AUGO II: A comprehensive subauroral zone observatory

The annual fall AGU meeting is an interdisciplinary event drawing in a diverse group of people working in earth and space sciences. Our research encompasses space physics, namely electric currents and magnetic fields in space driven by the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field that cause the aurora borealis. Martin and I attended a ground based magnetometry workshop (Geospace Environment Modeling meeting -- GEM) immediately preceding the AGU meeting. This small, informal gathering brings space physics researchers who operate ground based magnetometer networks (like ourselves) up to date with current and upcoming research projects, some of which Martin may want to participate in. Of particular interest was the International Space Weather Meridian Circle Program, a Chinese initiative to build a global meridian magnetometer chain that will pass through portions of Canada. I presented a poster announcing the impending construction of a new science facility to study the aurora and other related solar-terrestrial phenomena. Most questions directed to my poster dealt with the basic details of our new observatory – where it will be built, when it will be built, will it be built (an important point), and what kinds of instrumentation will it host. Only one criticism was raised that questioned the wisdom of placing an optical observatory in Alberta, given the poor (cloudy) weather we have experienced over the past year. Perhaps more important is the networking aspect of attending such a high-profile conference. It is one of the few opportunities we have to meet with fellow research collaborators. For myself, it allows me to discuss some of the more technical aspects of our research activities, as well as look at new processes and technologies to further advance our research. Specifically, I met with our colleagues at UCLA who designed a web based data repository system (SPASE Tools), obtaining guidance on successfully implementing a web based virtual magnetic observatory (VMO). This is a system to share magnetic data and related metadata with similar SPASE compliant virtual observatories over the Internet. I also discussed with UCLA and others ways of expanding our metadata data set to include additional data not currently described by SPASE. This will be important once we start gathering optical and meteorological data from AUGO. From the earth and space science informatics sessions, I gathered that other research groups (particularly the Japanese IUGONET project) are expanding on the SPASE / VMO concept by developing a richer metadata dictionary (compatible with SPASE) that incorporates more diverse data types. I also had a chance to discuss with colleagues at University of Alberta our recent data sharing arrangement with the Canadian Space Science Data Portal (CSSDP). The education and public outreach sessions showed us some innovative work being done by other groups in putting optical and magnetic auroral data on the mobile web in the form of smartphone web apps. This is something that would be useful for our own observatory for science outreach and teaching, if time and manpower permits. Finally, AGU is one of the few opportunities where we can meet face to face with our Japanese research colleagues who use our data and/or have instruments stationed at AUGO. This is important because the Japanese have been one of the biggest supporters (users) of the AUGO observatory. What I have found given my attendance at two previous AGU meetings is their usefulness as networking events. The poster sessions in particular seem to be the most productive. We meet face to face with our research partners, find answers to questions (in my case, typically technical ones), and learn of new and innovative projects others in the field are doing. My main purpose was to publicize our new auroral observatory, AUGO II. The abstract is now published in the AGU scientific program, so the word is out there. As time goes on, we may find new researchers step forward wanting to know what our new facility has to offer, and hopefully partner with us.A new geophysical observatory dedicated to the study of the auroral borealis will be built 25 km southwest of the town of Athabasca, in Alberta, Canada. It is anticipated to see first light in the winter of 2010/2011 and be fully operational in the fall of 2011. Based on the highly successful Athabasca University Geophysical Observatory (AUGO), opened in 2002 at the Athabasca University campus in Athabasca, Alberta, AUGO II will have expanded observational capacity featuring up to eight climate-controlled domed observation suites in which to host optical instrumentation, on-site accommodation for up to six researchers, and most importantly, dark skies free of light pollution from urban development. AUGO II will share the same advantages as its predecessor, one being its location in central Alberta, allowing routine study of the subauroral zone, auroral oval studies during active times, and very rarely of the polar cap. It will share AUGO'S connection to good roads and infrastructure plus close proximity to the city of Edmonton, some 150 km away. Opportunities are open for guest researchers in space physics to conduct auroral studies at this new, state-of-the-art research facility through the installation of remotely controlled instruments and/or campaigns. An innovative program of instrument development will accompany the new observatory’s enhanced infrastructure with a focus on magnetics and H-beta meridian scanning photometry

