Chandra Observations of the Optically Dark GRB030528

The X-ray-rich GRB030528 was detected by the HETE satellite and its localization was rapidly disseminated. However, early optical observations failed to detect a counterpart source. In a 2-epoch ToO observation with Chandra, we discovered a fading X-ray source likely counterpart to GRB030528. The source brightness was typical of X-ray afterglows observed at similar epochs. Other observers detected an IR source at a location consistent with the X-ray source. The X-ray spectrum is not consistent with a large absorbing column.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figures, to appear in Santa Fe GRB Conference Proceedings, 200

Previously Claimed(/Unclaimed) X-ray Emission Lines in High Resolution Afterglow Spectra

We review the significance determination for emission lines in the Chandra HETGS spectrum for GRB020813, and we report on a search for additional lines in high resolution Chandra spectra. No previously unclaimed features are found. We also discuss the significance of lines sets reportedly discovered using XMM data for GRB011211 and GRB030227. We find that these features are likely of modest, though not negligible, significance.Comment: 4 pages, 1 figures, to appear in Santa Fe GRB Conference Proceedings, 200

Peer assisted learning (PAL) project for intern development

Description of How the Problem was Identified and Explored: A common complaint among our intern and upper level house staff is the lack of training interns receive regarding efficiency of the pre-rounding process and training with the EMR. Additionally, the ward teams are often burdened with work and find it difficlut to provide extra support to struggling team members. Description of the Innovation: A collaborative effort between the chief residents and senior residents identified as having scored high marks in efficiency and familiarity with the EMR resulted in a series of documents highlighting efficient pre-rounding techniques. Also, senior residents on electives were paired with interns starting an inpatient ward or critical care service for the first time and pre-rounded with those interns for two days at the start of their rotation, allowing a supportive environment in which to implement the efficient techniques. Results to date: Collection data is via a questionnaire, and results are still being acquired. We currently have two additional months in which we plan to observe this project. Initial data returned shows a signifant improvement in 1) Efficiency of the pre-rounding process, 2) Comfort with the pre-rounding process, 3) Quality of the pre-rounding process and 4) Familiarity with the EMR. Respondents have recommended that the project continue next year beginning at the start of intern year, and current interns who were included in the project have identified themselves as hoping to serve as future mentors in the PAL program. Discussion/Reflection/Lessons Learned: Though efficiency and the use of EMR are topics addressed in our intern orientation, it is difficult to retain this information without being able to immediately utilize or implement information. The busy nature of the inpatient ward teams can make it difficult for a particular ward team to provide additional support to struggling team members regarding ways to improve efficiency. By utilizing our house staff currently on elective rotations, the PAL project is able to provide this support prophylactically to all interns starting an unfamiliar rotation, resulting in improved performance for the intern and a more active educator experience for the senior resident

Optical and X-ray Observations of the Afterglow to XRF030723

The X-ray-flash XRF030723 was detected by the HETE satellite and rapidly disseminated, allowing for an optical transient to be detected ~1 day after the burst. We discuss observations in the optical with Magellan, which confirmed the fade of the optical transient. In a 2-epoch ToO observation with Chandra, we discovered a fading X-ray source spatially coincident with the optical transient. We present spectral fits to the X-ray data. We also discuss the possibility that the source underwent a rebrightening in the X-rays, as was observed in the optical. We find that the significance of a possible rebrightening is very low (~1 sigma).Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures, to appear in Santa Fe GRB Conference Proceedings, 200

