Ice Fluctuations In Moraine Canyon, Antarctica Dated With Cosmogenic 26Al, 10Be, And 21Ne

Knowledge and understanding of past Antarctic ice sheet behavior is necessary to illustrate ice sheet response to our currently warming climate and the ice sheet’s contribution to global sea level change. Our knowledge of glacial fluctuations in the southern Transantarctic Mountains (TAM) is limited because few studies in this area have been done; therefore much information can be gained from further investigations in this region. Glacial deposits in Moraine Canyon, a tributary of Amundsen Glacier in the southern TAM, show numerous periods of ice thickening. Moraine Canyon responds to changes in the thickness of Amundsen Glacier, and Amundsen Glacier responds to changes in thickness of the East Antarctic and West Antarctic Ice Sheets (EAIS and WAIS). 10Be, 26Al, and 21Ne concentrations from vertical profiles in ~1m deep soil pits from four glacial deposits provide exposure ages and local regolith erosion rates. Exposure ages from three lateral moraines and one valley floor deposit show an overall decrease in ice levels in Moraine Canyon since at least 1.21 Ma punctuated by at least four periods of ice thickening of Amundsen Glacier. Local regolith erosion rates range from 0.21-4.40 m Ma-1. During subsequent periods of ice thickening, lateral moraines were deposited at 1.21 Ma, 1.10 Ma, and 80.4 ka. The regolith overlying glacial ice on the valley floor was deposited 287 ka. A period of significant ice thinning in Moraine Canyon occurred between 1.10 Ma and 287 ka. During this thinning event, ice levels of Amundsen Glacier were low enough to allow the glacial ice in Moraine Canyon to completely flow out of the valley. Significant thinning of the EAIS at the head of Amundsen Glacier was necessary for this amount of ice lowering to occur during this time. This research provides new constraints on past fluctuations of the EAIS and suggests that it is more sensitive to shorter term climatic fluctuations than previously thought

Ja e sms! En sociologisk studie om nio ungdomars identitetsskapande genom sms.

Problem/ Bakgrund: Problemformuleringen grundar sig i en nyfikenhet över varför ungdomar inte sover på natten eftersom de sms:ar. Mitt intresse för Meads teori om jagets utveckling gör att undersökningens fokus ligger på hur självbild och identitet är kopplat till ungdomarnas sms:ande. Syfte: Att få större förståelse för hur ungdomars identitetsskapande kan ske genom sms. Kort beskrivning av uppsatsens utgångspunkter och undersökningens upplägg: Arbetet behandlar sms-kommunikation. Det empiriska materialet består av intervjuer med nio ungdomar i åldern 16-17 år. Teoriramen bygger på Goffmans analys om självpresentation, samt Meads syn på jaget och identitet. Slutsatser/ Resultat: Det gäller att vara käck och rolig i sina sms för att få ett snabbt svar, och därmed få den bekräftelse som många känner sig beroende av. Ungdomarna kan vara djärvare i sina sms. De vågar mer, och ljuger mer, och det är lättare att både flörta och att avfärda någon i sms. I och med det stora antalet sms som skickas och all tankekraft som läggs ner på formuleringar, borde rimligtvis ungdomarnas sms påverka deras identitet. Genom att spegla sig i vännernas svar eller ickesvar kan de lära sig något om sig själva. Däremot verkar brist på tid, eller reflektion, förhindra en del av ungdomarna från att bli medvetna om sina jag. En annan tanke är att just dessa ungdomar har anammat samhällets krav på en mera flytande identitet

Calculation fluency: A mixed methods study in English Y6 primary classrooms

Emma-Louise Lord Title of study: Calculation fluency: A mixed methods study in English primary classrooms The teaching and learning of written calculation strategies remains a high priority in many national curricula. However, the available literature was dominated by quantitative studies which explored a restricted range of arithmetic operations, paying limited attention to the role of confidence or the reasons behind the selection of their calculation strategies with the learners themselves. The literature revealed that calculation fluency was generally accepted to require flexibility, efficiency, accuracy, and conceptual understanding, yet recent curriculum reforms in English schools prioritised formal algorithms and thus appeared to restrict calculation fluency in the classroom. This study explored calculation fluency among the first cohort of Year 6 learners (10- to 11-year-olds) studying under the reforms by asking: To what extent does calculation fluency among Year 6 learners vary by gender, confidence level and prior attainment? Phase 1 of this sequential mixed methods explanatory study involved a large-scale survey (N = 590) where each participant was presented with a ten-question, Likert-style mathematics confidence questionnaire followed by a workbook specifically developed for this study containing 16 age-related, context-free multi-digit calculations covering addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The participants’ answers were compared by gender, mathematical confidence and previous attainment using regression analysis. Phase 2 consisted of a purposeful sample of learners drawn from Phase 1 (n = 23) who attended individual semi-structured interviews exploring their workbook responses in more depth. Their comments were examined using framework analysis, then the findings from both phases were integrated together to address the research question. The findings indicated that too many learners failed to satisfy the stated criteria for calculation fluency. Many learners worked inaccurately, inflexibly and inefficiently by prioritising formal algorithms irrespective of the merits of individual calculations. They either failed to recognise situations where other strategies might have been more efficient and less likely to lead to error, or they were unwilling to deviate from using formal algorithms. The findings indicated that confidence, rather than gender or prior attainment, had the greatest effect of the three predictor variables on use of the formal algorithm; confident learners were less likely to deviate from using formal algorithms than other learners. The findings also revealed that girls were significantly less likely to deviate from using formal algorithms than boys. However, most of the variance in calculation fluency was determined by factors other than gender, prior attainment or confidence. Calculation fluency was also affected by practice, knowledge of testing procedures and an individual’s checking procedures. Hence, it is recommended that future researchers consider adopting a mixed methods research design due to the insights gained in this thesis. Moreover, by addressing all four operations, I was able to identify patterns in my findings across the operations. Regarding policymakers, my findings indicated that the decision to prioritise formal algorithms in the primary curriculum may need further consideration. Schools should consider encouraging their learners to calculate more flexibly to increase their accuracy rates, calculation efficiency and conceptual understanding. Further research should be undertaken to ascertain the longer-term effects on both genders and differing mathematical confidence levels of limiting calculation flexibility at primary level when those learners will experience a curriculum dominated by problem-solving, rather than calculation, later in their education

