cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanopillar photovoltaics: Materials, processes, and devices

Nanopillar photovoltaics present significant potential for fabrication of high-efficiency, low-cost solar cells. The advantages over planar cells, including wider materials choice, device geometries, and enhanced optical and electronic properties have been studied in detail over the past decade. Specifically, the 3-D geometry enables optimization of carrier collection and reduction of the material quality constraints. Furthermore, the anti-reflective and light trapping properties enable a drastic reduction in material necessary to absorb the majority of the incident light. Together, the optical and electronic advantages allow solar cell fabrication on low-cost substrates. However, the choice of the material system is important for taking advantage of the unique properties of nanopillar cells, especially given large surface/interface area. This review focuses on the recent work on the optical and electronic properties of nanopillar photovoltaics and the fabrication processes utilizing low-cost substrates.
Aplastic anemia and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia: concurrent complications encountered in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Abstract Background: Aplastic anemia has been described rarely in pregnancy. The etiology is uncertain, and the treatment of choice, bone marrow transplant, is contraindicated in pregnancy. Thus, the occurrence of this complication during gestation presents a management challenge. Concurrent immune-mediated thrombocytopenia further complicates an already complex situation. Case: Our patient with aplastic anemia and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia was diagnosed during the third trimester of pregnancy and treated with prednisone/high-dose intravenous (IV) immunoglobulin (Ig) and multiple transfusions of packed red blood cells and platelets. Fetal surveillance included twice-weekly non-stress tests coupled with sequential sonographic pregnancy evaluation. A successful term vaginal delivery was achieved with good maternal and perinatal outcomes. Conclusion: Selective transfusion of blood products, therapy with prednisone, high-dose IV Ig, and intensive fetal surveillance resulted in a successful maternal and perinatal outcome for a pregnancy complicated with aplastic anemia and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.
CMAC-based neuro-fuzzy approach for complex system modeling

A cerebellar model arithmetic computer (CMAC)-based neuron-fuzzy approach for accurate system modeling is proposed. The system design comprises the structure determination and the hybrid parameter learning. In the structure determination, the CMAC-based system constitution is used for structure initialization. With the advantage of generalization of CMAC, the initial receptive field constitution is formed in a systematic way. In the parameter learning, the random optimization algorithm (RO) is combined with the least square estimation (LSE) to train the parameters, where the premises and the consequences are updated by RO and LSE, respectively. With the hybrid learning algorithm, a compact and well-parameterized CMAC can be achieved for the required performance. The proposed work features the following salient properties: (1) good generalization for system initialization; (2) derivative-free parameter update; and (3) fast convergence. To demonstrate potentials of the proposed approach, examples of SISO nonlinear approximation, MISO time series identification/prediction, and MIMO system mapping are conducted. Through the illustrations and numerical comparisons, the excellences of the proposed work can be observed.
Cooperation in the prisoner’s dilemma as a function of interpersonal distance

The prisoner’s dilemma game was played by Ss seated either physically close together or separated by a substantial physical distance. With greater distance, there were significantly fewer mutually cooperative choices, smaller earnings, and greater differences in outcome between the two players. Mutual cooperation among Ss in the far condition remained relatively infrequent throughout the trial sequence and extinguished completely in later trials.
Modelling constructs of simscript II.5

This tutorial will present the highlights of the SIMSCRIPT II.5 approach to building discrete event simulation models. The approach will be to construct a small example problem, implement the program in SIMSCRIPT II.5, and then to display the modularity which is possible with SIMSCRIPT by adding several “real-world” complexities to the model.
Methylmercury inhibition of rat brain muscarinic receptors.

The distribution of methylmercury (MeHg) in subcellular organelles of the rat brain varied slightly in relation to the in vivo or the in vitro mode of labeling with Me203HgCl. The differences may be explained by disruption of the normal diffusion path into the brain cells and the amount of MeHg that is bound along this diffusion path. When Me203Hg and [3H]QNB (quinuclidinyl benzilate) were added directly to brain homogenates, the subcellular fractions demonstrated a molar rmQNBMeHg binding ratio greater than 1:100. This suggests that MeHg binding sites are in considerable excess over QNB binding sites and represent a relatively large sink for decreasing effective MeHg concentration. HgCl2 was 100 times as potent as MeHg for blocking specific QNB binding sites. (MeHg, ID50 = 10−5 m; HgCl2, ID50 = 10−7 m) On the basis of the respective ID50 points, a 1% conversion of MeHg to the inorganic form would produce a separate but equivalent block of muscarinic binding sites. Therefore, it is suggested that the early theory involving organic to inorganic Hg conversion be reexamined as a possibility for producing the selective toxicity to the central nervous system observed in cases of MeHg poisoning.
Antigenic analysis of Entamoeba histolytica by means of fluorescent antibody II. E. histolytica and E. hartmanni

