An algorithm for solving the pulsar equation

We present an algorithm of finding numerical solutions of pulsar equation. The problem of finding the solutions was reduced to finding expansion coefficients of the source term of the equation in a base of orthogo- nal functions defined on the unit interval by minimizing a multi-variable mismatch function defined on the light cylinder. We applied the algorithm to Scharlemann & Wagoner boundary conditions by which a smooth solu- tion is reconstructed that by construction passes success- fully the Gruzinov's test of the source function exponent.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in ApSS (a shortened version of the previous one

Interaction patterns of methoprene-tolerant and germ cell-expressed Drosophila JH receptors suggest significant differences in their functioning

Methoprene-tolerant (Met) and germ cell-expressed (Gce) proteins were shown to be juvenile hormone (JH) receptors of Drosophila melanogaster with partially redundant functions. We raised the question of where the functional differentiation of paralogs comes from. Therefore, we tested Met and Gce interaction patterns with selected partners. In this study, we showed the ability of Gce and its C-terminus (GceC) to interact with 14-3-3 in the absence of JH. In contrast, Met or Met C-terminus (MetC) interactions with 14-3-3 were not observed. We also performed a detailed structural analysis of Met/Gce interactions with the nuclear receptor fushi tarazu factor-1 (Ftz-F1) ligand-binding domain. We showed that GceC comprising an Ftz-F1-binding site and full-length protein interacts with Ftz-F1. In contrast to Gce, only MetC (not full-length Met) can interact with Ftz-F1 in the absence of JH. We propose that the described differences result from the distinct tertiary structure and accessibility of binding sites in the full-length Met/Gce. Moreover, we hypothesize that each interacting partner can force disordered MetC and GceC to change the structure in a partner-specific manner. The observed interactions seem to determine the subcellular localization of Met/Gce by forcing their translocation between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, which may affect the activity of the proteins. The presented differences between Met and Gce can be crucial for their functional differentiation during D. melanogaster development and indicate Gce as a more universal and more active paralog. It is consistent with the theory indicating gce as an ancestor gene

Radio pulsar populations

The goal of this article is to summarize the current state of play in the field of radio pulsar statistics. Simply put, from the observed sample of objects from a variety of surveys with different telescopes, we wish to infer the properties of the underlying sample and to connect these with other astrophysical populations (for example supernova remnants or X-ray binaries). The main problem we need to tackle is the fact that, like many areas of science, the observed populations are often heavily biased by a variety of selection effects. After a review of the main effects relevant to radio pulsars, I discuss techniques to correct for them and summarize some of the most recent results. Perhaps the main point I would like to make in this article is that current models to describe the population are far from complete and often suffer from strong covariances between input parameters. That said, there are a number of very interesting conclusions that can be made concerning the evolution of neutron stars based on current data. While the focus of this review will be on the population of isolated Galactic pulsars, I will also briefly comment on millisecond and binary pulsars as well as the pulsar content of globular clusters and the Magellanic Clouds.Comment: 16 pages, 6 figures, to appear in Proceedings of ICREA Workshop on The High-Energy Emission from Pulsars and their Systems, Sant Cugat, Spain, 2010 April 12-16 (Springer

High Field HTS Solenoid for a Muon Collider - Demonstrations, Challenges and Strategies

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Prevention of acute kidney injury and protection of renal function in the intensive care unit

Acute renal failure on the intensive care unit is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. To determine recommendations for the prevention of acute kidney injury (AKI), focusing on the role of potential preventative maneuvers including volume expansion, diuretics, use of inotropes, vasopressors/vasodilators, hormonal interventions, nutrition, and extracorporeal techniques. A systematic search of the literature was performed for studies using these potential protective agents in adult patients at risk for acute renal failure/kidney injury between 1966 and 2009. The following clinical conditions were considered: major surgery, critical illness, sepsis, shock, and use of potentially nephrotoxic drugs and radiocontrast media. Where possible the following endpoints were extracted: creatinine clearance, glomerular filtration rate, increase in serum creatinine, urine output, and markers of tubular injury. Clinical endpoints included the need for renal replacement therapy, length of stay, and mortality. Studies are graded according to the international Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) group system Several measures are recommended, though none carries grade 1A. We recommend prompt resuscitation of the circulation with special attention to providing adequate hydration whilst avoiding high-molecular-weight hydroxy-ethyl starch (HES) preparations, maintaining adequate blood pressure using vasopressors in vasodilatory shock. We suggest using vasopressors in vasodilatory hypotension, specific vasodilators under strict hemodynamic control, sodium bicarbonate for emergency procedures administering contrast media, and periprocedural hemofiltration in severe chronic renal insufficiency undergoing coronary intervention

