The calculation of the wave drag of a family of low-drag axisymmetric nose shapes of fineness ratio 4.5 at zero incidence at supersonic speeds

The pressure drag coefficients of a particular family of convex logarithmic projectile nose shapes in which the nose angle is an important parameter have been calculated over a range of supersonic Mach numbers using a rapid approximate method due to Zienkiewicz.5 The optimum nose angle for minimum wave drag of these profiles for each Mach number has been obtained. It is shown that above N = 1.5„ approximately, the optimum shape is similar to the hypersonic optimum profile and has the sane or- less wave drag than this profile. However for values of M/F, where P is the fineness ratio, below 0.5, both the hypersonic and the logarithmic optimum profiles have a higher drag than the so-called cubic profile (Ref, 9)

Withholding the choice of sodium valproate to young women with generalised epilepsy: Are we causing more harm than good?

PURPOSE: Although sodium valproate (VPA) remains the most effective antiepileptic for generalised and unclassified epilepsies, clinicians may be failing to discuss this treatment option because of guideline misinterpretation. Current guidelines recommend caution regarding teratogenic risks but do not advocate absolute avoidance. METHOD: We assessed VPA prescribing in young people attending a transition epilepsy clinic. We present six patients with idiopathic generalised epilepsy (IGE) in whom VPA had been initially avoided. RESULTS: Overall, the results were consistent with VPA's superior antiepileptic efficacy and ability to reduce harmful seizure-related complications. Young people denied of VPA showed prolonged periods of poor seizure control with medical, social and psychological complications. Following contraceptive counselling and VPA introduction, all six patients showed improved seizure control including seizure-freedom during follow-up of up to twenty-four months. There was also evidence of reduced seizure-related morbidity and improved educational and occupational functioning. Prior to referral, documentation revealed no discussion of VPA treatment options. CONCLUSION: Failure to prescribe valproate for IGE, particularly when another first-line treatment has failed, may not be in a young woman's best interests-particularly when they are most vulnerable to sequelae from uncontrolled seizures. Indiscriminate avoidance of valproate needs to be recognised as a misinterpretation of current epilepsy guidelines as it may harm young people. Although the use of valproate demands careful consideration, there remains a strong case to always discuss this medication because of its efficacy and potential to reduce seizure-related harm. Patients must be allowed to make their own informed decisions about effective epilepsy treatments.NoneThis is the author's accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1059131114002349

Developing a health state classification system from NEWQOL for epilepsy using classical psychometric techniques and Rasch analysis: a technical report

Aims: Resource allocation amongst competing health care interventions is informed by evidence of both clinical- and cost-effectiveness. Cost-utility analysis is increasingly used to assess cost effectiveness through the use of Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). This requires health state values. Generic measures of health related quality of life (HRQL) are usually used to produce these values, but there are concerns about their relevance and sensitivity in epilepsy. This study develops a health state classification system for epilepsy from the NEWQOL battery, a validated questionnaire measuring QoL in epilepsy. The classification system will be amenable to valuation for calculating QALYs. Methods: Factor and other psychometric analyses were undertaken to investigate the factor structure of the battery, and assess the validity and responsiveness of the items. These analyses were used alongside Rasch analysis to select the dimensions included in the classification system, and the items used to represent each domain. Analysis was carried out on a trial dataset of patients with epilepsy (n=1611). Rasch and factor analysis were performed on one half of the sample and validated on the remaining half. Dimensions and items were selected that performed well across all analyses. Results: The battery was found to demonstrate reliability and validity but responsiveness across time periods for many of the items was low. A six dimension classification system was developed: worry about seizures, depression, memory, cognition, stigmatism and control, each with four response levels. Conclusions: It is feasible to develop a health state classification system from a battery of instruments using a combination of classical psychometric, factor and Rasch analysis. This is the first condition-specific health state classification developed for epilepsy and the next stage will produce preference weights to enable the measure to be used in cost-utility analysis.quality adjusted life years; health related quality of life; Rasch analysis; preference-based measures of health; health states; epilepsy

Developing a health state classification system from NEWQOL for epilepsy using classical psychometric techniques and Rasch analysis: A technical report