Abstract 1. 1. Amebae, whose fluorescence was to be measured after exposure to labeled antibody, were prepared by suspending them in acetate buffer and allowing drops of suspension to dry onto slides. 2. 2. Data on reproducibility of brightness readings indicate that when 50 amebae are measured per smear, differences in average brightness values may be considered statistically significant if they exceed 20–30% of the higher value. 3. 3. Stained and unstained smears could be stored for several weeks at —70 °C without observable changes. 4. 4. Four strains of E. histolytica were compared by quantitative techniques with two strains of E. hartmanni (= “small race E. histolytica ”) as to their reaction with antisera conjugated with fluorescein. 5. 5. Three anti- E. histolytica conjugates stained E. histolytica more brightly than E. hartmanni . Conversely, one anti- E. hartmanni conjugate stained the homologous species brighter than E. histolytica . 6. 6. Entamoeba coli and Entamoeba moshkovskii were not stained significantly with the one anti- E. histolytica conjugate to which they were exposed. 7. 7. A non-virulent strain of E. histolytica showed intermediate staining activity between virulent E. histolytica and E. hartmanni . However, in the case of one conjugate, the reaction was much closer to E. histolytica than to the other species. 8. 8. A strong anti-bacterial conjugate failed to stain three E. histolytica and one E. hartmanni strains to a significant degree. On all smears, some bacteria stained brightly with this conjugate. 9. 9. One strain of E. histolytica taken directly from the cecum of an infected guinea pig stained brighter than the same strain growing in culture.
Finding Pathway Structures in Protein Interaction Networks

The increased availability of data describing biological interactions provides important clues on how complex chains of genes and proteins interact with each other. Most previous approaches either restrict their attention to analyzing simple substructures such as paths or trees in these graphs, or use heuristics that do not provide performance guarantees when general substructures are analyzed. We investigate a formulation to model pathway structures directly and give a probabilistic algorithm to find an optimal path structure in $O(4^{k}n^{2t}k^{t+\log(t+1)+2.92}t^{2})$ time and $O(n^{t}k\log k+m)$ space, where n and m are respectively the number of vertices and the number of edges in the given network, k is the number of vertices in the path structure, and t is the maximum number of vertices (i.e., "width") at each level of the structure. Even for the case t = 1 which corresponds to finding simple paths of length k, our time complexity $4^{k}n^{O(1)}$ is a significant improvement over previous probabilistic approaches. To allow for the analysis of multiple pathway structures, we further consider a variant of the algorithm that provides probabilistic guarantees for the top suboptimal path structures with a slight increase in time and space. We show that our algorithm can identify pathway structures with high sensitivity by applying it to protein interaction networks in the DIP database.
Intraluminal migration of mesh following incisional hernia repair

Incisional hernia is the most common long term complication of colon surgery. These hernias are often repaired with synthetic mesh. Mesh migration is an infrequent occurrence. There are reports of mesh migrating into the peritoneum and into viscous organs causing a variety of symptoms including recurrent hernia, infection, and obstruction. We present the case of transmural mesh migration from the abdominal wall into the small bowel presenting as small bowel obstruction.
Insecticidal activity of N,N‐diethyl‐, N,N‐dipropyl‐, N,n‐di‐isopropyl‐, and n,n‐di‐isobutylalkanamides against mosquito larvae

