Ultracold neutral plasma expansion in two dimensions

We extend an isothermal thermal model of ultracold neutral plasma expansion to systems without spherical symmetry, and use this model to interpret new fluorescence measurements on these plasmas. By assuming a self-similar expansion, it is possible to solve the fluid equations analytically and to include velocity effects to predict the fluorescence signals. In spite of the simplicity of this approach, the model reproduces the major features of the experimental data

Fluorescence measurements of expanding strongly-coupled neutral plasmas

We report new detailed density profile measurements in expanding strongly-coupled neutral plasmas. Using laser-induced fluorescence techniques, we determine plasma densities in the range of 10^5 to 10^9/cm^3 with a time resolution limit as small as 7 ns. Strong-coupling in the plasma ions is inferred directly from the fluorescence signals. Evidence for strong-coupling at late times is presented, confirming a recent theoretical result.Comment: submitted to PR

The Phytoplankton of Lake Wawasee, Kosciusko County, Indiana

Lake Wawasee located at Syracuse, Indiana, is the largest body of water in the state. It has an area of 2,618 acres, a maximum depth of 68 feet and a shore line of approximately 22 miles.To our knowledge, the only paper published in which phytoplankters of Lake Wawasee are mentioned appeared in 1896. Those were Ceratium hirundinella, Rivularia and various forms of Palmella

A Policy Maker’s Guide to Designing Payments for Ecosystem Services

Over the past five years, there has been increasing interest around the globe in payment schemes for the provision of ecosystem services, such as water purification, carbon sequestration, flood control, etc. Written for an Asian Development Bank project in China, this report provides a user-friendly guide to designing payments for the provision of ecosystem services. Part I explains the different types of ecosystem services, different ways of assessing their value, and why they are traditionally under-protected by law and policy. This is followed by an analysis of when payments for services are a preferable approach to other policy instruments. Part II explains the design issues underlying payments for services. These include identification of the service as well as potential buyers and sellers, the level of service needed, payment timing, payment type, and risk allocation. Part II contains a detailed analysis of the different types of payment mechanisms, ranging from general subsidy and certification to mitigation and offset payments. Part III explores the challenges to designing a payment scheme. These include the ability to monitor service provision, secure property rights, perverse incentives, supporting institutions, and poverty alleviation

Enhance Bravery and Self Esteem: A study on Brave Enterprise through advanced data analysis

BRAVE Enterprises is an organization that aims to equip and provide guidance to individuals, which usually targets female athletes. This is done through a series of motivational shows and talks. In order to measure the bravery level of the crowd, a survey is given to analyze any correlations made between the data received. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students were given the opportunity to work in partnership with BRAVE Enterprises to analyze a dataset of over 900 participants. The goal of the BRAVE Research Project is to find a quantified value based on the participants answers that will provide BRAVE Enterprises with information that will aid in increasing bravery levels in people. This analysis would provide numerical data which depicts the similarities found in the participants bravery levels. Excel, Python, and Tableu will be used to make the analysis of the dataset

Seat Belt Use by Missouri Teens*

In 2006, the Institute of Public Policy conducted 12 focus groups with Missouri teens on behalf of the Missouri Department of Transportation to:1) understand how teenagers make decisions on seatbelt use; and 2) determine what outreach methods could influence teens' decisions regarding seatbelt use and traffic safety. The study found that teens' seatbelt use is set well before they begin driving, that the lack of use of seatbelts among parents is especially influential, and that teens are not well informed about the consequences of accidents when drivers or passengers are not wearing seatbelts. This report summarizes studies of seatbelt use in Missouri as compared to other states and describes teens' attitudes about seatbelt usage. Finally, it recommends that the Department continue its teen- focused informational campaign and that the state enact primary enforcement of the seatbelt law.Includes bibliographical reference

Addressing the Health Needs of Rural Native Veterans: Assessment and Recommendations

Native Veterans comprise unique populations within the VeteransAdministration (VA) system of care and represent a proud tradition of military service. Limited healthcare data available on rural Native veterans indicate significant disparities in access to care and health status compared with other populations. This article provides an assessment of current challenges, barriers, and issues related to addressing the healthcare needs of rural Native veterans and offers recommendations to improve healthcare for this special population. To meet the needs of rural Native veterans it will be important to: conduct needs assessments to gather important health data about rural Native veterans; develop a clearinghouse of information on and for rural Native veterans and disseminate this information widely; develop strategies to enhance transportation policies and provisions; expand the use of technology and outreach; work toward increasing cultural competence among VA employees; and improve the availability of traditional healing services

PNAS plus: plasmodium falciparum responds to amino acid starvation by entering into a hibernatory state

The human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is auxotrophic for most amino acids. Its amino acid needs are met largely through the degradation of host erythrocyte hemoglobin; however the parasite must acquire isoleucine exogenously, because this amino acid is not present in adult human hemoglobin. We report that when isoleucine is withdrawn from the culture medium of intraerythrocytic P. falciparum, the parasite slows its metabolism and progresses through its developmental cycle at a reduced rate. Isoleucine-starved parasites remain viable for 72 h and resume rapid growth upon resupplementation. Protein degradation during starvation is important for maintenance of this hibernatory state. Microarray analysis of starved parasites revealed a 60% decrease in the rate of progression through the normal transcriptional program but no other apparent stress response. Plasmodium parasites do not possess a TOR nutrient-sensing pathway and have only a rudimentary amino acid starvation-sensing eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) stress response. Isoleucine deprivation results in GCN2-mediated phosphorylation of eIF2α, but kinase-knockout clones still are able to hibernate and recover, indicating that this pathway does not directly promote survival during isoleucine starvation. We conclude that P. falciparum, in the absence of canonical eukaryotic nutrient stress-response pathways, can cope with an inconsistent bloodstream amino acid supply by hibernating and waiting for more nutrient to be provided

Perceived stress and high fat intake: A study in a sample of undergraduate students.

OBJECTIVES: Different studies have reported the association between perceived stress and unhealthy diet choices. We aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between perceived stress and fat intake among undergraduate medical students. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A cross-sectional study was performed including first-year medical students. The outcome of interest was the self-report of fat intake assessed using the Block Screening Questionnaire for Fat Intake (high vs. low intake), whereas the exposure was perceived stress (low/normal vs. high levels). The prevalence of high fat intake was estimated and the association of interest was determined using prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Models were created utilizing Poisson regression with robust standard errors. Data from 523 students were analyzed, 52.0% female, mean age 19.0 (SD 1.7) years. The prevalence of high fat intake was 42.4% (CI: 38.2%-46.7%). In multivariate model and compared with those with lowest levels of stress, those in the middle (PR = 1.59; 95%CI: 1.20-2.12) and highest (PR = 1.92; 95%CI: 1.46-2.53) categories of perceived stress had greater prevalence of fat intake. Gender was an effect modifier of this association (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Greater levels of perceived stress were associated with higher fat intake, and this association was stronger among males. More than 40% of students reported having high fat consumption. Our results suggest the need to implement strategies that promote decreased fat intake