An overview of reliability growth models and their potential use for NASA applications

An overview is provided of reliability growth literature over the past 25 years. This includes a thorough literature review of different areas of the application of reliability growth such as design, prediction, tracking/management, and demonstration. Various reliability growth models use different bases on how they characterize growth. Different models are discussed. Also, the use is addressed of reliability growth models to NASA applications. This includes the application of these models to the space shuttle main engine. For potential NASA applications, we classify growth models in two groups, which are characterized

On the A-dependence of nuclear generalized parton distributions

We perform a microscopic evaluation of nuclear GPDs for spin-0 nuclei in the framework of the Walecka model. We demonstrate that the meson (non-nucleon) degrees of freedom dramatically influence nuclear GPDs, which is revealed in the non-trivial and unexpected A-dependence of DVCS observables. In particular, we find that the first moment of the nuclear D-term, d_A(0) ~ A^2.26, which confirms the earlier prediction of M.Polyakov. We find that in the HERMES kinematics, contrary to the free proton case, the nuclear meson degrees of freedom in large nuclei enhance the nuclear DVCS amplitude which becomes comparable to the Bethe-Heitler amplitude, and, thus, give the non-trivial A-dependence to the DVCS asymmetries: as a function of the atomic number the beam-charge asymmetry increases whereas the beam-spin asymmetry decreases slowly.Comment: Final version published in J. Phys. G. 17 pages, 9 figure

Simplified extraction of good quality genomic DNA from a variety of plant materials

Depending on the nature and complexity of plant material, proper method needs to be employed for extraction of genomic DNA, along with its performance evaluation by different molecular techniques. Here, we optimized and employed a simple genomic DNA isolation protocol suitable for a variety of plant materials covering in vitro grown tender plantlets to relatively complex plant tissues such as field grown mature potato leaves and tubers. Unlike other methods, no detergent was included in the isolation steps. This protocol, based on Dellaporta’s method as reported earlier, worked efficiently both at small and miniscale during handling large number of plant materials. DNA yield was found to be in the range of 70 to 120 μg per gram of the plant material; sufficient for most of the molecular techniques. Purity of DNA was checked by A260/A280 ratio, and restriction analyses including the isoschizomers HpaII and MspI. The DNA preparations were successfully used in polymerase chain reactions using genespecific primers for cloning of different genes. Prolonged storage did not affect the quality of the DNA samples. Taken together, this method could be a reliable substitute to frequently used chemical cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and commercial kits-based plant DNA isolation protocols.Key words: Plant materials, genomic DNA isolation, restriction analyses, HpaII and MspI isoschizomers, genespecific primers, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), molecular cloning, DNA storag

An acridine derivative, [4,5-bis{(N-carboxy methyl imidazolium)methyl}acridine] dibromide, shows anti-TDP-43 aggregation effect in ALS disease models

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease associated with aggregation of TAR DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) in neuronal cells and manifests as motor neuron dysfunction & muscle atrophy. The carboxyl-terminal prion-like domain of TDP-43 can aggregate in vitro into toxic β-sheet rich amyloid-like structures. So far, treatment options for ALS are very limited and Riluzole, which targets glutamate receptors, is the only but highly ineffective drug. Therefore, great interest exists in developing molecules for ALS treatment. Here, we have examined certain derivatives of acridine containing same side chains at position 4 & 5, for inhibitory potential against TDP-43 aggregation. Among several acridine derivatives examined, AIM4, which contains polar carboxyl groups in the side arms, significantly reduces TDP-43-YFP aggregation in the powerful yeast model cell and also abolishes in vitro amyloid-like aggregation of carboxyl terminal domain of TDP-43, as observed by AFM imaging. Thus, AIM4 can be a lead molecule potentiating further therapeutic research for ALS

Chemical control of sorghum shoot fly: dosage, method and frequency of insecticide application in India

Experiments in resistant and susceptible sorghum genotypes during the post-rainy season from 1986 to 1988 at ICRISAT, India showed that foliar applications of cypermethrin applied by ‘Electrodyn’ sprayer were significantly superior to high-volume and low-volume sprays. Effective control of shoot fly and higher grain yields were obtained when the spray was initiated 6 days after crop emergence. The lowest dosage of cypermethrin (22.5 g a.i. ha−1) gave shoot fly control and grain yield increases similar to those of the higher dosages (33.75 and 45 g a.i. ha−1). Chemical control of shoot fly had the greatest effect on shoot fly infestation and increases in grain yields in susceptible genotype CSH 1, followed by the local M35-1 and resistant ICSV 707. Cypermethrin applied by Electrodyn was significantly superior to the recommended practice of carbofuran soil application and high-volume spray of endosulfan in reducing shoot fly damage in all the three genotypes. The main effect of cypermethrin foliar application was in the reduction of shoot fly oviposition that resulted in less damage, indicating either an oviposition deterrent effect or death of the adults before oviposition

A Calcium Bioluminescence Assay for Functional Analysis of Mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and Tick (Rhipicephalus microplus) G Protein-coupled Receptors

Arthropod hormone receptors are potential targets for novel pesticides as they regulate many essential physiological and behavioral processes. The majority of them belong to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). We have focused on characterizing arthropod kinin receptors from the tick and mosquito. Arthropod kinins are multifunctional neuropeptides with myotropic, diuretic, and neurotransmitter function. Here, a method for systematic analyses of structure-activity relationships of insect kinins on two heterologous kinin receptor-expressing systems is described. We provide important information relevant to the development of biostable kinin analogs with the potential to disrupt the diuretic, myotropic, and/or digestive processes in ticks and mosquitoes

Against the Odds: Psychomotor Development of Children Under 2 years in a Sudanese Orphanage.

Providing abandoned children the necessary medical and psychological care as possible after their institutionalization may minimize developmental delays. We describe psychomotor development in infants admitted to an orphanage in Khartoum, Sudan, assessed at admission and over an 18-month follow-up. Psychological state and psychomotor quotients were determined using a simplified Neonatal Behavior Assessment Scale (NBAS), the Brunet-Lezine and Alarm distress baby (ADBB) scale. From May-September 2005, 151 children were evaluated 2, 4, 9, 12 and 18 months after inclusion. At admission, ∼15% of children ≤1 month had a regulation impairment according to the NBAS, and 33.8% presented a distress state (ADBB score >5). More than 85% (129/151) recovered normal psychomotor development. The results of the program reinforce the importance of early detection of psychological disorders followed by rapid implementation of psychological case management to improve the development of young children in similar institutions and circumstances