We describe the Keck Interferometer nuller theory of operation, data reduction, and on-sky performance, particularly as it applies to the nuller exozodiacal dust key science program that was carried ...out between 2008 February and 2009 January. We review the nuller implementation, including the detailed phasor processing involved in implementing the null-peak mode used for science data and the sequencing used for science observing. We then describe the Level 1 reduction to convert the instrument telemetry streams to raw null leakages, and the Level 2 reduction to provide calibrated null leakages. The Level 1 reduction uses conservative, primarily linear processing, implemented consistently for science and calibrator stars. The Level 2 processing is more flexible, and uses diameters for the calibrator stars measured contemporaneously with the interferometer’s K-band cophasing system in order to provide the requisite accuracy. Using the key science data set of 462 total scans, we assess the instrument performance for sensitivity and systematic error. At 2.0 Jy we achieve a photometrically-limited null leakage uncertainty of 0.25% rms per 10 minutes of integration time in our broadband channel. From analysis of the Level 2 reductions, we estimate a systematic noise floor for bright stars of∼0.2%
∼
0.2
%
rms null leakage uncertainty per observing cluster in the broadband channel. A similar analysis is performed for the narrowband channels. We also provide additional information needed for science reduction, including details on the instrument beam pattern and the basic astrophysical response of the system, and references to the data reduction and modeling tools.
IL-12, produced by APCs during the initial stages of an immune response, plays a pivotal role in the induction of IFN-gamma by NK and gammadeltaT cells and in driving the differentiation of Th1 ...cells, thus providing a critical link between innate and acquired immunity. Due to the unique position occupied by IL-12 in the regulation of immunity, many mechanisms have evolved to modulate IL-12 production. We have shown previously that macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP), the ligand for the stem cell-derived tyrosine kinase/recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) receptor, inhibits NO production by macrophages in response to IFN-gamma and enhances the expression of arginase. Mice lacking RON exhibit increased inflammation in a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction and increased susceptibility to endotoxic shock. In this study we demonstrate that pretreatment of macrophages with MSP before IFN-gamma and LPS results in the complete inhibition of IL-12 production due to suppression of p40 expression. This response is mediated by the RON receptor, and splenocytes from RON(-/-) animals produce increased levels of IFN-gamma. MSP pretreatment of macrophages resulted in decreased tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat-1 and decreased expression of IFN consensus sequence binding protein in response to inflammatory cytokines. In addition to IL-12, the expression of IL-15 and IL-18, cytokines that are also dependent on IFN consensus sequence binding protein activation, is inhibited by pretreatment with MSP before IFN-gamma and LPS. We also show that the ability of MSP to inhibit IL-12 production is independent of IL-10. Taken together, these results suggest that MSP may actively suppress cell-mediated immune responses through its ability to down-regulate IL-12 production and thus inhibit classical activation of macrophages.
Spatially integrated measurements of the surface energy balance (SEB) are needed in urban areas to evaluate urban climate models and satellite observations. Scintillometers allow observations of ...sensible heat flux (QH) over much larger areas than techniques such as eddy covariance (EC), however methods are needed to partition between remaining unmeasured SEB terms. This is the first study to use observed spatial and temporal patterns of QH from a scintillometer network to constrain estimates of remaining SEB terms in a dense, heterogeneous urban environment. Results show that QH dominates the surface energy balance in central London throughout the year, with expected diurnal courses and seasonal trends in QH magnitude related to solar radiation input. Measurements also reveal a clear anthropogenic component of QH with winter (summer) weekday QH values 11.7% (5.1%) higher than weekends. Spatially, QH magnitude is correlated with vegetation and building landcover fraction in the measurement source areas. Spatial analysis provides additional evidence of anthropogenic influence with highest weekday/weekend ratios (1.55) from the City of London. Spatial differences are used to estimate horizontal advection and a novel method to estimate monthly latent heat flux is developed based on observed landcover and wet–dry surface variations in normalized QH. Annual anthropogenic heat emissions are estimated to be 46.3 W m−2 using an energy balance residual approach. The methods presented here have potential to significantly enhance understanding of urban areas, particularly in areas with tall buildings where there are few observational data.
