Search

We report several new experimental results related to flow dynamics and heating from single dipole-trapped spheromaks and spheromak merging studies at SSX. Single spheromaks (stabilized with a pair of external coils, see Brown, Phys. Plasmas 13 102503 (2006)) and merged FRC-like configurations (see Brown, Phys. Plasmas 13, 056503 (2006)) are trapped in our prolate (R = 0.2 m, L = 0.6 m) copper flux conserver. Local spheromak flow is studied with two Mach probes (r 1 ≤ ρ i , r 2 ≥ ρ i ) calibrated by time-of-flight with a fast set of magnetic probes at the edge of the device. Both Mach probes feature six ion collectors housed in a boron nitride sheath. The larger Mach probe will ultimately be used in the MST reversed field pinch. Line averaged flow is measured by ion Doppler spectroscopy (IDS) at the midplane. The SSX IDS instrument measures with 1 μs or better time resolution the width and Doppler shift of the C III impurity (H plasma) 229.7 nm line to determine the temperature and line-averaged flow velocity (see Cothran, RSI 77, 063504 (2006)). We find axial flows up to 100 km/s during formation of the dipole trapped spheromak. Flow returns at the wall to form a large vortex. Recent high-resolution IDS velocity measurements during spheromak merging show bi-directional outflow jets at ±40 km/s (nearly the Alfven speed). We also measure T i ≥ 80 eV and T e ≥ 20 eV during spheromak merging events after all plasma facing surfaces are cleaned with helium glow discharge conditioning. Transient electron heating is inferred from bursts on a four-channel soft x-ray array. The spheromaks are also characterized by a suite of magnetic probe arrays for magnetic structure B(r,t), and interferometry for n e . Finally, we are designing a new oblate, trapezoidal flux conserver for FRC studies. Equilibrium and dynamical simulations suggest that a tilt-stable, oblate FRC can be formed by spheromak merging in the new flux conserver.

Conservation of crop wild relatives (CWRs) is a complex interdisciplinary process that is being addressed by various national and international initiatives, including two Global Environment Facility projects ('In situ Conservation of Crop Wild Relatives through Enhanced Information Management and Field Application' and 'Design, Testing and Evaluation of Best Practices for in situ Conservation of Economically Important Wild Species'), the European Community-funded project 'European Crop Wild Relative Diversity Assessment and Conservation Forum (PGR Forum)' and the European 'In situ and On Farm Network'. The key issues that have arisen are: (1) the definition of what constitutes a CWR, (2) the need for national and regional information systems and a global system, (3) development and application of priority-determining mechanisms, (4) the incorporation of the conservation of CWRs into existing national, regional and international PGR programmes, (5) assessment of the effectiveness of conservation actions, (6) awareness of the importance of CWRs in agricultural development at local, national and international levels both for the scientific and lay communities and (7) policy development and legal framework. The above issues are illustrated by work on the conservation of a group of legumes known as grasspea chicklings, vetchlings, and horticultural ornamental peas (Lathyrus spp.) in their European and Mediterranean centre of diversity.

BACKGROUND: Saskatchewan Aboriginal people are experiencing epidemics of both type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and tuberculosis (TB). The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between diabetes and TB in Saskatchewan and to establish whether there is a difference in the degree of any association between Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal people. METHODS: Utilizing Saskatchewan Health databases, TB incidence (cases identified from 1986–2001) was compared between four subpopulations identified from 1991–1995: Registered Indians (RI) with and without diabetes, and other Saskatchewan people (OSKP) with and without diabetes. RESULTS: Diabetic women aged 20–59 years had higher average annual incidence rates of TB than non-diabetic women, but within-population rate ratios of TB in diabetic versus non-diabetic women were only significant in those aged 50–59 (2.7 [CI 1.28, 5.72] in RI and 3.9 [CI 1.58, 9.67] in OSKP). No other within-population diabetic subgroup had significantly higher rates of TB. The only male diabetic group that had a higher rate of TB were RI plus OSKP men aged 50–59 years. Overall, diabetes preceded TB in 87/111 individuals with both diseases (p

