Building a collaborative network to understand regional forest dynamics and advance forestry initiatives in the Caribbean

Treesearch

Grizelle Gonzalez; Tamara Heartsill Scalley

2016-01-01

Herein we provide concluding remarks drawn from and inspired by the discussions of the 5 working groups of the 16th Caribbean Foresters Meeting (CFM) about the needs, challenges, and recommendations to advance forestry in the Caribbean region. We also list key considerations and potential future research directions as presented in the various manuscripts contained in...

Database interfaces on NASA's heterogeneous distributed database system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huang, S. H. S.

1986-01-01

The purpose of the ORACLE interface is to enable the DAVID program to submit queries and transactions to databases running under the ORACLE DBMS. The interface package is made up of several modules. The progress of these modules is described below. The two approaches used in implementing the interface are also discussed. Detailed discussion of the design of the templates is shown and concluding remarks are presented.

British Observations of the 18 August 1868 Total Solar Eclipse from Guntoor, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orchiston, Wayne; Lee, Eun-Hee; Ahn, Young-Sook

The total solar eclipse of 18 August 1868 was observed in Aden, India, Siam (present-day Thailand) and the Dutch East Indies (present-day Indonesia). One Indian expedition was sponsored by the Royal Astronomical Society, and led by Major J.F. Tennant. In this chapter we describe the observing team and instruments, discuss their observations, and conclude with some remarks on the place of the 1868 eclipse in solar studies and later nineteenth century European astronomical expeditions to India.

System considerations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alper, M. E.

1978-01-01

Closing remarks and a general summary of the Alternative Energy Systems Seminar are presented. It was concluded from the seminar that the DOE programs described were focused on trying to make a commercial market develop for the various systems. The question addressed is how this is going to happen. To address this question, social, economical, political and technical aspects are considered with major emphasis placed on systems engineering to provide low cost efficient systems.

Conference summary: Biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago III: Closing remarks and notes from the concluding session

Treesearch

Dale S. Turner; Alejandro Castellanos

2013-01-01

During the first week of May 2012, the Third Conference on Biodiversity and Management of the Madrean Archipelago brought together more than 300 people with an interest in this region. It included scientists, land managers, activists, and land owners from both sides of the international border. After three and a half days of presentations, the participants gathered for...

Concluding remarks: Faraday Discussion on chemistry in the urban atmosphere.

PubMed

Jimenez, Jose L

2016-07-18

This article summarises the Concluding remarks from the Faraday Discussion on Chemistry in the Urban Atmosphere. The following themes are addressed: (a) new results that inform our understanding of the evolving sources and composition of the urban atmosphere ("News"); (b) results that identify gaps in our understanding that necessitate further work ("Gaps"); (c) the emerging instrumentation revolution and some of the challenges that it brings; (d) the structural issues of insufficient support for the analysis of field campaigns; and (e) some important areas that were missing from this Faraday Discussion and that should receive an increasing focus in the future.

Introduccion al estudio de la coma (Final) [Introduction to the Study of the Coma (Final Part)].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Amilcar Cipriano, Nestor

1979-01-01

This concluding article in a series concerning the use of the comma in Spanish gives specific examples of its use from Spanish literature. Concluding remarks outline the major purposes of the comma. (NCR)

AeroPropulsoServoElasticity: Dynamic Modeling of the Variable Cycle Propulsion System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kopasakis, George

2012-01-01

This presentation was made at the 2012 Fundamental Aeronautics Program Technical Conference and it covers research work for the Dynamic Modeling of the Variable cycle Propulsion System that was done under the Supersonics Project, in the area of AeroPropulsoServoElasticity. The presentation covers the objective for the propulsion system dynamic modeling work, followed by the work that has been done so far to model the variable Cycle Engine, modeling of the inlet, the nozzle, the modeling that has been done to model the affects of flow distortion, and finally presenting some concluding remarks and future plans.

Commentary on the Future of Community Psychology: Perspective of a Research Community Psychologist.

PubMed

Milburn, Norweeta G

2016-12-01

Community psychology is commented upon from the perspective of a community psychologist who was trained in the Community Psychology Program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Her background and training are reviewed. A brief survey of research on homelessness as a frame for community psychology research is presented. Concluding remarks are provided on the future of research in community psychology. © Society for Community Research and Action 2016.

Production and Use of Lipases in Bioenergy: A Review from the Feedstocks to Biodiesel Production

PubMed Central

Ribeiro, Bernardo Dias; de Castro, Aline Machado; Coelho, Maria Alice Zarur; Freire, Denise Maria Guimarães

2011-01-01

Lipases represent one of the most reported groups of enzymes for the production of biofuels. They are used for the processing of glycerides and fatty acids for biodiesel (fatty acid alkyl esters) production. This paper presents the main topics of the enzyme-based production of biodiesel, from the feedstocks to the production of enzymes and their application in esterification and transesterification reactions. Growing technologies, such as the use of whole cells as catalysts, are addressed, and as concluding remarks, the advantages, concerns, and future prospects of enzymatic biodiesel are presented. PMID:21785707

Optical spectroscopy of laser-produced plasmas for standoff isotopic analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Harilal, Sivanandan S.; Brumfield, Brian E.; LaHaye, Nicole L.

2018-04-20

This review article covers the present status of isotope detection through emission, absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopy of atoms and molecules in a laser-produced plasma formed from a solid sample. A description of the physics behind isotope shifts in atoms and molecules is presented, followed by the physics behind solid sampling of laser ablation plumes, optical methods for isotope measurements, the suitable physical conditions of laser-produced plasma plumes for isotopic analysis, and the current status. Finally, concluding remarks will be made on the existing gaps between previous works in the literature and suggestions for future work.

Concluding remarks to ICAME2011

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campbell, S. J.

2012-03-01

An overview of the main aspects of ICAME2011 - tutorial lectures, oral and poster presentations, evening sessions - is presented along with a brief outline of several of the scientific highlights. Among other topics considered are the involvements of young scientists and female scientists, and operation of the oral and poster sessions. Despite the most challenging combinations of circumstances in the lead up to ICAME2011 that resulted in the change of venue at an advanced stage from Tokyo to Kobe, the Committee organised a high quality conference with many positive outcomes for the future. The Mössbauer community acknowledges and appreciates these efforts greatly.

Optical spectroscopy of laser-produced plasmas for standoff isotopic analysis

DOE PAGES

Harilal, S. S.; Brumfield, B. E.; LaHaye, N. L.; ...

2018-04-20

This review article covers the present status of isotope detection through emission, absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopy of atoms and molecules in a laser-produced plasma formed from a solid sample. A description of the physics behind isotope shifts in atoms and molecules is presented, followed by the physics behind solid sampling of laser ablation plumes, optical methods for isotope measurements, the suitable physical conditions of laser-produced plasma plumes for isotopic analysis, and the current status. Lastly, concluding remarks will be made on the existing gaps between previous works in the literature and suggestions for future work.

Optical spectroscopy of laser-produced plasmas for standoff isotopic analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Harilal, S. S.; Brumfield, B. E.; LaHaye, N. L.

This review article covers the present status of isotope detection through emission, absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopy of atoms and molecules in a laser-produced plasma formed from a solid sample. A description of the physics behind isotope shifts in atoms and molecules is presented, followed by the physics behind solid sampling of laser ablation plumes, optical methods for isotope measurements, the suitable physical conditions of laser-produced plasma plumes for isotopic analysis, and the current status. Finally, concluding remarks will be made on the existing gaps between previous works in the literature and suggestions for future work.

Optical spectroscopy of laser-produced plasmas for standoff isotopic analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Harilal, S. S.; Brumfield, B. E.; LaHaye, N. L.

This review article covers the present status of isotope detection through emission, absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopy of atoms and molecules in a laser-produced plasma formed from a solid sample. A description of the physics behind isotope shifts in atoms and molecules is presented, followed by the physics behind solid sampling of laser ablation plumes, optical methods for isotope measurements, the suitable physical conditions of laser-produced plasma plumes for isotopic analysis, and the current status. Lastly, concluding remarks will be made on the existing gaps between previous works in the literature and suggestions for future work.

Grammar of binding in the languages of the world: Unity versus diversity.

PubMed

Reuland, Eric

2017-11-01

Cole, Hermon, and Yanti (2015) present a number of far-reaching conclusions about language universals on the basis of their study of the anaphoric systems of the Austronesian languages of Indonesia. The present contribution critically assesses these conclusions. It reports a further set of data, and shows that contra to what these authors argue, the systems they discuss can be straightforwardly accounted for by a simple set of universal principles plus properties of the vocabulary of the languages involved. I conclude this article with some remarks on acquisition. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optical spectroscopy of laser-produced plasmas for standoff isotopic analysis

DOE PAGES

Harilal, S. S.; Brumfield, B. E.; LaHaye, N. L.; ...

2018-06-01

This review article covers the present status of isotope detection through emission, absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopy of atoms and molecules in a laser-produced plasma formed from a solid sample. A description of the physics behind isotope shifts in atoms and molecules is presented, followed by the physics behind solid sampling of laser ablation plumes, optical methods for isotope measurements, the suitable physical conditions of laser-produced plasma plumes for isotopic analysis, and the current status. Finally, concluding remarks will be made on the existing gaps between previous works in the literature and suggestions for future work.

CFD Techniques for Propulsion Applications Panel Symposium (77th), Held in San Antonio, Texas on 27-31 May 1991 (Les Techniques de l’Aerodynamique Numerique pour les Applications aux Propulseurs)

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-02-01

CONCLUDING REMARKS secondary flow pattern. Probably both factors are influential. Unfortunately The present study has examined the the secondary...Panels which are compesed of experts appointed - by the National Delegates, the Consultant and Exchange Programme and the Aerospace Applications Studies ...CP 352. September 1983 /Combustion Problems in Turbine Engines AGARD CP 353, January 1984 (,rHazard Studies for Solid Propellant Rocket Motors AGARD CP

Dynamic Loading and Characterization of Fiber-Reinforced Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sierakowski, Robert L.; Chaturvedi, Shive K.

1997-02-01

Emphasizing polymer based fiber-reinforced composites, this book is designed to provide readers with a significant understanding of the complexities involved in characterizing dynamic events and the corresponding response of advanced fiber composite materials and structures. These elements include dynamic loading devices, material properties characterization, analytical and experimental techniques to assess the damage and failure modes associated with various dynamic loading events. Concluding remarks are presented throughout the text which summarize key points and raise issues related to important research needed.

A remark on fractional differential equation involving I-function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, Jyoti

2018-02-01

The present paper deals with the solution of the fractional differential equation using the Laplace transform operator and its corresponding properties in the fractional calculus; we derive an exact solution of a complex fractional differential equation involving a special function known as I-function. The analysis of the some fractional integral with two parameters is presented using the suggested Theorem 1. In addition, some very useful corollaries are established and their proofs presented in detail. Some obtained exact solutions are depicted to see the effect of each fractional order. Owing to the wider applicability of the I-function, we can conclude that, the obtained results in our work generalize numerous well-known results obtained by specializing the parameters.

The evolution of pediatric critical care nursing: past, present, and future.

PubMed

Foglia, Dorothy C; Milonovich, Lisa M

2011-06-01

Although current nursing literature is overflowing with information related to the history of nursing in general, and even pediatric nursing, very little is published about PICU nursing. The evolution of pediatric critical care nursing is presented based on a historical context, the current state, and future projections. More specifically, this treatise focuses on the environment, the patient and family, and of course, the PICU nurse. Concluding remarks provide an insight into how health care reforms and how the use of clinical information technology will affect the role of the pediatric critical care nurse in the future. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Recent advances in noble metal based composite nanocatalysts: colloidal synthesis, properties, and catalytic applications.

PubMed

Xu, Yong; Chen, Lei; Wang, Xuchun; Yao, Weitang; Zhang, Qiao

2015-06-28

This Review article provides a report on progress in the synthesis, properties and catalytic applications of noble metal based composite nanomaterials. We begin with a brief discussion on the categories of various composite materials. We then present some important colloidal synthetic approaches to the composite nanostructures; here, major attention has been paid to bimetallic nanoparticles. We also introduce some important physiochemical properties that are beneficial from composite nanomaterials. Finally, we highlight the catalytic applications of such composite nanoparticles and conclude with remarks on prospective future directions.

Fractional Order Modeling of Atmospheric Turbulence - A More Accurate Modeling Methodology for Aero Vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kopasakis, George

2014-01-01

The presentation covers a recently developed methodology to model atmospheric turbulence as disturbances for aero vehicle gust loads and for controls development like flutter and inlet shock position. The approach models atmospheric turbulence in their natural fractional order form, which provides for more accuracy compared to traditional methods like the Dryden model, especially for high speed vehicle. The presentation provides a historical background on atmospheric turbulence modeling and the approaches utilized for air vehicles. This is followed by the motivation and the methodology utilized to develop the atmospheric turbulence fractional order modeling approach. Some examples covering the application of this method are also provided, followed by concluding remarks.

Picking Up Artifacts: Storyboarding as a Gateway to Reuse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahid, Shahtab; Branham, Stacy M.; Cairco, Lauren; McCrickard, D. Scott; Harrison, Steve

Storyboarding offers designers the opportunity to illustrate a visual narrative of use. Because designers often refer to past ideas, we argue storyboards can be constructed by reusing shared artifacts. We present a study in which we explore how designers reuse artifacts consisting of images and rationale during storyboard construction. We find images can aid in accessing rationale and that connections among features aid in deciding what to reuse, creating new artifacts, and constructing. Based on requirements derived from our findings, we present a storyboarding tool, PIC-UP, to facilitate artifact sharing and reuse and evaluate its use in an exploratory study. We conclude with remarks on facilitating reuse and future work.

A survey of the alpha-nucleon interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, S.; Ahmad, A. A. Z.; Ferdous, N.

1985-10-01

This paper gives a survey of the alpha-nucleon interaction and then describes experimental work on angular distributions of differential scattering cross sections and polarizations in proton-alpha and neutron-alpha scattering. The phenomenological approach, which includes the study of both local and nonlocal potentials reproducing the experimental alpha-nucleon scattering data, is discussed. Basic studies of the alpha-nucleon interaction attempting to build an interaction between an alpha particle and a nucleon from first principles are then described. The authors then present a critical discussion of the results with some concluding remarks suggesting the direction for further investigation.

Intelligent Diagnosis of Degradation State under Corrosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isoc, Dorin; Ignat-Coman, Aurelian; Joldiş, Adrian

2008-06-01

The work presents an inter- and multi-disciplinary research where the diagnosis is treated by using the artificial intelligence means and the application the degradation state of buildings and urban power networks. A possible model of degradation process caused by the corrosion and the technical achievement manner is given. The notions of micro- and macro-modeling and model granularity are introduced and applied. For resulting model the specification of intelligent processing of information and further the knowledge for suggested model are prepared. As concluding remarks the results are analysed and interpreted and a generalized approach is suggested and argued.

Positive displacement type general-aviation engines: Summary and concluding remarks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kempke, E. E., Jr.

1980-01-01

The activities of programs investigating various aspects of aircraft internal combustion engines are briefly described including developments in fuel injection technology, cooling systems and drag reduction, turbocharger technology, and stratified-charge rotary engines.

Software architecture of INO340 telescope control system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ravanmehr, Reza; Khosroshahi, Habib

2016-08-01

The software architecture plays an important role in distributed control system of astronomical projects because many subsystems and components must work together in a consistent and reliable way. We have utilized a customized architecture design approach based on "4+1 view model" in order to design INOCS software architecture. In this paper, after reviewing the top level INOCS architecture, we present the software architecture model of INOCS inspired by "4+1 model", for this purpose we provide logical, process, development, physical, and scenario views of our architecture using different UML diagrams and other illustrative visual charts. Each view presents INOCS software architecture from a different perspective. We finish the paper by science data operation of INO340 and the concluding remarks.

Concluding Remarks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonnet, Roger M.

2010-01-01

Let me first express my warmest acknowledgements to Cesare Barbieri for having taken the initiative of convening this symposium. These two days offered a unique opportunity to celebrate the scientific achievements and the legacy of Galileo Galilei. It allowed not only celebrating the scientist but also the philosopher and the human being. It was a fantastic journey in the past, present and future exploration of our universe and a fantastic retrospection into the Renaissance world which no better city than Padova would be able to offer. During these two days we could listen to a well balanced and well prepared set of excellent papers and presentations. All participants should be congratulated for their very active interactions during the discussions in the aula and also during coffee and lunch breaks.

Remarks on the Acceptance of Proofs: The Case of Some Recently Tackled Major Theorems.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Neubrand, Michael

1989-01-01

Lists five criteria in the acceptance of mathematical theorems, such as understanding, significance, compatibility, reputation, and convincing argument. Concludes that social and language factors are involved in the process of the acceptance. (YP)

PUTTING THEORY INTO PRACTICE - CONCLUDING REMARKS

EPA Science Inventory

The science of Landscape Ecology has a rich theoretical basis that continues to expand. While application of this science is clearly taking place, transfer of science into practice is lagging. Furthermore, examples of active management based on basic landscape ecological princi...

Profoundly different prion diseases in knock-in mice carrying single PrP codon substitutions associated with human diseases.

PubMed

Jackson, Walker S; Borkowski, Andrew W; Watson, Nicki E; King, Oliver D; Faas, Henryk; Jasanoff, Alan; Lindquist, Susan

2013-09-03

In man, mutations in different regions of the prion protein (PrP) are associated with infectious neurodegenerative diseases that have remarkably different clinical signs and neuropathological lesions. To explore the roots of this phenomenon, we created a knock-in mouse model carrying the mutation associated with one of these diseases [Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)] that was exactly analogous to a previous knock-in model of a different prion disease [fatal familial insomnia (FFI)]. Together with the WT parent, this created an allelic series of three lines, each expressing the same protein with a single amino acid difference, and with all native regulatory elements intact. The previously described FFI mice develop neuronal loss and intense reactive gliosis in the thalamus, as seen in humans with FFI. In contrast, CJD mice had the hallmark features of CJD, spongiosis and proteinase K-resistant PrP aggregates, initially developing in the hippocampus and cerebellum but absent from the thalamus. A molecular transmission barrier protected the mice from any infectious prion agents that might have been present in our mouse facility and allowed us to conclude that the diseases occurred spontaneously. Importantly, both models created agents that caused a transmissible neurodegenerative disease in WT mice. We conclude that single codon differences in a single gene in an otherwise normal genome can cause remarkably different neurodegenerative diseases and are sufficient to create distinct protein-based infectious elements.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

Welcome, Luigi di Lella and Rolf Heuer-Design and Construction of the ISR, Kurt Hubner-Physics at small angles, Ugo Amaldi (TERA Foundation)-The Impact of the ISR on Accelerator Physics and Technology, Philip J. Bryant-Physics at high transverse momentum, Pierre Darriulat (VATLY-Hanoi). Concluding remarks, Rolf Heuer

Concluding remarks: summary of some of our recent studies in the field of conjugating plasmonic gold nanoparticles to single cancer cells and their molecular and cellular dynamics.

PubMed

El-Sayed, Mostafa A

2014-01-01

This Faraday meeting was indeed very educational and important. We should all thank the organizing committee, and especially our Chair, Professor Nguyen TK Thanh, for a job well done. The Faraday Discussion format is certainly very creative and effective. Getting each presenter of one of the excellent posters to summarize the topic of their poster in five minutes was very important in encouraging the delegates to spend their time in the poster sessions with the speakers working on research that overlapped with his or her own.

Energy-economic policy modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sanstad, Alan H.

2018-01-01

Computational models based on economic principles and methods are powerful tools for understanding and analyzing problems in energy and the environment and for designing policies to address them. Among their other features, some current models of this type incorporate information on sustainable energy technologies and can be used to examine their potential role in addressing the problem of global climate change. The underlying principles and the characteristics of the models are summarized, and examples of this class of model and their applications are presented. Modeling epistemology and related issues are discussed, as well as critiques of the models. The paper concludes with remarks on the evolution of the models and possibilities for their continued development.

Transonic Flow Computations Using Nonlinear Potential Methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holst, Terry L.; Kwak, Dochan (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

This presentation describes the state of transonic flow simulation using nonlinear potential methods for external aerodynamic applications. The presentation begins with a review of the various potential equation forms (with emphasis on the full potential equation) and includes a discussion of pertinent mathematical characteristics and all derivation assumptions. Impact of the derivation assumptions on simulation accuracy, especially with respect to shock wave capture, is discussed. Key characteristics of all numerical algorithm types used for solving nonlinear potential equations, including steady, unsteady, space marching, and design methods, are described. Both spatial discretization and iteration scheme characteristics are examined. Numerical results for various aerodynamic applications are included throughout the presentation to highlight key discussion points. The presentation ends with concluding remarks and recommendations for future work. Overall. nonlinear potential solvers are efficient, highly developed and routinely used in the aerodynamic design environment for cruise conditions. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sleep Disorders and Complementary Health Approaches : What the Science Says

MedlinePlus

... symptoms of jet lag and improve sleep following travel across multiple time zones. A 2009 Cochrane review supporting this recommendation ... oral melatonin for alleviating jet lag after air travel across several time zones, and concluded that melatonin is remarkably effective ...

Closing remarks at the symposium in honour of Daniel Bellus. Pharmacenter, University of Basel, February 6, 2009.

PubMed

Ganter, Camille

2010-01-01

In the Closing Remarks at the Symposium on 'Frontiers in Bioorganic Chemistry' (Friday, February 6, 2009, Pharmacenter, University of Basel) in honour of Daniel Bellus, his arrival in Zürich in fall 1967 and especially his postdoctoral work at the Laboratorium für Organische Chemie at the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) in Zürich throughout the year 1967/68 were mentioned. In his most remarkable paper (published in 1969 in Helv. Chim. Acta), the photochemistry of the alpha,beta-unsaturated cyclohexenones O-acetyl-testosterone and 10-methy-delta1,9-octalon-(2) is described in detail. Change of solvent leads to lowering or increasing of the n,pi*- and (pi,pi*)-triplet energies, resulting in a crossing of the two energy levels. Personal remarks on Daniel Bellus and warmest thanks to him, to Profs. Beat Ernst and Bernd Giese (the organizers of the symposium) and to all the speakers concluded this most special event.

A predictive transport modeling code for ICRF-heated tokamaks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Phillips, C.K.; Hwang, D.Q.; Houlberg, W.

In this report, a detailed description of the physic included in the WHIST/RAZE package as well as a few illustrative examples of the capabilities of the package will be presented. An in depth analysis of ICRF heating experiments using WHIST/RAZE will be discussed in a forthcoming report. A general overview of philosophy behind the structure of the WHIST/RAZE package, a summary of the features of the WHIST code, and a description of the interface to the RAZE subroutines are presented in section 2 of this report. Details of the physics contained in the RAZE code are examined in section 3.more » Sample results from the package follow in section 4, with concluding remarks and a discussion of possible improvements to the package discussed in section 5.« less

A predictive transport modeling code for ICRF-heated tokamaks

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Phillips, C.K.; Hwang, D.Q.; Houlberg, W.

1992-02-01

In this report, a detailed description of the physic included in the WHIST/RAZE package as well as a few illustrative examples of the capabilities of the package will be presented. An in depth analysis of ICRF heating experiments using WHIST/RAZE will be discussed in a forthcoming report. A general overview of philosophy behind the structure of the WHIST/RAZE package, a summary of the features of the WHIST code, and a description of the interface to the RAZE subroutines are presented in section 2 of this report. Details of the physics contained in the RAZE code are examined in section 3.more » Sample results from the package follow in section 4, with concluding remarks and a discussion of possible improvements to the package discussed in section 5.« less

Critical Thinking in the Sociology Classroom: Facilitating Movement from Vague Objective to Explicit Achievement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Browne, M. Neil; Litwin, James L.

1987-01-01

Describes a methodology for improving critical thinking skills in sociology classrooms. Includes a discussion of classroom behavior of teachers, student attitudes, curriculum materials, and evaluation techniques. Concludes that critical thinking skills can be enhanced, with remarkable results. (DH)

Solubility Enhancement of Raloxifene Using Inclusion Complexes and Cogrinding Method

PubMed Central

Patil, Payal H.; Belgamwar, Veena S.; Patil, Pratibha R.; Surana, Sanjay J.

2013-01-01

The objective of the present work was to enhance the solubility and dissolution of practically water-insoluble drug raloxifene HCl (RLX), for the same two approaches that were used. In the first approach, drug was kneaded with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), and in the second one drug was cogrinded with modified guar gum (MGG). The drug-cyclodextrin complex and drug-MGG cogrind mixtures were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction studies, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The solubility and dissolution study reveals that solubility and dissolution rate of RLX remarkably increased in both methods. It was concluded that the prepared inclusion complex showed a remarkable increase in solubility and dissolution of poorly water-soluble drug raloxifene. In the cogrinding mixture, a natural modified gum is used as a surfactant and enhances the solubility and dissolution of RLX without requiring addition of organic solvent or high temperature for its preparation; thus, process is less cumbersome and cost effective. But when both methods were compared; HPβCD complexation method showed significant enhancement of drug solubility. PMID:26555984

Concluding remarks

Treesearch

Stephen F. Arno; Michael G. Harrington

1999-01-01

The 88-year photo sequences, descriptions of historical changes, and the initial results from ecosystembased management treatments at Lick Creek portray a dynamic, ever-changing forest. The goals of ecosystem- based management at Lick Creek are to continuously maintain an open forest containing old growth as well as younger age classes of ponderosa pine. Half a century...

Recovering the Everyday: John Dewey as Emersonian Pragmatist.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Granger, David A.

1998-01-01

Expands on Richard Poirier's interpretation of pragmatism and his discussion of Dewey as an Emersonian pragmatist, discussing linguistic issues related to Dewey and to Emerson's responses to the temptations of external-world and other-minds skepticism. The paper concludes with remarks about the relevance to education of Dewey's and Emerson's work…

Local and Community History: Some Cautionary Remarks on an Idea Whose Time Has Returned.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gerber, David A.

1979-01-01

Analyzes past local history movements and addresses benefits and problems for historical studies and history teaching in the current upsurge of interest in local and community history. Concludes that local history must transcend parochialism in order to see the larger picture. (KC)

Contamination Control Assessment of the World's Largest Space Environment Simulation Chamber

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Snyder, Aaron; Henry, Michael W.; Grisnik, Stanley P.; Sinclair, Stephen M.

2012-01-01

The Space Power Facility s thermal vacuum test chamber is the largest chamber in the world capable of providing an environment for space simulation. To improve performance and meet stringent requirements of a wide customer base, significant modifications were made to the vacuum chamber. These include major changes to the vacuum system and numerous enhancements to the chamber s unique polar crane, with a goal of providing high cleanliness levels. The significance of these changes and modifications are discussed in this paper. In addition, the composition and arrangement of the pumping system and its impact on molecular back-streaming are discussed in detail. Molecular contamination measurements obtained with a TQCM and witness wafers during two recent integrated system tests of the chamber are presented and discussed. Finally, a concluding remarks section is presented.

A Computational Approach for Probabilistic Analysis of Water Impact Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horta, Lucas G.; Mason, Brian H.; Lyle, Karen H.

2009-01-01

NASA's development of new concepts for the Crew Exploration Vehicle Orion presents many similar challenges to those worked in the sixties during the Apollo program. However, with improved modeling capabilities, new challenges arise. For example, the use of the commercial code LS-DYNA, although widely used and accepted in the technical community, often involves high-dimensional, time consuming, and computationally intensive simulations. The challenge is to capture what is learned from a limited number of LS-DYNA simulations to develop models that allow users to conduct interpolation of solutions at a fraction of the computational time. This paper presents a description of the LS-DYNA model, a brief summary of the response surface techniques, the analysis of variance approach used in the sensitivity studies, equations used to estimate impact parameters, results showing conditions that might cause injuries, and concluding remarks.

Syntheses, Characterizations, and Applications of Molecular Metal Wires and Functional Nanomaterials

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-22

challenges Conductance of single molecules Concluding Remarks...values of single -molecule conductance for such pentaruthenium EMACs, other triruthenium and trirhodium EMACs (Dalton Trans. 2009, 2623) were obtained...a voltage-activated switch, or a single -molecule transistor. Among the molecules reported in this research field,1 EMACs2 are particularly

Excellence within Student Affairs: Understanding the Practice of Integrating Academic and Student Affairs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ozaki, C. Casey; Hornak, Anne M.

2014-01-01

In this final chapter, the authors synthesize and draw from chapters across this volume to provide concluding remarks and recommendations. The authors suggest that core to the discussion of excellence of student affairs in community colleges are the concepts of integration and collaboration. As professionals tasked with supporting the student…

Budget Execution (O&M,N) at Navy Shore Activities.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-12-01

training emphasis at shore commands. Finally, appropriate recommendations for system improvements and further research are made. II II DD O 73 23 14...improvements and further research are made. 44 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page I. INTRODUCTION --------------------------------------- 11 A. GENERAL...253 11. General Conclusion ------------------------- 254 D. FURTHER RESEARCH -------------------------------255 E. CONCLUDING REMARKS

ROC Trials Update on Prehospital Hypertonic Saline Resuscitation in the Aftermath of the US-Canadian Trials

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

hypovolemic shock patients and Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale ( GOSE ) score at 6 mo in the TBI study (43). Secondary outcomes included incidence of...by distribution of GOSE category or Disability Rating Score. Concluding remarks Despite a huge body of literature showing that HSD and HS improve

NEUTRON SCATTERING STUDY OF THE HIGH-Tc SUPERCONDUCTING SYSTEM YBa2Cu3O6+x

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rossat-Mignod, J.; Regnault, L. P.; Bourges, P.; Burlet, P.; Vettier, C.; Henry, J. Y.

The following sections are included: * Introduction * The neutron scattering technique * Phase diagrams of high-Tc superconductors * The undoped AF-doped * The doped AF-state * The weakly-doped metallic state * The heavily-doped metallic state * The overdoped metallic state * Discussion and concluding remarks * Acknowledgements * References

Quantitative approaches to the study of bistability in the lac operon of Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Santillán, Moisés; Mackey, Michael C

2008-08-06

In this paper, the history and importance of the lac operon in the development of molecular and systems biology are briefly reviewed. We start by presenting a description of the regulatory mechanisms in this operon, taking into account the most recent discoveries. Then we offer a survey of the history of the lac operon, including the discovery of its main elements and the subsequent influence on the development of molecular and systems biology. Next the bistable behaviour of the operon is discussed, both with respect to its discovery and its molecular origin. A review of the literature in which this bistable phenomenon has been studied from a mathematical modelling viewpoint is then given. We conclude with some brief remarks.

A Mesoscopic Electromechanical Theory of Ferroelectric Films and Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jiangyu; Bhattacharya, Kaushik

2002-08-01

We present a multi-scale modelling framework to predict the effective electromechanical behavior of ferroelectric ceramics and thin films. This paper specifically focuses on the mesoscopic scale and models the effects of domains and domain switching taking into account intergranular constraints. Starting from the properties of the single crystal and the pre-poling granular texture, the theory predicts the domain patterns, the post-poling texture, the saturation polarization, saturation strain and the electromechanical moduli. We demonstrate remarkable agreement with experimental data. The theory also explains the superior electromechanical property of PZT at the morphotropic phase boundary. The paper concludes with the application of the theory to predict the optimal texture for enhanced electromechanical coupling factors and high-strain actuation in selected materials.

Bioinspired construction of multi-enzyme catalytic systems.

PubMed

Shi, Jiafu; Wu, Yizhou; Zhang, Shaohua; Tian, Yu; Yang, Dong; Jiang, Zhongyi

2018-06-18

Enzyme catalysis, as a green, efficient process, displays exceptional functionality, adaptivity and sustainability. Multi-enzyme catalysis, which can accomplish the tandem synthesis of valuable materials/chemicals from renewable feedstocks, establishes a bridge between single-enzyme catalysis and whole-cell catalysis. Multi-enzyme catalysis occupies a unique and indispensable position in the realm of biological reactions for energy and environmental applications. Two complementary strategies, i.e., compartmentalization and substrate channeling, have been evolved by living organisms for implementing the complex in vivo multi-enzyme reactions (MERs), which have been applied to construct multi-enzyme catalytic systems (MECSs) with superior catalytic activity and stabilities in practical biocatalysis. This tutorial review aims to present the recent advances and future prospects in this burgeoning research area, stressing the features and applications of the two strategies for constructing MECSs and implementing in vitro MERs. The concluding remarks are presented with a perspective on the construction of MECSs through rational combination of compartmentalization and substrate channeling.

40th Anniversary of the First Proton-Proton Collisions in the CERN Intersecting Storage Rings (ISR)

ScienceCinema

None

2018-06-20

Welcome, Luigi di Lella and Rolf Heuer-Design and Construction of the ISR, Kurt Hubner-Physics at small angles, Ugo Amaldi (TERA Foundation)-The Impact of the ISR on Accelerator Physics and Technology, Philip J. Bryant-Physics at high transverse momentum, Pierre Darriulat (VATLY-Hanoi). Concluding remarks, Rolf Heuer

Concluding remarks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bohannan, Bruce

2001-01-01

This workshop brought proposed directions in instrumentation for the Isaac Newton Group together with scientific and technical needs of the ING astronomical community. A personal summary of the critical issues, questions, and approaches raised at this workshop includes the mission of the ING, the role of <4-m aperture telescopes today, the importance of continuous renewal, the power of AO, and the data glut.

Summary and concluding remarks

Treesearch

Richard J. Clark

1997-01-01

Ten years have elapsed since the first International Owl Symposium was held in Winnipeg. The number of topic species was expanded from 22 (1987) to 61 (1997) and the topic was broadened from owls of the northern forest to those of the northern hemisphere. The number of studies reported expanded from 38 studies (mean = 5.76 years for study period duration) to 101...

Vibration Transmission through Rolling Element Bearings in Geared Rotor Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-11-01

147 4.8 Concluding Remarks ........................................................... 153 V STATISTICAL ENERGY ANALYSIS ............................................ 155...and dynamic finite element techniques are used to develop the discrete vibration models while statistical energy analysis method is used for the broad...bearing system studies, geared rotor system studies, and statistical energy analysis . Each chapter is self sufficient since it is written in a

A general numerical model for wave rotor analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paxson, Daniel W.

1992-01-01

Wave rotors represent one of the promising technologies for achieving very high core temperatures and pressures in future gas turbine engines. Their operation depends upon unsteady gas dynamics and as such, their analysis is quite difficult. This report describes a numerical model which has been developed to perform such an analysis. Following a brief introduction, a summary of the wave rotor concept is given. The governing equations are then presented, along with a summary of the assumptions used to obtain them. Next, the numerical integration technique is described. This is an explicit finite volume technique based on the method of Roe. The discussion then focuses on the implementation of appropriate boundary conditions. Following this, some results are presented which first compare the numerical approximation to the governing differential equations and then compare the overall model to an actual wave rotor experiment. Finally, some concluding remarks are presented concerning the limitations of the simplifying assumptions and areas where the model may be improved.

Sciatica as a presenting feature of thyroid follicular adenocarcinoma in a 79-year-old woman

PubMed Central

Ogbodo, Elisha; Kaliaperumal, Chandrasekaran; Keohane, Catherine; Bermingham, Niamh; Kaar, George

2011-01-01

The authors describe an unusual case of metastatic thyroid follicular adenocarcinoma presenting with sciatica in a 79-year-old woman. The primary thyroid tumour was undiagnosed until this clinical presentation. The patient gave a short history of back pain and right-sided sciatica, which was progressive and nocturnal in nature. Neuroimaging revealed an enhancing intradural mass lesion, which was completely excised through a right L1-L3 hemilaminectomy. Histopathological examination of the excised tissue revealed a follicular thyroid carcinoma. Subsequent metastatic investigation revealed a heterogeneously attenuating mixed solid cystic mass in a retrosternal thyroid gland, with multiple solid pulmonary nodules suggestive of metastatic disease. She opted for palliative radiotherapy for the primary thyroid cancer and made remarkable postoperative improvement. The authors conclude that surgical treatment of solitary metastatic lesion may produce good symptomatic relief irrespective of patient’s age and primary pathology, while emphasising the need for detailed clinical evaluation of patients with ‘red flag’ symptoms. PMID:22674960

Cassini Post End of Mission News Conference

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-09-15

On Sept. 15, NASA held a news conference from the agency’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in Pasadena, California, following the final mission activities of the agency’s Cassini mission to Saturn. Cassini, which arrived in orbit around Saturn in 2004 on a mission to study the giant planet, its rings, moons and magnetosphere, concluded its remarkable mission with an intentional plunge into Saturn's atmosphere..

Syntheses, Characterizations, and Applications of Molecular Metal Wires

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-08-05

treated with KPF6 (500 mg, 2.7 mmol). A dark greenish-brown complex was obtained after evaporation. The single crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction...CH2Cl2. Recrystallization from a CH2Cl2 solution layered with hexane gave deep brown single crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction. Yield: 83 mg...5 Synthetic challenges Conductance of single molecules Concluding Remarks

Coming Together to Calm the Hunger: Group Therapy Program for Adults Diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ponech, Heather; McBride, Dawn Lorraine

2012-01-01

This project provides a comprehensive overview of the research literature on anorexia nervosa in female adults and concludes by offering 14 group therapy lesson plans for anorexia nervosa that therapists may use in their practice. There is a remarkable lack of research on the efficacy of treatment designed for individuals diagnosed with anorexia…

Demonstrations of LSS active vibration control technology on representative ground-based testbeds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hyland, David C.; Phillips, Douglas J.; Collins, Emmanuel G., Jr.

1991-01-01

This paper describes two experiments which successfully demonstrate control of flexible structures. The first experiment involved control design and implementation for the ACES structure at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, while the second experiment was conducted using the Multi-Hex Prototype structure. The paper concludes with some remarks on the lessons learned from conducting these experiments.

Extraction and representation of common feature from uncertain facial expressions with cloud model.

PubMed

Wang, Shuliang; Chi, Hehua; Yuan, Hanning; Geng, Jing

2017-12-01

Human facial expressions are key ingredient to convert an individual's innate emotion in communication. However, the variation of facial expressions affects the reliable identification of human emotions. In this paper, we present a cloud model to extract facial features for representing human emotion. First, the uncertainties in facial expression are analyzed in the context of cloud model. The feature extraction and representation algorithm is established under cloud generators. With forward cloud generator, facial expression images can be re-generated as many as we like for visually representing the extracted three features, and each feature shows different roles. The effectiveness of the computing model is tested on Japanese Female Facial Expression database. Three common features are extracted from seven facial expression images. Finally, the paper is concluded and remarked.

Active case finding of tuberculosis: historical perspective and future prospects

PubMed Central

Golub, J. E.; Mohan, C. I.; Comstock, G. W.; Chaisson, R. E.

2015-01-01

SUMMARY Despite a history of remarkable scientific achievements in microbiology and therapeutics, tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose an extraordinary threat to human health. Case finding and treatment of TB disease are the principal means of controlling transmission and reducing incidence. This review presents a historical perspective of active case finding (ACF) of TB, detailing case detection strategies that have been used over the last century. This review is divided into the following sections: mass radiography, house-to-house surveys, out-patient case detection, enhanced case finding, high-risk populations and cost-effectiveness. The report concludes with a discussion and recommendations for future case finding strategies. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of these methods will help inform and shape ACF as a TB control policy in the twenty-first century. PMID:16333924

Recent advances in mass spectrometry-based proteomics of gastric cancer.

PubMed

Kang, Changwon; Lee, Yejin; Lee, J Eugene

2016-10-07

The last decade has witnessed remarkable technological advances in mass spectrometry-based proteomics. The development of proteomics techniques has enabled the reliable analysis of complex proteomes, leading to the identification and quantification of thousands of proteins in gastric cancer cells, tissues, and sera. This quantitative information has been used to profile the anomalies in gastric cancer and provide insights into the pathogenic mechanism of the disease. In this review, we mainly focus on the advances in mass spectrometry and quantitative proteomics that were achieved in the last five years and how these up-and-coming technologies are employed to track biochemical changes in gastric cancer cells. We conclude by presenting a perspective on quantitative proteomics and its future applications in the clinic and translational gastric cancer research.

Cooperative Vehicular Networking: A Survey

PubMed Central

Ahmed, Ejaz

2018-01-01

With the remarkable progress of cooperative communication technology in recent years, its transformation to vehicular networking is gaining momentum. Such a transformation has brought a new research challenge in facing the realization of cooperative vehicular networking (CVN). This paper presents a comprehensive survey of recent advances in the field of CVN. We cover important aspects of CVN research, including physical, medium access control, and routing protocols, as well as link scheduling and security. We also classify these research efforts in a taxonomy of cooperative vehicular networks. A set of key requirements for realizing the vision of cooperative vehicular networks is then identified and discussed. We also discuss open research challenges in enabling CVN. Lastly, the paper concludes by highlighting key points of research and future directions in the domain of CVN. PMID:29881331

Concluding Remarks: The Current Status and Future Prospects for GRB Astronomy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gehrels, Neil

2009-01-01

We are in a remarkable period of discovery in GRB astronomy. The current satellites including Swift, Fermi. AGILE and INTEGRAL are detecting and observing bursts of all varieties. Increasing capabilities for follow-up observations on the ground and in space are leading to rapid and deep coverage across the electromagnetic spectrum, The future will see continued operation of the current experiments and with future missions like SVOM plus possible rni_Ssions like JANUS and EXIST. An exciting expansion of capabilities is occurring in areas of gravitational waves and neutrinos that could open new windows on the GRB phenomenon. Increased IR capabilities on the ground and with missions like JWST will enable further exploration of high redshift bursts. The future is bright.

Systematic review of Kinect applications in elderly care and stroke rehabilitation

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

In this paper we present a review of the most current avenues of research into Kinect-based elderly care and stroke rehabilitation systems to provide an overview of the state of the art, limitations, and issues of concern as well as suggestions for future work in this direction. The central purpose of this review was to collect all relevant study information into one place in order to support and guide current research as well as inform researchers planning to embark on similar studies or applications. The paper is structured into three main sections, each one presenting a review of the literature for a specific topic. Elderly Care section is comprised of two subsections: Fall detection and Fall risk reduction. Stroke Rehabilitation section contains studies grouped under Evaluation of Kinect’s spatial accuracy, and Kinect-based rehabilitation methods. The third section, Serious and exercise games, contains studies that are indirectly related to the first two sections and present a complete system for elderly care or stroke rehabilitation in a Kinect-based game format. Each of the three main sections conclude with a discussion of limitations of Kinect in its respective applications. The paper concludes with overall remarks regarding use of Kinect in elderly care and stroke rehabilitation applications and suggestions for future work. A concise summary with significant findings and subject demographics (when applicable) of each study included in the review is also provided in table format. PMID:24996956

Hybrid laser arc welding: State-of-art review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acherjee, Bappa

2018-02-01

Hybrid laser arc welding simultaneously utilizes the arc welding and the laser welding, in a common interaction zone. The synergic effects of laser beam and eclectic arc in the same weld pool results in an increase of welding speed and penetration depth along with the enhancement of gap bridging capability and process stability. This paper presents the current status of this hybrid technique in terms of research, developments and applications. Effort is made to present a comprehensive technical know-how about this process through a systematic review of research articles, industrial catalogues, technical notes, etc. In the introductory part of the review, an overview of the hybrid laser arc welding is presented, including operation principle, process requirements, historical developments, benefits and drawbacks of the process. This is followed by a detailed discussion on control parameters those govern the performance of hybrid laser arc welding process. Thereafter, a report of improvements of performance and weld qualities achieved by using hybrid welding process is presented based on review of several research papers. The succeeding sections furnish the examples of industrial applications and the concluding remarks.

Lice induced immuno-oxidative wreckage of goats.

PubMed

Ajith, Y; Dimri, U; Singh, Shanker K; Gopalakrishnan, A; Devi, Gopinath; Verma, M R; Joshi, Vivek; Alam, Shahjahan

2017-08-15

The present study aimed to evaluate the immuno-oxidative patho-biology of lice infestation in goats. Sixty goats were divided into five groups; sucking lice (Linognathus africanus) infested (Group 1, n=12), chewing lice (Bovicola caprae) infested-mild (Group 2, n=12), chewing lice (B. caprae) infested-moderate (Group 3, n=12), chewing lice (B. caprae) infested-severe (Group 4, n=12) and healthy control (Group 5, n=12). To assess the pathological changes, markers of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation-LPO, reduced glutathione-GSH, superoxide dismutase-SOD, Catalase-CAT and total antioxidant capacity-TAC), the markers of immune status (Tumour necrosis factor alpha- TNF-α, Interleukin-10- IL-10, Transforming growth factor beta 1- TGF-β1, ratios of TNF-α/IL-10 and TNF-α/TGF-β1) and hemato-biochemical status were evaluated. Significant anemia, hypoglycemia, hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia were observed in caprine pediculosis irrespective of the type of lice infested. Remarkably increased oxidative stress was observed in chewing lice infested goats and no significant changes in oxidative stress markers were observed in sucking lice infested goats. TGF-β mediated suppression of Th1 and Th2 immune responses was observed in sucking lice infested goats; whereas, a Th2 cytokine dominant inflammatory response was observed in chewing lice infested goats. From the present study, it may be concluded that sucking lice infestation produces remarkable immunosuppression and chewing lice infestation produces significant oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in goats. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Confined Detonations and Pulse Detonation Engines

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-01-01

chemically reacting flow was described by the 2D Euler equations &q OF(q) +G(q) W (1) 75 CONFINED DETONATIONS AND PULSE DETONATION ENGINES where q = (p...DETONATIONS AND PULSE DETONATION ENGINES 5 CONCLUDING REMARKS Numerical investigations of RR and MR in a supersonic chemically reacting flows have...formalism of hetero- geneous medium mechanics supplemented with an overall chemical reaction was 141 CONFINED DETONATIONS AND PULSE DETONATION ENGINES

Reprints of ONR (Office of Naval Research) Work, December 1986-November 1987.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-02-01

remarkably little nonuniformity is required to obtain excellent agreement with the observed anomaly while the uniform magnetization gives a poor fit. The...may have greater magnetization We believe the generally unsatisfactory performance is than its eastern portion and concluded that nonuniform Iue in...subdivision procedure. fields concentrated around the seamount that remain Another approach to removing the effect of nonuniform unaccounted for by

Blast and Fragment Protective Sandwich Panel Concepts for Stainless Steel Monohull Designs

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-10-21

to draw broader conclusions. 8. Concluding remarks The resistance of metallic sandwich panels to localized spherical impulsive sources has been...hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources , gathering and maintaining the data needed, and...applications and ship hull blister attachments. Technical Approach The approach used in this research program exploited progress made in metallic

Discourse following award of Kepler Gold Medal. [Kepler Laws, planetary astronomy and physics, and Jupiter studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuiper, G. P.

1973-01-01

Kuiper briefly reviews Kepler's contributions to the field of planetary astronomy and physics, along with references to his own background in the study of stars, planets, and the solar system. He mentions his participation in NASA programs related to planetary astronomy. He concludes his remarks with thanks for being honored by the award of the Kepler Gold Medal.

Introduction to Adjoint Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Errico, Ronald M.

2015-01-01

In this lecture, some fundamentals of adjoint models will be described. This includes a basic derivation of tangent linear and corresponding adjoint models from a parent nonlinear model, the interpretation of adjoint-derived sensitivity fields, a description of methods of automatic differentiation, and the use of adjoint models to solve various optimization problems, including singular vectors. Concluding remarks will attempt to correct common misconceptions about adjoint models and their utilization.

Prediction of ball and roller bearing thermal and kinematic performance by computer analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pirvics, J.; Kleckner, R. J.

1983-01-01

Characteristics of good computerized analysis software are suggested. These general remarks and an overview of representative software precede a more detailed discussion of load support system analysis program structure. Particular attention is directed at a recent cylindrical roller bearing analysis as an example of the available design tools. Selected software modules are then examined to reveal the detail inherent in contemporary analysis. This leads to a brief section on current design computation which seeks to suggest when and why computerized analysis is warranted. An example concludes the argument offered for such design methodology. Finally, remarks are made concerning needs for model development to address effects which are now considered to be secondary but are anticipated to emerge to primary status in the near future.

The French connection: some contributions of French-language research in the post-Piagetian era.

PubMed

Larivée, S; Normandeau, S; Parent, S

2000-01-01

This article presents French-speaking researchers' contribution to the field of differential developmental psychology. Following a brief review of key Piagetian ideas pertaining to his conceptualization of individual differences, the core of the article traces methodological and theoretical transformations that were necessary for understanding individual differences within a general theory of cognitive development. On a methodological level, French-speaking researchers went from standardizing Piaget's clinical method to constructing developmental scales and operational tests. On a theoretical level, Reuchlin's writings guided Longeot, and several other French (Lautrey and Bideaud) and Genevan (de Ribaupierre and Rieben) researchers into a scientific quest for a genuine integration of differential and developmental psychology. We present an overview of the pluralistic and multidimensional model of cognitive functioning and development that emerged from the work of the French-Swiss team of researchers. Concluding remarks focus on the actual research agendas of researchers interested in resolving the challenging issue of understanding relationships between inter- and intraindividual differences and general tendencies in cognitive development.

Electrostatic separation for recycling waste printed circuit board: a study on external factor and a robust design for optimization.

PubMed

Hou, Shibing; Wu, Jiang; Qin, Yufei; Xu, Zhenming

2010-07-01

Electrostatic separation is an effective and environmentally friendly method for recycling waste printed circuit board (PCB) by several kinds of electrostatic separators. However, some notable problems have been detected in its applications and cannot be efficiently resolved by optimizing the separation process. Instead of the separator itself, these problems are mainly caused by some external factors such as the nonconductive powder (NP) and the superficial moisture of feeding granule mixture. These problems finally lead to an inefficient separation. In the present research, the impacts of these external factors were investigated and a robust design was built to optimize the process and to weaken the adverse impact. A most robust parameter setting (25 kv, 80 rpm) was concluded from the experimental design. In addition, some theoretical methods, including cyclone separation, were presented to eliminate these problems substantially. This will contribute to efficient electrostatic separation of waste PCB and make remarkable progress for industrial applications.

Sexual selection and genital evolution: an overview.

PubMed

Shamloul, Rany; el-Sakka, Ahmed; Bella, Anthony J

2010-05-01

Genital morphology (especially male) among the animal kingdom is characterized by extensive differences that even members of closely related species with similar general morphology may have remarkably diverse genitalia. To present the sexual medicine specialist with a basic understanding of the current hypotheses on genital evolution with an emphasis on the sexual selection theories. A review of current literature on the theories of genital evolution. Analysis of the supporting evidence for the sexual selection theories of genital evolution. Several theories have been proposed to explain genital evolution. Currently, the sexual selection theories are being considered to present valid and solid evidence explaining genital evolution. However, other theories, including sexual conflict, are still being investigated. All theories of genital evolution have their own weaknesses and strengths. Given that many complex biological mechanisms, mostly unknown yet, are involved in the process of genital evolution, it is thus reasonable to conclude that not one theory can independently explain genital evolution. It is likely that these mechanisms may prove to have synergistic rather than exclusive effects.

Improvement of industrially important microbial strains by genome shuffling: Current status and future prospects.

PubMed

Magocha, Tinashe Archbold; Zabed, H; Yang, Miaomiao; Yun, Junhua; Zhang, Huanhuan; Qi, Xianghui

2018-06-01

The growing demand for biotechnological products against limited metabolic capacity of industrially used microorganisms has led to an increased interest on strain-improvement over the last several decades, which aimed to enhance metabolite yield, substrate uptake and tolerance of the strains. Among a few techniques of strain-improvement, genome shuffling is the most recent and promising approach used for rapid strain-improvement that can yield a new strain by combining whole genomes of multi-parental microorganisms using the principles of protoplast fusion. Genome shuffling has brought a major breakthrough in the strain-improvement concept as it is found to be effective and reliable for expressing complex phenotypes. This review will discuss the technical aspects and applications of genome shuffling for various industrial strains to present its current status and recent progress. In the concluding remarks, a summary will be presented focusing on the major challenges and future outlooks of this technology. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PPARs: Interference with Warburg' Effect and Clinical Anticancer Trials

PubMed Central

Vamecq, Joseph; Colet, Jean-Marie; Vanden Eynde, Jean Jacques; Briand, Gilbert; Porchet, Nicole; Rocchi, Stéphane

2012-01-01

The metabolic/cell signaling basis of Warburg's effect (“aerobic glycolysis”) and the general metabolic phenotype adopted by cancer cells are first reviewed. Several bypasses are adopted to provide a panoramic integrated view of tumoral metabolism, by attributing a central signaling role to hypoxia-induced factor (HIF-1) in the expression of aerobic glycolysis. The cancer metabolic phenotype also results from alterations of other routes involving ras, myc, p53, and Akt signaling and the propensity of cancer cells to develop signaling aberrances (notably aberrant surface receptor expression) which, when present, offer unique opportunities for therapeutic interventions. The rationale for various emerging strategies for cancer treatment is presented along with mechanisms by which PPAR ligands might interfere directly with tumoral metabolism and promote anticancer activity. Clinical trials using PPAR ligands are reviewed and followed by concluding remarks and perspectives for future studies. A therapeutic need to associate PPAR ligands with other anticancer agents is perhaps an important lesson to be learned from the results of the clinical trials conducted to date. PMID:22654896

a Review of Recent Research in Indoor Modelling & Mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunduz, M.; Isikdag, U.; Basaraner, M.

2016-06-01

Indoor modeling and mapping has been an active area of research in last 20 years in order to tackle the problems related to positioning and tracking of people and objects indoors, and provides many opportunities for several domains ranging from emergency response to logistics in micro urban spaces. The outputs of recent research in the field have been presented in several scientific publications and events primarily related to spatial information science and technology. This paper summarizes the outputs of last 10 years of research on indoor modeling and mapping within a proper classification which covers 7 areas, i.e. Information Acquisition by Sensors, Model Definition, Model Integration, Indoor Positioning and LBS, Routing & Navigation Methods, Augmented and Virtual Reality Applications, and Ethical Issues. Finally, the paper outlines the current and future research directions and concluding remarks.

G. H. Mead in the history of sociological ideas.

PubMed

da Silva, Filipe Carreira

2006-01-01

My aim is to discuss the history of the reception of George Herbert Mead's ideas in sociology. After discussing the methodological debate between presentism and historicism, I address the interpretations of those responsible for Mead's inclusion in the sociological canon: Herbert Blumer, Jürgen Habermas, and Hans Joas. In the concluding section, I assess these reconstructions of Mead's thought and suggest an alternative more consistent with my initial methodological remarks. In particular, I advocate a reconstruction of Mead's ideas that apprehends simultaneously its evolution over time and its thematic breadth. Such a historically minded reconstruction can be not only a useful corrective to possible anachronisms incurred by contemporary social theorists, but also a fruitful resource for their theory-building endeavors. Only then can meaningful and enriching dialogue with Mead begin. Copyright 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Bicollinear antiferromagnetic order, monoclinic distortion, and reversed resistivity anisotropy in FeTe as a result of spin-lattice coupling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bishop, Christopher B.; Moreo, Adriana; Dagotto, Elbio

2016-09-08

The bicollinear antiferromagnetic order experimentally observed in FeTe is shown to be stabilized by the coupling g ~ 12 between monoclinic lattice distortions and the spin-nematic order parameter with B 2g symmetry, within a three-orbital spin-fermion model studied with Monte Carlo techniques. A finite but small value of g ~ 12 is required, with a concomitant lattice distortion compatible with experiments, and a tetragonal-monoclinic transition strongly first order. Remarkably, the bicollinear state found here displays a planar resistivity with the reversed puzzling anisotropy discovered in transport experiments. Orthorhombic distortions are also incorporated, and phase diagrams interpolating between pnictides and chalcogenidesmore » are presented. Here, we conclude that the spin-lattice coupling we introduce is sufficient to explain the challenging properties of FeTe.« less

Cryogenic fluid management (base R/T): Cryogenic fluid systems, Cryogenic Orbital Nitrogen Experiment (CONE), Cryogenic Orbital Hydrogen Experiment (COHE). (Transportation focused technology)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Symons, Pat

1991-01-01

The topics presented are covered in viewgraph form. The concluded remarks are: (1) advanced cryogenic fluid systems technology is enhancing or enabling to all known transportation scenarios for space exploration; (2) an integrated/coordinated program involving LeRC/MSFC has been formulated to address all known CFM needs - new needs should they develop, can be accommodated within available skills/facilities; (3) all required/experienced personnel and facilities are finally in place - data from initial ground-based experiments is being collected and analyzed - small scale STS experiments are nearing flight - program is beginning to yield significant results; (4) future proposed funding to primarily come from two sources; and (5) cryogenic fluid experimentation is essential to provide required technology and assure implementation in future NASA missions.

[Stress and Burnout Risk in Nursery School Teachers: Results from a Survey].

PubMed

Jungbauer, J; Ehlen, S

2015-06-01

This article presents results from a study of 834 nursery school teachers in Germany, investigating working conditions, stress, and stress-related health problems. In order to evaluate the extent of mental and psychosomatic troubles, as well as the risk of burnout, we used the standardised questionnaire "Burnout Screening Scales" (BOSS I). Data analysis yielded a high percentage of nursery school teachers who reported a remarkably high stress level; nearly 20% can be considered as a high-risk group for burnout. Poor staff conditions in many nurseries turned out to be the crucial stress source, along with large groups, insufficient teacher-child ratio, time pressure and multitasking. In the concluding discussion of the study results, we consider possible measures to reduce stress and to improve working conditions for nursery school teachers. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Border Security: Barriers Along the U.S. International Border

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-09-21

Mexican Government Press Release, “Crecimiento con Calidad: El Presidente Vicente Fox encabezará la cena de gala de la XI Cumbre Anual Hemispheria San...international border with Mexico , and covers approximately 7,000 square miles of territory. Located north of Tijuana and Tecate, Mexican cities with a...The study concluded that aliens attempting to enter the United States from Mexico had shown remarkable resiliency in bypassing or destroying obstacles

Comments on statistical issues in numerical modeling for underground nuclear test monitoring

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nicholson, W.L.; Anderson, K.K.

