Four dimensional observations of clouds from geosynchronous orbit using stereo display and measurement techniques on an interactive information processing system

Simultaneous Geosynchronous Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) 1 km resolution visible image pairs can provide quantitative three dimensional measurements of clouds. These data have great potential for severe storms research and as a basic parameter measurement source for other areas of meteorology (e.g. climate). These stereo cloud height measurements are not subject to the errors and ambiguities caused by unknown cloud emissivity and temperature profiles that are associated with infrared techniques. This effort describes the display and measurement of stereo data using digital processing techniques

GEMPAK5 user's guide, version 5.0

GEMPAK is a general meteorological software package used to analyze and display conventional meteorological data as well as satellite derived parameters. The User's Guide describes the GEMPAK5 programs and input parameters and details the algorithms used for the meteorological computations

Professional development learning environments (PDLEs) embedded in a collaborative online learning environment (COLE): Moving towards a new conception of online professional learning

© 2018, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature. Teaching, and education in general, remain firmly rooted in the practices of the past and continue to resist the implementation of strategies and theories arising from educational research. Consequently, significant reforms have been slow to take hold in educational systems around the world. Much of the reluctance can be attributed to a widely-held misconception of the nature of learning. This project attempts to address this misconception through the development of Professional Development Learning Environments (PDLEs are a series of learning tasks and a video-based case study) embedded in an online learning environment that requires the collaboration of users to solve problems. To use a Problem-Based-Learning (PBL) approach in an online context requires a major paradigm shift as well as using tools that were not designed specifically for such a student-driven, process-centred pedagogical paradigm. This becomes a problem when online resources and systems are used for supporting in-service teacher in their pursuit of furthering their education. Although the current theories of learning and teaching may present the philosophical content of such courses, the online strategies used often conflict with the theory. To study the formal implementation of PBL as a social-constructivist pedagogical approach, into an online learning environment to provide the tools for e-learning that would be closer in design to the current thinking on the very nature of learning, the PDLEs were modified to become small reusable video clips with a structure designed to facilitate PBL and focus learners’ attention on higher order thinking skills rather than specifically on content. These modified PDLEs are referred to as Problem-Based Learning Objects (PBLOs). The PBLOs were embedded into a prototype of a Collaborative Online Learning Environment (COLE) which was developed simultaneously. The entire system was pilot tested with small groups. Preliminary results show that although many technical difficulties remain to be solved, using the environment does show evidence of some effect on beliefs about personal theories of learning, causing shifts from technical issues to those surrounding processes of learning. Our preliminary research has called attention to the potential ability of PBLO/COLE to disrupt conventional, transmission-based conceptions of online learning as content delivery. At the same time, however, our preliminary work has also indicated that learners who are not used to the collaborative opportunities provided within PBLO/COLE may still hold traditional orientations to teaching and learning as a “gold standard” to which all other options are compared. A purposeful direction for our future research will entail working with learners in PBLO/COLE over a sustained period so that they may engage in an online experience grounded in principles of socio-constructivism

Role of Nutrition in the Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy in End-Stage Liver Failure

Malnutrition is common in patients with end-stage liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy, and is considered a significant prognostic factor affecting quality of life, outcome, and survival. The liver plays a crucial role in the regulation of nutrition by trafficking the metabolism of nutrients, their distribution and appropriate use by the body. Nutritional consequences with the potential to cause nervous system dysfunction occur in liver failure, and many factors contribute to malnutrition in hepatic failure. Among them are inadequate dietary intake, malabsorption, increased protein losses, hypermetabolism, insulin resistance, gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, inflammation/infection, and hyponatremia. Patients at risk of malnutrition are relatively difficult to identify since liver disease may interfere with biomarkers of malnutrition. The supplementation of the diet with amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins as well as probiotics in addition to meeting energy and protein requirements may improve nutritional status, liver function, and hepatic encephalopathy in patients with end-stage liver failure

Approche pour l'identification des causes de la mauvaise décantation des solides biologiques