Aims: Resource allocation amongst competing health care interventions is informed by evidence of both clinical- and cost-effectiveness. Cost-utility analysis is increasingly used to assess cost effectiveness through the use of Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). This requires health state values. Generic measures of health related quality of life (HRQL) are usually used to produce these values, but there are concerns about their relevance and sensitivity in epilepsy. This study develops a health state classification system for epilepsy from the NEWQOL battery, a validated questionnaire measuring QoL in epilepsy. The classification system will be amenable to valuation for calculating QALYs. Methods: Factor and other psychometric analyses were undertaken to investigate the factor structure of the battery, and assess the validity and responsiveness of the items. These analyses were used alongside Rasch analysis to select the dimensions included in the classification system, and the items used to represent each domain. Analysis was carried out on a trial dataset of patients with epilepsy (n=1611). Rasch and factor analysis were performed on one half of the sample and validated on the remaining half. Dimensions and items were selected that performed well across all analyses. Results: The battery was found to demonstrate reliability and validity but responsiveness across time periods for many of the items was low. A six dimension classification system was developed: worry about seizures, depression, memory, cognition, stigmatism and control, each with four response levels. Conclusions: It is feasible to develop a health state classification system from a battery of instruments using a combination of classical psychometric, factor and Rasch analysis. This is the first condition-specific health state classification developed for epilepsy and the next stage will produce preference weights to enable the measure to be used in cost-utility analysis

A Quick Guide for Computer-Assisted Instruction in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics

Introduction: Computational Biology and Bioinformatics (CBB) are indispensable components in the training of life scientists [1–3]. Current curricula in the life sciences should prepare graduates who master quantitative and computer skills for increased levels of performance [4–6]. Equally important is that the application of the curricula is driven by an appropriate instructional paradigm and effective learning experiences. Teaching and learning with computers bring specific issues that should be considered beforehand by any instructor. The following Quick Guide for Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) outlines ten principles for effective teaching. The principles are aligned with current developments on human cognition and learning [7] and have been drawn from our own experience using CAI in seminars, tutorials, and distance education, in courses on Molecular Life Sciences at the undergraduate level, taught to majors in biology or in other subjects (e.g., nutrition, teaching of physics and chemistry, teaching of biology, sports). The Guide refers to the preparation, presentation, and assessment of CAI. It should be an aid for those who teach CBB with CAI in class, and it is expected to stimulate student motivation and deeper learning in CBB, thus making class time more effective and improving satisfaction of both students and instructors

[A short history of anti-rheumatic therapy--VII. Biological agents].

The introduction of biological agents has been a major turning-point in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis. This review describes the principle milestones that have led, through the knowledge of the structure and functions of nucleic acids, to the development of production techniques of the three major families of biological agents: proteins, monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins. A brief history has also been traced of the cytokines most involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IL-1 and TNF) and the steps which have led to the use of the main biological drugs in rheumatology: anakinra, infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept and rituximab

Behavior of mercury, lead, cesium, and uranyl ions on four SRS soils

Samples of four Savannah River Site (SRS) soils were tested for sorption behavior with Hg[sup 2+], Pb[sup 2+], UO[sub 2][sup 2+], and Cs[sup +] ions. The purpose of the study was to determine the selectivity of the different soils for these ions alone and in the presence of the competing cations, H[sup +] and Ca[sup 2+]. Distribution constants, Kd's, for the test ions in various solutions have been determined for the four soils. In general, sorption by all of the soils appeared to be more complex than a simple ion exchange or adsorption process. In particular, the presence of organic matter in soil increased the capacity of the soil due to its chelating ability. Similar soils did not react similarly toward each metal cation

Contribuição de estirpes de rizóbio para o desenvolvimento e produtividade de grãos de feijão-caupi em Roraima.

O estudo objetivou avaliar a contribuição da fixação biológica de nitrogênio (FBN) promovida por estirpes de rizóbio para o desenvolvimento e rendimento de grãos do feijão-caupi em Roraima. Nos anos de 2005 e 2006 foram conduzidos experimentos em área de cerrado e mata alterada, onde foram testadas as estirpes INPA 03-11B, UFLA 3-84, BR3267 (recomendadas à cultura), a estirpe BR3299 e BR3262, duas doses de nitrogênio mineral (50 e 80 kg ha-1 de N) e um controle. As variáveis avaliadas foram: nodulação e produção de massa seca da parte aérea de plantas de feijão-caupi e, o rendimento de grãos na colheita. Na média geral, foi observado que a estirpe BR3262 proporcionou número e massa de nódulos significativamente maiores ao controle, ao passo que entre as estirpes recomendadas, isto só ocorreu de forma esporádica com INPA 03-11B e BR3267. Além disso, também foi observado que a população de rizóbio do solo foi determinante à nodulação das plantas dos experimentos. Comparativamente as demais estirpes, BR3262 juntamente com BR3267, proporcionaram maior efetividade na FBN à produção de massa seca da parte aérea. Em relação à produtividade de grãos, as estirpes BR3267 e INPA 03-11B apresentaram melhores resultadas comparadas a UFLA 3-84, entretanto, apenas a estirpe BR3262 proporcionou rendimento de grãos (na média geral cerca de 1700 kg ha-1) igual à dose de 50 kg ha-1 de N e superior ao controle em três dos quatro experimentos conduzidos, mostrando ser a mais indicada para a inoculação do feijão-caupi em Roraima