1993-11-01

The Symposium concluded with prepared summaries by four experts in the involved disciplines. These experts made no mention of statistics and/or the statistical content of issues. The first author contributed an extemporaneous statement at the Symposium because there are important issues associated with conducting and evaluating numerical modeling that are familiar to statisticians and often treated successfully by them. This note expands upon these extemporaneous remarks.

Assessment of IT solutions used in the Hungarian income tax microsimulation system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molnar, I.; Hardhienata, S.

2017-01-01

This paper focuses on the use of information technology (IT) in diverse microsimulation studies and presents state-of-the-art solutions in the traditional application field of personal income tax simulation. The aim of the paper is to promote solutions, which can improve the efficiency and quality of microsimulation model implementation, assess their applicability and help to shift attention from microsimulation model implementation and data analysis towards experiment design and model use. First, the authors shortly discuss the relevant characteristics of the microsimulation application field and the managerial decision-making problem. After examination of the salient problems, advanced IT solutions, such as meta-database and service-oriented architecture are presented. The authors show how selected technologies can be applied to support both data- and behavior-driven and even agent-based personal income tax microsimulation model development. Finally, examples are presented and references made to the Hungarian Income Tax Simulator (HITS) models and their results. The paper concludes with a summary of the IT assessment and application-related author remarks dedicated to an Indonesian Income Tax Microsimulation Model.

Further Research on Heading in Text

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-12-28

statement headings with low-ability children 10 5.0 Summary of the experiments 11 6.0 Concluding remarks 13 7.0 Acknowledgements 16 8.0 References 17... colour -coded headings as retrieval devices in electronic text, as well as the efficacy of ’running heads’. These, and other implications of research on...The following topics are discussed: * the time spent watching television " the people’s favourite programmes * attitudes to the BBC * attitudes to ITV

Border Security: Barriers Along the U.S. International Border

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-10-30

Crecimiento con Calidad: El Presidente Vicente Fox encabezará la cena de gala de la XI Cumbre Anual Hemispheria San Pedro 2005: Rubén Aguilar, Vocero de ...Pacific Ocean of the international border with Mexico , and covers approximately 7,000 square miles of territory. Located north of Tijuana and Tecate...had entered the country illegally.15 The study concluded that aliens attempting to enter the United States from Mexico had shown remarkable

American Security and the International Energy Situation. Volume 1. Introduction and Summary

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-04-15

Financial Security 28 Timely Energy Supply Enhancement 31 Prospects for a Price Break M Concluding Remarks ’♦S II. World Energy Interdependence...likely to experience as the level of social and political chaos rises under the pressures of economic contraction, financial hemorrhage, and pervasive...and Consolidated Edison’s punned storage facility planned for Storm King). Often, energy projects are delayed from the very beginning by vocal

Directional selection in temporally replicated studies is remarkably consistent.

PubMed

Morrissey, Michael B; Hadfield, Jarrod D

2012-02-01

Temporal variation in selection is a fundamental determinant of evolutionary outcomes. A recent paper presented a synthetic analysis of temporal variation in selection in natural populations. The authors concluded that there is substantial variation in the strength and direction of selection over time, but acknowledged that sampling error would result in estimates of selection that were more variable than the true values. We reanalyze their dataset using techniques that account for the necessary effect of sampling error to inflate apparent levels of variation and show that directional selection is remarkably constant over time, both in magnitude and direction. Thus we cannot claim that the available data support the existence of substantial temporal heterogeneity in selection. Nonetheless, we conject that temporal variation in selection could be important, but that there are good reasons why it may not appear in the available data. These new analyses highlight the importance of applying techniques that estimate parameters of the distribution of selection, rather than parameters of the distribution of estimated selection (which will reflect both sampling error and "real" variation in selection); indeed, despite availability of methods for the former, focus on the latter has been common in synthetic reviews of the aspects of selection in nature, and can lead to serious misinterpretations. © 2011 The Author(s). Evolution© 2011 The Society for the Study of Evolution.

POWERFUL HIGH-ENERGY EMISSION OF THE REMARKABLE BL Lac OBJECT S5 0716+714

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vittorini, V.; Chen, A. W.; Ferrari, A.

BL Lac objects of the intermediate subclass (IBLs) are known to emit a substantial fraction of their power in the energy range 0.1-10 GeV. Detecting gamma-ray emission from such sources provides therefore a direct probe of the emission mechanisms and of the underlying powerhouse. The gamma-ray satellite, AGILE, detected the remarkable IBL S5 0716+714 (z approx = 0.3) during a high state in the period from 2007 September-October, marked by two very intense flares reaching peak fluxes of 200 x 10{sup -8} photons cm{sup -2} s{sup -1} above 100 MeV, with simultaneous optical and X-ray observations. We present here amore » theoretical model for the two major flares and discuss the overall energetics of the source. We conclude that 0716+714 is among the brightest BL Lac's ever detected at gamma-ray energies. Because of its high power and lack of signs for ongoing accretion or surrounding gas, the source is an ideal candidate to test the maximal power extractable from a rotating supermassive black hole via the pure Blandford-Znajek (BZ) mechanism. We find that during the 2007 gamma-ray flares 0716+714 approached or just exceeded the upper limit set by BZ for a black hole of mass 10{sup 9} M{sub sun}.« less

Impact of Economic Hardship and Financial Threat on Suicide Ideation and Confusion.

PubMed

Fiksenbaum, Lisa; Marjanovic, Zdravko; Greenglass, Esther; Garcia-Santos, Francisco

2017-07-04

The present study tested the extent to which perceived economic hardship is associated with psychological distress (suicide ideation and confusion) after controlling for personal characteristics. It also explored whether perceived financial threat (i.e., fearful anxious-uncertainty about the stability and security of one's personal financial situation) mediates the relationship between economic hardship and psychological distress outcomes. The theoretical model was tested in a sample of Canadian students (n = 211) and was validated in a community sample of employed Portuguese adults (n = 161). In both samples, the fit of the model was good. Parameter estimates indicated that greater experience of economic hardship increased with financial threat, which in turn increased with levels of suicide ideation and confusion. We discuss the practical implications of these results, such as for programs aimed at alleviating the burden of financial hardship, in our concluding remarks.

Elective ventilation for organ donation: law, policy and public ethics.

PubMed

Coggon, John

2013-03-01

This paper examines questions concerning elective ventilation, contextualised within English law and policy. It presents the general debate with reference both to the Exeter Protocol on elective ventilation, and the considerable developments in legal principle since the time that that protocol was declared to be unlawful. I distinguish different aspects of what might be labelled elective ventilation policies under the following four headings: 'basic elective ventilation'; 'epistemically complex elective ventilation'; 'practically complex elective ventilation'; and 'epistemically and practically complex elective ventilation'. I give a legal analysis of each. In concluding remarks on their potential practical viability, I emphasise the importance not just of ascertaining the legal and ethical acceptability of these and other forms of elective ventilation, but also of assessing their professional and political acceptability. This importance relates both to the successful implementation of the individual practices, and to guarding against possible harmful effects in the wider efforts to increase the rates of posthumous organ donation.

Cell proliferation assessment in oncology.

PubMed

Hofstädter, F; Knüchel, R; Rüschoff, J

1995-01-01

A review of the current knowledge on cell cycle control and the techniques used to assess proliferation of normal and neoplastic cells was the focus of a workshop in Regensburg, Germany, held under the joint auspices of the Graduiertenkolleg: Therapieforschung Onkologie and the Committee on AgNOR Quantification. An overview of the recently discovered group of cyclins and their specific kinases, and of other proliferation-associated antigens, such as Ki67, PCNA and topoiseromase II alpha, was given. The topics continued with a reappraisal of modern imaging and flow-cytometric techniques. An update of the relation of AgNORs to cellular proliferation and differentiation was the link to presentations on clinical data, problems and strategies for standardization, as well as guidelines to establish the prognostic value of marker molecules. These lectures were supported by posters. Bringing together researchers from life sciences, technically oriented workers, pathologists, and clinicians resulted in a lively and constructive discussion, which is briefly summarized in the Concluding remarks.

Comments on 'Frontogenesis in a moist semigeostrophic model'

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keyser, D.; Anthes, R. A.

1986-01-01

The development of narrow updrafts or jetlike features in the vertical motion field (VMF) over the leading edge of a surface frontal zone is examined on the basis of model simulations, summarizing and clarifying the results presented by Keyser and Anthes (1982) and responding to critical remarks by Mak and Bannon (1984). Typical velocity and potential-temperature cross sections are shown, and it is concluded that the inclusion of generally parameterized planetary-boundary-layer (PBL) physics in the model has a significant effect on the VMF, suggesting that frictional processes alone (without latent heating) can explain the formation of jetlike frontal updrafts. In a reply by Mak and Bannon it is argued that the increased strength of the VMF in models including PBL physics is not significant, whereas other models show that the VMF can be significantly strengthened and narrowed by condensational heating alone.

Solution to the phylogenetic enigma of Tetraplatia, a worm-shaped cnidarian

PubMed Central

Collins, Allen G; Bentlage, Bastian; Matsumoto, George I; Haddock, Steven H.D; Osborn, Karen J; Schierwater, Bernd

2005-01-01

Tetraplatia is a genus containing two species of pelagic cnidarians of curious morphology. Their vermiform shape and four swimming flaps are difficult to relate to the features of other cnidarians, thus obscuring their phylogenetic affinities. Since their discovery in the mid-1800s, a number of prominent cnidarian workers have weighed in on this conundrum, some arguing that they are aberrant hydrozoans and others concluding that they are unusual scyphozoans. Current taxonomic practice conforms to the latter view. However, data presented here from the large and small subunits of the nuclear ribosome leave little doubt that Tetraplatia is in fact a hydrozoan genus. Indeed, its precise phylogenetic position is within Narcomedusae, as some authors had previously deduced based on structural characters. The distinctive body plan of Tetraplatia is remarkable because it appears to have a recent origin, in contrast to the prevailing pattern of metazoan history. PMID:17148343

Negative terahertz photoconductivity in 2D layered materials.

PubMed

Lu, Junpeng; Liu, Hongwei; Sun, Jing

2017-11-17

The remarkable qualities of 2D layered materials such as wide spectral coverage, high strength and great flexibility mean that ultrathin 2D layered materials have the potential to meet the criteria of next-generation optoelectronic devices. Photoconductivity is one of the critical parameters of materials applied to optoelectronics. In contrast to traditional semiconductors, specific ultrathin 2D layers present anomalous negative photoconductivity. This opens a new avenue for designing novel optoelectronic devices. It is important to have a deep understanding of the fundamentals of this anomalous response, in order to design and optimize such devices. In this review, we provide an overview of the observation of negative photoconductivity in 2D layered materials including graphene, topological insulators and transitional metal dichalcogenides. We also summarize recent reports on investigations into the fundamental mechanism using ultrafast terahertz (THz) spectroscopies. Finally, we conclude the review by discussing the existing challenges and proposing the possible prospects of this direction of research.

Critical Places Beyond the Psychology of Well-Being and Competitiveness.

PubMed

Chemi, Tatiana

2018-05-14

The purpose of the present contribution is to look beyond the limits evident in dualistic discourses in educational practices. Torn between the promises of well-being or the hard facts of competitiveness, educational institutions at all levels of instruction might miss the point of a more holistic approach to learning and creativity. Looking beyond dichotomous discourses in educational practices is harder than ever, in a world where globalisation demands high standards of competitiveness and neoliberalism denies all but economic growth targets. Approaches that envision different solutions are necessarily imaginative, critical and alternative to rigid discourses. In order to find foundational evidence for alternative ways of thinking and talking about learning, I will look at how Dewian and Vygotskyan conceptualisations walk the same paths and go towards holistic suggestions. Concluding remarks will address the disruptive potential of critical thinking in schools for the future.

Alexithymia: a further exploration of its nomological network.

PubMed

Vingerhoets, A J; Van Heck, G L; Grim, R; Bermond, B

1995-01-01

The present studies were designed in order to obtain a better understanding of the nomological network of the alexithymia concept. In study I, the links between alexithymia, coping, and self-rated health were explored. As predicted, strong negative correlations were found between alexithymia and the expression of emotions, daydreams and fantasies, and planful and rational actions. Contrary to expectations, no clear associations were found with self-reported health status. In study II, the focus was on links with personality, temperament, and self-reported (susceptibility to) homesickness. Although some correlations reached statistical significance, all were rather modest. The most remarkable finding was the independence of alexithymia and neuroticism. In study III, the associations between alexithymia and aspects of love experiences were examined, again yielding low correlations. It is concluded that alexithymia is relatively independent of temperament and personality. In addition, it is suggested that the association between alexithymia and the experience of positive emotions deserves further exploration.

Enlarging the bounds of moral philosophy: Why did Isaac Newton conclude the Opticks the way he did?

PubMed Central

Henry, John

2017-01-01

This paper draws attention to the remarkable closing words of Isaac Newton's Optice (1706) and subsequent editions of the Opticks (1718, 1721), and tries to suggest why Newton chose to conclude his book with a puzzling allusion to his own unpublished conclusions about the history of religion. Newton suggests in this concluding passage that the bounds of moral philosophy will be enlarged as natural philosophy is ‘perfected’. Asking what Newton might have had in mind, the paper first considers the idea that he was foreshadowing the ‘moral Newtonianism’ developed later in the eighteenth century; then it considers the idea that he was perhaps pointing to developments in natural theology. Finally, the paper suggests that Newton wanted to at least signal the importance of attempting to recover the true original religion, and perhaps was hinting at his intention to publish his own extensive research on the history of the Church.

Preduction of Vehicle Mobility on Large-Scale Soft-Soil Terrain Maps Using Physics-Based Simulation

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-08-02

PREDICTION OF VEHICLE MOBILITY ON LARGE-SCALE SOFT- SOIL TERRAIN MAPS USING PHYSICS-BASED SIMULATION Tamer M. Wasfy, Paramsothy Jayakumar, Dave...NRMM • Objectives • Soft Soils • Review of Physics-Based Soil Models • MBD/DEM Modeling Formulation – Joint & Contact Constraints – DEM Cohesive... Soil Model • Cone Penetrometer Experiment • Vehicle- Soil Model • Vehicle Mobility DOE Procedure • Simulation Results • Concluding Remarks 2UNCLASSIFIED

Automatic Synthesis of Implementations for Abstract Data Types from Algebraic Specifications.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-06-01

second is io expect the user to fumish more information about the desired prMpetin of the porum IQ to guide the synthesis procedure. ; - 10- A third...of the fourth and the fiflh chapters. The sixth chapter describes the second stage. The last chapter gives the concluding remarks. .13 - 2. An Overview... second section gives a summary of the synthesis procedure. It points out the nontrivial issues involvcd in the method employed by the procedure for

Hydra meiosis reveals unexpected conservation of structural synaptonemal complex proteins across metazoans.

PubMed

Fraune, Johanna; Alsheimer, Manfred; Volff, Jean-Nicolas; Busch, Karoline; Fraune, Sebastian; Bosch, Thomas C G; Benavente, Ricardo

2012-10-09

The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a key structure of meiosis, mediating the stable pairing (synapsis) of homologous chromosomes during prophase I. Its remarkable tripartite structure is evolutionarily well conserved and can be found in almost all sexually reproducing organisms. However, comparison of the different SC protein components in the common meiosis model organisms Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Arabidopsis thaliana, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, and Mus musculus revealed no sequence homology. This discrepancy challenged the hypothesis that the SC arose only once in evolution. To pursue this matter we focused on the evolution of SYCP1 and SYCP3, the two major structural SC proteins of mammals. Remarkably, our comparative bioinformatic and expression studies revealed that SYCP1 and SYCP3 are also components of the SC in the basal metazoan Hydra. In contrast to previous assumptions, we therefore conclude that SYCP1 and SYCP3 form monophyletic groups of orthologous proteins across metazoans.

Hydra meiosis reveals unexpected conservation of structural synaptonemal complex proteins across metazoans

PubMed Central

Fraune, Johanna; Alsheimer, Manfred; Volff, Jean-Nicolas; Busch, Karoline; Fraune, Sebastian; Bosch, Thomas C. G.; Benavente, Ricardo

2012-01-01

The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a key structure of meiosis, mediating the stable pairing (synapsis) of homologous chromosomes during prophase I. Its remarkable tripartite structure is evolutionarily well conserved and can be found in almost all sexually reproducing organisms. However, comparison of the different SC protein components in the common meiosis model organisms Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Arabidopsis thaliana, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, and Mus musculus revealed no sequence homology. This discrepancy challenged the hypothesis that the SC arose only once in evolution. To pursue this matter we focused on the evolution of SYCP1 and SYCP3, the two major structural SC proteins of mammals. Remarkably, our comparative bioinformatic and expression studies revealed that SYCP1 and SYCP3 are also components of the SC in the basal metazoan Hydra. In contrast to previous assumptions, we therefore conclude that SYCP1 and SYCP3 form monophyletic groups of orthologous proteins across metazoans. PMID:23012415

2011 Asia Pacific Few-Body Conference Summary Remarks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gibson, B. F.

2013-03-01

These remarks represent the author's personal perspective regarding ideas presented at this fifth Asia Pacific Conference on Few-Body Problems in Physics. They are not intended as a comprehensive summary of what we witnessed during this week of stimulating presentations and intense discussions. However, these remarks do characterize some of the physics we heard and some of the key questions raised. The ideas presented will hopefully outlive the rapporteurs who brought their work and that of others to our attention here in the International Hall of the Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Finally, we bid adieu to our friend, colleague, and mentor, John A. Tjon.

[The Status of Higher Education and the College Environment. Collected Remarks.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boozer, Howard R.; And Others

Conference papers and panel remarks concerning the role of state coordinating or governing boards, trends in higher education since before World War II, and implications of the Bakke decision are presented as part of an inservice education program. In "Life in the Centrifuge--Panel Remarks," Howard R. Boozer suggests that higher…

Defense.gov Special Report: Travels with Gates - December 2010

Science.gov Websites

Says Gates Salutes Sailors, Marines at Afghanistan Base Secretary Presents Valor Awards to Bastogne at the U.S. Embassy, Kabul Remarks at Forward Operating Base Howz-e-Madad, Afghanistan Remarks at Base Joyce, Afghanistan Remarks at Forward Operating Base Connolly, Afghanistan Media Availabilty at

Convective heat transfer in MHD slip flow over a stretching surface in the presence of carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ul Haq, Rizwan; Nadeem, Sohail; Khan, Z. H.; Noor, N. F. M.

2015-01-01

In the present study, thermal conductivity and viscosity of both single-wall and multiple-wall Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) within the base fluids (water, engine oil and ethylene glycol) of similar volume have been investigated when the fluid is flowing over a stretching surface. The magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) and viscous dissipation effects are also incorporated in the present phenomena. Experimental data consists of thermo-physical properties of each base fluid and CNT have been considered. The mathematical model has been constructed and by employing similarity transformation, system of partial differential equations is rehabilitated into the system of non-linear ordinary differential equations. The results of local skin friction and local Nusselt number are plotted for each base fluid by considering both Single Wall Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) and Multiple-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT). The behavior of fluid flow for water based-SWCNT and MWCNT are analyzed through streamlines. Concluding remarks have been developed on behalf of the whole analysis and it is found that engine oil-based CNT have higher skin friction and heat transfer rate as compared to water and ethylene glycol-based CNT.

Rapid activation of the interferon system in vivo.

PubMed Central

Dianzani, F; Gullino, P; Baron, S

1978-01-01

Experiments were carried out to study the kinetics of local interferon production in the subcutaneous tissues of rats stimulated with Newcastle disease virus. Specifically, the interferon produced and released in the extracellular fluids was collected at various intervals of time in micropore chambers implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of rats. Interferon was detected at moderate titers 1 h after induction, and it was present at high titer at 2 h. The interferon levels remained remarkably high in the samples collected after 3, 5, and 24 h, and in some rats it was still detectable after 48 and 72 h. Since control experiments showed that it requires 2 to 3 h for interferon to penetrate the chambers, it may be concluded that high concentrations of interferon are present in the extracellular fluid within 1 h of induction. The evaluation of the kinetics of production and of the concentrations attained in the extracellular fluid suggests that in a solid tissue a cell infected by a potent interferon inducer may produce interferon early enough and in sufficient quantity to protect neighboring cells before the production of progeny virions. PMID:669799

Assessment of Evapotranspiration and Soil Moisture Content Across Different Scales of Observation

PubMed Central

Verstraeten, Willem W.; Veroustraete, Frank; Feyen, Jan

2008-01-01

The proper assessment of evapotranspiration and soil moisture content are fundamental in food security research, land management, pollution detection, nutrient flows, (wild-) fire detection, (desert) locust, carbon balance as well as hydrological modelling; etc. This paper takes an extensive, though not exhaustive sample of international scientific literature to discuss different approaches to estimate land surface and ecosystem related evapotranspiration and soil moisture content. This review presents: (i)a summary of the generally accepted cohesion theory of plant water uptake and transport including a shortlist of meteorological and plant factors influencing plant transpiration;(ii)a summary on evapotranspiration assessment at different scales of observation (sap-flow, porometer, lysimeter, field and catchment water balance, Bowen ratio, scintillometer, eddy correlation, Penman-Monteith and related approaches);(iii)a summary on data assimilation schemes conceived to estimate evapotranspiration using optical and thermal remote sensing; and(iv)for soil moisture content, a summary on soil moisture retrieval techniques at different spatial and temporal scales is presented. Concluding remarks on the best available approaches to assess evapotranspiration and soil moisture content with and emphasis on remote sensing data assimilation, are provided. PMID:27879697

Assessment of Evapotranspiration and Soil Moisture Content Across Different Scales of Observation.

PubMed

Verstraeten, Willem W; Veroustraete, Frank; Feyen, Jan

2008-01-09

The proper assessment of evapotranspiration and soil moisture content arefundamental in food security research, land management, pollution detection, nutrient flows,(wild-) fire detection, (desert) locust, carbon balance as well as hydrological modelling; etc.This paper takes an extensive, though not exhaustive sample of international scientificliterature to discuss different approaches to estimate land surface and ecosystem relatedevapotranspiration and soil moisture content. This review presents:(i) a summary of the generally accepted cohesion theory of plant water uptake andtransport including a shortlist of meteorological and plant factors influencing planttranspiration;(ii) a summary on evapotranspiration assessment at different scales of observation (sapflow,porometer, lysimeter, field and catchment water balance, Bowen ratio,scintillometer, eddy correlation, Penman-Monteith and related approaches);(iii) a summary on data assimilation schemes conceived to estimate evapotranspirationusing optical and thermal remote sensing; and(iv) for soil moisture content, a summary on soil moisture retrieval techniques atdifferent spatial and temporal scales is presented.Concluding remarks on the best available approaches to assess evapotranspiration and soilmoisture content with and emphasis on remote sensing data assimilation, are provided.

Abstracts of the 24th international isotope society (UK group) symposium: synthesis and applications of labelled compounds 2015.

PubMed

Aigbirhio, F I; Allwein, S; Anwar, A; Atzrodt, J; Audisio, D; Badman, G; Bakale, R; Berthon, F; Bragg, R; Brindle, K M; Bushby, N; Campos, S; Cant, A A; Chan, M Y T; Colbon, P; Cornelissen, B; Czarny, B; Derdau, V; Dive, V; Dunscombe, M; Eggleston, I; Ellis-Sawyer, K; Elmore, C S; Engstrom, P; Ericsson, C; Fairlamb, I J S; Georgin, D; Godfrey, S P; He, L; Hickey, M J; Huscroft, I T; Kerr, W J; Lashford, A; Lenz, E; Lewinton, S; L'Hermite, M M; Lindelöf, Å; Little, G; Lockley, W J S; Loreau, O; Maddocks, S; Marguerit, M; Mirabello, V; Mudd, R J; Nilsson, G N; Owens, P K; Pascu, S I; Patriarche, G; Pimlott, S L; Pinault, M; Plastow, G; Racys, D T; Reif, J; Rossi, J; Ruan, J; Sarpaki, S; Sephton, S M; Simonsson, R; Speed, D J; Sumal, K; Sutherland, A; Taran, F; Thuleau, A; Wang, Y; Waring, M; Watters, W H; Wu, J; Xiao, J

2016-04-01

The 24th annual symposium of the International Isotope Society's United Kingdom Group took place at the Møller Centre, Churchill College, Cambridge, UK on Friday 6th November 2015. The meeting was attended by 77 delegates from academia and industry, the life sciences, chemical, radiochemical and scientific instrument suppliers. Delegates were welcomed by Dr Ken Lawrie (GlaxoSmithKline, UK, chair of the IIS UK group). The subsequent scientific programme consisted of oral presentations, short 'flash' presentations in association with particular posters and poster presentations. The scientific areas covered included isotopic synthesis, regulatory issues, applications of labelled compounds in imaging, isotopic separation and novel chemistry with potential implications for isotopic synthesis. Both short-lived and long-lived isotopes were represented, as were stable isotopes. The symposium was divided into a morning session chaired by Dr Rebekka Hueting (University of Oxford, UK) and afternoon sessions chaired by Dr Sofia Pascu (University of Bath, UK) and by Dr Alan Dowling (Syngenta, UK). The UK meeting concluded with remarks from Dr Ken Lawrie (GlaxoSmithKline, UK). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Safety assessment, detection and traceability, and societal aspects of genetically modified foods. European Network on Safety Assessment of Genetically Modified Food Crops (ENTRANSFOOD). Concluding remarks.

PubMed

Kuiper, H A; König, A; Kleter, G A; Hammes, W P; Knudsen, I

2004-07-01

The most important results from the EU-sponsored ENTRANSFOOD Thematic Network project are reviewed, including the design of a detailed step-wise procedure for the risk assessment of foods derived from genetically modified crops based on the latest scientific developments, evaluation of topical risk assessment issues, and the formulation of proposals for improved risk management and public involvement in the risk analysis process. Copyright 2004 Elsevier Ltd.

Review of recent developments in the field of magnesium corrosion: Recent developments in Mg corrosion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Atrens, Andrej; Song, Guang -Ling; Liu, Ming

2015-01-07

This paper provides a review of recent developments in the field of Mg corrosion and puts those into context. This includes considerations of corrosion manifestations, material influences, surface treatment, anodization, coatings, inhibition, biodegradable medical applications, stress corrosion cracking, flammability, corrosion mechanisms for HP Mg, critical evaluation of corrosion mechanisms, and concluding remarks. There has been much research recently, and much research continues in this area. In conclusion, this is expected to produce significantly better, more-corrosion-resistant Mg alloys.

A Request for the Conference and Symposia Grant from COMP Division of American Chemical Society

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-02

John Kattirtzi, Joost VandeVondele, Jun Cheng. 4:45 pm 130 Oxidation stability and decomposition reactions of battery electrolytes and additives in bulk...CA Abstracts2View™: http://abstracts.acs.org/chem/248nm/program/divisionindex.php?act=pre... 3 of 5 8/26/2014 8:19 PM 11:10 am 420 DME decomposition ...Nature of electro-osmosis in hydrated polymer electrolyte membranes Yoong-Kee Choe 5:25 pm Concluding Remarks COMP Emilio Esposito, Scott Wildman

Photoluminescence-excitation spectroscopy as a highly sensitive probe for carrier transport processes affected by surface damages in AlxGa1-xN/GaN heterostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeuchi, Hideo; Yamamoto, Yoshitsugu; Kamo, Yoshitaka; Kunii, Tetsuo; Oku, Tomoki; Shirahama, Takeo; Tanaka, Hiroyasu; Nakayama, Masaaki

2007-08-01

We demonstrate that photoluminescence-excitation (PLE) spectroscopy can probe with high sensitivity the effects of plasma-induced surface damages on photogenerated-carrier-transport processes in AlxGa1-xN/GaN heterostructures, on the basis of systematic optical and structural characterization results for the as-grown reference sample and the plasma-exposed sample. It is found from the structural characterizations with atomic force microscopy that the plasma exposure remarkably modifies the atomic step boundaries and the pits on the AlxGa1-xN surface, which leads to a remarkable difference between the PLE spectra of the bound exciton photoluminescence from the underlying GaN layer in the two samples. The PLE spectrum of the reference sample shows a step rising from the AlxGa1-xN fundamental transition energy toward the high energy side, whereas the rising step disappears in the PLE spectrum of the plasma-exposed sample. In contrast, the reflectance characteristics are the same in the two samples; i.e., the excitonic transition itself is not influenced by the plasma exposure. The present findings indicate that the PLE spectral profile is sensitive to the change in efficiency of the photogenerated carrier injection from the AlxGa1-xN layer to the GaN layer. Thus, it is concluded that the PLE characterization is effective to probe the photogenerated-carrier transport in heterostructures.

Conceptual biology, hypothesis discovery, and text mining: Swanson's legacy.

PubMed

Bekhuis, Tanja

2006-04-03

Innovative biomedical librarians and information specialists who want to expand their roles as expert searchers need to know about profound changes in biology and parallel trends in text mining. In recent years, conceptual biology has emerged as a complement to empirical biology. This is partly in response to the availability of massive digital resources such as the network of databases for molecular biologists at the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Developments in text mining and hypothesis discovery systems based on the early work of Swanson, a mathematician and information scientist, are coincident with the emergence of conceptual biology. Very little has been written to introduce biomedical digital librarians to these new trends. In this paper, background for data and text mining, as well as for knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) and in text (KDT) is presented, then a brief review of Swanson's ideas, followed by a discussion of recent approaches to hypothesis discovery and testing. 'Testing' in the context of text mining involves partially automated methods for finding evidence in the literature to support hypothetical relationships. Concluding remarks follow regarding (a) the limits of current strategies for evaluation of hypothesis discovery systems and (b) the role of literature-based discovery in concert with empirical research. Report of an informatics-driven literature review for biomarkers of systemic lupus erythematosus is mentioned. Swanson's vision of the hidden value in the literature of science and, by extension, in biomedical digital databases, is still remarkably generative for information scientists, biologists, and physicians.

[Acquired dyslexias and dysgraphias under the prism of cognitive neuropsychology: a model for the Spanish language].

PubMed

Böhm, P; Diéguez-Vide, F; Peña-Casanova, J; Tainturier, M J; Lecours, A R

2000-02-01

The present paper discusses the different clinical manifestations of acquired disorders of reading and writing from a neurocognitive viewpoint. Based on a specific functional architecture of reading and writing--a cognitive model; presented as well--the different syndromes of acquired dyslexias and dysgraphias, that have been described in the specialized literature during the last 25 years, will be reviewed. The different pathologies are distributed along three different functional axes: a plurimodal component, including the semantic system, for the description of peripheric disorders of reading and writing; a lexical block which is justified by the findings in patients with surface dyslexia/dysgraphia; and a third, sublexical component, in order to illustrate the different functional impairments in phonological dyslexia/dysgraphia. Following the description of syndromes due to selective "functional lesions", we discuss deep dyslexia/dysgraphia, a syndrome due to multiple functional lesions. All of the syndromes will be justified and discussed with respect to the different components of the functional architecture presented and are based on cases of the literature and personal observations. Concluding remarks will evaluate the new insights gained by the presented functional arquitecture in relation to other cognitive models for the analysis of reading aloud and writing to dictation of single words.

Ted Sizer's Opening Remarks, Fall Forum 2000, Providence, Rhode Island

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sizer, Theodore

2009-01-01

This article presents Ted Sizer's opening remarks during the Fall Forum in 2000 at Providence, Rhode Island. In his opening remarks, Sizer reviews what the Coalition of Essential Schools (CES) is, and what it is not. CES, he contends, is not a fixed school design but rather, a set of ideas, ideas and conditions and convictions, called principles,…

76 FR 53924 - Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-08-30

... and swearing in of the new members; (3) Remarks from Coast Guard Leadership, Rear Admiral J. A. Watson.../presentations; and (3) Closing remarks/plans for next meeting. Dated: August 24, 2011. J. A. Watson, Rear...

Identification and classification of silks using infrared spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Boulet-Audet, Maxime; Vollrath, Fritz; Holland, Chris

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Lepidopteran silks number in the thousands and display a vast diversity of structures, properties and industrial potential. To map this remarkable biochemical diversity, we present an identification and screening method based on the infrared spectra of native silk feedstock and cocoons. Multivariate analysis of over 1214 infrared spectra obtained from 35 species allowed us to group silks into distinct hierarchies and a classification that agrees well with current phylogenetic data and taxonomies. This approach also provides information on the relative content of sericin, calcium oxalate, phenolic compounds, poly-alanine and poly(alanine-glycine) β-sheets. It emerged that the domesticated mulberry silkmoth Bombyx mori represents an outlier compared with other silkmoth taxa in terms of spectral properties. Interestingly, Epiphora bauhiniae was found to contain the highest amount of β-sheets reported to date for any wild silkmoth. We conclude that our approach provides a new route to determine cocoon chemical composition and in turn a novel, biological as well as material, classification of silks. PMID:26347557

Exuberant mucometra associated with atresia of the cervix in a queen.

PubMed

Batista-Arteaga, M; Santana, M; Espinosa-de-los-Monteros, A; Déniz, S; Alamo, D; Herráez, P

2012-10-01

This short communication reports the clinical, ultrasonographic and histopathological findings in a cat with atresia of the uterine cervix and mucometra. After 6 months of continuous oestrous behaviour, a remarkable abdominal enlargement was observed in a 14-year-old queen. A presumptive diagnosis of mucometra was concluded after the ultrasound evaluation and based on clinical signs and blood analyses. Ovariohysterectomy revealed a notable symmetrical distension (4-5 cm in diameter) of both uterine horns that were filled with fluid (690 ml); microbiological analyses confirmed the aseptic nature of the uterine fluid. Ovarian follicular cysts and cystic subsurface epithelial structures, >1.5 cm in diameter, were present in both ovaries and no corpora lutea were observed. Gross and microscopic evaluation of the uterus confirmed the development of cystic endometrial hyperplasia and the absence of an internal cervical os. The endometrial hyperplasia and mucometra could have developed as a consequence of repeated oestrogenic stimulation. © 2011 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Titanium Alloys Thin Sheet Welding with the Use of Concentrated Solar Energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pantelis, D. I.; Kazasidis, M.; Karakizis, P. N.

2017-12-01

The present study deals with the welding of titanium alloys thin sheets 1.3 mm thick, with the use of concentrated solar energy. The experimental part of the work took place at a medium size solar furnace at the installation of the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, at Odeillo, in Southern France, where similar and dissimilar defect-free welds of titanium Grades 4 and 6 were achieved, in the butt joint configuration. After the determination of the appropriate welding conditions, the optimum welded structures were examined and characterized microstructurally, by means of light optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and microhardness testing. In addition, test pieces extracted from the weldments were tested under uniaxial tensile loading aiming to the estimation of the strength and the ductility of the joint. The analysis of the experimental results and the recorded data led to the basic concluding remarks which demonstrate increased hardness distribution inside the fusion area and severe loss of ductility, but adequate yield and tensile strength of the welds.

Was disease involved in the decimation of Guam's avifauna?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Savidge, Julie A.; Sileo, Louis; Siegfried, Lynne M.

1992-01-01

Between 1982 and 1986, 402 (290 live, 112 dead) exotic, migrant or native resident birds on Guam were surveyed for disease-causing agents to determine the role of disease in the decline of native forest bird populations on Guam. Traumatic injury, primarily from collisions with motor vehicles and predation, was the most prevalent (46%) cause of death. Thirty-eight percent of the carcasses examined were in poor body condition largely as a result of inadequate nutrition in captive native birds and poultry and adipose exhaustion in errant migrants. A variety of commensal or opportunistic bacteria, including Salmonella spp., were cultured from 220 birds, and nothing remarkable was found in 15 fecal samples. Lastly, no haematozoans, the suspected cause for the decline of the Hawaiian avifauna, were observed in blood slides examined from 260 birds. Based on the results of the survey and other lines of evidence presented in the discussion, we concluded there were no data implicating disease in the decline of Guam's avifauna.

Sanitary engineering aspects of nuclear energy developments*

PubMed Central

Kenny, A. W.

1962-01-01

So many developments have taken place in the field of nuclear energy since 1956, when the author's previous paper on radioactive waste disposal was published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization, that a fresh review of the subject is now appropriate. The present paper deals with those aspects of the problem which are of most interest to the sanitary engineer. It considers specific points in the latest recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection in relation to public drinking-water supplies, and examines the problem of fall-out, with special reference to the presence and significance of strontium-90 in drinking-water. A general survey of the various uses of radioactive materials is followed by a discussion of the legislative and control measures necessary to ensure safe disposal of wastes. The methods of waste disposal adopted in a number of nuclear energy establishments are described in detail. The paper concludes with some remarks on solid waste disposal, siting of nuclear energy industries and area monitoring. PMID:14455214

Universal current-velocity relation of skyrmion motion in chiral magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwasaki, Junichi; Mochizuki, Masahito; Nagaosa, Naoto

2013-02-01

Current-driven motion of the magnetic domain wall in ferromagnets is attracting intense attention because of potential applications such as racetrack memory. There, the critical current density to drive the motion is ~109-1012 A m-2. The skyrmions recently discovered in chiral magnets have much smaller critical current density of ~105-106 A m-2, but the microscopic mechanism is not yet explored. Here we present a numerical simulation of Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation, which reveals a remarkably robust and universal current-velocity relation of the skyrmion motion driven by the spin-transfer-torque unaffected by either impurities or nonadiabatic effect in sharp contrast to the case of domain wall or spin helix. Simulation results are analysed using a theory based on Thiele’s equation, and it is concluded that this behaviour is due to the Magnus force and flexible shape-deformation of individual skyrmions and skyrmion crystal, which enable them to avoid pinning centres.

Effects of Limited Aeration and of the ArcAB System on Intermediary Pyruvate Catabolism in Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Alexeeva, Svetlana; de Kort, Bart; Sawers, Gary; Hellingwerf, Klaas J.; de Mattos, M. Joost Teixeira

2000-01-01

The capacity of Escherichia coli to adapt its catabolism to prevailing redox conditions resides mainly in three catabolic branch points involving (i) pyruvate formate-lyase (PFL) and the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHc), (ii) the exclusively fermentative enzymes and those of the Krebs cycle, and (iii) the alternative terminal cytochrome bd and cytochrome bo oxidases. A quantitative analysis of the relative catabolic fluxes through these pathways is presented for steady-state glucose-limited chemostat cultures with controlled oxygen availability ranging from full aerobiosis to complete anaerobiosis. Remarkably, PFL contributed significantly to the catabolic flux under microaerobic conditions and was found to be active simultaneously with PDHc and cytochrome bd oxidase-dependent respiration. The synthesis of PFL and cytochrome bd oxidase was found to be maximal in the lower microaerobic range but not in a ΔArcA mutant, and we conclude that the Arc system is more active with respect to regulation of these two positively regulated operons during microaerobiosis than during anaerobiosis. PMID:10940038

Novel phosphate-activated macrophages prevent ectopic calcification by increasing extracellular ATP and pyrophosphate

PubMed Central

Villa-Bellosta, Ricardo; Hamczyk, Magda R.; Andrés, Vicente

2017-01-01

Purpose Phosphorus is an essential nutrient involved in many pathobiological processes. Less than 1% of phosphorus is found in extracellular fluids as inorganic phosphate ion (Pi) in solution. High serum Pi level promotes ectopic calcification in many tissues, including blood vessels. Here, we studied the effect of elevated Pi concentration on macrophage polarization and calcification. Macrophages, present in virtually all tissues, play key roles in health and disease and display remarkable plasticity, being able to change their physiology in response to environmental cues. Methods and results High-throughput transcriptomic analysis and functional studies demonstrated that Pi induces unpolarized macrophages to adopt a phenotype closely resembling that of alternatively-activated M2 macrophages, as revealed by arginine hydrolysis and energetic and antioxidant profiles. Pi-induced macrophages showed an anti-calcifying action mediated by increased availability of extracellular ATP and pyrophosphate. Conclusion We conclude that the ability of Pi-activated macrophages to prevent calcium-phosphate deposition is a compensatory mechanism protecting tissues from hyperphosphatemia-induced pathologic calcification. PMID:28362852

Collective hydration dynamics of guanidinium chloride solutions and its possible role in protein denaturation: a terahertz spectroscopic study.

PubMed

Samanta, Nirnay; Mahanta, Debasish Das; Mitra, Rajib Kumar

2014-11-14

The remarkable ability of guanidinium chloride (GdmCl) to denature proteins is a well studied yet controversial phenomenon; the exact molecular mechanism is still debatable, especially the role of hydration dynamics, which has been paid less attention. In the present contribution, we have addressed the issue of whether the collective hydrogen bond dynamics of water gets perturbed in the presence of GdmCl and its possible impact on the denaturation of a globular protein human serum albumin (HSA), using terahertz (THz) time domain spectroscopy (TTDS) in the frequency range of 0.3-2.0 THz. The collective hydrogen bond dynamics is determined by fitting the obtained complex dielectric response in a multiple Debye relaxation model. To compare the results, the studies were extended to two more salts: tetramethylguanidinium chloride (TMGdmCl) and sodium chloride (NaCl). It was concluded that the change in hydration dynamics plays a definite role in the protein denaturation process.

Role of Histone Acetylation in the Assembly and Modulation of Chromatin Structures

PubMed Central

Annunziato, Anthony T.; Hansen, Jeffrey C.

2000-01-01

The acetylation of the core histone N-terminal “tail” domains is now recognized as a highly conserved mechanism for regulating chromatin functional states. The following article examines possible roles of acetylation in two critically important cellular processes: replication-coupled nucleosome assembly, and reversible transitions in chromatin higher order structure. After a description of the acetylation of newly synthesized histones, and of the likely acetyltransferases involved, an overview of histone octamer assembly is presented. Our current understanding of the factors thought to assemble chromatin in vivo is then described. Genetic and biochemical investigations of the function the histone tails, and their acetylation, in nucleosome assembly are detailed, followed by an analysis of the importance of histone deacetylation in the maturation of newly replicated chromatin. In the final section the involvement of the histone tail domains in chromatin higher order structures is addressed, along with the role of histone acetylation in chromatin folding. Suggestions for future research are offered in the concluding remarks. PMID:11097424

Chemical magnetoreception in birds: The radical pair mechanism

PubMed Central

Rodgers, Christopher T.; Hore, P. J.

2009-01-01

Migratory birds travel vast distances each year, finding their way by various means, including a remarkable ability to perceive the Earth's magnetic field. Although it has been known for 40 years that birds possess a magnetic compass, avian magnetoreception is poorly understood at all levels from the primary biophysical detection events, signal transduction pathways and neurophysiology, to the processing of information in the brain. It has been proposed that the primary detector is a specialized ocular photoreceptor that plays host to magnetically sensitive photochemical reactions having radical pairs as fleeting intermediates. Here, we present a physical chemist's perspective on the “radical pair mechanism” of compass magnetoreception in birds. We outline the essential chemical requirements for detecting the direction of an Earth-strength ≈50 μT magnetic field and comment on the likelihood that these might be satisfied in a biologically plausible receptor. Our survey concludes with a discussion of cryptochrome, the photoactive protein that has been put forward as the magnetoreceptor molecule. PMID:19129499

Temperament and typology.

PubMed

Blandin, Kesstan

2013-02-01

This paper takes a cue from Harvard neuroscientists Jerome Kagan and Nancy Snidman's (2004) comment that Jung's work on typology has remarkable relevance to their research on neurobiological correlates of temperament and develops the links between the theorists separated by almost a century. The paper begins with a brief review of temperament traits in personality psychology. Kagan and Snidman's 11-year longitudinal study is then analysed and correlated with Jung's psychological attitude types of introversion and extraversion, demonstrating that Jung's close empirical observations of human nature fit explicitly with objective measurements of neurobiological sensitivity thresholds and their expression in temperament. Emerging research on neurobiologically sensitive adults and children from Aron (1997, 2004, 2011) and differential susceptibility theory (DST) is presented as extrapolating the same links between temperament and physiological sensitivity found in Jung's introversion and Kagan and Snidman's high-reactive type. The paper concludes with a consideration of the subjective psyche as a necessary aspect to understanding the self and human consciousness as whole. © 2013, The Society of Analytical Psychology.

Attrition in an undergraduate program in allied health education.

PubMed

Hedl, J J

1987-08-01

The present study compared the characteristics of allied health professionals who completed a bachelor's degree program in allied health education with those who failed to complete the program, in order to develop recommendations for a retention program. The data base included all graduates and dropouts for the period September 1972 to August 1986. Analyses indicated that alumni and those who dropped out were remarkedly similar with regard to demographic characteristics such as age, sex, ethnicity, and prior academic achievement. Fifty percent of the dropouts occurred within the first semester, although attrition continued to occur over a five-year period. The reasons for dropping out were varied, and few were recorded for academic reasons. It was concluded that adult allied health professionals pose difficult problems for retention because motivation and commitment variables appear more important than academic ability or social/academic integration factors. These findings were consistent with research on attrition in higher education, and with the literature on adult learning.

Concluding remarks: what's in a name? "Negritos" in the context of the human prehistory of Southeast Asia.

PubMed

Ulijaszek, Stanley J

2013-01-01

The "negrito" hypothesis posits that various indigenous groups throughout Island and Mainland Southeast Asia have a shared phenotype due to common descent from a putative ancestral population, representing a pre-agricultural substrate of humanity in the region. This has been examined and tested many times in the past, with no clear resolution. With many new resources to hand, the articles in this volume reexamine this hypothesis in a range of different ways. The evidence presented in this double issue of Human Biology speaks more against the category of "negrito" than for it. While populations with the negrito phenotype form a small proportion of all contemporary populations in this region, they have remained a persistent presence. And without a fascination about their origins, there would not be such a depth of knowledge about the human biology of this region more broadly as there is now. Copyright © 2013 Wayne State University Press, Detroit, Michigan 48201-1309.

Solid supports for extraction and preconcentration of proteins and peptides in microfluidic devices: A review.

PubMed

Dziomba, Szymon; Araya-Farias, Monica; Smadja, Claire; Taverna, Myriam; Carbonnier, Benjamin; Tran, N Thuy

2017-02-22

Determination of proteins and peptides is among the main challenges of today's bioanalytical chemistry. The application of microchip technology in this field is an exhaustively developed concept that aims to create integrated and fully automated analytical devices able to quantify or detect one or several proteins from a complex matrix. Selective extraction and preconcentration of targeted proteins and peptides especially from biological fluids is of the highest importance for a successful realization of these microsystems. Incorporation of solid structures or supports is a convenient solution employed to face these demands. This review presents a critical view on the latest achievements in sample processing techniques for protein determination using solid supports in microfluidics. The study covers the period from 2006 to 2015 and focuses mainly on the strategies based on microbeads, monolithic materials and membranes. Less common approaches are also briefly discussed. The reviewed literature suggests future trends which are discussed in the concluding remarks. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Life in the laboratory: public responses to experimental biology.

PubMed

Turney, J

1995-04-01

Present-day public attitudes to biological manipulation are ambivalent, many surveys show. This paper explores evidence of earlier attitudes to experimental biology, before survey data exists, by examining published responses in the press to the idea that biologists would 'create life'. This remarkable claim achieved wide currency in the early years of this century, particularly linked to the work of two prototypical 'visible scientists': Jacques Loeb and Alexis Carrel. Analysis of press responses to accounts of their work reveals deep disquiet about its possible implications, at a time when science and technology in general were regarded very positively. The evidence is augmented by studying commentary on a Presidential Address by Edward Schafer to the British Association meeting of 1912. It is concluded that feelings of ambivalence toward the manipulative power of biology are apparent at a very early stage in the development of modern biology, and that this makes it implausible that more recent manifestations of such ambivalence can be ascribed to some generalized 'anti-science' sentiment which has gathered strength in recent years.

Grid sensitivity for aerodynamic optimization and flow analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sadrehaghighi, I.; Tiwari, S. N.

1993-01-01

After reviewing relevant literature, it is apparent that one aspect of aerodynamic sensitivity analysis, namely grid sensitivity, has not been investigated extensively. The grid sensitivity algorithms in most of these studies are based on structural design models. Such models, although sufficient for preliminary or conceptional design, are not acceptable for detailed design analysis. Careless grid sensitivity evaluations, would introduce gradient errors within the sensitivity module, therefore, infecting the overall optimization process. Development of an efficient and reliable grid sensitivity module with special emphasis on aerodynamic applications appear essential. The organization of this study is as follows. The physical and geometric representations of a typical model are derived in chapter 2. The grid generation algorithm and boundary grid distribution are developed in chapter 3. Chapter 4 discusses the theoretical formulation and aerodynamic sensitivity equation. The method of solution is provided in chapter 5. The results are presented and discussed in chapter 6. Finally, some concluding remarks are provided in chapter 7.

Classics in psychiatry and the law: Francis Wharton on involuntary confessions.

PubMed

Weiss, Kenneth J

2012-01-01

Philadelphia attorney Francis Wharton was a key intellectual figure in linking the sciences of medicine and law. In 1860, he published a monograph on involuntary confessions, which represented the closing chapter of Wharton and Stillé's Treatise on Medical Jurisprudence. He had already published A Monograph on Mental Unsoundness in 1855, the first book of the Treatise in its first edition. Wharton was convinced that many criminals had an inner compulsion to confess or to be caught, explained as divine jurisprudence. His remarks on confessions include a typology spanning psychodynamics to police tactics, using contemporaneous, historical, and literary examples. This remarkable document provides insight into the dynamics of unintended and involuntary confessions and is compatible, in part, with current scholarship. The author contrasts Wharton's schema with those of his English predecessor Jeremy Bentham, the psychoanalyst Theodore Reik, and others, and concludes that it represents an important transition toward a psychological approach to the criminology of confessions.

The African coelacanth genome provides insights into tetrapod evolution.

PubMed

Amemiya, Chris T; Alföldi, Jessica; Lee, Alison P; Fan, Shaohua; Philippe, Hervé; Maccallum, Iain; Braasch, Ingo; Manousaki, Tereza; Schneider, Igor; Rohner, Nicolas; Organ, Chris; Chalopin, Domitille; Smith, Jeramiah J; Robinson, Mark; Dorrington, Rosemary A; Gerdol, Marco; Aken, Bronwen; Biscotti, Maria Assunta; Barucca, Marco; Baurain, Denis; Berlin, Aaron M; Blatch, Gregory L; Buonocore, Francesco; Burmester, Thorsten; Campbell, Michael S; Canapa, Adriana; Cannon, John P; Christoffels, Alan; De Moro, Gianluca; Edkins, Adrienne L; Fan, Lin; Fausto, Anna Maria; Feiner, Nathalie; Forconi, Mariko; Gamieldien, Junaid; Gnerre, Sante; Gnirke, Andreas; Goldstone, Jared V; Haerty, Wilfried; Hahn, Mark E; Hesse, Uljana; Hoffmann, Steve; Johnson, Jeremy; Karchner, Sibel I; Kuraku, Shigehiro; Lara, Marcia; Levin, Joshua Z; Litman, Gary W; Mauceli, Evan; Miyake, Tsutomu; Mueller, M Gail; Nelson, David R; Nitsche, Anne; Olmo, Ettore; Ota, Tatsuya; Pallavicini, Alberto; Panji, Sumir; Picone, Barbara; Ponting, Chris P; Prohaska, Sonja J; Przybylski, Dariusz; Saha, Nil Ratan; Ravi, Vydianathan; Ribeiro, Filipe J; Sauka-Spengler, Tatjana; Scapigliati, Giuseppe; Searle, Stephen M J; Sharpe, Ted; Simakov, Oleg; Stadler, Peter F; Stegeman, John J; Sumiyama, Kenta; Tabbaa, Diana; Tafer, Hakim; Turner-Maier, Jason; van Heusden, Peter; White, Simon; Williams, Louise; Yandell, Mark; Brinkmann, Henner; Volff, Jean-Nicolas; Tabin, Clifford J; Shubin, Neil; Schartl, Manfred; Jaffe, David B; Postlethwait, John H; Venkatesh, Byrappa; Di Palma, Federica; Lander, Eric S; Meyer, Axel; Lindblad-Toh, Kerstin

2013-04-18

The discovery of a living coelacanth specimen in 1938 was remarkable, as this lineage of lobe-finned fish was thought to have become extinct 70 million years ago. The modern coelacanth looks remarkably similar to many of its ancient relatives, and its evolutionary proximity to our own fish ancestors provides a glimpse of the fish that first walked on land. Here we report the genome sequence of the African coelacanth, Latimeria chalumnae. Through a phylogenomic analysis, we conclude that the lungfish, and not the coelacanth, is the closest living relative of tetrapods. Coelacanth protein-coding genes are significantly more slowly evolving than those of tetrapods, unlike other genomic features. Analyses of changes in genes and regulatory elements during the vertebrate adaptation to land highlight genes involved in immunity, nitrogen excretion and the development of fins, tail, ear, eye, brain and olfaction. Functional assays of enhancers involved in the fin-to-limb transition and in the emergence of extra-embryonic tissues show the importance of the coelacanth genome as a blueprint for understanding tetrapod evolution.

Remarkable modification of light curves for shadowing effects on irregular surfaces - The case of the asteroid 37 Fides

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zappala, V.; Di Martino, M.; Scaltriti, F.; Burchi, R.; Milano, L.; Young, J. W.; Wahlgren, G.; Pavlovski, K.

1983-01-01

Photometric observations of the asteroid 37 Fides carried out at four observatories are reported. The data were taken at phase angles ranging from approximately 2-23 deg. A composite of the light curves obtained revealed that, considering a period of 7.33 hr, the full cycle light curve exhibits one maximum and one minimum. An increase in brightness was observed following a primary minimum, a factor that indicated the cyclical appearance and disappearance of a large topographical feature. It is concluded that the 7.33 hr period is the rotational speed of the asteroid, in contrast with a previously held 14.66 hr rotational period. The method is concluded useful for identifying rotational periods of asteroids when only partial light curve data from different sources is available, and when the projections can be checked observationally.

Planetary Rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esposito, Larry

2014-03-01

Preface: a personal view of planetary rings; 1. Introduction: the allure of the ringed planets; 2. Studies of planetary rings 1610-2013; 3. Diversity of planetary rings; 4. Individual ring particles and their collisions; 5. Large-scale ring evolution; 6. Moons confine and sculpt rings; 7. Explaining ring phenomena; 8. N-body simulations; 9. Stochastic models; 10. Age and evolution of rings; 11. Saturn's mysterious F ring; 12. Uranus' rings and moons; 13. Neptune's partial rings; 14. Jupiter's ring-moon system after Galileo and New Horizons; 15. Ring photometry; 16. Dusty rings; 17. Concluding remarks; Afterword; Glossary; References; Index.

Influence of Wind Tunnel Noise on the Location of Boundary-Layer Transition on a Slender Cone at Mach Numbers from 0.2 to 5.5. Volume I. Experimental Methods and Summary of Results.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-03-01

UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED 20. ABSTRACT (Continued) either a traversing pitot pressure probe in contact with the cone surface or the flush-mounted...CONCLUDING REMARKS 46 REFERENCES 46 ILLUSTRATIONS Figure 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. ’.. 9. i ~.. AEDC 10-deg Transition Cone Model 6 Pitot Pressure Probe ...Installation Sketch 9 Details of Pitot Pressure Probe Assembly 10 Typical Pitot Pressure Probe Sensing Tube/Transducer Frequency Response

Concluding Remarks II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ziółkowski, Janusz

2003-12-01

The program of the conference was prepared so well (thanks to the organizers) that we got complete and competent reviews in all important fields of high energy cosmic sources. It is not easy to select just a few topics and any choice will be, necessarily, arbitrary. I decided to make brief comments on cosmology, on gamma ray bursts and on X-ray flashes. My personal nomination for the hit of the conference goes this year to the ``Rosetta stone" of gamma ray bursts (term used by Elena Pian): GRB030329 = SN 2003dh.

Editorial: Challenges for the usability of AR and VR for clinical neurosurgical procedures.

PubMed

de Ribaupierre, Sandrine; Eagleson, Roy

2017-10-01

There are a number of challenges that must be faced when trying to develop AR and VR-based Neurosurgical simulators, Surgical Navigation Platforms, and "Smart OR" systems. Trying to simulate an operating room environment and surgical tasks in Augmented and Virtual Reality is a challenge many are attempting to solve, in order to train surgeons or help them operate. What are some of the needs of the surgeon, and what are the challenges encountered (human computer interface, perception, workflow, etc). We discuss these tradeoffs and conclude with critical remarks.

Genealogy of training in vascular neurosurgery.

PubMed

Chowdhry, Shakeel A; Spetzler, Robert F

2014-02-01

Remarkable advances and changes in the landscape of neurovascular disease have occurred recently. Concurrently, a paradigm shift in training and resident education is underway. This crossroad of unique opportunities and pressures necessitates creative change in the training of future vascular neurosurgeons to allow incorporation of surgical advances, new technology, and supplementary treatment modalities in a setting of reduced work hours and increased public scrutiny. This article discusses the changing landscape in neurovascular disease treatment, followed by the recent changes in resident training, and concludes with our view of the future of training in vascular neurosurgery.

Crystallography of Magnetite Plaquettes and their Significance as Asymmetric Catalysts for the Synthesis of Chiral Organics in Carbonaceous Chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, Q. H. S.; Zolensky, M. E.

2015-01-01

We have previously observed the magnetite plaquettes in carbonaceous chondrites using scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging, examined the crystal orientation of the polished surfaces of magnetite plaquettes in CI Orgueil using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis, and concluded that these magnetite plaquettes are likely naturally asymmetric materials. In this study, we expanded our EBSD observation to other magnetite plaquettes in Orgueil, and further examined the internal structure of these remarkable crystals with the use of X-ray computed microtomography.

78 FR 70916 - President's Export Council Subcommittee on Export Administration; Notice of Open Meeting...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-27

... security and foreign policy reasons. Agenda: 1. Opening remarks by the Chairman. 2. Opening remarks by the Bureau of Industry and Security. 3. Export Control Reform Update. 4. Presentation of papers or comments...

Multiphase wavetrains, singular wave interactions and the emergence of the Korteweg–de Vries equation

PubMed Central

Bridges, Thomas J.