N,N-Diethyl-, N,N-dipropyl-, N,N-di-isopropyl, and N,N-di-isobutylalkanamides in which the acyl moiety ranged from C8 to C21 were synthesised, and their larvicidal activity was determined against the first-instar larvae of the southern house mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus Say. The four homologous series of amides generally showed an increase in their larvicidal activity as the carbon number in the acyl moiety of the amides increased, until the activity reached a maximum. Subsequently, an increment of carbon number resulted in declining activity in the higher homologues, until the activity disappeared. N,N-Diethyltetradecanamide, N,N-dipropylundecanamide, N,N-di-isopropylundecanamide, and N,N-di-isobutlynonanamide or -dodecanamide were the most active compounds in their respective homologous series of amides; however, they were less active than their analogous N,N-dimethylalkanamides previously studied.
Investigating the Effects of Active Control on Brand Recall Within In-Game Advertising

Through the use of an experiment, this research investigates the value of active user control of brand exposure in a racing-style video game, and the moderating effect of brand familiarity. It is found that, for familiar brands only, giving the game player active control to select a branded race car or racetrack results in better recall of the brand compared to low control (passive exposure on a billboard). The effect of active control via brand choice was found for both visual and verbal brand exposures, indicating that the effects are independent of visual placement proximity within the game. The findings are discussed with respect to the limited-capacity model of attention and processing fluency theory, and a conceptual diagram of the relationship between active control, attention, processing fluency, and brand recall is presented.
Rapid, sensitive determination of periodate

Periodate rapidly oxidizes the violet ferrous-2,4,6-tri-2-pyridyl-s-triazine complex to a colorless compound. This reaction serves as the basis for a simple procedure for the quantitative, colorimetric determination of periodate at the nanomolar level. Use of this assay was exemplified by a study of the course of oxidation of 1- to 2-μmolar samples of several representative carbohydrates.
Identification and genetic control of starch-degrading enzymes in maize endosperm.

Three starch-degrading enzymes from liquid endosperm of maize have been separated by means of horizontal acrylamide gel electrophoresis. The three enzymes are tentatively identified as α-amylase (zone 1), β-amylase (zone 2), and α-glucan phosphorylase (zone 3). Electrophoretic variants of these enzymes were found among ten inbred strains examined. Results of genetic crosses with respect to zone 2 amylase show that it is controlled by a pair of alleles (Amy-2 A and Amy-2 B) acting without dominance. It further appears that Amy-2 and Ct (catalase) are linked with 5% recombination frequency.
Approximate Kalman filtering for multiply perturbed systems

An approximate Kalman filtering algorithm for multiply perturbed systems is proposed based on an approximate solution to the Riccati equation. This new algorithm not only greatly reduces the computational complexity, but also lends itself to solving a parameter optimization problem.
Insurance status predicts acuity of thoracic aortic operations

Objective Nonelective case status is the strongest predictor of mortality for thoracic aortic operations. We hypothesized that underinsured patients were more likely to require nonelective thoracic aortic surgery because of reduced access to preventative cardiovascular care and elective surgical services. Methods Between June 2005 and August 2011, 826 patients were admitted to a single aortic referral center and underwent 1 or more thoracic aortic operations. Patients with private insurance or Medicare (insured group, n = 736; 89%) were compared with those with Medicaid or no insurance (underinsured group, n = 90; 11%). Results The proportion of patients requiring nonelective surgery was higher for underinsured than insured patients (56% vs 26%, P P P P P = .83) or late death (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.83, P = .58) when compared with insured patients. Conclusions Underinsured patients were at the greatest risk of requiring nonelective thoracic aortic operation, possibly because of decreased use of lipid-lowering therapies and aortic surveillance. These data imply that greater access to preventative cardiovascular care may reduce the need for nonelective thoracic aortic surgery and lead to improved survival from thoracic aortic disease.
Lewis Base Mediated β-Elimination and Lewis Acid Mediated Insertion Reactions of Disilazido Zirconium Compounds

The reactivity of a series of disilazido zirconocene complexes is dominated by the migration of anionic groups (hydrogen, alkyl, halide, OTf) between the zirconium and silicon centers. The direction of these migrations is controlled by the addition of two-electron donors (Lewis bases) or two-electron acceptors (Lewis acids). The cationic nonclassical [Cp2ZrN(SiHMe2)2]+ ([2]+) is prepared from Cp2Zr{N(SiHMe2)2}H (1) and B(C6F5)3 or [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4], while reactions of B(C6F5)3 and Cp2Zr{N(SiHMe2)2}R (R = Me (3), Et (5), n-C3H7 (7), CH═CHSiMe3 (9)) provide a mixture of [2]+ and [Cp2ZrN(SiHMe2)(SiRMe2)]+. The latter products are formed through B(C6F5)3 abstraction of a β-H and R group migration from Zr to the β-Si center. Related β-hydrogen abstraction and X group migration reactions are observed for Cp2Zr{N(SiHMe2)2}X (X = OTf (11), Cl (13), OMe (15), O-i-C3H7 (16)). Alternatively, addition of DMAP (DMAP = 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine) to [2]+ results in coordination to a Si center and hydrogen migration to zi...
Estimating kinetic parameters from HIV primary infection data through the eyes of three different mathematical models.