Simple and Fast Fabrication Methodology for Platinum and Carbon Ultramicroelectrodes (UME) in Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM)

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is a highly versatile method for measuring and imaging a wide range of systems. When paired with an intricately made ultramicroelectrode (UME) probe, SECM becomes an even more powerful tool for imaging microscale features in a system. However, purchasing these UME’s comes at a high cost with less ability for modification. Having high quality UME’s expands the ability of SECM and enables precise measuring and imaging in a wide range of applications such as solar cells in Dr. Ding’s lab, and corroding metals in Dr. Gateman’s lab. To combat this issue of high cost and set specifications, a simple and fast methodology for preparing UME’s was developed

The Impact of Slice Interval and Equation on the Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Image Estimation of Quadriceps Muscle Volume in End Stage Liver Disease

INTRODUCTION: End stage liver disease (ESLD) is associated with loss of muscle mass and function, known as sarcopenia, which can increase the risk of complications of ESLD, hospitalization and mortality. Therefore, the accurate assessment of muscle mass is essential to evaluate sarcopenia in ESLD. However, manual segmentation of muscle volume (MV) can be laborious on cross-sectional imaging, due to the number of slices that require analysis. This study aimed to investigate the impact of reducing the number of slices required for MV estimation. Further, we aimed to compare two equations utilized in estimating MV (cylindrical and truncated cone). METHODS: Thirty eight ESLD patients (23 males; 54.8 ± 10.7 years) were recruited from the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Birmingham. A 3T MRI scan was completed of the lower limbs. Quadriceps MV was estimated utilizing 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4 cm slice intervals with both cylindrical and truncated cone equations. Absolute and relative error (compared to 1 cm slice interval) was generated for 2-, 3-, and 4 cm slice intervals. L3 skeletal muscle index (SMI) was also calculated in 30 patients. RESULTS: Relative error increased with slice interval using the cylindrical (0.45 vs. 1.06 vs. 1.72%) and truncated cone equation (0.27 vs. 0.58 vs. 0.74%) for 2, 3, and 4 cm, respectively. Significantly, the cylindrical equation produced approximately twice the error compared to truncated cone, with 3 cm (0.58 vs. 1.06%, P < 0.01) and 4 cm intervals (0.74 vs. 1.72%, P < 0.001). Finally, quadriceps MV was significantly correlated to L3 SMI (r(2) = 0.44, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The use of the truncated equation with a 4 cm slice interval on MRI offers an efficient but accurate estimation of quadricep muscle volume in ESLD patients

Interaction between integrin α9β1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) inhibits neutrophil apoptosis

According to the prevailing paradigm, neutrophils are short-lived cells that undergo spontaneous apoptosis within 24 hours of their release from the bone marrow. However, neutrophil survival can be significantly prolonged within inflamed tissue by cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and hypoxia. During screening experiments aimed at identifying the effect of the adhesive microenvironment on neutrophil survival, we found that VCAM-1 (CD106) was able to delay both spontaneous and Fas-induced apoptosis. VCAM-1-mediated survival was as efficient as that induced by the cytokine IFN-β and provided an additive, increased delay in apoptosis when given in combination with IFN-β. VCAM-1 delivered its antiapoptotic effect through binding the integrin α9β1. The α9β 1 signaling pathway shares significant features with the IFN-β survival signaling pathway, requiring PI3 kinase, NF-κB activation, as well as de novo protein synthesis, but the kinetics of NF-κB activation by VCAM-1 were slower and more sustained compared with IFN-β. This study demonstrates a novel functional role for α9β1 in neutrophil biology and suggests that adhesive signaling pathways provide an important extrinsic checkpoint for the resolution of inflammatory responses in tissues

