cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IMPACT OF THE LOCATION OF THE DAIRY COWS IN THE BARN ON THEIR BODY SURFACE TEMPERATURE

The objective of the study was to determine skin surface temperature of dairy cows housed in tie stalls, according to their location in the barn. A total of 52 healthy cows were investigated, 31 of which were kept in “cold” stalls by the entrance to the barn and 21 in “warm” stalls located in the centre of the barn. Skin surface temperature was measured in 8 different body parts using a non-contact thermometer (Fluke 572 pyrometer). The results showed that skin temperature of the cows varied according to their location. It was significantly lower in the cows housed in “cold” stalls compared to those kept in “warm” stalls (P < 0.05). The difference was particularly evident for the udder, reaching 1.1C (P < 0.01). Skin temperature of the cows varied between different measurement points. In both “cold” and “warm” stalls, skin temperature was highest on the udder and lowest at the hock joint (P < 0.01). Time of day and air temperature outside the barn had a highly significant effect on the skin temperature of the cows. The lower the air temperature was, the lower was the skin temperature at all points of measurement (P < 0.01). It was found that the skin surface of housed cows subjected to increased air movement is at a greater risk of becoming hypothermic.
The mechanical and thermal structure of Mercury's early lithosphere

[1] Insight into the mechanical and thermal structure of Mercury's early lithosphere has been obtained from forward modeling of the largest lobate scarp known on the planet. Our modeling indicates the structure overlies a thrust fault that extends deep into Mercury's lithosphere. The best-fitting fault parameters are a depth of faulting of 35 to 40 km, a fault dip of 30° to 35°, and a displacement of ∼2 km. The Discovery Rupes thrust fault probably cut the entire elastic and seismogenic lithosphere when it formed (∼4.0 Gyr ago). On Earth, the maximum depth of faulting is thermally controlled. Assuming the limiting isotherm for Mercury's crust is ∼300° to 600°C and it occurred at a depth of ∼40 km, the corresponding heat flux at the time of faulting was ∼10 to 43 mW m−2. This is less than old terrestrial oceanic lithosphere but greater than the present heat flux on the Moon.
Rules for robust generation of accurate reduced-order models for high-speed coupled interconnections

Recently, robust algorithms have been established for passive order reduction of electrical models of complex interconnection networks. However, very little is known about the way the order of the reduced model should be chosen to ensure accuracy in subsequent transient simulation studies. In this paper, a rule is derived for the selection of the order of the reduced model for interconnections modeled as transmission lines. It is shown that pulse rise time, interconnection length, and physical properties impact the order of the reduced model. The proposed rule is validated through numerical studies involving both analytic and numerical results from the frequency- and time-domain response of multiconductor transmission line circuits.
Heavy oils A worldwide overview

Heavy oil is defined by the U.S. Department of Energy as having API (American Petroleum Institute) gravities that fall between 10.0° and 22.3° (Nehring et al., 1983). Extra-heavy oils are defined as having API gravities less than 10.0° API. Heavy oils are classified as such using API gravity rather than viscosity values. Two important distinctions must be made between API gravity and viscosity. First, viscosity determines how well oil will flow while API gravity typically determines the yield from distillation. Additionally, temperature and paraffin content can have a large effect on viscosity values while API gravity is not affected by these parameters.
Biodiversity, ownership, and indigenous knowledge: Exploring legal frameworks for community, farmers, and intellectual property rights in Africa

Drafted between 1996 and 2000, the African Union’s Model Legislation for the Protection of Indigenous Knowledge, attempts to redress the contradictory obligations of the international instruments affecting biodiversity, namely the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity, by establishing a new philosophical justification for farmers’, breeders’, and community rights. By approaching the question of property rights and farmers’ rights from the perspective of the community, the African Model Law is able to establish a legal framework for access to biodiversity, benefit sharing, and intellectual property that satisfies the needs and requirements of African states by balancing the monopoly rights of breeders against the rights of indigenous communities. D 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.
Health care use amongst online buyers of medications and vitamins.