2016-01-01

Multiphase wavetrains are multiperiodic travelling waves with a set of distinct wavenumbers and distinct frequencies. In conservative systems, such families are associated with the conservation of wave action or other conservation law. At generic points (where the Jacobian of the wave action flux is non-degenerate), modulation of the wavetrain leads to the dispersionless multiphase conservation of wave action. The main result of this paper is that modulation of the multiphase wavetrain, when the Jacobian of the wave action flux vector is singular, morphs the vector-valued conservation law into the scalar Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation. The coefficients in the emergent KdV equation have a geometrical interpretation in terms of projection of the vector components of the conservation law. The theory herein is restricted to two phases to simplify presentation, with extensions to any finite dimension discussed in the concluding remarks. Two applications of the theory are presented: a coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equation and two-layer shallow-water hydrodynamics with a free surface. Both have two-phase solutions where criticality and the properties of the emergent KdV equation can be determined analytically. PMID:28119546

1st college of physicians lecture: the role of internal medicine as a specialty in the era of subspecialisation.

PubMed

Chee, Y C

2004-11-01

This paper is divided into 4 parts. The first deals with the definition of specialties and traces its roots from the early 20th century in the United States of America with the formation and growth of Specialty Boards. The second is a reflection on the scene in Singapore from the 1960s to the present, describing the change from public healthcare institutions run by the civil service to the autonomous restructured public service hospitals towards the end of the 20th century. The third section deals with what the 4ps have expressed about changes necessary to the Singapore system in the 21st century. The 4ps are the politicians, the payers, the patients and the public. It is about value for money, better coordination and better communication. Finally, just what is Internal Medicine - its competencies and its practice. A review of the systems in Australia, New Zealand, and the USA is presented. The idea of the "hospitalist" is discussed. Concluding remarks deal with the viability of Internal Medicine because of low reimbursement, administrative burdens and brief patient visits.

Global developmental delay in guanidionacetate methyltransferase deficiency: differences in formal testing and clinical observation.

PubMed

Verbruggen, Krijn T; Knijff, Wilma A; Soorani-Lunsing, Roelineke J; Sijens, Paul E; Verhoeven, Nanda M; Salomons, Gajja S; Goorhuis-Brouwer, Siena M; van Spronsen, Francjan J

2007-09-01

Guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency is a defect in the biosynthesis of creatine (Cr). So far, reports have not focused on the description of developmental abilities in this disorder. Here, we present the result of formal testing of developmental abilities in a GAMT-deficient patient. Our patient, a 3-year-old boy with GAMT deficiency, presented clinically with a severe language production delay and nearly normal nonverbal development. Treatment with oral Cr supplementation led to partial restoration of the cerebral Cr concentration and a clinically remarkable acceleration of language production development. In contrast to clinical observation, formal testing showed a rather harmonic developmental delay before therapy and a general improvement, but no specific acceleration of language development after therapy. From our case, we conclude that in GAMT deficiency language delay is not always more prominent than delays in other developmental areas. The discrepancy between the clinical impression and formal testing underscores the importance of applying standardized tests in children with developmental delays. Screening for Cr deficiency by metabolite analysis of body fluids or proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the brain deficiency should be considered in any child with global developmental delay/mental retardation lacking clues for an alternative etiology.

Internal structure changes in bleached black human hair resulting from chemical treatments: A Raman spectroscopic investigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuzuhara, Akio

2014-11-01

In order to investigate in detail the influence of chemical treatments (reduction, hydrolyzed eggwhite protein (HEWP) treatment, and oxidation) on damaged hair keratin fibers, the structure of cross-sections at various depths of excessively bleached (damaged) black human hair resulting from a permanent waving process was directly analyzed using Raman spectroscopy. It was found that L-cysteine (CYS) largely reacted with the gauche-gauche-gauche (GGG) conformation of disulfide (-SS-) groups (while CYS did not react with the trans-gauche-trans (TGT) conformation). In particular, not only the GGG content, but also the cysteic acid content existing throughout the cortex region of the excessively bleached human hair remarkably decreased by performing the oxidation process after reduction. On the other hand, the GGG content of the excessively bleached black human hair increased, while the TGT content decreased by performing the oxidation process after reduction and then HEWP treatment processes. From these experiments, the authors concluded that some of the keratin associated protein (KAP), which has a rich -SS- content and cysteic acid content was eluted from the cortex region along with the disconnection of -SS- groups, thereby leading to the remarkable reduction in the reconnection of -SS- groups of the excessively bleached black human hair after the permanent waving process (the reduction and oxidation processes). Also, the authors concluded that the HEWP treatment process in the permanent waving process caused the reconstruction of the KAP, thereby contributing to the acceleration of the reconnection of -SS- groups during the oxidation process.

A unique life history among tetrapods: An annual chameleon living mostly as an egg

PubMed Central

Karsten, Kristopher B.; Andriamandimbiarisoa, Laza N.; Fox, Stanley F.; Raxworthy, Christopher J.

2008-01-01

The ≈28,300 species of tetrapods (four-limbed vertebrates) almost exclusively have perennial life spans. Here, we report the discovery of a remarkable annual tetrapod from the arid southwest of Madagascar: the chameleon Furcifer labordi, with a posthatching life span of just 4–5 months. At the start of the active season (November), an age cohort of hatchlings emerges; larger juveniles or adults are not present. These hatchlings grow rapidly, reach sexual maturity in less than 2 months, and reproduce in January–February. After reproduction, senescence appears, and the active season concludes with population-wide adult death. Consequently, during the dry season, the entire population is represented by developing eggs that incubate for 8–9 months before synchronously hatching at the onset of the following rainy season. Remarkably, this chameleon spends more of its short annual life cycle inside the egg than outside of it. Our review of tetrapod longevity (>1,700 species) finds no others with such a short life span. These findings suggest that the notorious rapid death of chameleons in captivity may, for some species, actually represent the natural adult life span. Consequently, a new appraisal may be warranted concerning the viability of chameleon breeding programs, which could have special significance for species of conservation concern. Additionally, because F. labordi is closely related to other perennial species, this chameleon group may prove also to be especially well suited for comparative studies that focus on life history evolution and the ecological, genetic, and/or hormonal determinants of aging, longevity, and senescence. PMID:18591659

A unique life history among tetrapods: an annual chameleon living mostly as an egg.

PubMed

Karsten, Kristopher B; Andriamandimbiarisoa, Laza N; Fox, Stanley F; Raxworthy, Christopher J

2008-07-01

The approximately 28,300 species of tetrapods (four-limbed vertebrates) almost exclusively have perennial life spans. Here, we report the discovery of a remarkable annual tetrapod from the arid southwest of Madagascar: the chameleon Furcifer labordi, with a posthatching life span of just 4-5 months. At the start of the active season (November), an age cohort of hatchlings emerges; larger juveniles or adults are not present. These hatchlings grow rapidly, reach sexual maturity in less than 2 months, and reproduce in January-February. After reproduction, senescence appears, and the active season concludes with population-wide adult death. Consequently, during the dry season, the entire population is represented by developing eggs that incubate for 8-9 months before synchronously hatching at the onset of the following rainy season. Remarkably, this chameleon spends more of its short annual life cycle inside the egg than outside of it. Our review of tetrapod longevity (>1,700 species) finds no others with such a short life span. These findings suggest that the notorious rapid death of chameleons in captivity may, for some species, actually represent the natural adult life span. Consequently, a new appraisal may be warranted concerning the viability of chameleon breeding programs, which could have special significance for species of conservation concern. Additionally, because F. labordi is closely related to other perennial species, this chameleon group may prove also to be especially well suited for comparative studies that focus on life history evolution and the ecological, genetic, and/or hormonal determinants of aging, longevity, and senescence.

Buyang Huanwu Decoction Vigorously Rescues PC12 Cells Against 6-OHDA-Induced Neurotoxicity via Akt/GSK3β Pathway Based on Serum Pharmacology Methodology.

PubMed

Li, Zeyan; Wang, Hui; Wang, Qian; Sun, Jinhao

2016-12-01

Buyang Huanwu decoction (BYHWD), as a popular traditional Chinese medicine formula, was widely used for treating ischemic diseases. However, in the area of neurodegenerative diseases, the researches focused on BYHWD are rare but promising, and molecular mechanisms underlying are largely elusive. 6-Hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), a dopaminergic-specific neurotoxin, is extensively used to establish neurotoxic model in vivo and in vitro. In our present study, we prepared drug-containing serum of BYHWD (Buyang Huanwu drug-containing serum [BYHWS]) based on serum pharmacology methodology. Neurotoxic model in vitro was established in PC12 cells, and innovative experimental grouping method was adopted to investigate neuroprotective effects of BYHWS on neurotoxicity induced by 6-OHDA exposure. Remarkably, BYHWS vigorously rescued PC12 cells from 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity even to surpass 100% in cell viability. Moreover, Hoechst/propidium iodide (PI) staining revealed that cell apoptotic rate was reduced significantly after incubation of BYHWS. Besides, BYHWS effectively restored the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and attenuated the elevation of intracellular reactive oxygen species level caused by 6-OHDA insult. Furthermore, BYHWS remarkably reversed the dephosphorylation of Akt (protein kinase B) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) evoked by 6-OHDA. The above protective effects were attenuated by coculturing with Akt inhibitor LY294002. In summary, we concluded that the BYHWS vigorously blocked 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity via Akt/GSK3β pathway and provided a novel insight into roles of BYHWD in the clinical practices on neurodegenerative diseases.

Stress concentration factors at saddle and crown positions on the central brace of two-planar welded CHS DKT-connections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmadi, Hamid; Lotfollahi-Yaghin, Mohammad Ali; Aminfar, Mohammad H.

2012-03-01

A set of parametric stress analyses was carried out for two-planar tubular DKT-joints under different axial loading conditions. The analysis results were used to present general remarks on the effects of the geometrical parameters on stress concentration factors (SCFs) at the inner saddle, outer saddle, and crown positions on the central brace. Based on results of finite element (FE) analysis and through nonlinear regression analysis, a new set of SCF parametric equations was established for fatigue design purposes. An assessment study of equations was conducted against the experimental data and original SCF database. The satisfaction of acceptance criteria proposed by the UK Department of Energy (UK DoE) was also checked. Results of parametric study showed that highly remarkable differences exist between the SCF values in a multi-planar DKT-joint and the corresponding SCFs in an equivalent uni-planar KT-joint having the same geometrical properties. It can be clearly concluded from this observation that using the equations proposed for uni-planar KT-connections to compute the SCFs in multi-planar DKT-joints will lead to either considerably under-predicting or over-predicting results. Hence, it is necessary to develop SCF formulae specially designed for multi-planar DKT-joints. Good results of equation assessment according to UK DoE acceptance criteria, high values of correlation coefficients, and the satisfactory agreement between the predictions of the proposed equations and the experimental data guarantee the accuracy of the equations. Therefore, the developed equations can be reliably used for fatigue design of offshore structures.

78 FR 54450 - President's Export Council Subcommittee on Export Administration; Notice of Open Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-09-04

... foreign policy reasons. Agenda: 1. Opening remarks by the Chairman. 2. Opening remarks by the Bureau of Industry and Security. 3. Export Control Reform Update. 4. Presentation of papers or comments by the Public...

Antigen localization controls T cell-mediated tumor immunity.

PubMed

Zeelenberg, Ingrid S; van Maren, Wendy W C; Boissonnas, Alexandre; Van Hout-Kuijer, Maaike A; Den Brok, Martijn H M G M; Wagenaars, Jori A L; van der Schaaf, Alie; Jansen, Eric J R; Amigorena, Sebastian; Théry, Clotilde; Figdor, Carl G; Adema, Gosse J

2011-08-01

Effective antitumor immunotherapy requires the identification of suitable target Ags. Interestingly, many of the tumor Ags used in clinical trials are present in preparations of secreted tumor vesicles (exosomes). In this study, we compared T cell responses elicited by murine MCA101 fibrosarcoma tumors expressing a model Ag at different localizations within the tumor cell in association with secreted vesicles (exosomes), as a nonsecreted cell-associated protein, or as secreted soluble protein. Remarkably, we demonstrated that only the tumor-secreting vesicle-bound Ag elicited a strong Ag-specific CD8(+) T cell response, CD4(+) T cell help, Ag-specific Abs, and a decrease in the percentage of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells in the tumor. Moreover, in a therapeutic tumor model of cryoablation, only in tumors secreting vesicle-bound Ag could Ag-specific CD8(+) T cells still be detected up to 16 d after therapy. We concluded that the localization of an Ag within the tumor codetermines whether a robust immunostimulatory response is elicited. In vivo, vesicle-bound Ag clearly skews toward a more immunogenic phenotype, whereas soluble or cell-associated Ag expression cannot prevent or even delay outgrowth and results in tumor tolerance. This may explain why particular immunotherapies based on these vesicle-bound tumor Ags are potentially successful. Therefore, we conclude that this study may have significant implications in the discovery of new tumor Ags suitable for immunotherapy and that their location should be taken into account to ensure a strong antitumor immune response.

International trade and waste and fuel managment issue, 2006

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Agnihotri, Newal

The focus of the January-February issue is on international trade and waste and fuel managment. Major articles/reports in this issue include: HLW management in France, by Michel Debes, EDF, France; Breakthroughs from future reactors, by Jacques Bouchard, CEA, France; 'MOX for peace' a reality, by Jean-Pierre Bariteau, AREVA Group, France; Swedish spent fuel and radwaste, by Per H. Grahn and Marie Skogsberg, SKB, Sweden; ENC2005 concluding remarks, by Larry Foulke, 'Nuclear Technology Matters'; Fuel crud formation and behavior, by Charles Turk, Entergy; and, Plant profile: major vote of confidence for NP, by Martti Katka, TVO, Finland.

Goedel, Penrose, anti-Mach: Extra supersymmetries of time-dependent plane waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blau, Matthias; Meessen, Patrick; O'Loughlin, Martin

2003-09-01

We prove that M-theory plane waves with extra supersymmetries are necessarily homogeneous (but possibly time-dependent), and we show by explicit construction that such time-dependent plane waves can admit extra supersymmetries. To that end we study the Penrose limits of Gödel-like metrics, show that the Penrose limit of the M-theory Gödel metric (with 20 supercharges) is generically a time-dependent homogeneous plane wave of the anti-Mach type, and display the four extra Killings spinors in that case. We conclude with some general remarks on the Killing spinor equations for homogeneous plane waves.

Potential insurance products for Brownfields Cleanup and redevelopment. Survey results of insurance industry products available for transference of risk at potentially contaminated property

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

The following report discusses the findings of this survey in greater depth. Section I provides an overview of the potential risks encountered by owners of potentially contaminated property and discusses common ways key players control these risks, including the use of insurance. Section II describes how the insurance industry works and provides an overview of the main environmental insurance products, a discussion of the survey findings, and market factors that influence environmental insurance policies. Section III offers concluding remarks and recommendations.

Spotlight on daytime napping during early childhood.

PubMed

Horváth, Klára; Plunkett, Kim

2018-01-01

Daytime napping undergoes a remarkable change in early childhood, and research regarding its relationship to cognitive development has recently accelerated. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of this relationship focusing on children aged <5 years. First, we evaluate different studies on the basis of the experimental design used and the specific cognitive processes they investigate. Second, we analyze how the napping status of children may modulate the relationship between learning and napping. Third, the possible role of sleep spindles, ie, specific electroencephalographic components during sleep, in cognitive development is explored. We conclude that daytime napping is crucial in early memory development.

The Age of Sail: A Time When the Fortunes of Nations and Lives of Seamen Literally Turned With the Winds Their Ships Encountered at Sea

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

believed could keep time accurately enough to determine longitude at sea, Captain James Cook set sail in the HMS Resolution on his second voyage of explo...Harrison was treated fairly by the Board of Longitude . 13. CONCLUDING REMARKS. Long before Christopher Columbus’s first voyage to the West Indies, the costs...the evidence to support the view that the inability of seamen to determine accurate longitude at sea in sailing ships was a major factor in the loss of

System design analyses of a rotating advanced-technology space station for the year 2025

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Queijo, M. J.; Butterfield, A. J.; Cuddihy, W. F.; Stone, R. W.; Wrobel, J. R.; Garn, P. A.; King, C. B.

1988-01-01

Studies of an advanced technology space station configured to implement subsystem technologies projected for availability in the time period 2000 to 2025 is documented. These studies have examined the practical synergies in operational performance available through subsystem technology selection and identified the needs for technology development. Further analyses are performed on power system alternates, momentum management and stabilization, electrothermal propulsion, composite materials and structures, launch vehicle alternates, and lunar and planetary missions. Concluding remarks are made regarding the advanced technology space station concept, its intersubsystem synergies, and its system operational subsystem advanced technology development needs.

Numerically abnormal chromosome constitutions in humans

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1993-12-31

Chapter 24, discusses numerically abnormal chromosome constitutions in humans. This involves abnormalities of human chromosome number, including polyploidy (when the number of sets of chromosomes increases) and aneuploidy (when the number of individual normal chromosomes changes). Chapter sections discuss the following chromosomal abnormalities: human triploids, imprinting and uniparental disomy, human tetraploids, hydatidiform moles, anomalies caused by chromosomal imbalance, 13 trisomy (D{sub 1} trisomy, Patau syndrome), 21 trisomy (Down syndrome), 18 trisomy syndrome (Edwards syndrome), other autosomal aneuploidy syndromes, and spontaneous abortions. The chapter concludes with remarks on the nonrandom participation of chromosomes in trisomy. 69 refs., 3 figs., 4 tabs.

Urbanisation and the incidence of eating disorders.

PubMed

van Son, Gabriëlle E; van Hoeken, Daphne; Bartelds, Aad I M; van Furth, Eric F; Hoek, Hans W

2006-12-01

The link between degree of urbanisation and a number of mental disorders is well established. Schizophrenia, psychosis and depression are known to occur more frequently in urban areas. In our primary care-based study of eating disorders, the incidence of bulimia nervosa showed a dose-response relation with degree of urbanisation and was five times higher in cities than in rural areas. Remarkably, anorexia nervosa showed no association with urbanisation. We conclude that urban life is a potential environmental risk factor for bulimia nervosa but not for anorexia nervosa. These findings provide a promising avenue for further research into the aetiology of eating disorders.

Robust and Cost-Efficient Communication Based on SNMP in Mobile Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryu, Sang-Hoon; Baik, Doo-Kwon

A main challenge in the design of this mobile network is the development of dynamic routing protocols that can efficiently find routes between two communicating nodes. Multimedia streaming services are receiving considerable interest in the mobile network business. An entire mobile network may change its point of attachment to the Internet. The mobile network is operated by a basic specification to support network mobility called Network Mobility (NEMO) Basic Support. However, NEMO basic Support mechanism has some problem in continuous communication. In this paper, we propose robust and cost-efficient algorithm. And we simulate proposed method and conclude some remarks.

Some remarks on the numerical solution of parabolic partial differential equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campagna, R.; Cuomo, S.; Leveque, S.; Toraldo, G.; Giannino, F.; Severino, G.

2017-11-01

Numerous environmental/engineering applications relying upon the theory of diffusion phenomena into chaotic environments have recently stimulated the interest toward the numerical solution of parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs). In the present paper, we outline a formulation of the mathematical problem underlying a quite general diffusion mechanism in the natural environments, and we shortly emphasize some remarks concerning the applicability of the (straightforward) finite difference method. An illustration example is also presented.

Silence of synaptotagmin I in INS-1 cells inhibits fast exocytosis and fast endocytosis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xiong Xiong; Zhou Keming; Wu Zhengxing

Synaptotagmin I (Syt I) is a Ca{sup 2+} sensor for triggering fast synchronized release of neurotransmitters. However, controversy remains whether Syt I is also obligatory for the exocytosis and endocytosis of larger dense core vesicles (LDCVs) in endocrine cells. In this study, we used a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to silence the expression of Syt I and investigated the roles of Syt I on exocytosis and endocytosis in INS-1 cells. Our results demonstrated that expression of Syt I is remarkably reduced by the Syt I gene targeting shRNA. Using high-time resolution capacitance measurement, we found that the silence of Sytmore » I decreased the calcium sensitivity of fusion of insulin granules and therefore reduced the exocytotic burst triggered by step-like [Ca{sup 2+}] {sub i} elevation. In addition, the occurrence frequency and amplitude of fast endocytosis were remarkably reduced in the silenced cells. We conclude that Syt I not only participates in the Ca{sup 2+}-sensing of LDCV fusion with plasmalemma, but also plays a crucial role in fast endocytosis in INS-1 cells.« less

Exploring the Role of Conventionality in Children's Interpretation of Ironic Remarks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burnett, Debra L.

2015-01-01

Irony comprehension in seven- and eight-year-old children with typically developing language skills was explored under the framework of the graded salience hypothesis. Target ironic remarks, either conventional or novel/situation-specific, were presented following brief story contexts. Children's responses to comprehension questions were used to…

Five years of experience with the DSM-III system in clinical work and research: some concluding remarks.

PubMed

Malt, U

1986-01-01

The reliability of the DSM-III is superior to other classification systems available in psychiatry. However, reliability depends on proper knowledge of the system. Some pitfalls reducing reliability of axis 1 diagnosis which commonly are overlooked are discussed. Secondly, some problems of validity of axis 1 and 2 are considered. This is done by discussing the differential diagnosis of organic mental disorders and other psychiatric disorders with concomittant physical dysfunction, and the diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorders and adjustment disorders among others. The emphasis on health care seeking behaviour as a diagnostic criteria in the DSM-III system, may cause a social, racial and sexual bias in DSM-III diagnoses. The present discussion of the DSM-III system from a clinical point of view indicates the need for validation studies based on clinical experience with the DSM-III. These studies should include more out-patients and patients with psychopathology who do not seek psychiatric treatment. Such studies must also apply alternative diagnostic standards like the ICD-9 and not only rely on structured psychiatric interviews constructed for DSM-III diagnoses. The discussion of axis 4 points to the problem of wanting to combine reliable rating with clinically meaningful information. It is concluded that the most important issue to be settled regarding axis 4 in the future revisions is the aim of including this axis. The discussion of axis 5 concludes that axis 5 is biased toward poor functioning and thus may be less usefull when applied on patients seen outside hospitals. Despite these problems of the DSM-III, our experiences indicate that the use of the DSM-III is fruitful both for the patient, the clinician and the researcher. Thus, the cost of time and effort needed to learn to use the DSM-III properly are small compared to the benefits achieved by using the system.

Trophic connections in Lake Superior Part II: the nearshore fish community

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gamble, A.E.; Hrabik, T.R.; Yule, D.L.; Stockwell, J.D.

2011-01-01

We use detailed diet analyses of the predominant planktivorous, benthivorous and piscivorous fish species from Lake Superior to create a nearshore (bathymetric depths Mysis diluviana and Diporeia spp). Although the piscivorous fishes like lean lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) fed to a lesser extent on Diporeia and Mysis, they were still strongly connected to these macroinvertebrates, which were consumed by their primary prey species (sculpin spp., rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax, and coregonines). The addition of Bythotrephes to summer/fall cisco and lake whitefish diets, and the decrease in rainbow smelt in lean lake trout diets (replaced by coregonines) were the largest observed differences relative to historic Lake Superior diet studies. Although the offshore food web of Lake Superior was simpler than nearshore in terms of number of fish species present, the two areas had remarkably similar food web structures, and both fish communities were primarily supported by Mysis and Diporeia. We conclude that declines in Mysis or Diporeia populations would have a significant impact on energy flow in Lake Superior. The food web information we generated can be used to better identify management strategies for Lake Superior.

Universal current-velocity relation of skyrmion motion in chiral magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iwasaki, Junichi; Mochizuki, Masahito; Nagaosa, Naoto

2013-03-01

Current-driven motion of the magnetic domain wall requires large critical current density jc ~109 -1012 A/m2, at which the joule heating is a serious problem. The skyrmions recently discovered in chiral magnets, on the other hand, have much smaller critical current of jc ~105 -106 A/m2. We present a numerical simulation of the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation, which reveals a remarkably robust and universal current-velocity relation of the slyrmion motion driven by the spin transfer torque unaffected by either impurities or nonadiabatic effect in sharp contrast to the case of domain wall or spin helix (HL). Simulation results are analyzed using a theory based on Thiele's equation, and it is concluded that this surprising behavior is due to the Magnus force and flexible shape-deformation of individual skyrmions and skyrmion crystal (SkX), which enable them to avoid pinning centers and then weaken the net pinning force. Dynamical deformation of SkX leads to the fluctuation of Bragg peak with large amplitude, which can be detected by the recent neutron-scattering experiment.

Multiple mechanisms of MYCN dysregulation in Wilms tumour

PubMed Central

Williams, Richard D.; Chagtai, Tasnim; Alcaide-German, Marisa; Apps, John; Wegert, Jenny; Popov, Sergey; Vujanic, Gordan; van Tinteren, Harm; van den Heuvel-Eibrink, Marry M.; Kool, Marcel; de Kraker, Jan; Gisselsson, David; Graf, Norbert; Gessler, Manfred; Pritchard-Jones, Kathy

2015-01-01

Genomic gain of the proto-oncogene transcription factor gene MYCN is associated with poor prognosis in several childhood cancers. Here we present a comprehensive copy number analysis of MYCN in Wilms tumour (WT), demonstrating that gain of this gene is associated with anaplasia and with poorer relapse-free and overall survival, independent of histology. Using whole exome and gene-specific sequencing, together with methylation and expression profiling, we show that MYCN is targeted by other mechanisms, including a recurrent somatic mutation, P44L, and specific DNA hypomethylation events associated with MYCN overexpression in tumours with high risk histologies. We describe parallel evolution of genomic copy number gain and point mutation of MYCN in the contralateral tumours of a remarkable bilateral case in which independent contralateral mutations of TP53 also evolve over time. We report a second bilateral case in which MYCN gain is a germline aberration. Our results suggest a significant role for MYCN dysregulation in the molecular biology of Wilms tumour. We conclude that MYCN gain is prognostically significant, and suggest that the novel P44L somatic variant is likely to be an activating mutation. PMID:25749049

The light of a new age

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldin, Daniel S.

1992-01-01

Given here is the address of NASA Administrator Daniel S. Goldin to the Association of Space Explorers. Mr. Goldin's remarks are on the topic of why we should go to Mars, a subject he approaches by first answering the question, What would it mean if we decided today not to go to Mars? After a discussion of the meaning of Columbus' voyage to America, he answers the question by saying that if we decide not to go to Mars, our generation will truly achieve a first in human history - we will be the first to stop at a frontier. After noting that the need to explore is intrinsic to life itself, Mr. Goldin presents several reasons why we should go to the Moon and go to Mars. One reason is economic, another is to increase our scientific knowledge, and yet another is to further the political evolution of humankind through the international cooperation required for building settlements on the Moon and Mars. He concludes by expanding upon the idea that this nation has never been one to shrink from a challenge.

Modeling the Earth system in the Mission to Planet Earth era

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Unninayar, Sushel; Bergman, Kenneth H.

1993-01-01

A broad overview is made of global earth system modeling in the Mission to Planet Earth (MTPE) era for the multidisciplinary audience encompassed by the Global Change Research Program (GCRP). Time scales of global system fluctuation and change are described in Section 2. Section 3 provides a rubric for modeling the global earth system, as presently understood. The ability of models to predict the future state of the global earth system and the extent to which their predictions are reliable are covered in Sections 4 and 5. The 'engineering' use of global system models (and predictions) is covered in Section 6. Section 7 covers aspects of an increasing need for improved transform algorithms and better methods to assimilate this information into global models. Future monitoring and data requirements are detailed in Section 8. Section 9 covers the NASA-initiated concept 'Mission to Planet Earth,' which employs space and ground based measurement systems to provide the scientific basis for understanding global change. Section 10 concludes this review with general remarks concerning the state of global system modeling and observing technology and the need for future research.

Making an Informed Decision on Freshwater Management by Integrating Remote Sensing Data with Traditional Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hyon, Jason J.

2012-01-01

The US National Research Council (NRC) recommended that: "The U.S. government, working in concert with the private sector, academe, the public, and its international partners, should renew its investment in Earth-observing systems and restore its leadership in Earth science and applications." in response to the NASA Earth Science Division's request to prioritize research areas, observations, and notional missions to make those objectives. In this presentation, we will discuss our approach to connect remote sensing science to decision support applications by establishing a framework to integrate direct measurements, earth system models, inventories, and other information to accurately estimate fresh water resources in global, regional, and local scales. We will discuss our demonstration projects and lessons learned from the experience. Deploying a monitoring system that offers sustained, accurate, transparent and relevant information represents a challenge and opportunity to a broad community spanning earth science, water resource accounting and public policy. An introduction to some of the scientific and technical infrastructure issues associated with monitoring systems is offered here to encourage future treatment of these topics by other contributors as a concluding remark.

Smectite clay--inorganic nanoparticle mixed suspensions: phase behaviour and rheology.

PubMed

Bailey, Louise; Lekkerkerker, Henk N W; Maitland, Geoffrey C

2015-01-14

Smectite clay minerals and their suspensions have long been of both great scientific and applications interest and continue to display a remarkable range of new and interesting behaviour. Recently there has been an increasing interest in the properties of mixed suspensions of such clays with nanoparticles of different size, shape and charge. This review aims to summarize the current status of research in this area focusing on phase behaviour and rheological properties. We will emphasize the rich range of data that has emerged for these systems and the challenges they present for future investigations. The review starts with a brief overview of the behaviour and current understanding of pure smectite clays and their suspensions. We then cover the work on smectite clay-inorganic nanoparticle mixed suspensions according to the shape and charge of the nanoparticles - spheres, rods and plates either positively or negatively charged. We conclude with a summary of the overarching trends that emerge from these studies and indicate where gaps in our understanding need further research for better understanding the underlying chemistry and physics.

A Novel Solubility-Enhanced Rubusoside-Based Micelles for Increased Cancer Therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Meiying; Dai, Tongcheng; Feng, Nianping

2017-04-01

Many anti-cancer drugs have a common problem of poor solubility. Increasing the solubility of the drugs is very important for its clinical applications. In the present study, we revealed that the solubility of insoluble drugs was significantly enhanced by adding rubusoside (RUB). Further, it was demonstrated that RUB could form micelles, which was well characterized by Langmuir monolayer investigation, transmission electron microscopy, atomic-force microscopy, and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. The RUB micelles were ellipsoid with the horizontal distance of 25 nm and vertical distance of 1.2 nm. Insoluble synergistic anti-cancer drugs including curcumin and resveratrol were loaded in RUB to form anti-cancer micelles RUB/CUR + RES. MTT assay showed that RUB/CUR + RES micelles had more significant toxicity on MCF-7 cells compared to RUB/CUR micelles + RUB/RES micelles. More importantly, it was confirmed that RUB could load other two insoluble drugs together for remarkably enhanced anti-cancer effect compared to that of RUB/one drug + RUB/another drug. Overall, we concluded that RUB-based micelles could efficiently load insoluble drugs for enhanced anti-cancer effect.

Tuberculosis of the head and neck – epidemiological and clinical presentation

PubMed Central

Bruzgielewicz, Antoni; Osuch-Wójcikewicz, Ewa; Niemczyk, Kazimierz; Chmielewski, Rafał

2013-01-01

Introduction The aim of our retrospective study was to review the clinical and epidemiological presentation of head and neck tuberculosis. Material and methods We analyzed the history of 73 patients with head and neck tuberculosis hospitalized in the Department of Otolaryngology, Medical University of Warsaw, between 1983 and 2009. Results We found that 26 (35.6%) patients presented with lymph node tuberculosis, 20 (27.4%) with laryngeal tuberculosis, 10 (13.7%) with oropharyngeal tuberculosis, 9 (12.3%) with salivary gland tuberculosis, 3 (4.1%) with tuberculosis of paranasal sinuses, 3 (4.1%) with aural tuberculosis, and 2 (2.7%) with skin tuberculosis in the head and neck region. Within the group of patients with lymph node tuberculosis in 15 cases there were infected lymph nodes of the 2nd and 3rd cervical region and in 11 infected lymph nodes of the 1st cervical region. In 5 cases of laryngeal tuberculosis there was detected coexistence of cancer. Oropharyngeal tuberculosis in 7 cases was localized in tonsils, where in 1 case coexisting cancer was diagnosed. Chest X-ray was performed in all cases and pulmonary tuberculosis was identified in 26 (35.6%) cases. Conclusions We conclude that tuberculosis still remains a problem and must be taken into consideration in the diagnostic process. The coincidence of tuberculosis and cancer is remarkable in the head and neck region. PMID:25624854

Workshop on Computational Turbulence Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shabbir, A. (Compiler); Shih, T.-H. (Compiler); Povinelli, L. A. (Compiler)

1994-01-01

The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the current status and future development of turbulence modeling in computational fluid dynamics for aerospace propulsion systems. Various turbulence models have been developed and applied to different turbulent flows over the past several decades and it is becoming more and more urgent to assess their performance in various complex situations. In order to help users in selecting and implementing appropriate models in their engineering calculations, it is important to identify the capabilities as well as the deficiencies of these models. This also benefits turbulence modelers by permitting them to further improve upon the existing models. This workshop was designed for exchanging ideas and enhancing collaboration between different groups in the Lewis community who are using turbulence models in propulsion related CFD. In this respect this workshop will help the Lewis goal of excelling in propulsion related research. This meeting had seven sessions for presentations and one panel discussion over a period of two days. Each presentation session was assigned to one or two branches (or groups) to present their turbulence related research work. Each group was asked to address at least the following points: current status of turbulence model applications and developments in the research; progress and existing problems; and requests about turbulence modeling. The panel discussion session was designed for organizing committee members to answer management and technical questions from the audience and to make concluding remarks.

Experimenting in a constructivist high school physics laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roth, Wolff-Michael

Although laboratory activities have long been recognized for their potential to facilitate the learning of science concepts and skills, this potential has yet to be realized. To remediate this problem, researchers have called for constructivist learning environments in which students can pursue open inquiry and frame their own research problems. The present study was designed to describe and understand students' experimenting and problem solving in such an environment. An interpretive research methodology was adopted for the construction of meaning from the data. The data sources included videotapes, their transcripts, student laboratory reports and reflections, interviews with the students, and the teacher's course outline and reflective notes. Forty-six students from three sections of an introductory physics course taught at a private school for boys participated in the study. This article shows the students' remarkable ability and willingness to generate research questions and to design and develop apparatus for data collection. In their effort to frame research questions, students often used narrative explanations to explore and think about the phenomena to be studied. In some cases, blind alleys, students framed research questions and planned experiments that did not lead to the expected results. We observed a remarkable flexibility to deal with problems that arose during the implementation of their plans in the context of the inquiry. These problems, as well as their solutions and the necessary decision-making processes, were characterized by their situated nature. Finally, students pursued meaningful learning during the interpretation of data and graphs to arrive at reasonable answers of their research questions. We concluded that students should be provided with problem-rich learning environments in which they learn to investigate phenomena of their own interest and in which they can develop complex problem-solving skills.

Deep Chandra study of the truncated cool core of the Ophiuchus cluster

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Werner, N.; Zhuravleva, I.; Canning, R. E. A.; Allen, S. W.; King, A. L.; Sanders, J. S.; Simionescu, A.; Taylor, G. B.; Morris, R. G.; Fabian, A. C.

2016-08-01

We present the results of a deep Chandra observation of the Ophiuchus cluster, the second brightest galaxy cluster in the X-ray sky. The cluster hosts a truncated cool core, with a temperature increasing from kT ˜ 1 keV in the core to kT ˜ 9 keV at r ˜ 30 kpc. Beyond r ˜ 30 kpc, the intracluster medium (ICM) appears remarkably isothermal. The core is dynamically disturbed with multiple sloshing-induced cold fronts, with indications for both Rayleigh-Taylor and Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities. The residual image reveals a likely subcluster south of the core at the projected distance of r ˜ 280 kpc. The cluster also harbours a likely radio phoenix, a source revived by adiabatic compression by gas motions in the ICM. Even though the Ophiuchus cluster is strongly dynamically active, the amplitude of density fluctuations outside of the cooling core is low, indicating velocities smaller than ˜100 km s-1. The density fluctuations might be damped by thermal conduction in the hot and remarkably isothermal ICM, resulting in our underestimate of gas velocities. We find a surprising, sharp surface brightness discontinuity, that is curved away from the core, at r ˜ 120 kpc to the south-east of the cluster centre. We conclude that this feature is most likely due to gas dynamics associated with a merger. The cooling core lacks any observable X-ray cavities and the active galactic nucleus (AGN) only displays weak, point-like radio emission, lacking lobes or jets. The lack of strong AGN activity may be due to the bulk of the cooling taking place offset from the central supermassive black hole.

The structure and evolution of plankton communities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Longhurst, Alan R.

New understanding of the circulation of ancient oceans is not yet matched by progress in our understanding of their pelagic ecology, though it was the planktonic ecosystems that generated our offshore oil and gas reserves. Can we assume that present-day models of ecosystem function are also valid for ancient seas? This question is addressed by a study of over 4000 plankton samples to derive a comprehensive, global description of zooplankton community structure in modern oceans: this shows that copepods form only 50% of the biomass of all plankton, ranging from 70% in polar to 35% in tropical seas. Comparable figures are derived from 14 other taxonomic categories of zooplankton. For trophic groupings, the data indicate globally: geletinous predators - 14%; gelatinous herbivores - 4%; raptorial predators - 33%; macrofiltering herbivores - 20%; macrofiltering omnivores - 25%; and detritivores - 3%. A simple, idealized model for the modern pelagic ecosystem is derived from these percentages which indicates that metazooplankton are not the most important consumers of pico- and nano-plankton production which itself probably constitutes 90% of primary production in warm oceans. This model is then compared with candidate life-forms available in Palaeozoic and Mesozoic oceans to determine to what extent it is also valid for ancient ecosystems: it is concluded that it is probably unnecessary to postulate models fundamentally differing from it in order to accommodate the life-forms, both protozoic and metazoic, known to have populated ancient seas. Remarkably few life-forms have existed which cannot be paralleled in the modern ocean, which contains remarkably few life-forms which cannot be paralleled in the Palaeozoic ocean. As a first assumption, then, it is reasonable to assume that energy pathways were similar in ancient oceans to those we study today.

Teachers' Remarks about Their Salaries in 1800 in the Helvetic Republic

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brühwiler, Ingrid

2015-01-01

For centuries, teachers have complained about their salaries. In the Stapfer inquiry of 1799, some teachers made remarks about financial issues, particularly their low incomes. This inquiry is the main source for the arguments presented here regarding teachers' low salary during this period of the Helvetic Republic. The disparity between the…

The Abraham Pais Prize Lecture: The historical Development of the Physical Concept of Time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jammer, Max

2007-04-01

The Irish physicist and mathematician John Lighton Synge once (1959) proclaimed that of all physical measurements that of time is the most fundamental and its theory ``the most basic theory of all.'' Twenty years later the Belgian physicist and chemist Ilya Prigogine declared that ``the concept of time is much more complex than we thought.'' Indeed, having studied the basic notions in physics like space, mass, force, simultaneity and written on each of them a detailed monograph, I always postponed a similar treatment of the concept of time because I realized that just by being the ``most basic'' it is also the most ``complex'' of all notions in physics and therefore a rather complicated subject of research. In fact, time, as perceived by us, is both ``flowing'' and ``enduring'' and its ``passing'' always ``lasts.'' If I venture nevertheless to offer herewith a survey of the conceptual development of the notion of time, I do so because I delimit myself to the role of time only in physics and ignore as far as possible general metaphysical, psychological or biological issues. The presentation thus ignores the history of the notion of time as conceived in the myths and religions of ancient civilizations and begins, after some brief remarks about the Pythagoreans, with the theories of time as proposed by the Pre-Socratics, Plato and Aristotle. After a critical discourse on the early proponents of an idealistic interpretation of the notion of time, like that of St. Augustine, medieval theories of time, like those which proposed the atomicity of time, are discussed. After a presentation of sixteenth century discussions of time, like that by Bruno or Gassendi, Isaac Barrow's and Isaac Newton's theories of physical time are critically analyzed. This is followed by a brief study of the conceptions of time by Locke and Berkeley and subsequently by Leibniz, who is often regarded as the first proponent of a relational or causal theory of time. Following some brief remarks about Hume's conception of time Kant's critical investigation of the notion of time is analyzed and followed by the theories of an ``arrow if time'' as a result of the existence of irreversible thermodynamic processes. After a brief discussion of Poincar'e's thesis of the conventional status of temporal metric, Einstein's interpretation of distant simultaneity and consequently his definition of time via simultaneity, as presented in his famous 1905 paper on relativity, are discussed. This is followed by some remarks on the concept of time in the general theory of relativity. A brief outline of the role of the concept of time in modern cosmology and, in particular, Hawking's notion of ``imaginary time'' conclude this essay.

TRENCADIS - secure architecture to share and manage DICOM objects in a ontological framework based on OGSA.

PubMed

Blanquer, Ignacio; Hernandez, Vicente; Segrelles, Damià; Torres, Erik

2007-01-01

Today most European healthcare centers use the digital format for their databases of images. TRENCADIS is a software architecture comprising a set of services as a solution for interconnecting, managing and sharing selected parts of medical DICOM data for the development of training and decision support tools. The organization of the distributed information in virtual repositories is based on semantic criteria. Different groups of researchers could organize themselves to propose a Virtual Organization (VO). These VOs will be interested in specific target areas, and will share information concerning each area. Although the private part of the information to be shared will be removed, special considerations will be taken into account to avoid the access by non-authorized users. This paper describes the security model implemented as part of TRENCADIS. The paper is organized as follows. First introduces the problem and presents our motivations. Section 1 defines the objectives. Section 2 presents an overview of the existing proposals per objective. Section 3 outlines the overall architecture. Section 4 describes how TRENCADIS is architected to realize the security goals discussed in the previous sections. The different security services and components of the infrastructure are briefly explained, as well as the exposed interfaces. Finally, Section 5 concludes and gives some remarks on our future work.

Aristotle's Theory of Deviance and Contemporary Symbolic Interactionist Scholarship: Learning from the Past, Extending the Present, and Engaging the Future.

PubMed

Prus, Robert

Although his work has been largely overlooked by symbolic interactionists and other students of deviance, Aristotle (c384-322BCE) addresses community life, activity, agency, and persuasive interchange in ways that not only are remarkably consistent with contemporary symbolic interactionist approaches to deviance, but that also conceptually inform present day theories of deviance and provide valuable transhistorical comparison points for subsequent analysis. Following (1) a brief overview of an interactionist approach to the study of deviance, attention is given to (2) classical Greek conceptions of good and evil (especially as these are articulated by Plato) before turning more directly to (3) Aristotle's notions of wrongdoing as this is reflected in his considerations of community, morality, agency, and culpability. While informed by Aristotle's considerations of causality (as addressed in Physics and Metaphysics ), this statement builds most centrally on Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics and Rhetoric . Striving for a broader understanding of deviance as a humanly engaged feature of community life, the paper briefly compares Aristotle's "theory of deviance" with Prus and Grills (2003) interactionist analysis of deviance. The paper (4) concludes with an assessment of the relative contributions of contemporary interactionist scholarship and Aristotle's materials for the study of deviance as a community-engaged process.

Polarized negative ions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Haeberli, W.

1981-04-01

This paper presents a survey of methods, commonly in use or under development, to produce beams of polarized negative ions for injection into accelerators. A short summary recalls how the hyperfine interaction is used to obtain nuclear polarization in beams of atoms. Atomic-beam sources for light ions are discussed. If the best presently known techniques are incorporated in all stages of the source, polarized H/sup -/ and D/sup -/ beams in excess of 10 ..mu..A can probably be achieved. Production of polarized ions from fast (keV) beams of polarized atoms is treated separately for atoms in the H(25) excited statemore » (Lamb-Shift source) and atoms in the H(1S) ground state. The negative ion beam from Lamb-Shift sources has reached a plateau just above 1 ..mu..A, but this beam current is adequate for many applications and the somewhat lower beam current is compensated by other desirable characteristics. Sources using fast polarized ground state atoms are in a stage of intense development. The next sections summarize production of polarized heavy ions by the atomic beam method, which is well established, and by optical pumping, which has recently been demonstrated to yield very large nuclear polarization. A short discussion of proposed ion sources for polarized /sup 3/He/sup -/ ions is followed by some concluding remarks.« less

Empirical results on scheduling and dynamic backtracking

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boddy, Mark S.; Goldman, Robert P.

1994-01-01

At the Honeywell Technology Center (HTC), we have been working on a scheduling problem related to commercial avionics. This application is large, complex, and hard to solve. To be a little more concrete: 'large' means almost 20,000 activities, 'complex' means several activity types, periodic behavior, and assorted types of temporal constraints, and 'hard to solve' means that we have been unable to eliminate backtracking through the use of search heuristics. At this point, we can generate solutions, where solutions exist, or report failure and sometimes why the system failed. To the best of our knowledge, this is among the largest and most complex scheduling problems to have been solved as a constraint satisfaction problem, at least that has appeared in the published literature. This abstract is a preliminary report on what we have done and how. In the next section, we present our approach to treating scheduling as a constraint satisfaction problem. The following sections present the application in more detail and describe how we solve scheduling problems in the application domain. The implemented system makes use of Ginsberg's Dynamic Backtracking algorithm, with some minor extensions to improve its utility for scheduling. We describe those extensions and the performance of the resulting system. The paper concludes with some general remarks, open questions and plans for future work.

A Computational Approach for Probabilistic Analysis of LS-DYNA Water Impact Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horta, Lucas G.; Mason, Brian H.; Lyle, Karen H.

2010-01-01

NASA s development of new concepts for the Crew Exploration Vehicle Orion presents many similar challenges to those worked in the sixties during the Apollo program. However, with improved modeling capabilities, new challenges arise. For example, the use of the commercial code LS-DYNA, although widely used and accepted in the technical community, often involves high-dimensional, time consuming, and computationally intensive simulations. Because of the computational cost, these tools are often used to evaluate specific conditions and rarely used for statistical analysis. The challenge is to capture what is learned from a limited number of LS-DYNA simulations to develop models that allow users to conduct interpolation of solutions at a fraction of the computational time. For this problem, response surface models are used to predict the system time responses to a water landing as a function of capsule speed, direction, attitude, water speed, and water direction. Furthermore, these models can also be used to ascertain the adequacy of the design in terms of probability measures. This paper presents a description of the LS-DYNA model, a brief summary of the response surface techniques, the analysis of variance approach used in the sensitivity studies, equations used to estimate impact parameters, results showing conditions that might cause injuries, and concluding remarks.

The Split Fovea Theory and the Leicester critique: what do the data say?

PubMed

Van der Haegen, Lise; Drieghe, Denis; Brysbaert, Marc

2010-01-01

According to the Split Fovea Theory (SFT) recognition of foveally presented words involves interhemispheric transfer. This is because letters to the left of the fixation location are initially sent to the right hemisphere, whereas letters to the right of the fixation position are projected to the left hemisphere. Both sources of information must be integrated for words to be recognized. Evidence for the SFT comes from the Optimal Viewing Position (OVP) paradigm, in which foveal word recognition is examined as a function of the letter fixated. OVP curves are different for left and right language dominant participants, indicating a time cost when information is presented in the half-field ipsilateral to the dominant hemisphere (Hunter, Brysbaert, & Knecht, 2007). The methodology of the SFT research has recently been questioned, because not enough efforts were made to ensure adequate fixation. The aim of the present study is to test the validity of this argument. Experiment 1 replicated the OVP effect in a naming task by presenting words at different fixation positions, with the experimental settings applied in previous OVP research. Experiment 2 monitored and controlled eye fixations of the participants and presented the stimuli within the boundaries of the fovea. Exactly the same OVP curve was obtained. In Experiment 3, the eyes were also tracked and monocular viewing was used. Results again revealed the same OVP effect, although latencies were remarkably higher than in the previous experiments. From these results we can conclude that although noise is present in classical SFT studies without eye-tracking, this does not change the OVP effect observed with left dominant individuals.

The Singular Universe and the Reality of Time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mangabeira Unger, Roberto; Smolin, Lee

2015-01-01

Introduction; Part I. Roberto Mangabeira Unger: 1. The science of the one universe in time; 2. The context and consequences of the argument; 3. The singular existence of the universe; 4. The inclusive reality of time; 5. The mutability of the laws of nature; 6. The selective realism of mathematics; Part II. Lee Smolin: 1. Cosmology in crisis; 2. Principles for a cosmological theory; 3. The setting: the puzzles of contemporary cosmology; 4. Hypotheses for a new cosmology; 5. Mathematics; 6. Approaches to solving the metalaw dilemma; 7. Implications of temporal naturalism for philosophy of mind; 8. An agenda for science; 9. Concluding remarks; A note concerning disagreements between our views.

Spotlight on daytime napping during early childhood

PubMed Central

Horváth, Klára; Plunkett, Kim

2018-01-01

Daytime napping undergoes a remarkable change in early childhood, and research regarding its relationship to cognitive development has recently accelerated. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of this relationship focusing on children aged <5 years. First, we evaluate different studies on the basis of the experimental design used and the specific cognitive processes they investigate. Second, we analyze how the napping status of children may modulate the relationship between learning and napping. Third, the possible role of sleep spindles, ie, specific electroencephalographic components during sleep, in cognitive development is explored. We conclude that daytime napping is crucial in early memory development. PMID:29576733

A two-level structure for advanced space power system automation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loparo, Kenneth A.; Chankong, Vira

1990-01-01

The tasks to be carried out during the three-year project period are: (1) performing extensive simulation using existing mathematical models to build a specific knowledge base of the operating characteristics of space power systems; (2) carrying out the necessary basic research on hierarchical control structures, real-time quantitative algorithms, and decision-theoretic procedures; (3) developing a two-level automation scheme for fault detection and diagnosis, maintenance and restoration scheduling, and load management; and (4) testing and demonstration. The outlines of the proposed system structure that served as a master plan for this project, work accomplished, concluding remarks, and ideas for future work are also addressed.

Farewell to Cassini on This Week @NASA – September 15, 2017

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-09-15

On Sept. 15, our Cassini spacecraft concluded its remarkable mission with a plunge into Saturn’s atmosphere. This was the last of 22 close orbits Cassini made between Saturn and its rings as part of the mission’s Grand Finale. No other spacecraft has ever explored this unique region. Although the spacecraft may be gone after the finale, the enormous amount of data collected about Saturn, its magnetosphere, rings and moons during this last dive is expected to yield new discoveries for decades. Also, Recovering from Irma, New Crew Launches to the Space Station, Successful Orion Chute Test and Shane Kimbrough in Washington!

A new method for evaluating the dissolution of orodispersible films.

PubMed

Xia, Yiran; Chen, Fang; Zhang, Huiping; Luo, Chunlin

2015-05-01

The aim of this research was to develop and assess a new dissolution apparatus for orodispersible films (ODFs). The new apparatus was based on a flow-through cell design which requires only a limited amount of dissolution medium and can automatically collect samples in short-time intervals. Compared with the dissolution method in Chinese Pharmacopeia, our method simulated the flow condition of the oral cavity and resulted in reproducible dissolution data and remarkably discriminating capability. Therefore, we concluded that the proposed dissolution method was particularly suitable for evaluating the dissolution of ODFs and should also be applicable to other fast-dissolving solid dosage forms.

Tabanidae (Diptera) of Saudi Arabia

PubMed Central

Al Dhafer, H.M.; Dawah, H.A.; Abdullah, M.A.

2009-01-01

Samples were collected from southern, central and eastern regions of Saudi Arabia using Malaise traps and sweep nets. Nine species of Tabanidae were identified, two for the first time from Saudi Arabia, Hybomitra peculiaris (Szilády) and Atylotus pulchellus (Loew). Therefore, the total number of Tabanidae in Saudi Arabia is 31 species. Remarks of the species recorded in this study were given. A key to the genera of Tabanidae occurring in the Arabian Peninsula is also provided. Available literature for Saudi Arabian Tabanidae is summarized and provided. It is concluded that the tabanid fauna of Saudi Arabia is more similar to that of the Palaearctic region than to the Afrotropical region. PMID:23961046

An Empirical Analysis of the Default Rate of Informal Lending—Evidence from Yiwu, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Wei; Yu, Xiaobo; Du, Juan; Ji, Feng

This study empirically analyzes the underlying factors contributing to the default rate of informal lending. This paper adopts snowball sampling interview to collect data and uses the logistic regression model to explore the specific factors. The results of these analyses validate the explanation of how the informal lending differs from the commercial loan. Factors that contribute to the default rate have particular attributes, while sharing some similarities with commercial bank or FICO credit scoring Index. Finally, our concluding remarks draw some inferences from empirical analysis and speculate as to what this may imply for the role of formal and informal financial sectors.

Sound source localization inspired by the ears of the Ormia ochracea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuntzman, Michael L.; Hall, Neal A.

2014-07-01

The parasitoid fly Ormia ochracea has the remarkable ability to locate crickets using audible sound. This ability is, in fact, remarkable as the fly's hearing mechanism spans only 1.5 mm which is 50× smaller than the wavelength of sound emitted by the cricket. The hearing mechanism is, for all practical purposes, a point in space with no significant interaural time or level differences to draw from. It has been discovered that evolution has empowered the fly with a hearing mechanism that utilizes multiple vibration modes to amplify interaural time and level differences. Here, we present a fully integrated, man-made mimic of the Ormia's hearing mechanism capable of replicating the remarkable sound localization ability of the special fly. A silicon-micromachined prototype is presented which uses multiple piezoelectric sensing ports to simultaneously transduce two orthogonal vibration modes of the sensing structure, thereby enabling simultaneous measurement of sound pressure and pressure gradient.

The Remarkable History Of Hypnosis In New Orleans (Société Du Magnétisme De La Nouvelle Orléans): A Tribute to Dabney Ewin.

PubMed

Tramontana, Joseph

2016-01-01

Dr. Dabney Ewin was a major factor in the revitalization of the New Orleans Society for Clinical Hypnosis (NOSCH) after it had been dormant for many years. This article briefly presents the fascinating history of the society as a tribute to Dr. Ewin, a remarkable physician.

Photocatalytic CO2 conversion by polymeric carbon nitrides.

PubMed

Fang, Yuanxing; Wang, Xinchen

2018-05-10

CO2 is a vital compond for life, and its concentration significantly affects the living environment of the Earth. Extensive effort has been devoted to balance its concentration. Among the developed approaches, photocatalytic CO2 conversion is considered as an ideal option. Previous reports suggest polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) can be effectively used as a metal-free photocatalyst to convert CO2. Herein, the recent developments of PCN and the related photocatalysts for CO2 conversion are summarized from the fundamental of using PCN, and their extended applications through molecular modification and physical/chemical coupling with other substances. The concluding remarks finally indicate the future challenges of using PCN materials for relevant solar-driven applications.

Nonlinear radiative heat flux and heat source/sink on entropy generation minimization rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayat, T.; Khan, M. Waleed Ahmed; Khan, M. Ijaz; Alsaedi, A.

2018-06-01

Entropy generation minimization in nonlinear radiative mixed convective flow towards a variable thicked surface is addressed. Entropy generation for momentum and temperature is carried out. The source for this flow analysis is stretching velocity of sheet. Transformations are used to reduce system of partial differential equations into ordinary ones. Total entropy generation rate is determined. Series solutions for the zeroth and mth order deformation systems are computed. Domain of convergence for obtained solutions is identified. Velocity, temperature and concentration fields are plotted and interpreted. Entropy equation is studied through nonlinear mixed convection and radiative heat flux. Velocity and temperature gradients are discussed through graphs. Meaningful results are concluded in the final remarks.

The impact of sports mega-events on health and environmental rights in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

PubMed

Vilani, Rodrigo Machado; Machado, Carlos José Saldanha

2015-11-01

The aim of this study is to discuss the contradictions of the Olympic Games legacy for health and environment in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Public policies for sports mega-events have been criticized for contributing to and deepening the city's historical socio-spatial inequalities. Based on document research and data analysis, the article focused on establishing a proposal for a sustainable city, as provided in Law 10,257/2001, the so-called City's Statute. The article concludes with remarks on Olympic urban planning, its market orientation, and failures to overcome public health and environmental sanitation problems that will persist as a legacy after 2016.

Modal identities for elastic bodies, with application to vehicle dynamics and control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hughes, P. C.

1980-01-01

It is a standard procedure to analyze a flexible vehicle in terms of its vibration frequencies and mode shapes. However, the entire mode shape is not needed per se, but two integrals of the mode shape, pi and hi, which correspond to the momentum and angular momentum in Mode i. Together with the natural frequencies omega-i, these modal parameters satisfy several important identities, 25 of which are derived in this paper. Expansions in terms of both constrained and unconstrained modes are considered. A simple illustrative example is included. The paper concludes with some remarks on the theoretical and practical utility of these results, and several potential extensions to the theory are suggested.

Phonology is necessary, but not sufficient: a rejoinder.

PubMed

Paul, Peter V; Wang, Ye; Trezek, Beverly J; Luckner, John L

2009-01-01

Paul, Wang, Trezek, and Luckner offer a rebuttal to an article by Allen, Clark, del Giudice, Koo, Lieberman, Mayberry, and Miller published in the same issue of the American Annals of the Deaf (Fall 2009) that is critical of an article by Wang, Trezek, Luckner, and Paul that was published in the Fall 2008 Annals. Major themes from the article by Wang and colleagues are reiterated, and the research and theoretical support for the qualitative-similarity hypothesis is emphasized. In addition, specific assertions made in the four sections of the article by Allen and colleagues, which are mostly overgeneralizations and misunderstandings, are addressed. Finally, concluding remarks regarding the importance of phonology are provided.

Multiwavelength Studies of the Peculiar Gamma-ray Source 3EG J1835+5918

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reimer, O.; Brazier, K. T. S.; Carraminana, A.; Kanbach, G.; Nolan, P. L.; Thompson, D. J.

1999-01-01

The source 3EG J1835+5918 was discovered early in the CGRO (Compton Gamma Ray Observatory) mission by EGRET as a bright unidentified gamma-ray source outside the galactic plane. Especially remarkable, it has not been possible to identify this object with any known counterpart in any other wavelengths band since then. Analyzing our recent ROSAT HRI observation, for the first time we are able to suggest X-ray counterparts of 3EG J1835+5918. The discovered X-ray sources were subject of deep optical investigations in order to reveal their nature and conclude on the possibility of being counterparts for this peculiar gamma-ray source.

