cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methods for the surface functionalization of γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles with initiators for atom transfer radical polymerization and the formation of core–shell inorganic–polymer structures

Carboxylic acid capped γ-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles were prepared by the standard decomposition of Fe(CO) 5 in di-n-octyl ether and oleic acid. Two methods were employed to introduce surface functionality to the nanoparticles. First, a thermally stable, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-protected hydroxyl group was incorporated into the carboxylic acid surfactant used during the synthesis. Subsequent deprotection and transformation installed a 2-bromopropionyl ester group on the particle surface (the functional-group-interchange method). The resulting nanoparticles were 4.53 nm in average diameter and were characterized with IR spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction, and elemental analysis. Second, a 2-bromopropionyl ester group was installed on the particle surface after synthesis via the exchange of the surface oleic acid with a carboxylic acid containing the desired 2-bromopropionyl ester unit (the ligand-exchange method). The resulting nanoparticles were 4.30 nm in average diameter and were characterized with IR spectroscopy, TEM, and elemental analysis. Monitoring the percentage of bromine incorporated into the nanoparticle sample versus the ligand-exchange reaction time indicated that the number of initiator-containing carboxylic acids that could be exchanged onto the surface was limited, presumably by the steric size of the 2-bromo-propionyl ester group. Styrene was then polymerized directly off γ-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles, and this yielded hybrid core-shell structures. The measurements of the magnetic properties of the samples demonstrated that the magnetism of the core γ-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticle did not change during the performance of the chemical transformations.
A new energy-efficient approach to high vacuum pumping

Abstract Recent experiments have shown that an efficienty trapped mechanical rotary pump operating with completely degassed oil is capable of pressures in the 10 −7 mbar range. By greatly enlarging the zeolite trap and mounting it immediately adjacent to the work chamber it can be made to funtion simultaneously as a high speed sorption pump for vapours. Outgassed vapours from the work chamber and vapours originating from the pump oil are both pumped by the zeolite. The zeolite is operated at room temperature except during bakeout and is maintained at very low surface coverages to obtain corresponding low equilibrium pressures of water and hydrocarbons. Gases which are not sorbed by the zeolite are pumped by the mechanical pump. Vapour pumping continues for periods of months even when all power to the system is shut down. High vacuum is attainable within a few minutes after reapplying power. If desired, the zeolite can be cooled to raise the pumping speeds for all gases to approximately those for vapours, and to reduce ultimate pressures to the 10 −8 mbar range. This principle can be used as the basis for practical pumping systems which provide clean high vacua with low power consumption. Two pumping stations with speeds for vapours in the 12/s −1 and 400ls −1 range, respectively, are discussed.
A new mechanism for methane production from methyl-coenzyme M reductase as derived from density functional calculations.

We propose a new DFT-based mechanism for methane production using the full F430 cofactor of MCR (methyl-coenzyme M reductase) along with a coordinated OCH2CH2C(H)NH2C(H)O (surrogate for glutamine) as a model of the active site for conversion of CH3SCoM- (CH3SCH2CH2SO3-) + HSCoB to methane plus the corresponding heterodisulfide. The cycle begins with the protonation of F430, either on Ni or on the C-ring nitrogen of the tetrapyrrole ring, both of which are nearly equally favorable. The C-ring protonated form is predicted to oxidatively add CH3SCoM- to give a 4-coordinate Ni center where the Ni moves out of the plane of the four ring nitrogens. The movement of Ni (and the attached CH3 and SCH2CH2SO32- ligands) toward the SCoB- (deprotonated HSCoB) cofactor allows a 2c-3e interaction to form between the two sulfur atoms. The release of the heterodisulfide yields a Ni(III) center with a methyl group attached. The concerted elimination of methane, where the methyl group coordinated to Ni abstracts the proton f...
Exact relationship between the radius of gyration and the density-density correlation function: application to diffusion limited aggregation

Abstract We derive an exact relationship between the density-density correlation function C(r) and the radius of gyration Rg. We show that if the correlation function scales as C(r) ≉ r -α ƒ( r N γ ) then from the exact relations between C(r) and R g ≉ N β it follows that, unlike the commonly used expression α = d - 1/β, the dependence of α on β must include a γ dependence. The new relationship is 2β = (d + 2 − α)γ -1. Using the above expression on DLA clusters of up to 330 000 particles produces an excellent scaling collapse of C(r).
Nonoperative management of esophageal strictures following esophagomyotomy for achalasia.