Abstract Background With increased use of the internet, more people access medications and health supplements online. However little is known about factors associated with using online buying. Given the variable quality of online pharmacies, an important question is whether online consumers also have health care providers with whom they discuss internet information and decisions. Objectives To help address these gaps this study used the Andersen Model to explore (1) the characteristics of internet buyers of medicines and/vitamins, (2) the association between health care use and buying medicines and/vitamins online drawing on the Andersen health care utilization framework, and (3) factors predicting discussion of internet information with health providers. Methods The National Cancer Institute's Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 2007 was analyzed to study online medication buying among a national sample of internet users ( N = 5074). The Andersen Model of health care utilization guided the study's variable selection and analyses. Buying online and talking about online information are the two main outcome variables. Separate multivariate logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with online buying and factors predicting discussions with providers about online information. Results In 2007, 14.5% ( n = 871) of internet users bought a medication or vitamin online. About 85% of online buyers had a regular provider, but only 39% talked to the provider about online information even though most (93.7%) visited the provider ≥1 times/year. Multivariate analyses found internet health product consumers were more likely to be over 50 years old, have insurance and discuss the internet with their provider than non-internet health product consumers. Moreover, discussion of internet information was more likely if consumers had a regular provider and perceived their communication to be at least fair or good in general. Conclusions There is a clear association of online buying with age, frequency of visits and discussing online information with a provider. Although most online buyers visited a provider in the prior year, only a minority discussed the internet with them. This suggests a missed opportunity for providers to help patients navigate internet buying, particularly if they are a patient's regular provider and the patient perceives their communication as good.
A PC-Based Software Test for Measuring Alcohol and Drug Effects in Human Subjects

A new software-based visual search and divided-attention test of cognitive performance was developed and evaluated in an alcohol dose-response study with 24 human subjects aged 21-62 years. The test used language-free, color, graphic displays to represent the visuospatial demands of driving. Cognitive demands were increased over previous hardware-based tests, and the motor skills required for the test involved minimal eye movements and eye-hand coordination. Repeated performance on the test was evaluated with a latin-square design by using a placebo and two alcohol doses, low (0.48 g/kg/LBM) and moderate (0.72 g/kg/LBM). The data on 7 females and 17 males yielded significant falling and rising impairment effects coincident with moderate rising and falling breath alcohol levels (mean peak BrALs = 0.045 g/dl and 0.079 g/dl). None of the subjects reported eye-strain or psychomotor fatigue as compared with previous tests. The high sensitivity/variance relative to use in basic and applied research, and worksite fitness-for-duty testing, was discussed. The most distinct advantage of a software-based test that operates on readily available PCs is that it can be widely distributed to researchers with a common reference to compare a variety of alcohol and drug effects.
“She Gives Me a Break from the World”: Formal Youth Mentoring Relationships Between Adolescent Girls and Adult Women

Formal mentoring programs have historically tended to match youth with same-sex mentors; more recently, mentoring programs designed specifically for girls have begun cropping up in response to theories on gender and adolescent girls’ psychological health and development, which suggest girls have particular psychosocial needs and ways of relating. Yet, there have been few empirical studies that explicitly examine the relational processes in adolescent girls’ relationships with female mentors from the perspectives of the participants themselves. In the present study, qualitative interviews conducted with 12 female youth–adult pairs of participants (N = 24) in a one-to-one community-based mentoring program were analyzed thematically using a holistic-content approach. Examining these participants’ narratives about their experiences in the program, three interrelated relational processes were identified: (a) engaged and authentic emotional support; (b) the development of new skills and confidence through collaborations; and, (c) experiences of companionship that provided relief from daily stresses. Editors’ Strategic Implications: The focus on female dyads and relationships will richly inform further studies of the process of mentoring and provide insights for practitioners of a variety of gender-specific prevention programs.
The Depth-First Algorithm for Designing 2-D Single-State Block Codes

A two-dimensional (2-D) constrained system consists of 2-D binary sequences satisfying certain properties. Most of the 2-D constrained systems can be represented as a set of forbidden patterns, which should be avoided in the input sequences to the channel. This paper proposes a depth-first algorithm to search for single-state codes with rectangular codewords. The algorithm provides the optimal single-state codes, meaning that no other single-state code can have larger coding rate. For certain 2-D constraints, this algorithm has comparatively low complexity. The coding rate asymptotically approaches the capacity of the 2-D constrained system when the codeword size increases.
Nanoimprint Lithography for Functional Three-Dimensional Patterns

Nanoimprint lithography (NIL) is viewed as an alternative nanopatterning technique to traditional photolithography, allowing micrometer-scale and sub-hundred-nanometer resolution as well as three-dimensional structure fabrication. In this Research News article we highlight current activities towards the use of NIL in patterning active or functional materials, and the application of NIL in patterning materials that present both chemistry and structure/topography in the patterned structures, which provide scaffolds for subsequent manipulation. We discuss and give examples of the various materials and chemistries that have been used to create functional patterns and their implication in various fields as electronic and magnetic devices, optically relevant structures, biologically important surfaces, and 3D particles.
Holotranscobalamin: Not Ready for Prime Time