Within the Apiales, the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) is by far the most important family, both economically and socially. Although it includes the carrot (Daucus carota), one of the world’s leading root crops, and other widely consumed vegetables such as parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), celery and celeriac (Apium graveolens), the family is perhaps best known for its remarkable diversity of culinary herbs, flavourings, condiments and spices, such as parsley, dill, coriander, anise, chervil, caraway, and cumin which are extensively used in cuisines across the world. It also contains several gum resins and a number of species are used medicinally, while some are poisonous. Several species play an important role as local food crops such as Arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza), a high-value cash crop for poor farmers in the Andes and Lomatium species whose starchy edible roots are used as traditional Native American food. On the negative side, the family contains several weeds and a notorious invasive species, Heracleum ‘mantegazzianum’ which can also cause severe skin blistering. Economically, the Araliaceae contains a number of important ornamental plants grown largely for their attractive foliage such as species of Hedera (ivy), Fatsia japonica, and Schleffera. It is also well known for a group of species known as ginseng, notably Panax ginseng and P. quinquefolia, which are renowned for their apparent stimulant, tonic and aphrodisiac properties. The other families in the Apiales are of little economic importance. The genetic resources and breeding of Araliaceous crops, except for carrot and ginseng, have received little attention, Within the Apiales, the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) is by far themost important family, both economically and socially. Although it includesthe carrot (Daucus carota), one of the world’s leading root crops, and otherwidely consumed vegetables such as parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), celery andceleriac (Apium graveolens), the family is perhaps best known for its remarkablediversity of culinary herbs, flavourings, condiments and spices, such as parsley,dill, coriander, anise, chervil, caraway, and cumin which are extensively used incuisines across the world. It also contains several gum resins and a number ofspecies are used medicinally, while some are poisonous. Several species play animportant role as local food crops such as Arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza),a high-value cash crop for poor farmers in the Andes and Lomatium specieswhose starchy edible roots are used as traditional Native American food. On thenegative side, the family contains several weeds and a notorious invasive species,Heracleum ‘mantegazzianum’ which can also cause severe skin blistering.Economically, the Araliaceae contains a number of important ornamental plantsgrown largely for their attractive foliage such as species of Hedera (ivy), Fatsiajaponica, and Schleffera. It is also well known for a group of species known asginseng, notably Panax ginseng and P. quinquefolia, which are renowned fortheir apparent stimulant, tonic and aphrodisiac properties. The other families inthe Apiales are of little economic importance. The genetic resources and breedingof Araliaceous crops, except for carrot and ginseng, have received little attention.

An electrically floating radiofrequency (RF) pre-ionization plasma source has been developed to enable neutral gas breakdown at lower pressures and to access new experimental regimes in the Caltech laboratory astrophysics experiments. The source uses a customized 13.56 MHz class D RF power amplifier that is powered by AA batteries, allowing it to safely float at 3–6 kV with the electrodes of the high voltage pulsed power experiments. The amplifier, which is capable of 3 kW output power in pulsed (

Anesthesia providers in low-income countries may infrequently provide regional anesthesia techniques for obstetrics due to insufficient training and supplies, limited manpower, and a lack of perceived need. In 2007, Kybele, Inc. began a 5-year collaboration in Ghana to improve obstetric anesthesia services. A program was designed to teach spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery and spinal labor analgesia at Ridge Regional Hospital, Accra, the second largest obstetric unit in Ghana. The use of spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery increased significantly from 6% in 2006 to 89% in 2009. By 2012,90% of cesarean deliveries were conducted with spinal anesthesia, despite a doubling of the number performed. A trial of spinal labor analgesia was assessed in a small cohort of parturients with minimal complications; however, protocol deviations were observed. Although subsequent efforts to provide spinal analgesia in the labor ward were hampered by anesthesia provider shortages, spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery proved to be practical and sustainable.

Ground stripping in the area of the proposed road reached depths of between 0.5-1m. Modern brick foundations and rubble demolition deposits in the areas surrounding the foundations were sealed by 0.2-0.3m of a mid grey brown silty clay topsoil and turf. No archaeological features were observed.

Six trenches were carried out before the construction of new student accommodation at the University of Hertfordshire's main campus in Hatfield. One undated gully and an undated pit were found.

One narrow trench was excavated within the area of a Scheduled Ancient Monument in order to facilitate the re-routing of an overhead power transmission line to buried cable along a new route. During this excavation no archaeological deposits, features or finds were observed.

The well-established advantage of low-frequency words over high-frequency words in recognition memory has been found to occur in remembering and not knowing. Two experiments employed remember and know judgements, and divided attention to investigate the possibility of an effect of word frequency on know responses given appropriate study conditions. With undivided attention at study, the usual low-frequency advantage in the accuracy of remember responses, but no effect on know responses, was obtained. Under a demanding divided attention task at encoding, a high-frequency advantage in the accuracy of know responses was obtained. The results are discussed in relation to theories of knowing, particularly those incorporating perceptual and conceptual fluency.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health problem for Aboriginal people in Canada, with high rates of clustering of active TB cases. Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination has been used as a preventive measure against TB in this high-risk population.OBJECTIVE: The study was designed to determine if BCG vaccination in Aboriginal people influenced recent TB transmission through an analysis of the clustering of TB cases.METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all culture-positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis cases in Aboriginal people in western Canada (1995 to 1997) was performed. Isolates were analyzed using standard methodology for restriction fragment length polymorphism and spoligotyping.RESULTS: Of 256 culture-positive Aboriginal TB cases, BCG status was confirmed in 216 (84%) cases; 34% had been vaccinated with BCG, 57% were male and 56% were living on-reserve. Patients who had been vaccinated with BCG were younger than unvaccinated individuals (mean age 32.4±1.65 years versus 45.0±1.8 years, PCONCLUSIONS: BCG vaccinated Aboriginal people were no less likely to have active TB from recently transmitted disease. BCG vaccination appears to have limited value in preventing clustering of TB cases within this high-risk community.