Herbicide-Resistant Soybeans in Arkansas: Lessons Learned and Future Direction

In Arkansas Delta soybean production, glyphosate resistant (GR) Palmer amaranth has significantly impacted weed management. The incidence of herbicide resistant (HR) weeds has farreaching crop science, economic, and communications implications, which have been explored by the corresponding expertise of our research team members to form a comprehensive literature review. The review was used to develop policy recommendations to address current and future HR genetically modified (GM) crop use and the associated issues. The review of crop science research indicated an overall increase in herbicide application, as well as an increase in weed management programs focused around glyphosate rather than the application of multiple herbicides. The review also revealed some management methods have potential to resolve the problem, including alternating herbicide application, avoiding sub-lethal rates, using “burn down” herbicides prior to planting, crop rotation, tillage, and zero tolerance weed policies. The use of fewer herbicides rather than multiple types creates a monopolistic edge for the companies producing those few herbicides, allowing greater market control. Crisis communication methods, including developing internal readiness, conducting needs assessments, developing a relevant message, and conveying the message through appropriate channels, can be used to develop a response to the issue that will best communicate necessary information to the target audience. The team used these findings to formulate policy recommendations, which include management, economic, and communication plans that may provide a starting point to address the issue

Structural interpretation of protein-protein interaction network

Background Currently a huge amount of protein-protein interaction data is available from high throughput experimental methods. In a large network of protein-protein interactions, groups of proteins can be identified as functional clusters having related functions where a single protein can occur in multiple clusters. However experimental methods are error-prone and thus the interactions in a functional cluster may include false positives or there may be unreported interactions. Therefore correctly identifying a functional cluster of proteins requires the knowledge of whether any two proteins in a cluster interact, whether an interaction can exclude other interactions, or how strong the affinity between two interacting proteins is. Methods In the present work the yeast protein-protein interaction network is clustered using a spectral clustering method proposed by us in 2006 and the individual clusters are investigated for functional relationships among the member proteins. 3D structural models of the proteins in one cluster have been built – the protein structures are retrieved from the Protein Data Bank or predicted using a comparative modeling approach. A rigid body protein docking method (Cluspro) is used to predict the protein-protein interaction complexes. Binding sites of the docked complexes are characterized by their buried surface areas in the docked complexes, as a measure of the strength of an interaction. Results The clustering method yields functionally coherent clusters. Some of the interactions in a cluster exclude other interactions because of shared binding sites. New interactions among the interacting proteins are uncovered, and thus higher order protein complexes in the cluster are proposed. Also the relative stability of each of the protein complexes in the cluster is reported. Conclusions Although the methods used are computationally expensive and require human intervention and judgment, they can identify the interactions that could occur together or ones that are mutually exclusive. In addition indirect interactions through another intermediate protein can be identified. These theoretical predictions might be useful for crystallographers to select targets for the X-ray crystallographic determination of protein complexes

Assessment of students’ crisis communications skill increase based on classroom instruction and Second Life™ training

Crisis communication training and skill development are critical to ensure the sustainability of the agriculture industry. The purpose of this study was to assess students’ perceptions of knowledge, ability, and skills on select crisis-related skills, tasks, and activities in order to identify the potential effectiveness of a Second LifeTM (SL) simulation. Pre- and post-test data were collected to determine the potential changes in skill in the seven crisis communication constructs of (a) related knowledge; (b) mass, group, and intrapersonal communications; (c) contingency planning; (d) use of related supplies and tools; (e) identifying learning and training needs; (f) related areas of expertise; and (g) personality traits. Participants also identified their SL Performance Expectancy as it pertained to crisis communications training. Of the population of study (N = 15), 12 usable pairs (n = 12) were analyzed and described in the findings. Participants identified their current competency level in each of the crisis communication skill areas using a 6-point Likert-type scale that ranged from “no knowledge/experience” to “expert”. A grand mean was calculated for each construct with differences between pre- and post-test scores being examined. The resulting difference in each of the seven crisis communication constructs represented a large effect when comparing pre-test/post-test scores. Based on data, participants increased in knowledge, ability, and skills on associated items. Each item could be used to improve a communicator’s ability to effectively manage a crisis. Virtual worlds appear to be an effective training mechanism and additional research should be focused in this area

Analyses of the Konus catalogue of gamma-ray bursts with the thermal synchrotron model

Approximately 150 reported gamma bursts of the Konus catalogue using the thermal synchrotron model are analyzed. An overwhelming majority of these spectra can be satsifactorily fitted by theoretical thermal synchrotron spectra of mildly relativistic electrons in strong magnetic fields, making the strong-field neutron star picture at least self-consistent. Valuable additional information is also extracted from various spectral features contained in many of the events