To the Editor: In their recent article in Clinical Chemistry (1), Valente and colleagues advocate that holotranscobalamin II (holoTC)1 become the primary diagnostic test of vitamin B12 status. I believe that study flaws undercut the authors' recommendation. Moreover, the validation difficulties extend to deeper, more basic issues that continue to limit translation of the holoTC concept, despite its theoretical attractiveness. Validation efforts have typically compared holoTC against serum B12 in general populations and have used imperfect tools with often-arbitrary cutpoints to define B12 status. Such approaches and their reliance on methylmalonic acid (MMA), despite its questionable diagnostic specificity, have been critiqued (2). Valente et al. reuse this model with just 1 modification, the substitution of erythrocyte vitamin B12 (RBC-B12) for MMA as the arbiter of B12 status. That innovation misfires, however, because RBC-B12 is probably an even poorer standard than MMA. No convincing data anywhere, including the references cited by Valente and colleagues, justify the report's assumption that RBC-B12 represents tissue B12 status. Very little is known about what RBC-B12 concentrations really mean. The measurement of RBC-B12 has been deemed insufficiently informative …
NAP: An Agent-Based Scheme on Reducing Churn-Induced Delays for P2P Live Streaming

Peer-to-peer (P2P) multimedia streaming provides a scalable solution for IPTV. However, delays from channel switch and streaming recovery are typically in the scale of 10-60 seconds, which have hindered the extensive commercial deployment of P2P systems. We call these two types of delays, churn-induced delays. Obtaining assurances on churn-induced delays in dynamic and heterogeneous network environments is a challenge. In this paper, we devise a simple, yet efficient agent-based P2P streaming scheme, called NAP, which reduces churn-induced delays. We first formulate the problems of minimizing channel-switching delay and streaming recovery delay. We then present the detailed methodology of NAP. In addition, we develop a queuing model for the P2P streaming scenario and analyze the properties of NAP based on this model. Our numerical study reveals the effectiveness of NAP, and shows that NAP significantly reduces churn-induced delays, especially channel-switching delays.
Partisan Polarization and the Rise of the Tea Party Movement

At the grass roots level, the emergence of the Tea Party movement can best be understood as an outgrowth of the increased conservatism of the Republican electoral base, and especially the more politically engaged segment of that base, since the 1970s. I present evidence from American National Election Study surveys showing that Republican identifiers have been trending in a conservative direction for several decades and that this trend has been most evident among the most active partisans. I then present evidence from the October, 2010 wave of the American National Election Study Evaluations of Government and Society Survey about the social characteristics and political beliefs of Tea Party supporters. The overwhelming majority of Tea Party supporters were Republicans and supporters were much more conservative than other Republicans. While conservatism is by far the strongest predictor of support for the Tea Party movement, racial hostility also has a significant impact on support. Along with their greater conservatism, Tea Party supporters were much more politically active than other Republicans. These results suggest that the Tea Party movement has the potential to strongly influence the 2012 Republican congressional and presidential primaries, putting considerable pressure on Republican candidates to embrace issue positions well to the right of the median general election voter.
The endocrinology of the opiates and opioid peptides

Since the isolation of the enkephalins five yr ago, there has been an explosive increase in knowledge concerning the effects of the opiates and opioid peptides. This review deals with the interactions of opiates with the endocrine system in rat and man. The opioid peptides have been demonstrated to exert a variety of effects on pituitary hormone secretion in rat and man. In the rat, opiates stimulate growth hormone, prolactin and ACTH release and inhibit the release of the glycoprotein hormones. In man, the physiologic role of the endogenous opiates appears to be involved predominantly in ACTH and gonadotrophin regulation. Opiate effects are mainly exerted at the level of the hypothalamus but further modulating effects may occur at the pituitary and at end-organs. Opiate-induced hormonal effects appear to be mediated through dopaminergic and/or serotonergic mechanisms. Recent studies have also suggested a possible local neuromodulatory role for the opioid peptides in the control of carbohydrate metabolism and reproductive processes.
Angiotensin II signaling in the brain: compartmentalization of redox signaling?

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a profoundly important signaling component of the renin-angiotensin system. Its principal functions are related to cardiovascular homeostasis, and its many targets include vascular myocytes, endothelium, cardiac myocytes, fibroblasts, diverse cells in the kidney and adrenal gland, and cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Ang II contributes to the physiological regulation in healthy states1 but can also induce or contribute to pathophysiological events seen in certain diseases.2,3⇓ The cellular effects of Ang II are mediated by its interaction with membrane receptors, of which two subtypes have been identified.4 AT1 receptors are found in vascular tissue, heart, and brain, whereas AT2 receptors are found in adrenal and uterine cells. Many of the downstream events triggered by Ang II binding to the AT1 receptor have been found to involve signal transduction steps that require reactive oxygen species (ROS).5–9⇓⇓⇓⇓ The generation of ROS in mammalian systems begins with univalent transfer of an unpaired electron to O2, yielding superoxide. As an anion, superoxide does not easily cross cell membranes, so its signaling domain is generally restricted to the subcellular compartment where it is synthesized. Superoxide is well suited to act as a signaling molecule because it is relatively reactive, but not excessively so. Dismutation of two superoxide anions yields hydrogen peroxide, an uncharged molecule that passes easily through cell membranes and can therefore transmit redox signals between subcellular compartments. Like superoxide, H2O2 behaves nicely as a signaling molecule because it is not overly reactive and can therefore diffuse toward its intended targets without excessively oxidizing other molecules along the way. Reduction of H2O2 with an electron yields hydroxyl radical, which is virtually useless as a signaling molecule because …
What Lies Beneath Seemingly Positive Campus Climate Results: Institutional Sexism, Racism, and Male Hostility Toward Equity Initiatives and Liberal Bias

