Hydrogen Fire Detection System Features Sharp Discrimination

Hydrogen fire detection system discovers fires by detecting the flickering ultraviolet radiation emitted by the OH molecule, a short-lived intermediate combustion product found in hydrogen-air flames. In a space application, the system discriminates against false signals from sunlight and rocket engine exhaust plume radiation

The role of lysosomes in radiation induced genomic instability

Our understanding of ionizing radiation and its associated biological effects has recently under- gone a paradigm shift from a DNA-centric model to one inclusive of non-targeted effects (NTE), so called for the lack of direct radiation interaction with DNA. Two effects encompassed within the NTE paradigm are termed genomic instability (GI) and bystander effects (BE). GI can be described as an increase in rate of genetic alterations many cell generations after the initial radi- ation exposure. BE can be defined as the manifestation of radiation like effects in un-irradiated cells that have communicated with cells that have been irradiated either through inter-signalling utilising gap junctions or the secretion of a soluble diffusion signalling factor. The exact mechanisms that underlie these processes are still under investigation but a wealth of evidence suggests that a number of mechanisms are involved. These include; cytokine signalling, oxidative stress, inflammation and sub-cellular alterations, in addition to factors such as genetic background and radiation quality/dose. This study was designed to investigate lysosomal involvement in radiation induced NTE, whether it be downstream of one of the above mentioned mechanisms, or independent of their involve- ment. To this end the primary human fibroblast cell line, HF19, was exposed to X-rays at therapeutic and diagnostic doses of 2 and 0.1 Gy respectively. Bystander groups were also established by media transfer techniques. Cells were analysed over the first 24 hours and then at 1 and 20 population doublings, initially for detection of GI and BE and thus confirm the suitability of the system. The lysosomes were then analysed for permeability and their distri- bution within the cell. Oxidative stress was also measured in a bid to correlate this event with lysosomal perturbations. Finally lysosomal contents, in particular DNaseIIα, were analysed for their cellular location along with analysis of nuclear membrane permeability which we surmised would facilitate the redistribution of lysosomal enzymes. The results demonstrated that HF19 cells were susceptible to the induction of GI and BE. The latter was noted within the first hour following irradiation in both 0.1 and 2 Gy bystander groups. High levels of chromosomal instability were also induced in both 0.1 and 2 Gy directly irradiated groups, 1 population doubling after exposure. Chromosomal instability was still noted at 20 population doublings mainly in the 2 Gy although the 0.1 Gy group did show elevated levels. A similar pattern was observed in the bystander group. However we were unable to detect sustained production of the bystander signal at 20 population doublings. Lysosomal properties were also characterised and measured at corresponding time points; large alterations were observed in the first 24 hours following irradiation, furthermore, the lysosomes appeared more permeable at 20 population doublings especially in bystander groups, however, these changes did not correlate with increases in oxidative stress. As a result we further exam- ined cells for changes in the distribution of lysosomal enzymes, in particular DNaseIIα, however no significant changes were observed. Nuclear permeability was additionally investigated as to whether increased permeability facilitated enzyme redistribution; however permeability ap- peared reduced rather than increased. In summary, our investigations have demonstrated and confirmed that HF19 cells are susceptible to the induction of GI and BE following low LET X-ray exposure. The results suggest that the mechanism of radiation induced GI and BE responses can be correlated with alterations in lysosomal membrane permeability which appears independent of oxidative stress. We also demonstrated that if lysosomes are involved in NTE it is unlikely to be through direct action of DNaseIIα but rather from enzymes such as acid sphingomylinase. To conclude, radiation was able to alter lysosomes and nuclear permeability at delayed time points which was correlated with GI , however it appears DNaseIIα is not involved. It also appears that an early effect of the bystander signal may have antioxidant property

Discourse and identity in a corpus of lesbian erotica

This article uses corpus linguistic methodologies to explore representations of lesbian desires and identities in a corpus of lesbian erotica from the 1980s and 1990s. We provide a critical examination of the ways in which “lesbian gender,” power, and desire are represented, (re-)produced, and enacted, often in ways that challenge hegemonic discourses of gender and sexuality. By examining word frequencies and collocations, we critically analyze some of the themes, processes, and patterns of representation in the texts. Although rooted in linguistics, we hope this article provides an accessible, interdisciplinary, and timely contribution toward developing understandings of discursive practices surrounding gender and sexuality

Increasing security of supply by the use of a local power controller during large system disturbances

This paper describes intelligent ways in which distributed generation and local loads can be controlled during large system disturbances, using Local Power Controllers. When distributed generation is available, and a system disturbance is detected early enough, the generation can be dispatched, and its output power can be matched as closely as possible to local microgrid demand levels. Priority-based load shedding can be implemented to aid this process. In this state, the local microgrid supports the wider network by relieving the wider network of the micro-grid load. Should grid performance degrade further, the local microgrid can separate itself from the network and maintain power to the most important local loads, re-synchronising to the grid only after more normal performance is regained. Such an intelligent system would be a suitable for hospitals, data centres, or any other industrial facility where there are critical loads. The paper demonstrates the actions of such Local Power Controllers using laboratory experiments at the 10kVA scale

Intention, Questions, and Creative Expression: An Antidiscriminatory Diversity Statement

Supporting education that reflects diversity involves maintaining awareness of one’s personal positionality, creating safe and inclusive learning communities, and using creativity and choice to empower and honor student voice and individual development. When working in educational settings, teachers may involve students in selecting relevant materials, and follow their lead in creating critical dialogue about salient factors of identity

Chronic Exposure to Low Molecular Weight Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Promotes Metabolic Inflammation in Vertebrate and Invertebrate Systems