The optimal management of reflux-induced esophageal strictures that occur after esophagomytomy for achalasia is uncertain. This paper presents our experience with the nonsurgical treatment of postesophagomyotomy strictures in achalasia patients using endoscopic dilation and gastric acid suppression. Six patients with achalasia who had undergone prior esophagomyotomy subsequently developed recurrent dysphagia and were found to have an esophageal stricture. Esophagrams typically showed a markedly dilated esophagus with a narrowed, sharply angulated gastroesophageal junction. Esophageal manometry confirmed esophageal aperistalsis and, when measured, the LES pressure was<5 mm Hg. Endoscopy showed esophageal inflammation and a fixed stricture at the gastroesophageal junction. Strictures were dilated under direct visualization using through-the-scope balloon dilators. Patients began gastric acid suppressive treatment at the same time. Five patients who remained symptomatic underwent repeat endoscopy, which demonstrated improvement in esophagitis. Dilation was then repeated with a larger balloon dilator. Over a mean follow-up period of 3.8 years, the average number of repeat dilations per patient was 3.6 (range: 0–12). All patients had symptomatic improvement and weight gain. No patient required surgery. We conclude that esophageal strictures after esophagomyotomy for achalasia can be safely treated using endoscopic dilation and gastric acid suppression, thus avoiding the need for reoperation.
Organizing a State-LevelConference on College Student Character

Blake Fry of the University of Central Oklahoma, in “Organizing a State-Level Conference on College Student Character,” reported on the planning process and participant evaluations of the first Oklahoma Conference on College Student Character.
High definition video transcoding for transport over satellite (April 2012)

As high definition (HD) sensors on aerial Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms continue to be deployed, the appetite for high definition video transport and dissemination has been increasing rapidly. HD video is allowing analysts to achieve a level of detailed exploitation that was previously unimaginable with low-resolution full-motion video (FMV). Missions requiring targeting and object recognition have especially benefitted from the high resolution FMV that HD provides. Analyst are able to make critical distinctions like determining the difference between a person holding a loaf of bread, and a person holding an AK-47 machine gun. The majority of airborne sensor FMV across the global information grid (GIG) has historically been low-rate standard definition quality until recent sensor advancements have enabled the capture of high resolution video. Unfortunately, as satellite resources remain expensive and scarce, the demand to transition to HD is quickly outpacing the DOD's ability to transport these desired high-bandwidth HD feeds. One available solution is to use a device called a transcoder to adjust incoming airborne video rates in real-time at the tactical level. The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) has recently completed a study that examined three different transcoders' ability to manipulate high definition video. Transcoders were evaluated based on a number of criteria including: qualitative video quality, quantitative video quality, Key Length Value (KLV) metadata compatibility, and latency impact. A 6Mbps high definition video capture from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was used as the baseline test file. The file was streamed onto the test network as an MPEG-2 transport stream where it was processed by each respective transcoder into different combinations of bitrates, frame rates, and resolutions and analyzed based on the criteria mentioned above. The goal of testing was to evaluate the feasibility of transcoding HD video for transport over satellite while satisfying DOD video requirements.
Driver Performance Model: 1. Conceptual Framework

Abstract : A comprehensive model that combines the necessary aspects of vehicle characteristics, manual control theory, and human sensory and cognitive capabilities (and limitations) is needed to efficiently and effectively guide experiments and to predict or assess overall driver performance. Such a model would enable an Army program manager to rank competing workload configurations and scenarios in proposed vehicles and to select the one(s) most promising, thereby saving resources otherwise spent on the current process, that is, multiple hardware iterations of 'design-test-fix'. At the present time, no such comprehensive model exists. This report discusses a conceptual framework designed to encompass the relationships, conditions, and constraints related to direct, indirect, and remote modes of driving and thus provides a guide or 'road map' for the construction and creation of a comprehensive driver performance model.
Whose opinion counts

This issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology publishes the results of two studies examining the role of palifermin for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis. Stiff et al report on the results from a randomized trial comparing palifermin with placebo for reducing mucositis in patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy. While the primary results of this trial were recently reported, the Stiff et al article is an extension of the previous report, whereby the authors provide data from patientcompleted questionnaires, comparing them with “clinician’s assessment of oral mucositis using the objective scales.” The results reported in this article are in concert with the recent US Food and Drug Administration approval of this drug. This report supports that palifermin is useful for preventing mucositis, to a clinically important degree, in patients that are receiving high-dose chemotherapy with a propensity to cause substantial mucositis, such as the chemotherapy regimen used in this trial. This is a move forward from the viewpoint of a 2003 editorial in the Journal entitled “Keratinocyte growth factor: Not yet ready for prime time.” The second article provides a balanced report of a relatively small randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of the same drug, trying to prevent mucositis induced by bolus fluorouracil plus leucovorin. This study did demonstrate biologic activity of palifermin, with decreased mucositis in the treated group. Nonetheless, the results from this individual study are not likely to change clinical practice for several reasons, including the small study size, the decreased use of the bolus fluorouracil plus leucovorin regimen in clinical practice, the availability of oral cryotherapy, not used in this trial, and the costs of the therapy. The remainder of this editorial will address two issues raised in the Stiff et al article: utilization of patient-completed questionnaire data and the propensity to blame assessment measures and clinical trial methodology for negative results when it is more likely to be related to the lack of efficacy of the agent being tested.
The inverse spectral problem for exterior transmission eigenvalues

We consider the exterior transmission eigenvalue problem for spherically stratified media in and consider the case of axially symmetric eigenfunctions. The exterior transmission eigenvalue problem is then reduced to a problem in ordinary differential equations. We first determine conditions on the index of refraction which guarantee the existence of infinitely many complex eigenvalues or infinitely many real eigenvalues. We then show that if two sets of spectral data are known, then under appropriate conditions the index of refraction is uniquely determined.
Chloroquine resistant malaria: association with enhanced plasmodial protease activity.

