3,268 research outputs found
The recording of family functionality through clinical rating, self-assessment in surveys and interaction monitoring - a method comparison
No full textThe recording of family functionality through clinical rating, self-assessment in surveys and interaction monitoring - a method comparison
No full textThe spatio-temporal structure of spiral-defect chaos
No full textWe present a study of the recently discovered spatially extended chaotic state known as spiral-defect chaos, which occurs in low-Prandtl number, large-aspect ratio Rayleigh-Bénard convection. We employ the modulus squared of the space-time Fourier transform of time series of two-dimensional shadowgraph images to construct the structure factor S(k, omega). This analysis is used to characterize the average spatial and temporal scales of the chaotic state. We find that the correlation length and time can be described by power law dependences on the reduced Rayleigh number epsilon. These power laws have as yet no theoretical explanation
Short Text Authorship Attribution via Sequence Kernels, Markov Chains and Author Unmasking: An Investigation
No full textWe present an investigation of recently proposed character and word sequence kernels for the task of authorship attribution based on relatively short texts. Performance is compared with two corresponding probabilistic approaches based on Markov chains. Several configurations of the sequence kernels are studied on a relatively large dataset (50 authors), where each author covered several topics. Utilising Moffat smoothing, the two probabilistic approaches obtain similar performance, which in turn is comparable to that of character sequence kernels and is better than that of word sequence kernels. The results further suggest that when using a realistic setup that takes into account the case of texts which are not written by any hypothesised authors, the amount of training material has more influence on discrimination performance than the amount of test material. Moreover, we show that the recently proposed author unmasking approach is less useful when dealing with short texts.
Improved Speed Extension for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generators by Means of Winding Reconfiguration
No full textWith the increased development of electrical subsystems onboard modern transportation platforms, e.g., more electric aircrafts or more electric ships, the need for electric generation systems has increased. Since many motors require electric starting capability, the application of the starter/generator has been the focus of several studies. The peculiarity of such a system is its requirement for high torque at low speed (for the starting) as well as an extended operation range during the normal generation operations. This mismatch between maximum torque and speed comes at the expense of the power density of the electronic converter, which needs to be designed for the worst case situation and, due to the electric machine optimization, often requires field weakening operations. A new winding reconfiguration is proposed to achieve speed extension and provide more potentiality for high-speed applications. This work compares different power trains in terms of efficiency current stress for electric machines. Hardware-in-the-loop results are adopted to verify the practical implementation of the control systems
Anti-inflammatory effects of atorvastatin on peripheral blood mononuclear cells and synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis
No full textObjective: Statins, such as atorvastatin (ATV), are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors known to exert lipid-lowering but also anti-inflammatory, effects. In this study, we analysed the in vitro effects of ATV on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory joint disease. Methods: PBMCs isolated from 25 RA patients and 20 healthy blood donors were stimulated in vitro with 0.1 mu M ATV for 24 h. PBMC cultures were analysed for cell surface markers to characterize T-cell subtypes (CD4, CD8, CD69, HLA-DR) by flow cytometry and for T helper cell type 1 (Th1) and type 2 (Th2) cytokines [interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-10] in culture supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, RNA isolated from ATV-stimulated RA-FLS pre- and post-ATV stimulation was analysed by microarray and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: Flow cytometric analysis of T-cell subsets revealed no significant differences for CD4, CD8, CD69, and HLA-DR surface marker expression of PBMCs in RA patients and healthy controls after ATV stimulation. However, the proportion of IFN-gamma expressing CD4(+) T cells and the IFN-gamma cytokine concentrations in culture supernatants were significantly reduced in T-cell cultures from RA patients. In ATV-stimulated FLS a significant downregulation of proinflammatory cytokine (IL-6) and chemokine (IL-8) expression was detected (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates a marked in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of ATV in RA including a systemic effect on a pathogenic CD4(+) T-cell population (Th1) and a local effect on FLS. These findings may provide a scientific rationale for statins as add-on therapy in RA
A hydrotectonic model of a geothermal reservoir - A study in Lahendong, Indonesia
No full textIn this study tectonic structural features and their hydraulic characteristics of fault zones were integrated into a consistent hydrotectonic model of the Lahendong geothermal reservoir, Indonesia. Moreover, these elements were analysed with respect to their relevance for the operation of the geothermal power plant at initial conditions, i.e. before the start of operation. The complex tectonic setting with volcanic activity provides evidence for relevant structural and hydrogeological elements, such as fault zones, surface spring discharge and joints at different spatial scales. The study area is highly variable with respect to hydraulic properties and chemical composition of the fluids. It consists of two types of fluids. Acid brine water with a pH of around 3 and an electrical conductivity ranging between 462011 mu S/cm and 9700 p,S/cm is characteristic for the reservoir in the North with temperatures up to 274 C. A moderate pH between 4 and 7, an electrical conductivity in the range of 400-1730 mu S/cm and temperatures of up to 340 C characterise the southern study area. The Lahendong geothermal field is subdivided into two sub-reservoirs. Faults are less permeable perpendicular to the strike of the faults than parallel to the strike. The characteristics of the complex reservoir system could be explained by the combination of hydrotectonics and hydrogeological parameters. Understanding the permeability distribution along fault zones is crucial to investigate subsurface fluid pathways as well as to sustainably use the reservoir. A compartmentalisation of the reservoir was derived from a stress field analysis of the tectonic elements and from hydrogeological observations. The information on underground fluid flow is essential to understand the subsurface flow of geothermal fluids. Here, the permeability of structures is identified as the limiting factor. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) [03G0753A
First operational results of a high temperature energy storage with packed bed and integration potential in CSP plants
No full textEpigrafía maya: Tabasco
No full textLa información de esta miniguía está basada en los trabajos de M. Coe, N. Grove, S. Guenter, S. Martín, P. Mathews, Linda Schele, D. Stuart y M. U. Zender.Cuatro de las grandes culturas desarrolladas en Mesoamérica poseían un sistema propio de escritura: zapoteca, maya, mixteca y náhuatl. La escritura maya fue el sistema más complejo y el que más correspondencia tuvo con la lengua hablada. Parece haber surgido alrededor del 100 o 200 d.C., y según la mitología fue el dios ltzamná quien la inventó. Sus últimas expresiones se sitúan alrededor de 1696. Los mayas utilizaron diferentes soportes para plasmar la escritura y su historia escrita, como códices de papel vasijas de barro, textiles, pieles, estelas y altares de piedra, dinteles y cajas de madera, pendientes de hueso y hasta finas puntas de cola de mantarraya, entre otros.</p
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