552 research outputs found

    A new mechanism for exchange processes observed in the compounds [M(η-C_5H_5)_2(exo-η-RCH = CH_2)H], M = Nb and Ta

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    Dynamic n.m.r. studies of the exchange processes in the complexes [M(η-C_5H_5)(exo-η-RCH=CH_2)H], M = Nb, Ta, lead to the proposal of a new mechanism involving intermediates with agostic bonding

    Effect of tooth profile modification on the durability of planetary hub gears

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    Planetary systems offer the advantage of desired speed-torque variation with a lighter, compact and coaxial construction than the traditional gear trains. Frictional losses and Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) refinement are the main concerns. Modification of gear teeth geometry to reduce friction between the mating teeth flanks of vehicular planetary hubs, as well as refining NVH under varying load-speed conditions is one of the remedial actions. However, implementing modifications can result in reduced structural integrity and system durability. Therefore, a contradiction may arise between assuring a high degree of durability and achieving better transmission efficiency, which necessitates detailed system optimisation. An integrated multi-disciplinary analytical approach, including tribology and sub-surface stress analysis is developed. As a preliminary step, Tooth Contact Analysis (TCA) is performed to obtain contact footprint shape of meshing gear teeth pairs, as well as contact kinematics and applied load distribution. Then, an analytical time-efficient Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication (EHL) analysis of elliptical point contact of crowned spur gear tooth is carried out to observe the effect of gear tip relief modification upon planetary hub sub-surface stresses

    βSubunits Promote K+ Channel Surface Expression through Effects Early in Biosynthesis

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    AbstractVoltage-gated K+ channels are protein complexes composed of ion-conducting integral membrane α subunits and cytoplasmic β subunits. Here, we show that, in transfected mammalian cells, the predominant β subunit isoform in brain, Kvβ2, associates with the Kv1.2 α subunit early in channel biosynthesis and that Kvβ2 exerts multiple chaperone-like effects on associated Kv1.2 including promotion of cotranslational N-linked glycosylation of the nascent Kv1.2 polypeptide, increased stability of Kvβ2/Kv1.2 complexes, and increased efficiency of cell surface expression of Kv1.2. Taken together, these results indicate that while some cytoplasmic K+ channel β subunits affect the inactivation kinetics of α subunits, a more general, and perhaps more fundamental, role is to mediate the biosynthetic maturation and surface expression of voltage-gated K+ channel complexes. These findings provide a molecular basis for recent genetic studies indicating that β subunits are key determinants of neuronal excitability

    Nature as a 'Lifeline': The Power of Photography when Exploring the Experiences of Older Adults living with Memory Loss and Memory Concerns.

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    The visual is an underutilised modality through which to investigate experiences of memory loss in older people. We describe a visual ethnography with older adults experiencing subjective or objective memory loss, receiving a cognitive wellbeing group intervention designed to prevent cognitive decline and dementia (APPLE-Tree programme). We aimed to explore lived experiences of people with memory concerns, how participants engaged with this photography and co-design project, and how collaboration with an artist/photographer enhanced this process. Nineteen participants shared photographs reflecting what they valued in their daily lives, their experiences of memory concerns, and the intervention. Fourteen participated in qualitative photo-elicitation interviews, and thirteen collaborated with a professional artist/photographer to co-create an exhibition, in individual meetings and workshops, during which a researcher took ethnographic field notes. Eight participants were re-interviewed after the exhibition launch. We contextualise images produced by participants in relation to discourses around the visual and ageing and highlight their relationship with themes developed through thematic analysis that interconnects photographic, observational and interview data. We present themes around the use of photographs to: (1) celebrate connections to nature as a lifeline; (2) anchor lives within the context of relationships with family; (3) reflect on self and identity, enduring through ageing, memory concerns, pandemic, and ageing stereotypes. We explore visual research as a powerful tool for eliciting meaningful accounts from older adults experiencing cognitive change and to connect the arts and social sciences within ageing studies

    Role of entanglement in two-photon imaging

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    The use of entangled photons in an imaging system can exhibit effects that cannot be mimicked by any other two-photon source, whatever the strength of the correlations between the two photons. We consider a two-photon imaging system in which one photon is used to probe a remote (transmissive or scattering) object, while the other serves as a reference. We discuss the role of entanglement versus correlation in such a setting, and demonstrate that entanglement is a prerequisite for achieving distributed quantum imaging.Comment: 15 pages, 2 figure

    Continuous pumping and control of mesoscopic superposition state in a lossy QED cavity

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    Here we consider the continuous pumping of a dissipative QED cavity and derive the time-dependent density operator of the cavity field prepared initially as a superposition of mesoscopic coherent states. The control of the coherence of this superposition is analyzed considering the injection of a beam of two-level Rydberg atoms through the cavity. Our treatment is compared to other approaches.Comment: 15 pages, 6 PostScript figures, To appear in Phys. Rev.

