cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Finishing steers on winter annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) with varied levels of corn supplementation I: effects on animal performance, carcass traits, and forage quality.

Crossbred steers (n = 72) were selected to study forage-based finishing systems using winter annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) with varying levels of grain supplementation. In December, cattle were allotted to 1 of 6 treatments consisting of ryegrass pasture (1 ha) with whole shell corn supplemented at 0.0% (0.0), 0.5% (0.5), 1.0% (1.0), 1.5% (1.5), and 2.0% (2.0) of BW, or an ad libitum mixed-ration grain diet in a drylot. Steers were randomly assigned to pens of 4 with pen serving as the experimental unit. Cattle were slaughtered by pen when average pen backfat thickness (as measured by real-time ultrasound) reached approximately 0.64 cm. Forage samples and disk meter height were taken from ryegrass paddocks on a monthly basis to determine forage quality and mass. Live animal performance, carcass traits, proximate analysis, Warner-Bratzler shear force, and sensory characteristics from the LM of the rib section were analyzed. Increasing the amount of grain in the diet of finishing cattle resulted in a linear decrease (P 0.05) affected by adding grain to the diet. Adding corn to the diet of cattle being finished on forage improved animal performance and decreased forage utilization characteristics in addition to improving the flavor characteristics of beef.
A new explicit algorithm for finite-deformation elastoplasticity and elastoviscoplasticity: Performance evaluation

Abstract The performance of a new explicit algorithm recently proposed for rate-independent and rate-dependent elastoplasticity is evaluated, including isotropic, kinematic, and combined isotropic and kinematic workhardening, as well as thermal softening, and noncoaxiality of the plastic strain rate and the deviatoric stress (or stress-difference, when back stress exists). The results are illustrated by means of several examples which show that the technique is incredibly accurate and always stable, essentially independent of the magnitude of the time or strain increment. For implementation in large-scale finite-element computer codes, a simplified version of the new algorithm is proposed, its effectiveness is illustrated, and its relation to the radial-return method is examined.
A Paleozoic Pangaea

Paleozoic paleogeographies should be consistent with all available, reliable data. However, comparison of three different Devonian paleogeographies that are based largely or wholly on the data of remanent magnetism show them to be inconsistent in many regards. When these three paleogeographies are provided with possible ocean surface current circulation patterns, and have added to them lithofacies and biogeographic data, they also are shown to be inconsistent with such data. A pangaeic reconstruction positioned in the Southern Hemisphere permits the lithofacies and biogeographical data to be reconciled in a plausible manner.
Effects Of A Nutrition Newsletter For Seniors on Actual and Perceived Knowledge of Food Labels

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To describe the effectiveness of a newsletter food label education program for older adults. The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act initiated widespread use of food labels (FL) to guide consumers in making more nutritious food selections. FL are potentially very beneficial to older adults, many of whom are following special diets. However, there are limited data on the impact of label-education programs for older consumers. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 5-issue nutrition newsletter (NL) FL education program. The NL was designed using communication theory and a geriatric learning framework. Each issue had a page describing FL and appropriate interpretations of servings and nutrient values. Subjects (n=480) aged 60-74y were randomly selected from a hospital database (n= 11,650); 386 persons completed the study. A treatment and control design was used with two treatment groups - those who received NL (NLONLY) and those who received NL followed by telephone calls to assess its use (NLPLUS). Outcome measures were: nutrition knowledge, a seven-item scale; and perceived nutrition knowledge, a 5-item scale with Likert-type responses. Both tests were administered pre- and post-intervention. ANOVAs were performed using SPSS. There were no significant differences among the three groups for knowledge and perceived knowledge before the intervention. Post-intervention, those who did not receive NL (CONTROL) had significantly lower knowledge scores than NLPLUS (p
Compression of an Infrared Spectral Library by Karhunen-Loeve Transformation

A data compression technique using factor analysis and the Karhunen-Loeve transformation has been applied to a library of vapor phase infrared spectra. Application of the compression algorithm results in a fivefold reduction in storage requirements for the spectral library and a corresponding reduction in search time. A search system based on the compression data has been evaluated and found to compare favorably with a search using the entire spectrum.
A thermogravimetric analysis of non-polymeric pharmaceutical plasticizers: Kinetic analysis, method validation, and thermal stability evaluation

