Study of thin dielectric films for thermo-dielectric energy conversion Quarterly report, 1 Mar. - 31 May 1966

Thin dielectric films for thermo-dielectric energy conversio

inPHAP: Interactive visualization of genotype and phased haplotype data

Background: To understand individual genomes it is necessary to look at the variations that lead to changes in phenotype and possibly to disease. However, genotype information alone is often not sufficient and additional knowledge regarding the phase of the variation is needed to make correct interpretations. Interactive visualizations, that allow the user to explore the data in various ways, can be of great assistance in the process of making well informed decisions. But, currently there is a lack for visualizations that are able to deal with phased haplotype data. Results: We present inPHAP, an interactive visualization tool for genotype and phased haplotype data. inPHAP features a variety of interaction possibilities such as zooming, sorting, filtering and aggregation of rows in order to explore patterns hidden in large genetic data sets. As a proof of concept, we apply inPHAP to the phased haplotype data set of Phase 1 of the 1000 Genomes Project. Thereby, inPHAP's ability to show genetic variations on the population as well as on the individuals level is demonstrated for several disease related loci. Conclusions: As of today, inPHAP is the only visual analytical tool that allows the user to explore unphased and phased haplotype data interactively. Due to its highly scalable design, inPHAP can be applied to large datasets with up to 100 GB of data, enabling users to visualize even large scale input data. inPHAP closes the gap between common visualization tools for unphased genotype data and introduces several new features, such as the visualization of phased data.Comment: BioVis 2014 conferenc

DRSS communication considerations for manned space flight

A lower and an upper bound or manned space flight requirements for a data relay satellite system (DRSS) in the 1975-1980 time period are described. In all cases, the most stringent requirement is an intersatellite link to provide wideband information transfer from an overseas DRS to the Continental United States. A parametric communication analysis is made as a function of varying frequency and antenna aperture. The desirability of using a VHF frequency band for low data rates and voice relay and the requirement for frequencies of 8 and 16 GHz for video and wideband digital data relay are shown

Active Tectonics in Southern Xinjiang, China: Analysis of Terrace Riser and Normal Fault Scarp Degradation Along the Hotan-Qira Fault System

The northern piedmont of the western Kunlun mountains (Xinjiang, China) is marked at its easternmost extremity, south of the Hotan-Qira oases, by a set of normal faults trending N50E for nearly 70 km. Conspicuous on Landsat and SPOT images, these faults follow the southeastern border of a deep flexural basin and may be related to the subsidence of the Tarim platform loaded by the western Kunlun northward overthrust. The Hotan-Qira normal fault system vertically offsets the piedmont slope by 70 m. Highest fault scarps reach 20 m and often display evidence for recent reactivations about 2 m high. Successive stream entrenchments in uplifted footwalls have formed inset terraces. We have leveled topographic profiles across fault scarps and transverse abandoned terrace risers. The state of degradation of each terrace edge has been characterized by a degradation coefficient τ, derived by comparison with analytical erosion models. Edges of highest abandoned terraces yield a degradation coefficient of 33 ± 4 m^2. Profiles of cumulative fault scarps have been analyzed in a similar way using synthetic profiles generated with a simple incremental fault scarp model. The analysis shows that (1) rate of fault slip remained essentially constant since the aggradation of the piedmont surface and (2) the occurrence of inset terraces was synchronous at all studied sites, suggesting a climate-driven terrace formation. Observation of glacial and periglacial geomorphic features along the northern front of the western Kunlun range indicates that the Qira glaciofluvial fan emplaced after the last glacial maximum, during the retreat of the Kunlun glaciers (12–22 ka). The age of the most developed inset terrace in uplifted valleys is inferred to be 10 ± 3 ka, coeval with humid climate pulses of the last deglaciation. The mass diffusivity constant (k=τ/T, being time B.P.) in the Hotan region is determined to be 3.3 ± 1.4 m^2/10^3 years, consistent with other estimates in similar climatic and geologic environments of western China. These results imply a minimum rate for the Tarim subsidence of 3.5 ± 2 mm/yr. If Western Kunlun overthrusts the Tarim platform on a crustal ramp dipping 40°–45° to the south, it would absorb at least 4.5 ± 3 mm/yr of convergence between western Tibet and Tarim