This article presents qualitative results from a campus climate study at one predominately white university. Data analysis uncovered “what lies beneath” a seemingly positive campus climate. Gender differences in survey responses suggest that men and women experienced the climate in vastly different ways. Additionally, lack of deep diversity dialogue, hostility toward diversity efforts, symbolic racism, resentment of liberal bias, and larger issues of institutional sexism emerged as prominent and interrelated themes.
Measurement, generalization, and publication: Sources of error in benefit transfers and their management

Abstract Convergent validity tests of benefit transfer accuracy show errors to range from a few percentage points to 100% and more. This paper discusses three potential sources of errors that affect the accuracy of benefit transfers. (1) The measurement of values is subject to random errors and the caprices that arise from the many judgments and technical assumptions required by the researchers who conduct the primary studies. Measurement error occurs when researchers' decisions affect the transferability of measures of value or as the result of sampling. (2) Generalization error occurs when a measure of value is generalized to unstudied sites or resources. Generalization error is inversely related to the correspondence between study sites and policy sites. (3) Publication selection bias occurs when the objectives for publishing research limit benefit transfer applications of research outcomes. Criteria for selecting which research results are published may be at odds with the needs of benefit transfer practitioners. Several means for overcoming these sources of error are offered: standardized application of tested methods; closer adherence to benefit transfer protocol; the establishment of an e-journal with explicit criteria for fully recording, reporting, and disseminating research, which has the primary objective of estimating empirical measures of value.
Renal asymmetry in children with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease

Although for decades autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) was considered a disease of adults, our recent longitudinal studies on children from ADPKD families have shown that the disease is evident by ultrasound imaging in approximately 75% of children who are carriers of the ADPKD1 gene, the most common form of ADPKD. Here we report that, in contrast to adults, the disease appears to be unilateral initially in approximately 17% of children. Asymmetric enlargement of the kidneys is also frequently observed. This renal asymmetry can be extreme and lead to diagnostic confusion. We present 2 unusual cases of asymmetric renal involvement that we have observed during the last 10 years. The first is a 14-year-old boy who was scheduled for a nephrectomy to relieve pain and whose family requested a second opinion. The second is a 10-year-old girl who was diagnosed with ADPKD in utero by prenatal ultrasound. After birth, 1 kidney progressively developed cysts and enlarged, whereas the other had only a few tiny cysts and remained normal in size. A review of the literature shows that presentations like these often lead to a nephrectomy or surgical biopsy. A carefully obtained family history and examination of both parents with ultrasound can help to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures. If pain is a prominent symptom, it can be treated by cyst aspiration if there are only a few cysts or a single dominant cyst. The molecular mechanism for extremely asymmetric renal disease remains to be elucidated.
The Progress in Aluminum Foam Research in China

The aluminum foam materials have studied for the last 15 years in China, from laboratory experiments to industrialized scale. we can manufacture 800mm×2000mm aluminum foam board products. The essential parameters of our aluminum foam product are as follows, density: 0.3~0.6g/cm3; porosity: 77%~88%; pore diameter 5MPa. Some properties of aluminium foam materials were studied such as sound absorption, energy absorption, impact bending strength of aluminum (steel) plate/Al foam sandwich, etc.
Streptomycin Uptake by Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Data are presented indicating that (14)C-streptomycin uptake by tubercle bacilli increases as a function of exposure time, is directly and proportionately related to concentration, and involves at least two phases.
The anatomy of the grid: enabling scalable virtual organizations

The term "the Grid" was coined in the mid-1990s to denote a proposed distributed computing infrastructure for advanced science and engineering [4]. Considerable progress has since been made on the construction of such an infrastructure (e.g., [1,6,7]) but the term "Grid" has also been conflated, at least in popular perception, to embrace everything from advanced networking to artificial intelligence. One might wonder whether the term has any real substance and meaning. Is there really a distinct "Grid problem" and hence a need for new "Grid technologies"? If so, what is the nature of these technologies, and what is their domain of applicability? While numerous groups have interest in Grid concepts and share, to a significant extent, a common vision of Grid architecture, we do not see consensus on the answers to these questions.
Impact Of The Placement And Quality Of Face-To-Face Meetings In A Hybrid Distance Learning Course

As online and hybrid courses are becoming a wide-spread option for higher education, researchers are exploring various delivery methods. Hybrid courses involve blending two modes of interaction –both face-to-face as well as online. The exact distribution and timing of face-to-face meetings verse online delivery is a question that instructors have been struggling with since the inception of hybrid courses. This paper reports findings from a study evaluating course outcomes in an undergraduate business computer applications course based on the quality and quantity of face to face meetings at the beginning of the course.
Na(+)-dependent Cl-HCO3 exchange in the squid axon. Dependence on extracellular pH.