Four non-polymeric plasticizers, propylene glycol, diethyl phthalate, triacetin, and glycerin have been subjected to rising temperature thermogravimetry for kinetic analysis and vaporization-based thermal stability evaluation. Since volatile loss of a substance is a function of its vapor pressure, the thermal stability of these plasticizers has been analyzed by generating vapor pressure curves using the Antoine and Langmuir equations. Unknown Antoine constants for the sample compounds, triacetin and glycerin have been derived by subjecting the vapor pressure curves to nonlinear regression. For the first time, the entire process of obtaining the unknown Antoine constants through thermogravimetry has been validated by developing an approach called the double reference method. Based on this method, it has been possible to show that this technique is accurate even for structurally diverse compounds. Kinetic analysis on the volatilization of compounds revealed a predominant zero order process. The activation energy values for vaporization of propylene glycol, diethyl phthalate, triacetin, and glycerin, as deduced from the Arrhenius plots, have been determined to be 55.80, 66.45, 65.12, and 67.54 kJ/mol, respectively. The enthalpies of vaporization of the compounds have been determined from the Clausius-Clapeyron plots. Rising temperature thermogravimetry coupled with nonlinear regression analysis has been shown to be an effective and rapid technique for accurately predicting the vapor pressure behavior and thermal stability evaluation of valatile compounds.
Needs assessment for support units in an R & D organization

The role and mission of an electronic fabrication support unit among project users and other relevant management personnel of a major national laboratory were studied. The inability to be cost-efficient for prototype development and low-cost volume-fabrication projects had resulted in criticism, dissatisfaction, and a poor image of the supporting unit in this organization. Given the difficulty in controlling allocated costs, the supporting unit may improve its image by differentiating the demands through separate organizations, cost policies, and integration mechanisms.
Bioinspired grasp primitives for a dexterous artificial hand to catch and lift a cylinder

Joint motion profiles from nine human test subjects were recorded while catching and lifting a cylinder. Significant differences between the two tasks presented themselves consistently across all test subjects. In general, initial rapid hyperextensions were observed while catching the cylinder versus simply picking it up. Slightly larger ranges of abduction were also seen for the catch, but, as expected for the cylinder, these were approximately symmetric across the four fingers. From the recorded motions, cubic polynomials were fit to the joint angle data to form two distinct grasp primitives. The joint motions of the test subjects were simulated in Simulink with a skeletal structure of the human hand as well as a model of the Shadow Hand. These primitives were subsequently used with the physical Shadow Hand by a human operator who was able to successfully pick up and catch a cylinder. An electromyogram signal measured from the forearm of the test subject was used as the input to the Shadow Hand controller. After a brief training session with the EMG-controlled hand, the cylinder was successfully caught in seven of ten attempts and successfully grasped and lifted in five of five attempts.
Temporal changes in intracellular distribution of protein kinase C during differentiation of human leukemia HL60 cells induced by phorbol ester

Immunocytochemical methods were used to study protein kinase C (PKC) distribution in HL60 cells during the entire course of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced differentiation. After an initial translocation of PKC from cytoplasm to plasma membrane, the enzyme was localized close to the nuclear membrane region at day 1 of TPA treatment. PKC was associated with nuclei at day 2 and with nuclei, cytoplasma and plasma membrane at days 3 and 5. Attachment of cells to substratum (day 2) was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of several nuclear proteins. At day 7, the differentiated cells became detached and PKC in these cells was largely cytoplasmic. In view of the crucial role of PKC in cell differentiation, it is expected that changes in its intracellular localization have physiological significance.
Geographic variation in the volatile terpenoids of Juniperus monosperma and J. osteosperma

Abstract The steam volatile leaf terpenoids of Juniperus monosperma and J. osteosperma were analyzed by principal coordinate analyses. Juniperus monosperma was found to have the least amount of populational variability of any juniper in North America analyzed to date. The major trend found was a east-west cline. Analyses of J. osteosperma populations revealed typical infra-specific variation with a major north-south trend. Some limited hybridization might be possible between the taxa south of Shiprock, New Mexico. In addition, several terpenoids previously tentatively identified or unidentified are now identified.
Assessment of methadone clinic staff attitudes toward hepatitis C evaluation and treatment

We used a 25-item, self-administered questionnaire to assess staff's perceived barriers and willingness to engage in onsite treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) at the Beth Israel Medical Center methadone maintenance treatment program (MMTP) at its Harlem sites. Of 80 participants, 50% were counselors and 24% were directly involved in referral or HCV testing. Although 92% of the MMTP staff indicated that they discuss HCV evaluation and treatment with patients at least annually, 70% believed that less than 25% of patients accept referral for HCV treatment and attend their initial appointment. Most staff (66%) supported onsite HCV evaluation and treatment, although support was higher among those with a bachelor's degree or higher (p = 0.046). Lack of infrastructure was perceived as the greatest obstacle to onsite treatment. Educational interventions and skill building for staff to confidently engage and support MMTP patients in HCV treatment may be necessary prerequisites for onsite HCV management in MMTPs.
Rapid determination of logarithmic partition coefficients between n-octanol and water using micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography.

Micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MECC) was evaluated as a rapid screening tool for the determination of logarithmic partition coefficients between n-octanol-water (logPow). The technique is performed by electrochromatographing a mixture of standards of known log Pow. The logarithmic capacity factor of each standard was plotted against its log Pow to form a linear calibration curve for a given set of chromatographic conditions. The log Pow of an unknown is calculated by using its chromatographically determined capacity factor and extracting the log Pow value from the calibration curve. The method was evaluated with a set of model compounds with known log Pow. The accuracy of the method was examined and found to be within the limits required for screening purposes. The correlation of log Pow values determined using HPLC and MECC for some novel compounds was examined. This technique allows the screening of log Pow at a rate of four samples per hour with minimal sample requirements (<μg) and with extremely small solvent waste generated.
Calculation of Hole Mobility in Ge and III-V p-Channels

We present theoretical results regarding the hole mobility in Ge, GaAs, InGaAs, InSb and GaSb p-channels with SiO 2 insulator. The valence subband structure is calculated self-consistently within the framework of a six-band k . p and finite-difference methods. Various scattering processes, non-polar (NP) phonon scattering (acoustic and optical), longitudinal-optical (LO) phonon scattering (Frohlich scattering, III-Vs only), alloy scattering (AL) (InGaAs only) and surface roughness (SR) scattering are included in the calculation. Dielectric screening effects on SR and LO scattering are also taken into account. The results show that Ge and III-V materials have great potential in enhancing hole mobility above the 'universal' Si value. The application of strain, especially uniaxial stress for Ge p-channels and biaxially compressive stress for III-V p-channels, is found to have a significant beneficial effect. Among strained p-channels, InSb yields the largest mobility enhancement. Our theoretical results will finally be compared with available experimental data.
Optical imaging of PKH-labeled hematopoietic cells in recipient bone marrow in vivo

This work describes an optical technique for characterization of the early stages of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) engraftment under physiological conditions and in real time. Bone marrow cells (BMCs) labeled with PKH membrane linkers were injected into conditioned recipients (B10-->B10.BR mice) preoperated for placement of optical windows over femoral epiphyses. Labeled cells were tracked in vivo by fluorescence microscopy. Cellular adhesion to the BM stroma was tested with laser tweezers, and viability was assayed by the propidium iodide (PI) exclusion test, as determined from energy-transfer measurements of the pair PKH67-PI in freshly excised femurs in situ. At optimal concentrations for in vivo tracking, 1-4 micro M PKH dyes neither impaired the viability of BMCs nor the capacity of allogeneic HSCs to reconstitute hematopoiesis in myeloablated recipients. The optical window allowed in vivo visualization of 23%-26% of the PKH-labeled BMCs in the femur. The homing efficiencies at 16 hours posttransplantation were quantified as 1.77% +/- 0.15% and 0.21% +/- 0.02% for syngeneic and allogeneic BMCs, respectively. In femurs excised 16 hours after transplantation, 70% +/- 9% of the cells were adherent to the BM stroma, and two-thirds of the cells were PI negative (viable). In vivo tracking and in situ assessment of labeled HSCs in recipient BM provide important quantitative and qualitative insights into the early stages of engraftment. Correlation of early events and the efficiency of durable engraftment serve as the basis for a systematic approach toward optimization of the conditions for transplantation.
Homogenized Milk: Is It Really the Culprit in Dietary-Induced Atherosclerosis?

Xanthine oxidase activity was assayed in commercial samples of homogenized milk subjected to pH ranging from 6.7 to 2.0 and held at room temperature for 5 min. Activity decreased sharply between pH 5.5 and 3.2. Below pH 3.2 no activity was detected. Also, rabbit anti-bovine xanthine oxidase failed to crossreact immunologically with xanthine oxidase of mouse milk. These results cast doubt on the hypothesis that dietary xanthine oxidase participates in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
Sporogony, development and ultrastructure of extrinsic stages of Plasmodium mexicanum.

