Computational challenges of systems biology

Progress in the study of biological systems such as the heart, brain, and liver will require computer scientists to work closely with life scientists and mathematicians. Computer science will play a key role in shaping the new discipline of systems biology and addressing the significant computational challenges it poses

The solution of three-variable duct-flow equations

This paper establishes a numerical method for the solution of three-variable problems and is applied here to rotational flows through ducts of various cross sections. An iterative scheme is developed, the main feature of which is the addition of a duplicate variable to the forward component of velocity. Two forward components of velocity result from integrating two sets of first order ordinary differential equations for the streamline curvatures, in intersecting directions across the duct. Two pseudo-continuity equations are introduced with source/sink terms, whose strengths are dependent on the difference between the forward components of velocity. When convergence is obtained, the two forward components of velocity are identical, the source/sink terms are zero, and the original equations are satisfied. A computer program solves the exact equations and boundary conditions numerically. The method is economical and compares successfully with experiments on bent ducts of circular and rectangular cross section where secondary flows are caused by gradients of total pressure upstream

Partial inhibition of ABA-induced stomatal closure by calcium-channel blockers.

ABA-induced increases in [Ca2+]cyt (cytosolic free Ca2+) may result from Ca2+ influx from the apoplast and/or release from intracellular stores. In this paper, Ca2+-channel blockers have been used to investigate this question in the detached epidermis of Commelina communis. Examples from the benzothiazepine, dihydropyridine and phenylalkylamine series all inhibited ABA-induced stomatal closure: (+/-) verapamil > nifedipine > diltiazem. Inhibition was partial, the magnitude of the effect being dependent on both the concentration of ABA and that of the channel blocker. The maximum inhibition observed in the presence of 100 nM ABA was approximately 66% at high (100 nM) concentrations of (+/-) verapamil or nifedipine. In the near absence of extracellular Ca2+ (2 mM EGTA) ABA-induced stomatal closure was reduced by approximately 22% and the inhibition by Ca2+-channel blockers abolished. Inhibition by (+/-) verapamil was totally reversible and exhibited signs of stereospecificity, the s(-) enantiomer being a more potent inhibitor of ABA-induced stomatal closure than the R(+) enantiomer. Bay K 8644 (a fluorinated analogue of nifedipine) exhibited biphasic action on 500 uM Ca2+-induced stomatal closure, i.e. agonistic at low concentrations (10 nM), antagonistic at high concentrations (> 10 nM to 100 uM), but did not affect ABA-induced stomatal closure. These results suggest that Ca2+ release from intracellular stores may be important in the ABA-induced increase in [Ca2+]cyt associated with stomatal closure. They do not, however, exclude a contribution of Ca2+ influx from the apoplast

Characterization of the glass transition in vitreous silica by temperature scanning small-angle X-ray scattering

The temperature dependence of the x-ray scattering in the region below the first sharp diffraction peak was measured for silica glasses with low and high OH content (GE-124 and Corning 7980). Data were obtained upon scanning the temperature at 10, 40 and 80 K/min between 400 K and 1820 K. The measurements resolve, for the first time, the hysteresis between heating and cooling through the glass transition for silica glass, and the data have a better signal to noise ratio than previous light scattering and differential thermal analysis data. For the glass with the higher hydroxyl concentration the glass transition is broader and at a lower temperature. Fits of the data to the Adam-Gibbs-Fulcher equation provide updated kinetic parameters for this very strong glass. The temperature derivative of the observed X-ray scattering matches that of light scattering to within 14%.Comment: EurophysicsLetters, in pres

Surveyor batteries Final engineering report

Design and performance of Surveyor spacecraft silver-zinc main batter

Developing a Global Culture of Collaboration for School Counselors

School-university partnerships are becoming increasingly popular within the field of school counseling. Peer consultation groups offer a specific type of partnership and support for practitioners, numerous advantages for those in higher education, and significant potential for international application. This article expands on Thomas’ (2005) peer consultation model developed for school counseling alumni, with adaptations of the model in two universities, as well as several K-12 school districts within a single county. Data from participant evaluations indicate strong support for the personal and professional value of peer consultation

Charting self-esteem during marital dissolution.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to chart changes in self-esteem before and after marital dissolution to identify the factors that shape individuals' self-esteem during this life transition.MethodWe analyzed 10 annual waves of self-esteem data from 291 divorcees from a nationally representative panel study of the Netherlands (N ~ 13,000). We charted the course of self-esteem before and after marital dissolution and tested a broad set of moderator variables that may shape individuals' self-esteem trajectories.ResultsThe average divorcee experienced significant decrease in self-esteem preceding marital dissolution and remained stable afterward. There were substantial individual differences in self-esteem trajectories, both before and after marital separation. Divorcees who experienced financial hardship, were affiliated with a church or religion, or scored low in Conscientiousness showed the most pronounced decrease in self-esteem during the years approaching marital dissolution.ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of assessing people multiple times before and after marital dissolution to dissect how people approach and respond to this life event. Results are consistent with perspectives that view divorce as an opportunity to abate the strains of an unhappy marriage

Investigating and promoting trainee science teachers’ conceptual change of the nature of science with digital dialogue games “InterLoc”

The purpose of this study is to explore how an online-structured dialogue environment supported (OSDE) collaborative learning about the nature of science among a group of trainee science teachers in the UK. The software used (InterLoc) is a linear text-based tool, designed to support structured argumentation with openers and ‘dialogue moves’. A design-based research approach was used to investigate multiple sessions using InterLoc with 65 trainee science teachers. Five participants who showed differential conceptual change in terms of their Nature of Science (NOS) views were purposively selected and closely followed throughout the study by using key event recall interviews. Initially, the majority of participants held naïve views of NOS. Substantial and favourable changes in these views were evident as a result of the OSDE. An examination of the development of the five participants’ NOS views indicated that the effectiveness of the InterLoc discussions was mediated by cultural, cognitive, and experiential factors. The findings suggest that InterLoc can be effective in promoting reflection and conceptual change.InterLoc was developed by a team led by Andrew Ravenscroft with funding from the UK JISC (Joint Information Systems Committee) 'e-learning tools' programme, and from the JISC Capital Programme

In situ measurements of density fluctuations and compressibility in silica glass as a function of temperature and thermal history

In this paper, small-angle X-ray scattering measurements are used to determine the different compressibility contributions, as well as the isothermal compressibility, in thermal equilibrium in silica glasses having different thermal histories. Using two different methods of analysis, in the supercooled liquid and in the glassy state, we obtain respectively the temperature and fictive temperature dependences of the isotheraml compressibility. The values obtained in the glass and supercooled liquid states are very close to each other. They agree with previous determinations of the literature. The compressibility in the glass state slightly decreases with increasing fictive temperature. The relaxational part of the compressibility is also calculated and compared to previous determinations. We discussed the small differences between the different determinations

The Internationalization of a School Counseling Program at a Catholic University: Reflections Generated by a Community of Practice

This paper examines the internationalization experiences of four school counseling faculty members in a counseling program at a Catholic university. Counseling in general and counseling schools have become a global profession. As a result, it is imperative for training programs to develop graduates who are culturally competent across the globe. This reflective piece outlines the steps a Catholic university’s school counseling specialization has taken to internationalize its program and curriculum. Participants engaged in a community of practice to investigate thoroughly the current status of their program and curriculum. Findings highlight strengths and challenges associated with internationalization and the integration of Catholic Social Teaching into student international experiences. Strategies for others wishing to develop their own communities of practice to meet internationalization needs within Catholic institutions of higher education are presented and discussed