Fluctuation analysis of proficient and dysgraphic handwriting in children

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenblum, S.; Roman, H. E.

2009-03-01

We analyze handwriting records from several school children with the aim of characterizing the fluctuating behavior of the writing speed. It will be concluded that remarkable differences exist between proficient and dysgraphic handwritings which were unknown so far. It is shown that in the case of proficient handwriting, the variations in handwriting speed are strongly autocorrelated within times corresponding to the completion of a single character or letter, while become uncorrelated at longer times. In the case of dysgraphia, such correlations persist on longer time scales and the autocorrelation function seems to display algebraic time decay, indicating the presence of strong anomalies in the handwriting process. Applications of the results in educational/clinical programs are envisaged.

Nanomechanics of silk: the fundamentals of a strong, tough and versatile material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Isabelle; Buehler, Markus J.

2016-07-01

Spider silk is a remarkable material that provides a template for upscaling molecular properties to the macroscale. In this article we review fundamental aspects of the mechanisms behind these behaviors, discuss the molecular makeup, chemical designs, and how these integrate in a complex arrangement to form webs, cocoons and other material architectures. Moreover, this review paper explores the unique ability of silk to tolerate various kinds of defects, in a way enabling this material platform to serve as one of the most resilient materials in nature. We conclude the discussion with a summary of key scaling laws, an attempt model and define hierarchical length-scales, and the translation to synthetic materials.

[A commentary on the Ruling of the Tribuna Constitucional 212/1996 of 19 December 1996 (I)].

PubMed

González Morán, L

1998-01-01

This article is a commentary on Spain's Constitutional Court's ruling of 19 December 1996 (STC 212/1996), on the challenge (596/89) on grounds of alleged unconstitutionality made against Law 42/1988, 28 December, which regulates the donation of human embryos and foetuses or the cells, tissues and organs therefrom. The article is structured as follows: it opens with a summary of Law 42/1988, since this is felt necessary to understand the subsequent challenge made on grounds of alleged unconstitutionality. We then provide specific details of the challenge and the resulting ruling, before concluding with some critical remarks on the aforementioned Law and ruling.

Nanomechanics of silk: the fundamentals of a strong, tough and versatile material.

PubMed

Su, Isabelle; Buehler, Markus J

2016-07-29

Spider silk is a remarkable material that provides a template for upscaling molecular properties to the macroscale. In this article we review fundamental aspects of the mechanisms behind these behaviors, discuss the molecular makeup, chemical designs, and how these integrate in a complex arrangement to form webs, cocoons and other material architectures. Moreover, this review paper explores the unique ability of silk to tolerate various kinds of defects, in a way enabling this material platform to serve as one of the most resilient materials in nature. We conclude the discussion with a summary of key scaling laws, an attempt model and define hierarchical length-scales, and the translation to synthetic materials.

Quantum percolation in cuprate high-temperature superconductors

PubMed Central

Phillips, J. C.

2008-01-01

Although it is now generally acknowledged that electron–phonon interactions cause cuprate superconductivity with Tc values ≈100 K, the complexities of atomic arrangements in these marginally stable multilayer materials have frustrated both experimental analysis and theoretical modeling of the remarkably rich data obtained both by angle-resolved photoemission (ARPES) and high-resolution, large-area scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Here, we analyze the theoretical background in terms of our original (1989) model of dopant-assisted quantum percolation (DAQP), as developed further in some two dozen articles, and apply these ideas to recent STM data. We conclude that despite all of the many difficulties, with improved data analysis it may yet be possible to identify quantum percolative paths. PMID:18626024

Patent foramen ovale and paradoxical systemic embolism: a bibliographic review

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foster, Philip P.; Boriek, Aladin M.; Butler, Bruce D.; Gernhardt, Michael L.; Bove, Alfred A.

2003-01-01

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been reported to be an important risk factor for cardioembolic cerebrovascular accidents through paradoxical systemic embolization, and it provides one potential mechanism for the paradoxical systemic embolization of venous gas bubbles produced after altitude or hyperbaric decompressions. Here, we present in a single document a summary of the original findings and views from authors in this field. It is a comprehensive review of 145 peer-reviewed journal articles related to PFO that is intended to encourage reflection on PFO detection methods and on the possible association between PFO and stroke. There is a heightened debate on whether aviators, astronauts, and scuba divers should go through screening for PFO. Because it is a source of an important controversy, we prefer to present the findings in the format of a neutral bibliographic review independent of our own opinions. Each cited peer-reviewed article includes a short summary in which we attempt to present potential parallels with the pathophysiology of decompression bubbles. Two types of articles are summarized, as follows. First, we report the original clinical and physiological findings which focus on PFO. The consistent reporting sequence begins by describing the method of detection of PFO and goal of the study, followed by bulleted results, and finally the discussion and conclusion. Second, we summarize from review papers the issues related only to PFO. At the end of each section, an abstract with concluding remarks based on the cited articles provides guidelines.

Functionalized silica aerogels for gas-phase purification, sensing, and catalysis: A review

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Amonette, James E.; Matyáš, Josef

Silica aerogels have a rich history and a unique, fascinating gas-phase chemistry that has lent them to many diverse applications. This review starts with a brief discussion of the fundamental issues driving the movement of gases in silica aerogels and then proceeds to provide an overview of the work that has been done with respect to the purification of gases, sensing of individual gases, and uses of silica aerogels as catalysts for gas-phase reactions. Salient features of the research behind these different applications are presented, and, where appropriate, critical aspects that affect the practical use of the aerogels are noted.more » Specific sections under the gas-purification category focus on the removal of airborne nanoparticles, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, sulfur gases and radioactive iodine from gas streams. The use of silica aerogels as sensors for humidity, oxygen, hydrocarbons, volatile acids and bases, various non-ammoniacal nitrogen gases, and viral particles is discussed. With respect to catalysis, the demonstrated use of silica aerogels as supports for oxidation, Fischer-Tropsch, alkane isomerization, and hydrogenation reactions is reviewed, along with a section on untested catalytic formulations involving silica aerogels. A short section focuses on recent developments in thermomolecular Knudsen compressor pumps using silica aerogel membranes. The review continues with an overview of the production methods, locations of manufacturing facilities globally, and a brief discussion of the economics before concluding with a few remarks about the present and future trends revealed by the work presented.« less

Dynamics Explorer 2: Continued FPI and NACS instrument data analysis and associated scientific activity at the University of Michigan

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burns, Alan; Killeen, T. L.

1993-01-01

The grant entitled 'Dynamics Explorer 2 - continued FPI and NACS instrument data analysis and associated scientific activity at the University of Michigan' is a continuation of a grant that began with instrument development for the Dynamics Explorer 2 (DE 2) satellite. Over the years, many publications and presentations at scientific meetings have occurred under the aegis of this grant. This present report details the progress that has been made in the final three years of the grant. In these last 4 years of the grant 26 papers have been published or are in press and about 10 more are in preparation or have been submitted. A large number of presentations have been made in the same time span: 36 are listed in Appendix 2. Evidence of the high educational utility of this research is indicated by the list of Ph. D. and M. S. theses that have been completed in the last 3 years that have involved work connected with NAG5-465. The structure of this report is as follows: a brief synopsis of the aims of the grant NAG5-465 is given in the next section; then there is a summary of the scientific accomplishments that have occurred over the grant period; last, we make some brief concluding remarks. Reprints of articles that have recently appeared in refereed journals are appended to the end of this document.

Laboratory and field studies related to radionuclide migration at the Nevada Test Site October 1, 1998-September 30, 1999

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

D. L. Finnegan; K. S. Kung; B. A. Martinez

In this report the author describes his research in FY 1999 at the Nevada Test Site regarding the movement of radionuclides in groundwater. This work is funded by the US Department of Energy/Nevada Operations Office through their Defense Programs and Environmental Restorations divisions. Significant accomplishments include upgrading a spectrometer used to characterize groundwater colloids, acquisition of a probe to allow in situ measurement of groundwater parameters, and purchase of pumps for use in small-diameter access tubing. He collected water samples from a number of nuclear test sites during the past year. Samples from the chimney horizon at the Camembert sitemore » show that only volatile radionuclides are present there, as expected. Groundwater from the cavity region at the Cheshire site shows evidence of fission product leaching or desorption from melt glass or rock surfaces. Colloids present in this water were found to be remarkably stable during storage for many years. The colloid content of groundwater at the Cambric site and at UE-5n was found to be low relative to that in groundwater on Pahute Mesa. This, coupled with the apparent lack of groundwater flow in the alluvial rock at the Cambric site, suggests that radionuclide movement underground in this area is relatively minimal. He continued the yearly monitoring of the thermally hot cavity fluids at the Almendro site. He concludes this report by listing documents reviewed and presentations and publications generated by the program.« less

Attention Strongly Modulates Reliability of Neural Responses to Naturalistic Narrative Stimuli.

PubMed

Ki, Jason J; Kelly, Simon P; Parra, Lucas C

2016-03-09

Attentional engagement is a major determinant of how effectively we gather information through our senses. Alongside the sheer growth in the amount and variety of information content that we are presented with through modern media, there is increased variability in the degree to which we "absorb" that information. Traditional research on attention has illuminated the basic principles of sensory selection to isolated features or locations, but it provides little insight into the neural underpinnings of our attentional engagement with modern naturalistic content. Here, we show in human subjects that the reliability of an individual's neural responses with respect to a larger group provides a highly robust index of the level of attentional engagement with a naturalistic narrative stimulus. Specifically, fast electroencephalographic evoked responses were more strongly correlated across subjects when naturally attending to auditory or audiovisual narratives than when attention was directed inward to a mental arithmetic task during stimulus presentation. This effect was strongest for audiovisual stimuli with a cohesive narrative and greatly reduced for speech stimuli lacking meaning. For compelling audiovisual narratives, the effect is remarkably strong, allowing perfect discrimination between attentional state across individuals. Control experiments rule out possible confounds related to altered eye movement trajectories or order of presentation. We conclude that reliability of evoked activity reproduced across subjects viewing the same movie is highly sensitive to the attentional state of the viewer and listener, which is aided by a cohesive narrative. Copyright © 2016 Ki et al.

Comparative anatomy of the electrosensory lateral line lobe of mormyrids: the mystery of the missing map in the genus Stomatorhinus (family: Mormyridae).

PubMed

McNamara, Ann Marie; Denizot, Jean-Pierre; Hopkins, Carl D

2005-01-01

Fish in the family Mormyridae produce weak electric organ discharges that are used in orientation and communication. The peripheral and central anatomy of the electrosensory system has been well studied in the species Gnathonemus petersii, but comparative studies in other species are scarce. Here we report on one genus of mormyrid that displays a remarkable change in the electrosensory lateral line lobe (ELL), the hypertrophied rhombencephalic structure that receives primary electroreceptor input. Although all other mormyrids studied have three distinct zones on each side of the ELL, fish of the genus Stomatorhinus exhibit only two. Therefore, the two-zone ELL is a unique derived characteristic shared by Stomatorhinus. We examined the cutaneous electroreceptors that project to the ELL in Stomatorhinus. All three types of electroreceptors previously described for G. petersii were present, but there was a significant change in one type, the mormyromast. Both mormyromast sensory cell types (A- and B-cells) are present, but the B-cell is not innervated in Stomatorhinus. We conclude that, although all cutaneous sensory cells are present, the missing B-cell afferents account for the loss of the dorsolateral zone of the ELL, and therefore the loss of an entire sensory map. Because mormyromasts are involved in electrolocation behavior, this anatomical difference is probably related to differences in electrolocation abilities. Stomatorhinus could prove to be an excellent system for linking evolutionary changes in behavior with modifications in their neural substrates.

Automated clustering-based workload characterization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pentakalos, Odysseas I.; Menasce, Daniel A.; Yesha, Yelena

1996-01-01

The demands placed on the mass storage systems at various federal agencies and national laboratories are continuously increasing in intensity. This forces system managers to constantly monitor the system, evaluate the demand placed on it, and tune it appropriately using either heuristics based on experience or analytic models. Performance models require an accurate workload characterization. This can be a laborious and time consuming process. It became evident from our experience that a tool is necessary to automate the workload characterization process. This paper presents the design and discusses the implementation of a tool for workload characterization of mass storage systems. The main features of the tool discussed here are: (1)Automatic support for peak-period determination. Histograms of system activity are generated and presented to the user for peak-period determination; (2) Automatic clustering analysis. The data collected from the mass storage system logs is clustered using clustering algorithms and tightness measures to limit the number of generated clusters; (3) Reporting of varied file statistics. The tool computes several statistics on file sizes such as average, standard deviation, minimum, maximum, frequency, as well as average transfer time. These statistics are given on a per cluster basis; (4) Portability. The tool can easily be used to characterize the workload in mass storage systems of different vendors. The user needs to specify through a simple log description language how the a specific log should be interpreted. The rest of this paper is organized as follows. Section two presents basic concepts in workload characterization as they apply to mass storage systems. Section three describes clustering algorithms and tightness measures. The following section presents the architecture of the tool. Section five presents some results of workload characterization using the tool.Finally, section six presents some concluding remarks.

The Mineral–Collagen Interface in Bone

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

The interface between collagen and the mineral reinforcement phase, carbonated hydroxyapatite (cAp), is essential for bone’s remarkable functionality as a biological composite material. The very small dimensions of the cAp phase and the disparate natures of the reinforcement and matrix are essential to the material’s performance but also complicate study of this interface. This article summarizes what is known about the cAp-collagen interface in bone and begins with descriptions of the matrix and reinforcement roles in composites, of the phases bounding the interface, of growth of cAp growing within the collagen matrix, and of the effect of intra- and extrafibrilar mineral on determinations of interfacial properties. Different observed interfacial interactions with cAp (collagen, water, non-collagenous proteins) are reviewed; experimental results on interface interactions during loading are reported as are their influence on macroscopic mechanical properties; conclusions of numerical modeling of interfacial interactions are also presented. The data suggest interfacial interlocking (bending of collagen molecules around cAp nanoplatelets) and water-mediated bonding between collagen and cAp are essential to load transfer. The review concludes with descriptions of areas where new research is needed to improve understanding of how the interface functions. PMID:25824581

Macromolecular agents with antimicrobial potentialities: A drive to combat antimicrobial resistance.

PubMed

Bilal, Muhammad; Rasheed, Tahir; Iqbal, Hafiz M N; Hu, Hongbo; Wang, Wei; Zhang, Xuehong

2017-10-01

In recent years, the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) or multidrug resistance (MDR) has become a serious health concern and major challenging issue, worldwide. After decades of negligence, the AMR has now captured global attention. The increasing number of antibiotic-resistant strains has threatened the achievements of science and medicine since it inactivates conventional antimicrobial therapeutics. Scientists are trying to respond to AMR/MDR threat by exploring innovative platforms and new therapeutic strategies to tackle infections from these resistant strains and bypass treatment limitations related to these pathologies. The present review focuses on the utilization of bio-inspired novel constructs and their potential applications as novel antimicrobial agents. The first part of the review describes plant-based biological macromolecules containing an immense variety of secondary metabolites, which could be potentially used as alternative strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance. The second part discusses the potential of metal-based macromolecules as effective antimicrobial platforms for preventing infections from resistant strains. The third part comprehensively elucidates how nanoparticles, in particular, metal-integrated nanoparticles can overcome this AMR or MDR issue. Towards the end, information is given with critical concluding remarks, gaps, and finally envisioned with future considerations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nonlinear optical effects of opening a gap in graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carvalho, David N.; Biancalana, Fabio; Marini, Andrea

2018-05-01

Graphene possesses remarkable electronic, optical, and mechanical properties that have taken the research of two-dimensional relativistic condensed matter systems to prolific levels. However, the understanding of how its nonlinear optical properties are affected by relativisticlike effects has been broadly uncharted. It has been recently shown that highly nontrivial currents can be generated in free-standing samples, notably leading to the generation of even harmonics. Since graphene monolayers are centrosymmetric media, for which such harmonic generation at normal incidence is deemed inaccessible, this light-driven phenomenon is both startling and promising. More realistically, graphene samples are often deposited on a dielectric substrate, leading to additional intricate interactions. Here, we present a treatment to study this instance by gapping the spectrum and we show this leads to the appearance of a Berry phase in the carrier dynamics. We analyze the role of such a phase in the generated nonlinear current and conclude that it suppresses odd-harmonic generation. The pump energy can be tuned to the energy gap to yield interference among odd harmonics mediated by interband transitions, allowing even harmonics to be generated. Our results and general methodology pave the way for understanding the role of gap opening in the nonlinear optics of two-dimensional lattices.

Synthesis and hydrogenation application of Pt-Pd bimetallic nanocatalysts stabilized by macrocycle-modified dendrimer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Zhijun; Xiao, Haiyan; Zhou, Wei; Zhang, Dongqiao; Peng, Xiaohong

2017-12-01

Different generations of poly(propylene imine) (Gn-PPI) terminated with N-containing 15-membered triolefinic macrocycle (GnM) (n = 2, 3, 4, 5) were prepared. The bimetallic nanoparticle catalysts GnM-(Ptx/Pd10-x) (x = 0, 3, 5, 7, 10) were prepared by the synchronous ligand-exchange reaction between GnM and the complexes of Pt(PPh3)4 and Pd(PPh3)4. The structure and catalytic properties of GnM-(Ptx/Pd10-x) were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The novel bimetallic Pd-Pt nanoparticle catalysts stabilized by dendrimers (DSNs) present higher catalytic activities for the hydrogenation of dimeric acid (DA) than that of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). It can be concluded that bimetallic Pd-Pt DSNs possess alloying and synergistic electronic effects on account of the hydrogenation degree (HD) of DA and NBR. Furthermore, the HD of DA and NBR shows a remarkable decrease with the incremental generations (n) of GnM-(Pt3/Pd7) (n = 2, 3, 4, 5).

Chapter 15: Reliability of Wind Turbines

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sheng, Shuangwen; O'Connor, Ryan

The global wind industry has witnessed exciting developments in recent years. The future will be even brighter with further reductions in capital and operation and maintenance costs, which can be accomplished with improved turbine reliability, especially when turbines are installed offshore. One opportunity for the industry to improve wind turbine reliability is through the exploration of reliability engineering life data analysis based on readily available data or maintenance records collected at typical wind plants. If adopted and conducted appropriately, these analyses can quickly save operation and maintenance costs in a potentially impactful manner. This chapter discusses wind turbine reliability bymore » highlighting the methodology of reliability engineering life data analysis. It first briefly discusses fundamentals for wind turbine reliability and the current industry status. Then, the reliability engineering method for life analysis, including data collection, model development, and forecasting, is presented in detail and illustrated through two case studies. The chapter concludes with some remarks on potential opportunities to improve wind turbine reliability. An owner and operator's perspective is taken and mechanical components are used to exemplify the potential benefits of reliability engineering analysis to improve wind turbine reliability and availability.« less

Perceptuo-motor compatibility governs multisensory integration in bimanual coordination dynamics.

PubMed

Zelic, Gregory; Mottet, Denis; Lagarde, Julien

2016-02-01

The brain has the remarkable ability to bind together inputs from different sensory origin into a coherent percept. Behavioral benefits can result from such ability, e.g., a person typically responds faster and more accurately to cross-modal stimuli than to unimodal stimuli. To date, it is, however, largely unknown whether such multisensory benefits, shown for discrete reactive behaviors, generalize to the continuous coordination of movements. The present study addressed multisensory integration from the perspective of bimanual coordination dynamics, where the perceptual activity no longer triggers a single response but continuously guides the motor action. The task consisted in coordinating anti-symmetrically the continuous flexion-extension of the index fingers, while synchronizing with an external pacer. Three different configurations of metronome were tested, for which we examined whether a cross-modal pacing (audio-tactile beats) improved the stability of the coordination in comparison with unimodal pacing condition (auditory or tactile beats). We found a more stable bimanual coordination for cross-modal pacing, but only when the metronome configuration directly matched the anti-symmetric coordination pattern. We conclude that multisensory integration can benefit the continuous coordination of movements; however, this is constrained by whether the perceptual and motor activities match in space and time.

Containment and Support: Core and Complexity in Spatial Language Learning.

PubMed

Landau, Barbara; Johannes, Kristen; Skordos, Dimitrios; Papafragou, Anna

2017-04-01

Containment and support have traditionally been assumed to represent universal conceptual foundations for spatial terms. This assumption can be challenged, however: English in and on are applied across a surprisingly broad range of exemplars, and comparable terms in other languages show significant variation in their application. We propose that the broad domains of both containment and support have internal structure that reflects different subtypes, that this structure is reflected in basic spatial term usage across languages, and that it constrains children's spatial term learning. Using a newly developed battery, we asked how adults and 4-year-old children speaking English or Greek distribute basic spatial terms across subtypes of containment and support. We found that containment showed similar distributions of basic terms across subtypes among all groups while support showed such similarity only among adults, with striking differences between children learning English versus Greek. We conclude that the two domains differ considerably in the learning problems they present, and that learning in and on is remarkably complex. Together, our results point to the need for a more nuanced view of spatial term learning. Copyright © 2016 Cognitive Science Society, Inc.

In vitro and in vivo cell-capture strategies using cardiac stent technology - A review.

PubMed

Ravindranath, Rohan R; Romaschin, Alexander; Thompson, Michael

2016-01-01

Stenosis is a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), and is caused by narrowing of arteries in the heart. Over the last several decades, medical implants such as cardiac stents have been developed to counter stenosis. Upon implantation of a stent to open up a restricted artery, narrowing of the artery can reoccur (restenosis), due to an immune response launched by the body towards the stent. Currently, restenosis is a major health concern for patients who have undergone heart surgery for coronary artery disease. Recently, there have been new methods developed to combat restenosis, which have shown potential signs of success. One proposed method is the use of stents to capture cells, thereby reducing immune response. This review will explore the different methods for cell capture both in vitro and in vivo. Biological modifications of the stent will be surveyed, as well as the use of surface science to immobilize biological probes. Immobilization of proteins and nucleotides, as well as use of magnetic field are all methods that will be further discussed. Finally, concluding remarks and future prospects will be presented. Copyright © 2015 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A ganglion-cell-based primary image representation method and its contribution to object recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Hui; Dai, Zhi-Long; Zuo, Qing-Song

2016-10-01

A visual stimulus is represented by the biological visual system at several levels: in the order from low to high levels, they are: photoreceptor cells, ganglion cells (GCs), lateral geniculate nucleus cells and visual cortical neurons. Retinal GCs at the early level need to represent raw data only once, but meet a wide number of diverse requests from different vision-based tasks. This means the information representation at this level is general and not task-specific. Neurobiological findings have attributed this universal adaptation to GCs' receptive field (RF) mechanisms. For the purposes of developing a highly efficient image representation method that can facilitate information processing and interpretation at later stages, here we design a computational model to simulate the GC's non-classical RF. This new image presentation method can extract major structural features from raw data, and is consistent with other statistical measures of the image. Based on the new representation, the performances of other state-of-the-art algorithms in contour detection and segmentation can be upgraded remarkably. This work concludes that applying sophisticated representation schema at early state is an efficient and promising strategy in visual information processing.

Generalized thermoelastic wave band gaps in phononic crystals without energy dissipation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Ying; Yu, Kaiping; Li, Xiao; Zhou, Haotian

2016-01-01

We present a theoretical investigation of the thermoelastic wave propagation in the phononic crystals in the context of Green-Nagdhi theory by taking thermoelastic coupling into account. The thermal field is assumed to be steady. Thermoelastic wave band structures of 3D and 2D are derived by using the plane wave expansion method. For the 2D problem, the anti-plane shear mode is not affected by the temperature difference. Thermoelastic wave bands of the in-plane x-y mode are calculated for lead/silicone rubber, aluminium/silicone rubber, and aurum/silicone rubber phononic crystals. The new findings in the numerical results indicate that the thermoelastic wave bands are composed of the pure elastic wave bands and the thermal wave bands, and that the thermal wave bands can serve as the low boundary of the first band gap when the filling ratio is low. In addition, for the lead/silicone rubber phononic crystals the effects of lattice type (square, rectangle, regular triangle, and hexagon) and inclusion shape (circle, oval, and square) on the normalized thermoelastic bandwidth and the upper/lower gap boundaries are analysed and discussed. It is concluded that their effects on the thermoelastic wave band structure are remarkable.

Scholarship, publication, and career advancement in health professions education: AMEE Guide No. 43.

PubMed

McGaghie, William C

2009-07-01

Scholarship and publication are key contributors to career advancement in health professions education worldwide. Scholarship is expressed in many ways including original research; integration and synthesis of ideas and data, often across disciplines; application of skill and knowledge to problems that have consequences for health professionals, students, and patients; and teaching in many forms. Professional publication also has diverse outlets ranging from empirical articles in peer reviewed journals, textbook chapters, videos, simulation technologies, and many other means of expression. Scholarship and publication are evaluated and judged using criteria that are consensual, public, and transparent. This three-part AMEE Guide presents advice about how to prepare and publish health professions education research reports and other forms of scholarship in professional journals and other outlets. Part One addresses scholarship-its varieties, assessment, and attributes of productive scholars and scholarly teams. Part Two maps the road to publication, beginning with what's important and reportable and moving to manuscript planning and writing, gauging manuscript quality, manuscript submission and review, and writing in English. Part Three offers 21 practical suggestions about how to advance a successful and satisfying career in the academic health professions. Concluding remarks encourage health professions educators to pursue scholarship with vision and reflection.

Gas and dust from solar metallicity AGB stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ventura, P.; Karakas, A.; Dell'Agli, F.; García-Hernández, D. A.; Guzman-Ramirez, L.

2018-04-01

We study the asymptotic giant branch (AGB) evolution of stars with masses between 1 M⊙and8.5 M⊙. We focus on stars with a solar chemical composition, which allows us to interpret evolved stars in the Galaxy. We present a detailed comparison with models of the same chemistry, calculated with a different evolution code and based on a different set of physical assumptions. We find that stars of mass ≥3.5 M⊙ experience hot bottom burning at the base of the envelope. They have AGB lifetimes shorter than ˜3 × 105 yr and eject into their surroundings gas contaminated by proton-capture nucleosynthesis, at an extent sensitive to the treatment of convection. Low-mass stars with 1.5 M⊙ ≤ M ≤ 3 M⊙ become carbon stars. During the final phases, the C/O ratio grows to ˜3. We find a remarkable agreement between the two codes for the low-mass models and conclude that predictions for the physical and chemical properties of these stars, and the AGB lifetime, are not that sensitive to the modelling of the AGB phase. The dust produced is also dependent on the mass: low-mass stars produce mainly solid carbon and silicon carbide dust, whereas higher mass stars produce silicates and alumina dust. Possible future observations potentially able to add more robustness to the present results are also discussed.

Assessment of intrafamilial clinical variability of poikiloderma with neutropenia by a 10-year follow-up of three affected siblings.

PubMed

Concolino, Daniela; Sestito, Simona; Falvo, Francesca; Romano, Giusy; Ceravolo, Miriam; Anastasio, Elisa; Pensabene, Licia; Colombo, Elisa A; Larizza, Lidia

2018-05-23

Clericuzio-type poikiloderma with neutropenia is a well-defined nosological entity, but despite a remarkable number of clinical reports, no long term follow-up data has been presented to date regarding patients with this rare condition. Here we describe the results of clinical follow-up of three siblings, one male (Patient 1) and two females (Patients 2 and 3), subsequent to their first clinical and then molecular diagnosis of Clericuzio-type poikiloderma with neutropenia syndrome due to mutation of USB1gene. Patient 1 always expressed the most severe phenotype, while patients 2 and 3 showed an intermediate and mild phenotype, respectively, as observed since their first clinical evaluation. None of the patients developed skin cancer and/or myelodysplastic disorders considering the peripheral haematological findings. Lens opacity, never reported before, was found in two of the three patients. The long term follow-up observations confirm the stability over time of the pronounced intra-familial heterogeneity of clinical manifestations observed prior to and upon molecular diagnosis. We conclude that prolonged follow-up is an adjunct tool to monitor intra-familial variability of PN clinical spectrum which may favour surveillance of more serious complications of the disease among siblings, when a patient-specific clinical expressivity is present. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Nano-Micelle of Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil Triggers Mitochondrial Cancer Cell Apoptosis

PubMed Central

Abd-Rabou, Ahmed A; Zoheir, Khairy M A; Kishta, Mohamed S; Shalby, Aziza B; Ezzo, Mohamed I

2016-01-01

Cancer, a worldwide epidemic disease with diverse origins, involves abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade other parts of the body. Globally, it is the main cause of mortality and morbidity. To overcome the drawbacks of the commercially available chemotherapies, natural products-loaded nano-composites are recommended to improve cancer targetability and decrease the harmful impact on normal cells. This study aimed at exploring the anti-cancer impacts of Moringa oleifera seed oil in its free- (MO) and nano-formulations (MOn) through studying whether it mechanistically promotes mitochondrial apoptosis-mediating cell death. Mitochondrial-based cytotoxicity and flow cytometric-based apoptosis analyses were performed on cancer HepG2, MCF7, HCT 116, and Caco-2 cell lines against normal kidney BHK-21 cell line. The present study resulted that MOn triggered colorectal cancer Caco-2 and HCT 116 cytotoxicity via mitochondrial dysfunction more powerful than its free counterpart (MO). On the other side, MOn and MO remarkably induces HCT 116 mitochondrial apoptosis, while sparing normal BHK-21 cells with minimal cytotoxic effect. The present results concluded that nano-micelle of Moringa oleifera seed oil (MOn) can provide a novel therapeutic approach for colorectal and breast cancers via mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, while sparing normal and even liver cancer cells a bit healthy or with minimal harmful effect. Intriguingly, MOn induced breast cancer not hepatocellular carcinoma cell death. PMID:28032498

Mean age of oceanic lithosphere drives eustatic sea-level change since Pangea breakup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cogné, Jean-Pascal; Humler, Eric; Courtillot, Vincent

2006-05-01

The Atlantic and Indian Oceans and the oceanic part of the Antarctic plate have formed at the expense of Panthalassa as a result of Pangea breakup over the last 180 Myr. This major plate reorganization has changed the age vs. surface distribution of oceanic lithosphere and has been a likely driver of sea-level change. Assuming that the age/surface structure of Panthalassa has remained similar to the present-day global distribution from 180 Ma to Present, and using the isochron patterns preserved in the newly formed oceans, we model resulting relative sea-level change. We find a first (slower) phase of sea-level rise (by 90 to 110 m), culminating between 120 and 50 Ma, followed by a (faster) phase of sea-level drop. We show that this result is not strongly sensitive to our hypothesis of constant mean age of Panthalassa, for which much of the information is now erased due to subduction. When the effects of oceanic plateau formation and ice cap development are added, the predicted sea-level curve fits remarkably well the first-order variations of observed sea-level change. We conclude that the changes in mean age of the oceanic lithosphere (varying between 56 and 62 ± 0.2 Myr), which are simply the expression of the Wilson cycle following Pangea breakup, are the main control, accounting for ˜ 70%, of first-order changes in sea-level.

Manufacturing Competitiveness and Supply Chain Analyses for Hydrogen Refueling Stations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mayyas, Ahmad T; Garland, Nancy

This slide deck was presented in the monthly FCTO webinar series (May 2017). The goal of this presentation was to share our latest results and remarks on the manufacturing competitiveness analysis of the hydrogen refueling stations (HRS). Manufacturing cost models were developed for major systems in the HRS such as compressors, storage tanks, chillers, heat exchangers, and dispensers. In addition to the cost models, we also discussed important remarks from our analysis for the international trade flows and global supply chain for the hydrogen refueling stations. The last part of the presentation also highlights effect of economies of scale andmore » high production volumes on lowering the cost of the hydrogen at the pump.« less

Spectroscopic and asteroseismic analysis of the remarkable main-sequence A star KIC 11145123

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takada-Hidai, Masahide; Kurtz, Donald W.; Shibahashi, Hiromoto; Murphy, Simon J.; Takata, Masao; Saio, Hideyuki; Sekii, Takashi

2017-10-01

A spectroscopic analysis was carried out to clarify the properties of KIC 11145123 - the first main-sequence star with a directly measured core-to-surface rotation profile - based on spectra observed with the High Dispersion Spectrograph (HDS) of the Subaru telescope. The atmospheric parameters (Teff = 7600 K, log g = 4.2, ξ = 3.1 km s-1 and [Fe/H] = -0.71 dex), the radial and rotation velocities, and elemental abundances were obtained by analysing line strengths and fitting line profiles, which were calculated with a 1D LTE model atmosphere. The main properties of KIC 11145123 are: (1) a low [Fe/H] = -0.71 ± 0.11 dex and a high radial velocity of -135.4 ± 0.2 km s-1. These are remarkable among late-A stars. Our best asteroseismic models with this low [Fe/H] have slightly high helium abundance and low masses of 1.4 M⊙. All of these results strongly suggest that KIC 11145123 is a Population II blue straggler; (2) the projected rotation velocity confirms the asteroseismically predicted slow rotation of the star; (3) comparisons of abundance patterns between KIC 11145123 and Am, Ap, and blue stragglers show that KIC 11145123 is neither an Am star nor an Ap star, but has abundances consistent with a blue straggler. We conclude that the remarkably long 100-d rotation period of this star is a consequence of it being a blue straggler, but both pathways for the formation of blue stragglers - merger and mass loss in a binary system - pose difficulties for our understanding of the exceedingly slow rotation. In particular, we show that there is no evidence of any secondary companion star, and we put stringent limits on the possible mass of any such purported companion through the phase modulation technique.

Comparative hazard analysis of processes leading to remarkable flash floods (France, 1930-1999)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boudou, M.; Lang, M.; Vinet, F.; Cœur, D.

2016-10-01

Flash flood events are responsible for large economic losses and lead to fatalities every year in France. This is especially the case in the Mediterranean and oversea territories/departments of France, characterized by extreme hydro-climatological features and with a large part of the population exposed to flood risks. The recurrence of remarkable flash flood events, associated with high hazard intensity, significant damage and socio-political consequences, therefore raises several issues for authorities and risk management policies. This study aims to improve our understanding of the hazard analysis process in the case of four remarkable flood events: March 1930, October 1940, January 1980 and November 1999. Firstly, we present the methodology used to define the remarkability score of a flood event. Then, to identify the factors leading to a remarkable flood event, we explore the main parameters of the hazard analysis process, such as the meteorological triggering conditions, the return period of the rainfall and peak discharge, as well as some additional factors (initial catchment state, flood chronology, cascade effects, etc.). The results contribute to understanding the complexity of the processes leading to flood hazard and highlight the importance for risk managers of taking additional factors into account.

USSR and Eastern Europe Scientific Abstracts, Cybernetics, Computers, and Automation Technology, Number 28

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-08-24

exceeded a million rubles. POLAND SOME METHODOLOGICAL REMARKS RELATING TO THE FORECASTING MODEL OF COMPUTER DEVELOPMENT Warsaw INFORMATYKA in...PROCESSING SYSTEMS Warsaw INFORMATYKA in Polish Vol 11 No 10, Oct 76 pp 19-20 SEKULA, ZOFIA, Wroclaw [Abstract] The author presents critical remarks...TO ODRA 1300 SYSTEM Warsaw INFORMATYKA in Polish Vol 11 No 9, Sep 76 pp 1-4 BZDULA, CZESLAW, Research and Development Center of MERA-ELWRO Digital

REMARKS OF DR. LEONARD COVELLO UPON ACCEPTANCE OF THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

COVELLO, LEONARD

HIGHLIGHTED IN THESE REMARKS ARE THE EXPERIENCES OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL, A COMMUNITY-CENTERED SCHOOL IN EAST HARLEM, FROM ITS BEGINNINGS IN 1934 TO THE PRESENT. AT THE OUTSET, A COMMUNITY ADVISORY COUNCIL WAS FORMED TO DEAL WITH PROBLEMS OF CITIZENSHIP, PARENT EDUCATION, RACE, AND JUVENILE AID, AND, AT ONE POINT IN THE SCHOOL'S HISTORY,…

The truly remarkable universality of half a standard deviation: confirmation through another look.

PubMed

Norman, Geoffrey R; Sloan, Jeff A; Wyrwich, Kathleen W

2004-10-01

In this issue of Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research, Farivar, Liu, and Hays present their findings in 'Another look at the half standard deviation estimate of the minimally important difference in health-related quality of life scores (hereafter referred to as 'Another look') . These researchers have re-examined the May 2003 Medical Care article 'Interpretation of changes in health-related quality of life: the remarkable universality of half a standard deviation' (hereafter referred to as 'Remarkable') in the hope of supporting their hypothesis that the minimally important difference in health-related quality of life measures is undoubtedly closer to 0.3 standard deviations than 0.5. Nonetheless, despite their extensive wranglings with the exclusion of many articles that we included in our review; the inclusion of articles that we did not include in our review; and the recalculation of effect sizes using the absolute value of the mean differences, in our opinion, the results of the 'Another look' article confirm the same findings in the 'Remarkable' paper.

Photoconductivity of few-layered p-WSe2 phototransistors via multi-terminal measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pradhan, Nihar R.; Garcia, Carlos; Holleman, Joshua; Rhodes, Daniel; Parker, Chason; Talapatra, Saikat; Terrones, Mauricio; Balicas, Luis; McGill, Stephen A.

2016-12-01

Recently, two-dimensional materials and in particular transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have been extensively studied because of their strong light-matter interaction and the remarkable optoelectronic response of their field-effect transistors (FETs). Here, we report a photoconductivity study from FETs built from few-layers of p-WSe2 measured in a multi-terminal configuration under illumination by a 532 nm laser source. The photogenerated current was measured as a function of the incident optical power, of the drain-to-source bias and of the gate voltage. We observe a considerably larger photoconductivity when the phototransistors were measured via a four-terminal configuration when compared to a two-terminal one. For an incident laser power of 248 nW, we extract 18 A W-1 and ˜4000% for the two-terminal responsivity (R) and the concomitant external quantum efficiency (EQE) respectively, when a bias voltage V ds = 1 V and a gate voltage V bg = 10 V are applied to the sample. R and EQE are observed to increase by 370% to ˜85 A W-1 and ˜20 000% respectively, when using a four-terminal configuration. Thus, we conclude that previous reports have severely underestimated the optoelectronic response of transition metal dichalcogenides, which in fact reveals a remarkable potential for photosensing applications.

Identification of mTOR as a primary resistance factor of the IAP antagonist AT406 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells

PubMed Central

Wu, Shao-Feng; Zhao, Yi-Lin; Liu, Ping-Guo; Yin, Zhen-Yu

2017-01-01

Dysregulation of inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins (IAPs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often associated with poor prognosis. Here we showed that AT406, an IAP antagonist, was cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic to both established (HepG2, SMMC-7721 lines) and primary HCC cells. Activation of mTOR could be a key resistance factor of AT406 in HCC cells. mTOR inhibition (by OSI-027), kinase-dead mutation or knockdown remarkably enhanced AT406-induced lethality in HCC cells. Reversely, forced-activation of mTOR by adding SC79 or exogenous expressing a constitutively active S6K1 (T389E) attenuated AT406-induced cytotoxicity against HCC cells. We showed that AT406 induced degradation of IAPs (cIAP-1 and XIAP), but didn't affect another anti-apoptosis protein Mcl-1. Co-treatment of OSI-027 caused simultaneous Mcl-1 downregulation to overcome AT406's resistance. Significantly, shRNA knockdown of Mcl-1 remarkably facilitated AT406-induced apoptosis in HCC cells. In vivo, AT406 oral administration suppressed HepG2 tumor growth in nude mice. Its activity was potentiated with co-administration of OSI-027. We conclude that mTOR could be a key resistance factor of AT406 in HCC cells. PMID:28036295

Identification of mTOR as a primary resistance factor of the IAP antagonist AT406 in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

PubMed

Zhen, Mao-Chuan; Wang, Fu-Qiang; Wu, Shao-Feng; Zhao, Yi-Lin; Liu, Ping-Guo; Yin, Zhen-Yu

2017-02-07

Dysregulation of inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins (IAPs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often associated with poor prognosis. Here we showed that AT406, an IAP antagonist, was cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic to both established (HepG2, SMMC-7721 lines) and primary HCC cells. Activation of mTOR could be a key resistance factor of AT406 in HCC cells. mTOR inhibition (by OSI-027), kinase-dead mutation or knockdown remarkably enhanced AT406-induced lethality in HCC cells. Reversely, forced-activation of mTOR by adding SC79 or exogenous expressing a constitutively active S6K1 (T389E) attenuated AT406-induced cytotoxicity against HCC cells. We showed that AT406 induced degradation of IAPs (cIAP-1 and XIAP), but didn't affect another anti-apoptosis protein Mcl-1. Co-treatment of OSI-027 caused simultaneous Mcl-1 downregulation to overcome AT406's resistance. Significantly, shRNA knockdown of Mcl-1 remarkably facilitated AT406-induced apoptosis in HCC cells. In vivo, AT406 oral administration suppressed HepG2 tumor growth in nude mice. Its activity was potentiated with co-administration of OSI-027. We conclude that mTOR could be a key resistance factor of AT406 in HCC cells.

Cortical Power-Density Changes of Different Frequency Bands in Visually Guided Associative Learning: A Human EEG-Study

PubMed Central

Puszta, András; Katona, Xénia; Bodosi, Balázs; Pertich, Ákos; Nyujtó, Diána; Braunitzer, Gábor; Nagy, Attila

2018-01-01

The computer-based Rutgers Acquired Equivalence test (RAET) is a widely used paradigm to test the function of subcortical structures in visual associative learning. The test consists of an acquisition (pair learning) and a test (rule transfer) phase, associated with the function of the basal ganglia and the hippocampi, respectively. Obviously, such a complex task also requires cortical involvement. To investigate the activity of different cortical areas during this test, 64-channel EEG recordings were recorded in 24 healthy volunteers. Fast-Fourier and Morlet wavelet convolution analyses were performed on the recordings. The most robust power changes were observed in the theta (4–7 Hz) and gamma (>30 Hz) frequency bands, in which significant power elevation was observed in the vast majority of the subjects, over the parieto-occipital and temporo-parietal areas during the acquisition phase. The involvement of the frontal areas in the acquisition phase was remarkably weaker. No remarkable cortical power elevations were found in the test phase. In fact, the power of the alpha and beta bands was significantly decreased over the parietooccipital areas. We conclude that the initial acquisition of the image pairs requires strong cortical involvement, but once the pairs have been learned, neither retrieval nor generalization requires strong cortical contribution. PMID:29867412

Cortical Power-Density Changes of Different Frequency Bands in Visually Guided Associative Learning: A Human EEG-Study.

PubMed

Puszta, András; Katona, Xénia; Bodosi, Balázs; Pertich, Ákos; Nyujtó, Diána; Braunitzer, Gábor; Nagy, Attila

2018-01-01

The computer-based Rutgers Acquired Equivalence test (RAET) is a widely used paradigm to test the function of subcortical structures in visual associative learning. The test consists of an acquisition (pair learning) and a test (rule transfer) phase, associated with the function of the basal ganglia and the hippocampi, respectively. Obviously, such a complex task also requires cortical involvement. To investigate the activity of different cortical areas during this test, 64-channel EEG recordings were recorded in 24 healthy volunteers. Fast-Fourier and Morlet wavelet convolution analyses were performed on the recordings. The most robust power changes were observed in the theta (4-7 Hz) and gamma (>30 Hz) frequency bands, in which significant power elevation was observed in the vast majority of the subjects, over the parieto-occipital and temporo-parietal areas during the acquisition phase. The involvement of the frontal areas in the acquisition phase was remarkably weaker. No remarkable cortical power elevations were found in the test phase. In fact, the power of the alpha and beta bands was significantly decreased over the parietooccipital areas. We conclude that the initial acquisition of the image pairs requires strong cortical involvement, but once the pairs have been learned, neither retrieval nor generalization requires strong cortical contribution.

In-flight angular alignment of inertial navigation systems by means of radio aids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tanner, W.

1972-01-01

The principles involved in the angular alignment of the inertial reference by nondirectional data from radio aids are developed and compared with conventional methods of alignment such as gyro-compassing and pendulous vertical determination. The specific problem is considered of the space shuttle reentry and a proposed technique for the alignment of the inertial reference system some time before landing. A description is given of the digital simulation of a transponder interrogation system and of its interaction with the inertial navigation system. Data from reentry simulations are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of in-flight inertial system alignment. Concluding remarks refer to other potential applications such as space shuttle orbit insertion and air navigation of conventional aircraft.

3D graphene nanomaterials for binder-free supercapacitors: scientific design for enhanced performance.

PubMed

He, Shuijian; Chen, Wei

2015-04-28

Because of the excellent intrinsic properties, especially the strong mechanical strength, extraordinarily high surface area and extremely high conductivity, graphene is deemed as a versatile building block for fabricating functional materials for energy production and storage applications. In this article, the recent progress in the assembly of binder-free and self-standing graphene-based materials, as well as their application in supercapacitors are reviewed, including electrical double layer capacitors, pseudocapacitors, and asymmetric supercapacitors. Various fabrication strategies and the influence of structures on the capacitance performance of 3D graphene-based materials are discussed. We finally give concluding remarks and an outlook on the scientific design of binder-free and self-standing graphene materials for achieving better capacitance performance.

3D graphene nanomaterials for binder-free supercapacitors: scientific design for enhanced performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Shuijian; Chen, Wei

2015-04-01

Because of the excellent intrinsic properties, especially the strong mechanical strength, extraordinarily high surface area and extremely high conductivity, graphene is deemed as a versatile building block for fabricating functional materials for energy production and storage applications. In this article, the recent progress in the assembly of binder-free and self-standing graphene-based materials, as well as their application in supercapacitors are reviewed, including electrical double layer capacitors, pseudocapacitors, and asymmetric supercapacitors. Various fabrication strategies and the influence of structures on the capacitance performance of 3D graphene-based materials are discussed. We finally give concluding remarks and an outlook on the scientific design of binder-free and self-standing graphene materials for achieving better capacitance performance.

ApoE and Sex Bias in Cerebrovascular Aging of Men and Mice

PubMed Central

Finch, Caleb E.; Shams, Sara

2016-01-01

Alzheimer disease (AD) research has mainly focused on neurodegenerative processes associated with the classic neuropathologic markers of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Additionally, cerebrovascular contributions to dementia are increasingly recognized, particularly from cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). Remarkably, in AD brains, the ApoE ε4 allele shows male excess for cerebral microbleeds (CMB), a marker of SVD, which is opposite to the female excess of plaques and tangles. Mouse transgenic models add further complexities to sex-ApoE ε4 allele interactions, with female excess of CMBs and brain amyloid. We conclude that brain aging and AD pathogenesis cannot be understood in humans without addressing major gaps in the extent of sex differences in cerebrovascular pathology. PMID:27546867

Evolutionary Multiobjective Query Workload Optimization of Cloud Data Warehouses

PubMed Central

Dokeroglu, Tansel; Sert, Seyyit Alper; Cinar, Muhammet Serkan

2014-01-01

With the advent of Cloud databases, query optimizers need to find paretooptimal solutions in terms of response time and monetary cost. Our novel approach minimizes both objectives by deploying alternative virtual resources and query plans making use of the virtual resource elasticity of the Cloud. We propose an exact multiobjective branch-and-bound and a robust multiobjective genetic algorithm for the optimization of distributed data warehouse query workloads on the Cloud. In order to investigate the effectiveness of our approach, we incorporate the devised algorithms into a prototype system. Finally, through several experiments that we have conducted with different workloads and virtual resource configurations, we conclude remarkable findings of alternative deployments as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the multiobjective algorithms we propose. PMID:24892048

The Scientific Legacy of Fred Hoyle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gough, Douglas

2011-08-01

Introduction M. Rees; 1. Fred Hoyle's major work in the context of astronomy and astrophysics today W. L. W. Sargent; 2. Sir Fred Hoyle and the theory of the synthesis of the elements D. Arnett; 3. Fred Hoyle: contributions to the theory of galaxy formation G. Efstathiou; 4. Highlights of Fred Hoyle's work on interstellar matter and star formation P. M. Solomon; 5. Accretion H. Bondi; 6. From dust to life C. Wickramasinghe; 7. Worlds without end or beginning J. D. Barrow; 8. Evolutionary cosmologies - then and now M. S. Longair; 9. Alternative ideas in cosmology J. N. Narlikar; 10. Red Giants - then and now J. Faulkner; 11. Modern alchemy: Fred Hoyle and element building by neutron capture E. M. Burbidge; 12. Concluding remarks G. Burbidge.

The Scientific Legacy of Fred Hoyle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gough, Douglas

2005-03-01

Introduction M. Rees; 1. Fred Hoyle's major work in the context of astronomy and astrophysics today W. L. W. Sargent; 2. Sir Fred Hoyle and the theory of the synthesis of the elements D. Arnett; 3. Fred Hoyle: contributions to the theory of galaxy formation G. Efstathiou; 4. Highlights of Fred Hoyle's work on interstellar matter and star formation P. M. Solomon; 5. Accretion H. Bondi; 6. From dust to life C. Wickramasinghe; 7. Worlds without end or beginning J. D. Barrow; 8. Evolutionary cosmologies - then and now M. S. Longair; 9. Alternative ideas in cosmology J. N. Narlikar; 10. Red Giants - then and now J. Faulkner; 11. Modern alchemy: Fred Hoyle and element building by neutron capture E. M. Burbidge; 12. Concluding remarks G. Burbidge.

Coral reefs in Saudi Arabia: 3.5 years after the Gulf War oil spill

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vogt, I. P.

1995-11-01

As a consequence of the 1991 Gulf War, 6-8 million barrels of oil were released into the marine environment and a total of 1.12 billion barrels were burned in the Kuwaiti oil fields. In order to detect delayed effects of the Gulf War pollution, six permanent transect lines were placed on Saudi Arabian offshore and inshore reefs. A comparison of three sets of video recordings taken between 1992 and 1994 indicated a significant increase in live coral cover. Therefore, it has been concluded that corals in Saudi Arabia survived the largest oil spill on record remarkably unscathed, with no visible signs of immediate or late effects up to 3.5 years after the Gulf War.

[Modern tribology in total hip arthroplasty: pros and cons].

PubMed

Gómez-García, F

2014-01-01

The wear products and adverse reactions that occur on bearing surfaces represent one of the greatest challenges in prosthetic replacements, as the latter experience increasing demands due to the large number of young and older adult patients that have a long life expectancy and remarkable activity. The purpose of this review is to analyze the pros and cons of the new advances in the bearing components of the articular surfaces of current total hip arthroplasties. We also discuss the strategies used historically, their problems, results and the surgeon's role in prescribing the tribologic couple that best fits each patient's needs. We conclude with practical recommendations for the prescription and management of the latest articular couples for total hip arthroplasty.

[The circulation of reflexes in brain research, art and technology. Introductory remarks].

PubMed

Wübben, Yvonne; Vöhringer, Margarete

2009-03-01

The introduction deals with two main issues: First, it focuses on the question why a history of scientific concepts should not be limited to the analysis of scientific texts alone. Secondly, it shows how the history of the reflex concept gains from looking at various fields such as art, literature and brain research. The crucial role the reflex played in 19th and 20th century and the different meanings it adopted allowed us to conclude with Bruno Latour that the distinction between art and science is in itself historical. Thus, the distinction proves to be of little use for the historiography of complex concepts such as the reflex which rarely appear to be purely scientific.

A multi-zone muffle furnace design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rowe, Neil D.; Kisel, Martin

1993-01-01

A Multi-Zone Muffle-Tube Furnace was designed, built, and tested for the purpose of providing an in-house experience base with tubular furnaces for materials processing in microgravity. As such, it must not only provide the desired temperatures and controlled thermal gradients at several discrete zones along its length but must also be capable of sustaining the rigors of a Space Shuttle launch. The furnace is insulated to minimize radial and axial heat losses. It is contained in a water-cooled enclosure for purposes of dissipating un-wanted residual heat, keeping the outer surfaces of the furnace at a 'touch-safe' temperature, and providing a rugged housing. This report describes the salient features of the furnace, testing procedures and results, and concluding remarks evaluating the overall design.

Atom Interferometry

ScienceCinema

Kasevich, Mark

2017-12-22

Atom de Broglie wave interferometry has emerged as a tool capable of addressing a diverse set of questions in gravitational and condensed matter physics, and as an enabling technology for advanced sensors in geodesy and navigation. This talk will review basic principles, then discuss recent applications and future directions. Scientific applications to be discussed include measurement of G (Newton’s constant), tests of the Equivalence Principle and post-Newtonian gravity, and study of the Kosterlitz-Thouless phase transition in layered superfluids. Technology applications include development of precision gryoscopes and gravity gradiometers. The talk will conclude with speculative remarks looking to the future: Can atom interference methods be sued to detect gravity waves? Can non-classical (entangled/squeezed state) atom sources lead to meaningful sensor performance improvements?

Atom Interferometry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kasevich, Mark

2008-05-07

Atom de Broglie wave interferometry has emerged as a tool capable of addressing a diverse set of questions in gravitational and condensed matter physics, and as an enabling technology for advanced sensors in geodesy and navigation. This talk will review basic principles, then discuss recent applications and future directions. Scientific applications to be discussed include measurement of G (Newton’s constant), tests of the Equivalence Principle and post-Newtonian gravity, and study of the Kosterlitz-Thouless phase transition in layered superfluids. Technology applications include development of precision gryoscopes and gravity gradiometers. The talk will conclude with speculative remarks looking to the future: Canmore » atom interference methods be sued to detect gravity waves? Can non-classical (entangled/squeezed state) atom sources lead to meaningful sensor performance improvements?« less

FLRW Cosmology with Horava-Lifshitz Gravity: Impacts of Equations of State

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tawfik, A.; Abou El Dahab, E.

2017-07-01

Inspired by Lifshitz theory for quantum critical phenomena in condensed matter, Horava proposed a theory for quantum gravity with an anisotropic scaling in ultraviolet. In Horava-Lifshitz gravity (HLG), we have studied the impacts of six types of equations of state on the evolution of various cosmological parameters such as Hubble parameters and scale factor. From the comparison of the general relativity gravity with the HLG with detailed and without with non-detailed balance conditions, remarkable differences are found. Also, a noticeable dependence of singular and non-singular Big Bang on the equations of state is observed. We conclude that HLG explains various epochs in the early universe and might be able to reproduce the entire cosmic history with and without singular Big Bang.

Single histidine residue in head-group region is sufficient to impart remarkable gene transfection properties to cationic lipids: evidence for histidine-mediated membrane fusion at acidic pH.

PubMed

Kumar, V V; Pichon, C; Refregiers, M; Guerin, B; Midoux, P; Chaudhuri, A

2003-08-01

Presence of endosome-disrupting multiple histidine functionalities in the molecular architecture of cationic polymers, such as polylysine, has previously been demonstrated to significantly enhance their in vitro gene delivery efficiencies. Towards harnessing improved transfection property through covalent grafting of endosome-disrupting single histidine functionality in the molecular structure of cationic lipids, herein, we report on the design, the synthesis and the transfection efficiency of two novel nonglycerol-based histidylated cationic amphiphiles. We found that L-histidine-(N,N-di-n-hexadecylamine)ethylamide (lipid 1) and L-histidine-(N,N-di-n-hexadecylamine,-N-methyl)ethylamide (lipid 2) in combination with cholesterol gave efficient transfections into various cell lines. The transfection efficiency of Chol/lipid 1 lipoplexes into HepG2 cells was two order of magnitude higher than that of FuGENE(TM)6 and DC-Chol lipoplexes, whereas it was similar into A549, 293T7 and HeLa cells. A better efficiency was obtained with Chol/lipid 2 lipoplexes when using the cytosolic luciferase expression vector (pT7Luc) under the control of the bacterial T7 promoter. Membrane fusion activity measurements using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technique showed that the histidine head-groups of Chol/lipid 1 liposomes mediated membrane fusion in the pH range 5-7. In addition, the transgene expression results using the T7Luc expression vector convincingly support the endosome-disrupting role of the presently described mono-histidylated cationic transfection lipids and the release of DNA into the cytosol. We conclude that covalent grafting of a single histidine amino acid residue to suitable twin-chain hydrophobic compounds is able to impart remarkable transfection properties on the resulting mono-histidylated cationic amphiphile, presumably via the endosome-disrupting characteristics of the histidine functionalities.

A pilot study of bullying and harassment among medical professionals in Pakistan, focussing on psychiatry: need for a medical ombudsman.

PubMed

Gadit, A A M; Mugford, G

2008-06-01

The magnitude of bullying and harassment among psychiatrists is reportedly high, yet no peer-review published studies addressing this issue could be found. Therefore, it was decided to conduct a pilot study to assess the degree of the problem, the types of bullying/harassment and to provide some insights into the situation. Following multiple focus group meetings, a yes/no response type questionnaire was developed to assess the degree and type of bullying and harassment experienced by psychiatrists. Over a 3-month period the questionnaire was administered to a random sample of 60 psychiatrists. 57 out of the 60 psychiatrists reported harassment and bullying. Frequencies of the following response variables are presented in descending order: rumours 40% (n = 24); defamation 20% (n = 12); passing remarks 20% (n = 12); false accusations 15% (n = 9); threats 13.3% (n = 8); verbal abuse 13.3% (n = 8); unjustified complaints 13.3% (n = 8); promotion blocked 13.3% (n = 8); humiliation 13% (n = 8); bad reference given 10% (n = 6); credentials questioned 8.3% (n = 5); physical attacks 5% (n = 3); termination 5% (n = 3); derogatory remarks 1.7% (n = 1) and 1.7% (n = 1) were subjected to personal work. As a result of being subjected to harassment, 66.7% of the psychiatrists did not take any action, whereas 33.3% confronted the person(s) they believed responsible. Asked whether the bullying and harassment caused distress, 18.3% of the psychiatrists did not report any effect, 30% reported mild distress, 40% moderate distress and severe distress was reported by 11.7%. It was concluded that the magnitude of bullying and harassment among psychiatrists may be quite high, as evidenced by this pilot study. There is a need for extensive systematic studies on this subject and to establish strategies to prevent and address this issue at a national and regulatory level.