Abstract Chloroquine resistant Plasmodium berghei has several unusual features including (i) lack of malaria “pigment”, (ii) more efficient host catabolism of heme from infected erythrocytes, and (iii) relatively inefficient uptake of external chloroquine by infected red cells. The malaria pigment produced by chloroquine sensitive P. berghei is probably incompletely catabolized hemoglobin, the heme group of which is unavailable for subsequent catabolism by the host's reticuloendothelial system. This pigment has been suggested by others as the site of high affinity chloroquine binding. We hypothesized that all three characteristics of chloroquine resistant infections might be explained by enhanced proteolytic digestion of host cell hemoglobin. In confirmation, we report that chloroquine resistant P. berghei has 700–800% greater protease activity than the chloroquine sensitive form. This greatly elevated protease activity may explain the aforementioned characteristics of chloroquine resistant P. berghei and may help elucidate the basis of chloroquine resistance in human P. falciparum .
CD26 is expressed on a restricted subpopulation of dendritic cells in vivo.

Two major sub-populations of dendritic cells (DC) are present in afferent lymph draining the skin of cattle distinguished by expression of signal regulator protein alpha (SIRPα). The SIRPα– population expresses the uncharacterized bovine WC10 antigen (Ag). Initial N-terminal sequencing of the WC10 protein purified by affinity chromatography showed significant homology with human CD26. A cDNA encoding bovine CD26 was cloned and the recombinant molecule expressed in COS-7 cells. Transfectants abrogated the ability of macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) to cause a calcium flux in bovine PBMC indicating enzymatic activity characteristic of CD26. They also stained with WC10 monoclonal antibody confirming that the Ag is CD26. This is the first description of CD26 expression by DC in vivo or in vitro. It is expressed on a sub-population of ex vivo DC in afferent lymph draining the skin and on sub-populations of DC isolated from prescapular and mesenteric lymph nodes draining the skin or intestine, respectively. CD26 is an exopeptidase with specificity for motifs within the receptor-binding domain of several chemokines including MDC. CD26 mediated truncation of MDC affects the Th cell response effected by the chemokine and may produce a Th1 bias. Transcripts for MDC were present in both CD26+ and CD26– DC, thus CD26mediated modification of MDC may bias the immune response induced in naive T cells by DC.
Effect of Two-Scale Roughness on Boundary Layer Transition Over a Heated Flat Plate: Part 2—Boundary Layer Structure

Velocity and temperature measurements made within transitional boundary layers over a surface roughened by two roughness scales were examined. The variation of intermittency through the transition region was shown to be consistent with a smooth-wall model of transition, but the prediction of transition onset was not well represented by momentum thickness for cases with strong surface disturbances. During transition, distributed roughness was shown to reduce the growth of velocity fluctuation, possibly through stronger dissipation, and to enhance wallward transport of momentum significantly without a corresponding increase in thermal transport. The step change between the two roughness scales was shown to notably affect boundary layer behavior. Spectral analysis supported the hypothesis in Part I that the separated region downstream of the step shed vortices into the downstream flow. The wavelet analysis suggested that transition over rough surfaces may be in bypass mode because the disturbances were shown to be amplified in a broad spectral band.
Anti-neutrophil serum attenuates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colonic damage in the rat

Background: The role of neutrophils in experimental colonic damage induced by dextran sulfate sodium is uncertain. We test the hypothesis that neutrophils are of pathogenic significance and anti-neutrophil serum will attenuate the colonic damage induced by oral dextran sulfate sodium in rats. Methods: Rabbit anti-rat neutrophil Serum (anti-neutrophil serum) or control rabbit serum was administered to, and circulating neutrophil count was monitored in, rats before and during feeding of dextran sulfate sodium or regular rat diet for 2 weeks. Histologic features of mucosal damage were evaluated in hematoxylin and eosin-stained proximal and distal colonic sections by a blinded observer. Results: Oral dextran sulfate sodium induces weight loss, diarrhea, peripheral neutrophilia, and colonic damage. Anti-neutrophil serum induced neutropenia and significantly attenuated the weight loss, the neutrophil infiltration in the colon, and the mucosal necrosis and pathologic index in the distal colon. Conclusion: The da...
Titanium particles induce the immediate early stress responsive chemokines IL‐8 and MCP‐1 in osteoblasts

