3,725 research outputs found

    Soybean Marketing Methods and Characteristics of Arkansas Grain Handlers

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    Arkansas producers should acquaint themselves with all marketing methods available to them. Of particular importance is the pervasiveness of price risk within the current economic climate. This bulletin provides insights into the current structure of the grain marketing industry, soybean handler characteristics, and the availability and use of marketing alternatives in Arkansas. Arkansas soybean handlers were surveyed in 1998 to determine the marketing practices of both handlers and producers for the 1996 crop year. Particular emphasis was placed on the types of contracting methods offered by these handlers. Both facility size and corporate structure were found to play a significant role in determining the types of marketing contracts offered as well as the frequency of usage by producers

    Simple benchmark for evaluating self-shielding models

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    Accounting for self-shielding effects is paramount to accurate generation of multigroup cross sections for use in deterministic reactor physics neutronics calculations. Historically, equivalence in dilution and subgroup techniques have been the preeminent means of accounting for these effects, but recent work has proposed new solutions, including the Embedded Self-Shielding Method (ESSM). This paper presents a very simple benchmark problem to compare these and future self-shielding methods. The benchmark is perhaps the simplest problem in which both energy and spatial self-shielding effects are important, a two-region problem with a lumped resonant material. A single resonance in a single energy group is considered. Scattering is approximated using the narrow resonance approximation, decoupling each energy value and allowing an easily-computed reference solution to be obtained. Equivalence in dilution using two-term rational expansions and the subgroup method were both found to give very accurate solutions on this benchmark, with errors less than 1% in nearly all cases. One-term rational expansions and ESSM showed much larger errors

    US Renewable Futures in the GCAM

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    This project examines renewable energy deployment in the United States using a version of the GCAM integrated assessment model with detailed a representation of renewables, the GCAM-RE. Electricity generation was modeled in four generation segments and 12-subregions. This level of regional and sectoral detail allows a more explicit representation of renewable energy generation. Wind, solar thermal power, and central solar PV plants are implemented in explicit resource classes with new intermittency parameterizations appropriate for each technology. A scenario analysis examines a range of assumptions for technology characteristics, climate policy, and long-distance transmission. We find that renewable generation levels grow over the century in all scenarios. As expected, renewable generation increases with lower renewable technology costs, more stringent climate policy, and if alternative low-carbon technology are not available. The availability of long distance transmission lowers policy costs and changes the renewable generation mix

    Vaccinia virus protein A46R targets multiple Toll-like-interleukin-1 receptor adaptors and contributes to virulence

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    Viral immune evasion strategies target key aspects of the host antiviral response. Recently, it has been recognized that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have a role in innate defense against viruses. Here, we define the function of the vaccinia virus (VV) protein A46R and show it inhibits intracellular signalling by a range of TLRs. TLR signalling is triggered by homotypic interactions between the Toll-like-interleukin-1 resistance (TIR) domains of the receptors and adaptor molecules. A46R contains a TIR domain and is the only viral TIR domain-containing protein identified to date. We demonstrate that A46R targets the host TIR adaptors myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), MyD88 adaptor-like, TIR domain-containing adaptor inducing IFN-beta (TRIF), and the TRIF-related adaptor molecule and thereby interferes with downstream activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor kappaB. TRIF mediates activation of interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and induction of IFN-beta by TLR3 and TLR4 and suppresses VV replication in macrophages. Here, A46R disrupted TRIF-induced IRF3 activation and induction of the TRIF-dependent gene regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted. Furthermore, we show that A46R is functionally distinct from another described VV TLR inhibitor, A52R. Importantly, VV lacking the A46R gene was attenuated in a murine intranasal model, demonstrating the importance of A46R for VV virulence

    The possible disappearance of a massive star in the low metallicity galaxy PHL 293B

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    We investigate a suspected very massive star in one of the most metal-poor dwarf galaxies, PHL~293B. Excitingly, we find the sudden disappearance of the stellar signatures from our 2019 spectra, in particular the broad H lines with P~Cygni profiles that have been associated with a massive luminous blue variable (LBV) star. Such features are absent from our spectra obtained in 2019 with the ESPRESSO and X-shooter instruments of the ESO's VLT. We compute radiative transfer models using CMFGEN that fit the observed spectrum of the LBV and are consistent with ground-based and archival Hubble Space Telescope photometry. Our models show that during 2001--2011 the LBV had a luminosity L=2.53.5×106 LL_* = 2.5-3.5 \times 10^6 ~L_{\odot}, a mass-loss rate M˙=0.0050.020 M\dot{M} = 0.005-0.020 ~M_{\odot}~yr1^{-1}, a wind velocity of 1000~km~s1^{-1}, and effective and stellar temperatures of Teff=60006800T_\mathrm{eff} = 6000-6800~K and T=950015000T_\mathrm{*}=9500-15000~K. These stellar properties indicate an eruptive state. We consider two main hypotheses for the absence of the broad emission components from the spectra obtained since 2011. One possibility is that we are seeing the end of an LBV eruption of a surviving star, with a mild drop in luminosity, a shift to hotter effective temperatures, and some dust obscuration. Alternatively, the LBV could have collapsed to a massive black hole without the production of a bright supernova.Comment: 8, pages, 7 figures, MNRAS accepted ; see also the ESO press release at: https://www.eso.org/public/news/eso2010