Proceedings of the TRADOC/Training Developments Institute, 7th Chiefs of Analysis Seminar, 22-26 March 1982.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-09-01

4tvelv, (see Tncl 7). b. Welcoming/Dpening Remarks. COL Nerone , Director, Training Developments Institute, opened the official seminar Tuesday morni.ng...Fleet Room COL F. A. Nerone Theme Presentation MSG Don Mitchell 0815-1100 Identifying (and Dr. Diane Dormant, prioritizing) Endependant Consultant our...Closing Remarks LTC M. T. Pilgrim COL F. A. Nerone HAVE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE JOURNEY HOME! A THOUGHT FOR CONTEMPLATION: it is useless to complain

Content Analysis of the Concept of Addiction in High School Textbooks of Iran.

PubMed

Mirzamohammadi, Mohammad Hasan; Mousavi, Sayedeh Zainab; Massah, Omid; Farhoudian, Ali

2017-01-01

This research sought to determine how well the causes of addiction, addiction harms, and prevention of addiction have been noticed in high school textbooks. We used descriptive method to select the main related components of the addiction concept and content analysis method for analyzing the content of textbooks. The study population comprised 61 secondary school curriculum textbooks and study sample consisted of 14 secondary school textbooks selected by purposeful sampling method. The tools for collecting data were "content analysis inventory" which its validity was confirmed by educational and social sciences experts and its reliability has been found to be 91%. About 67 components were prepared for content analysis and were divided to 3 categories of causes, harms, and prevention of addiction. The analysis units in this study comprised phrases, topics, examples, course topics, words, poems, images, questions, tables, and exercises. Results of the study showed that the components of the addiction concept have presented with 212 remarks in the textbooks. Also, the degree of attention given to any of the 3 main components of the addiction concept were presented as follows: causes with 52 (24.52%) remarks, harm with 89 (41.98%) remarks, and prevention with 71 (33.49%) remarks. In high school textbooks, little attention has been paid to the concept of addiction and mostly its biological dimension were addressed while social, personal, familial, and religious dimensions of addiction have been neglected.

Functionalized silica aerogels for gas-phase purification, sensing, and catalysis: A review

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Amonette, James E.; Matyáš, Josef

Silica aerogels have a rich history and offer an unusual assembly of gas- and solid-phase properties that has lent them to many diverse applications. This review starts with a brief discussion of the fundamental issues driving the movement of gases in silica aerogels and then proceeds to provide an overview of the work that has been done with respect to the purification of gases, sensing of individual gases, and uses of silica aerogels as catalysts for gas-phase reactions. We present salient features of the research behind these different applications, and, where appropriate, critical aspects that affect the practical use ofmore » the aerogels are noted. Specific sections under the gas-purification category focus on the removal of airborne nanoparticles, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, sulfur gases and radioactive iodine from gas streams. The use of silica aerogels as sensors for humidity, oxygen, hydrocarbons, volatile acids and bases, various non-ammoniacal nitrogen gases, and viral particles is discussed. With respect to catalysis, the demonstrated use of silica aerogels as supports for oxidation, Fischer-Tropsch, alkane isomerization, and hydrogenation reactions is reviewed, along with a section on untested catalytic formulations involving silica aerogels. A short section focuses on recent developments in thermomolecular Knudsen compressor pumps using silica aerogel membranes. Finally, the review continues with an overview of the production methods, locations of manufacturing facilities globally, and a brief discussion of the economics before concluding with a few remarks about the present and future trends revealed by the work presented.« less

Ultrastructural characterization of the hemocytes of Lasiodora sp. (Koch, 1850) (Araneae: Theraphosidae).

PubMed

Soares, Tatiana; Cavalcanti, Marília Gabriela Dos Santos; Ferreira, Felipe Roberto Borba; Cavalcanti, Maria do Socorro de Mendonça; Alves, Luiz Carlos; Brayner, Fábio André; Paiva, Patrícia Maria Guedes

2013-05-01

This paper is the first descriptive review of hemolymph cell types in the circulation of the tarantula spider Lasiodora sp. These animals are more long-lived than other arthropods, and may live for approximately twenty years. Such remarkable longevity may result from a highly successful immune system, which in turn is directly correlated with hemocyte function. Since the literature on the genus Lasiodora sp. is limited, the main goal of the present study was to identify the different cell types by optical and transmission microscope. Six hemocyte types were characterized and called prohemocyte, granulocyte type I, granulocyte type II, spherulocyte, oenocytoid and plasmatocyte. Prohemocytes presented a large nucleus, elongated granulocytes type I showed the nucleus with the same cell format, elliptical granulocytes type II showed the central nucleus of identical shape, spherulocytes exhibited the nucleus filling almost the whole cell, oval oenocytoids showed eccentric nucleus and less dense cytoplasm, and irregular plasmatocytes showed a nucleus and no granules in cytoplasm. These polymorphic granulocytes presented a round, elongated, elliptical, oval or irregular profile with large and varied numbers of granules, except for plasmatocytes, that were agranular. Different densities and different concentrations of these granules were found at the periphery of the cell. The possible reasons and implications of differences and similarities between arthropods hemocytes are discussed. It can be concluded that there are six cell types in Lasiodora sp. This study is of the first step in the elucidation of the role these cells play in the circulatory and immune system in spiders. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Functionalized silica aerogels for gas-phase purification, sensing, and catalysis: A review

DOE PAGES

Amonette, James E.; Matyáš, Josef

2017-09-01

Silica aerogels have a rich history and offer an unusual assembly of gas- and solid-phase properties that has lent them to many diverse applications. This review starts with a brief discussion of the fundamental issues driving the movement of gases in silica aerogels and then proceeds to provide an overview of the work that has been done with respect to the purification of gases, sensing of individual gases, and uses of silica aerogels as catalysts for gas-phase reactions. We present salient features of the research behind these different applications, and, where appropriate, critical aspects that affect the practical use ofmore » the aerogels are noted. Specific sections under the gas-purification category focus on the removal of airborne nanoparticles, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, sulfur gases and radioactive iodine from gas streams. The use of silica aerogels as sensors for humidity, oxygen, hydrocarbons, volatile acids and bases, various non-ammoniacal nitrogen gases, and viral particles is discussed. With respect to catalysis, the demonstrated use of silica aerogels as supports for oxidation, Fischer-Tropsch, alkane isomerization, and hydrogenation reactions is reviewed, along with a section on untested catalytic formulations involving silica aerogels. A short section focuses on recent developments in thermomolecular Knudsen compressor pumps using silica aerogel membranes. Finally, the review continues with an overview of the production methods, locations of manufacturing facilities globally, and a brief discussion of the economics before concluding with a few remarks about the present and future trends revealed by the work presented.« less

Methyl jasmonate counteracts boron toxicity by preventing oxidative stress and regulating antioxidant enzyme activities and artemisinin biosynthesis in Artemisia annua L.

PubMed

Aftab, Tariq; Khan, M Masroor A; Idrees, Mohd; Naeem, M; Moinuddin; Hashmi, Nadeem

2011-07-01

Boron is an essential plant micronutrient, but it is phytotoxic if present in excessive amounts in soil for certain plants such as Artemisia annua L. that contains artemisinin (an important antimalarial drug) in its areal parts. Artemisinin is a sesquiterpene lactone with an endoperoxide bridge. It is quite expensive compound because the only commercial source available is A. annua and the compound present in the plant is in very low concentration. Since A. annua is a major source of the antimalarial drug and B stress is a deadly threat to its cultivation, the present research was conducted to determine whether the exogenous application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) could combat the ill effects of excessive B present in the soil. According to the results obtained, the B toxicity induced oxidative stress and reduced the stem height as well as fresh and dry masses of the plant remarkably. The excessive amounts of soil B also lowered the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, internal CO(2) concentration and total chlorophyll content in the leaves. In contrast, the foliar application of MeJA enhanced the growth and photosynthetic efficiency both in the stressed and non-stressed plants. The excessive B levels also increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Endogenous H(2)O(2) and O(2)(-) levels were also high in the stressed plants. However, the MeJA application to the stressed plants reduced the amount of lipid peroxidation and stimulated the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes, enhancing the content and yield of artemisinin as well. Thus, it was concluded that MeJA might be utilized in mitigating the B toxicity and improving the content and yield of artemisinin in A. annua plant.

Soil moisture at local scale: Measurements and simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romano, Nunzio

2014-08-01

Soil moisture refers to the water present in the uppermost part of a field soil and is a state variable controlling a wide array of ecological, hydrological, geotechnical, and meteorological processes. The literature on soil moisture is very extensive and is developing so rapidly that it might be considered ambitious to seek to present the state of the art concerning research into this key variable. Even when covering investigations about only one aspect of the problem, there is a risk of some inevitable omission. A specific feature of the present essay, which may make this overview if not comprehensive at least of particular interest, is that the reader is guided through the various traditional and more up-to-date methods by the central thread of techniques developed to measure soil moisture interwoven with applications of modeling tools that exploit the observed datasets. This paper restricts its analysis to the evolution of soil moisture at the local (spatial) scale. Though a somewhat loosely defined term, it is linked here to a characteristic length of the soil volume investigated by the soil moisture sensing probe. After presenting the most common concepts and definitions about the amount of water stored in a certain volume of soil close to the land surface, this paper proceeds to review ground-based methods for monitoring soil moisture and evaluates modeling tools for the analysis of the gathered information in various applications. Concluding remarks address questions of monitoring and modeling of soil moisture at scales larger than the local scale with the related issue of data aggregation. An extensive, but not exhaustive, list of references is provided, enabling the reader to gain further insights into this subject.

Competition and Cooperation in the Pacific: The Challenge for Education. Proceedings from the Inaugural Ceremonies of the Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies at the University of San Diego (San Diego, California, March 10, 1988). Corporate Council on the Liberal Arts Working Paper 5.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Corporate Council on the Liberal Arts, New York, NY.

Proceedings of the inaugural ceremonies of the University of San Diego's Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies are presented. These include the inaugural introduction by David Pierpont Gardner, opening remarks by Frank Stanton, the keynote address by California Governor George Deukmejian, further remarks by David Pierpont…

University of Alabama Huntsville communications professor Kristi

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-15

The NASA Educator Resource Center hosted the 2018 "Leading Within a Multigenerational Workforce" mentoring event. Opening remarks were by MSFC Deputy Director, Jody Singer, with a mentoring presentation from Mat Park. The key note presenter was UAH professor Kristin Scroggin.

AVA Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Vocational Association, Inc., Washington, DC.

This report contains the major presentations made at the American Vocational Association Convention, and also summarizes the group discussions which included conclusions and recommendations of the groups. Opening remarks were made by Mr. Lowell A. Burkett, with presentations including: (1) "Manpower Programs and Postsecondary Educational…

GRB 080517: a local, low-luminosity gamma-ray burst in a dusty galaxy at z = 0.09

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stanway, Elizabeth R.; Levan, Andrew J.; Tanvir, Nial; Wiersema, Klaas; van der Horst, Alexander; Mundell, Carole G.; Guidorzi, Cristiano

2015-02-01

We present an analysis of the photometry and spectroscopy of the host galaxy of Swift-detected GRB 080517. From our optical spectroscopy, we identify a redshift of z = 0.089 ± 0.003, based on strong emission lines, making this a rare example of a very local, low-luminosity, long gamma-ray burst. The galaxy is detected in the radio with a flux density of S4.5 GHz = 0.22 ± 0.04 mJy - one of relatively few known gamma-ray bursts hosts with a securely measured radio flux. Both optical emission lines and a strong detection at 22 μm suggest that the host galaxy is forming stars rapidly, with an inferred star formation rate ˜16 M⊙ yr-1 and a high dust obscuration (E(B - V) > 1, based on sightlines to the nebular emission regions). The presence of a companion galaxy within a projected distance of 25 kpc, and almost identical in redshift, suggests that star formation may have been triggered by galaxy-galaxy interaction. However, fitting of the remarkably flat spectral energy distribution from the ultraviolet through to the infrared suggests that an older, 500 Myr post-starburst stellar population is present along with the ongoing star formation. We conclude that the host galaxy of GRB 080517 is a valuable addition to the still very small sample of well-studied local gamma-ray burst hosts.

Psychosocial Hazard Analysis in a Heterogeneous Workforce: Determinants of Work Stress in Blue- and White-Collar Workers of the European Steel Industry.

PubMed

Metzler, Yannick Arnold; Bellingrath, Silja

2017-01-01

The European steel industry's workforce is highly heterogeneous and consists of various occupational groups, presumably facing different psychosocial stressors. The few existing studies on the subject mainly focused on physical constraints of blue-collar workers, whereas the supposable psychosocial workload received only little research attention. This is remarkable considering the challenges associated with statutory required risk assessment of psychosocial hazards. Valid measures of hazard analysis must account for various stressors and reliably identify them, also between occupational groups. The present study, based on a sample of blue- and white-collar workers ( N  = 124) from the European steel industry, aims to provide a first insight into psychosocial stressors and strain at work in this rarely researched industrial sector. Furthermore, two well-known theoretical roadmaps in job analysis are examined regarding their utility for risk assessment in heterogeneous workforces: the German standard version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) and the short version of the effort-reward imbalance questionnaire. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that the COPSOQ was better suited to predict various strain indices in the present sample. Especially stressors relating to socioemotional aspects, such as work-privacy conflict, revealed a reasonable impact, indicating the need for comprehensive solutions at the organizational level instead of solutions focusing on single workplaces. To conclude, a broadly diversified and validated approach in psychosocial risk assessment is needed to adequately assess the variety of psychosocial factors at work and in different occupational groups.

Convective instability in a porous enclosure with a horizontal conducting baffle

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, F.; Wang, C.Y.

1993-08-01

The study of heat transfer in a fluid-saturated porous medium is essential in a variety of practical situations, including thermal insulation design and geothermal energy utilization. The present paper studies the convective instability in a two-dimensional porous enclosure with a horizontal baffle protruding from one of the side walls. The vertical side walls are insulated, while the top and bottom surfaces are maintained at lower and higher constant temperatures, respectively. The present work considers a baffle of high conductivity. We assume the baffle temperature can be considered constant throughout. We ask, for a given enclosure aspect ratio, is the additionmore » of another physical constraint (such as lengthening a baffle) always stabilizing Is there an optimum baffle location and length such that the critical Rayleigh number is maximized In summary, several concluding remarks can be drawn in the following: (1) Other dimensions being same, a centered baffle always results in a more stable state than an off-centered baffle. (2) A full-length baffle, i.e., [beta]/[sigma] = 1, does not necessarily lead to greater stability. Instead, the value of ([beta]/[sigma])[sub max] is usually less than unity. For a centered baffle, the maximum R[sup c] occurs for [beta]/[sigma] [ge] ([beta]/[sigma])[sub max]; while for an off-centered baffle, the maximum R[sup c] occurs at ([beta]/[sigma])[sub max]. (3) The value of ([beta]/[sigma])[sub max] increases with [sigma]. 6 refs., 4 figs., 1 tab.« less

National Entrepreneurship Education Forum. Proceedings of a Conference (2nd, Columbus, Ohio, September 5-6, 1984).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ohio State Univ., Columbus. National Center for Research in Vocational Education.

These proceedings include the texts of papers and group discussions presented at a national forum on entrepreneurship education. Included in the volume are the following presentations: "Welcoming Remarks--National Entrepreneurship Forum" by Robert E. Taylor; "Critical Issues Surrounding Entrepreneurship Education--Present, Past,…

Late Presentation of a Type III Axis Fracture with Spondyloptosis

PubMed Central

Jayakumar, Prakash; Choi, David; Casey, Adrian

2008-01-01

A 58-year-old man presented with an undiagnosed Effendi type III classification fracture and spondyloptosis of the axis with remarkably normal neurology. We discuss his surgery 4 years since the initial injury, and the presentation, features and management of fractures of the axis. PMID:18430325

p53 is a key regulator for osthole-triggered cancer pathogenesis.

PubMed

Huang, Ssu-Ming; Tsai, Cheng-Fang; Chen, Dar-Ren; Wang, Min-Ying; Yeh, Wei-Lan

2014-01-01

Osthole has been reported to have antitumor activities via the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cancer cell growth and metastasis. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of osthole in human colon cancer remain unclear. In the present study, we have assessed osthole-induced cell death in two different human colon cancer cell lines, HCT116 and SW480. Our results also showed that osthole activated proapoptotic signaling pathways in human colon cancer cells. By using cell culture insert system, osthole reduced cell motility in both human colon cancer cell lines. This study also provides evidence supporting the potential of osthole in p53 activation. Expression of p53, an apoptotic protein, was remarkably upregulated in cells treated with osthole. Importantly, the levels of phosphorylation of p53 on Ser15 (p-p53) and acetylation of p53 on Lys379 (acetyl-p53) were increased under osthole treatment. Our results also demonstrated that p53 was activated followed by generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Our study provides novel insights of p53-mediated responses under osthole treatment. Taken together, we concluded that osthole induces cancer cell death and inhibits migratory activity in a controlled manner and is a promising candidate for antitumor drug development.

A minimalistic microbial food web in an excavated deep subsurface clay rock.

PubMed

Bagnoud, Alexandre; de Bruijn, Ino; Andersson, Anders F; Diomidis, Nikitas; Leupin, Olivier X; Schwyn, Bernhard; Bernier-Latmani, Rizlan

2016-01-01

Clay rocks are being considered for radioactive waste disposal, but relatively little is known about the impact of microbes on the long-term safety of geological repositories. Thus, a more complete understanding of microbial community structure and function in these environments would provide further detail for the evaluation of the safety of geological disposal of radioactive waste in clay rocks. It would also provide a unique glimpse into a poorly studied deep subsurface microbial ecosystem. Previous studies concluded that microorganisms were present in pristine Opalinus Clay, but inactive. In this work, we describe the microbial community and assess the metabolic activities taking place within borehole water. Metagenomic sequencing and genome-binning of a porewater sample containing suspended clay particles revealed a remarkably simple heterotrophic microbial community, fueled by sedimentary organic carbon, mainly composed of two organisms: a Pseudomonas sp. fermenting bacterium growing on organic macromolecules and releasing organic acids and H2, and a sulfate-reducing Peptococcaceae able to oxidize organic molecules to CO(2). In Opalinus Clay, this microbial system likely thrives where pore space allows it. In a repository, this may occur where the clay rock has been locally damaged by excavation or in engineered backfills. © FEMS 2015. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Synthesis and hydrogenation application of Pt–Pd bimetallic nanocatalysts stabilized by macrocycle-modified dendrimer

PubMed Central

Xiao, Haiyan; Zhou, Wei; Zhang, Dongqiao; Peng, Xiaohong

2017-01-01

Different generations of poly(propylene imine) (Gn-PPI) terminated with N-containing 15-membered triolefinic macrocycle (GnM) (n = 2, 3, 4, 5) were prepared. The bimetallic nanoparticle catalysts GnM-(Ptx/Pd10−x) (x = 0, 3, 5, 7, 10) were prepared by the synchronous ligand-exchange reaction between GnM and the complexes of Pt(PPh3)4 and Pd(PPh3)4. The structure and catalytic properties of GnM-(Ptx/Pd10−x) were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The novel bimetallic Pd–Pt nanoparticle catalysts stabilized by dendrimers (DSNs) present higher catalytic activities for the hydrogenation of dimeric acid (DA) than that of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). It can be concluded that bimetallic Pd–Pt DSNs possess alloying and synergistic electronic effects on account of the hydrogenation degree (HD) of DA and NBR. Furthermore, the HD of DA and NBR shows a remarkable decrease with the incremental generations (n) of GnM-(Pt3/Pd7) (n = 2, 3, 4, 5). PMID:29308263

Synthesis and hydrogenation application of Pt-Pd bimetallic nanocatalysts stabilized by macrocycle-modified dendrimer.

PubMed

Jin, Zhijun; Xiao, Haiyan; Zhou, Wei; Zhang, Dongqiao; Peng, Xiaohong

2017-12-01

Different generations of poly(propylene imine) (G n -PPI) terminated with N-containing 15-membered triolefinic macrocycle (G n M) ( n  = 2, 3, 4, 5) were prepared. The bimetallic nanoparticle catalysts G n M-(Pt x /Pd 10- x ) ( x  = 0, 3, 5, 7, 10) were prepared by the synchronous ligand-exchange reaction between G n M and the complexes of Pt(PPh 3 ) 4 and Pd(PPh 3 ) 4 . The structure and catalytic properties of G n M-(Pt x /Pd 10- x ) were characterized via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The novel bimetallic Pd-Pt nanoparticle catalysts stabilized by dendrimers (DSNs) present higher catalytic activities for the hydrogenation of dimeric acid (DA) than that of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). It can be concluded that bimetallic Pd-Pt DSNs possess alloying and synergistic electronic effects on account of the hydrogenation degree (HD) of DA and NBR. Furthermore, the HD of DA and NBR shows a remarkable decrease with the incremental generations ( n ) of G n M-(Pt 3 /Pd 7 ) ( n  = 2, 3, 4, 5).

From Quantum Fields to Local Von Neumann Algebras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borchers, H. J.; Yngvason, Jakob

The subject of the paper is an old problem of the general theory of quantized fields: When can the unbounded operators of a Wightman field theory be associated with local algebras of bounded operators in the sense of Haag? The paper reviews and extends previous work on this question, stressing its connections with a noncommutive generalization of the classical Hamburger moment problem. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a local net of von Neumann algebras corresponding to a given Wightman field are formulated in terms of strengthened versions of the usual positivity property of Wightman functionals. The possibility that the local net has to be defined in an enlarged Hilbert space cannot be ruled out in general. Under additional hypotheses, e.g., if the field operators obey certain energy bounds, such an extension of the Hilbert space is not necessary, however. In these cases a fairly simple condition for the existence of a local net can be given involving the concept of “central positivity” introduced by Powers. The analysis presented here applies to translationally covariant fields with an arbitrary number of components, whereas Lorentz covariance is not needed. The paper contains also a brief discussion of an approach to noncommutative moment problems due to Dubois-Violette, and concludes with some remarks on modular theory for algebras of unbounded operators.

Second-to-Last Thoughts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trimble, Virginia L.

2016-06-01

You can’t really prepare an abstract of a concluding-remarks talk, but having spent 19 years, 8 months as a full time student (Sept. 1948, Toluca Lake Grammar School kindergarten to April 1968 Caltech Ph.D.), most of the ensuing 48 years as a teacher, and about 51 years as some sort of astronomer, I find myself woefully ignorant of astronomy education and therefore well prepared to bring a fresh and vacant mind to the ideas presented by our colleagues here. Several thoughts, however, intrude. First, as Cecilia Payne Gaposchkin said, “a woman should do astronomy only if nothing else will satisfy her, for nothing else is what she will get.” Make that “person” and “science” and it still carries much truth. Second, it is better to be a professional astronomer and an amateur alto than the converse. And third, it is better to be a professional dentist and an amateur astronomer than the converse. This, I think, leaves room for all of us to work in areas that we find attractive and that we turn out to be reasonably good at. The latter is at least as important as the former. There is a great deal of pleasure to be found as a second-rate singer or artist, but not, I hope, as a lousy astronomer or teacher.

A comparison between molten carbonate fuel cells based hybrid systems using air and supercritical carbon dioxide Brayton cycles with state of the art technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sánchez, D.; Muñoz de Escalona, J. M.; Chacartegui, R.; Muñoz, A.; Sánchez, T.

A proposal for high efficiency hybrid systems based on molten carbonate fuel cells is presented in this paper. This proposal is based on adopting a closed cycle bottoming gas turbine using supercritical carbon dioxide as working fluid as opposed to open cycle hot air turbines typically used in this type of power generators. First, both bottoming cycles are compared for the same operating conditions, showing that their performances do not differ as much as initially expected, even if the initial objective of reducing compression work is accomplished satisfactorily. In view of these results, a profound review of research and industrial literature is carried out in order to determine realistic specifications for the principal components of the bottoming systems. From this analysis, it is concluded that an appropriate set of specifications must be developed for each bottoming cycle as the performances of compressor, turbine and recuperator differ significantly from one working fluid to another. Thus, when the operating conditions are updated, the performances of the resulting systems show a remarkable advantage of carbon dioxide based systems over conventional air units. Actually, the proposed hybrid system shows its capability to achieve 60% net efficiency, what represents a 10% increase with respect to the reference system.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorders do not use social stereotypes in irony comprehension.

PubMed

Zalla, Tiziana; Amsellem, Frederique; Chaste, Pauline; Ervas, Francesca; Leboyer, Marion; Champagne-Lavau, Maud

2014-01-01

Social and communication impairments are part of the essential diagnostic criteria used to define Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Difficulties in appreciating non-literal speech, such as irony in ASDs have been explained as due to impairments in social understanding and in recognizing the speaker's communicative intention. It has been shown that social-interactional factors, such as a listener's beliefs about the speaker's attitudinal propensities (e.g., a tendency to use sarcasm, to be mocking, less sincere and more prone to criticism), as conveyed by an occupational stereotype, do influence a listener's interpretation of potentially ironic remarks. We investigate the effect of occupational stereotype on irony detection in adults with High Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome (HFA/AS) and a comparison group of typically developed adults. We used a series of verbally presented stories containing ironic or literal utterances produced by a speaker having either a "sarcastic" or a "non-sarcastic" occupation. Although individuals with HFA/AS were able to recognize ironic intent and occupational stereotypes when the latter are made salient, stereotype information enhanced irony detection and modulated its social meaning (i.e., mockery and politeness) only in comparison participants. We concluded that when stereotype knowledge is not made salient, it does not automatically affect pragmatic communicative processes in individuals with HFA/AS.

Towards a web-based GIS for teaching geo-informatics at under-graduate level in developing countries: a case study of Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mobasheri, A.; Vahidi, H.; Guan, Q.

2014-04-01

In developing countries, the number of experts and students in geo-informatics domain are very limited compared to experts and students of sciences that could benefit from geo-informatics. In this research, we study the possibility of providing an online education system for teaching geo-informatics at under-graduate level. The hypothesis is that in developing countries, such as Iran, a web-based geo-education system can greatly improve the quantity and quality of knowledge of students in undergraduate level, which is an important step that has to be made in regard of the famous "Geo for all" motto. As a technology for conducting natural and social studies, geo-informatics offers new ways of viewing, representing and analysing information for transformative learning and teaching. Therefore, we design and present a conceptual framework of an education system and elaborate its components as well as the free and open source services and software packages that could be used in this framework for a specific case study: the Web GIS course. The goal of the proposed framework is to develop experimental GI-services in a service-oriented platform for education purposes. Finally, the paper ends with concluding remarks and some tips for future research direction.

Do cultural diversity and human rights make a good match?

PubMed

Donders, Yvonne

2010-01-01

The link between cultural diversity and human rights was clearly established by the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, adopted by the member states of UNESCO in 2001, which holds that "the defence of cultural diversity is … inseparable from respect for human dignity" and that it "implies a commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms." The UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, adopted in 2005, states that "cultural diversity can be protected and promoted only if human rights and fundamental freedoms … are guaranteed" (Article 2[1]). The precise relationship between cultural diversity and human rights, however, is not clarified and thus leaves room for further exploration. This contribution analyses the issues surrounding the relationship between cultural diversity and human rights, in particular cultural rights. Firstly, it addresses general human rights issues such as universality and cultural relativism and the principles of equality and non-discrimination. Secondly, it explores the scope of cultural rights, as well as the cultural dimension of human rights. Thirdly, several cases are discussed in which human rights were invoked to protect cultural interests, confirming the value of cultural diversity. Finally, some concluding remarks are presented, indicating which areas require attention in order to further improve the promotion and protection of human rights in relation to cultural diversity.

Continuum models of cohesive stochastic swarms: The effect of motility on aggregation patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hughes, Barry D.; Fellner, Klemens

2013-10-01

Mathematical models of swarms of moving agents with non-local interactions have many applications and have been the subject of considerable recent interest. For modest numbers of agents, cellular automata or related algorithms can be used to study such systems, but in the present work, instead of considering discrete agents, we discuss a class of one-dimensional continuum models, in which the agents possess a density ρ(x,t) at location x at time t. The agents are subject to a stochastic motility mechanism and to a global cohesive inter-agent force. The motility mechanisms covered include classical diffusion, nonlinear diffusion (which may be used to model, in a phenomenological way, volume exclusion or other short-range local interactions), and a family of linear redistribution operators related to fractional diffusion equations. A variety of exact analytic results are discussed, including equilibrium solutions and criteria for unimodality of equilibrium distributions, full time-dependent solutions, and transitions between asymptotic collapse and asymptotic escape. We address the behaviour of the system for diffusive motility in the low-diffusivity limit for both smooth and singular interaction potentials and show how this elucidates puzzling behaviour in fully deterministic non-local particle interaction models. We conclude with speculative remarks about extensions and applications of the models.

Where to next with animal health in Latin America? The transition from endemic to disease-free status.

PubMed

Rojas, H; Romero, J R

2017-04-01

The Latin American and Caribbean region (LAC) is a leading global producer and exporter of animal products. Its livestock production systems are diverse, ranging from large-scale commercial enterprises to family farms. Countries in this region have sought to improve their animal health status through both public and private efforts. Despite significant advances in eradicating such diseases as foot and mouth disease and classical swine fever, other animal health challenges remain; constraining exports, causing negative economic impacts and threatening food security. Obtaining certification of disease-free status is only the first step towards gaining benefits from improvements in animal health. Increasing international trade means that countries must manage the sustainability of their disease-free status in conjunction with trade partners and must comply with additional food safety and animal welfare standards. This paper comments on the challenges created by this new scenario in relation to the epidemiology and economics of animal health, when seeking to improve decisionmaking for animal health management. The authors characterise the current LAC livestock landscape and animal health situation, describing transitions in disease control and the use of economics in improving animal health. They conclude with remarks on the challenges presented by decision-making, economic rationality, sources of benefits, distribution and incentives.

Remodeling of a nontreated displaced parasymphyseal fracture of a child.

PubMed

Kerem, Hakan; Usluer, Ayşen; Yoleri, Levent

2011-07-01

There have been considerable advances in the management of craniomaxillofacial injuries in children. Conservative approaches such as close observation, a liquid-to-soft diet, and analgesics can be used for the management of mandibular fractures without displacement and malocclusion. However, displaced fractures need to be an anatomic reduction and immobilization. The basic principle of displaced mandibular fractures in both children and adults is the stabilization of fracture fragments forming the pretraumatic contour and occlusion state until osteosynthesis occurs. The major differences of pediatric fractures from adults are the flexibility of bones and very rapid healing pattern. Therefore, reduction in pediatric age group must be accomplished earlier. This case was an 11-year-old boy presented with a severely displaced parasymphyseal mandibular fracture resulting from a fall. He was given a soft diet and analgesic, given anti-inflammatory treatment of edema, and scheduled for operation. Subsequently, it was surprisingly observed that there was a significant improvement in the fracture line on the 12th posttraumatic day. The comparison of maxillofacial computed tomographic scans of the first and 12th posttraumatic days revealed a noteworthy remodeling and a remarkable approximation of the fracture lines. It can be concluded that bone remodelization in the pediatric age groups is perfect and very rapid, even in severely displaced fractures.

Selective Transformation of Various Nitrogen-Containing Exhaust Gases toward N2 over Zeolite Catalysts.

PubMed

Zhang, Runduo; Liu, Ning; Lei, Zhigang; Chen, Biaohua

2016-03-23

In this review we focus on the catalytic removal of a series of N-containing exhaust gases with various valences, including nitriles (HCN, CH3CN, and C2H3CN), ammonia (NH3), nitrous oxide (N2O), and nitric oxides (NO(x)), which can cause some serious environmental problems, such as acid rain, haze weather, global warming, and even death. The zeolite catalysts with high internal surface areas, uniform pore systems, considerable ion-exchange capabilities, and satisfactory thermal stabilities are herein addressed for the corresponding depollution processes. The sources and toxicities of these pollutants are introduced. The important physicochemical properties of zeolite catalysts, including shape selectivity, surface area, acidity, and redox ability, are described in detail. The catalytic combustion of nitriles and ammonia, the direct catalytic decomposition of N2O, and the selective catalytic reduction and direct catalytic decomposition of NO are systematically discussed, involving the catalytic behaviors as well as mechanism studies based on spectroscopic and kinetic approaches and molecular simulations. Finally, concluding remarks and perspectives are given. In the present work, emphasis is placed on the structure-performance relationship with an aim to design an ideal zeolite-based catalyst for the effective elimination of harmful N-containing compounds.

Tocotrienols in Vellozia gigantea leaves: occurrence and modulation by seasonal and plant size effects.

PubMed

Morales, Melanie; Garcia, Queila S; Siqueira-Silva, Advanio I; Silva, Mayara C; Munné-Bosch, Sergi

2014-08-01

Vitamin E occurs in all photosynthetic organisms examined to date. Tocopherols predominate in photosynthetic tissues (α-tocopherol being the major form), while either tocopherols or tocotrienols (or both) are present in seeds. Tocotrienols have not been described in photosynthetic tissues thus far. Here, we report on the presence of tocotrienols in leaves of higher plants. Both tocopherols and tocotrienols accumulated in leaves of Vellozia gigantea, an endemic plant found in the rupestrian fields of Serra do Cipó, Brazil. Increased plant size had a remarkable effect on the vitamin E composition of leaves, α-tocopherol and β-tocotrienol levels being highest in the largest individuals, but only during the dry season. Vitamin E levels positively correlated with lipid hydroxyperoxide levels, which also increased in the largest individuals during the dry season. However, the maximum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (F v/F m ratio) kept above 0.75 throughout the experiment, thus indicating absence of photoinhibitory damage to the photosynthetic apparatus. It is concluded that higher plants, such as V. gigantea, can accumulate tocotrienols in leaves, aside from tocopherols, and that the levels of both tocopherols and tocotrienols in the leaves of this species are strongly modulated by seasonal and plant size effects.

[The relic in the Panels of São Vicente de Fora].

PubMed

Goyri-O'Neill, João; Camisão-Soares, Artur; Neves Marques, Cláudia

2013-01-01

The Panels of São Vicente de Fora, a polyptych dated from 1470 to 1480, are a work composed of 6 panels, authored by Nuno Gonçalves, a painter of King Afonso V. This work reveals one of the most remarkable collective portraits of European painting, making this polyptych an inexhaustible source of readings and interpretations, fueling a secular controversy. The present work aims analyzing precise an iconographic anatomical image repainted in the 6th panel, or the panel of the Relic. This consists of a central image within a structure shown by a red figure with special reverence. The investigation conducted and justification was based on direct observation and comparative analysis of iconographic data collected in the Museum of Antique Art. The bone pieces were selected at the Museum of Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, New University of Lisbon, and the comparative analyses performed by two observers, with further analysis of the images obtained in the National Museum of Ancient Art using specific software. After watching these, it was concluded that this representation of a relic in the Panels of São Vicente is an iconic representation of an Occipital bone, fractured at its lower edge, being evident, almost complete, its vertical portion or scale.

Essential oil composition and antimicrobial activity of wild and cultivated Moroccan Achillea ageratum L.: a rare and threatened medicinal species.

PubMed

El Bouzidi, Laila; Abbad, Abdelaziz; Hassani, Lahcen; Fattarsi, Karine; Leach, David; Markouk, Mohammed; Legendre, Laurent; Bekkouche, Khalid

2012-03-01

The essential oils of leaves and flowers of the wild and cultivated Moroccan Achillea ageratum L., a rare and threatened medicinal species, were examined by GC/MS, and their chemical compositions were compared. At least nine components were identified in both wild and cultivated A. ageratum oils, representing more than 95% of the oils. Artemisyl acetate (62.34-78.79%), yomogi alcohol (4.89-12.40%), santolina alcohol (4.86-11.77%), and artemisia alcohol (3.36-7.04%) were the major compounds. Terpene-alcohol proportion was higher in wild A. ageratum than in cultivated A. ageratum. The antibacterial analysis showed that both oils presented high activity against all the studied Gram-positive strains in a range of MIC values from 2.55 to 7.02 mg/ml, but they appeared not effective against the tested Gram-negative ones (MIC values 20.40-41.10 mg/ml). They also exhibited remarkable antifungal activities against Candida species with MIC values ranging from 5.83 to 8.42 mg/ml. From these results, it was concluded that domestication of this threatened medicinal species using clonal propagation did not significantly affect its chemical composition and consequently its antimicrobial properties. Copyright © 2012 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta AG, Zürich.

Short Toxin-like Proteins Abound in Cnidaria Genomes

PubMed Central

Tirosh, Yitshak; Linial, Itai; Askenazi, Manor; Linial, Michal

2012-01-01

Cnidaria is a rich phylum that includes thousands of marine species. In this study, we focused on Anthozoa and Hydrozoa that are represented by the Nematostella vectensis (Sea anemone) and Hydra magnipapillata genomes. We present a method for ranking the toxin-like candidates from complete proteomes of Cnidaria. Toxin-like functions were revealed using ClanTox, a statistical machine-learning predictor trained on ion channel inhibitors from venomous animals. Fundamental features that were emphasized in training ClanTox include cysteines and their spacing along the sequences. Among the 83,000 proteins derived from Cnidaria representatives, we found 170 candidates that fulfill the properties of toxin-like-proteins, the vast majority of which were previously unrecognized as toxins. An additional 394 short proteins exhibit characteristics of toxin-like proteins at a moderate degree of confidence. Remarkably, only 11% of the predicted toxin-like proteins were previously classified as toxins. Based on our prediction methodology and manual annotation, we inferred functions for over 400 of these proteins. Such functions include protease inhibitors, membrane pore formation, ion channel blockers and metal binding proteins. Many of the proteins belong to small families of paralogs. We conclude that the evolutionary expansion of toxin-like proteins in Cnidaria contributes to their fitness in the complex environment of the aquatic ecosystem. PMID:23202321

Short toxin-like proteins abound in Cnidaria genomes.

PubMed

Tirosh, Yitshak; Linial, Itai; Askenazi, Manor; Linial, Michal

2012-11-16

Cnidaria is a rich phylum that includes thousands of marine species. In this study, we focused on Anthozoa and Hydrozoa that are represented by the Nematostella vectensis (Sea anemone) and Hydra magnipapillata genomes. We present a method for ranking the toxin-like candidates from complete proteomes of Cnidaria. Toxin-like functions were revealed using ClanTox, a statistical machine-learning predictor trained on ion channel inhibitors from venomous animals. Fundamental features that were emphasized in training ClanTox include cysteines and their spacing along the sequences. Among the 83,000 proteins derived from Cnidaria representatives, we found 170 candidates that fulfill the properties of toxin-like-proteins, the vast majority of which were previously unrecognized as toxins. An additional 394 short proteins exhibit characteristics of toxin-like proteins at a moderate degree of confidence. Remarkably, only 11% of the predicted toxin-like proteins were previously classified as toxins. Based on our prediction methodology and manual annotation, we inferred functions for over 400 of these proteins. Such functions include protease inhibitors, membrane pore formation, ion channel blockers and metal binding proteins. Many of the proteins belong to small families of paralogs. We conclude that the evolutionary expansion of toxin-like proteins in Cnidaria contributes to their fitness in the complex environment of the aquatic ecosystem.

The birth and evolution of neuroscience through cadaveric dissection.

PubMed

Moon, Karam; Filis, Andreas K; Cohen, Alan R

2010-09-01

Although interest in the art of dissection and vivisection has waxed and waned throughout the ages, the past century has seen it accepted as commonplace in medical schools across the country. No other practice in medicine has contributed more to the understanding of neuroanatomy and the neurosciences as dissection of the human cadaver, the origins of which are widely documented to have been in Alexandrian Greece. This article chronicles the fascinating and often controversial use of dissection and vivisection in these fields through the ages, beginning with Herophilus of Alexandria, among the first systematic dissectors in the history of Western medicine. The authors comment on its role in the development of modern neurosurgery and conclude with remarks about use of this educational tool today in the United States.

Health Research Ethics: Between Ethics Codes and Culture.

PubMed

Gheondea-Eladi, Alexandra

2017-10-01

This article is meant to describe and analyze some of the ethical difficulties encountered in a pilot research on treatment decisions of patients with chronic viral hepatitis C infection in Romania. It departs from an overview of the main ethics codes, and it shows that social health research on patients falls in between institutional codes of ethics. Furthermore, the article moves on to analyze so-called "important moments" of empirical research, such as the implementation of the ethical protocol, dealing with informal payments and with information on shady actions, as well as requests of information from interviewed patients and deciding when and if to breach confidentiality. In an attempt to evaluate the ad hoc solutions found in the field, the concluding remarks discuss these issues at the threshold of theory and practice.

Planetary nebulae as standard candles. IV - A test in the Leo I group

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ciardullo, Robin; Jacoby, George H.; Ford, Holland C.

1989-01-01

In this paper, PN are used to determine accurate distances to three galaxies in the Leo I group - The E0 giant elliptical NGC 3379, its optical companion, the SB0 spiral NGC 3384, and the smaller E6 elliptical NGC 3377. In all three galaxies, the luminosity-specific PN number densities are roughly the same, and the derived stellar death rates are in remarkable agreement with the predictions of stellar evolution theory. It is shown that the shape of the forbidden O III 5007 A PN luminosity function is the same in each galaxy and indistinguishable from that observed in M31 and M81. It is concluded that the PN luminosity function is an excellent standard candle for early-type galaxies.

Concluding remarks: nutritional strategies to support the adaptive response to prolonged exercise training.

PubMed

van Loon, Luc J C; Tipton, Kevin D

2013-01-01

Nutrition plays a key role in allowing the numerous training hours to be translated into useful adaptive responses of various tissues in the individual athlete. Research over the last decade has shown many examples of the impact of dietary interventions to modulate the skeletal muscle adaptive response to prolonged exercise training. Proper nutritional coaching should be applied throughout both training and competition, each with their specific requirements regarding nutrient provision. Such dietary support will improve exercise training efficiency and, as such, further increase performance capacity. Here, we provide an overview on the properties of various nutritional interventions that may be useful to support the adaptive response to exercise training and competition and, as such, to augment exercise training efficiency. Copyright © 2013 Nestec Ltd., Vevey/S. Karger AG, Basel.

Apolipoprotein E and Sex Bias in Cerebrovascular Aging of Men and Mice.

PubMed

Finch, Caleb E; Shams, Sara

2016-09-01

Alzheimer disease (AD) research has mainly focused on neurodegenerative processes associated with the classic neuropathologic markers of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Additionally, cerebrovascular contributions to dementia are increasingly recognized, particularly from cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). Remarkably, in AD brains, the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ɛ4 allele shows male excess for cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), a marker of SVD, which is opposite to the female excess of plaques and tangles. Mouse transgenic models add further complexities to sex-ApoE ɛ4 allele interactions, with female excess of both CMBs and brain amyloid. We conclude that brain aging and AD pathogenesis cannot be understood in humans without addressing major gaps in the extent of sex differences in cerebrovascular pathology. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Magnetic properties of Ni nanoparticles dispersed in silica prepared by high-energy ball milling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González, E. M.; Montero, M. I.; Cebollada, F.; de Julián, C.; Vicent, J. L.; González, J. M.

1998-04-01

We analyze the magnetic properties of mechanically ground nanosized Ni particles dispersed in a SiO2 matrix. Our magnetic characterization of the as-milled samples show the occurrence of two blocking processes and that of non-monotonic milling time evolutions of the magnetic-order temperature, the high-field magnetization and the saturation coercivity. The measured coercivities exhibit giant values and a uniaxial-type temperature dependence. Thermal treatment carried out in the as-prepared samples result in a remarkable coercivity reduction and in an increase of the high-field magnetization. We conclude, on the basis of the consideration of a core (pure Ni) and shell (Ni-Si inhomogeneous alloy) particle structure, that the magnetoelastic anisotropy plays the dominant role in determining the magnetic properties of our particles.

Population pharmacogenetics of Ibero-Latinoamerican populations (MESTIFAR 2014).

PubMed

Sosa-Macias, Martha; Moya, Graciela E; LLerena, Adrián; Ramírez, Ronald; Terán, Enrique; Peñas-LLedó, Eva M; Tarazona-Santos, Eduardo; Galaviz-Hernández, Carlos; Céspedes-Garro, Carolina; Acosta, Hildaura

2015-01-01

MESTIFAR 2014 28-30 November 2014, Panama City, Panama The CEIBA consortium was created within the Ibero-American network of Pharmacogenetics (RIBEF) to study population pharmacogenetics. The current status of these initiatives and results of the MESTIFAR project were analyzed in Panama, 28-30 November 2014. The MESTIFAR project focused on studying CYPs genetic polymorphisms in populations of different ethnic origin. So far, more than 6000 healthy volunteers have been evaluated, making this one of the largest population pharmacogenomic studies worldwide. Three symposia were organized, 'Pharmacogenetics of indigenous and mestizos populations and its clinical implications', 'Methodological innovation in pharmacogenetics and its application in health', and 'General discussion and concluding remarks', about mechanisms and proposals for training, diffusion of pharmacogenetics for Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking health professionals, and 'bench to bedside' pilot projects.

Optimized mixed oils remarkably reduce the amount of surfactants in microemulsions without affecting oral bioavailability of ibuprofen by simultaneously enlarging microemulsion areas and enhancing drug solubility.

PubMed

Chen, Yizhen; Tuo, Jue; Huang, Huizhi; Liu, Dan; You, Xiuhua; Mai, Jialuo; Song, Jiaqi; Xie, Yanqi; Wu, Chuanbin; Hu, Haiyan

2015-06-20

The toxicity and irritation associated with high amounts of surfactants restrict the extensive utilization of microemulsions. To address these shortcomings, employing mixed oils to enlarge microemulsion areas therefore reducing surfactant contents is a promising strategy. However, what kinds of mixed oils are more efficient in enlarging microemulsion areas still remains unclear. In this research, we found that the chain length and degree of unsaturation of oils play a key role in enlarging microemulsion areas. The combination of moderate chain saturated oil caprylic/capric triglyceride (GTCC) with long chain unsaturated oil glycerol trioleate significantly increased the microemulsion areas. Solubility of ibuprofen in the mixed oils was unexpectedly and remarkably increased (almost 300mg/mL) compared with that (around 100mg/mL) of the single oil (GTCC), which also resulted in greatly increased solubility of ibuprofen in mixed oils-containing microemulsions. By optimizing the mixed oil formulation, the absolute amount of surfactant in drug-loaded microemulsions was reduced but increased drug oral bioavailability in rats was maintained. It could be concluded that the combined use of moderate chain oils and long chain unsaturated oils could not only acquire enlarged microemulsion areas but also enhanced drug solubility, therefore doubly reducing surfactant amount, which is extremely beneficial for developing safe microemulsions. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Understanding the unique flowering sequence in Dipsacus fullonum: Evidence from geometrical changes during head development

PubMed Central

Naghiloo, Somayeh; Claßen-Bockhoff, Regine

2017-01-01

The genus Dipsacus is characterized by a remarkable bidirectional flowering sequence and a rare phyllotactic pattern. Considering that flower initiation and flowering sequence may be interconnected, we document the development of the head meristem in Dipsacus fullonum. Our results indicate a gradual change in the geometry of the head meristem beginning with a dome shaped stage, continuing with a remarkable widening in the middle part of the head meristem and ending in a spindle-like form. Quantitative data confirm that meristem expansion is higher in the middle part than at the base of the meristem. Likewise, the size of the flower primordia in the middle part of the young head is significantly larger than at the base soon after initiation. We conclude that the change in the geometry of the meristem and the availability of newly generated space result in the promotion of the middle flowers and the bidirectional flowering sequence at anthesis. Our investigation on phyllotactic patterns reveals a high tendency (30%) of the head meristem to insert or lose parastichies. This finding can also be attributed to changes in the expansion rate of the meristem. Dependent on the spatio-temporal relation between meristem expansion and primordia initiation, either flower primordia are promoted or additional parastichies appear. Our results emphasize the important role of geometry in flower development and phyllotactic pattern formation. PMID:28328952

Lessons from a remarkable family with dopa-responsive dystonia.

PubMed Central

Harwood, G; Hierons, R; Fletcher, N A; Marsden, C D

1994-01-01

A family is described in which dopa-responsive dystonia affected six members and segregated in an autosomal dominant fashion. Patients either presented in childhood with dystonia of the legs, going to develop parkinsonism and pseudo-pyramidal deficits, or in adult life with parkinsonian tremor and rigidity, with pseudo-pyramidal signs. Remarkably, in the three cases with childhood onset the symptoms and signs of the condition were abolished 36 to 52 years later by small doses of levodopa. No long term side effects of levodopa have appeared after 15 years of treatment. PMID:8163996

Final report of the Conference on the eradicability of Onchocerciasis.

PubMed

Dadzie, Yankum; Neira, Maria; Hopkins, Donald

2003-02-07

Sixty-four experts from a variety of disciplines attended a Conference on the Eradicability of Onchocerciasis at The Carter Center, in Atlanta GA, held January 22-24, 2002. The Conference, which was organized by The Carter Center and the World Health Organization, with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, addressed the question: "Is onchocerciasis (River Blindness) eradicable with current knowledge and tools?" Former US President Jimmy Carter attended part of the final plenary proceedings on January 24.The Conference consisted of a series of presentations by invited expert speakers (Appendix C) and further deliberations in four workgroups (Appendix D) followed by plenary discussion of major conclusions. The presentations underlined epidemiological and entomological differences between onchocerciasis in Africa and the Americas. Whilst onchocerciasis in Africa covers extensive areas and is associated with striking human and fly population migrations and remarkably efficient black fly vectors, in the Americas onchocerciasis is found in limited foci. Human and fly population migration are not major problems in the Americas, where most black fly species are inefficient, though some efficient black flies are also found there. Vector control has been effectively applied in the Onchocerciasis Control Program in West Africa (OCP) with remarkable results, interrupting transmission in most parts of the original Program area. The use of ivermectin has given variable results: while ivermectin treatment has been effective in all endemic areas in controlling onchocerciasis as a public health problem, its potential for interrupting transmission is more promising in hypo- and mesoendemic areas. The African Program for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC), which supports onchocerciasis control in endemic African countries outside the OCP, applies ivermectin, its principal control tool, to communities in high-risk areas as determined by rapid epidemiological mapping of onchocerciasis (REMO) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In the Americas, through support of the Onchocerciasis Elimination Program in the Americas (OEPA), a strategy of bi-annual ivermectin treatment of at least 85% of the eligible populations in all endemic communities is showing very good results and promises to be effective in eliminating onchocerciasis in the region.The Conference concluded that onchocerciasis is not eradicable using current tools due to the major barriers to eradication in Africa. However, the Conference also concluded that in most if not all the Americas, and possibly Yemen and some sites in Africa, transmission of onchocerciasis can be eliminated using current tools. The Conference recommended that where interruption of transmission is feasible and cost effective, programs should aim for that goal using all appropriate and available interventions so that the Onchocerca volvulus can eventually be eliminated and interventions halted. Although interruption of transmission of onchocerciasis cannot currently be achieved in most of Africa, the Conference recommended that efforts be made to preserve areas in West Africa made free of onchocerciasis transmission through the Onchocerciasis Control Program over the past 25 years. In the remaining hyper and mesoendemic foci in Africa, continued annual distribution of ivermectin will keep onchocerciasis controlled to a point where it is no longer a public health problem or constraint to economic development.

One Concept and Two Narrations: The Case of the Logarithm

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hamdan, May

2008-01-01

Through an account of the history of exponential functions as presented in traditional calculus textbooks, I present my observations and remarks on the spiral development of the concept, and my concerns about the general presentations of the subject. In this article I emphasize how the different arrangements and sequencing of the subjects required…

Rapid growth rate results in remarkably hardened breast in broilers during the middle stage of rearing: A biochemical and histopathological study.

PubMed

Kawasaki, Takeshi; Iwasaki, Tomohito; Yamada, Michi; Yoshida, Takashi; Watanabe, Takafumi

2018-01-01

The high incidence of meat of impaired quality poses a serious problem in the poultry industry. In recent years, the incidence of the pectoralis major muscle that appeared pale colored, remarkably hardened, and exudative, called "wooden breast" or "woody breast" has increased in slaughter houses. In the present study, 19-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens affected (n = 10) and unaffected (n = 10) with remarkably hardened breast were selected from a commercial broiler farm, and reared to 55 days of age under a controlled environment. Among the affected birds, 5 of 10 birds appeared exhausted with markedly suppressed weight gain and 4 of 10 birds died during the rearing period. In contrast, all unaffected birds survived and most gained weight. Four of 10 unaffected birds lost the ability of back-to-back wing contact by the late stage of rearing. The biochemical analysis of blood plasma samples of 20-day-old birds revealed that creatine kinase and L-aspartate aminotransferase values in most affected birds were higher than those in unaffected birds; however, these values in unaffected birds increased rapidly with lost wing contactability and increasing age. Postmortem examinations revealed that the mean diameter of myofibers in affected birds was smaller than that in unaffected birds. Moreover, symptoms of degenerative and regenerative muscles were observed in most birds in both groups. Among them, a decrease in, or defect of, the characteristic polygonal shape of myofibers was the most common change within the pectoralis major muscles in both groups. The present study demonstrated that broilers affected with remarkably hardened breast during the middle stage of rearing would have suppressed physical status and weight gain, or would die. It was suggested that rapid growth in broilers might be a cause of remarkably hardened breast.

Rapid growth rate results in remarkably hardened breast in broilers during the middle stage of rearing: A biochemical and histopathological study

PubMed Central

Iwasaki, Tomohito; Yamada, Michi; Yoshida, Takashi

2018-01-01

The high incidence of meat of impaired quality poses a serious problem in the poultry industry. In recent years, the incidence of the pectoralis major muscle that appeared pale colored, remarkably hardened, and exudative, called “wooden breast” or “woody breast” has increased in slaughter houses. In the present study, 19-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens affected (n = 10) and unaffected (n = 10) with remarkably hardened breast were selected from a commercial broiler farm, and reared to 55 days of age under a controlled environment. Among the affected birds, 5 of 10 birds appeared exhausted with markedly suppressed weight gain and 4 of 10 birds died during the rearing period. In contrast, all unaffected birds survived and most gained weight. Four of 10 unaffected birds lost the ability of back-to-back wing contact by the late stage of rearing. The biochemical analysis of blood plasma samples of 20-day-old birds revealed that creatine kinase and L-aspartate aminotransferase values in most affected birds were higher than those in unaffected birds; however, these values in unaffected birds increased rapidly with lost wing contactability and increasing age. Postmortem examinations revealed that the mean diameter of myofibers in affected birds was smaller than that in unaffected birds. Moreover, symptoms of degenerative and regenerative muscles were observed in most birds in both groups. Among them, a decrease in, or defect of, the characteristic polygonal shape of myofibers was the most common change within the pectoralis major muscles in both groups. The present study demonstrated that broilers affected with remarkably hardened breast during the middle stage of rearing would have suppressed physical status and weight gain, or would die. It was suggested that rapid growth in broilers might be a cause of remarkably hardened breast. PMID:29474396

A Pilot Study of the Effectiveness of Augmented Reality to Enhance the Use of Remote Labs in Electrical Engineering Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mejías Borrero, A.; Andújar Márquez, J. M.

2012-10-01

Lab practices are an essential part of teaching in Engineering. However, traditional laboratory lessons developed in classroom labs (CL) must be adapted to teaching and learning strategies that go far beyond the common concept of e-learning, in the sense that completely virtualized distance education disconnects teachers and students from the real world, which can generate specific problems in laboratory classes. Current proposals of virtual labs (VL) and remote labs (RL) do not either cover new needs properly or contribute remarkable improvement to traditional labs—except that they favor distance training. Therefore, online teaching and learning in lab practices demand a further step beyond current VL and RL. This paper poses a new reality and new teaching/learning concepts in the field of lab practices in engineering. The developed augmented reality-based lab system (augmented remote lab, ARL) enables teachers and students to work remotely (Internet/intranet) in current CL, including virtual elements which interact with real ones. An educational experience was conducted to assess the developed ARL with the participation of a group of 10 teachers and another group of 20 students. Both groups have completed lab practices of the contents in the subjects Digital Systems and Robotics and Industrial Automation, which belong to the second year of the new degree in Electronic Engineering (adapted to the European Space for Higher Education). The labs were carried out by means of three different possibilities: CL, VL and ARL. After completion, both groups were asked to fill in some questionnaires aimed at measuring the improvement contributed by ARL relative to CL and VL. Except in some specific questions, the opinion of teachers and students was rather similar and positive regarding the use and possibilities of ARL. Although the results are still preliminary and need further study, seems to conclude that ARL remarkably improves the possibilities of current VL and RL. Furthermore, ARL can be concluded to allow further possibilities when used online than traditional laboratory lessons completed in CL.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Garrett, J.D.

These proceedings report the deliberations of a 3 1/2 day workshop on the Production and Use of Intense Radioactive Ion Beams at the Isospin Laboratory, which was held at the Joint Institute for Heavy Ion Research in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, October 1992. The purpose of this workshop was not to duplicate the programs of other recent radioactive ion beam workshops or international conferences that have focused on the scientific concepts which radioactive beams can, and in fact already are, addressing. Instead, the intent was to address the technical problems associated with the construction of the next generation ISOL facility andmore » to initiate a discussion of the type of experimental equipment that should be developed for such a facility. We have tried to bring together in Oak Ridge the world`s experts in radioactive targets/ion sources, light and heavy-ion accelerators, and detection systems. After 1 1/2 days of overview presentations, the participants divided into three discussion groups (Experiments with Radioactive Beams, Target Ion Sources and Mass Separation, and Accelerators-Primary and Secondary) for 1 1/2 days of detailed discussions of the most pertinent issues. The final session was devoted to reports from each of the discussion groups and a general discussion of where to go from here. An outgrowth of these discussions was the establishment of working groups to coordinate future technical developments associated with the pertinent issues. The proceedings include the text of all the overview presentations, reports from each discussion group, as well as contributions from those participants who chose to provide the text of their presentations in the discussion groups and the Concluding Remarks. Selected papers have been indexed separately for inclusion in the Energy Science and Technology Database.« less

The relevance of the Hippocratic Oath to the ethical and moral values of contemporary medicine. Part I: The Hippocratic Oath from antiquity to modern times.