Exposure of human osteoblasts to ultrafine titanium (Ti) particles has been shown to alter osteoblast gene expression. We previously reported that Ti particles can increase IL-6 release and suppress the gene expression of procollagens α1[I] and α1[III] in human osteoblasts. In this study, we now demonstrate that Ti particles can rapidly induce the chemotactic cytokines interleukin-8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), two immediate early stress responsive chemokines important for the activation and chemotaxis of neutrophils and macrophages, respectively. In MG-63 osteosarcoma cells and bone marrow derived primary osteoblasts Ti particles selectively increased the steady state levels of IL-8 and MCP-1 mRNA in a time and concentration dependent manner. The increased chemokine mRNA correlated with increased secretion of IL-8 and MCP-1 protein. Actinomycin D, a potent RNA polymerase II inhibitor, blocked the Ti particle induction of IL-8 and MCP-1 mRNA expression, whereas cycloheximide, which inhibits protein synthesis, failed to inhibit chemokine gene expression suggesting Ti particles directly target activation of chemokine gene transcription. Consistent with a transcriptional mechanism not involving new protein synthesis, we demonstrate that Ti particles induce the binding of the p65 and p50 subunits of the latent transcription factor NF-κB to the IL-8 gene promoter. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Ti particles can activate transcription of the stress responsive chemokine genes IL-8 and MCP-1 in human osteoblasts.
Catheter knotting in a catheterizable urinary reservoir

An 11-year-old boy with bladder extrophy was treated ultimately with an ileocystoplasty and a catheterizable stoma. In attempting to drain his bladder via intermittent catheterization, the catheter became lodged. This case details the surgical treatment of a knotted catheter in an urinary reservoir.
Contrasting patterns of blood pressure and related factors within a Maori and European population in New Zealand.

Abstract Contrasting patterns of blood pressure are found for contiguous populations of Maori and Europeans living in New Zealand. Among the 511 participants in this study, approximately one-fifth manifested elevated levels of blood pressure. The Maori adults were found to have generally higher pressure levels compared with the Europeans; however, the opposite relationship appears when Maori and European youth are compared. Consistently lower blood pressure levels are found in the Maori youth. An examination of the trends by age shows a distinct crossover in early adulthood when the Maori begin to manifest blood pressure elevations at a sharply increased rate compared with the Europeans. Differences in body mass are found between the youthful segments of the populations. Body mass index is found to be significantly higher among the Maori youth; nonetheless, the European youth demonstrate higher levels of blood pressure. The study examines possible interactions between blood pressure and possible stress-related factors such as career aspirations in the presence of varying social and academic pressures. For both ethnic groups we find that, relative to the group means, those with the highest academically-related ambitions, demonstrate the highest levels of blood pressure.
Quantitative Analysis of Blood Circulation through the Frog Heart

Analysis of the oxygen content of blood in the frog heart and its major vessels has shown that in Rana pipiens the carotids receive primarily left atrial blood, which is highly oxygenated, whereas the pulmocutaneous vessels receive blood almost exclusively from the right atrium. Only the aortas receive blood subjected to considerable mixing.
Digitization aliasing artifacts caused by grid-line patterns on high-resolution imaging system

We propose a mathematical model for analyzing grid line digitization artifacts on high resolution film. In this paper, aliasing frequencies and the amplitudes of the higher frequency components of grid lines have been derived based on a theoretical model given in an earlier paper. Then the experimental results obtained from digitizing a mammography film are compared with the theoretical results. We propose a method of choosing the optimum digitization parameters in order to minimize grid line aliasing artifacts.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Symmetry breakdown in G-bundles

Abstract It is hard to overestimate the role of symmetry breaking in the evolution of physical systems. The breakdown of internal symmetry admits a nice description in terms of reductions of principal G -bundles. The choice of a subgroup G 0 of G (and perhaps Higgs representations, potential functions, etc.) is only the first step. From this point, Nature selects (say, via a variational principle based on a functional) a reduction (to G 0 ) of the principal G -bundle P from the infinite-dimensional nonlinear space of reductions. Given a connection on P and a metric on the base, there is a most natural functional on this space; it is the generalization of the energy functional for G G 0 σ-models which correspond to the case where P is trivial with the usual flat connection. We derive in detail the first and second variational formulas for the functional, study the stability of solutions, and prove some gap theorems for the associated vector bosons corresponding to broken generators. Interestingly, unstable solutions of σ-models can lead to stable reductions by a rescaling of the vector bosons. Potential applications include: a geometrical “explanation” of the hierarchy phenomenon in GUTs, a more intrinsic foundation for the Higgs mechanism that avoids Higgs-field-dependent gauge choices, and a way of constructing solutions of the Yang-Mills equation from harmonic maps into homogeneous spaces.
Signaling pathway-related gene expression in neuroimmunoregulation.