Intracellular pH (pHi) in squid giant axons recovers from acid loads by means of a Na(+)-dependent Cl-HCO3 exchanger, the actual mechanism of which might be exchange of: (i) external Na+ and HCO3- for internal Cl- and H+, (ii) Na+ plus two HCO3- for Cl-, (iii) Na+ and CO3= for Cl-, or (iv) the NaCO3- ion pair for Cl-. Here we examine sensitivity of transport to changes of extracellular pH (pHo) in the range 7.1-8.6. We altered pHo in four ways, using: (i) classical "metabolic" disturbances in which we varied [HCO3-]o, [NaCO3-]o, and [CO3=]o at a fixed [CO2]o; (ii) classical "respiratory" disturbances in which we varied [CO2]o, [NaCO3-]o, and [CO3=]o at a fixed [HCO3-]o; (iii) novel mixed-type acid-base disturbances in which we varied [HCO3-]o and [CO2]o at a fixed [CO3=]o and [NaCO3-]o; and (iv) a second series of novel mixed-type disturbances in which we varied [CO2]o, [CO3=]o, and [Na+]o at a fixed [HCO3-]o and [NaCO3-]o. Axons (initial pHi approximately 7.4) were internally dialyzed with a pH 6.5 solution containing 400 mM Cl- but no Na+. After pHi, measured with a glass microelectrode, had fallen to approximately 6.6, dialysis was halted. The equivalent acid extrusion rate (JH) was computed from the rate of pHi recovery (i.e., increase) in the presence of Na+ and HCO3-. When pHo was varied by method (i), which produced the greatest range of [CO3=]o and [NaCO3-]o values, JH increased with pHo in a sigmoidal fashion; the relation was fitted by a pH titration curve with a pK of approximately 7.7 and a Hill coefficient of approximately 3.0. With method (ii), which produced smaller changes in [CO3=]o and [NaCO3-]o, JH also increased with pHo, though less steeply. With method (iii), which involved changes in neither [CO3=]o nor [NaCO3-]o, JH was insensitive to pHo changes. Finally, with method (iv), which involved changes in neither [HCO3-] nor [NaCO3-]o, but reciprocal changes in [CO3=]o and [Na+]o, JH also was insensitive to pHo changes. We found that decreasing pHo from 8.6 to 7.1 caused the apparent Km for external HCO3- ([Na+]o = 425 mM) to increase from 1.0 to 26.7 mM, whereas Jmax was relatively stable. Decreasing pHo from 8.6 to 7.4 caused the apparent Km values for external Na+ ([HCO3-]o = 48 mM) to increase from 8.6 to 81 mM, whereas Jmax was relatively stable.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Genetic analysis of mutations affecting growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at low temperature.

A large number of genes control growth of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae at low temperatures (< 10°). Approximately 47 percent of the mutants selected for inability to grow at 4–5°C show increased sensitivity to cycloheximide. In 3 of 4 cases tested, supersensitivity to cycloheximide and inability to grow at the low temperature segregate together and thus appear to be effects of the same mutation. Since many cold-sensitive mutants of bacteria have been found to have altered ribosomes and since cycloheximide resistance in yeast can be caused by ribosomal changes, this suggests that the mutants having low-temperature-sensitive growth may be defective in ribosome-assembly processes at the low temperatures. Two of the lts loci, lts1 and lts3 have been located on chromosome VII and another two, lts4 and lts10 on chromosome IV. A mutation, cyh10, conferring cycloheximide resistance, but not cold sensitivity, has been located close to the centromere on chromosome II.
They Vote Only for the Spoils: Massachusetts Reformers, Suffrage Restriction, and the 1884 Civil Service Law

This essay examines why Richard Henry Dana III and other Boston reformers supported the Massachusetts civil service law of 1884, an even stronger measure than the federal Pendleton Act of 1883. Historians have uncovered two purposes behind civil service reform. First, reform limited the “spoils system” and curtailed the power of political parties. Second, reform increased efficiency in government. This essay argues that restricting the suffrage of Irish laborers was another purpose. Therefore, the essay runs counter to prevailing historical opinion by demonstrating that support for suffrage restriction remained an undercurrent in the 1880s, even after the failure of the Tilden Commission to implement property qualifications in New York City in the late 1870s. This exploration of a neglected topic also reminds urban historians of the deep ethnic conflict that gripped Boston in the 1880s and of the crucial role of patronage and bossism in Boston and other cities, a reality that historians since the 1980s have tended to downplay.
Review of outcomes from a change in faculty clinic management in a U.S. dental school.

