A program to compute three-dimensional subsonic unsteady aerodynamic characteristics using the doublet lattic method, L216 (DUBFLX). Volume 1: Engineering and usage

The program input presented consists of configuration geometry, aerodynamic parameters, and modal data; output includes element geometry, pressure difference distributions, integrated aerodynamic coefficients, stability derivatives, generalized aerodynamic forces, and aerodynamic influence coefficient matrices. Optionally, modal data may be input on magnetic file (tape or disk), and certain geometric and aerodynamic output may be saved for subsequent use

A Δ11 desaturase gene genealogy reveals two divergent allelic classes within the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis)

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Moth pheromone mating systems have been characterized at the molecular level, allowing evolutionary biologists to study how changes in protein sequence or gene expression affect pheromone phenotype, patterns of mating, and ultimately, the formation of barriers to gene exchange. Recent studies of <it>Ostrinia </it>pheromones have focused on the diversity of sex pheromone desaturases and their role in the specificity of pheromone production. Here we produce a Δ11 desaturase genealogy within <it>Ostrinia nubilalis</it>. We ask what has been the history of this gene, and whether this history suggests that changes in Δ11 desaturase have been involved in the divergence of the E and Z <it>O. nubilalis </it>pheromone strains.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The Δ11 desaturase gene genealogy does not differentiate <it>O. nubilalis</it> pheromone strains. However, we find two distinct clades, separated by 2.9% sequence divergence, that do not sort with pheromone strain, geographic origin, or emergence time. We demonstrate that these clades do not represent gene duplicates, but rather allelic variation at a single gene locus.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Analyses of patterns of variation at the Δ11 desaturase gene in ECB suggest that this enzyme does not contribute to reproductive isolation between pheromone strains (E and Z). However, our genealogy reveals two deeply divergent allelic classes. Standing variation at loci that contribute to mate choice phenotypes may permit novel pheromone mating systems to arise in the presence of strong stabilizing selection.</p

Acute tryptophan depletion attenuates conscious appraisal of social emotional signals in healthy female volunteers

Rationale: Acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) decreases levels of central serotonin. ATD thus enables the cognitive effects of serotonin to be studied, with implications for the understanding of psychiatric conditions, including depression. Objective: To determine the role of serotonin in conscious (explicit) and unconscious/incidental processing of emotional information. Materials and methods: A randomized, double-blind, cross-over design was used with 15 healthy female participants. Subjective mood was recorded at baseline and after 4 h, when participants performed an explicit emotional face processing task, and a task eliciting unconscious processing of emotionally aversive and neutral images presented subliminally using backward masking. Results: ATD was associated with a robust reduction in plasma tryptophan at 4 h but had no effect on mood or autonomic physiology. ATD was associated with significantly lower attractiveness ratings for happy faces and attenuation of intensity/arousal ratings of angry faces. ATD also reduced overall reaction times on the unconscious perception task, but there was no interaction with emotional content of masked stimuli. ATD did not affect breakthrough perception (accuracy in identification) of masked images. Conclusions: ATD attenuates the attractiveness of positive faces and the negative intensity of threatening faces, suggesting that serotonin contributes specifically to the appraisal of the social salience of both positive and negative salient social emotional cues. We found no evidence that serotonin affects unconscious processing of negative emotional stimuli. These novel findings implicate serotonin in conscious aspects of active social and behavioural engagement and extend knowledge regarding the effects of ATD on emotional perception

Functional interaction between BMPR-II and Tctex-1, a light chain of Dynein, is isoform-specific and disrupted by mutations underlying primary pulmonary hypertension

Diverse heterozygous mutations of bone morphogenetic receptor type II (BMPR-II) underlie the inherited form of the vascular disorder primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). As yet, the molecular detail of how such defects contribute to the pathogenesis of PPH remains unclear. BMPR-II is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta cell signalling superfamily. Ligand binding induces cell surface receptor complex formation and activates a cascade of phosphorylation events of intracellular intermediaries termed Smads, which initiate transcriptional regulation. Some 30% of PPH-causing mutations localize to exon 12, which may be spliced out forming an isoform depleted of the unusually long BMPR-II cytoplasmic tail. To further elucidate the consequences of BMPR2 mutation, we sought to characterize aspects of the cytoplasmic domain function by seeking intracellular binding partners. We now report that Tctex-1, a light chain of the motor complex dynein, interacts with the cytoplasmic domain of BMPR-II and demonstrate that Tctex-1 is phosphorylated by BMPR-II, a function disrupted by PPH disease causing mutations within exon 12. Finally we show that BMPR-II and Tctex-1 co-localize to endothelium and smooth muscle within the media of pulmonary arterioles, key sites of vascular remodelling in PPH. Taken together, these data demonstrate a discrete function for the cytoplasmic domain of BMPR-II and justify further investigation of whether the interaction with and phosphorylation of Tctex-1 contributes to the pathogenesis of PPH

Cell therapy-processing economics: small-scale microfactories as a stepping stone toward large-scale macrofactories

