Towards a real-time microscopic emissions model

This article presents a new approach to microscopic road traffic exhaust emission modelling. The model described uses data from the SCOOT demand-responsive traffic control system implemented in over 170 cities across the world. Estimates of vehicle speed and classification are made using data from inductive detector loops located on every SCOOT link. This data feeds into a microscopic traffic model to enable enhanced modelling of the driving modes of vehicles (acceleration, deceleration, idling and cruising). Estimates of carbon monoxide emissions are made by applying emission factors from an extensive literature review. A critical appraisal of the development and validation of the model is given before the model is applied to a study of the impact of high emitting vehicles. The article concludes with a discussion of the requirements for the future development and benefits of the application of such a model

MiRP2 forms potassium channels in skeletal muscle with Kv3.4 and is associated with periodic paralysis.

The subthreshold, voltage-gated potassium channel of skeletal muscle is shown to contain MinK-related peptide 2 (MiRP2) and the pore-forming subunit Kv3.4. MiRP2-Kv3.4 channels differ from Kv3.4 channels in unitary conductance, voltage-dependent activation, recovery from inactivation, steady-state open probability, and block by a peptide toxin. Thus, MiRP2-Kv3.4 channels set resting membrane potential (RMP) and do not produce afterhyperpolarization or cumulative inactivation to limit action potential frequency. A missense mutation is identified in the gene for MiRP2 (KCNE3) in two families with periodic paralysis and found to segregate with the disease. Mutant MiRP2-Kv3.4 complexes exhibit reduced current density and diminished capacity to set RMP. Thus, MiRP2 operates with a classical potassium channel subunit to govern skeletal muscle function and pathophysiology

Seroprevalence of parvovirus BI9 antibody in blood donors and sickle cell disease patients at Lagos university teaching hospital (LUTH): a comparative study

Introduction: Parvovirus B19 (PVB19) is a DNA virus transmissible by blood transfusion. It is a major cause of aplastic crisis especially in chronic haemolytic anaemic patients such as sickle cell disease patients.Objective: The study was aimed to determine the seroprevalence of PVB19 in blood donors and sickle cell anaemia (SCA) patients and to evaluate its association with blood transfusion in SCA patients.Methods: This is a cross sectional study conducted at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos Nigeria. Three hundred participants, consisting of 150 voluntary blood donors and 150 sickle cell anaemia subjects were enrolled into the study. Seroprevalence of parvovirus was determined using ELISA kits for IgG and IgM anti-PVB19 antibodies by Immuno-Biological Laboratories, (IBL) inc. Minneapolis, USA. Results was analyzed with SPSS 11 software and presented in tables. Fishers Exact test, Chi-square and student T-test were used as appropriate to compare variables between both groups. P-values <0.05 were considered significant.Results: Ninety nine (66%) blood donors were positive for anti-PVB19 IgG antibody while ninety two (61.3%) sickle cell patients were positive. Two (1.3%) blood donors were positive anti-PVB19 IgM antibodies while 8 (5.3%) SCD patients were positive for anti-PVB19 IgM antibodies. There was no significant difference in the seroprevalence of IgG and IgM antiPVB19 virus in both groups. There was no association of parvovirus seroprevalence with blood transfusion.Conclusion: The study has shown a high seroprevalence of IgG anti-PVB19 antibodies in both blood donors and SCA patients. Therefore routine screening for parvovirus infection for donor blood is not justified. However seronegative SCA patients who require blood transfusion should have the blood screened for parvovirus to reduce the risk of associated aplastic crisis.Key words: Seroprevalence, parvovirus B19, blood donors, sickle cell anaemi

Comparative Analysis of Patient Satisfaction Levels in HIV/AIDS Care in Secondary and Tertiary Health Care Facilities in Nigeria

