Alternative Orbits: A New Space Solar Power Reference Design

This paper offers a new space solar power reference design based on an elliptical 3-Hour sub-Molniya orbit. Most studies of space-based solar power (SBSP) systems to date have assumed that satellite stationing and photovoltaic (PV) solar energy conversion will take place in geostationary orbit (GEO). This paper argues that GEO/PV systems are not the most feasible solutions for SBSP, not technically and not economically. Thirty six thousand kilometers above earth is a logical destination for a number of reasons, but that orbit is already largely committed. What is more, this great height and the mass and number of space solar systems proposed for GEO will not be cost-justifiable anytime soon. Decades will pass before this promising location will be a major solar power satellite (SPS) destination due to incumbent player resistance over possible signal interference. Also, dramatic improvements in space-based PV cell technology will be needed, as will reductions in the cost of space launch. SPS systems will be a predictable contributor to our energy future when these birds are built to operate in space at costs competitive with energy systems on Earth. Successful SPS designs will be those that are technically feasible, economically affordable and can be proven to work. One way to shorten time-to-term, and thereby alleviate some of these constraints, will be to look for a workable non-GEO orbit. The author suggests a highly elliptic 3-hour orbit similar to the Molniya orbits used by the Soviets only operating much closer to Earth. This orbit will provide about 2 hours of transmission time per orbit and 1 hours of non-transmission time. When compared to the GEO location, this new class of sub-Molniya orbits has the potential to substantially reduce SSP satellite mass

Royce Jones in a Senior Piano Recital

This is the program for the senior piano recital of Royce Jones. This recital took place on April 30, 1963, in the Mitchell Auditorium

Kay Miller, Sue Thresher, Don Davis, and Royce Jones in a Joint Junior Recital

This is the program for the joint junior recital of pianist Kay Miller, pianist Sue Thresher, tenor Don Davis, and pianist Royce Jones. The recital took place on March 29, 1962, in the Mitchell Hall Auditorium

Defining & Classifying SALW: Standardising the language of small arms and light weapons in the international context

This Critical Appraisal explores the challenges and importance of defining small arms and light weapons (SALW) using precise and internationally applicable terminology. It draws on three of the author’s earlier publications that collectively address the need for a robust framework to classify SALW based on their observable properties. By focusing on these inherent qualities, the author’s research proposes a foundation for definitions which can transcend national and occupational boundaries. The Critical Appraisal highlights the deficiencies in existing definitions, which often lack nuance and fail to distinguish between key types of arms, relying instead on incomplete lists of examples or vague terminology. These limitations hinder effective international cooperation on SALW-related issues. The author’s research emphasises the need to move away from extensional and role-based definitions towards intensional definitions based on the mechanical and physical characteristics of SALW. The Critical Appraisal highlights the significance of terminology for effective international collaboration and meaningful communication in the academic and lay contexts. It weaves together the evolving narrative of the three publications, starting with the co-edited handbook, An Introductory Guide to the Identification of Small Arms, Light Weapons, and Associated Ammunition, followed by the book chapter, ‘Classifying Firearms’, and culminating in the most recent publication, The ARES Arms and Munitions Classification System (ARCS). The works underpinning this Critical Appraisal draw upon a variety of research techniques, including literature review, document analysis, technical analysis, legal review, mechanical assessments, and expert interviews. The Critical Appraisal underscores, in particular, the comprehensive and practical nature of ARCS, its adoption by esteemed organisations, and its relevance to fields such as political science, international relations, defence studies, and international law. Ongoing development of ARCS and other initiatives will continue to enhance technical communication surrounding SALW, promoting consistency and clarity in the classification of arms and munitions

Some recent rural radio talks

Cream stirring is important. - D.C. Mickle Crossbreeding in pig production. - P. Beck Salmonella infection in sheep. - I.J. Miller Useful sprays for the home garden. A.A. Holland Tapeworm of dogs and cats. P.B. Lewis The poison plant and the animal. - R.D. Royce Sire surveys to prove bulls. K. Needham Peat as a substitute for horse manure. - L.T. Jone

Whole-Genome Gene Expression Profiling of Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Samples

We have developed a gene expression assay (Whole-Genome DASL®), capable of generating whole-genome gene expression profiles from degraded samples such as formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens.∼0.75 with standard FFPE inputs (200 ng).Taken together, these results show that WG-DASL assay provides a reliable platform for genome-wide expression profiling in archived materials. It also possesses utility within clinical settings where only limited quantities of samples may be available (e.g. microdissected material) or when minimally invasive procedures are performed (e.g. biopsied specimens)

Single-dose liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome®) for the treatment of Visceral Leishmaniasis in East Africa: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: AmBisome® is an efficacious, safe anti-leishmanial treatment. There is growing interest in its use, either as a single dose or in combination treatments. In East Africa, the minimum optimal single-dosage has not been identified. METHODS/DESIGN: An open-label, 2-arm, non-inferiority, multi-centre randomised controlled trial is being conducted to determine the optimal single-dose treatment with AmBisome®.Patients in the single-dose arm will receive one infusion on day 1, at a dose depending on body weight. For the first group of patients entered to the trial, the dose will be 7.5 mg/kg, but if this dose is found to be ineffective then in subsequent patient series the dose will be escalated progressively to 10, 12.5 and 15 mg/kg. Patients in the reference arm will receive a multi-dose regimen of AmBisome® (3 mg/kg/day on days 1-5, 14 and 21: total dose 21 mg/kg). Patients will be hospitalised for approximately one month after the start of treatment and then followed up at three and six months. The primary endpoint is the status of patients six months after treatment. A secondary endpoint is assessment at day 30. Treatment success is determined as the absence of parasites on microscopy samples taken from bone marrow, lymph node or splenic aspirates. Interim analyses to assess the comparative efficacy of the single dose are planned after recruitment of 20 and 40 patients per arm. The final non-inferiority analysis will include 120 patients per arm, to determine if the single-dose efficacy 6 months after treatment is not more than 10% inferior to the multi-dose. DISCUSSION: An effective, safe single-dose treatment would reduce hospitalization and treatment costs. Results will inform the design of combination treatment studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00832208

Paraventricular thalamic nucleus: Subcortical connections and innervation by serotonin, orexin, and corticotropin-releasing hormone in macaque monkeys

The present study examines subcortical connections of paraventricular thalamic nucleus (Pa) following small anterograde and retrograde tracer injections in cynomolgus monkeys ( Macaca fascicularis ). An anterograde tracer injection into the dorsal midline thalamus revealed strong projections to the accumbens nucleus, basal amygdala, lateral septum, and hypothalamus. Retrograde tracer injections into these areas labeled neurons specifically in Pa. Following a retrograde tracer injection into Pa, labeled neurons were found in the hypothalamus, dorsal raphe, and periaqueductal gray. Pa contained a remarkably high density of axons and axonal varicosities immunoreactive for serotonin (5-HT) and orexin/hypocretin (ORX), as well as a moderate density of fibers immunoreactive for corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). A retrograde tracer injection into Pa combined with immunohistochemistry demonstrated that ORX and 5-HT axons originate from neurons in the hypothalamus and midbrain. Pa-projecting neurons were localized in the same nuclei of the hypothalamus, amygdala, and midbrain as CRH neurons, although no double labeling was found. The connections of Pa and its innervation by 5-HT, ORX, and CRH suggest that it may relay stress signals between the midbrain and hypothalamus with the accumbens nucleus, basal amygdala, and subgenual cortex as part of a circuit that manages stress and possibly stress-related psychopathologies. J. Comp. Neurol. 512:825–848, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/61435/1/21934_ftp.pd