Abstract The dynamics of HIV-1 infection consist of three distinct phases starting with primary infection, then latency and finally AIDS or drug therapy. In this paper we model the dynamics of primary infection and the beginning of latency. We show that allowing for time delays in the model better predicts viral load data when compared to models with no time delays. We also find that our model of primary infection predicts the turnover rates for productively infected T cells and viral totals to be much longer than compared to data from patients receiving anti-viral drug therapy. Hence the dynamics of the infection can change dramatically from one stage to the next. However, we also show that with the data available the results are highly sensitive to the chosen model. We compare the results using analysis and Monte Carlo techniques for three different models and show how each predicts rather dramatic differences between the fitted parameters. We show, using a χ2 test, that these differences between models are statistically significant and using a jackknifing method, we find the confidence intervals for the parameters. These differences in parameter estimations lead to widely varying conclusions about HIV pathogenesis. For instance, we find in our model with time delays the existence of a Hopf bifurcation that leads to sustained oscillations and that these oscillations could simulate the rapid turnover between viral strains and the appropriate CTL response necessary to control the virus, similar to that of a predator–prey type system.
An efficient method of estimating the true value of a population characteristic from its discrepant estimates

A fruitful method of pooling data from disparate sources, such as a set of sample surveys, is developed. This method proceeds by finding the first two moments of two conditional distributions derived from a joint distribution of two sample estimators of employment for each of several geographical areas. The nature of the two estimators is such that one of them can yield a better estimate of national employment than the other. The regression of the former estimator on the latter estimator with stochastic intercept and slope is used to generate an improved estimator that is equal to bias- and error-corrected estimator for each area with probability 1. This analysis is extended to cases where more than two estimates of employment are available for each area.
Motivation Change in Therapeutic Community Residential Treatment

Latent growth curve analysis was used to assess motivation change across 3 time points for 120 therapeutic community residents. Models included the time-in-variant predictor of readiness for treatment, which significantly predicted initial treatment motivation but not the rate of motivation change over time.
Morphologic transitions between proliferative inflammatory atrophy and high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia.

Objectives. To validate with an independent study that simple atrophy/postatrophic hyperplastic lesions (proliferative inflammatory atrophy [PIA]) often merge directly with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). Methods. Using radical prostatectomies (n 514), all high-grade PIN and adenocarcinoma lesions were identified. We examined the two-dimensional topographic relationship between individual high-grade PIN lesions and PIA, between carcinoma lesions and PIA, and between carcinoma lesions and high-grade PIN. To reduce the possibility that high-grade PIN lesions represented intraprostatic dissemination of carcinoma, all specimens contained total carcinoma volumes of less than 0.5 cc. Results. High-grade PIN merged with PIA in 267 (42.5% of high-grade PIN lesions) of 629 lesions, was adjacent in 57 lesions (9%), was near in 233 lesions (37%), and was distant from PIA in 72 lesions (11.5%). Carcinoma did not merge with PIA; it was adjacent in 24 (30.4%) of 79 lesions, was near in 46 lesions (58.2%), and was distant from PIA in 9 lesions (11.4%). Of 79 carcinoma lesions, 18 (23%) merged with high-grade PIN, 11 (14%) were adjacent, 26 (33%) were near, and 24 (30%) were distant from high-grade PIN. Areas of presumed low-grade PIN were often found in association with high-grade PIN and PIA. Conclusions. Morphologic transitions between high-grade PIN and PIA occur frequently. Although the mere topographic relation of the lesions is not definitive proof of a continuum, these results are consistent with a model in which the proliferative epithelium in PIA may progress to PIN and/or adenocarcinoma. UROLOGY 56: 828‐832, 2000. © 2000, Elsevier Science Inc.
Enhancing Agriculture’s Potential to Sequester Carbon: A Framework to Estimate Incentive Levels for Reduced Tillage