Dental schools use a variety of clinic management models with the goals of promoting patient care, student educa- tion, and fiscal responsibility. In 2004, the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry transitioned to a more generalist model with these goals in mind. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of this clinic model change relative to the quantity of specific procedures completed by students. The quantity of procedures completed by each student from the classes of 1995 through 2009 were compiled from our electronic clinic management system and analyzed. The post-transition group (2004-09) showed a greater number of completed oral diagnosis and treatment planning and root planing procedures per student compared to the pre-transition group (1995-2003), but fewer crowns, root canals, operative procedures, and dentures. Because the higher procedure numbers were for low-cost procedures, our transition to a generalist model did not necessarily enhance clinic income but may support student learning and enhanced patient care.
Online Education Improves Canadian Dietitians' Attitudes and Knowledge Regarding Recommending and Ordering Multivitamin/Mineral Supplements

Purpose: To determine the attitudes and knowledge of Fraser Health registered dietitians (RDs) regarding recommending and ordering multivitamin/mineral supplements prior to and following an online education module. Methods: The educational intervention consisted of narrated slides with electronic resources. After undergoing external review for face and content validity, 6 attitude questions and a 15-item knowledge test were administered pre- and postintervention. The attitude questionnaire utilized a 5-point Likert scale and had a maximum summative score of 30 points. The knowledge test was worth a maximum of 15 points. Results: Of the eligible RDs (n = 123), 57 (46.3%) completed the study and 55 participants were included in the final analyses. Summative attitude scores were higher on the post-intervention questionnaire compared with the preintervention questionnaire (t = 92.5, P < 0.001). The proportion of correctly answered knowledge questions pre- (78.0% ± 10.0%) to postintervention (mean = 87.4% ± 6....
New Host and Geographic-Distribution Records for Helminth and Arthropod Parasites of the Southern Toad, Anaxyrus terrestris (Anura: Bufonidae), from Florida

Abstract We collected 18 Anaxyrus terrestris (Southern Toad) in March and May 2014 and July 2015 from Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Walton County, FL, and examined them for helminth and arthropod parasites. Fourteen toads (78%) were infected or infested with parasites as follows: 2 (11%) with Megalodiscus temperatus, 1 (6%) with tetrathyridia of Mesocestoides sp., 3 (17%) with Cylindrotaenia americana, 2 (11%) with 3rd-stage larval Physaloptera sp., 9 (50%) with Cosmocercoides variabilis, 10 (55%) with Oswaldocruzia pipiens, and 2 (11%) with larval Hannemania hegeneri chigger mites. We observed multiple infections/infestations of helminths and/or arthropods in 7 (39%) of these hosts. Herein, we report 5 new host and 2 new geographic-distribution records.
Pathophysiology of ureteropelvic junction obstruction: experimental and clinical observations.

AbstractWe compared experimental ligature-induced ureteropelvic junction obstruction in the dog with naturally occurring ureteropelvic junction obstruction in children to determine if clinical behavior and difficulties in diagnosis could be related to different types or components of obstruction at the ureteropelvic junction. Measurements of flow rate out of the ligature-obstructed canine renal pelvis demonstrated a pressure-dependent pattern in which flow increased linearly in response to increasing pressures. In 5 human kidneys with intrinsic ureteropelvic junction obstruction a similar pressure-dependent pattern was demonstrated. This was in contrast to 6 human kidneys with extrinsic mechanical ureteropelvic junction obstruction in which a volume-dependent pressure flow pattern occurred, such that urinary flow rate did not keep pace with increases in pelvic pressure. In some cases flow actually decreased at high pressures because the ureteropelvic junction became self-obstructing as the pelvis enlarged...
Scaffoldings and Spines: Organizing High-Dimensional Data Using Cover Trees, Local Principal Component Analysis, and Persistent Homology

We propose a flexible and multi-scale method for organizing, visualizing, and understanding point cloud datasets sampled from or near stratified spaces. The first part of the algorithm produces a cover tree for a dataset using an adaptive threshold that is based on multi-scale local principal component analysis. The resulting cover tree nodes reflect the local geometry of the space and are organized via a scaffolding graph. In the second part of the algorithm, the goals are to uncover the strata that make up the underlying stratified space using a local dimension estimation procedure and topological data analysis, as well as to ultimately visualize the results in a simplified spine graph. We demonstrate our technique on several synthetic examples and then use it to visualize song structure in musical audio data.
The Application of Probability Theory Analysis to Nonrandom Enumeration Data