    Accessibility, availability and affordability of anti-malarials in a rural district in Kenya after implementation of a national subsidy scheme

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    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Poor access to prompt and effective treatment for malaria contributes to high mortality and severe morbidity. In Kenya, it is estimated that only 12% of children receive anti-malarials for their fever within 24 hours. The first point of care for many fevers is a local medicine retailer, such as a pharmacy or chemist. The role of the medicine retailer as an important distribution point for malaria medicines has been recognized and several different strategies have been used to improve the services that these retailers provide. Despite these efforts, many mothers still purchase ineffective drugs because they are less expensive than effective artemisinin combination therapy (ACT). One strategy that is being piloted in several countries is an international subsidy targeted at anti-malarials supplied through the retail sector. The goal of this strategy is to make ACT as affordable as ineffective alternatives. The programme, called the Affordable Medicines Facility - malaria was rolled out in Kenya in August 2010.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In December 2010, the affordability and accessibility of malaria medicines in a rural district in Kenya were evaluated using a complete census of all public and private facilities, chemists, pharmacists, and other malaria medicine retailers within the Webuye Demographic Surveillance Area. Availability, types, and prices of anti-malarials were assessed. There are 13 public or mission facilities and 97 medicine retailers (registered and unregistered).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The average distance from a home to the nearest public health facility is 2 km, but the average distance to the nearest medicine retailer is half that. Quinine is the most frequently stocked anti-malarial (61% of retailers). More medicine retailers stocked sulphadoxine-pyramethamine (SP; 57%) than ACT (44%). Eleven percent of retailers stocked AMFm subsidized artemether-lumefantrine (AL). No retailers had chloroquine in stock and only five were selling artemisinin monotherapy. The mean price of any brand of AL, the recommended first-line drug in Kenya, was 2.7USD.BrandspurchasedundertheAMFmprogrammecost402.7 USD. Brands purchased under the AMFm programme cost 40% less than non-AMFm brands. Artemisinin monotherapies cost on average more than twice as much as AMFm-brand AL. SP cost only 0.5, a fraction of the price of ACT.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>AMFm-subsidized anti-malarials are considerably less expensive than unsubsidized AL, but the price difference between effective and ineffective therapies is still large.</p

    SN Hunt 248: a super-Eddington outburst from a massive cool hypergiant

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    We present photometric and spectroscopic observations of SN Hunt 248, a new supernova (SN) impostor in NGC 5806, which began a multi-stage outburst in 2014 May. The initial '2014a' discovery brightening exhibited an absolute magnitude of M~-12 and the spectral characteristics of a cool dense outflow, including P-Cygni lines of Fe II, H I, Na I, and strong line blanketing from metals. The source rapidly climbed and peaked near M~-15 mag after two additional weeks. During this bright '2014b' phase the spectrum became dominated by Balmer emission and a stronger blue continuum, similar to the SN impostor SN 1997bs. Archival images from the Hubble Space Telescope between 1997 and 2005 reveal a luminous (4e5 Lsun) variable precursor star. Its location on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram is consistent with a massive (M_init~30 Msun) cool hypergiant having an extremely dense wind and an Eddington ratio just below unity. At the onset of the recent 2014a brightening, however, the object became super-Eddington. The subsequent boost in luminosity during the 2014b phase probably resulted from circumstellar interaction. SN Hunt 248 provides the first case of a cool hypergiant undergoing a giant eruption reminiscent of outbursts from luminous blue variable (LBV) stars. This lends support to the hypothesis that some cool hypergiants, such as Rho Cas, could be LBVs masquerading under a pseudo-photosphere created by their extremely dense winds. Moreover, SN Hunt 248 demonstrates that eruptions stemming from such stars can rival in peak luminosity the giant outbursts of much more massive systems like Eta Car.Comment: Accepted to MNRAS on 2014 Dec 1. Post-proof version. 14 pages, 9 figure

    Does Anti-malarial Drug Knowledge Predict Anti-malarial Dispensing Practice in drug outlets? A Survey of Medicine Retailers in Western Kenya.