Background: Continuous quality improvement is linked to the use of timely and useful feedback from clients in HIV care. HIV experts and care professionals agree that consumer involvement, such as patient satisfaction survey, is an essential part of HIV care and policy making today. The introduction of Antiretroviral Drugs (ARTs) services in Nigeria has significantly impacted positively on the overall well being of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs). However, there is little understanding of their satisfaction and perception of quality of care provided. Objective: This study comparatively assessed patients' satisfaction with ambulatory HIV/AIDS care in secondary and tertiary health facilities in Anambra State. Methods: This was a descriptive comparative crosssectional study of 300 PLWHAs conducted at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi (150) and at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Hospital (SCBH), Onitsha (150). Sample selection was by systematic sampling technique whereby every 3rd patient registered to see the doctor each day was recruited. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 13. Results: Patients in Nnewi were more likely to spend more 2 money on transport (÷ = 33.36, p=0.0001), while those in Onitsha were more likely to incur more expenses on non-HIV 2 tests (÷ = 5.73, p=0.017). Patients visiting the tertiary health facility were significantly more satisfied with access to care than those visiting the secondary health care facility were, (

Recent Progress in Neutron Star Theory

This review contains chapters discussing: Energy density fluctionals of nuclear matter, Many-body theory of nucleon matter, Hadronic and quark matter, Mixtures of phases in dense matter, Neutron star observations and predictions.Comment: 33 pages +13 figs., Ann. Rev. Nucl. & Part. Science, 200

Bio-inspired Tensegrity Soft Modular Robots

In this paper, we introduce a design principle to develop novel soft modular robots based on tensegrity structures and inspired by the cytoskeleton of living cells. We describe a novel strategy to realize tensegrity structures using planar manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing. We use this strategy to develop icosahedron tensegrity structures with programmable variable stiffness that can deform in a three-dimensional space. We also describe a tendon-driven contraction mechanism to actively control the deformation of the tensegrity mod-ules. Finally, we validate the approach in a modular locomotory worm as a proof of concept.Comment: 12 pages, 7 figures, submitted to Living Machine conference 201

Local three-nucleon interaction from chiral effective field theory

The three-nucleon (NNN) interaction derived within the chiral effective field theory at the next-to-next-to-leading order (N2LO) is regulated with a function depending on the magnitude of the momentum transfer. The regulated NNN interaction is then local in the coordinate space, which is advantages for some many-body techniques. Matrix elements of the local chiral NNN interaction are evaluated in a three-nucleon basis. Using the ab initio no-core shell model (NCSM) the NNN matrix elements are employed in 3H and 4He bound-state calculations.Comment: 17 pages, 9 figure

A partial skeleton of an enantiornithine bird from the early Cretaceous of northwestern China

Although recent discoveries from Lower Cretaceous sediments in northeastern China have greatly improved our understanding of the initial stages of avian diversification in eastern Asia, the early evolution of Aves elsewhere on the continent remains poorly understood. In 2004, a collaborative field effort directed by personnel from the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences and Carnegie Museum of Natural History recovered multiple partial to nearly complete avian skeletons from outcrops of the Lower Cretaceous Xiagou Formation exposed in the Changma Basin of northwestern Gansu Province, China. Here we describe a thrush-sized partial skeleton comprised of a fragmentary pelvic girdle and largely complete hind limbs. A phylogenetic analysis of 20 avian ingroup taxa and 169 anatomical characters places the specimen in Enantiomithes, and within that clade, in Enenantiomithes. When coupled with additional recent discoveries from the Changma Basin, the new skeleton improves our understanding of early avian evolution and diversification in central Asia

Corrosion in Titanium dental implants – a review

Titanium (Ti) is the most widely used biomaterial for dental implants as it exhibits excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. The biocompatibility of titanium is related to thin, protective surface titanium dioxide (TiO2) layer, which forms a boundary at the implant-biological medium interface, reducing its reactivity with the surrounding biological environment and prevents corrosion. However, the metallic materials used as implants are susceptible to corrosion due to variations in the internal electrolyte environment. The surface oxide layer can be destroyed during insertion of implant or micro-motion between implant and bone under loading conditions. The localized destruction causes corrosion of the implant and induces leak of metallic particles or ions into surrounding tissues. The presence of metallic particles in peri-implant soft and hard tissues may be due to frictional wear or corrosion, or simultaneous occurrence wear and corrosion which is known as tribocorrosion. The released metal ions may remain in the intercellular spaces near the site where they were released or may be taken up by macrophages, or they can migrate systemically. This review article highlights various aspects of corrosion, biological response to corrosion products and prevention of corrosion of titanium dental implants