Dow AFB -- Historically, Economically, and Strategically (Presentation of Colonel Orie O. Schurter, 4060th ARW Commander)

Covers the history of Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, Maine. Includes: early history from 1923-1945; Dow\u27s role during World War II, post WWI to 1955, the strategic location and use of the base, the base\u27s mission, and the economic impact of the base on Bangor and the surrounding area.https://digicom.bpl.lib.me.us/dow_books/1009/thumbnail.jp

Optimizing Compression Zone of Flanged Hollow Cored Concrete Beams Using Moment of Inertia Theory

This paper evaluates the optimal cored section of a hollow concrete beam by observing the effect of varying effective flange width and the hollow core position in the compression zone of a plain concrete beam with a point loaded at midspan. Equations were derived using double integration method to determine the moment of inertia of the sections and corresponding deflections as the load increased up to failure, while maintaining a constant cross-sectional area and varying the section dimensions randomly in steps of 10mm from 150mm to 190mm flange width. The results obtained were compared with linearized experimental results. The results showed an increase in the deflection with failure loads of the beam samples as the flange width increased. This study reveals that the 150mm, 160mm, 170mm, 180mm and 190mm, flanged beams had a linear coefficient of 5.25, 9.90, 3.87, 10.62 and 7.23 respectively, and thus concludes that the beam with 170 mm flange width, 46mm core position and 0.58mm deflection at failure of load 15kN is the optimal section. This optimal section corresponds to a beam with a flange width 126.67% its beam width while the core position is about 30.67% into the compression zone which is measured from the remote edge of the flange. Flanged hollow core beams are commonly encountered in high rise structures and bridges.http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v34i2.

Widespread Receptivity to Neuropeptide PDF throughout the Neuronal Circadian Clock Network of Drosophila Revealed by Real-Time Cyclic AMP Imaging

SummaryThe neuropeptide PDF is released by sixteen clock neurons in Drosophila and helps maintain circadian activity rhythms by coordinating a network of ∼150 neuronal clocks. Whether PDF acts directly on elements of this neural network remains unknown. We address this question by adapting Epac1-camps, a genetically encoded cAMP FRET sensor, for use in the living brain. We find that a subset of the PDF-expressing neurons respond to PDF with long-lasting cAMP increases and confirm that such responses require the PDF receptor. In contrast, an unrelated Drosophila neuropeptide, DH31, stimulates large cAMP increases in all PDF-expressing clock neurons. Thus, the network of ∼150 clock neurons displays widespread, though not uniform, PDF receptivity. This work introduces a sensitive means of measuring cAMP changes in a living brain with subcellular resolution. Specifically, it experimentally confirms the longstanding hypothesis that PDF is a direct modulator of most neurons in the Drosophila clock network

Software Defect Prediction Using Ensemble Learning: An ANP Based Evaluation Method

Software defect prediction (SDP) is the process of predicting defects in software modules, it identifies the modules that are defective and require extensive testing. Classification algorithms that help to predict software defects play a major role in software engineering process. Some studies have depicted that the use of ensembles is often more accurate than using single classifiers. However, variations exist from studies, which posited that the efficiency of learning algorithms might vary using different performance measures. This is because most studies on SDP consider the accuracy of the model or classifier above other performance metrics. This paper evaluated the performance of single classifiers (SMO, MLP, kNN and Decision Tree) and ensembles (Bagging, Boosting, Stacking and Voting) in SDP considering major performance metrics using Analytic Network Process (ANP) multi-criteria decision method. The experiment was based on 11 performance metrics over 11 software defect datasets. Boosted SMO, Voting and Stacking Ensemble methods ranked highest with a priority level of 0.0493, 0.0493 and 0.0445 respectively. Decision tree ranked highest in single classifiers with 0.0410. These clearly show that ensemble methods can give better classification results in SDP and Boosting method gave the best result. In essence, it is valid to say that before deciding which model or classifier is better for software defect prediction, all performance metrics should be considered.Keywords— Data mining, Machine Learning,  Multi Criteria Decision Making, Software Defect Predictio