Abstract Klein T. A. , Akin D. C. , Young D. G. , Telford S. R. , Jr. and Butler J. F. 1988. Sporogony, development and ultrastructure of extrinsic stages of Plasmodium mexicanum. International Journal for Parasitology 18 : 463–476. The sporogonic stages of Plasmodium mexicanum in the midgut and salivary glands of Lutwmyia vexalor were studied by light and electron microscopy. The sporogonic cycle of P. mexicanum maintained at 27 °C was completed by 6.5 days after an infective bloodmeal. Sporozoites were relatively short (4–6 μm) when compared to most other Plasmodium sporozoites. The nucleus, with a distinct nucleolus, was relatively large in the early non-vacuolated oocyst. Oocyst differentiation was initiated by the formation of subcapsular spaces and internal vacuolization which eventually coalesced and formed cytoplasmic clefts (sporoblastoids). Sporozoite formation was initiated early in the differentiated oocyst by the formation of a pair of convex electron dense membranes. A moderately electron dense inclusion body. a nucleus, and a single spherical mitochondrian were observed migrating into the evaginating sporozoite. Rhoptries and micronemes appeared to arise de novo from the moderately dense inclusion bodies which degenerated and were not observed in mature Sporozoites. After their release from oocysts, Sporozoites appeared in the salivary glands of L. vexator . Sporozoites were constricted at the parasite-host cell junction during entry into the salivary gland and were enclosed within a parasitophorous vacuole formed by the host cell membrane after entering the salivary gland cell. Sporozoites became extracellular as they continued to migrate into the lumen of the salivary gland, in similar manner to that seen when entering the salivary gland cell. The arrangement of the subpellicular microtubules (asymmetrically, with 2 3 of the microtubules occupying 1 2 of the sporozoite circumference, and 1 3 in the remaining half) was different from that observed in mammalian malarias, where all but one microtubule lie in two-thirds of the sporozoite circumference, but was similar to Plasmodium agamae , a saurian malaria. Except for the arrangement of the subpellicular microtubules, the structure and arrangement of organelles was similar to that observed for other Plasmodium species.
Efficacy of Skin-Directed Therapy for Cutaneous Metastases From Advanced Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Purpose To perform the first meta-analysis of the efficacy of skin-directed therapies for cutaneous metastases. Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for reports of prospective clinical studies published between 1960 and 2013 that assessed the response of skin-directed therapy for cutaneous metastases (47 of 2,955 unique studies were selected). Primary end points of the study were complete and objective response rates. Secondary analyses were preplanned and included subgroup analyses by skin-directed therapy, histology, and recurrence rates. Meta-analyses were performed with random-effect modeling, and extent of heterogeneity between studies was determined with the Cochran Q and I2 tests. Results After applying exclusion criteria, 47 prospective studies of 4,313 cutaneous metastases were assessed. Five skin-directed therapies were identified: electrochemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, radiotherapy, intralesional therapy, and topical therapy. Among al...
Infra-red spectra of 1:10-phenanthroline metal complexes in the rock salt region below 2000 cm−1

Abstract Infra-red spectra of twenty two metal-1:10-phenanthroline perchlorates together with spectra of the free ligand, its hydrate and perchlorate salt have been obtained in the region between 600 and 2000 cm −1 from Nujol mulls. In general, the spectra of the complexes were remarkably similar in their gross features and no obvious correlations with magnetic or other physical properties were noted. However, the results provide evidence for co-ordination in the case of the alkali metal complexes and also indicate a co-ordination number of eight in the alkaline earth, lead and manganese complexes. The compositions of all compounds studied were confirmed by elementary microanalysis and the list includes several new compounds as well as a few having compositions differing slightly from those previously reported. The interpretation of the principal features of the spectra is discussed.
971 THE ROLE OF LYMPHOCYTES IN THE MURINE MODEL OF ROTAVIRUS GASTROENTERITIS

Rotaviruses are major etiologic agents of diarrhea in man and many animal species, but symptomatic infection occurs mainly in young individuals. The murine model of rotavirus infection was used to investigate whether lymphocyte-dependent mechanisms primarily determine age-related susceptibility to rotavirus infection. Mature, athymic, nude mice were infected per os with rotavirus, and their clinical course and antibody response were followed. Nude mice and normal controls were both very difficult to infect, even though the viral inoculum used was 104 greater than that required to infect newborn mice. Of those mice successfully infected with virus (3/7 nudes and 8/11 controls), none became symptomatic. The duration of virus excretion was similar in nude and normal mice, but nude animals did not mount an antibody response like normal controls. Additionally, newborn nude mice cleared rotavirus infection in a manner similar to age-matched controls. These studies suggest that lymphocyte response and antibody production are not necessary for adult mice to recover from rotavirus infection.
Modeling Rehydration/Rehydroxylation Mass‐Gain Curves from Davenport Ceramics

Rehydroxylation ceramic dating, a new technique that has shown promise as an archeometric breakthrough, was applied to XIX-century samples of Davenport ceramics from Parowan, Utah in the United States. The samples were dried at 500°C to remove both physically and chemically bonded water and then exposed to a 20% relative humidity air to record the progression of rehydration/rehydroxylation over a period of 40 d. Both time1/4 and time1/n analyses were applied to the experimental mass gain versus time results in an attempt to find the most appropriate treatment for the data. The time1/4 analysis yielded poor reproducibility and nonideal fitting results to the Stage II mass gain, in which water reacts with meta-clays. Application of the time1/n model, where “n” is the rehydroxylation exponent, improved the apparent linearity of Stage II mass gain in small samples. However, the time1/n treatment still provided a poor fit to data from larger specimens, indicating that some secondary effects related to sample size and water transport may exist. To examine the effects of porosity and macrostructure on rehydration/rehydroxylation processes, a pulverized sample of the same material was analyzed, resulting in improved sample-to-sample agreement in time1/n irrespective of mass variations. These findings have implications on the application of rehydroxylation ceramic dating.
ALEXITHYMIA, AFFECT RECOGNITION, AND THE FIVE-FACTOR MODEL OF PERSONALITY IN NORMAL SUBJECTS

