SCReen Adjusted Panoramic Effect - SCRAPE

A Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) is an enclosed virtual reality room that uses multiple projectors to display images across its surfaces. It uses one or more computers to synchronise and combine the images and allows users to control virtual worlds using a host of interaction devices. Traditionally, a CAVE is used by a single user at any one time and by utilising some form of motion sensing, the user's head position can be tracked to allow for first virtual perception. The images are then displayed in stereographic 3D in order to complete the virtual reality effect. Professional CAVE installations are expensive and can cost upwards of several hundred thousand euros. This tends to act as a significant barrier to their propagation, however, as the reduction in cost of high specification computers, projectors and graphics cards continues apace, it has sparked a renewed interest in CAVE environments and given rise to the realistic possibility of setting up low cost, amateur CAVEs. Unfortunately, one of the greatest disadvantages of CAVE systems is the lack of inexpensive, easy to use, specialised software. In this paper we present an open source and easy to use CAVE software toolkit called SCReen Adjusted Panoramic Effect or SCRAPE for short. We believe that SCRAPE is the first major piece in a longer-term vision that aims to bring easy to setup, easy to use, portable CAVE systems to all types of non-expert users

A high enthaply [i.e., enthalpy] test facility powered by a gaseous core reactor.

This thesis document was issued under the authority of another institution, not NPS. At the time it was written, a copy was added to the NPS Library collection for reasons not now known. It has been included in the digital archive for its historical value to NPS. Not believed to be a CIVINS (Civilian Institutions) title.The feasibility of utilizing a gaseous core nuclear reactor to provide high enthalpy, high pressure gas flow for simulating atmospheric re-entry conditions was inves­tigated. The test facility uses a mixture of nitrogen and uranium in a closed cycle with no attempt to contain the uranium fuel within the core. The primary purpose of the facility is to provide high enthalpy, high shear flows for testing re-entry materials and shapes. Investigated in this study were the effects of the nitrogen-uranium mixture on reactor criticality, nuclear contamination of the test model, protection of the reactor core and nozzle structure from imposed heat loads and operating limitations of the test facility."Acknowledgement is made to the Department of the Navy, and to the United States Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, who made this work possible."http://www.archive.org/details/highenthaplyieen00flynLieutenant, United States Nav

Teachers as new speakers of a minority language: identity, speakerness, and ideologies on variation in Irish

Aims and objectives: This article reports the ideologies on linguistic variation among a cohort of new speaker teachers (NSTs) of Irish. It investigates responses to the three main traditional dialects of Irish and a post-traditional variety common among new speakers. Design and methodology: An experimental design was employed. Participants responded to 15-second samples of four speakers, first on adjective items referring to speakers’ characteristics (speaker phase) and second on statements referring specifically to the type of Irish in the samples (speech phase). Background information was also gathered, for example, school type, place of origin, and type of Irish spoken. Data and analysis: We present the responses of a subset of 88 NSTs of Irish, focusing specifically on participants’ responses in the speech phase where they evaluated the type of Irish in the samples. Data were analysed to determine whether there were significant differences in the ratings of samples within different respondent subgroups. Findings and conclusions: Some significant differences were found among subgroups. Teachers working in Irish-medium schools align more closely with established native speaker language ideologies than those in English-medium institutions. Participants did not distinguish significantly between their local Gaeltacht variety and other Gaeltacht areas, but did rate all three Gaeltacht samples more positively than the new speaker variety. Finally, participants who self-identify as speakers of ‘standard’ Irish and those who describe themselves as practising a Gaeltacht variety rated the Gaeltacht samples more positively. Originality: While experimental investigations of linguistic ideologies are central to sociolinguistics, this article is original in its focus on the ideologies of NSTs of Irish. Significance and implications: This research illustrates the robustness of established ideologies in the responses of some participants but shows that others challenge these ideologies. Results speak to the complexities and contradictions of identity and speakerness among NSTs of a minority language

Numerical Investigation of Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow Characteristics of Al2O3 Nanofluid In A Double Tube Heat Exchanger With Turbulator Insertion

One of the primary objectives associated with the double tube heat exchanger is to enhance the heat transfer rate and improve the overall system performance. A promising approach to achieve these improvements involves combining turbulator insertion and nanofluid techniques. This study presents a numerical investigation that examines the impact of Al2O3-water nanofluid within the inner tube, along with turbulator insertion in the form of square-shaped ribs, on the heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics of the double tube heat exchanger. The findings indicate that an increase in the volume fraction of nanofluid leads to an enhanced heat transfer rate. Additionally, reducing the spacing between the turbulator ribs in the double tube heat exchanger results in an increase of up to 50% in the Nusselt number compared to a heat exchanger without turbulator insertion. The maximum performance evaluation criterion achieved in this study is 1.05

