sitting silently on swivel chairs. They sit, literally elevated above the audience, which is relegated to the carpet. There are no chairs for mere onlookers, only small pillows, and not nearly enough for everyone. Most find themselves at points during the marathon-length evening lying prostrate: to rest aching backs and arms, but mostly just to take it all in.

Successful Management of a Gastric Sleeve Leak with an Endoscopic Stent

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has been a recently developed technique for treating morbid obesity. Gagner and Patterson performed the first laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as part of a duodenal switch procedure at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York in 1999. Since then many surgeons and institutions have adopted this technique. One of the most dreaded complications of sleeve gastrectomy is a leak along the staple line. We present the case of a 23-year-old female with gastric sleeve leak managed successfully with a fully covered wall flex stent. Our aim is to examine the incidence, causes, classification, and presentation of gastric sleeve leaks and to evaluate the use of endoscopic stents in its management.