Application of MORSE to radiation analysis of nuclear flight propulsion modules

Several modifications and additions were made to the multigroup Monte Carlo code (MORSE) to implement its use in a computational procedure for performing radiation analyses of NERVA nuclear flight propulsion modules. These changes include the incorporation of a new general geometry module; the inclusion of an expectation tracklength estimator; and the option to obtain source information from two-dimensional discrete ordinates calculations. Computations comparing MORSE and a point cross section Monte Carlo code, COHORT, were made in which a coupled discrete ordinates/Monte Carlo procedure was used to calculate the gamma dose rate at tank top locations of a typical propulsion module. The dose rates obtained from the MORSE computation agreed with the dose rates obtained from the COHORT computation to within the limits of the statistical accuracy of the calculations

Microbiological Factors Influencing the Outcome of Nosocomial Bloodstream Infections: A 6-Year Validated, Population-Based Model

All patients (n = 1,745) with nosocomial bloodstream infection identified between 1986 and 1991 at a single 900-bed tertiary care hospital were studied to identify microbiological factors independently associated with mortality due to the infection. Patients were identified by prospective, case-based surveillance and positive blood cultures. Mortality rates were examined for secular trends. Prognostic factors were determined with use of univariate and multivariate analyses, and both derivation and validation sets were used. A total of 1,745 patients developed nosocomial bloodstream infection. The 28-day crude mortality was 22%, and crude in-hospital mortality was 35%. Factors independently (all P < .05) associated with increased 28-day mortality rates were older age, longer length of hospital stay before bloodstream infection, and a diagnosis of cancer or disease of the digestive system. After adjustment for major confounders, Candida species were the only organisms independently influencing the outcome of nosocomial bloodstream infection (odds ratio [OR] for mortality = 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22-2.76; P = .0035). The two additional microbiological factors independently associated with increased mortality were pneumonia as a source of secondary infection (OR = 2.74; 95% CI, 1.87-4.00; P < .0001) and polymicrobial infection (OR = 1.68; 95% CI, 1.22-2.32; P = .0014). Our data suggest that microbiological factors independently affect the outcome of nosocomial bloodstream infectio

The angular momentum of two collided rarefied preplanetesimals and the formation of binaries

This paper studies the mean angular momentum associated with the collision of two celestial objects in the earliest stages of planet formation. Of primary concern is the scenario of two rarefied preplanetesimals (RPPs) in circular heliocentric orbits. The theoretical results are used to develop models of binary or multiple system formation from RPPs, and explain the observation that a greater fraction of binaries originated farther from the Sun. At the stage of RPPs, small-body satellites can form in two ways: a merger between RPPs can have two centers of contraction, or the formation of satellites from a disc around the primary or the secondary. Formation of the disc can be caused by that the angular momentum of the RPP formed by the merger is greater than the critical angular momentum for a solid body. One or several satellites of the primary (moving mainly in low-eccentricity orbits) can be formed from this disc at any separation less than the Hill radius. The first scenario can explain a system such as 2001 QW322 where the two components have similar masses but are separated by a great distance. In general, any values for the eccentricity and inclination of the mutual orbit are possible. Among discovered binaries, the observed angular momenta are smaller than the typical angular momenta expected for identical RPPs having the same total mass as the discovered binary and encountering each other in circular heliocentric orbits. This suggests that the population of RPPs underwent some contraction before mergers became common.Comment: 12 pages, Monthly Notices of Royal Astron. Society, in pres

Due Process Junior: Competent (Enough) for the Court

There are many reports presenting expert policy recommendations, and a substantial volume of research supporting them, that detail what should shape and guide statutes for juvenile competency to stand trial. Ohio has adopted provisions consistent with some of these recommendations, which is better protection than relying on case law and the adult statutes, as some states have done. However, the Ohio statute should be considered a work in progress. Since appeals courts are unlikely to provide meaningful review for the substance of a juvenile competency determination, the need for procedures for ensuring that the determination is initially made in a deliberate and informed manner is significantly heightened. Every aspect of the statute should be reviewed considering the research and scholarship that is newly available since it was implemented in 2011. Furthermore, there is one glaring gap in the statute’s protection that cannot wait. The provisions for attainment and attainment review must be amended to include substantially detailed requirements and procedures for the statute to ensure that juvenile due process rights are not violated by making children face adjudications while not competent to do so

Investigation of the cAMP-mediated inhibitory mechanism on the signalling pathways of 2 cytokines: IL-6 and leptin in endothelial cells