A total of 62 staff members from a general hospital participated in a study about alexithymia and the five-factor model of personality, measured by the Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the NEO Five Factor Inventory, respectively, and their relationship to recognition affect. Subjects with alexithymic characteristics were less able to recognize affective states in posed facial expressions and so may have modified their empathic capacity.
The mechanism of tapering on KDP-type crystals

The anomalous wedge-like shape of KH2PO4-type single crystals, also called tapering, is reconsidered. A reformulation of the problem is given on the basis of a detailed observation of the boundary between prismatic and pyramidal growth sectors by means of transmitted light polarization microscopy. A narrowing of both pyramidal and prismatic sectors can be identified to constitute tapering. The first being due to an overall retardation of prismatic growth layers caused by impurity adsorption, whereas the narrowing of the pyramidal sectors is due to the inability of pyramidal growth layers to reach the prismatic crystal edge. The retardation of pyramidal growth layers can be explained in terms of a change in electrostatic parameters near the crystal edge or by assuming a fundamental roughness of the crystal edge. A connected net analysis shows the presence of two equally stable {022} nets parallel to the pyramidal faces. In a polar environment this equality is broken, favouring a {011} double layer growth mechanism which can also explain in principle the low segregation coefficient for three-valent positive metal ions in the pyramidal growth sector.
Audit of group-based activities in an inpatient assessment and treatment unit for individuals with learning disabilities

Accessible summary A series of stand-alone groups were offered on an assessment and treatment ward for adults with learning disabilities. The group ran for 9 weeks and involved session themes of relaxation, sensory and physical activities. All individuals involved reported to have found the sessions useful and enjoyable. All staff involved reported that the sessions were helpful for the participants. The sessions helped individuals to improve their mood following the session. The sessions provided a practical way of introducing therapeutic activity to the ward and developing therapeutic relationships. Summary This audit is intended to investigate the effectiveness of a series of stand-alone groups delivered on an inpatient unit for individuals with learning disabilities. Our ward is a specialist assessment and treatment unit that provides brief admissions for clients with a learning disability, mental health difficulties and/or challenging behaviour. The aim of the unit is to develop an understanding of the presenting difficulties, formulate an appropriate intervention plan and implement this with the aim of successfully discharging the client back into the community following the shortest possible admission. Group interventions facilitated on the unit were drawn from a variety of evidence and best practice guidelines relating to specific interventions for individuals with a learning disability (Adv Psychiatr Treat, 11, 2005, 355) and more general interventions within inpatient settings (Clin Psychol Forum, 2009, 200). Nine sessions focused on a variety of relaxation, sensory and physical activity tasks. The objective of the audit is to investigate to what extent these interventions are perceived as helpful and enjoyable by clients and by staff, to investigate any positive effect on client's mood and to determine whether any particular activities were rated more favourably than others. Additional aims of the audit are to further understand some of the practical issues related to delivering group-based interventions in an inpatient environment, to engage ward staff in the delivery of therapeutic activity and to investigate the use of groups as an effective way of developing therapeutic relationships.
An assessment of the total estron stradiol-17β and estriol in high risk pregnancy plasma

Abstract A fluorometric method has been established for the simultaneous measurement of total estrone (E1), estradiol-17β (E2) and estriol (E3) using 1 ml of late pregnancy plasma. Serial determinations of the three estrogens were performed on fourteen patients in their third trimester of pregnancy. Mean E1 levels (5.3 ± 3.1 μg/100 ml plasma) were significantly higher (P
The p, V, T behavior of dense fluids V. The vapor pressure and saturated liquid density of xenon

Abstract In this paper we report precise new experimental results on the vapor pressure of xenon between 175 and 285 K; that, is approximately, between the normal boiling temperature and the critical temperature. The density of the saturated liquid is given in the temperature range from 175 up to 240 K. A comparison is made with previous results available in the literature.
Providers’ Perceptions of Medical Interpreter Services and Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Patients: Understanding the “Bigger Picture”

Patient’s ability to understand and effectively communicate health information facilitates disease prevention, self-management of illness, the adoption of healthy behaviors, and their ability to ac...
Synthesis and biological activity of carboxy verapamil a new derivative of verapamil

New analogues of the calcium antagonist verapamil (α-isopropyl-α-[(N-methyl-N-homoveratryl)-γ-aminopropyl]-3,4-dimethylphenyl acetonitrile) were synthesized. Carboxy verapamil (α-isopropyl-α-[(N-methyl-N-homoveratryl)-γ-aminopropyl]-3,4-dimethylphenyl acetic acid) was prepared by hydrolysis of the nitrile group of verapamil. Derivatives of carboxy verapamil could be synthesized by coupling substituens onto the carboxyclic acid moiety. All syntheses can be prepared on a microscale. The biological activity of carboxy verapamil was compared with that of verapamil by testing their ability to block the isoproterenol-induced slow action potential (APs) in guinea pig papillary muscle. Carboxy verapamil was about 10-fold less potent than verapamil in blocking the slow APs. The IC50 for carboxy verapamil was about 6 × 10−6 M. Furthermore both drugs had a similar frequency dependency. The effects of carboxy verapamil were rapidly reversed upon washout, suggesting that this drug may act on the external surface of the myocardial plasma membrane. In contrast, verapamil-induced effects are slowly reversed upon washout and it may exert is primary effects on the inner surface of the plasma membrane. Carboxy verapamil, because of its dipolar charge character may not readily penetrate into myocardial cells.
Converting SiO2 into crystalline Si for Si-based optoelectronics