Propriedades psicométricas do questionário de expectativas para o consumo de álcool (AEQ-A) em estudantes de psicologia de Mar del Plata, Argentina

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas (estructura factorial, consistencia interna y validez concurrente) de una versión adaptada del Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire Adolescents (AEQ-A) en estudiantes universitarios de la ciudad de Mar del Plata, Argentina. Las expectativas hacia los efectos del alcohol se refieren a las creencias que las personas tienen sobre los efectos que produce el consumo de alcohol en el comportamiento, y han sido relacionadas con el inicio, el mantenimiento y los patrones de consumo. Si bien se han desarrollado varios instrumentos para su medición, el AEQ-A ha sido uno de los más utilizados; sin embargo debido a la variabilidad cultural de las expectativas, es recomendable realizar adaptaciones del mismo a los contextos particulares en estudio. Para este trabajo se utilizó una versión del AEQ-A previamente validada en Mar del Plata, Argentina, que consta de 40 ítems medidos en una escala dicotómica (verdadero/falso). La muestra estuvo compuesta por 1076 estudiantes de Psicología de la Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Se realizaron análisis factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios, en los cuales se encontró una estructura de seis factores que reunieron 37 ítems. La consistencia interna de cada subescala fue adecuada y la validez concurrente fue satisfactoria ya que los puntajes en las subescalas de creencias sobre los efectos positivos del consumo en situaciones sociales se relacionaron con el consumo excesivo episódico. Se concluyó que contar con instrumentos de evaluación de las expectativas permitirá estudiar los factores psicosociales asociados al consumo y brindar información útil para el diseño de intervenciones.The aim of this article was to analyze the psychometric properties of an adapted version of the Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire Adolescents (AEQ-A) in university students from Mar del Plata city, Argentina. Expectancies about the effects of alcohol refer to the beliefs that people hold about the consequences of alcohol consumption on behavior. Expectancies have been related to drinking initiation and maintenance, and to habitual drinking patterns. Although several questionnaires have been developed to measure expectancies, the AEQ-A has been one of the most frequently used. Studies in different cultural contexts have shown that, given expectancies’ cultural variability, the questionnaire must be adapted to each particular context. A version of the AEQ-A previously validated in Mar del Plata, Argentina, was used, consisting of 40 items measured on a (true / false) dichotomous scale. The sample consisted of 1076 psychology students from the National University of Mar del Plata, Argentina. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes were performed. The factorial analysis resulted in six factors containing 37 items. Internal consistency of each subscale was adequate. Concurrent validity was satisfactory inasmuch as scores on the subscales about beliefs associated with positive effects of consumption in social situations relate to heavy episodic drinking. Instruments like this one to evaluate expectancies, will allow the study of psychosocial factors associated with consumption and provide useful information to develop prevention strategies.O objetivo do presente trabalho foi analisar as propriedades psicométricas (estrutura fatorial, consistência interna e validade concorrente) de uma versão adaptada do Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire Adolescents (AEQ-A) em estudantes universitários da cidade de Mar del Plata, Argentina. As expectativas para os efeitos do álcool referem-se às crenças que as pessoas têm sobre os efeitos que produz o consumo de álcool no comportamento, e têm sido relacionadas com o início, a manutenção e os padrões de consumo. Embora tenham sido desenvolvidos vários instrumentos para sua medida, o AEQ-A tem sido um dos mais utilizados; no entanto devido à variabilidade cultural das expectativas, é recomendável realizar adaptações deste aos contextos particulares em estudo. Para este trabalho, utilizou-se uma versão do AEQ-A previamente validada em Mar del Plata, Argentina, que consta de 40 itens medidos numa escala dicotômica (verdadeiro/falso). A amostra esteve composta por 1076 estudantes de Psicologia da Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Realizaram-se análises fatoriais exploratórias e confirmatórias, nas quais se encontrou uma estrutura de seis fatores que reuniram 37 itens. A consistência interna de cada subescala foi adequada e a validade concorrente foi satisfatória já que as pontuações nas subescalas de crenças sobre os efeitos positivos do consumo em situações sociais relacionaramse com o consumo excessivo episódico. Concluiu-se que contar com instrumentos de avaliação das expectativas permitirá estudar os fatores psicossociais associados ao consumo e dar informação útil para a elaboração de intervenções

HIV symptoms and health-related quality of life prior to initiation of HAART in a sample of HIV-positive South Africans.