Les procédés d'épuration biologique à culture libre (boues activées) comprennent habituellement un décanteur qui permet de concentrer les solides biologiques en vue de leur recirculation en tête du réacteur biologique. Lorsque ce décanteur fonctionne mal on observe une perte de solides biologiques (SB), ce qui se traduit par une augmentation de la concentration des matières en suspension (MES) dans l'effluent du décanteur secondaire et par une baisse des performances du procédé d'épuration. Lorsque la concentration de MES dans l'effluent du décanteur secondaire est trop élevée on mesure l'indice de volume des boues (IVB). Un IVB faible indique que les solides biologiques ont de bonnes caractéristiques de décantation de sorte que la cause de la mauvaise efficacité du décanteur est d'ordre physique et peut être identifiée facilement. Lorsque l'IVB est élevé, la mauvaise décantation est alors causée par un désordre de l'écosystème qui se traduit le plus souvent par une croissance excessive d'organismes filamenteux. Les causes et les solutions d'un tel problème sont alors difficiles à identifier. Pour ce travail, les auteurs ont réalisé une importante revue bibliographique dont les résultats sont présentés sous la forme d'un cheminement critique (fig. 1). Dans cette figure, les cases numérotées de 1 à 48 sont liées par des énoncés logiques. Ainsi, en répondant à des questions simples, il est possible de cheminer dans la figure 1 et d'identifier les causes les plus probables du déséquilibre microbiologique ainsi que les solutions qui ont déjà été apportées avec succès. De plus les auteurs ont associé à chaque case une fiche technique (portant le même numéro que la case) sur laquelle sont présentées des explications et la liste des références consultées.Activated sludge is a microbiological aerated sewage treatment process which includes a secondary clarifier to separate the treated effluent from the biological solids. Part of the concentrated solids is recirculated to maintain an adequate concentration of mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) In the aerated basin. When the secondary clarifier malfunctions, some biological solids are lost to the effluent : the process efficiency drops and the concentration of suspended solids (SS) increases. When the SS in the effluent is too high the sludge volume index (SVI) must be measured. A low SVI means that the biological solids have good sedimentation characteristics : the problem is thon physical in nature and is easily identified. When the SVI is high, the problem is due to a disturbance of the microbiological ecosystem, which is at the origin of excessive filamentous organism growth. The origins and solutions of such a problem are much harder to find. To this end the authors proceeded with an important review of the literature, the results of which are summarized through a critical path, in figure 1. Files from 1 to 48 are linked by logical statements in such a way that by answering simple questions, one can proceed through the files and identify the must probable cause of the biological disturbance as well as the solution which has already proven successful. Furthermore, the authors have linked each file to a technical file which bears the same number and on which an explanation and references are found.Before proceeding with figure 1 to identify a problem in real life, one must obtain information, resulting from an analysis and observations, with regard to plant effluent, primary clarifier effluent and activated sludge characteristics, including the MLSS concentration. One must also know the chemical oxygen demand (COD), the soluble and total biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), as well as the nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the plant influent. Furthermore, one must also be told of the presence of toxic material or industrial wastes in the sewage and of the fraction of pollution load which is in the form of particulates. Whether sudden changes in the quality of the plant influent have occurred is worth knowing. The concentration of oxygen or hydrogen sulfide in the primary clarifier is also important. One must also gather data related to the activated sludge treatment itself : type of reactor (completely mixed or plug flow), mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) concentration, dissolved oxygen concentration, rate of oxygen uptake and pH. Finally, the results of a microbiological analysis of the sludge are very useful.To illustrate the use of figure 1, let us say that we have the following data :a) Many filamentous microorganisms are present in the MLSS, in particular Microthrix parvicella, type 0092, and Thiothrix sp;b) The rate of dissolved oxygen uptake is 12 mg O2/g of SS - h;c) The rate of COD removal is 0,48 Kg/Kg of SS -d;d) There are no toxic substances in the plant influent;e) There are no abrupt changes in plant influent quality;f) The pHs of the plant influent and of the MLSS are 7,0 and 6,8 respectively;g) The ammonia nitrogen concentration of the plant influent is 1,2 mg/L (N);h) The phosphorus concentration of the plant influent is 4,4 mg/L (P);i) The total and soluble BOD5 concentrations of the plant influent are 400 and 80 mg/L respectively.With this information, we are ready to proceed through figure 1. From file one, one goes to file 2, since the rate of oxygen uptake is sufficient. Otherwise, we would have proceeded to file 32. The reactor being completely mixed, the next step is file 3, where it is said that, because of the low soluble BOD5 concentration one must go to file 9, where we find a fast of filamentous microarganisms which may be responsible for the disturbance. Since two of these microorganisms are effectively present in the mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS), Microthrox parvicella and type 0092, we are invited to go to file 35, where it is stated that someone has already solved a similar problem by creating a modified contact zone to increase the substrats (organic matter) concentration around the microbiological flocs. The third filamentous microorganism is not identified in file 9. As a second possibility one may assume, in file 2. That the mixing is not complete, which is often the case. With the help of information and results of analyses already available, we proceed, through file 4, 14, 15 and 16, to file 20 where Thiothrixsp is included in the microorganisms listed. File 20 is linked to file 41, where it is said that the controlled addition of nitrogen in the plant influent has already been used to solve this type of problem.The critical path presented in this article is the result of an elaborate study. It may be used as a tool to identify the causes of bad biological flocs sedimentation in the secondary clarifier and select solutions that have already been used successfully