Integrated voice/data through a digital PBX

The digital voice/data PBX is finally reaching its anticipated potential and becoming a major factor when considering the total communications picture for many businesses today. The digital PBX has always been the choice for voice communications but has lagged behind the LAN industry when it comes to data transfers. The pendulum has begun to swing with the enhanced data capabilities of third and fourth generation PBXs. The battle for the total communication market is quite fierce between the LAN and PBX vendors now. This research thesis looks at the history, evolution, and architecture of voice/data PBXs. It traces development of PBXs through the present fourth generation architectures. From the first manual switches introduced in the late 1800\u27s through the Strowger switch, step-by-step switching, stored program control, common control, digital switches, dual bus architectures, and finally what is anticipated in the future. A detailed description of the new fourth generation dual bus architectures is presented. Lastly, speculations on the future direction PBX architectures will take is explored. A description of the mechanics of a possible Wave Division PBX is presented based on a fiber optic transport system

Development Of An Engineered Bioluminescent Reporter Phage For Detection Of Bacterial Blight Of Crucifers

Bacterial blight, caused by the phytopathogen Pseudomonas cannabina pv. alisalensis, is an emerging disease afflicting important members of the Brassicaceae family. The disease is often misdiagnosed as pepper spot, a much less severe disease caused by the related pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola. We have developed a phage-based diagnostic that can both identify and detect the causative agent of bacterial blight and differentiate the two pathogens. A recombinant >light>-tagged reporter phage was generated by integrating bacterial luxAB genes encoding luciferase into the genome of P. cannabina pv. alisalensis phage PBSPCA1. The PBSPCA1::luxAB reporter phage is viable and stable and retains properties similar to those of the wildtype phage. PBSPCA1::luxAB rapidly and sensitively detects P. cannabina pv. alisalensis by conferring a bioluminescent signal response to cultured cells. Detection is dependent on cell viability. Other bacterial pathogens of Brassica species such as P. syringae pv. maculicola, Pseudomonas marginalis, Pectobacterium carotovorum, Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, and X. campestris pv. raphani either do not produce a response or produce significantly attenuated signals with the reporter phage. Importantly, the reporter phage detects P. cannabina pv. alisalensis on diseased plant specimens, indicating its potential for disease diagnosis.National Science Foundation Small Business Innovative Research 1012059U.S. Department of EducationU.S. Department of AgricultureCellular and Molecular Biolog

Dose–response effect of a whey protein preload on within-day energy intake in lean subjects

The effect of consuming different amounts of whey protein on appetite and energy intake was investigated in two separate studies using randomised, crossover designs. Healthy-weight men and women (range: BMI 19·0–25·0 kg/m2, age 19·4–40·4 years) consumed one of four 400 ml liquid preloads, followed by an ad libitum test meal 90 min later. In study 1, preloads were 1675 kJ with 12·5, 25 or 50 % of energy from protein, and in study 2, preloads were 1047 kJ with 10, 20 or 40 % energy from protein. Flavoured water was used as the control in both the studies. Appetite ratings were collected immediately before 30, 60 and 90 min after consuming the preloads; and immediately, 30 and 60 min after consuming the test meal. In study 1, energy intake following the control preload (4136 (sem 337) kJ) was significantly higher than each of the 12·5 % (3520 (sem 296) kJ), 25 % (3384 (sem 265) kJ) and 50 % (2853 (sem 244) kJ) protein preloads (P < 0·05). Intake after the 12·5 % preload was significantly higher than following 25 and 50 % preloads (P < 0·05). In study 2, energy intake following the control preload (4801 (sem 325) kJ) was higher than following the 10 % (4205 (sem 310) kJ), 20 % (3988 (sem 250) kJ) and 40 % (3801 (sem 245) kJ) protein preloads (P < 0·05). There were no differences in subjective appetite ratings between preloads in either study. These findings indicate a dose–response effect of protein content of the preload on energy intake at a subsequent meal

Dissociative tendencies, sensory processing sensitivity and aberrant salience as predictors of anomalous experiences and paranormal attributions.

An online survey completed by 307 adults was undertaken to examine the relationship between the reporting of parapsychological experiences and three psychological dimensions, namely dissociative tendencies, sensory-processing sensitivity and aberrant salience. In contrast with most previous studies of parapsychological experiences, cognizance was taken of a distinction between a proneness to have anomalous experiences and a proneness to attribute such experiences to paranormal factors. All three psychological predictors were found to be related both to a proneness to anomalous experiences and to a proneness to paranormal attributions. Possible implications of these findings for the basis of parapsychological experiences are indicated

Mental representations of the supernatural: A cluster analysis of religiosity, spirituality and paranormal belief

