Sample records for obosnovaniya kvalifikatsii bru-a

  1. Haplotype structure around Bru1 reveals a narrow genetic basis for brown rust resistance in modern sugarcane cultivars.

    PubMed

    Costet, L; Le Cunff, L; Royaert, S; Raboin, L-M; Hervouet, C; Toubi, L; Telismart, H; Garsmeur, O; Rousselle, Y; Pauquet, J; Nibouche, S; Glaszmann, J-C; Hoarau, J-Y; D'Hont, A

    2012-09-01

    Modern sugarcane cultivars (Saccharum spp., 2n = 100-130) are high polyploid, aneuploid and of interspecific origin. A major gene (Bru1) conferring resistance to brown rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia melanocephala, has been identified in cultivar R570. We analyzed 380 modern cultivars and breeding materials covering the worldwide diversity with 22 molecular markers genetically linked to Bru1 in R570 within a 8.2 cM segment. Our results revealed a strong LD in the Bru1 region and strong associations between most of the markers and rust resistance. Two PCR markers, that flank the Bru1-bearing segment, were found completely associated with one another and only in resistant clones representing efficient molecular diagnostic for Bru1. On this basis, Bru1 was inferred in 86 % of the 194 resistant sugarcane accessions, revealing that it constitutes the main source of brown rust resistance in modern cultivars. Bru1 PCR diagnostic markers should be particularly useful to identify cultivars with potentially alternative sources of resistance to diversify the basis of brown rust resistance in breeding programs.

  2. Screening for Resistance to Brown Rust of Sugarcane: Use of Bru1 resistance gene prospects and challenges

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Brown rust of sugarcane caused by, Puccinia melanocephala, is a serious problem in the US sugarcane industry. A major resistance gene, Bru1 was identified and methodology for detecting it was developed by French scientists at CIRAD. The majority of the research resulting in the discovery of Bru1 res...

  3. Distribution and frequency of Bru1, a major brown rust resistance gene, in the sugarcane world collection

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Brown rust, caused by Puccinia melanocephala, is an important disease of sugarcane worldwide. Molecular markers for a major brown rust resistance gene, Bru1, were used to screen a total of 1,282 clones in the World Collection of Sugarcane and Related Grasses (WCSRG) to determine the distribution and...

  4. Genotyping Sugarcane for the Brown Rust Resistance Locus Bru1 Using Unlabeled Probe Melting

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Brown rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia melanocephala, is a major disease of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) in Florida, Louisiana, and other sugarcane growing regions. The Bru1 locus has been used as a durable and effective source of resistance, and markers are available to select for the trait. The...

  5. Frequency and distribution of the brown rust resistance gene Bru1 and implications for the Louisiana sugarcane breeding programme

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Brown rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia melanocephala, is an important disease of sugarcane posing an increasing threat to sugarcane industries worldwide. A major gene, Bru1, has been shown to contribute a significant proportion of brown rust resistance in multiple sugarcane industries. The recent...

  6. Analysis, design, fabrication and testing of the mini-Brayton rotating unit (Mini-BRU). Volume 1: Text and tables

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dobler, F. X.

    1978-01-01

    A 500 to 2100 watt power output Mini-Brayton Rotating Unit (Mini-BRU)was analyzed, designed, fabricated and tested. Performance and test data for the various components is included. Components tested include the 2.12 in. diameter compressor, the 2.86 in. diameter turbine, the Rice alternator and the cantilevered foil-type journal and thrust bearings. Also included are results on the fabrication of a C-103 turbine plenum/nozzle assembly and on offgassing of the organic materials in the alternator stator.

  7. Diploid/Polyploid Syntenic Shuttle Mapping and Haplotype-Specific Chromosome Walking Toward a Rust Resistance Gene (Bru1) in Highly Polyploid Sugarcane (2n ∼ 12x ∼ 115)

    PubMed Central

    Le Cunff, Loïc; Garsmeur, Olivier; Raboin, Louis Marie; Pauquet, Jérome; Telismart, Hugues; Selvi, Athiappan; Grivet, Laurent; Philippe, Romain; Begum, Dilara; Deu, Monique; Costet, Laurent; Wing, Rod; Glaszmann, Jean Christophe; D'Hont, Angélique

    2008-01-01

    The genome of modern sugarcane cultivars is highly polyploid (∼12x), aneuploid, of interspecific origin, and contains 10 Gb of DNA. Its size and complexity represent a major challenge for the isolation of agronomically important genes. Here we report on the first attempt to isolate a gene from sugarcane by map-based cloning, targeting a durable major rust resistance gene (Bru1). We describe the genomic strategies that we have developed to overcome constraints associated with high polyploidy in the successive steps of map-based cloning approaches, including diploid/polyploid syntenic shuttle mapping with two model diploid species (sorghum and rice) and haplotype-specific chromosome walking. Their applications allowed us (i) to develop a high-resolution map including markers at 0.28 and 0.14 cM on both sides and 13 markers cosegregating with Bru1 and (ii) to develop a physical map of the target haplotype that still includes two gaps at this stage due to the discovery of an insertion specific to this haplotype. These approaches will pave the way for the development of future map-based cloning approaches for sugarcane and other complex polyploid species. PMID:18757946

  8. Comparative structural analysis of Bru1 region homeologs in Saccharum spontaneum and S. officinarum

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

    Zhang, Jisen; Sharma, Anupma; Yu, Qingyi

    Here, sugarcane is a major sugar and biofuel crop, but genomic research and molecular breeding have lagged behind other major crops due to the complexity of auto-allopolyploid genomes. Sugarcane cultivars are frequently aneuploid with chromosome number ranging from 100 to 130, consisting of 70-80 % S. officinarum, 10-20 % S. spontaneum, and 10 % recombinants between these two species. Analysis of a genomic region in the progenitor autoploid genomes of sugarcane hybrid cultivars will reveal the nature and divergence of homologous chromosomes. As a result, to investigate the origin and evolution of haplotypes in the Bru1 genomic regions in sugarcanemore » cultivars, we identified two BAC clones from S. spontaneum and four from S. officinarum and compared to seven haplotype sequences from sugarcane hybrid R570. The results clarified the origin of seven homologous haplotypes in R570, four haplotypes originated from S. officinarum, two from S. spontaneum and one recombinant.. Retrotransposon insertions and sequences variations among the homologous haplotypes sequence divergence ranged from 18.2 % to 60.5 % with an average of 33. 7 %. Gene content and gene structure were relatively well conserved among the homologous haplotypes. Exon splitting occurred in haplotypes of the hybrid genome but not in its progenitor genomes. Tajima's D analysis revealed that S. spontaneum hapotypes in the Bru1 genomic regions were under strong directional selection. Numerous inversions, deletions, insertions and translocations were found between haplotypes within each genome. In conclusion, this is the first comparison among haplotypes of a modern sugarcane hybrid and its two progenitors. Tajima's D results emphasized the crucial role of this fungal disease resistance gene for enhancing the fitness of this species and indicating that the brown rust resistance gene in R570 is from S. spontaneum. Species-specific InDel, sequences similarity and phylogenetic analysis of homologous genes can

  9. Comparative structural analysis of Bru1 region homeologs in Saccharum spontaneum and S. officinarum

    DOE PAGES

    Zhang, Jisen; Sharma, Anupma; Yu, Qingyi; ...

    2016-06-10

    Here, sugarcane is a major sugar and biofuel crop, but genomic research and molecular breeding have lagged behind other major crops due to the complexity of auto-allopolyploid genomes. Sugarcane cultivars are frequently aneuploid with chromosome number ranging from 100 to 130, consisting of 70-80 % S. officinarum, 10-20 % S. spontaneum, and 10 % recombinants between these two species. Analysis of a genomic region in the progenitor autoploid genomes of sugarcane hybrid cultivars will reveal the nature and divergence of homologous chromosomes. As a result, to investigate the origin and evolution of haplotypes in the Bru1 genomic regions in sugarcanemore » cultivars, we identified two BAC clones from S. spontaneum and four from S. officinarum and compared to seven haplotype sequences from sugarcane hybrid R570. The results clarified the origin of seven homologous haplotypes in R570, four haplotypes originated from S. officinarum, two from S. spontaneum and one recombinant.. Retrotransposon insertions and sequences variations among the homologous haplotypes sequence divergence ranged from 18.2 % to 60.5 % with an average of 33. 7 %. Gene content and gene structure were relatively well conserved among the homologous haplotypes. Exon splitting occurred in haplotypes of the hybrid genome but not in its progenitor genomes. Tajima's D analysis revealed that S. spontaneum hapotypes in the Bru1 genomic regions were under strong directional selection. Numerous inversions, deletions, insertions and translocations were found between haplotypes within each genome. In conclusion, this is the first comparison among haplotypes of a modern sugarcane hybrid and its two progenitors. Tajima's D results emphasized the crucial role of this fungal disease resistance gene for enhancing the fitness of this species and indicating that the brown rust resistance gene in R570 is from S. spontaneum. Species-specific InDel, sequences similarity and phylogenetic analysis of homologous genes can

  10. Effects of balance training using a virtual-reality system in older fallers

    PubMed Central

    Duque, Gustavo; Boersma, Derek; Loza-Diaz, Griselda; Hassan, Sanobar; Suarez, Hamlet; Geisinger, Dario; Suriyaarachchi, Pushpa; Sharma, Anita; Demontiero, Oddom

    2013-01-01

    Poor balance is considered a challenging risk factor for falls in older adults. Therefore, innovative interventions for balance improvement in this population are greatly needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a new virtual-reality system (the Balance Rehabilitation Unit [BRU]) on balance, falls, and fear of falling in a population of community-dwelling older subjects with a known history of falls. In this study, 60 community-dwelling older subjects were recruited after being diagnosed with poor balance at the Falls and Fractures Clinic, Nepean Hospital (Penrith, NSW, Australia). Subjects were randomly assigned to either the BRU-training or control groups. Both groups received the usual falls prevention care. The BRU-training group attended balance training (two sessions/week for 6 weeks) using an established protocol. Change in balance parameters was assessed in the BRU-training group at the end of their 6-week training program. Both groups were assessed 9 months after their initial assessment (month 0). Adherence to the BRU-training program was 97%. Balance parameters were significantly improved in the BRU-training group (P < 0.01). This effect was also associated with a significant reduction in falls and lower levels of fear of falling (P < 0.01). Some components of balance that were improved by BRU training showed a decline after 9 months post-training. In conclusion, BRU training is an effective and well-accepted intervention to improve balance, increase confidence, and prevent falls in the elderly. PMID:23467506

  11. Management of Microcircuit Obsolescence in a Pre-Production ACAT-ID Missile Program

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2002-12-01

    and Engineering Center ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit AVCOM Avionics Component Obsolescence Management BRU Battery Replaceable Unit...then just a paper qualification, e.g. Board or Battery Replaceable Unit ( BRU ) testing. 5 After-market Package The Die is Available and Can Be...Encapsulated Microcircuits (PEM), speed change, failure rate) 8 Emulation Manufacture or re-engineering of a FFF Replacement 9 CCA or BRU Redesign Board

  12. Utilization of a major brown rust resistance gene in sugarcane breeding

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Brown rust, caused by Puccinia melanocephala has had devastating effects on sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) breeding programs and on commercial production. The discovery of Bru1, a major gene conferring resistance to brown rust represented a substantial breakthrough and markers for the detection of Bru1 ...

  13. Redox-sensitive micelles composed of disulfide-linked Pluronic-linoleic acid for enhanced anticancer efficiency of brusatol

    PubMed Central

    Chan, Hon Fai; Lin, Zhixiu; Wang, Yitao

    2018-01-01

    Brusatol (Bru) exhibits promising anticancer effects, with both proliferation inhibition and chemoresistance amelioration activity. However, the poor solubility and insufficient intracellular delivery of Bru greatly restrict its application. Herein, to simultaneously utilize the advantages of Pluronics as drug carriers and tumor microenvironment-responsive drug release profiles, a flexible amphiphilic copolymer with a polymer skeleton, that is, Pluronic® F68 grafting with linoleic acid moieties by redox-reducible disulfide bonds (F68-SS-LA), was synthesized. After characterization by 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the redox-sensitive F68-SS-LA micelles were self-assembled in a much lower critical micelle concentration than that of the unmodified F68 copolymer. Bru was loaded in micelles (Bru/SS-M) with high loading efficiency, narrow size distribution, and excellent storage stability. The redox-sensitive Bru/SS-M exhibited rapid particle dissociation and drug release in response to a redox environment. Based on the enhanced cellular internalization, Bru/SS-M achieved higher cytotoxicity in both Bel-7402 and MCF-7 cells compared with free Bru and nonreducible micelles. The improved anticancer effect was attributed to the remarkably decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased reactive oxygen species level as well as apoptotic rate. These results demonstrated that F68-SS-LA micelles possess great potential as an efficient delivery vehicle for Bru to promote its anticancer efficiency via an oxidation pathway. PMID:29491708

  14. Steady-state temperature distribution within a Brayton rotating unit operating in a power conversion system using helium-xenon gas

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Johnsen, R. L.; Namkoong, D.; Edkin, R. A.

    1971-01-01

    The Brayton rotating unit (BRU), consisting of a turbine, an alternator, and a compressor, was tested as part of a Brayton cycle power conversion system over a side range of steady state operating conditions. The working fluid in the system was a mixture of helium-xenon gases. Turbine inlet temperature was varied from 1200 to 1600 F, compressor inlet temperature from 60 to 120 F, compressor discharge pressure from 20 to 45 psia, rotative speed from 32 400 to 39 600 rpm, and alternator liquid-coolant flow rate from 0.01 to 0.27 pound per second. Test results indicated that the BRU internal temperatures were highly sensitive to alternator coolant flow below the design value of 0.12 pound per second but much less so at higher values. The armature winding temperature was not influenced significantly by turbine inlet temperature, but was sensitive, up to 20 F per kVA alternator output, to varying alternator output. When only the rotational speed was changed (+ or - 10% of rated value), the BRU internal temperatures varied directly with the speed.

  15. Gas-injection-start and shutdown characteristics of a 2-kilowatt to 15-kilowatt Brayton power system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cantoni, D. A.

    1972-01-01

    Two methods of starting the Brayton power system have been considered: (1) using the alternator as a motor to spin the Brayton rotating unit (BRU), and (2) spinning the BRU by forced gas injection. The first method requires the use of an auxiliary electrical power source. An alternating voltage is applied to the terminals of the alternator to drive it as an induction motor. Only gas-injection starts are discussed in this report. The gas-injection starting method requires high-pressure gas storage and valves to route the gas flow to provide correct BRU rotation. An analog computer simulation was used to size hardware and to determine safe start and shutdown procedures. The simulation was also used to define the range of conditions for successful startups. Experimental data were also obtained under various test conditions. These data verify the validity of the start and shutdown procedures.

  16. Performance of gas-lubricated nonconforming pivoted-pad journal bearings and a flexibly mounted spiral-groove thrust bearing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ream, L. W.

    1973-01-01

    A test program was conducted to determine the performance characteristics of gas-lubricated nonconforming pivoted-pad journal bearings and a spiral-groove thrust bearing designed for the Brayton cycle rotating unit (BRU). Hydrostatic, hybrid (simultaneously hydrostatic and hydrodynamic), and hydrodynamic tests were conducted in argon gas at ambient pressure and temperature ranges representative of hydrostatic operation up to the 10.5-kWe BRU power-generating level. Performance of the gas lubricated bearings is presented, including hydrostatic gas flow rates, bearing clearances, bearing temperatures, and transient performance.

  17. Performance of gas-lubricated cruciform-mounted tilting-pad journal bearings and a damped flexibly mounted spiral-groove thrust bearing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ream, L. W.

    1974-01-01

    A test program was conducted to determine the performance characteristics of gas-lubricated cruciform-mounted tilting-pad journal bearings and a damped spiral-groove thrust bearing designed for the Brayton cycle rotating unit (BRU). Hydrostatic, hybrid (simultaneously hydrostatic and hydrodynamic), and hydrodynamic tests were conducted in argon gas at ambient pressure and temperature ranges representative of operation to the 10.5 kWe BRU power-generating level. Performance of the gas lubricated bearings is presented including hydrostatic gas flow rates, bearing clearances, bearing temperatures, and transient performance.

  18. 78 FR 62594 - 36(b)(1) Arms Sales Notification

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-10-22

    ... Consideration for Purchase: 5000 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB) with BRU-61 carriage systems, 8 SDB Guided... Emirates has requested a possible sale of 5000 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB) with BRU-61 carriage... environmental conditions. 5. The GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) I weapon is a 250-lb class, all-up round...

  19. Local excitation of the 5-bromouracil chromophore in DNA. Computational and UV spectroscopic studies.

    PubMed

    Storoniak, Piotr; Rak, Janusz; Polska, Katarzyna; Blancafort, Lluís

    2011-04-21

    The UV electronic transition energies and their oscillator strengths for two stacked dimers having B-DNA geometries and consisting of 5-bromouracil ((Br)U) and a purine base were studied at the MS-CASPT2/6-311G(d) level with an active space of 12 orbitals and 12 electrons. The calculated energy of the first vertical (π,π*) transitions for the studied dimers remain in fair agreement with the maxima in the difference spectra measured for duplexes with the 5'-A(Br)U-3' or 5'-G(Br)U-3' sequences. Our MS-CASPT2 results show that the charge transfer (CT) states in which an electron is transferred from A/G to (Br)U are located at much higher energies than the first (π,π*) transitions, which involve local excitation (LE) of (Br)U. Moreover, CT transitions are characterized by small oscillator strengths, which implies that they could not be excited directly. The results of the current studies suggest that the formation of the reactive uracil-5-yl radical in DNA is preceded by the formation of the highly oxidative LE state of (Br)U, which is followed by electron transfer, presumably from guanine.

  20. Design and fabrication of gas bearings for Brayton cycle rotating unit

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Frost, A.; Tessarzik, J. M.; Arwas, E. B.; Waldron, W. D. (Editor)

    1973-01-01

    Analysis, design, and testing of two types of pivoted pad journal bearings and a spiral-grooved thrust bearing suitable for direct installation into the NASA 2 to 15 KW Brayton Cycle Rotating Unit (BRU) have been accomplished. Both types of tilting pad bearing assemblies are of the preloaded type, consisting of three pads with one pad flexibly mounted. One type utilizes a non-conforming pivot, while the other replaces the conventional spherical pivot with a cruciform flexible member. The thrust bearing is flexure mounted to accommodate static machine mislinement. Test results indicate that both types of journal bearings should satisfy the requirements imposed by the BRU. Hydrostatic tests of the spiral-grooved thrust bearing showed it to be free of pneumatic hammer with as many as 24 orifices over the BRU pressure and load range.

  1. Effects of vibration and shock on the performance of gas-bearing space-power Brayton cycle turbomachinery. 2: Sinusoidal and random vibration

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tessarzik, J. M.; Chiang, T.; Badgley, R. H.

    1973-01-01

    The vibration response of a gas-bearing rotor-support system was analyzed experimentally documented for sinusoidal and random vibration environments. The NASA Brayton Rotating Unit (BRU), 36,000 rpm; 10 KWe turbogenerator; was subjected in the laboratory to sinusoidal and random vibrations to evaluate the capability of the BRU to (1) survive the vibration levels expected to be encountered during periods of nonoperation and (2) operate satisfactorily (that is, without detrimental bearing surface contacts) at the vibration levels expected during normal BRU operation. Response power spectral density was calculated for specified input random excitation, with particular emphasis upon the dynamic motions of the thrust bearing runner and stator. A three-mass model with nonlinear representation of the engine isolator mounts was used to calculate axial rotor-bearing shock response.

  2. Isolation and identification of berberine and berberrubine metabolites by berberine-utilizing bacterium Rhodococcus sp. strain BD7100.

    PubMed

    Ishikawa, Kazuki; Takeda, Hisashi; Wakana, Daigo; Sato, Fumihiko; Hosoe, Tomoo

    2016-05-01

    Based on the finding of a novel berberine (BBR)-utilizing bacterium, Rhodococcus sp. strain BD7100, we investigated the degradation of BBR and its analog berberrubine (BRU). Resting cells of BD7100 demethylenated BBR and BRU, yielding benzeneacetic acid analogs. Isolation of benzeneacetic acid analogs suggested that BD7100 degraded the isoquinoline ring of the protoberberine skeleton. This work represents the first report of cleavage of protoberberine skeleton by a microorganism.

  3. NASA 30,000 hour test demonstration of closed Brayton cycle reliability

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mccormick, J. E.; Dunn, J. H.

    1977-01-01

    Four Brayton rotating units (BRU) developed by an American company were tested in connection with studies concerning the feasibility to use closed Brayton power conversion systems for space applications. The rotating assembly operates at a speed of 36,000 rpm and consists of a radial outflow compressor, a four-pole Rice alternator/motor, and a radial inflow turbine. The cycle working fluid consists of a mixture of helium and xenon. After 20,000 hours of operation, there was no apparent wear on failure mode to prevent attainment of the 5-year BRU design life objective.

  4. Impact of resistance exercise during bed rest on skeletal muscle sarcopenia and myosin isoform distribution

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bamman, M. M.; Clarke, M. S.; Feeback, D. L.; Talmadge, R. J.; Stevens, B. R.; Lieberman, S. A.; Greenisen, M. C.

    1998-01-01

    Because resistance exercise (REx) and bed-rest unloading (BRU) are associated with opposing adaptations, our purpose was to test the efficacy of REx against the effects of 14 days of BRU on the knee-extensor muscle group. Sixteen healthy men were randomly assigned to no exercise (NoEx; n = 8) or REx (n = 8). REx performed five sets of leg press exercise with 80-85% of one repetition maximum (1 RM) every other day during BRU. Muscle samples were removed from the vastus lateralis muscle by percutaneous needle biopsy. Myofiber distribution was determined immunohistochemically with three monoclonal antibodies against myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms (I, IIa, IIx). MHC distribution was further assessed by quantitative gel electrophoresis. Dynamic 1-RM leg press and unilateral maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) were determined. Maximal neural activation (root mean squared electromyogram) and rate of torque development (RTD) were measured during MVC. Reductions (P < 0.05) in type I (15%) and type II (17%) myofiber cross-sectional areas were found in NoEx but not in REx. Electrophoresis revealed no changes in MHC isoform distribution. The percentage of type IIx myofibers decreased (P < 0.05) in REx from 9 to 2% and did not change in NoEx. 1 RM was reduced (P < 0.05) by 9% in NoEx but was unchanged in REx. MVC fell by 15 and 13% in NoEx and REx, respectively. The agonist-to-antagonist root mean squared electromyogram ratio decreased (P < 0.05) 19% in REx. RTD slowed (P < 0.05) by 54% in NoEx only. Results indicate that REx prevented BRU-induced myofiber atrophy and also maintained training-specific strength. Unlike spaceflight, BRU did not induce shifts in myosin phenotype. The reported benefits of REx may prove useful in prescribing exercise for astronauts in microgravity.

  5. Dynamic detection of non-protein-bound strychnine and brucine in rabbit muscle and synovial fluid after topical application of total Strychnos alkaloid patches.

    PubMed

    Tang, Huaibo; Yan, Miao; Li, Huande; Xun, Tianrong; Deng, Yang; Zhao, Yeye; Deng, Long

    2014-04-01

    Semen Strychni, a known toxic drug in Chinese pharmacopoeia, is notable for its therapeutic effects on local muscle and joint pain. However, oral administration can be risky. Topically administered drugs accumulate in the topical muscles and knee joints without any major increase in plasma levels; only non-protein-bound drugs in the biological fluids of target tissues are effective for therapeutic effects. A sensitive and rapid ultra performance liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) method coupled with a microdialysis technique was developed to determine the non-protein-bound strychnine (Str) and brucine (Bru) in rabbit muscle and synovial fluid microdialysate. The UPLC separation was carried out using a 1.7μm BEH C18 column (50 mm × 2.1 mm) with a mobile phase consisting of methanol: water (29.5:70.5, v/v) with 0.1% formic acid and 20 mM ammonium acetate in water. The method was validated at concentrations ranging from 0.58 ng/ml to 467.20 ng/ml for Str and from 0.42 ng/ml to 422.40 ng/ml for Bru. Intra-day and inter-day accuracy ranged from 99.1% to 103.2% for Str and from 95.8% to 108.8% for Bru with intra-day and inter-day precision within 9.7%. The proposed method was successfully applied to determine non-protein-bound Str and Bru, and the analysates concentration remained stable in rabbit muscle and synovial fluid after topical application of total Strychnos alkaloid patches, which indicated that total Strychnos alkaloid patches could substitute for the traditional oral administration of Semen Strychni. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  6. Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of the ionizing radiation response by ATM and p53

    PubMed Central

    Venkata Narayanan, Ishwarya; Paulsen, Michelle T.; Bedi, Karan; Berg, Nathan; Ljungman, Emily A.; Francia, Sofia; Veloso, Artur; Magnuson, Brian; di Fagagna, Fabrizio d’Adda; Wilson, Thomas E.; Ljungman, Mats

    2017-01-01

    In response to ionizing radiation (IR), cells activate a DNA damage response (DDR) pathway to re-program gene expression. Previous studies using total cellular RNA analyses have shown that the stress kinase ATM and the transcription factor p53 are integral components required for induction of IR-induced gene expression. These studies did not distinguish between changes in RNA synthesis and RNA turnover and did not address the role of enhancer elements in DDR-mediated transcriptional regulation. To determine the contribution of synthesis and degradation of RNA and monitor the activity of enhancer elements following exposure to IR, we used the recently developed Bru-seq, BruChase-seq and BruUV-seq techniques. Our results show that ATM and p53 regulate both RNA synthesis and stability as well as enhancer element activity following exposure to IR. Importantly, many genes in the p53-signaling pathway were coordinately up-regulated by both increased synthesis and RNA stability while down-regulated genes were suppressed either by reduced synthesis or stability. Our study is the first of its kind that independently assessed the effects of ionizing radiation on transcription and post-transcriptional regulation in normal human cells. PMID:28256581

  7. Mini-BRU/BIPS foil bearing development

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dobler, F. X.; Miller, L. J.

    1978-01-01

    The analysis revealed the failure agent to be a combination of poor teflon coating adhesion, a decrease in bearing sway space and, possibly, lack of flushing flow through the bearing. A change in Teflon coating vendors provided substantially improved coating quality and surface finish. The sway space was increased and the cooling bleed flow was adjusted to flush the bearing. These changes were included in a test conducted in the WHL from 6 April to 22 May 1978 which resulted in the completion of 1006.9 hours of operation at temperature and load. Post-test inspection revealed the bearings to be in excellent condition and capable of completing a much longer test.

  8. Sequence dependence of electron-induced DNA strand breakage revealed by DNA nanoarrays

    PubMed Central

    Keller, Adrian; Rackwitz, Jenny; Cauët, Emilie; Liévin, Jacques; Körzdörfer, Thomas; Rotaru, Alexandru; Gothelf, Kurt V.; Besenbacher, Flemming; Bald, Ilko

    2014-01-01

    The electronic structure of DNA is determined by its nucleotide sequence, which is for instance exploited in molecular electronics. Here we demonstrate that also the DNA strand breakage induced by low-energy electrons (18 eV) depends on the nucleotide sequence. To determine the absolute cross sections for electron induced single strand breaks in specific 13 mer oligonucleotides we used atomic force microscopy analysis of DNA origami based DNA nanoarrays. We investigated the DNA sequences 5′-TT(XYX)3TT with X = A, G, C and Y = T, BrU 5-bromouracil and found absolute strand break cross sections between 2.66 · 10−14 cm2 and 7.06 · 10−14 cm2. The highest cross section was found for 5′-TT(ATA)3TT and 5′-TT(ABrUA)3TT, respectively. BrU is a radiosensitizer, which was discussed to be used in cancer radiation therapy. The replacement of T by BrU into the investigated DNA sequences leads to a slight increase of the absolute strand break cross sections resulting in sequence-dependent enhancement factors between 1.14 and 1.66. Nevertheless, the variation of strand break cross sections due to the specific nucleotide sequence is considerably higher. Thus, the present results suggest the development of targeted radiosensitizers for cancer radiation therapy. PMID:25487346

  9. Design and fabrication of the Brayton rotating unit

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Davis, J. E.

    1972-01-01

    The Brayton rotating unit (BRU), operating on a gas bearing system, has been designed, fabricated, and demonstrated for use in a closed Brayton cycle space power conversion system. The BRU uses a binary mixture of xenon and helium (molecular weight, 83.8) as the cycle working fluid and bearing lubricating medium and was designed to produce from 2.25 to 10.5 kw sub e of 1200 Hz three-phase electrical power. The single-shaft rotating assembly operates at a design speed of 36,000 rpm and comprises a radial single-stage compressor, a four-pole Rice alternator rotor, and a radial inflow turbine. Four units, a dynamic simulator and three component research packages, were supplied to the NASA Lewis Research Center for performance testing and further development.

  10. Changing the Translational Research Landscape: A Review of the Impacts of Biomedical Research Units in England.

    PubMed

    Marjanovic, Sonja; Soper, Bryony; Ismail, Sharif; Reding, Anais; Ling, Tom

    2012-01-01

    This article describes a review of the Biomedical Research Units (BRU) scheme, undertaken for the Department of Health. This review was a perceptions audit of senior executives involved in the scheme, and explored what impact they felt the scheme is having on the translational research landscape. More specifically, we investigated whether and how institutional relationships between NHS and academic partners, industry and other health research system players are changing because of the scheme; how the scheme is helping build critical mass in specific priority disease areas; and the effects of any changes on efforts to deliver the broader goals set out in Best Research for Best Health. The views presented are those of study informants only. The information obtained through our interviews suggests that the BRU scheme is significantly helping shape the health research system to pursue translational research and innovation, with the clear goal of realising patient benefit. The BRUs are already contributing to observable changes in institutional relationships between the NHS and academic partners: trusts and medical schools are collaborating more closely than in the past, have signed up to the same vision of translational research from bench to bedside, and are managing and governing targeted research resources more professionally and transparently than in the past. There is also a stronger emphasis on engaging industry and more strategic thinking about strengthening regional and national collaboration with other hospital trusts, PCTs, research organisations, networks and development agencies. The scheme is also transforming capacity building in the health research system. This includes (i) developing and modernising facilities and equipment for translation; (ii) building a critical mass of human resources through recruitment and training, as well as improving retention of existing expertise; and (iii) helping ensure a steady flow of funds needed to sustain research

  11. 5-Chlorouracil and 5-bromouracil acid-base equilibrium study in water and DMSO by NMR spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Abdrakhimova, G. S.; Ovchinnikov, M. Yu; Lobov, A. N.; Spirikhin, L. V.; Khursan, S. L.; Ivanov, S. P.

    2018-04-01

    Mechanism of 5-chloro- and 5-bromouracil deprotonation in water and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has been studied by the 13C and 1H NMR spectroscopy. NMR spectra were interpreted using DFT quantum chemical calculations at the CSGT-PCM-TPSSTPSS/6-311+G(d, p) level of theory. It was found that 5-chloro- (5ClU) and 5-bromouracil (5BrU) are present as a mixture of two anionic forms where the deprotonation is realized at the first (N1) and the third (N3) positions of the pyrimidine ring. N1 form is major for water-alkaline [xAN1/xAN3 (5ClU) = 0.65/0.35 and xAN1/xAN3 (5BrU) = 0.72/0.28, x - molar fraction] and the only one for DMSO solution.

  12. A Summary of Closed Brayton Cycle Development Activities at NASA

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Mason, Lee S.

    2009-01-01

    NASA has been involved in the development of Closed Brayton Cycle (CBC) power conversion technology since the 1960's. CBC systems can be coupled to reactor, isotope, or solar heat sources and offer the potential for high efficiency, long life, and scalability to high power. In the 1960's and 1970's, NASA and industry developed the 10 kW Brayton Rotating Unit (BRU) and the 2 kW mini-BRU demonstrating technical feasibility and performance, In the 1980's, a 25 kW CBC Solar Dynamic (SD) power system option was developed for Space Station Freedom and the technology was demonstrated in the 1990's as part of the 2 kW SO Ground Test Demonstration (GTD). Since the early 2000's, NASA has been pursuing CBC technology for space reactor applications. Before it was cancelled, the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (HMO) mission was considering a 100 kWclass CBC system coupled to a gas-cooled fission reactor. Currently, CBC technology is being explored for Fission Surface Power (FSP) systems to provide base power on the moon and Mars. These recent activities have resulted in several CBC-related technology development projects including a 50 kW Alternator Test Unit, a 20 kW Dual Brayton Test Loop, a 2 kW Direct Drive Gas Brayton Test Loop, and a 12 kW FSP Power Conversion Unit design.

  13. Hatha yoga on body balance

    PubMed Central

    Prado, Erick Tadeu; Raso, Vagner; Scharlach, Renata Coelho; Kasse, Cristiane Akemi

    2014-01-01

    Background: A good body balance requires a proper function of vestibular, visual, and somatosensory systems which can be reach with exercise practice and/or yoga. Aim: To determine the effects of a 5-month hatha yoga training program on body balance in young adults. Materials and Methods: This study used a controlled, nonrandomized design, where the experimental group underwent a 5-month training program and were then compared with the control group that had a sedentary lifestyle. A convenience sample of 34 out of 40 men aged 25-55 years old (34.0 ± 0.9) were deemed eligible for this study. They were randomly divided into two groups: Experimental and control groups. Subjects in the experimental group were engaged in 60 min sessions of hatha yoga three times a week for 5 months. We evaluated postural control by measuring the limit of stability and velocity of oscillation (VOS) in three conditions of the balance rehabilitation unit (BRU) and through field procedures (four position, plane, flamingo, hopscotch, and dynamic test). Results: We observed differences (P < 0.05) in postintervention scores between the groups regardless of BRU parameters and field procedures (except for flamingo) even after adjusting for preintervention scores, suggesting that these changes were induced by hatha yoga training. The partial eta squared on BRU parameters ranged from 0.78 (VOS1)-0.97 (COP2), and from 0.00 (flamingo)-0.94 (four position) for the field procedures. Conclusions: Our results provide substantial evidence that postural control in healthy young adults can be improved through practicing hatha yoga. PMID:25035623

  14. Rapid and Reliable Single Nucleotide Polymorphism-Based Differentiation of Brucella Live Vaccine Strains from Field Strains

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Brucellosis is a major zoonotic disease responsible for substantial social and economic problems, particularly in the developing world. One element that can implemented as part of control programs tackling animal disease is the use of one of the OIE recommended vaccines to protect against either Bru...

  15. Trafficking of Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells in Bone

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-08-01

    Goldwater Award. She graduated in 2004 and is currently a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania. • Elizabeth Chislock, a senior...carcinoma cells. J Histochem Cytochem 2000;48:643^51. 12. Amhlaoibh RN,Hoegh-Andersen P, Bru « nnerN, et al. Measurement of tumor load and distribution

  16. Gene length as a biological timer to establish temporal transcriptional regulation

    PubMed Central

    Kirkconnell, Killeen S.; Magnuson, Brian; Paulsen, Michelle T.; Lu, Brian; Bedi, Karan; Ljungman, Mats

    2017-01-01

    ABSTRACT Transcriptional timing is inherently influenced by gene length, thus providing a mechanism for temporal regulation of gene expression. While gene size has been shown to be important for the expression timing of specific genes during early development, whether it plays a role in the timing of other global gene expression programs has not been extensively explored. Here, we investigate the role of gene length during the early transcriptional response of human fibroblasts to serum stimulation. Using the nascent sequencing techniques Bru-seq and BruUV-seq, we identified immediate genome-wide transcriptional changes following serum stimulation that were linked to rapid activation of enhancer elements. We identified 873 significantly induced and 209 significantly repressed genes. Variations in gene size allowed for a large group of genes to be simultaneously activated but produce full-length RNAs at different times. The median length of the group of serum-induced genes was significantly larger than the median length of all expressed genes, housekeeping genes, and serum-repressed genes. These gene length relationships were also observed in corresponding mouse orthologs, suggesting that relative gene size is evolutionarily conserved. The sizes of transcription factor and microRNA genes immediately induced after serum stimulation varied dramatically, setting up a cascade mechanism for temporal expression arising from a single activation event. The retention and expansion of large intronic sequences during evolution have likely played important roles in fine-tuning the temporal expression of target genes in various cellular response programs. PMID:28055303

  17. ADA Integrated Environment III. System Specification.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-12-01

    different from Report) Same ’S. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES RADC Project Engineer: Elizabeth S. Kean (COES) 19. KEY WORDS (Cortinue an reverse s,do if...is a (ollection of programs associated with the Ada Integrated Environment instead of a particular user. When the AlE is bru (Jht tip on a machine, the

  18. Connecting Tropical Marine Cloud Structures to Boundary Layer Properties and the Effect of Sea State on Whitecap Coverage

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-02-08

    on whitecap coverage Steven Howell Department of Oceanography University of Hawaii 1000 Pope Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822 phone: (808)956-5185 email...Gulf of Mexico in 2006 and often around Hawaii . 5 Related Projects No related projects. References B. Brümmer. Roll and cell convection in

  19. Detection, breeding, and selection of durable resistance to brown rust in sugarcane

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Brown rust, caused by Puccinia melanocephala, is an important disease of sugarcane in Louisiana. The adaptability of the pathogen has repeatedly resulted in resistant cultivars becoming susceptible once they are widely grown. The frequency of the brown rust resistance gene Bru1 was low in the breedi...

  20. Fabrication Materials for a Closed Cycle Brayton Turbine Wheel

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Khandelwal, Suresh; Hah, Chunill; Powers, Lynn M.; Stewart, Mark E.; Suresh, Ambady; Owen, Albert K.

    2006-01-01

    A multidisciplinary analysis of a radial inflow turbine rotor is presented. This work couples high-fidelity fluid, structural, and thermal simulations in a seamless multidisciplinary analysis to investigate the consequences of material selection. This analysis extends multidisciplinary techniques previously demonstrated on rocket turbopumps and hypersonic engines. Since no design information is available for the anticipated Brayton rotating machinery, an existing rotor design (the Brayton Rotating Unit (BRU)) was used in the analysis. Steady state analysis results of a notional turbine rotor indicate that stress levels are easily manageable at the turbine inlet temperature, and stress levels anticipated using either superalloys or ceramics.

  1. Results from the balance rehabilitation unit in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

    PubMed

    Kasse, Cristiane Akemi; Santana, Graziela Gaspar; Scharlach, Renata Coelho; Gazzola, Juliana Maria; Branco, Fátima Cristina Barreiro; Doná, Flávia

    2010-01-01

    Posturography is a useful new tool to study the influence of vestibular diseases on balance. to compare the results from the Balance Rehabilitation Unit (BRU) static posturography in elderly patients with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), before and after Epley's maneuver. a prospective study of 20 elderly patients with a diagnosis of BPPV. The patients underwent static posturography and the limit of stability (LE) and ellipse area were measured. We also applied the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) questionnaire to study treatment effectiveness. 80% were females, with a mean age of 68.15 years. After the maneuver, the LE increased significantly (p=0.001). The elliptical area of somatosensory, visual and vestibular conflicts (2,7,8,9 situations) in BRU and the DHI scores decreased significantly (p<0.05) after treatment. the study suggests that elderly patients with BPPV may present static postural control impairment and that the maneuver is effective for the remission of symptoms, to increase in the stability and improvement in postural control in situations of visual, somatosensory and vestibular conflicts.

  2. Effects of vibration and shock on the performance of gas-bearing space-power Brayton cycle turbomachinery. Part 3: Sinusoidal and random vibration data reduction and evaluation, and random vibration probability analysis

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tessarzik, J. M.; Chiang, T.; Badgley, R. H.

    1973-01-01

    The random vibration response of a gas bearing rotor support system has been experimentally and analytically investigated in the amplitude and frequency domains. The NASA Brayton Rotating Unit (BRU), a 36,000 rpm, 10 KWe turbogenerator had previously been subjected in the laboratory to external random vibrations, and the response data recorded on magnetic tape. This data has now been experimentally analyzed for amplitude distribution and magnetic tape. This data has now been experimentally analyzed for amplitude distribution and frequency content. The results of the power spectral density analysis indicate strong vibration responses for the major rotor-bearing system components at frequencies which correspond closely to their resonant frequencies obtained under periodic vibration testing. The results of amplitude analysis indicate an increasing shift towards non-Gaussian distributions as the input level of external vibrations is raised. Analysis of axial random vibration response of the BRU was performed by using a linear three-mass model. Power spectral densities, the root-mean-square value of the thrust bearing surface contact were calculated for specified input random excitation.

  3. Optimized Breech Location in the Harry Diamond Laboratories 4-Inch Gas Gun

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-04-01

    GAMA-iy*SQRrA BAR*(1-FRAC L~(GAMA-1))) IF INIT_G(BRL%)<=START TJ - THEN PRINT #BRL% USTNG FORM4$,INIT G(BRL%).VEL ELSE FLAG( BRU ) = 1 - 130 NEXT...CA 93041 COMMANDER DAVID W. TAYLOR NAVAL SHIP RESEARCH S DEVELOPMENT CENTER ATTN ELIZABETH DEMPSEY, CODE 534 ATTN PAUL GRANVILLE, CODE 581

  4. NASA Acting Deputy Chief Technologist Vicki Crisp Discusses Sierra Nevada Corporation's Dream Chaser with Lee Archambault

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2017-08-30

    NASA Acting Deputy Chief Technologist Vicki Crisp discusses Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Dream Chaser captive carry flight and future tests with former Astronaut Lee "Bru" Archambault, who is now a test pilot for the American company. The Dream Chaser completed a successful captive carry flight at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards, California, on Aug. 30, 2017.

  5. 78 FR 62597 - 36(b)(1) Arms Sales Notification

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-10-22

    ... Block II missiles, 1000 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) with BRU-61 carriage systems, 40 CATM-84H... missiles, 1000 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB), 40 CATM-84H Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM), 20... Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) I weapon is a 250-lb class, all-up round (AUR) that provides greater than 50nm...

  6. AGARD Bulletin. Meetings, Publications, Membership.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1981-01-01

    Chattin, 99 Directeur Technique SDT/C B-I 1180 Bru xelles Centre d’Essais en Vol 91 220 Br~tigny-sur-Orge CANADA Dr S.R.M.SINCLAIRGEMN (see under Deputy...Chef de Ia Sous-Seetion Contr6le et 31056 Toulouso- Cedex R&cption Technique (VDT/C) Etat-Major de la Force A&ienne M. GJUBE Quartier Reine Elizabeth

  7. Oil-Free Rotor Support Technologies for Long Life, Closed Cycle Brayton Turbines

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Lucero, John M.; DellaCorte, Christopher

    2004-01-01

    The goal of this study is to provide technological support to ensure successful life and operation of a 50-300 kW dynamic power conversion system specifically with response to the rotor support system. By utilizing technical expertise in tribology, bearings, rotordynamic, solid lubricant coatings and extensive test facilities, valuable input for mission success is provided. A discussion of the history of closed cycle Brayton turboalternators (TA) will be included. This includes the 2 kW Mini-Brayton Rotating Unit (Mini-BRU), the 10kW Brayton Rotating Unit (BRU) and the 125 kW turboalternator-compressor (TAC) designed in mid 1970's. Also included is the development of air-cycle machines and terrestrial oil-free gas turbine power systems in the form of microturbines, specifically Capstone microturbines. A short discussion of the self-acting compliant surface hydrodynamic fluid film bearings, or foil bearings, will follow, including a short history of the load capacity advances, the NASA coatings advancements as well as design model advances. Successes in terrestrial based machines will be noted and NASA tribology and bearing research test facilities will be described. Finally, implementation of a four step integration process will be included in the discussion.

  8. Predictors of Organizational-Level Testability Attributes

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-05-01

    A. Elizabeth Gilreath Brian A. Kelley 13a. TYPE OF REPORT 13b. TIME COVERED 14. DATE OF REPORT (YearB, M RSnt, Day) 15.PAGECOUNT ’Final JFROM A TO 6... BRU count. These counts are "described in subsections 6,.2.1.1 and 6.2.1.2. and are further subdivided in Figure 6-4. 6.2.1.1 Functional Cross

  9. Documentary Research of the Sugar Creek Basin,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1978-01-01

    8217cthp, h-owe of Dr. J . Ruf ur, Bru toni in Vork (Dijl,.rd S1977 7 - f ) Durnqth Flcontuto ed York Cnunty suf fered sn neiir rrly that i-strong Kut K’lux... Elizabeth W. 1965 Lancaster District, South Carolina, 1820 Census. Pass ChrTEtian (MississippiTVFWillo Institute of Genealogy. United Stctps Census

  10. Resistance exercise prevents plantar flexor deconditioning during bed rest

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bamman, M. M.; Hunter, G. R.; Stevens, B. R.; Guilliams, M. E.; Greenisen, M. C.

    1997-01-01

    Because resistance exercise (REX) and unloading induce opposing neuromuscular adaptations, we tested the efficacy of REX against the effects of 14 d of bed rest unloading (BRU) on the plantar flexor muscle group. Sixteen men were randomly assigned to no exercise (NOE, N = 8) or REX (N = 8). REX performed 5 sets x 6-10 repetitions to failure of constant resistance concentric/eccentric plantar flexion every other day during BRU. One-repetition maximum (1RM) strength was tested on the training device. The angle-specific torque-velocity relationship across 5 velocities (0, 0.52, 1.05, 1.75, and 2.97 rad.s-1) and the full range-of-motion power-velocity relationship were assessed on a dynamometer. Torque-position analyses identified strength changes at shortened, neutral, and stretched muscle lengths. Concentric and eccentric contractile work were measured across ten repetitions at 1.05 rad.s-1. Maximal neural activation was measured by surface electromyography (EMG). 1RM decreased 9% in NOE and improved 11% in REX (P < 0.05). Concentric (0.52 and 1.05 rad.s-1), eccentric (0.52 and 2.97 rad.s-1), and isometric angle-specific torques decreased (P < 0.05) in NOE, averaging 18%, 17%, and 13%, respectively. Power dropped (P < 0.05) in NOE at three eccentric (21%) and two concentric (14%) velocities. REX protected angle-specific torque and average power at all velocities. Concentric and eccentric strength decreased at stretched (16%) and neutral (17%) muscle lengths (P < 0.05) in NOE while REX maintained or improved strength at all joint positions. Concentric (15%) and eccentric (11%) contractile work fell in NOE (P < 0.05) but not in REX. Maximal plantar flexor EMG did not change in either group. In summary, constant resistance concentric/eccentric REX completely prevented plantar flexor performance deconditioning induced by BRU. The reported benefits of REX should prove useful in prescribing exercise for astronauts in microgravity and for patients susceptible to functional

  11. Effects of vibration and shock on the performance of gas-bearing space-power Brayton cycle turbomachinery. Part 4: Suppression of rotor-bearing system vibrations through flexible bearing support damping

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tessarzik, J. M.; Chiang, T.; Badgley, R. H.

    1974-01-01

    A bearing damper, operating on the support flexure of a pivoted pad in a tilting-pad type gas-lubricated journal bearing, has been designed, built, and tested under externally-applied random vibrations. The NASA Brayton Rotating Unit (BRU), a 36,000 rpm, 10-Kwe turbogenerator had previously been subjected in the MTI Vibration Test Laboratory to external random vibrations, and vibration response data had been recorded and analyzed for amplitude distribution and frequency content at a number of locations in the machine. Based on data from that evaluation, a piston-type damper was designed and developed for each of the two flexibly-supported journal bearing pads (one in each of the two three-pad bearings). A modified BRU, with dampers installed, has been re-tested under random vibration conditions. Root-mean-square vibration amplitudes were determined from the test data, and displacement power spectral density analyses have been performed. Results of these data reduction efforts have been compared with vibration tolerance limits. Results of the tests indicate significant reductions in vibration levels in the bearing gas-lubricant films, particularly in the rigidly-mounted pads. The utility of the gas-lubricated damper for limiting rotor-bearing system vibrations in high-speed turbomachinery has thus been demonstrated.

  12. Environmental Assessment: Construction and Operation of Defense Logistics Agency General Purpose Warehouse of Consolidation, Containerization and Palletization

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-08-16

    lfwe may be of further assistance, please contact Elizabeth Shirk, Environmental Review Coordinator at (404) 65 I -6624, or Jackie Horlbeck...Section 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended. Bru ;ed on the information provided, HPD believes that the proposed undertaking...referenced above in any future correspondence regar·ding this matter. If we may be of further assistance, please contact Elizabeth Shirk, Environmental Review

  13. European Science Notes Information Bulletin. Reports on Current European/Middle Eastern Science

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-09-01

    ten Wolde, T., "Reciprocity Experiments on the Transmission of Sound in Ships," 1973, Ph.D. Thesis , Technical Universitytivencss of this isolation can...form of a broadband driven exciter, was applied near Thesis for the Doctor of Philosophy degree submitted to Bru- the fixed end of a cantilever beam...colleagues have studied prolactin syn- tors and the need for extracellular calcium have been de- thesis in vivo as well as by in vitro translation. They have

  14. Immunization Against Potential Biological Warfare Agents

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2000-06-01

    Human live anthrax vaccine in the former USSR. Vaccine 1994; 12:727-30. 11. Stanley JL, Smith H . Purification of factor I and recognition of a...third factor of the anthrax toxin. J Gen Microbiol 1961;26:49-66. 12. Stanley JL, Smith H . The three factors of anthrax toxin: their immunogenicity...vaccination. In: Madkour MM, ed. Bru- cellosis. Madkour MM, ed. London: Butterworths, 1989:263-9. 40. Roux J. Brucella vaccines in humans. In: Madkour MM, ed

  15. The Development of PIPA: An Integrated and Automated Pipeline for Genome-Wide Protein Function Annotation

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-01-25

    limitations and plans for improvement Perhaps, one of PIPA’s main limitations is that all of its currently integrated resources to predict protein function...are planning on expending PIPA’s function prediction capabilities by incorporating comparative analysis approaches, e.g., phy- logenetic tree analysis...tools and services. Nucleic Acids Res 2005/12/31 edition. 2006, 34(Database issue):D247-51. 6. Bru C, Courcelle E, Carrere S, Beausse Y, Dalmar S

  16. Functional Analysis of Chk2-Kiaa0170 Interaction

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-09-01

    terminal repeat; NEO, neomycin resistance gene; pA, poly-A; PGK, phosphoglycerate kinase-1; BTK , Bru- ton’s tyrosine kinase; SA and SD, splice acceptor...Briefly, MEFs were lysed in buffer I (50 mM HEPES [pH 7.5], 150 mM NaCl, 1 mM EDTA, 0.05% NP40, and protease and phosphatase inhibitors ) for 5 min on...0.5% DOC, 0.1% SDS, and protease and phosphatase inhibitors ) on ice for 20 min. The extracts were centrifuged at 14,000 rpm for 20 min at 4ºC. The

  17. Evaluation of PCR methods for detection of Brucella strains from culture and tissues.

    PubMed

    Çiftci, Alper; İça, Tuba; Savaşan, Serap; Sareyyüpoğlu, Barış; Akan, Mehmet; Diker, Kadir Serdar

    2017-04-01

    The genus Brucella causes significant economic losses due to infertility, abortion, stillbirth or weak calves, and neonatal mortality in livestock. Brucellosis is still a zoonosis of public health importance worldwide. The study was aimed to optimize and evaluate PCR assays used for the diagnosis of Brucella infections. For this aim, several primers and PCR protocols were performed and compared with Brucella cultures and biological material inoculated with Brucella. In PCR assays, genus- or species-specific oligonucleotide primers derived from 16S rRNA sequences (F4/R2, Ba148/928, IS711, BruP6-P7) and OMPs (JPF/JPR, 31ter/sd) of Brucella were used. All primers except for BruP6-P7 detected the DNA from reference Brucella strains and field isolates. In spiked blood, milk, and semen samples, F4-R2 primer-oriented PCR assays detected minimal numbers of Brucella. In spiked serum and fetal stomach content, Ba148/928 primer-oriented PCR assays detected minimal numbers of Brucella. Field samples collected from sheep and cattle were examined by bacteriological methods and optimized PCR assays. Overall, sensitivity of PCR assays was found superior to conventional bacteriological isolation. Brucella DNA was detected in 35.1, 1.1, 24.8, 5.0, and 8.0% of aborted fetus, blood, milk, semen, and serum samples by PCR assays, respectively. In conclusion, PCR assay in optimized conditions was found to be valuable in sensitive and specific detection of Brucella infections of animals.

  18. Materials Data on U(BRu)4 (SG:142) by Materials Project

    DOE Data Explorer

    Kristin Persson

    2015-03-07

    Computed materials data using density functional theory calculations. These calculations determine the electronic structure of bulk materials by solving approximations to the Schrodinger equation. For more information, see https://materialsproject.org/docs/calculations

  19. Materials Data on Y(BRu)4 (SG:142) by Materials Project

    DOE Data Explorer

    Kristin Persson

    2015-02-09

    Computed materials data using density functional theory calculations. These calculations determine the electronic structure of bulk materials by solving approximations to the Schrodinger equation. For more information, see https://materialsproject.org/docs/calculations

  20. Reductive dehalogenation of 5-bromouracil by aliphatic organic radicals in aqueous solutions; electron transfer and proton-coupled electron transfer mechanisms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Matasović, Brunislav; Bonifačić, Marija

    2011-06-01

    Reductive dehalogenation of 5-bromouracil by aliphatic organic radicals CO2-rad , rad CH 2OH, rad CH(CH 3)OH, and rad CH(CH 3)O - have been studied in oxygen free aqueous solutions in the presence of organic additives: formate, methanol or ethanol. For radicals production 60Co γ-radiolysis was employed and the yield of bromide was measured by means of ion chromatography. Both radical anions have reducing potential negative enough to transfer an electron to BrU producing bromide ion and U rad radical. High yields of bromide have been measured increasing proportional to the concentration of the corresponding organic additives at a constant dose rate. This is characteristic for a chain process where regeneration of radical ions occurs by H-atom abstraction by U rad radical from formate or ethanol. Results with the neutral radicals conformed earlier proposition that the reduction reaction of α-hydroxyalkyl radicals proceeds by the proton-coupled electron transfer mechanism ( Matasović and Bonifačić, 2007). Thus, while both rad CH 2OH and rad CH(CH 3)OH did not react with BrU in water/alcohol solutions, addition of bicarbonate and acetate in mmol dm -3 concentrations, pH 7, brought about chain debromination to occur in the case of rad CH(CH 3)OH radical as reactant. Under the same conditions phosphate buffer, a base with higher bulk proton affinity, failed to have any influence. The results are taken as additional proofs for the specific complex formation of α-hydroxyalkyl radicals with suitable bases which enhances radicals' reduction potential in comparison with only water molecules as proton acceptors. Rate constants for the H-atom abstraction from ethanol and formate by U rad radicals have been estimated to amount to about ≥85 and 1200 dm 3 mol -1 s -1, respectively.

  1. Mini-BRU/BIPS 1300 watt (sub)e dynamic power conversion system development: Executive summary

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1978-01-01

    The status of the Brayton Isotope Power System (BIPS) is summarized. A 1200 watt sub e ground development unit was built and tested in a 0.000010 torr vacuum environment. Peformance mapping and 1000 hours of proof of concept system testing were completed. Specific components, primarily turbocompressor/alternator and recuperator performed according to predictions, thus achieving the design goal of 25 percent net power conversion efficiency. The system was fabricated from superalloy (Hastelloy-X and Waspaloy) thus placing it entirely within current state-of-the-art technology. The system could be flyable in the early 1980's pending flight qualification.