Steady-state modulation of voltage-gated K+ channels in rat arterial smooth muscle by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and protein phosphatase 2B

Voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv) are important regulators of membrane potential in vascular smooth muscle cells, which is integral to controlling intracellular Ca2+ concentration and regulating vascular tone. Previous work indicates that Kv channels can be modulated by receptor-driven alterations of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activity. Here, we demonstrate that Kv channel activity is maintained by tonic activity of PKA. Whole-cell recording was used to assess the effect of manipulating PKA signalling on Kv and ATP-dependent K+ channels of rat mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells. Application of PKA inhibitors, KT5720 or H89, caused a significant inhibition of Kv currents. Tonic PKA-mediated activation of Kv appears maximal as application of isoprenaline (a β-adrenoceptor agonist) or dibutyryl-cAMP failed to enhance Kv currents. We also show that this modulation of Kv by PKA can be reversed by protein phosphatase 2B/calcineurin (PP2B). PKA-dependent inhibition of Kv by KT5720 can be abrogated by pre-treatment with the PP2B inhibitor cyclosporin A, or inclusion of a PP2B auto-inhibitory peptide in the pipette solution. Finally, we demonstrate that tonic PKA-mediated modulation of Kv requires intact caveolae. Pre-treatment of the cells with methyl-β-cyclodextrin to deplete cellular cholesterol, or adding caveolin-scaffolding domain peptide to the pipette solution to disrupt caveolae-dependent signalling each attenuated PKA-mediated modulation of the Kv current. These findings highlight a novel, caveolae-dependent, tonic modulatory role of PKA on Kv channels providing new insight into mechanisms and the potential for pharmacological manipulation of vascular tone

Clinical effects of Garcinia kola in knee osteoarthritis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Objectives</p> <p>Over the past years, there has been a growing number of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients who are not willing to comply with long-term non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) treatment and wish to use herbal anti- rheumatic medicine. This study assessed the clinical effects of <it>Garcinia kola </it>(GK) in KOA patients.</p> <p>Patients and methods</p> <p>Prospective randomized, placebo controlled, double blind, clinical trial approved by the institutional medical ethics review board and written informed consent obtained from each patient. All KOA patients presenting at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital complex were recruited into the study. The patients were grouped into four (A = Placebo, B = Naproxen, C = <it>Garcinia kola</it>, D = Celebrex). The drugs and placebo were given twice a day per oral route. Each dose consisted of 200 mg of <it>G. kola</it>, Naproxen (500 mg), Celebrex (200 mg) and Ascorbic acid (100 mg). The primary outcome measure over six weeks study period was the change in mean WOMAC pain visual analogue scales (VAS). Secondary outcome measures included the mean change in joint stiffness and physical function (mobility/walking).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>143 patients were recruited, 84 (58.7%, males – 24, females – 60) satisfied the selection criteria and completed the study. The effect of knee osteoarthritis bilateralism among the subjects was not significant on their outcome (p > 0.05). The change in the mean WOMAC pain VAS after six weeks of <it>G. kola </it>was significantly reduced compared to the placebo (p < 0.001). Multiple comparisons of the mean VAS pain change of <it>G. kola </it>group was not lowered significantly against the naproxen and celebrex groups (p > 0.05). The onset of <it>G. kola </it>symptomatic pain relief was faster than the placebo (p < 0.001). However, it was slower than the active comparators (p > 0.05). The duration of therapeutic effect of <it>Garcinia kola </it>was longer than the placebo (p > 0.001). <it>G. kola </it>period of effect was less than naproxen and celebrex (p < 0.001). <it>G. kola </it>subjects had improved mean change mobility/walking after six weeks better than the control group(p < 0.001). The mean change in mobility of the <it>G. kola </it>group when compared to the active comparators was not significantly better (p < 0.05). The mean change of knee joint stiffness (p < 0.001) and the change of mean WOMAC score (p < 0.001) were improved on <it>Garcinia kola </it>as compared to the placebo. The mid term outcome of eleven <it>Garcinia kola </it>subjects after cessation of use had a mean pain relief period of 17.27 +/- 5.15 days (range: 9–26 days). There was no significant cardiovascular, renal or drug induced adverse reaction to <it>Garcinia kola</it>.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p><it>Garcinia kola </it>appeared to have clinically significant analgesic/anti-inflammatory effects in knee osteoarthritis patients. <it>Garcinia kola </it>is a potential osteoarthritis disease activity modifier with good mid term outcome. Further studies are required for standardization of dosages and to determine long-term effects.</p