The Ontario Geological Survey and Canada Centre for Remote Sensing have developed methods for engineering geology terrain analysis using digital elevation models (DEMs) and remotely sensed imagery for remote areas within the boreal forest region of the Canadian Shield. Traditional methods of terrain analysis would be expensive because of the limited access and the vast area involved. Four main components of the terrain are considered: material, landform, relief, and regional drainage conditions. Landform (roughness) and relief are derived automatically from an analysis of a detailed hydrological-conditioned DEM. Regional drainage conditions are estimated from RADARSAT imagery with a mask based on the use of aspect and slope to limit the effects of topography on backscatter. Various types of analysis of LANDSAT imagery are then combined with all the above digital data layers to interpret material type. An automated method that first determines the relationships of the various layers of digital information in areas of known terrain conditions and then predicts terrain conditions in adjacent unmapped areas, is discussed.

Objectives The goal of this randomized study was to compare the incidence of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) and postdural puncture backache (PDPB), and the success rate between two small-gauge spinal needle designs used in women undergoing subarachnoid block anesthesia. Methods After Institutional Review Board approval, 215 patients presenting for tubal ligation were randomly assigned to have 26-gauge Atraucan (AT group) or 25-gauge Whitacre (WH group) spinal needles used in their spinal anesthesia. The number of attempts to successful cerebrospinal fluid return and the success rate of the spinal blockade were documented. Postoperatively, an investigator blinded to the study interviewed patients daily. Results The incidence of PDPH was similar between the AT group (3.9%) and the WH group (4.0%). The total duration of all PDPHs was 5 days for the AT group and 15 days for the WH group. Both groups had a similar one-attempt success rate of 61% (AT group) and 62% (WH group). Failure to obtain cerebrospinal fluid occurred in only one in the AT group and two in the WH group. The incidence of PDPB was similar and the severity was mild in both groups. Conclusions The low complication and failure rates make these two types of smaller size spinal needle design good candidates for dural puncture procedures, such as spinal anesthesia, diagnostic lumbar punctures, and myelograms.

A review is given of the major conceptual changes that have taken place during the last 50 years in our understanding of the nature of plant conservation and of the principal methodological advances in undertaking conservation assessments and actions, largely through the incorporation of tools and techniques from other disciplines. The interrelationships between conservation and sustainable use are considered as well as the impact of the development of the discipline of conservation biology, the effects of the general acceptance of the concept of biodiversity and the practical implications of the implementation of the Convention on Biological diversity. The effect on conservation policy and management of the accelerating loss or conversion of habitats throughout the world and approaches for combating this are discussed.

While only about 1-200 species are used intensively in commercial floriculture (e.g. carnations, chrysanthemums, gerbera, narcissus, orchids, tulips, lilies, roses, pansies and violas, saintpaulias, etc.) and 4-500 as house plants, several thousand species of herbs, shrubs and trees are traded commercially by nurseries and garden centres as ornamentals or amenity species. Most of these have been introduced from the wild with little selection or breeding. In Europe alone, 12 000 species are found in cultivation in general garden collections (i.e. excluding specialist collections and botanic gardens). In addition, specialist collections (often very large) of many other species and/or cultivars of groups such as orchids, bromeliads, cacti and succulents, primulas, rhododendrons, conifers and cycads are maintained in several centres such as botanic gardens and specialist nurseries, as are 'national collections' of cultivated species and cultivars in some countries. Specialist growers, both professional and amateur, also maintain collections of plants for cultivation, including, increasingly, native plants. The trade in ornamental and amenity horticulture cannot be fully estimated but runs into many billions of dollars annually and there is considerable potential for further development and the introduction of many new species into the trade. Despite this, most of the collections are ad hoc and no co-ordinated efforts have been made to ensure that adequate germplasm samples of these species are maintained for conservation purposes and few of them are represented at all adequately in seed banks. Few countries have paid much attention to germplasm needs of ornamentals and the Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center in conjunction with the USDA National Plant Germplasm System at The Ohio State University is an exception. Generally there is a serious gap in national and international germplasm strategies, which have tended to focus primarily on food plants and some forage and industrial crops. Adequate arrangements need to be put in place to ensure the long- and medium-term conservation of representative samples of the genetic diversity of ornamental species. The problems of achieving this will be discussed. In addition, a policy for the conservation of old cultivars or 'heritage' varieties of ornamentals needs to be formulated. The considerable potential for introduction of new ornamental species needs to be assessed. Consideration needs to be given to setting up a co-ordinating structure with overall responsibility for the conservation of germplasm of ornamental and amenity plants.