  2. Brayton heat exchanger unit development program (alternate design)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Duncan, J. D.; Gibson, J. C.; Graves, R. F.; Morse, C. J.; Richard, C. E.

    1973-01-01

    A Brayton Heat Exchanger Unit Alternate Design (BHXU-Alternate) consisting of a recuperator, a heat sink heat exchanger, and a gas ducting system, was designed and fabricated. The design was formulated to provide a high performance unit suitable for use in a long-life Brayton-cycle powerplant. Emphasis was on double containment against external leakage and leakage of the organic coolant into the gas stream. A parametric analysis and design study was performed to establish the optimum component configurations to achieve low weight and size and high reliability, while meeting the requirements of high effectiveness and low pressure drop. Layout studies and detailed mechanical and structural design were performed to obtain a flight-type packaging arrangement, including the close-coupled integration of the BHXU-Alternate with the Brayton Rotating Unit (BRU).

  3. Perceived critical success factors of electronic health record system implementation in a dental clinic context: An organisational management perspective.

    PubMed

    Sidek, Yusof Haji; Martins, Jorge Tiago

    2017-11-01

    Electronic health records (EHR) make health care more efficient. They improve the quality of care by making patients' medical history more accessible. However, little is known about the factors contributing to the successful EHR implementation in dental clinics. This article aims to identify the perceived critical success factors of EHR system implementation in a dental clinic context. We used Grounded Theory to analyse data collected in the context of Brunei's national EHR - the Healthcare Information and Management System (Bru-HIMS). Data analysis followed the stages of open, axial and selective coding. Six perceived critical success factors emerged: usability of the system, emergent behaviours, requirements analysis, training, change management, and project organisation. The study identified a mismatch between end-users and product owner/vendor perspectives. Workflow changes were significant challenges to clinicians' confident use, particularly as the system offered limited modularity and configurability. Recommendations are made for all the parties involved in healthcare information systems implementation to manage the change process by agreeing system goals and functionalities through wider consensual debate, and participated supporting strategies realised through common commitment. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Research and Technology Activities Supporting Closed-Brayton-Cycle Power Conversion System Development

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Barrett, Michael J.

    2004-01-01

    The elements of Brayton technology development emphasize power conversion system risk mitigation. Risk mitigation is achieved by demonstrating system integration feasibility, subsystem/component life capability (particularly in the context of material creep) and overall spacecraft mass reduction. Closed-Brayton-cycle (CBC) power conversion technology is viewed as relatively mature. At the 2-kWe power level, a CBC conversion system Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of six (6) was achieved during the Solar Dynamic Ground Test Demonstration (SD-GTD) in 1998. A TRL 5 was demonstrated for 10 kWe-class CBC components during the development of the Brayton Rotating Unit (BRU) from 1968 to 1976. Components currently in terrestrial (open cycle) Brayton machines represent TRL 4 for similar uses in 100 kWe-class CBC space systems. Because of the baseline component and subsystem technology maturity, much of the Brayton technology task is focused on issues related to systems integration. A brief description of ongoing technology activities is given.

  5. High antiferromagnetic transition temperature of a honeycomb compound SrRu 2O 6

    DOE PAGES

    Tian, Wei; Svoboda, Chris; Ochi, M.; ...

    2015-09-14

    We study the high-temperature magnetic order in a quasi-two-dimensional honeycomb compound SrRu 2O 6 by measuring magnetization and neutron powder diffraction with both polarized and unpolarized neutrons. SrRu 2O 6 crystallizes into the hexagonal lead antimonate (PbSb 2O 6, space group P31m) structure with layers of edge-sharing RuO6 octahedra separated by Sr 2+ ions. SrRu 2O 6 is found to order at T N = 565 K with Ru moments coupled antiferromagnetically both in plane and out of plane. The magnetic moment is 1.30(2) μ B/Ru at room temperature and is along the crystallographic c axis in the G-type magneticmore » structure. We perform density functional calculations with constrained random-phase approximation (RPA) to obtain the electronic structure and effective intra- and interorbital interaction parameters. The projected density of states shows strong hybridization between Ru 4d and O 2p. By downfolding to the target t 2g bands we extract the effective magnetic Hamiltonian and perform Monte Carlo simulations to determine the transition temperature as a function of interand intraplane couplings. We find a weak interplane coupling, 3% of the strong intraplane coupling, permits three-dimensional magnetic order at the observed T N .« less

  6. Pseudo-capacitor device for aqueous electrolytes

    DOEpatents

    Prakash, Jai; Thackeray, Michael M.; Dees, Dennis W.; Vissers, Donald R.; Myles, Kevin M.

    1998-01-01

    A pseudo-capacitor having a high energy storage capacity develops a double layer capacitance as well as a Faradaic or battery-like redox reaction, also referred to as pseudo-capacitance. The Faradaic reaction gives rise to a capacitance much greater than that of the typical ruthenate oxide ultracapacitor which develops only charge separation-based double layer capacitance. The capacitor employs a lead and/or bismuth/ruthenate and/or iridium system having the formula A.sub.2 ›B.sub.2-x Pb.sub.x !O.sub.7-y, where A=Pb, Bi, and B=Ru, Ir, and Oa compound with a high surface area and high electronic conductivity which, in combination with the increased pseudo-capacitance, affords high energy/power density in the pseudo-capacitor. The amount of expensive ruthenate and iridium can be substantially reduced in the pseudo-capacitor by increasing the lead content while improving energy storage capacity.

  7. Pseudo-capacitor device for aqueous electrolytes

    DOEpatents

    Prakash, J.; Thackeray, M.M.; Dees, D.W.; Vissers, D.R.; Myles, K.M.

    1998-11-24

    A pseudo-capacitor having a high energy storage capacity develops a double layer capacitance as well as a Faradaic or battery-like redox reaction, also referred to as pseudo-capacitance. The Faradaic reaction gives rise to a capacitance much greater than that of the typical ruthenate oxide ultracapacitor which develops only charge separation-based double layer capacitance. The capacitor employs a lead and/or bismuth/ruthenate and/or iridium system having the formula A{sub 2}[B{sub 2{minus}x}Pb{sub x}]O{sub 7{minus}y}, where A=Pb, Bi, and B=Ru, Ir, and Oa compound with a high surface area and high electronic conductivity which, in combination with the increased pseudo-capacitance, affords high energy/power density in the pseudo-capacitor. The amount of expensive ruthenate and iridium can be substantially reduced in the pseudo-capacitor by increasing the lead content while improving energy storage capacity. 8 figs.

  8. System design study to reduce capital and operating cost of a moving distributor, AFB advanced concept - comparison with an oil-fired boiler. Final report

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

    Mah, C.S.; West, L.K.; Anderson, R.E.

    1985-12-01

    The Aerojet Energy Conversion Company, under contract with the United States Department of Energy, has performed a comparative economic study of the Aerojet Universal Atmospheric Fluidized Bed Combustion (UAFBC) system and a coventional atmospheric fluidized bed combustion (AFBC) system. The program title, ''System Design Study to Reduce Capital and Operating Cost and Bench Scale Testing of a Moving Distributor, AFB Concept,'' is a good description of the general objective of the program. The specific objective was to compare the UAFBC with the conventional AFBC in terms of normalized steam cost. The boilers were designed for 150,00 lb/hr of steam atmore » 650 psig and 750/sup 0/F. The reference coal used in the analysis was Pittsburgh No. 8 coal with a sulfur content of 4.3% and a higher heating value of 12,919 Bru/lb. The analysis assumed a plant life of 20 years and a discount rate of 15%. The UAFBC systems included the usual elements of the conventional cola-fired AFBC steam plant, but the coal preparation sysbsystem for the UAFBC was considerably simpler because the system can use ''run-of-mine'' coal. The UAFBC boiler itself consisted of a staged-combustion fluidized-bed, superimposed over a static bed, the latter supported by a moving distributor. It incorporated a fines burnup combustor, an entrained reciculating gas cleanup bed, and conventional convection boiler. The key features of the UAFBC design were: High fuel flexibility; low NO/sub x/ emission; and superior turndown capability. 30 refs., 52 figs., 12 tabs.« less

  9. Effect of BrU on the transition between wobble Gua-Thy and tautomeric Gua-Thy base-pairs: ab initio molecular orbital calculations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nomura, Kazuya; Hoshino, Ryota; Hoshiba, Yasuhiro; Danilov, Victor I.; Kurita, Noriyuki

    2013-04-01

    We investigated transition states (TS) between wobble Guanine-Thymine (wG-T) and tautomeric G-T base-pair as well as Br-containing base-pairs by MP2 and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The obtained TS between wG-T and G*-T (asterisk is an enol-form of base) is different from TS got by the previous DFT calculation. The activation energy (17.9 kcal/mol) evaluated by our calculation is significantly smaller than that (39.21 kcal/mol) obtained by the previous calculation, indicating that our TS is more preferable. In contrast, the obtained TS and activation energy between wG-T and G-T* are similar to those obtained by the previous DFT calculation. We furthermore found that the activation energy between wG-BrU and tautomeric G-BrU is smaller than that between wG-T and tautomeric G-T. This result elucidates that the replacement of CH3 group of T by Br increases the probability of the transition reaction producing the enol-form G* and T* bases. Because G* prefers to bind to T rather than to C, and T* to G not A, our calculated results reveal that the spontaneous mutation from C to T or from A to G base is accelerated by the introduction of wG-BrU base-pair.

  10. Quasi Path Restoration: A post-failure recovery scheme over pre-allocated backup resource for elastic optical networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yadav, Dharmendra Singh; Babu, Sarath; Manoj, B. S.

    2018-03-01

    Spectrum conflict during primary and backup routes assignment in elastic optical networks results in increased resource consumption as well as high Bandwidth Blocking Probability. In order to avoid such conflicts, we propose a new scheme, Quasi Path Restoration (QPR), where we divide the available spectrum into two: (1) primary spectrum (for primary routes allocation) and (2) backup spectrum (for rerouting the data on link failures). QPR exhibits three advantages over existing survivable strategies such as Shared Path Protection (SPP), Primary First Fit Backup Last Fit (PFFBLF), Jointly Releasing and re-establishment Defragmentation SPP (JRDSSPP), and Path Restoration (PR): (1) the conflict between primary and backup spectrum during route assignment is completely eliminated, (2) upon a link failure, connection recovery requires less backup resources compared to SPP, PFFBLF, and PR, and (3) availability of the same backup spectrum on each link improves the recovery guarantee. The performance of our scheme is analyzed with different primary backup spectrum partitions on varying connection-request demands and number of frequency slots. Our results show that QPR provides better connection recovery guarantee and Backup Resources Utilization (BRU) compared to bandwidth recovery of PR strategy. In addition, we compare QPR with Shared Path Protection and Primary First-Fit Backup Last Fit strategies in terms of Bandwidth Blocking Probability (BBP) and average frequency slots per connection request. Simulation results show that BBP of SPP, PFFBLF, and JRDSPP varies between 18.59% and 14.42%, while in QPR, BBP ranges from 2.55% to 17.76% for Cost239, NSFNET, and ARPANET topologies. Also, QPR provides bandwidth recovery between 93.61% and 100%, while in PR, the recovery ranges from 86.81% to 98.99%. It is evident from our analysis that QPR provides a reasonable trade-off between bandwidth blocking probability and connection recoverability.

  11. Thermal Performance Testing of EMU and OSS Liquid Cooling Garments

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rhodes, Richard; Bue, Grant; Hakam, Mary

    2012-01-01

    A test was conducted to evaluate three factors influencing the thermal performance of liquid cooling garments (LCG): (1) the comparable thermal performance of an Oceaneering developed engineering evaluation unit (EEU) prototype LDG, (2) the effect of the thermal comfort undergarment (TCU), and (3) the performance of a torso or upper body only LCG configuration. To evaluate the thermal performance of each configuration a metabolic test was conducted, utilizing suited subjects to generate the metabolic heat. For this study three (3) test subjects of similar health and weight produced a metabolic load on the LDG configuration by either resting (300-600 BTU/hr), walking at a slow pace (1200 BRU/hr), and walking at a brisk pace (2200 BTU/hr), as outlined in Figure 1, the metabolic profile. During the test, oxygen consumption, heart rate, relative humidity, air flow, inlet and outlet air pressure, inlet and outlet air temperature, delta air temperature, water flow (100 lb/hr), inlet water temperature (64 F), delta water temperature, water pressure, core body temperature, skin temperature, and sweat loss data was recorded. Four different test configurations were tested, with one configuration tested twice, as outlined in Table 1. The test was conducted with the suit subjects wearing the Demonstrator Suit, pressurized to vent pressure (approximately 0.5 psig). The demonstrator suit has an integrated ventilation duct system and was used to create a relevant environment with a captured ventilation return, an integrated vent tree, and thermal insulation from the environment.

  12. Fundamental mechanisms of DNA radiosensitization: damage induced by low-energy electrons in brominated oligonucleotide trimers.

    PubMed

    Park, Yeunsoo; Polska, Katarzyna; Rak, Janusz; Wagner, J Richard; Sanche, Léon

    2012-08-16

    The replacement of nucleobases with brominated analogs enhances DNA radiosensitivity. We examine the chemistry of low-energy electrons (LEEs) in this sensitization process by experiments with thin films of the oligonucleotide trimers TBrXT, where BrX = 5-BrU (5-bromouracil), 5-BrC (5-bromocytosine), 8-BrA (8-bromoadenine), or 8-BrG (8-bromoguanine). The products induced from irradiation of thin (∼ 2.5 nm) oligonucleotide films, with 10 eV electrons, under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) are analyzed by HPLC-UV. The number of damaged brominated trimers ranges from about 12 to 15 × 10(-3) molecules per incident electron, whereas under the identical conditions, these numbers drop to 4-7 × 10(-3) for the same, but nonbrominated oligonucleotides. The results of HPLC analysis show that the main degradation pathway of trinucleotides containing brominated bases involve debromination (i.e., loss of the bromine atom and its replacement with a hydrogen atom). The electron-induced sum of products upon bromination increases by factors of 2.1 for the pyrimidines and 3.2 for the purines. Thus, substitution of any native nucleobase with a brominated one in simple models of DNA increases LEE-induced damage to DNA and hence its radiosensitivity. Furthermore, besides the brominated pyrimidines that have already been tested in clinical trials, brominated purines not only appear to be promising sensitizers for radiotherapy, but could provide a higher degree of radiosensitization.

  13. Enzymatic synthesis of long double-stranded DNA labeled with haloderivatives of nucleobases in a precisely pre-determined sequence

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Restriction endonucleases are widely applied in recombinant DNA technology. Among them, enzymes of class IIS, which cleave DNA beyond recognition sites, are especially useful. We use BsaI enzyme for the pinpoint introduction of halogen nucleobases into DNA. This has been done for the purpose of anticancer radio- and phototherapy that is our long-term objective. Results An enzymatic method for synthesizing long double-stranded DNA labeled with the halogen derivatives of nucleobases (Hal-NBs) with 1-bp accuracy has been put forward and successfully tested on three different DNA fragments containing the 5-bromouracil (5-BrU) residue. The protocol assumes enzymatic cleavage of two Polymerase-Chain-Reaction (PCR) fragments containing two recognition sequences for the same or different class IIS restriction endonucleases, where each PCR fragment has a partially complementary cleavage site. These sites are introduced using synthetic DNA primers or are naturally present in the sequence used. The cleavage sites are not compatible, and therefore not susceptible to ligation until they are partially filled with a Hal-NB or original nucleobase, resulting in complementary cohesive end formation. Ligation of these fragments ultimately leads to the required Hal-NB-labeled DNA duplex. With this approach, a synthetic, extremely long DNA fragment can be obtained by means of a multiple assembly reaction (n × maximum PCR product length: n × app. 50 kb). Conclusions The long, precisely labeled DNA duplexes obtained behave in very much the same manner as natural DNA and are beyond the range of chemical synthesis. Moreover, the conditions of synthesis closely resemble the natural ones, and all the artifacts accompanying the chemical synthesis of DNA are thus eliminated. The approach proposed seems to be completely general and could be used to label DNA at multiple pre-determined sites and with halogen derivatives of any nucleobase. Access to DNAs labeled with Hal-NBs at

  14. Enzymatic synthesis of long double-stranded DNA labeled with haloderivatives of nucleobases in a precisely pre-determined sequence.

    PubMed

    Sobolewski, Ireneusz; Polska, Katarzyna; Zylicz-Stachula, Agnieszka; Jeżewska-Frąckowiak, Joanna; Rak, Janusz; Skowron, Piotr

    2011-08-24

    Restriction endonucleases are widely applied in recombinant DNA technology. Among them, enzymes of class IIS, which cleave DNA beyond recognition sites, are especially useful. We use BsaI enzyme for the pinpoint introduction of halogen nucleobases into DNA. This has been done for the purpose of anticancer radio- and phototherapy that is our long-term objective. An enzymatic method for synthesizing long double-stranded DNA labeled with the halogen derivatives of nucleobases (Hal-NBs) with 1-bp accuracy has been put forward and successfully tested on three different DNA fragments containing the 5-bromouracil (5-BrU) residue. The protocol assumes enzymatic cleavage of two Polymerase-Chain-Reaction (PCR) fragments containing two recognition sequences for the same or different class IIS restriction endonucleases, where each PCR fragment has a partially complementary cleavage site. These sites are introduced using synthetic DNA primers or are naturally present in the sequence used. The cleavage sites are not compatible, and therefore not susceptible to ligation until they are partially filled with a Hal-NB or original nucleobase, resulting in complementary cohesive end formation. Ligation of these fragments ultimately leads to the required Hal-NB-labeled DNA duplex. With this approach, a synthetic, extremely long DNA fragment can be obtained by means of a multiple assembly reaction (n × maximum PCR product length: n × app. 50 kb). The long, precisely labeled DNA duplexes obtained behave in very much the same manner as natural DNA and are beyond the range of chemical synthesis. Moreover, the conditions of synthesis closely resemble the natural ones, and all the artifacts accompanying the chemical synthesis of DNA are thus eliminated. The approach proposed seems to be completely general and could be used to label DNA at multiple pre-determined sites and with halogen derivatives of any nucleobase. Access to DNAs labeled with Hal-NBs at specific position is an

  15. Large transcription units unify copy number variants and common fragile sites arising under replication stress.

    PubMed

    Wilson, Thomas E; Arlt, Martin F; Park, So Hae; Rajendran, Sountharia; Paulsen, Michelle; Ljungman, Mats; Glover, Thomas W

    2015-02-01

    Copy number variants (CNVs) resulting from genomic deletions and duplications and common fragile sites (CFSs) seen as breaks on metaphase chromosomes are distinct forms of structural chromosome instability precipitated by replication inhibition. Although they share a common induction mechanism, it is not known how CNVs and CFSs are related or why some genomic loci are much more prone to their occurrence. Here we compare large sets of de novo CNVs and CFSs in several experimental cell systems to each other and to overlapping genomic features. We first show that CNV hotpots and CFSs occurred at the same human loci within a given cultured cell line. Bru-seq nascent RNA sequencing further demonstrated that although genomic regions with low CNV frequencies were enriched in transcribed genes, the CNV hotpots that matched CFSs specifically corresponded to the largest active transcription units in both human and mouse cells. Consistently, active transcription units >1 Mb were robust cell-type-specific predictors of induced CNV hotspots and CFS loci. Unlike most transcribed genes, these very large transcription units replicated late and organized deletion and duplication CNVs into their transcribed and flanking regions, respectively, supporting a role for transcription in replication-dependent lesion formation. These results indicate that active large transcription units drive extreme locus- and cell-type-specific genomic instability under replication stress, resulting in both CNVs and CFSs as different manifestations of perturbed replication dynamics. © 2015 Wilson et al.; Published by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

  16. Performance Analyses of 38 kWe Turbo-Machine Unit for Space Reactor Power Systems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gallo, Bruno M.; El-Genk, Mohamed S.

    2008-01-01

    This paper developed a design and investigated the performance of 38 kWe turbo-machine unit for space nuclear reactor power systems with Closed Brayton Cycle (CBC) energy conversion. The compressor and turbine of this unit are scaled versions of the NASA's BRU developed in the sixties and seventies. The performance results of turbo-machine unit are calculated for rotational speed up to 45 krpm, variable reactor thermal power and system pressure, and fixed turbine and compressor inlet temperatures of 1144 K and 400 K. The analyses used a detailed turbo-machine model developed at the University of New Mexico that accounts for the various energy losses in the compressor and turbine and the effect of compressibility of the He-Xe (40 mole/g) working fluid with increased flow rate. The model also accounts for the changes in the physical and transport properties of the working fluid with temperature and pressure. Results show that a unit efficiency of 24.5% is achievable at rotation speed of 45 krpm and system pressure of 0.75 MPa, assuming shaft and electrical generator efficiencies of 86.7% and 90%. The corresponding net electric power output of the unit is 38.5 kWe, the flow rate of the working fluid is 1.667 kg/s, the pressure ratio and polytropic efficiency for the compressor are 1.60 and 83.1%, and 1.51 and 88.3% for the turbine.

  17. Large transcription units unify copy number variants and common fragile sites arising under replication stress

    PubMed Central

    Park, So Hae; Rajendran, Sountharia; Paulsen, Michelle; Ljungman, Mats; Glover, Thomas W.

    2015-01-01

    Copy number variants (CNVs) resulting from genomic deletions and duplications and common fragile sites (CFSs) seen as breaks on metaphase chromosomes are distinct forms of structural chromosome instability precipitated by replication inhibition. Although they share a common induction mechanism, it is not known how CNVs and CFSs are related or why some genomic loci are much more prone to their occurrence. Here we compare large sets of de novo CNVs and CFSs in several experimental cell systems to each other and to overlapping genomic features. We first show that CNV hotpots and CFSs occurred at the same human loci within a given cultured cell line. Bru-seq nascent RNA sequencing further demonstrated that although genomic regions with low CNV frequencies were enriched in transcribed genes, the CNV hotpots that matched CFSs specifically corresponded to the largest active transcription units in both human and mouse cells. Consistently, active transcription units >1 Mb were robust cell-type-specific predictors of induced CNV hotspots and CFS loci. Unlike most transcribed genes, these very large transcription units replicated late and organized deletion and duplication CNVs into their transcribed and flanking regions, respectively, supporting a role for transcription in replication-dependent lesion formation. These results indicate that active large transcription units drive extreme locus- and cell-type-specific genomic instability under replication stress, resulting in both CNVs and CFSs as different manifestations of perturbed replication dynamics. PMID:25373142

  18. Human prostate luminal cell differentiation requires NOTCH3 induction by p38-MAPK and MYC.

    PubMed

    Frank, Sander B; Berger, Penny L; Ljungman, Mats; Miranti, Cindy K

    2017-06-01

    Many pathways dysregulated in prostate cancer are also involved in epithelial differentiation. To better understand prostate tumor initiation, we sought to investigate specific genes and mechanisms required for normal basal to luminal cell differentiation. Utilizing human prostate basal epithelial cells and an in vitro differentiation model, we tested the hypothesis that regulation of NOTCH3 by the p38 MAPK family (hereafter p38-MAPK), via MYC, is required for luminal differentiation. Inhibition (SB202190 and BIRB796) or knockdown of p38α (also known as MAPK14) and/or p38δ (also known as MAPK13) prevented proper differentiation. Additionally, treatment with a γ-secretase inhibitor (RO4929097) or knockdown of NOTCH1 and/or NOTCH3 greatly impaired differentiation and caused luminal cell death. Constitutive p38-MAPK activation through MKK6(CA) increased NOTCH3 (but not NOTCH1) mRNA and protein levels, which was diminished upon MYC inhibition (10058-F4 and JQ1) or knockdown. Furthermore, we validated two NOTCH3 enhancer elements through a combination of enhancer (e)RNA detection (BruUV-seq) and luciferase reporter assays. Finally, we found that the NOTCH3 mRNA half-life increased during differentiation or upon acute p38-MAPK activation. These results reveal a new connection between p38-MAPK, MYC and NOTCH signaling, demonstrate two mechanisms of NOTCH3 regulation and provide evidence for NOTCH3 involvement in prostate luminal cell differentiation. © 2017. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  19. Energy insurance for Anchorage, Alaska - Beluga river gas field, Cook Inlet

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

    Stone, N.D.; Lindblom, R.G.

    1987-05-01

    The Beluga River gas field is the primary energy source for Anchorage, Alaska. The field is located 40 mi west of Anchorage astride the northwest shoreline of the Cook Inlet. Gas was discovered in December 1962 by Chevron's Beluga River unit (BRU) 1 well in section 35, T13N, R10W, S.B. and M. There are 16 producing wells in the field capable of a total gas potential of 140,000 MCFD. The current production averages 75,000 MCFD and the field has produced 220 BCF gas. Chevron, Shell, and ARCO have equal interests in the field. The Beluga River unit was formed inmore » 1962 with Chevron as operator. The produced gas is sold to the Chugach Electric Company and the Enstar Gas Company, both Anchorage-based utilities. The gas accumulation is trapped by a doubly plunging, slightly asymmetric anticlinal fold trending northeast-southwest. Gas is found from 3000 to 6000 ft vertical depth in sands within the lower Sterling (Pliocene) and Beluga River (upper Miocene) Formations. Reservoir sands range in thickness from 5 to 85 ft with average porosities of 24 to 30%. The Sterling sands were deposited in broad sand channels in a fluvial-deltaic setting, whereas Beluga sands were deposited in a high-energy fluvial environment in shifting stream courses. The use of the wireline repeat formation tester has aided in correlation, evaluation, and management of the multiple sand reservoirs. New gas sand reservoirs and partly depleted reservoirs are recognized, enabling completion from reservoirs of similar pressures and reducing risks associated with cross flow between reservoirs.« less

  20. Gp120 binding with DC-SIGN induces reactivation of HIV-1 provirus via the NF-κB signaling pathway

    PubMed Central

    Jin, Changzhong; Li, Jie; Cheng, Linfang; Liu, Fumin; Wu, Nanping

    2016-01-01

    The reactivation mechanism of latent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is unclear, especially in dendritic cells (DC). DC-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) binds with HIV-1 and other pathogens to activate the extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways and regulate cytokine expression. We hypothesized that DC-SIGN-induced signaling pathways may activate HIV-1 provirus. To investigate this hypothesis, we generated a model by transfecting 293T cells with a DC-SIGN expression plasmid and an HIV-1 5′ long terminal repeat (LTR) reporter plasmid, and then stimulated the 293T cells with HIV-1 gp120 protein, wild-type HIV-1 or VSV-G-pNL4.3 pseudotype virus (without gp120 protein). It was found that the HIV-1 5′LTR was reactivated by HIV-1 gp120 in DC-SIGN-expressing 293T cells. Then the HIV-1 chronically infected CEM-Bru cells were transfected with DC-SIGN expression plasmid and stimulated by HIV-1 gp120 protein. It was found that early and late HIV-1 provirus replication was reactivated by the HIV-1 gp120/DC-SIGN stimulation. We then investigated the involvement of the ERK, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases and NF-κB signaling pathways in HIV-1 gp120/DC-SIGN-induced activation of HIV-1 provirus by inhibiting the pathways specifically. Our results indicated that HIV-1 gp120/DC-SIGN stimulation reactivates latent HIV-1 provirus via the NF-κB signal pathway. PMID:26837416

  1. Stress-responsive expression patterns and functional characterization of cold shock domain proteins in cabbage (Brassica rapa) under abiotic stress conditions.

    PubMed

    Choi, Min Ji; Park, Ye Rin; Park, Su Jung; Kang, Hunseung

    2015-11-01

    Although the functional roles of cold shock domain proteins (CSDPs) have been demonstrated during the growth, development, and stress adaptation of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), rice (Oryza sativa), and wheat (Triticum aestivum), the functions of CSDPs in other plants species, including cabbage (Brassica rapa), are largely unknown. To gain insight into the roles of CSDPs in cabbage under stress conditions, the genes encoding CSDPs in cabbage were isolated, and the functional roles of CSDPs in response to environmental stresses were analyzed. Real-time RT-PCR analysis revealed that the levels of BrCSDP transcripts increased during cold, salt, or drought stress, as well as upon ABA treatment. Among the five BrCSDP genes found in the cabbage genome, one CSDP (BRU12051), named BrCSDP3, was unique in that it is localized to the chloroplast as well as to the nucleus. Ectopic expression of BrCSDP3 in Arabidopsis resulted in accelerated seed germination and better seedling growth compared to the wild-type plants under high salt or dehydration stress conditions, and in response to ABA treatment. BrCSDP3 did not affect the splicing of intron-containing genes and processing of rRNAs in the chloroplast. BrCSDP3 had the ability to complement RNA chaperone-deficient Escherichia coli mutant cells under low temperatures as well as DNA- and RNA-melting abilities, suggesting that it possesses RNA chaperone activity. Taken together, these results suggest that BrCSDP3, harboring RNA chaperone activity, plays a role as a positive regulator in seed germination and seedling growth under stress conditions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  2. Multiple Locus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat and Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism-Based Brucella Typing Reveals Multiple Lineages in Brucella melitensis Currently Endemic in China.

    PubMed

    Sun, Mingjun; Jing, Zhigang; Di, Dongdong; Yan, Hao; Zhang, Zhicheng; Xu, Quangang; Zhang, Xiyue; Wang, Xun; Ni, Bo; Sun, Xiangxiang; Yan, Chengxu; Yang, Zhen; Tian, Lili; Li, Jinping; Fan, Weixing

    2017-01-01

    Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease caused by Brucella spp. In China, brucellosis is recognized as a reemerging disease mainly caused by Brucella melitensis specie. To better understand the currently endemic B. melitensis strains in China, three Brucella genotyping methods were applied to 110 B. melitensis strains obtained in past several years. By MLVA genotyping, five MLVA-8 genotypes were identified, among which genotypes 42 (1-5-3-13-2-2-3-2) was recognized as the predominant genotype, while genotype 63 (1-5-3-13-2-3-3-2) and a novel genotype of 1-5-3-13-2-4-3-2 were second frequently observed. MLVA-16 discerned a total of 57 MLVA-16 genotypes among these Brucella strains, with 41 genotypes being firstly detected and the other 16 genotypes being previously reported. By BruMLSA21 typing, six sequence types (STs) were identified, among them ST8 is the most frequently seen in China while the other five STs were firstly detected and designated as ST137, ST138, ST139, ST140, and ST141 by international multilocus sequence typing database. Whole-genome sequence (WGS)-single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based typing and phylogenetic analysis resolved Chinese B. melitensis strains into five clusters, reflecting the existence of multiple lineages among these Chinese B. melitensis strains. In phylogeny, Chinese lineages are more closely related to strains collected from East Mediterranean and Middle East countries, such as Turkey, Kuwait, and Iraq. In the next few years, MLVA typing will certainly remain an important epidemiological tool for Brucella infection analysis, as it displays a high discriminatory ability and achieves result largely in agreement with WGS-SNP-based typing. However, WGS-SNP-based typing is found to be the most powerful and reliable method in discerning Brucella strains and will be popular used in the future.

  3. Partitioning of Dissolved Metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Cd, Zn, Ni, and Pb) into Soluble and Colloidal Fractions in Continental Shelf and Offshore Waters, Northern California

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fitzsimmons, J. N.; Parker, C.; Sherrell, R. M.

    2016-02-01

    The physicochemical speciation of trace metals in seawater influences their cycling as essential micronutrients for microorganisms or as tracers of anthropogenic influences on the marine environment. While chemical speciation affects lability, the size of metal complexes influences their ability to be accessed biologically and also influences their fate in the aggregation pathway to marine particles. In this study, we show that multiple trace metals in shelf and open ocean waters off northern California (IRN-BRU cruise, July 2014) have colloidal-sized components. Colloidal fractions were operationally defined using two ultrafiltration methods: a 0.02 µm Anopore membrane and a 10 kDa ( 0.003 µm) cross flow filtration (CFF) system. Together these two methods distinguished small (0.003 - 0.02 µm) and large (0.02 µm - 0.2 µm) colloids. As has been found previously for seawater in other ocean regimes, dissolved Fe had a broad size distribution with 50% soluble (<10 kDa) complexes and both small and large colloidal species. Dissolved Mn had no measurable colloidal component, consistent with its predicted chemical speciation as free Mn(II). Dissolved Cu, which like Fe is thought to be nearly fully organically bound in seawater, was only 25% colloidal, and these colloids were all small. Surprisingly Cd, Ni, and Pb also showed colloidal components (8-20%, 25-40%, and 10-50%) despite their hypothesized low organic speciation. Zn and Pb were nearly completely sorbed onto the Anopore membrane, making CFF the only viable ultrafiltration method for those elements. Zn suffered incomplete recovery ( 50-75%) through the CFF system but showed 30-85% colloidal contribution; thus, verifying a Zn colloidal phase with these methods is challenging. Conclusions will reveal links between the physical and chemical speciation for these metals and what role these metal colloids might have on trace metal exchange between the ocean margin and offshore waters.

  4. EVALUATION AND IMPORTANCE OF SELECTED MICROBIOLOGICAL METHODS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF HUMAN BRUCELLOSIS

    PubMed Central

    Šiširak, Maida; Hukić, Mirsada

    2009-01-01

    Brucellosis is an important public health problem in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The diagnosis of bru-cellosis in the country without any experiences with this kind of infection may be very difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic methods: Rose Bengal test, blood cultures and ELISA IgM and IgG in the patients with brucellosis. The study included 91 brucellosis patients in the period 2004 to 2007. All the patients were treated at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, University of Sarajevo Clinics Centre. Blood cultures were positive in 28/91 (30, 8%) patients. This method often needs a long period of incubation and specimens need to be obtained early. These limitations make serology the most useful tool for the laboratory diagnosis of Brucella infection. Rose Bengal is a rapid plate agglutination test, very sensitive irrespective of the stage of the disease. In our study, Rose Bengal test was positive in all patients 91/91 (100, 0%). Brucella IgM antibodies with ELISA were positive in 59/91 (64, 8%). Brucella IgG antibodies with ELISA were positive in 51/91 (56%). In order to determine the diagnostic value of the different tests, we compared the sensitivity among test-methods: Rose Bengal test-100.0%, blood culture-30.8%, ELISA IgM-64.8% and ELISA IgG-56.1%. Sensitivity of test methods was different in the different stages of illness. It is necessary to use combination of different tests such are blood culture, Rose Bengal test and ELISA in order to ensure the diagnosis. Rose Bengal test is excellent for the screening. Blood culture is a method of choice for the diagnosis acute infection. ELISA is a very good method for the diagnostic chronic disease and relapse. PMID:19754473

  5. Evolution of post-ESWL residual lithiasis depending on the type of calculus and urine composition.

    PubMed

    Grases, Felix; Costa-Bauzá, Antonia; Isern, Bernat; Sanchis, Pilar; Perelló, Joan; Hierro, Fernando; Conte Visus, Antonio

    2009-07-01

    Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is one of the most commonly used procedures for removal of renal calculi from the upper urinary tract, but complete expulsion of the fragments generated is not always achieved. This can lead to new lithiasic episodes, and it is considered that 10-26% of fragmented calculi can undergo regrowth. This in vitro study investigated the influence of fragment and urinary composition on post-ESWL growth of fragments, with the aims of establishing the effect and importance of these parameters, and identifying effective prophylactic measures. Fragments collected from patients immediately following expulsion after ESWL treatment were selected for regrowth experiments. The particles included 24 calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) fragments, 48 calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD), 24 hydroxyapatite (HAP), and 16 uric acid. In all treatments, calculi fragments showed a considerable capacity to induce growth of calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate. Under normocalciuria conditions, new COM crystals formed; both COM and COD crystals developed under hypercalciuria conditions at a urinary pH < 6.0; and in hypercalciuric conditions and urinary pH > 6.0 both HAP and brushite (BRU) crystals were formed. The highest growth rates were observed for COD calculi fragments under hypercalciuria conditions and at a urinary pH of 6.5, followed by growth on COM and HAP fragments under the same conditions; growth rates under other conditions tested were similar but 10-fold lower. With regard to the role of crystallization inhibitors, phytate exhibited inhibitory effects under all assay conditions. However, citrate had little effect, even at the highest concentration tested (1,000 mg/L). This study demonstrates the importance of avoiding heterogeneous nucleant retention (pre-existing solid microparticles) in renal cavities, as these can act as very efficient inducers of the formation of new calculi, the composition of which is mainly dependant on the urine

  6. Array of Synthetic Oligonucleotides to Generate Unique Multi-Target Artificial Positive Controls and Molecular Probe-Based Discrimination of Liposcelis Species

    PubMed Central

    Arif, Mohammad; Opit, George; Mendoza-Yerbafría, Abigail; Dobhal, Shefali; Li, Zhihong; Kučerová, Zuzana; Ochoa-Corona, Francisco M.

    2015-01-01

    Several species of the genus Liposcelis are common insect pests that cause serious qualitative and quantitative losses to various stored grains and processed grain products. They also can contaminate foods, transmit pathogenic microorganisms and cause allergies in humans. The common occurrence of multi-species infestations and the fact that it is difficult to identify and discriminate Liposcelis spp. make accurate, rapid detection and discriminatory tools absolutely necessary for confirmation of their identity. In this study, PCR primers and probes specific to different Liposcelis spp. were designed based on nucleotide sequences of the cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene. Primer sets ObsCo13F/13R, PeaCo15F/14R, BosCO7F/7R, BruCo5F/5R, and DecCo11F/11R were used to specifically detect Liposcelis obscura Broadhead, Liposcelis pearmani Lienhard, Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel, Liposcelis brunnea Motschulsky and Liposcelis decolor (Pearman) in multiplex endpoint PCRs, which amplified products of 438-, 351-, 191-, 140-, and 87-bp, respectively. In multiplex TaqMan qPCR assays, orange, yellow, red, crimson and green channels corresponding to reporter dyes 6-ROXN, HEX, Cy5, Quasar705 and 6-FAM specifically detected L. obscura, L. brunnea, L. bostrychophila, L. pearmani and L. decolor, respectively. All developed primer and probe sets allowed specific amplification of corresponding targeted Liposcelis species. The development of multiplex endpoint PCR and multiplex TaqMan qPCR will greatly facilitate psocid identification and their management. The use of APCs will streamline and standardize PCR assays. APC will also provide the opportunity to have all positive controls in a single tube, which reduces maintenance cost and labor, but increases the accuracy and reliability of the assays. These novel methods from our study will have applications in pest management, biosecurity, quarantine, food safety, and routine diagnostics. PMID:26086728

  7. Local and regional effects of large scale atmospheric circulation patterns on winter wind power output in Western Europe

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zubiate, Laura; McDermott, Frank; Sweeney, Conor; O'Malley, Mark

    2014-05-01

    Recent studies (Brayshaw, 2009, Garcia-Bustamante, 2010, Garcia-Bustamante, 2013) have drawn attention to the sensitivity of wind speed distributions and likely wind energy power output in Western Europe to changes in low-frequency, large scale atmospheric circulation patterns such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Wind speed variations and directional shifts as a function of the NAO state can be larger or smaller depending on the North Atlantic region that is considered. Wind speeds in Ireland and the UK for example are approximately 20 % higher during NAO + phases, and up to 30 % lower during NAO - phases relative to the long-term (30 year) climatological means. By contrast, in southern Europe, wind speeds are 15 % lower than average during NAO + phases and 15 % higher than average during NAO - phases. Crucially however, some regions such as Brittany in N.W. France have been identified in which there is negligible variability in wind speeds as a function of the NAO phase, as observed in the ERA-Interim 0.5 degree gridded reanalysis database. However, the magnitude of these effects on wind conditions is temporally and spatially non-stationary. As described by Comas-Bru and McDermott (2013) for temperature and precipitation, such non-stationarity is caused by the influence of two other patterns, the East Atlantic pattern, (EA), and the Scandinavian pattern, (SCA), which modulate the position of the NAO dipole. This phenomenon has also implications for wind speeds and directions, which has been assessed using the ERA-Interim reanalysis dataset and the indices obtained from the PC analysis of sea level pressure over the Atlantic region. In order to study the implications for power production, the interaction of the NAO and the other teleconnection patterns with local topography was also analysed, as well as how these interactions ultimately translate into wind power output. The objective is to have a better defined relationship between wind speed and power

  8. Screening for suitable areas for Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage within the Brussels Capital Region, Belgium using coupled groundwater flow and heat transport modelling tools

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Anibas, Christian; Kukral, Janik; Touhidul Mustafa, Syed Md; Huysmans, Marijke

    2017-04-01

    Urban areas have a great potential for shallow geothermal systems. Their energy demand is high, but currently they have only a limited potential to cover their own energy demand. The transition towards a low-carbon energy regime offers alternative sources of energy an increasing potential. Urban areas however pose special challenges for the successful exploitation of shallow geothermal energy. High building densities limit the available space for drillings and underground investigations. Urban heat island effects and underground structures influence the thermal field, groundwater pollution and competing water uses limit the available subsurface. To tackle these challenges in the Brussels Capital Region, Belgium two projects 'BruGeo' and the recently finished 'Prospective Research of Brussels project 2015-PRFB-228' address the investigation in urban geothermal systems. They aim to identify the key factors of the underground with respect to Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) installations like thermal properties, aquifer thicknesses, groundwater flow velocities and their heterogeneity. Combined numerical groundwater and heat transport models are applied for the assessment of both open and closed loop shallow geothermal systems. The Brussels Capital Region comprises of the Belgian Capital, the City of Brussels and 18 other municipalities covering 161 km2 with almost 1.2 million inhabitants. Beside the high population density the Brussels Capital Region has a pronounced topography and a relative complex geology. This is both a challenge and an opportunity for the exploitation of shallow geothermal energy. The most important shallow hydrogeological formation in the Brussels-Capital Region are the Brussels Sands with the Brussels Sands Aquifer. Scenarios where developed using criteria for the hydrogeological feasibility of ATES installations such as saturated aquifer thickness, groundwater flow velocity and the groundwater head below surface. The Brussels Sands

  9. Main Power Distribution Unit for the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Papa, Melissa R.

    2004-01-01

    Around the year 2011, the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO) will be launched and on its way to orbit three of Jupiter s planet-sized moons. The mission goals for the JIMO project revolve heavily around gathering scientific data concerning ingredients we, as humans, consider essential: water, energy and necessary chemical elements. The JIM0 is an ambitious mission which will implore propulsion from an ION thruster powered by a nuclear fission reactor. Glenn Research Center is responsible for the development of the dynamic power conversion, power management and distribution, heat rejection and ION thrusters. The first test phase for the JIM0 program concerns the High Power AC Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) Test Bed. The goal of this testing is to support electrical performance verification of the power systems. The test bed will incorporate a 2kW Brayton Rotating Unit (BRU) to simulate the nuclear reactor as well as two ION thrusters. The first module of the PMAD Test Bed to be designed is the Main Power Distribution Unit (MPDU) which relays the power input to the various propulsion systems and scientific instruments. The MPDU involves circuitry design as well as mechanical design to determine the placement of the components. The MPDU consists of fourteen relays of four different variations used to convert the input power into the appropriate power output. The three phase system uses 400 Vo1ts(sub L-L) rms at 1000 Hertz. The power is relayed through the circuit and distributed to the scientific instruments, the ION thrusters and other controlled systems. The mechanical design requires the components to be positioned for easy electrical wiring as well as allowing adequate room for the main buss bars, individual circuit boards connected to each component and power supplies. To accomplish creating a suitable design, AutoCAD was used as a drafting tool. By showing a visual layout of the components, it is easy to see where there is extra room or where the

  10. Conventional and Bimodal Nuclear Thermal Rocket (NTR) Artificial Gravity Mars Transfer Vehicle Concepts

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Borowski, Stanley K.; McCurdy, David R.; Packard, Thomas W.

    2016-01-01

    A variety of countermeasures have been developed to address the debilitating physiological effects of zero-gravity (0-g) experienced by cosmonauts and astronauts during their approximately 0.5 to 1.2 year long stays in low Earth orbit (LEO). Longer interplanetary flights, combined with possible prolonged stays in Mars orbit, could subject crewmembers to up to approximately 2.5 years of weightlessness. In view of known and recently diagnosed problems associated with 0-g, an artificial gravity (AG) spacecraft offers many advantages and may indeed be an enabling technology for human flights to Mars. A number of important human factors must be taken into account in selecting the rotation radius, rotation rate, and orientation of the habitation module or modules. These factors include the gravity gradient effect, radial and tangential Coriolis forces, along with cross-coupled acceleration effects. Artificial gravity Mars transfer vehicle (MTV) concepts are presented that utilize both conventional NTR, as well as, enhanced bimodal nuclear thermal rocket (BNTR) propulsion. The NTR is a proven technology that generates high thrust and has a specific impulse (Isp) capability of approximately 900 s-twice that of today's best chemical rockets. The AG/MTV concepts using conventional Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) carry twin cylindrical International Space Station (ISS)- type habitation modules with their long axes oriented either perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal spin axis of the MTV and utilize photovoltaic arrays (PVAs) for spacecraft power. The twin habitat modules are connected to a central operations hub located at the front of the MTV via two pressurized tunnels that provide the rotation radius for the habitat modules. For the BNTR AG/MTV option, each engine has its own closed secondary helium(He)-xenon (Xe) gas loop and Brayton Rotating Unit (BRU) that can generate 10s of kilowatts (kWe) of spacecraft electrical power during the mission coast phase

  11. The combined influence of the main European circulation patterns on carbon uptake by ecosystems

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bastos, Ana; Gouveia, Célia; Trigo, Ricardo

    2014-05-01

    of NAO has, as expected, the largest impact on European-wide carbon uptake patterns, the other modes appear to have a strong influence in particular regions, presenting overlapping effects with different signs which are due to differentiated responses to temperature and precipitation variability. We then rely on the historical experiment (CO2 concentration driven) of 12 ESMs from CMIP5 to assess the capability of those models to represent NAO, EA and SC patterns, the associated physical variables as well as the corresponding land carbon fluxes. Although all models simulate NAO reasonably well, and most represent EA and SC patterns satisfactorily, the response of the carbon cycle to these variability modes still needs further improvements. References [1] Bastos, A., Running, S. W., Gouveia, C.M., Trigo, R.M., (2013): J. Geophys. Res. Biogeosci.,118, 1247-1255, doi:10.1002/jgrg.20100. [2] Gouveia, C.M., Trigo, R. M., DaCamara, C. C., Libonati, R., Pereira, J. M. C. (2008): Int. J. Climatol., 28, 1835-1847, doi: 10.1002/joc.1682. [3] Trigo R.M., Valente M.A., Trigo I.F., Miranda P.M., Ramos A.M., Paredes D., García-Herrera R. (2008): Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1146, 212-234, doi: 10.1196/annals.1446.014. [4] Comas-Bru, L., McDermott, F. (2013): Q.J.R. Meteorol. Soc., doi: 10.1002/qj.2158.

  12. A Retirement and A Reservation: A Retrospective Autobiography

    PubMed Central

    Lee, Sok K

    2012-01-01

    A retirement is a rite of passage that requires careful planning, because it forces a retiree to make a shift in the paradigm in life. For 37 years, I was a healing professional, a breadwinner, and a working spouse. I am now a jobless loner, an inactive pensioner, and a homebound spouse. In this retrospective autobiography, I suggest a few points to help my younger colleagues to better their upcoming retirement: professional, financial, social, and familial. To overcome Erikson's identity crisis, I volunteered to be a wounded healer at Warm Springs Indian Reservation. My volunteer medical service at Warm Springs Indian Reservation was a good antidote to creatively overcome my postretirement blues. PMID:22745621

  13. A retirement and a reservation: a retrospective autobiography.

    PubMed

    Lee, Sok K

    2012-01-01

    A retirement is a rite of passage that requires careful planning, because it forces a retiree to make a shift in the paradigm in life. For 37 years, I was a healing professional, a breadwinner, and a working spouse. I am now a jobless loner, an inactive pensioner, and a homebound spouse. In this retrospective autobiography, I suggest a few points to help my younger colleagues to better their upcoming retirement: professional, financial, social, and familial. To overcome Erikson's identity crisis, I volunteered to be a wounded healer at Warm Springs Indian Reservation. My volunteer medical service at Warm Springs Indian Reservation was a good antidote to creatively overcome my postretirement blues.

  14. A movement, a spirit, a lifestyle change.

    PubMed

    Eberlee, J

    1994-04-01

    The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) has found that young children face the most risk of pneumonia and other respiratory infections. Those from areas not served by physicians face the greatest risk. During the 1980s, DOH set up a 5-year pilot project in 8 rural areas in the southern Philippines to see whether midwives could diagnose and treat acute respiratory infections (ARIs). The midwives used a simple diagnostic method (WHO/ARI algorithm) based on two ARI signs: a respiratory rate of at least 50 breaths/minute and an indrawn chest. An indrawn chest indicated a need to refer a child to the hospital. The midwives did well at diagnosing and treating ARIs. DOH has since introduced the algorithm nationwide. This research addressed an important problem and was well planned and implemented. IDRC and the Council on Health Research for Development in Geneva sponsors the Essential National Health Research (ENHR) initiative in the Philippines. The ENHR strategy aims to better people's health by establishing priorities among different health problems. After priority setting, a participatory process involving communities, researchers, and policy and decision makers determines the relevant research questions. ENHR should result in better, more effective, and more equitable health care and reduce the burden of illness. The first ENHR agenda includes the following research priorities: impact of indigenous beliefs and practices on health; baseline epidemiologic studies on mental health problems; infectious diseases (especially tuberculosis); evaluation of implementation of national health programs; and development of strategies to encourage rational use of drugs in hospitals. It took more than 2 years to agree on these priorities--a complicated and democratic process. The next step is to obtain funding for these projects. The ENHR project wants to attempt advocacy work--creating demand for research and preparing policy makers for the data. Its goal is to be a catalyst in

  15. 76 FR 53324 - Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, and A109K2 Helicopters

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-26

    ... Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, and A109K2 Helicopters AGENCY: Federal... helicopters. That EAD currently requires inspecting the main rotor scissor fitting assembly to determine if... helicopter. DATES: Effective September 12, 2011. The incorporation by reference of certain publications...

  16. A search for a new gauge boson A'

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

    Jensen, Eric L.

    2013-08-01

    In the Standard Model, gauge bosons mediate the strong, weak, and electromagnetic forces. New forces could have escaped detection only if their mediators are either heavier than order(TeV) or weakly coupled to charged matter. New vector bosons with small coupling {alpha}' arise naturally from a small kinetic mixing with the photon and have received considerable attention as an explanation of various dark matter related anomalies. Such particles can be produced in electron-nucleus fixed-target scattering and then decay to e +e -+ pairs. New light vector bosons and their associated forces are a common feature of Standard Model extensions, but existingmore » constraints are remarkably sparse. The APEX experiment will search for a new vector boson A' with coupling α'/α fs > 6 × 10 -8 to electrons in the mass range 65MeV < mass A' < 550MeV. The experiment will study e +e - production off an electron beam incident on a high-Z target in Hall A at Jefferson Lab. The e - and e + will be detected in the High Resolution Spectrometers (HRSs). The invariant mass spectrum of the e +e - pairs will be scanned for a narrow resonance corresponding to the mass of the A'. A test run for the APEX experiment was held in the summer of 2010. Using the test run data, an A' search was performed in the mass range 175-250 MeV. The search found no evidence for an A' → e +e -reaction, and set an upper limit of {alpha}'/{alpha}{sub fs} ~ 10 -6.« less

  17. Engineering a trifunctional proline utilization A chimaera by fusing a DNA-binding domain to a bifunctional PutA.

    PubMed

    Arentson, Benjamin W; Hayes, Erin L; Zhu, Weidong; Singh, Harkewal; Tanner, John J; Becker, Donald F

    2016-12-01

    Proline utilization A (PutA) is a bifunctional flavoenzyme with proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and Δ 1 -pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) dehydrogenase (P5CDH) domains that catalyses the two-step oxidation of proline to glutamate. Trifunctional PutAs also have an N-terminal ribbon-helix-helix (RHH) DNA-binding domain and moonlight as autogenous transcriptional repressors of the put regulon. A unique property of trifunctional PutA is the ability to switch functions from DNA-bound repressor to membrane-associated enzyme in response to cellular nutritional needs and proline availability. In the present study, we attempt to construct a trifunctional PutA by fusing the RHH domain of Escherichia coli PutA (EcRHH) to the bifunctional Rhodobacter capsulatus PutA (RcPutA) in order to explore the modular design of functional switching in trifunctional PutAs. The EcRHH-RcPutA chimaera retains the catalytic properties of RcPutA while acquiring the oligomeric state, quaternary structure and DNA-binding properties of EcPutA. Furthermore, the EcRHH-RcPutA chimaera exhibits proline-induced lipid association, which is a fundamental characteristic of functional switching. Unexpectedly, RcPutA lipid binding is also activated by proline, which shows for the first time that bifunctional PutAs exhibit a limited form of functional switching. Altogether, these results suggest that the C-terminal domain (CTD), which is conserved by trifunctional PutAs and certain bifunctional PutAs, is essential for functional switching in trifunctional PutAs. © 2016 The Author(s).

  18. Engineering a trifunctional proline utilization A chimaera by fusing a DNA-binding domain to a bifunctional PutA

    PubMed Central

    Arentson, Benjamin W.; Hayes, Erin L.; Zhu, Weidong; Singh, Harkewal; Tanner, John J.; Becker, Donald F.

    2016-01-01

    Proline utilization A (PutA) is a bifunctional flavoenzyme with proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) dehydrogenase (P5CDH) domains that catalyses the two-step oxidation of proline to glutamate. Trifunctional PutAs also have an N-terminal ribbon–helix–helix (RHH) DNA-binding domain and moonlight as autogenous transcriptional repressors of the put regulon. A unique property of trifunctional PutA is the ability to switch functions from DNA-bound repressor to membrane-associated enzyme in response to cellular nutritional needs and proline availability. In the present study, we attempt to construct a trifunctional PutA by fusing the RHH domain of Escherichia coli PutA (EcRHH) to the bifunctional Rhodobacter capsulatus PutA (RcPutA) in order to explore the modular design of functional switching in trifunctional PutAs. The EcRHH–RcPutA chimaera retains the catalytic properties of RcPutA while acquiring the oligomeric state, quaternary structure and DNA-binding properties of EcPutA. Furthermore, the EcRHH–RcPutA chimaera exhibits proline-induced lipid association, which is a fundamental characteristic of functional switching. Unexpectedly, RcPutA lipid binding is also activated by proline, which shows for the first time that bifunctional PutAs exhibit a limited form of functional switching. Altogether, these results suggest that the C-terminal domain (CTD), which is conserved by trifunctional PutAs and certain bifunctional PutAs, is essential for functional switching in trifunctional PutAs. PMID:27742866

  19. A Higher Education--A Polemic (For a Change)

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Peters, Lloyd

    2015-01-01

    The BBC Radio 4 comedy-drama "A Higher Education" was written in 1999 to present a satire of a dysfunctional and cash-strapped university (Northfield) led by the egotistical and amoral Head of Drama, Don Crookfield (played by Rik Mayall). For those of us passionately engaged in the provision of higher education today, the satire also…

  20. Mapping a Space for a Rhetorical-Cultural Analysis: A Case of a Scientific Proposal

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dorpenyo, Isidore Kafui

    2015-01-01

    This article analyzes a proposal submitted to a funding unit in Michigan Technological University by a PhD Forestry student. A rhetorical-cultural approach of the text provides evidence to argue that scientific writing is rooted in a cultural practice that valorizes certain kinds of thought, practices, rituals, and symbols; that a scientist's work…

  1. Radionuclide-binding compound, a radionuclide delivery system, a method of making a radium complexing compound, a method of extracting a radionuclide, and a method of delivering a radionuclide

    DOEpatents

    Fisher, Darrell R.; Wai, Chien M.; Chen, Xiaoyuan

    2000-01-01

    The invention pertains to compounds which specifically bind radionuclides, and to methods of making radionuclide complexing compounds. In one aspect, the invention includes a radionuclide delivery system comprising: a) a calix[n]arene-crown-[m]-ether compound, wherein n is an integer greater than 3, and wherein m is an integer greater than 3, the calix[n]arene-crown-[m]-ether compound comprising at least two ionizable groups; and b) an antibody attached to the calix[n]arene-crown-[m]-ether compound. In another aspect, the invention includes a method of making a radium complexing compound, comprising: a) providing a calix[n]arene compound, wherein n is an integer greater than 3, the calix[n]arene compound comprising n phenolic hydroxyl groups; b) providing a crown ether precursor, the crown ether precursor comprising a pair of tosylated ends; c) reacting the pair of tosylated ends with a pair of the phenolic hydroxyl groups to convert said pair of phenolic hydroxyl groups to ether linkages, the ether linkages connecting the crown ether precursor to the calix[n]arene to form a calix[n]arene-crown-[m]-ether compound, wherein m is an integer greater than 3; d) converting remaining phenolic hydroxyl groups to esters; e) converting the esters to acids, the acids being proximate a crown-[m]-ether portion of the calix[n]arene-crown-[m]-ether compound; and f) providing a Ra.sup.2+ ion within the crown-[m]-ether portion of the calix[n]arene-crown-[m]-ether compound.

