New distributional record of Anthrenus dorsatus Mulsant & Rey, 1868 (Coleoptera, Dermestidae) on the island of Mallorca, Spain

The carpet beetle Anthrenus dorsatus has previously been recorded from North Africa and Malta. During a recent visit to the island of Mallorca several Anthrenus species were collected which included a number of Anthrenus dorsatusspecimens. This record adds a new species both to the island of Mallorca and to the Spanish checklist. These records extend our knowledge of the distribution of A. dorsatus and provide more evidence of range expansion in the pimpinel-lae species group across Europe, possibly because of global climate change

High allelic diversity in the methyltransferase gene of a phase variable type III restriction-modification system has implications for the fitness of Haemophilus influenzae

Phase variable restriction-modification (R-M) systems are widespread in Eubacteria. Haemophilus influenzae encodes a phase variable homolog of Type III R-M systems. Sequence analysis of this system in 22 non-typeable H.influenzae isolates revealed a hypervariable region in the central portion of the mod gene whereas the res gene was conserved. Maximum likelihood (ML) analysis indicated that most sites outside this hypervariable region experienced strong negative selection but evidence of positive selection for a few sites in adjacent regions. A phylogenetic analysis of 61 Type III mod genes revealed clustering of these H.influenzae mod alleles with mod genes from pathogenic Neisseriae and, based on sequence analysis, horizontal transfer of the mod–res complex between these species. Neisserial mod alleles also contained a hypervariable region and all mod alleles exhibited variability in the repeat tract. We propose that this hypervariable region encodes the target recognition domain (TRD) of the Mod protein and that variability results in alterations to the recognition sequence of this R-M system. We argue that the high allelic diversity and phase variable nature of this R-M system have arisen due to selective pressures exerted by diversity in bacteriophage populations but also have implications for other fitness attributes of these bacterial species

Beyond Poiseuille: Preservation Fluid Flow in an Experimental Model

Poiseuille’s equation describes the relationship between fluid viscosity, pressure, tubing diameter, and flow, yet it is not known if cold organ perfusion systems follow this equation. We investigated these relationships in an ex vivo model and aimed to offer some rationale for equipment selection. Increasing the cannula size from 14 to 20 Fr increased flow rate by a mean (SD) of 13 (12)%. Marshall’s hyperosmolar citrate was three times less viscous than UW solution, but flows were only 45% faster. Doubling the bag pressure led to a mean (SD) flow rate increase of only 19 (13)%, not twice the rate. When external pressure devices were used, 100 mmHg of continuous pressure increased flow by a mean (SD) of 43 (17)% when compared to the same pressure applied initially only. Poiseuille’s equation was not followed; this is most likely due to “slipping” of preservation fluid within the plastic tubing. Cannula size made little difference over the ranges examined; flows are primarily determined by bag pressure and fluid viscosity. External infusor devices require continuous pressurisation to deliver high flow. Future studies examining the impact of perfusion variables on graft outcomes should include detailed equipment descriptions

Mapping and Analyzing NSW Blue Network to Leverage Insights for a Competitive World

NPS NRP Technical ReportThis study’s purpose is to examine Naval Special Warfare Command’s (NAVSPECWARCOM) “blue network” and evaluate its structural strengths and weaknesses, as well as provide recommendations as to how the command can improve its ability to leverage its network and draw insights from it. This paper examines this topic from a social network perspective on social capital. Guided by extant social network research, it maps and analyzes the network’s structural patterns and assesses the extent to which it has access to critical resources and expertise from outside networks (e.g., academic and private industry). It finds that both close personal and colleague relations contribute substantially to regular communication patterns among personnel. Blue network members tend to form communication clusters as well, which can permit information and resources to transmit efficiently across them, especially in its relatively decentralized form. In fact, the command can rely on many network members to gain access to capital within the structure rather than depend heavily on a few well-connected individuals. However, about a quarter of respondents do not communicate regularly with the command, which indicates that capital may not reach the command. Furthermore, the type of capital to which the network has access varies. While it appears relatively strong in technology-based areas (e.g., innovation and artificial intelligence (AI)), it can make improvements in key substantive areas pertaining to great power competition (GPC), such as cultural and language expertise. This paper offers two broad categories of recommendations: namely, practices and information collection and storage procedures. Recommendations include maintaining an entrepreneurial mentality but improving formal communication, facilitating the creation of “short-cuts” among affiliated institutions, tasking personnel to target key resource gaps, immediately establishing contacts with experts in key areas, collecting blue network and resource data, and leveraging information systems for information storage.Naval Special Warfare Command (NAVSPECWARCOM)N7 - Warfighting DevelopmentThis research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Mapping and Analyzing NSW Blue Network to Leverage Insights for a Competitive World

NPS NRP Executive SummaryThis study’s purpose is to examine Naval Special Warfare Command’s (NAVSPECWARCOM) “blue network” and evaluate its structural strengths and weaknesses, as well as provide recommendations as to how the command can improve its ability to leverage its network and draw insights from it. This paper examines this topic from a social network perspective on social capital. Guided by extant social network research, it maps and analyzes the network’s structural patterns and assesses the extent to which it has access to critical resources and expertise from outside networks (e.g., academic and private industry). It finds that both close personal and colleague relations contribute substantially to regular communication patterns among personnel. Blue network members tend to form communication clusters as well, which can permit information and resources to transmit efficiently across them, especially in its relatively decentralized form. In fact, the command can rely on many network members to gain access to capital within the structure rather than depend heavily on a few well-connected individuals. However, about a quarter of respondents do not communicate regularly with the command, which indicates that capital may not reach the command. Furthermore, the type of capital to which the network has access varies. While it appears relatively strong in technology-based areas (e.g., innovation and artificial intelligence (AI)), it can make improvements in key substantive areas pertaining to great power competition (GPC), such as cultural and language expertise. This paper offers two broad categories of recommendations: namely, practices and information collection and storage procedures. Recommendations include maintaining an entrepreneurial mentality but improving formal communication, facilitating the creation of “short-cuts” among affiliated institutions, tasking personnel to target key resource gaps, immediately establishing contacts with experts in key areas, collecting blue network and resource data, and leveraging information systems for information storage.Naval Special Warfare Command (NAVSPECWARCOM)N7 - Warfighting DevelopmentThis research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Mapping and Analyzing NSW Blue Network to Leverage Insights for a Competitive World