This study investigates the relationship between current symptom status (no symptoms vs. symptoms present) and dimensions of health-related quality of life and overall quality of life (QoL) (poor vs. good) of 612 people living with HIV, just prior to initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy at three public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The mean number of symptoms reported on the day of interview was 8.4. Experiencing symptoms was most reported by patients in receipt of a disability grant, patients who did not have enough money to meet basic needs, who experienced negative feelings less, who had prayed in the last 6 months and who reported better QoL. Higher QoL was in turn associated with experiencing negative feelings less, praying, receiving a disability grant and having enough money to meet basic needs. Physical health and independence were important predictors of higher QoL for patients both with and without symptoms. Psychological health and spirituality may however mediate the effects of HIV symptoms and socioeconomic stressors

Desarrollo de las investigaciones realizadas en el sitio arqueológico Fuerte Barragán, Partido de Ensenada

En este trabajo se presentan las primeras etapas de investigación desarrollada en el marco del “Proyecto de intervención arqueológica y puesta en valor del predio ocupado por el Fuerte Barragán del partido de Ensenada, Provincia de Buenos Aires”. Este proyecto propuesto por la Fundación Dardo Rocha, con anuencia de la Municipalidad de Ensenada es llevado a cabo mediante la investigación científica conjunta del Instituto Cultural del Gobierno de la Provincia de Buenos Aires a través del Centro de Registro del Patrimonio Arqueológico y Paleontológico (CRPAP) de la Dirección Provincial de Patrimonio Cultural y el Departamento Científico de Arqueología del Museo de Ciencias Naturales de La Plata. En esta propuesta se muestran los sondeos efectuados por el CRPAP como parte de las excavaciones arqueológicas realizadas en el período 2006/2007 en el predio ocupado por el Fuerte Barragán. Allí fueron detectadas construcciones y cimientos que corresponderían a las primeras edificaciones del sitio realizadas entre fines del siglo XVIII y principios del siglo XX. También se muestran los materiales arqueológicos hallados en el sitio, así como su clasificación preliminar de acuerdo a las material primas que los constituyen y a su funcionalidad

Improving InSAR geodesy using global atmospheric models

Spatial and temporal variations of pressure, temperature and water vapor content in the atmosphere introduce significant confounding delays in Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) observations of ground deformation and bias estimatesof regional strain rates. Producing robust estimates of tropospheric delays remains one of the key challenges in increasing the accuracy of ground deformation measurements using InSAR. Recent studies revealed the efficiency of global atmospheric reanalysis to mitigate the impact of tropospheric delays, motivating further exploration of their potential. Here, we explore the effectiveness of these models in several geographic and tectonic settings on both single interferograms and time series analysis products. Both hydrostatic and wet contributions to the phase delay are important to account for. We validate these path delay corrections by comparing with estimates of vertically integrated atmospheric water vapor content derived from the passive multi-spectral imager MERIS, onboard the ENVISAT satellite. Generally, the performance of the prediction depends on the vigor of atmospheric turbulence. We discuss (1) how separating atmospheric and orbital contributions allows one to better measure long wavelength deformation, (2) how atmospheric delays affect measurements of surface deformation following earthquakes and (3) we show that such a method allows us to reduce biases in multi-year strain rate estimates by reducing the influence of unevenly sampled seasonal oscillations of the tropospheric delay

Holding RIPK1 on the Ubiquitin Leash in TNFR1 Signaling

The kinase RIPK1 is an essential signaling node in various innate immune signaling pathways being most extensively studied in the TNFR1 signaling pathway. TNF signaling can result in different biological outcomes including gene activation and cell death induction in the form of apoptosis or necroptosis. RIPK1 is believed to be crucial for regulating the balance between these opposing outcomes. It is therefore not surprising that RIPK1 is highly regulated, most notably by phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and their respective reversals. In this review, we discuss the biological functions of RIPK1 within the context of TNFR1 signaling. Finally, we discuss recent advances in the knowledge on three ubiquitin E3 ligases that exert regulatory functions on RIPK1 signaling: cIAP1, cIAP2, and LUBAC