  2. Burning a Candle in a Vessel, a Simple Experiment with a Long History

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vera, Francisco; Rivera, Rodrigo; Núñez, César

    2011-09-01

    The experiment in which a candle is burned inside an inverted vessel partially immersed in water has a history of more than 2,200 years, but even nowadays it is common that students and teachers relate the change in volume of the enclosed air to its oxygen content. Contrary to what many people think, Lavoisier concluded that any change in volume in this experiment is negligible; moreover, the explanation relating oxygen consumption in the air with its change in volume is known to be wrong. In this work we briefly review the history behind the candle experiment and its relationship with some typical erroneous explanations. One of the key factors behind Lavoisier's success was the use of experiments carefully designed to test different hypotheses. Following these steps, we performed several closed volume experiments where the candle wick was replaced by a capillary stainless steel cylinder supported and heated by a nichrome filament connected to an external power supply. Our recorded experiments are displayed as web pages, designed with the purpose that the reader can easily visualize and analyze modern versions of Lavoisier's experiments. These experiments clearly show an initial phase of complete combustion, followed by a phase of incomplete combustion with elemental carbon or soot rising to the top of the vessel, and a final phase where the hot artificial wick only evaporates a white steam of wax that cannot ignite because no oxygen is left in the closed atmosphere. After either a complete or incomplete combustion of the oxygen, our experiments show that the final gas volume is nearly equal to the initial air volume.

  3. Tiling a figure using a height in a tree

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

    Remila, E.

    1996-12-31

    We first give a new presentation of an algorithm from Thurston of tiling with lozenges formed from two cells of the triangular lattice A. Secondly we extend the method to get a linear algorithm of tiling with leaning dominoes (parallelograms formed from four cells of {Lambda}) and triangles (formed from four cells of {Lambda}). Thirdly, we produce a quadratic algorithm of tiling with leaning dominoes.

  4. Preparing a Book Review: A Research Guide; Preparing a Term Project: A Research Guide; Preparing a Written or Oral Presentation: A Research Guide.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Weil, Martha A.

    These three research guides present guidelines and sample exercises to help students at Washburn University of Topeka in Kansas use the library in preparing a book review, a term project, and a written or oral presentation. The guide on book reviews provides suggestions and exercises for choosing a book and finding information on the book, its…

  5. A Burger, a Beer, and a Side of Science

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wiehe, B. R.; Landsberg, R. H.; Wyatt, R. J.; Turner, M. S.

    2008-11-01

    Science cafés (a.k.a. café scientifiques) engage unconventional adult audiences and help researchers hone their communication skills in a relaxed and fun setting. Typically held in restaurants and pubs, science cafés provide a comfortable place for the public to speak with a scientist. National and local evaluations of the café format indicate that café are an effective way to engage adult audiences (especially non-scientists). Continued media coverage also demonstrates that something about them captures the public's imagination. This paper is based on an interactive oral presentation about organizing, presenting, and partnering with science café to bring IYA themes (and other current research) directly to new audiences. Real world examples from experienced café organizers and presenters provide an overview of what a science café is, how to start one, and how to use the format to draw attention to astronomy topics. The discussion includes suggestions for tapping into the existing national and international community of cafés (there are more than 60 in the U.S. alone), and information about free outreach resources. Break-out exercises in the original oral presentation were designed to help prepare participants to: find a suitable venue, advertise, work with café speakers, and foster the inclusive conversation that is the hallmark of a science café. Participants also learned about the impacts that can be expected from a science café, including benefits to audiences, café presenters, and hosting organizations. The overall goal of the original oral presentation was to stimulate a discussion about strategies for facilitating face-to-face communication between scientists and lay audiences.

  6. A model for a transition from a quasicrystalline to a microcrystalline state

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Coddens, G.; Launois, P.

    1991-07-01

    We propose a monoatomic model for a quasicrystal transition as observed recently in systems with icosahedral [3] and decagonal [5] symmetry. It is developed here for the case of decagonal symmetry and is inspired by the experimental results on the system Al-Cu-Co-Si [5,6]. The model goes beyond the purely geometrical description by an important physical aspect: the transition mediates through a single atomic jump distance such that only one unique double-well potential has to be invoked to describe it; in conformity with the symmetry there are 10 jump vectors. In the framework of the model, the microcrystalline state is energetically more favourable than a monocrystalline approximant phase. Nous proposons un modèle mono-atomique pour une transition quasicristal-microcristal du type de celles observées récemment dans des systèmes à symétrie icosaédrique [3] et décagonale [5]. Il est développé ici pour la symétrie décagonale et est inspiré par des résultats expérimentaux concernant l'alliage Al-Cu-Co-Si [5,6]. Le modèle va au-delà d'une description purement géometrique par un aspect physique important : la transition se fait via une seule distance de saut inter-atomique de telle sorte q'un seul double-puits de potentiel doit être pris en compte ; conformément à la symétrie, il y a 10 directions de saut. Dans le cadre du modèle, la phase microcristalline est énergétiquement favorisée par rapport à une phase approximante monocristalline.

  7. It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's a... Spacecraft?

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    2004-01-01

    Observing the sky with the green filter of it panoramic camera, the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit came across a surprise: a streak across the sky. The streak, seen in the middle of this mosaic of images taken by the navigation and panoramic cameras, was probably the brightest object in the sky at the time. Scientists theorize that the mystery line could be either a meteorite or one of seven out-of-commission spacecraft still orbiting Mars. Because the object appeared to move 4 degrees of an arc in 15 seconds it is probably not the Russian probes Mars 2, Mars 3, Mars 5, or Phobos 2; or the American probes Mariner 9 or Viking 1. That leaves Viking 2, which has a polar orbit that would fit with the north-south orientation of the streak. In addition, only Viking 1 and 2 were left in orbits that could produce motion as fast as that seen by Spirit. Said Mark Lemmon, a rover team member from Texas A&M University, Texas, 'Is this the first image of a meteor on Mars, or an image of a spacecraft sent from another world during the dawn of our robotic space exploration program? We may never know, but we are still looking for clues'.

    The inset shows only the panoramic image of the streak.

  8. Method of retrieving a liquid sample, a suction lysimeter, a portable suction lysimeter, a lysimeter system, and a deep lysimeter

    DOEpatents

    Hubbell, Joel M.; Sisson, James B.

    2003-08-26

    A method of retrieving a liquid sample comprises providing a portable lysimeter including a semi-permeable membrane and a chamber in fluid communication with the semi-permeable membrane; making a hole at a site from which a liquid sample is desired; evacuating the chamber by applying a vacuum to the chamber; lowering the portable lysimeter into the hole; obtaining a sample in the chamber; and retrieving the lysimeter from the bore; wherein it is not necessary to backfill the bore. A portable lysimeter includes a semi-permeable member and a chamber in fluid communication with the semi-permeable membrane.

  9. Eph receptor A10 has a potential as a target for a prostate cancer therapy

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

    Nagano, Kazuya; Yamashita, Takuya; Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871

    2014-07-18

    Highlights: • EphA10 mRNA is overexpressed in breast, prostate and colon cancer cell lines. • EphA10 is overexpressed in clinical prostate tumors at mRNA and protein levels. • Anti-EphA10 antibodies were cytotoxic on EphA10-positive prostate cancer cells. - Abstract: We recently identified Eph receptor A10 (EphA10) as a novel breast cancer-specific protein. Moreover, we also showed that an in-house developed anti-EphA10 monoclonal antibody (mAb) significantly inhibited proliferation of breast cancer cells, suggesting EphA10 as a promising target for breast cancer therapy. However, the only other known report for EphA10 was its expression in the testis at the mRNA level. Therefore,more » the potency of EphA10 as a drug target against cancers other than the breast is not known. The expression of EphA10 in a wide variety of cancer cells was studied and the potential of EphA10 as a drug target was evaluated. Screening of EphA10 mRNA expression showed that EphA10 was overexpressed in breast cancer cell lines as well as in prostate and colon cancer cell lines. Thus, we focused on prostate cancers in which EphA10 expression was equivalent to that in breast cancers. As a result, EphA10 expression was clearly shown in clinical prostate tumor tissues as well as in cell lines at the mRNA and protein levels. In order to evaluate the potential of EphA10 as a drug target, we analyzed complement-dependent cytotoxicity effects of anti-EphA10 mAb and found that significant cytotoxicity was mediated by the expression of EphA10. Therefore, the idea was conceived that the overexpression of EphA10 in prostate cancers might have a potential as a target for prostate cancer therapy, and formed the basis for the studies reported here.« less

  10. A-5A on lakebed.

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1963-03-25

    A North American Aviation A-5A Vigilante (Navy serial number 147858/NASA tail number 858) arrived from the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, MD, on December 19, 1962, at the NASA Flight Research Center (now, Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA). The Center flew the A-5A in a year-long series of flights in support of the U.S. supersonic transport program. The Center flew the aircraft to determine the let-down and approach conditions of a supersonic transport flying into a dense air traffic network. With the completion of the research flights, the Center sent the A-5A back to the Navy on December 20, 1963.

  11. A-5A on lakebed.

    NASA Image and Video Library

    1963-10-25

    A North American Aviation A-5A Vigilante (Navy serial number 147858/NASA tail number 858) arrived from the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, MD, on December 19, 1962, at the NASA Flight Research Center (now, Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA). The Center flew the A-5A in a year-long series of flights in support of the U.S. supersonic transport program. The Center flew the aircraft to determine the let-down and approach conditions of a supersonic transport flying into a dense air traffic network. With the completion of the research flights, the Center sent the A-5A back to the Navy on December 20, 1963.

  12. Giuseppe Moscati: a man, a physician and a scientist.

    PubMed

    Ponti, Giovanni; D'Onofrio, Felice; Ruini, Cristel; Muscatello, Umberto; Tomasi, Aldo

    2015-01-01

    The life of Giuseppe Moscati (1880-1927) as a man, as a physician and as a scientist may be framed within the cultural climate of Positivism, which spread over the last years of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th Century. His activity contributed to patients' care improvement; in addition to meticulous drug regimens, he also prescribed a methodology of spiritual care, involving meditation and self-control as part of an holistic approach to healthcare. Our review deals with his published researches, highlighting the innovative findings on the juvenile diabetes treatment and extensive clinical changes consequent upon nephritis. This extraordinary man put considerable emphasis on primary care and holistic health in Italy, pioneering a new patient-centred, and holistic approach to medicine.

  13. A Discovery of a Candidate Companion to a Transiting System KOI-94: A Direct Imaging Study for a Possibility of a False Positive

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Takahashi, Yasuhiro; Narita, Norio; Hirano, Teruyuki; Kuzuhara, Masayuki; Tamura, Motohide; Kudo, Tomoyuki; Kusakabe, Nobuhiko; Hashimoto, Jun; Sato, Bun'ei; Abe, Lyu; hide

    2013-01-01

    We report a discovery of a companion candidate around one of Kepler Objects of Interest (KOIs), KOI-94, and results of our quantitative investigation of the possibility that planetary candidates around KOI-94 are false positives. KOI-94 has a planetary system in which four planetary detections have been reported by Kepler, suggesting that this system is intriguing to study the dynamical evolutions of planets. However, while two of those detections (KOI-94.01 and 03) have been made robust by previous observations, the others (KOI-94.02 and 04) are marginal detections, for which future confirmations with various techniques are required. We have conducted high-contrast direct imaging observations with Subaru/HiCIAO in H band and detected a faint object located at a separation of approximately 0.6 sec from KOI-94. The object has a contrast of approximately 1 × 10(exp -3) in H band, and corresponds to an M type star on the assumption that the object is at the same distance of KOI-94. Based on our analysis, KOI-94.02 is likely to be a real planet because of its transit depth, while KOI-94.04 can be a false positive due to the companion candidate. The success in detecting the companion candidate suggests that high-contrast direct imaging observations are important keys to examine false positives of KOIs. On the other hand, our transit light curve reanalyses lead to a better period estimate of KOI-94.04 than that on the KOI catalogue and show that the planetary candidate has the same limb darkening parameter value as the other planetary candidates in the KOI-94 system, suggesting that KOI-94.04 is also a real planet in the system.

  14. A Burger, A Beer, and A Side of Science

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wiehe, Ben; Landsberg, R. H.; Wyatt, R. J.; Turner, M. S.

    2008-05-01

    Science Cafés (aka Café Scientifiques) engage unconventional adult audiences and help researchers hone their communication skills in a relaxed and fun setting. Typically held in restaurants and pubs, Science Cafés provide a comfortable place for the public to speak with a scientist. National and local evaluations of the Café format indicate that cafes are an effective way to engage adult audiences (especially non-scientists). Continued media coverage also demonstrate that something about them captures the public's imagination. Join us for an interactive session about organizing, presenting and partnering with Science Cafés to bring IYA themes (and other current research) directly to new audiences. Real world examples from experienced Café organizers and presenters will provide an overview of what a Science Café is, how to start one and how to use the format to draw attention to astronomy topics. The discussion will include suggestions for tapping into the existing national and international community of Cafés (there are more than 60 in the US alone), and information about free outreach resources. Break-out exercises will help prepare you to: find a suitable venue, advertise, work with café speakers, and foster the inclusive conversation that is the hallmark of a Science Café. Participants will also learn about the impacts that can be expected from a Science Café including benefits to audiences, Café presenters, and hosting organizations. The overall goal of this session is to stimulate a discussion about strategies for facilitating face-to-face communication between scientists and lay audiences. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own promotional plan for a Café event, including the important process of framing a topic to grab public attention, and developing strategies for reaching new target audiences. Substantial time will be allowed for participants to discuss how the Science Café format might be adapted for their specific

  15. A Flexible Integrated System Containing a Microsupercapacitor, a Photodetector, and a Wireless Charging Coil.

    PubMed

    Yue, Yang; Yang, Zhichun; Liu, Nishuang; Liu, Weijie; Zhang, Hui; Ma, Yanan; Yang, Congxing; Su, Jun; Li, Luying; Long, Fei; Zou, Zhengguang; Gao, Yihua

    2016-12-27

    Nowadays, the integrated systems on a plane substrate containing energy harvesting, energy storing, and working units are strongly desired with the fast development of wearable and portable devices. Here, a simple, low cost, and scalable strategy involving ink printing and electrochemical deposition is proposed to fabricate a flexible integrated system on a plane substrate containing an all-solid-state asymmetric microsupercapacitor (MSC), a photoconduct-type photodetector of perovskite nanowires (NWs), and a wireless charging coil. In the asymmetric MSCs, MnO 2 -PPy and V 2 O 5 -PANI composites are used as positive and negative electrodes, respectively. Typical values of energy density in the range of 15-20 mWh cm -3 at power densities of 0.3-2.5 W cm -3 with an operation potential window of 1.6 V are achieved. In the system, the wireless charging coil receives energy from a wireless power transmitter, which then can be stored in the MSC to drive the photoconductive detector of perovskite NWs in sequence. The designed integrated system exhibits a stable photocurrent response comparable with the detector driven by an external power source. This research provides an important routine to fabricate integrated systems.

  16. ST 1535: a preferential A2A adenosine receptor antagonist.

    PubMed

    Stasi, Maria Antonietta; Borsini, Franco; Varani, Katia; Vincenzi, Fabrizio; Di Cesare, Maria Assunta; Minetti, Patrizia; Ghirardi, Orlando; Carminati, Paolo

    2006-10-01

    Antagonism of the A2A adenosine function has proved beneficial in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, in that it increases L-dopa therapeutical effects without concomitant worsening of its side-effects. In this paper we describe a preferential A2A adenosine antagonist, ST 1535, with long-lasting pharmacodynamic effects. It competitively antagonizes the effects of the A2A adenosine agonist NECA on cAMP in cells cloned with the human A2A adenosine receptor (IC50=353+/-30 nM), and the effects of the A1 adenosine agonist CHA on cAMP in cells cloned with the human A1 adenosine receptor (IC50=510+/-38 nM). ST 1535, at oral doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg, antagonizes catalepsy induced by intracerebroventricular administration of the A2A adenosine agonist CGS 21680 (10 microg/5 microl) in mice. At oral doses ranging between 5 and 20 mg/kg, ST 1535 induces hypermotility and antagonizes haloperidol-induced catalepsy in mice up to 7 h. Oral ST 1535, at 1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg, potentiates L-dopa effects in reducing haloperidol-induced catalepsy. ST 1535 represents a potential new compound, with long-lasting activity, for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

  17. [A woman with a pure seminoma and a contralateral intratubular germinal neoplasm. A case report].

    PubMed

    Herrera-Gómez, Ángel; García-Pérez, Leticia; Gallardo-Alvarado, Leny; Isla-Ortiz, David; Salcedo-Hernández, Rosa A; Chanona-Vilchis, José

    Androgen insensitivity syndrome is an X-linked disorder, and is characterised by a female phenotype in a chromosomally male individual. It usually occurs in puberty with primary amenorrhoea or as an inguinal tumour in a female infant. In recent years, it is often also diagnosed in fertility clinics in adulthood. The case is presented of a pure seminoma in a woman with the reference diagnosis of inguinal hernia. A 53 year old woman, who was operated on in 2014 due to a nodule in left groin. Androgen insensitivity syndrome was corroborated, and histopathology reported it as a right testicular seminoma. The importance of early diagnosis is discussed, highlighting the consequences of misdiagnosis, and question whether these patients have been adequately treated in the past. The risk of malignant transformation of an undescended testicle increases with age, thus gonadectomy should be performed after puberty, and in some cases hormone replacement therapy. Copyright © 2016 Academia Mexicana de Cirugía A.C. Publicado por Masson Doyma México S.A. All rights reserved.

  18. Medusa spectroscopy of A400, A576, A1767, and A2124

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hintzen, P.; Hill, J. M.; Lindley, D.; Scott, J. S.; Angel, J. R. P.

    1982-01-01

    Galaxy velocity data taken with the Steward Observatory multiple aperture fiber optic spectrograph are presented for four Abell clusters. The root-mean-square external errors in these velocities are about 100 km/s; accuracy which compares favorably with that obtained from single-object observations. It is expected that the recent adoption of a CCD detector should decrease external errors to about 50 km/s. All four of the clusters observed are known X-ray sources and the present data agree well with empirically derived velocity dispersion-X-ray luminosity relations for clusters of galaxies. Abell 400 is interesting in this regard, since both its X-ray luminosity and its velocity dispersion are quite small. Such objects are particularly important in determining the slope of the velocity dispersion-X-ray luminosity relation. The large microwave decrement observed in A576 was initially interpreted as due to Compton scattering of the microwave background by the X-ray-emitting intracluster gas. White and Silk have presented Einstein X-ray data which indicate that A576 contains too little gas to produce the observed microwave decrement by Compton scattering. The velocity dispersion obtained here for 47 members of this cluster strengthens their conclusion.

  19. A complete tank test of a flying-boat hull with a pointed step -N.A.C.A. Model No. 22

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shoemaker, James M

    1934-01-01

    The results of a complete tank test of a model of a flying-boat hull of unconventional form, having a deep pointed step, are presented in this note. The advantage of the pointed-step type over the usual forms of flying-boat hulls with respect to resistance at high speeds is pointed out. A take-off example using the data from these tests is worked out, and the results are compared with those of an example in which the test data for a hull of the type in general use in the United States are applied to a flying boat having the same design specifications. A definite saving in take-off run is shown by the pointed-step type.

  20. Algebra? A Gate! A Barrier! A Mystery!

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mathematics Educatio Dialogues, 2000

    2000-01-01

    This issue of Mathematics Education Dialogues focuses on the nature and the role of algebra in the K-14 curriculum. Articles on this theme include: (1) "Algebra For All? Why?" (Nel Noddings); (2) "Algebra For All: It's a Matter of Equity, Expectations, and Effectiveness" (Dorothy S. Strong and Nell B. Cobb); (3) "Don't Delay: Build and Talk about…

  1. Improving Photovoltaic Performance of a Fused-Ring Azepinedione Copolymer via a D-A-A Design.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Honghong; Li, Ting; Xiao, Zuo; Lei, Zhongli; Ding, Liming

    2018-04-01

    Two conjugated copolymer donors, PTTABDT and PBTTABDT, based on a fused-ring azepinedione acceptor unit, 5-(2-octyldodecyl)-4H-thieno[2',3':4,5]thieno[3,2-c]thieno[2',3':4,5]thieno[2,3-e]azepine-4,6(5H)-dione (TTA), are prepared. PTTABDT possesses a conventional donor-acceptor (D-A) structure with one TTA in the repeat unit, while PBTTABDT has a D-A-A structure with two TTAs in the repeat unit. Compared with PTTABDT, PBTTABDT shows a deeper highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level, a narrower bandgap, and a higher hole mobility, and exhibits better performance in bulk heterojunction solar cells. Power conversion efficiencies of 6.18% and 7.81% are achieved from PTTABDT:PC 71 BM and PBTTABDT:PC 71 BM solar cells, respectively. The higher performance of PBTTABDT:PC 71 BM solar cells results from the enhanced open-circuit voltage (V oc ) and short-circuit current density (  J sc ). © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  2. A new A-scan ultrasonoscope.

    PubMed

    Bronson, N R

    1984-05-01

    A new A-mode biometry system for determining axial length measurements of the eye has been developed that incorporates a soft-membrane transducer. The soft transducer decreases the risk of indenting the cornea with the probe resulting in inaccurate measurements. A microprocessor evaluates echo patterns and determines whether or not axial alignment has been obtained, eliminating possible user error. The new A-scan requires minimal user skill and can be used successfully by both physician and technician.

  3. Burning a Candle in a Vessel, a Simple Experiment with a Long History

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vera, Francisco; Rivera, Rodrigo; Nunez, Cesar

    2011-01-01

    The experiment in which a candle is burned inside an inverted vessel partially immersed in water has a history of more than 2,200 years, but even nowadays it is common that students and teachers relate the change in volume of the enclosed air to its oxygen content. Contrary to what many people think, Lavoisier concluded that any change in volume…

  4. A Demonstration and a Souvenir

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Lentz, Randy

    1978-01-01

    Describes an activity using interchangeable, preset tool holders to provide a demonstration for parents or students attending a school's open house session that produces a small souvenir (an aluminum mini-chalice) for them. A procedure sheet for the school's individual lathe and specification diagrams for making the cup are provided. (TA)

  5. A psychological profile of a serial killer: a case report.

    PubMed

    Dogra, T D; Leenaars, Antoon A; Chadha, R K; Manju, Mehta; Lalwani, Sanjeev; Sood, Mamta; Lester, David; Raina, Anupuma; Behera, C

    2012-01-01

    Serial killers have always fascinated society. A serial killer is typically defined as a perpetrator who murders three or more people over a period of time. Most reported cases of serial killers come from the United States and Canada. In India, there are few reported cases. We present, to the best of our knowledge, the first Indian case in the literature. The present case is of a 28-year-old man, Surinder Koli. The Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delphi handled the forensic study. We present a most unique psychological investigation into the mind of a serial killer.

  6. Gufa, a Unique Cultural Ritual-a Tale of a Forbidden Sun and a Girl

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shrestha, Pritisha

    2016-10-01

    Gufa, one of the traditional rituals, has been performed in Nepal since time immemorial by indigenous Newar people. In Gufa, a young girl who just had her first period is hidden in a sunless room for twelve consecutive days. This paper expounds the importance of ritual and its nexus with astronomy especially while interpreting how the daily motions of celestial objects have influenced the establishment and devolvement of a deep-rooted custom of Gufa.

  7. A Pulsar and a Disk

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kohler, Susanna

    2016-07-01

    Recent, unusual X-ray observations from our galactic neighbor, the Small Magellanic Cloud, have led to an interesting model for SXP 214, a pulsar in a binary star system.Artists illustration of the magnetic field lines of a pulsar, a highly magnetized, rotating neutron star. [NASA]An Intriguing BinaryAn X-ray pulsar is a magnetized, rotating neutron star in a binary system with a stellar companion. Material is fed from the companion onto the neutron star, channeled by the objects magnetic fields onto a hotspot thats millions of degrees. This hotspot rotating past our line of sight is what produces the pulsations that we observe from X-ray pulsars.Located in the Small Magellanic Cloud, SXP 214 is a transient X-ray pulsar in a binary with a Be-type star. This star is spinning so quickly that material is thrown off of it to form a circumstellar disk.Recently, a team of authors led by JaeSub Hong (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics) have presented new Chandra X-ray observations of SXP 214, tracking it for 50 ks (~14 hours) in January 2013. These observations reveal some very unexpected behavior for this pulsar.X-ray PuzzleThe energy distribution of the X-ray emission from SXP 214 over time. Dark shades or blue colors indicate high counts, and light shades or yellow colors indicate low counts. Lower-energy X-ray emission appeared only later, after about 20 ks. [Hong et al. 2016]Three interesting pieces of information came from the Chandra observations:SXP 214s rotation period was measured to be 211.5 s an increase in the spin rate since the discovery measurement of a 214-second period. Pulsars usually spin down as they lose angular momentum over time so what caused this one to spin up?Its overall X-ray luminosity steadily increased over the 50 ks of observations.Its spectrum became gradually softer (lower energy) over time; in the first 20 ks, the spectrum only consisted of hard X-ray photons above 3 keV, but after 20 ks, softer X-ray photons below 2 ke

  8. When is a theory a theory? A case example.

    PubMed

    Alkin, Marvin C

    2017-08-01

    This discussion comments on the approximately 20years history of writings on the prescriptive theory called Empowerment Evaluation. To do so, involves examining how "Empowerment Evaluation Theory" has been defined at various points of time (particularly 1996 and now in 2015). Defining a theory is different from judging the success of a theory. This latter topic has been addressed elsewhere by Michael Scriven, Michael Patton, and Brad Cousins. I am initially guided by the work of Robin Miller (2010) who has written on the issue of how to judge the success of a theory. In doing so, she provided potential standards for judging the adequacy of theories. My task is not judging the adequacy or success of the Empowerment Evaluation prescriptive theory in practice, but determining how well the theory is delineated. That is, to what extent do the writings qualify as a prescriptive theory. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Repurposing with a Purpose: A Story with a Happy Ending

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Greaves, Lyn; Roller, Sibel; Bradley, Claire

    2010-01-01

    The work reported here forms part of a UK Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) funded project (BL4ACE) (http://bl4ace.tvu.ac.uk/). This project built on previous work that evaluated the effectiveness of a learning design to underpin academic competence in a Business Studies degree. A significant concern of the blended learning design was to…

  10. A poem and a dream.

    PubMed

    Mahon, Eugene

    2007-01-01

    Recently, a journalist in analysis had a dream that stimulated the writing of a poem, the two psychic products occurring no more than a few hours apart. Since the analysand had copious free associations to both products, believing both to be culled from the same unconscious raw material, an interesting study of an act of aesthetic creation almost in statu nascendi became possible. A concept called poem work is entertained in this paper and is compared and contrasted with the classical psychoanalytic concept of dream work, allowing some unanswerable questions to be posed and discussed in regard to the formal constitutive elements of poetry.

  11. Can a String's Tension Exert a Torque on a Pulley?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Krause, Dennis E.; Sun, Yifei

    2011-01-01

    A typical textbook problem in rotational dynamics involves calculating the angular acceleration of a massive pulley due to a string, such as in the example shown in Fig. 1. The string is assumed to be massless and to move without slipping over the pulley, which is mounted on a frictionless axle. If T[subscript L] and T[subscript R] are the…

  12. [Caffeine: a nutrient, a drug or a drug of abuse].

    PubMed

    Pardo Lozano, Ricardo; Alvarez García, Yolanda; Barral Tafalla, Diego; Farré Albaladejo, Magí

    2007-01-01

    Coffee, tea, chocolate and caffeinated drinks are the main sources of caffeine, which is consumed in almost all ages and socioeconomic levels. Caffeine acts as a non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist in the central nervous system. Its main effects are as psychostimulant, acting in addition on the respiratory, muscular and cardiovascular systems. Basically, caffeine is metabolized by the hepatic cytochrome P-450 1A2 enzymes (CYP1A2). Several drugs can interact with its metabolism. The observed interindividual differences of its effects can be explained by variations in its metabolism. The main therapeutic use of caffeine is bronchodilator in respiratory diseases. Other possible uses are under investigation. Acute or chronic consumption of caffeine can induce several adverse effects, including intoxication that can be lethal. Finally, caffeine can be considered a drug of abuse. It has positive reinforcing actions, produces tolerance, and a withdrawal syndrome after stopping its consumption. Caffeine can cause different mental disorders such as dependence, which is not included in the DSM-IV-R, withdrawal syndrome and intoxication. Depending on its use, caffeine can be considered a nutrient, a drug or a drug of abuse.

  13. 76 FR 27863 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318-112, A319-111, A319-112, A319-115, A319-132, A319-133...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-05-13

    ... aeroplane. In addition, this condition could lead to a non detected passenger oxygen loss, which, in case of emergency, could result in a large number of passenger oxygen masks not being supplied with oxygen, possibly... a non detected passenger oxygen loss, which, in case of emergency, could result in a large number of...

  14. Functional analysis of Streptococcus pyogenes nuclease A (SpnA), a novel group A streptococcal virulence factor.

    PubMed

    Chang, Ann; Khemlani, Adrina; Kang, HaeJoo; Proft, Thomas

    2011-03-01

    Streptococcus pyogenes nuclease A (SpnA) is a recently discovered DNase that plays a role in virulence as shown in a mouse infection model. SpnA is the only cell wall-anchored DNase found in S. pyogenes thus far and shows a unique protein architecture. The C-terminal nuclease domain contains highly conserved catalytic site and Mg(2+) binding site residues. However, expression of the SpnA nuclease domain alone resulted in a soluble, but enzymatically inactive protein. We found that at least two out of three oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding fold motifs found in the N-terminal domain are required for SpnA activity, probably contributing to substrate binding. Using a combination of a spnA deletion mutant and a Lactococcus lactis'gain-of-function' mutant, we have shown that SpnA promotes survival in whole human blood and in neutrophil killing assays and this is, at least in part, achieved by the destruction of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). We observed higher frequencies for anti-SpnA antibodies in streptococcal disease patient sera (79%, n = 19) compared with sera from healthy donors (33%, n = 9) suggesting that SpnA is expressed during infection. Detection of anti-SpnA antibodies in patient serum might be useful for the diagnostic of post-streptococcal diseases, such as acute rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  15. Enigineering in a Mountain Resort Town: A Record of a Study

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-12-01

    develop a business plan for a similar company in a mountain community. This provides a useful tool to begin a second career after retirement from the...objective to develop a business plan for a similar company in a mountain community was met. The second objective to build lesson plans for the Air Force...benefits to myself, the United States Air Force Academy, and PLC. The first objective was to develop a business plan for a similar company in a

  16. A comparison of a refrigerant and a topical anesthetic gel as preinjection anesthetics: a clinical evaluation.

    PubMed

    Kosaraju, Amar; Vandewalle, Kraig S

    2009-01-01

    The authors used a split-mouth design to determine the effectiveness of a refrigerant compared with that of a topical anesthetic gel in reducing the pain experienced during a posterior palatal anesthetic injection. Sixteen participants received a five-second application of a refrigerant (1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane/1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) and a two-minute application of a topical anesthetic gel (20 percent benzocaine gel) in the posterior palatal area before an injection of a local anesthetic solution was administered with a 30-gauge needle. Participants rated the pain they experienced after each injection by using a 100-millimeter visual analog scale (VAS) with endpoints of "no pain" and "worst possible pain." The authors calculated VAS scores by measuring the distance in millimeters from the no pain end of the scale. They analyzed data with a paired t test (alpha = .05). The group receiving the refrigerant had a mean VAS score of 17.7 +/- 15.3 mm, and the group receiving the topical anesthetic gel had a VAS score of 26.2 +/- 18.0 mm. The use of the refrigerant compared with the use of topical anesthetic gel significantly reduced the pain experienced during administration of local anesthetic injections (P = .02). The use of a refrigerant as a preinjection anesthetic was more effective compared with the use of a topical anesthetic gel in reducing the pain experienced by participants who received a posterior palatal injection. The potential benefits of using a refrigerant rather than a topical anesthetic gel are pain reduction, decreased application time, ease of application and avoidance of displeasing taste.

  17. A Disease or Not a Disease? Aging As a Pathology.

    PubMed

    Gladyshev, Timothy V; Gladyshev, Vadim N

    2016-12-01

    The debate on the relationship between aging and disease is centered on whether aging is a normal/natural/physiological process or it represents a pathology. Considering this relationship from medical, molecular, social, and historical perspectives, we argue that aging is neither a disease, nor a non-disease. Instead, it combines all age-related diseases and their preclinical forms, in addition to other pathological changes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  18. A patient with a painless neck tumour revealed as a carotid paraganglioma: a case report.

    PubMed

    Peric, Barbara; Marinsek, Ziva Pohar; Skrbinc, Breda; Music, Maja; Zagar, Ivana; Hocevar, Marko

    2014-08-20

    Carotid paragangliomas are usually slowly enlarging and painless lateral neck masses. These mostly benign lesions are recognized due to their typical location, vessel displacement and specific blood supply, features that are usually seen on different imaging modalities. Surgery for carotid paraganglioma can be associated with immediate cerebrovascular complications or delayed neurological impairment.We are reporting the case of a 36-year-old man who presented with a painless mass on the right side of his neck 11 months after being treated for testicular cancer. After a fine-needle aspiration biopsy, he was diagnosed with a testicular cancer lymph node metastasis. Neck US and fluorine [F-18]-fluorodeoxy-D-glucose (FDG) PET-CT showed no signs of hypervascularity or vessel displacement. The patient underwent a level II to V functional neck dissection. During the procedure, suspicion of a carotid paraganglioma was raised and the tumour was carefully dissected from the walls of the carotid arteries with minimal blood loss and no cranial nerve dysfunction.The histology report revealed carotid paraganglioma with no metastasis in the rest of the lymph nodes. The patient's history of testicular germ cell tumour led to a functional neck dissection during which a previously unrecognized carotid paraganglioma was removed.Surgery for carotid PG can be associated with complications that have major impact on quality of life. A thorough assessment of the patient and neck mass must therefore be performed preoperatively in order to perform the surgical procedure under optimal conditions.

  19. A case of a brain stem abscess with a favorable outcome

    PubMed Central

    Bulthuis, Vincent J.; Gubler, Felix S.; Teernstra, Onno P. M.; Temel, Yasin

    2015-01-01

    Background: A brain stem abscess is a rare and severe medical condition. Here, we present a rare case of a brain stem abscess in a young pregnant woman, requiring acute stereotactic intervention. Case Description: A 36-year-old woman presented with a headache, nausea, and vomiting, and computed tomography showed a space-occupying lesion in the brain stem. She became shortly after comatose, and we decided to perform an acute stereotactic aspiration of the abscess. Soon after surgery, her neurological condition improved dramatically. Conclusion: A brainstem abscess is a life-threatening condition with a potentially good outcome if treated adequately. PMID:26543670

  20. Evidence of a rolling motion of a microparticle on a silicon wafer in a liquid environment

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

    Schiwek, Simon; Stark, Robert W., E-mail: stark@csi.tu-darmstadt.de, E-mail: dietz@csi.tu-darmstadt.de; Dietz, Christian, E-mail: stark@csi.tu-darmstadt.de, E-mail: dietz@csi.tu-darmstadt.de

    2016-05-21

    The interaction of micro- and nanometer-sized particles with surfaces plays a crucial role when small-scale structures are built in a bottom-up approach or structured surfaces are cleaned in the semiconductor industry. For a reliable quantification of the interaction between individual particles and a specific surface, however, the motion type of the particle must be known. We developed an approach to unambiguously distinguish between sliding and rolling particles. To this end, fluorescent particles were partially bleached in a confocal laser scanning microscope to tailor an optical inhomogeneity, which allowed for the identification of the characteristic motion pattern. For the manipulation, themore » water flow generated by a fast moving cantilever-tip of an atomic force microscope enabled the contactless pushing of the particle. We thus experimentally evidenced a rolling motion of a micrometer-sized particle directly with a fluorescence microscope. A similar approach could help to discriminate between rolling and sliding particles in liquid flows of microfluidic systems.« less

  1. A Hair & a Fungus: Showing Kids the Size of a Microbe

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Richter, Dana L.

    2013-01-01

    A simple method is presented to show kids the size of a microbe--a fungus hypha--compared to a human hair. Common household items are used to make sterile medium on a stove or hotplate, which is dispensed in the cells of a weekly plastic pill box. Mold fungi can be easily and safely grown on the medium from the classroom environment. A microscope…

  2. A stage is a stage is a stage: a direct comparison of two scoring systems.

    PubMed

    Dawson, Theo L

    2003-09-01

    L. Kohlberg (1969) argued that his moral stages captured a developmental sequence specific to the moral domain. To explore that contention, the author compared stage assignments obtained with the Standard Issue Scoring System (A. Colby & L. Kohlberg, 1987a, 1987b) and those obtained with a generalized content-independent stage-scoring system called the Hierarchical Complexity Scoring System (T. L. Dawson, 2002a), on 637 moral judgment interviews (participants' ages ranged from 5 to 86 years). The correlation between stage scores produced with the 2 systems was .88. Although standard issue scoring and hierarchical complexity scoring often awarded different scores up to Kohlberg's Moral Stage 2/3, from his Moral Stage 3 onward, scores awarded with the two systems predominantly agreed. The author explores the implications for developmental research.

  3. Converting a Monopole Emission into a Dipole Using a Subwavelength Structure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fan, Xu-Dong; Zhu, Yi-Fan; Liang, Bin; Cheng, Jian-chun; Zhang, Likun

    2018-03-01

    High-efficiency emission of multipoles is unachievable by a source much smaller than the wavelength, preventing compact acoustic devices for generating directional sound beams. Here, we present a primary scheme towards solving this problem by numerically and experimentally enclosing a monopole sound source in a structure with a dimension of around 1 /10 sound wavelength to emit a dipolar field. The radiated sound power is found to be more than twice that of a bare dipole. Our study of efficient emission of directional low-frequency sound from a monopole source in a subwavelength space may have applications such as focused ultrasound for imaging, directional underwater sound beams, miniaturized sonar, etc.

  4. Biodiesel: A fuel, a lubricant, and a solvent

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Biodiesel is well-known as a biogenic alternative to conventional diesel fuel derived from petroleum. It is produced from feedstocks such as plant oils consisting largely of triacylglycerols through transesterification with an alcohol such as methanol. The properties of biodiesel are largely compet...

  5. 13 CFR Appendix A to Subpart A of... - Appendix A to Subpart A of Part 113

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... innovation and research Small Business Act, sec. 9. Procurement automated source system. Small Business Act... 13 Business Credit and Assistance 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Appendix A to Subpart A of Part 113 A Appendix A to Subpart A of Part 113 Business Credit and Assistance SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION...

  6. A Volumetric Flask as a Projector

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Limsuwan, P.; Asanithi, P.; Thongpool, V.; Piriyawong, V.; Limsuwan, S.

    2012-01-01

    A lens based on liquid in the confined volume of a volumetric flask was presented as a potential projector to observe microscopic floating organisms or materials. In this experiment, a mosquito larva from a natural pond was selected as a demonstration sample. By shining a light beam from a laser pointer of any visible wavelength through the…

  7. A 500 A device characterizer utilizing a pulsed-linear amplifier

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lacouture, Shelby; Bayne, Stephen

    2016-02-01

    With the advent of modern power semiconductor switching elements, the envelope defining "high power" is an ever increasing quantity. Characterization of these semiconductor power devices generally falls into two categories: switching, or transient characteristics, and static, or DC characteristics. With the increasing native voltage and current levels that modern power devices are capable of handling, characterization equipment meant to extract quasi-static IV curves has not kept pace, often leaving researchers with no other option than to construct ad hoc curve tracers from disparate pieces of equipment. In this paper, a dedicated 10 V, 500 A curve tracer was designed and constructed for use with state of the art high power semiconductor switching and control elements. The characterizer is a physically small, pulsed power system at the heart of which is a relatively high power linear amplifier operating in a switched manner in order to deliver well defined square voltage pulses. These actively shaped pulses are used to obtain device's quasi-static DC characteristics accurately without causing any damage to the device tested. Voltage and current waveforms from each pulse are recorded simultaneously by two separate high-speed analog to digital converters and averaged over a specified interval to obtain points in the reconstructed IV graph.

  8. A simplified model of a mechanical cooling tower with both a fill pack and a coil

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Van Riet, Freek; Steenackers, Gunther; Verhaert, Ivan

    2017-11-01

    Cooling accounts for a large amount of the global primary energy consumption in buildings and industrial processes. A substantial part of this cooling demand is produced by mechanical cooling towers. Simulations benefit the sizing and integration of cooling towers in overall cooling networks. However, for these simulations fast-to-calculate and easy-to-parametrize models are required. In this paper, a new model is developed for a mechanical draught cooling tower with both a cooling coil and a fill pack. The model needs manufacturers' performance data at only three operational states (at varying air and water flow rates) to be parametrized. The model predicts the cooled, outgoing water temperature. These predictions were compared with experimental data for a wide range of operational states. The model was able to predict the temperature with a maximum absolute error of 0.59°C. The relative error of cooling capacity was mostly between ±5%.

  9. A secondary copulatory structure in a female insect: a clasp for a nuptial meal?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gwynne, Darryl T.

    2002-03-01

    Secondary copulatory structures are well-known in male dragonflies and spiders. Here I report a secondary copulatory organ in female ground weta, Hemiandrus pallitarsis (Ensifera, Orthoptera - crickets and allies). The organ, located on the underside of the abdomen, appears to secure the male's genitalia during the transfer of a spermatophylax nuptial meal to this location, an area quite separate from the female's primary copulatory structures, where the sperm ampulla is attached.

  10. 12 CFR Appendix A to Subpart A of... - Appendix A to Subpart A of Part 327

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... pricing multipliers are derived from: • A model (the Statistical Model) that estimates the probability..., which is four basis points higher than the minimum rate. II. The Statistical Model The Statistical Model... to 1997. As a result, and as described in Table A.1, the Statistical Model is estimated using a...

  11. A Copy of a Book Is Not a Token of a Type

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Socher, David

    2010-01-01

    Masons butter their bricks, gardeners deadhead their roses, and who am I to quibble over terms? However, philosophers routinely speak of "tokens" and "types", as if, so it seems to me, they are bringing a greater measure of precision to the table. Here I shall quibble. I shall try to lead the reader to realize that those philosophers are neither…

  12. A Memorial to a President

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Castro, Nash

    1974-01-01

    This document describes the plan for a living memorial to commemorate Lyndon Baines Johnson, 36th President of the United States: a 15-acre grove with hike and bike paths, white pine trees, rhododendrons, and other flowering shrubs. (JA)

  13. Is a Tomato a Fruit?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Prater, Mary Anne

    1987-01-01

    A procedure for teaching concepts to elementary grade students includes the following four steps: (1) provide the definition and label; (2) present examples and nonexamples; (3) incorporate both instruction and practice; and (4) use a diagnostic classification test. (DB)

  14. Hokule'a: A Field Trip. A Guide for Upper-Elementary Teachers.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Larson, R. Bruce

    This document is a packet designed to be used in conjunction with a visit to the Hokule'a, a famous voyaging canoe that is usually docked at the Hawaii Maritime Center in Honolulu Harbor. The material focuses on the canoe itself and on the skills needed to sail it. The packet includes background information on the Hokule'a, basic terms,…

  15. Can a strain yield a qubit?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Benjamin, Colin

    2015-03-01

    A Josepshon qubit is designed via the application of a tensile strain to a topological insulator surface, sandwiched between two s-wave superconductors. The strain applied leads to a shift in Dirac point without changing the conducting states existing on the surface of a topological insulator. This strain applied can be tuned to form a π-junction in such a structure. Combining two such junctions in a ring architecture leads to the ground state of the ring being in a doubly degenerate state- ``0'' and ``1'' states of the qubit. A qubit designed this way is easily controlled via the tunable strain. We report on the conditions necessary to design such a qubit. Finally the operating time of a single qubit phase gate is derived. This work was supported by funds from Dept. of Science and Technology (Nanomission), Govt. of India, Grant No. SR/NM/NS-1101/2011.

  16. Hyperostotic polyarthropathy in a rabbit--a suspected case of chronic hypervitaminosis A from a diet of carrots.

    PubMed

    Frater, J

    2001-09-01

    Chronic hypervitaminosis A can occur in many species after excessive dietary intake of Vitamin A (retinol). The most common presentation of chronic hypervitaminosis A is a polyarthropathy with hyperostosis and ankylosis of various joints. This case report describes a probable case of naturally occurring hypervitaminosis A-induced polyarthropathy in a rabbit after chronic ingestion of a diet made up almost exclusively of carrots. Carrots do not contain retinol, but are rich in provitamin A (or beta-carotene). Rabbits are unique in that they can convert 100% of dietary beta-carotene into retinol. A syndrome of naturally occurring hypervitaminosis A-induced polyarthropathy has not been described in a rabbit before.

  17. [As a Child of a Parent with Schizophrenia, as a Patient, and as a Psychiatrist: A Message to All JSPN Members].

    PubMed

    Natsukari, Ikuko

    2015-01-01

    I previously published an article, entitled About "Regarding a person Who recovers". It documents the actual situation and recovery of a family member with schizophrenia, and it does not describe my recovery as a patient as a psychiatrist. At the time of publication, the main purpose was to disclose the real name of the family member. Since the disclosure, I have met many patients and families, and learned their true thoughts and strengths that I would have never known simply through consultation, and this totally changed my perceptions of them. Meanwhile, I also received many comments from medical professionals who were also family members of patients at the same time. I learned that they were struggling with conflicting emotions of being a family member as well as a professional, and I realized the isolations of families, and persistent stigma attached to psychiatric disorders. The disclosure broadened my perspectives as a psychiatrist. Now, more than 30 years after becoming a doctor, I still question myself: 'what have I done?', 'Have I listened to the voices of patients and their families?' I still have persisted, as a psychiatrist, until today. Psychiatry is a field that can be neglected if you do not question its contradictions. I think this is also why 'patient-centered recovery' has been neglected, and, as a result, psychiatry has been left behind. I often hear people asking: 'how can we increase numbers of psychiatrists?' I did not become a psychiatrist because of my own experience. I believe that, by providing medical care that the patients and their families can appreciate, from those families, some younger members will desire to become psychiatrists ; that is the way psychiatry should be developed. For that purpose, I believe it is necessary more than anything to approach each case with great care, valuing the 'real voices' of patients and their families, and respecting their strengths.

  18. AED use in a passenger during a long-haul flight: repeated defibrillation with a successful outcome.

    PubMed

    Harve, Heini; Hämäläinen, Olavi; Kurola, Jouni; Silfvast, Tom

    2009-04-01

    Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death, and early defibrillation of ventricular fibrillation (VF) is the single most important intervention for improving survival. The automated external defibrillator (AED) and the concept of public access defibrillation provide a solution to shorten defibrillation delays. Commercial aircraft create a unique environment for the use of the AED since an emergency medical service system (EMS) response is not available. We review published studies on this subject and describe the case of a passenger who developed VF during an intercontinental flight and was successfully resuscitated despite recurrent episodes of VF. A 60-yr-old man developed VF during a flight from Tokyo to Helsinki. VF frequently recurred and shocks were delivered 21 times altogether. The aircraft was diverted to the city of Kuopio. When the local EMS crew encountered the patient 3 h after the onset of the cardiac arrest, the rhythm again converted to VF and three further shocks were delivered. The patient recovered, and 3 wk later he was transported to his home country, fully alert. There are three large studies reporting placing AEDs on commercial aircraft. No harm for co-passengers or malfunctions were reported. Survival rates have been higher than those obtained by well-performing EMS. According to previous studies, placing AEDs on commercial aircraft is also cost effective. The absence of a suitable diversion destination should not influence the rescuers' decision to attempt CPR on board.

  19. A source, a cascade, a schizoid: a heuristic proposal from the Longitudinal Study of Personality Disorders.

    PubMed

    Lenzenweger, Mark F

    2010-11-01

    It is argued that personality pathology represents the final emergent product of a complex interaction of underlying neurobehavioral systems as well as environment inputs. A number of factors may be involved in the developmental pathway and a cascading of effects is plausible, although a unifying cascade for all personality disorders is not likely. The present study suggests a possible cascade relevant to one personality disorder: schizoid personality disorder in emerging adulthood. In brief, it is hypothesized that the absence of a relationship characterized by a rich degree of psychological proximal process in early childhood, which is associated with nurturance and the facilitation of more complex development, predicts impairment in the actualization of the affiliation system (i.e., that system that facilitates interpersonal connectedness and social bonds in human beings and is under substantial genetic influence), and this impairment in the affiliation system predicts the appearance of schizoid personality disorder symptoms in emerging adulthood (late teens/early 20s), which persists over time into emerging adulthood. The impairment in the affiliation system is argued to proceed through childhood sociality as reflected in temperament on through adult personality as reflected in communal positive emotion. Furthermore, it is also hypothesized that the relationship between proximal processes and the affiliation system maintains irrespective of other childhood temperament factors that might adversely impact early parent/caregiver and child relations. The data for a preliminary illustration of this possible cascade are drawn from The Longitudinal Study of Personality Disorders, which is a prospective, multiwave study of personality disorders, personality, and temperament in a large sample of adults drawn from a nonclinical population.

  20. A comme... ("A" as in...).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Foucher, Bernard; And Others

    1981-01-01

    Discusses the pedagogical implications, for a French class, of the following: (1) a puzzle-like game for text reconstruction; (2) use of gossip-column letters in advanced classes; (3) use of radio news and newspaper titles; and (4) classroom space utilization favoring spontaneous communication. (AMH)

  1. A simplified modification of a reconstruction plate into a mandibular transport distraction device: A technical note.

    PubMed

    Mohanty, Sujata; Dabas, Jitender; Gupta, Rekha

    2015-01-01

    Transport distraction is nowadays gaining enormous popularity and is becoming a promising option for reconstruction of mandibular defects. However, the vast number of distraction device designs create huge confusion in the clinician's mind to choose the right one. Considering these complex and costly designs, the authors decided to find a simplified way of combining a modified conventional reconstruction plate and monofocal distraction device that can act as a transport distraction device for bridging of bony defects. A case performed by this technique and device has been presented along with the description of device design.

  2. A program to generate a Fortran interface for a C++ library

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

    Taylor, Lee

    Shroud is a utility to create a Fortran and C interface for a C++ library. An existing C++ library API is described in an input file. Shroud reads the file and creates source files which can be compiled to provide a Fortran API for the library.

  3. Reaction-diffusion on the fully-connected lattice: A+A\\rightarrow A

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Turban, Loïc; Fortin, Jean-Yves

    2018-04-01

    Diffusion-coagulation can be simply described by a dynamic where particles perform a random walk on a lattice and coalesce with probability unity when meeting on the same site. Such processes display non-equilibrium properties with strong fluctuations in low dimensions. In this work we study this problem on the fully-connected lattice, an infinite-dimensional system in the thermodynamic limit, for which mean-field behaviour is expected. Exact expressions for the particle density distribution at a given time and survival time distribution for a given number of particles are obtained. In particular, we show that the time needed to reach a finite number of surviving particles (vanishing density in the scaling limit) displays strong fluctuations and extreme value statistics, characterized by a universal class of non-Gaussian distributions with singular behaviour.

  4. A Mathematical Model of a Simple Amplifier Using a Ferroelectric Transistor

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sayyah, Rana; Hunt, Mitchell; MacLeod, Todd C.; Ho, Fat D.

    2009-01-01

    This paper presents a mathematical model characterizing the behavior of a simple amplifier using a FeFET. The model is based on empirical data and incorporates several variables that affect the output, including frequency, load resistance, and gate-to-source voltage. Since the amplifier is the basis of many circuit configurations, a mathematical model that describes the behavior of a FeFET-based amplifier will help in the integration of FeFETs into many other circuits.

  5. A comme... (A as in...).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rolle, Rosalba; And Others

    1981-01-01

    Contains five articles concerning: (1) exploitation of commercials to enhance comprehension and oral/written expression; (2) a game involving matching picture and text in advertisements; (3) a vocabulary-development game used in teacher training; (4) comprehension and analysis of literary texts in intermediate classes; and (5) techniques for…

  6. A Visible Ideology: A Document Series in a Women's Clothing Company.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cronn-Mills, Kirstin

    2000-01-01

    Notes that corporate documents of a women's clothing company changed in one season from relatively outdated designs to more updated, professional layouts but the content changed very little. Contends that the document redesign indicates a move to a more feminist outlook for the company. Describes how the document design represents a slow change…

  7. A tribute to Peter A. Rona: A Russian Perspective

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sagalevich, Anatoly; Lutz, Richard A.