The aim of the study was to establish a new typology of belief in the supernatural; categorising people, based on their levels of religiosity, spirituality and paranormal belief. Examining how the various beliefs are defined was a further objective. The reasons for people having different levels of these beliefs were discussed, highlighting ‘Metaphysical Chauvinism’ as a possible explanation. Previous research that used variousmethods to measure religiosity, spirituality and paranormal belief were discussed. Participants (n = 307) completed an online survey consisting of the revised Religious Life Inventory (rRLI), the Intrinsic Spirituality Scale (ISS) and the revised Paranormal Belief Scale (rPBS). Two cluster analyses were performed: one on the three main scales and a secondary analysis on the ISS, the subscales of the rRLI and the rPBS. The results revealed a four cluster solution for each analysis. For the main analysis the clusters were ‘believers’, ‘paranormal believers’, ‘sceptics’ and ‘religious believers’. Metaphysical Chauvinism was supported; however, it was acknowledged that there still appears to be a lack of consensus when defining supernatural beliefs. It is proposed that the cluster analysis approach is more effective than a simple scale when trying establish how a person believes

From sundering seas to arenas for cooperation: applying the regime of enclosed and semi-enclosed seas to the Adriatic

Pravo mora biti međunarodna pravna osnova za obalne države na Jadranu na temelju kojeg mogu zahtijevati područja jurisdikcije na moru uz svoje obale te međusobno podijeliti Jadransko more. Isti međunarodni zakon o moru obvezuje jadranske obalne države da urađuju na različite načine, posebice pri uspostavljanju posebnih režima koji se primjenjuju u zatvorenim i poluzatvorenim morima poput Jadranskog. Ovaj rad analizira zahtjeve za jurisdikcijom na oru koje dopušta međunarodno pravo i posebice stvarne pretenzije u Jadranu. Primjena režima zatvorenog i poluzatvorenog mora u kontekstu Jadrana također se razmatra u radu.The law of the sea provides the international legal basis for the coastal states of the Adriatic Sea to claim zones of maritime jurisdiction off their shores and divide the Adriatic Sea between them. The same international law of the sea obligates the Adriatic littoral states to cooperate in a variety of ways, notably by establishing a special regime applicable to enclosed and semi-enclosed seas such as the Adriatic. This paper explores the maritime jurisdictional claims allowed under international law and claimed in the Adriatic in particular. The implementation of the regime of enclosed and semi-enclosed seas in the Adriatic context is then explored

First evidence of cryptotephra in palaeoenvironmental records associated with Norse occupation sites in Greenland

The Norse/Viking occupation of Greenland is part of a dispersal of communities across the North Atlantic coincident with the supposed Medieval Warm Period of the late 1st millennium AD. The abandonment of the Greenland settlements has been linked to climatic deterioration in the Little Ice Age as well as other possible explanations. There are significant dating uncertainties over the time of European abandonment of Greenland and the potential influence of climatic deterioration. Dating issues largely revolve around radiocarbon chronologies for Norse settlements and associated mire sequences close to settlement sites. Here we show the potential for moving this situation forward by a combination of palynological, radiocarbon and cryptotephra analyses of environmental records close to three ‘iconic’ Norse sites in the former Eastern Settlement of Greenland – Herjolfsnes, Hvalsey and Garðar (the modern Igaliku). While much work remains to be undertaken, our results show that palynological evidence can provide a useful marker for both the onset and end of Norse occupation in the region, while the radiocarbon chronologies for these sequences remain difficult. Significantly, we here demonstrate the potential for cryptotephra to become a useful tool in resolving the chronology of Norse occupation, when coupled with palynology. For the first time, we show that cryptotephra are present within palaeoenvironmental sequences located within or close to Norse settlement ruin-groups, with tephra horizons detected at all three sites. While shard concentrations were small at Herjolfsnes, concentrations sufficient for geochemical analyses were detected at Igaliku and Hvalsey. WDS-EPMA analyses of these tephra indicate that, unlike the predominantly Icelandic tephra sources reported in the Greenland ice core records, the tephra associated with the Norse sites correlate more closely with volcanic centres in the Aleutians and Cascades. Recent investigations of cryptotephra dispersal from North American centres, along with our new findings, point to the potential for cryptotephra to facilitate hypothesis testing, providing a key chronological tool for refining the timing of Norse activities in Greenland (e.g. abandonment) and of environmental contexts and drivers (e.g. climate forcing)

Failure of interpolation in the intuitionistic logic of constant domains

This paper shows that the interpolation theorem fails in the intuitionistic logic of constant domains. This result refutes two previously published claims that the interpolation property holds.Comment: 13 pages, 0 figures. Overlaps with arXiv 1202.1195 removed, the text thouroughly reworked in terms of notation and style, historical notes as well as some other minor details adde