206 research outputs found
Handheld-Impedance-Measurement System with seven-decade capability and potentiostatic function
Get PDFThis paper describes design and test of a new impedance-measurement system for nonlinear devices that exhibits a seven-decade range and works down to a frequency of 0.01 Hz. The system is specifically designed for electrochemical measurements, but the proposed architecture can be employed in many other fields where flexible signal generation and analysis are required. The system employs an unconventional signal generator based on two pulsewidth modulation (PWM) oscillators and an autocalibration system that allows uncertainties of less than 3% to be obtained over a range of 1 kΩ to 100 GΩ. A synchronous demodulation processing allows the noise superimposed to the low-amplitude input signals to be made negligibl
Modified POF Sensor for Gaseous Hydrogen Fluoride Monitoring in the Presence of Ionizing Radiations
Get PDFThis paper describes the development of a sensor designed to detect low concentrations of hydrogen fluoride (HF) in gas mixtures. The sensor employs a plastic optical fiber (POF) covered with a thin layer of glass- like material. HF attacks the glass and alters the fiber transmission capability so that the detection simply requires a LED and a photodiode. The coated POF is obtained by means of low-pressure plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition that allows the glass-like film to be deposited at low temperature without damaging the fiber core. The developed sensor will be installed in the recirculation gas system of the resistive plate chamber muon detector of the Compact Muon Solenoid experiment at the Large Hadron Collider accelerator of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN
Language is purposeful. Some thoughts on teaching Systemic Functional Grammar
No full textThis volume is part of a Festschrift to celebrate the work of Donna R. Miller. The author is also one of the editors of this book. Her chapter suggests a reflection on the role of teaching grammar at university, with a specific focus on Systemic Functional Linguistics for non-native learners of English who aim to achieve a high level of proficiency in the English language. It is explicitly based on the guidance and inspiration Donna R. Miller gave her mentees and younger colleagues at the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures (LILEC) of the University of Bologna. The chapter looks at the methodologies used to teach this subject at the LILEC Department, and on the advantages and disadvantages of teaching this grammatical formalism at BA level
Noninvasive Solution for Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy on Metallic Works of Art
Get PDFMetallic works of art of cultural relevance are continuously subjected to corrosion as the environment becomes increasingly polluted. A fast and simple method to in situ assess the conservation conditions is therefore required. This paper describes the development and performance of dry and gel-based electrodes which can be used to assess the surface conservation state without the need to move the artifacts and which do not cause any damage to them. The electrodes can be used with a portable electrochemical impedance spectroscopy system, without employing electrochemical cells. The proposed solution does not provide all the information that one can obtain using an electrochemical cell, but it can discriminate between protective coatings. It can be used to assess the protective capability of corrosion product layers and natural patinas, and it can therefore enable a noninvasive routine surface assessment to be conducted that could be extremely useful for people working in the field of conservation of cultural heritag
Transnational and Intergenerational Uncertain Legacies in Jonathan Safran Foer’s Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
No full textJonathan Safran Foer’s Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2005) has been one of the first novels tackling the issue of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This essay looks at the novel within the framework of criticism related to the notion of precarity focusing on the issues of trauma and postmemory. It stresses the problematic lack of temporal distance from the traumatic event that is at the core of the narrative, while also emphasizing aspects such as the novel’s dialogic imagination, plurivocality, and intermediality. Questioning the possibility of the transgenerational communication of memory, the heteroglossia of the text does not produce a real dialogue among the characters. Yet, decentering the unilateral narration of the 9/11 attack – connecting it with other national tragedies such as the 1945’s bombings of Dresden and Hiroshima – and shifting points of view from the victims to the persecutors, Foer’s novel contributes to expanding the framework of interpretation for such collective traumas. A descendant of victims of the Nazi genocide, the author succeeds – at least partially – in fostering empathy for what is perceived as utterly “Other,” articulating a version of that ethics of vulnerability and precariousness (J. Butler) that seems to have been too quickly buried under the rubble of the Twin Towers’ collapse
What are patient goals after an anterior colporrhaphy operation?
