Understanding how place matters for kids

Community development

A Comparative Study of Knots of Star Formation in Interacting vs. Spiral Galaxies

Interacting galaxies are known to have higher global rates of star formation on average than normal galaxies, relative to their stellar masses. Using UV and IR photometry combined with new and published H-alpha images, we have compared the star formation rates of ~700 star forming complexes in 46 nearby interacting galaxy pairs with those of regions in 39 normal spiral galaxies. The interacting galaxies have proportionally more regions with high star formation rates than the spirals. The most extreme regions in the interacting systems lie at the intersections of spiral/tidal structures, where gas is expected to pile up and trigger star formation. Published Hubble Telescope images show unusually large and luminous star clusters in the highest luminosity regions. The star formation rates of the clumps correlate with measures of the dust attenuation, consistent with the idea that regions with more interstellar gas have more star formation. For the clumps with the highest star formation rates, the apparent dust attenuation is consistent with the Calzetti starburst dust attenuation law. This suggests that the high luminosity regions are dominated by a central group of young stars surrounded by a shell of clumpy interstellar gas. In contrast, the lower luminosity clumps are bright in the UV relative to H-alpha, suggesting either a high differential attenuation between the ionized gas and the stars, or a post-starburst population bright in the UV but faded in H-alpha. The fraction of the global light of the galaxies in the clumps is higher on average for the interacting galaxies than for the spirals. Thus the star forming regions in interacting galaxies are more luminous, dustier, or younger on average.Comment: Astronomical Journal, in pres

Design and Rationale of the Cognitive Intervention to Improve Memory in Heart Failure Patients Study

BACKGROUND: Memory loss is an independent predictor of mortality among heart failure patients. Twenty-three percent to 50% of heart failure patients have comorbid memory loss, but few interventions are available to treat the memory loss. The aims of this 3-arm randomized controlled trial were to (1) evaluate efficacy of computerized cognitive training intervention using BrainHQ to improve primary outcomes of memory and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and secondary outcomes of working memory, instrumental activities of daily living, and health-related quality of life among heart failure patients; (2) evaluate incremental cost-effectiveness of BrainHQ; and (3) examine depressive symptoms and genomic moderators of BrainHQ effect. METHODS: A sample of 264 heart failure patients within 4 equal-sized blocks (normal/low baseline cognitive function and gender) will be randomly assigned to (1) BrainHQ, (2) active control computer-based crossword puzzles, and (3) usual care control groups. BrainHQ is an 8-week, 40-hour program individualized to each patient's performance. Data collection will be completed at baseline and at 10 weeks and 4 and 8 months. Descriptive statistics, mixed model analyses, and cost-utility analysis using intent-to-treat approach will be computed. CONCLUSIONS: This research will provide new knowledge about the efficacy of BrainHQ to improve memory and increase serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in heart failure. If efficacious, the intervention will provide a new therapeutic approach that is easy to disseminate to treat a serious comorbid condition of heart failure

New England fishing, processing and distribution

The New England fishing industry is examined in terms of the capacity of the fishing fleet, of the processing plants, and of the transportation system. Limitations on the capacity of the industry, and its capability and flexibility, are explored in terms of social, economic and technical aspects. The study is based on interviews with fishermen, buyers, processors and distributors, and on data made available by the National Marine Fisheries Service. Although the fisheries is in a state of expansion and both vessels and plants have a greater capacity than is now being used, the major problems that may restrict expansion in both fishing and processing are quality control, species selection and market development.This document is the final report for NOAA Contract #03-6-043-35165, which supported most of the research. Research was also supported with funds from the Pew Memorial Trust and from the Department of Commerce, NOAA Office of Sea Grant under Grant #04-8-M01-149, and was sponsored by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's Marine Policy and Ocean Management Program

Mapping State Cultural Policy: The State of Washington

State-level funding for the arts, humanities, heritage, and allied forms of culture is an important source of financial support, dwarfing the aid provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. This investigation, underwritten by the Pew Charitable Trusts, shows that states support culture through policies and programs scattered across state government and through means that go beyond direct funding

Small-scale commercial fishing in southern New England

This description of the small-scale sector of the Southern New England (Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut) fishery includes information on the fishermen (their ages, education, experience, occupational training, family involvement and reasons for fishing) and the physical characteristics of the fleet (the boats and gear). Fishing patterns are analyzed by species, geographical areas and seasons. The economic structure of small-scale fishing is described in terms of investment, net and gross earnings, fuel costs, crew payments systems and marketing arrangements. Management implications of this information and analyses are included.Prepared for the Pew Memorial Trust, for the Department of Commerce, NOAA, Office of Sea Grant, under Grants 04-8-M01-149, also NA 79AA-D-00102, and for Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's Marine Policy and Ocean Management Program

Quantized Friction across Ionic Liquid Thin Films

Ionic liquids, salts in the liquid state under ambient conditions, are of great interest as precision lubricants. Ionic liquids form layered structures at surfaces, yet it is not clear how this nano-structure relates to their lubrication properties. We measured the friction force between atomically smooth solid surfaces across ionic liquid films of controlled thickness in terms of the number of ion layers. Multiple friction-load regimes emerge, each corresponding to a different number of ion layers in the film. In contrast to molecular liquids, the friction coefficients differ for each layer due to their varying composition

Fungi Colonizing Redwood In Cooling Towers: Identities and Effects on Wood Properties

Heartwood from coastal redwood [Sequoia sempervirens (D. Don.) Endl.] is very durable and is often used untreated in harsh environments, such as cooling towers of power or chemical processing plants. Wood in this environment is often attacked by soft rot fungi. Some wood users attempt to bolster protection by including additives, such as chromium, in the water. Examination of sections cut from a redwood cooling tower revealed that most pieces were colonized by a variety of Fungi Imperfecti, in spite of surface chromium levels that averaged 0.26 lb/ft3. Eleven species were isolated from the material; soft rot tests of these fungi indicated that all of the isolates were capable of causing Type 2 soft rot attack (cell-wall erosion). These fungi caused little or no weight loss on redwood specimens, but did damage less durable ponderosa pine sapwood. The results suggest that the redwood cooling tower was colonized by a variety of fungi; however, the combination of redwood extractives and a shallow chromium barrier appears to protect against soft rot attack

Improving the use of benzodiazepines-Is it possible? A non-systematic review of interventions tried in the last 20 years

Background: Benzodiazepines are often used on a long term basis in the elderly to treat various psychological disorders including sleep disorders, some neurological disorders and anxiety. This is despite the risk of dependence, cognitive impairment, and falls and fractures. Guidelines, campaigns and prescribing restrictions have been used to raise awareness of potentially inappropriate use, however long term use of benzodiazepine and related compounds is currently increasing in Australia and worldwide. The objective of this paper is to explore interventions aimed at improving the prescribing and use of benzodiazepines in the last 20 years