The oceans play a crucial role in the global environment and the sustainability of human populations, because of their involvement in climate regulation and provision of living and non-living ...resources to humans. Maintenance of healthy oceans in an era of increasing human pressure requires a high-level understanding of the processes occurring in the marine environment and the impacts of anthropogenic activities. Effective protection and sustainable resource management must be based, in part, on knowledge derived from successful research. Current marine research activities are being limited by a need for high-quality researchers capable of addressing critical issues in broad multidisciplinary research activities. This is particularly true for developing countries which will require the building of capacity for marine scientific research. This paper reviews the current activities aimed at increasing marine research capacity in developing and emerging countries and analyses the challenges faced, including: appropriate alignment of the research goals and societal and policy-relevant needs; training in multidisciplinary research; increasing capacity for overall synthesis of scientific data; building the capacity of technical staff; keeping highly qualified personnel in marine scientific research roles; cross-cultural issues in training; minimising duplication in training activities; improving linkages among human capital, project resources and infrastructure. Potential solutions to these challenges are provided, along with some priorities for action aimed at improving the overall research effort.
Abstract Objectives We examined if an education intervention EduI based on the Common Sense Model theoretical framework and 3-step action plan to control fluid-related symptoms and weight gain, ...decreased 6-month health care consumption. Background Heart failure (HF) morbidity is often related to fluid overload. Methods A 2-group comparative design with convenience sampling was used to assess rehospitalization (Hosp), emergency department (ED) and unplanned office visits. Analyses included regression models. Results Of 122 usual care UC and 122 EduI patients, mean (standard deviation) age was 65.8 (12.6) years. In multivariate analyses, first HF Hosp, total ED visits and ED visits for HF decompensation were lower in EduI compared to UC; p = 0.039, p = 0.025, and p = 0.001 respectively. There were no reductions in 6-month total Hosp or HF-related unplanned office visits. Conclusions An EduI with a 3-step action plan to control fluid-related symptoms and weight gain reduced first Hosp, total ED and HF-ED visits.
We examine the projected correlation of galaxies with mass from small scales (<few hundred kpc), where individual dark matter halos dominate, out to 15 Mpc, where correlated large-scale structure ...dominates. We investigate these profiles as a function of galaxy luminosity and redshift. Selecting 0.8 million galaxies in the Deep Lens Survey, we use photometric redshifts and stacked weak gravitational lensing shear tomography out to radial scales of 1 Degree-Sign from the centers of foreground galaxies. We detect correlated mass density from multiple halos and large-scale structure at radii larger than the virial radius and find the first observational evidence for growth in the galaxy-mass correlation on 10 Mpc scales with decreasing redshift and fixed range of luminosity. For a fixed range of redshift, we find a scaling of projected halo mass with rest-frame luminosity similar to previous studies at lower redshift. We control systematic errors in shape measurement and photometric redshift, enforce volume completeness through absolute magnitude cuts, and explore residual sample selection effects via simulations.
We show that aqueous solutions of ammonium thiocyanate (
NH
4
SCN
) can be used to match the index of refraction of several transparent materials commonly used in experiments, while maintaining low ...viscosity and density compared to other common refractive index-matching liquids. We present empirical models for estimating the index of refraction, density, and kinematic viscosity of these solutions as a function of temperature and concentration. Finally, we summarize the chemical compatibility of ammonium thiocyanate with materials commonly used in apparatus.
Summary Dissociated vertical deviation (DVD) is a slow, disconjugate hypertropic deviation of a nonfixating eye. It is usually bilateral, asymmetrical, and often associated with congenital esotropia. ...The deviating eye elevates, abducts, and excyclotorts. This type of strabismus is often variable, making measurement and clinical quantification difficult. Specific knowledge of the mechanisms and characteristics of the dissociated deviation are required for proper assessment and effective treatment. There is currently no consensus on the mechanisms and pathophysiology of DVD. In this workshop, participants discuss the characteristics and most current methods for assessing and quantifying the deviation and explore the potential etiologies, clinical characteristics, and indications for surgical intervention and nonsurgical management of DVD.
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