Composition of eye cosmetics (kohls) used in Cairo

A total of 18 kohl samples were analysed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All the samples were purchased in Cairo and eleven of them originated in Egypt. The main component of six samples was found to be galena (PbS); where four of these samples originated in Egypt and two in India. For a further ten samples the main component was found to be one of the following: amorphous carbon, calcite (CaCO3), cuprite (Cu2O), goethite (FeO(OH)), elemental silicon or talc (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2). For the last two samples the main component of each was an unknown amorphous organic compound

A Spitzer Five-Band Analysis of the Jupiter-Sized Planet TrES-1

With an equilibrium temperature of 1200 K, TrES-1 is one of the coolest hot Jupiters observed by {\Spitzer}. It was also the first planet discovered by any transit survey and one of the first exoplanets from which thermal emission was directly observed. We analyzed all {\Spitzer} eclipse and transit data for TrES-1 and obtained its eclipse depths and brightness temperatures in the 3.6 {\micron} (0.083 % {\pm} 0.024 %, 1270 {\pm} 110 K), 4.5 {\micron} (0.094 % {\pm} 0.024 %, 1126 {\pm} 90 K), 5.8 {\micron} (0.162 % {\pm} 0.042 %, 1205 {\pm} 130 K), 8.0 {\micron} (0.213 % {\pm} 0.042 %, 1190 {\pm} 130 K), and 16 {\micron} (0.33 % {\pm} 0.12 %, 1270 {\pm} 310 K) bands. The eclipse depths can be explained, within 1$\sigma$ errors, by a standard atmospheric model with solar abundance composition in chemical equilibrium, with or without a thermal inversion. The combined analysis of the transit, eclipse, and radial-velocity ephemerides gives an eccentricity $e = 0.033^{+0.015}_{-0.031}$, consistent with a circular orbit. Since TrES-1's eclipses have low signal-to-noise ratios, we implemented optimal photometry and differential-evolution Markov-chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms in our Photometry for Orbits, Eclipses, and Transits (POET) pipeline. Benefits include higher photometric precision and \sim10 times faster MCMC convergence, with better exploration of the phase space and no manual parameter tuning.Comment: 17 pages, Accepted for publication in Ap

Complete Parallax and Proper Motion Solutions For Halo Binary-Lens Microlensing Events

A major problem in the interpretation of microlensing events is that the only measured quantity, the Einstein time scale t_E, is a degenerate combination of the three quantities one would like to know, the mass, distance, and speed of the lens. This degeneracy can be partly broken by measuring either a "parallax" or a "proper motion" and completely broken by measuring both. Proper motions can easily be measured for caustic-crossing binary-lens events. Here we examine the possibility (first discussed by Hardy & Walker) that one could also measure a parallax for some of these events by comparing the light curves of the caustic crossing as seen from two observatories on Earth. We derive analytic expressions for the signal-to-noise ratio of the parallax measurement in terms of the characteristics of the source and the geometry of the event. For Galactic halo binary lenses seen toward the LMC, the light curve is delayed from one continent to another by a seemingly minuscule 15 seconds (compared to t_E ~ 40 days). However, this is sufficient to cause a difference in magnification of order 10%. To actually extract complete parallax information (as opposed to merely detecting the effect) requires observations from three non-collinear observatories. Parallaxes cannot be measured for binary lenses in the LMC but they can be measured for Galactic halo binary lenses seen toward M31. Robust measurements are possible for disk binary lenses seen toward the Galactic bulge, but are difficult for bulge binary lenses.Comment: Revised to take account of important work by Hardy & Walker (1995

An explicit height bound for the classical modular polynomial

For a prime m, let Phi_m be the classical modular polynomial, and let h(Phi_m) denote its logarithmic height. By specializing a theorem of Cohen, we prove that h(Phi_m) <= 6 m log m + 16 m + 14 sqrt m log m. As a corollary, we find that h(Phi_m) <= 6 m log m + 18 m also holds. A table of h(Phi_m) values is provided for m <= 3607.Comment: Minor correction to the constants in Theorem 1 and Corollary 9. To appear in the Ramanujan Journal. 17 pages

The role of discharge variability in determining alluvial stratigraphy

We illustrate the potential for using physics-based modeling to link alluvial stratigraphy to large river morphology and dynamics. Model simulations, validated using ground penetrating radar data from the Río Paraná, Argentina, demonstrate a strong relationship between bar-scale set thickness and channel depth, which applies across a wide range of river patterns and bar types. We show that hydrologic regime, indexed by discharge variability and flood duration, exerts a first-order influence on morphodynamics and hence bar set thickness, and that planform morphology alone may be a misleading variable for interpreting deposits. Indeed, our results illustrate that rivers evolving under contrasting hydrologic regimes may have very similar morphology, yet be characterized by marked differences in stratigraphy. This realization represents an important limitation on the application of established theory that links river topography to alluvial deposits, and highlights the need to obtain field evidence of discharge variability when developing paleoenvironmental reconstructions. Model simulations demonstrate the potential for deriving such evidence using metrics of paleocurrent variance