    Groundwater springs formed during glacial retreat are a large source of methane in the high Arctic

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    Permafrost and glaciers in the high Arctic form an impermeable ‘cryospheric cap’ that traps a large reservoir of subsurface methane, preventing it from reaching the atmosphere. Cryospheric vulnerability to climate warming is making releases of this methane possible. On Svalbard, where air temperatures are rising more than two times faster than the average for the Arctic, glaciers are retreating and leaving behind exposed forefields that enable rapid methane escape. Here we document how methane-rich groundwater springs have formed in recently revealed forefields of 78 land-terminating glaciers across central Svalbard, bringing deep-seated methane gas to the surface. Waters collected from these springs during February–May of 2021 and 2022 are supersaturated with methane up to 600,000 times greater than atmospheric equilibration. Spatial sampling reveals a geological dependency on the extent of methane supersaturation, with isotopic evidence of a thermogenic source. We estimate annual methane emissions from proglacial groundwaters to be up to 2.31 kt across the Svalbard archipelago. Further investigations into marine-terminating glaciers indicate future methane emission sources as these glaciers transition into fully land-based systems. Our findings reveal that climate-driven glacial retreat facilitates widespread release of methane, a positive feedback loop that is probably prevalent across other regions of the rapidly warming Arcti

    It Pays to Test Your IRRIGATION PUMPING PLANT

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    A pumping plant performance test can determine the energy efficiency of an irrigation pumping plant and provIde information on adjustments needed to improve energy efficiency. The performance of an irrigation pumping plant should be evaluated by trained personnel using accurate testing equipment. This service can be performed by consulting engineers, by many well drilling companies, and some Natural Resources Districts and Public Power Districts. See your County Extension Agent for more information concerning these services. A pumping plant test should be performed regardless of the age of your system. Test all new systems so that you can be assured that your unit meets the contract specifications, which should be at least equal to the Nebraska Performance criteria for pumping plants (Table 1). The components must be carefully selected, installed, adjusted and operated to obtain these standard values. For an existing pumping plant a test can determine: 1. If energy and money can be saved by adjusting, rebuilding, or replacing the existing pump, drive systems, or power unit. 2. If the well is being operated at too great a discharge rate for existing pump and well conditions

    Chronic, low-dose rotenone reproduces Lewy neurites found in early stages of Parkinson's disease, reduces mitochondrial movement and slowly kills differentiated SH-SY5Y neural cells

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Parkinson's disease, the most common adult neurodegenerative movement disorder, demonstrates a brain-wide pathology that begins pre-clinically with alpha-synuclein aggregates ("Lewy neurites") in processes of gut enteric and vagal motor neurons. Rostral progression into substantia nigra with death of dopamine neurons produces the motor impairment phenotype that yields a clinical diagnosis. The vast majority of Parkinson's disease occurs sporadically, and current models of sporadic Parkinson's disease (sPD) can utilize directly infused or systemic neurotoxins.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We developed a differentiation protocol for human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma that yielded non-dividing dopaminergic neural cells with long processes that we then exposed to 50 nM rotenone, a complex I inhibitor used in Parkinson's disease models. After 21 days of rotenone, ~60% of cells died. Their processes retracted and accumulated ASYN-(+) and UB-(+) aggregates that blocked organelle transport. Mitochondrial movement velocities were reduced by 8 days of rotenone and continued to decline over time. No cytoplasmic inclusions resembling Lewy bodies were observed. Gene microarray analyses showed that the majority of genes were under-expressed. qPCR analyses of 11 mtDNA-encoded and 10 nDNA-encoded mitochondrial electron transport chain RNAs' relative expressions revealed small increases in mtDNA-encoded genes and lesser regulation of nDNA-encoded ETC genes.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Subacute rotenone treatment of differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells causes process retraction and partial death over several weeks, slowed mitochondrial movement in processes and appears to reproduce the Lewy neuritic changes of early Parkinson's disease pathology but does not cause Lewy body inclusions. The overall pattern of transcriptional regulation is gene under-expression with minimal regulation of ETC genes in spite of rotenone's being a complex I toxin. This rotenone-SH-SY5Y model in a differentiated human neural cell mimics changes of early Parkinson's disease and may be useful for screening therapeutics for neuroprotection in that disease stage.</p
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