Probability theory analysis requires conditions and assumptions which must be rigidly observed if conclusions are to be meaningful. This paper, based on a study of farm sales in southeastern Virginia, investigates some problems associated with probability theory analysis applied to data that comprise all available observations in the study universe. In such cases, typical statistics do not have the same heuristic meanings they have in an experimental situation. The assumptions and limitations of the analysis should be explicitly defined to aid subsequent users of the results in deciding what inferences may be validly drawn from the study.
Hyperon binding energy in Λ6He and Λ7He

The three-body approach based on the configuration space Faddeev equations for systems of non-identical particles is proposed to describe light hypernuclei (A =6,7, S =-1) with α particle clustering. We focus on the model (α +Λ) + n + n for Λ 7 He hypernucleus for which the first experimental data have been recently reported. New evaluation for hyperon binding energy in Λ 7 He is done by using a relation between energies of the spin doublet (1− ,2− ) of Λ 6 He and the Λ 7 He ground state. Energies of low-lying levels of Λ 6 He hypernucleus are calculated within the cluster α + Λ + n model.
The Effect of Carbon Black Surface Properties and Structure on Rheometer Cure Behavior

Abstract The cure behavior of SBR and NR compounds was examined using the Monsanto Rheometer. The three cure parameters—induction period (td), rate of crosslinking reaction (k2) and maximum increase in torque (ΔL)—were derived from the Rheometer torque curves. The data so obtained were used to calculate Westlinning's αF-values. It was shown that (1) k2 decreases with increasing total acid concentration at the carbon black surface and (2) the value of αF is related to the filler structure and the crosslink density of the rubber matrix. It was also demonstrated that the crosslink density, as measured by ΔL, is influenced by the surface chemistry of carbon black. In SBR stocks the crosslink density increases with increasing total acid concentration, while in NR compounds the reverse is true. These findings were confirmed by examining the tensile properties of regular and oxidized HAF-LS black in SBR and NR compositions. Thus the effect of carbon black surface chemistry on crosslink density can be estimated, ...
In vivo Imaging of Tumors Using Multiphoton Fluorescence and Second Harmonic Generation

In this tutorial we will discuss how epifluorescence microscopy, confocal laser-scanning microscopy, and multiphoton laser-scanning microscopy are used to provide a detailed understanding of the pathophysiology of living tumors.
Fluid simulation for interactive applications based on particle system

In order to simulate the real interactive behavior of flow,this paper presented a method for physical fluid simulation using particle system based on the smooth particle hydrodynamics method.This method introduced a nearest neighbor particle searching method with the octree and adopted double virtual particle to build the boundary condition.At last,implemented an interaction between fluid and obstruction in real-time three-dimensional virtual scene.This method is completely effective and feasibly for fluid simulation.
Absence of immunohistochemical metallothionein staining in bladder tumor specimens predicts response to neoadjuvant cisplatin, methotrexate and vinblastine chemotherapy.

AbstractPre-chemotherapy bladder tumor tissue was retrospectively analyzed in 21 patients treated with neoadjuvant cisplatin, methrotrexate and vinblastine. Immunohistochemical staining for 2 proposed mediators of drug resistance, p-glycoprotein and metallothionein, was performed and compared to chemotherapeutic response and survival. There was no significant relationship between staining for p-glycoprotein and the response to chemotherapy or survival. Patients with no detectable staining for metallothionein were statistically more likely to sustain a complete pathological response (p = 0.029) after chemotherapy than those with any detectable staining. No relationship between metallothionein immunostaining and survival was apparent. This study offers further evidence linking metallothionein in tumor resistance to cisplatin containing chemotherapy regimens.
Influence of carbon nanotubes and graphene nanosheets on photothermal effect of hydroxyapatite.

Abstract Herein we present a successful strategy for enhancement of photothermal efficiency of hydroxyapatite (HAP) by its conjugation with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanosheets (GR). Owing to excellent biocompatibility with human body and its non-toxicity, implementation of HAP based nanomaterials in photothermal therapy (PTT) provides non-replaceable benefits over PTE agents. Therefore, in this report, it has been experimentally exploited that the photothermal effect (PTE) of HAP has significantly improved by its assembly with CNTs and GR. It is found that the type of carbon nanomaterial used to conjugate with HAP has influence on its PTE in such a way that the photothermal efficiency of GR-HAP was higher than CNTs-COOH-HAP under exposure to 980 nm near-infrared (NIR) laser. The temperature attained by aqueous dispersions of both CNTs-COOH-HAP and GR-HAP after illuminating to NIR radiations for 7 min was found to be above 50 °C, which is beyond the temperature tolerance of cancer cells. So that the rise in temperature shown by both CNTs-COOH-HAP and GR-HAP is enough to induce the death of tumoral or cancerous cells. Overall, this approach in modality of HAP with CNTs and GR provide a great potential for development of future nontoxic PTE agents.
The Dynamics of Intraday Trade-time Outcomes