The objectives of this study are to develop and test a framework to estimate the cost of enhancing agriculture’s potential as a carbon sink through the implementation of reduced tillage productive systems. A major factor inhibiting the adoption of reduced tillage practices is the additional risk perceived by farmers and its effect on net revenues. The expected utility model provides a useful means for evaluating risk–return tradeoffs of agricultural production systems. Incentive levels required to induce implementation of reduced tillage practices are calculated using estimated certainty equivalents. The framework developed is applied to eight case studies across the United States. Results indicate that in the Corn Belt, the required incentive payment for corn/soybeans would have to be $10.20 and $8.30 per acre for poorly drained and well-drained soils, respectively. Continuous corn incentive payments for poorly drained soils were found to be $40.40 and $26.70 for well-drained soils. In the central Great Plains, an incentive level of $14.60 per acre was required for continuous sorghum. Although the mean yields for conventional and reduced tillage practices are fairly close in this case, the higher costs associated with no-till sorghum result in the high incentive level. In the wheat/fallow and wheat/sorghum/fallow rotations of the western Great Plains, the yields associated with no-till were higher than intensive till. Thus, incentive levels near $6.00 per acre are the result of higher costs of no-till in these rotations. In the Mississippi River Corridor region, results show that the switch from corn/soybean to the same no-till rotation would require an incentive level of $7.90 per acre.
Ultraviolet Lasing in High-Order Bands of Three-Dimensional ZnO Photonic Crystals

UV lasing in three-dimensional ZnO photonic crystals is demonstrated at room temperature. The photonic crystals are inverse opals with high refractive index contrast that simultaneously confine light and provide optical gain. Highly directional lasing with tunable wavelength is obtained by optical pumping. Comparison of the experimental results to the calculated band structure shows that lasing occurs in high-order bands with abnormally low group velocity. This demonstrates that the high-order band structure of three-dimensional photonic crystals can be used to effectively confine light and enhance emission. Our findings may also impact other applications of photonic crystal devices.
Design and Use of Wood–Concrete Composites

Wood–concrete composites are floor and deck systems, which are comprised of a concrete slab integrally connected to wooden beams beneath by means of a shear connector. Use of a shear connector can significantly improve a deck’s strength and stiffness (up to approximately 2 and 4 times, respectively) when compared to that of a nonconnected structure—resulting in a highly efficient use of materials. Sound and vibration performances, as well as fire resistance, are also improved when compared to timber floors. This paper discusses the structural design and use of wood–concrete composites in existing or new floor construction. A composite-mechanics analysis for semirigid shear connectors, taken from the European code for timber design (Eurocode 5), is described. It is further adapted to the allowable stress design method in the design of a commercial floor application using a high-performance glued-in shear connector system from Germany.
FTIR study of the oxidation of amorphous carbon by ozone at 300 K — Direct COOH formation

Abstract The reaction of O3 with activated carbon has been investigated with transmission FTIR spectroscopy. A wide range of carbonyl species are observed to form with stretching mode frequencies ranging up to 1900 cm−1, but individual carbonyl species cannot be resolved. A υ(C–O) mode is observed to form near 1190 cm−1, as well as a broad υ(CO–H) mode at 3450 cm−1, indicative of the O3-induced formation of associated COOH groups. The original surface contains both aromatic and aliphatic υ(C–H) mode absorbances, which are consumed at similar rates by the O3. A mechanism is proposed for COOH formation through decomposition of an ozonide, where the hydrogen originates from C–H bonds initially present on the carbon surface.
Experiments using CMOS neural network chips as pattern/character recognizers

Two prototype chips of an all-MOS implementation of a new architecture have been designed and then fabricated and tested. Real-time experiments on the prototype chips were conducted to demonstrate the use of the new neural circuit as a pattern/character recognizer. Both software dynamic learning schemes and on-chip digital hardware learning circuitry have successfully stored the desired patterns in the network. The execution time of the real-time experiments was in the microseconds range with low power dissipation in the 1-mW range. Dedicated interface circuitries and software environments have been built to successfully demonstrate the use of the prototype chip as a pattern recognizer/classifier. >
Current and emerging new treatment strategies for mantle cell lymphoma