Recognition of the Wapno salt dome on the background of deposit imagery

Wysad solny Wapno był eksploatowany od początku XIX wieku. Początkowo eksploatowano margle kredowe, występujące ponad czapą gipsową tuż pod powierzchnią ziemi, następnie gips z czapy gipsowej i sól kamienną z wysadu solnego, którą nawiercono w 1871 r., na głębokości około 160 m p.p.t. Pierwsze nadanie górnicze na białą sól kamienną uzyskano w 1873 r. Podziemną eksploatację soli rozpoczęto w 1920 r., którą kontynuowano do 1977 r. Sól eksploatowano dwoma szybami na 8 poziomach eksploatacyjnych (III - VIII) na głębokości od 484 do 678 m p.p.t. W czasie działalności kopalni opracowano szczegółowo budowę wewnętrzną złoża oraz kształt i zasięg wysadu solnego i czapy gipsowej. Od początku eksploatacji kopalnia borykała się z zagrożeniem wodnym z warstw wodonośnych otaczających wysad, głównie z czapy gipsowej. Zagrożenie to wzrosło na początku lat 70. ubiegłego wieku. Szczególnie niebezpieczne były wycieki na poziomie III, w komorach 34, 36 i 37, które doprowadziły do zatopienia kopalni 5 sierpnia 1977 roku.The Wapno salt dome has been mined since the beginning of the 19th century. Initially, chalk marls, occurring above the gypsum cap and underneath the land surface, were extracted. Later, gypsum from the cap and rock salt from the very salt dome were mined. The salt dome was drilled to the depth of ca. 160 m below the ground in 1871. The first white salt mining concessions were obtained in 1873. Underground salt mining started in 1920 and was continued until 1977. Salt was extracted through two shafts and at eight operating levels (III-VIII) located at the depths from 484 to 678 m. During the mining operations, a detailed internal deposit shape and structure were identified, together with the range of both salt dome and gypsum cap. Since the beginning of salt extraction, the salt mine struggled against water hazard presented by the aquifers surrounding the salt dome, mainly those located in the gypsum cap. The hazard increased in the 1970’s. The leaks at Level II, Chambers 34, 36, and 37, turned out to be particularly dangerous and caused the mine flooding on 5 August 1977

Urban Water Footprint – city water management monitoring and evaluation system

The paper discusses the problem of increasing population and associated water usage in cities. With this in mind, an attempt was made to use Water Footprint (WFTP) indicator as a tool facilitating decision-making process in order to improve water management in urban areas. A need for preparing water balance analysis of cities was demonstrated and examples of indicators so far developed given, addressing that need. Furthermore, a new term of Urban WFTP indicator for urban areas was introduced and its justification. Methodological basis and examples of its calculation were provided. Finally, purposefulness of knowledge dissemination was demonstrated regarding urban water balance modeling as well as developing long-term modernization strategies for water supply and sewage systems. This will also enable an increase in water resource management rationalization factor in urban areas, but also will support development and implementation of new technologies and alternative solutions as regards natural water cycle.W artykule zwrócono uwagę na problem wzrostu liczby ludności, a tym samym zużycia wody w miastach. Na tym tle podjęto próbę zastosowania wskaźnika Water Footprint (WFTP) jako narzędzia wspomagającego proces podejmowania decyzji w celu lepszego zarządzania i gospodarowania wodą na obszarach miejskich. Wykazano potrzebę sporządzania bilansu wodnego miast oraz podano przykłady dotychczas opracowanych wskaźników, uwzględniających tę potrzebę. Następnie wprowadzono pojęcie i omówiono zasadność wyznaczenia nowego wskaźnika WFTP dotyczącego obszarów zurbanizowanych oraz przedstawiono podstawy metodyczne i przykład jego obliczania. Wykazano celowość rozpowszechnienia wiedzy z zakresu sporządzania bilansu wodnego miast oraz opracowywania długoterminowych strategii modernizacji systemów wodociągowo-kanalizacyjnych. Umożliwi to także racjonalizację zarządzania zasobami wodnymi na terenach zurbanizowanych, a także przyczyni się do rozwoju i wdrożenia nowych technologii i rozwiązań alternatywnych dla naturalnego cyklu wody