PubMed

Askitopoulou, Helen; Vgontzas, Antoniοs N

2017-10-27

The present paper discusses the relevance and significance of the Hippocratic Oath to contemporary medical ethical and moral values. It attempts to answer the questions about some controversial issues related to the Oath. The text is divided in two parts. Part I discusses the general attributes and ethical values of the Oath, while Part II presents a detailed analysis of each passage of the Oath with regard to perennial ethical principles and moral values. Part I starts with the contribution of Hippocrates and his School of Cos to medicine. It continues by examining the moral dilemmas concerning physicians and patients in the Classical Times and in the Modern World. It also investigates how the Hippocratic Oath stands nowadays, with regard to the remarkable and often revolutionary advancements in medical practice and the significant evolution in medical ethics. Further, it presents the debate and the criticism about the relevance of the general attributes and ethical values of the Oath to those of modern societies. Finally, it discusses the endurance of the ethical values of the Hippocratic Oath over the centuries until today with respect to the physicians' commitment to the practice of patient-oriented medicine. Part I concludes with the Oath's historic input in the Judgment delivered at the close of the Nuremberg "Doctors' Trial"; this Judgement has become legally binding for the discipline in the Western World and was the basis of the Nuremberg Code. The ethical code of the Oath turned out to be a fundamental part of western law not only on medical ethics but also on patients' rights regarding research.

Three essays on energy efficiency and environmental policies in Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gamtessa, Samuel Faye

This thesis is organized into five Chapters. In Chapter 1, we provide an introduction. In Chapter 2, we present a study on residential energy-efficiency retrofits in Canada. We describe the EnerGuide for Houses data and model household decisions to invest in energy-efficiency retrofits. Our results show that government financial incentives have important positive effects. The decision to invest in energy-efficiency retrofits is positively related to potential energy cost savings and negatively related to the costs of the retrofits. We find that household characteristics such as the age composition of household members are important factors. All else remaining constant, low income households are more likely to undertake energy-efficiency retrofits. In the third Chapter, we present our study on price-induced energy efficiency improvements in Canadian manufacturing. Our study employs a new approach to the estimation of price-induced energy efficiency improvements and the results have important empirical and policy implications. In the fourth chapter, we present our study on the implications of the “shale gas revolution” on Alberta greenhouse gas emission abatement strategy. Given that the strategy is centered on deployment of CCS technologies, we analyze the effects of the declines in natural gas price on CCS deployment in the electricity sector. We use the CIMS simulation model to simulate various policy scenarios under high and low natural gas price assumptions. Comparison of the results shows that CCS market penetration in the electricity sector is very minimal in the low natural gas price scenario even when a 50% cost subsidy is applied. Accordingly, there is little gain from subsidizing CCS given the “shale gas revolution.” We provide a few concluding remarks in Chapter 5.

Three Essays on Energy Efficiency and Environmental Policies in Canada

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gamtessa, Samuel

2011-09-01

This thesis is organized into five Chapters. In Chapter 1, we provide an introduction. In Chapter 2, we present a study on residential energy-efficiency retrofits in Canada. We describe the EnerGuide for Houses data and model household decisions to invest in energy-efficiency retrofits. Our results show that government financial incentives have important positive effects. The decision to invest in energy-efficiency retrofits is positively related to potential energy cost savings and negatively related to the costs of the retrofits. We find that household characteristics such as the age composition of household members are important factors. All else remaining constant, low income households are more likely to undertake energy-efficiency retrofits. In the third Chapter, we present our study on price-induced energy efficiency improvements in Canadian manufacturing. Our study employs a new approach to the estimation of price-induced energy efficiency improvements and the results have important empirical and policy implications. In the fourth chapter, we present our study on the implications of the "shale gas revolution" on Alberta greenhouse gas emission abatement strategy. Given that the strategy is centered on deployment of CCS technologies, we analyze the effects of the declines in natural gas price on CCS deployment in the electricity sector. We use the CIMS simulation model to simulate various policy scenarios under high and low natural gas price assumptions. Comparison of the results shows that CCS market penetration in the electricity sector is very minimal in the low natural gas price scenario even when a 50% cost subsidy is applied. Accordingly, there is little gain from subsidizing CCS given the "shale gas revolution." We provide a few concluding remarks in Chapter 5.

Paul Feyerabend: Science and the Anarchist.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Science, 1979

1979-01-01

Presents comments on the arguments of Paul Feyerabend toward progression science. The positions held by this philosopher of science are given with accompanying remarks from other philosophers and historians. (SA)

Josephson effects in a Bose–Einstein condensate of magnons

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Troncoso, Roberto E., E-mail: r.troncoso.c@gmail.com; Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad de Chile, Casilla 487-3, Santiago; Núñez, Álvaro S., E-mail: alnunez@dfi.uchile.cl

A phenomenological theory is developed, that accounts for the collective dynamics of a Bose–Einstein condensate of magnons. In terms of such description we discuss the nature of spontaneous macroscopic interference between magnon clouds, highlighting the close relation between such effects and the well known Josephson effects. Using those ideas, we present a detailed calculation of the Josephson oscillations between two magnon clouds, spatially separated in a magnonic Josephson junction. -- Highlights: •We presented a theory that accounts for the collective dynamics of a magnon-BEC. •We discuss the nature of macroscopic interference between magnon-BEC clouds. •We remarked the close relation betweenmore » the above phenomena and Josephson’s effect. •We remark the distinctive oscillations that characterize the Josephson oscillations.« less

KSC-2014-4113

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-09-25

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA astronaut Rick Mastracchio makes his opening remarks to the audience at a post-flight presentation on the Expedition 38 mission to the International Space Station. The Space Flight Awareness Program hosted Mastracchio's presentation for employees in the KSC Training Auditorium at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. An Expedition 38/39 crew member, Mastracchio launched to the station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Nov. 6, 2013, and returned to Earth on May 13, 2014, after 188 days in space. Following Mastracchio's remarks, employees were given the opportunity to ask questions and to meet him in person. To read Mastracchio's biography, visit http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/mastracc.html. For more information on Expedition 38, visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition38. Photo credit: NASA/Daniel Casper

Low Altitude AVIRIS Data for Mapping Landform Types on West Ship Island, Mississippi

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spruce, Joseph; Otvos, Ervin; Giardino, Marco

2002-01-01

This paper presents a viewgraph presentation on low altitude AVIRIS data for mapping landform types on West Ship Island, Mississippi. The topics of discussion include: 1) Project background; 2) Mapping methods; 3) Examples of results; 4) Apparent trends; and 5) Final remarks.

A Rejoinder to Sarangapani and Winch

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tooley, James; Dixon, Pauline; Gomathi, S. V.

2010-01-01

This article presents a rejoinder to P. Sarangapani and C. Winch who accuse the authors of creating an "ideological fairytale" about the merits of private education for low income families, specifically in poor areas of Hyderabad. The authors present their remarks on Sarangapani and Winch's reply to their article.

School Choice: Examining the Evidence.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rasell, Edith, Ed.; Rothstein, Richard, Ed.

This book presents a summary of school-choice issues, and is organized around a 1992 seminar entitled "Choice: What Role in American Education?" Each part presents a set of conference papers, followed by discussants' remarks and excerpts from audience discussion. The introduction summarizes the papers' positions and conclusions. Participants…

78 FR 20934 - National Infrastructure Advisory Council; Notice of Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-08

.... Both mandate comprehensive consultation with stakeholders in very short time lines for implementation... Members III. Opening Remarks and Introductions IV. NIAC Presentation on Regional Resilience Working Group...

Protein- mediated enamel mineralization

PubMed Central

Moradian-Oldak, Janet

2012-01-01

Enamel is a hard nanocomposite bioceramic with significant resilience that protects the mammalian tooth from external physical and chemical damages. The remarkable mechanical properties of enamel are associated with its hierarchical structural organization and its thorough connection with underlying dentin. This dynamic mineralizing system offers scientists a wealth of information that allows the study of basic principals of organic matrix-mediated biomineralization and can potentially be utilized in the fields of material science and engineering for development and design of biomimetic materials. This chapter will provide a brief overview of enamel hierarchical structure and properties as well as the process and stages of amelogenesis. Particular emphasis is given to current knowledge of extracellular matrix protein and proteinases, and the structural chemistry of the matrix components and their putative functions. The chapter will conclude by discussing the potential of enamel for regrowth. PMID:22652761

On agent-based modeling and computational social science.

PubMed

Conte, Rosaria; Paolucci, Mario

2014-01-01

In the first part of the paper, the field of agent-based modeling (ABM) is discussed focusing on the role of generative theories, aiming at explaining phenomena by growing them. After a brief analysis of the major strengths of the field some crucial weaknesses are analyzed. In particular, the generative power of ABM is found to have been underexploited, as the pressure for simple recipes has prevailed and shadowed the application of rich cognitive models. In the second part of the paper, the renewal of interest for Computational Social Science (CSS) is focused upon, and several of its variants, such as deductive, generative, and complex CSS, are identified and described. In the concluding remarks, an interdisciplinary variant, which takes after ABM, reconciling it with the quantitative one, is proposed as a fundamental requirement for a new program of the CSS.

Health hazard evaluation report HETA 84-419-1697, USGS Laboratory, Doraville, Georgia. [Benzene, methylene chloride, hexane, and acetone

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rondinelli, R.; Wilcox, T.; Roper, P.

1986-05-01

The U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory, Doraville, Georgia requested an evaluation of physical complaints reported by employees to determine possible work related causes. Laboratory workers, in general, complained of physical symptoms which were irritative (rash, sore throat, nose or sinus irritation), neurological (numbness, muscle weakness) and nonspecific (dizziness, headache, emotional swings, insomnia, muscle aching, fatigue). Reported exposure to solvents such as benzene, methylene chloride, hexane and acetone were positively related with light headedness or dizziness, numbness, unexplained muscle weakness and muscle aching. Air sampling did not reveal any remarkable exposure to chemical contaminants. The authors conclude that nomore » relationship could be established between chemical exposures and antinuclear antibody positivity. Exposure to chemicals measured by air sampling were below occupational health exposure limits.« less

Aerodynamic Parameters of High Performance Aircraft Estimated from Wind Tunnel and Flight Test Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klein, Vladislav; Murphy, Patrick C.

1998-01-01

A concept of system identification applied to high performance aircraft is introduced followed by a discussion on the identification methodology. Special emphasis is given to model postulation using time invariant and time dependent aerodynamic parameters, model structure determination and parameter estimation using ordinary least squares an mixed estimation methods, At the same time problems of data collinearity detection and its assessment are discussed. These parts of methodology are demonstrated in examples using flight data of the X-29A and X-31A aircraft. In the third example wind tunnel oscillatory data of the F-16XL model are used. A strong dependence of these data on frequency led to the development of models with unsteady aerodynamic terms in the form of indicial functions. The paper is completed by concluding remarks.

[Multilingualism and child psychiatry: on differential diagnoses of language disorder, specific learning disorder, and selective mutism].

PubMed

Tamiya, Satoshi

2014-01-01

Multilingualism poses unique psychiatric problems, especially in the field of child psychiatry. The author discusses several linguistic and transcultural issues in relation to Language Disorder, Specific Learning Disorder and Selective Mutism. Linguistic characteristics of multiple language development, including so-called profile effects and code-switching, need to be understood for differential diagnosis. It is also emphasized that Language Disorder in a bilingual person is not different or worse than that in a monolingual person. Second language proficiency, cultural background and transfer from the first language all need to be considered in an evaluation for Specific Learning Disorder. Selective Mutism has to be differentiated from the silent period observed in the normal successive bilingual development. The author concludes the review by remarking on some caveats around methods of language evaluation in a multilingual person.

Applications of graph theory in protein structure identification

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

There is a growing interest in the identification of proteins on the proteome wide scale. Among different kinds of protein structure identification methods, graph-theoretic methods are very sharp ones. Due to their lower costs, higher effectiveness and many other advantages, they have drawn more and more researchers’ attention nowadays. Specifically, graph-theoretic methods have been widely used in homology identification, side-chain cluster identification, peptide sequencing and so on. This paper reviews several methods in solving protein structure identification problems using graph theory. We mainly introduce classical methods and mathematical models including homology modeling based on clique finding, identification of side-chain clusters in protein structures upon graph spectrum, and de novo peptide sequencing via tandem mass spectrometry using the spectrum graph model. In addition, concluding remarks and future priorities of each method are given. PMID:22165974

On agent-based modeling and computational social science

PubMed Central

Conte, Rosaria; Paolucci, Mario

2014-01-01

In the first part of the paper, the field of agent-based modeling (ABM) is discussed focusing on the role of generative theories, aiming at explaining phenomena by growing them. After a brief analysis of the major strengths of the field some crucial weaknesses are analyzed. In particular, the generative power of ABM is found to have been underexploited, as the pressure for simple recipes has prevailed and shadowed the application of rich cognitive models. In the second part of the paper, the renewal of interest for Computational Social Science (CSS) is focused upon, and several of its variants, such as deductive, generative, and complex CSS, are identified and described. In the concluding remarks, an interdisciplinary variant, which takes after ABM, reconciling it with the quantitative one, is proposed as a fundamental requirement for a new program of the CSS. PMID:25071642

Gestalt psychology: the forgotten paradigm in abnormal psychology.

PubMed

Silverstein, Steven M; Uhlhaas, Peter J

2004-01-01

Gestalt views of psychopathology are almost completely ignored in mainstream psychology and psychiatry. However, a review of available evidence indicates a remarkable consistency between these views and current data from experimental psychopathology and cognitive neuroscience. This consistency is especially pronounced in the area of schizophrenia. In addition, there is a convergence of cognitive and neurobiological evidence regarding the validity of early Gestalt views of both normal brain-behavior relationships and disordered ones, as in schizophrenia. This article reviews some contributions of Gestalt psychology regarding schizophrenia and examines these views in light of more recent findings from cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and experimental psychopathology. We conclude that Gestalt theory is a viable theoretical framework from which to understand schizophrenia. Specifically, it appears that a breakdown of Gestalt organizational processes may characterize both the cognitive and the brain processes in schizophrenia.

Presentation: For Challenging the Political Pilgrims

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

London, Herbert

2003-01-01

This article presents the author's opening remarks during the tenth national convention of the National Association of Scholars (NAS) wherein he conferred Paul Hollander, a distinguished scholar of sociology and a prolific author, the Peter Shaw Award. More than any other scholar, Hollander offered documentation of a condition observed on campus.…

Risk, Resilience, and Recovery

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Werner, Emmy

2012-01-01

In 1955, the first longitudinal study of resilience began on the island of Kauai. This research continues to the present. This article presents an interview with Emmy Werner, the principal investigator. In a series of five books published over a period of thirty years, she demonstrated the remarkable ability of children from difficult backgrounds…

Composition, Philosophy, and Rhetoric: The "Problem of Power."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sebberson, David

1993-01-01

Remarks on moments in Louise Wetherbee Phelps' book "Composition as a Human Science" where the absence of power presents a problematic for composition. Presents Jurgen Habermas for and against Phelps, noting the gestures of both authors against scientism while drawing on several of Habermas' basic concepts. Proposes rereading Aristotle's…

Improving Urban MCH Linkages: Highlights of the 1993 Urban Maternal and Child Health Leadership Conference.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peck, Magda G., Ed.

This report contains selected presentations from the 1993 Urban Maternal and Child Health Leadership Conference. Following welcoming remarks by Carolyn Slack, two presentations discuss improving urban maternal and child health (MCH) linkages. "Pittsburgh's Alliance for Infants," by Virginia Bowman, describes a comprehensive in-home…

The Future of Physical Education--Survival or Extinction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stier, William F., Jr.; And Others

This paper presents remarks on the future of the physical education profession by William F. Stier (State University of New York, Brockport), Pamela A. Milchrist (California State University, Sacramento), and Sy Kleinman (Ohio State University). Stier presented the "conservative" view that the field was doing well, that only fine tuning…

Windshear warning aerospatiale approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bonafe, J. L.

1988-01-01

Vugraphs and transcribed remarks of a presentation on Aerospatiale's approach to windshear warning systems are given. Information is given on low altitude wind shear probability, wind shear warning models and warning system false alarms.

Rhapsody-G simulations I: the cool cores, hot gas and stellar content of massive galaxy clusters

DOE PAGES

Hahn, Oliver; Martizzi, Davide; Wu, Hao -Yi; ...

2017-01-25

We present the rhapsody-g suite of cosmological hydrodynamic zoom simulations of 10 massive galaxy clusters at the M vir ~10 15 M ⊙ scale. These simulations include cooling and subresolution models for star formation and stellar and supermassive black hole feedback. The sample is selected to capture the whole gamut of assembly histories that produce clusters of similar final mass. We present an overview of the successes and shortcomings of such simulations in reproducing both the stellar properties of galaxies as well as properties of the hot plasma in clusters. In our simulations, a long-lived cool-core/non-cool-core dichotomy arises naturally, andmore » the emergence of non-cool cores is related to low angular momentum major mergers. Nevertheless, the cool-core clusters exhibit a low central entropy compared to observations, which cannot be alleviated by thermal active galactic nuclei feedback. For cluster scaling relations, we find that the simulations match well the M 500–Y 500 scaling of Planck Sunyaev–Zeldovich clusters but deviate somewhat from the observed X-ray luminosity and temperature scaling relations in the sense of being slightly too bright and too cool at fixed mass, respectively. Stars are produced at an efficiency consistent with abundance-matching constraints and central galaxies have star formation rates consistent with recent observations. In conclusion, while our simulations thus match various key properties remarkably well, we conclude that the shortcomings strongly suggest an important role for non-thermal processes (through feedback or otherwise) or thermal conduction in shaping the intracluster medium.« less

Psychosocial Hazard Analysis in a Heterogeneous Workforce: Determinants of Work Stress in Blue- and White-Collar Workers of the European Steel Industry

PubMed Central

Metzler, Yannick Arnold; Bellingrath, Silja

2017-01-01

The European steel industry’s workforce is highly heterogeneous and consists of various occupational groups, presumably facing different psychosocial stressors. The few existing studies on the subject mainly focused on physical constraints of blue-collar workers, whereas the supposable psychosocial workload received only little research attention. This is remarkable considering the challenges associated with statutory required risk assessment of psychosocial hazards. Valid measures of hazard analysis must account for various stressors and reliably identify them, also between occupational groups. The present study, based on a sample of blue- and white-collar workers (N = 124) from the European steel industry, aims to provide a first insight into psychosocial stressors and strain at work in this rarely researched industrial sector. Furthermore, two well-known theoretical roadmaps in job analysis are examined regarding their utility for risk assessment in heterogeneous workforces: the German standard version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) and the short version of the effort–reward imbalance questionnaire. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that the COPSOQ was better suited to predict various strain indices in the present sample. Especially stressors relating to socioemotional aspects, such as work-privacy conflict, revealed a reasonable impact, indicating the need for comprehensive solutions at the organizational level instead of solutions focusing on single workplaces. To conclude, a broadly diversified and validated approach in psychosocial risk assessment is needed to adequately assess the variety of psychosocial factors at work and in different occupational groups. PMID:28861410

The mechanisms and meaning of the mismatch negativity.

PubMed

Fishman, Yonatan I

2014-07-01

The mismatch negativity (MMN) is a pre-attentive auditory event-related potential (ERP) component that is elicited by a change in a repetitive acoustic pattern. It is obtained by subtracting responses evoked by frequent 'standard' sounds from responses evoked by infrequent 'deviant' sounds that differ from the standards along some acoustic dimension, e.g., frequency, intensity, or duration, or abstract feature. The MMN has been attributed to neural generators within the temporal and frontal lobes. The mechanisms and meaning of the MMN continue to be debated. Two dominant explanations for the MMN have been proposed. According to the "neural adaptation" hypothesis, repeated presentation of the standards results in adapted (i.e., attenuated) responses of feature-selective neurons in auditory cortex. Rare deviant sounds activate neurons that are less adapted than those stimulated by the frequent standard sounds, and thus elicit a larger 'obligatory' response, which yields the MMN following the subtraction procedure. In contrast, according to the "sensory memory" hypothesis, the MMN is a 'novel' (non-obligatory) ERP component that reflects a deviation between properties of an incoming sound and those of a neural 'memory trace' established by the preceding standard sounds. Here, we provide a selective review of studies which are relevant to the controversy between proponents of these two interpretations of the MMN. We also present preliminary neurophysiological data from monkey auditory cortex with potential implications for the debate. We conclude that the mechanisms and meaning of the MMN are still unresolved and offer remarks on how to make progress on these important issues.

Developmental considerations for substance use interventions from middle school through college.

PubMed

D'Amico, Elizabeth J; Ellickson, Phyllis L; Wagner, Eric F; Turrisi, Rob; Fromme, Kim; Ghosh-Dastidar, Bonnie; Longshore, Douglas L; McCaffrey, Daniel F; Montgomery, Marilyn J; Schonlau, Matthias; Wright, Dale

2005-03-01

This article summarizes a symposium organized by Dr. Elizabeth D'Amico and presented at the 2004 Annual Meeting of the Research Society on Alcoholism in Vancouver, Canada. The four presentations illustrate the importance of creating substance use interventions that are developmentally appropriate for youth. They represent innovative approaches to working with preteens, teenagers, and young adults. Dr. D'Amico's paper describes her research on the development of a voluntary brief intervention targeting alcohol use among middle school students. Findings indicated that by using school and community input, she was able to obtain a diverse a sample of youth across grades, sex, ethnicity, and substance use status. Dr. Ellickson's paper describes her research on Project ALERT, a school-based prevention program for middle school youth. Her findings indicate that Project ALERT worked for students at all levels of risk (low, moderate, and high) and for all students combined. Dr. Wagner's Teen Intervention Project was a randomized clinical trial to test the efficacy of a standardized Student Assistance Program for treating middle and high school students with alcohol and other drug problems. The study provided a unique opportunity to begin to examine how development may impact response to an alcohol or other drug intervention. Dr. Turrisi's paper examined processes underlying the nature of the effects of a parent intervention on college student drinking tendencies. Findings suggested that the parent intervention seems to have its impact on student drinking by reducing the influence of negative communications and decreasing the susceptibility of influences from closest friends. Dr. Kim Fromme provided concluding remarks.

rhapsody-g simulations - I. The cool cores, hot gas and stellar content of massive galaxy clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hahn, Oliver; Martizzi, Davide; Wu, Hao-Yi; Evrard, August E.; Teyssier, Romain; Wechsler, Risa H.

2017-09-01

We present the rhapsody-g suite of cosmological hydrodynamic zoom simulations of 10 massive galaxy clusters at the Mvir ˜ 1015 M⊙ scale. These simulations include cooling and subresolution models for star formation and stellar and supermassive black hole feedback. The sample is selected to capture the whole gamut of assembly histories that produce clusters of similar final mass. We present an overview of the successes and shortcomings of such simulations in reproducing both the stellar properties of galaxies as well as properties of the hot plasma in clusters. In our simulations, a long-lived cool-core/non-cool-core dichotomy arises naturally, and the emergence of non-cool cores is related to low angular momentum major mergers. Nevertheless, the cool-core clusters exhibit a low central entropy compared to observations, which cannot be alleviated by thermal active galactic nuclei feedback. For cluster scaling relations, we find that the simulations match well the M500-Y500 scaling of Planck Sunyaev-Zeldovich clusters but deviate somewhat from the observed X-ray luminosity and temperature scaling relations in the sense of being slightly too bright and too cool at fixed mass, respectively. Stars are produced at an efficiency consistent with abundance-matching constraints and central galaxies have star formation rates consistent with recent observations. While our simulations thus match various key properties remarkably well, we conclude that the shortcomings strongly suggest an important role for non-thermal processes (through feedback or otherwise) or thermal conduction in shaping the intracluster medium.

Preparation and characterization of zinc and copper co-doped WO3 nanoparticles: Application in photocatalysis and photobiology.

PubMed

Mohammadi, Sanaz; Sohrabi, Maryam; Golikand, Ahmad Nozad; Fakhri, Ali

2016-08-01

In this study, pure, Zn, Cu, Zn,Cu co-doped WO3 nanoparticles samples were prepared by precipitation and co-precipitation methods. These nanoparticles were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDX), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-visible and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The synthesized pure, Zn, Cu, Zn,Cu co-doped WO3 nanoparticles have smart optical properties and average sizes with 3.2, 3.12, 3.08 and 2.97eV of band-gap, 18.1, 23.2, 25.7 and 30.2nm, respectively. Photocatalytic activity of four nanoparticles was studying towards degradation of gentamicin antibiotic under ultraviolet and visible light irradiation. The result showed that Zn,Cu co-doped WO3 possessed high photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic activity of WO3 nanoparticles could be remarkably increased by doping the Zn and Cu impurity. This can be attributed to the fact that the red shift of absorption edge and the trapping effect of the mono and co-doped WO3 nanoparticles. The research result presents a general and effective way to prepare different photocatalysts with enhanced visible and UV light-driven photocatalytic performance. Antibacterial activity of four different WO3 nanoparticles against Escherichia coli bacterium has been assessed by the agar disc method under light irradiation and dark medium. It is concluded from the present findings that WO3 nanoparticles can be used as an efficient antibacterial agent. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Titan's plasma interaction: photoelectrons and negative ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coates, Coates; Welbrock, Anne; Desai, Ravi; Waite, Hunter

2016-06-01

We present a review of some of the most important results from the CAPS electron spectrometer.These include the role of photoelectrons and polar wind escape processes, and remarkable negative ion observations.

EDITORIAL: Dialog on Science and Policy to Address the Climate Crisis to conclude the International Association of Research Universities Climate Congress, Copenhagen, Denmark Dialog on Science and Policy to Address the Climate Crisis to conclude the International Association of Research Universities Climate Congress, Copenhagen, Denmark

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baer, Paul; Kammen, Daniel M.

2009-06-01

This is not the usual Editor-in-Chief letter, namely one that focuses on the accomplishments of the journal—and for ERL they have been numerous this year—but a recognition of the critical time that we are now in when it comes to addressing not only global climate change, but also the dialog between science and politics. In recognition of the many 'tipping points' that we now confront—ideally some of them positive social moments—as well as the clear scientific conclusion that environmental tipping points are points of long-lasting disruption, this paper takes a different form than I might have otherwise written. While the scientific body of knowledge around global environmental change mounts, so too, do the hopeful signs that change can happen. The election of Barack Obama is unquestionably one such sign, witnessed by the exceptional interest that his story has brought not only to US politics, but also to global views of the potential of the United States, as well as to the potential role of science and investigation in addressing pressing issues. In light of these inter-related issues, reproduced here—largely due to the efforts of Paul Baer to transcribe a remarkable conversation—is a dialog not only on the science of global warming and the potential set of means to address this issue, but also on the interaction between research, science and the political process. The dialog itself is sufficiently important that I will dispense with the usual discussion of the exciting recognition that ERL has received with an ISI rating (a factor rapidly increasing), the high levels of downloads of our papers (for some articles over 5000 and counting), and the many news and scientific publications picking up ERL articles (in recent days alone Science, Environmental Science and Technology, and The Economist). This conversation was the concluding plenary session of the 10-12 March International Association of Research Universities (IARU) Conference on Climate Change (http://climatecongress.ku.dk/). Conference Chair Professor Katherine Richardson began the panel by reading the 'key messages'. She then she asked the panelists—Professor Stefan Rahmstorf, Professor Will Steffen, Lord Nicholas Stern, and Professor Dan Kammen to respond. After that, she invited the Danish Prime Minister, Mr Anders Fogh Rasmussen, to respond to the messages. Next there was a dialogue between the panelists and the Prime Minister, with closing remarks from the Prime Minister.

The Sea Urchin Embryo: A Remarkable Classroom Tool.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oppenheimer, Steven B.

1989-01-01

Discussed are the uses of sea urchins in research and their usefulness and advantages in the classroom investigation of embryology. Ideas for classroom activities and student research are presented. Lists 25 references. (CW)

Reality and dreams: state of the academy.

PubMed

Torabi, Mohammad R

2005-01-01

These remarks were presented at the opening ceremony of the American Academy of Health Behavior (AAHB) annual scientific conference held in Charleston, SC, in February 2005 by the outgoing president of the Academy.

Transciptomic study of mucosal immune, antioxidant and growth related genes and non-specific immune response of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fed dietary Ferula (Ferula assafoetida).

PubMed

Safari, Roghieh; Hoseinifar, Seyed Hossein; Nejadmoghadam, Shabnam; Jafar, Ali

2016-08-01

A 8-weeks feeding trial was conducted to examine the effects of different levels (0, 0.5, 1 and 2%) of dietary Ferula (Ferula assafoetida) on expression of antioxidant enzymes (GSR, GPX and GSTA), immune (TNF-alpha, IL1B, IL- 8 and LYZ) and growth (GH, IGF1 and Ghrl) genes as well as cutaneous mucus and serum non-specific immune response in common carp. The results revealed Ferula significantly increased antioxidant gene expression (GSR and GSTA) in a dose dependent manner (P < 0.05). The expression of immune growth related genes were significantly higher in Ferula fed fish compared control group (P < 0.05). The effects of Ferula on expression of genes was more pronounced in higher doses. Feeding on Ferula supplemented diet remarkably increased skin mucus lysozyme activity (P < 0.05). However, evaluation of mucus total Ig and protease activity revealed no significant difference between control and treated groups (P > 0.05). Regarding non-specific humoral response, serum total Ig, lysozyme and ACH50 showed no remarkable variation between Ferula fed carps and control group (P > 0.05). These results indicated up-regulation of growth and health related genes in Ferula fed common carp. Further studies using pathogen or stress challenge is required to conclude that transcriptional modulation is beneficial in common carp. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ordered adsorption of coagulation factor XII on negatively charged polymer surfaces probed by sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaoyun; Wang, Jie; Paszti, Zoltan; Wang, Fulin; Schrauben, Joel N; Tarabara, Volodymyr V; Schmaier, Alvin H; Chen, Zhan

2007-05-01

Electrostatic interactions between negatively charged polymer surfaces and factor XII (FXII), a blood coagulation factor, were investigated by sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy, supplemented by several analytical techniques including attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), zeta-potential measurement, and chromogenic assay. A series of sulfonated polystyrenes (sPS) with different sulfonation levels were synthesized as model surfaces with different surface charge densities. SFG spectra collected from FXII adsorbed onto PS and sPS surfaces with different surface charge densities showed remarkable differences in spectral features and especially in spectral intensity. Chromogenic assay experiments showed that highly charged sPS surfaces induced FXII autoactivation. ATR-FTIR and QCM results indicated that adsorption amounts on the PS and sPS surfaces were similar even though the surface charge densities were different. No significant conformational change was observed from FXII adsorbed onto surfaces studied. Using theoretical calculations, the possible contribution from the third-order nonlinear optical effect induced by the surface electric field was evaluated, and it was found to be unable to yield the SFG signal enhancement observed. Therefore it was concluded that the adsorbed FXII orientation and ordering were the main reasons for the remarkable SFG amide I signal increase on sPS surfaces. These investigations indicate that negatively charged surfaces facilitate or induce FXII autoactivation on the molecular level by imposing specific orientation and ordering on the adsorbed protein molecules.

Analysis of internal structure changes in black human hair keratin fibers resulting from bleaching treatments using Raman spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuzuhara, Akio

2013-09-01

In order to investigate in detail the internal structure changes in virgin black human hair keratin fibers resulting from bleaching treatments, the structure of cross-sections at various depths of black human hair, which had been impossible due to high melanin grande content, was directly analyzed using Raman spectroscopy. The gauche-gauche-gauche (GGG) content of the sbnd SSsbnd groups existing from the cuticle region to the center of cortex region of the virgin black human hair remarkably decreased, while the gauche-gauche-trans and trans-gauche-trans contents were not changed by performing the excessive bleaching treatment. In particular, it was found that not only the β-sheet and/or random coil content, but also the α-helix content existing throughout the cortex region of virgin black human hair decreased. In addition, the transmission electron microscope observation shows that the proteins in the cell membrane complex, the cuticle and cortex of the virgin black human hair were remarkably eluted by performing the excessive bleaching treatment. From these experiments, the author concluded that the sbnd SSsbnd groups, which have a GGG conformation were decomposed and finally converted to cysteic acid, and the α-helix structure of some of the proteins existing in the keratin was changed to the random coil structure, or eluted from the cortex region, thereby leading to the reduction in the protein density of the virgin human hair after the excessive bleaching treatment.

Zinc Biochemistry: From a Single Zinc Enzyme to a Key Element of Life12

PubMed Central

Maret, Wolfgang

2013-01-01

The nutritional essentiality of zinc for the growth of living organisms had been recognized long before zinc biochemistry began with the discovery of zinc in carbonic anhydrase in 1939. Painstaking analytical work then demonstrated the presence of zinc as a catalytic and structural cofactor in a few hundred enzymes. In the 1980s, the field again gained momentum with the new principle of “zinc finger” proteins, in which zinc has structural functions in domains that interact with other biomolecules. Advances in structural biology and a rapid increase in the availability of gene/protein databases now made it possible to predict zinc-binding sites from metal-binding motifs detected in sequences. This procedure resulted in the definition of zinc proteomes and the remarkable estimate that the human genome encodes ∼3000 zinc proteins. More recent developments focus on the regulatory functions of zinc(II) ions in intra- and intercellular information transfer and have tantalizing implications for yet additional functions of zinc in signal transduction and cellular control. At least three dozen proteins homeostatically control the vesicular storage and subcellular distribution of zinc and the concentrations of zinc(II) ions. Novel principles emerge from quantitative investigations on how strongly zinc interacts with proteins and how it is buffered to control the remarkably low cellular and subcellular concentrations of free zinc(II) ions. It is fair to conclude that the impact of zinc for health and disease will be at least as far-reaching as that of iron. PMID:23319127

A report of three cases of jaundice with thyrotoxicosis.

PubMed

Akande, T O; Balogun, W O

2013-09-01

Jaundice and hepatic dysfunction have been reported in patients with thyrotoxicosis and could be due to different mechanisms. To describe three cases of jaundice occurring in patients with thyrotoxicosis and to illustrate the importance of early institution of thionamides when indicated. We present the clinical and laboratory features of three patients presenting within a year with thyrotoxicosis and jaundice and whose clinical conditions improved remarkably following treatment with thionamides. In addition, current literature on the subject is reviewed and summarised. The three patients presented with goitre and jaundice. None of the patients had received blood products, undergone scarification markings or experienced any previous episode of jaundice. Thyroid function tests in the three patients were consistent with a diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis. Liver function tests showed elevated bilirubin and transaminases. All patients improved remarkably following treatment with thionamides. It is important to rule out thyrotoxicosis in patients with jaundice of unknown cause and consider early use of thionamides for treatment of the thyrotoxicosis, if confirmed.

Numerical investigation of nonlinear interactions between multimodal guided waves and delamination in composite structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Yanfeng

2017-04-01

This paper presents a numerical investigation of the nonlinear interactions between multimodal guided waves and delamination in composite structures. The elastodynamic wave equations for anisotropic composite laminate were formulated using an explicit Local Interaction Simulation Approach (LISA). The contact dynamics was modeled using the penalty method. In order to capture the stick-slip contact motion, a Coulomb friction law was integrated into the computation procedure. A random gap function was defined for the contact pairs to model distributed initial closures or openings to approximate the nature of rough delamination interfaces. The LISA procedure was coded using the Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA), which enables the highly parallelized computation on powerful graphic cards. Several guided wave modes centered at various frequencies were investigated as the incident wave. Numerical case studies of different delamination locations across the thickness were carried out. The capability of different wave modes at various frequencies to trigger the Contact Acoustic Nonlinearity (CAN) was studied. The correlation between the delamination size and the signal nonlinearity was also investigated. Furthermore, the influence from the roughness of the delamination interfaces was discussed as well. The numerical investigation shows that the nonlinear features of wave delamination interactions can enhance the evaluation capability of guided wave Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system. This paper finishes with discussion, concluding remarks, and suggestions for future work.

p53 Is a Key Regulator for Osthole-Triggered Cancer Pathogenesis

PubMed Central

Huang, Ssu-Ming; Tsai, Cheng-Fang; Wang, Min-Ying

2014-01-01

Osthole has been reported to have antitumor activities via the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cancer cell growth and metastasis. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of osthole in human colon cancer remain unclear. In the present study, we have assessed osthole-induced cell death in two different human colon cancer cell lines, HCT116 and SW480. Our results also showed that osthole activated proapoptotic signaling pathways in human colon cancer cells. By using cell culture insert system, osthole reduced cell motility in both human colon cancer cell lines. This study also provides evidence supporting the potential of osthole in p53 activation. Expression of p53, an apoptotic protein, was remarkably upregulated in cells treated with osthole. Importantly, the levels of phosphorylation of p53 on Ser15 (p-p53) and acetylation of p53 on Lys379 (acetyl-p53) were increased under osthole treatment. Our results also demonstrated that p53 was activated followed by generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Our study provides novel insights of p53-mediated responses under osthole treatment. Taken together, we concluded that osthole induces cancer cell death and inhibits migratory activity in a controlled manner and is a promising candidate for antitumor drug development. PMID:25013761

Human Lunar Mission Capabilities Using SSTO, ISRU and LOX-Augmented NTR Technologies: A Preliminary Assessment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Borowski, Stanley K.

1995-01-01

The feasibility of conducting human missions to the Moon is examined assuming the use of three 'high leverage' technologies: (1) a single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) launch vehicle, (2) 'in-situ' resource utilization (ISRU)--specifically 'lunar-derived' liquid oxygen (LUNOX), and (3) LOX-augmented nuclear thermal rocket (LANTR) propulsion. Lunar transportation system elements consisting of a LANTR-powered lunar transfer vehicle (LTV) and a chemical propulsion lunar landing/Earth return vehicle (LERV) are configured to fit within the 'compact' dimensions of the SSTO cargo bay (diameter: 4.6 m/length: 9.0 m) while satisfying an initial mass in low Earth orbit (IMLEO) limit of approximately 60 t (3 SSTO launches). Using approximately 8 t of LUNOX to 'reoxidize' the LERV for a 'direct return' flight to Earth reduces its size and mass allowing delivery to LEO on a single 20 t SSTO launch. Similarly, the LANTR engine's ability to operate at any oxygen/ hydrogen mixture ratio from 0 to 7 with high specific impulse (approximately 940 to 515 s) is exploited to reduce hydrogen tank volume, thereby improving packaging of the LANTR LTV's 'propulsion' and 'propellant modules'. Expendable and reusable, piloted and cargo missions and vehicle designs are presented along with estimates of LUNOX production required to support the different mission modes. Concluding remarks address the issue of lunar transportation system costs from the launch vehicle perspective.

Human lunar mission capabilities using SSTO, ISRU and LOX-augmented NTR technologies: A preliminary assessment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borowski, Stanley K.

1995-10-01

The feasibility of conducting human missions to the Moon is examined assuming the use of three 'high leverage' technologies: (1) a single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) launch vehicle, (2) 'in-situ' resource utilization (ISRU)--specifically 'lunar-derived' liquid oxygen (LUNOX), and (3) LOX-augmented nuclear thermal rocket (LANTR) propulsion. Lunar transportation system elements consisting of a LANTR-powered lunar transfer vehicle (LTV) and a chemical propulsion lunar landing/Earth return vehicle (LERV) are configured to fit within the 'compact' dimensions of the SSTO cargo bay (diameter: 4.6 m/length: 9.0 m) while satisfying an initial mass in low Earth orbit (IMLEO) limit of approximately 60 t (3 SSTO launches). Using approximately 8 t of LUNOX to 'reoxidize' the LERV for a 'direct return' flight to Earth reduces its size and mass allowing delivery to LEO on a single 20 t SSTO launch. Similarly, the LANTR engine's ability to operate at any oxygen/ hydrogen mixture ratio from 0 to 7 with high specific impulse (approximately 940 to 515 s) is exploited to reduce hydrogen tank volume, thereby improving packaging of the LANTR LTV's 'propulsion' and 'propellant modules'. Expendable and reusable, piloted and cargo missions and vehicle designs are presented along with estimates of LUNOX production required to support the different mission modes. Concluding remarks address the issue of lunar transportation system costs from the launch vehicle perspective.

Investigation of Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Its Remediation Pathway with Reaction-Based Fluorescent Probes.

PubMed

Cheng, Dan; Xu, Wang; Yuan, Lin; Zhang, Xiaobing

2017-07-18

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is considered a serious problem related to public health, due to its unpredictability and acute response. The level of peroxynitrite (ONOO - ) generated in liver has long been regarded as a biomarker for the prediction and measurement of DILI. Herein we present two reaction-based fluorescent probes (Naph-ONOO - and Rhod-ONOO - ) for ONOO - through a novel and universally applicable mechanism: ONOO - -mediated deprotection of α-keto caged fluorophores. Among them, Rhod-ONOO - can selectively accumulate and react in mitochondria, one of the main sources of ONOO - , with a substantial lower nanomolar sensitivity of 43 nM. The superior selectivity and sensitivity of two probes enable real-time imaging of peroxynitrite generation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated live cells, with a remarkable difference from cells doped with other interfering reactive oxygen species, in either one- or two-photon imaging modes. More importantly, we elucidated the drug-induced hepatotoxicity pathway with Rhod-ONOO - and revealed that CYP450/CYP2E1-mediated enzymatic metabolism of acetaminophen leads to ONOO - generation in liver cells. This is the first time to showcase the drug-induced hepatotoxicity pathways by use of a small-molecule fluorescent probe. We hence conclude that fluorescent probes can engender a deeper understanding of reactive species and their pathological revelations. The reaction-based fluorescent probes will be a potentially useful chemical tool to assay drug-induced hepatotoxicity.

Interference in Ballistic Motor Learning: Specificity and Role of Sensory Error Signals

PubMed Central

Lundbye-Jensen, Jesper; Petersen, Tue Hvass; Rothwell, John C.; Nielsen, Jens Bo

2011-01-01

Humans are capable of learning numerous motor skills, but newly acquired skills may be abolished by subsequent learning. Here we ask what factors determine whether interference occurs in motor learning. We speculated that interference requires competing processes of synaptic plasticity in overlapping circuits and predicted specificity. To test this, subjects learned a ballistic motor task. Interference was observed following subsequent learning of an accuracy-tracking task, but only if the competing task involved the same muscles and movement direction. Interference was not observed from a non-learning task suggesting that interference requires competing learning. Subsequent learning of the competing task 4 h after initial learning did not cause interference suggesting disruption of early motor memory consolidation as one possible mechanism underlying interference. Repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of corticospinal motor output at intensities below movement threshold did not cause interference, whereas suprathreshold rTMS evoking motor responses and (re)afferent activation did. Finally, the experiments revealed that suprathreshold repetitive electrical stimulation of the agonist (but not antagonist) peripheral nerve caused interference. The present study is, to our knowledge, the first to demonstrate that peripheral nerve stimulation may cause interference. The finding underscores the importance of sensory feedback as error signals in motor learning. We conclude that interference requires competing plasticity in overlapping circuits. Interference is remarkably specific for circuits involved in a specific movement and it may relate to sensory error signals. PMID:21408054

Acute Garcinia mangostana (mangosteen) supplementation does not alleviate physical fatigue during exercise: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

PubMed

Chang, Chih-Wei; Huang, Tzu-Zung; Chang, Wen-Hsin; Tseng, Yi-Chun; Wu, Yu-Tse; Hsu, Mei-Chich

2016-01-01

The purple mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), known as the "queen of fruit," is widely consumed and unique not only because of its outstanding appearance and flavor but also its remarkable and diverse pharmacological effects. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of acute mangosteen supplementation on physical fatigue during exercise. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was carried out by 12 healthy adults. The participants were randomly assigned to receive acute oral administration of either 250 mL of the mangosteen-based juice (supplementation treatment; 305 mg of α-mangostin and 278 mg of hydroxycitric acid) or a placebo (control treatment) 1 h before cycle ergometer exercise. Time to exhaustion, heart rate, Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion score, blood biochemical markers (namely ammonia, cortisol, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, glucose, and lactate), muscle dynamic stiffness, and Profile of Mood States (POMS) were evaluated and recorded. The results showed all parameters we examined were significantly altered by the exercise challenge, which demonstrated they directly reflected the condition of fatigue. However, there were no differences between the two treatments besides a positive impact on the POMS examination. The occurrence of physical fatigue depends on multiple underlying mechanisms. We concluded that acute mangosteen supplementation had no impact on alleviating physical fatigue during exercise.

Study of colouring effect of herbal hair formulations on graying hair

PubMed Central

Singh, Vijender; Ali, Mohammed; Upadhyay, Sukirti

2015-01-01

Objective: To screen the hair colouring properties of hair colorants/ herbal hair colouring formulations. Materials and Methods: The dried aqueous herbal extracts of Gudhal leaves (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), Jatamansi rhizome (Nardostachys jatamansi), Kuth roots (Saussurea lappa), Kattha (Acacia catechu), Amla dried fruit (Embelica officinalis), were prepared. Coffee powder (Coffea arabica) and Henna powder (Lowsonia inermis) were taken in the form of powder (# 40). Fourteen herbal hair colorants were prepared from these dried aqueous herbal extracts and powders. Activities of hair colorants were observed on sheep wool fibers. On the basis of the above observation six hair colorants were selected. These six formulations were taken for trials on human beings. Observation: The formulation coded HD-3 gave maximum colouring effect on sheep wool fibers as well as on human beings and percentage of acceptance among the volunteers were in the following order: HD- 3 > HD- 4 > HD-1 > HD-13 > HD-14 > HD-11. Results and Discussion: The remarkable results were obtained from five herbal hair colorants, viz., HD-1, HD- 3, HD- 4, HD-13 and HD-14 on sheep wool fibers and human beings. Formulation HD-3, having gudhal, jatamansi, kuth, kattha, amla, coffee and henna, was the maximum accepted formulation and suggested that these herbs in combination acts synergistically in hair colouring action. It also concluded that jatamansi, present in different hair colorants, was responsible to provide maximum blackening on hair PMID:26130937

[The left central gyral lesion and pure anarthria].

PubMed

Tabuchi, M; Odashima, K; Fujii, T; Suzuki, K; Saitou, J; Yamadori, A

2000-05-01

We report a very rare case of pure anarthria with lesion analysis. A 44-year-old right-handed man suffered from a cerebral infarction with a mild right hemiparesis and speech disturbance. An MRI of the brain 1.5 months post onset revealed a lesion confined to the left central gyrus. One month after the onset, his spontaneous speech was dysprosodic and laborious. It was contaminated with dysarthria and phonological paraphasias. However, language comprehension, repetition and naming abilities were normal. Most remarkably he showed no impairment in writing with his left hand. Over the following months, his difficulties in verbal output showed general amelioration, but the isolated impairment in the domain of articulation characterized by dysprosody, dysarthria, and phonological paraphasia persisted. As for the symptomatology of pure anarthria resulting from precentral gyral lesions, there have been controversies about its pureness. Some argue that the so called pure anarthria always shows some degree of writing disturbances, albeit mild in degree. Others maintain there certainly exists the pure type without any signs of agraphia. In the present case lesions were limited to the central gyrus but spared the lowest opercular portion. The previous reports of pure anarthria that had mild agraphia all had lesions involving the opercular portion. We conclude the sparing of this area is most likely related with sparing of writing capacity in pure anarthria.

The Application of Graphene and Its Derivatives to Energy Conversion, Storage, and Environmental and Biosensing Devices.

PubMed

Ali Tahir, Asif; Ullah, Habib; Sudhagar, Pitchaimuthu; Asri Mat Teridi, Mohd; Devadoss, Anitha; Sundaram, Senthilarasu

2016-06-01

Graphene (GR) and its derivatives are promising materials on the horizon of nanotechnology and material science and have attracted a tremendous amount of research interest in recent years. The unique atom-thick 2D structure with sp(2) hybridization and large specific surface area, high thermal conductivity, superior electron mobility, and chemical stability have made GR and its derivatives extremely attractive components for composite materials for solar energy conversion, energy storage, environmental purification, and biosensor applications. This review gives a brief introduction of GR's unique structure, band structure engineering, physical and chemical properties, and recent energy-related progress of GR-based materials in the fields of energy conversion (e.g., photocatalysis, photoelectrochemical water splitting, CO2 reduction, dye-sensitized and organic solar cells, and photosensitizers in photovoltaic devices) and energy storage (batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors). The vast coverage of advancements in environmental applications of GR-based materials for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants, gas sensing, and removal of heavy-metal ions is presented. Additionally, the use of graphene composites in the biosensing field is discussed. We conclude the review with remarks on the challenges, prospects, and further development of GR-based materials in the exciting fields of energy, environment, and bioscience. © 2016 The Chemical Society of Japan & Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Incertitude in disaster sciences and scientists' responsibilities: A case study of the L'Aquila earthquake trial

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koketsu, Kazuki; Oki, Satoko

2015-04-01

What disaster sciences are expected by the society is to prevent or mitigate future natural disasters, and therefore it is necessary to foresee natural disasters. However, various constraints often make the foreseeing difficult so that there is a high incertitude in the social contribution of disaster sciences. If scientists overstep this limitation, they will be held even criminally responsible. The L'Aquila trial in Italy is such a recent example and so we have performed data collections, hearing investigations, analyses of the reasons for the initial court's judgment, etc., to explore the incertitude of disaster sciences and scientists' responsibilities. As a result, we concluded that the casualties during the L'Aquila earthquake were mainly due to a careless "safety declaration" by the vice-director of the Civil Protection Agency, where the incertitude of disaster sciences had never been considered. In addition, news media which reported only this "safety declaration" were also seriously responsible for the casualties. The accused other than the vice-director were only morally responsible, because their meeting remarks included poor risk communication in disaster sciences but those were not reported to the citizens in advance to the L'Aquila earthquake. In the presentation, we will also discuss the similarities and differences between our conclusions above and the reasons for the appeals court's judgement, which will be published in February.

Design principles and issues of rights expression languages for digital rights management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xin

2005-07-01

Digital rights management (DRM) provides a unified approach to specifying, interpreting, enforcing and managing digital rights throughout the entire life cycle of digital assets. Using a declarative rights expression language (REL) for specifying rights and conditions in the form of licenses, as opposite to some other approaches (such as data structures and imperative languages), has been considered and adopted as a superior technology for implementing effective, interoperable and scalable DRM systems. This paper discusses some principles and issues for designing RELs, based on the experiences of developing a family of REL"s (DPRL, XrML 1.x, XrML 2.0 and MPEG REL). It starts with an overview of a family tree of the past and current REL"s, and their development history, followed by an analysis of their data models and a comparison with access-control oriented models. It then presents a number of primary design principles such as syntactic and semantic un-ambiguity, system interoperability, expressiveness in supporting business models and future extensibility, and discusses a number of key design issues such as maintaining stateful information, multi-tier issuance of rights, meta rights, identification of individual and aggregate objects, late-binding of to-beidentified entities, as well as some advanced ones on revocation and delegation of rights. The paper concludes with some remarks on REL profiling and extension for specific application domains.

Huperzine A Ameliorates Cognitive Deficits in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

PubMed Central

Mao, Xiao-Yuan; Cao, Dan-Feng; Li, Xi; Yin, Ji-Ye; Wang, Zhi-Bin; Zhang, Ying; Mao, Chen-Xue; Zhou, Hong-Hao; Liu, Zhao-Qian

2014-01-01

The present study was designed to probe the effects of Huperzine A (HupA) on diabetes-associated cognitive decline (DACD) using a streptozotocin (STZ)-injected rat model. Diabetic rats were treated with HupA (0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg) for seven weeks. Memory functions were evaluated by the water maze test. Nissl staining was selected for detecting neuronal loss. Protein and mRNA levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were analyzed by ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively. The activities of choline acetylase (ChAT), Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), NF-κB p65 unit, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and caspase-3 were measured using corresponding kits. After seven weeks, diabetic rats exhibited remarkable reductions in: body weight, percentage of time spent in target quadrant, number of times crossing the platform, ChAT and BDNF levels, SOD, GSH-Px and CAT accompanied with increases in neuronal damage, plasma glucose levels, escape latency, mean path length, AChE, MDA level as well as CAT, NF-κB p65 unit, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and caspase-3 in cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Supplementation with HupA significantly and dose-dependently reversed the corresponding values in diabetes. It is concluded that HupA ameliorates DACD via modulating BDNF, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. PMID:24857910

The Effect of Fixed Orthodontic Appliances and Fluoride Mouthwash on the Oral Microbiome of Adolescents – A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

PubMed Central

Buijs, Mark J.; Elyassi, Yassaman; van der Veen, Monique H.; Crielaard, Wim; ten Cate, Jacob M.; Zaura, Egija

2015-01-01

While the aesthetic effect of orthodontic treatment is clear, the knowledge on how it influences the oral microbiota and the consequential effects on oral health are limited. In this randomized controlled clinical trial we investigated the changes introduced in the oral ecosystem, during and after orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances in combination with or without a fluoride mouthwash, of 10–16.8 year old individuals (N = 91). We followed several clinical parameters in time, in combination with microbiome changes using next-generation sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. During the course of our study, the oral microbial community displayed remarkable resilience towards the disturbances it was presented with. The effects of the fluoride mouthwash on the microbial composition were trivial. More pronounced microbial changes were related to gingival health status, orthodontic treatment and time. Periodontal pathogens (e.g. Selenomonas and Porphyromonas) were highest in abundance during the orthodontic treatment, while the health associated Streptococcus, Rothia and Haemophilus gained abundance towards the end and after the orthodontic treatment. Only minor compositional changes remained in the oral microbiome after the end of treatment. We conclude that, provided proper oral hygiene is maintained, changes in the oral microbiome composition resulting from orthodontic treatment are minimal and do not negatively affect oral health. PMID:26332408

The Effect of Fixed Orthodontic Appliances and Fluoride Mouthwash on the Oral Microbiome of Adolescents - A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Koopman, Jessica E; van der Kaaij, Nicoline C W; Buijs, Mark J; Elyassi, Yassaman; van der Veen, Monique H; Crielaard, Wim; Ten Cate, Jacob M; Zaura, Egija

2015-01-01

While the aesthetic effect of orthodontic treatment is clear, the knowledge on how it influences the oral microbiota and the consequential effects on oral health are limited. In this randomized controlled clinical trial we investigated the changes introduced in the oral ecosystem, during and after orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances in combination with or without a fluoride mouthwash, of 10-16.8 year old individuals (N = 91). We followed several clinical parameters in time, in combination with microbiome changes using next-generation sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. During the course of our study, the oral microbial community displayed remarkable resilience towards the disturbances it was presented with. The effects of the fluoride mouthwash on the microbial composition were trivial. More pronounced microbial changes were related to gingival health status, orthodontic treatment and time. Periodontal pathogens (e.g. Selenomonas and Porphyromonas) were highest in abundance during the orthodontic treatment, while the health associated Streptococcus, Rothia and Haemophilus gained abundance towards the end and after the orthodontic treatment. Only minor compositional changes remained in the oral microbiome after the end of treatment. We conclude that, provided proper oral hygiene is maintained, changes in the oral microbiome composition resulting from orthodontic treatment are minimal and do not negatively affect oral health.

Short-Term High Intensity Plyometric Training Program Improves Strength, Power and Agility in Male Soccer Players

PubMed Central

Váczi, Márk; Tollár, József; Meszler, Balázs; Juhász, Ivett; Karsai, István

2013-01-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a short-term in-season plyometric training program on power, agility and knee extensor strength. Male soccer players from a third league team were assigned into an experimental and a control group. The experimental group, beside its regular soccer training sessions, performed a periodized plyometric training program for six weeks. The program included two training sessions per week, and maximal intensity unilateral and bilateral plyometric exercises (total of 40 – 100 foot contacts/session) were executed. Controls participated only in the same soccer training routine, and did not perform plyometrics. Depth vertical jump height, agility (Illinois Agility Test, T Agility Test) and maximal voluntary isometric torque in knee extensors using Multicont II dynamometer were evaluated before and after the experiment. In the experimental group small but significant improvements were found in both agility tests, while depth jump height and isometric torque increments were greater. The control group did not improve in any of the measures. Results of the study indicate that plyometric training consisting of high impact unilateral and bilateral exercises induced remarkable improvements in lower extremity power and maximal knee extensor strength, and smaller improvements in soccer-specific agility. Therefore, it is concluded that short-term plyometric training should be incorporated in the in-season preparation of lower level players to improve specific performance in soccer. PMID:23717351

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

At the opening of the Symposium, Dr. Sharrah, Senior Vice President of Continental Oil Company, addressed the attendees, and his remarks are included in this volume. The Symposium was concluded by workshops which addressed specific topics. The topical titles are as follows: alcohol uses; production; environment and safety; and socio-economic. The workshops reflected a growing confidence among the attendees that the alcohols from coal, remote natural gas and biomass do offer alternatives to petroleum fuels. Further, they may, in the long run, prove to be equal or superior to the petroleum fuels when the aspects of performance, environment, health andmore » safety are combined with the renewable aspect of the biomass derived alcohols. Although considerable activity in the production and use of alcohols is now appearing in many parts of the world, the absence of strong, broad scale assessment and support for these fuels by the United States Federal Government was a noted point of concern by the attendees. The environmental consequence of using alcohols continues to be more benign in general than the petroleum based fuels. The exception is the family of aldehydes. Although the aldehydes are easily suppressed by catalysts, it is important to understand their production in the combustion process. Progress is being made in this regard. Of course, the goal is to burn the alcohols so cleanly that catalytic equipment can be eliminated. Separate abstracts are prepared for the Energy Data Base for individual presentations.« less

Modelling high data rate communication network access protocol

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khanna, S.; Foudriat, E. C.; Paterra, Frank; Maly, Kurt J.; Overstreet, C. Michael

1990-01-01

Modeling of high data rate communication systems is different from the low data rate systems. Three simulations were built during the development phase of Carrier Sensed Multiple Access/Ring Network (CSMA/RN) modeling. The first was a model using SIMCRIPT based upon the determination and processing of each event at each node. The second simulation was developed in C based upon isolating the distinct object that can be identified as the ring, the message, the node, and the set of critical events. The third model further identified the basic network functionality by creating a single object, the node which includes the set of critical events which occur at the node. The ring structure is implicit in the node structure. This model was also built in C. Each model is discussed and their features compared. It should be stated that the language used was mainly selected by the model developer because of his past familiarity. Further the models were not built with the intent to compare either structure or language but because the complexity of the problem and initial results contained obvious errors, so alternative models were built to isolate, determine, and correct programming and modeling errors. The CSMA/RN protocol is discussed in sufficient detail to understand modeling complexities. Each model is described along with its features and problems. The models are compared and concluding observations and remarks are presented.