This paper reports a low cost method of converting SiO 2 or silica based glass into crystalline silicon by simple thermal annealing of Ti/Al coated SiO 2 or silica glass slides. The studies were performed using Raman scattering and x-ray diffraction. The results suggest that it is possible to extract reasonably good quality crystalline silicon from SiO 2 based substrates. This technique may have a wide range of applications in Si-based optoelectronics and other industry.
Host Genetic Variation Influences Gene Expression Response to Rhinovirus Infection

Rhinovirus (RV) is the most prevalent human respiratory virus and is responsible for at least half of all common colds. RV infections may result in a broad spectrum of effects that range from asymptomatic infections to severe lower respiratory illnesses. The basis for inter-individual variation in the response to RV infection is not well understood. In this study, we explored whether host genetic variation is associated with variation in gene expression response to RV infections between individuals. To do so, we obtained genome-wide genotype and gene expression data in uninfected and RV-infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 98 individuals. We mapped local and distant genetic variation that is associated with inter-individual differences in gene expression levels (eQTLs) in both uninfected and RV-infected cells. We focused specifically on response eQTLs (reQTLs), namely, genetic associations with inter-individual variation in gene expression response to RV infection. We identified local reQTLs for 38 genes, including genes with known functions in viral response (UBA7, OAS1, IRF5) and genes that have been associated with immune and RV-related diseases (e.g., ITGA2, MSR1, GSTM3). The putative regulatory regions of genes with reQTLs were enriched for binding sites of virus-activated STAT2, highlighting the role of condition-specific transcription factors in genotype-by-environment interactions. Overall, we suggest that the 38 loci associated with inter-individual variation in gene expression response to RV-infection represent promising candidates for affecting immune and RV-related respiratory diseases.
Evaluation of a Structural Controls Model of Thermally Driven Cantilever Vibration

This work compares the results of a structural controls based formulation of a micro-cantilever driven by thermal excitation to measured data and weighs the impact of various factors that can affect cantilever measurement. Understanding of the dynamics of small cantilevers such as those used in atomic force microscopy (AFM) is important for many of its applications, especially those that involve observing a cantilever’s thermally driven vibrations. This work considers factors such as the fluctuation dissipation theorem, which places thermodynamic constraints on the spectrum of the thermal driving force, errors associated with photodiode calibration, and cantilever coatings. The structural controls model, which accounts for hydrodynamic loading as a feedback process, is presented and compared to experimental data. Additionally, a discussion of the model’s use for estimating (calibrating) the cantilever stiffness is given.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
84-Year-Old Man With Respiratory Distress and Abdominal Distention

An 84-year-old man presented to his local hospital after falling from his wheelchair. He had tachypnea and abdominal distention. Chest radiography revealed a right-sided pleural effusion, and abdominal radiography showed dilated loops of bowel, suggestive of bowel obstruction. The patient was then transferred to our hospital for further work-up.
Liberalism, Normative Expectations, and the Mechanics of Fault

In this review of Jeremy Horder's "Excusing Crime," Huigens argues that Horder's analysis of excuse in criminal law is flawed on two grounds. First, Horder approaches the excuses (which, in American terms, correspond to non-fault arguments instead of denials of responsible agency) with a normative jurisprudence that resembles and draws upon the normative jurisprudence of Dworkin and Finnis. This approach, which is prevalent in punishment theory generally, requires an adequate explanation of criminal law to be a morally defensible account of criminal law as well. The better approach is to consider the normative claims and requirements of criminal law analytically, from an internal point of view, following Hart and Raz. Second, Horder criticizes John Gardner's normative expectations account of excuse, and then elaborates it using liberal political theory. Not only are the claims of liberalism unnecessary once one abjures normative jurisprudence, Gardner's account is not improved by them. Instead, Gardner's account can be improved by refining his broadly Aristotelian approach. Two of Horder's three proposed excuses - an excuse for demands of conscience and an excuse for a hybrid defense of diminished responsibility and excuse - are examined and found wanting from this perspective.
Mapping the Spatial Distribution of Cell Surface Receptors with Plasmon Coupling Microscopy

A multispectral imaging modality is described for a quantitative analysis of plasmon coupling between noble metal immunolabels. The approach provides information about the spatial organization of the labels and thus of targeted receptor densities.
Acoustics and temperature based NDT for damage assessment of concrete masonry system subjected to cyclic loading