    2015-11-01

    In July 1985 Peter Rona led a cruise of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ship Researcher as part of the NOAA Vents Program and discovered, for the first time, black smokers, massive sulfide deposits and vent biota in the Atlantic Ocean. The site of the venting phenomena was the Trans-Atlantic Geotraverse (TAG) Hydrothermal Field on the east wall of the rift valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge at 26°08‧N; 44°50‧W (Rona, 1985; Rona et al., 1986). In 1986, Peter and an international research team carried out multidisciplnary investigations of both active and inactive hydrothermal zones of the TAG field using the R/V Atlantis and DSV Alvin, discovering two new species of shrimp (Rimicaris exoculata and Chorocaris chacei) (Williams and Rona, 1986) and a hexagonal-shaped form (Paleodictyon nodosum) thought to be extinct (Rona et al., 2009). In 1991 a Russian crew aboard the R/V Akademik Mstislav Keldysh, with two deep-diving, human-occupied submersibles (Mir-1 and Mir-2) (Fig. 1), had the honor of having Peter Rona and a Canadian IMAX film crew from the Stephen Low Company on board to visit the TAG hydrothermal vent field. This was the first of many deep-sea interactions between Russian deep-sea scientists and their colleagues from both the U.S. and Canada. This expedition to the TAG site was part of a major Russian undersea program aimed at exploring extreme deep-sea environments; between 1988 and 2005, the Mir submersibles visited hydrothermal vents and cold seep areas in 20 deep-sea regions throughout the world's oceans (Sagalevich, 2002). Images of several of these areas (the TAG, Snake Pit, Lost City and 9°50‧N vent fields) were obtained using an IMAX camera system emplaced for the first time within the spheres of the Mir submersibles and DSV Alvin in conjunction with the filming of science documentaries (e.g., ;Volcanoes of the Deep Sea;) produced by the Stephen Low Company in conjunction with Emory Kristof of National Geographic and

  8. Silencing Bilingualism: A Day in a Life of a Bilingual Practitioner

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Robertson, Leena H.; Drury, Rose; Cable, Carrie

    2014-01-01

    Based on sociocultural theories of learning, this paper draws on findings from a research project "a day in a life of a bilingual practitioner". It explores how two multilingual practitioners in English early years settings supported the learning of young 3-4 year-old children, and their parents and teachers. The paper challenges the…

  9. A call for a new speciality: Forensic odontology as a subject

    PubMed Central

    Wadhwan, Vijay; Shetty, Devi Charan; Jain, Anshi; Khanna, Kaveri Surya; Gupta, Amit

    2014-01-01

    Background: Forensic science is defined as a discipline concerned with the application of science and technology to the detection and investigation of crime and administration of justice, requiring the coordinated efforts of a multidisciplinary team. Dental identification remains one of the most reliable and frequently applied methods of identification. Hence, it can be defined as the science that deals with evidence from the dental and oral structures and is a specialty in itself. Objectives: To analyze the level of awareness of Forensic Odontology amongst the individuals from the field of dentistry with the help of a survey. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was prepared and a survey was conducted with a sample size of 200 divided in four groups. Results: Revealed inadequate knowledge, poor attitude, and lack of practice of forensic odontology prevailing among the dentists. Conclusion: Our study reflects the current situation of our country in the field of forensic odontology, which could be improved by introducing forensic odontology as a subject in the dental curriculum at both the undergraduate and the post-graduate levels. PMID:25125916

  10. A Dust Devil Making a Streak and Climbing a Crater Wall

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    2002-01-01

    MGS MOC Release No. MOC2-318, 8 August 2002 [figure removed for brevity, see original site] One of the key elements of the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) Extended Mission is to look for and monitor changes taking place on the planet over the course of a second--and, eventually, a third--martian year. MGS is now well into its second Mars year, which will draw to a close in December 2002. Among the changes the MOC has observed are streaks believed to be caused by the passage of dust devils. Thousands of MOC images show these streaks, dozens show that they change over time, but far fewer images have actually captured a dust devil in the act of creating a streak. At the center right of this image (above left) is a dust devil that, on May 21, 2002, was seen climbing the wall of a crater at 4.1oS, 9.5oW. This crater (above right) is in western Terra Meridiani. The dust devil was moving toward the northeast (upper right), leaving behind a dark trail where a thin coating of surficial dust was removed or disrupted as the dust devil advanced. Dust devils most commonly form after noon on days when the martian air is still (that is, when there isn't even a faint breeze). On such days, the ground is better able to heat up the air immediately above the surface. As the warmed near-surface air begins to rise, it also begins to spin, creating a vortex. The spinning column then moves across the surface and picks up loose dust (if any is present). The dust makes the vortex visible and gives it a tornado-like appearance. The dust devil in this image has a very short, dark shadow cast to the right of the bright column; this shadow is short because the sun was nearly overhead.

  11. 12 CFR Appendixes A-H to Subpart A... - Appendixes A-H to Subpart A of Part 702

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 12 Banks and Banking 6 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Appendixes A-H to Subpart A of Part 702 A Appendixes A-H to Subpart A of Part 702 Banks and Banking NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION REGULATIONS AFFECTING CREDIT UNIONS PROMPT CORRECTIVE ACTION Net Worth Classification Pt. 702, Apps. Appendixes A-H to...

  12. Towards a personalized Internet: a case for a full decentralization.

    PubMed

    Kermarrec, Anne-Marie

    2013-03-28

    The Web has become a user-centric platform where users post, share, annotate, comment and forward content be it text, videos, pictures, URLs, etc. This social dimension creates tremendous new opportunities for information exchange over the Internet, as exemplified by the surprising and exponential growth of social networks and collaborative platforms. Yet, niche content is sometimes difficult to retrieve using traditional search engines because they target the mass rather than the individual. Likewise, relieving users from useless notification is tricky in a world where there is so much information and so little of interest for each and every one of us. We argue that ultra-specific content could be retrieved and disseminated should search and notification be personalized to fit this new setting. We also argue that users' interests should be implicitly captured by the system rather than relying on explicit classifications simply because the world is by nature unstructured, dynamic and users do not want to be hampered in their actions by a tight and static framework. In this paper, we review some existing personalization approaches, most of which are centralized. We then advocate the need for fully decentralized systems because personalization raises two main issues. Firstly, personalization requires information to be stored and maintained at a user granularity which can significantly hurt the scalability of a centralized solution. Secondly, at a time when the 'big brother is watching you' attitude is prominent, users may be more and more reluctant to give away their personal data to the few large companies that can afford such personalization. We start by showing how to achieve personalization in decentralized systems and conclude with the research agenda ahead.

  13. A Serendipitous Pulsar Discovery in a Search for a Companion to a Low-mass White Dwarf

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Andrews, Jeff J.; Agüeros, Marcel A.; Camilo, Fernando; Kilic, Mukremin; Gianninas, Alex; Brown, Warren; Heinke, Craig

    2018-06-01

    We report the discovery of a previously unidentified pulsar as part of a radio campaign to identify neutron star companions to low-mass white dwarfs (LMWDs) using the Robert C.\\ Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT). PSR J0802-0955, which is coincident with the position of a WD with a mass of 0.2 solar masses, has a pulse period of 571 ms. Because of its relatively long pulse period, the lack of radial velocity (RV) variations in the radio data, and GBT's large beam size at the observing frequency of 340 MHz, we conclude that PSR J0802-0955 is unassociated with the LMWD at roughly the same position and distance.

  14. A Blizzard of a Value

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bostic, Jonathan D.

    2015-01-01

    "Who has been to Dairy Queen® and purchased a Blizzard?®" Ms. Bosetti asked her students. During the summer, Bosetti had seen many of her former and future students at the local Dairy Queen enjoying Blizzard desserts and wondered, "Which Blizzard size is the best value?" She used this context for a ratios and proportions task…

  15. Using a PC as a Frequency Meter or a Counter.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sartori, J.; And Others

    1995-01-01

    Describes hardware that enables the use of an IBM PC microcomputer as a frequency meter or a counter by using the parallel printer port. Eliminates the 16-bit time-day counter through the use of an external time base that can be conveniently set depending on the desired frequency range. (JRH)

  16. A42867, a novel glycopeptide antibiotic.

    PubMed

    Riva, E; Gastaldo, L; Beretta, M G; Ferrari, P; Zerilli, L F; Cassani, G; Selva, E; Goldstein, B P; Berti, M; Parenti, F

    1989-04-01

    A42867 is a new glycopeptide antibiotic of the ristocetin-vancomycin class active against aerobic and anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria. A42867 is produced by a strain of Nocardia nov. sp. ATCC 53492. A42867 was isolated during a screening program aimed at the discovery of new members of this glycopeptide class of antibiotics, by affinity chromatography based on an acyl-D-alanyl-D-alanine probe. The structure of A42867 was elucidated by fast atom bombardment MS, high field 2D 1H NMR spectroscopy, and HPLC analysis of the hydrolyzed carbohydrates. A42867 differs from vancomycin in the sugar portion and in the presence of only one chlorine atom in the peptide core. Its biological activity on Gram-positive aerobic and anaerobic bacteria is similar to that of other antibiotics of this group.

  17. Peeling a polymer from a surface or from a line

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Di Marzio, Edmund A.; Guttman, C. M.

    1991-07-01

    We calculate the force on a long linear polymer molecule whose one end is zippered down onto a surface or onto a line and whose other end is at a perpendicular distance R from the surface or line. Random coil statistics are used for the unattached portion of the chain. The method is extended to the case when the bonds within the zippered portion are breaking and reforming. We also consider the case where the attached portion is in the form of loops and trains. Although the energy equations of state for these various systems are different from each other, the force equation of state is always given by f=((6)1/2/l)(kTΔg)1/2, where l is the bond length between monomers and Δg is the free energy change in pulling one monomer off of the surface. The force is independent of R except for small R. Applications are discussed briefly. They include (1) self-healing systems of gels and rubbers where the cross links may be hydrogen bonds; (2) adhesion; (3) the degree of crystallinity in crystal-amorphous lamellar systems; (4) the packing of DNA into the head of a bacteriophage virus and pulling apart of double stranded DNA; (5) an insight into the theory of rubber elasticity; (6) understanding the critical force for flow in thixotropic systems.

  18. 25 CFR 518.12 - May a tribe request reconsideration by the Commission of a denial of a petition or a removal of a...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... a denial of a petition or a removal of a certificate of self-regulation? 518.12 Section 518.12 Indians NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR GENERAL PROVISIONS SELF REGULATION... petition or a removal of a certificate of self-regulation? Yes. A tribe may file a request for...

  19. A Farmer Becomes a Social Pedagogue: A Psycho-Societal Approach

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mellon, Karsten

    2016-01-01

    In Denmark various non-traditional students are mature-age students who already have some kind of a vocational background. When applying to do a professional degree, most of them fall outside the traditional admission requirements, which is why individual assessment of applicants is necessary for bachelor programmes. This article examines the case…

  20. A Marshmallow and a Song

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kenney, Susan

    2009-01-01

    Music exists in time. One cannot get to the end of the song before going through the song. Is this significant for helping children wait? And can the way we present a singing game activity intensify the delay of what might be a gratifying moment at the end of the song? In this article, the author reflects on whether music can teach delayed…

  1. Hepatic hypervitaminosis A: a familial observation.

    PubMed

    Sarles, J; Scheiner, C; Sarran, M; Giraud, F

    1990-01-01

    Four siblings with hepatic fibrosis are described. The liver damage in these patients was secondary to chronic ingestion of massive doses of vitamin A for congenital ichthyosis. Although the extrahepatic manifestations were helpful in the diagnosis of hypervitaminosis A, the distinctive features of hepatic histopathology were confirmatory. The plasma concentrations of vitamin A and retinol-binding protein were misleading. The recovery from the liver damage in these patients was slow despite a complete withdrawal of the vitamin A intake. These cases show the importance of hepatic vitamin A assessment in the diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis.

  2. National Service: A Responsibility, A Solution

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-04-12

    Il tws ~ 00" tic ethe audhoe pa~-~t c re a~ t (M i.W Of~’. NATOCNAL SERVICE: A RESPONSIBILITY , A’SOLUTION BY COLONE1L JULES W. h&’MP’ON United States...NUMBERS PROGRAM PROJECT I TASK WORK UNIT ELEMENT NO NO. NO. ACCESSION NO. 11. TITLE (Include Security Classification) NATIONAL SERVICE: A RESPONSIBILITY , A...0l DTIC USERS Unclassified 22a, NAME OF RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL 22b TELEPHONE (Include Area Code) 122c OFFICE SYMBOL D n~D F r 1473. JU 8 PreSv:;, e

  3. Translocation of a polymer through a nanopore across a viscosity gradient.

    PubMed

    de Haan, Hendrick W; Slater, Gary W

    2013-04-01

    The translocation of a polymer through a pore in a membrane separating fluids of different viscosities is studied via several computational approaches. Starting with the polymer halfway, we find that as a viscosity difference across the pore is introduced, translocation will predominately occur towards one side of the membrane. These results suggest an intrinsic pumping mechanism for translocation across cell walls which could arise whenever the fluid across the membrane is inhomogeneous. Somewhat surprisingly, the sign of the preferred direction of translocation is found to be strongly dependent on the simulation algorithm: for Langevin dynamics (LD) simulations, a bias towards the low viscosity side is found while for Brownian dynamics (BD), a bias towards the high viscosity is found. Examining the translocation dynamics in detail across a wide range of viscosity gradients and developing a simple force model to estimate the magnitude of the bias, the LD results are demonstrated to be more physically realistic. The LD results are also compared to those generated from a simple, one-dimensional random walk model of translocation to investigate the role of the internal degrees of freedom of the polymer and the entropic barrier. To conclude, the scaling of the results across different polymer lengths demonstrates the saturation of the directional preference with polymer length and the nontrivial location of the maximum in the exponent corresponding to the scaling of the translocation time with polymer length.

  4. A Dog Is a Doctor's Best Friend: The Use of a Service Dog as a Perioperative Assistant.

    PubMed

    Tew, Shannon; Taicher, Brad M

    2016-01-01

    Service dogs are beneficial in providing assistance to people with multiple types of disabilities and medical disorders including visual impairment, physical disabilities, seizure disorders, diabetes, and mental illness. Some service animals have been trained as a screening tool for cancer. We review a case involving a 6-year-old female with a history of mast cell mediator release and immediate hypersensitivity due to the urticaria pigmentosa variant of cutaneous mastocytosis who underwent a cystourethroscopy. Her service dog, JJ, who would alert to mast cell mediator release, was used throughout the perioperative course as a means of anxiolysis and comfort and to monitor for mast cell mediator release. This case presents an example of a service dog used in a family-care model in the field of anesthesiology and provides a unique example of using a service dog as an additional monitor to alert the care team for impending mast cell mediator release.

  5. A Dog Is a Doctor's Best Friend: The Use of a Service Dog as a Perioperative Assistant

    PubMed Central

    Tew, Shannon

    2016-01-01

    Service dogs are beneficial in providing assistance to people with multiple types of disabilities and medical disorders including visual impairment, physical disabilities, seizure disorders, diabetes, and mental illness. Some service animals have been trained as a screening tool for cancer. We review a case involving a 6-year-old female with a history of mast cell mediator release and immediate hypersensitivity due to the urticaria pigmentosa variant of cutaneous mastocytosis who underwent a cystourethroscopy. Her service dog, JJ, who would alert to mast cell mediator release, was used throughout the perioperative course as a means of anxiolysis and comfort and to monitor for mast cell mediator release. This case presents an example of a service dog used in a family-care model in the field of anesthesiology and provides a unique example of using a service dog as an additional monitor to alert the care team for impending mast cell mediator release. PMID:27843665

  6. A unilateral optic perineuritis in a teenager - A case report.

    PubMed

    Ameilia, Ahmad; Shatriah, Ismail; Wan-Hitam, Wan Hazabbah; Yunus, Rohaizan

    2015-06-01

    Optic perineuritis is an uncommon inflammatory disorder that involves optic nerve sheath. Numerous case reports have been published on optic perineuritis in adults, the majority of whom had bilateral presentation. There are limited data on optic perineuritis occurring in pediatric patients. We report a teenager who presented with a unilateral sign that mimicked the presentation of optic neuritis. The orbit and brain magnetic resonance imaging confirmed features of unilateral optic perineuritis. She was treated with a high dose of corticosteroids for 2weeks, and her final visual outcome was satisfactory. No signs of relapse were noted during follow-up visits. Copyright © 2014 The Japanese Society of Child Neurology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. F-12509A, a new sphingosine kinase inhibitor, produced by a discomycete.

    PubMed

    Kono, K; Tanaka, M; Ogita, T; Hosoya, T; Kohama, T

    2000-05-01

    In the course of our screening for inhibitors of sphingosine kinase, we found an active compound from a culture broth of a discomycete, Trichopezizella barbata SANK 25395. The structure of the compound, named F-12509A, was elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic analyses, to be a new sesquiterpene quinone consisting of a drimane moiety and a dihydroxybenzoquinone. Enzyme kinetic analyses showed that F-12509A inhibits sphingosine kinase activity in a competitive manner with respect to sphingosine, with a Ki value of 18 microM.

  8. A boy or a girl? A Hungarian survey regarding gender selection.

    PubMed

    Fejes, Imre; Szöllosi, János; Závaczki, Zoltán; Koloszár, Sándor; Pál, Attila

    2006-01-01

    Infertile Hungarian couples were surveyed with regard to their opinion of preconception gender selection by the separation of X- and Y-bearing sperm populations. Self-completion of a questionnaire. Group 1: subjects presenting for infertility examination; Group 2: presenting for homologous intrauterine insemination. As concerns the gender of the firstborn, 13.8% of those in Group 1 preferred a boy and 10.3% a girl, while 75.9% had no preference. The male preference was higher in Group 2: 33.3% preferred a boy and 7.4% a girl while 59.3% had no preference (chi 2, p < 0.05). In the event of a wish for more offspring, 91% in Group 1 and 94% in Group 2 did not have a wish for only one particular gender. In Group 2, 30.8% were willing to pay the extra costs for a gender selection procedure as compared with only 10.8% of the couples in Group 1 (chi 2, p < 0.05). If the National Health Fund fully covered the costs, 53.4% in Group 1 and 38.5% in Group 2 would request the procedure for nonmedical reasons, while 94.6% and 97.4% of them, respectively would so for medical reasons. Our findings revealed a trend to preference for firstborn males, although couples wishing more than one offspring prefer equal numbers of male and female children. The utilization of preconception gender selection, therefore, would not seem to appreciably affect the natural male/female ratio. Genetic indications exert significant effects on the decision regarding sex selection procedures.

  9. [A toddler with a mandibular fracture].

    PubMed

    van der Linden, E L; Bun, R J; van Os, E

    2017-01-01

    Mandibular fractures are rare in children. Symptoms of these fractures include preauricular pain and swelling, trismus and pain when opening the mouth, and they are often preceded by a fall on the chin. If the diagnosis is missed they may have serious consequences for the growth and development of the jaw. A 3-year-old boy was referred with a swelling in his left cheek, fever and vomiting. Two days earlier he had fallen on his chin. At physical examination he had severe preauricular pain on palpation and a trismus. The patient was admitted because of suspicion of a viral parotitis and the threat of dehydration. After discharge, he went to the dentist for examination of a molar that was painful to the touch. The dentist performed an orthopantomogram and discovered a fracture of the left mandibular collum. Any child with trauma to the chin should be observed for symptoms of a mandibular fracture, and if it seems necessary non-invasive radiographic examination should be performed.

  10. Phantom bite: a real or a phantom diagnosis? A case report.

    PubMed

    Sutter, Ben A

    2017-01-01

    This case report describes computer-guided occlusal therapy in a patient who met the unified diagnostic criteria for phantom bite. After a review of the patient's medical history, along with a diagnostic work-up that included cone beam computed tomography, temporomandibular joint vibration analysis, and digital occlusal analysis, problematic dental components were discovered (including prolonged disclusion time and imbalanced bite force). A digital occlusal analyzer evaluated the patient's occlusion and systematically guided the necessary changes. After reduction of the disclusion time and correction of the occlusal force imbalance, the patient reported significant improvement in comfort. The results suggest that phantom bite could be an abnormal occlusal condition and not a psychological or neurologic somatoform disorder.

  11. A face in a (temporal) crowd.

    PubMed

    Hacker, Catrina M; Meschke, Emily X; Biederman, Irving

    2018-03-20

    Familiar objects, specified by name, can be identified with high accuracy when embedded in a rapidly presented sequence of images at rates exceeding 10 images/s. Not only can target objects be detected at such brief presentation rates, they can also be detected under high uncertainty, where their classification is defined negatively, e.g., "Not a Tool." The identification of a familiar speaker's voice declines precipitously when uncertainty is increased from one to a mere handful of possible speakers. Is the limitation imposed by uncertainty, i.e., the number of possible individuals, a general characteristic of processes for person individuation such that the identifiability of a familiar face would undergo a similar decline with uncertainty? Specifically, could the presence of an unnamed celebrity, thus any celebrity, be detected when presented in a rapid sequence of unfamiliar faces? If so, could the celebrity be identified? Despite the markedly greater physical similarity of faces compared to objects that are, say, not tools, the presence of a celebrity could be detected with moderately high accuracy (∼75%) at rates exceeding 7 faces/s. False alarms were exceedingly rare as almost all the errors were misses. Detection accuracy by moderate congenital prosopagnosics was lower than controls, but still well above chance. Given the detection of the presence of a celebrity, all subjects were almost always able to identify that celebrity, providing no role for a covert familiarity signal outside of awareness. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. A possible prebiotic synthesis of pantetheine, a precursor to coenzyme A.

    PubMed

    Keefe, A D; Newton, G L; Miller, S L

    1995-02-23

    The involvement of coenzyme A in many enzyme reactions suggests that it acted in this capacity very early in the development of life on Earth. Particularly relevant in this regard is its role in the activation of amino acids and hydroxy acids in the biosynthesis of some peptide antibiotics--a mechanism of peptide synthesis that forms the basis for the proposal that a thioester world could have preceded the RNA world. The components of coenzyme A have been shown to be probable prebiotic compounds: beta-alanine, pantoyl lactone and cysteamine and possibly adenosine. We show here that the pantetheine moiety of coenzyme A (which also occurs in a number of enzymes) can be synthesized in yields of several per cent by heating pantoyl lactone, beta-alanine and cysteamine at temperatures as low as 40 degrees C. These components are extremely soluble and so would have been preferentially concentrated in evaporating bodies of water, for example on beaches and at lagoon margins. Our results show that amide bonds can be formed at temperatures as low as 40 degrees C, and provide circumstantial support for the suggestion that pantetheine and coenzyme A were important in the earliest metabolic systems.

  13. A possible prebiotic synthesis of pantetheine, a precursor to coenzyme A

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Keefe, A. D.; Newton, G. L.; Miller, S. L.

    1995-01-01

    The involvement of coenzyme A in many enzyme reactions suggests that it acted in this capacity very early in the development of life on Earth. Particularly relevant in this regard is its role in the activation of amino acids and hydroxy acids in the biosynthesis of some peptide antibiotics--a mechanism of peptide synthesis that forms the basis for the proposal that a thioester world could have preceded the RNA world. The components of coenzyme A have been shown to be probable prebiotic compounds: beta-alanine, pantoyl lactone and cysteamine and possibly adenosine. We show here that the pantetheine moiety of coenzyme A (which also occurs in a number of enzymes) can be synthesized in yields of several per cent by heating pantoyl lactone, beta-alanine and cysteamine at temperatures as low as 40 degrees C. These components are extremely soluble and so would have been preferentially concentrated in evaporating bodies of water, for example on beaches and at lagoon margins. Our results show that amide bonds can be formed at temperatures as low as 40 degrees C, and provide circumstantial support for the suggestion that pantetheine and coenzyme A were important in the earliest metabolic systems.

  14. With a MOOC MOOC Here and a MOOC MOOC There, Here a MOOC, There a MOOC, Everywhere a MOOC MOOC

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zemsky, Robert

    2014-01-01

    Massive open online courses (MOOCs ) are much less in the news today--but that does not mean that they are no longer important. Rather, their importance now derives from what they demonstrated about the fractured nature of college curricula. Almost all MOOCs were one-offs--a single instructor/performer and a well-bounded subject. MOOCs almost…

  15. Solution of a cauchy problem for a diffusion equation in a Hilbert space by a Feynman formula

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Remizov, I. D.

    2012-07-01

    The Cauchy problem for a class of diffusion equations in a Hilbert space is studied. It is proved that the Cauchy problem in well posed in the class of uniform limits of infinitely smooth bounded cylindrical functions on the Hilbert space, and the solution is presented in the form of the so-called Feynman formula, i.e., a limit of multiple integrals against a gaussian measure as the multiplicity tends to infinity. It is also proved that the solution of the Cauchy problem depends continuously on the diffusion coefficient. A process reducing an approximate solution of an infinite-dimensional diffusion equation to finding a multiple integral of a real function of finitely many real variables is indicated.

  16. Jalal A. Aliyev (1928-2016): a great scientist, a great teacher and a great human being.

    PubMed

    Huseynova, Irada M; Allakhverdiev, Suleyman I; Govindjee

    2016-06-01

    Jalal A. Aliyev was a distinguished and respected plant biologist of our time, a great teacher, and great human being. He was a pioneer of photosynthesis research in Azerbaijan. Almost up to the end of his life, he was deeply engaged in research. His work on the productivity of wheat, and biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology of gram (chick pea) are some of his important legacies. He left us on February 1, 2016, but many around the world remember him as he was engaged in international dialog on solving global issues, and in supporting international conferences on ''Photosynthesis Research for Sustainability" in 2011 and 2013.

  17. Externalities in the Workplace: A Response to a Rejoinder to a Response to a Response to a Paper

    PubMed Central

    Alamar, Benjamin C.; Glantz, Stanton A.

    2009-01-01

    Professor Henderson has simply repeated the same two points he made in his earlier critique (Henderson 2007) of our article “Smoke-free Ordinances Increase Restaurant Profit and Value” (Alamar and Glantz 2004). He argues 1.) that secondhand smoke is not an externality, therefore no government intervention is required to protect workers and customers in restaurants and bars, and 2.) the empirical results in the paper are not conclusive because the data are cross-sectional. Henderson also issues a challenge for us to advocate for the repeal of the California law on smoke-free restaurants. While we enjoy a good debate and do not mind adding another publication to our CVs, we do hope that Prof. Henderson will not find the burning desire to restate his position again, after we respond this last time. PMID:19756237

  18. A monopole near a black hole

    PubMed Central

    Bunster, Claudio; Henneaux, Marc

    2007-01-01

    A striking property of an electric charge near a magnetic pole is that the system possesses angular momentum even when both the electric and the magnetic charges are at rest. The angular momentum is proportional to the product of the charges and independent of their distance. We analyze the effect of bringing gravitation into this remarkable system. To this end, we study an electric charge held at rest outside a magnetically charged black hole. We find that even if the electric charge is treated as a perturbation on a spherically symmetric magnetic Reissner–Nordstrom hole, the geometry at large distances is that of a magnetic Kerr–Newman black hole. When the charge approaches the horizon and crosses it, the exterior geometry becomes that of a Kerr–Newman hole, with electric and magnetic charges and with total angular momentum given by the standard value for a charged monopole pair. Thus, in accordance with the “no-hair theorem,” once the charge is captured by the black hole, the angular momentum associated with the charge monopole system loses all traces of its exotic origin and is perceived from the outside as common rotation. It is argued that a similar analysis performed on Taub–NUT space should give the same result. PMID:17626789

  19. A traumatic asphyxia in a child.

    PubMed

    Nishiyama, T; Hanaoka, K

    2000-11-01

    Traumatic asphyxia in a child is rare and the pathophysiology is different from that occurring in an adult. We report a case of traumatic asphyxia in a child who recovered without specific treatment, even though chest and abdominal compression was severe. A three-year-old boy (14.2 kg) was run over by the rear wheel of a Jeep. He was under the tire for about three minutes and then was transferred to our hospital. When he arrived, he was lethargic with Glasgow Coma Scale of E3V4M6 (coma score of 13). He was cyanotic in his face and had a tire mark from the left shoulder to the right abdomen, petechiae on the head, face, conjunctiva and chest, oral bleeding, and facial edema. Serum concentrations of liver enzymes were increased and microhematuria was detected. However, no injuries were seen in the brain, eye, chest, or abdomen. Cyanosis disappeared in a few hours. Facial and thoracic petechiae disappeared in three days and that of the conjunctiva in five days. He was discharged from hospital on the 13th day without any disturbances. We present a three-year-old boy with traumatic asphyxia. He had no complications although he received severe thoraco-abdominal compression by a Jeep.

  20. [A Massive Open Oneline Course (MOOC) on pratical histology: A goal, a tool, a large public ! Return on a first experience].

    PubMed

    Multon, Sylvie; Pesesse, Laurence; Weatherspoon, Alodie; Florquin, Sandra; Van de Poel, Jean-François; Martin, Pierre; Vincke, Grégoire; Hoyoux, Renaud; Marée, Raphael; Verpoorten, Dominique; Bonnet, Pierre; Quatresooz, Pascale; Defaweux, Valérie

    2018-04-01

    A goal ! The MOOC entitled "Introduction to Histology, A Human Tissue Exploration" correspond to our vision of the practice of General Histology, which is based on the ability to diagnose 5 families of biological tissues. Ultimately, participants must be able to recognize the different types of cells and all the surrounding elements in order to understand how they organize themselves to form tissues with specific functions. A tool ! This know-how is based on reasoning from observations of microscopic structures. Learners are therefore invited to manipulate a virtual microscope to explore biological samples on histological slides digitized. Annotations, comments, drawings or photos are associated with landmarks that enrich the study of these histological sections. A target audience ! Two educational paths allow deepening the subject in a different way and thus matching the goals or motivations of each one. After a first year of experience, usage statistics and surveys of our learners show that the MOOC Histo has allowed each of them to find an interest and federate a community of motivated learners. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  1. Relevance of a Knowledge Base for a Teacher as a Professional.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kudva, Pramila

    Education provides the opportunity to face social change, and a teacher's role in this process is significant. Until recently, teacher expertise was defined only in terms of knowledge of the subject taught, and teaching itself was not considered a professional activity. This paper describes the entailment of a teacher's profession, examining the…

  2. Estimating a constant WTP for a QALY-a mission impossible?

    PubMed

    Sund, Björn; Svensson, Mikael

    2017-09-21

    Economic evaluations are an important input to decision-making and priority-setting in the health care sector. Measuring preferences for health improvements, as the demand-side value (willingness to pay) of gaining a quality-adjusted life year (QALY), is one relevant component in the interpretation of the results from health economic evaluations. Our article addresses whether willingness to pay for a QALY (WTP-Q) is sensitive to the size of the health differences and the probability for improvement. We use data from a contingent valuation survey based on 1400 respondents conducted in the spring of 2014. The results show that the expectation of sensitivity to scope, or higher WTP to the larger expected quality of life improvement, is not supported. We find WTP-Q values that conform reasonably well to previous studies in Sweden.

  3. An antisense RNA in a lytic cyanophage links psbA to a gene encoding a homing endonuclease.

    PubMed

    Millard, Andrew D; Gierga, Gregor; Clokie, Martha R J; Evans, David J; Hess, Wolfgang R; Scanlan, David J

    2010-09-01

    Cyanophage genomes frequently possess the psbA gene, encoding the D1 polypeptide of photosystem II. This protein is believed to maintain host photosynthetic capacity during infection and enhance phage fitness under high-light conditions. Although the first documented cyanophage-encoded psbA gene contained a group I intron, this feature has not been widely reported since, despite a plethora of new sequences becoming available. In this study, we show that in cyanophage S-PM2, this intron is spliced during the entire infection cycle. Furthermore, we report the widespread occurrence of psbA introns in marine metagenomic libraries, and with psbA often adjacent to a homing endonuclease (HE). Bioinformatic analysis of the intergenic region between psbA and the adjacent HE gene F-CphI in S-PM2 showed the presence of an antisense RNA (asRNA) connecting these two separate genetic elements. The asRNA is co-regulated with psbA and F-CphI, suggesting its involvement with their expression. Analysis of scaffolds from global ocean survey datasets shows this asRNA to be commonly associated with the 3' end of cyanophage psbA genes, implying that this potential mechanism of regulating marine 'viral' photosynthesis is evolutionarily conserved. Although antisense transcription is commonly found in eukaryotic and increasingly also in prokaryotic organisms, there has been no indication for asRNAs in lytic phages so far. We propose that this asRNA also provides a means of preventing the formation of mobile group I introns within cyanophage psbA genes.

  4. A concept of a hypersonic flight experiment of a winged vehicle

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shirouzu, Masao; Watanabe, Shigeya

    A concept of a flight experiment using a winged hypersonic research vehicle is proposed by the National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) as one of the flight experiment series preceding to the development of HOPE (H-II Orbiting Plane). The present paper describes the purpose of the experiment, the outline of the flight, the configuration and aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle, and items of experiment and measurement. The present experiment is to acquire experience on the development and the flight of a hypersonic winged vehicle, in contrast to the ballistic flight of the OREX (Orbital Reentry Experiment) and to collect flight data for validation of tests and simulations on the ground. The vehicle of about 1.5 tons will be launched by a two-stage version of the J-I. The vehicle will be separated at an altitude of 70-80 km at a velocity of Mach 18-20, and inserted to the reentry trajectory of HOPE. The vehicle will be decelerated by parachutes and splash into the ocean south of Japan, where it will be recovered.

  5. A Day of Silence, a Day of Truth, and a Lawsuit

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fusarelli, Bonnie C.; Eaton, Lucy E.

    2011-01-01

    This case study focuses on issues of freedom of speech and freedom of religion in public schools. It involves a rural, southern high school where a group of students participated in a Day of Silence. The school allowed the students to participate based on the principal's understanding of the students' First Amendment rights. However, the next day,…

  6. A miracle happening to a laser beam in a soap film

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

    Startsev, Aleksandr V; Stoilov, Yurii Yu

    2003-05-31

    When a 10 {mu}W - 3 W laser beam (for example, at 632.8 nm) is focused into a usual soap film of thickness between 10 nm and 10 {mu}m from the side or through a defect on the film surface, the self-channeling of the beam propagating in the film is observed. The beam also exhibits self-branching into submicron filaments, the so-called whiskers of length several tens of centimetres. The results of experiments on the dynamics of behaviour of these whiskers in a soap film, their polariton nature, and possible applications are discussed. (letters)

  7. Having a Whale of a Time

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    du Feu, Chris

    2009-01-01

    A classroom practical exercise exploring the reliability of a basic capture-mark-recapture method of population estimation is described using great whale conservation as a starting point. Various teaching resources are made available.

  8. Allosterism in human complement component 5a ((h)C5a): a damper of C5a receptor (C5aR) signaling.

    PubMed

    Rana, Soumendra; Sahoo, Amita Rani; Majhi, Bharat Kumar

    2016-06-01

    The phenomena of allosterism continues to advance the field of drug discovery, by illuminating gainful insights for many key processes, related to the structure-function relationships in proteins and enzymes, including the transmembrane G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), both in normal as well as in the disease states. However, allosterism is completely unexplored in the native protein ligands, especially when a small covalent change significantly modulates the pharmacology of the protein ligands toward the signaling axes of the GPCRs. One such example is the human C5a ((h)C5a), the potent cationic anaphylatoxin that engages C5aR and C5L2 to elicit numerous immunological and non-immunological responses in humans. From the recently available structure-function data, it is clear that unlike the mouse C5a ((m)C5a), the (h)C5a displays conformational heterogeneity. However, the molecular basis of such conformational heterogeneity, otherwise allosterism in (h)C5a and its precise contribution toward the overall C5aR signaling is not known. This study attempts to decipher the functional role of allosterism in (h)C5a, by exploring the inherent conformational dynamics in (m)C5a, (h)C5a and in its point mutants, including the proteolytic mutant des-Arg(74)-(h)C5a. Prima facie, the comparative molecular dynamics study, over total 500 ns, identifies Arg(74)-Tyr(23) and Arg(37)-Phe(51) "cation-π" pairs as the molecular "allosteric switches" on (h)C5a that potentially functions as a damper of C5aR signaling.

  9. 76 FR 16582 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-03-24

    ... to revise the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness... Airbus A318/A319/ A320/A321 ALS Part 1--Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation Items, dated February 28, 2006... included in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS). The airworthiness...

  10. A New Mechanism for a Brain

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Andreae, John H.; Cleary, John G.

    1976-01-01

    The new mechanism, PUSS, enables experience of any complex environment to be accumulated in a predictive model. PURR-PUSS is a teachable robot system based on the new mechanism. Cumulative learning is demonstrated by a detailed example. (Author)

  11. Physics of the Merging Clusters Cygnus A, A3667, and A2065

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Markevitch, Maxim; Sarazin, Craig L.; Vikhlinin, Alexey

    1999-08-01

    We present ASCA gas temperature maps of the nearby merging galaxy clusters Cygnus A, A3667, and A2065. Cygnus A appears to have a particularly simple merger geometry that allows an estimate of the subcluster collision velocity from the observed temperature variations. We estimate it to be ~2000 km s-1. Interestingly, this is similar to the free-fall velocity that the two Cygnus A subclusters should have achieved at the observed separation, suggesting that the merger has been effective in dissipating the kinetic energy of gas halos into thermal energy, without channeling its major fraction elsewhere (e.g., into turbulence). In A3667 we may be observing a spatial lag between the shock front seen in the X-ray image and the corresponding rise of the electron temperature. A lag of the order of hundreds of kiloparsecs is possible because of the combination of thermal conduction and a finite electron-ion equilibration time. Forthcoming better spatial resolution data will allow a direct measurement of these phenomena in the cluster gas using such lags. A2065 has gas density peaks coincident with two central galaxies. A merger with the collision velocity estimated from the temperature map should have swept away such peaks if the subcluster total mass distributions had flat cores in the centers. The fact that the peaks have survived (or quickly reemerged) suggests that the gravitational potential is also strongly peaked. Finally, the observed specific entropy variations in A3667 and Cygnus A indicate that energy injection from a single major merger may be of the order of the full thermal energy of the gas. We hope that these order-of-magnitude estimates will encourage further work on hydrodynamic simulations, as well as a more quantitative representation of the simulation results, in anticipation of the Chandra and XMM data.

  12. A Year To Make a Difference

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Howell, J. Emory

    1999-01-01

    Secondary School Feature Articles * Animating Reactions: A Low-Cost Activity for Particle Conceptualization at the Secondary Level, by Robert W. Milne, p 50. * The Gravity of the Situation, by Damon Diemente, p 55. You must be the change you wish to see in the world. Mahatma Ghandi The beginning of a new year always brings with it a feeling of anticipation, a desire to achieve new goals, and a certain urgency to accomplish. Beginning the last year of the 1900s seems somehow to amplify these feelings. This week I was reminded twice of the challenge that lies in focusing on those things that we can change and not being fettered by those we cannot. The first example occurred in my office on a Monday afternoon. A young woman was considering the choice between entering graduate school or seeking a high school teaching position. After approximately 10 years in the workforce, she had entered college and was now within a semester of graduation. While pursuing her studies she had served as a substitute teacher in her home community, believing the experience would affirm her longstanding desire to teach. The behavioral characteristics of some students seemed to be at odds with her memories of high school only a dozen years earlier. Now she was questioning whether she could make a difference in young lives or if she should give up the idea of teaching in high school in favor of graduate degrees in her discipline, which would lead to a career in post-secondary education. Although I assured her that she could indeed have a great impact on high school students, I empathized with the concern she was feeling. The second example occurred the same day, in a class for chemistry majors who are preparing to teach high school chemistry. While considering the importance of performance assessment, with discussion centered on a JCE article ((a href="//1998/jan/abs64.html">Rasp, S. L. J. Chem. Educ. 1998, 75, 64-66), one class member asked why we only discussed and read about what teachers

  13. A 0535+26: a historical tour

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Camero-Arranz, Ascension; Finger, M. H.; Wilson-Hodge, C.; Caballero, I.; Kretschmar, P.; Jenke, P. A.; Beklen, E.

    2010-03-01

    We present a long-term timing analysis of the accreting X-ray pulsar A 0535+26 using data from Fermi/GBM, RXTE and Swift/BAT. A new orbital ephemeris is obtained from normal outbursts experienced by this source since 2005, and a long-term pulse profile study is carried out. In this study we include results from the current outburst. This outburst is believed to be much larger than the previous ones.

  14. Apparatus for coating a surface with a metal utilizing a plasma source

    DOEpatents

    Brown, Ian G.; MacGill, Robert A.; Galvin, James E.

    1991-01-01

    An apparatus and method for coating or layering a surface with a metal utilizing a metal vapor vacuum arc plasma source. The apparatus includes a trigger mechanism for actuating the metal vacuum vapor arc plasma source in a pulsed mode at a predetermined rate. The surface or substrate to be coated or layered is supported in position with the plasma source in a vacuum chamber. The surface is electrically biased for a selected period of time during the pulsed mode of operation of the plasma source. Both the pulsing of the metal vapor vacuum arc plasma source and the electrical biasing of the surface are synchronized for selected periods of time.

  15. Sterilization: A Conference and a Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Dillingham, Brint

    1978-01-01

    This article continues a series on Native American sterilization, based on a conference of the National Council of Churches' Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization (IFCO). Also included are an article and a report by the American Civil Liberties Union. (Author/RTS)

  16. Leakage Through a Channel Formed by a Gasket, a Sealing Surface, and a Filament Trapped Between Them

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Russell, John; Adams, Frederick

    1996-01-01

    Plumbing for the transport of liquid Hydrogen or liquid Oxygen at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is very critical. Every piece of hardware for handling such a hazardous cryogen is subject to testing prior to installation and use. Safe, realistic testing of all such hardware is prohibitively expensive, which leads, perforce, to expidients such as: (1) lead testing with non-flammable tracer fluids (e.g, liquid nitrogen) and (2) leak testing with room temperature tracer fluids (e.g. liquid helium). Such expedients undermine the realism of the tests. If however, one could apply rational fluid dynamics methods to derive a general analytical expression with which one could relate the throughput of gaseous Helium through a given leak channel to the throughput of liquid Hydrogen through the same channel, then one could recover much of the information that one would otherwise forfeit through these expedients. These facts lead to the following questions: (1) What would be an example of a generic flaw in a gasket?; and (2) How can one calculate the flow of fluid in it? The report addresses these questions. It considers a particular leak geometry, namely one formed by a gasket, a sealing surface, and a filament trapped between them (so that the cross section of the leak channel is a flat bottomed curvilinear triangle, two sides of which are circular arcs and which has cusps on all three corners).

  17. Unusual equilibration of a particle in a potential with a thermal wall

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bhat, Deepak; Sabhapandit, Sanjib; Kundu, Anupam; Dhar, Abhishek

    2017-11-01

    We consider a particle in a one-dimensional box of length L, with a Maxwell bath at one end and a reflecting wall at the other end. Using a renewal approach, as well as directly solving the master equation, we show that the system exhibits a slow power law relaxation, with a logarithmic correction, towards the final equilibrium state. We extend the renewal approach to a class of confining potentials of the form U(x) \\propto x^α , x>0 , where we find that the relaxation is ∼ t-(α+2)/(α-2) for α >2 , with a logarithmic correction when (α+2)/(α-2) is an integer. For α <2 the relaxation is exponential. Interestingly for α=2 (harmonic potential) the localised bath cannot equilibrate the particle.

  18. Selling a gun to a stranger without a background check: acceptable behaviour?

    PubMed

    Hemenway, David; Azrael, Deborah; Miller, Matthew

    2018-06-01

    One way that guns get into the wrong hands is via gun sales without a background check. While the large majority of Americans support laws requiring universal background checks, no prior study has assessed whether Americans think it is acceptable behaviour to sell a gun to a stranger without a background check, whether or not there is a law against it. We sponsored a nationally representative survey of over 3900 American adults, oversampling gun owners, using an online panel provided by the survey firm Growth for Knowledge. Over 72% of American adults agree or strongly agree with the statement that 'whether it is legal or not, it is NOT acceptable to sell a gun to a stranger without a background check' and 11% disagree or strongly disagree. Subgroups less likely to agree are young adults, men, conservatives, those with less than a high school education and gun owners. Reducing the number of guns sold without a background check could help reduce the flow of guns to felons. Changes in normative attitudes and behaviours, as well as changes in law, could help accomplish this goal. Most Americans, including gun owners, believe selling a gun to a stranger without a background check is not acceptable behaviour. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  19. A kingfisher perches on a branch

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1999-01-01

    A belted kingfisher perches on a twig in the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares a boundary with the Kennedy Space Center. The pigeon-sized, blue-gray male is identified by the blue-gray breast band; females show a chestnut belly band. The belted kingfisher ranges throughout the United States and Canada, wintering south to Panama and the West Indies. They dive into the water for fish and may also take crabs, crayfish, salamanders, lizards, mice and insects. The 92,000-acre refuge is a habitat for more than 310 species of birds, 25 mammals, 117 fishes and 65 amphibians and reptiles. The marshes and open water of the refuge also provide wintering areas for 23 species of migratory waterfowl, as well as a year-round home for great blue herons, great egrets, wood storks, cormorants, brown pelicans and other species of marsh and shore birds.

  20. Apparatus for coating a surface with a metal utilizing a plasma source

    DOEpatents

    Brown, I.G.; MacGill, R.A.; Galvin, J.E.

    1991-05-07

    An apparatus and method are disclosed for coating or layering a surface with a metal utilizing a metal vapor vacuum arc plasma source. The apparatus includes a trigger mechanism for actuating the metal vacuum vapor arc plasma source in a pulsed mode at a predetermined rate. The surface or substrate to be coated or layered is supported in position with the plasma source in a vacuum chamber. The surface is electrically biased for a selected period of time during the pulsed mode of operation of the plasma source. Both the pulsing of the metal vapor vacuum arc plasma source and the electrical biasing of the surface are synchronized for selected periods of time. 10 figures.

  1. A Complete Tank Test of a Model of Flying-boat Hull - N.A.C.A. Model 16

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shoemaker, James H

    1933-01-01

    A model of a 2-step flying-boat hull, of the type generally used in England, was tested according to the complete method described in the N.A.C.A. Technical Note No. 464. The lines of this model were taken from offsets given by Mr. William Munro in Flight, May 29, 1931. The data cover the range of loads, speeds, and trim angles that may be of use in applying the hull form to the design of any seaplane. The results are reduced to nondimensional form to aid application to design problems and facilitate comparison with the performance of other hulls. The water characteristics of Model 16 are compared with those of Model 11-A, which is representative of current American practice. The results show that when the two forms are applied to a given seaplane design under optimum conditions for each, the performance of Model 16 will be somewhat inferior to that of Model 11-A.

  2. Blood Test: Immunoglobulin A (IgA)

    MedlinePlus

    ... before this test. On the day of the test, having your child wear a T-shirt or short-sleeved shirt can ... The blood sample will be processed by a machine. The results are commonly ... further tests. Risks This test is considered a safe procedure. ...

  3. A hyperspectral view of Cassiopeia A

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alarie, Alexandre; Bilodeau, Antoine; Drissen, Laurent

    2014-07-01

    We used the imaging Fourier transform spectrometer Spectromètre Imageur de l'Observatoire du Mont-Mégantic (SpIOMM) to obtain hyperspectral cubes of the young supernova remnant Cassiopeia A (Cas A). The cubes contain over 5000 spatially resolved spectra covering the spectral range 6480-7050 Å. We first investigate the slow-moving N-rich quasi-stationary flocculi by measuring their radial velocity as well as the [N II] λ6583/Hα ratio. No correlation between their radial velocity and [N II] λ6583/Hα ratio with their location has been found. We used multi-epoch observations from the Hubble Space Telescope to create a proper motion map, showing the displacement of several filaments over the most part of Cas A. Combining data from SpIOMM and Hubble, we re-evaluate the distance to Cas A and obtained 3.33 ± 0.10 kpc, which is in good agreement with previous estimates. Finally, we obtain a three-dimensional spatial view of the [S II] λλ6716, 6731 emissions showing their location, expansion velocity and the [S II] doublet line ratio for multiple locations in the remnant. The velocity asymmetry reported by previous analyses is clearly visible. Also, the [S II] doublet ratio (with a mean value of 0.5 ± 0.2) indicates a very high and variable electronic density throughout the remnant.

  4. The Shi’a Crescent: A Misconception of Shi’a Alliance

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-12-01

    wear the hijab , set up illegal sharia courts, and imposed their own brutal penalties.”47 The country’s demography was tolerant toward a sectarian... A MISCONCEPTION OF SHI’A ALLIANCE by Rowaida Alamiri December 2014 Thesis Advisor: Anne Marie Baylouny Second Reader Mohammed Hafez...Master ’s Thesis 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5. FUNDING NUMBERS THE SHI’ A CRESCENT: A MISCONCEPTION OF SHI’ A ALLIANCE 6. AUTHOR(S) Rowaida Alamiri 7

  5. A Clockwork Wikipedia: From a Broad Perspective to a Case Study.

    PubMed

    Benjakob, Omer; Aviram, Rona

    2018-06-01

    While research has shown that scientists use Wikipedia and that scientific content on Wikipedia ramifies back into scientific literature, many questions remain on how the two sides interact and through what paradigm this dynamic may be best understood. Using the circadian clock field as a case study, we discuss this scientific field's representation on Wikipedia. We traced the changes made to the articles for "Circadian clock" and "Circadian rhythm" and reviewed the debates that informed them over a span of a decade, using Wikipedia's native and third-party tools. Specifically, we focused on how groundbreaking research pertaining to the function of biological oscillators was integrated into the articles to reflect a wider paradigmatic shift within the field. We also identified the articles' main editors to detail the dynamic collective editorial process that took place during a time that saw the field undergo a fundamental change. We discuss the different concerns the academic community has with Wikipedia-specifically regarding its content and its contributors-to ask whether the online encyclopedia's open model is inherently at odds with scientific culture or whether the model could reflect science or even expand on its core values and practices such as peer review and the idea of communicating science.

  6. A distinct sortase SrtB anchors and processes a streptococcal adhesin AbpA with a novel structural property

    PubMed Central

    Liang, Xiaobo; Liu, Bing; Zhu, Fan; Scannapieco, Frank A.; Haase, Elaine M.; Matthews, Steve; Wu, Hui

    2016-01-01

    Surface display of proteins by sortases in Gram-positive bacteria is crucial for bacterial fitness and virulence. We found a unique gene locus encoding an amylase-binding adhesin AbpA and a sortase B in oral streptococci. AbpA possesses a new distinct C-terminal cell wall sorting signal. We demonstrated that this C-terminal motif is required for anchoring AbpA to cell wall. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed that SrtB has dual functions, anchoring AbpA to the cell wall and processing AbpA into a ladder profile. Solution structure of AbpA determined by NMR reveals a novel structure comprising a small globular α/β domain and an extended coiled-coil heliacal domain. Structural and biochemical studies identified key residues that are crucial for amylase binding. Taken together, our studies document a unique sortase/adhesion substrate system in streptococci adapted to the oral environment rich in salivary amylase. PMID:27492581

  7. A Whale of a Panorama

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    2005-01-01

    [figure removed for brevity, see original site] Click on the image for A Whale of a Panorama (QTVR)

    More than 1.5 years into their exploration of Mars, both of NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers continue to send a cornucopia of images to Earth. The results are so spectacular that Deputy Project Manager John Callas recently described them as 'an embarrassment of riches.' Spirit produced this image mosaic, nicknamed the 'Whale Panorama,' two-thirds of the way to the summit of 'Husband Hill,' where the rover investigated martian rocks. On the right side of the panorama is a tilted layer of rocks dubbed 'Larry's Outcrop,' one of several tilted outcrops that scientists examined in April, 2005. They used spatial information to create geologic maps showing the compass orientation and degree of tilting of rock formations in the vicinity. Such information is key to geologic fieldwork because it helps establish if rock layers have been warped since they formed. In this case, scientists have also been studying the mineral and chemical differences, which show that some rocks have been more highly altered than others.

    In the foreground, in the middle of the image mosaic, Spirit is shown with the scientific instruments at the end of its robotic arm positioned on a rock target known as 'Ahab.' The rover was busy collecting elemental chemistry and mineralogy data on the rock at the same time that it was taking 50 individual snapshots with its five panoramic camera filters to create this stunning view of the martian scenery. The twin tracks of the rover's all-terrain wheels are clearly visible on the left.

    This mosaic of images spans about 220 degrees from left to right and is an approximate true-color rendering of the Mars terrain acquired through the panoramic camera's 750-, 530-, and 430-nanometer filters. Spirit collected these images from its 497th martian day, or sol, through its 500th sol (May 27 through May 30, 2005).

  8. Design a Contract: A Simple Principal-Agent Problem as a Classroom Experiment

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gachter, Simon; Konigstein, Manfred

    2009-01-01

    The authors present a simple classroom experiment that can be used as a teaching device to introduce important concepts of organizational economics and incentive contracting. First, students take the role of a principal and design a contract that consists of a fixed payment and an incentive component. Second, students take the role of agents and…

  9. Teaching a Course around a Textbook.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Healey, Mick; Ilbery, Brian

    1993-01-01

    Outlines the advantages and disadvantages of using a single textbook in a college-level economic geography course. Argues that, if a course text is used thoughtfully, the advantages can outweigh the disadvantages. Asserts that students must take greater responsibility for their own learning and develop independent inquiry skills. (CFR)

  10. Introducing a Mentor into a Children's Composition Project: Reflections on a Process

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Locke, Millie; Locke, Terry

    2012-01-01

    This article reports on a case study where a professional musician was assigned to a primary school as mentor in a project where 14 primary-aged children, with their teacher's direction, were involved in the composition of a piece of music that would act as prologue to the school's major production. The researchers were interested in aspects of…

  11. Turing Trade: A Hybrid of a Turing Test and a Prediction Market

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Farfel, Joseph; Conitzer, Vincent

    We present Turing Trade, a web-based game that is a hybrid of a Turing test and a prediction market. In this game, there is a mystery conversation partner, the “target,” who is trying to appear human, but may in reality be either a human or a bot. There are multiple judges (or “bettors”), who interrogate the target in order to assess whether it is a human or a bot. Throughout the interrogation, each bettor bets on the nature of the target by buying or selling human (or bot) securities, which pay out if the target is a human (bot). The resulting market price represents the bettors’ aggregate belief that the target is a human. This game offers multiple advantages over standard variants of the Turing test. Most significantly, our game gathers much more fine-grained data, since we obtain not only the judges’ final assessment of the target’s humanity, but rather the entire progression of their aggregate belief over time. This gives us the precise moments in conversations where the target’s response caused a significant shift in the aggregate belief, indicating that the response was decidedly human or unhuman. An additional benefit is that (we believe) the game is more enjoyable to participants than a standard Turing test. This is important because otherwise, we will fail to collect significant amounts of data. In this paper, we describe in detail how Turing Trade works, exhibit some example logs, and analyze how well Turing Trade functions as a prediction market by studying the calibration and sharpness of its forecasts (from real user data).

  12. Use of a double condenser in a dehumidifier with a spray dryer for vitamin A extraction in tomato as a heat-sensitive material

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kosasih, E. A.; Warjito, H., Imansyah I.; Ruhyat, N.

    2017-06-01

    Spray dryers are commonly operated at a high temperature (>100 °C), which becomes an obstacle for heat-sensitive materials. In this study, a refrigeration system that uses evaporator as dehumidifier and that recovers the heat released from the first condenser to preheat the drying air was utilised to reduce the drying temperature. Results showed that the degradation of vitamin A (measured with the high performance liquid chromatography method) in tomato increased significantly when the drying air temperature increased from 90 °C to 120 °C, and it cannot be controlled at a temperature higher than 120 °C. At an air flow rate of 450 lpm, the drying capacity at a drying air temperature of 60 °C (with refrigeration, humidity ratio of 0.005 [kg H2O / kg dry air]) is equal to the drying capacity at a drying air temperature of 120 °C (without refrigeration, humidity ratio of 0.021 [kg H2O / kg dry air]). The drying capacity at a drying air temperature of 90 °C (with refrigeration) even becomes 1.5 times the drying capacity at a drying air temperature of 120 °C (without refrigeration). The combination of a spray dryer system with a refrigeration system (double condenser) is therefore beneficial for drying heat-sensitive materials, such as vitamin A.

