OPTIC: Orbiting Plutonian Topographic Image Craft Proposal for an Unmanned Mission to Pluto

The proposal for an unmanned probe to Pluto is presented and described. The Orbiting Plutonian Topographic Image Craft's (OPTIC's) trip will take twenty years and after its arrival, will begin its data collection which includes image and radar mapping, surface spectral analysis, and magnetospheric studies. This probe's design was developed based on the request for proposal of an unmanned probe to Pluto requirements. The distinct problems which an orbiter causes for each subsystem of the craft are discussed. The final design revolved around two important factors: (1) the ability to collect and return the maximum quantity of information on the Plutonian system; and (2) the weight limitations which the choice of an orbiting craft implied. The velocity requirements of this type of mission severely limited the weight available for mission execution-owing to the large portion of overall weight required as fuel to fly the craft with present technology. The topics covered include: (1) scientific instrumentation; (2) mission management; (3) power and propulsion; (4) attitude and articulation control; (5) structural subsystems; and (6) command, control, and communication

The relationship of physico-chemical properties and structure to the differential antiplasmodial activity of the cinchona alkaloids

BACKGROUND: The 8-amino and 9-hydroxy substituents of antimalarial cinchona alkaloids have the erythro orientation while their inactive 9-epimers are threo. From the X-ray structures a 90° difference in torsion angle between the N1-H1 and C9-O12 bonds in the two series is believed to be important. In order to kill the malaria parasite, alkaloids must cross the erythrocyte and parasite membranes to accumulate in the acid digestive vacuole where they prevent detoxication of haematin produced during haemoglobin breakdown. METHODS: Ionization constants, octanol/water distribution and haematin interaction are examined for eight alkaloids to explain the influence of small structural differences on activity. RESULTS: Erythro isomers have a high distribution ratio of 55:1 from plasma to the erythrocyte membrane, while for the more basic threo epimers this is only 4.5:1. This gives an increased transfer rate of the erythro drugs into the erythrocyte and thence into the parasite vacuole where their favourable conformation allows interaction with haematin, inhibiting its dimerization strongly (90 ± 7%) and thereby killing the parasite. The threo compounds not only enter more slowly but are then severely restricted from binding to haematin by the gauche alignment of their N1-H1 and C9-O12 bonds. Confirmatory molecular models allowed measurement of angles and bond lengths and computation of the electronic spectrum of a quinine-haematin complex. CONCLUSION: Differences in the antiplasmodial activity of the erythro and threo cinchona alkaloids may therefore be attributed to the cumulative effects of lipid/aqueous distribution ratio and drug-haematin interaction. Possible insights into the mechanism of chloroquine-resistance are discussed

The Abundance of Interstellar Nitrogen

Using the HST Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS), we have obtained high S/N echelle observations of the weak interstellar N I 1160, 1161 A absorption doublet toward the stars Gamma Cas, Lambda Ori, Iota Ori, Kappa Ori, Delta Sco, and Kappa Sco. In combination with a previous GHRS measurement of N I toward Zeta Oph, these new observations yield a mean interstellar gas phase nitrogen abundance (per 10$^6$ H atoms) of 10$^6$ N/H = 75 +/- 4. There are no statistically significant variations in the measured N abundances from sightline to sightline and no evidence of density-dependent depletion from the gas-phase. Since N is not expected to be depleted much into dust grains in these diffuse sightlines, its gas-phase abundance should reflect the total interstellar abundance. Consequently, the GHRS observations imply that the abundance of interstellar nitrogen (gas plus grains) in the local Milky Way is about 80% of the solar system value of 10$^6$ N/H = 93 +/- 16. Although this interstellar abundance deficit is somewhat less than that recently found for oxygen and krypton with GHRS, the solar N abundance and the N I oscillator strengths are too uncertain to definitively rule out either a solar ISM N abundance or a 2/3 solar ISM N abundance similar to that of O and Kr.Comment: 14 pages, LaTeX, 2 Postscript figures; ApJ Letters, in pres

