655 research outputs found
Performance of proportional-integral-derivative controllers on structures with variable damping active tuned mass dampers
Cluster Model for Near-barrier Fusion Induced by Weakly Bound and Halo Nuclei
The influence on the fusion process of coupling transfer/breakup channels is
investigated for the medium weight Li+Co systems in the vicinity
of the Coulomb barrier. Coupling effects are discussed within a comparison of
predictions of the Continuum Discretized Coupled-Channels model. Applications
to He+Co induced by the borromean halo nucleus He are also
proposed.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, FINUSTAR2 Conference, Aghios Nikolaus, Crete,
Greece. 10-14 September 200
Visualising transformative spaces for education: a focus on lecture halls, computer rooms and studios
One room, three learning spaces for creative education. This image-led investigation shows how a standard blank room can be effectively transformed into three different kinds of learning environments: a lecture hall, a computer room and a studio. Research has shown that effective design of teaching spaces is beneficial to the learning experience and contributes to creating a more engaging relationship between teachers and learners. On the other hand, few visual resources have been produced to support this in the UK. This article seeks to fill this gap. The design of these classrooms applies Basye’s idea of campfire to stimulate and support interaction between teachers and learners. In particular, these visuals show how technology can improve the students’ experience of the lecture hall, provide adequate lighting, personal space and drawing devices in the computer room, and finally how gathering in a circle may replicate the benefits of campfires in the studio
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Semi active tuned mass dampers of buildings: A simple control option
The present study investigates the effectiveness of a Proportional- Integral-Derivative (PID) controlled Variable Damping Semi-Active Tuned Mass Damper (VD-STMD) on reducing the vibration response of an earthquake excited multi-storey structure. The effectiveness of the controlled system is evaluated by comparing the structure’s overall dynamic behavior against that of an equivalent similar structure equipped with a conventional optimally designed passive Tuned Mass Damper (TMD). The numerical simulations show that the structure equipped with the PID controlled VD-STMD has improved vibration attenuation metrics when compared to the one equipped with the optimal TMD. From the numerical simulations, it was also evident that when material degradation and structural damage is considered, the TMD becomes instantly de-tuned resulting in reduced vibration mitigation performance. On the contrary, the VD-STMD controlled system remains insensitive to the stiffness parametric variation, suggesting the suitability of such systems in structural applications sustaining damage or in general change
Field-based tests for the assessment of physical fitness in children and adolescents practicing sport: A systematic review within the ESA program
High levels of physical fitness (PF) can positively affect both health and cognitive function, thus monitoring its levels in youth can help increase health and quality of life in adult populations later on. This systematic review aims to identify PF field-based tests used in young European populations practicing sport to find tools that are adequate for the considered target involving a new battery within the Enriched Sport Activities (ESA) project. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was followed. In the 83 identified articles, the main tests used were: vertical/horizontal jumps (for muscular strength/power); push-ups, running at maximum effort, sit-ups (for muscular strength/endurance); multistage non-intermittent and intermittent tests (for aerobic endurance); sit and reach (for flexibility); sprinting and agility T-tests (for speed and agility, respectively); 10 x 5 m shuttle run (SR) (for both speed and agility). Few studies assessed coordination, reaction time, power, and balance. Although the selected tests are widely used and validated, they do not determine all PF aspects and do not reflect sport-specific features. A final decision was made for the inclusion of the following tests: standing broad jump, seated medicine ball throw, 20 m SR test, 30 m sprint, Illinois test, and a new test, i.e., the crunning test, to assess different skill-related components at once. The use of this combination of tests allows for the assessment of all PF components and can help planning eective training programs and cultivate sporting talent
Analysis of CDKN1C in fetal growth restriction and pregnancy loss [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]
Background: Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1C (CDKN1C) is a key
negative regulator of cell growth encoded by a paternally
imprinted/maternally expressed gene in humans. Loss-of-function
variants in CDKN1C are associated with an overgrowth condition
(Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome) whereas “gain-of-function” variants
in CDKN1C that increase protein stability cause growth restriction as
part of IMAGe syndrome ( Intrauterine growth restriction, M
etaphyseal dysplasia, Adrenal hypoplasia and Genital anomalies). As
three families have been reported with CDKN1C mutations who have
fetal growth restriction (FGR)/Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) without
adrenal insufficiency, we investigated whether pathogenic variants in
CDKN1C could be associated with isolated growth restriction or
recurrent loss of pregnancy.
