An automated tool for the design and assessment of space systems

Space systems can be characterized as both large and complex but they often rely on reusable subcomponents. One problem in the design of such systems is the representation and validation of the system, particularly at the higher levels of management. An automated tool is described for the representation, refinement, and validation of such complex systems based on a formal design theory, the Theory of Plausible Design. In particular, the steps necessary to automate the tool and make it a competent, usable assistant, are described

Long Range Correlation in Granular Shear Flow II: Theoretical Implications

Numerical simulations are used to test the kinetic theory constitutive relations of inertial granular shear flow. These predictions are shown to be accurate in the dilute regime, where only binary collisions are relevant, but underestimate the measured value in the dense regime, where force networks of size $\xi$ are present. The discrepancy in the dense regime is due to non-collisional forces that we measure directly in our simulations and arise from elastic deformations of the force networks. We model the non-collisional stress by summing over all paths that elastic waves travel through force networks. This results in an analytical theory that successfully predicts the stress tensor over the entire inertial regime without any adjustable parameters

An instructional video of RGP fitting modalities

The ultimate goal in fitting rigid gas permeable contacts is to maintain a healthy corneal-lens relationship while satisfying the patient. The fitter may chose between an interpalpebral lens, an under the lid lens, and an upper lid attachment lens modality. The interpalpebral modality is fit at least 0.50D steeper than the flattest keratometer reading and has a diameter between 7.8 and 8.3mm. The base curve chosen for an under the lid fit depends on the size of lens used. Large or small lenses can be fit with this modality depending on the palpebral fissure width. In contrast the upper lid attachment fit uses a diameter larger than 8.8mm and rests under the upper lid. The fitter must understand the relationships between lens diameter, base curves, lens edge and center thickness, and peripheral curves when designing the rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens. The use of fluorescein is an invaluable tool in assessing the fit of a RGP lens and the patient\u27s corneal health. This paper /video will discuss and illustrate these various effects

LAF1, a MYB transcription activator for phytochrome A signaling

The photoreceptor phytochrome (phy) A has a well-defined role in regulating gene expression in response to specific light signals. Here, we describe a new Arabidopsis mutant, laf1 (long after far-red light 1) that has an elongated hypocotyl specifically under far-red light. Gene expression studies showed that laf1 has reduced responsiveness to continuous far-red light but retains wild-type responses to other light wavelengths. As far-red light is only perceived by phyA, our results suggest that LAF1 is specifically involved in phyA signal transduction. Further analyses revealed that laf1 is affected in a subset of phyA-dependent responses and the phenotype is more severe at low far-red fluence rates. LAF1 encodes a nuclear protein with strong homology with the R2R3-MYB family of DNA-binding proteins. Experiments using yeast cells identified a transactivation domain in the C-terminal portion of the protein. LAF1 is constitutively targeted to the nucleus by signals in its N-terminal portion, and the full-length protein accumulates in distinct nuclear speckles. This accumulation in speckles is abolished by a point mutation in a lysine residue (K258R), which might serve as a modification site by a small ubiquitin-like protein (SUMO)

Studies in the Geochronology and Geochemistry of the Transantarctic Mountains

This is the third annual progress report submitted by Institute of Polar Studies researchers to the National Science Foundation (Grant No. GA-898X) on the geochronology and geochemistry of rocks from the Transantarctic Mountains, Antarctica. The results reported in this report are preliminary in nature.National Science Foundation Grant GA-898

Web-Based Skin Cancer Prevention Training for Massage Therapists: Protocol for the Massage Therapists Skin Health Awareness, Referral, and Education Study

Background: Skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States, is costly and potentially deadly. Its burden can be reduced by early detection and prevention activities. The scope of skin cancer requires going beyond traditional health care providers to promote risk reduction. Partnering with the nonbiomedical workforce, such as massage therapists (MTs), may reach more individuals at risk. MTs see much of their clients' skin and are amenable to performing skin cancer risk reduction activities during massage appointments. Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the Massage Therapists Skin Health Awareness, Referral, and Education protocol, presenting an overview of our systematic approach to developing rigorous e-training for MTs to enable them to be partners in skin cancer risk reduction. We also describe procedures for usability and feasibility testing of the training. Methods: We developed an integrated electronic learning system that includes electronic training (e-training) technology, simulated client interactions, online data collection instruments, and in-person assessment of MTs' application of their training. Results: A total of 20 participants nationally scored the e-training as high for usability and satisfaction. We have screened an additional 77 MTs in Arizona for interest and eligibility, and currently have 37 enrolled participants, of whom 32 have completed the Web-based training. Conclusions: The structured and rigorous development approach for this skin cancer risk reduction and brief behavioral intervention e-training for MTs begins to fill a gap in skin cancer risk reduction research. Iterative usability testing of our asynchronous Web-based training resulted in positive participant response. Our e-training approach offers greater learner accessibility, increased convenience, and greater scalability than the few existing programs and has the potential to reach many MTs nationally.Arizona Biomedical Research Centre through the Arizona Department of Health Services [ABRC/ADHS16-162518]; National Institutes of Health-National Cancer Institute (NIH-NCI) Cancer Center Support Grant [P30 CA023074]open access journalThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]