  13. Growing scientists: A partnership between a university and a school district

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Woods, Teresa Marie

    Precollege science education in the United States has virtually always been influenced by university scientists to one degree or another. Partnership models for university scientist---school district collaborations are being advocated to replace outreach models. Although the challenges for such partnerships are well documented, the means of fostering successful and sustainable science education partnerships are not well studied. This study addresses this need by empirically researching a unique scientist-educator partnership between a university and a school district utilizing case study methods. The development of the partnership, emerging issues, and multiple perspectives of participants were examined in order to understand the culture of the partnership and identify means of fostering successful science education partnerships. The findings show the partnership was based on a strong network of face-to-face relationships that fostered understanding, mutual learning and synergy. Specific processes instituted ensured equity and respect, and created a climate of trust so that an evolving common vision was maintained. The partnership provided synergy and resilience during the recent economic crisis, indicating the value of partnerships when public education institutions must do more with less. High staff turnover, however, especially of a key leader, threatened the partnership, pointing to the importance of maintaining multiple-level integration between institutions. The instrumental roles of a scientist-educator coordinator in bridging cultures and nurturing the collaborative environment are elucidated. Intense and productive collaborations between teams of scientists and educators helped transform leading edge disciplinary science content into school science learning. The innovative programs that resulted not only suggest important roles science education partnerships can play in twenty-first century learning, but they also shed light on the processes of educational

  14. 26 CFR 31.3401(a)(9)-1 - Remuneration for services performed by a minister of a church or a member of a religious order.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... 26 Internal Revenue 15 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Remuneration for services performed by a... Tax at Source § 31.3401(a)(9)-1 Remuneration for services performed by a minister of a church or a member of a religious order. (a) In general. Remuneration paid for services performed by a duly ordained...

  15. A Process for Becoming a Teacher.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Benedict, Paul L.

    This secondary teacher education program is based on the following assumptions: a) learning is accomplished through the individual; b) learning is a personal concern; c) learning occurs through exploration and experimentation; and d) learning is a blend of experiences, hopes, and ideas. Jointly sponsored by RHAM High School and the Secondary…

  16. A tribute to James A. Holcombe

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sturgeon, Ralph

    2015-03-01

    My first interaction with Jim Holcombe was by letter in late 1977 (well before our instant e-mail communications age we all enjoy and/or curse). Jim was enquiring via some subtle questions about a paper I had recently published in Analytical Chemistry on the mechanisms of atomization in the graphite furnace. This brief correspondence initiated a 35 year period of technical interaction and friendship which literally carried us throughout the world to many conferences and more than a few shared hotel rooms in the days when one would make sacrifices to reduce travel costs to enable conference attendance. At the SciX 2013 (FACSS) meeting in Milwaukee WI, a special symposium was organized by John Molloy in honor of Jim's achievements. This was the closest "public" venue to correspond with Jim's announced 2013 spring retirement and his "exit" from a working career at the Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin. It was a distinct honor for me to have Nicolo Omenetto ask if I would help coordinate this special issue of Spectrochim. Acta, Part B in honor of Jim's career/achievements. This gives me the opportunity to publicly comment on my personal association with this "Texas" gentleman from Colorado, a genuine "out of the box" thinker, a productive, highly acknowledged but humble character that I am grateful to have known, and with whom I have traveled the world and enjoyed so many good times.

  17. A novel hunting accident. Discharge of a firearm by a hunting dog.

    PubMed

    Baker, A M; Keller, G; Garcia, D

    2001-09-01

    The authors report the case of a 21-year-old man who was killed while duck hunting when a shotgun accidentally discharged, shooting him in the head. The loaded weapon, which had been lying on the ground with the safety off and the muzzle pointed toward a river a few feet away, discharged when a hunting dog stepped on the trigger. Scene investigation confirmed that the victim had been standing in the river, planting decoys, with his head approximately level with the adjacent bank. Autopsy examination and ballistic testing confirmed a range of fire consistent with the witness' statements. Examination of the weapon in question documented a light trigger pull but no mechanical defects. The authors review the epidemiology and causality of hunting accidents and discuss the various safety rules that were violated in this highly unusual case. The importance of a complete death investigation, including autopsy, when dealing with a firearm death is emphasized.

  18. Method for fabricating a seal between a ceramic and a metal alloy

    DOEpatents

    Kelsey, Jr., Paul V.; Siegel, William T.

    1983-01-01

    A method of fabricating a seal between a ceramic and an alloy comprising the steps of prefiring the alloy in an atmosphere with a very low partial pressure of oxygen, firing the assembled alloy and ceramic in air, and gradually cooling the fired assembly to avoid the formation of thermal stress in the ceramic. The method forms a bond between the alloy and the ceramic capable of withstanding the environment of a pressurized water reactor and suitable for use in an electrical conductivity sensitive liquid level transducer.

  19. Method for fabricating a seal between a ceramic and a metal alloy

    DOEpatents

    Kelsey, P.V. Jr.; Siegel, W.T.

    1983-08-16

    A method of fabricating a seal between a ceramic and an alloy comprising the steps of prefiring the alloy in an atmosphere with a very low partial pressure of oxygen, firing the assembled alloy and ceramic in air, and gradually cooling the fired assembly to avoid the formation of thermal stress in the ceramic. The method forms a bond between the alloy and the ceramic capable of withstanding the environment of a pressurized water reactor and suitable for use in an electrical conductivity sensitive liquid level transducer.

  20. ViA: a perceptual visualization assistant

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Healey, Chris G.; St. Amant, Robert; Elhaddad, Mahmoud S.

    2000-05-01

    This paper describes an automated visualized assistant called ViA. ViA is designed to help users construct perceptually optical visualizations to represent, explore, and analyze large, complex, multidimensional datasets. We have approached this problem by studying what is known about the control of human visual attention. By harnessing the low-level human visual system, we can support our dual goals of rapid and accurate visualization. Perceptual guidelines that we have built using psychophysical experiments form the basis for ViA. ViA uses modified mixed-initiative planning algorithms from artificial intelligence to search of perceptually optical data attribute to visual feature mappings. Our perceptual guidelines are integrated into evaluation engines that provide evaluation weights for a given data-feature mapping, and hints on how that mapping might be improved. ViA begins by asking users a set of simple questions about their dataset and the analysis tasks they want to perform. Answers to these questions are used in combination with the evaluation engines to identify and intelligently pursue promising data-feature mappings. The result is an automatically-generated set of mappings that are perceptually salient, but that also respect the context of the dataset and users' preferences about how they want to visualize their data.

  1. Stabilizing a Bicycle: A Modeling Project

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pennings, Timothy J.; Williams, Blair R.

    2010-01-01

    This article is a project that takes students through the process of forming a mathematical model of bicycle dynamics. Beginning with basic ideas from Newtonian mechanics (forces and torques), students use techniques from calculus and differential equations to develop the equations of rotational motion for a bicycle-rider system as it tips from…

  2. Once a Nightmare, Always a Nightmare?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Picchioni, Dante; DeBrule, Daniel S.

    2005-01-01

    While counterintuitive, there is evidence that some nightmares may serve a beneficial function. The theory behind this idea is presented within the context of a continuity hypothesis of dreaming where the negative emotions presented in a nightmare can lead to psychosocial development, just as some negative experiences do so during wake. The…

  3. The Electric Potential of a Macromolecule in a Solvent: A Fundamental Approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Juffer, André H.; Botta, Eugen F. F.; van Keulen, Bert A. M.; van der Ploeg, Auke; Berendsen, Herman J. C.

    1991-11-01

    A general numerical method is presented to compute the electric potential for a macromolecule of arbitrary shape in a solvent with nonzero ionic strength. The model is based on a continuum description of the dielectric and screening properties of the system, which consists of a bounded internal region with discrete charges and an infinite external region. The potential obeys the Poisson equation in the internal region and the linearized Poisson-Boltzmann equation in the external region, coupled through appropriate boundary conditions. It is shown how this three-dimensional problem can be presented as a pair of coupled integral equations for the potential and the normal component of the electric field at the dielectric interface. These equations can be solved by a straightforward application of boundary element techniques. The solution involves the decomposition of a matrix that depends only on the geometry of the surface and not on the positions of the charges. With this approach the number of unknowns is reduced by an order of magnitude with respect to the usual finite difference methods. Special attention is given to the numerical inaccuracies resulting from charges which are located close to the interface; an adapted formulation is given for that case. The method is tested both for a spherical geometry, for which an exact solution is available, and for a realistic problem, for which a finite difference solution and experimental verification is available. The latter concerns the shift in acid strength (pK-values) of histidines in the copper-containing protein azurin on oxidation of the copper, for various values of the ionic strength. A general method is given to triangulate a macromolecular surface. The possibility is discussed to use the method presented here for a correct treatment of long-range electrostatic interactions in simulations of solvated macromolecules, which form an essential part of correct potentials of mean force.

  4. A Method for Producing a Shaped Contour Radiation Pattern Using a Single Shaped Reflector and a Single Feed

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Cherrette, A. R.; Lee, S. W.; Acosta, R. J.

    1988-01-01

    Eliminating the corporate feed network in shaped contour beam antennas will reduce the expense, weight, and RF loss of the antenna system. One way of producing a shaped contour beam without using a feed network is to use a single shaped reflector with a single feed element. For a prescribed contour beam and feed, an optimization method for designing the reflector shape is given. As a design example, a shaped reflector is designed to produce a continental U.S. coverage (CONUS) beam. The RF performance of the shaped reflector is then verified by physical optics.

  5. A diffusion perspective on temporal networks: A case study on a supermarket

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deng, Shiguo; Qiu, Lu; Yang, Yue; Yang, Huijie

    2016-01-01

    From a large amount of records, one can extract behavioral characteristics of a social system at different scales. Theoretically, it can help us to know how the global behavior of a social system is formed from individual activities. Practically, it can be used to optimize and even to control the social system. Complicated relationships between the individuals form a network, which evolves with time. The behavior of the system can be accordingly understood in the framework of temporal network. In the present paper, instead of focusing on microscopic structures, we develop a framework to investigate temporal networks from the viewpoint of diffusion process, in which each snapshot network is divided into groups and the ID number of the group a node belongs to is used to measure its state. By this way trajectories of the nodes form an ensemble of realizations of a stochastic process. As an illustration, we investigate the diffusion behavior of a supermarket. One can find that with the increase of time the customers cluster and separate into different groups. Meanwhile, the system evolves in a significant order way, instead of a complete random one.

  6. A System of ODEs for a Perturbation of a Minimal Mass Soliton

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Marzuola, Jeremy L.; Raynor, Sarah; Simpson, Gideon

    2010-08-01

    We study soliton solutions to the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLS) with a saturated nonlinearity. NLS with such a nonlinearity is known to possess a minimal mass soliton. We consider a small perturbation of a minimal mass soliton and identify a system of ODEs extending the work of Comech and Pelinovsky (Commun. Pure Appl. Math. 56:1565-1607, 2003), which models the behavior of the perturbation for short times. We then provide numerical evidence that under this system of ODEs there are two possible dynamical outcomes, in accord with the conclusions of Pelinovsky et al. (Phys. Rev. E 53(2):1940-1953, 1996). Generically, initial data which supports a soliton structure appears to oscillate, with oscillations centered on a stable soliton. For initial data which is expected to disperse, the finite dimensional dynamics initially follow the unstable portion of the soliton curve.

  7. Lateral migration of a viscoelastic drop in a Newtonian fluid in a shear flow near a wall

    PubMed Central

    Mukherjee, Swarnajay; Sarkar, Kausik

    2014-01-01

    Wall induced lateral migration of a viscoelastic (FENE-MCR) drop in a Newtonian fluid is investigated. Just like a Newtonian drop, a viscoelastic drop reaches a quasi-steady state where the lateral velocity only depends on the instantaneous distance from the wall. The drop migration velocity and the deformation scale inversely with the square and the cube of the distance from the wall, respectively. The migration velocity varies non-monotonically with increasing viscoelasticity (increasing Deborah number); initially increasing and then decreasing. An analytical explanation has been given of the effects by computing the migration velocity as arising from an image stresslet field due to the drop. The semi-analytical expression matches well with the simulated migration velocity away from the wall. It contains a viscoelastic stresslet component apart from those arising from interfacial tension and viscosity ratio. The migration dynamics is a result of the competition between the viscous (interfacial tension and viscosity ratio) and the viscoelastic effects. The viscoelastic stresslet contribution towards the migration velocity steadily increases. But the interfacial stresslet—arising purely from the drop shape—first increases and then decreases with rising Deborah number causing the migration velocity to be non-monotonic. The geometric effect of the interfacial stresslet is caused by a corresponding nonmonotonic variation of the drop inclination. High viscosity ratio is briefly considered to show that the drop viscoelasticity could stabilize a drop against breakup, and the increase in migration velocity due to viscoelasticity is larger compared to the viscosity-matched case. PMID:25378894

  8. Knitting: A Craft Makes a Comeback

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McIntosh, Phyllis

    2011-01-01

    Hand knitting is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States. Once considered the province of grannies and expectant mothers stitching layettes, knitting is enjoying a 21st century resurgence, especially among young people. Knitting, it turns out, is a trendy, often eco-friendly pastime with a wide range of appeals. And, thanks to the…

  9. Planning for a Change; A Resource Catalogue. A Report.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Center for New Schools, Inc., Chicago, IL.

    This 293-item catalog lists selected entries that should be useful to planning groups and others interested in establishing new school programs. It is concerned with what is considered a crucial step in the planning process--searching for alternatives. Past experience with school-community planning efforts has shown that, in the search for…

  10. A numerical analysis of a magnetocaloric refrigerator with a 16-layer regenerator.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Mingkan; Abdelaziz, Omar; Momen, Ayyoub M; Abu-Heiba, Ahmad

    2017-10-25

    A numerical analysis was conducted to study a room temperature magnetocaloric refrigerator with a 16-layer parallel plates active magnetic regenerator (AMR). Sixteen layers of LaFeMnSiH having different Curie temperatures were employed as magnetocaloric material (MCM) in the regenerator. Measured properties data was used. A transient one dimensional (1D) model was employed, in which a unique numerical method was developed to significantly accelerate the simulation speed of the multi-layer AMR system. As a result, the computation speed of a multi-layer AMR case was very close to the single-layer configuration. The performance of the 16-layer AMR system in different frequencies and utilizations has been investigated using this model. To optimize the layer length distribution of the 16-layer MCMs in the regenerator, a set of 137 simulations with different MCM distributions based on the Design of Experiments (DoE) method was conducted and the results were analyzed. The results show that the 16-layer AMR system can operate up to 84% of Carnot cycle COP at a temperature span of 41 K, which cannot be obtained using an AMR with fewer layers. The DoE results indicate that for a 16-layer AMR system, the uniform distribution is very close to the optimized design.

  11. A.A.D. engine noise evaluation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1983-01-01

    A critique of the various characteristics of engine design influencing noise and attempts to indicator areas where attention is required to obtain noise acceptable engine for automobiles are discussed. It was concluded that the engine has a potential to be quiet beccause a ion rated speed is chosen. Problems with high gas pressure, the fuel injection pump, and the expander/compressor are discussed.

  12. When a Therapist becomes a Father

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Grayson, Paul

    2011-01-01

    In the first few years after his wife gave birth to a son, the middle-aged author closely observed the effects on his existence and his craft. He is pleased to report that fatherhood is taxing but survivable, and finds that it exerts a modest but discernible effect on his perspective as a college counselor. He mentions that he compared notes with…

  13. Lejaren A. Hiller, Jr.: A Memorial Tribute to a Chemist-Composer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wamser, Christian A.; Wamser, Carl C.

    1996-07-01

    Lejaren Hiller (1924-1994) was trained in chemistry but maintained a lifelong love of music. Like Alexander Borodin, the Russian chemist-composer, but eventually dedicated his career solely to music. His early work on the chemistry of polymers with Fred Wall at the University of Illinois introduced him to the Illiac computer, with which he did Monte Carlo calculations of polymer conformations. He promptly collaborated with Leonard Isaacson, a graduate student also associated with the Wall group, to teach the Illiac to compose music. Using a modified Monte Carlo technique to select the notes and other aspects of the music, they applied increasingly complex rules to define what constituted acceptable music. The result was their String Quartet #4, produced in 1957, often called the Illiac Suite. It is generally acknowledged as the first piece of music composed by a computer. Hiller remained a pioneer in the field of copmuter composition during his distinguished career at the University of Illinois and the State University of New York at Buffalo. This paper traces Hiller's careers in chemistry and music and examines the connections between the two.

  14. Psychoanalysis as a lifeline: a clinical study of a transference perversion.

    PubMed

    Baker, R

    1994-08-01

    Case material from the analysis of a fetishistic cross-dresser is reported. The evolution of a transference perversion and treatment impasse, in the form of the recalcitrant symptom of anal flatulence, is described. The patient's contrasting needs to cling perversely and addictively to the analyst, on the one hand, and to provoke an acting out of the countertransference, on the other, are placed in the context of his dread of rejection and potentially suicidal reaction. The author argues in favour of offering psychoanalysis as a lifeline, but with the condition that the psychoanalytic setting and boundaries are maintained and that gratifications are denied. Limited but precise interpretive psychoanalytic work in the transference was maintained. The relatively good outcome is explained in terms of the provision of safety, survival of the analyst and avoidance of countertransference acting out, which, in the author's view, represents an implicit and mutative transference interpretation, the specific factor in bringing about psychic change. This enabled the patient to recognise and accept the analyst as a 'new' object and, as a consequence, to question and reject his idealisation of the anal universe that he inhabited.

  15. Vitamin A deficiency in the Sudan: a call for a surveillance system.

    PubMed

    el Bushra, H E

    1992-05-01

    This short review summarizes all the published and unpublished reports on vitamin A deficiency in the Sudan in the last four decades. Different local terms used by people to indicate vitamin A deficiency were enlisted. There is evidence that vitamin A deficiency is a public health problem in eastern Sudan and among communities from western and southern Sudan living around Greater Khartoum, who were displaced from their homelands because of drought, famine conditions and civil unrest. There are reports indicative of vitamin A deficiency problem in the central and the far western provinces. There were no reports from the northern provinces. The need for a surveillance system was discussed.

  16. A microflow cytometer on a chip

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Golden, Joel P.; Kim, Jason; Anderson, George P.; Hashemi, Nastaran; Howell, Peter J.; Ligler, Frances S.

    2010-02-01

    A rapid, automated, multi-analyte Microflow Cytometer is being developed as a portable, field-deployable sensor for onsite diagnosis of biothreat agent exposure and environmental monitoring. The technology relies on a unique method for ensheathing a sample stream in continuous flow past an interrogation region where optical fibers provide excitation and collect emission. This approach efficiently focuses particles in the interrogation region of the fluidic channel, avoids clogging and provides for subsequent separation of the core and sheath fluids in order to capture the target for confirmatory assays and recycling of the sheath fluid. Fluorescently coded microspheres provide the capability for highly multiplexed assays. Optical analysis at four different wavelengths identified six sets of the coded microspheres recognizing Escherichia coli, Listeria, and Salmonella as well as cholera toxin, staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), and ricin, and assay results were compared with those of a commercial Luminex analysis system.

  17. Registered access: a 'Triple-A' approach.

    PubMed

    Dyke, Stephanie O M; Kirby, Emily; Shabani, Mahsa; Thorogood, Adrian; Kato, Kazuto; Knoppers, Bartha M

    2016-12-01

    We propose a standard model for a novel data access tier - registered access - to facilitate access to data that cannot be published in open access archives owing to ethical and legal risk. Based on an analysis of applicable research ethics and other legal and administrative frameworks, we discuss the general characteristics of this Registered Access Model, which would comprise a three-stage approval process: Authentication, Attestation and Authorization. We are piloting registered access with the Demonstration Projects of the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health for which it may provide a suitable mechanism for access to certain data types and to different types of data users.

  18. A numerical analysis of a magnetocaloric refrigerator with a 16-layer regenerator

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

    Zhang, Mingkan; Abdelaziz, Omar; Momen, Ayyoub Mehdizadeh

    A numerical analysis was conducted to study a room temperature magnetocaloric refrigerator with a 16-layer parallel plates active magnetic regenerator (AMR). Sixteen layers of LaFeMnSiH having different Curie temperatures were employed as magnetocaloric material (MCM) in the regenerator. Measured properties data was used. A transient one dimensional (1D) model was employed, in which a unique numerical method was developed to significantly accelerate the simulation speed of the multi-layer AMR system. As a result, the computation speed of a multi-layer AMR case was very close to the single-layer configuration. The performance of the 16-layer AMR system in different frequencies and utilizationsmore » has been investigated using this model. To optimize the layer length distribution of the 16-layer MCMs in the regenerator, a set of 137 simulations with different MCM distributions based on the Design of Experiments (DoE) method was conducted and the results were analyzed. The results show that the 16-layer AMR system can operate up to 84% of Carnot cycle COP at a temperature span of 41 K, which cannot be obtained using an AMR with fewer layers. Here, the DoE results indicate that for a 16-layer AMR system, the uniform distribution is very close to the optimized design.« less

  19. A numerical analysis of a magnetocaloric refrigerator with a 16-layer regenerator

    DOE PAGES

    Zhang, Mingkan; Abdelaziz, Omar; Momen, Ayyoub Mehdizadeh; ...

    2017-10-25

    A numerical analysis was conducted to study a room temperature magnetocaloric refrigerator with a 16-layer parallel plates active magnetic regenerator (AMR). Sixteen layers of LaFeMnSiH having different Curie temperatures were employed as magnetocaloric material (MCM) in the regenerator. Measured properties data was used. A transient one dimensional (1D) model was employed, in which a unique numerical method was developed to significantly accelerate the simulation speed of the multi-layer AMR system. As a result, the computation speed of a multi-layer AMR case was very close to the single-layer configuration. The performance of the 16-layer AMR system in different frequencies and utilizationsmore » has been investigated using this model. To optimize the layer length distribution of the 16-layer MCMs in the regenerator, a set of 137 simulations with different MCM distributions based on the Design of Experiments (DoE) method was conducted and the results were analyzed. The results show that the 16-layer AMR system can operate up to 84% of Carnot cycle COP at a temperature span of 41 K, which cannot be obtained using an AMR with fewer layers. Here, the DoE results indicate that for a 16-layer AMR system, the uniform distribution is very close to the optimized design.« less

  20. Balloon-Assisted Chemoembolization Using a Micro-Balloon Catheter Alongside a Microcatheter for a Hepatocellular Carcinoma with a Prominent Arterioportal Shunt: A Case Report

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

    Hoshiai, Sodai, E-mail: hoshiai@sb4.so-net.ne.jp; Mori, Kensaku; Ishiguro, Toshitaka

    Although transcatheter arterial chemoembolization is one of the established treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it is difficult to treat HCCs with prominent arterioportal (AP) shunts because anticancer drugs and embolic materials migrate into the non-tumorous liver through the AP shunts and may cause liver infarction. We developed a novel method of balloon-assisted chemoembolization using a micro-balloon catheter alongside a microcatheter simultaneously inserted through a single 4.5-Fr guiding sheath, comprising proximal chemoembolization with distal arterial balloon occlusion. We applied this method to treat an HCC with a prominent distal AP shunt induced by previous proton beam therapy and achieved successful chemoembolizationmore » without non-tumorous liver infarction under temporal balloon occlusion of a distal AP shunt.« less

  1. 76 FR 42024 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-07-18

    ... limitations are currently included in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS). The... Safety Agency (EASA) and referenced in Airbus Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 2. The issue...: Revise Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) To Incorporate Safe Life ALIs (g) For Model A318-111 and...

  2. A feasibility study of a data acquisition system for a silicon strip detector with a digital readout scheme

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ikeda, Hirokazu; Ikeda, Mitsuo; Inaba, Susumu; Tanaka, Manobu

    1993-06-01

    We describe a prototype data acquisition system for a silicon strip detector, which has been developed in terms of a digital readout scheme. The system consists of a master timing generator, readout controller, and a detector emulator card on which we use custom VLSI shift registers with operating clock frequency of 30 MHz.

  3. Degradation of a Multilayer Insulation Due to a Seam and a Penetration

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sumner, I. E.

    1976-01-01

    The degradation of the thermal performance of a multilayer insulation due to the presence of a seam and a penetration was studied. The multilayer insulation had 30 aluminized Mylar radiation shields with silk net spacers. The seam, an offset butt joint, caused a heat input of 0.169 watt per meter in addition to the basic insulation thermal performance of 0.388 watt per square meter obtained before the installation of the butt joint. The penetration, a fiberglass tank support strut, provided a heat input (including the degradation of the insulation) of 0.543 watt in addition to the basic insulation thermal performance of 0.452 watt per square meter obtained before the penetration.

  4. Lipoprotein (a) as a risk factor for ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Nave, Alexander H; Lange, Kristin S; Leonards, Christopher O; Siegerink, Bob; Doehner, Wolfram; Landmesser, Ulf; Steinhagen-Thiessen, Elisabeth; Endres, Matthias; Ebinger, Martin

    2015-10-01

    Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] harbors atherogenic potential but its role as a risk factor for ischemic stroke remains controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the relative strength of the association between Lp(a) and ischemic stroke and identify potential subgroup-specific risk differences. A systematic search using the MeSH terms "lipoproteins" OR "lipoprotein a" AND "stroke" was performed in PubMed and ScienceDirect for case-control studies from June 2006 and prospective cohort studies from April 2009 until December 20th 2014. Data from eligible papers published before these dates were reviewed and extracted from previous meta-analyses. Studies that assessed the relationship between Lp(a) levels and ischemic stroke and reported generic data-i.e. odds ratio [OR], hazard ratio, or risk ratio [RR]-were eligible for inclusion. Studies that not distinguish between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and transient ischemic attack were excluded. Random effects meta-analyses with mixed-effects meta-regression were performed by pooling adjusted OR or RR. A total of 20 articles comprising 90,904 subjects and 5029 stroke events were eligible for the meta-analysis. Comparing high with low Lp(a) levels, the pooled estimated OR was 1.41 (95% CI, 1.26-1.57) for case-control studies (n = 11) and the pooled estimated RR was 1.29 (95% CI, 1.06-1.58) for prospective studies (n = 9). Sex-specific differences in RR were inconsistent between case-control and prospective studies. Study populations with a mean age of ≤55 years had an increased RR compared to older study populations. Reported Lp(a) contrast levels and ischemic stroke subtype significantly contributed to the heterogeneity observed in the analyses. Elevated Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke and may be especially relevant for young stroke patients. Sex-specific risk differences remain conflicting. Further studies in these subgroups may be warranted. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All

  5. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THC-A) in urine of a 15-month-old child: A case report.

    PubMed

    Morini, Luca; Quaiotti, Jessica; Moretti, Matteo; Osculati, Antonio Marco Maria; Tajana, Luca; Groppi, Angelo; Vignali, Claudia

    2018-05-01

    The acidic forms of cannabinoids, THC-A and CBD-A are naturally present in cannabis plants and preparations and are generally decarboxylated to the active compounds before the use (e.g. thermally decarboxylated through smoking). Hence, the identification of the acidic compounds in urine could be an evidence of cannabis ingestion rather than a passive exposure to smoke. This case report described a 15-month-old child that suffered an acute intoxication by accidental cannabis ingestion. It is important to assess the ingestion and to discriminate it from a passive exposure to better interpret the clinical findings and to establish the correct therapeutic procedure. Urine samples were simply diluted in deionized water and directly injected in the LC-MS/MS system. D 3 -THCCOOH was used as internal standard. Chromatographic separation of THCCOOH, THC-A and CBD-A was carried out in reversed phase on a c18 column. A triple quad in MRM negative mode was used to monitor the three analytes. The developed LC-MS/MS method was simple and fast. A LOD of 3.0ng/mL and a LOQ of 10.0ng/mL were measured for the three compounds. The analytical procedure was validated accordingly to international guidelines. The two urine samples collected from the 15-month-old child at the hospitalization and after three days provided positive results for THCCOOH (130.0 and 10.0ng/mL respectively). THC-A was found only in the urine sample collected at the hospitalization (concentration: 70.0ng/mL). THC-A was detected and quantitated in a urine sample of a 15-month-old child. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. 47 CFR 80.1093 - Ship radio equipment-Sea areas A1, A2, A3, and A4.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 47 Telecommunication 5 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Ship radio equipment-Sea areas A1, A2, A3, and... AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES STATIONS IN THE MARITIME SERVICES Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Equipment Requirements for Ship Stations § 80.1093 Ship radio equipment—Sea areas A1, A2...

  7. 17 CFR Appendix A to Subpart A of... - Appendix A to Subpart A of Part 248 Forms

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... A of Part 248 Forms A. Any person may view and print this form at: http://www.sec.gov/about/forms... form, as appropriate. 2. The Contents of the Model Privacy Form The model form consists of two pages, which may be printed on both sides of a single sheet of paper, or may appear on two separate pages...

  8. A Rare Complete Metacarpal Pseudoepiphysis in a Teenager With a Scaphoid Fracture.

    PubMed

    Geffen, Rachel B; Colberg, Ricardo E

    2017-11-01

    A 13-yr-old adolescent boy presented with wrist pain after falling off a scooter onto his outstretched hand. Radiographs revealed a nondisplaced hairline fracture of the scaphoid bone and an irregular radiolucent line in the proximal metaphysis of the second metacarpal bone, consistent with an anomalous growth plate, or complete pseudoepiphysis. Complete pseudoepiphysis is a rare finding, with only a few cases reported. Learning about the common locations of growth plates and the radiographic differences between normal, injured, and anomalous growth plates can help decrease physician error and improve patient outcomes.

  9. A case of a large Chiari network mimicking a right atrial thrombus.

    PubMed

    Erdogan, Sevinc Bayer; Akansel, Serdar; Sargın, Murat; Mete, Muge Evren Tasdemir; Arslanhan, Gokhan; Aka, Serap Aykut

    2017-01-01

    The Chiari network is described as a reticulated network of fibers connected to the Eustachian valve identified as the embryological remnant of the right valve of the sinus venosus. It is an incidental finding without any significant pathophysiological consequences. However, the presence of the Chiari network in the right atrium obliges the physician to differentiate from other right atrial pathologies. We present a case of a large Chiari network mimicking a right atrial thrombus with incidental finding in a 76-year-old man undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.

  10. A Sodium Channel Myotonia Presenting with Intermittent Dysphagia as a Manifestation of a Rare SCN4A Variant.

    PubMed

    Benhammou, Jihane N; Phan, Jennifer; Lee, Hane; Ghassemi, Kevin; Parsons, William; Grody, Wayne W; Pisegna, Joseph R

    2017-03-01

    The voltage gated sodium channel SCN4A mutations account for non-dystrophic myotonia and include a heterogeneous group of conditions that include hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, paramyotonica congenita, potassium-aggravated myotonia, and hypokalemic periodic paralysis type 2. This case report proposes that a rare variant p.Pro1629Leu in SCN4A can cause a skeletal muscle deficit with intermittent dysphagia.

  11. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase-a as a novel target for cancer therapy.

    PubMed

    Wang, Chun; Rajput, Sandeep; Watabe, Kounosuke; Liao, Duan-Fang; Cao, Deliang

    2010-01-01

    Acetyl-CoA carboxylases (ACC) are rate-limiting enzymes in de novo fatty acid synthesis, catalyzing ATP-dependent carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to form malonyl-CoA. Malonyl-CoA is a critical bi-functional molecule, i.e., a substrate of fatty acid synthase (FAS) for acyl chain elongation (fatty acid synthesis) and an inhibitor of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT-I) for fatty acid beta-oxidation. Two ACC isoforms have been identified in mammals, i.e. ACC-alpha (ACCA, also termed ACC1) and ACC-beta (ACCB, also designated ACC2). ACC has long been used as a target for the management of metabolic diseases, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome, and various inhibitors have been developed in clinical trials. Recently, ACCA up-regulation has been recognized in multiple human cancers, promoting lipogenesis to meet the need of cancer cells for rapid growth and proliferation. Therefore, ACCA might be effective as a potent target for cancer intervention, and the inhibitors developed for the treatment of metabolic diseases would be potential therapeutic agents for cancer therapy. This review summarizes our recent findings and updates the current understanding of the ACCA with focus on cancer research.

  12. A method to efficiently apply a biogeochemical model to a landscape.

    Treesearch

    Robert E. Kennedy; David P. Turner; Warren B. Cohen; Michael Guzy

    2006-01-01

    Biogeochemical models offer an important means of understanding carbon dynamics, but the computational complexity of many models means that modeling all grid cells on a large landscape is computationally burdensome. Because most biogeochemical models ignore adjacency effects between cells, however, a more efficient approach is possible. Recognizing that spatial...

  13. A Participants' DSS for a Management Game with a DSS Generator.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yeo, Gee Kin; Nah, Fui Hoon

    1992-01-01

    Describes the design of a decision support system (DSS) for a management game called MAGNUS (Management Game for National University of Singapore). Built-in models for performance analysis and decision making are explained; database query and model building are described; and future work is discussed. (11 references) (LRW)

  14. Vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA), a key toxin for Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis

    PubMed Central

    Palframan, Samuel L.; Kwok, Terry; Gabriel, Kipros

    2012-01-01

    More than 50% of the world's population is infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Chronic infection with this Gram-negative pathogen is associated with the development of peptic ulcers and is linked to an increased risk of gastric cancer. H. pylori secretes many proteinaceous factors that are important for initial colonization and subsequent persistence in the host stomach. One of the major protein toxins secreted by H. pylori is the Vacuolating cytotoxin A (VacA). After secretion from the bacteria via a type V autotransport secretion system, the 88 kDa VacA toxin (comprised of the p33 and p55 subunits) binds to host cells and is internalized, causing severe “vacuolation” characterized by the accumulation of large vesicles that possess hallmarks of both late endosomes and early lysosomes. The development of “vacuoles” has been attributed to the formation of VacA anion-selective channels in membranes. Apart from its vacuolating effects, it has recently become clear that VacA also directly affects mitochondrial function. Earlier studies suggested that the p33 subunit, but not the p55 subunit of VacA, could enter mitochondria to modulate organelle function. This raised the possibility that a mechanism separate from pore formation may be responsible for the effects of VacA on mitochondria, as crystallography studies and structural modeling predict that both subunits are required for a physiologically stable pore. It has also been suggested that the mitochondrial effects observed are due to indirect effects on pro-apoptotic proteins and direct effects on mitochondrial morphology-related processes. Other studies have shown that both the p55 and p33 subunits can indeed be efficiently imported into mammalian-derived mitochondria raising the possibility that they could re-assemble to form a pore. Our review summarizes and consolidates the recent advances in VacA toxin research, with focus on the outstanding controversies in the field and the key remaining

  15. LHS 1610A: A Nearby Mid-M Dwarf with a Companion That Is Likely a Brown Dwarf

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Winters, Jennifer G.; Irwin, Jonathan; Newton, Elisabeth R.; Charbonneau, David; Latham, David W.; Han, Eunkyu; Muirhead, Philip S.; Berlind, Perry; Calkins, Michael L.; Esquerdo, Gil

    2018-03-01

    We present the spectroscopic orbit of LHS 1610A, a newly discovered single-lined spectroscopic binary with a trigonometric distance placing it at 9.9 ± 0.2 pc. We obtained spectra with the TRES instrument on the 1.5 m Tillinghast Reflector at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory located on Mt. Hopkins in AZ. We demonstrate the use of the TiO molecular bands at 7065–7165 Å to measure radial velocities and achieve an average estimated velocity uncertainty of 28 m s‑1. We measure the orbital period to be 10.6 days and calculate a minimum mass of 44.8 ± 3.2 M Jup for the secondary, indicating that it is likely a brown dwarf. We place an upper limit to 3σ of 2500 K on the effective temperature of the companion from infrared spectroscopic observations using IGRINS on the 4.3 m Discovery Channel Telescope. In addition, we present a new photometric rotation period of 84.3 days for the primary star using data from the MEarth-South Observatory, with which we show that the system does not eclipse.

  16. Telecom 2-A (TC2A)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dulac, J.; Latour, J.

    1991-01-01

    The DSN (Deep Space Network) mission support requirements for Telecom 2-A (TC2A) are summarized. The Telecom 2-A will provide high-speed data link applications, telephone, and television service between France and overseas territories. The mission objectives are outlined and the DSN support requirements are defined through the presentation of tables and narratives describing the spacecraft flight profile; DSN support coverage; frequency assignments; support parameters for telemetry, command and support systems; and tracking support responsibility.

  17. Toward a green campus : a transportation strategy for Texas A&M University.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2009-03-01

    This research study produces a recommended sustainable transportation implementation plan for Texas : A&M University (TAMU) to enhance the environmental performance of its campus transportation system. : To achieve the goal, this study followed a his...

  18. What a Difference a Writing Centre Makes: A Small Scale Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Yeats, Rowena; Reddy, Peter; Wheeler, Anne; Senior, Carl; Murray, John

    2010-01-01

    Purpose: Academic writing is often considered to be a weakness in contemporary students, while good reporting and writing skills are highly valued by graduate employers. A number of universities have introduced writing centres aimed at addressing this problem; however, the evaluation of such centres is usually qualitative. The paper seeks to…

  19. A Generic Authentication LoA Derivation Model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yao, Li; Zhang, Ning

    One way of achieving a more fine-grained access control is to link an authentication level of assurance (LoA) derived from a requester’s authentication instance to the authorisation decision made to the requester. To realise this vision, there is a need for designing a LoA derivation model that supports the use and quantification of multiple LoA-effecting attributes, and analyse their composite effect on a given authentication instance. This paper reports the design of such a model, namely a generic LoA derivation model (GEA- LoADM). GEA-LoADM takes into account of multiple authentication attributes along with their relationships, abstracts the composite effect by the multiple attributes into a generic value, authentication LoA, and provides algorithms for the run-time derivation of LoA. The algorithms are tailored to reflect the relationships among the attributes involved in an authentication instance. The model has a number of valuable properties, including flexibility and extensibility; it can be applied to different application contexts and support easy addition of new attributes and removal of obsolete ones.

  20. AbobotulinumtoxinA: A 25-Year History

    PubMed Central

    Pickett, Andy

    2017-01-01

    Abstract During the late 1960s and early 1970s, Alan Scott showed that intramuscular injections of botulinum toxin (BoNT) corrected nonaccommodative strabismus without resorting to surgery. The UK doctors who trained with Scott soon realized the significant potential offered by BoNT type A as a therapeutic option for several difficult-to-treat diseases. This led to a collaboration between these pioneering clinicians and the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research at Porton Down, United Kingdom, and, in turn, to the development and commercialization of abobotulinumtoxinA as Dysport (Dystonia/Porton Down; Ipsen Biopharm Ltd., Wrexham, UK). Dysport was approved in Europe for the treatment of specific dystonias in December 1990 and now has marketing authorizations in 75 countries. Since then, the use of BoNT in therapeutic and aesthetic indications has grown year-on-year, and continues to expand well beyond Scott’s initial aim. For example, ongoing trials are assessing potential new indications for BoNT-A, including acne and psoriasis. Furthermore, a growing number of other BoNT products, often termed “biosimilars,” together with innovative formulations of well-established BoNT types, are likely to reach the market over the next few years. This review focuses on the history of Dysport to mark the 25th anniversary of its first launch in the United Kingdom. PMID:28388718

  1. Chasing a Comet with a Solar Sail

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stough, Robert W.; Heaton, Andrew F.; Whorton, Mark S.

    2008-01-01

    Solar sail propulsion systems enable a wide range of missions that require constant thrust or high delta-V over long mission times. One particularly challenging mission type is a comet rendezvous mission. This paper presents optimal low-thrust trajectory designs for a range of sailcraft performance metrics and mission transit times that enables a comet rendezvous mission. These optimal trajectory results provide a trade space which can be parameterized in terms of mission duration and sailcraft performance parameters such that a design space for a small satellite comet chaser mission is identified. These results show that a feasible space exists for a small satellite to perform a comet chaser mission in a reasonable mission time.

  2. A Renaissance Depiction of a Tornado.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hoinka, Klaus P.; de Castro, Manuel

    2005-04-01

    In the Renaissance, impressive weather features inspired considerable interest among artists. The depiction of a tornado and other weather features are discussed that appear on a sixteenth-century series of 12 huge tapestries (“Conquest of Tunis”) woven by the carpet manufacturer Willem de Pannemaker in Brussels, Belgium, between 1549 and 1551. The outstanding depiction of the tornado is presumably the earliest pictorial presentation of a tornado, at least in the Latin west.During the Renaissance, tapestries were an obligatory fixture of a European court and were used as an instrument for political propaganda and dynastic demonstration. The “Conquest of Tunis” tapestries are important pieces of Eu-ropean art commissioned by the Habsburgian emperor Charles V (1500–58), one of the most important ruling personalities in Euro-pean history. In 1535, he undertook a crusade to Tunis, Tunisia, in order to diminish the Ottoman emperor's power in the western Mediterranean region. Charles V wanted to ensure that the expedition would not be forgotten. In order to guarantee this, the emperor took along the Flemish painter Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen who painted sketches that were used as prototypes for the “Conquest of Tunis” tapestries. These present a highly detailed narrative of the expedition to Tunis.The depiction of a tornado, along with heavy rain and a sandstorm, raises the question of why these meteorological features are included in the scene. To the authors' knowledge, no mention is made of them in the art literature (except for the sandstorm, which actually occurred). This is particularly surprising because the tornado, at least, appears so prominently in one of the tapestries. Therefore, the weather features are discussed in terms of their meteorological, decorative, and symbolic importance. The tornado and the heavy rain seem to have been rendered in order to emphasize symbolically the beginning and ending of the military campaign. Although these

  3. A Method for Locating a High-energy Dissipation Region in a Blazar

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yan, Dahai; Wu, Qingwen; Fan, Xuliang; Wang, Jiancheng; Zhang, Li

    2018-06-01

    The production site of gamma-rays in a blazar jet is an unresolved problem. We present a method to locate a gamma-ray emission region in the framework of a one-zone emission model. From measurements of the core-shift effect, the relation between the magnetic field strengths (B‧) in the radio cores of the jet and the distances (R) of these radio cores from the central supermassive black hole (SMBH) can be inferred. Therefore, once the magnetic field strength in the gamma-ray emission region ({B}diss}{\\prime }) is obtained, one can use the relation of B‧–R to derive the distance (R diss) of the gamma-ray emission region from the SMBH. Here, we evaluate the lower limit of {B}diss}{\\prime } by using the criteria that the optical variability timescale t var should be longer than or equal to the synchrotron radiation cooling timescale of the electrons that emit optical photons. We test the method with the observations of PSK 1510-089 and BL Lacertae, and derive {R}diss}< 0.15{δ }{{D}}1/3{(1+A)}2/3 pc for PSK 1510-089 with t var ∼ a few hours and {R}diss}< 0.003{δ }{{D}}1/3{(1+A)}2/3 pc for BL Lacertae with t var ∼ a few minutes. Here, δ D is the Doppler factor and A is the Compton dominance (i.e., the ratio of the Compton to the synchrotron peak luminosities).

  4. A Control of a Mono and Multi Scale Measurement of a Grid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Elloumi, Imene; Ravelomanana, Sahobimaholy; Jelliti, Manel; Sibilla, Michelle; Desprats, Thierry

    The capacity to ensure the seamless mobility with the end-to-end Quality of Service (QoS) represents a vital criterion of success in the grid use. In this paper we hence posit a method of monitoring interconnection network of the grid (cluster, local grid and aggregate grids) in order to control its QoS. Such monitoring can guarantee a persistent control of the system state of health, a diagnostic and an optimization pertinent enough for better real time exploitation. A better exploitation is synonymous with identifying networking problems that affect the application domain. This can be carried out by control measurements as well as mono and multi scale for such metrics as: the bandwidth, CPU speed and load. The solution proposed, which is a management generic solution independently from the technologies, aims to automate human expertise and thereby more autonomy.

  5. A picture's worth a thousand words: a food-selection observational method.

    PubMed

    Carins, Julia E; Rundle-Thiele, Sharyn R; Parkinson, Joy E

    2016-05-04

    Issue addressed: Methods are needed to accurately measure and describe behaviour so that social marketers and other behaviour change researchers can gain consumer insights before designing behaviour change strategies and so, in time, they can measure the impact of strategies or interventions when implemented. This paper describes a photographic method developed to meet these needs. Methods: Direct observation and photographic methods were developed and used to capture food-selection behaviour and examine those selections according to their healthfulness. Four meals (two lunches and two dinners) were observed at a workplace buffet-style cafeteria over a 1-week period. The healthfulness of individual meals was assessed using a classification scheme developed for the present study and based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines. Results: Approximately 27% of meals (n = 168) were photographed. Agreement was high between raters classifying dishes using the scheme, as well as between researchers when coding photographs. The subset of photographs was representative of patterns observed in the entire dining room. Diners chose main dishes in line with the proportions presented, but in opposition to the proportions presented for side dishes. Conclusions: The present study developed a rigorous observational method to investigate food choice behaviour. The comprehensive food classification scheme produced consistent classifications of foods. The photographic data collection method was found to be robust and accurate. Combining the two observation methods allows researchers and/or practitioners to accurately measure and interpret food selections. Consumer insights gained suggest that, in this setting, increasing the availability of green (healthful) offerings for main dishes would assist in improving healthfulness, whereas other strategies (e.g. promotion) may be needed for side dishes. So what?: Visual observation methods that accurately measure and interpret food

  6. 47 CFR 80.1093 - Ship radio equipment-Sea areas A1, A2, A3, and A4.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 47 Telecommunication 5 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Ship radio equipment-Sea areas A1, A2, A3, and A4. 80.1093 Section 80.1093 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES STATIONS IN THE MARITIME SERVICES Global Maritime Distress and Safety...

  7. 47 CFR 80.1093 - Ship radio equipment-Sea areas A1, A2, A3, and A4.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 47 Telecommunication 5 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Ship radio equipment-Sea areas A1, A2, A3, and A4. 80.1093 Section 80.1093 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES STATIONS IN THE MARITIME SERVICES Global Maritime Distress and Safety...

  8. 47 CFR 80.1093 - Ship radio equipment-Sea areas A1, A2, A3, and A4.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 47 Telecommunication 5 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Ship radio equipment-Sea areas A1, A2, A3, and A4. 80.1093 Section 80.1093 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES STATIONS IN THE MARITIME SERVICES Global Maritime Distress and Safety...

  9. 47 CFR 80.1093 - Ship radio equipment-Sea areas A1, A2, A3, and A4.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 47 Telecommunication 5 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Ship radio equipment-Sea areas A1, A2, A3, and A4. 80.1093 Section 80.1093 Telecommunication FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) SAFETY AND SPECIAL RADIO SERVICES STATIONS IN THE MARITIME SERVICES Global Maritime Distress and Safety...

  10. A woman with a dangling digit.

    PubMed

    Roesch, Alexander; Kinner, Bernd; Schaechinger, Ulrich; Obermann, Ellen C; Landthaler, Michael; Hohenleutner, Ulrich

    2007-11-01

    Ainhum (dactylolysis spontanea) is a distinct clinical and radiological disorder of dark-skinned people characterized by a progressive development of a constricting band encircling the toe which usually results in spontaneous amputation. Ainhum mainly occurs in African natives, but in times of global migration and tourism, Ainhum is likely to be more often encountered outside Africa. Even though the clinical presentation can mimic more common entities such as arthritis and trauma, the correct diagnosis and treatment is easy if one knows this unusual entity.

  11. Developing a Professional Vision of Classroom Practices of a Mathematics Teacher: Views from a Researcher and a Teacher

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ho, Kai Fai; Tan, Preston

    2013-01-01

    The term "professional vision" points to the many nuanced ways professionals see. This paper traces the development of a professional vision of a researcher and a teacher looking at classroom practices. The researcher's interest was to capture and study notable aspects of the teacher's practice. Through a coding scheme, disparate…

  12. A Time and a Place: Social Justice in a Doctoral Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wilson, Jeffery L.; Meyer, Katrina A.

    2011-01-01

    In recent years, change has become a common catch phrase. The mantra of change ushered in America's first African American president and reawakened within Americans a call to social and civic awareness as well as engagement not seen since the 1960s and 1970s. Key constituents to the change movement were college students whose experiences in higher…

  13. A comparison of the binding of secretory component to immunoglobulin A (IgA) in human colostral S-IgA1 and S-IgA2

    PubMed Central

    Almogren, Adel; Senior, Bernard W; Kerr, Michael A

    2007-01-01

    A detailed investigation of the binding of secretory component to immunoglobulin A (IgA) in human secretory IgA2 (S-IgA2) was made possible by the development of a new method of purifying S-IgA1, S-IgA2 and free secretory component from human colostrum using thiophilic gel chromatography and chromatography on Jacalin-agarose. Sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of unreduced pure S-IgA2 revealed that, unlike in S-IgA1, a significant proportion of the secretory component was bound non-covalently in S-IgA2. When S-IgA1 was incubated with a protease purified from Proteus mirabilis the secretory component, but not the α-chain, was cleaved. This is in contrast to serum IgA1, in which the α-chain was cleaved under the same conditions – direct evidence that secretory component does protect the α-chain from proteolytic cleavage in S-IgA. Comparisons between the products of cleavage with P. mirabilis protease of free secretory component and bound secretory component in S-IgA1 and S-IgA2 also indicated that, contrary to the general assumption, the binding of secretory component to IgA is different in S-IgA2 from that in S-IgA1. PMID:17156102

  14. Pyropheophorbide und a as a catabolite of ethylene-induced chlorophyll und a degradation

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

    Shimokawa, Keishi; Hashizume, Akihito; Shioi, Yuzo

    1990-05-01

    An enzyme extract prepared from ethylene-induced degreening Citrus fruits contains chlorophyll (Chl) degrading enzymes. The fate of Chl carbons during an enzymatic degradation was investigated using Chl {und a}-{sup 14}C. Accompanying the disappearance of labelled Chl {und a}, pheophorbide {und a} and pyropheophorbide {und a} appeared and accumulation of pyropheophorbide {und a} was observed. HydroxyChl {und a} was also detected, but this is thought to be an artifact during chromatography. Unlike ethylene-induced Citrus fruits (in vivo), further degradation of pyropheophorbide {und a} did not occur in vitro enzyme system. This suggests that there is a lack of enzyme(s) and/or cofactor(s)more » for further degradation. It is concluded that Chl {und a} degraded enzymatically by the following order: Chl {und a}, chlorophyllide {und a}, pheophorbide {und a} and pyropheophorbide {und a}.« less

  15. Secondary metabolite profiling of Alternaria dauci, A. porri, A. solani, and A. tomatophila.

    PubMed

    Andersen, Birgitte; Dongo, Anita; Pryor, Barry M

    2008-02-01

    Chemotaxonomy (secondary metabolite profiling) has been shown to be of great value in the classification and differentiation in Ascomycota. However, few studies have investigated the use of metabolite production for classification and identification purposes of plant pathogenic Alternaria species. The purpose of the present study was to describe the methodology behind metabolite profiling in chemotaxonomy using A. dauci, A. porri, A. solani, and A. tomatophila strains as examples of the group. The results confirmed that A. dauci, A. solani, and A. tomatophila are three distinct species each with their own specific metabolite profiles, and that A. solani and A. tomatophila both produce altersolanol A, altertoxin I, and macrosporin. By using automated chemical image analysis and other multivariate statistic analyses, three sets of species-specific metabolites could be selected, one each for A. dauci, A. solani, and A. tomatophila.

  16. Diffraction of a Shock Wave on a Wedge in a Dusty Gas

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Surov, V. S.

    2017-09-01

    Within the framework of one- and multivelocity dusty-gas models, the author has investigated, on a curvilinear grid, flow in reflection of a shock wave from the wedge-shaped surface in an air-droplet mixture using the Godunov method with a linearized Riemannian solver.

  17. Photophysical properties of hexyl diethylaminohydroxybenzoylbenzoate (Uvinul A Plus), a UV-A absorber.

    PubMed

    Shamoto, Yuta; Yagi, Mikio; Oguchi-Fujiyama, Nozomi; Miyazawa, Kazuyuki; Kikuchi, Azusa

    2017-09-13

    Hexyl diethylaminohydroxybenzoylbenzoate (DHHB, Uvinul A Plus) is a photostable UV-A absorber. The photophysical properties of DHHB have been studied by obtaining the transient absorption, total emission, phosphorescence and electron paramagnetic resonance spectra. DHHB exhibits an intense phosphorescence in a hydrogen-bonding solvent (e.g., ethanol) at 77 K, whereas it is weakly phosphorescent in a non-hydrogen-bonding solvent (e.g., 3-methylpentane). The triplet-triplet absorption and EPR spectra for the lowest excited triplet state of DHHB were observed in ethanol, while they were not observed in 3-methylpentane. These results are explained by the proposal that in the benzophenone derivatives possessing an intramolecular hydrogen bond, intramolecular proton transfer is an efficient mechanism of the very fast radiationless decay from the excited singlet state. The energy level of the lowest excited triplet state of DHHB is higher than those of the most widely used UV-B absorbers, octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) and octocrylene (OCR). DHHB may act as a triplet energy donor for OMC and OCR in the mixtures of UV-A and UV-B absorbers. The bimolecular rate constant for the quenching of singlet oxygen by DHHB was determined by measuring the near-IR phosphorescence of singlet oxygen. The photophysical properties of diethylaminohydroxybenzoylbenzoic acid (DHBA) have been studied for comparison. It is a closely related building block to assist in interpreting the observed data.

  18. A modeling study of a centrifugal compressor

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

    Popovic, P.; Shapiro, H.N.

    1998-12-31

    A centrifugal compressor, which is part of a chlorofluorocarbon R-114 chiller installation, was investigated, operating with a new refrigerant, hydrofluorocarbon R-236ea, a proposed alternative to R-114. A large set of R-236ea operating data, as well as a limited amount of R-114 data, were available for this study. A relatively simple analytical compressor model was developed to describe compressor performance. The model was built upon a thorough literature search, experimental data, and some compressor design parameters. Two original empirical relations were developed, providing a new approach to the compressor modeling. The model was developed in a format that would permit itmore » to be easily incorporated into a complete chiller simulation. The model was found to improve somewhat on the quantitative and physical aspects of a compressor model of the same format found in the literature. It was found that the compressor model is specific to the particular refrigerant.« less

  19. Nickel affects xylem Sap RNase a and converts RNase A to a urease

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Nickel (Ni) is an essential micronutrient; however, its metabolic or physiological functions in plants and animals are largely uncharacterized. The ribonucleases (RNase, e.g., RNase A) are a large family of hydrolases found in one form or many forms facilitating nitrogen (N) cycling. It is currently unknown how either a deficiency or excess of Ni influences the functionality of ribonucleases, like RNase A. This is especially true for perennial crops possessing relatively high Ni requirements. Results We report that the 'rising’ xylem sap of pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch, a long-lived tree] at bud break contains a 14 kDa RNase A (aka, RNase 1), which amount has a 33% greater in Ni-deficient as in Ni-sufficient trees when exposed to Ni ions exhibits ureolytic activity. The homologous 13.4 kDa bovine pancreatic RNase A likewise exhibits ureolytic activity upon exposure to Ni ions. Ni therefore affects enzymatic function of a typically non-metalloenzyme, such as it transforms to an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing a linear amide; thus, converting an endonuclease esterase into a urease. Conclusions We conclude that Ni potentially affects the level and activity of RNase A present in the spring xylem sap of pecan trees, and probably in other crops, it has the same influence. The catalytic property of RNase A appears to shift from a nuclease to a urease relying on Ni exposure. This is suggestive that RNase A might possess novel metabolic functionality regarding N-metabolism in perennial plants. The ability of Ni to convert the activity of plant and animal RNase A from that of a ribonuclease to a urease indicates a possible unrecognized beneficial metabolic function of Ni in organisms, while also identifying a potential detrimental effect of excessive Ni on N related metabolic activity if there is sufficient disruption of Ni homeostasis. PMID:24320827

  20. Tesla - A Flash of a Genius

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Teodorani, M.