Clinical stance on response initiation in autistic adults:co-creating an integrative approach based on theory and lived experiences to act from language, via motor movement to wellbeing

Getting ‘stuck’, literally and figuratively, is a common experience for autistic people. Literally ‘stuck’ means exhibiting limited response initiation due to immobility with tense muscles and inability to move. Figuratively ‘stuck’ means loneliness, passivity or captivity in activities that do not offer long-term satisfaction. To further conceptualize this complex phenomenon of limited response initiation in autistic individuals, we performed qualitative interviews and focus groups with autistic people and their family members, followed by brainstorm sessions and a Delphi study with input from a larger panel of experts from multiple backgrounds. We aimed to co-create the outline of an integrative approach to support autistic people in moving away from this ‘stuck state’ to more flexible, limber ‘supple states’ in order to live freer, more meaningful, satisfying and peaceful lives. Over time, in interaction with all participants, our shared insight grew. Based on this, we here stipulate a conceptual framework, in which the described ‘stuck state’ at the micro-level of the muscles/behavior of one individual, probably is caused by feeling/being ‘stuck’ or ‘cramped’ at several overarching (i.e., meso and macro) levels. For instance, stuck in relationships with unhealthy dynamics, stuck at home creating short-term calm, trance-like states (e.g., gaming), stuck at an educational level that might fit the individuals’ current social–emotional state rather than their potential cognitive level, stuck in a job that pays the bills but does not feel meaningful, nor contributes to a satisfying life with opportunities for personal development. Stuck in a mental/public health care system where ever ongoing changes in policies hinder sustained support to suit care-needs. Stuck in a regulated societal system making it likely to repeatedly get stuck. Is this phenomenon specific to autism? Formally we have only conducted interviews with this population, but in another smaller, related project we also spoke to people from the general population with careers that are considered successful in the general society. These people actually voiced similar experiences. Therefore, we hypothesize that this numbing state of being or feeling ‘stuck’ may be a prevalent phenomenon that needs to be addressed. In this article, we discuss several types of interventive approaches (i.e., language-based talking therapies, affective experiential expressive therapies, physical therapies and systemic therapies), prevention as well as intervention programs, directed at different primary stakeholders, that can complement and enrich each other in an integrative policy, that leads to tailor-made, personalized trajectories of interdisciplinary support to enable people to live satisfying, meaningful, dignified and peaceful lives.</p

Inter-rater reliability and stability of diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder in children identified through screening at a very young age

To examine the inter-rater reliability and stability of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses made at a very early age in children identified through a screening procedure around 14 months of age. In a prospective design, preschoolers were recruited from a screening study for ASD. The inter-rater reliability of the diagnosis of ASD was measured through an independent assessment of a randomly selected subsample of 38 patients by two other psychiatrists. The diagnoses at 23 months and 42 months of 131 patients, based on the clinical assessment and the diagnostic classifications of standardised instruments, were compared to evaluate stability of the diagnosis of ASD. Inter-rater reliability on a diagnosis of ASD versus non-ASD at 23 months was 87% with a weighted κ of 0.74 (SE 0.11). The stability of the different diagnoses in the autism spectrum was 63% for autistic disorder, 54% for pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and 91% for the whole category of ASD. Most diagnostic changes at 42 months were within the autism spectrum from autistic disorder to PDD-NOS and were mainly due to diminished symptom severity. Children who moved outside the ASD category at 42 months made significantly larger gains in cognitive and language skills than children with a stable ASD diagnosis. In conclusion, the inter-rater reliability and stability of the diagnoses of ASD established at 23 months in this population-based sample of very young children are good

Early rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by a distinct and transient synovial fluid cytokine profile of T cell and stromal cell origin

Pathological processes involved in the initiation of rheumatoid synovitis remain unclear. We undertook the present study to identify immune and stromal processes that are present soon after the clinical onset of rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) by assessing a panel of T cell, macrophage, and stromal cell related cytokines and chemokines in the synovial fluid of patients with early synovitis. Synovial fluid was aspirated from inflamed joints of patients with inflammatory arthritis of duration 3 months or less, whose outcomes were subsequently determined by follow up. For comparison, synovial fluid was aspirated from patients with acute crystal arthritis, established RA and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid factor activity was blocked in the synovial fluid samples, and a panel of 23 cytokines and chemokines measured using a multiplex based system. Patients with early inflammatory arthritis who subsequently developed RA had a distinct but transient synovial fluid cytokine profile. The levels of a range of T cell, macrophage and stromal cell related cytokines ( e. g. IL-2, IL-4, IL-13, IL-17, IL-15, basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor) were significantly elevated in these patients within 3 months after symptom onset, as compared with early arthritis patients who did not develop RA. In addition, this profile was no longer present in established RA. In contrast, patients with non-rheumatoid persistent synovitis exhibited elevated levels of interferon-gamma at initiation. Early synovitis destined to develop into RA is thus characterized by a distinct and transient synovial fluid cytokine profile. The cytokines present in the early rheumatoid lesion suggest that this response is likely to influence the microenvironment required for persistent RA