No change detected on Earth’s mid-latitude atmospheric ozone by the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse

Six high altitude balloon flights were completed during the summer of 2017 to measure the effect of the total solar eclipse on Earth’s ozone over the eastern Snake River Plain in Idaho. The stratospheric ozone layer undergoes a noisy diurnal pattern driven, primarily by photochemistry above 30km and by atmospheric dynamics for altitudes below 30km. The flights for this project rarely exceeded that boundary and were an attempt to detect photochemistry effects in the lower stratosphere. The first five flights determined a baseline for the distribution of ozone from ground level to the mid-stratosphere. The sixth flight was done during the total solar eclipse and was compared to the baseline. These data were also compared to multiple years’ data taken in the Uintah Basin in northeast Utah. All measurements were consistent with each other and show spatial and temporal variations in the ozone column that are expected. The balloon’s instrumentation payload was at the tropopause during eclipse totality and no change in either temperature or ozone was detected that was above the normal noise level in the previous data sets. The conclusion is that no photochemical processes are strong enough to clearly modify Earth’s ozone in the lower stratosphere on timescales shorter than three hours. This is consistent with previously reported satellite data of total column ozone

Using the Lane-Change Test (LCT) to Assess Distraction: Tests of Visual-Manual and Speech-Based Operation of Navigation System Interfaces

The Lane Change Test (LCT) is an easy-to-implement, low-cost methodology for the evaluation of the distraction associated with performing invehicle tasks while driving (Mattes, 2003). In the present study, the LCT was used to assess driving performance when drivers completed navigation tasks using visual-manual or speech-based interfaces. Drivers performed two types of navigation tasks at two levels of difficulty. The results provide support for the LCT as an effective measure of distraction for both types of interface. It is recommended that the LCT procedure incorporate additional measures beyond the current mean deviation measure. Two measures are suggested: Lane Change Initiation, which reflects the aspects of driving having to do with detection and response delay as a result of distraction, and a measure of task duration to account for risk exposure

Evidence for host genetic regulation of altered lipid metabolism in experimental toxoplasmosis supported with gene data mining results

Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most successful parasites on Earth, infecting a wide array of mammals including one third of the global human population. The obligate intracellular protozoon is not capable of synthesizing cholesterol (Chl), and thus depends on uptake of host Chl for its own development. To explore the genetic regulation of previously observed lipid metabolism alterations during acute murine T. gondii infection, we here assessed total Chl and its fractions in serum and selected tissues at the pathophysiological and molecular level, and integrated the observed gene expression of selected molecules relevant for Chl metabolism, including its biosynthetic and export KEGG pathways, with the results of published transcriptomes obtained in similar murine models of T. gondii infection. The serum lipid status as well as the transcript levels of relevant genes in the brain and the liver were assessed in experimental models of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis in wild-type mice. The results showed that acute infection was associated with a decrease in Chl content in both the liver and periphery (brain, peripheral lymphocytes), and a decrease in Chl reverse transport. In contrast, in chronic infection, a return to normal levels of Chl metabolism has been noted. These changes corresponded to the brain and liver gene expression results as well as to data obtained via mining. We propose that the observed changes in Chl metabolism are part of the host defense response. Further insight into the lipid metabolism in T. gondii infection may provide novel targets for therapeutic agents

Total solar eclipse 360-degree personal VR and planetarium dome video for educational outreach

Multiple camera systems were flown to the stratosphere twelve times during the summer of 2017 to develop a high-resolution, semi-stabilized, 360-degree video platform for documenting the total solar eclipse above Idaho. The video clips are being processed into VR video that can be viewed on smart phones mounted inside inexpensive headsets. The user can visually follow the Moon’s shadow from Oregon through Idaho and into the Wyoming Tetons. It is also being processed for distribution on planetarium domes. Three primary camera systems were used the Garmin Virb 360, two Kodak PIXPRO SP360s, and six GoPro Sessions. Various gimbled, inertial, and active mounting systems were experimented with, each having advantages and disadvantages. For viewing the VR video, multiple inexpensive headsets were tested. The pros and cons of the different systems will be discussed and preliminary VR video will be demonstrated

Evaluation of Hierarchical, Multi-Agent, Community-Based, Local Energy Markets Based on Key Performance Indicators

In recent years, local energy markets (LEMs) have been introduced to empower end-customers within energy communities at the distribution level of the power system, in order to be able to trade their energy locally in a competitive and fair environment. However, there is still some challenge with regard to the most efficient approach in organising the LEMs for the electricity exchange between consumers and prosumers while ensuring that they are responsible for their electricity-related choices, and concerning which LEM model is suitable for which prosumer or consumer type. This paper presents a hierarchical model for the organisation of agent-based local energy markets. According to the proposed model, prosumers and consumers are enabled to transact electricity within the local energy community and with the grid in a coordinated manner to ensure technical and economic benefits for the LEM’s agents. The model is implemented in a software tool called Grid Singularity Exchange (GSyE), and it is verified in a real German energy community case study. The simulation results demonstrate that trading electricity within the LEM offers economic and technical benefits compared to transacting with the up-stream grid. This can further lead to the decarbonization of the power system sector. Furthermore, we propose two models for LEMs consisting of multi-layer and single-layer hierarchical agent-based structures. According to our study, the multi-layer hierarchical model is more profitable for household prosumers as compared to trading within the single-layer hierarchical LEM. However, the single-layer LEM is more be beneficial for industrial prosumers.© 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).fi=vertaisarvioitu|en=peerReviewed