    2005-10-01

    This book, which is entirely dedicated to the inventions of scientist Nikola Tesla, is divided into three parts: a) all the most important innovative technological creations from the alternate current to the death ray, Tesla research in fundamental physics with a particular attention to the concept of "ether", ball lightning physics; b) the life and the bright mind of Nikola Tesla and the reasons why some of his most recent findings were not accepted by the establishment; c) a critical discussion of the most important work by Tesla followers.

  1. A test manager's perspective of a test concept for a heavy lift vehicle

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Pargeon, John I., Jr.

    1990-01-01

    The developmment of a test concept is a significant part of the advanced planning activities accomplished for the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) of new systems. A test concept is generally viewed as a description, including rationale, of the test structure, evaluation methodology and management approach required to plan and conduct the IOT&E of a program such as a new heavy lift launch vehicle system. The test concept as presented in this paper is made up of an operations area, a test area, an evaluation area, and a management area. The description presented here is written from the perspective of one test manager, and represents his views of a possible framework of a test concept using examples for a potential IOT&E of a heavy lift launch vehicle.

  2. Type A behaviour pattern: a concept revisited.

    PubMed Central

    Rose, M I

    1987-01-01

    It is generally accepted that the type A behaviour pattern is a risk factor in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). Type A people have been characterized as hard-driving, competitive, aggressive and hurried. A number of investigators have attempted to correlate these facets of type A behaviour with increased risks of CAD. However, there have been conflicting results, primarily owing to differences in methods and CAD outcomes and inconsistencies associated with measuring the type A behaviour pattern. As a result, researchers have begun to focus on subcomponents of the type A behaviour pattern, particularly hostility and anger, that appear to be more reliable predictors of CAD outcome. A reconceptualization of the type A behaviour pattern is required. PMID:3815195

  3. Flexible Learning in a Workplace Model: Blended a Motivation to a Lifelong Learner in a Social Network Environment

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Na-songkhla, Jaitip

    2011-01-01

    This paper presents a model of learning in a workplace, in which an online course provides flexibility for staff to learn at their convenient hours. A motivation was brought into an account of the success of learning in a workplace program, based upon Behaviorist learning approach--an online mentor and an accumulated learning activities score was…

  4. 46 CFR Form Fmc-132a to Subpart A... - Form FMC-132A to Subpart A of Part 540

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 9 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Form FMC-132A to Subpart A of Part 540 FMC Form FMC-132A... Pt. 540, Subpt. A, Form FMC-132A Form FMC-132A to Subpart A of Part 540 FORM FMC-132A FEDERAL... furnish written notice to the Federal Maritime Commission forthwith of all suits filed, judgments rendered...

  5. 46 CFR Form Fmc-132a to Subpart A... - Form FMC-132A to Subpart A of Part 540

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 9 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Form FMC-132A to Subpart A of Part 540 FMC Form FMC-132A... Pt. 540, Subpt. A, Form FMC-132A Form FMC-132A to Subpart A of Part 540 Form FMC-132A FEDERAL... furnish written notice to the Federal Maritime Commission forthwith of all suits filed, judgments rendered...

  6. 46 CFR Form Fmc-132a to Subpart A... - Form FMC-132A to Subpart A of Part 540

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 9 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Form FMC-132A to Subpart A of Part 540 FMC Form FMC-132A... Pt. 540, Subpt. A, Form FMC-132A Form FMC-132A to Subpart A of Part 540 FORM FMC-132A FEDERAL... furnish written notice to the Federal Maritime Commission forthwith of all suits filed, judgments rendered...

  7. 46 CFR Form Fmc-132a to Subpart A... - Form FMC-132A to Subpart A of Part 540

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 46 Shipping 9 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Form FMC-132A to Subpart A of Part 540 FMC Form FMC-132A... Pt. 540, Subpt. A, Form FMC-132A Form FMC-132A to Subpart A of Part 540 Form FMC-132A FEDERAL... furnish written notice to the Federal Maritime Commission forthwith of all suits filed, judgments rendered...

  8. Development of a Novel System to Measure a Clearance of a Passenger Platform

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shimizu, M.; Oizumi, J.; Matsuoka, R.; Takeda, H.; Okukura, H.; Ooya, A.; Koike, A.

    2016-06-01

    Clearances of a passenger platform at a railway station should be appropriately maintained for safety of both trains and passengers. In most Japanese railways clearances between a platform and a train car is measured precisely once or twice a year. Because current measurement systems operate on a track, the closure of the track is unavoidable. Since the procedure of the closure of a track is time-consuming and bothersome, we decided to develop a new system to measure clearances without the closure of a track. A new system is required to work on a platform and the required measurement accuracy is less than several millimetres. We have adopted a 3D laser scanner and stop-and-go operation for a new system. The current systems on a track measure clearances continuously at walking speed, while our system on a platform measures clearances at approximately ten metres intervals. The scanner controlled by a PC acquires a set of point data at each measuring station. Edge points of the platform, top and side points of two rails are detected from the acquired point data. Finally clearances of the platform are calculated by using the detected feature points of the platform and the rails. The results of an experiment using a prototype of our system show that the measurement accuracy by our system would be satisfactory, but our system would take more time than the current systems. Since our system requires no closure of a track, we conclude that our system would be convenient and effective.

  9. A Comparison of a Bayesian and a Maximum Likelihood Tailored Testing Procedure.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    McKinley, Robert L.; Reckase, Mark D.

    A study was conducted to compare tailored testing procedures based on a Bayesian ability estimation technique and on a maximum likelihood ability estimation technique. The Bayesian tailored testing procedure selected items so as to minimize the posterior variance of the ability estimate distribution, while the maximum likelihood tailored testing…

  10. A demonstrative model of a lunar base simulation on a personal computer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1985-01-01

    The initial demonstration model of a lunar base simulation is described. This initial model was developed on the personal computer level to demonstrate feasibility and technique before proceeding to a larger computer-based model. Lotus Symphony Version 1.1 software was used to base the demonstration model on an personal computer with an MS-DOS operating system. The personal computer-based model determined the applicability of lunar base modeling techniques developed at an LSPI/NASA workshop. In addition, the personnal computer-based demonstration model defined a modeling structure that could be employed on a larger, more comprehensive VAX-based lunar base simulation. Refinement of this personal computer model and the development of a VAX-based model is planned in the near future.

  11. A Newspaper Career? A Publisher's Personal Answer.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Mack, David J.

    In response to an eighth grade girl's questions about selecting a newspaper career, this pamphlet provides information on a number of aspects of the newspaper industry from a publisher's personal point of view. Educational requirements are discussed, emphasizing the necessity of a 4-year college degree in journalism or a related field and a solid…

  12. A Social Mission of a University

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Malanchuk, John L.

    1975-01-01

    Discussed is a university recycling program. The program successfully applied cognitive learning to development of an environmental lifestyle and united divergent university components. Students received practical experience in solid waste management encompassing science, economics, and politics. Moreover, the university provided a community…

  13. A metaphysical journey in a comatose state.

    PubMed

    Gimenez, R

    1992-01-01

    This paper is about the intense experience of being in the hospital in a comatose state resulting from an aneurysm with a massive brain hemorrhage and two subsequent surgeries. The event begins with a premonition of what will happen from a street name. The experience of brain surgeries, along with the fine care of the nurses, left me with a truly memorable impression. This paper describes the various feelings and strong emotions that I experienced while in a comatose state. It suggests that a patient in a comatose state can exist in a deep state of emotions close to ecstasy. The paper concludes with gratefulness to all the people who followed me step by step on this journey.

  14. [A mysterious pleural lesion: A case report].

    PubMed

    Piton, Nicolas; Marguet, Florent; Trintignac, Adrien; Michelin, Paul; Benhamou, Daniel; Sabourin, Jean-Christophe

    2017-06-01

    A computed tomography scanner first, then a magnetic resonance imaging were performed for chest pain in a 24-year-old woman allowed to find out a 5-cm long and 2-cm large right pleural tumour close to the rachis (T9 and T10) and spindle-shaped. This patient was a smoker and reported a fall down the stairs a few weeks ago. A scan-guided biopsy was decided and microscopic examination revealed a fibrous tissue in which were entrapped regular and non-suspicious alveolar glands. After elimination of differential diagnosis, the most probable hypothesis was that this lesion was due to the traumatism reported by the patient. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  15. A Sodium Channel Myotonia Presenting with Intermittent Dysphagia as a Manifestation of a Rare SCN4A Variant

    PubMed Central

    Benhammou, Jihane N.; Phan, Jennifer; Lee, Hane; Ghassemi, Kevin; Parsons, William; Grody, Wayne W.; Pisegna, Joseph R.

    2016-01-01

    The voltage gated sodium channel SCN4A mutations account for non-dystrophic myotonia and include a heterogenous group of conditions that include hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, paramyotonica congenita, potassium-aggravated myotonia and hypokalemic periodic paralysis type 2. This case report proposes that a rare variant p.Pro1629Leu in SCN4A can cause skeletal muscle deficit with intermittent dysphagia. PMID:28012096

  16. Emergence of a bacterial clone with enhanced virulence by acquisition of a phage encoding a secreted phospholipase A2.

    PubMed

    Sitkiewicz, Izabela; Nagiec, Michal J; Sumby, Paul; Butler, Stephanie D; Cywes-Bentley, Colette; Musser, James M

    2006-10-24

    The molecular basis of pathogen clone emergence is relatively poorly understood. Acquisition of a bacteriophage encoding a previously unknown secreted phospholipase A(2) (designated SlaA) has been implicated in the rapid emergence in the mid-1980s of a new hypervirulent clone of serotype M3 group A Streptococcus. Although several lines of circumstantial evidence suggest that SlaA is a virulence factor, this issue has not been addressed experimentally. We found that an isogenic DeltaslaA mutant strain was significantly impaired in ability to adhere to and kill human epithelial cells compared with the wild-type parental strain. The mutant strain was less virulent for mice than the wild-type strain, and immunization with purified SlaA significantly protected mice from invasive disease. Importantly, the mutant strain was significantly attenuated for colonization in a monkey model of pharyngitis. We conclude that transductional acquisition of the ability of a GAS strain to produce SlaA enhanced the spread and virulence of the serotype M3 precursor strain. Hence, these studies identified a crucial molecular event underlying the evolution, rapid emergence, and widespread dissemination of unusually severe human infections caused by a distinct bacterial clone.

  17. Launching a Dream. A Teachers Guide to a Simulated Space Shuttle Mission.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH. Lewis Research Center.

    This publication is about imagination, teamwork, creativity, and a host of other ingredients required to carry out a dream. It is about going into space--going into space as part of a simulated space shuttle mission. The publication highlights two simulated shuttle missions cosponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)…

  18. A walker used as a lifting device.

    PubMed

    Glimskär, Bo; Hjalmarson, Jenny; Lundberg, Stefan; Larsson, Tore

    2014-05-01

    To develop assistive technology that would help an older person to arise from a kneeling position to a standing one. Developing a prototype, based on an inclusive design and then testing the prototype to verify the approach. The prototype was subsequently tested by a panel of 20 elderly users. These tests were observed and filmed. Participants' experiences of being lifted with the elevation seat were registered with the VIDAR ergonomic assessment system. None of the 20 participants used a walker at that time. In response to a question of whether, assuming they might have to use a walker in the future, they thought that a walker with an elevating seat would be helpful, 18 said that it would. Two of the participants did not believe that they would ever have to use a walker. A simple assistive technology such as a walker equipped with an elevating seat would in many of these cases simplify matters and reduce the distress of people who fall often. In addition, such a device can allow people who fall often to live in their homes longer. For caregivers dealing frequently with people who fall, this assistive device can contribute to decreasing occupational injuries. Development of a lifting device that can help people raise themselves up entirely on their own, or with minimal assistance, would be a revolutionary step for the individual. Lifting devices in use today requires much more extensive assistance from home helpers or others and due to the risk of injuries it is a great value for the helpers that easy to use devices develops. A walker equipped with an elevating seat could even provide a potential for people to stay in their homes longer.

  19. 45 CFR 2519.320 - May a program provide a stipend to a participant?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... FOR NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE HIGHER EDUCATION INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE Participant Eligibility and Benefits § 2519.320 May a program provide a stipend to a participant? (a) A...

  20. Determination of a response function of a thermocouple using a short acoustic pulse.

    PubMed

    Tashiro, Yusuke; Biwa, Tetsushi; Yazaki, Taichi

    2007-04-01

    This paper reports on an experimental technique to determine a response function of a thermocouple using a short acoustic pulse wave. A pulse of 10 ms is generated in a tube filled with 1 bar helium gas. The temperature is measured using the thermocouple. The reference temperature is deduced from the measured pressure on the basis of a laminar oscillating flow theory. The response function of the thermocouple is obtained as a function of frequency below 50 Hz through a comparison between the measured and reference temperatures.

  1. Teledermatology via a social networking web site: a pilot study between a general hospital and a rural clinic.

    PubMed

    Garcia-Romero, Maria Teresa; Prado, Fernanda; Dominguez-Cherit, Judith; Hojyo-Tomomka, Maria Teresa; Arenas, Roberto

    2011-10-01

    Teledermatology via a free public social networking Web site is a practical tool to provide attention to patients who do not have access to dermatologic care. In this pilot study, a general practitioner sent consults to a dermatology department at a general hospital via Facebook(®). Forty-four patients were seen and treatment was installed. We identified both simple-to-treat, common skin diseases and rare congenital diseases that require genetic counseling and more complex treatment. The majority of patients (75%) benefited with the diagnoses and treatments offered, thus avoiding unnecessary expenses or transportation to urban areas.

  2. Multiscale diffusion of a molecular probe in a crowded environment: a concept

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Currie, Megan; Thao, Chang; Timerman, Randi; Welty, Robb; Berry, Brenden; Sheets, Erin D.; Heikal, Ahmed A.

    2015-08-01

    Living cells are crowded with macromolecules and organelles. Yet, it is not fully understood how macromolecular crowding affects the myriad of biochemical reactions, transport and the structural stability of biomolecules that are essential to cellular function and survival. These molecular processes, with or without electrostatic interactions, in living cells are therefore expected to be distinct from those carried out in test tube in dilute solutions where excluded volumes are absent. Thus there is an urgent need to understand the macromolecular crowding effects on cellular and molecular biophysics towards quantitative cell biology. In this report, we investigated how biomimetic crowding affects both the rotational and translation diffusion of a small probe (rhodamine green, RhG). For biomimetic crowding agents, we used Ficoll-70 (synthetic polymer), bovine serum albumin and ovalbumin (proteins) at various concentrations in a buffer at room temperature. As a control, we carried out similar measurements on glycerolenriched buffer as an environment with homogeneous viscosity as a function of glycerol concentration. The corresponding bulk viscosity was measured independently to test the validity of the Stokes-Einstein model of a diffusing species undergoing a random walk. For rotational diffusion (ps-ns time scale), we used time-resolved anisotropy measurements to examine potential binding of RhG as a function of the crowding agents (surface structure and size). For translational diffusion (μs-s time scale), we used fluorescence correlation spectroscopy for single-molecule fluctuation analysis. Our results allow us to examine the diffusion model of a molecular probe in crowded environments as a function of concentration, length scale, homogeneous versus heterogeneous viscosity, size and surface structures. These biomimetic crowding studies, using non-invasive fluorescence spectroscopy methods, represent an important step towards understanding cellular biophysics and

  3. A Raman spectroscopic study of a fulgurite.

    PubMed

    Carter, Elizabeth A; Hargreaves, Michael D; Kee, Terence P; Pasek, Matthew A; Edwards, Howell G M

    2010-07-13

    A Raman microspectroscopic study of several fulgurites has been undertaken. A fulgurite is an amorphous mineraloid, a superheated glassy solid that is formed when a lightning bolt hits a sandy or rocky ground and thermal energy is transferred. The Raman spectra revealed several forms of crystalline and fused silica and also the presence of polyaromatic hydrocarbons found in an interfacial zone of a glass bubble. This, together with the presence of anatase, a low-temperature polymorph of TiO(2), suggested that some regions of the fulgurite specimen were not subjected to temperatures of 1800 degrees C, which are attained when lightning hits the surface of sand or a rock.

  4. Paleobiology: A Tooth for a Tooth.

    PubMed

    Johanson, Zerina

    2017-02-06

    Many vertebrates replace teeth through shedding of the functional tooth. New analyses of a fossil fish demonstrate that shedding involved tooth resorption, a primitive feature in bony fishes, but absent in sharks and their relatives. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Entomology: A Bee Farming a Fungus.

    PubMed

    Oldroyd, Benjamin P; Aanen, Duur K

    2015-11-16

    Farming is done not only by humans, but also by some ant, beetle and termite species. With the discovery of a stingless bee farming a fungus that provides benefits to its larvae, bees can be added to this list. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Rural Renaissance--A Perspective and a Process.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Axinn, George H.

    If the path to a better rural life is to be a change preferred by the rural people involved, recent world experience would suggest that it must be a change born from within the given rural social system, be controlled by its beneficiaries, and be integrated into the larger system of which it is a part. Such a perspective and such a process might…

  7. A new year, a new Journal.

    PubMed

    Fokkens, W J

    2018-03-01

    Let us start this first editorial of 2018 with wishing you all a marvelous year where most of your dreams come true. In the last years, the editors of Rhinology felt often very unhappy when again we had to refuse papers send to us for Rhinology. Unfortunately, every year we can only accept around 15% of the papers we receive. With pain in our hearts, we often have to refuse papers of good quality but just not innovative enough or with slight methodological imperfections. The editorial board of Rhinology recognized this feeling and we decided to start a new journal: Rhinology Online to have space for all those papers that are good but just do not make the cut for Rhinology. Rhinology Online is a journal of the European Rhinologic Society, and will provide a platform for the dissemination of rhinologic research and reviews, as well as position papers, task force reports and guidelines, amongst an international scientific audience.

  8. Circuit with a Switch for Charging a Battery in a Battery Capacitor Circuit

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stuart, Thomas A. (Inventor); Ashtiani, Cyrus N. (Inventor)

    2008-01-01

    A circuit for charging a battery combined with a capacitor includes a power supply adapted to be connected to the capacitor, and the battery. The circuit includes an electronic switch connected to the power supply. The electronic switch is responsive to switch between a conducting state to allow current and a non-conducting state to prevent current flow. The circuit includes a control device connected to the switch and is operable to generate a control signal to continuously switch the electronic switch between the conducting and non-conducting states to charge the battery.

  9. A blueprint for a sepsis protocol.

    PubMed

    Shapiro, Nathan I; Howell, Michael; Talmor, Daniel

    2005-04-01

    Despite numerous advances in medicine, sepsis remains an unconquered challenge. Although outcomes have improved slightly over decades, the unacceptably high mortality rate of 30%-50% for severe sepsis and septic shock continues. However, after years of unsuccessful clinical trials, several investigations over the last few years have reported survival benefit in the treatment of sepsis. Physicians now have several proven therapies to treat sepsis, but have yet to implement them on a widespread, systematic basis. This led 11 international professional societies spanning multiple specialties and continents to come together to create the Surviving Sepsis Campaign. The product of their work is an international effort organized to improve care of patients with sepsis and includes consensus, evidence-based guidelines for care that improves survival in septic patients, and an action plan for change. Given the clear role of early identification and treatment in stopping the sepsis cascade, therapy must start early in the emergency department (ED) and continue throughout the hospital course. The first of the recommendations by the Surviving Sepsis Campaign is the aggressive resuscitation strategy of early goal-directed therapy (EGDT). EGDT is reported to reduce absolute mortality by a staggering 16%. The use of recombinant activated protein C was demonstrated to confer a 6% absolute survival benefit. Steroid supplementation in adrenal insufficiency produced a 10% benefit. Additionally, early and appropriate use of antibiotics remains a cornerstone of therapy. Although no randomized trial will be performed, the effects are undisputed. Finally, although predominantly intensive care unit therapies, tight glucose control and low-tidal-volume ventilation strategies have also led to improved survival. Armed with these new therapies, the medical community must rise to this call to action. Clinicians must change the approach to this disease, as well as the way the septic patient is

  10. A comme... (A as in ...).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Zeller, L.; And Others

    1979-01-01

    Four essays provide practical guidelines for (1) conducting an analysis of supplementary pedagogical materials prior to their use; (2) playing a French card game; (3) using French horoscope columns in the classroom; and (4) teaching idiomatic expressions containing animal terms. (AM)

  11. Take a Professional to Lunch: A Process to Establish a Professional Network

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Butler, Daniel D.

    2012-01-01

    A review of the marketing literature suggests that students develop personal marketing or sales plans to find their first job and subsequent career. Publishers are providing students access to online resources linked to career information. However, the person who knows most about a given career is the person who is working at that job on a daily…

  12. A SOLAR FLARE DISTURBING A LIGHT WALL ABOVE A SUNSPOT LIGHT BRIDGE

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

    Hou, Yijun; Zhang, Jun; Li, Ting

    With the high-resolution data from the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph , we detect a light wall above a sunspot light bridge in the NOAA active region (AR) 12403. In the 1330 Å slit-jaw images, the light wall is brighter than the ambient areas while the wall top and base are much brighter than the wall body, and it keeps oscillating above the light bridge. A C8.0 flare caused by a filament activation occurred in this AR with the peak at 02:52 UT on 2015 August 28, and the flare’s one ribbon overlapped the light bridge, which was the observational basemore » of the light wall. Consequently, the oscillation of the light wall was evidently disturbed. The mean projective oscillation amplitude of the light wall increased from 0.5 to 1.6 Mm before the flare and decreased to 0.6 Mm after the flare. We suggest that the light wall shares a group of magnetic field lines with the flare loops, which undergo a magnetic reconnection process, and they constitute a coupled system. When the magnetic field lines are pushed upward at the pre-flare stage, the light wall turns to the vertical direction, resulting in the increase of the light wall’s projective oscillation amplitude. After the magnetic reconnection takes place, a group of new field lines with smaller scales are formed underneath the reconnection site, and the light wall inclines. Thus, the projective amplitude notably decrease at the post-flare stage.« less

  13. [A woman with a postoperative lumbar swelling].

    PubMed

    Hulshof, Hanna M; Elsenburg, Patric H J M; Frequin, Stephan T F M

    2013-01-01

    A 65-year-old woman had developed a large lumbar swelling in a period of four weeks following lumbar laminectomy. An MRI-scan revealed a large fluid collection, which had formed from the spinal canal. The diagnosis 'liquorcele', a rare complication of spine surgery, was established.

  14. A veil (hijab) as a public symbol of a Muslim woman modern identity.

    PubMed

    Kulenović, Tarik

    2006-12-01

    In this article the author explains the social role of Muslim woman in a postmodern society through a public symbol of her identity--the veil. The article's thesis is that the Muslim women's manifestation of their Islamic denomination through veiling and wearing appropriate clothes (in the case of men through growing beards and wearing clothes considered appropriate for them) signifies an expression of a new, Islamic shaped identity. This is a postmodern identity based on modernity rather than a fundamental reaction to modernity. The veil, a public symbol of Muslim identity, is often given a different meaning by its observers than the person actually wearing it. Therefore, the intention of this article is to analyze the elements of a particular, postmodern identity that a Muslim woman's veil, as a public symbol, represents.

  15. Building a Database for a Quantitative Model

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kahn, C. Joseph; Kleinhammer, Roger

    2014-01-01

    A database can greatly benefit a quantitative analysis. The defining characteristic of a quantitative risk, or reliability, model is the use of failure estimate data. Models can easily contain a thousand Basic Events, relying on hundreds of individual data sources. Obviously, entering so much data by hand will eventually lead to errors. Not so obviously entering data this way does not aid linking the Basic Events to the data sources. The best way to organize large amounts of data on a computer is with a database. But a model does not require a large, enterprise-level database with dedicated developers and administrators. A database built in Excel can be quite sufficient. A simple spreadsheet database can link every Basic Event to the individual data source selected for them. This database can also contain the manipulations appropriate for how the data is used in the model. These manipulations include stressing factors based on use and maintenance cycles, dormancy, unique failure modes, the modeling of multiple items as a single "Super component" Basic Event, and Bayesian Updating based on flight and testing experience. A simple, unique metadata field in both the model and database provides a link from any Basic Event in the model to its data source and all relevant calculations. The credibility for the entire model often rests on the credibility and traceability of the data.

  16. Partnering for A Solution: A Case Study

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jimenez-Smith, Deyrah

    2003-01-01

    A material-related issue has been identified, which has the potential of impacting the Space Program. Although "in-house" efforts have been underway to solve the problem, a solution has not yet been reached. This presentation shows how a GIDEP member organization is using a Problem Advisory as a solution approach in an effort to receive information from other industry and/or government organizations that may contribute in finding a solution.

  17. Yersinia adhesin A (YadA)--beauty & beast.

    PubMed

    Mühlenkamp, Melanie; Oberhettinger, Philipp; Leo, Jack C; Linke, Dirk; Schütz, Monika S

    2015-02-01

    The trimeric autotransporter adhesin Yersinia adhesin A is the prototype of the type Vc secretion systems. It is expressed by enteropathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis strains, but not by Yersinia pestis. A characteristic trait of YadA is its modular composition and trimeric nature. YadA consists of an N-terminal passenger domain which is exposed on the bacterial cell surface. The translocation of this passenger onto the surface is facilitated by a C-terminal β-barrel domain which concomitantly anchors YadA into the outer membrane with three YadA monomers contributing to the formation of a single β-barrel. In Y. enterocolitica, but not Y. pseudotuberculosis, YadA is a decisive virulence factor and its deletion renders the bacteria virtually avirulent in mouse models of infection. This striking importance of YadA in infection may derive from its manifold functions in host cell interaction. Presumably the most important function of YadA is that it mediates adhesion to extracellular matrix components of eukaryotic host cells. Only tight adhesion allows for the injection of "anti-host" effector proteins via a type III secretion system into the host cell cytosol. These effector proteins enable Yersinia to subvert the host immune system in order to replicate and establish infection. YadA is also essential for the survival of Y. enterocolitica upon contact with serum, an important immune-evasion mechanism called serum resistance. To this end, YadA interacts with several components of the host complement system, the first line of immune defense. This review will summarize recent findings about the structure and biogenesis of YadA and its interactions with the host complement system. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  18. Matematiques: Niveau A (Mathematics: Level A).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Duron, Dolores; And Others

    A teacher's manual was developed for an elementary level mathematics course in French as part of an immersion program for English speaking children. The Level A manual is designed for kindergarten and grade 1 pupils. Teaching procedures, conceptual and language objectives, vocabulary, structures, and learning activities are included. Activities…

  19. A perception system for a planetary explorer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hebert, M.; Krotkov, E.; Kanade, T.

    1989-01-01

    To perform planetary exploration without human supervision, a complete autonomous robot must be able to model its environment and to locate itself while exploring its surroundings. For that purpose, the authors propose a modular perception system for an autonomous explorer. The perception system maintains a consistent internal representation of the observed terrain from multiple sensor views. The representation can be accessed from other modules through queries. The perception system is intended to be used by the Ambler, a six-legged vehicle being built at CMU. A partial implementation of the system using a range scanner is presented as well as experimental results on a testbed that includes the sensor, one computer-controlled leg, and obstacles on a sandy surface.

  20. A Custom Fit with a Commissioned Song.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Strempel, Eileen

    1999-01-01

    Discusses the benefits of commissioning a work for a choral group. Provides guidelines for music educators who commission a piece: (1) know your own needs; (2) find a composer who interests you; (3) help the composer select appropriate lyrics; (4) set a tentative schedule; (5) consider the costs. (CMK)

  1. A Room with a View: Accommodating Hindu Religious Practice on a College Campus

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chander, Vineet

    2013-01-01

    This article examines the question of how to best accommodate Hindu practice on college campuses by contrasting the dedication of a prayer room with the hiring of a Hindu chaplain. The author suggests that this dichotomy--of an impersonal physical space ("a room") on the one hand, and a chaplain empowered to lead a community ("a view") on the…

  2. Tempest in a glass tube: A helical vortex formation in a complex plasma

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Saitou, Yoshifumi; Ishihara, Osamu; Ishihara

    2014-12-01

    A collective behavior of dust particles in a complex plasma with a magnetic field (up to 4 kG) is investigated. Dust particles form a dust disk which is rotating in a horizontal plane pushed by ions rotating with the E × B drift as a trigger force. The thickness of the disk is determined by controlling the experimental conditions. The disk rotates in a horizontal plane and forms a two-dimensional thin structure when the pressure pAr is relatively high. The dust particles are ejected from near the disk center and form a rotation in the vertical plane and, hence, forms a helical vortex when the disk is thick for relatively low pAr . The reason the dust disk has the different thickness is due to the neutral pressure. Under a higher (lower) neutral gas pressure, the disk becomes two (three) dimensional due to the influence of the neutral drag force.

  3. A prototype of a computerized patient record.

    PubMed

    Adelhard, K; Eckel, R; Hölzel, D; Tretter, W

    1995-01-01

    Computerized medical record systems (CPRS) should present user and problem oriented views of the patient file. Problem lists, clinical course, medication profiles and results of examinations have to be recorded in a computerized patient record. Patient review screens should give a synopsis of the patient data to inform whenever the patient record is opened. Several different types of data have to be stored in a patient record. Qualitative and quantitative measurements, narratives and images are such examples. Therefore, a CPR must also be able to handle these different data types. New methods and concepts appear frequently in medicine. Thus a CPRS must be flexible enough to cope with coming demands. We developed a prototype of a computer based patient record with a graphical user interface on a SUN workstation. The basis of the system are a dynamic data dictionary, an interpreter language and a large set of basic functions. This approach gives optimal flexibility to the system. A lot of different data types are already supported. Extensions are easily possible. There is also almost no limit concerning the number of medical concepts that can be handled by our prototype. Several applications were built on this platform. Some of them are presented to exemplify the patient and problem oriented handling of the CPR.

  4. A gyrovirus infecting a sea bird

    PubMed Central

    Li, Linlin; Pesavento, Patricia A.; Gaynor, Anne M.; Duerr, Rebecca S.; Phan, Tung Gia; Zhang, Wen; Deng, Xutao

    2015-01-01

    We characterized the genome of a highly divergent gyrovirus (GyV8) in the spleen and uropygial gland tissues of a diseased northern fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis), a pelagic bird beached in San Francisco, California. No other exogenous viral sequences could be identified using viral metagenomics. The small circular DNA genome shared no significant nucleotide sequence identity, and only 38–42 % amino acid sequence identity in VP1, with any of the previously identified gyroviruses. GyV8 is the first member of the third major phylogenetic clade of this viral genus and the first gyrovirus detected in an avian species other than chicken. PMID:26036564

  5. A RAPID AND SIMPLE PHOSPHOLIPASE A ASSAY,

    DTIC Science & Technology

    A simple and rapid method for the assay of phospholipase A was developed. As a substrate fresh egg yolk is used which is hydrolyzed by snake venom...phospholipase A at a 10-20 x faster rate than pure lecithin . The released fatty acids, after extraction with appropriate solvents are titrated

  6. Developing a Leadership Identity: A Grounded Theory

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Komives, Susan R.; Owen, Julie E; Longerbeam, Susan D.; Mainella, Felicia C.; Osteen, Laura

    2005-01-01

    This grounded theory study on developing a leadership identity revealed a 6-stage developmental process. The thirteen diverse students in this study described their leadership identity as moving from a leader-centric view to one that embraced leadership as a collaborative, relational process. Developing a leadership identity was connected to the…

  7. A Suggested Model for a Working Cyberschool.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Javid, Mahnaz A.

    2000-01-01

    Suggests a model for a working cyberschool based on a case study of Kamiak Cyberschool (Washington), a technology-driven public high school. Topics include flexible hours; one-to-one interaction with teachers; a supportive school environment; use of computers, interactive media, and online resources; and self-paced, project-based learning.…

  8. Matematicas: Nivel A (Mathematics: Level A).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Duron, Dolores; And Others

    A teacher's manual was developed for an elementary level mathematics course in Spanish as part of an immersion program for English speaking children. The Level A manual is designed for kindergarten and grade 1 pupils. Teaching procedures, conceptual objectives, vocabulary, and structures are included. Activities are designed to teach either…

  9. A Case Study: A Guide to Working with a Language Impaired Child.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sapir, Selma G.; Rainho, Sergio

    The document presents the case study of the interaction of a graduate student in traning, her supervisor, an 8 year old child with a language learning problem, and the child's mother. It involves a process which entails the careful matching of the child to tutor, the tutor to supervisor, and intensive work with the mother. It also is based on what…

  10. Charging a Capacitor with a Photovoltaic Module

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Aguilar, Horacio Munguía; Maldonado, Rigoberto Franco; Navarro, Luis Barba

    2017-01-01

    Charging a capacitor with a photovoltaic module is an experiment which reveals a lot about the modules characteristics. It is customary to represent these characteristics with an equivalent circuit whose elements represent its physical parameters. The behavior of a photovoltaic module is very similar to that of a single cell but the electric…

  11. Effect of a serogroup A meningococcal conjugate vaccine (PsA-TT) on serogroup A meningococcal meningitis and carriage in Chad: a community study [corrected].

    PubMed

    Daugla, D M; Gami, J P; Gamougam, K; Naibei, N; Mbainadji, L; Narbé, M; Toralta, J; Kodbesse, B; Ngadoua, C; Coldiron, M E; Fermon, F; Page, A-L; Djingarey, M H; Hugonnet, S; Harrison, O B; Rebbetts, L S; Tekletsion, Y; Watkins, E R; Hill, D; Caugant, D A; Chandramohan, D; Hassan-King, M; Manigart, O; Nascimento, M; Woukeu, A; Trotter, C; Stuart, J M; Maiden, McJ; Greenwood, B M

    2014-01-04

    A serogroup A meningococcal polysaccharide-tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine (PsA-TT, MenAfriVac) was licensed in India in 2009, and pre-qualified by WHO in 2010, on the basis of its safety and immunogenicity. This vaccine is now being deployed across the African meningitis belt. We studied the effect of PsA-TT on meningococcal meningitis and carriage in Chad during a serogroup A meningococcal meningitis epidemic. We obtained data for the incidence of meningitis before and after vaccination from national records between January, 2009, and June, 2012. In 2012, surveillance was enhanced in regions where vaccination with PsA-TT had been undertaken in 2011, and in one district where a reactive vaccination campaign in response to an outbreak of meningitis was undertaken. Meningococcal carriage was studied in an age-stratified sample of residents aged 1-29 years of a rural area roughly 13-15 and 2-4 months before and 4-6 months after vaccination. Meningococci obtained from cerebrospinal fluid or oropharyngeal swabs were characterised by conventional microbiological and molecular methods. Roughly 1·8 million individuals aged 1-29 years received one dose of PsA-TT during a vaccination campaign in three regions of Chad in and around the capital N'Djamena during 10 days in December, 2011. The incidence of meningitis during the 2012 meningitis season in these three regions was 2·48 per 100,000 (57 cases in the 2·3 million population), whereas in regions without mass vaccination, incidence was 43·8 per 100,000 (3809 cases per 8·7 million population), a 94% difference in crude incidence (p<0·0001), and an incidence rate ratio of 0·096 (95% CI 0·046-0·198). Despite enhanced surveillance, no case of serogroup A meningococcal meningitis was reported in the three vaccinated regions. 32 serogroup A carriers were identified in 4278 age-stratified individuals (0·75%) living in a rural area near the capital 2-4 months before vaccination, whereas only one serogroup A

  12. A clamped rectangular plate containing a crack

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Tang, R.; Erdogan, F.

    1985-01-01

    The general problem of a rectangular plate clamped along two parallel sides and containing a crack parallel to the clamps is considered. The problem is formulated in terms of a system of singular integral equations and the asymptotic behavior of the stress state near the corners is investigated. Numerical examples are considered for a clamped plate without a crack and with a centrally located crack, and the stress intensity factors and the stresses along the clamps are calculated.

  13. A new candidate for a powerful wind detected in a bright IR-galaxy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Braito, V.; Reeves, J.; Severgnini, P.; Della Ceca, R.; Matzeu, G.; Ballo, L.; Nardini, E.

    2017-10-01

    We report the discovery of a new candidate for a powerful disk wind, in a nearby and bright starburst-AGN system: MCG-03-58-007. The winds strongly resembles the case of PDS456. MCG-03-58-007 is a relatively X-ray bright Seyfert 2 galaxy for which a deep Suzaku observation unveiled a highly curved spectrum due to a high column density absorber and an extremely steep intrinsic photon index (Gamma = 3). A detailed analysis showed that the steep spectrum is mainly driven by the presence of a deep absorption trough at 7.5-9 keV. This could be accounted for by the presence of a high ionisation, fast (v up to 0.2c) outflowing wind launched from within a few 100Rg from the black hole, whose kinetic output matches the prescription for significant feedback. New deep simultaneous XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations provided the first direct measurement of the AGN luminosity and more importantly confirms the presence of a powerful X-ray wind. The new observations show rapid spectral variability, whose main driver appears to be the wind itself.

  14. Keeping a Marine Aquarium - A Manual.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Valenti, Christopher

    Presented is advice on how to set up and maintain a saltwater aquarium, and a discussion on everything from algae growth to constructing an underground filter to hatch brine shrimp. Information on which tropical and temperate animals are appropriate for marine aquaria and how to collect them is also included. (Author/SB)

  15. A Learning Commons on a Budget

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bailin, Deb; Bouchey, Heather; Nelson, Garet; Sherriff, Graham

    2014-01-01

    This article describes the creation of a Lyndon Learning Commons at Lyndon State College. The Commons model emphasizes the integration of a variety of academic support services, increasing both their proximity to one another and cross-unit collaboration, in order to make these services more visible, more accessible, and easier for students to…

  16. Turning a negative into a positive.

    PubMed

    Jupiter, Daniel C

    2013-01-01

    A lack of significant difference between populations is often misinterpreted as demonstrating equivalence between the populations. I discuss how this confusion comes about and hint at a future discussion of analyses designed to show equivalence. Copyright © 2013 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Colonization of a territory by a stochastic population under a strong Allee effect and a low immigration pressure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Be'er, Shay; Assaf, Michael; Meerson, Baruch

    2015-06-01

    We study the dynamics of colonization of a territory by a stochastic population at low immigration pressure. We assume a sufficiently strong Allee effect that introduces, in deterministic theory, a large critical population size for colonization. At low immigration rates, the average precolonization population size is small, thus invalidating the WKB approximation to the master equation. We circumvent this difficulty by deriving an exact zero-flux solution of the master equation and matching it with an approximate nonzero-flux solution of the pertinent Fokker-Planck equation in a small region around the critical population size. This procedure provides an accurate evaluation of the quasistationary probability distribution of population sizes in the precolonization state and of the mean time to colonization, for a wide range of immigration rates. At sufficiently high immigration rates our results agree with WKB results obtained previously. At low immigration rates the results can be very different.

  18. Colonization of a territory by a stochastic population under a strong Allee effect and a low immigration pressure.

    PubMed

    Be'er, Shay; Assaf, Michael; Meerson, Baruch

    2015-06-01

    We study the dynamics of colonization of a territory by a stochastic population at low immigration pressure. We assume a sufficiently strong Allee effect that introduces, in deterministic theory, a large critical population size for colonization. At low immigration rates, the average precolonization population size is small, thus invalidating the WKB approximation to the master equation. We circumvent this difficulty by deriving an exact zero-flux solution of the master equation and matching it with an approximate nonzero-flux solution of the pertinent Fokker-Planck equation in a small region around the critical population size. This procedure provides an accurate evaluation of the quasistationary probability distribution of population sizes in the precolonization state and of the mean time to colonization, for a wide range of immigration rates. At sufficiently high immigration rates our results agree with WKB results obtained previously. At low immigration rates the results can be very different.

  19. A micromanipulation cell including a tool changer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Clévy, Cédric; Hubert, Arnaud; Agnus, Joël; Chaillet, Nicolas

    2005-10-01

    This paper deals with the design, fabrication and characterization of a tool changer for micromanipulation cells. This tool changer is part of a manipulation cell including a three linear axes robot and a piezoelectric microgripper. All these parts are designed to perform micromanipulation tasks in confined spaces such as a microfactory or in the chamber of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The tool changer principle is to fix a pair of tools (i.e. the gripper tips) either on the tips of the microgripper actuator (piezoceramic bulk) or on a tool magazine. The temperature control of a thermal glue enables one to fix or release this pair of tools. Liquefaction and solidification are generated by surface mounted device (SMD) resistances fixed on the surface of the actuator or magazine. Based on this principle, the tool changer can be adapted to other kinds of micromanipulation cells. Hundreds of automatic tool exchanges were performed with a maximum positioning error between two consecutive tool exchanges of 3.2 µm, 2.3 µm and 2.8 µm on the X, Y and Z axes respectively (Z refers to the vertical axis). Finally, temperature measurements achieved under atmospheric pressure and in a vacuum environment and pressure measurements confirm the possibility of using this device in the air as well as in a SEM.

  20. Transient deformation of a droplet near a microfluidic constriction: A quantitative analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Trégouët, Corentin; Salez, Thomas; Monteux, Cécile; Reyssat, Mathilde

    2018-05-01

    We report on experiments that consist of deforming a collection of monodisperse droplets produced by a microfluidic chip through a flow-focusing device. We show that a proper numerical modeling of the flow is necessary to access the stress applied by the latter on the droplet along its trajectory through the chip. This crucial step enables the full integration of the differential equation governing the dynamical deformation, and consequently the robust measurement of the interfacial tension by fitting the experiments with the calculated deformation. Our study thus demonstrates the feasibility of quantitative in situ rheology in microfluidic flows involving, e.g., droplets, capsules, or cells.

  1. Density: A Definition, a Concept, or Both?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gaides, G. Edward

    1989-01-01

    Many words which have been treated in the denotative sense are actually connotative in nature. That is to say that citing a definition or stating a fact should not be a learning goal. Rather, a "conceptualization" should be what teachers are striving for. A series of activities dealing with density have been provided for demonstrations or…

  2. A Little Area Challenge: A Sod Story

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Myers, Perla L.; Pelak, Colleen N.

    2012-01-01

    As partners in a professional development project, the authors jumped at the opportunity to use a real-life problem to engage elementary and middle school teachers in a one-day exploration of the concept of area. "Length times width"--a common response to the question, "What is area?"--is a rote formulaic expression that applies only to certain…

  3. Adenosine A2A receptors and depression.

    PubMed

    El Yacoubi, Malika; Costentin, Jean; Vaugeois, Jean-Marie

    2003-12-09

    Adenosine and its analogues have been shown to induce "behavioral despair" in animal models believed to be relevant to depression. Recent data have shown that selective adenosine A2A receptor antagonists (e.g., SCH 58261, ZM241385, and KW6002) or genetic inactivation of the receptor was effective in reversing signs of behavioral despair in the tail suspension and forced swim tests, two screening procedures predictive of antidepressant activity. A2A antagonists were active in the tail suspension test using either mice previously screened for having high immobility scores or mice that were selectively bred for their spontaneous "helplessness" in this test. At stimulant doses, caffeine, a nonselective A1/A2A receptor antagonist, was effective in the forced swim test. The authors have hypothesized that the antidepressant-like effect of selective A2A antagonists is linked to an interaction with dopaminergic transmission, possibly in the frontal cortex. In support of this idea, administration of the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist haloperidol prevented antidepressant-like effects elicited by SCH 58261 in the forced swim test (putatively involving cortex), whereas it had no effect on stimulant motor effects of SCH 58261 (putatively linked to ventral striatum). The interaction profile of caffeine with haloperidol differed markedly from that of SCH 58261 in the forced swim and motor activity tests. Therefore, a clear-cut antidepressant-like effect could not be ascribed to caffeine. In conclusion, available data support the proposition that a selective blockade of the adenosine A2A receptor may be an interesting target for the development of effective antidepressant agents.

  4. A web-based simulation of a longitudinal clinic used in a 4-week ambulatory rotation: a cohort study

    PubMed Central

    Wong, Rene WG; Lochnan, Heather A

    2009-01-01

    Background Residency training takes place primarily on inpatient wards. In the absence of a resident continuity clinic, internal medicine residents rely on block rotations to learn about continuity of care. Alternate methods to introduce continuity of care are needed. Methods A web-based tool, Continuity of Care Online Simulations (COCOS), was designed for use in a one-month, postgraduate clinical rotation in endocrinology. It is an interactive tool that simulates the continuing care of any patient with a chronic endocrine disease. Twenty-three residents in internal medicine participated in a study to investigate the effects of using COCOS during a clinical rotation in endocrinology on pre-post knowledge test scores and self-assessment of confidence. Results Compared to residents who did the rotation alone, residents who used COCOS during the rotation had significantly higher improvements in test scores (% increase in pre-post test scores +21.6 [standard deviation, SD, 8.0] vs. +5.9 [SD 6.8]; p < .001). Test score improvements were most pronounced for less commonly seen conditions. There were no significant differences in changes in confidence. Residents rated COCOS very highly, recommending its use as a standard part of the rotation and throughout residency. Conclusion A stand-alone web-based tool can be incorporated into an existing clinical rotation to help residents learn about continuity of care. It has the most potential to teach residents about topics that are less commonly seen during a clinical rotation. The adaptable, web-based format allows the creation of cases for most chronic medical conditions. PMID:19187554

  5. Development and testing of a tensiologger: a tensiometer with a built-in datalogger

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tuts, Valentijn; Ronchi, Benedicta; Diels, Jan

    2014-05-01

    Water-filled tensiometers are widely used for measuring matric potential in the range between 0 and approximately -90kPa in soils. When placed in variably-saturated soil horizons, they correctly measure the pressure head both in unsaturated and saturated conditions. Modern tensiometers consist of a porous ceramic cup filled with water that is connected to a pressure transducer. Tensiometers are commercially available in different models, and can be logged with data loggers. Logging requires either cabling to connect the tensiometers to a data logger, or a wireless connection. Cables hamper field operations and can be unpractical because of the distances involved. Commercially available systems with wireless data communication with a central datalogger do not come cheap. We therefore developed a simple water-filled tensiometer with a build-in datalogger, which we called a tensiologger. The tensiologger is assembled using a porous ceramic cup (Al2O3 sinter material with bubble point > 15 bar, UMS GmbH Munich, Germany) filled with degassed demineralised water for transferring the pressure head to the pressure transducer. This cup is screwed onto a small housing with a capsulated logger circuit consisting of a pressure transducer, a temperature sensor for temperature measurement and for temperature correction of the pressure transducer, a memory for 32k measurements, and a microcontroller for logging the data. This loggercircuit is screwed onto an extension tube of 25 mm diameter that contains a replaceable battery and an optical interface at the top (extending from the soil surface). The data can be retrieved from the logger by means of a readout unit that is placed over the optical interface. This readout unit is connected to a USB port of a portable PC with logger software developed in Visual Basic. The cost of all parts including the printed circuit board is 220€ (excluding labour cost for making screw connections and assembling). The tensiologger was tested over

  6. [A Listeria breast abscess in a man].

    PubMed

    Marsaudon, E; Berthy, J; Mamoune, S; Deniel, A; Ksiyer, S; Tiuca, D

    2018-03-01

    Listeriosis is a food-borne illness leading to bacteriemia or central nervous system infection especially in pregnant women or high-risk patients. It is rarely a localized infection. Breast contamination has rarely been reported in lactating women. We report a breast abscess in man. A 80 year old man, hypertensive and arrhythmic, was explored for weakness and dehydration. Type 2 diabetes and chronic lymphocytic leukemia were diagnosed. Clinical examination disclosed a breast abcess related to L monocytogenes infection. Histopathological study also revealed a breast subcutaneous infiltration by chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Listeriosis sometimes uncover an unknown immunosuppression, especially in the elderly. Breast is a non-sterile tissue containing a stable microbiome partly from digestive origin. It can thereby be contaminated by Listeria. The specific cutaneous infiltrate of chronic lymphocytic leukemia can create the conditions for a local infection. Copyright © 2017 Société Nationale Française de Médecine Interne (SNFMI). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

  7. A Blackbody Is Not a Blackbox

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Smerlak, Matteo

    2011-01-01

    We discuss carefully the "blackbody approximation", stressing what it is (a limit case of radiative transfer), and what it is not (the assumption that the body is perfectly absorbing, namely "black"). Furthermore, we derive the Planck spectrum without enclosing the field in a box, as is done in most textbooks. Although convenient, this trick…

  8. Proving that China has a Profession of Engineering: A Case Study in Operationalizing a Concept Across a Cultural Divide.

    PubMed

    Davis, Michael; Zhang, Hengli

    2017-12-01

    This article assumes that a profession is a number of individuals in the same occupation voluntarily organized to earn a living by openly serving a moral ideal in a morally-permissible way (a discipline) beyond what law, market, morality, and public opinion would otherwise require. Our question is whether the concept of profession (so defined) may have a far wider range than the term, so that, for example, pointing out that a certain language lacks a word for "profession" in our sense, is not enough to show that those who speak the language also lack the concept. We believe the survey of 71 Chinese reported here begins to answer that question. This article has four parts. The first describes who was interviewed, how, when, and so on. The second describes some important features of the survey's questions, explaining how the questions track the concept of profession. The third part reports and interprets the results relevant to our question. The forth defends a tentative answer to the question with which we began-arguing the survey supports the claim that China has a profession of engineering. This article should serve as a "proof of concept", that is, a model for similar studies around the world both of engineering and of other occupations thought to be professions.

  9. Method for generating a mesh representation of a region characterized by a trunk and a branch thereon

    DOEpatents

    Shepherd, Jason [Albuquerque, NM; Mitchell, Scott A [Albuquerque, NM; Jankovich, Steven R [Anaheim, CA; Benzley, Steven E [Provo, UT

    2007-05-15

    The present invention provides a meshing method, called grafting, that lifts the prior art constraint on abutting surfaces, including surfaces that are linking, source/target, or other types of surfaces of the trunk volume. The grafting method locally modifies the structured mesh of the linking surfaces allowing the mesh to conform to additional surface features. Thus, the grafting method can provide a transition between multiple sweep directions extending sweeping algorithms to 23/4-D solids. The method is also suitable for use with non-sweepable volumes; the method provides a transition between meshes generated by methods other than sweeping as well.

  10. [Implementation of a hypertension protocol in a basic health area as a basis for a medical audit].

    PubMed

    Vilaplana Vivancos, R; Tobías Ferrer, J

    1994-04-15

    To analyse compliance in the application of the Arterial Hypertension procedure and the level of monitoring of our hypertensive patients. To introduce quality control methodology into the Primary Care team's work systems. Observation study of a crossover type. Primary Care. Plaza Cataluña PCC, Manresa (Barcelona). Audit of 100 medical records of hypertensive patients selected by systematic random sampling from a total of 533 hypertensive patients under 70 years old. 43% of the hypertensive patients had their pressure figures adequately monitored (CI 95%: 33.3-52.7) with 4.86 average number of checks per year. Analytic blood controls were performed on 66% and urine controls on 56%. Only 34% of patients had a minimal cardiovascular investigation, while back-of-eye investigation and ECGs were performed on 44% and 49%, respectively. The arterial pressure monitoring level is acceptable. Compliance with the procedure is deficient in most complementary investigations. The periodicity of ECGs should be agreed. It is clear that patients for whom compliance with the procedure is most deficient are those who have fewer arterial pressure recordings as well as those receiving no drugs treatment. New objectives are proposed. Lastly, corrective measures are suggested, with a reassessment after two years.

  11. A Little Goes a Long Way

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Jenkins, Kimberly R.

    2003-01-01

    We were a team of five engineers responsible for the command and data systems used during experiment integration and testing of Spacelab payloads. For the most part, we performed component level testing for the experiments, the first phase of testing for Spacelab Program payloads. In the beginning, the members of my team didn't know what to think of me, but as time went by they realized that I was sincere. A relationship of trust developed. Since then, we've all moved on to other projects, but every now and then we run into each other and the bond that we have is still strong. Every good manager wants to do well by the people working on a project. One way to achieve this is simple: Pay attention to the environment in which your employees work. People warn you not to get mired in the details; they say you might miss the big picture. But sometimes it's the details that give you a better view of what the big picture is all about.

  12. AED in Europe. Report on a survey.

    PubMed

    Bahr, Jan; Bossaert, Leo; Handley, Anthony; Koster, Ruud; Vissers, Bart; Monsieurs, Koen

    2010-02-01

    Based on the strategies for community defibrillation defined by a joint policy conference of ESC and ERC, we have conducted a survey to identify the current status of AED programmes in Europe. All registered visitors to the website of the ERC were contacted by e-mail and invited to participate in a web-based survey. Of the 983 usable responses, 899 came from 36 European countries, representing a total of 748 million inhabitants. In 11 countries AED use by non-physicians has been implemented partially. All but 3 countries reported that first-tier ambulances are equipped with defibrillators. In 13 countries everybody is allowed to use an AED and in 11 countries anybody who has been trained. In 14 countries there are a few community responder programmes, in 14 countries there are hardly any, and in 7 countries there are none. Thirteen countries have implemented a few on-site responder programmes; in 16 countries there are hardly any such programmes, and in 7 countries none. Programmes for home responders can hardly be found in 19 countries; in-hospital programmes exist in 7 countries nearly everywhere. Only 1 country reported that epidemiologic and/or economic evaluations are carried out nearly everywhere when planning AED programmes. Nationwide registries to collect data from resuscitation attempts have been set up in 4 countries. In 27 countries inventories for AEDs can be found here and there. Much has been achieved concerning the provision and use of AEDs in Europe, but there is still a long way to go. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. A tortuous route to a capable fatherhood: the experience of being a father to a child with severe haemophilia.

    PubMed

    Myrin Westesson, L; Sparud-Lundin, C; Wallengren, C; Baghaei, F

    2015-11-01

    Haemophilia is a chronic illness that affects the whole family as the child's reactions to the illness occur in interaction with the parents. Limited research has been conducted on how fathers of children with haemophilia experience their life situation. The aim of this study was to describe the lived experience of being a father to a child with severe haemophilia. Individual, qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 fathers of 17 children with severe Haemophilia A. Data were analysed by means of a phenomenological hermeneutic method, including naïve reading, structural analysis and comprehensive interpretation. The results revealed that the fathers gradually grew into fatherhood through a process that can be explained in the metaphor, 'A tortuous road to a capable fatherhood'. The fathers experienced sorrow, powerlessness, concern and loss of a regular fatherhood after the child's diagnosis. The loss of an envisaged fatherhood emerged as the greatest sorrow of being a father to a child with haemophilia. When home treatment with factor concentrates functioned without the involvement of Health Care Personal (HCP), the fathers' sense of insufficiency decreased. A sense of being a capable father was associated with a sense of independence and control of one's life situation. Support from the Haemophilia Treatment Centre (HTC) in the learning process is essential for both parents of a child with severe haemophilia. Awareness of the fathers' struggle to feel capable is also vital while supporting the family in the first years after diagnosis. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  14. Build a School, Inspire a Community

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bowen-Eggebraaten, Mary; Hoffman, Paul J.