Methods: Analysis of published literature was undertaken to review
the localisation of variants in CDKN1C associated with IMAGe
syndrome or fetal growth restriction. CDKN1C expression in different
tissues was analysed in available RNA-Seq data (Human Protein Atlas).
Targeted sequencing was used to investigate the critical region of
CDKN1C for potential pathogenic variants in SRS (n=66), FGR (n=37),
DNA from spontaneous loss of pregnancy (n= 22) and women with
recurrent miscarriages (n=78) (total n=203).
Results: All published single nucleotide variants associated with
IMAGe syndrome are located in a highly-conserved “hot-spot” within
the PCNA-binding domain of CDKN1C between codons 272-279.
Variants associated with familial growth restriction but normal
adrenal function currently affect codons 279 and 281. CDKN1C is
highly expressed in the placenta compared to adult tissues, which
may contribute to the FGR phenotype and supports a role in
pregnancy maintenance. In the patient cohorts studied no pathogenic
variants were identified in the PCNA-binding domain of CDKN1C.
Conclusion: CDKN1C is a key negative regulator of growth. Variants in
a very localised “hot-spot” cause growth restriction, with or without
adrenal insufficiency. However, pathogenic variants in this region are
not a common cause of isolated fetal growth restriction phenotypes
or loss-of-pregnancy/recurrent miscarriages
The Replication Argument for Incompatibilism
In this paper, I articulate an argument for incompatibilism about moral responsibility and determinism. My argument comes in the form of an extended story, modeled loosely on Peter van Inwagen’s “rollback argument” scenario. I thus call it “the replication argument.” As I aim to bring out, though the argument is inspired by so-called “manipulation” and “original design” arguments, the argument is not a version of either such argument—and plausibly has advantages over both. The result, I believe, is a more convincing incompatibilist argument than those we have considered previously
Proton induced reaction cross section measurements on Se isotopes for the astrophysical p process
As a continuation of a systematic study of reactions relevant to the
astrophysical p process, the cross sections of the 74,76Se(p,gamma)75,77Br and
82Se(p,n)82Br reactions have been measured at energies from 1.3 to 3.6 MeV
using an activation technique. The results are compared to the predictions of
Hauser-Feshbach statistical model calculations using the NON-SMOKER and MOST
codes. The sensitivity of the calculations to variations in the optical proton
potential and the nuclear level density was studied. Good agreement between
theoretical and experimental reaction rates was found for the reactions
74Se(p,gamma)75Br and 82Se(p,n)82Br.Comment: 9 pages, 6 figures (in 12 eps files), accepted for publication in
Phys. Rev C, RevTeX styl
The association between IgG and IgM antibodies against cardiolipin, β2-glycoprotein I and Domain I of β2-glycoprotein I with disease profile in patients with multiple sclerosis
Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) occur in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) with a number of studies reporting elevated levels; their exact prevalence and pathogenic role remain unclear. Epidemiological studies associate MS with an increased risk of deep venous thromboembolism and stroke; overlapping clinical features with APS. Antibodies against the first domain – Domain I (DI) – of β2glycoprotein I (β2GPI), show the most clinical significance and evidence for pathogenicity in the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), but have not yet been investigated in MS. Serum from a well-defined cohort of 127 MS patients and 92 healthy controls were tested for IgM and IgG antibodies against cardiolipin (CL), β2GPI and DI. Higher frequency of IgM and IgG anti-CL were found in MS patients (18.1% and 21.3%), compared to controls (1.1% in both cases, p < 0.0001). We report that anti-DI antibodies were associated with MS patients, with 6.3% and 7.1% positive for IgM and IgG, respectively, compared to controls, 1.1% (p < 0.05). IgM anti-CL antibodies were elevated in secondary progressive MS and primary progressive MS compared to relapse-remitting MS, (p < 0.005). This study enrolled the largest number of patients with definite MS for studying the association with aPL. Although we confirmed IgM and IgG anti-CL antibodies occur in patients with MS, this is the first study that identified anti-DI antibodies in MS patients. This new finding may prove valuable and future studies are required to evaluate its role as a potential risk factor of thromboembolic phenomena in MS
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