This paper represents a hybrid non-destructive testing (HNDT) approach based on infrared thermography (IRT), acoustic emission (AE) and ultrasonic (UT) techniques for effective damage quantification of partially grouted concrete masonry walls (CMW). This integrated approach has the potential to be implemented for the health monitoring of concrete masonry systems. The implementation of this hybrid approach assists the cross validation of in situ recorded information for structural damage assessment. In this context, NDT was performed on a set of partially grouted CMW subjected to cyclic loading. Acoustic emission (AE) signals and Infrared thermography (IRT) images were recorded during each cycle of loading while the ultrasonic (UT) tests were performed in between each loading cycle. Four accelerometers, bonded at the toe of the wall, were used for recording waveforms for both passive (AE) and active (UT) acoustics. For the active approach, high frequency stress waves were generated by an instrumented hammer and the corresponding waveforms were recorded by the accelerometers. The obtained AE, IRT, and UT results were correlated to visually confirm accumulated progressive damage throughout the loading history. Detailed post-processing of these results was performed to characterize the defects at the region of interest. The obtained experimental results demonstrated the potential of the methods to detect flaws on monitored specimens; further experimental investigations are planned towards the quantitative use of these NDT methods.
Unintentional power in the design of computer systems

Unintentional power is the ability to affect others even though one does not intend, or even foresee, the likely effect. Software designers and other computer professionals have this kind of power because computers instrument human action, and thus control it, or at the least guide it. Examples of this power are provided from accidents with medical technology and in the case of gender bias embedded within educational software. I also make some suggestions about what computer professionals can do, and ought to do, about the power their role gives
Alternative mechanisms for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and persistence: could RSV be transmitted through the placenta and persist into developing fetal lungs?

Purpose of review Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) represents the most common respiratory pathogen observed worldwide in infants and young children and may play a role in the inception of recurrent wheezing and asthma in childhood. We discuss herein the recent hypothesis that RSV vertically transmitted from the mother to the fetus in utero causes persistent structural and functional changes in the developing lungs of the offspring, thereby predisposing to postnatal airway obstruction. Recent findings A number of observations in humans support the notion that extrapulmonary tissues may be infected hematogenously by RSV and harbor this virus allowing the persistence of latent infection. More recent data from animal models suggest that RSV can be transmitted across the placenta from the respiratory tract of the mother to that of the fetus, and persist in the lungs both during development, as well as during adulthood. Vertical RSV infection is associated with dysregulation of crucial neurotrophic pathways during ontogenesis, leading to aberrant parasympathetic innervation and airway hyperreactivity after postnatal reinfection. Summary These new data challenge the current paradigm that acquisition of RSV infection occurs only after birth and shift attention to the prenatal effects of the virus, with the potential to result in more severe and lasting consequences by interfering with crucial developmental processes. The most immediate implication is that prophylactic strategies targeted to the mother–fetus dyad may reduce the incidence of postviral sequelae like childhood wheezing and asthma.
Perturbative calculations of selective adsorption intensity features

An expansion method similar to Feshbach's theory of nuclear resonances is developed to treat atom-surface scattering in the selective adsorption region. Intensity feature corresponding to resonances are clearly displayed in the formalism. Low-order results are used to correlate shapes of isolated resonances with the important Fourier components of the potential. Inelasticity is included via an optical potential, and its effect on rule-2 resonances in the He-graphite (0001) system is discussed. Intensities calculated with this method for the He-graphite system compare well with the exact close-coupling results. Calculations indicate that this method may be used to treat systems with corrugations greater than found in the He-graphite system, but that the corrugations in the He-LiF system are too large to allow a perturbation expansion.
Composition dependence of magnetic anisotropy and quadratic magnetooptical effect in epitaxial films of the Heusler alloy Co2MnGe

Abstract Magnetic anisotropy and magnetooptic Kerr effect for epitaxial films of Co x Mn y Ge 1− x − y grown on Ge (1 1 1) substrates have been studied systematically in the compositional vicinity of the Heusler alloy Co 2 MnGe. A large quadratic magnetooptic Kerr effect has been observed within a narrow region of composition centered around the Co to Mn atomic ratio of 2. The effect has been used to probe and quantify the magnetic anisotropy of the system, which is shown to have a strong sixfold in-plane component accompanied by a weak uniaxial component at room temperature. These properties are shown to depend sensitively on atomic ratio between Co and Mn, indicating the presence of an intrinsic composition-driven phenomenon.
Effect of temperature on the devitrification kinetics of NiTi films