Separating trading activity from trading volume, we identify systematic time-varying sources of intraday calendar-time return volatility. Like trading volume, the inverse of the time it takes stock-specific fixed-dollar positions to trade evolves according to a U-shaped pattern over the trading day. However, the associated trade-time return volatility falls over the day: the higher calendar-time volatility near close solely reflects the greater trading volumes. We find that controlling for time-of-day seasonalities, trade-time return volatility and price impacts are inversely related to trading activity. Moreover, it is trading activity, not trading location or order type, that underlies these patterns. We provide evidence that unexpected trading activity drives patterns early in the day, while expected activity matters more later. Our findings support predictions of models featuring strategic inventory-rebalancing traders who target closing positions, and underscore the importance of imperfectly-competitive liquidity provision in driving price impact-activity relationships --- larger price impacts in less active markets.
Information literacy skills in the workplace: Examining early career advertising professionals

ABSTRACTThis study used content analysis to examine job postings from advertising agencies to find how often information literacy (IL) skills were seen in the job posts and how these skills manifest themselves. Five out of the six IL skills were seen in at least 41% of the job postings, however the skill of synthesizing information was rarely mentioned. It was also found evaluating data and using data software is performed by advertisers. This study concludes with asking librarians to introduce marketing students to more data and calls on librarians to consider the context in which IL skills are used.
Low temperature sintered giant dielectric permittivity CaCu3Ti4O12 sol-gel synthesized nanoparticle capacitors

This paper reports on synthesis of polycrystalline complex perovskite CaCu3Ti4O12 (as CCTO) ceramic powders prepared by a sol–gel auto combustion method at different sintering temperatures and sintering times, respectively. The effect of sintering time on the structure, morphology, dielectric and electrical properties of CCTO ceramics is investigated. Tuning the electrical properties via different sintering times is demonstrated for ceramic samples. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies confirm perovskite-like structure at room temperature. Abnormal grain growth is observed for ceramic samples. Giant dielectric permittivity was realized for CCTO ceramics. High dielectric permittivity was attributed to the internal barrier layer capacitance (IBLC) model associated with the Maxwell–Wagner (MW) polarization mechanism.
A coreless permanent-magnet machine for a magnetically levitated shaft-less flywheel

This paper proposes a framework for the design of a coreless permanent magnet (PM) machine for a 100 kWh shaft-less high strength steel flywheel energy storage system (SHFES). The PM motor/generator is designed to meet the required specs in terms of torque-speed and power-speed characteristics given by the application. The design challenges of a motor/generator for this architecture include: the poor flux paths due to a large scale solid carbon steel rotor and zero-thermal convection of the airgap due to operation of the machine in vacuum. In order to tackle these challenges, several other parameters such as a proper number of magnets and slots combination, wire thickness, number of turns in each coil, magnets with high saturated flux density and magnets size are carefully considered in the proposed design framework. Magnetic levitation allows the use of a coreless stator that is placed on a supporting structure. The motor/generator is designed and simulated using a finite element analysis (FEA) package. The torque, power, and speed determined by the FEA electromagnetic analysis are met by the application design requirements and constraints for both the charging and discharging modes. Finally, the design and analysis of the coil holding structures are also discussed.
Implementation of a Standardized Medication Therapy Management Plus Approach within Primary Care

Purpose The purpose of this study was to implement a clinical pharmacist-led medication therapy management (MTM) service within a primary-care setting that is enhanced by 1) a clinical decision support system (CDSS) that includes a unique combination of medication risk mitigation factors, which aids the pharmacist in interpreting the medication profile, and 2) pharmacogenomics (PGx) testing. Methods This was a service implementation study, whereby Medicare beneficiaries were eligible if they were patients of Elmwood Family Physicians, a private family, primary care practice with 2 locations in New Jersey, and were on at least 7 medications. Patients had a medication reconciliation completed by a pharmacist and performed a PGx buccal swab. Patient information was run through a CDSS to aid the pharmacist with screening for multidrug interactions and assessing patient's medication-related risks. The output of the CDSS was used to create recommendations and provide a consult to the physicians. Recommendations were followed up by return of the consult. Results Enrolled patients used a mean (± standard deviation) of 12.1 (± 4.6) medications. The turnaround time for the MTM Plus consults was 11.7 (± 6.2) days. During the consults, the pharmacist identified 138 medication-related problems (MRPs). The most common MRPs were drug-drug interactions (29.0%) and drug-gene interactions (DGIs; 24.6%). Conclusion Implementing a clinical pharmacist-led MTM Plus service in the primary care setting is feasible. This study highlights that DGIs are common in older adults in family practice and indicates that PGx testing identifies additional MRPs that may otherwise go unnoticed in these patients. The experiences we shared can aid other clinicians in establishing successful MTM Plus services. Future studies should also measure the impact of such personalized medicine services on economic, clinical, and humanistic outcomes. This study has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (study No. NCT02748148).