Mantle cell lymphoma is a relatively rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that accounts for approximately 6000 new cases per year in the USA. The median age of patients at presentation is around 65 years, and almost all patients present with stage IV disease. Over the past decade, our understanding of the molecular pathology of the disease has substantially improved. Furthermore, intensive chemotherapy treatment options were developed to improve the complete remission rates and to prolong the remission duration. More recently, several targeted agents have shown promising clinical results with good safety profiles. Future directions should focus on incorporating these novel agents in new less toxic regimens, and should also identify biomarkers that can better match patients with effective treatment strategies.
Objective and quality-of-life outcomes with bone-anchored male bulbourethral sling

OBJECTIVES To investigate the success rates and quality-of-life outcomes with the male bulbourethral sling using the validated Male Urogenital Distress Inventory (MUDI) and Male Urinary Symptom Impact Questionnaire (MUSIQ). These validated incontinence questionnaires for men have not been reported in the sling population. METHODS A total of 31 consecutive patients underwent placement of a male bulbourethral bone-anchoring sling from October 2002 through May 2005. The preoperative information included history and physical examination, pad history, urodynamic findings, and MUDI and MUSIQ results. Postoperatively, the patients were evaluated clinically and completed a MUDI and MUSIQ every 6 months. RESULTS Of the 31 patients, 24 completed the questionnaires and follow-up protocol. Of the other 7 patients, 4 underwent sling removal and 3 were lost to follow-up. The average follow-up time was 15 months (range 9 to 21). After surgery, the pad use decreased from a median of 3.7 pads/day (range 1 to 12) to 1.3 pads/day (range 0 to 6). Of the 24 analyzed patients, 18 (75%) were dry or using 1 pad or less per day, and 9 (38%) no longer needed pads. Subjectively, 75% of the patients were satisfied. The mean MUDI and MUSIQ scores decreased from 56.8 and 29.9 preoperatively to 44.8 (P <0.0001) and 14.6 (P = 0.002) after sling placement, respectively. When all 31 patients were included, our clinical success rate of 1 pad/day or less decreased to 58%. CONCLUSIONS Of the 24 patients with follow-up data, 75% were satisfied and were clinically cured. A significant improvement was seen after surgery in the MUDI and MUSIQ scores, severity of incontinence, and average pad use. The MUDI and MUSIQ scores paralleled patient satisfaction and clinical success after male bulbourethral sling placement.
Multi-beam laser altimeter system simulator for the Lidar Surface Topography (LIST) mission

In this paper we will discuss our development effort of a multi-beam airborne laser altimeter instrument as a pathfinder for the LIdar Surface Technology (LIST) mission.
Libido, Sperm Characteristics, Sperm Output, and Fertility of Mature Dairy Bulls Ejaculated Daily or Weekly for Thirty-Two Weeks

Summary Ten aged dairy bulls were used to measure the effects of prolonged daily ejaculation on libido, sperm output, sperm characteristics, and fertility. The ten bulls were ejaculated once a week for a 4-wk. preliminary period after which five were chosen at random to be ejaculated once a day and five once a week for a 32-wk. experimental period. The bulls ejaculated once a week required an average of 9.2min. of active sexual stimulation and 2.9 false mounts before each ejaculation, as compared to an average of 16.0min. and 3.7 false mounts for the bulls ejaculated once a day. The weekly bulls yielded an average of 9.5ml. of semen per ejaculate, 63% motile sperm, 1.89 billion sperm per milliliter of semen, 4.8 billion total sperm per ejaculate (per week), and 11.1 billion motile sperm per ejaculate (per week). The bulls ejaculated once daily yielded an average of 6.2ml. of semen per ejaculate, 69% motile sperm, 0.81 billion sperm per milliliter of semen, 4.8 billion total sperm per ejaculate, 3.4 billion motile sperm per ejaculate, 33.8 billion total sperm per week, and 23.6 billion motile sperm per week. All of the differences between the two frequencies of ejaculation, with respect to the sperm output criteria, were statistically signicant (P Determinations of the per cent vitality stained sperm and the per cent of sperm with morphological abnormalities and estimation of the per cent of motile sperm in extended semen after three intervals of storage at −79. 5, and 15–25° C. revealed no significant differences between the two frequencies of ejaculation. Measured by the per cent of cows not returning to service within 60 to 90 days after first insemination, the average fertility of 70% for 42,136 inseminations with sperm from the bulls ejaculated once a week was not significantly different from the average of 73% for 7,108 inseminations with sperm from the bulls ejaculated once a day. The results of this experiment indicate that daily ejaculation of aged bulls for as long as 8 mo. is not harmful, either to the bulls themselves or to the quality of the sperm they produce. Ejaculating bulls two or three times on each of two or three days a week and storing the sperm in an improved extender, such as CUE, makes it possible for an artificial breeding organization to provide unfrozen semen with satisfactory fertility at all times from most stud bulls.
Food Intake of Kansans Over 80 Years of Age Attending Congregate Meal Sites