A bioconvection model for a squeezing flow of nanofluid between parallel plates in the presence of gyrotactic microorganisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bin-Mohsin, Bandar; Ahmed, Naveed; Adnan; Khan, Umar; Tauseef Mohyud-Din, Syed

2017-04-01

This article deals with the bioconvection flow in a parallel-plate channel. The plates are parallel and the flowing fluid is saturated with nanoparticles, and water is considered as a base fluid because microorganisms can survive only in water. A highly nonlinear and coupled system of partial differential equations presenting the model of bioconvection flow between parallel plates is reduced to a nonlinear and coupled system (nondimensional bioconvection flow model) of ordinary differential equations with the help of feasible nondimensional variables. In order to find the convergent solution of the system, a semi-analytical technique is utilized called variation of parameters method (VPM). Numerical solution is also computed and the Runge-Kutta scheme of fourth order is employed for this purpose. Comparison between these solutions has been made on the domain of interest and found to be in excellent agreement. Also, influence of various parameters has been discussed for the nondimensional velocity, temperature, concentration and density of the motile microorganisms both for suction and injection cases. Almost inconsequential influence of thermophoretic and Brownian motion parameters on the temperature field is observed. An interesting variation are inspected for the density of the motile microorganisms due to the varying bioconvection parameter in suction and injection cases. At the end, we make some concluding remarks in the light of this article.

BRAF Inhibitors for BRAF V600E Mutant Colorectal Cancers: Literature Survey and Case Report

PubMed Central

Can, Mehmet Fatih; Ozerhan, Ismail Hakki; Yagci, Gokhan; Zeybek, Nazif; Kavakli, Kutan; Gurkok, Sedat; Gozubuyuk, Alper; Genc, Onur; Erdem, Gokhan; Ozet, Ahmet; Gerek, Mustafa; Peker, Yusuf

2018-01-01

The main method of fighting against colon cancer is targeted treatment. BRAF inhibitors, which are accepted as standard treatment for V600E mutant malign melanomas, are the newest approach for targeted treatment of V600E mutant colorectal cancers. In this case report, we share our experience about the use of BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib on a V600E mutant metastatic right colon adenocarcinoma patient. A 59-year-old male with only lung multiple metastatic V600E mutant right colon cancer presented to our clinic. The patient was evaluated and FOLFOX + bevacizumab treatment was initiated, which was then continued with vemurafenib. A remarkable response was achieved with vemurafenib treatment in which the drug resistance occurred approximately in the sixth month. Even though the patient benefited majorly from vemurafenib, he died on the 20th month of the diagnosis. The expected overall survival for metastatic V600E mutant colon adenocarcinoma patients is 4.7 months. BRAF inhibitors provide new treatment alternatives for V600E mutant colorectal cancers, with prolonged overall survival. BRAF inhibitors in combination with MEK inhibitors are reported as feasible treatment to overcome BRAF inhibitor drug resistance on which phase studies are still in progress. To conclude, BRAF inhibitors alone or in combination with other drugs provide a chance for curing BRAF V600E mutant colorectal cancer patients. PMID:29850361

A systematic review of the factor structure and reliability of the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale.

PubMed

Orgilés, Mireia; Fernández-Martínez, Iván; Guillén-Riquelme, Alejandro; Espada, José P; Essau, Cecilia A

2016-01-15

The Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) is a widely used instrument for assessing symptoms of anxiety disorders among children and adolescents. Previous studies have demonstrated its good reliability for children and adolescents from different backgrounds. However, remarkable variability in the reliability of the SCAS across studies and inconsistent results regarding its factor structure has been found. The present study aims to examine the SCAS factor structure by means of a systematic review with narrative synthesis, the mean reliability of the SCAS by means of a meta-analysis, and the influence of the moderators on the SCAS reliability. Databases employed to collect the studies included Scholar Google, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus since 1997. Twenty-nine and 32 studies, which examined the factor structure and the internal consistency of the SCAS, respectively, were included. The SCAS was found to have strong internal consistency, influenced by different moderators. The systematic review demonstrated that the original six-factor model was supported by most studies. Factorial invariance studies (across age, gender, country) and test-retest reliability of the SCAS were not examined in this study. It is concluded that the SCAS is a reliable instrument for cross-cultural use, and it is suggested that the original six-factor model is appropriate for cross-cultural application. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Short-term high intensity plyometric training program improves strength, power and agility in male soccer players.

PubMed

Váczi, Márk; Tollár, József; Meszler, Balázs; Juhász, Ivett; Karsai, István

2013-03-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a short-term in-season plyometric training program on power, agility and knee extensor strength. Male soccer players from a third league team were assigned into an experimental and a control group. The experimental group, beside its regular soccer training sessions, performed a periodized plyometric training program for six weeks. The program included two training sessions per week, and maximal intensity unilateral and bilateral plyometric exercises (total of 40 - 100 foot contacts/session) were executed. Controls participated only in the same soccer training routine, and did not perform plyometrics. Depth vertical jump height, agility (Illinois Agility Test, T Agility Test) and maximal voluntary isometric torque in knee extensors using Multicont II dynamometer were evaluated before and after the experiment. In the experimental group small but significant improvements were found in both agility tests, while depth jump height and isometric torque increments were greater. The control group did not improve in any of the measures. Results of the study indicate that plyometric training consisting of high impact unilateral and bilateral exercises induced remarkable improvements in lower extremity power and maximal knee extensor strength, and smaller improvements in soccer-specific agility. Therefore, it is concluded that short-term plyometric training should be incorporated in the in-season preparation of lower level players to improve specific performance in soccer.

Apoptotic cell death in erythrocytes of p53-deficient medaka (Oryzias latipes) after γ-irradiation.

PubMed

Sayed, Alaa El-Din Hamid; Watanabe-Asaka, Tomomi; Oda, Shoji; Mitani, Hiroshi

2016-10-01

Previous studies have examined the effects of γ-irradiation (γ-IR) on wild-type and p53 mutant Medaka (Oryzias latipes) 24 hours after irradiation and in the present work, apoptosis and alterations in erythrocytes of 4, 8 and 24 h and 14 days after gamma-ray irradiation were reported as genotoxic biomarkers of γ-irradiation. Sexually mature wild-type, WT (Hd-rR) and p53(-/-) adult female medaka (O. latipes) were exposed to 4 Gy dose of γ-IR and sampling were collected after 4, 8 and 24 h and 14 days. Apoptosis and morphological alterations were observed from 4 h after irradiation and remarkably increased 8 h after irradiation in the wild-type. Apoptotic cell death has been observed 8 h after irradiation most prominently but subtle in p53 mutant medaka. All these phenotypes were recovered 14 days after irradiation in both strains. Although no micronuclei were seen in any group, nuclear abnormalities were observed in red blood cells. Both apoptosis and morphological alterations in erythrocytes were decreased after 24 and 14 days after γ-irradiation. We conclude that apoptosis and malformations caused by 4 Gy γ-irradiation in the erythrocytes of medaka fish occurs from 4-24 h and the initial response until 8 h was p53-dependent.

Communal egg-laying in reptiles and amphibians: evolutionary patterns and hypotheses.

PubMed

Doody, J Sean; Freedberg, Steve; Keogh, J Scott

2009-09-01

Communal egg-laying is widespread among animals, occurring in insects, mollusks, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds, just to name a few. While some benefits of communal egg-laying may be pervasive (e.g., it saves time and energy and may ensure the survival of mothers and their offspring), the remarkable diversity in the life histories of the animals that exhibit this behavior presents a great challenge to discovering any general explanation. Reptiles and amphibians offer ideal systems for investigating communal egg-laying because they generally lack parental care--a simplification that brings nest site choice behavior into sharp focus. We exhaustively reviewed the published literature for data on communal egg-laying in reptiles and amphibians. Our analysis demonstrates that the behavior is much more common than previously recognized (occurring in 481 spp.), especially among lizards (N = 255 spp.), where the behavior has evolved multiple times. Our conceptual review strongly suggests that different forces may be driving the evolution and maintenance of communal egg-laying in different taxa. Using a game theory approach, we demonstrate how a stable equilibrium may occur between solitary and communal layers, thus allowing both strategies to co-exist in some populations, and we discuss factors that may influence these proportions. We conclude by outlining future research directions for determining the proximate and ultimate causes of communal egg-laying.

Launching the chaotic realm of iso-fractals: A short remark

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

O'Schmidt, Nathan; Katebi, Reza; Corda, Christian

In this brief note, we introduce the new, emerging sub-discipline of iso-fractals by highlighting and discussing the preliminary results of recent works. First, we note the abundance of fractal, chaotic, non-linear, and self-similar structures in nature while emphasizing the importance of studying such systems because fractal geometry is the language of chaos. Second, we outline the iso-fractal generalization of the Mandelbrot set to exemplify the newly generated Mandelbrot iso-sets. Third, we present the cutting-edge notion of dynamic iso-spaces and explain how a mathematical space can be iso-topically lifted with iso-unit functions that (continuously or discretely) change; in the discrete casemore » examples, we mention that iteratively generated sequences like Fibonacci’s numbers and (the complex moduli of) Mandelbrot’s numbers can supply a deterministic chain of iso-units to construct an ordered series of (magnified and/or de-magnified) iso-spaces that are locally iso-morphic. Fourth, we consider the initiation of iso-fractals with Inopin’s holographic ring (IHR) topology and fractional statistics for 2D and 3D iso-spaces. In total, the reviewed iso-fractal results are a significant improvement over traditional fractals because the application of Santilli’s iso-mathematics arms us an extra degree of freedom for attacking problems in chaos. Finally, we conclude by proposing some questions and ideas for future research work.« less

Exact Analysis of the Flow and Heat Transfer of the SA-TiO2 Non-Newtonian Nanofluid Between Two Coaxial Cylinders Through a Porous Medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almazmumy, Mariam; Ebaid, Abdelhalim

2017-08-01

In this article, the flow and heat transfer of a non-Newtonian nanofluid between two coaxial cylinders through a porous medium has been investigated. The velocity, temperature, and nanoparticles concentration of the present mathematical model are governed by a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The objective of this article is to obtain new exact solutions for the temperature and the nanoparticles concentration and, therefore, compare them with the previous approximate results in the literature. Moreover, the velocity equation has been numerically solved. The effects of the pressure gradient, thermophoresis, third-grade, Brownian motion, and porosity parameters on the included phenomena have been discussed through several tables and plots. It is found that the velocity profile is increased by increasing the pressure gradient parameter, thermophoresis parameter (slightly), third-grade parameter, and Brownian motion parameter (slightly); however, it decreases with an increase in the porosity parameter and viscosity power index. In addition, the temperature and the nanoparticles concentration reduce with the strengthen of the Brownian motion parameter, while they increase by increasing the thermophoresis parameter. Furthermore, the numerical solution and the physical interpretation in the literature for the same problem have been validated with the current exact analysis, where many remarkable differences and errors have been concluded. Therefore, the suggested analysis may be recommended with high trust for similar problems.

Multi-wavelength Observations of the Enduring Type IIn Supernovae 2005ip and 2006jd1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stritzinger, Maximilian; Taddia, Francesco; Fransson, Claes; Fox, Ori D.; Morrell, Nidia; Phillips, M. M.; Sollerman, Jesper; Anderson, J. P.; Bolft, Luis; Brown, Peter J.;

The Recurrent Case for the Renshaw Cell

PubMed Central

Bhumbra, Gardave S.; Bannatyne, B. Anne; Watanabe, Masahiko; Todd, Andrew J.

2014-01-01

Although Renshaw cells (RCs) were discovered over half a century ago, their precise role in recurrent inhibition and ability to modulate motoneuron excitability have yet to be established. Indirect measurements of recurrent inhibition have suggested only a weak modulatory effect but are limited by the lack of observed motoneuron responses to inputs from single RCs. Here we present dual recordings between connected RC–motoneuron pairs, performed on mouse spinal cord. Motoneuron responses demonstrated that Renshaw synapses elicit large inhibitory conductances and show short-term potentiation. Anatomical reconstruction, combined with a novel method of quantal analysis, showed that the strong inhibitory input from RCs results from the large number of synaptic contacts that they make onto individual motoneurons. We used the NEURON simulation environment to construct realistic electrotonic models, which showed that inhibitory conductances from Renshaw inputs exert considerable shunting effects in motoneurons and reduce the frequency of spikes generated by excitatory inputs. This was confirmed experimentally by showing that excitation of a single RC or selective activation of the recurrent inhibitory pathway to generate equivalent inhibitory conductances both suppress motoneuron firing. We conclude that recurrent inhibition is remarkably effective, in that a single action potential from one RC is sufficient to silence a motoneuron. Although our results may differ from previous indirect observations, they underline a need for a reevaluation of the role that RCs perform in one of the first neuronal circuits to be discovered. PMID:25232126

Quality evaluation of medicinal products and health foods containing chaste berry (Vitex agnus-castus) in Japanese, European and American markets.

PubMed

Fukahori, Masahiro; Kobayashi, Shojiro; Naraki, Yoko; Sasaki, Takahiro; Oka, Hideki; Seki, Masaharu; Masada-Atsumi, Sayaka; Hakamatsuka, Takashi; Goda, Yukihiro

2014-01-01

The aim of present study was to evaluate the qualities of chaste berry (fruit of Vitex agnus-castus L.) preparations using HPLC fingerprint analysis. Seven medicinal products 1 from Japan and 6 from Europe, and 17 health foods, 6 from Japan and 11 from the United States were analyzed. HPLC profile and 26 authentic peaks were compared medicinal products and health foods. Whereas medicinal products had similar HPLC profiles, health foods had various profiles and each peak was also greatly different. The measured amounts of two markers in 5 traditional medicinal products, agnuside and casticin specified in the European Pharmacopoeia (EP), the U.S. Pharmacopoeia (USP) or the WHO monographs of chaste berry, were much lower than those in 2 medicinal products defined as "well-established use" by the European Medicines Agency. The amounts of two markers for 17 health foods differed in a great deal from 14-5054% and 3-1272%, respectively. Furthermore the amount ratios of two markers, agnuside/casticin, in about half of the health foods were remarkably larger than the standard crude drug and the ratios were closer to one of the related Chinese herbs, Vitex negundo L. It is concluded that a combination of HPLC fingerprints and the amount ratios of the marker compounds of chaste berry preparations serves as a useful tool to evaluate the qualities of these preparations.

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders Do Not Use Social Stereotypes in Irony Comprehension

PubMed Central

Zalla, Tiziana; Amsellem, Frederique; Chaste, Pauline; Ervas, Francesca; Leboyer, Marion; Champagne-Lavau, Maud

2014-01-01

Social and communication impairments are part of the essential diagnostic criteria used to define Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Difficulties in appreciating non-literal speech, such as irony in ASDs have been explained as due to impairments in social understanding and in recognizing the speaker’s communicative intention. It has been shown that social-interactional factors, such as a listener’s beliefs about the speaker’s attitudinal propensities (e.g., a tendency to use sarcasm, to be mocking, less sincere and more prone to criticism), as conveyed by an occupational stereotype, do influence a listener’s interpretation of potentially ironic remarks. We investigate the effect of occupational stereotype on irony detection in adults with High Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome (HFA/AS) and a comparison group of typically developed adults. We used a series of verbally presented stories containing ironic or literal utterances produced by a speaker having either a “sarcastic” or a “non-sarcastic” occupation. Although individuals with HFA/AS were able to recognize ironic intent and occupational stereotypes when the latter are made salient, stereotype information enhanced irony detection and modulated its social meaning (i.e., mockery and politeness) only in comparison participants. We concluded that when stereotype knowledge is not made salient, it does not automatically affect pragmatic communicative processes in individuals with HFA/AS. PMID:24748103

Confocal Raman microspectroscopy reveals a convergence of the chemical composition in methanogenic archaea from a Siberian permafrost-affected soil.

PubMed

Serrano, Paloma; Hermelink, Antje; Lasch, Peter; de Vera, Jean-Pierre; König, Nicole; Burckhardt, Oliver; Wagner, Dirk

2015-12-01

Methanogenic archaea are widespread anaerobic microorganisms responsible for the production of biogenic methane. Several new species of psychrotolerant methanogenic archaea were recently isolated from a permafrost-affected soil in the Lena Delta (Siberia, Russia), showing an exceptional resistance against desiccation, osmotic stress, low temperatures, starvation, UV and ionizing radiation when compared to methanogens from non-permafrost environments. To gain a deeper insight into the differences observed in their resistance, we described the chemical composition of methanogenic strains from permafrost and non-permafrost environments using confocal Raman microspectroscopy (CRM). CRM is a powerful tool for microbial identification and provides fingerprint-like information about the chemical composition of the cells. Our results show that the chemical composition of methanogens from permafrost-affected soils presents a high homology and is remarkably different from strains inhabiting non-permafrost environments. In addition, we performed a phylogenetic reconstruction of the studied strains based on the functional gene mcrA to prove the different evolutionary relationship of the permafrost strains. We conclude that the permafrost methanogenic strains show a convergent chemical composition regardless of their genotype. This fact is likely to be the consequence of a complex adaptive process to the Siberian permafrost environment and might be the reason underlying their resistant nature. © FEMS 2015. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Non-Thermal Atmospheric Plasma: Can it Be Taken as a Common Solution for the Surface Treatment of Dental Materials?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emre, Seker; Mehmet, Ali Kilicarslan; Serdar, Polat; Emre, Ozkir; Suat, Pat

2016-04-01

This study aimed to evaluate the surface roughness and wetting properties of various dental prosthetic materials after different durations of non-thermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP) treatment. One hundred and sixty discs of titanium (Ti) (n:40), cobalt chromium (Co-Cr) (n:40), yttrium stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) (n:40) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) (n:40) materials were machined and smoothed with silicon carbide papers. The surface roughness was evaluated in a control group and in groups with different plasma exposure times [1-3-5 s]. The average surface roughness (Ra) and contact angle (CA) measurements were recorded via an atomic force microscope (AFM) and tensiometer, respectively. Surface changes were examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Data were analyzed with two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey HSD test α=0.05). According to the results, the NTAP surface treatment significantly affected the roughness and wettability properties (P < 0.05). SEM images reveal that more grooves were present in the NTAP groups. With an increase in the NTAP application time, an apparent increment was observed for Ra, except in the PMMA group, and a remarkable reduction in CA was observed in all groups. It is concluded that the NTAP technology could enhance the roughening and wetting performance of various dental materials. supported by the Department of Scientific Research, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Turkey (No. 201441045)

Recent advances in lactic acid production by microbial fermentation processes.

PubMed

Abdel-Rahman, Mohamed Ali; Tashiro, Yukihiro; Sonomoto, Kenji

2013-11-01

Fermentative production of optically pure lactic acid has roused interest among researchers in recent years due to its high potential for applications in a wide range of fields. More specifically, the sharp increase in manufacturing of biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) materials, green alternatives to petroleum-derived plastics, has significantly increased the global interest in lactic acid production. However, higher production costs have hindered the large-scale application of PLA because of the high price of lactic acid. Therefore, reduction of lactic acid production cost through utilization of inexpensive substrates and improvement of lactic acid production and productivity has become an important goal. Various methods have been employed for enhanced lactic acid production, including several bioprocess techniques facilitated by wild-type and/or engineered microbes. In this review, we will discuss lactic acid producers with relation to their fermentation characteristics and metabolism. Inexpensive fermentative substrates, such as dairy products, food and agro-industrial wastes, glycerol, and algal biomass alternatives to costly pure sugars and food crops are introduced. The operational modes and fermentation methods that have been recently reported to improve lactic acid production in terms of concentrations, yields, and productivities are summarized and compared. High cell density fermentation through immobilization and cell-recycling techniques are also addressed. Finally, advances in recovery processes and concluding remarks on the future outlook of lactic acid production are presented. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

View angle dependence of cloud optical thicknesses retrieved by MODIS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshak, Alexander; Varnai, Tamas

2005-01-01

This study examines whether cloud inhomogeneity influences the view angle dependence of MODIS cloud optical thickness (tau) retrieval results. The degree of cloud inhomogeneity is characterized through the local gradient in 11 microns brightness temperature. The analysis of liquid phase clouds in a one year long global dataset of Collection 4 MODIS data reveals that while optical thickness retrievals give remarkably consistent results for all view directions if clouds are homogeneous, they give much higher tau-values for oblique views than for overhead views if clouds are inhomogeneous and the sun is fairly oblique. For solar zenith angles larger than 55deg, the mean optical thickness retrieved for the most inhomogeneous third of cloudy pixels is more than 30% higher for oblique views than for overhead views. After considering a variety of possible scenarios, the paper concludes that the most likely reason for the increase lies in three-dimensional radiative interactions that are not considered in current, one-dimensional retrieval algorithms. Namely, the radiative effect of cloud sides viewed at oblique angles seems to contribute most to the enhanced tau-values. The results presented here will help understand cloud retrieval uncertainties related to cloud inhomogeneity. They complement the uncertainty estimates that will start accompanying MODIS cloud products in Collection 5 and may eventually help correct for the observed view angle dependent biases.

Population Control, Family Planning and Planned Parenthood.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hilmar, Norman A.

Remarks in this article were made as part of a panel discussion presented at the Planned Parenthood-World Population combined Southeast Council and National Board Meeting, Savannah, Georgia, in May 1970. The problems and consequences of an increasing birth rate are indicated along with the need for reducing present rates of population growth and…

Reports on the Interviews with School Principals

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

European Educational Research Journal, 2004

2004-01-01

This article presents two reports on the interviews with school principals in Belgium and France. The first report presents the results of interviews with 5 Flemish secondary school leaders. The purpose of the investigation was to gain an explorative insight of their use of and their remarks on the recent initiated systems to provide schools with…

History, Communications and Some Further Perils of Technology.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Feldman, Marvin

Presented to the faculty of the Fashion Institute of Technology (New York City) after the acceptance by the New York Board of Regents of the school's plan to offer master's degree programs, these remarks focus on the problems presented by rapid developments in communications technology and the responsibility of the faculty to participate in the…

Proceedings: Conference on the Community/Junior College (Knoxville, Tennessee, April 25-26, 1974).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCullough, K. Owen, Ed.

Presented at the 1974 Community/Junior College Conference, the papers in this monograph examine issues related to institutional, program, staff, and student evaluation. After K. Owen McCullough's and Earl M. Ramer's prefatory remarks, Laura Bornholdt presents a typology of negative staff attitudes toward program and institutional evaluations;…

Gifts of the sea

EPA Science Inventory

The great microbiological soup found in the oceans is a remarkable resource for antibiotics and antibacterials. Resident pathogenic microorganisms present a threat to marine organisms. This battle for survival requires potent molecules endowed with antibacterial activity to be st...

Remarks on Flammability Testing of Aerospace Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hirsch, David B.; Beeson, Harold D.

2013-01-01

Agenda for the presentation: (1) Brief background of ISO 16697 (a) Reasons for the approach (b) Stated intent for this International Technical Specification (2) Evolution of initial considerations for the ISO approach (3) Discussion and recommendation

Remarks on CFD validation: A Boeing Commercial Airplane Company perspective

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rubbert, Paul E.

1987-01-01

Requirements and meaning of validation of computational fluid dynamics codes are discussed. Topics covered include: validating a code, validating a user, and calibrating a code. All results are presented in viewgraph format.

Practical remarks on the heart rate and saturation measurement methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kowal, M.; Kubal, S.; Piotrowski, P.; Staniec, K.

2017-05-01

A surface reflection-based method for measuring heart rate and saturation has been introduced as one having a significant advantage over legacy methods in that it lends itself for use in special applications such as those where a person’s mobility is of prime importance (e.g. during a miner’s work) and excluding the use of traditional clips. Then, a complete ATmega1281-based microcontroller platform has been described for performing computational tasks of signal processing and wireless transmission. In the next section remarks have been provided regarding the basic signal processing rules beginning with raw voltage samples of converted optical signals, their acquisition, storage and smoothing. This chapter ends with practical remarks demonstrating an exponential dependence between the minimum measurable heart rate and the readout resolution at different sampling frequencies for different cases of averaging depth (in bits). The following section is devoted strictly to the heart rate and hemoglobin oxygenation (saturation) measurement with the use of the presented platform, referenced to measurements obtained with a stationary certified pulsoxymeter.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes disturbed the immune and metabolic regulation function 13-weeks after a single intratracheal instillation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, Eun-Jung, E-mail: pejtoxic@hanmail.net; Hong, Young-Shick; Lee, Byoung-Seok

2016-07-15

Due to their unique physicochemical properties, the potential health effects of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have attracted continuous attention together with their extensive application. In this study, we aimed to identify local and systemic health effects following pulmonary persistence of SWCNTs. As expected, SWCNTs remained in the lung for 13 weeks after a single intratracheal instillation (50, 100, and 200 μg/kg). In the lung, the total number of cells and the percentages of lymphocytes and neutrophils significantly increased at 200 μg/kg compared to the control, and the Th1-polarized immune response was induced accompanying enhanced expression of tissue damage-related genes andmore » increased release of chemokines. Additionally, SWCNTs enhanced the expression of antigen presentation-related proteins on the surface of antigen-presenting cells, however, maturation of dendritic cells was inhibited by their persistence. As compared to the control, a significant increase in the percentage of neutrophils and a remarkable decrease of BUN and potassium level were observed in the blood of mice treated with the highest dose. This was accompanied by the down-regulation of the expression of antigen presentation-related proteins on splenocytes. Moreover, protein and glucose metabolism were disturbed with an up-regulation of fatty acid β-oxidation. Taken together, we conclude that SWCNTs may induce adverse health effects by disturbing immune and metabolic regulation functions in the body. Therefore, careful application of SWCNTs is necessary for the enforcement of safety in nano-industries. - Highlights: • We evaluated local and systemic health effects following persistence of SWCNTs. • SWCNTs remained in the lung for 13 weeks after a single intratracheal instillation. • Th1-polarized immune response was induced in the lung. • The expression of antigen presentation-related proteins was altered. • Immune and metabolic regulation function were disturbed.« less

Parallel structures in human and computer memory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanerva, Pentti

1986-08-01

If we think of our experiences as being recorded continuously on film, then human memory can be compared to a film library that is indexed by the contents of the film strips stored in it. Moreover, approximate retrieval cues suffice to retrieve information stored in this library: We recognize a familiar person in a fuzzy photograph or a familiar tune played on a strange instrument. This paper is about how to construct a computer memory that would allow a computer to recognize patterns and to recall sequences the way humans do. Such a memory is remarkably similar in structure to a conventional computer memory and also to the neural circuits in the cortex of the cerebellum of the human brain. The paper concludes that the frame problem of artificial intelligence could be solved by the use of such a memory if we were able to encode information about the world properly.

Augmented Fish Health Monitoring; Volume I of II, Completion Report.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Michak, Patty

1991-05-01

The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) initiated the Augmented Fish Health Monitoring project in 1986. This project was a five year interagency project involving fish rearing agencies in the Columbia Basin. Historically, all agencies involved with fish health in the Columbia Basin were conducting various levels of fish health monitoring, pathogen screening and collection. The goals of this project were; to identify, develop and implement a standardized level of fish health methodologies, develop a common data collection and reporting format in the area of artificial production, evaluate and monitor water quality, improve communications between agencies and provide annual evaluation of fishmore » health information for production of healthier smolts. This completion report will contain a project evaluation, review of the goals of the project, evaluation of the specific fish health analyses, an overview of highlights of the project and concluding remarks. 8 refs., 1 fig., 4 tabs.« less

DFT calculations, spectroscopy and antioxidant activity studies on (E)-2-nitro-4-[(phenylimino)methyl]phenol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Temel, Ersin; Alaşalvar, Can; Gökçe, Halil; Güder, Aytaç; Albayrak, Çiğdem; Alpaslan, Yelda Bingöl; Alpaslan, Gökhan; Dilek, Nefise

2015-02-01

We have reported synthesis and characterization of (E)-2-nitro-4-[(phenylimino)methyl]phenol by using X-ray crystallographic method, FT-IR and UV-vis spectroscopies and density functional theory (DFT). Optimized geometry and vibrational frequencies of the title compound in the ground state have been computed by using B3LYP with the 6-311G+(d,p) basis set. HOMO-LUMO energy gap, Non-linear optical properties and NBO analysis of the compound are performed at B3LYP/6-311G+(d,p) level. Additionally, as remarkable properties, antioxidant activity of the title compound (CMPD) has been determined by using different antioxidant test methods i.e. ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), hydrogen peroxide scavenging (HPSA), free radical scavenging (FRSA) and ferrous ion chelating activities (FICA). When compared with standards (BHA, BHT, and α-tocopherol), we have concluded that CPMD has effective FRAP, HPSA, FRSA and FICA.

Viewership of pro-anorexia websites in seventh, ninth and eleventh graders.

PubMed

Custers, Kathleen; Van den Bulck, Jan

2009-05-01

To examine the prevalence of visiting pro-anorexia websites by 13-, 15- and 17-year old adolescents and to explore correlates of visiting such websites and predictors of anorexia nervosa (AN). Questionnaire in a sample of 711 secondary school children from the 7th, 9th and 11th grade in Flanders, Belgium. 12.6% of the girls and 5.9% of the boys had visited such websites. In girls, visiting pro-anorexia websites was associated with a higher drive for thinness, worse perception of appearance and more perfectionism. The prevalence of visiting pro-anorexia sites is non-trivial and the significant correlations between viewership of pro-ana sites and predictors of AN suggest a potential for negative impact of exposure to pro-ana sites. We conclude with some speculative remarks on the potential threat of the existence of pro-ana sites to organized health care.

Native Silk Feedstock as a Model Biopolymer: A Rheological Perspective.

PubMed

Laity, Peter R; Holland, Chris

2016-08-08

Variability in silk's rheology is often regarded as an impediment to understanding or successfully copying the natural spinning process. We have previously reported such variability in unspun native silk extracted straight from the gland of the domesticated silkworm Bombyx mori and discounted classical explanations such as differences in molecular weight and concentration. We now report that variability in oscillatory measurements can be reduced onto a simple master-curve through normalizing with respect to the crossover. This remarkable result suggests that differences between silk feedstocks are rheologically simple and not as complex as originally thought. By comparison, solutions of poly(ethylene-oxide) and hydroxypropyl-methyl-cellulose showed similar normalization behavior; however, the resulting curves were broader than for silk, suggesting greater polydispersity in the (semi)synthetic materials. Thus, we conclude Nature may in fact produce polymer feedstocks that are more consistent than typical man-made counterparts as a model for future rheological investigations.

Western Pyrenees geodetic deformation study using the Guipuzcoa GNSS network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martín, Adriana; Sevilla, Miguel; Zurutuza, Joaquín

2018-07-01

The Basque Country in the north of Spain is located inside the Basque-Cantabrian basin of the western Pyrenees which remarkable seismic-tectonic implications justify the need of geodetic control in the area. In order to perform a crustal deformation study we have analysed all daily observations from the GNSS permanent network of Guipuzcoa and external IGS stations, from January 2007 to November 2011. We have carried out the data processing applying double differences methodology in the automatic processing module BPE (Bernese Processing Engine) from Bernese GNSS software version 5.0. Solution was aligned to geodetic reference framework ITRF2008, by using the IGS08 solution and updated satellite and terrestrial antennas calibration. This five years network study results: Coordinate time series, velocities and baseline lengths variations show internal stability among inner stations and from them with respect to outer IGS stations, concluding that no deformations have been observed.

Principles of Discrete Time Mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jaroszkiewicz, George

2014-04-01

1. Introduction; 2. The physics of discreteness; 3. The road to calculus; 4. Temporal discretization; 5. Discrete time dynamics architecture; 6. Some models; 7. Classical cellular automata; 8. The action sum; 9. Worked examples; 10. Lee's approach to discrete time mechanics; 11. Elliptic billiards; 12. The construction of system functions; 13. The classical discrete time oscillator; 14. Type 2 temporal discretization; 15. Intermission; 16. Discrete time quantum mechanics; 17. The quantized discrete time oscillator; 18. Path integrals; 19. Quantum encoding; 20. Discrete time classical field equations; 21. The discrete time Schrodinger equation; 22. The discrete time Klein-Gordon equation; 23. The discrete time Dirac equation; 24. Discrete time Maxwell's equations; 25. The discrete time Skyrme model; 26. Discrete time quantum field theory; 27. Interacting discrete time scalar fields; 28. Space, time and gravitation; 29. Causality and observation; 30. Concluding remarks; Appendix A. Coherent states; Appendix B. The time-dependent oscillator; Appendix C. Quaternions; Appendix D. Quantum registers; References; Index.

[Making a low cost IPSec router on Linux and the assessment for practical use].

PubMed

Amiki, M; Horio, M

2001-09-01

We installed Linux and FreeS/WAN on a PC/AT compatible machine to make an IPSec router. We measured the time of ping/ftp, only in the university, between the university and the external network. Between the university and the external network (the Internet), there were no differences. Therefore, we concluded that CPU load was not remarkable at low speed networks, because packets exchanged via the Internet are small, or compressions of VPN are more effective than encoding and decoding. On the other hand, in the university, the IPSec router performed down about 20-30% compared with normal IP communication, but this is not a serious problem for practical use. Recently, VPN machines are becoming cheaper, but they do not function sufficiently to create a fundamental VPN environment. Therefore, if one wants a fundamental VPN environment at a low cost, we believe you should select a VPN router on Linux.

e-Science and its implications.

PubMed

Hey, Tony; Trefethen, Anne

2003-08-15

After a definition of e-science and the Grid, the paper begins with an overview of the technological context of Grid developments. NASA's Information Power Grid is described as an early example of a 'prototype production Grid'. The discussion of e-science and the Grid is then set in the context of the UK e-Science Programme and is illustrated with reference to some UK e-science projects in science, engineering and medicine. The Open Standards approach to Grid middleware adopted by the community in the Global Grid Forum is described and compared with community-based standardization processes used for the Internet, MPI, Linux and the Web. Some implications of the imminent data deluge that will arise from the new generation of e-science experiments in terms of archiving and curation are then considered. The paper concludes with remarks about social and technological issues posed by Grid-enabled 'collaboratories' in both scientific and commercial contexts.

Melting of superheated molecular crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cubeta, Ulyana; Bhattacharya, Deepanjan; Sadtchenko, Vlad

2017-07-01

Melting dynamics of micrometer scale, polycrystalline samples of isobutane, dimethyl ether, methyl benzene, and 2-propanol were investigated by fast scanning calorimetry. When films are superheated with rates in excess of 105 K s-1, the melting process follows zero-order, Arrhenius-like kinetics until approximately half of the sample has transformed. Such kinetics strongly imply that melting progresses into the bulk via a rapidly moving solid-liquid interface that is likely to originate at the sample's surface. Remarkably, the apparent activation energies for the phase transformation are large; all exceed the enthalpy of vaporization of each compound and some exceed it by an order of magnitude. In fact, we find that the crystalline melting kinetics are comparable to the kinetics of dielectric α-relaxation in deeply supercooled liquids. Based on these observations, we conclude that the rate of non-isothermal melting for superheated, low-molecular-weight crystals is limited by constituent diffusion into an abnormally dense, glass-like, non-crystalline phase.

Iodoform gauze removes necrotic tissue from pressure ulcer wounds by fibrinolytic activity.

PubMed

Mizokami, Fumihiro; Murasawa, Yusuke; Furuta, Katsunori; Isogai, Zenzo

2012-01-01

Iodoform gauze is used in clinical practice for treatment of infected wounds. However, effectiveness and action mechanism of iodoform gauze for removal of necrotic tissue are unknown. We therefore employed case control and biochemical studies in order to clarify the pharmacological activity of iodoform gauze. A clinical study demonstrated that treatment with iodoform gauze removed necrotic tissue more effectively than treatment with conventional ointments. More than 60% of iodoform gauze-treated wounds were completely debrided within 2 weeks. Consistent with the clinical observation, biochemical analyses revealed clear differences in wound fluid proteins after treatment with iodoform gauze or conventional gauze. The amount of macroaggregates of type I collagen from wounds were remarkably decreased in iodoform gauze. Moreover, iodoform gauze and iodoform itself released non-aggregative type I collagen from necrotic debris in vitro. Taken together, we conclude that iodoform gauze efficiently removes necrotic tissue by its lytic activity for collagen fibers.

Torsional splittings in the diode laser slit-jet spectra of the ν6 fundamental of 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane (HCFC-142b)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

di Lauro, Carlo; D'Amico, Giuseppe; Snels, Marcel

2009-04-01

High resolution infrared spectra (0.001 cm -1 FWHM) have been measured for mixtures of 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane in Ne, expanded in a supersonic planar jet. The ν6 fundamental, infrared active with a dominant parallel transition moment, exhibits a remarkable splitting of about 0.035 cm -1 for both 35Cl and 37Cl isotopomers. Several mechanisms of interaction of ν6 with states with high torsional excitation are critically examined to explain the observed effect. It is concluded that the observed torsional splitting patterns can be explained in terms of a torsional Coriolis interaction between ν6 and a highly excited torsional mode, 6 ν18. A full numerical analysis, performed including a torsional Coriolis term in the Hamiltonian, shows that the interaction mechanism requires a torsional barrier height of about 1270 cm -1.

CT-guided percutaneous fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the inferior vena cava wall: a posterior coaxial approach.

PubMed

Kos, Sebastian; Bilecen, Deniz; Baumhoer, Daniel; Guillaume, Nicolas; Jacob, Augustinus L

2010-02-01

A 72-year-old man was referred to our department with an incidentally diagnosed bronchogenic carcinoma of the right upper lobe. Positron emission tomography (PET) combined with computed tomography (PET-CT) revealed an unexpected hot spot in the ventral wall of the infrarenal segment of the inferior vena cava (IVC). Diagnostic biopsy of this lesion was performed under CT guidance with semiautomated 20G fine-needle aspiration (FNA) through a 19G coaxial needle. Cytology revealed few carcinoma cells, which led to the remarkable diagnosis of a distant metastasis to the IVC wall. Both the immediate postinterventional CT control and the further surveillance period of the patient were unremarkable; in particular, no signs of bleeding complications were detected. We conclude that coaxial FNA of an IVC wall lesion is technically feasible and may even help diagnose distant metastasis.

ECG authentication in post-exercise situation.

PubMed

Dongsuk Sung; Jeehoon Kim; Myungjun Koh; Kwangsuk Park

2017-07-01

Human authentication based on electrocardiogram (ECG) has been a remarkable issue for recent ten years. This paper proposed an authentication technology with the ECG data recorded after the harsh exercise. 55 subjects voluntarily attended to this experiment. A stepper was used as an exercise equipment. The subjects are asked to do stepper for 5 minutes and their ECG signals are acquired before and after the exercise in rest, sitting posture. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used for both feature extraction and classification. Even though, within the first 1 minute recording, the subject recognition accuracy was 59.64%, which is too low to utilize, after one minute the accuracy was higher than 90% and it increased up to 96.22% within 5 minutes, which is plausible to use in authentication circumstances. Therefore, we have concluded that ECG authentication techniques will be able to be used after 1 minute of catching breath.

Medical Transport of Children with Complex Chronic Conditions

PubMed Central

Lerner, Carlos F.; Kelly, Robert B.; Hamilton, Leslie J.; Klitzner, Thomas S.

2012-01-01

One of the most notable trends in child health has been the increase in the number of children with special health care needs, including those with complex chronic conditions. Care of these children accounts for a growing fraction of health care resources. We examine recent developments in health care, especially with regard to medical transport and prehospital care, that have emerged to adapt to this remarkable demographic trend. One such development is the focus on care coordination, including the dissemination of the patient-centered medical home concept. In the prehospital setting, the need for greater coordination has catalyzed the development of the emergency information form. Training programs for prehospital providers now incorporate specific modules for children with complex conditions. Another notable trend is the shift to a family-centered model of care. We explore efforts toward regionalization of care, including the development of specialized pediatric transport teams, and conclude with recommendations for a research agenda. PMID:22315689

A Double Dusty Dilemma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farihi, Jay; Gansicke, Boris; Parsons, Steven

2015-04-01

We have serendipitously discovered the first metal-polluted white dwarf with what appears to be a circumbinary dust disk. Both the atmospheric metals and infrared excess were found by our team a few years ago, but only recently (and much to our surprise) did we measure a spectroscopic periodicity of 2.27 hr which unambiguously identifies this peculiar system as a close binary. Most remarkable for this DDT proposal is that the system must be (highly) dynamically unstable, as a companion and canonical dust disk occupy overlapping orbital regions. We therefore conclude the system must be in a high state of flux and propose a short, single observation with IRAC to compare with our prior flux measurements obtained in late 2009. Any change will prompt an observing campaign for detailed monitoring. We speculate we are witnessing a destructive event in real time, and if correct, this system may yield an unprecedented view into the long-term evolution of circumbinary planetary systems.

Four reversible and reconfigurable structures for three-phase emulsions: extended morphologies and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Xue-Hui; Geng, Yu-Hao; Zhang, Qiao-Chu; Shao, Meng; Chen, Jian; Luo, Guang-Sheng; Xu, Jian-Hong

2017-02-01

Here in this article, we classify and conclude the four morphologies of three-phase emulsions. Remarkably, we achieve the reversible transformations between every shape. Through theoretical analysis, we choose four liquid systems to form these four morphologies. Then monodispersed droplets with these four morphologies are formed through a microfluidic device and captured in a petri-dish. By replacing their ambient solution of the captured emulsions, in-situ morphology transformations between each shape are achieved. The process is well recorded through photographs and videos and they are systematical and reversible. Finally, we use the droplets structure to form an on-off switch to start and shut off the evaporation of one volatile phase to achieve the process monitoring. This could be used to initiate and quench a reaction, which offers a novel idea to achieve the switchable and reversible reaction control in multiple-phase reactions.

Reliability Analysis for AFTI-F16 SRFCS Using ASSIST and SURE

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, N. Eva

2001-01-01

This paper reports the results of a study on reliability analysis of an AFTI-16 Self-Repairing Flight Control System (SRFCS) using software tools SURE (Semi-Markov Unreliability Range Evaluator and ASSIST (Abstract Semi-Markov Specification Interface to the SURE Tool). The purpose of the study is to investigate the potential utility of the software tools in the ongoing effort of the NASA Aviation Safety Program, where the class of systems must be extended beyond the originally intended serving class of electronic digital processors. The study concludes that SURE and ASSIST are applicable to reliability, analysis of flight control systems. They are especially efficient for sensitivity analysis that quantifies the dependence of system reliability on model parameters. The study also confirms an earlier finding on the dominant role of a parameter called a failure coverage. The paper will remark on issues related to the improvement of coverage and the optimization of redundancy level.

CT-Guided Percutaneous Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of the Inferior Vena Cava Wall: A Posterior Coaxial Approach

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kos, Sebastian, E-mail: skos@gmx.de; Bilecen, Deniz; Baumhoer, Daniel

A 72-year-old man was referred to our department with an incidentally diagnosed bronchogenic carcinoma of the right upper lobe. Positron emission tomography (PET) combined with computed tomography (PET-CT) revealed an unexpected hot spot in the ventral wall of the infrarenal segment of the inferior vena cava (IVC). Diagnostic biopsy of this lesion was performed under CT guidance with semiautomated 20G fine-needle aspiration (FNA) through a 19G coaxial needle. Cytology revealed few carcinoma cells, which led to the remarkable diagnosis of a distant metastasis to the IVC wall. Both the immediate postinterventional CT control and the further surveillance period of themore » patient were unremarkable; in particular, no signs of bleeding complications were detected. We conclude that coaxial FNA of an IVC wall lesion is technically feasible and may even help diagnose distant metastasis.« less

Ablation of neurons expressing agouti-related protein, but not melanin concentrating hormone, in leptin-deficient mice restores metabolic functions and fertility

PubMed Central

Wu, Qi; Whiddon, Benjamin B.; Palmiter, Richard D.

2012-01-01

Leptin-deficient (Lepob/ob) mice are obese, diabetic, and infertile. Ablation of neurons that make agouti-related protein (AgRP) in moderately obese adult Lepob/ob mice caused severe anorexia. The mice stopped eating for 2 wk and then gradually recovered. Their body weight fell to within a normal range for WT mice, at which point food intake and glucose tolerance were restored to that of WT mice. Remarkably, both male and female Lepob/ob mice became fertile. Ablation of neurons that express melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) in adult Lepob/ob mice had no effect on food intake, body weight, or fertility, but resulted in improved glucose tolerance. We conclude that AgRP-expressing neurons play a critical role in mediating the metabolic syndrome and infertility of Lepob/ob mice, whereas MCH-expressing neurons have only a minor role. PMID:22232663

Potential hypoglycaemic activity phenolic glycosides from Moringa oleifera seeds.

PubMed

Wang, Fang; Zhong, Huan-Huan; Chen, Wei-Ke; Liu, Qing-Pu; Li, Cun-Yu; Zheng, Yun-Feng; Peng, Guo-Ping

2017-08-01

Moringa oleifera seed has remarkable curative effects on reducing blood pressure, blood sugar and enhancing human immunity. In this study, one novel phenolic glycoside (1) together with four known compounds 2-5 were isolated from the macroporous resin adsorption extract of M. oleifera seeds, and the compound 3 was reported for the first time from this plant. The structure of the new crystalline compound was determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses including mass spectrometry, 1D and 2D NMR experiments. The hypoglycaemic activity of isolated compounds was investigated with HepG2 cell and STZ-induced mice. It was found that compound 1, 4 and 5 could promote the glucose consumption of insulin resistance cells and reduce blood glucose levels of STZ-induced mice. This study concludes that compound 1, 4 and 5 may be developed as new and safe hypoglycaemic drugs.

Magnetic Field Effects in Hybrid Perovskite Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, C.; Sun, D.; Sheng, C.-X.; Zhai, Y.; Mielczarek, K.; Zakhidov, A.; Vardeny, Z. V.

2015-03-01

Solar cells based on the organic-inorganic perovskites (CH3NH3PbX3, X =halogen) have reached a remarkable power conversion efficiency approaching 20%, which calls for research studies of the photophysics behind this high device performance. We measured significant magneto-photocurrent (MPC) response in CH3NH3PbI3-xClx photovoltaic cells, in the form of Lorentzian up to field B = 1T. We attribute the MPC(B) response to spin mixing of loosely-bound photogenerated e-h pairs having different g-factor (dubbed `` Δg mechanism''). We verified this mechanism by measuring Δg directly, using the field induced circularly polarized photoluminescence emission at low temperature, along with the photocarriers' lifetime measured by picosecond pump-probe spectroscopy. We conclude that MPC of spin 1/2 e-h pairs provides a promising method for investigating the spin-related properties of photoexcitations in the novel hybrid perovskites.

Unusual Supernovae and Alternative Power Sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasen, Daniel

Recent observations have revealed a diverse class of peculiar supernovae, among them transients that are extremely luminous and unusually dim, or that evolve remarkably rapidly or slowly over time. The light curves of some of these events cannot be powered by ordinary energy sources such as the decay of radioactive isotopes. This chapter begins with a brief description of certain types of unusual supernovae and then reviews the basic physics of supernova light curves, deriving in a pedagogical way the analytic scalings that characterize the peak brightness and duration. After illustrating that ordinary power sources cannot explain all of the observed events, we turn to theoretical ideas involving less common mechanisms, such as energy injection from a long-lived central engine (a rapidly rotating magnetar or an accreting black hole). We conclude by speculating how alternative power sources may be manifest in observations of the assorted classes of peculiar supernovae.

Microalgal cultivation with biogas slurry for biofuel production.

PubMed

Zhu, Liandong; Yan, Cheng; Li, Zhaohua

2016-11-01

Microalgal growth requires a substantial amount of chemical fertilizers. An alternative to the utilization of fertilizer is to apply biogas slurry produced through anaerobic digestion to cultivate microalgae for the production of biofuels. Plenty of studies have suggested that anaerobic digestate containing high nutrient contents is a potentially feasible nutrient source to culture microalgae. However, current literature indicates a lack of review available regarding microalgal cultivation with biogas slurry for the production of biofuels. To help fill this gap, this review highlights the integration of digestate nutrient management with microalgal production. It first unveils the current status of microalgal production, providing basic background to the topic. Subsequently, microalgal cultivation technologies using biogas slurry are discussed in detail. A scale-up scheme for simultaneous biogas upgrade and digestate application through microalgal cultivation is then proposed. Afterwards, several uncertainties that might affect this practice are explored. Finally, concluding remarks are put forward. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Iatrogenic bronchial obstruction: study of 4 atopic children with bronchial obstruction induced by acetyl salicylic acid].

PubMed

De Luca, L; Vuillemier, P L; Principe, A M; Petrillo, T

1986-01-01

The authors have studied the modification of the spirometric parameters in four atopic children, during nonallergic diet, after administration of ASA (400 mg). The examination of the respiratory functionality has showed a fall of parameters starting four hours after the challenge and with an increase of respiratory resistance. This bronchospastic reaction persisted for about eighteen hours to diminish 24 h. after administration of 400 mg of ASA. The study of spirometric values has showed a remarkable fall of MMEF, sign of small airways obstruction, but also of FEV1-CV for the involvement of the higher airways. The authors attribute the reaction to the metabolites of arachidonic acid (Leukotrienes) and to their different receptor site on the bronchial mucous membrane target cells. The authors conclude showing the gravity of injury that will induce imprudent administration of ASA in hypersensitive subject.

When do people rely on affective and cognitive feelings in judgment? A review.

PubMed

Greifeneder, Rainer; Bless, Herbert; Pham, Michel Tuan

2011-05-01

Although people have been shown to rely on feelings to make judgments, the conditions that moderate this reliance have not been systematically reviewed and conceptually integrated. This article addresses this gap by jointly reviewing moderators of the reliance on both subtle affective feelings and cognitive feelings of ease-of-retrieval. The review revealed that moderators of the reliance on affective and cognitive feelings are remarkably similar and can be grouped into five major categories: (a) the salience of the feelings, (b) the representativeness of the feelings for the target, (c) the relevance of the feelings to the judgment, (d) the evaluative malleability of the judgment, and (e) the level of processing intensity. Based on the reviewed evidence, it is concluded that the use of feelings as information is a frequent event and a generally sensible judgmental strategy rather than a constant source of error. Avenues for future research are discussed.

Mandela restores morale of AIDS conference.

PubMed

Sidley, P

2000-07-22

During the 13th international AIDS conference in Durban, former president Nelson Mandela pulled the morale of the conference highlighting the need to confront the needs and concerns of those suffering and dying of HIV/AIDS in South Africa, mostly in sub-Saharan. He also stated that to challenge the grave threat posed by HIV and AIDS, efforts should be combined to save the people. This concluding remark was in direct contrast to the opening words of South Africa's current president, Thabo Mbeki, who failed to deal with the impression he has created internationally that he has doubts about the etiology of AIDS. In addition, the need to focus on the accessibility and affordability of treatment for HIV/AIDS or the opportunistic infections associated with it was highlighted. The conference focused on this issue with the help of AIDS activists, who emphasized that pharmaceutical companies needed to address how their drugs could reach those who most need them.

Omega-3 fatty acids and the benefits of fish consumption: is all that glitters gold?

PubMed

Domingo, José L

2007-10-01

In recent years, a number of studies have clearly remarked the nutritional benefits of fish consumption: proteins, vitamins, minerals, and especially omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which may protect against several adverse health effects, including coronary heart disease mortality and stroke. However, some concerns about potential health risks derived from the environmental contaminants found in fish have been also raised. Therefore, balancing adequately the risks and benefits of fish consumption is currently a nutritional/environmental health key issue. In this paper, the most recent available scientific information concerning this issue is reviewed. It is concluded that although it seems evident that fish must be an important part of a balanced diet, to choose the most suitable species in terms of levels of PUFAs and pollutants, the frequency of consumption, and the meal size are essential aspects to balance benefits and risks of a regular consumption.

Actin isoform specificity is required for the maintenance of lactation

PubMed Central

Weymouth, Nate; Shi, Zengdun; Rockey, Don C.

2014-01-01

Smooth muscle α-actin (Acta2) is one of six highly conserved mammalian actin isoforms that appear to exhibit functional redundancy. Nonetheless, we have postulated a specific functional role for the smooth muscle specific isoform. Here, we show that Acta2 deficient mice have a remarkable mammary phenotype such that dams lacking Acta2 are unable to nurse their offspring effectively. The phenotype was rescued in cross fostering experiments with wild type mice, excluding a developmental defect in Acta2 null pups. The mechanism for the underlying phenotype is due to myoepithelial dysfunction postpartum resulting in precocious involution. Further, we demonstrate a specific defect in myoepithelial cell contractility in Acta2 null mammary glands, despite normal expression of cytoplasmic actins. We conclude that Acta2 specifically mediates myoepithelial cell contraction during lactation and that this actin isoform therefore exhibits functional specificity. PMID:22123032

Report of the Committee on ethics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1994-01-01

On July 23, 1991, the Office of Government Ethics proposed a massive overhaul of the [open quotes]Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch.[close quotes] The purpose of the revision was to create a uniform set of standards for the officers and employees of the federal government. The goal of this report is to heighten the awareness of energy practitioners to a few of the facets of these regulations and some of the problems that attorneys may encounter in dealing with ethical matters under the scope of these regulations. Another goal is to make the energy bar awaremore » that the federal ethical regulations have been strongly criticized by many respected commentators. After a brief introduction, section II of the article addresses compensation of appearances, teaching, speaking, or writing. Section III discusses pro bono activities. Sections IV addresses changes in financial disclosure requirements. Section V contains some concluding remarks.« less

Parallel structures in human and computer memory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kanerva, P.

1986-01-01

If one thinks of our experiences as being recorded continuously on film, then human memory can be compared to a film library that is indexed by the contents of the film strips stored in it. Moreover, approximate retrieval cues suffice to retrieve information stored in this library. One recognizes a familiar person in a fuzzy photograph or a familiar tune played on a strange instrument. A computer memory that would allow a computer to recognize patterns and to recall sequences the way humans do is constructed. Such a memory is remarkably similiar in structure to a conventional computer memory and also to the neural circuits in the cortex of the cerebellum of the human brain. It is concluded that the frame problem of artificial intelligence could be solved by the use of such a memory if one were able to encode information about the world properly.

Towards Gravitating Discs around Stationary Black Holes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semerák, Oldřich

This article outlines the search for an exact general relativistic description of the exterior(vacuum) gravitational field of a rotating spheroidal black hole surrounded by a realistic axially symmetric disc of matter. The problem of multi-body stationary spacetimes is first exposed from the perspective of the relativity theory (section 1) and astrophysics (section 2), listing the basic methods employed and results obtained. Then (in section 3) basic formulas for stationary axisymmetric solutions are summarized. Sections 4 and 5 review what we have learnt with Miroslav Žáček and Tomáš Zellerin about certain static and stationary situations recently. Concluding remarks are given in section 6. Although the survey part is quite general, the list of references cannot be complete.Our main desideratum was the informative value rather than originality — novelties have been preferred, mainly reviews and those with detailed introductions.

Experimental demonstration of active vibration control for flexible structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, Douglas J.; Hyland, David C.; Collins, Emmanuel G., Jr.

1990-01-01

Active vibration control of flexible structures for future space missions is addressed. Three experiments that successfully demonstrate control of flexible structures are described. The first is the pendulum experiment. The structure is a 5-m compound pendulum and was designed as an end-to-end test bed for a linear proof mass actuator and its supporting electronics. Experimental results are shown for a maximum-entropy/optimal-projection controller designed to achieve 5 percent damping in the first two pendulum modes. The second experiment was based upon the Harris Multi-Hex prototype experiment (MHPE) apparatus. This is a large optical reflector structure comprising a seven-panel array and supporting truss which typifies a number of generic characteristics of large space systems. The third experiment involved control design and implementation for the ACES structure at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. The authors conclude with some remarks on the lessons learned from conducting these experiments.

Computational Social Science: Exciting Progress and Future Challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watts, Duncan

The past 15 years have witnessed a remarkable increase in both the scale and scope of social and behavioral data available to researchers, leading some to herald the emergence of a new field: ``computational social science.'' Against these exciting developments stands a stubborn fact: that in spite of many thousands of published papers, there has been surprisingly little progress on the ``big'' questions that motivated the field in the first place--questions concerning systemic risk in financial systems, problem solving in complex organizations, and the dynamics of epidemics or social movements, among others. In this talk I highlight some examples of research that would not have been possible just a handful of years ago and that illustrate the promise of CSS. At the same time, they illustrate its limitations. I then conclude with some thoughts on how CSS can bridge the gap between its current state and its potential.

76 FR 10004 - President's Export Council; Subcommittee on Export Administration; Notice of Open Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-23

... Security. 2. Opening remarks by the Chairman. 3. Presentation of papers or comments by the public. 4. Export Control Reform Update. 5. Administrative issues. The open session will be accessible via...

78 FR 5774 - Materials Technical Advisory Committee; Notice of Partially Closed Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-01-28

.... Remarks from BIS senior management. 3. Presentation by DuPont on the impact of Australia Group and Wassenaar membership for Mexico in particular. 4. Report of Composite Working Group and other working groups...

The Apollo Program and Lunar Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kuiper, Gerard P.

1973-01-01

Discusses the history of the Vanguard project and the findings in Ranger records and Apollo missions, including lunar topography, gravity anomalies, figure, and chemistry. Presented are speculative remarks on the research of the origin of the Moon. (CC)

SUPERCONDUCTING VANADIUM BASE ALLOY

DOEpatents

Cleary, H.J.

