Time Evolution of Elemental Ratios in Solar Energetic Particle events

Heavy ion ratio abundances in Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events, e.g. Fe/O, often exhibit decreases over time. Using particle instruments on the ACE, SOHO and STEREO spacecraft, we analysed heavy ion data from 4 SEP events taking place between December 2006 and December 2014. We constructed 36 different ionic pairs and studied their time evolution in each event. We quantified the temporal behaviour of abundant SEP ratios by fitting the data to derive a decay time constant B. We also considered the ratio of ionic mass–to–charge for each pair, the S value given e.g. for Fe/O by SFe/O = (M/Q)Fe/(M/Q)O. We found that the temporal behaviour of SEP ratios is ordered by the value of S: ratios with S > 1 showed decreases over time (i.e. B 0). We plotted B as a function of S and observed a clear monotonic dependence: ratios with a large S decayed at a higher rate. A prominent discontinuity at S = 2.0 (corresponding to He/H) was found in 3 of the 4 events, suggesting anomalous behaviour of protons. The X/H ratios often show an initial increase followed by a decrease, and decay at a slower rate. We discuss possible causes of the observed B versus S trends within current understanding of SEP propagation

Optimization Protocol for the SSRL In-Situ Crystallization and Automated Data Collection Plate

Typically when researchers want to collect data from protein crystals, those crystals must be flash-frozen using liquid nitrogen. This keeps the crystals stable for data analysis, however, can damage crystals and does not give the best possible data. Ideally, crystals can be analyzed at room temperature, which would allow for more modulation of the shape and give researchers a better picture of the shape of the protein. Room temperature data analysis can be difficult, because protein crystals are fragile and will dehydrate quickly if not kept in the proper conditions. The purpose of this research was to develop and optimize a plate that could store crystals at room temperature without damaging the crystals. Over the course of the project many different conditions were tested to try to find an appropriate environment for the protein crystals inside the SSRL In-Situ Crystallization Plate that would allow crystals to remain viable at room temperature for an extended period of time. It was found that if the crystals were loaded into a plate that had been equilibrated with a crystallization solution thickened with agarose, the crystals would remain viable for at least three days. Diffraction patterns were taken from various crystals after one, two, and three days in order to confirm the crystals were indeed viable and that they refracted properly. The end goal of this project is to allow users to SLAC to be able to utilize this plate and the Stanford Automated Mounter located at SSRL to collect data from room temperature crystals remotely without damage to those crystals

EL CONTENIDO CURRICULAR COMO ESTRATEGIA DE CONTENCION DE ALUMNOS DE 1º AÑO DE LA CARRERA DE ARQUITECTURA. FAUD.UNC.

El ingreso a la Universidad implica una inflexión en la vida y en la formación del estudiante. Es una etapa crítica del proceso de crecimiento y maduración, que debería generar un mayor grado de autonomía y autogestión. Los alumnos ingresantes en Arquitectura, presentan un grado importante de dispersión en cuanto a los contenidos curriculares aprendidos en el nivel medio y una gran disparidad de habilidades y hábitos de trabajo adquiridos en las etapas formativas previas. El curso de nivelación intenta paliar algunos de estas debilidades, pero es necesario que las asignaturas de primer año asuman en forma conjunta el objetivo nivelador para evitar la frustración de un grupo importante de estudiantes que fracasa en esta etapa. En los últimos años se detecta, además, una importante deserción de estudiantes al promediar el primer año. La propuesta pedagógica debe proveer alternativas para afrontar el escenario de un ingreso masivo, con condiciones infraestructurales deficitarias y una relación docente - alumno que dista mucho de ser óptima. Las asignaturas de los ciclos básicos universitarios son mediadoras en el proceso de aprendizaje que produce el paso de la escuela media a los estudios superiores y por lo tanto desempeñan un papel fundamental. Deben aportar instrumentos formativos acerca de los roles profesionales, de las posibilidades y alcances de la formación disciplinar y del contexto social y cultural de inserción. Nuestra Cátedra propone la implementación de un conjunto de estrategias de abordaje que permitan superar algunas de las disfunciones detectadas, potenciar las fortalezas y aprovechar las oportunidades, a través de una visión histórico-crítica de los ambientes humanos que, creemos, puede posibilitar la comprensión de los procesos de desarrollo profesional, y no solamente proveer información acerca de obras, autores o escenario

Mathematical Analysis and Simulations of the Neural Circuit for Locomotion in Lamprey

We analyze the dynamics of the neural circuit of the lamprey central pattern generator (CPG). This analysis provides insights into how neural interactions form oscillators and enable spontaneous oscillations in a network of damped oscillators, which were not apparent in previous simulations or abstract phase oscillator models. We also show how the different behaviour regimes (characterized by phase and amplitude relationships between oscillators) of forward/backward swimming, and turning, can be controlled using the neural connection strengths and external inputs.Comment: 4 pages, accepted for publication in Physical Review Letter

Evaluación de patología y vulnerabilidad en edificios patrimoniales de mampostería ubicados en zona de alta sismicidad: un caso de estudio