An important question in the field of psychoneuroimmuto 4 h, following ACTH treatment. TNFa expression also nology involves the intracellular mechanisms activated by neuropeptide receptors to modulate immune system functioning. It is reasonable to expect that cross talk occurs or the pathways converge when two different signals such as a hormone or a cytokine mediate a common effect such as inhibition of a cytokine. The NF-nB transcription factor pathway, because it enhances the expression of many immune and viral-related genes might be a convergence point for different receptors to have similar immune affects. In fact, one means by which corticosteroids mediate part of their anti-inflammatory effect is by inhibiting NF-nB activity through the induction of the endogenous inhibitor InBa (Auphan et al., 1995; Scheinman et al., 1995). The aim of this study was to determine if selected neuropeptides, corticotropin (ACTH) and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), which are respectively immunosuppressive (Smith 1994) and immunoenhancing (Auphan et al., 1995; McGillis et al., 1989) act through alteration of NF-nB activity and related gene expression. Our initial studies investigated the effect of ACTH on NF-nB-related gene expression. A NF-nB pathway specific macro-gene array system (GEArray) was used to identify potential mechanisms for ACTH inhibition of NF-nB. Human H9 T-lymphoma cells were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) for 24 h to induce NF-nB, then the cultures were treated with ACTH. Total RNA was then extracted for the macro-array assay. Expression was normalized to the housekeeping gene, GAPDH and in this assay a two-fold or greater increase over control was considered significant. Enhanced expression was seen in multiple genes related to NF-nB signaling (Table 1). InBa and c-Rel were elevated within 45 min and still evident out
Integrating advice and experience: Learning and decision making with social and nonsocial cues.

When making decisions, people typically gather information from both social and nonsocial sources, such as advice from others and direct experience. This research adapted a cognitive learning paradigm to examine the process by which people learn what sources of information are credible. When participants relied on advice alone to make decisions, their learning of source reliability proceeded in a manner analogous to traditional cue learning processes and replicated the established learning phenomena. However, when advice and nonsocial cues were encountered together as an established phenomenon, blocking (ignoring redundant information) did not occur. Our results suggest that extant cognitive learning models can accommodate either advice or nonsocial cues in isolation. However, the combination of advice and nonsocial cues (a context more typically encountered in daily life) leads to different patterns of learning, in which mutually supportive information from different types of sources is not regarded as redundant and may be particularly compelling. For these situations, cognitive learning models still constitute a promising explanatory tool but one that must be expanded. As such, these findings have important implications for social psychological theory and for cognitive models of learning.
A finite element model predicts the mechanotransduction response of tendon cells to cyclic tensile loading

The importance of fluid-flow-induced shear stress and matrix-induced cell deformation in transmitting the global tendon load into a cellular mechanotransduction response is yet to be determined. A multiscale computational tendon model composed of both matrix and fluid phases was created to examine how global tendon loading may affect fluid-flow-induced shear stresses and membrane strains at the cellular level. The model was then used to develop a quantitative experiment to help understand the roles of membrane strains and fluid-induced shear stresses on the biological response of individual cells. The model was able to predict the global response of tendon to applied strain (stress, fluid exudation), as well as the associated cellular response of increased fluid-flow-induced shear stress with strain rate and matrix-induced cell deformation with strain amplitude. The model analysis, combined with the experimental results, demonstrated that both strain rate and strain amplitude are able to independently alter rat interstitial collagenase gene expression through increases in fluid-flow-induced shear stress and matrix-induced cell deformation, respectively.
Membrane Properties Involved in Calcium-Stimulated Microparticle Release from the Plasma Membranes of S49 Lymphoma Cells

This study answered the question of whether biophysical mechanisms for microparticle shedding discovered in platelets and erythrocytes also apply to nucleated cells: cytoskeletal disruption, potassium efflux, transbilayer phospholipid migration, and membrane disordering. The calcium ionophore, ionomycin, disrupted the actin cytoskeleton of S49 lymphoma cells and produced rapid release of microparticles. This release was significantly inhibited by interventions that impaired calcium-activated potassium current. Microparticle release was also greatly reduced in a lymphocyte cell line deficient in the expression of scramblase, the enzyme responsible for calcium-stimulated dismantling of the normal phospholipid transbilayer asymmetry. Rescue of the scrambling function at high ionophore concentration also resulted in enhanced particle shedding. The effect of membrane physical properties was addressed by varying the experimental temperature (32–42°C). A significant positive trend in the rate of microparticle release as a function of temperature was observed. Fluorescence experiments with trimethylammonium diphenylhexatriene and Patman revealed significant decrease in the level of apparent membrane order along that temperature range. These results demonstrated that biophysical mechanisms involved in microparticle release from platelets and erythrocytes apply also to lymphocytes.
Formation and Reaction of Br2•- Radicals in the Ionic Liquid Methyltributylammonium Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and in Other Solvents

Reaction of solvated electrons with BrCH2CH2Br produces Br- and •CH2CH2Br, which decomposes rapidly into CH2CH2 and Br•. Reaction of Br• with Br- forms Br2•-. The stability of Br2•- is much greater...
Efficacy of oxfendazole against an ovine isolate of benzimidazole resistant Haemonchus contortus.