Aim: Manufacturing methods for cell-based therapies differ markedly from those established for noncellular pharmaceuticals and biologics. Attempts to ‘shoehorn’ these into existing frameworks have yielded poor outcomes. Some excellent clinical results have been realized, yet emergence of a ‘blockbuster’ cell-based therapy has so far proved elusive. Materials & methods: The pressure to provide these innovative therapies, even at a smaller scale, remains. In this process, economics research paper, we utilize cell expansion research data combined with operational cost modeling in a case study to demonstrate the alternative ways in which a novel mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy could be provided at small scale. Results & Conclusions: This research outlines the feasibility of cell microfactories but highlighted that there is a strong pressure to automate processes and split the quality control cost-burden over larger production batches. The study explores one potential paradigm of cell-based therapy provisioning as a potential exemplar on which to base manufacturing strategy

L1 and off Sun-Earth line visible-light imaging of Earth-directed CMEs: An analysis of inconsistent observations

The efficacy of coronal mass ejection (CME) observations as a key input to space weather forecasting is explored by comparing on and off Sun-Earth line observations from the ESA/NASA SOHO and NASA STEREO spacecraft. A comparison is made of CME catalogues based on L1 coronagraph imagery and off Sun-Earth line coronagraph and heliospheric imager (HI) observations, for the year 2011. Analysis reveals inconsistencies in the identification of a number of potentially Earth-directed CMEs. The catalogues reflect our ability to identify and characterise CMEs, so any discrepancies can impact our prediction of Earth-directed CMEs. We show that 15 CMEs, which were observed by STEREO, that had estimated directions compatible with Earth-directed events, had no identified halo/partial halo counterpart listed in the L1 coronagraph CME catalogue. In-situ data confirms that for 9 of these there was a consistent L1 Interplanetary CME (ICME). The number of such "discrepant" events is significant compared to the number of ICMEs recorded at L1 in 2011, stressing the need to address space weather monitoring capabilities, particularly with the inclusion of off Sun-Earth line observation. While the study provides evidence that some halo CMEs are simply not visible in near-Earth coronagraph imagery, there is evidence that some halo CMEs viewed from L1 are compromised by preceding CME remnants or the presence of multiple-CMEs. This underlines (1) the value of multiple vantage point CME observation, and (2) the benefit of off Sun-Earth line platform heliospheric imaging, and coronagraph imaging, for the efficient identification and tracking of Earth-directed events.Comment: 36 pages, 6 figures, in press at AGU Space Weather, 202

Cultural expectations of muscularity in men: The evolution of playgirl centerfolds

Abstract: Objective: We sought to assess whether cultural ideals of the male body, as illustrated by magazine models, have changed over the past 25 years. Method: We examined 115 male centerfold models in Playgirl magazine from 1973 to 1997. Using the models’ heights and weights quoted by the magazine, together with visual estimates of body fat, we calculated the body mass index (BMI) and fat-free mass index (FFMI) of each model. Results: The Playgirl centerfold models became increasingly “dense ” and more muscular over time, as indicated by the significant correlations between BMI, FFMI, and year of publication. Discussion: These observations, in combination with previous studies, suggest that cultural norms of the ideal male body are growing increasingly muscular. © 2000 by John Wiley &amp

Automating decentralized manufacturing of cell and gene therapy products.

Decentralized, or redistributed manufacture, is likely to be the manufacturing approach of choice for some cell- and gene-based therapies, in particular, personalized therapies. Such an approach will ultimately depend on the business model and will take into account the regulatory and supply chain factors. Advances in technology and integration of automated production platforms have demonstrated the potential for decentralized manufacturing, however there is a need to extend the scope of automation across the entire process including the cell isolation, distribution, tracking, administration, quality management systems and development of automated analytical techniques to facilitate real-time release. For decentralized manufacture to be successfully integrated for cell and gene therapy production, lessons from other accepted healthcare-associated models of manufacture can provide useful insights and perspectives to make informed decisions. Such models share similar characteristics to decentralized manufacture in that they are patient-specific and have a limited time-frame for administration. These existing approaches, which have successfully incorporated aspects of automation, can provide a blueprint for success and may expedite the decentralization of patient-specific cell and gene therapy manufacture

The Sky’s the Limit: Scholarly Communication, Digital Initiatives, Institutional Repositories, and Subject Librarians

The University of Central Florida’s institutional repository, Showcase of Text, Archives, Research, and Scholarship (STARS), has presented new opportunities for collaboration among the Libraries’ Office of Scholarly Communication, Digital Initiatives, Research Services, and subject librarians. Building on efforts to proactively promote scholarly communication initiatives to the university community, these four units have used the institutional repository as a foundation for collaboration, outreach, marketing, and educational efforts. This article will give an overview of a panel presentation given by members of these four units on STARS and highlight the role the institutional repository has in increasing the collaborative efforts of these four units. Additionally, it will highlight four different perspectives and discuss strategies designed to generate institutional repository interest from the university community. Successful ventures and lessons learned will provide insight into creating a productive interdepartmental framework that is geared toward supporting students and faculty institutional repository projects