Revised time-of-flight calculations for high-latitude geomagnetic pulsations using a realistic magnetospheric magnetic field model

We present a simple time-of-flight analysis of Alfvén pulsations standing on closed terrestrial magnetic field lines. The technique employed in this study in order to calculate the characteristic period of such oscillations builds upon earlier time-of-flight estimates via the implementation of a more recent magnetospheric magnetic field model. In this case the model employed is the Tsyganenko (1996) field model, which includes realistic magnetospheric currents and the consequences of the partial penetration of the interplanetary magnetic field into the dayside magnetopause. By employing a simple description of magnetospheric plasma density, we are therefore able to estimate the period of standing Alfvén waves on geomagnetic field lines over a significantly wider range of latitudes and magnetic local times than in previous studies. Furthermore, we investigate the influence of changing season and upstream interplanetary conditions upon the period of such pulsations. Finally, the eigenfrequencies of magnetic field lines computed by the time-of-flight technique are compared with corresponding numerical solutions to the wave equation and experimentally observed pulsations on geomagnetic field lines

Long term isothermal aging and thermal analysis of N-CYCAP polyimides

The N-CYCAP polyimides utilize a (2,2) paracyclophane endcap that polymerizes and does not generate volatile gases during the cure process. These polyimides have both high glass temperatures (390 C) and an onset of decomposition in air of 560 C. Thermal oxidative stability (TOS) weight loss studies show that replacing 25 percent by weight of the paraphenylene diamine in the polymer backbone with metaphenylene diamine improves the weight loss characteristics. N-CYCAP neat resin samples performed better than PMR-II-50 when exposed at 343 and 371 C in air for up to 1000 hours. Preliminary composite studies show that both PMR-II-50 and N-CYCAP have better thermal stability when fabricated on T-40R. Higher isothermal aging temperatures of longer aging times are needed to determine the differences in TOS between composite samples of PMR-II-50 and N-CYCAP polyimides

Bishop James C. Baker

Bishop Baker was a graduate of Chaddock College, Quincy, Illinois in 1898. IWU incorporated Chaddock alumni into the IWU Alumni Roll following the college\u27s closure. Baker received a Doctor of Divinity from IWU in 1923 and Doctor of Laws in 1928. Brief biographical profiles and pictures are available in The Argus at http://collections.carli.illinois.edu/u?/iwu_argus,17336 and http://collections.carli.illinois.edu/u?/iwu_argus,15966

A clinical prediction model for long-term functional outcome after traumatic spinal cord injury based on acute clinical and imaging factors.

To improve clinicians\u27 ability to predict outcome after spinal cord injury (SCI) and to help classify patients within clinical trials, we have created a novel prediction model relating acute clinical and imaging information to functional outcome at 1 year. Data were obtained from two large prospective SCI datasets. Functional independence measure (FIM) motor score at 1 year follow-up was the primary outcome, and functional independence (score ≥ 6 for each FIM motor item) was the secondary outcome. A linear regression model was created with the primary outcome modeled relative to clinical and imaging predictors obtained within 3 days of injury. A logistic model was then created using the dichotomized secondary outcome and the same predictor variables. Model validation was performed using a bootstrap resampling procedure. Of 729 patients, 376 met the inclusion criteria. The mean FIM motor score at 1 year was 62.9 (±28.6). Better functional status was predicted by less severe initial American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale grade, and by an ASIA motor score \u3e50 at admission. In contrast, older age and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal characteristics consistent with spinal cord edema or hemorrhage predicted worse functional outcome. The linear model predicting FIM motor score demonstrated an R-square of 0.52 in the original dataset, and 0.52 (95% CI 0.52,0.53) across the 200 bootstraps. Functional independence was achieved by 148 patients (39.4%). For the logistic model, the area under the curve was 0.93 in the original dataset, and 0.92 (95% CI 0.92,0.93) across the bootstraps, indicating excellent predictive discrimination. These models will have important clinical impact to guide decision making and to counsel patients and families

