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Verification and validation of computational fluid dynamic simulations are performed at model and full scales for the high-speed littoral combat ship (LCS) surface combatant, including the effects of hook, interceptors, and water-jet propulsion. Predictions of the body force thrust, sinkage, and trim use a speed controller for attaining self-propulsion. Two methods for water-jet performance are used: 1) evaluation of forces based on integration of the stress over the wetted area of the hull and water-jet duct, pump casing, and nozzle (integral method) and 2) ITTC (2005) water-jet test procedure (control volume method). The comparison errors at model (resistance, sinkage, and trim) and full (power and trim) scales are satisfactory using both Froude (Fr) scaled model- and full-scale trial data, including the effects of the interceptors and water jets (WJ) on resistance/power, sinkage, and trim. For the model-scale model without WJS, the negative bottom hydro-dynamic pressure near the water-jet inlets are observed without and with the hook simulations, and experiments with the hook. The negative bottom vertical force near the water-jet inlets forthe simulations without the hook supports Savitsky's (2014) assertion that semi-displacement monohulls do not exhibit hydrodynamic lift and disproves Giles' (1992) assertion to the contrary. The hook and interceptors do not affect the pressure distribution significantly near the water-jet inlets. Forthe full scale model, the WJs induce bow up trim for the simulations and interpolated (between conditions)- and Fr scaled model-scale experiments. The negative bottom pressure and vertical force near the water-jet inlet forthe simulations disprove Giles' (1992) assertion that the WJs provide additional hydrodynamic lift. This is further supported by the comparisons of the vertical force % thrust vs. inlet velocity ratio forthe LCS, with results shown in Bulten (2005) for a high-speed motor yacht. Bulten (2005) shows positive vertical force for inlet velocity ratios ≥ 1.25. However, LCS operates in the regime of an inlet velocity ≤ 1.2; thus, consistent with Bulten (2005), the vertical force is negative. The nonlinear effects between the interceptors and WJs are small such that a linear combination can provide a reasonable approximation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mortality assessments are conducted for both civil and commercial purposes. Recent advances in epigenetics have resulted in DNA methylation tools to assess risk and aid in this task. However, widely available array-based algorithms are not readily translatable into clinical tools and do not provide a good foundation for clinical recommendations. Further, recent work shows evidence of heritability and possible racial bias in these indices. Using a publicly available array data set, the Framingham Heart Study (FHS), we develop and test a five-locus mortality-risk algorithm using only previously validated methylation biomarkers that have been shown to be free of racial bias, and that provide specific assessments of smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes and heart disease. We show that a model using age, sex and methylation measurements at these five loci outperforms the 513 probe Levine index and approximates the predictive power of the 1030 probe GrimAge index. We then show each of the five loci in our algorithm can be assessed using a more powerful, reference-free digital PCR approach, further demonstrating that it is readily clinically translatable. Finally, we show the loci do not reflect ethnically specific variation. We conclude that this algorithm is a simple, yet powerful tool for assessing mortality risk. We further suggest that the output from this or similarly derived algorithms using either array or digital PCR can be used to provide powerful feedback to patients, guide recommendations for additional medical assessments, and help monitor the effect of public health prevention interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]