NPS NRP Project PosterThis study’s purpose is to examine Naval Special Warfare Command’s (NAVSPECWARCOM) “blue network” and evaluate its structural strengths and weaknesses, as well as provide recommendations as to how the command can improve its ability to leverage its network and draw insights from it. This paper examines this topic from a social network perspective on social capital. Guided by extant social network research, it maps and analyzes the network’s structural patterns and assesses the extent to which it has access to critical resources and expertise from outside networks (e.g., academic and private industry). It finds that both close personal and colleague relations contribute substantially to regular communication patterns among personnel. Blue network members tend to form communication clusters as well, which can permit information and resources to transmit efficiently across them, especially in its relatively decentralized form. In fact, the command can rely on many network members to gain access to capital within the structure rather than depend heavily on a few well-connected individuals. However, about a quarter of respondents do not communicate regularly with the command, which indicates that capital may not reach the command. Furthermore, the type of capital to which the network has access varies. While it appears relatively strong in technology-based areas (e.g., innovation and artificial intelligence (AI)), it can make improvements in key substantive areas pertaining to great power competition (GPC), such as cultural and language expertise. This paper offers two broad categories of recommendations: namely, practices and information collection and storage procedures. Recommendations include maintaining an entrepreneurial mentality but improving formal communication, facilitating the creation of “short-cuts” among affiliated institutions, tasking personnel to target key resource gaps, immediately establishing contacts with experts in key areas, collecting blue network and resource data, and leveraging information systems for information storage.Naval Special Warfare Command (NAVSPECWARCOM)N7 - Warfighting DevelopmentThis research is supported by funding from the Naval Postgraduate School, Naval Research Program (PE 0605853N/2098). https://nps.edu/nrpChief of Naval Operations (CNO)Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.

Solar-electric-propulsion cargo vehicles for split/sprint Mars mission

In support of the proposed exploration of Mars, an unmanned cargo ferry SEMM1 (Solar Electric Mars Mission) was designed. The vehicle is based on solar electric propulsion, and required to transport a cargo of 61,000 kg. The trajectory is a combination of spirals; first, out from LEO, then around the sun, then spiral down to low Mars orbit. The spacecraft produces 3.03 MWe power using photovoltaic flexible blanket arrays. Ion thrusters using argon as a propellant were selected to drive the ship, providing about 60 Newtons of thrust in low Earth orbit. The configuration is based on two long truss beams to which the 24 individual, self-deployable, solar arrays are attached. The main body module supports the two beams and houses the computers, electrical, and control equipment. The thruster module is attached to the rear of the main body, and the cargo to the front

Diffusion NMR characterization of catalytic silica supports:a tortuous path

Mesoporous silicas have found widespread application within the field of heterogeneous catalysis. Acid functionalization of such materials, through one-pot or postsynthetic grafting of sulfonic acid groups, imparts activity for fatty acid esterification, with the studious choice of pore geometry facilitating significant rate enhancements. Diffusion NMR has been utilized for the first time to characterize the structure of mesoporous silicas through the transport behavior of systematically related carboxylic acids confined within their mesopore networks. A reduced diffusion coefficient is obtained for species constrained within the 3-dimensional interconnected pores of KIT-6 relative to the 2-dimensional noninterconnected pore channels of SBA-15. The effective tortuosity of both porous silicas increases with the acid chain length, with the diffusion behavior of long-chain acids dominated by the alkyl chain and silica architecture. Carboxylic acid diffusion within these two pore networks is unlikely to be rate-limiting in catalytic esterification over sulfonic acid silica analogues. Physicochemical insights from diffusion NMR will aid the future design of optimal silica architectures for catalytic applications

Exercise prescription improves exercise tolerance in young children with CHD:a randomised clinical trial

Objective The main objective of this study was to ascertain if a structured intervention programme can improve the biophysical health of young children with congenital heart disease (CHD). The primary end point was an increase in measureable physical activity levels following the intervention.Methods Patients aged 5–10 years with CHD were identified and invited to participate. Participants completed a baseline biophysical assessment, including a formal exercise stress test and daily activity monitoring using an accelerometer. Following randomisation, the intervention group attended a 1 day education session and received an individual written exercise plan to be continued over the 4-month intervention period. The control group continued with their usual level of care. After 4 months, all participants were reassessed in the same manner as at baseline.Results One hundred and sixty-three participants (mean age 8.4 years) were recruited, 100 of whom were male (61.3%). At baseline, the majority of the children were active with good exercise tolerance. The cyanotic palliated subgroup participants, however, were found to have lower levels of daily activity and significantly limited peak exercise performance compared with the other subgroups. One hundred and fifty-two participants (93.2%) attended for reassessment. Following the intervention, there was a significant improvement in peak exercise capacity in the intervention group. There was also a trend towards increased daily activity levels.Conclusion Overall physical activity levels are well preserved in the majority of young children with CHD. A structured intervention programme significantly increased peak exercise capacity and improved attitudes towards positive lifestyle changes