A Live Bio-Therapeutic for Mastitis, Containing Lactococcus lactis DPC3147 With Comparable Efficacy to Antibiotic Treatment

peer-reviewedBovine mastitis is an ongoing significant concern in the dairy and agricultural industry resulting in substantial losses in milk production and revenue. Among the predominant etiological agents of bovine mastitis are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, and Escherichia coli. Currently, the treatment of choice for bovine mastitis involves the use of commercial therapeutic antibiotic formulations such as TerrexineTM, containing both kanamycin and cephalexin. Such antibiotics are regularly administered in more than one dose resulting in the withholding of milk for processing for a number of days. Here, we describe the optimization of a formulation of Lactococcus lactis DPC3147, that produces the two-component bacteriocin lacticin 3147, in a liquid paraffin-based emulsion (formulation hereafter designated ‘live bio-therapeutic’) for the first time and compare it to the commercial antibiotic formulation TerrexineTM, with a view to treating cows with clinical/sub-clinical mastitis. Critically, in a field trial described here, this ‘ready-to-use’ emulsion containing live L. lactis DPC3147 cells exhibited comparable efficacy to TerrexineTM when used to treat mastitic cows. Furthermore, we found that the L. lactis cells within this novel emulsion-based formulation remained viable for up to 5 weeks, when stored at 4, 22, or 37◦C. The relative ease and cost-effective nature of producing this ‘live bio-therapeutic’ formulation, in addition to its enhanced shelf life compared to previous aqueous-based formulations, indicate that this product could be a viable alternative therapeutic option for bovine mastitis. Moreover, the singledose administration of this ‘live bio-therapeutic’ formulation is a further advantage, as it can expedite the return of the milk to the milk pool, in comparison to some commercial antibiotics. Overall, in this field trial, we show that the live bio-therapeutic formulation displayed a 47% cure rate compared to a 50% cure rate for a commercial antibiotic control, with respect to curing cows with clinical/sub-clinical mastitis. The study suggests that a larger field trial to further demonstrate efficacy is warranted

Health-related fitness and motor competence in children with a vision impairment: a cross-sectional study of children in Ireland

Background: Health-related fitness (HRF) and motor competence (MC), are positive predictors of physical activity in children. In Ireland, children who are blind/vision impaired (BVI) are less active compared to the general population, but little is known about HRF and MC in this population. Understanding HRF and MC levels can provide insight into why PA is lower in children with BVI, and highlight competencies to improve for better health. Method: A variety of validated tests were used to assess HRF, MC, and body composition in 59 children with BVI (mean age: 12.34 ± 2.40 years). Independent samples t-tests and Chi-square tests for independence were used to assess sex differences in HRF and MC. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering was used to determine if groups of participants could be identified based on their HRF and MC scores. Associations between clusters and BMI category were investigated. Results: MC was low, with object-control skills of throw (22%) two-hand strike (29%) and kick (31%) having the lowest percentage of participants at mastery/near-mastery (MNM). These were also the three skills where significant differences by sex were seen, with more males achieving MNM than females. Over a third (38%) of participants had poor cardiorespiratory endurance. Cluster analysis revealed two clusters. Children in the lower competence cluster were significantly less likely to have healthy cardiorespiratory endurance and had significantly poorer MC in six of ten skills (balance, skip, run, hop, dribble, and throw). There was higher prevalence of overweight/obesity amongst those in the lower competence cluster (46% vs 26%). Conclusion: A substantial proportion of children with BVI in Ireland are at risk of sedentary lifestyle and poor health due to low physical competence. Interventions to develop HRF and MC in children with BVI work. Coaches, teachers and PA providers must be provided with resources and training to support the inclusion of those who are BVI, specifically for HRF and MC development

Male fertility in cystic fibrosis.

Infertility rates among males with cystic fibrosis (CF) approximate 97%. No information is currently available within Ireland determining an understanding of fertility issues and the best methods of information provision to this specialized group. This study aimed to determine understanding and preferred approaches to information provision on fertility issues to Irish CF males. A Descriptive Study utilizing prospective coded questionnaires was mailed to a male CF cohort (n=50). Sections included demographics, fertility knowledge \u26 investigation. Response rate was 16/50 (32%). All were aware that CF affected their fertility. More than two-thirds (n=11) were able to provide explanations whilst only one-third (n=5) provided the correct explanation. Significant numbers stated thoughts of marriage and a future family. Half have discussed fertility with a healthcare professional (HCP). Mean age of discussion was 21.9 years. One third preferred an earlier discussion. The commonest first source for information was written material which was also the preferred source. Three-quarters requested further information preferring again, written material. Significant gaps in sex education of Irish CF males exist. Discussion should be initiated by HCPs and centre-directed written material devised to address deficiencies