Incorporating interactive 3-dimensional graphics in astronomy research papers

Most research data collections created or used by astronomers are intrinsically multi-dimensional. In contrast, all visual representations of data presented within research papers are exclusively 2-dimensional. We present a resolution of this dichotomy that uses a novel technique for embedding 3-dimensional (3-d) visualisations of astronomy data sets in electronic-format research papers. Our technique uses the latest Adobe Portable Document Format extensions together with a new version of the S2PLOT programming library. The 3-d models can be easily rotated and explored by the reader and, in some cases, modified. We demonstrate example applications of this technique including: 3-d figures exhibiting subtle structure in redshift catalogues, colour-magnitude diagrams and halo merger trees; 3-d isosurface and volume renderings of cosmological simulations; and 3-d models of instructional diagrams and instrument designs.Comment: 18 pages, 7 figures, submitted to New Astronomy. For paper with 3-dimensional embedded figures, see http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/s2plot/3dpd

The Tectonics of the Double Skin:: Green Building or Just more Hi-Tech Hi-Jinx?

Double skin façade systems are employed increasingly in high profile buildings, designed by famous Architects, using acclaimed engineering consultants, and being touted as an exemplary "green” building strategy. It is a new technology that is more often found in high-end European and Pacific Rim architecture, and far less often in North American building. For the majority of mainstream architects, double skin technology remains elusive. From perspectives of both knowledge and budget, double skin systems are often beyond the scope of most commercially driven, North American projects. The question arises as to whether or not double skin buildings truly are more environmentally responsible and sustainable. Is North American commercial architecture missing out on potential energy and environmental savings? The Double Skin Façade is based on the notion of exterior walls that respond dynamically to varying ambient conditions, and that can incorporate a range of integrated sun-shading, natural ventilation, and thermal insulation devices or strategies. Early modern architects such as Le Corbusier, with his "mur-neutralisant”7, and Alvar Aalto, in the window design of the Paimio Sanitorium, explored this new building technology. Early solar passive design exemplified in the "trombe” wall, is also viewed as a precursor to modern double skin systems.8 Only recently has double skin technology become analogous with explorations in transparent and glass architecture, and moreover, acclaimed as environmentally "responsible” design. This paper represents the findings of a team of upper level B.Arch. and Masters students who have conducted an initial investigation into double skin cladding systems. The study has allowed us to begin to ascertain whether or not these systems represent a valid approach to energy efficient and environmentally responsible design or are, as they might appear, just another "cool” high-tech style. Does this type of skin system represent environmentally "responsible' versus "responsive” design? The end result of the research will be posted on the School website so that it can be shared with others interested in the findings.

Publisher Correction: An engineered human Fc domain that behaves like a pH-toggle switch for ultra-long circulation persistence.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper

Community Pediatrics and Growing Kids South Burlington An assessment of collaboration between area pediatricians and integrated services for families of young children in South Burlington, VT

Background: It is widely accepted for pediatric and family medicine practitioners to use developmental screening tools for effective identification of children who require additional support. A recent study in Pediatrics reported that between 2002 and 2009, the percentage of pediatricians using standardized screening tools for developmental delay increased from 23.0% to 47.7%. While improvement was found, less than half of pediatricians used these tools. In addition, it is known that early intervention for children requiring extra support is essential for preventing further delay in reaching milestones. Practitioners’ use of screening tools and their collaboration with their community resources can contribute to better delivery of these services and aid in children meeting developmental milestones.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1070/thumbnail.jp

Concert recording 2017-11-27

[Track 1]. Concert prelude / Derek Bourgeois -- [Track 2]. Tuba concerto / Edward Gregson -- [Track 3]. Cyberspace / Peter Graham -- [Track 4]. Concert piece no. 1 / Rodger Vaughan -- [Track 5]. Rhapsody for euphonium / Jerry Brubaker -- [Track 6]. Concerto, K. 191. I. Allegro / W.A. Mozart -- [Track 7]. The green hill / Bert Appermont -- [Track 8]. Suite / Vaclav Nelhybel -- [Track 9]. Brides of the waves / Herbert L. Clarke -- [Track 10]. Fantasy / Philip Sparke -- [Track 11]. Concerto for euphonium. I. Allegro moderato / Philip Wilby