1,219 research outputs found
Fiber-diffraction Interferometer using Coherent Fiber Optic Taper
We present a fiber-diffraction interferometer using a coherent fiber optic
taper for optical testing in an uncontrolled environment. We use a coherent
fiber optic taper and a single-mode fiber having thermally-expanded core. Part
of the measurement wave coming from a test target is condensed through a fiber
optic taper and spatially filtered from a single-mode fiber to be reference
wave. Vibration of the cavity between the target and the interferometer probe
is common to both reference and measurement waves, thus the interference fringe
is stabilized in an optical way. Generation of the reference wave is stable
even with the target movement. Focus shift of the input measurement wave is
desensitized by a coherent fiber optic taper
The impact of the home musical environment on infants' language development
There is strong evidence that musical engagement influences children’s language development but little research has been carried out on the relationship between the home musical environment and language development in infancy. The current study assessed musical exposure at home (including parental singing) and language development in 64 infants (8.5 - 18 months). Results showed that the home musical environment significantly predicted gesture development. For a subgroup of infants’ below 12 months, both parental singing and overall home musical environment score significantly predicted word comprehension. These findings represent the first demonstration that an enriched musical environment in infancy can promote development of communication skill
Purification and identification of secernin, a novel cytosolic protein that regulates exocytosis in mast cells
After permeabilization with the pore-forming toxin streptolysin-O mast cells can be triggered to secrete by addition of both calcium and a GTP analogue. If stimulation is delayed after permeabilization, there is a progressive decrease in the extent of secretion upon stimulation, eventually leading to a complete loss of the secretory response. This loss of secretory response can be retarded by the addition of cytosol from other secretory tissues, demonstrating that the response is dependent on a number of cytosolic proteins. We have used this as the basis of a bioassay to purify Secernin 1, a novel 50-kDa cytosolic protein that appears to be involved in the regulation of exocytosis from peritoneal mast cells. Secernin 1 increases both the extent of secretion and increases the sensitivity of mast cells to stimulation with calcium
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The historical significance of professional contributions of a leader in the field of emotional and behavioral disorders in special education: A qualitative case study of Richard J. Whelan.
Historical documentation of the impact of PL 88-164 on the field of emotional and behavioral disorders (E/BD) and the development and implementation of teacher-training programs for children and youth identified as E/BD is limited. This study was designed to document the historical significance and professional contributions of Dr. Richard J. Whelan, Professor Emeritus, University of Kansas and his work in the development of teacher preparation training programs in the field of E/BD in institutions of higher education (IHE). The second purpose of this study was to document the legislative and program initiatives that have impacted the services, education, teaching, and research initiatives in the field of E/BD as interpreted by Dr. Whelan. The final purpose of this study was to examine the views of Dr. Whelan regarding the need for future developments in the field of E/BD. Legislative and policy efforts continue to change the climate in which children are educated. The field of special education relies on the efficacy of the training programs in IHE to provide appropriate teaching and research efforts in a manner that is consistent with the current needs of students with E/BD, their families, and the schools in which they seek to be educated. As this study revealed, understanding the history of the field, the foundational framework from which research and evidence-based practices have emerged, is paramount to forward movement in the field and necessary to the measurement of effective interventions and strategies in support of the students, their families, and those who choose this field as their lifework. It is the foundation from which educational theory is developed, researched, revised, and reflected
Modelling background charge rearrangements near single-electron transistors as a Poisson process
Background charge rearrangements in metallic single-electron transistors are
modelled in two-level tunnelling systems as a Poisson process with a scale
parameter as only variable. The model explains the recent observation of
asymmetric Coulomb blockade peak spacing distributions in metallic
single-electron transistors. From the scale parameter we estimate the average
size of the tunnelling systems, their density of states, and the height of
their energy barrier. We conclude that the observed background charge
rearrangements predominantly take place in the substrate of the single-electron
transistor.Comment: 7 pages, 2 eps figures, used epl.cls macro include
The Skin Microbiome: Current Landscape and Future Opportunities
Our skin is the largest organ of the body, serving as an important barrier against the harsh extrinsic environment. Alongside preventing desiccation, chemical damage and hypothermia, this barrier protects the body from invading pathogens through a sophisticated innate immune response and co-adapted consortium of commensal microorganisms, collectively termed the microbiota. These microorganisms inhabit distinct biogeographical regions dictated by skin physiology. Thus, it follows that perturbations to normal skin homeostasis, as occurs with ageing, diabetes and skin disease, can cause microbial dysbiosis and increase infection risk. In this review, we discuss emerging concepts in skin microbiome research, highlighting pertinent links between skin ageing, the microbiome and cutaneous repair. Moreover, we address gaps in current knowledge and highlight key areas requiring further exploration. Future advances in this field could revolutionise the way we treat microbial dysbiosis associated with skin ageing and other pathologies
SOOP Network Enhancement Report
Report on the network enhancement project, this will document (a) extension of network coverage to South Atlantic; (b) evaluation of improved EOV carbonate system; and (c) re-assessment of instrumentatio
Transition from small to large world in growing networks
We examine the global organization of growing networks in which a new vertex
is attached to already existing ones with a probability depending on their age.
We find that the network is infinite- or finite-dimensional depending on
whether the attachment probability decays slower or faster than .
The network becomes one-dimensional when the attachment probability decays
faster than . We describe structural characteristics of these
phases and transitions between them.Comment: 5 page
Two photon excitable graphene quantum dots for structured illumination microscopy and imaging application: lysosome specificity and tissue-dependent imaging
Two-photon active Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) are obtained from extracts of the neem root. These biocompatible GQDs are found to be suitable for structured illumination microscopy. Two-photon microscopy ensured lysosome specificity of GQDs in live cells and confocal luminescence microscopic studies showed tissue-dependent localization of GQDs in Zebrafis
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