Confab - Systematic generation of diverse low-energy conformers

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Many computational chemistry analyses require the generation of conformers, either on-the-fly, or in advance. We present Confab, an open source command-line application for the systematic generation of low-energy conformers according to a diversity criterion.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Confab generates conformations using the 'torsion driving approach' which involves iterating systematically through a set of allowed torsion angles for each rotatable bond. Energy is assessed using the MMFF94 forcefield. Diversity is measured using the heavy-atom root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) relative to conformers already stored. We investigated the recovery of crystal structures for a dataset of 1000 ligands from the Protein Data Bank with fewer than 1 million conformations. Confab can recover 97% of the molecules to within 1.5 Å at a diversity level of 1.5 Å and an energy cutoff of 50 kcal/mol.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Confab is available from <url>http://confab.googlecode.com</url>.</p

Attitudinal and Demographic Predictors of Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine (MMR) Uptake during the UK Catch-Up Campaign 2008–09: Cross-Sectional Survey

Background and Objective Continued suboptimal measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine uptake has re-established measles epidemic risk, prompting a UK catch-up campaign in 2008–09 for children who missed MMR doses at scheduled age. Predictors of vaccine uptake during catch-ups are poorly understood, however evidence from routine schedule uptake suggests demographics and attitudes may be central. This work explored this hypothesis using a robust evidence-based measure. Design Cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire with objective behavioural outcome. Setting and Participants 365 UK parents, whose children were aged 5–18 years and had received <2 MMR doses before the 2008–09 UK catch-up started. Main Outcome Measures Parents' attitudes and demographics, parent-reported receipt of invitation to receive catch-up MMR dose(s), and catch-up MMR uptake according to child's medical record (receipt of MMR doses during year 1 of the catch-up). Results Perceived social desirability/benefit of MMR uptake (OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.09–2.87) and younger child age (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.68–0.89) were the only independent predictors of catch-up MMR uptake in the sample overall. Uptake predictors differed by whether the child had received 0 MMR doses or 1 MMR dose before the catch-up. Receipt of catch-up invitation predicted uptake only in the 0 dose group (OR = 3.45, 95% CI = 1.18–10.05), whilst perceived social desirability/benefit of MMR uptake predicted uptake only in the 1 dose group (OR = 9.61, 95% CI = 2.57–35.97). Attitudes and demographics explained only 28% of MMR uptake in the 0 dose group compared with 61% in the 1 dose group. Conclusions Catch-up MMR invitations may effectively move children from 0 to 1 MMR doses (unimmunised to partially immunised), whilst attitudinal interventions highlighting social benefits of MMR may effectively move children from 1 to 2 MMR doses (partially to fully immunised). Older children may be best targeted through school-based programmes. A formal evaluation element should be incorporated into future catch-up campaigns to inform their continuing improvement

Stromelysin-3 over-expression enhances tumourigenesis in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines: involvement of the IGF-1 signalling pathway

BACKGROUND: Stromelysin-3 (ST-3) is over-expressed in the majority of human carcinomas including breast carcinoma. Due to its known effect in promoting tumour formation, but its impeding effect on metastasis, a dual role of ST-3 in tumour progression, depending on the cellular grade of dedifferentiation, was hypothesized. METHODS: The present study was designed to investigate the influence of ST-3 in vivo and in vitro on the oestrogen-dependent, non-invasive MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell line as well as on the oestrogen-independent, invasive MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma cell line. Therefore an orthotopic human xenograft tumour model in nude mice, as well as a 3D matrigel cell culture system, were employed. RESULTS: Using both in vitro and in vivo techniques, we have demonstrated that over-expression of ST-3 in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells leads to both increased cell numbers and tumour volumes. This observation was dependent upon the presence of growth factors. In particular, the enhanced proliferative capacity was in MCF-7/ST-3 completely and in MDA-MB-231/ST-3 cells partially dependent on the IGF-1 signalling pathway. Microarray analysis of ST-3 over-expressing cells revealed that in addition to cell proliferation, further biological processes seemed to be affected, such as cell motility and stress response. The MAPK-pathway as well as the Wnt and PI3-kinase pathways, appear to also play a potential role. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that breast cancer cell lines of different differentiation status, as well as the non-tumourigenic cell line MCF-10A, have a comparable capability to induce endogenous ST-3 expression in fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: These data reveal that ST-3 is capable of enhancing tumourigenesis in highly differentiated "early stage" breast cancer cell lines as well as in further progressed breast cancer cell lines that have already undergone epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We propose that ST-3 induction in tumour fibroblasts leads to the stimulation of the IGF-1R pathway in carcinoma cells, thus enhancing their proliferative capacity. In addition, further different cellular processes seem to be activated by ST-3, possibly accounting for the dual role of ST-3 in tumour progression and metastasis