Neutron Thermal Cross Sections, Westcott Factors, Resonance Integrals, Maxwellian Averaged Cross Sections and Astrophysical Reaction Rates Calculated from Major Evaluated Data Libraries

We present calculations of neutron thermal cross sections, Westcott factors, resonance integrals, Maxwellian-averaged cross sections and astrophysical reaction rates for 843 ENDF materials using data from the major evaluated nuclear libraries and European activation file. Extensive analysis of newly-evaluated neutron reaction cross sections, neutron covariances, and improvements in data processing techniques motivated us to calculate nuclear industry and neutron physics quantities, produce s-process Maxwellian-averaged cross sections and astrophysical reaction rates, systematically calculate uncertainties, and provide additional insights on currently available neutron-induced reaction data. Nuclear reaction calculations are discussed and new results are presented.Comment: 145 pages, 15 figures, 19 table

Fatty acid in colorectal cancer in adult and aged patients of both sexes

Purpose: Colorectal cancer represents the second most common type of cancer in Serbia. Alteration of lipid metabolism begins early, and can represent a central hallmark in cancer evolution. Fatty acids have various important functions as building components of cell membranes, as signaling molecules in immune responses and also manage the general cancer signaling network. The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference of various fatty acids content between colorectal cancer and adjacent healthy intestinal tissue in adult and aged patients of both sexes. Methods: 52 subjects participated in this study. Healthy colon mucosa and tumor tissue samples were obtained from patients previously diagnosed with colorectal carcinoma. Simplified method of Berstad et al was used for direct transesterification of total lipids in tumor and healthy mucosa tissue samples and separations of the methyl esters was carried out using a gas chromatograph equipped with a split/ splitless injector and a flame ionization detector. Results: 18 0, 18 1 n7, 20 3, 20 4, 20 5, 22 4, 22 5 22 6, SFA, PUFA, n6, n3 and AA/EPA were significantly higher in tumor tissue. On the other hand, 18 1 n9, 18 2, 18 3 n3, MUFA, n6/ n3 were significantly higher in healthy tissue. Conclusions: Saturation index (SI) could be a valuable tool to delineate robust immune response and worse prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer. Our study demonstrated significant differences in fatty acid profiles between tumor tissue and healthy mucosa. Parameters, such as gender, age, stage and mucinous component didn't influence altered fatty acid content

Hafnium Resonance Parameter Analysis Using Neutron Capture and Transmission Experiments

The focus of this work is to determine resonance parameters for stable hafnium isotopes in the 0.005-200 eV region, with special emphasis on the overlapping {sup 176}Hf and {sup 178}Hf resonances near 8 eV. The large neutron cross section of hafnium, combined with its corrosion resistance and excellent mechanical properties, make it a useful material for controlling nuclear reactions. Experiments measuring neutron capture and transmission were performed at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) electron linear accelerator (LINAC) using the time of flight method. {sup 6}Li glass scintillation detectors were used for transmission experiments at flight path lengths of 15 and 25 m. Capture experiments were done using a sixteen section NaI(Tl) multiplicity detector at a flight path length of 25 m. These experiments utilized various thicknesses of metallic and isotopically-enriched liquid samples. The liquid samples were designed to provide information on the {sup 176}Hf and {sup 178}Hf contributions to the 8 eV doublet without saturation. Data analysis was done using the R-matrix Bayesian code SAMMY version M6 beta. SAMMY is able to account for experimental resolution effects for each of the experimental setups at the RPI LINAC, and also can correct for multiple scattering effects in neutron capture yield data. The combined capture and transmission data analysis yielded resonance parameters for all hafnium isotopes from 0.005-200 eV. Resonance integrals were calculated along with errors for each hafnium isotope using the NJOY [1] and INTER [2] codes. The isotopic resonance integrals calculated were significantly different than previously published values; however the calculated elemental hafnium resonance integral changed very little

Creating a critical mass eliminates the effects of stereotype threat on women's mathematical performance

BACKGROUND: Women in mathematical domains may become attuned to situational cues that signal a discredited social identity, contributing to their lower achievement and underrepresentation. AIM: This study examined whether heightened in-group representation alleviates the effects of stereotype threat on women's mathematical performance. It further investigated whether single-sex testing environments and stereotype threat influenced participants to believe that their ability was fixed (fixed mindset) rather than a trait that could be developed (growth mindset). SAMPLE AND METHOD: One hundred and forty-four female participants were assigned randomly to a self-as-target or group-as-target stereotype threat condition or to a control condition. They completed a modular arithmetic maths test and a mindset questionnaire either alone or in same-sex groups of 3-5 individuals. RESULTS: Participants solved fewer mathematical problems under self-as-target and group-as-target stereotype threat when they were tested alone, but these performance deficits were eliminated when they were tested in single-sex groups. Participants reported a weaker growth mindset when they were tested under stereotype threat and in single-sex groups. Moreover, evidence of inconsistent mediation indicated that single-sex testing environments negatively predicted mindset but positively predicted mathematical performance. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that single-sex testing environments may represent a practical intervention to alleviate stereotype threat effects but may have a paradoxical effect on mindset