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    Background Malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Kenya, where it is the fifth leading cause of death in both children and adults. Effectively managing malaria is dependent upon appropriate treatment. In Kenya, between 17 to 83 percent of febrile individuals first seek treatment for febrile illness over the counter from medicine retailers. Understanding medicine retailer knowledge and behaviour in treating suspected malaria and dispensing anti-malarials is crucial. Methods To investigate medicine retailer knowledge about anti-malarials and their dispensing practices, a survey was conducted of all retail drug outlets that sell anti-malarial medications and serve residents of the Webuye Health and Demographic Surveillance Site in the Bungoma East District of western Kenya. Results Most of the medicine retailers surveyed (65%) were able to identify artemether-lumefantrine (AL) as the Kenyan Ministry of Health recommended first-line anti-malarial therapy for uncomplicated malaria. Retailers who correctly identified this treatment were also more likely to recommend AL to adult and paediatric customers. However, the proportion of medicine retailers who recommend the correct treatment is disappointingly low. Only 48% would recommend AL to adults, and 37% would recommend it to children. It was discovered that customer demand has an influence on retailer behaviour. Retailer training and education were found to be correlated with anti-malarial drug knowledge, which in turn is correlated with dispensing practices. Medicine retailer behaviour, including patient referral practice and dispensing practices, are also correlated with knowledge of the first-line anti-malarial medication. The Kenya Ministry of Health guidelines were found to influence retailer drug stocking and dispensing behaviours. Conclusion Most medicine retailers could identify the recommended first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria, but the percentage that could not is still too high. Furthermore, knowing the MOH recommended anti-malarial medication does not always ensure it is recommended or dispensed to customers. Retailer training and education are both areas that could be improved. Considering the influence that patient demand has on retailer behaviour, future interventions focusing on community education may positively influence appropriate dispensing of anti-malarials

    Massive black holes regulated by luminous blue variable mass loss and magnetic fields

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    We investigate the effects of mass loss during the main-sequence (MS) and post-MS phases of massive star evolution on black hole (BH) birth masses. We compute solar metallicity Geneva stellar evolution models of an 85 MM_{\odot} star with mass-loss rate (M˙\dot{M}) prescriptions for MS and post-MS phases and analyze under which conditions such models could lead to very massive BHs. Based on the observational constraints for M˙\dot{M} of luminous stars, we discuss two possible scenarios that could produce massive BHs at high metallicity. First, if a massive BH progenitor evolves from the observed population of massive MS stars known as WNh stars, we show that its average post-MS mass-loss rate has to be less than 1×105M1\,\times10^{-5}\,M_{\odot}/yr. However, this is lower than the typical observed mass-loss rates of luminous blue variables (LBV). Second, a massive BH progenitor could evolve from a yet undetected population of 808580-85 MM_{\odot} stars with strong surface magnetic fields, which could quench mass loss during the evolution. In this case, the average mass-loss rate during the post-MS LBV phase has to be less than 5×105M5\,\times10^{-5}\,M_{\odot}/yr to produce 70 MM_{\odot} BHs. We suggest that LBVs that explode as SNe have large envelopes and small cores that could be prone to explosion, possibly evolving from binary interaction (either mergers or mass gainers that do not fully mix). Conversely, LBVs that directly collapse to BHs could have evolve from massive single stars or binary-star mergers that fully mix, possessing large cores that would favor BH formation.Comment: Accepted in Ap

    Functional Outcomes at 90 Days in Octogenarians Undergoing Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Prospective Cohort Study and Meta-Analysis

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    Background: Elderly patients account for 30% of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) but are under-represented in randomized controlled trials of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Meta-analysis of “real world” studies evaluating 90-day outcomes in elderly patients ≥80 years have been limited to small numbers undergoing EVT with older generation devices.Methods: A retrospective analysis of 181 prospectively collected patients who received EVT for anterior circulation AIS at an Australian center over 2.5-years. The study aims to determine (i) 90-day functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale mRS 0–2) in patients ≥80 vs. &lt;80 years, (ii) the interaction of prognostic factors and age and (iii) compare our data to those previously reported using a meta-analysis of outcomes in observational studies using second generation thrombectomy devices.Results: We analyzed 2,387 patients (≥80 years, n = 649; &lt;80 years, n = 1,738) from 14 studies including our study (≥80 years, n = 71; &lt;80 years, n = 110). Twenty-eight percent of our and 30% of the meta-analysis elderly cohort achieved good 90-day mRS compared to 55 and 52%, respectively of younger patients (p &lt; 0.001). Twenty-seven percent of our and 26% of the meta-analysis elderly cohort died compared to 16% (p = 0.07) and 15% (p &lt; 0.0001), respectively of younger patients. Baseline NIHSS≥16 correlated with poor prognosis in elderly (OR 16.4; 95% CI 4.49–59.91, p &lt; 0.001) and younger (OR 8.73;95% CI 3.35–22.80, p &lt; 0.001) patients. Prior rt-PA was associated with favorable outcome in younger (OR 2.90; 95%CI 1.29–6.52, p = 0.01) patients only.Conclusion: EVT has less favorable outcomes in elderly patients. However, results are better than outcomes in historical controls not treated with thrombectomy providing further support for EVT in the elderly
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