    2010-01-01

    When River Crest Elementary School opened on September 2, 2008, it was clear that the effect of a "green" school would extend beyond the students who walked through the doors for class each day. The 93,450-square-foot facility in Hudson, Wisconsin, serves as a catalyst for sustainable change and has been an educational tool for…

  15. Ciencia: Nivel A (Science: Level A).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Duron, Dolores; And Others

    A teacher's manual was developed for an elementary level science course in Spanish as part of an immersion program for English speaking children. The Level A manual is designed for kindergarten and grade 1 pupils. The five units cover the basic concepts of the weather, colors, animals, plants, and the five senses. Each unit includes vocabulary,…

  16. Broadcasting a message in a parallel computer

    DOEpatents

    Berg, Jeremy E [Rochester, MN; Faraj, Ahmad A [Rochester, MN

    2011-08-02

    Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for broadcasting a message in a parallel computer. The parallel computer includes a plurality of compute nodes connected together using a data communications network. The data communications network optimized for point to point data communications and is characterized by at least two dimensions. The compute nodes are organized into at least one operational group of compute nodes for collective parallel operations of the parallel computer. One compute node of the operational group assigned to be a logical root. Broadcasting a message in a parallel computer includes: establishing a Hamiltonian path along all of the compute nodes in at least one plane of the data communications network and in the operational group; and broadcasting, by the logical root to the remaining compute nodes, the logical root's message along the established Hamiltonian path.

  17. Social marketing: a tool not a solution.

    PubMed

    Montazeri, A

    1997-04-01

    There is a longstanding debate on the contribution of social marketing to public health in general, and to health education and health promotion in particular. This paper presents further discussion from a public health point of view and concludes that priority should be given to health-oriented approaches rather than market-oriented strategies. It is argued that, at best, social marketing is a tool not a solution for health education's and health promotion's problems. To communicate health education messages effectively and efficiently, health needs assessment is recommended as a way forward. It is a public health approach and contains a range of flexible methods in the implementation of health education/promotion programmes.

  18. METHOD OF CONDUCTING A PERSON BETWEEN A SAFE REGION AND A DANGEROUS REGION

    DOEpatents

    Moulthrop, H.A.

    1957-11-12

    This invention relates to a method for conducting a person between a safe region and a dangerous or con taminated region so that he may work in the dangerous region without risk to himself or the hinderance of an attached tube, and without danger of contaminating the safe region. A safely suit in which a person is to work is connected by a thermoplastic tube, turned partially inside out, to a hole in the wall separating the dangerous region. The tube is sealed by pressure and separated into two parts at the seal, whereupon the person in the suit may move around freely in the dangerous area. When the person desires to exit the dangerous region, the parts of the tube are resealed, removing a portion of the tube at the seal, and the person leaves the hole whcre he entered, seals the tube to close the hole, and cuts his suit free from the tube. Bands of masking tape inside and outside of the tube at predetermined points simplify the pressure sealing of the tube at the desired points. This patent provides a simple, safe and economical method of freely working in a dangerous region.

  19. A fatal impaling injury in a road traffic accident: a case report.

    PubMed

    Rautji, R; Girdhar, S; Lalwani, S; Dogra, T D

    2004-04-01

    A 17-year old, thin-built male was sitting in a bus on the right side of the rear seat. The same side of the bus accidentally hit some iron rods, meant for construction work, projecting from the tail end of a small truck. The incident happened when the bus driver tried to manoeuvre the bus towards the left side of the truck, standing at a red traffic light intersection. One of the iron-rods entered the bus through the glass window next to which the victim had been sitting and penetrated his chest cavity from the side, lacerating both the lungs and exiting through the left shoulder blade. The individual died on his way to hospital.

  20. A system architecture for a planetary rover

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Smith, D. B.; Matijevic, J. R.

    1989-01-01

    Each planetary mission requires a complex space vehicle which integrates several functions to accomplish the mission and science objectives. A Mars Rover is one of these vehicles, and extends the normal spacecraft functionality with two additional functions: surface mobility and sample acquisition. All functions are assembled into a hierarchical and structured format to understand the complexities of interactions between functions during different mission times. It can graphically show data flow between functions, and most importantly, the necessary control flow to avoid unambiguous results. Diagrams are presented organizing the functions into a structured, block format where each block represents a major function at the system level. As such, there are six blocks representing telecomm, power, thermal, science, mobility and sampling under a supervisory block called Data Management/Executive. Each block is a simple collection of state machines arranged into a hierarchical order very close to the NASREM model for Telerobotics. Each layer within a block represents a level of control for a set of state machines that do the three primary interface functions: command, telemetry, and fault protection. This latter function is expanded to include automatic reactions to the environment as well as internal faults. Lastly, diagrams are presented that trace the system operations involved in moving from site to site after site selection. The diagrams clearly illustrate both the data and control flows. They also illustrate inter-block data transfers and a hierarchical approach to fault protection. This systems architecture can be used to determine functional requirements, interface specifications and be used as a mechanism for grouping subsystems (i.e., collecting groups of machines, or blocks consistent with good and testable implementations).

  1. A Door Is a Big Wooden Thing with a Knob: Getting a Handle on Metaphorical Interface Design.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bishop, M. J.; Cates, Ward Mitchell

    This paper chronicles the evolution of a metaphorical graphical user interface (MGUI) at Lehigh University (Pennsylvania). From its inception, "The Funeral of Edgar" has been a guided exploration of Edgar Allan Poe's poem, "The Raven," aimed at modeling high school students' critical and analytical reading skills. This product…

  2. A VLBI experiment using a remote atomic clock via a coherent fibre link

    PubMed Central

    Clivati, Cecilia; Ambrosini, Roberto; Artz, Thomas; Bertarini, Alessandra; Bortolotti, Claudio; Frittelli, Matteo; Levi, Filippo; Mura, Alberto; Maccaferri, Giuseppe; Nanni, Mauro; Negusini, Monia; Perini, Federico; Roma, Mauro; Stagni, Matteo; Zucco, Massimo; Calonico, Davide

    2017-01-01

    We describe a VLBI experiment in which, for the first time, the clock reference is delivered from a National Metrology Institute to a radio telescope using a coherent fibre link 550 km long. The experiment consisted of a 24-hours long geodetic campaign, performed by a network of European telescopes; in one of those (Medicina, Italy) the local clock was alternated with a signal generated from an optical comb slaved to a fibre-disseminated optical signal. The quality of the results obtained with this facility and with the local clock is similar: interferometric fringes were detected throughout the whole 24-hours period and it was possible to obtain a solution whose residuals are comparable to those obtained with the local clock. These results encourage further investigation of the ultimate VLBI performances achievable using fibre dissemination at the highest precision of state-of-the-art atomic clocks. PMID:28145451

  3. Huperzine A as a neuroprotective and antiepileptic drug: a review of preclinical research.

    PubMed

    Damar, U; Gersner, R; Johnstone, J T; Schachter, S; Rotenberg, A

    2016-06-01

    Huperzine A (HupA) is an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor extracted from Huperzia Serrata, a firmoss, which has been used for various diseases in traditional Chinese medicine for fever and inflammation. More recently, it has been used in Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia with a presumed mechanism of action via central nicotinic and muscarinic receptors. HupA is marketed as a dietary supplement in the U.S. This article reviews newly proposed neuroprotective and anticonvulsant HupA properties based on animal studies. HupA exerts its effects mainly via α7nAChRs and α4β2nAChRs, thereby producing a potent anti-inflammatory response by decreasing IL-1β, TNF-α protein expression, and suppressing transcriptional activation of NF-κB signaling. Thus, it provides protection from excitotoxicity and neuronal death as well as increase in GABAergic transmission associated with anticonvulsant activity.

  4. A VLBI experiment using a remote atomic clock via a coherent fibre link.

    PubMed

    Clivati, Cecilia; Ambrosini, Roberto; Artz, Thomas; Bertarini, Alessandra; Bortolotti, Claudio; Frittelli, Matteo; Levi, Filippo; Mura, Alberto; Maccaferri, Giuseppe; Nanni, Mauro; Negusini, Monia; Perini, Federico; Roma, Mauro; Stagni, Matteo; Zucco, Massimo; Calonico, Davide

    2017-02-01

    We describe a VLBI experiment in which, for the first time, the clock reference is delivered from a National Metrology Institute to a radio telescope using a coherent fibre link 550 km long. The experiment consisted of a 24-hours long geodetic campaign, performed by a network of European telescopes; in one of those (Medicina, Italy) the local clock was alternated with a signal generated from an optical comb slaved to a fibre-disseminated optical signal. The quality of the results obtained with this facility and with the local clock is similar: interferometric fringes were detected throughout the whole 24-hours period and it was possible to obtain a solution whose residuals are comparable to those obtained with the local clock. These results encourage further investigation of the ultimate VLBI performances achievable using fibre dissemination at the highest precision of state-of-the-art atomic clocks.

  5. A VLBI experiment using a remote atomic clock via a coherent fibre link

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Clivati, Cecilia; Ambrosini, Roberto; Artz, Thomas; Bertarini, Alessandra; Bortolotti, Claudio; Frittelli, Matteo; Levi, Filippo; Mura, Alberto; Maccaferri, Giuseppe; Nanni, Mauro; Negusini, Monia; Perini, Federico; Roma, Mauro; Stagni, Matteo; Zucco, Massimo; Calonico, Davide

    2017-02-01

    We describe a VLBI experiment in which, for the first time, the clock reference is delivered from a National Metrology Institute to a radio telescope using a coherent fibre link 550 km long. The experiment consisted of a 24-hours long geodetic campaign, performed by a network of European telescopes; in one of those (Medicina, Italy) the local clock was alternated with a signal generated from an optical comb slaved to a fibre-disseminated optical signal. The quality of the results obtained with this facility and with the local clock is similar: interferometric fringes were detected throughout the whole 24-hours period and it was possible to obtain a solution whose residuals are comparable to those obtained with the local clock. These results encourage further investigation of the ultimate VLBI performances achievable using fibre dissemination at the highest precision of state-of-the-art atomic clocks.

  6. Characterization and ecology of a type A influenzavirus isolated from a shearwater

    PubMed Central

    Downie, Jean C.; Webster, R. G.; Schild, G. C.; Dowdle, Walter R.; Laver, W. G.

    1973-01-01

    An influenzavirus isolated from a shearwater bird nesting on Tryon Island on the Australian Great Barrier Reef in 1971 has been more extensively characterized. Haemagglutinin subunits were isolated from the shearwater virus and from the antigenically related avian influenzaviruses A/turkey/Mass./65 (Hav6N2) and A/duck/Penn./69 (Hav6N1). Maps of the tryptic peptides from the heavy polypeptides (HA1) of the haemagglutinin subunits of the three viruses showed a number of differences, but peptide maps of the light polypeptides (HA2) were almost identical, suggesting that these had almost the same amino acid sequence. Extensive tests confirmed that the neuraminidase of the shearwater virus was not related antigenically to any known neuraminidase. The sera collected from pelagic birds nesting on islands in the Capricorn—Bunker group in 1970 were devoid of any antibodies to the shearwater virus, while a high proportion of the sera collected from birds on the same islands in 1972 (one year after the isolation of the shearwater virus) had antibodies to the haemagglutinin and neuraminidase of the shearwater virus, some to a high titre. Thus, the shearwater virus appeared to have only recently been introduced into the area from where it was isolated. ImagesFig. 1Fig. 2Fig. 3 PMID:4548383

  7. Wakefields of a Beam near a Single Plate in a Flat Dechirper

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

    Bane, Karl; Stupakov, Gennady

    At linac-based, X-ray free electron lasers (FELs), there is interest in streaking the beam by inducing the transverse wakes in a flat dechirper, by passing the beam near to one of its two jaws. For LCLS-II - as has already been done for LCLS-I - this way of using the dechirper will e.g. facilitate two-color and fresh slice schemes of running the FEL. With the beam a distance from the near wall of say b ~ 0.25 mm and from the far wall by ≳ 5 mm, the second wall will no longer affect the results. The physics will bemore » quite different from the two plate case: with two plates the impedance has a resonance spike whose frequency depends on the plate separation 2a; in the single plate case this parameter no longer exists. Formulas for the longitudinal, dipole, and quadrupole wakes for a beam off-axis between two dechirper plates, valid for the range of bunch lengths of interest in an X-ray FEL, are given in reference 3. By taking the proper limit, we can obtain the corresponding wakes for a beam close to one dechirper plate and far from the other. This is the task we perform in this note.« less

  8. Managing aggression in a psychiatric hospital using a behaviour plan: a case study.

    PubMed

    Bisconer, S W; Green, M; Mallon-Czajka, J; Johnson, J S

    2006-10-01

    This paper focuses on the critical role of nursing in implementing a behaviour plan in a psychiatric hospital. The plan was implemented with a 40-year-old man with a long history of aggression towards others and self. The study used a single-subject research design with baseline and intervention phases (AB Design). Data were collected on (1) frequency of incidents of aggression towards others and self; (2) use of restrictive interventions to manage aggression (i.e. restraints, pro re nata medication, 1:1 special observation); and (3) frequency of staff injury. The data show a decrease in frequency of aggression towards others and self, a concurrent reduction in the use of restrictive interventions to manage aggression, and a decrease in incidents of staff injury. The behaviour plan helped staff maintain a safe and therapeutic milieu. The behaviour plan has given the patient an opportunity to learn positive replacement behaviours and skills, and the opportunity eventually to leave the hospital to live in a less restrictive community home.

  9. Risk-Based Decision Making in a Scientific Issue: A Study of Teachers Discussing a Dilemma through a Microworld

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Levinson, Ralph; Kent, Phillip; Pratt, David; Kapadia, Ramesh; Yogui, Cristina

    2012-01-01

    Risk has now become a feature of science curricula in many industrialized countries. While risk is conceptualized within a number of different theoretical frameworks, the predominant model used in examination specifications is a utility model in which risk calculations are deemed to be objective through technical expert assessment and where the…

  10. A Leader, Not a Hero

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rutledge, Lynda

    2005-01-01

    The author writes her experience in leading. She points out that a good leader should know when and how to let go than trying to do all the work by herself. It changed her focus on looking at details, implementation, dealing with the contractors, to leading leading people.

  11. A comme... (A as in...).

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Helouber, J. A.; And Others

    1979-01-01

    The four parts in this section present: (1) an advertisement based on the literary style of Emile Zola; (2) exercises designed to practice expressions of similarity and difference; (3) the transcript of a discussion on the problem of swamps; and (4) variations on the shopkeeper-customer dialogue. (AM)

  12. NASA and Superalloys: A Customer, a Participant, and a Referee

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Nathal, Michael V.

    2008-01-01

    NASA has had a long history of research and development in the field of superalloys. These efforts have continued today, where the latest advancements in turbine disk and blade technologies are being developed. Although NASA does support military flight systems, its predominant role is in supporting civilian air transportation systems, and thus has goals for improving fuel efficiency, emissions, noise, and safety of today s aircraft. NASA has traditionally served several distinct but complimentary roles as participants in multi-disciplinary research teams, as customers who fund research and development efforts at industry and universities, and as referees who can address broad issues that affect the entire aeronautics community. Because of our longer range viewpoint, we can take on higher risk, higher reward research topics. NASA can also serve as an intermediary between the basic research performed primarily at universities and the development efforts emphasized by industry. By interacting with individual companies, NASA can identify areas of general interest and problems common to a large portion of the aeronautics community, and devise programs aimed at solving these problems. In space missions, NASA is a direct customer responsible for developing vehicles. In the case of the Space Shuttle, NASA has worked with various contractors to design and build numerous components out of superalloys. Another fascinating area for the use of superalloys is in power systems for long life applications in space. Potential missions include providing electric power for deep space missions, surface rovers, including lunar and Mars, and stationary power generators on the lunar surface.

  13. NASA and Superalloys: A Customer, a Participant, and a Referee

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Nathal, Michael V.

    2008-01-01

    NASA has had a long history of research and development in the field of superalloys. These efforts have continued today, where the latest advancements in turbine disk and blade technologies are being developed Although NASA does support military flight systems, it s predominant role is in supporting civilian air transportation systems, and thus has goals for improving fuel efficiency, emissions, noise, and safety of today s aircraft. NASA has traditionally served several distinct but complimentary roles as participants in multi-disciplinary research teams, as customers who fund research and development efforts at industry and universities, and as referees who can address broad issues that affect the entire aeronautics community. Because of our longer range viewpoint, we can take on higher risk, higher reward research topics. NASA can also serve as an intermediary between the basic research performed primarily at universities and the development efforts emphasized by industry. By interacting with individual companies, NASA can identify areas of general interest and problems common to a large portion of the aeronautics community, and devise programs aimed at solving these problems. In space missions, NASA is a direct customer responsible for developing vehicles. In the case of the Space Shuttle, NASA has worked with various contractors to design and build numerous components out of superalloys. Another fascinating area for the use of superalloys is in power systems for long life applications in space. Potential missions include providing electric power for deep space missions, surface rovers, including lunar and Mars, and stationary power generators on the lunar surface.

  14. "Making an Impact": A Profile of a Business Planning Competition in a University

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jones, Amanda; Jones, Paul

    2011-01-01

    Purpose: This paper aims to explore the issues experienced in the delivery of a business challenge to a cohort of business undergraduate students at the University of Glamorgan. The challenge involved initiating and running a "real" business and returning a profit within a week. The students worked in groups of up to eight and were given…

  15. A Closer Look at Being a Woman in Turkish Academia: A Descriptive Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Birlik, Nurten; Arikan, Arda

    2009-01-01

    In this descriptive study, women's professional lives with a focus on what it means to be a woman in Turkish academia and on whether being a woman differs from being a man in an academic context was put under scrutiny. For this purpose, a questionnaire was conducted among 41 women academics currently working at the Faculties of Education in…

  16. Mannostatin A, a new glycoprotein-processing inhibitor.

    PubMed

    Tropea, J E; Kaushal, G P; Pastuszak, I; Mitchell, M; Aoyagi, T; Molyneux, R J; Elbein, A D

    1990-10-30

    Mannostatin A is a metabolite produced by the microorganism Streptoverticillium verticillus and reported to be a potent competitive inhibitor of rat epididymal alpha-mannosidase. When tested against a number of other arylglycosidases, mannostatin A was inactive toward alpha- and beta-glucosidase and galactosidase as well as beta-mannosidase, but it was a potent inhibitor of jack bean, mung bean, and rat liver lysosomal alpha-mannosidases, with estimated IC50's of 70 nM, 450 nM, and 160 nM, respectively. The type of inhibition was competitive in nature. This compound also proved to be an effective competitive inhibitor of the glycoprotein-processing enzyme mannosidase II (IC50 of about 10-15 nM with p-nitrophenyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside as substrate, and about 90 nM with [3H]mannose-labeled GlcNAc-Man5GlcNAc as substrate). However, it was virtually inactive toward mannosidase I. The N-acetylated derivative of mannostatin A had no inhibitory activity. In cell culture studies, mannostatin A also proved to be a potent inhibitor of glycoprotein processing. Thus, in influenza virus infected Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, mannostatin A blocked the normal formation of complex types of oligosaccharides on the viral glycoproteins and caused the accumulation of hybrid types of oligosaccharides. This observation is in keeping with other data which indicate that the site of action of mannostatin A is mannosidase II. Thus, mannostatin A represents the first nonalkaloidal processing inhibitor and adds to the growing list of chemical structures that can have important biological activity.

  17. Parenting a Child with a Learning Disability: A Qualitative Approach

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fernández-Alcántara, Manuel; Correa-Delgado, Cayetana; Muñoz, Ángela; Salvatierra, María Teresa; Fuentes-Hélices, Tadeo; Laynez-Rubio, Carolina

    2017-01-01

    The present study describes experiences associated with parenting children diagnosed with learning disabilities. Parents whose children were diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, dyslexia/language problems, and Asperger syndrome, related to poor performance at school, took part in the study. A qualitative study design was…

  18. A Non-Profit University and a For-Profit Consulting Company Partner to a Offer a New Master's Degree

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Whitney, Gary; Dalton, Thomas M.

    2008-01-01

    The University of San Diego, School of Business Administration (non-profit university) and the Ken Blanchard Companies (for profit management consulting company) teamed to create the Master of Science in Executive Leadership at USD. Fusing a traditional non-profit university faculty and staff with a for-profit consulting company created a plethora…

  19. Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A): a signature marker of alternatively activated monocytes/macrophages

    PubMed Central

    Cathcart, Martha K.; Bhattacharjee, Ashish

    2015-01-01

    Monocytes/macrophages are versatile cells centrally involved in host defense and immunity. Th1 cytokines induce a classical activation program in monocytes/macrophages leading to a proinflammatory M1 macrophage phenotype while Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 promote monocyte differentiation into an alternatively activated, anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage phenotype. Although monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) is primarily known for its action in the nervous system, several recent studies have identified MAO-A as a signature marker of alternative activation of monocytes/macrophages. In this brief review we explore the signaling pathways/molecules that regulate MAO-A expression in alternatively activated monocytes/macrophages. We further discuss the contribution of MAO-A to the resolution of inflammation and identify potential therapeutic targets for controlling inflammation. Altogether this review provides deeper insight into the role of MAO-A in alternative activation of monocytes/macrophages and their participation in the inflammatory response. PMID:26052543

  20. Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A): a signature marker of alternatively activated monocytes/macrophages.

    PubMed

    Cathcart, Martha K; Bhattacharjee, Ashish

    Monocytes/macrophages are versatile cells centrally involved in host defense and immunity. Th1 cytokines induce a classical activation program in monocytes/macrophages leading to a proinflammatory M1 macrophage phenotype while Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 promote monocyte differentiation into an alternatively activated, anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage phenotype. Although monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) is primarily known for its action in the nervous system, several recent studies have identified MAO-A as a signature marker of alternative activation of monocytes/macrophages. In this brief review we explore the signaling pathways/molecules that regulate MAO-A expression in alternatively activated monocytes/macrophages. We further discuss the contribution of MAO-A to the resolution of inflammation and identify potential therapeutic targets for controlling inflammation. Altogether this review provides deeper insight into the role of MAO-A in alternative activation of monocytes/macrophages and their participation in the inflammatory response.

  1. A randomized controlled trial of a telehealth parenting intervention: A mixed-disability trial.

    PubMed

    Hinton, Sharon; Sheffield, Jeanie; Sanders, Matthew R; Sofronoff, Kate

    2017-06-01

    The quality of parenting a child receives has a major impact on development, wellbeing and future life opportunities. This study examined the efficacy of Triple P Online - Disability (TPOL-D) a telehealth intervention for parents of children with a disability. Ninety-eight parents and carers of children aged 2-12 years diagnosed with a range of developmental, intellectual and physical disabilities were randomly assigned to either the intervention (51) or treatment-as-usual (47) control group. At post-intervention parents receiving the TPOL-D intervention demonstrated significant improvements in parenting practices and parenting self-efficacy, however a significant change in parent-reported child behavioral and emotional problems was not detected. At 3-month follow up intervention gains were maintained and/or enhanced. A significant decrease in parent-reported child behavioral and emotional problems was also detected at this time. The results indicate that TPOL-D is a promising telehealth intervention for a mixed-disability group. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. [Umbilical endometriosis mimicking a keloid in a young black woman: A case report].

    PubMed

    Kourouma, H-S; Ecra, E-J; Allou, A-S; Kouyaté, M; Kouassi, Y-I; Kaloga, M; Kouassi, K-A; Kassi, K; Kouamé, K; Ahogo, C; Gbery, I-P; Sangaré, A

    2017-10-01

    Most umbilical tumors are diagnosed as benign tumors, umbilical metastases of abdominal and pelvic tumors, or Sister Marie Joseph nodule. Herein, we report a case of cutaneous umbilical endometriosis mistaken for a keloid. A young black woman aged 26 consulted for a painful umbilical tumefaction. She had noted the appearance of a nodule of the umbilicus 10 months ago with bleeding during her menstrual periods. Skin examination revealed a firm and painful umbilical nodule 2.5cm in diameter. She was treated with corticosteroid injections for one month for umbilical keloid. Given that the symptoms recurred regularly at the time of menstruation, we suspected umbilical endometriosis. This diagnosis was finally confirmed by histopathological examination and hormone therapy was instituted on gynecological advice before scheduled surgical excision. In a setting of an umbilical tumor simulating a keloid associated with cyclical symptoms in a black woman, the diagnosis of umbilical endometriosis should not be overlooked by the dermatologist. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  3. Portrait of a science teacher as a bricoleur: A case study from India

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sharma, Ajay

    2008-12-01

    This paper presents a case study of science teaching in an eighth grade school classroom in India. It comes out of a larger ethnographic study done in 2005 that looked at how science was taught and learned in a rural government run middle school in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India. Subscribing to a sociocultural perspective, the paper presents a narrative account of how a science teacher negotiated and made use of the existing discourses that influenced his teaching practice to construct learning experiences for his students. It is a portrait of him as a bricoleur, engaged in making-do with what is of available to conform to prescriptive discursive norms as well as engage in situated, contingent and collaborative pedagogical improvisations with his students. Through a discursive analysis of Mr. Raghuvanshi's teaching practice, this paper presents his bricolage as a feature of everyday sociocultural practices, and as an instance of glocalization of decontextualized school science discourse. It also offers a case for creation and strengthening of material conditions that support enactment of teacher agency for construction of meaningful and relevant learning experiences for students. [InlineMediaObject not available: see fulltext.][InlineMediaObject not available: see fulltext.

  4. A disulfide-bond A oxidoreductase-like protein (DsbA-L) regulates adiponectin multimerization

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Meilian; Zhou, Lijun; Xu, Aimin; Lam, Karen S. L.; Wetzel, Michael D.; Xiang, Ruihua; Zhang, Jingjing; Xin, Xiaoban; Dong, Lily Q.; Liu, Feng

    2008-01-01

    Impairments in adiponectin multimerization lead to defects in adiponectin secretion and function and are associated with diabetes, yet the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. We have identified an adiponectin-interacting protein, previously named GST-kappa, by yeast 2-hybrid screening. The adiponectin-interacting protein contains 2 thioredoxin domains and has very little sequence similarity to other GST isoforms. However, this protein shares high sequence and secondary structure homology to bacterial disulfide-bond A oxidoreductase (DsbA) and is thus renamed DsbA-like protein (DsbA-L). DsbA-L is highly expressed in adipose tissue, and its expression level is negatively correlated with obesity in mice and humans. DsbA-L expression in 3T3-L1 adipocytes is stimulated by the insulin sensitizer rosiglitazone and inhibited by the inflammatory cytokine TNFα. Overexpression of DsbA-L promoted adiponectin multimerization while suppressing DsbA-L expression by RNAi markedly and selectively reduced adiponectin levels and secretion in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Our results identify DsbA-L as a key regulator for adiponectin biosynthesis and uncover a potential new target for developing therapeutic drugs for the treatment of insulin resistance and its associated metabolic disorders. PMID:19011089

  5. A clock steering method: using a third-order type 3 DPLL equivalent to a Kalman filter with a delay

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Yiwei; Gong, Hang; Zhu, Xiangwei; Ou, Gang

    2015-12-01

    In this paper we propose a new clock steering method, which uses a third-order type 3 digital phase locked loop (DPLL) which is equivalent to a Kalman filter with a delay. A general overview of the theoretical framework is described in detail including the transfer functions, the structure and control values, the specifications, and the approach to choosing a parameter. Simulations show that the performance of the time and frequency steering errors and the frequency stability are quite desirable. Comparing with traditional clock steering methods, it is easier to work with just one parameter. The DPLL method satisfies the requirements of generating a local representation of universal time coordinated and the system time of a global navigation satellite system.

  6. A new viewpoint: running a nonprofit brain bank as a business.

    PubMed

    Rademaker, Sonja H M; Huitinga, Inge

    2018-01-01

    It has become clear over the past decades that studying postmortem human brain tissue is one of the most effective ways to increase our knowledge of the pathogenesis and etiology of neuropathologic and psychiatric diseases. Many breakthroughs in neuroscience have depended on the availability of human brain tissue. However, the process of brain banking presents many different challenges, including the high cost that is associated with collecting the samples and with providing the diagnostics, storage, and distribution. Funding is generally from research and facility grants and donations but all are irregular, uncertain, and only cover the costs for a determined period of time. For professional brain banks with extensive prospective donor programs and that are open-access it can be very beneficial to draft a business plan to achieve long-term sustainability. Such a business plan should identify the interests of the stakeholders and address the implementation of cost efficiency and cost recovery systems. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. A complex solution to a sexual dilemma.

    PubMed

    Kuwabara, Patricia E

    2007-07-01

    The C. elegans male sex-determining protein, FEM-1, has been identified as a substrate recognition subunit of a Cullin-2 ubiquitin ligase complex. This complex controls the level of TRA-1A, a Ci/Gli homolog and master regulator of sex determination, by ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis.

  8. A Spectrum is Worth a Thousand Pictures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gelderman, Richard F.

    2006-12-01

    A wise astronomer once pointed out that if a picture is worth a thousand words, then a spectrum is worth a thousand pictures. Unfortunately, spectra are rarely emphasized in the introductory astronomy courses and few students exit such a course with any meaningful understanding or appreciation of spectroscopy. Part of the problem is lack of background knowledge; the typical introductory astronomy student has little experience with spectroscopy or atomic physics. Another issue is that spectra are not pretty pictures and are not intuitively understandable. We present and discuss a series of “minds-on” exercises and activities built into a college-level “stars, galaxies, and cosmology” intro astronomy course. The lessons are structured to help students improve their ability to recognize patterns and improve their ability to really see the details in front of them. Another goal is for students to realize there is “more than meets the eye” to learn how to discover “hidden” diagnostics, such as different sources of light their eyes see as white light. A curriculum that emphasizes spectroscopy also provides the opportunity to stress the story of the “Harvard Women,” a tale that bridges gender gaps and often humanizes scientists in the eyes of non-science majors. Finally, with a solid foundation in spectroscopy, students are better prepared to understand exciting topics such as Hubble’s Law and the importance of primordial nucleosynthesis.

  9. A Reverse Shock in GRB 160509A

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Laskar, Tanmoy; Alexander, Kate D.; Berger, Edo; Fong, Wen-fai; Margutti, Raffaella; Shivvers, Isaac; Williams, Peter K. G.; Kopač, Drejc; Kobayashi, Shiho; Mundell, Carole; Gomboc, Andreja; Zheng, WeiKang; Menten, Karl M.; Graham, Melissa L.; Filippenko, Alexei V.

    2016-12-01

    We present the second multi-frequency radio detection of a reverse shock in a γ-ray burst. By combining our extensive radio observations of the Fermi-Large Area Telescope γ-ray burst 160509A at z = 1.17 up to 20 days after the burst with Swift X-ray observations and ground-based optical and near-infrared data, we show that the afterglow emission comprises distinct reverse shock and forward shock contributions: the reverse shock emission dominates in the radio band at ≲10 days, while the forward shock emission dominates in the X-ray, optical, and near-infrared bands. Through multi-wavelength modeling, we determine a circumburst density of {n}0≈ {10}-3 {{cm}}-3, supporting our previous suggestion that a low-density circumburst environment is conducive to the production of long-lasting reverse shock radiation in the radio band. We infer the presence of a large excess X-ray absorption column, N H ≈ 1.5 × 1022 {{cm}}-2, and a high rest-frame optical extinction, A V ≈ 3.4 mag. We identify a jet break in the X-ray light curve at {t}{jet}≈ 6 {days}, and thus derive a jet opening angle of {θ }{jet}≈ 4^\\circ , yielding a beaming-corrected kinetic energy and radiated γ-ray energy of {E}{{K}}≈ 4× {10}50 erg and {E}γ ≈ 1.3× {10}51 erg (1-104 keV, rest frame), respectively. Consistency arguments connecting the forward shocks and reverse shocks suggest a deceleration time of {t}{dec} ≈ 460 s ≈ T 90, a Lorentz factor of {{Γ }}({t}{dec})≈ 330, and a reverse-shock-to-forward-shock fractional magnetic energy density ratio of {R}{{B}}\\equiv {ɛ }{{B},{RS}}/{ɛ }{{B},{FS}}≈ 8. Our study highlights the power of rapid-response radio observations in the study of the properties and dynamics of γ-ray burst ejecta.

  10. Correction of a malpositioned endosseous implant by a segmental osteotomy: a case report.

    PubMed

    Raghoebar, Gerry M; Visser, Anita; Vissink, Arjan

    2005-01-01

    A mandibular overdenture supported by 2 or 4 endosseous implants has been proven to be a reliable treatment modality for patients suffering from conventional denture problems. However, fabrication of an implant-retained mesostructure to support an overdenture is not possible in all cases. Malpositioning of implants is a common cause of failure in such cases. A case is presented in which a ball attachment caused pain and severe swelling of the floor of the mouth because of the lingual inclination of an endosseous implant. The lingual inclination of the implant was corrected by a segmental osteotomy. Six weeks later, prosthodontic treatment began, and the resultant overdenture supported by a Dolder bar was quite acceptable for the patient.

  11. Parkinson's: a syndrome rather than a disease?

    PubMed

    Titova, Nataliya; Padmakumar, C; Lewis, Simon J G; Chaudhuri, K Ray

    2017-08-01

    Emerging concepts suggest that a multitude of pathology ranging from misfolding of alpha-synuclein to neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neurotransmitter driven alteration of brain neuronal networks lead to a syndrome that is commonly known as Parkinson's disease. The complex underlying pathology which may involve degeneration of non-dopaminergic pathways leads to the expression of a range of non-motor symptoms from the prodromal stage of Parkinson's to the palliative stage. Non-motor clinical subtypes, cognitive and non-cognitive, have now been proposed paving the way for possible subtype specific and non-motor treatments, a key unmet need currently. Natural history of these subtypes remains unclear and need to be defined. In addition to in vivo biomarkers which suggest variable involvement of the cholinergic and noradrenergic patterns of the Parkinson syndrome, abnormal alpha-synuclein accumulation have now been demonstrated in the gut, pancreas, heart, salivary glands, and skin suggesting that Parkinson's is a multi-organ disorder. The Parkinson's phenotype is thus not just a dopaminergic motor syndrome, but a dysfunctional multi-neurotransmitter pathway driven central and peripheral nervous system disorder that possibly ought to be considered a syndrome and not a disease.

  12. A Webb in a Golden Cage

    NASA Image and Video Library

    2013-03-07

    This photograph shows support structures wrapped in gold thermal blankets that look like a golden cage. The structure is housed within the vacuum chamber called the Space Environment Simulator, or SES. The SES is located at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., where components of the James Webb Space Telescope are being tested to withstand the extreme temperatures of space. The entire structure is a system of supports and thermal control devices for the series of thermal tests. Visible in the photo is the lower GESHA (Ground Environmental SES Hardware Assembly).The box in the center photo is a group of four LN2 (liquid nitrogen) panels that are designed to keep it at around 100 kelvins. The panels surround the primary mirror of the OTE (Optical Telescope Element) Simulator or OSIM. When NASA's Webb telescope launches in 2018, it will fly a million miles from Earth and enable scientists on Earth to see the most detailed pictures of the universe. For another photo of the SES, visit: www.nasa.gov/topics/technology/features/webb_osim.html For more information about NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, visit: www.jwst.nasa.gov Photo: NASA/Chris Gunn Text: NASA/Rob Gutro NASA image use policy. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center enables NASA’s mission through four scientific endeavors: Earth Science, Heliophysics, Solar System Exploration, and Astrophysics. Goddard plays a leading role in NASA’s accomplishments by contributing compelling scientific knowledge to advance the Agency’s mission. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Find us on Instagram

  13. A Peculiar Subclass of Type Ia Supernovae a.k.a. Type Iax

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Singh, Mridweeka; Misra, Kuntal; Sahu, Devendra Kumar; Dastidar, Raya; Gangopadhyay, Anjasha; Bose, Subhash; Srivastav, Shubham; Anapuma, Gadiyara Chakrapani; Chakradhari, Nand Kumar; Kumar, Brajesh; Kumar, Brijesh; Pandey, Shashi Bhushan

    2018-04-01

    We present optical photometric (upto ˜ 410 days since Bmax) and spectroscopic (upto ˜ 235 days since Bmax) observations of a type Iax supernova SN 2014dt located in M61. The broad band light curves follow a linear decline up to ˜ 100 days after which a significant flattening is seen in the late-time (beyond 150 days) light curves of SN 2014dt. SN 2014dt best matches the light curve evolution of SN 2005hk and reaches a peak magnitude of MB˜ -18.12±0.04 with ?m15˜ 1.35±0.06 mag. The earliest spectrum at ˜ 23 days is dominated by FeII and CoII lines with the absence of the Si II 6150 Å line. Using the peak bolometric luminosity we estimate a 56Ni mass of 0.14 M⊙ in the case of SN 2005hk and the striking similarity between SN 2014dt and SN 2005hk implies that a comparable amount of 56Ni would have been synthesized in the explosion of SN 2014dt. There are several explosion scenarios proposed for these peculiar events. Being one of the brightest and closest SN! , SN 2014dt is an ideal candidate for long term monitoring. Late phase observations are very essential to understand the progenitor system and the actual explosion scenario for these events.

  14. MASCARA-1 b. A hot Jupiter transiting a bright mV = 8.3 A-star in a misaligned orbit

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Talens, G. J. J.; Albrecht, S.; Spronck, J. F. P.; Lesage, A.-L.; Otten, G. P. P. L.; Stuik, R.; Van Eylen, V.; Van Winckel, H.; Pollacco, D.; McCormac, J.; Grundahl, F.; Fredslund Andersen, M.; Antoci, V.; Snellen, I. A. G.

    2017-10-01

    We report the discovery of MASCARA-1 b, which is the first exoplanet discovered with the Multi-site All-Sky CAmeRA (MASCARA). This exoplanet is a hot Jupiter orbiting a bright mV = 8.3, rapidly rotating (vsini⋆ > 100 km s-1) A8 star with a period of 2.148780 ± 8 × 10-6 days. The planet has a mass and radius of 3.7 ± 0.9 MJup and 1.5 ± 0.3 RJup, respectively. As with most hot Jupiters transiting early-type stars, we find a misalignment between the planet orbital axis and the stellar spin axis, which may be a signature of the formation and migration histories of this family of planets. MASCARA-1 b has a mean density of 1.5 ± 0.9 g cm-3 and an equilibrium temperature of 2570+50-30K, that is one of the highest temperatures known for a hot Jupiter to date. The system is reminiscent of WASP-33, but the host star lacks apparent delta-scuti variations, making the planet an ideal target for atmospheric characterization. We expect this to be the first of a series of hot Jupiters transiting bright early-type stars that will be discovered by MASCARA. Tables of the photometry and the reduced spectra as FITS files are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/606/A73

  15. A transformation method for deriving from a photograph, position and heading of a vehicle in a plane

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Sleeper, R. K.; Smith, E. G.

    1976-01-01

    Equations have been derived that transform perspectively viewed planar surface coordinates, as seen in a photograph, into coordinates of the original plane surface. These transformation equations are developed in terms of nine geometric variables that define the photographic setup and are redefined in terms of eight parameters. The parameters are then treated as independent quantities that fully characterize the transformation and are expressed directly in terms of the four corner coordinates of a reference rectangle in the object plane and their coordinates as seen in a photograph. Vehicle position is determined by transforming the perspectively viewed coordinate position of a representative vehicle target into runway coordinates. Vehicle heading is determined from the runway coordinates of two vehicle target points. When the targets are elevated above the plane of the reference grid, the computation of the heading angle is unaffected; however, the computation of the target position may require adjustment of two parameters. Methods are given for adjusting the parameters for elevation and an example is included for both nonelevated and elevated target conditions.

  16. A geomechanical model of a sinkhole formation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Danchiv, Alexandru; Zamfirescu, Florian; Mocuta, Marius; Popa, Iulian; Zlibut, Alexandru; Huggenberger, Peter; Zechner, Eric; Dresmann, Horst; Scheidler, Stefan; Wiesmeier, Stefan

    2016-04-01

    On December 2010 a sinkhole was suddenly formed close to the eastern flank of Ocna-Mures salt dome. Soon after the collapse the sinkhole was filled with brine forming a salt lake called Plus Lake. The total volume of sinkhole of about 100000 m3 remained constant since February 2011. The Ocna Mures salt dome is situated on the western border of the Transylvanian basin (Romania) and has been exploited for a long time. The ceilings of some shallow mine chambers are now collapsed and filled with brine. Along the eastern flank of the salt dome there is a disturbed zone due to diapirism. Its presence is suggested by the strong fragmentation of rock in the boreholes drilled along the salt-sterile contact, as it resulted from the low values of RQD index. The sinkhole is probably due to a pressure increase along the diapir flank. The causes of this sudden increase of pressure are not well known. Most probably it is due to the damage of the tubing of a flank borehole as mentioned in a technical report of the exploiting company. The injected fresh water expelled through the breaches of the damaged borehole and, due to the high pressure flushed up the crushed material of the disturbed zone. In order to better understand the setting up of the Plus Lake joint research efforts were performed by teams from Bucharest and Basel Universities since 2013. For the geomechanical approach a numerical model was performed using the Flac 7.0 code. In a first stage the creep behavior of salt was analyzed considering a Norton creep law. It resulted that after 100 years the salt reached equilibrium, the creep could be neglected and in a first approximation mechanical equilibrium could be analyzed considering only an elasto-plastic behavior of both the salt and the sterile. For both the salt and the surrounding sedimentary rocks the Mohr-Coulomb criterion was considered. The properties of sterile rocks were estimated following the GSI system. Due to poor rock quality the strength parameters have

  17. A priori and a posteriori analysis of the flow around a rectangular cylinder

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cimarelli, A.; Leonforte, A.; Franciolini, M.; De Angelis, E.; Angeli, D.; Crivellini, A.

    2017-11-01

    The definition of a correct mesh resolution and modelling approach for the Large Eddy Simulation (LES) of the flow around a rectangular cylinder is recognized to be a rather elusive problem as shown by the large scatter of LES results present in the literature. In the present work, we aim at assessing this issue by performing an a priori analysis of Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) data of the flow. This approach allows us to measure the ability of the LES field on reproducing the main flow features as a function of the resolution employed. Based on these results, we define a mesh resolution which maximize the opposite needs of reducing the computational costs and of adequately resolving the flow dynamics. The effectiveness of the resolution method proposed is then verified by means of an a posteriori analysis of actual LES data obtained by means of the implicit LES approach given by the numerical properties of the Discontinuous Galerkin spatial discretization technique. The present work represents a first step towards a best practice for LES of separating and reattaching flows.

  18. A tetraquark or not a tetraquark? A holography inspired stringy hadron (HISH) perspective

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sonnenschein, Jacob; Weissman, Dorin

    2017-07-01

    We suggest to use the state Y (4630), which decays predominantly to ΛcΛ‾c, as a window to the landscape of tetraquarks. We propose a simple criterion to decide whether a state is a stringy exotic hadron - a tetraquark - or a ;molecule;. If it is the former it should be on a (modified) Regge trajectory. We present the predictions of the mass and width of the higher excited states on the Y (4630) trajectory. We argue that there should exist an analogous Yb state that decays to ΛbΛ‾b and describe its trajectory. We conjecture also a similar trajectory for tetraquarks containing strange quarks, and the modified Regge trajectories can in fact be predicted for any resonances found decaying to a baryon-antibaryon pair. En route to the results regarding tetraquarks, we also make some additional predictions on higher excited charmonium states. We briefly discuss the zoo of exotic stringy hadrons and in particular we sketch all the possibilities of tetraquark states.

  19. A CsrA/RsmA translational regulator gene encoded in the replication region of a Sinorhizobium meliloti cryptic plasmid complements Pseudomonas fluorescens rsmA/E mutants.

    PubMed

    Agaras, Betina; Sobrero, Patricio; Valverde, Claudio

    2013-02-01

    Members of the CsrA/RsmA family are global regulatory proteins that bind to mRNAs, usually at the ribosome-binding site, to control mRNA translation and stability. Their activity is counteracted by small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs), which offer several binding sites to compete with mRNA binding. The csrA/rsmA genes are widespread in prokaryotic chromosomes, although certain phylogenetic groups such as Alphaproteobacteria lack this type of global regulator. Interestingly, a csrA/rsmA-like sequence was identified in the replication region of plasmid pMBA19a from the alphaproteobacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti. This rsmA-like allele (rsmA(Sm)) is 58 % identical to Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri chromosomal rsmA and bears an unusual C-terminal extension that may fold into an extra α-helix. Homology-based modelling of RsmA(Sm) suggests that all key mRNA-binding residues are conserved and correctly positioned in the RNA-binding pocket. In fact, a 1.6 kb fragment from pMBA19a encompassing the rsmA(Sm) locus restored rsmA/E-dependent phenotypes of rsmA/E gacS Pseudomonas fluorescens mutants. The functionality of RsmA(Sm) was confirmed by the gain of control over target aprA'-'lacZ and hcnA'-'lacZ translational fusions in the same mutant background. The RsmA(Sm) activity correlated with Western blot detection of the polypeptide. Phenotype and translational fusion data from rsmA/E P. fluorescens mutants expressing RsmX/Y/Z RNAs indicated that RsmA(Sm) is able to bind these antagonistic sRNAs. In agreement with the latter observation, it was also found that the sRNA RsmY was stabilized by RsmA(Sm). Deletion of the C-terminal extra α-helix of RsmA(Sm) affected its cellular concentration, but increased its relative RNA-binding activity. This is believed to be the first report of the presence and characterization of a functional csrA/rsmA homologue in a mobile genetic element.

  20. A general spectral transformation simultaneously including a Fourier transformation and a Laplace transformation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Marko, H.

    1978-01-01

    A general spectral transformation is proposed and described. Its spectrum can be interpreted as a Fourier spectrum or a Laplace spectrum. The laws and functions of the method are discussed in comparison with the known transformations, and a sample application is shown.

  1. Bisphenol A polycarbonate as a reference material

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hilado, C. J.; Cumming, H. J.; Williams, J. B.

    1977-01-01

    Test methods require reference materials to standardize and maintain quality control. Various materials have been evaluated as possible reference materials, including a sample of bisphenol A polycarbonate without additives. Screening tests for relative toxicity under various experimental conditions were performed using male mice exposed to pyrolysis effluents over a 200-800 C temperature range. It was found that the bisphenol A polycarbonate served as a suitable reference material as it is available in large quantities, and does not significantly change with time.

  2. A marketing strategy for a nursing college.

    PubMed

    Pryde, M; Muller, M

    1995-08-01

    The objective of this study is to explore and describe a marketing strategy for a nursing college. An explorative and descriptive research design, within the context of a nursing college and affiliated hospitals, was followed. A literature study of marketing models was undertaken and the Delphi-method was utilised to determine the contribution of marketing staff and the possible content of a marketing strategy for a nursing college. The results were utilised to describe guidelines for such a strategy, consisting of marketers/marketing agents, target market, product, price, promotional activities, place and market research. Recommendations include the planning, implementation and evaluation of strategy, inservice training for potential marketing agents, inclusion of marketing as part of the formal education of tutors and nurse managers, as well as an impact study of the scholar as the main consumer.

  3. A Pirate's Life: A Model and a Metaphor for Learning.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Solomon, David L.

    2002-01-01

    Discusses various ways in which context may be interpreted to enhance learning and performance; illustrates domains of learning using a hockey team as an example; and suggests implications for learning, performance, and instructional design. Highlights include an ecological systems model; and examples of individual development, team learning, and…

  4. A Department Chair: A Life Guard without a Life Jacket

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gonaim, Faiza

    2016-01-01

    Leadership in higher education is fundamental for institutional development and sustainability in today's rapidly changing world. The academic department is a fundamental unit for transforming the university's visions and goals into reality. The vigorous contribution of each department, which depends in turn largely on the effectiveness of the…

  5. A Tale Of 160 Scientists, Three Applications, a Workshop and a Cloud

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Berriman, G. B.; Brinkworth, C.; Gelino, D.; Wittman, D. K.; Deelman, E.; Juve, G.; Rynge, M.; Kinney, J.

    2013-10-01

    The NASA Exoplanet Science Institute (NExScI) hosts the annual Sagan Workshops, thematic meetings aimed at introducing researchers to the latest tools and methodologies in exoplanet research. The theme of the Summer 2012 workshop, held from July 23 to July 27 at Caltech, was to explore the use of exoplanet light curves to study planetary system architectures and atmospheres. A major part of the workshop was to use hands-on sessions to instruct attendees in the use of three open source tools for the analysis of light curves, especially from the Kepler mission. Each hands-on session involved the 160 attendees using their laptops to follow step-by-step tutorials given by experts. One of the applications, PyKE, is a suite of Python tools designed to reduce and analyze Kepler light curves; these tools can be invoked from the Unix command line or a GUI in PyRAF. The Transit Analysis Package (TAP) uses Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques to fit light curves under the Interactive Data Language (IDL) environment, and Transit Timing Variations (TTV) uses IDL tools and Java-based GUIs to confirm and detect exoplanets from timing variations in light curve fitting. Rather than attempt to run these diverse applications on the inevitable wide range of environments on attendees laptops, they were run instead on the Amazon Elastic Cloud 2 (EC2). The cloud offers features ideal for this type of short term need: computing and storage services are made available on demand for as long as needed, and a processing environment can be customized and replicated as needed. The cloud environment included an NFS file server virtual machine (VM), 20 client VMs for use by attendees, and a VM to enable ftp downloads of the attendees' results. The file server was configured with a 1 TB Elastic Block Storage (EBS) volume (network-attached storage mounted as a device) containing the application software and attendees home directories. The clients were configured to mount the applications and

  6. FORMATION OF A PROPELLER STRUCTURE BY A MOONLET IN A DENSE PLANETARY RING

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

    Michikoshi, Shugo; Kokubo, Eiichiro, E-mail: michikoshi@cfca.jp, E-mail: kokubo@th.nao.ac.jp

    2011-05-10

    The Cassini spacecraft discovered a propeller-shaped structure in Saturn's A. This propeller structure is thought to be formed by gravitational scattering of ring particles by an unseen embedded moonlet. Self-gravity wakes are prevalent in dense rings due to gravitational instability. Strong gravitational wakes affect the propeller structure. Here, we derive the condition for the formation of a propeller structure by a moonlet embedded in a dense ring with gravitational wakes. We find that a propeller structure is formed when the wavelength of the gravitational wakes is smaller than the Hill radius of the moonlet. We confirm this formation condition bymore » performing numerical simulations. This condition is consistent with observations of propeller structures in Saturn's A.« less

  7. A molecular Einstein ring: imaging a starburst disk surrounding a quasi-stellar object.

    PubMed

    Carilli, C L; Lewis, G F; Djorgovski, S G; Mahabal, A; Cox, P; Bertoldi, F; Omont, A

    2003-05-02

    Images of the molecular CO 2-1 line emission and the radio continuum emission from the redshift 4.12 gravitationally lensed quasi-stellar object (QSO) PSS J2322+1944 reveal an Einstein ring with a diameter of 1.5". These observations are modeled as a star-forming disk surrounding the QSO nucleus with a radius of 2 kiloparsecs. The implied massive star formation rate is 900 solar masses per year. At this rate, a substantial fraction of the stars in a large elliptical galaxy could form on a dynamical time scale of 108 years. The observation of active star formation in the host galaxy of a high-redshift QSO supports the hypothesis of coeval formation of supermassive black holes and stars in spheroidal galaxies.

  8. Ego Boundary Deficits and the Negative Therapeutic Inter-Action: A Tale of a Whale, a Whale of a Tale.

    PubMed

    Peterson, Charles A

    2017-06-01

    Defined variously and unsatisfactorily as a worsening of the patient's condition following a correct interpretation, the negative therapeutic reaction is typically blamed on the patient: "the operation was a success but the patient died." For most neurotic patients unconscious guilt objects to progress and activates the need to suffer. For most character-disturbed patients envy cannot bear the analyst's cleverness. However, patients with ego boundary problems-even sectors of psychosis-may require a different explanatory mechanism, where a correct interpretation may be experienced as a penetration and an engulfment, threatening the intactness of the self. A short-term, time-limited, psychoanalytic psychotherapy that went off the rails following a correct but ill-timed interpretation is presented as an opportunity to amend analytic theory, here favoring the interactional over the intrapsychic. Herman Melville helps tell the tale.

  9. Technology as a Fence and a Bridge

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Wehrli, Bryan

    2009-01-01

    Cell phones, laptops, the Internet and social networking sites make teachers anxious and magnify the gap between teacher and student. The influx of devices creates a clamor, but little clarity for schools. When the author began investigating the issue, he discovered a heated debate and a spectrum of views. Then a colleague sent him Clayton…

  10. Levitating a Magnet Using a Superconductive Material.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Juergens, Frederick H.; And Others

    1987-01-01

    Presented are the materials and a procedure for demonstrating the levitation of a magnet above a superconducting material. The demonstration can be projected with an overhead projector for a large group of students. Kits to simplify the demonstration can be purchased from the Institute for Chemical Education of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.…

  11. A Round Is a Circle...

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Boyarsky, Terry L.

    2006-01-01

    Circles are everywhere and endlessly intriguing. We know, sense, and feel them in time, space, sound, and the cycles of nature. A person's life contains spirals, repetitions, going out and coming back. Poets write of circles; composers write song cycles. Circles are at the root of the curriculum, concepts deep yet accessible, infinite in their…

  12. A semiflexible alternating copolymer chain adsorption on a flat and a fluctuating surface.

    PubMed

    Mishra, Pramod Kumar

    2010-04-21

    A lattice model of a directed self-avoiding walk is used to investigate adsorption properties of a semiflexible alternating copolymer chain on an impenetrable flat and fluctuating surface in two (square, hexagonal and rectangular lattice) and three dimensions (cubic lattice). In the cubic lattice case the surface is two-dimensional impenetrable flat and in two dimensions the surface is a fluctuating impenetrable line (hexagonal lattice) and also flat impenetrable line (square and rectangular lattice). Walks of the copolymer chains are directed perpendicular to the plane of the surface and at a suitable value of monomer surface attraction, the copolymer chain gets adsorbed on the surface. To calculate the exact value of the monomer surface attraction, the directed walk model has been solved analytically using the generating function method to discuss results when one type of monomer of the copolymer chain has attractive, repulsive or no interaction with the surface. Results obtained in the flat surface case show that, for a stiffer copolymer chain, adsorption transition occurs at a smaller value of monomer surface attraction than a flexible copolymer chain while in the case of a fluctuating surface, the adsorption transition point is independent of bending energy of the copolymer chain. These features are similar to that of a semiflexible homopolymer chain adsorption.

  13. A forgotten retained drain inside a knee for 10 years: A case report.

    PubMed

    Koaban, Saeed; Alatassi, Raheef; Alogayyel, Nawaf

    2018-05-29

    Surgical drains are inserted into the wound after an arthroscopic knee procedure mainly to decrease fluid collection after the operation. The use of postoperative surgical drains remains controversial. This report presents a rare case of a forgotten retained drain that was accidentally found inside a knee 10 years after an arthroscopic procedure. The drain was removed without any complications. A retained and broken drain during removal is a very rare and preventable complication that can be stressful for both the patient and surgeon. Most of the literature supports that retained drains in the soft tissues do not affect long-term outcomes, but if the drain fragment is in the intra-articular area, it might cause complications. Furthermore, there are several preventive measures to avoid retained surgical drains. By reporting this case of a forgotten drain retained inside a knee for approximately 10 years, we aim to illustrate the potential risk of leaving a drain inside the joint following an arthroscopic procedure. Furthermore, we advise that surgeons maintain a high index of suspicion for iatrogenic complications when a patient continues to complain about unexplained pain at the surgical site. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  14. Harvard M.B.A.: A Golden Passport

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Knight, Michael

    1978-01-01

    Despite increasing competition from Stanford University in California and a number of other graduate business schools, an M.B.A. degree from Harvard is still regarded as the great golden passport to life in the upper class. Discusses the salary and business advantages in having a Harvard M.B.A. and the attitudes of three graduates on what the…

  15. Converting a C-130 Hercules into a Compound Helicopter: A Conceptual Design Study

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kottapalli, Anjaney P.; Harris, Franklin D.

