The experimental degradation of archaeological human bone by anaerobic bacteria and the implications for recovery of ancient DNA

DNA recovery from human bone has been key to the developing science and technology of ancient DNA studies. The recovery of macromolecules from bone however, does not correlate well with recognisable parameters of preservation and predicting DNA recovery rates from ancient bone can be very difficult. The extent of degradation of buried bones often depends on environmental taphonomy and can vary from virtually none to complete and rapid destruction. Although soil or related microbes are undoubtedly responsible for the majority of this structural degradation over time, exceptionally little is known of the mechanisms or specific bacteria involved. Fungi were previously thought to be responsible for destructive processes (tunnelling) within bone but over the last 30 years the role of bacteria has been increasingly recognised. Our aim was to develop a less complex in vitro model of the destructive effects of microbes on bone which might allow a better understanding of the recovery of mitochondrial or pathogen DNA over time

Disordered Eating from Interpersonal Relationships and Body Comparisons

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how women\u27s relationships (with sisters, mothers, female friends and significant others) along with thin ideal media shape beauty ideals and contribute to eating disorders. I studied scholarly articles pertaining to exposure to underweight and healthy weight models and its effect on women. I also examined articles that discussed different types of comparisons that women made on themselves against the female figures in their lives. I examined studies on parental disordered eating and perceived body image. My preliminary conclusion is that women\u27s comparisons in their interpersonal relationships have more of an effect on disordered eating and beauty ideals than thin ideal media. To help with the low self-esteem that creates these negative comparisons, girls should be raised and encouraged to develop a high image of self, but more research is needed on body comparisons to find a way to affectively and successfully correct these negative comparisons with accuracy.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/uresposters/1143/thumbnail.jp

An Analysis of Liturgical Textiles at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons

This paper discusses the liturgical vestments and textiles that were in use at the Jesuit mission of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons during its existence from 1639 to 1649- An examination of primary source data such as that available in the Jesuit Relations shows that a full range of ecclesiastical textiles was in use at the site and that these items would have come directly from France and/or Rome and would have been made in the fabrics, styles, and designs of the period. Information obtained from this study will be used in the reproduction of liturgical vestments and textiles as a part of the interpretive programme at the reconstruction of the mission at Midland, Ontario. Résumé Cette recherche fait l'examen des vêtements et des textiles liturgiques qu'utilisaient les jésuites à la mission Sainte-Marie, chez les Hurons, entre 1639 et 1649. À cette fin, des sources primaires telles que les Relations des jésuites ont été consultées. L'étude a révélé que les missionnaires disposaient d'un éventail complet de textiles ecclésiastiques apportés directement de France ou de Rome, probablement similaires par les tissus, le style et les modèles aux vêtements sacerdotaux de l'époque. L'information recueillie au cours de cette recherche permettra de réaliser des reproductions de vêtements et de textiles liturgiques qui seront exposés dans l'édifice reconstitué de la mission à Midland (Ontario), dans le cadre d'un programme éducatif

Functional assessment for acute stroke trials: properties, analysis, and application

A measure of treatment effect is needed to assess the utility of any novel intervention in acute stroke. For a potentially disabling condition such as stroke, outcomes of interest should include some measure of functional recovery. There are many functional outcome assessments that can be used after stroke. In this narrative review, we discuss exemplars of assessments that describe impairment, activity, participation, and quality of life. We will consider the psychometric properties of assessment scales in the context of stroke trials, focusing on validity, reliability, responsiveness, and feasibility. We will consider approaches to the analysis of functional outcome measures, including novel statistical approaches. Finally, we will discuss how advances in audiovisual and information technology could further improve outcome assessment in trials

Teaching bioethics in science: Does it make a difference?

Presents research that evaluated the extent to which a biotechnology course enabled female secondary students to develop the skills to analyze bioethical issues. The emergent significance of the study lies in the recognition of the value systems that underpin the ethical decision-making processes of teenage girls

The inclusion of bioethics education in biotechnology courses

This paper provides a rationale for the inclusion of biotechnology courses in the secondary science curriculum. In years to come our students will need to make important political, moral and social decisions about their future and the future of others. If our students are to become informed decision makers they need to understand the theory, practice and ethical ramifications of biotechnology. Important topics related to biotechnology include euthanasia, human organ and tissue transplantation, reproductive technology, cloning, and the production and use of genetically modified organisms. Science teachers have an obligation to help their students develop an understanding of these issues. Data is presented from two science teachers, Catherine and Mark, each of whom taught innovative Year 10 Biotechnology courses (student age 16-17 years). The effectiveness of the courses in enabling students to better identify and resolve ethical issues is discussed

A model study of corona emission from hydrometeors

The maximum measured electric fields in thunderclouds are an order of magnitude less than the fields required for electric breakdown of the air. One explanation for lightning initiation in these low fields is that electric breakdown first occurs at the surfaces of raindrops where the ambient field is enhanced very locally due to the drop geometry. Laboratory experiments [Crabb & Latham, 1974] indicate that colliding raindrops which coalesce to form elongated water filaments can produce positive corona in ambient fields close to those measured in thunderclouds. We calculate the E-field distribution around a simulated coalesced drop pair and use a numerical model to study the positive corona mechanisms in detail. Our results give good agreement with the laboratory observations. At the altitudes (and thus low pressures) at which lightning initiation is observed, our results show that positive corona can occur at observed in-cloud E-fields.Comment: 13 pages, 9 figures, http://www.geophys.washington.edu/Surface/Atmospheric/ Submitted to: Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Societ