No full textOBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe patient-reported goals after an anterior colporrhaphy operation for anterior vaginal wall prolapse, the fulfilment of goals, and the correlation with subjective patient-reported outcomes.STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study involving 100 women. Preoperatively, patients completed three modified questions from the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Vaginal Symptoms (ICIQ-VS) named ICIQ-VS short form (ICIQ-VS SF) and stated three goals for the operation. A telephone interview was performed 3 months postoperatively.RESULTS: A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score from one to 10 estimated the extent to which goals were achieved. Goals were divided into eight groups: 1: mechanical symptoms (bulging), 2: voiding symptoms, 3: quality of life (physical), 4: quality of life (emotional), 5: avoidance of urinary tract infection, 6: cure of incontinence, 7: sexual function and 8: others. ICIQ-VS SF preoperatively was mean 13.6 and postoperatively mean 1.7 (p<0.001). A total of 276 goals were stated, 63.4% of the goals were fulfilled with a VAS score of 10. The majority of the goals (27%) were in group 1 concerning symptoms of bulging. Mean VAS score for all goals was 8.6 (SD 2.5). Group 1 concerning mechanical symptoms of bulging had most goals fulfilled with a VAS of 10 (76%), and group 6 concerning cure of incontinence had fewest goals fulfilled with a VAS of 10 (31%). Forty patients (40%) fulfilled all their goals.CONCLUSIONS: Patient-described goal achievement was high. The majority of the fulfilled goals concerned mechanical symptoms of bulging, and goals concerning incontinence were the least fulfilled.</p
Design and fabrication of salicylic acid-based polyanhydride devices for wound healing and tissue regeneration
No full textWound healing and tissue regeneration after injury is regulated by inflammatory response degree and duration. Localized, controlled release of anti-inflammatory drugs at the injury site can modulate inflammation, thereby, controlling the wound healing process. This research uses salicylic acid-based poly(anhydride-esters) (SAPAEs) to release salicylic acid (SA), an anti-inflammatory drug, in a controlled manner for wound healing and tissue regeneration applications. In the first studies, SAPAE-containing bone regeneration devices were developed. SAPAEs were melt-cast as guided bone regeneration (GBR) caps onto osteoconductive scaffolds, then in vitro drug release was quantified. In vivo inflammation and bone regeneration capacity were evaluated. The SAPAE caps suppressed inflammation and had no effect on bone formation in a rabbit cranial trephine defect model. Second, SAPAEs were blended with polycaprolactone (PCL) and electrospun to create flexible GBR mats. Electrospun mat structure, mechanical properties, and in vitro drug release were determined. Mats were assessed in vivo for their ability to prevent heterotopic ossification (HO) in a rat femoral defect model. Initial studies indicate that the SAPAE:PCL blends prevent HO, but also inhibit bone regeneration in the defect site. Third, SAPAE:poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) copolymers at various ratios were developed for fibrous adhesion prevention. These, copolymers behave as viscous liquids at room temperature. Rheological properties, in vitro drug release profiles, cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory activity were assessed. Shear viscosities are comparable with FDA-approved fibrous adhesion barriers and have the additional benefit of drug release to modulate the excessive inflammation that causes adhesion formation. Fourthly, SAPAEs exhibit an initial lag period in drug release, which could be unfavorable in applications where immediate SA release is desired. By varying the amounts of small molecules incorporated into an SAPAE matrix with an 11-day lag period, immediate and constant SA release profiles were achieved. Overall, SAPAEs were utilized to create bone scaffolds and wraps to direct bone growth, as injectable adhesion barrier devices, and to control early SA release. All these approaches were focused on controlling the wound healing process with biodegradable SAPAEs.Ph. D.Includes bibliographical referencesby Sabrina Sachiko Snyde
Knotted Colours
No full textDescription: Hand-folded artists' book, 8 pages. Digital drawing, giclee printing on archival fine art smooth rag paper 300gm. Limited to 10 copies. Purchased for the collection: Edition copy No. 5/10 was purchased by the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead UK, for the 'BALTIC Plus' digital archive and physical research library as part of its Artists' Book collection. One page and bibliographic details of the artefact can be viewed in the online catalogue. This Artist Book is held in the BALTIC archive not the library and can be viewed by appointment. The Artist Book 'Knotted Colours' was exhibited at the one-day event titled 'Self-Publishing Artists' Market 27.04.19' together with a set of giclee digital prints (limited edition fine art prints) by the author. The BALTIC Self-Publishing Artists' Market 2019 showcased the work of over 50 artists, small press publishers, colleges and universities. The market and exhibition aimed to explore the relevance and value of print culture as well as giving artists the opportunity to sell their work. The author was one of the 50 exhibiting artists and organisations who were selected to participate by the BALTIC curators. The BALTIC Self-Publishing Artists' Market 2019 artists and exhibitors comprised: Andrea Allan / Janet Allsebrook / Steve Appleton / Elsa Bajracharya / Holly Birtles / Jade Blood / Ralf Broeg / SITE / Hugh Bryden / Burning House Books / Jessie Churchill / Cut and Paste Collective / Brittany Coxon / Peter J Evans / Theresa Easton / Folium Publishing / Peter Falkous / Francis Fitzgerald / Foundation Press / Barry Fox / Annalisa Furnari / Dawn Furness / Catriona Gallagher / Cath Garvey / Peter Grant / Johnnyx / David Henningham / Hole Editions / Nik Holmes & Jade Sweeting / Ann Jarmolowicz / Pete Kennedy / Tom Kindley / Georgina Lydon / Catherine Marshall / Leonard McDermid / NewBridge Books / Olisa Osanakpo / Tamsin Daisy Rees / Sabrina Schmid / Emily Speed / Cherry Styles / Richard Swan / Julia Vogl / Andrew Waugh / Ellen Welsh / Samantha Winnard / University Centre Farnborough / Newcastle University / Northumberland College
Class II major histocompatibility complex tetramer staining: progress, problems, and prospects
No full textCo-author Sabrina Vollers is a student in the Biochemistry & Molecular Pharmacology program in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (GSBS) at UMass Medical School.The use of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) tetramers in the detection and analysis of antigen-specific T cells has become more widespread since its introduction 11 years ago. Early challenges in the application of tetramer staining to CD4+ T cells centred around difficulties in the expression of various class II MHC allelic variants and the detection of low-frequency T cells in mixed populations. As many of the technical obstacles to class II MHC tetramer staining have been overcome, the focus has returned to uncertainties concerning how oligomer valency and T-cell receptor/MHC affinity affect tetramer binding. Such issues have become more important with an increase in the number of studies relying on direct ex vivo analysis of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells. In this review we discuss which problems in class II MHC tetramer staining have been solved to date, and which matters remain to be considered
Multi-Party Private Set Intersection Protocols for Practical Applications
No full textContains fulltext :
238046.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access)SECRYPT 202
- …