    2012-01-01

    Currently, the US Military and NASA are investigating the feasibility of a Vertical/Short Take Off and Landing (VSTOL) aircraft that can provide invaluable aid in the combat theater and significantly improve the civil transportation system. The nominal military mission requirement calls for a 28-ton payload heavy lift capability while the civilian requirements calls for a 90-passenger, 1000-nm range, airliner, as noted in Reference 1. To aid in these aircraft requirements, the present study examined the conversion of a Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules into a compound aircraft, which would demonstrate the technology required by a much larger version. The present study examined various configurations and rotor blade designs in order to fulfill the nominal mission described previously. It was shown that the initial design of a 180 ft diameter rotor to lift 155,000 lb was not feasible due to material constraints. A revised design, in which the rotor radius was reduced to 55 ft, met the given constraints but required too much power. The decision was made to move to a twin rotor compound to take advantage of the increased disc area and drop the need for anti torque devices. Following this design shift, a new design point was found where all five constraints were met and the power requirements were deemed reasonable. This twin-rotor design was used in NDARC to provide a complete sizing analysis of the chosen design point.

  16. Method and system for controlling a rotational speed of a rotor of a turbogenerator

    DOEpatents

    Stahlhut, Ronnie Dean; Vuk, Carl Thomas

    2008-12-30

    A system and method controls a rotational speed of a rotor or shaft of a turbogenerator in accordance with a present voltage level on a direct current bus. A lower threshold and a higher threshold are established for a speed of a rotor or shaft of a turbogenerator. A speed sensor determines speed data or a speed signal for the rotor or shaft associated with a turbogenerator. A voltage regulator adjusts a voltage level associated with a direct current bus within a target voltage range if the speed data or speed signal indicates that the speed is above the higher threshold or below the lower threshold.

  17. A Captive, a Wreck, a Piece of Dirt: Aging Anxieties Embodied in Older People With a Death Wish.

    PubMed

    van Wijngaarden, Els; Leget, Carlo; Goossensen, Anne; Pool, Robert; The, Anne-Mei

    2017-01-01

    The aims of this present study were to explore the use and meaning of metaphors and images about aging in older people with a death wish and to elucidate what these metaphors and images tell us about their self-understanding and imagined feared future. Twenty-five in-depth interviews with Dutch older people with a death wish (median 82 years) were analyzed by making use of a phenomenological-hermeneutical metaphor analysis approach. We found 10 central metaphorical concepts: (a) struggle, (b) victimhood, (c) void, (d) stagnation, (e) captivity, (f) breakdown, (g) redundancy, (h) subhumanization, (i) burden, and (j) childhood. It appears that the group under research does have profound negative impressions of old age and about themselves being or becoming old. The discourse used reveals a strong sense of distance, disengagement, and nonbelonging associated with their wish to die. This study empirically supports the theory of stereotype embodiment.

  18. A Film Program in a Teaching Hospital *

    PubMed Central

    Meiboom, Esther

    1973-01-01

    The Martland Hospital Medical Library has for more than a year been conducting a 16mm film program for interns, residents, attending physicians, and nurses as an adjunct to continuing education. It was possible to run this project on a minimal budget because many films are available at little or no cost from governmental agencies, pharmaceutical companies, medical associations, and universities. The program is run on a departmental basis. Films for a department are selected by the chief resident in that department from a list which the librarian has prepared of available films in the specialty involved. The library orders and publicizes the films and transacts all business in connection with them. Films pertinent to clinical practice are preferred. The administration of this program is described in this paper, and a number of film catalogs are evaluated. Criteria for film selection are discussed. PMID:4800293

  19. Identification of a novel HLA-A*02 allele, HLA-A*02:01:01:32, in a deceased Caucasoid donor.

    PubMed

    Sherrill, J B; Turner, T R; Abraham, J P; Ho, C S

    2018-06-19

    HLA-A*02:01:01:32 differs from HLA-A*02:01:01:01 by a single nucleotide substitution (G➔A) at position 2456. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  20. When is a Tsunami a Mega-Tsunami?

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chague-Goff, C.; Goff, J. R.; Terry, J. P.; Goto, K.

    2014-12-01

    The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami is commonly called a mega-tsunami, and this attribute has also been linked to the 2011 Tohoku-oki tsunami. However, since this term was first coined in the early 1990's there have been very few attempts to define it. As such it has been applied in a rather arbitrary fashion to a number of tsunami characteristics, such as wave height or amplitude at both the source and at distant locations, run-up height, geographical extent and impact. The first use of the term is related to a tsunami generated by a large bolide impact and indeed it seems entirely appropriate that the term should be used for such rare events on geological timescales. However, probably as a result of media-driven hyperbole, scientists have used this term at least twice in the last decade, which is hardly a significant portion of the geological timescale. It therefore seems reasonable to suggest that these recent unexpectedly large events do not fall in the category of mega-tsunami but into a category of exceptional events within historical experience and local perspective. The use of the term mega-tsunami over the past 14 years is discussed and a definition is provided that marks the relative uniqueness of these events and a new term, appropriately Japanese in origin, namely that of souteigai-tsunami, is proposed. Examples of these tsunamis will be provided.

  1. A New Type of Toxin A-Negative, Toxin B-Positive Clostridium difficile Strain Lacking a Complete tcdA Gene

    PubMed Central

    Marín, Mercedes; Martín, Adoración; Rupnik, Maja

    2014-01-01

    Toxins A and B are the main virulence factors of Clostridium difficile and are the targets for molecular diagnostic tests. Here, we describe a new toxin A-negative, toxin B-positive, binary toxin CDT (Clostridium difficile transferase)-negative (A− B+ CDT−) toxinotype (XXXII) characterized by a variant type of pathogenicity locus (PaLoc) without tcdA and with atypical organization of the PaLoc integration site. PMID:25428159

  2. Should a Physician Comply with a Parent's Demands for a Forensic Exam on a 16-Year-Old Trauma Patient?

    PubMed

    Bowdler, Michelle; Kent, Hannah

    2018-01-01

    Physicians must remain vigilant about their ethical duties to patients, especially in high-stakes situations. The question raised by this case-whether a physician should comply with a parent's demand for treatment against her underage child's wishes-is not one of life or death in which a guardian might more credibly argue her judgment should stand. Given that forcing a rape kit exam on a patient who refuses to give assent could be further traumatizing, we argue that the physician should not comply. Deciding upon a course of action in this situation will involve considering what is in the patient's best interest and what constitutes a physician's appropriate role in gathering evidence for criminal investigations. © 2018 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved.

  3. Seckel syndrome: a report of a case.

    PubMed

    Ramalingam, K; Kaliyamurthy, S D; Govindarajan, M; Swathi, S

    2012-01-01

    Seckel syndrome, first defined by Seckel in 1960, is a rare (incidence 1:10,000), genetically heterogeneous autosomal recessive disorder presenting at birth. This syndrome is characterized by a proportionate dwarfism of prenatal onset, a severe microcephaly with a "bird-headed" like appearance (beaked nose, receding forehead, prominent eyes, and micrognathia), and mental retardation. The significance of dental alterations in this syndrome resides in the defect, hypoplastic enamel, being limited to the primary dentition; in most instances the second primary molar tooth is not affected. A case of the Seckel syndrome is presented.

  4. A Time and a Season

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Locke, Debbie

    2006-01-01

    In this paper, the author reflects on the activities of her previous year with her second-grade students, focusing on a spring butterfly project that she believes helped her students "take flight." Her second graders had anxiously awaited the arrival of the Painted Lady caterpillars. They had studied metamorphosis in the fall and as what she had…

  5. Care in a birth room versus a conventional setting: a controlled trial.

    PubMed Central

    Klein, M; Papageorgiou, A; Westreich, R; Spector-Dunsky, L; Elkins, V; Kramer, M S; Gelfand, M M

    1984-01-01

    A controlled clinical trial was carried out to assess whether a birth room setting would influence the care of mothers and newborns. Of the 163 low-risk women enrolled, 49 (30%) manifested some prenatal risk and were excluded. The remaining 114 were allocated by strict alternation to a birth room or a conventional setting. Of the 56 women allocated to the birth room, 63% of the primiparas and 19% of the multiparas were later transferred. The numbers in the two settings who had oxytocin stimulation, epidural anesthesia, forceps delivery or cesarean section did not show statistically significant differences. The episiotomy rates were slightly lower in the birth room than in the conventional setting, and the rates of an intact perineum were higher in the birth room. Neither the Apgar scores nor the morbidity rates of the infants showed statistically significant differences related to the setting to which the mother had been allocated, although more infants from the conventional setting were admitted to a special care unit. Both "experimental" groups of women less often received routine perineal shaving, enemas or intravenous infusions than did an obstetrically similar nonexperimental comparison group. Despite the apparent inability in this setting for the birth room to influence the rate of major obstetric procedures (except for episiotomy) and outcomes, the authors believe that a birth room is desirable in tertiary care centres as well as in community hospitals. PMID:6388776

  6. Orbit of a Giant and a Dwarf

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kohler, Susanna

    2015-11-01

    The binary system Procyon, located a mere 11 light-years away, consists of a bright, subgiant star and a faint white dwarf presenting a distinct challenge for astronomers to observe. But careful analysis of two decades of precise measurements with the Hubble Space Telescope has now finally revealed some of its secrets.Challenging ObservationsPerturbations were detected as early as 1844 in the orbit of Procyon, originally thought to be a single star. Astronomers of the time suspected that this wobbling was due to the pull of a companion orbiting Procyon, but it wasnt until five decades later that the companion was first detected visually.Why? Because the subgiant Procyon A is the 8th brightest star in the sky. Its companion, on the other hand, is a white dwarf thats fainter (in visual wavelengths) by a factor of nearly 16,000! And the two stars are separated by an angular distance of less than 5.Due to the difficulty observing the system, the measurements of its motion and resulting estimates of the masses of the two stars have been a subject of debate for the better part of the last century.Led by Howard Bond (Pennsylvania State University and the Space Telescope Science Institute), a team of astronomers has now analyzed two decades of Hubble observations of the system, combined with historical, ground-based observations dating back to the 19th century. Bond and collaborators used these data to precisely measure the orbital elements of Procyon and obtain dynamical masses of the two stars.Surprising MixingRelative orbit of Procyon B around Procyon A. The red curve is the authors fit to the orbit, and the open blue circles are positions predicted by the orbital elements found. The black dots are the HST observations of Procyon B. The open green and turquoise circles are the (significantly less precise!) historical, ground-based observations. [Bond et al. 2015]The team reports that this system orbits once every 40.8 years. They find masses for the two stars of 1

  7. Multitasking as a choice: a perspective.

    PubMed

    Broeker, Laura; Liepelt, Roman; Poljac, Edita; Künzell, Stefan; Ewolds, Harald; de Oliveira, Rita F; Raab, Markus

    2018-01-01

    Performance decrements in multitasking have been explained by limitations in cognitive capacity, either modelled as static structural bottlenecks or as the scarcity of overall cognitive resources that prevent humans, or at least restrict them, from processing two tasks at the same time. However, recent research has shown that individual differences, flexible resource allocation, and prioritization of tasks cannot be fully explained by these accounts. We argue that understanding human multitasking as a choice and examining multitasking performance from the perspective of judgment and decision-making (JDM), may complement current dual-task theories. We outline two prominent theories from the area of JDM, namely Simple Heuristics and the Decision Field Theory, and adapt these theories to multitasking research. Here, we explain how computational modelling techniques and decision-making parameters used in JDM may provide a benefit to understanding multitasking costs and argue that these techniques and parameters have the potential to predict multitasking behavior in general, and also individual differences in behavior. Finally, we present the one-reason choice metaphor to explain a flexible use of limited capacity as well as changes in serial and parallel task processing. Based on this newly combined approach, we outline a concrete interdisciplinary future research program that we think will help to further develop multitasking research.

  8. Method for applying a photoresist layer to a substrate having a preexisting topology

    DOEpatents

    Morales, Alfredo M.; Gonzales, Marcela

    2004-01-20

    The present invention describes a method for preventing a photoresist layer from delaminating, peeling, away from the surface of a substrate that already contains an etched three dimensional structure such as a hole or a trench. The process comprises establishing a saturated vapor phase of the solvent media used to formulate the photoresist layer, above the surface of the coated substrate as the applied photoresist is heated in order to "cure" or drive off the retained solvent constituent within the layer. By controlling the rate and manner in which solvent is removed from the photoresist layer the layer is stabilized and kept from differentially shrinking and peeling away from the substrate.

  9. Shuttle Imaging Radar-A (SIR-A) experiment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Elachi, C. (Editor); Cimino, J. B. (Editor)

    1982-01-01

    The SIR-A experiment was conducted in order to acquire radar data over a variety of regions to further understanding of the radar signatures of various geologic features. The capability of the Shuttle as a scientific platform for observation of the Earth's resources was assessed. The SIR-A sensor operated nominally and the full data acquisition capacity of the optical recorder was used.

  10. Are MOOCs a Solution or a Symptom?

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Pence, Harry E.

    2013-01-01

    Despite the lack of a viable business model and very high student attrition rates, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have become the current obsession in higher education. Even so, there is still no broad agreement about what a MOOC actually is. Although the current MOOC format(s) may not be a solution to our problems, they may be a symptom of…

  11. Developing a Culture of Assessment through a Faculty Learning Community: A Case Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Schlitz, Stephanie A.; O'Connor, Margaret; Pang, Yanhui; Stryker, Deborah; Markell, Stephen; Krupp, Ethan; Byers, Celina; Jones, Sheila Dove; Redfern, Alicia King

    2009-01-01

    This article describes how a diverse, interdisciplinary team of faculty formed a topic-based faculty learning community. Following an introduction to faculty learning communities and a brief discussion of their benefit to faculty engaged in the process of adopting new technology, we explain how our team, through a competitive mini-grant…

  12. A statistical model to estimate the impact of a hepatitis A vaccination programme.

    PubMed

    Oviedo, Manuel; Pilar Muñoz, M; Domínguez, Angela; Borras, Eva; Carmona, Gloria

    2008-11-11

    A program of routine hepatitis A+B vaccination in preadolescents was introduced in 1998 in Catalonia, a region situated in the northeast of Spain. The objective of this study was to quantify the reduction in the incidence of hepatitis A in order to differentiate the natural reduction of the incidence of hepatitis A from that produced due to the vaccination programme and to predict the evolution of the disease in forthcoming years. A generalized linear model (GLM) using negative binomial regression was used to estimate the incidence rates of hepatitis A in Catalonia by year, age group and vaccination. Introduction of the vaccine reduced cases by 5.5 by year (p-value<0.001), but there was a significant interaction between the year of report and vaccination that smoothed this reduction (p-value<0.001). The reduction was not equal in all age groups, being greater in the 12-18 years age group, which fell from a mean rate of 8.15 per 100,000 person/years in the pre-vaccination period (1992-1998) to 1.4 in the vaccination period (1999-2005). The model predicts the evolution accurately for the group of vaccinated subjects. Negative binomial regression is more appropriate than Poisson regression when observed variance exceeds the observed mean (overdispersed count data), can cause a variable apparently contribute more on the model of what really makes it.

  13. A Vision System For A Mars Rover

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wilcox, Brian H.; Gennery, Donald B.; Mishkin, Andrew H.; Cooper, Brian K.; Lawton, Teri B.; Lay, N. Keith; Katzmann, Steven P.

    1987-01-01

    A Mars rover must be able to sense its local environment with sufficient resolution and accuracy to avoid local obstacles and hazards while moving a significant distance each day. Power efficiency and reliability are extremely important considerations, making stereo correlation an attractive method of range sensing compared to laser scanning, if the computational load and correspondence errors can be handled. Techniques for treatment of these problems, including the use of more than two cameras to reduce correspondence errors and possibly to limit the computational burden of stereo processing, have been tested at JPL. Once a reliable range map is obtained, it must be transformed to a plan view and compared to a stored terrain database, in order to refine the estimated position of the rover and to improve the database. The slope and roughness of each terrain region are computed, which form the basis for a traversability map allowing local path planning. Ongoing research and field testing of such a system is described.

  14. A vision system for a Mars rover

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wilcox, Brian H.; Gennery, Donald B.; Mishkin, Andrew H.; Cooper, Brian K.; Lawton, Teri B.; Lay, N. Keith; Katzmann, Steven P.

    1988-01-01

    A Mars rover must be able to sense its local environment with sufficient resolution and accuracy to avoid local obstacles and hazards while moving a significant distance each day. Power efficiency and reliability are extremely important considerations, making stereo correlation an attractive method of range sensing compared to laser scanning, if the computational load and correspondence errors can be handled. Techniques for treatment of these problems, including the use of more than two cameras to reduce correspondence errors and possibly to limit the computational burden of stereo processing, have been tested at JPL. Once a reliable range map is obtained, it must be transformed to a plan view and compared to a stored terrain database, in order to refine the estimated position of the rover and to improve the database. The slope and roughness of each terrain region are computed, which form the basis for a traversability map allowing local path planning. Ongoing research and field testing of such a system is described.

  15. A new biology for a new century.

    PubMed

    Woese, Carl R

    2004-06-01

    Biology today is at a crossroads. The molecular paradigm, which so successfully guided the discipline throughout most of the 20th century, is no longer a reliable guide. Its vision of biology now realized, the molecular paradigm has run its course. Biology, therefore, has a choice to make, between the comfortable path of continuing to follow molecular biology's lead or the more invigorating one of seeking a new and inspiring vision of the living world, one that addresses the major problems in biology that 20th century biology, molecular biology, could not handle and, so, avoided. The former course, though highly productive, is certain to turn biology into an engineering discipline. The latter holds the promise of making biology an even more fundamental science, one that, along with physics, probes and defines the nature of reality. This is a choice between a biology that solely does society's bidding and a biology that is society's teacher.

  16. Numerical study of A+A-->0 and A+B-->0 reactions with inertia.

    PubMed

    Romero, A H; Lacasta, A M; Sancho, J M; Lindenberg, Katja

    2007-11-07

    Using numerical methods the authors study the annihilation reactions A+A-->0 and A+B-->0 in one and two dimensions in the presence of inertial contributions to the motion of the particles. The particles move freely following Langevin dynamics at a fixed temperature. The authors focus on the role of friction.

  17. A picture is worth a thousand words: helping students visualize a conceptual model.

    PubMed

    Johnson, S E

    1989-01-01

    Communicating the functional applicability of a conceptual framework to nursing students can be a challenge of considerable magnitude. Nurse educators are convinced that nursing practice and process should stem from theory. However, when attempting to teach this, many educators have struggled with the expressions of confused, skeptical students. To provide a better understanding of a nursing model, the author uses a visual representation of the Neuman Systems Model variables. The student can then visualize application of the Model to nursing practice.

  18. Endometrial carcinoma in a single horn of a bicornuate uterus: A case report.

    PubMed

    Gaballa, Khaled; Cicero, Carla; Gallotta, Valerio; Zannoni, Gianfranco; Scambia, Giovanni

    2018-06-01

    We discuss the diagnosis and the management of endometrial carcinoma in a single horn of bicornuate uterus in a 64-year-old woman as a case report. The case underwent laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and bilateral iliac lymphadenectomy. The gross examination of the uterus revealed a bicornuate uterus with a greater horn of 12 × 9 × 8 cm and a smaller horn of 10 × 3 cm. The cavity of the greater horn showed a neoplastic growth of 10 cm with infiltration of about 1,8 cm of the myometrium from whole thickness of 1.9 cm. while the other horn was free of tumor tissue. The microscopic examination of the uterus revealed G2 endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium of the greater horn with infiltration of more than 50% of the myometrium. In the presence of bicornuate uterus, a bilateral endometrial biopsy should be performed in order to reduce the risk of delayed or missed diagnosis. The management of a case of bicornuate unicollis uterus with endometrial carcinoma in only one horn is the same as patients with endometrial cancer in single uterus and depends mainly on stage and histological grade of the tumor. The possibility of existence of a separate uterine cavity should always be considered when endometrial cancer is clinically suspected but pathology fails to confirm the diagnosis. This points out the importance of a careful physical examination and radiographic evaluation in such cases. Copyright © 2018. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.

  19. Process for forming a long gas turbine engine blade having a main wall with a thin portion near a tip

    DOEpatents

    Campbell, Christian X; Thomaidis, Dimitrios

    2014-05-13

    A process is provided for forming an airfoil for a gas turbine engine involving: forming a casting of a gas turbine engine airfoil having a main wall and an interior cavity, the main wall having a wall thickness extending from an external surface of the outer wall to the interior cavity, an outer section of the main wall extending from a location between a base and a tip of the airfoil casting to the tip having a wall thickness greater than a final thickness. The process may further involve effecting movement, using a computer system, of a material removal apparatus and the casting relative to one another such that a layer of material is removed from the casting at one or more radial portions along the main wall of the casting.

  20. Launch of a Vehicle from a Ramp

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cross, Rod

    2011-01-01

    A vehicle proceeding up an inclined ramp will become airborne if the ramp comes to a sudden end and if the vehicle fails to stop before it reaches the end of the ramp. A vehicle may also become airborne if it passes over the top of a hill at sufficient speed. In both cases, the vehicle becomes airborne if the point of support underneath the…

  1. Error Correction: a Proposal for a Standard

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

    Kirkham, Harold; Riepnieks, Artis; So, Eddy

    Some of the errors in transducers such as instrument transformers can be corrected as part of the digital processing for the measurement. The transducer can be characterized on such a way that allows the TEDS of IEEE Std 1451 to transfer the information to the measurement system. A modification would allow the measurement system to perform a high-quality self-calibration whenever a transducer was replaced.

  2. The Draw a Scientist Test: A Different Population and a Somewhat Different Story

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Thomas, Mark D.; Henley, Tracy B.; Snell, Catherine M.

    2006-01-01

    This study examined Draw-a-Scientist-Test (DAST) images solicited from 212 undergraduate students for the presence of traditional gender stereotypes. Participants were 100 males and 112 females enrolled in psychology or computer science courses with a mean age of 21.02 years. A standard multiple regression generated a model that accounts for the…

  3. A Day in the Life of a Psychiatry Resident: A Pilot Qualitative Analysis

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hilty, Donald M.; Maynes, Sonya M.; Kellner, Maria; Clark, Marilyn S.; Bourgeois, James A.; Servis, Mark E.

    2005-01-01

    Objective: The topic "A Day in the Life of a Psychiatry Resident" is an opportunity to explore residents' experiences to inform the delivery of education. Methods: An open-ended, qualitative approach was used in a pilot project to explore contemporary residents' experiences with education, similar to a patient-centered model of health care.…

  4. A very rare case of a small bowel leiomyosarcoma leading to ileocaecal intussusception treated with a laparoscopic resection: a case report and a literature review.

    PubMed

    Guzel, Tomasz; Mech, Katarzyna; Mazurkiewicz, Michał; Dąbrowski, Bohdan; Lech, Gustaw; Chaber, Andrzej; Słodkowski, Maciej

    2016-02-24

    Small bowel tumours are rare and comprise less than 2% of all primary gastrointestinal neoplasms. Among these tumours, a leiomyosarcoma belonging to soft tissue sarcomas is extremely rare and accounts for about 1 % of malignant mesenchymal lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. Due to its aggressive nature and slow growth, it is often diagnosed at the late stage when curative treatment is impossible. Authors report a first case of leiomyosarcoma with chronic recurrent ileocaecal intussusception and literature review to analyse diagnosis and treatment features of the ileum mesenchymal tumours. We present a case of an 87-year-old Caucasian man suffering from cramp-like abdominal pain for months. Due to lack of clinical signs and unspecific complaints, a diagnosis was delayed. Despite a detailed in-hospital examination, a proper diagnosis was established as late as during an operation. The patient was treated by surgery with good results. An uncommon laparoscopic resection of the small bowel with a tumour was performed. A histopathological investigation confirmed a very rare mesenchymal lesion of the distal ileum. The patient is under control with no recurrence for 1 year of the follow-up period. Reported case indicates that a usually asymptomatic tumour can cause uncommon chronic recurrent ileus signs. CT and MRI scans are investigation of choice in such cases, but they are sometimes inconclusive. It might be worth highlighting the good results of laparoscopic leiomyosarcoma lesion resection with a very good outcome.

  5. Implementing a Quality Management Framework in a Higher Education Organisation: A Case Study

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    O'Mahony, Kim; Garavan, Thomas N.

    2012-01-01

    Purpose: This paper aims to report and analyse the lessons learned from a case study on the implementation of a quality management system within an IT Division in a higher education (HE) organisation. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is based on a review of the relevant literatures and the use of primary sources such as document analysis,…

  6. A Thousand Cranes: A Curriculum of Peace.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Rees, Linda W.

    2000-01-01

    Relates the author's experiences as a teacher with a high school student, a soft-spoken Japanese young woman, who taught the author and her fellow high school students much about understanding, forgiveness, and peace. (SR)

  7. A taxometric investigation of agoraphobia in a clinical and a community sample.

    PubMed

    Slade, Tim; Grisham, Jessica R

    2009-08-01

    The nosological status of agoraphobia is controversial. Agoraphobia may be a distinct diagnostic entity or a marker of avoidance severity. The current study examines the latent structure of agoraphobia through the use of taxometric analysis. The latent structure of agoraphobia was examined in two independent samples, one comprising outpatients presenting for treatment for panic disorder (PD) with or without agoraphobia (n=365), and the other comprising community volunteers to a national mental health survey who experienced fear or avoidance of at least one prototypic agoraphobic situation (n=640). Two taxometric procedures were carried out - maximum eigenvalue (MAXEIG) and mean above minus below a cut (MAMBAC) - using indicators derived from questionnaire measures of, and structured diagnostic interviews for, agoraphobia. Results show consistent evidence of dimensional latent structure in both samples. It is concluded that scores on measures of agoraphobia best represent an agoraphobic severity dimension.

  8. Method for controlling a producing zone of a well in a geological formation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Arndt, G. Dickey (Inventor); Carl, James R. (Inventor); Byerly, Kent A. (Inventor); Amini, B. Jon (Inventor)

    2005-01-01

    System and methods for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic pulses through a geological formation. A preferably programmable transmitter having an all-digital portion in a preferred embodiment may be operated at frequencies below 1 MHz without loss of target resolution by transmitting and over sampling received long PN codes. A gated and stored portion of the received signal may be correlated with the PN code to determine distances of interfaces within the geological formation, such as the distance of a water interfaces from a wellbore. The received signal is oversampled preferably at rates such as five to fifty times as high as a carrier frequency. In one method of the invention, an oil well with multiple production zones may be kept in production by detecting an approaching water front in one of the production zones and shutting down that particular production zone thereby permitting the remaining production zones to continue operating.

  9. Method for Controlling a Producing Zone of a Well in a Geological Formation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Arndt, G. Dickey (Inventor); Carl, James R. (Inventor); Byerly, Kent A. (Inventor); Amini, B. Jon (Inventor)

    2005-01-01

    System and methods for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic pulses through a geological formation. A preferably programmable transmitter having an all-digital portion in a preferred embodiment may be operated at frequencies below 1 MHz without loss of target resolution by transmitting and over sampling received long PN codes. A gated and stored portion of the received signal may be correlated with the PN code to determine distances of interfaces within the geological formation, such as the distance of a water interfaces from a wellbore. The received signal is oversampled preferably at rates such as five to fifty times as high as a carrier frequency. In one method of the invention, an oil well with multiple production zones may be kept in production by detecting an approaching water front in one of the production zones and shutting down that particular production zone thereby permitting the remaining production zones to continue operating.

  10. Playing with Moon Sand: A Narrative Inquiry into a Teacher's Experiences Teaching Alongside a Student with a Chronic Illness

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Davis, Beth; Murphy, M. Shaun

    2016-01-01

    This paper inquires into the experiences of an early childhood educator named Claire who taught a young girl with a chronic illness at East Willows Elementary School, a western Canadian elementary school. Using narrative inquiry as the methodology, Claire's experiences in her curriculum making alongside Madeline a young girl with Turner syndrome…

  11. A novel missense mutation in GRIN2A causes a nonepileptic neurodevelopmental disorder.

    PubMed

    Fernández-Marmiesse, Ana; Kusumoto, Hirofumi; Rekarte, Saray; Roca, Iria; Zhang, Jin; Myers, Scott J; Traynelis, Stephen F; Couce, Mª Luz; Gutierrez-Solana, Luis; Yuan, Hongjie

    2018-04-11

    Mutations in the GRIN2A gene, which encodes the GluN2A (glutamate [NMDA] receptor subunit epsilon-1) subunit of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor, have been identified in patients with epilepsy-aphasia spectrum disorders, idiopathic focal epilepsies with centrotemporal spikes, and epileptic encephalopathies with severe developmental delay. However, thus far, mutations in this gene have not been associated with a nonepileptic neurodevelopmental disorder with dystonia. The objective of this study was to identify the disease-causing gene in 2 siblings with neurodevelopmental and movement disorders with no epileptiform abnormalities. The study method was targeted next-generation sequencing panel for neuropediatric disorders and subsequent electrophysiological studies. The 2 siblings carry a novel missense mutation in the GRIN2A gene (p.Ala643Asp) that was not detected in genomic DNA isolated from blood cells of their parents, suggesting that the mutation is the consequence of germinal mosaicism in 1 progenitor. In functional studies, the GluN2A-A643D mutation increased the potency of the agonists L-glutamate and glycine and decreased the potency of endogenous negative modulators, including protons, magnesium and zinc but reduced agonist-evoked peak current response in mammalian cells, suggesting that this mutation has a mixed effect on N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor function. De novo GRIN2A mutations can give rise to a neurodevelopmental and movement disorder without epilepsy. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

  12. Interaction between a pulsating jet and a surrounding disk wind. A hydrodynamical perspective

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tabone, B.; Raga, A.; Cabrit, S.; Pineau des Forêts, G.

    2018-06-01

    Context. The molecular richness of fast protostellar jets within 20-100 au of their source, despite strong ultraviolet irradiation, remains a challenge for the models investigated so far. Aim.We aim to investigate the effect of interaction between a time-variable jet and a surrounding steady disk wind, to assess the possibility of jet chemical enrichement by the wind, and the characteristic signatures of such a configuration. Methods: We have constructed an analytic model of a jet bow shock driven into a surrounding slower disk wind in the thin shell approximation. The refilling of the post bow shock cavity from below by the disk wind is also studied. An extension of the model to the case of two or more successive internal working surfaces (IWS) is made. We then compared this analytic model with numerical simulations with and without a surrounding disk wind. Results: We find that at early times (of order the variability period), jet bow shocks travel in refilled pristine disk wind material, before interacting with the cocoon of older bow shocks. This opens the possibility of bow shock chemical enrichment (if the disk wind is molecular and dusty) and of probing the unperturbed disk wind structure near the jet base. Several distinctive signatures of the presence of a surrounding disk wind are identified, in the bow shock morphology and kinematics. Numerical simulations validate our analytical approach and further show that at large scale, the passage of many jet IWS inside a disk wind produces a stationary V-shaped cavity, closing down onto the axis at a finite distance from the source.

  13. 14 CFR 382.29 - May a carrier require a passenger with a disability to travel with a safety assistant?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false May a carrier require a passenger with a disability to travel with a safety assistant? 382.29 Section 382.29 Aeronautics and Space OFFICE OF THE... BASIS OF DISABILITY IN AIR TRAVEL Nondiscrimination and Access to Services and Information § 382.29 May...

  14. 14 CFR 382.29 - May a carrier require a passenger with a disability to travel with a safety assistant?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 14 Aeronautics and Space 4 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false May a carrier require a passenger with a disability to travel with a safety assistant? 382.29 Section 382.29 Aeronautics and Space OFFICE OF THE... BASIS OF DISABILITY IN AIR TRAVEL Nondiscrimination and Access to Services and Information § 382.29 May...

  15. On Human Communication: A Review, a Survey, and a Criticism.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cherry, Colin

    This book, uniting the material from numerous lectures on communication theory, is designed to serve as the introduction to a series entitled "Studies in Communication," which will appear during the next few years. It is not intended for the expert in each of the many fields related to human communication, but, rather, it is designed for the…

  16. Portrait of a Science Teacher as a Bricoleur: A Case Study from India

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sharma, Ajay

    2008-01-01

    This paper presents a case study of science teaching in an eighth grade school classroom in India. It comes out of a larger ethnographic study done in 2005 that looked at how science was taught and learned in a rural government run middle school in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India. Subscribing to a sociocultural perspective, the paper presents…

  17. Bladder necrosis: 'A man without a bladder'.

    PubMed

    Bosschieter, Judith; Oudshoorn, Frederik H K; Meuleman, Eric J H; Nieuwenhuijzen, Jakko A

    2018-02-17

    Since the use of antibiotics, bladder necrosis has become a rare condition. We report a case of bladder necrosis in a 90-year-old man following urinary retention. After insertion of a transurethral catheter (TUC), 2 L of urine was evacuated. In the following days, the TUC became intermittently blocked. Adequate bladder drainage could not be obtained despite intensive rinsing and placement of a suprapubic catheter. On surgical exploration necrosis of almost the entire bladder wall, except for the trigone, was encountered. Surgical debridement of the non-viable bladder wall without opening the abdominal cavity was conducted, and a TUC was placed in the Retzius cavity to ensure evacuation of urine. Since the patient was haemodynamically unstable, construction of a urinary diversion was waived and urinary drainage of the Retzius cavity by the TUC was accepted, resulting in adequate urinary drainage without compromising renal function. © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  18. Could a neuroscientist understand a microprocessor?

    DOE PAGES

    Jonas, Eric; Kording, Konrad Paul; Diedrichsen, Jorn

    2017-01-12

    There is a popular belief in neuroscience that we are primarily data limited, and that producing large, multimodal, and complex datasets will, with the help of advanced data analysis algorithms, lead to fundamental insights into the way the brain processes information. These datasets do not yet exist, and if they did we would have no way of evaluating whether or not the algorithmically-generated insights were sufficient or even correct. To address this, here we take a classical microprocessor as a model organism, and use our ability to perform arbitrary experiments on it to see if popular data analysis methods frommore » neuroscience can elucidate the way it processes information. Microprocessors are among those artificial information processing systems that are both complex and that we understand at all levels, from the overall logical flow, via logical gates, to the dynamics of transistors. We show that the approaches reveal interesting structure in the data but do not meaningfully describe the hierarchy of information processing in the microprocessor. This suggests current analytic approaches in neuroscience may fall short of producing meaningful understanding of neural systems, regardless of the amount of data. Furthermore, we argue for scientists using complex non-linear dynamical systems with known ground truth, such as the microprocessor as a validation platform for time-series and structure discovery methods.« less

  19. Could a neuroscientist understand a microprocessor?

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

    Jonas, Eric; Kording, Konrad Paul; Diedrichsen, Jorn

    There is a popular belief in neuroscience that we are primarily data limited, and that producing large, multimodal, and complex datasets will, with the help of advanced data analysis algorithms, lead to fundamental insights into the way the brain processes information. These datasets do not yet exist, and if they did we would have no way of evaluating whether or not the algorithmically-generated insights were sufficient or even correct. To address this, here we take a classical microprocessor as a model organism, and use our ability to perform arbitrary experiments on it to see if popular data analysis methods frommore » neuroscience can elucidate the way it processes information. Microprocessors are among those artificial information processing systems that are both complex and that we understand at all levels, from the overall logical flow, via logical gates, to the dynamics of transistors. We show that the approaches reveal interesting structure in the data but do not meaningfully describe the hierarchy of information processing in the microprocessor. This suggests current analytic approaches in neuroscience may fall short of producing meaningful understanding of neural systems, regardless of the amount of data. Furthermore, we argue for scientists using complex non-linear dynamical systems with known ground truth, such as the microprocessor as a validation platform for time-series and structure discovery methods.« less

  20. Could a Neuroscientist Understand a Microprocessor?

    PubMed Central

    Kording, Konrad Paul

    2017-01-01

    There is a popular belief in neuroscience that we are primarily data limited, and that producing large, multimodal, and complex datasets will, with the help of advanced data analysis algorithms, lead to fundamental insights into the way the brain processes information. These datasets do not yet exist, and if they did we would have no way of evaluating whether or not the algorithmically-generated insights were sufficient or even correct. To address this, here we take a classical microprocessor as a model organism, and use our ability to perform arbitrary experiments on it to see if popular data analysis methods from neuroscience can elucidate the way it processes information. Microprocessors are among those artificial information processing systems that are both complex and that we understand at all levels, from the overall logical flow, via logical gates, to the dynamics of transistors. We show that the approaches reveal interesting structure in the data but do not meaningfully describe the hierarchy of information processing in the microprocessor. This suggests current analytic approaches in neuroscience may fall short of producing meaningful understanding of neural systems, regardless of the amount of data. Additionally, we argue for scientists using complex non-linear dynamical systems with known ground truth, such as the microprocessor as a validation platform for time-series and structure discovery methods. PMID:28081141

  1. Could a Neuroscientist Understand a Microprocessor?

    PubMed

    Jonas, Eric; Kording, Konrad Paul

    2017-01-01

    There is a popular belief in neuroscience that we are primarily data limited, and that producing large, multimodal, and complex datasets will, with the help of advanced data analysis algorithms, lead to fundamental insights into the way the brain processes information. These datasets do not yet exist, and if they did we would have no way of evaluating whether or not the algorithmically-generated insights were sufficient or even correct. To address this, here we take a classical microprocessor as a model organism, and use our ability to perform arbitrary experiments on it to see if popular data analysis methods from neuroscience can elucidate the way it processes information. Microprocessors are among those artificial information processing systems that are both complex and that we understand at all levels, from the overall logical flow, via logical gates, to the dynamics of transistors. We show that the approaches reveal interesting structure in the data but do not meaningfully describe the hierarchy of information processing in the microprocessor. This suggests current analytic approaches in neuroscience may fall short of producing meaningful understanding of neural systems, regardless of the amount of data. Additionally, we argue for scientists using complex non-linear dynamical systems with known ground truth, such as the microprocessor as a validation platform for time-series and structure discovery methods.

  2. Is there a role for a primary health nurse in a learning support team in a disadvantaged high school? Evaluation of a pilot study.

    PubMed

    Dennis, Sarah; Noon, Ted; Liaw, Siaw Teng

    2016-02-01

    Disadvantaged children experience more health problems and have poorer educational outcomes compared with students from advantaged backgrounds. This paper presents the quantitative and qualitative findings from a pilot study to determine the impact of the Healthy Learner model, where an experienced primary care nurse was embedded in a learning support team in a disadvantaged high school. Students entering high school with National Assessment Program, Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) scores in the lowest quartile for the school were assessed by the nurse and identified health issues addressed. Thirty-nine students were assessed in 2012-13 and there were up to seven health problems identified per student, ranging from serious neglect to problems such as uncorrected vision or hearing. Many of these problems were having an impact on the student and their ability to engage in learning. Families struggled to navigate the health system, they had difficulty explaining the student's problems to health professionals and costs were a barrier. Adding a nurse to the learning support team in this disadvantaged high school was feasible and identified considerable unmet health needs that affect a student's ability to learn. The families needed extensive support to access any subsequent health care they required.

  3. Replacing a 252Cf source with a neutron generator in a shuffler - a conceptual design performed with MCNPX

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

    Schear, Melissa A; Tobin, Stephen J

    2009-01-01

    The {sup 252}Cf shuffler has been widely used in nuclear safeguards and radioactive waste management to assay fissile isotopes, such as {sup 235}U or {sup 239}Pu, present in a variety of samples, ranging from small cans of uranium waste to metal samples weighing several kilograms. Like other non-destructive assay instruments, the shuffler uses an interrogating neutron source to induce fissions in the sample. Although shufflers with {sup 252}Cf sources have been reliably used for several decades, replacing this isotopic source with a neutron generator presents some distinct advantages. Neutron generators can be run in a continuous or pulsed mode, andmore » may be turned off, eliminating the need for shielding and a shuffling mechanism in the shuffler. There is also essentially no dose to personnel during installation, and no reliance on the availability of {sup 252}Cf. Despite these advantages, the more energetic neutrons emitted from the neutron generator (141 MeV for D-T generators) present some challenges for certain material types. For example when the enrichment of a uranium sample is unknown, the fission of {sup 238}U is generally undesirable. Since measuring uranium is one of the main uses of a shuffler, reducing the delayed neutron contribution from {sup 238}U is desirable. Hence, the shuffler hardware must be modified to accommodate a moderator configuration near the source to tailor the interrogating spectrum in a manner which promotes sub-threshold fissions (below 1 MeV) but avoids the over-moderation of the interrogating neutrons so as to avoid self-shielding. In this study, where there are many material and geometry combinations, the Monte Carlo N-Particle eXtended (MCNPX) transport code was used to model, design, and optimize the moderator configuration within the shuffler geometry. The code is then used to evaluate and compare the assay performances of both the modified shuffler and the current {sup 252}Cf shuffler designs for different test samples

  4. In search of novel ligands using a structure-based approach: a case study on the adenosine A2A receptor.

    PubMed

    Lenselink, Eelke B; Beuming, Thijs; van Veen, Corine; Massink, Arnault; Sherman, Woody; van Vlijmen, Herman W T; IJzerman, Adriaan P

    2016-10-01

    In this work, we present a case study to explore the challenges associated with finding novel molecules for a receptor that has been studied in depth and has a wealth of chemical information available. Specifically, we apply a previously described protocol that incorporates explicit water molecules in the ligand binding site to prospectively screen over 2.5 million drug-like and lead-like compounds from the commercially available eMolecules database in search of novel binders to the adenosine A 2A receptor (A 2A AR). A total of seventy-one compounds were selected for purchase and biochemical assaying based on high ligand efficiency and high novelty (Tanimoto coefficient ≤0.25 to any A 2A AR tested compound). These molecules were then tested for their affinity to the adenosine A 2A receptor in a radioligand binding assay. We identified two hits that fulfilled the criterion of ~50 % radioligand displacement at a concentration of 10 μM. Next we selected an additional eight novel molecules that were predicted to make a bidentate interaction with Asn253 6.55 , a key interacting residue in the binding pocket of the A 2A AR. None of these eight molecules were found to be active. Based on these results we discuss the advantages of structure-based methods and the challenges associated with finding chemically novel molecules for well-explored targets.

  5. A Canadian ESL Teacher in China: A Stranger in a Strange Land

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Ragoonaden, Karen; Akehurst, Jessica

    2013-01-01

    Through a self-study of teacher and teacher education practices, this article explores cultural discontinuities between Canadian teachers and Chinese students enrolled in Canadian offshore schools. The methodology of self-study provides a means to think about, understand and develop teachers' practice in contexts where intercultural diversity…

  6. A review of how to conduct a surgical survey using a questionnaire.

    PubMed

    Hing, C B; Smith, T O; Hooper, L; Song, F; Donell, S T

    2011-08-01

    Health surveys using questionnaires facilitate the acquisition of information on the knowledge, behaviour, attitudes, perceptions and clinical history of a selected population. Their internal and external validities are threatened by poor design and low response rates. Numerous studies have investigated survey design and administration but care should be taken when generalising findings in different clinical and cultural settings. The current evidence-base suggests that no single mode of survey administration, such as postal, electronic or telephone, is superior to another. Whilst there is no evidence of an ideal response rate relationship to survey validity, response rates can be enhanced by including monetary incentives, providing a time cue, and repeat contact with non-responders. Unlike other modes of experimental data collection, few guidelines currently exist for survey and questionnaire design and response rate should not be considered a direct measure of a survey's quality. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Empowering patients of a mental rehabilitation center in a low-resource context: a Moroccan experience as a case study

    PubMed Central

    Khabbache, Hicham; Jebbar, Abdelhak; Rania, Nadia; Doucet, Marie-Chantal; Watfa, Ali Assad; Candau, Joël; Martini, Mariano; Siri, Anna; Brigo, Francesco; Bragazzi, Nicola Luigi

    2017-01-01

    Mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders represent a major source of disability and premature mortality worldwide. However, in developing countries patients with MNS disorders are often poorly managed and treated, particularly in marginalized, impoverished areas where the mental health gap and the treatment gap can reach 90%. Efforts should be made in promoting help by making mental health care more accessible. In this article, we address the challenges that psychological and psychiatric services have to face in a low-resource context, taking our experience at a Moroccan rehabilitation center as a case study. A sample of 60 patients were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire during the period of 2014–2015. The questionnaire investigated the reactions and feelings of the patients to the rehabilitation program, and their perceived psychological status and mental improvement, if any. Interviews were then transcribed and processed using ATLAS.ti V.7.0 qualitative analysis software. Frequencies and co-occurrence analyses were carried out. Despite approximately 30 million inhabitants within the working age group, Morocco suffers from a shortage of specialized health workers. Our ethnographic observations show that psychiatric treatment can be ensured, notwithstanding these hurdles, if a public health perspective is assumed. In resource-limited settings, working in the field of mental health means putting oneself on the line, exposing oneself to new experiences, and reorganizing one’s own skills and expertise. In the present article, we have used our clinical experience at a rehabilitation center in Fes as a case study and we have shown how to use peer therapy to overcome the drawbacks that we are encountered daily in a setting of limited resources. PMID:28435341

  8. Empowering patients of a mental rehabilitation center in a low-resource context: a Moroccan experience as a case study.

    PubMed

    Khabbache, Hicham; Jebbar, Abdelhak; Rania, Nadia; Doucet, Marie-Chantal; Watfa, Ali Assad; Candau, Joël; Martini, Mariano; Siri, Anna; Brigo, Francesco; Bragazzi, Nicola Luigi

    2017-01-01

    Mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders represent a major source of disability and premature mortality worldwide. However, in developing countries patients with MNS disorders are often poorly managed and treated, particularly in marginalized, impoverished areas where the mental health gap and the treatment gap can reach 90%. Efforts should be made in promoting help by making mental health care more accessible. In this article, we address the challenges that psychological and psychiatric services have to face in a low-resource context, taking our experience at a Moroccan rehabilitation center as a case study. A sample of 60 patients were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire during the period of 2014-2015. The questionnaire investigated the reactions and feelings of the patients to the rehabilitation program, and their perceived psychological status and mental improvement, if any. Interviews were then transcribed and processed using ATLAS.ti V.7.0 qualitative analysis software. Frequencies and co-occurrence analyses were carried out. Despite approximately 30 million inhabitants within the working age group, Morocco suffers from a shortage of specialized health workers. Our ethnographic observations show that psychiatric treatment can be ensured, notwithstanding these hurdles, if a public health perspective is assumed. In resource-limited settings, working in the field of mental health means putting oneself on the line, exposing oneself to new experiences, and reorganizing one's own skills and expertise. In the present article, we have used our clinical experience at a rehabilitation center in Fes as a case study and we have shown how to use peer therapy to overcome the drawbacks that we are encountered daily in a setting of limited resources.

  9. [Suh Yang Park, who became a doctor as a son of a butcher].

    PubMed

    Park, Hyoung Woo; Hong, Jung Wan

    2006-12-01

    Dr. Suh Yang Park was born in 1885 as a son of a butcher, which was the lowest class at that time in Korea. However, contact with western missionaries, including Dr. 0. R. Avison, provided him with an understanding of western civilization. After entering Chejungwon Medical School in 1900, Dr. Park learned basic sciences, basic medical sciences like anatomy and physiology, and other Western medical specialties such as internal medicine and surgery. He graduated from medical school in 1908 and received Government Certificate from Home Office, the first in Korea in this field, which granted the right to practice medicine. His certificate number was 4th overall. As both a doctor and a talented musician, Dr. Park actively participated in the social enlightenment movement. He was quite progressive in his time, having surpassed the social limitations as a son of a butcher, as well as actively propagating his knowledge of Western civilization onto others. After graduation, he had served as a professor at the school he graduated from, until he went into exile in Manchuria in 1917 due to the annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910. There, he opened a hospital and provided medical treatment for Koreans. He also established a school for young Koreans, inspiring them with a sense of nationalism. Also, Dr. Park was an active member of various Independence Movement Organizations in Manchuria. Then in 1932, at the time when Japan took control of Manchuria, his school was closed down. As a result, Dr. Park couldn't help but stop his anti-Japanese activities. In 1936, he returned to his homeland and passed away in 1940, just five years before the liberation of Korea from Japanese occupation.

  10. Candida vulvovaginitis: A store with a buttery and a show window.

    PubMed

    Donders, Gilbert G G; Sobel, Jack D

    2017-02-01

    Although being an utterly frequent, non-mortal, yet distressing disease, and despite good knowledge of the pathogenesis and the availability of specific and safe treatment, vulvovaginal Candida (VVC) infection remains one of the most enigmatic problems for both physicians and patients. Good treatment requires a proper diagnosis. Too many caregivers (and patients treating themselves) react too simple-minded on the symptoms of VVC and treat VVC where they see it on the vulva. In this opinion paper, we plea for a thorough examination of women with VVC, especially in those women who suffer from recurrent disease since a long time, sometimes decades, which necessitates intensive examination of the vaginal flora, as this is invariably the reservoir for relapses and recurrent vulvitis. Examination of such complicated cases requires experienced clinical judgement, expertise bedside phase contrast microscopy of fresh vaginal fluid, classical cultures on Sabouroud medium and, if still unresolved, repetitive cultures taken by the patient herself at moments of symptoms, and/or nuclear acid amplification techniques to detect Candida genes in the vaginal fluid. Even if only vulvitis is evident, thorough expert examination of vaginal fluid is obligatory to diagnose VVC. © 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

  11. A look at Supernova 1987A

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

    Schramm, D.N.

    1987-10-01

    Supernova 1987A is reviewed with emphasis on the neutrino observations. It is shown that the results fit well with the expectations for neutrino temperatures (T approx. 4epsilon/sub 0/4.5 MeV) and total energy emitted (2epsilon/sub 0/4 x 10/sup 53/ ergs). It is argued that the detection tends to favor collapse models that yield emission for 10 second timescales with a 1epsilon/sub 0/2 second early accretion phase followed by Kelvin-Helmholtz cooling as opposed to prompt shocks with the immediate onset of cooling. It is also argued that the probable detection of one or more electron scattering event favors a superthermal tail atmore » high energies. Neutrino mass limits and flavor limits are comparable to laboratory experiments. An estimate for future collapse rates in our galaxy of 1/7 year is made based on nucleosynthesis yields. The supernova also has eliminated many axion and majoron models. 69 refs., 3 figs., 27 tabs.« less

  12. Broadcasting a message in a parallel computer

    DOEpatents

    Archer, Charles J; Faraj, Ahmad A

    2013-04-16

    Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for broadcasting a message in a parallel computer that includes: transmitting, by the logical root to all of the nodes directly connected to the logical root, a message; and for each node except the logical root: receiving the message; if that node is the physical root, then transmitting the message to all of the child nodes except the child node from which the message was received; if that node received the message from a parent node and if that node is not a leaf node, then transmitting the message to all of the child nodes; and if that node received the message from a child node and if that node is not the physical root, then transmitting the message to all of the child nodes except the child node from which the message was received and transmitting the message to the parent node.

  13. A University Department as a Community of Practice: A Quality Promotion Perspective

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Bitzer, E. M.

    2010-01-01

    Wenger (2000, 229) describes communities of practice as the "basic building blocks of a social learning system" since they are the "social containers" that make up such a system. By practising in academic communities, academics define with one another what constitutes academic competence and, for that matter, what constitutes…

  14. 43 CFR 30.121 - May a judge appoint a master in a probate case?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 43 Public Lands: Interior 1 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false May a judge appoint a master in a probate... PROBATE HEARINGS PROCEDURES Judicial Authority and Duties § 30.121 May a judge appoint a master in a probate case? (a) In the exercise of any authority under this part, a judge may appoint a master to do all...

  15. 43 CFR 30.121 - May a judge appoint a master in a probate case?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 43 Public Lands: Interior 1 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false May a judge appoint a master in a probate... PROBATE HEARINGS PROCEDURES Judicial Authority and Duties § 30.121 May a judge appoint a master in a probate case? (a) In the exercise of any authority under this part, a judge may appoint a master to do all...

  16. 43 CFR 30.121 - May a judge appoint a master in a probate case?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 43 Public Lands: Interior 1 2012-10-01 2011-10-01 true May a judge appoint a master in a probate... PROBATE HEARINGS PROCEDURES Judicial Authority and Duties § 30.121 May a judge appoint a master in a probate case? (a) In the exercise of any authority under this part, a judge may appoint a master to do all...

  17. 43 CFR 30.121 - May a judge appoint a master in a probate case?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 43 Public Lands: Interior 1 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false May a judge appoint a master in a probate... PROBATE HEARINGS PROCEDURES Judicial Authority and Duties § 30.121 May a judge appoint a master in a probate case? (a) In the exercise of any authority under this part, a judge may appoint a master to do all...

  18. 43 CFR 30.121 - May a judge appoint a master in a probate case?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 43 Public Lands: Interior 1 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false May a judge appoint a master in a probate... PROBATE HEARINGS PROCEDURES Judicial Authority and Duties § 30.121 May a judge appoint a master in a probate case? (a) In the exercise of any authority under this part, a judge may appoint a master to do all...

  19. The nationalization of a disease: a paradigm?

    PubMed Central

    Soviero, D J

    1986-01-01

    The early history of the Federal involvement in Hansen's Disease reflects the history of the Public Health Service itself. As a young and aggressive institution, the Public Health Service sought out contagious, infectious diseases that threatened the public health. National resources and national coordination were needed to fight the likes of malaria, hookworm, or smallpox. The customary attack would consist of a field study, determination of the etiology, the method of transmission, and, then, perhaps, preventive measures. An eradication campaign would follow. Leprosy fit perfectly into the model--a disease of unknown etiology, an unknown method of transmission, thought to be highly contagious, and no known cure. The United States launched a major investigation in Hawaii, where the disease was prevalent and its victims conveniently segregated. The investigation failed. The Public Health Service then turned toward segregation and isolation as a way to fulfill its public health role. A bureaucracy was established around the idea that victims of leprosy must be incarcerated for the good of the public. The institutionalization of the Public Health Service and the philosophy upon which its treatment of leprosy was based proved difficult to change when researchers in the field made major scientific breakthroughs in the 1940s. The realization that the disease was only feebly contagious, activities of patient organizations, and pressure from the media and the Congress did not achieve as dramatic results as the sulfone drugs did. The Public Health Service moved, but slowly. What are the lessons in all of this?. Images p401-a p402-a p403-a PMID:3090606

  20. A design for a reusable Ada library

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Litke, John D.

    1986-01-01

    A goal of the Ada language standardization effort is to promote reuse of software, implying the existence of substantial software libraries and the storage/retrieval mechanisms to support them. A searching/cataloging mechanism is proposed that permits full or partial distribution of the database, adapts to a variety of searching mechanisms, permits a changine taxonomy with minimal disruption, and minimizes the requirement of specialized cataloger/indexer skills. The important observation is that key words serve not only as indexing mechanism, but also as an identification mechanism, especially via concatenation and as support for a searching mechanism. By deliberately separating these multiple uses, the modifiability and ease of growth that current libraries require, is achieved.