There is a wealth of evidence to support the anti-inflammatory properties of the prototypical second messenger cyclic-AMP (cAMP), notably with regard to endothelial function. Many studies have shown that cAMP can limit vascular permeability by enhancing barrier function and reducing pro-inflammatory effects of cytokines. Although the protective effects of cAMP elevation on limiting endothelial dysfunction have been well documented, the exact molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Using two endothelial cell types, namely human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and a novel human endothelial angiosarcoma-derived cell line (AS-M), this study has further characterised the cAMP-mediated inhibitory mechanism on the signalling pathways of two cytokines; interleukin-6 (IL-6) and leptin. Both cytokines have been implicated in the regulation of the immune response and both have been shown to play important pathological roles in various inflammatory diseases. In preliminary studies, cAMP elevation was shown to induce suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3) in HUVECs. Further investigation of this SOCS protein in the context of IL-6 and leptin signalling in endothelial cells would be of interest in terms of possibly elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effects of cAMP. Results from this study demonstrated a cAMP-mediated inhibition of soluble IL-6Rα (sIL-6R)/IL-6-stimulated extracellular regulated mitogen-activated protein kinase 1, 2 (ERK1,2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation in HUVECs, which was independent of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA). Instead, results demonstrated the involvement of the other major cAMP sensor; exchange protein activated by cAMP 1 (Epac1). Moreover, this inhibition was shown to be SOCS3-dependent. There also appeared to be a requirement for ERK1,2 activation in the cAMP-mediated inhibition of sIL-6R/IL-6-stimulated STAT3 activation in HUVECs. In contrast to these findings, cAMP-mediated inhibition of leptin-stimulated STAT3 activation in HUVECs was shown to occur via a SOCS3-independent mechanism. The responses to cAMP elevation on sIL-6R/IL-6- and leptin-stimulated ERK1,2 activation in AS-Ms were variable, since basal levels of ERK1,2 activation were high. Furthermore, the responses to cAMP elevation on sIL-6R/IL-6- and leptin-stimulated STAT3 activation in AS-Ms were either very modest or showed no effect, respectively. SOCS3 was not shown to be involved in the cAMP-mediated inhibition of sIL-6R/IL-6-stimulated ERK1,2 and STAT3 activation in AS-Ms. In conclusion, this study further characterised the cAMP-mediated inhibitory mechanism in HUVECs and AS-Ms, with a particular focus on the ERK1,2 signalling pathway of IL-6 and leptin. Despite varying results between both cell types, this study also identified AS-Ms as a useful and tractable cell model to study in the context of endothelial biology. Thus, a potentially new pathway has been identified which inhibits cytokine receptor activation of ERK1,2 and STAT3 in endothelial cells. A better understanding of this mechanism could contribute towards new therapeutics in the area of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as atheroscleriosis

The Symbolism of Petrarch's Canzone to the Virgin

It has, so far as the writer knows, never been pointed out that Petrarch's magnificent invocation to the Virgin, in the high and solemn beauty of which the mystic and essentially mediaeval side of the poet's complex nature finds eloquent expression, contains the same symbolism as that on which the early Christian hymnists based their morning hymns; which forms the nucleus of the tenth century bilingual alba discovered by Johann Schmidt in the Vatican Library in 1881; and which was utilized by Folquet de Marselha (if the attribution be reliable) and his successors in this field, as a nucleus for the production of the psychologically interesting, and, to certain temperaments, aesthetically pleasing religious albas of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries in Provence. This important fact, if it can be demonstrated, is a striking instance of what, for the dawn genre in general, may be stated as a species of universal law, by the operation of which the development of this form seems to have been largely conditioned. I refer to the attractive power which this theme, in all its aspects, has exerted, at different times and in different places, over minds of great and even transcendent poetic talent, in virtue of which there has formed around the motif a body of poetry which, both qualitatively and quantitatively, is altogether remarkable

Letter from Moses Woolson to John Muir, 1878 Oct 19.

[4]I have a very poor opinion of a minister who can start a crusade of hunters into the wilderness to Mu[illegible]a godi dear children of the [illegible] woods. So thanks for what you have written in [underlined: that] [ pen?]. Madam is making much of her Yo Semite lecture. Nothing can be finer, is [underlined: my] opinion, bu your own spirited writing. She goes to Newport R. [best gess: T.] to deliver it f[illegible] [illegible] 100 [ in a few weeks.?] I [illegible] the [illegible] [underlined: up] with the latest knowledge upon the Yo Semite. I fear she does not know the [underlined: new] routes. Will you [ port?] her? She sends her best regards to you, and would hive more [illegible] you than any other man living. So good bye Yrs. Moses Woodson00817 [1] Concord, N.H. Oct. 19th 1878My Dear Muir. I suppose you do not think it worth your while to waste your time [ to?] sentimental correspondence; nor do I blame you, - but I want to hear from you, and I long to see your work upon geology. The 3 [illegible] Vol. of H[illegible]ack’s Geology is nearly ready, and it has also accompanying it but [ note the?] [illegible] volume some splendid maps [Page 2][2]the governor of the state says you shall have them as soon as they are ready. So if you [illegible] you [illegible] [ I advise you to let m?] know it at once.] I under- stand you at [illegible] at 1419 Taylor St. where I shall direct this. I have just [ risen?] from reading in the Nov. Harper your article upon the Sequoia’s I have read it aloud to that eager woman of mine, and we are both charmed with it. God grant you may write [3]your geology in as interesting a manner. There is one thing I cannot help wanting to shake your hand for, viz. the indirect influence your writings must have upon your readers, in relation to the kind treatment of [illegible] animals. I would as soon shoot a fellow man, as to have shot one of them sleek deer you speak of in your article. But the Reverend Mr. Murr, would have p[illegible] his soul’s salvation to have shed that innocent blood [ underlined: bide?] his book on the [illegible

Letter from Moses Woolson to John Muir, 1880 Feb 14.