1958-10-21

A new vanadium-base alloy which possesses remarkable superconducting properties is presented. The alloy consists of approximately one atomic percent of palladium, the balance being vanadium. The alloy is stated to be useful in a cryotron in digital computer circuits.

Demodex canis regulates cholinergic system mediated immunosuppressive pathways in canine demodicosis.

PubMed

Kumari, P; Nigam, R; Singh, A; Nakade, U P; Sharma, A; Garg, S K; Singh, S K

2017-09-01

Demodex canis infestation in dogs remains one of the main challenges in veterinary dermatology. The exact pathogenesis of canine demodicosis is unknown but an aberration in immune status is considered very significant. No studies have underpinned the nexus between induction of demodicosis and neural immunosuppressive pathways so far. We have evaluated the involvement of cholinergic pathways in association with cytokines regulation as an insight into the immuno-pathogenesis of canine demodicosis in the present study. Remarkable elevations in circulatory immunosuppressive cytokine interleukin-10 and cholinesterase activity were observed in dogs with demodicosis. Simultaneously, remarkable reduction in circulatory pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-alpha level was observed in dogs with demodicosis. Findings of the present study evidently suggest that Demodex mites might be affecting the cholinergic pathways to induce immunosuppression in their host and then proliferate incessantly in skin microenvironment to cause demodicosis.

Complete Mitochondrial and Plastid Genomes of the Green Microalga Trebouxiophyceae sp. Strain MX-AZ01 Isolated from a Highly Acidic Geothermal Lake

PubMed Central

Martínez-Romero, Esperanza

2012-01-01

We report the complete organelle genome sequences of Trebouxiophyceae sp. strain MX-AZ01, an acidophilic green microalga isolated from a geothermal field in Mexico. This eukaryote has the remarkable ability to thrive in a particular shallow lake with emerging hot springs at the bottom, extremely low pH, and toxic heavy metal concentrations. Trebouxiophyceae sp. MX-AZ01 represents one of few described photosynthetic eukaryotes living in such a hostile environment. The organelle genomes of Trebouxiophyceae sp. MX-AZ01 are remarkable. The plastid genome sequence currently presents the highest G+C content for a trebouxiophyte. The mitochondrial genome sequence is the largest reported to date for the Trebouxiophyceae class of green algae. The analysis of the genome sequences presented here provides insight into the evolution of organelle genomes of trebouxiophytes and green algae. PMID:23104370

Comet assay with gill cells of Mytilus galloprovincialis end point tools for biomonitoring of water antibiotic contamination: Biological treatment is a reliable process for detoxification.

PubMed

Mustapha, Nadia; Zouiten, Amina; Dridi, Dorra; Tahrani, Leyla; Zouiten, Dorra; Mosrati, Ridha; Cherif, Ameur; Chekir-Ghedira, Leila; Mansour, Hedi Ben

2016-04-01

This article investigates the ability of Pseudomonas peli to treat industrial pharmaceuticals wastewater (PW). Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS)/MS analysis revealed the presence, in this PW, of a variety of antibiotics such as sulfathiazole, sulfamoxole, norfloxacine, cloxacilline, doxycycline, and cefquinome.P. peli was very effective to be grown in PW and inducts a remarkable increase in chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand (140.31 and 148.51%, respectively). On the other hand, genotoxicity of the studied effluent, before and after 24 h of shaking incubation with P. peli, was evaluated in vivo in the Mediterranean wild mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis using comet assay for quantification of DNA fragmentation. Results show that PW exhibited a statistically significant (p< 0.001) genotoxic effect in a dose-dependent manner; indeed, the percentage of genotoxicity was 122.6 and 49.5% after exposure to 0.66 ml/kg body weight (b.w.); 0.33 ml/kg b.w. of PW, respectively. However, genotoxicity decreased strongly when tested with the PW obtained after incubation with P. peli We can conclude that using comet assay genotoxicity end points are useful tools to biomonitor the physicochemical and biological quality of water. Also, it could be concluded that P. peli can treat and detoxify the studied PW. © The Author(s) 2013.

DISTANT CLUSTER OF GALAXIES [left

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2002-01-01

One of the deepest images to date of the universe, taken with NASA's Hubble Space Telescope (HST), reveals thousands of faint galaxies at the detection limit of present day telescopes. Peering across a large volume of the observable cosmos, Hubble resolves thousands of galaxies from five to twelve billion light-years away. The light from these remote objects has taken billions of years to cross the expanding universe, making these distant galaxies fossil evidence' of events that happened when the universe was one-third its present age. A fraction of the galaxies in this image belong to a cluster located nine billion light-years away. Though the field of view (at the cluster's distance) is only two million light-years across, it contains a multitude of fragmentary objects. (By comparison, the two million light-years between our Milky Way galaxy and its nearest large companion galaxy, in the constellation Andromeda, is essentially empty space!) Very few of the cluster's members are recognizable as normal spiral galaxies (like our Milky Way), although some elongated members might be edge-on disks. Among this zoo of odd galaxies are ``tadpole-like'' objects, disturbed and apparently merging systems dubbed 'train-wrecks,' and a multitude of faint, tiny shards and fragments, dwarf galaxies or possibly an unknown population of objects. However, the cluster also contains red galaxies that resemble mature examples of today's elliptical galaxies. Their red color comes from older stars that must have formed shortly after the Big Bang. The image is the full field view of the Wide Field and Planetary Camera-2. The picture was taken in intervals between May 11 and June 15, 1994 and required an 18-hour long exposure, over 32 orbits of HST, to reveal objects down to 29th magnitude. [bottom right] A close up view of the peculiar radio galaxy 3C324 used to locate the cluster. The galaxy is nine billion light-years away as measured by its spectral redshift (z=1.2), and located in the constellation Serpens. Based on the colors and the statistical distribution of the galaxies in 3C 324's vicinity, astronomers conclude a remote cluster is at the same distance as a radio galaxy. [center right] This pair of elliptical galaxies, seen together with a few fainter companions, is remarkably similar in shape, light distribution, and color to their present day descendants. This Hubble image provides evidence that ellipticals formed remarkably early in the universe. [top right] Some of the objects in this compact tangled group resemble today's spiral galaxies. However, they have irregular shapes and appear disrupted and asymmetric. This might be due to a high frequency of galaxy collisions and close encounters in the early universe. Credit: Mark Dickinson (STScI) and NASA

Employment and the Older Worker. A Summary of the Presentations. Statewide Conference (Columbus, Ohio, June 6-7, 1985).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ohio State Dept. of Aging, Columbus.

This publication contains summaries of the presentations from a conference on employment services for disadvantaged older workers. The opening remarks made by Joan A. Hammond and Kenneth M. Mahan are outlined. Summaries of the following papers are provided: "National Perspective on Older Worker Programs," by Ann Lordeman; "Older…

Proceedings of the Seventeeth Annual Meeting, Council of Graduate Schools in the United States.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ryan, John W., Ed.

In addition to opening remarks and a presentation on graduate education as a national resource, presentations are included on: the uses and limitations of dimensions of quality study; assessment of quality in master's degree programs; the graduate school in the university administration structure; creativity in graduate education; the uses of…

Proceedings from the National Presidents' Invitational Forum on Outreach (LaJolla, California, February 28-March 2, 1993).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kellogg Foundation, Battle Creek, MI.

This proceedings report presents forum presentations, transcripts from question and answer sessions, and remarks made at the national presidents invitational forum on outreach which address the capacity of individual leaders at institutions of higher education to embrace fundamental shifts in beliefs and values about leaders, about the process of…

Co-integrating plasmonics with Si3N4 photonics towards a generic CMOS compatible PIC platform for high-sensitivity multi-channel biosensors: the H2020 PlasmoFab approach (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsiokos, Dimitris M.; Dabos, George; Ketzaki, Dimitra; Weeber, Jean-Claude; Markey, Laurent; Dereux, Alain; Giesecke, Anna Lena; Porschatis, Caroline; Chmielak, Bartos; Wahlbrink, Thorsten; Rochracher, Karl; Pleros, Nikos

2017-05-01

Silicon photonics meet most fabrication requirements of standard CMOS process lines encompassing the photonics-electronics consolidation vision. Despite this remarkable progress, further miniaturization of PICs for common integration with electronics and for increasing PIC functional density is bounded by the inherent diffraction limit of light imposed by optical waveguides. Instead, Surface Plasmon Polariton (SPP) waveguides can guide light at sub-wavelength scales at the metal surface providing unique light-matter interaction properties, exploiting at the same time their metallic nature to naturally integrate with electronics in high-performance ASPICs. In this article, we demonstrate the main goals of the recently introduced H2020 project PlasmoFab towards addressing the ever increasing needs for low energy, small size and high performance mass manufactured PICs by developing a revolutionary yet CMOS-compatible fabrication platform for seamless co-integration of plasmonics with photonic and supporting electronic. We demonstrate recent advances on the hosting SiN photonic hosting platform reporting on low-loss passive SiN waveguide and Grating Coupler circuits for both the TM and TE polarization states. We also present experimental results of plasmonic gold thin-film and hybrid slot waveguide configurations that can allow for high-sensitivity sensing, providing also the ongoing activities towards replacing gold with Cu, Al or TiN metal in order to yield the same functionality over a CMOS metallic structure. Finally, the first experimental results on the co-integrated SiN+plasmonic platform are demonstrated, concluding to an initial theoretical performance analysis of the CMOS plasmo-photonic biosensor that has the potential to allow for sensitivities beyond 150000nm/RIU.

A numerical simulation of the water vapor bubble rising in ferrofluid by volume of fluid model in the presence of a magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shafiei Dizaji, A.; Mohammadpourfard, M.; Aminfar, H.

2018-03-01

Multiphase flow is one of the most complicated problems, considering the multiplicity of the related parameters, especially the external factors influences. Thus, despite the recent developments more investigations are still required. The effect of a uniform magnetic field on the hydrodynamics behavior of a two-phase flow with different magnetic permeability is presented in this article. A single water vapor bubble which is rising inside a channel filled with ferrofluid has been simulated numerically. To capture the phases interface, the Volume of Fluid (VOF) model, and to solve the governing equations, the finite volume method has been employed. Contrary to the prior anticipations, while the consisting fluids of the flow are dielectric, uniform magnetic field causes a force acting normal to the interface toward to the inside of the bubble. With respect to the applied magnetic field direction, the bubble deformation due to the magnetic force increases the bubble rising velocity. Moreover, the higher values of applied magnetic field strength and magnetic permeability ratio resulted in the further increase of the bubble rising velocity. Also it is indicated that the flow mixing and the heat transfer rate is increased by a bubble injection and applying a magnetic field. The obtained results have been concluded that the presented phenomenon with applying a magnetic field can be used to control the related characteristics of the multiphase flows. Compared to the previous studies, implementing the applicable cases using the common and actual materials and a significant reduction of the CPU time are the most remarkable advantages of the current study.

Causes of plant diversification in the Cape biodiversity hotspot of South Africa.

PubMed

Schnitzler, Jan; Barraclough, Timothy G; Boatwright, James S; Goldblatt, Peter; Manning, John C; Powell, Martyn P; Rebelo, Tony; Savolainen, Vincent

2011-05-01

The Cape region of South Africa is one of the most remarkable hotspots of biodiversity with a flora comprising more than 9000 plant species, almost 70% of which are endemic, within an area of only ± 90,000 km2. Much of the diversity is due to an exceptionally large contribution of just a few clades that radiated substantially within this region, but little is known about the causes of these radiations. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of plant diversification, using near complete species-level phylogenies of four major Cape clades (more than 470 species): the genus Protea, a tribe of legumes (Podalyrieae) and two speciose genera within the iris family (Babiana and Moraea), representing three of the seven largest plant families in this biodiversity hotspot. Combining these molecular phylogenetic data with ecological and biogeographical information, we tested key hypotheses that have been proposed to explain the radiation of the Cape flora. Our results show that the radiations started throughout the Oligocene and Miocene and that net diversification rates have remained constant through time at globally moderate rates. Furthermore, using sister-species comparisons to assess the impact of different factors on speciation, we identified soil type shifts as the most important cause of speciation in Babiana, Moraea, and Protea, whereas shifts in fire-survival strategy is the most important factor for Podalyrieae. Contrary to previous findings in other groups, such as orchids, pollination syndromes show a high degree of phylogenetic conservatism, including groups with a large number of specialized pollination syndromes like Moraea. We conclude that the combination of complex environmental conditions together with relative climatic stability promoted high speciation and/or low extinction rates as the most likely scenario leading to present-day patterns of hyperdiversity in the Cape.

Regional overview of Latin American and Caribbean energy production, consumption, and future growth. Report series No. 1

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wu, K.

1994-07-01

The Latin American and Caribbean region - comprising Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean - is relatively well endowed with energy resources, although the distribution of these resources is uneven across countries. The region produces more energy than it consumes, and the surplus energy, which amounts to 3.6 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d), is mostly oil. While the region`s total oil (crude and products) exports decreased from 4.4 million barrels per day (b/d) in 1981 to 3.8 million b/d in 1992, its net oil exports increased from about 1.6 million b/d in 1981 to 2.8more » million b/d in 1992. In 1993, the surplus oil in Latin America and the Caribbean remained at 2.8 million b/d. This report analyzes the key issues of the Latin American and Caribbean energy industry and presents the future outlook for oil, gas, coal, hydroelectricity, and nuclear power developments in the region. In addition, the status of biomass energy, geothermal, and other noncommercial energy in the region will be briefly discussed in the context of overall energy development. The rest of the report is organized as follows: Section II assesses the current situation of Latin American and Caribbean energy production and consumption, covering primary energy supply, primary energy consumption, downstream petroleum sector development, and natural gas utilization. Section III presents the results of our study of future energy growth in Latin America. Important hydrocarbons policy issues in the region are discussed in Section IV, and a summary and concluding remarks are provided in Section V.« less

Genotype Analysis of Bacillus anthracis Strains Circulating in Bangladesh.

PubMed

Rume, Farzana Islam; Affuso, Alessia; Serrecchia, Luigina; Rondinone, Valeria; Manzulli, Viviana; Campese, Emanuele; Di Taranto, Pietro; Biswas, Paritosh Kumar; Ahsan, Chowdhury Rafiqul; Yasmin, Mahmuda; Fasanella, Antonio; Hugh-Jones, Martin

2016-01-01

In Bangladesh, anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is considered an endemic disease affecting ruminants with sporadic zoonotic occurrences in humans. Due to the lack of knowledge about risks from an incorrect removal of infected carcasses, the disease is not properly monitored, and because of the socio-economic conditions, the situation is under-reported and under-diagnosed. For sensitive species, anthrax represents a fatal outcome with sudden death and sometimes bleeding from natural orifices. The most common source of infection for ruminants is ingestion of spores during grazing in contaminated pastures or through grass and water contaminated with anthrax spores. Domestic cattle, sheep and goats can also become infected through contaminated bone meal (used as feed) originating from anthrax-infected carcasses. The present investigation was conducted to isolate B. anthracis organisms from 169 samples (73 soil, 1 tissue, 4 bone and 91 bone meal samples) collected from 12 different districts of Bangladesh. The sampling was carried out from 2012 to 2015. Twelve samples resulted positive for B. anthracis. Biomolecular analyses were conducted starting from the Canonical Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (CanSNP) to analyze the phylogenetic origin of strains. The analysis of genotype, obtained through the Multiple Locus Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA) with the analysis of 15 Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTR), demonstrated four different genotypes: two of them were previously identified in the district of Sirajganj. The sub-genotyping, conducted with Single Nucleotide Repeats analysis, revealed the presence of eight subgenotypes. The data of the present study concluded that there was no observed correlation between imported cattle feed and anthrax occurrence in Bangladesh and that the remarkable genetic variations of B. anthracis were found in the soil of numerous outbreaks in this country.

Genotype Analysis of Bacillus anthracis Strains Circulating in Bangladesh

PubMed Central

Rume, Farzana Islam; Affuso, Alessia; Serrecchia, Luigina; Rondinone, Valeria; Manzulli, Viviana; Campese, Emanuele; Di Taranto, Pietro; Biswas, Paritosh Kumar; Ahsan, Chowdhury Rafiqul; Yasmin, Mahmuda; Fasanella, Antonio; Hugh-Jones, Martin

2016-01-01

In Bangladesh, anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is considered an endemic disease affecting ruminants with sporadic zoonotic occurrences in humans. Due to the lack of knowledge about risks from an incorrect removal of infected carcasses, the disease is not properly monitored, and because of the socio-economic conditions, the situation is under-reported and under-diagnosed. For sensitive species, anthrax represents a fatal outcome with sudden death and sometimes bleeding from natural orifices. The most common source of infection for ruminants is ingestion of spores during grazing in contaminated pastures or through grass and water contaminated with anthrax spores. Domestic cattle, sheep and goats can also become infected through contaminated bone meal (used as feed) originating from anthrax-infected carcasses. The present investigation was conducted to isolate B. anthracis organisms from 169 samples (73 soil, 1 tissue, 4 bone and 91 bone meal samples) collected from 12 different districts of Bangladesh. The sampling was carried out from 2012 to 2015. Twelve samples resulted positive for B. anthracis. Biomolecular analyses were conducted starting from the Canonical Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (CanSNP) to analyze the phylogenetic origin of strains. The analysis of genotype, obtained through the Multiple Locus Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA) with the analysis of 15 Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTR), demonstrated four different genotypes: two of them were previously identified in the district of Sirajganj. The sub-genotyping, conducted with Single Nucleotide Repeats analysis, revealed the presence of eight subgenotypes. The data of the present study concluded that there was no observed correlation between imported cattle feed and anthrax occurrence in Bangladesh and that the remarkable genetic variations of B. anthracis were found in the soil of numerous outbreaks in this country. PMID:27082248

Competition and compensation

PubMed Central

Manor, Uri; Grati, M'hamed; Yengo, Christopher M.; Kachar, Bechara; Gov, Nir S.

2012-01-01

Stereocilia are actin protrusions with remarkably well-defined lengths and organization. A flurry of recent papers has reported multiple myosin motor proteins involved in regulating stereocilia structures by transporting actin-regulatory cargo to the tips of stereocilia.1-13 In our recent paper, we show that two paralogous class 3 myosins — Myo3a and Myo3b — both transport the actin-regulatory protein Espin 1 (Esp1) to stereocilia and filopodia tips in a remarkably similar, albeit non-identical fashion.1 Here we present experimental and computational data that suggests that subtle differences between these two proteins’ biophysical and biochemical properties can help us understand how these myosin species target and regulate the lengths of actin protrusions. PMID:22954581

Implicit and Explicit Mechanisms of Word Learning in a Narrative Context: An Event-Related Potential Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Batterink, Laura; Neville, Helen

2011-01-01

The vast majority of word meanings are learned simply by extracting them from context rather than by rote memorization or explicit instruction. Although this skill is remarkable, little is known about the brain mechanisms involved. In the present study, ERPs were recorded as participants read stories in which pseudowords were presented multiple…

Highlights of 1978 activities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

General highlights of NASA's activities for 1978 are presented. The highlights are categorized into topics such as space science, space transportation systems, space and terrestrial applications, environment, technology utilization, aeronautics, space research and technology, energy programs, and international. A list of the 1978 launches including: (1) launch date; (2) payload designation; (3) launch vehicle; (4) launch site and (5) mission remarks is also presented.

Young People in Croatia in Times of Crisis and Some Remarks about Citizenship Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mrnjaus, Kornelija; Vrcelj, Sofija; Zlokovic, Jasminka

2014-01-01

In this paper, the authors address the youth as a research phenomenon and present the current position of young people in the Croatian society. The authors exhibit interesting results of a recent study of youth in Croatia and present the results of their research conducted among Croatian students aiming to explore the attitudes of young people and…

77 FR 30500 - President's Export Council; Subcommittee on Export Administration; Notice of Open Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-23

... security and foreign policy reasons. Agenda 1. Opening remarks by the Chairman and Vice Chairman. 2. Export Control Reform Update. 3. Presentation of Papers or Comments by the Public. 4. Working Group Updates. 5...

77 FR 50463 - President's Export Council Subcommittee on Export Administration; Notice of Partially Closed Meeting

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-08-21

... security and foreign policy reasons. Agenda Open Session 1. Opening remarks by the Chairman and Vice Chairman. 2. Export Control Reform Update. 3. Presentation of Papers or Comments by the Public. 4. Working...

Remarks on regular black holes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicolini, Piero; Smailagic, Anais; Spallucci, Euro

Recently, it has been claimed by Chinaglia and Zerbini that the curvature singularity is present even in the so-called regular black hole solutions of the Einstein equations. In this brief note, we show that this criticism is devoid of any physical content.

Cracking complex taxonomy of Costa Rican moths: Anacrusis Zeller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Remarkably similar forewing patterns, striking sexual dimorphism, and rampant sympatry all combine to present a taxonomically and morphologically bewildering complex of five species of Anacrusis tortricid moths in Central America: Anacrusis turrialbae Razowski, Anacrusis piriferana (Zeller), Anacrus...

The history specialist in psychology: From avocation to professionalization.

PubMed

Barnes, Marissa E; Greer, Scott

2016-08-01

This article focuses on the history of psychology as a core area in the field of psychology. Does the discipline recognize the contributions of historical research, or does the history of psychology only serve a pedagogical function in the discipline? Our concerns center on the relationship (or lack thereof) between pedagogy and research in the academy. This stems from the fact that historical research is not viewed as contributing to the advancement of the field both professionally and pedagogically. We summarize the pedagogical function that the history of psychology serves in the academic discipline, as well as its status for professionalism in psychology. Moving from the U.S. and Canadian context, we address the status of the history and philosophy of psychology within Britain and Ireland. This comparative analysis allows us to remark more broadly on the issue of professionalism for psychologists as it pertains to the requirement of the history of psychology for advancement in the field (from undergraduate student to practitioner in the field). We also discuss the issue of professionalism for historians of psychology. Specifically, what does it mean to identify as a historian of psychology, and what challenges emerge from specializing in this area? We conclude with remarks suggesting that strength in this area is derived from a combination of both teaching and research activities. We suggest that the development of a stronger community among historical researchers (despite epistemological differences) may be a way forward, and suggest where future work might head on these topics. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved).

Identification of gravitropic response indicator genes in Arabidopsis inflorescence stems

PubMed Central

Taniguchi, Masatoshi; Nakamura, Moritaka; Tasaka, Masao; Morita, Miyo Terao

2014-01-01

Differential organ growth during gravitropic response is caused by differential accumulation of auxin, that is, relative higher auxin concentration in lower flanks than in upper flanks of responding organs. Auxin responsive reporter systems such as DR5::GUS and DR5::GFP have usually been used as indicators of gravitropic response in roots and hypocotyls of Arabidopsis. However, in the inflorescence stems, the reporter systems don’t work well to monitor gravitropic response. Here, we aim to certify appropriate gravitropic response indicators (GRIs) in inflorescence stems. We performed microarray analysis comparing gene expression profiles between upper and lower flanks of Arabidopsis inflorescence stems after gravistimulation. Thirty genes showed > 2-fold differentially increased expression in lower flanks at 30 min, of which 19 were auxin response genes. We focused on IAA5 and IAA2 and verified whether they are appropriate GRIs by real-time qRT-PCR analyses. Transcript levels of IAA5 and IAA2 were remarkably higher in lower flanks than in upper flanks after gravistimulation. The biased IAA5 or IAA2 expression is disappeared in sgr2–1 mutant which is defective in gravity perception, indicating that gravity perception process is essential for formation of the biased gene expression during gravitropism. IAA5 expression was remarkably increased in lower flanks at 30 min after gravistimulation, whereas IAA2 expression was gradually decreased in upper flanks in a time-dependent manner. Therefore, we conclude that IAA5 is a sensitive GRI to monitor asymmetric auxin signaling caused by gravistimulation in Arabidopsis inflorescence stems. PMID:25763694

On the impacts of traditional Chinese culture on organ donation.

PubMed

Cai, Yu

2013-04-01

This article examines the impact of traditional Chinese culture on organ donation from the perspective of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. In each of these cultural systems, it appears that there are some particular sayings or remarks that are often taken in modern Chinese society to be contrary to organ donation, especially cadaveric organ donation. However, this article argues that the central concerns of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism are "great love," "ren," and "dao," which can be reasonably interpreted to support organ donation. The author understands that each cultural system, in order to play its cultural function, must have its central concerns as well as relevant ritual practices (li) that incarnate its religious and ethical commitments. That is, each plays a general cultural role, which influences organ donation in particular not merely through abstract or general ethical principles and teachings, but through a combination of ethical teachings and the forming of particular ritual practices. This article contends that the primary reason Chinese individuals fail to donate sufficient cadaveric organs for transplantation is not because particular remarks or sayings from each of these systems appear to conflict with donation. Neither is it that the central concerns of these systems cannot support cadaveric donation. Rather, it is that modern Chinese individuals have failed to develop and secure relevant ritual practices that support the central concerns of organ transplantation. The article concludes that in order to promote more donations, there is a need to form relevant ritual practices supporting organ donation in conformity with the central concerns of these cultural systems.

A silencing-mediated enhancement of osteogenic differentiation by supramolecular ternary siRNA polyplexes comprising biocleavable cationic polyrotaxanes and anionic fusogenic peptides.

PubMed

Inada, Takasuke; Tamura, Atsushi; Terauchi, Masahiko; Yamaguchi, Satoshi; Yui, Nobuhiko

2018-01-30

Gene silencing of noggin by small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a promising approach for the treatment of bone defects, because noggin deactivates bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and suppresses osteogenic differentiation. Here, we demonstrated the silencing of the noggin gene by siRNA polyplexes composed of noggin-targeted siRNA and biocleavable cationic polyrotaxanes (DMAE-SS-PRX). To improve the endosomal escape efficiencies of the DMAE-SS-PRX/siRNA polyplexes, anionic and fusogenic GALA peptides were integrated onto the DMAE-SS-PRX/siRNA polyplexes via simple electrostatic interactions. The formation of ternary complexes was confirmed by gel electrophoresis, dynamic light scattering, and zeta-potential measurements. Although the association of GALA peptides with the DMAE-SS-PRX/siRNA polyplexes did not remarkably affect the cellular uptake efficiency of siRNA, the endosomal escape efficiency was remarkably increased for GALA/DMAE-SS-PRX/siRNA ternary polyplexes because of the endosomal and lysosomal membrane destabilization by GALA peptides. Consequently, GALA/DMAE-SS-PRX/siRNA ternary polyplexes showed significantly higher gene silencing efficiency against noggin and enhanced the BMP-2-mediated osteogenic differentiation efficiency. Therefore, we concluded that GALA/DMAE-SS-PRX/siRNA ternary polyplexes can be effective siRNA carriers for suppressing the expression of specific endogenous genes. Consequently, we believe that a more practical approach in vivo will be the combined use of BMP-2 and GALA/DMAE-SS-PRX/siRNA ternary polyplexes, because it will improve the efficacy of bone regeneration therapy.

PREFACE: The Sixth International Conference on Gravitation & Cosmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Date, Ghanashyam; Souradeep, Tarun

2008-07-01

The sixth International Conference on Gravitation & Cosmology (ICGC-2007) was organized at IUCAA, Pune, 17-21 December 2007. This series of international meetings, held every four years under the auspices of the Indian Association for General Relativity and Gravitation (IAGRG), has now spanned two decades. Previous ICGC meetings were held at Cochin University of Science and Technology (2004), Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (2000), IUCAA, Pune (1995), Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad (1991) & Goa (1987). These meetings have broad international participation and feature leading experts in the field of Cosmology, gravitational waves and quantum gravity. The frontier of research in Gravitation and Cosmology has seen remarkable progress in the past decades. On the theoretical front, black holes and cosmological singularities continue to challenge and attract quantum gravity researchers. The quest for the detection of Gravitational waves and the promise of gravitational wave astronomy continues to grow and breakthroughs of the past couple of years indicate that numerical relativity is catching up too. The past few years have also seen very ambitious experimental efforts to verify general relativity as the theory of gravitation. Cosmology has been veritably transformed into a precision science with the tremendous improvement in the quantity and quality of cosmological observations. The exquisite measurements not only allow refinement of the cosmological model parameters but have begun to allow observational tests of underlying fundamental assumptions and hunt for subtle deviations that could be the key to understanding the early universe. The sixth meeting brought together active scientists from all over the globe to present the state of the art at the frontiers of research. It also offered younger Indian researchers an opportunity for interaction with experts from within India and abroad. The meeting was attended by over 160 participants. The scientific programme had 21 plenary talks on current theoretical, observational and experimental topics in Cosmology, General Relativity, detection of gravitational waves, and various approaches to Quantum gravity. The meeting also included three intensive parallel workshops focused on Cosmology, Classical General Relativity & Gravitational waves and Quantum Gravity, respectively. The workshops had around 75 oral presentations. The immensely rich and diverse scientific programme was highlighted in the concluding remarks by the late Professor Juergen Ehlers. A public lecture on `Oldest light in the Universe' by NASA scientist, Professor Gary Hinshaw, who is a member of the WMAP team (formerly, also a member of the COBE-DMR team that won the Nobel prize in 2006) was also organized as part of ICGC-07 and drew sizable audience from the public in Pune. The proceedings contains articles by the plenary speakers, the concluding remarks and a summary of each of the three workshops. We also include an obituary for Professor Juergen Ehlers, who passed away on 20 May 2008. The sentiments expressed in the obituary are shared by the editors and members of IAGRG. Professor Ehlers had participated very actively during the meeting and delivered an excellent concluding talk on the conference. We are indeed fortunate to able to include in this volume, what is perhaps, his last article. A possible reflection of the tight schedule of researchers in the booming period of research in Cosmology and Gravitation is the number of missing articles by plenary speakers. Due to various reasons, we were able to get only 11 of the 21 plenary talks for publication in this volume. In order to ensure that the volume is published within a year of the conference, we decided to publish the proceedings with the available articles. The meeting was financially supported by generous contribution from Indian organizations: ISRO, CSIR, DST, BNRS and IAGRG; and from Indian institutes: HRI (Allahabad), IIA (Bangalore), IMSc (Chennai), RRI (Bangalore), SINP (Kolkata) and IUCAA. The conference banquet was sponsored by Hewlett-Packard and the reception dinner was sponsored by the Bank of Baroda. We thank them all. It is a pleasure to thank Professor Naresh Dadhich, Director, IUCAA, members of the IAGRG council, members of the SOC and members of the LOC for their pivotal role in the organization of the conference, and the speakers, the participants, and the IUCAA staff for their efforts which made the sixth ICGC a very successful meeting. Ghanashyam Date Institute for Mathematical Science, Chennai Tarun Souradeep Inter-University Centre for Astronomy & Astrophysics, Pune Scientific Organizing Committee Ghanashyam Date (Chairman, SOC, IMSc, India) Abhay Ashtekar (Pennsylvania State Univ., US) Bhuvnesh Jain (Univ. of Pennsylvania, US) Carlo Rovelli (CPT, Marseille, France) Clifford M. Will (Washington Univ., US) Gabriela Gonza'lez (Lousiana State Univ., US) Hideo Kodama (Kyoto Univ. Japan) John Ellis (CERN, Switzerland) Luc Blanchet (IAP, France) Madhavan Varadarajan (RRI, India) Masaru Shibata (Univ. of Tokyo, Japan) Narayan Banerjee (Jadavpur Univ. India) Parthasarathi Mitra (SINP, India) Rajesh Gopakumar (HRI, India) Sanjeev Dhurandhar (IUCAA, India) Somnath Bharadwaj (IITKGP, India) Subhendra Mohanty (PRL, India) Subir Sarkar (Univ. of Oxford, UK) Tarun Souradeep (IUCAA, India) T. P. Singh (TIFR, India) Local Organizing Committee Tarun Souradeep (Chairman, LOC) Biswajit Pandey Gaurang Mahajan Manjiri Mahabal Maulik Parikh Minu Joy Moumita Aich Niranjan Abhyankar Nirupama Bawdekar Ratna Rao Saugata Chatterjee Savita Dalvi Sharanya Sur Snehlata Shankar Subharthi Ray Sudhanshu Barway Tuhin Ghosh Plenary Speakers and Talks The Plenary Talks are available at http://meghnad.iucaa.ernet.in/~icgc07/ Gary Hinshaw Status of WMAP Data Andrew Jaffe The Future of CMB Studies Subir Sarkar Cosmology beyond the Standard Model HongSheng Zhao Dark Matter and Dark Energy: Puzzles and an Alternative Solution Subhabrata Majumdar Cosmology with Clusters David Langlois Cosmological Perturbations from Inflation John Conklin The Gravity Probe B Experiment and Results B. Sathyaprakash Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology with Gravitational Waves Rana Adhikari Survey of Gravitational Waves Experiments John Baker Survey of Numerical Relativity Results Maria Alessandra Papa Data Analysis for Gravitational Wave Detectors Alessandra Buonanno Interfacing analytical and numerical relativity in modeling binary black hole coalescences Andy Fabian X-ray detection of spinning black hole Alejandro Corichi Black Holes in Loop Quantum Gravity Madhavan Varadarajan Black Hole Information Loss Puzzle in LQG Parampreet Singh Big Bang Singularity Resolution in Loop Quantum Cosmology Sumit Das Cosmological Singularities in String Theory and Gauge-Gravity Duality Samir Mathur What do black holes tell us about the state of the early Universe? Martin Reuter Asymptotic Safety in Quantum Gravity Keiichi Maeda Beyond the Einstein-Hilbert Action Jurgen Ehlers Concluding Remarks

What Makes Us Smell: The Biochemistry of Body Odour and the Design of New Deodorant Ingredients.

PubMed

Natsch, Andreas

2015-08-19

Today, axilla odours are socially stigmatized and are targeted with deodorants and antiperspirants representing a multi-billion market. Axilla odours aren't simple byproducts of our metabolism but specifically formed by an intricate interplay between i) specific glands, ii) secreted amino acid conjugates of highly specific odorants and iii) selective enzymes present in microorganisms colonizing our skin, providing a natural 'controlled-release' mechanism. Within a multidisciplinary research project, we were able to elucidate the structure of key body odorants, isolate and characterize secreted amino acid conjugates and identify the enzymes responsible for odour release. These enzymes then served as targets for the development of specific active compounds in an almost medicinal chemistry approach, an approach rarely used in the cosmetic field so far. Here we review the key new insights into the biochemistry of human body odour formation, with some remarks on the experimental steps undertaken and hurdles encountered. The development of deodorant actives and the difficult path to market for such specifically acting cosmetic actives is discussed. The basic insights into the biochemistry also opened the way to address some questions in population genetics: Why have large proportions of Asians lost the 'ability' to form body odours? Do twins smell the same? Are our typical body odours indeed influenced by the immune system as often claimed? After addressing these questions, I'll conclude with the key remaining challenges in this field on an ecological niche that is 'anatomically very close to our heart'.

What Makes Us Smell: The Biochemistry of Body Odour and the Design of New Deodorant Ingredients.

PubMed

Natsch, Andreas

2015-01-01

Today, axilla odours are socially stigmatized and are targeted with deodorants and antiperspirants representing a multi-billion market. Axilla odours aren't simple byproducts of our metabolism but specifically formed by an intricate interplay between i) specific glands, ii) secreted amino acid conjugates of highly specific odorants and iii) selective enzymes present in microorganisms colonizing our skin, providing a natural 'controlled-release' mechanism. Within a multidisciplinary research project, we were able to elucidate the structure of key body odorants, isolate and characterize secreted amino acid conjugates and identify the enzymes responsible for odour release. These enzymes then served as targets for the development of specific active compounds in an almost medicinal chemistry approach, an approach rarely used in the cosmetic field so far. Here we review the key new insights into the biochemistry of human body odour formation, with some remarks on the experimental steps undertaken and hurdles encountered. The development of deodorant actives and the difficult path to market for such specifically acting cosmetic actives is discussed. The basic insights into the biochemistry also opened the way to address some questions in population genetics: Why have large proportions of Asians lost the 'ability' to form body odours? Do twins smell the same? Are our typical body odours indeed influenced by the immune system as often claimed? After addressing these questions, I'll conclude with the key remaining challenges in this field on an ecological niche that is 'anatomically very close to our heart'.

Leg stiffness and stride frequency in human running.

PubMed

Farley, C T; González, O

1996-02-01

When humans and other mammals run, the body's complex system of muscle, tendon and ligament springs behaves like a single linear spring ('leg spring'). A simple spring-mass model, consisting of a single linear leg spring and a mass equivalent to the animal's mass, has been shown to describe the mechanics of running remarkably well. Force platform measurements from running animals, including humans, have shown that the stiffness of the leg spring remains nearly the same at all speeds and that the spring-mass system is adjusted for higher speeds by increasing the angle swept by the leg spring. The goal of the present study is to determine the relative importance of changes to the leg spring stiffness and the angle swept by the leg spring when humans alter their stride frequency at a given running speed. Human subjects ran on treadmill-mounted force platform at 2.5ms-1 while using a range of stride frequencies from 26% below to 36% above the preferred stride frequency. Force platform measurements revealed that the stiffness of the leg spring increased by 2.3-fold from 7.0 to 16.3 kNm-1 between the lowest and highest stride frequencies. The angle swept by the leg spring decreased at higher stride frequencies, partially offsetting the effect of the increased leg spring stiffness on the mechanical behavior of the spring-mass system. We conclude that the most important adjustment to the body's spring system to accommodate higher stride frequencies is that leg spring becomes stiffer.

Lattice QCD Thermodynamics and RHIC-BES Particle Production within Generic Nonextensive Statistics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tawfik, Abdel Nasser

2018-05-01

The current status of implementing Tsallis (nonextensive) statistics on high-energy physics is briefly reviewed. The remarkably low freezeout-temperature, which apparently fails to reproduce the firstprinciple lattice QCD thermodynamics and the measured particle ratios, etc. is discussed. The present work suggests a novel interpretation for the so-called " Tsallis-temperature". It is proposed that the low Tsallis-temperature is due to incomplete implementation of Tsallis algebra though exponential and logarithmic functions to the high-energy particle-production. Substituting Tsallis algebra into grand-canonical partition-function of the hadron resonance gas model seems not assuring full incorporation of nonextensivity or correlations in that model. The statistics describing the phase-space volume, the number of states and the possible changes in the elementary cells should be rather modified due to interacting correlated subsystems, of which the phase-space is consisting. Alternatively, two asymptotic properties, each is associated with a scaling function, are utilized to classify a generalized entropy for such a system with large ensemble (produced particles) and strong correlations. Both scaling exponents define equivalence classes for all interacting and noninteracting systems and unambiguously characterize any statistical system in its thermodynamic limit. We conclude that the nature of lattice QCD simulations is apparently extensive and accordingly the Boltzmann-Gibbs statistics is fully fulfilled. Furthermore, we found that the ratios of various particle yields at extreme high and extreme low energies of RHIC-BES is likely nonextensive but not necessarily of Tsallis type.

Efficacy of Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown essential oil and its monoterpene aldehyde constituents against fungi isolated from some edible legume seeds and aflatoxin B1 production.

PubMed

Shukla, Ravindra; Kumar, Ashok; Singh, Priyanka; Dubey, Nawal Kishore

2009-10-31

The present study deals with evaluation of antifungal properties of Lippia alba essential oil (EO) and two of its monoterpene aldehyde constituents against legume-contaminating fungi. Seventeen different fungal species were isolated from 11 varieties of legumes, and aflatoxigenic isolates of Aspergillus flavus were identified. Hydrodistillation method was used to extract the EO from fresh leaves. The GC and GC-MS analysis of EO revealed the monoterpene aldehydes viz. geranial (22.2%) and neral (14.2%) as the major components. The antifungal activity of EO, geranial and neral was evaluated by contact assay on Czapek's-dox agar. The EO (0.25-1 microL/mL) and its two constituents (1 microL/mL) showed remarkable antifungal effects against all the fungal isolates (growth inhibition range 32.1-100%). Their minimal inhibitory (MIC) and fungicidal (MFC) concentrations for A. flavus were lower than those of the systemic fungicide Bavistin. Aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) production by three isolates of A. flavus was strongly inhibited even at the lower fungistatic concentration of EO and its constituents. There was no adverse effect of treatments on seed germination, and rather, there was enhanced seedling growth in the EO-treated seeds. It is concluded that L. alba EO and two of its constituents could be safely used as effective preservative for food legumes against fungal infections and mycotoxins.

Concluding Remarks: A View of the Past through the Lens of the Present.

PubMed

Bensaude-Vincent, Bernadette

2014-01-01

Reflecting on the upsurge of interest among historians of chemistry in the material, artisanal, and commercial aspects of early modern chemistry, this essay argues that they are attracting attention because of a number of similarities between the style of chemistry cultivated in this period and the new cultures of chemistry being developed today. The close interactions between knowing and making, academic knowledge and practical applications, the social value and prestige attached to chemistry, the public engagement in chemical culture, the concern with recycling, and even a specific relational ontology instantiated in the term "rapport" are characteristic features of the current technoscientific culture. However, these analogies between early modern chemistry and the technoscientific paradigm may turn into obstacles if they end up in hasty rapprochements and whiggish interpretations of the past. In keeping with the attempts displayed in many articles in this volume to identify and understand the meaning of the actors' categories, this essay emphasizes the contrast between the visions of the past and the future developed by eighteenth-century chemists and the concept of time that prevails nowadays. The concept of "regime of historicity" provides a useful conceptual tool to take a view of chemistry as embedded in a culture and integral part of the horizon of expectation of an epoch. On the basis of this contrast between the regimes of historicity, the essay recommends the pluralism of concepts of time (polychronism) as an antidote to anachronisms.

Angry facial expressions bias gender categorization in children and adults: behavioral and computational evidence

PubMed Central

Bayet, Laurie; Pascalis, Olivier; Quinn, Paul C.; Lee, Kang; Gentaz, Édouard; Tanaka, James W.

2015-01-01

Angry faces are perceived as more masculine by adults. However, the developmental course and underlying mechanism (bottom-up stimulus driven or top-down belief driven) associated with the angry-male bias remain unclear. Here we report that anger biases face gender categorization toward “male” responding in children as young as 5–6 years. The bias is observed for both own- and other-race faces, and is remarkably unchanged across development (into adulthood) as revealed by signal detection analyses (Experiments 1–2). The developmental course of the angry-male bias, along with its extension to other-race faces, combine to suggest that it is not rooted in extensive experience, e.g., observing males engaging in aggressive acts during the school years. Based on several computational simulations of gender categorization (Experiment 3), we further conclude that (1) the angry-male bias results, at least partially, from a strategy of attending to facial features or their second-order relations when categorizing face gender, and (2) any single choice of computational representation (e.g., Principal Component Analysis) is insufficient to assess resemblances between face categories, as different representations of the very same faces suggest different bases for the angry-male bias. Our findings are thus consistent with stimulus-and stereotyped-belief driven accounts of the angry-male bias. Taken together, the evidence suggests considerable stability in the interaction between some facial dimensions in social categorization that is present prior to the onset of formal schooling. PMID:25859238

Pericellular oxygen concentration of cultured primary human trophoblasts

PubMed Central

Chen, Baosheng; Longtine, Mark S.; Nelson, D. Michael

2012-01-01

Introduction Oxygen is pivotal in placental development and function. In vitro culture of human trophoblasts provides a useful model to study this phenomenon, but a hotly debated issue is whether or not the oxygen tension of the culture conditions mimics in vivo conditions. We tested the hypothesis that ambient oxygen tensions in culture reflect the pericellular oxygen levels. Methods We used a microelectrode oxygen sensor to measure the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the culture medium equilibrated with 21%, 8% or <0.5% oxygen. Results The concentration of oxygen in medium without cells resembled that in the ambient atmosphere. The oxygen concentration present in medium bathing trophoblasts was remarkably dependent on the depth within the medium where sampling occurred, and the oxygen concentration within the overlying atmosphere was not reflected in medium immediately adjacent to the cells. Indeed, the pericellular oxygen concentration was in a range that most would consider severe hypoxia, at ≤ 0.6% oxygen or about 4.6 mm Hg, when the overlying atmosphere was 21% oxygen. Conclusions We conclude that culture conditions of 21% oxygen are unable to replicate the pO2 of 40–60 mm Hg commonly attributed to the maternal blood in the intervillous space in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. We further surmise that oxygen atmospheres in culture conditions between 0.5% and 21% provide different oxygen fluxes in the immediate pericellular environment yet can still yield insights into the responses of human trophoblast to different oxygen conditions. PMID:23211472

Participation of cholinergic pathways in α-hederin-induced contraction of rat isolated stomach strips.

PubMed

Mendel, M; Chłopecka, M; Dziekan, N; Karlik, W; Wiechetek, M

2012-05-15

The dry extract of Hedra helix leaves and its main active compounds, predominantly α-hederin and hederacoside C, has been traditionally believed to act spasmolytic. However, it has been recently proved that both, the extract of ivy and triterpenoid saponins, exhibit strong contractile effect on rat isolated stomach smooth muscle strips. It turned out that the most potent contractile agent isolated from the extract of ivy leaves is α-hederin. Thus, it seems reasonable to estimate the mechanism of the contractile effect of this saponin. The presented study was aimed at verifying the participation of cholinergic pathways (muscarinic and nicotine receptors) in α-hederin-induced contraction. The experiments were carried out on rat isolated stomach corpus and fundus strips under isotonic conditions. The preparations were preincubated with either atropine or hexamethonium and then exposed to α-hederin. All results are expressed as the percentage of the response to acetylcholine - a reference contractile agent. The obtained results revealed that the pretreatment of isolated stomach strips (corpus and fundus) with atropine neither prevented nor remarkably reduced the reaction of the preparations to α-hederin. Similarly, if the application of saponin was preceded by the administration of hexamethonium, the strength of the contraction of stomach fundus strips induced by α-hederin was not modified. Concluding, it can be assumed that the cholinergic pathways do not participate in α-hederin-evoked contraction of rat isolated stomach preparations. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Psychopathological manifestations of joint hypermobility and joint hypermobility syndrome/ Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type: The link between connective tissue and psychological distress revised.

PubMed

Sinibaldi, Lorenzo; Ursini, Gianluca; Castori, Marco

2015-03-01

Psychological distress is a known feature of generalized joint hypermobility (gJHM), as well as of its most common syndromic presentation, namely Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type (a.k.a. joint hypermobility syndrome - JHS/EDS-HT), and significantly contributes to the quality of life of affected individuals. Most published articles dealt with the link between gJHM (or JHS/EDS-HT) and anxiety-related conditions, and a novel generation of studies is emerging aimed at investigating the psychopathologic background of such an association. In this paper, literature review was carried out with a semi-systematic approach spanning the entire spectrum of psychopathological findings in gJHM and JHS/EDS-HT. Interestingly, in addition to the confirmation of a tight link between anxiety and gJHM, preliminary connections with depression, attention deficit (and hyperactivity) disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder were also found. Few papers investigated the relationship with schizophrenia with contrasting results. The mind-body connections hypothesized on the basis of available data were discussed with focus on somatotype, presumed psychopathology, and involvement of the extracellular matrix in the central nervous system. The hypothesis of positive Beighton score and alteration of interoceptive/proprioceptive/body awareness as possible endophenotypes in families with symptomatic gJHM or JHS/EDS-HT is also suggested. Concluding remarks addressed the implications of the psychopathological features of gJHM and JHS/EDS-HT in clinical practice. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The utility of rat jejunal permeability for biopharmaceutics classification system.

PubMed

Zakeri-Milani, Parvin; Valizadeh, Hadi; Tajerzadeh, Hosnieh; Islambulchilar, Ziba

2009-12-01

The biopharmaceutical classification system has been developed to provide a scientific approach for classifying drug compounds based on their dose/solubility ratio and human intestinal permeability. Therefore in this study a new classification is presented, which is based on a correlation between rat and human intestinal permeability values. In situ technique in rat jejunum was used to determine the effective intestinal permeability of tested drugs. Then three dimensionless parameters--dose number, absorption number, and dissolution number (D(o), A(n), and D(n))--were calculated for each drug. Four classes of drugs were defined, that is, class I, D(0) < 0.5, P(eff(rat)) > 5.09 x 10(-5) cm/s; class II, D(o) > 1, P(eff(rat)) > 5.09 x 10( -5) cm/s; class III, D(0) < 0.5, P(eff(rat)) < 4.2 x 10(-5) cm/s; and class IV, D(o) > 1, P(eff(rat)) < 4.2 x 10(-5) cm/s. A region of borderline drugs (0.5 < D(o) < 1, 4.2 x 10(-5) < P(eff(rat)) < 5.09 x 10(-5) cm/s) was also defined. According to obtained results and proposed classification for drugs, it is concluded that drugs could be categorized correctly based on dose number and their intestinal permeability values in rat model using single-pass intestinal perfusion technique. This classification enables us to remark defined characteristics for intestinal absorption of all four classes using suitable cutoff points for both dose number and rat effective intestinal permeability values.

[Quality of life of people with severe dementia in nursing oases: empirical results and methodological implications].

PubMed

Brandenburg, H

2013-07-01

Nursing oases (NOs) are a variant of segregated care for people with severe dementia in nursing homes. They can be understood as a constant living arrangement in one room for 4-7 persons with a special care concept and environmental design. During the daytime nurses are permanently present. Quality of life (QoL) is the focus because the efficacy of medical and nursing interventions should include measurement of QoL. There is a controversy whether NOs are really different from the traditional caring settings in long-term care. Advocates see NOs as a substantial contribution to improve QoL, especially for people with severe dementia but critics fear a rollback to the era of multibed rooms in nursing homes and emphasize the risk of losing autonomy. This article is differentiated into four parts. Firstly, reasons are given why NOs are an option for a professional and adequate fulfillment of needs for people with severe dementia and a definition of NOs is given. Secondly, selected results of NOs studies in Germany are shown which have mainly documented positive effects. Thirdly, on the background of US American research into Special Care Units methodological questions are discussed. The focus is on designs and the utilization of standardized and non-standardized instruments. In the concluding remarks it is discussed whether QoL is an adequate indicator of a good life for people with severe dementia in long-term care.

The Sagittarius dwarf galaxy: Where did all the gas go?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tepper-García, Thor; Bland-Hawthorn, Joss

2018-05-01

The remarkable 1994 discovery of the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy (Sgr) revealed that, together with the Magellanic Clouds, there are at least three major dwarf galaxies, each with a total mass of order 1010 - 1011M⊙, falling onto the Galaxy in the present epoch. Beyond a Galactic radius of 300 kpc, dwarfs tend to retain their gas. At roughly 50 kpc, the Magellanic Clouds have experienced substantial gas stripping as evidenced by the Magellanic Stream which extends from them. Since Sgr experienced star formation long after it fell into the Galaxy, it is interesting to explore just how and when this dwarf lost its gas. To date, there has been no definitive detection of an associated gas component. We revisit recent simulations of the stellar and dark matter components of Sgr but, for the first time, include gas that is initially bound to the infalling galaxy. We find that the gas stripping was 30 - 50% complete at its first disc crossing ˜2.7 Gyr ago, then entirely stripped at its last disc crossing ˜1 Gyr ago. Our timeline is consistent with the last substantial burst of star formation in Sgr which occurred about the time of the last disc crossing. We discuss the consequences of gas stripping and conclude that the vast majority of the stripped gas was fully settled onto the Galaxy by ˜300 Myr ago. It is highly unlikely that any of the high- or intermediate-velocity clouds have a direct association with the Sgr dwarf.

Distributed communication: Implications of cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) for communication disorders.

PubMed

Hengst, Julie A

2015-01-01

This article proposes distributed communication as a promising theoretical framework for building supportive environments for child language development. Distributed communication is grounded in an emerging intersection of cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) and theories of communicative practices that argue for integrating accounts of language, cognition and culture. The article first defines and illustrates through selected research articles, three key principles of distributed communication: (a) language and all communicative resources are inextricably embedded in activity; (b) successful communication depends on common ground built up through short- and long-term histories of participation in activities; and (c) language cannot act alone, but is always orchestrated with other communicative resources. It then illustrates how these principles are fully integrated in everyday interactions by drawing from my research on Cindy Magic, a verbal make-believe game played by a father and his two daughters. Overall, the research presented here points to the remarkably complex communicative environments and sophisticated forms of distributed communication children routinely engage in as they interact with peer and adult communication partners in everyday settings. The article concludes by considering implications of these theories for, and examples of, distributed communication relevant to clinical intervention. Readers will learn about (1) distributed communication as a conceptual tool grounded in an emerging intersection of cultural-historical activity theory and theories of communicative practices and (2) how to apply distributed communication to the study of child language development and to interventions for children with communication disorders. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Assessing colour-dependent occupation statistics inferred from galaxy group catalogues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campbell, Duncan; van den Bosch, Frank C.; Hearin, Andrew; Padmanabhan, Nikhil; Berlind, Andreas; Mo, H. J.; Tinker, Jeremy; Yang, Xiaohu

2015-09-01

We investigate the ability of current implementations of galaxy group finders to recover colour-dependent halo occupation statistics. To test the fidelity of group catalogue inferred statistics, we run three different group finders used in the literature over a mock that includes galaxy colours in a realistic manner. Overall, the resulting mock group catalogues are remarkably similar, and most colour-dependent statistics are recovered with reasonable accuracy. However, it is also clear that certain systematic errors arise as a consequence of correlated errors in group membership determination, central/satellite designation, and halo mass assignment. We introduce a new statistic, the halo transition probability (HTP), which captures the combined impact of all these errors. As a rule of thumb, errors tend to equalize the properties of distinct galaxy populations (i.e. red versus blue galaxies or centrals versus satellites), and to result in inferred occupation statistics that are more accurate for red galaxies than for blue galaxies. A statistic that is particularly poorly recovered from the group catalogues is the red fraction of central galaxies as a function of halo mass. Group finders do a good job in recovering galactic conformity, but also have a tendency to introduce weak conformity when none is present. We conclude that proper inference of colour-dependent statistics from group catalogues is best achieved using forward modelling (i.e. running group finders over mock data) or by implementing a correction scheme based on the HTP, as long as the latter is not too strongly model dependent.

Impaired Inhibitory Force Feedback in Fixed Dystonia.

PubMed

Mugge, Winfred; Schouten, Alfred C; van Hilten, Jacobus J; van der Helm, Frans C T

2016-04-01

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a multifactorial disorder associated with an aberrant host response to tissue injury. About 25% of CRPS patients suffer poorly understood involuntary sustained muscle contractions associated with dysfunctional reflexes that result in abnormal postures (fixed dystonia). A recent modeling study simulated fixed dystonia (FD) caused by aberrant force feedback. The current study aims to validate this hypothesis by experimentally recording the modulation of reflexive force feedback in patients with FD. CRPS patients with and without FD, patients with FD but without CRPS, as well as healthy controls participated in the experiment. Three task instructions and three perturbation characteristics were used to evoke a wide range of responses to force perturbations. During position tasks ("maintain posture"), healthy subjects as well as patients resisted the perturbations, becoming more stiff than when being relaxed (i.e., the relax task). Healthy subjects and CRPS patients without FD were both more compliant during force tasks ("maintain force") than during relax tasks, meaning they actively gave way to the imposed forces. Remarkably, the patients with FD failed to do so. A neuromuscular model was fitted to the experimental data to separate the distinct contributions of position, velocity and force feedback, as well as co-contraction to the motor behavior. The neuromuscular modeling indicated that inhibitory force feedback is deregulated in patients with FD, for both CRPS and non-CRPS patients. From previously published simulation results and the present experimental study, it is concluded that aberrant force feedback plays a role in fixed dystonia.

Biodegradability of immidazolium, pyridinium, piperidinium and pyrrolidinium based ionic liquid in different water source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krishnan, S.; Quraishi, K. S.; Aminuddin, N. F.; Mazlan, F. A.; Leveque, J.-M.

2016-11-01

Ionic Liquid (IL), combination of an organic cation with an organic or inorganic cation, possess some remarkable physical chemical properties such as no virtual vapor pressure (allowing recyclability and reusability), wide liquid range, high thermal and chemical stability, ease to choose hydrophobic/hydrophilic character and wide electrochemical window. Owing to that, they have become increasingly popular as green solvents/additives/catalysts for organic synthetic chemistry, extraction, electrochemistry, catalysis, biomass conversion, biotechnologies and pharmaceutical applications. This is acknowledged by the exponential number of yearly published articles related to them. However, even if these are very widely studied in the international scientific community, they are not or very little used on an industrial scale, particularly because of the lack of data on their toxicity and biodegradability. Notably hydrophobic ILs seems to display higher toxicity towards microorganisms and lower biodegradability compared to their hydrophilic analogues since they are not readily disassociated in water. This present work aims to explore the biodegradability of 8 different insoluble ILs in different sources of water bearing varied amount of microorganisms to study the impact of the used water on the biodegradability assessment. The water sources used are Type III Water, Pond water and filtered Sewage Water. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the type of water has a very minor influence on the biodegradability effect of insoluble ILs. However, there is still some degree of influence on the type of water with the biodegradability.

An academic genealogy on the history of American field primatologists.

PubMed

Kelley, Elizabeth A; Sussman, Robert W

2007-03-01

In this paper, we present the academic genealogy of American field primatologists. The genealogy has been compiled to formally document the historical record of this young field. Data have been collected from three main sources: 1) e-mail surveys, 2) library and Internet research, and 3) verbal communication through forums such as American Association of Physical Anthropology meetings. Lineages of primatologists have been graphically displayed using Microsoft Visio. As of September 2005, 672 names and 239 affiliated universities, organizations and institutions have been recorded in 19 lineages. Five hundred and thirty-eight of the 672 names, 80.1%, are field primatologists. The Hooton/Washburn lineage is the largest; 60.6% of the recorded field primatologists are linked to this lineage. In addition, four of the five professors who have mentored a comparable number of field primatologists at American universities since Washburn are linked to the Hooton/Washburn lineage; and the school where Washburn mentored a majority of his students, UC-Berkeley, continues to have the highest overall graduation record for this subdiscipline. However, the field of primatology has been diversifying since the 1960s, and different universities are now responsible for graduating a substantial number of primatologists. We conclude that while the Hooton/Washburn lineage has remained remarkably homogenous in its anthropological focus, the field is also becoming increasingly enriched by primatologists who have had training in fields such as zoology, psychology, and ecology both in the United States and abroad. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.