2-naphthol is a low molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and ubiquitous air pollutant. Recent epidemiological reports suggest that exposure to individual low molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is correlated with increased incidences of childhood obesity. Yet, most studies focus on the health effects of either high molecular weight molecules or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures. This research explores the potential obesogenic impact of 2-naphthol in cell and animal models. To assess the in vivo effects of 2-naphthol, we monitored life fitness traits and lipid accumulation in the invertebrate Daphnia magna across development. Results showed that D. magna directly exposed to 2-naphthol demonstrated delayed reproductive development, produced fewer offspring, and accumulated more lipids than D. magna that were not exposed to 2-naphthol. Analysis of lipid accumulation by Nile Red staining revealed a dose-dependent increase in overall lipid quantity. To confirm these findings, we also examined the effect of 2-naphthol on lipid metabolism and inflammation in vitro. We employed 3T3-L1 and BAT1 mammalian cell lines to model white and brown adipocytes, respectively, alongside a murine macrophage cell line (RAW264.7). Cells were challenged with either acute or chronic 2-naphthol treatments, then differentiated adipocytes were assessed for changes in adipogenesis, lipid accumulation, and isoproterenol-stimulated thermogenesis. Additionally, LPS-induced inflammation was evaluated in both adipocytes and macrophages. 2-naphthol exposure increased the expression of key adipogenic and lipogenic genes, while lipolytic gene expression decreased in both chronically treated adipocyte lines. Further, 2-naphthol exposure suppressed isoproterenol-stimulated thermogenic gene expression in BAT1 brown adipocytes. In consistence, adipocytes exposed to 2-naphthol and stained with BODIPY and Oil Red O showed an increase in lipid accumulation. Additionally, adipocytes and macrophages chronically exposed to 2-naphthol showed an up-regulation in mRNA expression of major inflammatory cytokines, such as Tnfα, Il-1β, and Il-6. Overall, these findings support previous research that indicates 2-naphthol is a possible obesogen that may contribute to the development of obesity and associated metabolic disorders via modulating lipid metabolism and thermogenesis in adipocytes, and inflammation in both adipocytes and macrophages

Bioremediation in prawn grow out systems - Winter school on recent advances in diagnosis and management of diseases in mariculture, 7th to 27th November 2002, Course Manual

In any aquaculture systems there exist a continuous exchange of substances between the bottom sediment and the overlying water, and between the two and the reared animal body. This exchange is strongly influenced by the inputs made continuously in to the system. As a matter of fact the bottom soil conditions and water quality in ponds are very much closely interrelated. Obviously, the water quality in ponds is very much influenced by the nutrient inputs, organic matter content, primary productivity and dissolved oxygen. Any aquaculture system has a finite capacity to assimilate nutrients, organic matter and the byproducts of degradation to a level congenial for the animals to grow. Bioremediation aims at the maintenance and enhancement of this finite capacity of the pond in favour and well being of the stock. Bioremediation in principle use microorganisms to transform/ decontaminate toxic pollutants in the environment. The process has two basic methods I. Bioaugmentation. 2. Biostimulation. One of the main concerns of bioremediation is that the degradation products, whatever it may be, should be non toxic to the stocked animals. Major advantages of bioremediation are I. It can be done on site (in-situ) 2. The process does not lead to any site disruption, 3. There is every possibility for permanent waste elimination, 4. Being a biological process it will be comparatively too inexpensive and 5. Can be effectively coupled with other treatment technologie

A narrative review of the pharmacological, cultural and psychological literature on ibogaine

Abstract Ibogaine is a psychoactive alkaloid contained in the West African plant Tabernanthe iboga. Although preliminary, evidence suggests that ibogaine could be effective in the treatment of certain substance use disorders, specifically opioid use disorder. This narrative review concentrated on the pharmacological, cultural and psychological aspects of ibogaine that contribute to its reputed effectiveness with a specific focus on the ibogaine state of consciousness. Although the exact pharmacological mechanisms for ibogaine are still speculative, the literature highlighted its role as an NMDA antagonist in the effective treatment of substance use disorders. The cultural aspects associated with the use of ibogaine pose questions around the worldview of participants as experienced in the traditional and western contexts, which future research should clarify. From a psychological perspective, the theory that the ibogaine state of consciousness resembles REM sleep is questionable due to evidence that indicated ibogaine supressed REM sleep, and contradictory evidence in relation to learning and memory. The suggested classification of the ibogaine experience as oneirophrenic also seems inadequate as it only describes the first phase of the ibogaine experience. The ibogaine experience does however present characteristics consistent with holotropic states of consciousness, and future research could focus on exploring and potentially classifying the state of consciousness induced by ibogaine as holotropic

Improving procedural fairness in housing possession cases

This article offers an insight into the context and practice of housing possession hearings in which a social landlord seeks a possession order against a tenant who is in rent arrears. Drawing on the findings of the authors’ empirical research, supplemented by insights from the psychology of decision-making, this article questions whether judges are able to exercise discretion in a manner consistent with the fundamental demands of ‘procedural fairness’. We find that while the legal process requires judges to engage in rational decision-making, and while judges believe that this is what they are doing, the reality is very different: judges are likely to be relying on intuition. It is not that judges eschew engaging in more deliberative decision-making but rather that they are constrained by limits of the human mind as well as the conditions under which they make their decisions. In particular, the practice of housing possession is characterised by information deficits, low levels of legal representation and time constraints, and this does not facilitate decision-making that meets accepted standards of fairness. In response, we propose ways in which to enhance the consistency, transparency and accountability of decision-making while recognising the current climate of reform and diminishing resources within the legal system