SUMMARY Eighteen parasite-free sheep were each infected with 6000±25 infective larvae of the AH-2, benzimidazole-resistant strain of Haemonchus contortus on each of experimental days -27, -15, -8 and -1. The sheep were subsequently randomized into 3 groups of 6 sheep each. Group 1 served as untreated controls; Groups 2 and 3 were treated orally with oxfendazole at dose levels of 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg body weight, respectively. At both dosage levels, oxfendazole was 100% effective against third, fourth, early fifth, and adult stages of the worms.
Some least work principles for elastic bodies

Es werden Prinzipien hergeleitet, welche fur gewisse Klassen von Deformationen eines elastischen Korpers die Verformungen mit kleinster Formanderungsenergie bestimmen. Diese Prinzipien werden auf Zylinder mit Endlasten und auf den belasteten Halbraum angewandt.
Pesticide use and malaria resurgence in Central America and India

This article with commentary and rejoinder deals with the problem of pesticide immunity in Anopheles mosquitoes caused by overusage of pesticides due to the political lobbying of multinational corporations like Shell DuPont Ciba-Geigy and Bayer. The use of pesticides DDT in particular is cited as being an important factor in the resurgence of malaria in Central America and India. Corollary factors cited are economic pressures in Central America and India and trade pressures which are encouraging the production of cash crops such as cotton and high yield rice rather than food crops. The lack of land reform and gross economic inequality are seen as contributing factors in malaria resurgence. Large land owners tend to favor the production of cash crops for trade which depend heavy on pesticide use to increase yield. Misinformation from the chemical companies is seen as the underlying cause of this situation. Pesticide producers and their agents are relied upon to provide information about the proper use of their chemicals. Efficient means of application in agriculture particularly integrated pest management is not encouraged. Furthermore neither the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) provide any alternative information to counteract the abusive use of pesticides. Commentary appended to the article by C.F. Curtis and P.P. Singh point out the pessimism inherent in correlating the use of DDT with an increase in malaria in order to bring about change and label it as misleading. They recommend changes in pesticide formulation and better water management and sanitation. The onus is put on WHO rather than the chemical companies to do research in this area and help provide a new pesticide that would combat mosquitoes.
An Evaluation of Colonoscopy Use: Implications for Health Education

In this retrospective study, we examined factors that associated with colonoscopy test use among adults who did not have colorectal cancer (CRC) in the USA. A total of 2,150 non-CRC adults ≥55 were selected from the Health Information National Trends Survey, a random-digit telephone survey that collected data in 2003–2004. Participants were classified based on receiving CRC tests within the recommended time interval. Socio-demographic and cognitive factors that are associated with colonoscopy test use were examined. The results show that adults 55–64 years old were less likely to have a colonoscopy compared with those 65 years and older. Participants with higher levels of knowledge, greater access to care, greater perceived risk, and lower psychological barriers were more likely to report receiving a colonoscopy. The findings indicate a continuous effort to increase awareness and risk perception, and reduce psychological barriers through health education.
Science and Application of Oxyorthosilicate Nanophosphors

Nanophosphor Y2SiO5:Ce (n-YSO), Lu2SiO5:Ce (n-LSO), and Gd2SiO5:Ce (n-GSO) were prepared by solution-combustion synthesis yielding nanophosphor crystallite sizes between 20 nm - 80 nm. Ce dopant concentrations were varied between 0.1%-10% for each the nanophosphors and concentration quenching curves were measured by radioluminescence (RL) and photoluminescence (PL). n-YSO exhibits concentration quenching at 1 at% and 4 at% under UV and X-ray excitation, respectively. Red shifted emission with a larger Stokes shift is observed for nanophosphors as compared to bulk crystals. The measured PL lifetime depended on the refractive index of the media, indicating that the PL originates from the surface. Measurements of the RL/PL intensity indicate that the light output of these materials is comparable to the bulk crystal.
Human APOBEC3F Is Another Host Factor That Blocks Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Replication

Recently, APOBEC3G has been identified as a host factor that blocks retroviral replication. It introduces G to A hypermutations in newly synthesized minus strand viral cDNA at the step of reverse transcription in target cells. Here, we identified the human APOBEC3F protein as another host factor that blocks human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication. Similar to APOBEC3G, APOBEC3F also induced G to A hypermutations in HIV genomic DNA, and the viral Vif protein counteracted its activity. Thus, APOBEC family members might have evolved as a general defense mechanism of the body against retroviruses, retrotransposons, and other mobile genetic elements.
Efficacy of a reduced electroencephalography electrode array for detection of seizures.