As the population of the United States continues to age, it has become increasingly more important to recognize the food intake and eating habits of older adults. The objective of this study was to describe the food group intake, factors predicting food group intake, and the food choices of community-dwelling Kansans, 80 years of age and older who participate in congregate meal programs. Participants completed a short questionnaire querying demographic information, current health status, and dietary supplement use. Participants (n = 113) were then followed up via telephone to complete two 24-hour diet recalls. Data were analyzed to determine adequacy of food group intake and mean intake. Regression analyses were used to determine factors predicting intake and frequency analysis established food typically consumed. Female participants were significantly more likely to consume more fruit servings than males. Intake was low for all five of the food groups, especially dairy. Chronic health conditions and dietary supplement use were consistently predictive factors of the amount of each food group consumed.
uRule: A Rule-Based Classification System for Uncertain Data

Data uncertainty is common in real-world applications. Various reasons lead to data uncertainty, including imprecise measurements, network latency, outdated sources and sampling errors. These kinds of uncertainties have to be handled cautiously, or else the data mining results could be unreliable or wrong. In this demo, we will show uRule, a new rule-based classification and prediction system for uncertain data. This system uses new measures for generating, pruning and optimizing classification rules. These new measures are computed considering uncertain data intervals and probability distribution functions. Based on the new measures, the optimal splitting attributes and splitting values can be identified and used in classification rules. uRule can process uncertainty in both numerical and categorical data. It has satisfactory classification performance even when data is highly uncertain.
Activation of mGluR2/3 following stress hormone exposure restores sensitivity to alcohol in rats.

Sensitivity to the interoceptive effects of alcohol is blunted following a period of exposure to the stress hormone corticosterone (CORT), an effect that is suggested to be related, in part, to glutamatergic neuroadaptations. Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (subtypes 2 and 3; mGluR2/3) modulate several drug- and alcohol-related behaviors, including the interoceptive (discriminative stimulus) effects of alcohol. Therefore, we sought to determine if manipulation of mGluR2/3 would restore sensitivity to the interoceptive effects of alcohol following CORT exposure. Using a two-lever drug discrimination task, male Long-Evans rats were trained to discriminate alcohol (1 g/kg, intragastric [IG]) vs. water. First, the effect of mGluR2/3 antagonism on the discriminative stimulus effects of alcohol was determined using LY341495 (0.3-3.0 mg/kg; intraperitoneal [IP]). Next, the effects of mGluR2/3 antagonism and activation were assessed in discrimination-trained animals exposed to CORT (300 μg/mL) in the home cage drinking water or water only, for 7 days. Following CORT exposure, decreased sensitivity to alcohol (1 g/kg) was observed. Pretreatment with the mGluR2/3 agonist LY379268 (1.0-3.0 mg/kg; IP), but not the mGluR2/3 antagonist (0.3-1.0 mg/kg; IP), restored sensitivity to alcohol. Additionally, in water controls, mGluR2/3 antagonism and mGluR2/3 activation disrupted expression of the discriminative stimulus effects of alcohol. Together, these findings suggest that blunted sensitivity to the interoceptive effects of alcohol following an episode of heightened stress hormone levels may be due to adaptations in mGluR2/3-related systems. The ability of mGluR2/3 activation to restore sensitivity to alcohol under these conditions lends further support for the importance of these receptors under stress-related conditions.
Interference of strength development by simultaneously training for strength and endurance.

