Perspectives on the Transformation of Breslau into Wrocław, 1945-1948

Breslau, which is now known as Wrocław, is a city in Western Poland that was annexed after the end of the Second World War. The final goal regarding Poland was to create an ethnically homogenous nation state, and this was achieved through forced expulsions, killings, and the mass migration of Poles from what is now Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine. This paper will explore both civilian and administrative perspectives of these events in the city of Wrocław while this was taking place in Poland from 1945 to 1948. It will also examine the relationships that developed between the two through the use of statistics, propaganda posters, pictures, firsthand accounts, diaries from the period, newspaper and magazine articles, a novel by Olga Tokarczuk, and three other nonfiction books on the topic.   &nbsp

Management of white fly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) through seed treatment in moth bean

A seed treatment trial was conducted at research farm of Centre of Excellence for Research on Pulses, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar. The experiment was conducted for the control of white fly by seed treatment, four insecticides were used for seed treatment with two different doses of each insecticides viz., Bifenthrin 10 EC, Imidacloprid 600FS,Thiomethoxam 35 FS and Fipronil 5%SC, these treatments were found significantly (at 5 %) superior over the control in reducing the white fly population in moth bean. The seed treatment with Thiomethoxam35 FS @5g/kg seeds found minimum white fly, Bemisia tabaci population (0.32 /leaf) followed by Imidacloprid 600FS @ 5 g/kg seeds (white fly 0.39/leaf) and maximum was recorded in control ( 1.06/leaf. Farmers are advised to use seed treatments with Thiomethoxam35 FS @5g/kg seeds or Imidacloprid 600FS @ 5 g/kg seeds before the sowing of moth bean crop for the control of white fly

Comparison of Adhesion and Retention Forces for Two Candidate Docking Seal Elastomers

To successfully mate two pressurized vehicles or structures in space, advanced seals are required at the interface to prevent the loss of breathable air to the vacuum of space. A critical part of the development testing of candidate seal designs was a verification of the integrity of the retaining mechanism that holds the silicone seal component to the structure. Failure to retain the elastomer seal during flight could liberate seal material in the event of high adhesive loads during undocking. This work presents an investigation of the force required to separate the elastomer from its metal counter-face surface during simulated undocking as well as a comparison to that force which was necessary to destructively remove the elastomer from its retaining device. Two silicone elastomers, Wacker 007-49524 and Esterline ELASA-401, were evaluated. During the course of the investigation, modifications were made to the retaining devices to determine if the modifications improved the force needed to destructively remove the seal. The tests were completed at the expected operating temperatures of -50, +23, and +75 C. Under the conditions investigated, the comparison indicated that the adhesion between the elastomer and the metal counter-face was significantly less than the force needed to forcibly remove the elastomer seal from its retainer, and no failure would be expected

Infrasound generation by tornadic supercell storms

Acoustic wave generation by turbulence in the stratified, moist atmosphere is studied. It is shown that in the saturated moist air turbulence in addition to the Lighthill's quadrupole and the dipole sources of sound related to stratification and temperature fluctuations, there exist monopole sources related to heat and mass production during the condensation of moisture. We determine acoustic power of these monopole sources. Performed analysis shows that the monopole radiation is dominant for typical parameters of strong convective storms. Obtained results are in good qualitative agreement with the main observed characteristics of infrasound radiation by strong convective storms such as total acoustic power and characteristic frequency

Increased dietary vitamin D was associated with increased circulating vitamin D with no observable adverse effects in adult dogs