La Secretaría de Turismo del Gobierno de Mendoza, Argentina, funciona en un edificio de mampostería monumental que data de 1913 ubicado en el microcentro de la Ciudad de Mendoza, que fue originariamente el Jockey Club Mendoza, con detalles arquitectónicos en herrería, vidrio y madera, que aún se conservan, pero hoy presenta patologías estructurales por eventos sísmicos y de mantenimiento por problemas de suelo y pérdidas en instalaciones. Las etapas del trabajo son: un seguimiento de antecedentes históricos, la evaluación de patologías y el estudio de los materiales utilizados, incluido el suelo, y el análisis de las condiciones de seguridad del edificio, previo a la definición definitiva del proyecto arquitectónico que se realiza por concurso público. La metodología utilizada incluye las siguientes etapas: relevamiento, decisiones de emergencia, análisis de las condiciones de conservación del edificio, diagnóstico y criterios sismorresistentes para la propuesta de rehabilitación La capacidad sismorresistente se evalúa de acuerdo a la normativa vigente en la Ciudad de Mendoza de 1987 que establece las pautas de calidad, resistencia y seguridad que deben alcanzar las construcciones que no cumplimentan los reglamentos sismorresistentes y que se deben aplicar obligatoriamente en edificios de uso público. Se analizan distintas propuestas de rehabilitación con técnicas de rehabilitación verificadas en laboratorio para la región, según distintos grados de valoración patrimonial de lo existente. En la propuesta del nuevo “Centro de Interpretación de Mendoza” se deben considerar como determinantes las condiciones del sitio y del suelo en relación a la vulnerabilidad edilicia y a la seguridad estructural, tener especial cuidado en el diseño de instalaciones sanitarias en relación a la vida útil que quiera otorgarse a la construcción y considerar la utilización de técnicas de reparación asociadas a las técnicas constructivas originales de la construcción en mampostería y hormigón armado para optimizar costos y alcanzar los requerimientos normativos.Tópico 6: Patrimonio Urbano de los siglos XVIII al XX. Técnicas de Limpieza y de Conservación

Automated Determination of [Fe/H] and [C/Fe] from Low-Resolution Spectroscopy

We develop an automated spectral synthesis technique for the estimation of metallicities ([Fe/H]) and carbon abundances ([C/Fe]) for metal-poor stars, including carbon-enhanced metal-poor stars, for which other methods may prove insufficient. This technique, autoMOOG, is designed to operate on relatively strong features visible in even low- to medium-resolution spectra, yielding results comparable to much more telescope-intensive high-resolution studies. We validate this method by comparison with 913 stars which have existing high-resolution and low- to medium-resolution to medium-resolution spectra, and that cover a wide range of stellar parameters. We find that at low metallicities ([Fe/H] < -2.0), we successfully recover both the metallicity and carbon abundance, where possible, with an accuracy of ~ 0.20 dex. At higher metallicities, due to issues of continuum placement in spectral normalization done prior to the running of autoMOOG, a general underestimate of the overall metallicity of a star is seen, although the carbon abundance is still successfully recovered. As a result, this method is only recommended for use on samples of stars of known sufficiently low metallicity. For these low-metallicity stars, however, autoMOOG performs much more consistently and quickly than similar, existing techniques, which should allow for analyses of large samples of metal-poor stars in the near future. Steps to improve and correct the continuum placement difficulties are being pursued.Comment: 8 pages, 7 figures; accepted for publication in A

A Phase I Trial of Aminolevulinic Acid-Photodynamic Therapy for Treatment of Oral Leukoplakia

Background Photodynamic therapy with aminolevulinic acid (ALA PDT) for oral leukoplakia has shown promising effects in regression of oral leukoplakia. Although ALA has been extensively studied and is an ideal photosensitizer, the optimal light dose for treatment of oral leukoplakia has not been determined. We conducted a phase I study to determine MTD and DLT of PDT in patients treated with ALA for leukoplakia. Methods Patients with histologically confirmed oral leukoplakia received a single treatment of ALA PDT in cohorts with escalating doses of light (585 nm). Clinical, histologic, and biologic markers were assessed. Results Analysis of 11 participants is reported. No significant toxicity from ALA PDT was observed in patients who received ALA with a light dose of up to 4 J/cm2. One participant experienced transient grade 3 transaminase elevation due to ALA. One participant had a partial clinical response 3 months after treatment. Biologic mucosal risk markers showed no significant associations. Determination of MTD could not be accomplished within a feasible timeframe for completion of the study. Conclusions ALA PDT could be safely administered with a light dose up to 4 J/cm2 and demonstrated activity. Larger studies are needed to fully elucidate the MTD and efficacy of ALA-PDT

Saneamento básico em pequenas cidades: contribuições do sanitarista Szachna Eliasz Cynamon para a promoção da saúde