Low thrust propulsion in a coplanar circular restricted four body problem

This paper formulates a circular restricted four body problem (CRFBP), where the three primaries are set in the stable Lagrangian equilateral triangle configuration and the fourth body is massless. The analysis of this autonomous coplanar CRFBP is undertaken, which identies eight natural equilibria; four of which are close to the smaller body, two stable and two unstable, when considering the primaries to be the Sun and two smaller bodies of the solar system. Following this, the model incorporates `near term' low-thrust propulsion capabilities to generate surfaces of articial equilibrium points close to the smaller primary, both in and out of the plane containing the celestial bodies. A stability analysis of these points is carried out and a stable subset of them is identied. Throughout the analysis the Sun-Jupiter-Asteroid-Spacecraft system is used, for conceivable masses of a hypothetical asteroid set at the libration point L4. It is shown that eight bounded orbits exist, which can be maintained with a constant thrust less than 1:5 10􀀀4N for a 1000kg spacecraft. This illustrates that, by exploiting low-thrust technologies, it would be possible to maintain an observation point more than 66% closer to the asteroid than that of a stable natural equilibrium point. The analysis then focusses on a major Jupiter Trojan: the 624-Hektor asteroid. The thrust required to enable close asteroid observation is determined in the simplied CRFBP model. Finally, a numerical simulation of the real Sun-Jupiter-624 Hektor-Spacecraft is undertaken, which tests the validity of the stability analysis of the simplied model

Redeploying β-lactam antibiotics as a novel antivirulence strategy for the treatment of methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> infections

Innovative approaches to the use of existing antibiotics is an important strategy in efforts to address the escalating antimicrobial resistance crisis. We report a new approach to the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections by demonstrating that oxacillin can be used to significantly attenuate the virulence of MRSA despite the pathogen being resistant to this drug. Using mechanistic in vitro assays and in vivo models of invasive pneumonia and sepsis, we show that oxacillin-treated MRSA strains are significantly attenuated in virulence. This effect is based primarily on the oxacillin-dependent repression of the accessory gene regulator quorum-sensing system and altered cell wall architecture, which in turn lead to increased susceptibility to host killing of MRSA. Our data indicate that beta-lactam antibiotics should be included in the treatment regimen as an adjunct antivirulence therapy for patients with MRSA infections. This would represent an important change to current clinical practice for treatment of MRSA infection, with the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes in a safe, cost-effective manner

1980 Commercial Vegetable Variety Trial Report-Lima Beans

This archival publication may not reflect current scientific knowledge or recommendations. Current information available from the University of Minnesota Extension: https://www.extension.umn.edu

A single-institutional experience with low dose stereotactic body radiation therapy for liver metastases

AimThis study reports a single-institutional experience treating liver metastases with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).Materials and methods107 patients with 169 lesions were assessed to determine factors predictive for local control, radiographic response, and overall survival (OS). Machine learning techniques, univariate analysis, and the Kaplan-Meier method were utilized.ResultsPatients were treated with a relatively low median dose of 30 Gy in 3 fractions. Fractions were generally delivered once weekly. Median biologically effective dose (BED) was 60 Gy, and the median gross tumor volume (GTV) was 12.16 cc. Median follow-up was 7.36 months. 1-year local control was 75% via the Kaplan-Meier method. On follow-up imaging, 43%, 40%, and 17% of lesions were decreased, stable, and increased in size, respectively. 1-year OS was 46% and varied by primary tumor, with median OS of 34.3, 25.1, 12.5, and 4.6 months for ovarian, breast, colorectal, and lung primary tumors, respectively. Breast and ovarian primary patients had better OS (p

Mechanisms of base selection by human single-stranded selective monofunctional uracil-DNA glycosylase

hSMUG1 (human single-stranded selective monofunctional uracil-DNA glyscosylase) is one of three glycosylases encoded within a small region of human chromosome 12. Those three glycosylases, UNG (uracil-DNA glycosylase), TDG (thymine-DNA glyscosylase), and hSMUG1, have in common the capacity to remove uracil from DNA. However, these glycosylases also repair other lesions and have distinct substrate preferences, indicating that they have potentially redundant but not overlapping physiological roles. The mechanisms by which these glycosylases locate and selectively remove target lesions are not well understood. In addition to uracil, hSMUG1 has been shown to remove some oxidized pyrimidines, suggesting a role in the repair of DNA oxidation damage. In this paper, we describe experiments in which a series of oligonucleotides containing purine and pyrimidine analogs have been used to probe mechanisms by which hSMUG1 distinguishes potential substrates. Our results indicate that the preference of hSMUG1 for mispaired uracil over uracil paired with adenine is best explained by the reduced stability of a duplex containing a mispair, consistent with previous reports with Escherichia coli mispaired uracil-DNA glycosylase. We have also extended the substrate range of hSMUG1 to include 5-carboxyuracil, the last in the series of damage products from thymine methyl group oxidation. The properties used by hSMUG1 to select damaged pyrimidines include the size and free energy of solvation of the 5-substituent but not electronic inductive properties. The observed distinct mechanisms of base selection demonstrated for members of the uracil glycosylase family help explain how considerable diversity in chemical lesion repair can be achieved