Tennis play intensity distribution and relation with aerobic fitness in competitive players

15 p.Los objetivos de este estudio fueron (1) describir la intensidad relativa del juego de tenis simulado en función del tiempo acumulado en tres zonas de intensidad metabólica y (2) determinar las relaciones entre esta distribución de intensidad de juego y la aptitud aeróbica de un grupo de jugadores competitivos. 20 jugadores masculinos de nivel avanzado a élite (ITN) realizaron una prueba de tenis de resistencia específica en el campo incremental hasta el agotamiento para determinar el consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2max) y los umbrales de ventilación primero y segundo (VT1, VT2). Los parámetros de ventilación y de intercambio de gases se monitorizaron utilizando un analizador de gas portátil telemétrico (K4 b2, Cosmed, Roma, Italia). Dos semanas después, los participantes jugaron un juego de tenis simulado contra un oponente de nivel similar. Las zonas de intensidad (1: baja, 2: moderada y 3: alta) fueron delimitadas por los valores individuales de VO2 correspondientes a VT1 y VT2, y se expresaron como porcentaje del VO2 máximo y la frecuencia cardíaca. Cuando se expresó en relación con el VO 2 máx. El porcentaje de tiempo de juego en la zona 1 (77 ± 25%) fue significativamente mayor (p <0,001) que en la zona 2 (20 ± 21%) y la zona 3 (3 ± 5%). Se encontraron correlaciones positivas de moderadas a altas entre VT1, VT2 y VO2max, y el porcentaje del tiempo de juego transcurrido en la zona 1 (r = 0,68-0,75), así como las correlaciones inversas de bajas a altas entre las variables metabólicas y el porcentaje de tiempo empleado en las zonas 2 y 3 (r = -0.49–0.75). Los jugadores con mejor aptitud aeróbica juegan a intensidades relativamente más bajas. Concluimos que los jugadores pasaron más del 75% del tiempo en su zona de baja intensidad, con menos del 25% del tiempo dedicado a intensidades moderadas a altas. La aptitud aeróbica parece determinar la intensidad metabólica que los jugadores pueden mantener durante todo el juegoS

What if your roots are polyfunctional? The Lexical Entry Problem in Benue-Kwa

In accounting for the so-called serial verb constructions (SVCs) in Yoruba, Awóyalé (1988) argues that any adequate analysis must focus on the lexical entries of the verbs in order to define the contribution of each verb to the series. This view is compatible with Aboh’s (2009a) conclusion that SVCs in Benue-Kwa represent monoclauses where a functional verb combines with a lexical verb acting as main predicate. In his terms, SVCs are not sequences of lexical verbs but rather verbal combinations in which one verb acts as main predicate, and retains its full argument structure, while others are grammatical elements functioning as modifiers of the event that is being expressed or described. These languages therefore involve a significant class of verbal roots, with a rather vague meaning, that can either serve grammatical purposes or be used lexically, when properly specified. This view corroborates with the fact that Benue-Kwa are also well-known to exhibit Inherent Complement Verbs (ICVs) which, in their citation form, require a complement that further specifies the meaning of the verb phrase. Taking the discussion a step further, this paper shows that the recruitment of material that is used as lexical entry for grammatical purposes is also found in the nominal domain. In this case, a nominal root is used as a functional element within the noun phrase