Background: The expertise required for proper electroencephalography (EEG) setup can make the 10-20 array unwieldy in the hospital setting. There may be a role for an EEG array with reduced leads to improve the efficiency of inpatient practice.
Field and Laboratory Verification of Sand-Production Prediction Models

The many completion options available for completing sand-prone formations include (1) inside-casing gravel packing, (2) openhole gravel packing, (3) selective perforation, (4) a vertical or horizontal well with pre-packed liner, (5) a vertical well with screen, (6) sand consolidation, (7) oriented perforations, and (8) fracture packing. Selection and design of these options depend on analysis of formation strength, strength distribution, permeability, permeability distribution, shale content, fines migration, and grain size and distribution. Of these factors, permeability, permeability distribution, grain size, and grain distribution can be measured with reasonable accuracy; however, most oil companies still have difficulty conducting formation-strength and strength-distribution analyses. The two primary reasons for poor analysis are that mechanical logs available from service companies are not reliable or must be calibrated with other methods and that reasonably reliable numerical models for strength analysis are owned exclusively by several companies. This paper addresses what these formation-strength-analysis models predict, the accuracy required for formation-strength analysis, sources of model errors, model limitations, and methods to improve these models. This paper can be used as a guide for engineers who are planning to develop or to acquire these models.
The repeatability of signatures

Signatures are the most widely used form of legally binding identification and authentication. The repeatability of a person's signature underpins its recognition and hence usefulness in everyday authentication situations. This study aims to assess the stability of a set of common features used for analysing signatures both within a single capture session and over time (multiple sessions). Secondly, the physical characteristics of signatures which result in the most repeatable performance for each feature are also analyzed. These results have implications for biometric signature verification systems and the document forensic field in that it gives an indication as to the stability of features leading potentially to improved performance and the types of features that should be analyzed given particular characteristics of the signature under investigation.
Phonological change and the representation of consonant clusters in Spanish: a case study.

This single‐subject case study evaluates effects of treatment of a complex onset on the sound system of a monolingual Spanish‐speaking child (female, aged 3;9) with phonological delay. Pretreatment, the child excluded all consonant+liquid clusters, as well as tap /ɾ/ and trill /r/. Immediately following training on /fɾ‐/ in non‐words, the child generalized across consonant+liquid clusters and the tap singleton. These improvements continued to 2 months post‐treatment follow‐up, with the ultimate addition of the trill at that point in time. Consonant+glide sequences, whose structural status as complex onsets is debated in the Spanish phonology literature, patterned differently from consonant+liquid sequences. Specific findings are viewed in light of linguistic markedness, syllable structure, sonority sequencing, and the representation of consonant clusters.
Glufosinate reduces fungal diseases in transgenic glufosinate-resistant bentgrasses (Agrostis spp)

Abstract Glufosinate-resistant transgenic creeping and velvet bentgrass plants expressing a bar gene under the control of the maize ubiquitin promoter were inoculated separately with the fungal pathogens, Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, before or after treatment with 560 mg L−1 of glufosinate at a rate of 0.56 kg ha−1. Application of the herbicide 3 h before or 1 d after fungal inoculation significantly reduced infection of these transgenic grasses by R. solani and S. homoeocarpa. Assessment of the in vitro antifungal activity of the herbicide showed that 336 and 448 mg L−1 glufosinate completely inhibited the mycelial growth of S. homoeocarpa and R. solani, respectively. The results suggest that the nonselective herbicide glufosinate may also be used to suppress the activity of some fungal pathogens in turf composed of these transgenic glufosinate-resistant creeping and velvet bentgrasses. Nomenclature: Glufosinate; phosphinothricin; creeping bentgrass, Agrostis palustris Huds. AGSPL; vel...
Concurrent multi-link deployment of a gravity-assisted underactuated snake robot for aircraft assembly

This paper presents algorithms for concurrent deployment of multiple links of a gravity-assisted underactuated robot arm. The joints of the hyper-articulated arm have no dedicated actuators, but are activated with gravity. By tilting the base link appropriately, multiple unactuated links may be steered simultaneously to desired angular positions. This underactuated arm design was motivated by the need for a compact snake-like robot that can go into aircraft wings and perform assembly operations using heavy end-effecters. The dynamics of the unactuated links are essentially 2nd order non- holonomic constraints, for which there are no general control algorithms. We perform a controllability analysis to establish the feasibility of multi-link positioning using the available inputs, viz., the biaxial tilts of the base link. We propose a feed-forward control algorithm for simultaneous positioning of multiple links. We also propose an intermittent feedback control scheme to compensate for disturbances acting on the system. We built a 4 link prototype where the base is tilted using a Stewart Platform. The proposed control schemes are implemented on our prototype system. The experimental results indicate the efficacy of the control schemes.
Work in progress-employing a learning model on a traditional engineering course