A structured approach to hypotheses involving continuous exposures over the life course

© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Epidemiological Association. Background: Epidemiologists are often interested in examining different hypotheses for how exposures measured repeatedly over the life course relate to later-life outcomes. A structured approach for selecting the hypotheses most supported by theory and observed data has been developed for binary exposures. The aim of this paper is to extend this to include continuous exposures and allow for confounding and missing data. Methods: We studied two examples, the association between: (i) maternal weight during pregnancy and birthweight; and (ii) stressful family events throughout childhood and depression in adolescence. In each example we considered several plausible hypotheses including accumulation, critical periods, sensitive periods, change and effect modification. We used least angle regression to select the hypothesis that explained the most variation in the outcome, demonstrating appropriate methods for adjusting for confounders and dealing with missing data. Results: The structured approach identified a combination of sensitive periods: pre-pregnancy weight, and gestational weight gain 0-20 weeks and 20-40 weeks, as the best explanation for variation in birthweight after adjusting for maternal height. A sensitive period hypothesis best explained variation in adolescent depression, with the association strengthening with the proximity of stressful family events. For each example, these models have theoretical support at least as strong as any competing hypothesis. Conclusions: We have extended the structured approach to incorporate continuous exposures, confounding and missing data. This approach can be used in either an exploratory or a confirmatory setting. The interpretation, plausibility and consistency with causal assumptions should all be considered when proposing and choosing life course hypotheses

Relationship between mediation analysis and the structured life course approach

© The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the International Epidemiological Association. Many questions in life course epidemiology involve mediation and/or interaction because of the long latency period between exposures and outcomes. In this paper, we explore how mediation analysis (based on counterfactual theory and implemented using conventional regression approaches) links with a structured approach to selecting life course hypotheses. Using theory and simulated data, we show how the alternative life course hypotheses assessed in the structured life course approach correspond to different combinations of mediation and interaction parameters. For example, an early life critical period model corresponds to a direct effect of the early life exposure, but no indirect effect via the mediator and no interaction between the early life exposure and the mediator. We also compare these methods using an illustrative real-data example using data on parental occupational social class (early life exposure), own adult occupational social class (mediator) and physical capability (outcome)

Change management: The case of the elite sport performance team

The effective and efficient implementation of change is often required for both successful performance and management survival across a host of contemporary domains. However, although of major theoretical and practical significance, research to date has overlooked the application of change management (hereafter CM) knowledge to the elite sport performance team environment. Considering that the success of ‘off-field’ sports businesses are largely dependent on the performances of their ‘on-field’ team, this article explores the application of current CM theorizing to this specific setting and the challenges facing its utility. Accordingly, we identify the need and importance of developing theory specific to this area, with practical application in both sport and business, through examination of current knowledge and identification of the domain's unique, dynamic and contested properties. Markers of successful change are then suggested to guide initial enquiry before the article concludes with proposed lines of research which may act to provide a valid and comprehensive theoretical account of CM to optimize the research and practice of those working in the field

Differential expression, function and response to inflammatory stimuli of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in human fibroblasts: a mechanism for tissue-specific regulation of inflammation

Stromal cells such as fibroblasts play an important role in defining tissue-specific responses during the resolution of inflammation. We hypothesized that this involves tissue-specific regulation of glucocorticoids, mediated via differential regulation of the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1). Expression, activity and function of 11β-HSD1 was assessed in matched fibroblasts derived from various tissues (synovium, bone marrow and skin) obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. 11β-HSD1 was expressed in fibroblasts from all tissues but mRNA levels and enzyme activity were higher in synovial fibroblasts (2-fold and 13-fold higher mRNA levels in dermal and synovial fibroblasts, respectively, relative to bone marrow). Expression and activity of the enzyme increased in all fibroblasts following treatment with tumour necrosis factor-α or IL-1β (bone marrow: 8-fold and 37-fold, respectively, compared to vehicle; dermal fibroblasts: 4-fold and 14-fold; synovial fibroblasts: 7-fold and 31-fold; all P < 0.01 compared with vehicle). Treatment with IL-4 or interferon-γ was without effect, and there was no difference in 11β-HSD1 expression between fibroblasts (from any site) obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. In the presence of 100 nmol/l cortisone, IL-6 production – a characteristic feature of synovial derived fibroblasts – was significantly reduced in synovial but not dermal or bone marrow fibroblasts. This was prevented by co-treatment with an 11β-HSD inhibitor, emphasizing the potential for autocrine activation of glucocorticoids in synovial fibroblasts. These data indicate that differences in fibroblast-derived glucocorticoid production (via the enzyme 11β-HSD1) between cells from distinct anatomical locations may play a key role in the predeliction of certain tissues to develop persistent inflammation