The aim was to evaluate the participation of the private initiative in the sanitation sector in municipalities with less than 50 thousand inhabitants and the importance of the model of action of the Special Public Health Service - SESP and of the sanitation actions developed by the sanitary engineer Szachna Eliasz Cynamon in these localities. This is a documentary research with content analysis, exploratory analysis of secondary data and the Mann-Whitney test was used to verify if there are significant differences in the participation of the private sector in larger municipalities. Two videos available to the public of the seminar on the environment and health were examined, as well as indicators of water supply and sanitary sewage on open consultation sites, the sanitarist collection, books and articles on the subject and normative acts. According to the test (p-value&lt;0.05), private companies predominantly operate in larger cities in Brazil, thus, according to the content analysis, the SESP performance model and the practices advocated by Cynamon would currently encourage, sanitation solutions that could lead to environments favorable to health and the desired universalization.Objetivou-se avaliar a participação da iniciativa privada no setor de saneamento em municípios com menos de 50 mil habitantes e a importância do modelo de atuação do Serviço Especial de Saúde Pública - SESP e das ações de saneamento desenvolvidas pelo engenheiro sanitarista Szachna Eliasz Cynamon nessas localidades. Trata-se de uma pesquisa documental com análise de conteúdo, análise exploratória de dados secundários e o teste de Mann-Whitney foi utilizado para verificar se há diferenças significativas na participação do setor privado em municípios maiores. Foram examinados dois vídeos disponíveis ao público do seminário sobre meio ambiente e saúde, além de indicadores de abastecimento de água e esgotamento sanitário em sítios abertos de consulta, o acervo do sanitarista, livros e artigos sobre o tema e os atos normativos. Segundo o teste (p-valor&lt;0,05), as empresas privadas operam preponderantemente em cidades de maior porte no Brasil, assim, segundo a análise de conteúdo, o modelo de atuação do SESP e as práticas preconizadas por Cynamon fomentariam, na atualidade, soluções em saneamento que poderiam conduzir a ambientes favoráveis à saúde e à almejada universalização

Saneamento básico em pequenas cidades: contribuições do sanitarista Szachna Eliasz Cynamon para a promoção da saúde

The aim was to evaluate the participation of the private initiative in the sanitation sector in municipalities with less than 50 thousand inhabitants and the importance of the model of action of the Special Public Health Service - SESP and of the sanitation actions developed by the sanitary engineer Szachna Eliasz Cynamon in these localities. This is a documentary research with content analysis, exploratory analysis of secondary data and the Mann-Whitney test was used to verify if there are significant differences in the participation of the private sector in larger municipalities. Two videos available to the public of the seminar on the environment and health were examined, as well as indicators of water supply and sanitary sewage on open consultation sites, the sanitarist collection, books and articles on the subject and normative acts. According to the test (p-value&lt;0.05), private companies predominantly operate in larger cities in Brazil, thus, according to the content analysis, the SESP performance model and the practices advocated by Cynamon would currently encourage, sanitation solutions that could lead to environments favorable to health and the desired universalization.Objetivou-se avaliar a participação da iniciativa privada no setor de saneamento em municípios com menos de 50 mil habitantes e a importância do modelo de atuação do Serviço Especial de Saúde Pública - SESP e das ações de saneamento desenvolvidas pelo engenheiro sanitarista Szachna Eliasz Cynamon nessas localidades. Trata-se de uma pesquisa documental com análise de conteúdo, análise exploratória de dados secundários e o teste de Mann-Whitney foi utilizado para verificar se há diferenças significativas na participação do setor privado em municípios maiores. Foram examinados dois vídeos disponíveis ao público do seminário sobre meio ambiente e saúde, além de indicadores de abastecimento de água e esgotamento sanitário em sítios abertos de consulta, o acervo do sanitarista, livros e artigos sobre o tema e os atos normativos. Segundo o teste (p-valor&lt;0,05), as empresas privadas operam preponderantemente em cidades de maior porte no Brasil, assim, segundo a análise de conteúdo, o modelo de atuação do SESP e as práticas preconizadas por Cynamon fomentariam, na atualidade, soluções em saneamento que poderiam conduzir a ambientes favoráveis à saúde e à almejada universalização

The Impact of Antiretroviral Therapy on Mortality in HIV Positive People during Tuberculosis Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: To quantify the impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on mortality in HIV-positive people during tuberculosis (TB) treatment. Design: We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis. Studies published from 1996 through February 15, 2013, were identified by searching electronic resources (Pubmed and Embase) and conference books, manual searches of references, and expert consultation. Pooled estimates for the outcome of interest were acquired using random effects meta-analysis. Subjects The study population included individuals receiving ART before or during TB treatment. Main Outcome Measures: Main outcome measures were: (i) TB-case fatality ratio (CFR), defined as the proportion of individuals dying during TB treatment and, if mortality in HIV-positive people not on ART was also reported, (ii) the relative risk of death during TB treatment by ART status. Results: Twenty-one studies were included in the systematic review. Random effects pooled meta-analysis estimated the CFR between 8% and 14% (pooled estimate 11%). Among HIV-positive TB cases, those receiving ART had a reduction in mortality during TB treatment of between 44% and 71% (RR = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.29–0.56). Conclusion: Starting ART before or during TB therapy reduces the risk of death during TB treatment by around three-fifths in clinical settings. National programmes should continue to expand coverage of ART for HIV positive in order to control the dual epidemic