This paper explores the development of a general learning model that uses as a test bed a course on the introduction to digital logic. The learning model is based on techniques validated by researchers Richard Felder, Eric Mazur, John Bransford, and Shelia Tobias. The learning model features a weekly learning session, structured collaborative laboratory sessions, and challenge projects. A comparative research study is being conducted at Vanderbilt University School of Engineering (VUSE). The study contrasts the traditional instructional with the learning model. The traditionally instructed sections will primarily receive lecture-based instruction. Surveys from students, instructors, and teaching assistants will be used as a means of monitoring the effectiveness of the instructional method used. The study will evaluate the students' performance, attitude toward their instruction, retention, success rate, failure rate, and confidence levels of students in both the traditionally taught sections and the modified instruction sections. Through this study, strategies will be developed an effective model for instruction studying laboratory-based engineering courses. Preliminary results for the study conducted in the Spring 2004 will be presented.
Design of thermal interface material with high thermal conductivity and measurement apparatus

A thermal interface material (TIM) is a crucial material for transferring heat from a die to a heatsink. We developed a new TIM composed of carbon nanotubes, silicon thermal grease, and chloroform. The thermal impedance of the TIM was measured using a new device based on thermometer principles to measure thermal impedance and resistance. This device consists of an alumina substrate, titanium tungsten (TiW) layers, gold layers, and thin alumina layers. Then the measured thermal conductivity of the TIM was compared with predictions made by the thermal resistor network model, and the experimental results were found to be consistent with the predictions made by the model.
Characterization of local delivery with amphotericin B and vancomycin from modified chitosan sponges and functional biofilm prevention evaluation

Polymicrobial musculoskeletal wound infections are troublesome complications and can be difficult to treat when caused by invasive fungi or bacteria. However, few local antifungal delivery systems have been studied. Chitosan and polyethylene glycol (PEG) sponge local antifungal delivery systems have been developed for adjunctive therapy to reduce musculoskeletal wound contamination. This study evaluated the effects of blending PEG, at 6,000 or 8,000g/mol, with chitosan in sponge form on in vitro amphotericin B and vancomycin elution, eluate activity, cytocompatibility, and in vivo prevention of a bacterial biofilm. Blended chitosan sponges released both amphotericin B and vancomycin in vitro. All tested amphotericin B eluates remained active against Candida albicans, and vancomycin eluates from blended sponges maintained activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Amphotericin B eluates obtained after 1h from blended sponges elicited 62-95% losses in fibroblast viability, but 3h eluates only caused 22-60% decreases in viability. In a Staphylococcus aureus infected mouse catheter biofilm prevention model, vancomycin loaded chitosan/PEG 6000 sponge cleared bacteria from 100% of the catheters, with reduced clearance rate observed in other sponges. These results indicate that the chitosan/PEG blended sponges have potential for local antifungal and/or antibiotic combination delivery as an adjunctive therapy to prevent wound infections. 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
The structure of a separating turbulent boundary layer. Part 4. Effects of periodic free-stream unsteadiness

Measurements were obtained of the sinusoidal unsteadiness of the free stream velocity during the separation of the turbulent boundary layer. Data were gathered by single wire and cross-wire, anemometry upstream of flow detachment, by laser Doppler velocimetry to detect the movement of the flow in small increments, and by a laser anemometer in the detached zone to measure turbulence and velocities. The study was restricted to a sinusoidal instability frequency of 0.61 and a ratio of oscillation amplitude to mean velocity of 0.3. Large amplitude and phase variations were found after the detachment, with unsteady effects producing hysteresis in the relationships between flow parameters. The detached shear layer decreased in thickness with increasing free-stream velocity and increases in the Reynolds shear stress. Deceleration of the free stream velocity caused thickening in the shear layer and upstream movement of the flow reversal location. The results are useful for studies of compressor blade and helicopter rotors in transition.
Longitudinal trajectories of heavy drinking in adults in the United States of America.

Aims To estimate age, period, cohort and other demographic influences on heavy alcohol consumption and trajectories of heavy drinking in American adults. Design Prospective cohort of 14 127 participants, aged 25–74 years at baseline. Generalized estimating equations to model longitudinal change in the probability of heavy drinking and its association with demographic factors. Setting National, population-based sample of non-institutionalized civilians. Measurements Heavy alcohol consumption (usual number of drinks per occasion ≥ five for men; ≥ four for women) at baseline (1971–74) and three follow-ups until 1992. Findings Heavy alcohol consumption declined with increasing age (age effect) and tracked national average consumption (period effect). There was no cohort effect. Higher probability of heavy drinking was associated with male gender (relative risk: RR = 2.4), being not married (RR = 1.4), having less than high school education (RR = 1.7), having annual income below the median (RR = 1.5), not living in the South-east (RR = 1.7), and smoking (RR = 3.4). Getting married and quitting smoking during the study were each associated with reduction in heavy drinking (RR = 0.55 and 0.61, respectively). Slower age-related decline in the probability of heavy drinking was seen in men (P < 0.0001), married individuals (P = 0.03), and smokers (P = 0.05). Conclusions Demographic predictors of trends in heavy drinking are different from those for trends in average alcohol consumption. The likelihood of heavy drinking declined more slowly with increasing age in men and smokers, suggesting that the negative health effects of alcohol in older ages may be greatest in these groups.