IntroductionThere is no consensus for the optimum concentration of vitamin D, although a minimum concentration of 100 ng/mL (250 nM) of circulating vitamin D, measured as 25(OH) D, has been suggested in order to support optimal health in dogs. Few studies have examined the relationship between dietary vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) intake and the resulting concentrations of circulating 25(OH) D in adult dogs. Recommendations for dog foods for adult maintenance report a safe upper limit of 3,200 IU vitamin D/kg on a dry matter basis. However, these recommendations were not based on studies of adult maintenance requirements. Understanding the relationship between dietary vitamin D and circulating vitamin D is necessary to utilize dietary vitamin D to influence health in dogs.MethodsFive groups of adult dogs (each n = 8) were fed food of approximately 4,000 kcal/kg containing one of the following dry matter concentrations of vitamin D for 6 months: 795.7, 3087.3, 5510.9, 7314.0, and 9992.5 IU/kg. Body weight was recorded at baseline and measured weekly, and daily food intake was recorded. Blood samples were taken at baseline and at the end of the 26-week study period.ResultsThere were no clinical signs of vitamin D deficiency or excess. Serum concentrations of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, albumin, hematocrit, hemoglobin, alkaline phosphatase, phosphorus, total calcium, ionized calcium, and parathyroid hormone were maintained within reference values in all groups. Circulating 25(OH) D increased in all groups except those that consumed food with 795.7 IU/kg vitamin D, and increased in a linear and quadratic fashion in response to dietary vitamin D concentration. All of the dogs fed food with 5510.9 IU/kg vitamin D or above met or exceeded 100 ng/mL (250 nM) circulating 25(OH) D.DiscussionDietary vitamin D was positively associated with increased circulating concentrations in concentrations up to 9992.5 IU/kg dry matter, with no observable adverse effects. Consumption of ≥5510.9 IU/kg vitamin D resulted in all dogs with at least the 100 ng/mL (250 nM) circulating concentration

Influence of Bioactive Components of the Mediterranean Diet on Inflammation and Healthy Aging

The Mediterranean diet is characterized by an increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, grains, and fish. Olive oil and herbs and spices are also essential components of this food regimen. Such a diet is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, overall mortality, reduced incidence of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, and reduced cognitive impairment. Some of the bioactive components that exert beneficial effects are ω-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, and alkaloids that have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and gluco-regulating properties. These beneficial effects contribute to improved health including organ health and cognitive function. While the number of such bioactive plant constituents is numerous, this review will examine the role of specific bioactives and vitamins and assess the molecular mechanisms including the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory beneficial effects of the bioactive components in the Mediterranean diet

Effect of Polyphenols on Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Neuronal Death and Brain Edema in Cerebral Ischemia

Polyphenols are natural substances with variable phenolic structures and are elevated in vegetables, fruits, grains, bark, roots, tea, and wine. There are over 8000 polyphenolic structures identified in plants, but edible plants contain only several hundred polyphenolic structures. In addition to their well-known antioxidant effects, select polyphenols also have insulin-potentiating, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, anti-viral, anti-ulcer, and anti-apoptotic properties. One important consequence of ischemia is neuronal death and oxidative stress plays a key role in neuronal viability. In addition, neuronal death may be initiated by the activation of mitochondria-associated cell death pathways. Another consequence of ischemia that is possibly mediated by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction is glial swelling, a component of cytotoxic brain edema. The purpose of this article is to review the current literature on the contribution of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction to neuronal death, cell swelling, and brain edema in ischemia. A review of currently known mechanisms underlying neuronal death and edema/cell swelling will be undertaken and the potential of dietary polyphenols to reduce such neural damage will be critically reviewed

An Overview of Advanced Elastomeric Seal Development and Testing Capabilities at NASA Glenn Research Center

NASA is developing advanced space-rated elastomeric seals to support future space exploration missions to low Earth orbit, the Moon, near Earth asteroids, and other destinations. This includes seals for a new docking system and vehicle hatches. These seals must exhibit extremely low leak rates to ensure that astronauts have sufficient breathable air for extended missions. Seal compression loads must be below prescribed limits so as not to overload the mechanisms that compress them, and seal adhesion forces must be low to allow the sealed interface to be separated when required (e.g., during undocking or hatch opening). NASA Glenn Research Center has developed a number of unique test fixtures to measure the leak rates and compression and adhesion loads of candidate seal designs under simulated thermal, vacuum, and engagement conditions. Tests can be performed on full-scale seals with diameters on the order of 50 in., subscale seals that are about 12 in. in diameter, and smaller specimens such as O-rings. Test conditions include temperatures ranging from -238 to +662F (-150 to +350C), operational pressure gradients, and seal-on-seal or seal-on-flange mating configurations. Nominal and off-nominal conditions (e.g., incomplete seal compression) can also be simulated. This paper describes the main design features and capabilities of each test apparatus and provides an overview of advanced seal development activities at NASA Glenn