Surface induced magnetization reversal of MnP nanoclusters embedded in GaP

We investigate the quasi-static magnetic behavior of ensembles of non-interacting ferromagnetic nanoparticles consisting of MnP nanoclusters embedded in GaP(001) epilayers grown at 600, 650 and 700{\deg}C. We use a phenomenological model, in which surface effects are included, to reproduce the experimental hysteresis curves measured as a function of temperature (120-260 K) and direction of the applied field. The slope of the hysteresis curve during magnetization reversal is determined by the MnP nanoclusters size distribution, which is a function of the growth temperature. Our results show that the coercive field is very sensitive to the strength of the surface anisotropy, which reduces the energy barrier between the two states of opposite magnetization. Notably, this reduction in the energy barrier increases by a factor of 3 as the sample temperature is lowered from 260 to 120 K.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figure

Optimisation de la domiciliation des cellules CD34+ de sang de cordon ombilical: élucider les mécanismes en cause dépendant du CXCR4

Le sang provenant d’un cordon ombilical (SCO) représente une bonne source de cellules souches hématopoïétiques (CSH) pour des transplantations. Cependant, le nombre de cellules souches contenues dans ce sang est souvent insuffisant pour greffer un adulte. Le mécanisme intervenant dans la domiciliation de ces cellules au sein de la moelle osseuse (MO) est encore mal compris. On sait que l’interaction entre la chimiokine SDF-1 et le récepteur CXCR4, présent sur les cellules CD34+ de SCO, mène à la migration de ces cellules en direction de la MO. Nous pensons que l’augmentation de la proportion de cellules qui réussit à se greffer pourra pallier au problème du nombre. Les produits de dégradation, C3a et le C3desarg,, issus du système du complément, sont connus pour favoriser la réponse de cellules exprimant CXCR4 vers SDF-1. Nous avons analysé l’effet du C3adesarg, molécule non anaphylatoxique, sur la migration cellulaire vers SDF-1, de même que sur la prise de greffe des cellules CD34+ issues de SCO suite à une transplantation sur des souris NOD/SCIDyC-. Nos expériences ont démontré que le C3a ainsi que le C3adesarg augmentaient tous les deux la réponse des cellules CD34+ vers SDF-1. Toutefois, nous n’avons pas pu démontrer que ces molécules liaient directement le récepteur CXCR4. Par contre, le composé C3adesarg favorise la prise de greffe des cellules CD34+ de SCO. Il serait donc un bon candidat pour poursuivre une optimisation de ses propriétés. Nous avons également constaté que suite à une transplantation chez la souris, les cellules CD34+ de SCO subissent une hausse d’expression transitoire de leur CXCR4 environ quatre jours après la greffe. Cette hausse d’expression coïncide avec la multiplication des cellules CD34+ dans la MO. Nous avons également confirmé qu’une cellule CD34+ avec une forte expression de CXCR4 était dans un état prolifératif. Nos données suggèrent que l’interaction directe avec les cellules stromales soit responsable de cette hausse d’expression de CXCR4.Since the first successful cord blood (CB) transplant was performed there has been a gradual increase in the use of CB for haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation, but the number of stem cells per CB is in general too low to ensure successful transplantation in adult patients. We would like to bypass the limitation of insufficient number of these cells in CB by enhancing the engraftment efficiency. The chemokine stromal-derived factor (SDF)-1, that binds to its receptor, CXCR4, plays an important and unique role in regulating the trafficking of HSC and their homing/retention in bone marrow (BM), but molecular regulatory mechanism of niches for HSC maintenance remains unclear. The complement C3 cleavage fragments, C3a and C3adesarg, modulate the responsiveness of CXCR4-expressing cell lines to SDF-1. We assessed the effect of the non anaphylatoxic complement fragment, C3adesarg, on SDF-1 responsiveness and engraftment of CB-HSC transplantation in a NOD/SCIDyC- mouse model. Complement breakdown products C3a and C3adesarg both increase the responsiveness of CD34+ cells to SDF-1. We find no evidence for direct interaction of complement fragments with CXCR4. Our data suggest that C3adesarg might contribute to optimize CB-HSC homing to bone marrow, and therefore efficacy of cord blood transplantation. We quantified the number of CXCR4 on the surface of CB-CD34+ after transplantation in mice. Our results showed that there is a transient overexpression of CXCR4 on the surface of HSC CD34+ found in the BM of NOD/SCIDyC- mice after 4-5 days post-injection. This transient overexpression correlated with multiplication of CD34+ cells in the BM. We confirm that the cells with an overexpression of CXCR4 are in a proliferation state. Our data suggested that this transient overexpression is caused by an interaction with the stomal cells