The effect of isothermal devitrification temperature on the reaction kinetics and the microstructure of freestanding NiTi films have been studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The minimum temperature for complete crystallization of amorphous sputtered films was found to be 400 °C, and analysis of the nucleation kinetics yielded Avrami exponents between 2 and 3 for all films. Crystalline grains always nucleated first at the surface, grew laterally until impingement, then grew inward to form columnar grains. Surface roughness delayed the onset of surface nucleation. In very smooth surfaced films, multiple DSC exotherms heralded repeated nucleation of new wide, flat grains within the film interior. This secondary microstructure exhibited different kinetics than the columnar grains, and Avrami exponents consistent with a continuous nucleation mode.
The economic potential of a small scale flow-through tank system for trout production

Abstract This study analyzes the viability of a small scale aquaculture production system which is defined as the use of a flow-through tank culture with an average production of 12 000 pounds (5443 kg) of fish per year and a total investment of around $25 000. A comprehensive farm-level financial simulation model (AQUASIM) was employed to evaluate the profitability of the flow-through tank culture under different stocking density, output price and external debt scenarios. The simulation results indicate that the small scale aquaculture system has the potential to be profitable. High stocking density, high output price and the use of credit capital contributed to the economic viability of the system. The estimated breakeven price for the aquaculture system was found to be lower than prevailing market prices.
The influence of training on use of end-user software

Research in end-user software training has not addressed the issue of designing methods to influence use of software. The research reported here is based on a field experiment that compared two software training methods for Lotus 1-2-3. Applications-based training was designed to be more personally relevant than construct-based training with the expectation that personal relevance would lead to higher levels of use. Self-reported hours of use by applications-based trainees were higher, although only 38 of 70 trainees used the software after training. Post-training interviews were conducted to determine reasons for use and nonuse.
Perceptions of family communication patterns and the enactment of family rituals

This questionnaire study of 250 university students examined the relationship between perceptions of parent‐child communication (as measured by the Revised Family Communication Patterns instrument) and family ritualization (as measured by the Family Ritual Questionnaire), for both Asian‐American and Euro‐American samples. Family commitment to ritualizing correlated positively with conversation‐orientation for both samples and correlated positively with conformity‐orientation for the Euro‐American sample. In addition, routinization in the enactment of family rituals correlated positively with conformity‐orientation for the Euro‐American sample.
A musculoskeletal radiologist's view of nuclear medicine

The introduction of cross-sectional and multiplanar imaging techniques has not diminished the value of radionuclide bone scanning. Skeletal scintigraphy remains an extremely effective and relatively inexpensive tool for diagnosis of many disorders of bones and joints. The sensitivity of scintigraphy in detecting stress fractures approaches 100%, although it is less specific than plain film radiography. However, radionuclide bone scanning can reveal subtle early changes in bone metabolism. For evaluation of infections, particularly in patients with diabetic foot neuropathy, scintigraphy is the modality of choice, although a combination of imaging techniques may be necessary in previously damaged bone. Radionuclide bone scanning has retained its place in the evaluation of primary bone tumors and metastases, and in screening of patients with metabolic bone disease. The radiologist should be aware that although this modality is generally used as an ancillary technique in conjunction with plain radiography, conventional tomography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), at times it can be used as the primary modality not only for the identification of skeletal lesions but also to provide important information required to make a definite diagnosis.
A Novel Bidirectional DWDM-PON Using Single Light Source for Simultaneous Download, Upload and Video Selectcast Services

A novel bidirectional DWDM-PON system using single light source for download, upload and video selectcast is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. 10 G/1.25 G download/upload and 2.5 G selectcast are realized with their power penalties less than 0.5 dB.
Should the US allow prescription drug reimports from Canada

As a result of public outrage over lower prescription drug prices in Canada, Congress passed legislation that would allow these drugs to be imported into the US. The lower Canadian prices reflect price regulation. Opponents of allowing these imports have argued that the US will import Canadian price controls and that profits of pharmaceutical companies will be hurt. In this paper, a model is developed in which a good sold in the foreign country is subject to a negotiated price which is determined in a Nash bargaining game. When imports back into the home country are allowed, this negotiated price also becomes the domestic price. This causes the home firm to make fewer price concession in the Nash bargaining game. Home firm profits are found to rise under the reimport regime for both of the demand functions analyzed in this paper.
Lectin distinction of benign from malignant histiocytes

Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA) staining of malignant histiocytosis (two cases) and tissue infiltrates of monoblastic leukemia revealed two distinct macrophage-histiocyte types: one with cytoplasmic staining (RCA+), the other without (RCA-). RCA+ cells corresponded to benign-appearing histiocytes without nuclear atypia, whereas RCA- cells were cytologically malignant. In one case of malignant histiocytosis, many RCA- tumor cells were surrounded by a thin cytoplasmic extension of RCA+ cells, which suggested an interaction between the tumor cells and stromal macrophage-histiocytes. These observations support the view that most benign-appearing histiocytes in malignant histiocytosis are reactive in nature and suggest that RCA staining can be useful in distinguishing between benign and malignant disorders of macrophage-histiocytes. Cancer 56: 2046-2050, 1985.