[4]Heavens! When I send you account of Alaska, don’t I wish I were there to gaze upon those [work?] wonders with you? What a book you will have when it is done! Poetry, science & [illegible] in one commendable work! I know you will build yourself up a “monument more durable than brass” as Horace says When I was a boy and studied geography, now lonely, far-off seemed California. It seemed the ultima thule of the north. There was not a town put down upon the map. And still more lonely seemed the region of Alaska, then not named thus I remember a line in Campbells “Pleasures of Hope” [thus?] “The wolfs long howl on [Oonalasku’s shores?”] Now as the world has it that far-distant region is brought home to our “business and bosoms” I occasionally hear from Hirane Tubbs of your city. He has a ripe walk 611 – 613 Front St. I had his boy with me I guess. My regards to the Carrs, and tell Swett that I like his contributions to the Journal of Education.Truly y[illegible][Moses Wools?[illegible]][1]Concord, N.H.Feb. 14th 1880 My Dear Muir,Both your letters — one to me, — the other to [Madam?] came duly to hand. The latter is out of town, but will be at home in a week, and will then be pleased with your letter to her – as I am with mine. You will find enclosed a printed form of acceptance of the Geology which please make out and transmit The officials in the State Department desire some voucher for the deposition of their books, and that is all it means. [The?] accounts for their Stewardship. So please, remember business is business and [Page 2][2]So return as soon as you can the enclosed filled out. As to the geology, they would expect, as a matter of courtesy your book, when it is done. Remember it is the State that sends it, and not myself or Hitchcock. You speak of the handsome treatment our State has received from the geologist Hitchcock. You ought to have been in our legislature and heard the cursings he got for his extravagant use of the money voted for that purpose. I don’t think our people are altogether satisfied with him any way. Year by year he got a little more out of our legislature until in all [I?] [illegible] 30,000 was taken – more or less. Hitchcock is close, not entirely00888[3]reliable / I do not mean in his [scientific?] statements. He has employed a great many assistants, and he has dealt [riggardly?] with them. However let [this?] pass. Gunny does not pass current here. He doesn’t post himself up with the new developments, He is an unconscionable bore, lectures too long and is tedious. His f[illegible] is drawing – blackboard illustration. In this he excels everybody I know of. And on the whole he awakens an interest in p[illegible] also [knows?] nothing about geology whatever. therefore he is a useful man. Summing him all up, he lives upon his past [acquaintances?], and does not learn any thing new. I am glad the Carr’s have come out right and as you say, the [illegible] are a bad lo

"El Don de la Otra Mirada": una imaginación socioambiental de carácter colectivo en las instalaciones de Helen Escobedo, 1997-1010

At the turn of the twenty-first century ecocriticism has moved beyond its tradition of analyzing&nbsp;nature writing to integrate new forms of expression that shift visibility towards issues of temporality,&nbsp;environmental justice, and environmental ethics. This paper looks at the most recent&nbsp;open-space installations of Mexican sculptor Helen Escobedo, examining how her artworks&nbsp;act as physical and discursive interventions capable of disrupting encoded modes of modes&nbsp;of knowing about space and environment. These simulating installations are contextually&nbsp;conceived and situated in dialogue with the community where each piece was envisioned; they&nbsp;functions as an assemblage of referential information bound to be&nbsp; reconstituted, reinterpreted&nbsp;and resignified by the observer. In doing this, Escobedo reveals a profound understanding&nbsp;that change and sustainable futures can only be envisioned when integrating ourselves with&nbsp;Others, un “nos y otros que es un nosotros” of communal experience.A fines del milenio, la ecocrítica ha superado su tradición analítica de nature writing para&nbsp;integrar nuevas formas de expresión que confieren visibilidad a cuestiones de temporalidad,&nbsp;justicia y ética ambiental. Este artículo analiza las instalaciones en espacios abiertos de los&nbsp;últimos quince años de vida de la escultora mexicana Helen Escobedo y observa cómo sus&nbsp;obras resultan ser intervenciones tanto físicas como discursivas que alteran los modos de&nbsp;codificación que asignamos al espacio y al medioambiente. Contextualmente concebidas,&nbsp;estéticamente estimulantes y situadas en diálogo con la comunidad donde se concibieron,&nbsp;estas instalaciones funcionan como un conjunto de información referencial destinada a ser&nbsp;reconstituida, reinterpretada y resignificada por el observador.&nbsp;&nbsp;De este modo, Escobedo&nbsp;revela una profunda comprensión de que todo cambio hacia un futuro sostenible solo pueden&nbsp;concebirse por medio de una integración colectiva, un “nos y otros que es un nosotros” de&nbsp;la experiencia comunitaria