Harmonic generation of noble-gas atoms in the Near-IR regime using ab-initio time-dependent R-matrix theory

We demonstrate the capability of ab-initio time-dependent R-matrix theory to obtain accurate harmonic generation spectra of noble-gas atoms at Near-IR wavelengths between 1200 and 1800 nm and peak intensities up to 1.8 X 10(14) W/cm(2) . To accommodate the excursion length of the ejected electron, we use an angular-momentum expansion up to Lmax = 279. The harmonic spectra show evidence of atomic structure through the presence of a Cooper minimum in harmonic generation for Kr, and of multielectron interaction through the giant resonance for Xe. The theoretical spectra agree well with those obtained experimentally.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figure

Spectroscopic Parameters of Neutral Argon Atom

We have calculated the spectroscopic data of the odd series nd [1/2]1 (3 ≤ n ≤ 9) of neutral argon atom relative to the ground level 3P 6 1 S0 using a fully relativistic approach based on the Dirac equation. This series is one of three intermediate Rydberg series that converge to the first limit of ionization. The energy levels of this series are predicted. The obtained energy levels results are judged by comparing them with the experimental ones available in the literature. Within the uncertainty in the theoretical results, the agreement between our results and the experimental ones was found to be reasonable. Based on this agreement, the oscillator strengths fij, the radiative transition rates Aij, the Landé g-factor, the magnetic dipole moment and the electric quadrupole hyperfine constants for the levels in question are calculated. The obtained results of fij, Aij, and Landé g-factor are compared with the theoretical and experimental results published by other researchers where available as well as those published by NIST. Within the uncertainty in our results, a good agreement is found. Moreover, the studied levels are situated near and under the first limit of ionization where autoionization effects take place

Prevalence of Obesity among Jordanian School-aged Adolescents in Greater Amman

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of obesity among Jordanian school female adolescents in greater Amman.  A representative random sample of 501 female adolescents school children, 10 to 17 years of age was recruited from 3 schools from greater Amman. The anthropometric data for adolescents (10-17 years old) were entered and compared to the growth reference curves/charts developed in 2006/2007 by the World Health Organization (WHO) using WHO 2009 AnthroPlus software. After sorting and cleaning of the data, descriptive analysis was conducted to obtain prevalence of obesity, overweight, and thinness. Malnourished children were defined as those with overweight, obese, or thinness. The overall average prevalences of thinness, normal weight, overweight, and obesity were 7.2% , 46.8%, 36.2% and 9.9 %, respectively. Among the thinness category (WAZ <-2 SD)  , the highest percentage (16.7%)  is for 16-17 age group followed by 14-15 age group (6.7%) while it is 5.3% in 10-11 age group. An overall prevalence of malnutrition characterized by overweight and obesity together among all age groups is 46.1%.  As a conclusion, the study showed that more than half (53.3%) of Jordanian school adolescents in greater Amman are malnourished, with a prevalence of overweight, obesity and thinness at the same time, requiring different strategies to control either type. Further research about the dietary habits and lifestyle behaviors of Jordanian adolescents is recommended. Keywords: Prevalence, Obesity, School-aged children, Adolescents, Greater Amman, Jorda

NASA SpaceCube Next-Generation Artificial-Intelligence Computing for STP-H9-SCENIC on ISS

Recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) capabilities have seen an exponential increase in interest from academia and industry that can be a disruptive, transformative development for future missions. Specifically, AI/ML concepts for edge computing can be integrated into future missions for autonomous operation, constellation missions, and onboard data analysis. However, using commercial AI software frameworks onboard spacecraft is challenging because traditional radiation-hardened processors and common spacecraft processors cannot provide the necessary onboard processing capability to effectively deploy complex AI models. Advantageously, embedded AI microchips being developed for the mobile market demonstrate remarkable capability and follow similar size, weight, and power constraints that could be imposed on a space-based system. Unfortunately, many of these devices have not been qualified for use in space. Therefore, Space Test Program - Houston 9 - SpaceCube Edge-Node Intelligent Collaboration (STP-H9-SCENIC) will demonstrate inflight, cutting-edge AI applications on multiple space-based devices for next-generation onboard intelligence. SCENIC will characterize several embedded AI devices in a relevant space environment and will provide NASA and DoD with flight heritage data and lessons learned for developers seeking to enable AI/ML on future missions. Finally, SCENIC also includes new CubeSat form-factor GPS and SDR cards for guidance and navigation

Identification of biomarkers for the antiangiogenic and antitumour activity of the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) inhibitor tetrathiomolybdate (ATN-224)

Tetrathiomolybdate (choline salt; ATN-224), a specific, high-affinity copper binder, is currently being evaluated in several phase II cancer trials. ATN-224 inhibits CuZn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) leading to antiangiogenic and antitumour effects. The pharmacodynamics of tetrathiomolybdate has been followed by tracking ceruloplasmin (Cp), a biomarker for systemic copper. However, at least in mice, the inhibition of angiogenesis occurs before a measurable decrease in systemic copper is observed. Thus, the identification and characterisation of other biomarkers to follow the activity of ATN-224 in the clinic is of great interest. Here, we present the preclinical evaluation of two potential biomarkers for the activity of ATN-224: (i) SOD activity measurements in blood cells in mice and (ii) levels of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in bonnet macaques treated with ATN-224. The superoxide dismutase activity in blood cells in mice is rapidly inhibited by ATN-224 treatment at doses at which angiogenesis is maximally inhibited. Furthermore, ATN-224 dosing in bonnet macaques causes a profound and reversible decrease in EPCs without significant toxicity. Thus, both SOD activity measurements and levels of EPCs may be useful biomarkers of the antiangiogenic activity of ATN-224 to be used in its clinical development

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries