Maser Flare Simulations from Oblate and Prolate Clouds

We investigated, through numerical models, the flaring variability that may arise from the rotation of maser clouds of approximately spheroidal geometry, ranging from strongly oblate to strongly prolate examples. Inversion solutions were obtained for each of these examples over a range of saturation levels from unsaturated to highly saturated. Formal solutions were computed for rotating clouds with many randomly chosen rotation axes, and corresponding averaged maser light curves plotted with statistical information. The dependence of results on the level of saturation and on the degree of deformation from the spherical case were investigated in terms of a variability index and duty cycle. It may be possible to distinguish observationally between flares from oblate and prolate objects. Maser flares from rotation are limited to long timescales (at least a few years) and modest values of the variability index ($\lesssim 100$), and can be aperiodic or quasi-periodic. Rotation is therefore not a good model for H$_2$O variability on timescales of weeks to months, or of truly periodic flares.Comment: 11 pages, 12 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA

"We all share the same language” Elias Sime: Eregata, Arnolfini, Bristol, October 21, 2023 – February 18, 2024 [exhibition review]

A review of the exhibition Elias Sime: Eregata at the Arnolfini gallery, Bristol. The Exhibition is the first solo exhibition in Europe of Sime’s work. The review explores the Zoma project, a network of arts centres in Addis Ababa, Ethiopa, created in collaboration between Sime and the curator and cultural anthropologist, Meskerem Assegued. The Arnolfini exhibition is discussed in relation to its central theme of networks, both local and global; networks that consist of stories and knowledge, commerce and waste

Effect of egg turning and incubation time on carbonic anhydrase gene expression in the blastoderm of the Japanese quail (Coturnix c. japonica)

(1) The gene expression of carbonic anhydrase, a key enzyme for the production sub-embryonic fluid (SEF), was assessed in turned and unturned eggs of the Japanese quail. The plasma membrane-associated isoforms CA IV, CAIX, CA XII, CA XIV, and the cytoplasmic isoform CA II, were investigated in the extra-embryonic tissue of the blastoderm and in embryonic blood. (2) Eggs were incubated at 37.6C, c. 60% R.H., and turned hourly (90 ) or left unturned. From 48 to 96 hours of incubation mRNA was extracted from blastoderm tissue, reverse-transcribed to cDNA and quantified by real-time qPCR using gene-specific primers. Blood collected at 96h was processed identically. (3) Blastoderm CAIV gene expression increased with the period of incubation only in turned eggs, with maxima at 84 and 96h of incubation. Only very low levels were found in blood. (4) Blastoderm CA II gene expression was greatest at 48 and 54h of incubation, subsequently declining to much lower levels and una ected by turning. Blood CA II gene expression was about 25-fold greater than that in the blastoderm. (5) The expression of CA IX in the blastoderm was the highest of all isoforms, yet unaffected by turning. CA XII did not amplify and CA XIV was present at unquantifiable low levels. (6) It is concluded that solely gene expression for CA IV is sensitive to egg turning, and that increased CA IV gene expression could account for the additional SEF mass found at 84-96h of incubation. in embryos of turned eggs

Matching Emotions Across Visual and Auditory Modalities in Children with Autism

Previous literature suggests that children with autism display a difference in recognising emotions, typically showing a unique pattern of processing, which can appear as a deficit in emotion recognition ability. These studies tend to be unimodal, which makes conclusions as to the location of these differences difficult. The current study presents an attempt to determine where autistic people differ in the emotion recognition process, and whether a higher-level processing difference, or many distinct modality-specific lower-level differences are responsible for modulating performance. It also aims to unpack what other elements could influence performance, such as age and gender. This was tested by assessing the performance of autistic (N = 29) and typically developing children (N = 74) to label and match emotions presented both visually and audibly. The autistic group showed no general impairment for the tasks, but each task had unique, significant emotion specific differences, these cannot be explained fully by any single theory currently, suggesting multiple factors play a small but distinct role in the effect of autism on emotional recognition. Furthermore, the autistic group demonstrated a strong, significant correlation for task performance across modalities which was not found in the typically developing group, suggesting the presence of a higher-level processing difference, possibly caused by changes to the amygdala. No gender differences were observed in any task or group, but a nonsignificant effect of age was observed in the multimodal matching task only, suggesting a developmental delay. Future suggestions of research, limitations of the methodology, and the implications of these findings are discussed

Focus Group. TRIADS experiences and developments. A panel discussion.

The Tripartite Interactive Assessment Delivery System (TRIADS) is an advanced computer-based assessment system designed to provide the widest possible flexibility in assessment design and delivery. Initially developed at the University of Derby it was evaluated in some forty-five departments at twenty-seven UK universities in twenty-four disciplines as part of the HEFCE-FDTL ‘Assessment of Learning Outcomes’ project (Liverpool, Derby and Open Universities 1996-2001). In the three papers that follow, the outcomes of this evaluation are summarized together with subsequent developments and examples of applications of TRIADS at Cardiff Dental School and Birkbeck College, University of London

Temperature Equilibration Due to Charge State Fluctuations in Dense Plasmas

The charge states of ions in dense plasmas fluctuate due to collisional ionization and recombination. Here we show how, by modifying the ion interaction potential, these fluctuations can mediate energy exchange between the plasma electrons and ions. Moreover, we develop a theory for this novel electron-ion energy transfer mechanism. Calculations using a random walk approach for the fluctuations suggest that the energy exchange rate from charge state fluctuations could be comparable to direct electron-ion collisions. This mechanism is, however, predicted to exhibit a complex dependence on the temperature and ionization state of the plasma, which could contribute to our understanding of significant variation in experimental measurements of equilibration times

Developing Biomarkers for Methamphetamine Addiction

There are an estimated 11.7 million methamphetamine (MA) abusers in the United States and epidemics of MA addiction are occurring worldwide. In our human laboratory and outpatient clinical trials we use innovative methods to quantify the severity of MA addiction and test biomarkers that may predict response to therapy or risk of relapse. One potential biomarker of addiction is the quantity of abused drug intake. Qualitative urinalysis is used in clinical trials and during treatment but provides only a binary outcome measure of abuse. Using non-pharmacologic doses of deuterium labeled l-MA we have developed a continuous quantitative measure to estimate the bioavailable amount of MA addicts ingest. Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor is a neurotrophin that encourages growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses. Low BDNF levels are seen in many addictive disorders and BDNF is elevated in recovering MA addicts, suggesting BDNF may be a marker of MA addiction. We are investigating the effects of controlled doses of MA on BDNF levels and gene regulation and measuring BDNF in our clinical trials. We believe both patients and clinical researches will benefit from the addition of new, objective and quantifiable outcome measures that reflect disease severity and recovery from addiction

The changing patterns of group politics in Britain

Two interpretations of ways in which group politics in Britain have presented challenges to democracy are reviewed: neo-corporatism or pluralistic stagnation and the rise of single issue interest groups. The disappearance of the first paradigm created a political space for the second to emerge. A three-phase model of group activity is developed: a phase centred around production interests, followed by the development of broadly based 'other regarding' groups, succeeded by fragmented, inner directed groups focusing on particular interests. Explanations of the decay of corporatism are reviewed. Single issue group activity has increased as party membership has declined and is facilitated by changes in traditional media and the development of the internet. Such groups can overload the policy-making process and frustrate depoliticisation. Debates about the constitution and governance have largely ignored these issues and there is need for a debate