The purpose of this study was to determine how individuals adapt to a combination of strength and endurance training as compared to the adaptations produced by either strength or endurance training separately. There were three exercise groups: a strength group (S) that exercised 30–40 min·day−1, 5 days·week−1, an endurance group (E) that exercised 40 min·day−1, 6 days·week−1; and an S and E group that performed the same daily exercise regimens as the S and E groups. After 10 weeks of training, VO2 max increased approx. 25% when measured during bicycle exercise and 20% when measured during treadmill exercise in both E, and S and E groups. No increase in VO2 max was observed in the S group. There was a consistent rate of development of leg-strength by the S group throughout the training, whereas the E group did not show any appreciable gains in strength. The rate of strength improvement by the S and E group was similar to the S group for the first 7 weeks of training, but subsequently leveled off and declined during the 9th and 10th weeks. These findings demonstrate that simultaneously training for S and E will result in a reduced capacity to develop strength, but will not affect the magnitude of increase in VO2 max.
Relationship between Hydroxy Fatty Acids and Prostaglandin E2 in Gingival Tissue

Bacterial hydroxy fatty acids and alpha-hydroxy fatty acids have been demonstrated in complex lipid extracts of subgingival plaque and gingival tissue. However, little is known about the relationship between these hydroxy fatty acids in plaque and gingival tissues or the significance of these complex lipids in promoting inflammatory periodontal disease. The present study determined the percentages of ester-linked and amide-linked hydroxy fatty acids in complex lipids recovered from plaque and gingival tissue samples and the relationship between bacterial hydroxy fatty acids and alpha-hydroxy fatty acids in the lipid extracts. To evaluate a potential role for these hydroxy fatty acids in inflammatory periodontal disease, gingival tissue samples were examined for a relationship between prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and hydroxy fatty acids recovered in gingival lipid. This investigation demonstrated that alpha-hydroxy fatty acids are only ester linked in plaque lipids but are largely amide linked in gingival tissue lipids. Furthermore, the level of alpha-hydroxy fatty acid in gingival lipid is directly related to the level of the bacterial hydroxy fatty acid 3-OH iso-branched C17:0 (3-OH iC17:0) in the same lipid extract. However, the relationship between hydroxy fatty acids in gingival lipids does not parallel the fatty acid relationship observed in plaque lipids. Finally, alpha-hydroxy fatty acid levels in gingival tissue lipids correlate directly with the recovery of PGE2 in the same tissue samples. These results demonstrate that alpha-hydroxy fatty acid levels in gingival lipids are directly related to both 3-OH iC17:0 bacterial lipid levels and PGE2 levels. These results indicate that in periodontal tissues there are unusual host-parasite interactions involving penetration of bacterial lipid in association with an altered gingival lipid metabolism and prostaglandin synthesis.
Processing scalar implicature: a constraint-based approach.

Three experiments investigated the processing of the implicature associated with some using a “gumball paradigm”. On each trial participants saw an image of a gumball machine with an upper chamber with 13 gumballs and an empty lower chamber. Gumballs then dropped to the lower chamber and participants evaluated statements, such as “You got some of the gumballs”. Experiment 1 established that some is less natural for reference to small sets (1, 2 and 3 of the 13 gumballs) and unpartitioned sets (all 13 gumballs) compared to intermediate sets (6–8). Partitive some of was less natural than simple some when used with the unpartitioned set. In Experiment 2, including exact number descriptions lowered naturalness ratings for some with small sets but not for intermediate size sets and the unpartitioned set. In Experiment 3 the naturalness ratings from Experiment 2 predicted response times. The results are interpreted as evidence for a Constraint-Based account of scalar implicature processing and against both two-stage, Literal-First models and pragmatic Default models.
Multiscale, Geometric Image Descriptions for Interactive Object Definition

A means is described of analyzing two- and three-dimensional images into a directed acyclic graph of visually sensible, coherent regions and of using this DAG as the basis for interactive object definition. The image analysis is in terms of the geometry of the intensity surface via a multiscale approach with a focus on symmetry properties about ridges. The image analysis method, a system for interactive object definition, and results of their use on two-dimensional images are reported.
The Way We Teach Information-Seeking Skills

A problem-based approach has been introduced as part of a surgery clerkship, to teach medical students information-seeking skills.Students are given an assignment before an information search seminar, to work independently to resolve one of two patient problems and in the process record each step of their information seeking. Students answer questions about the patient's management on a card before the seminar. During the seminar the students report their competence on using medical information sources and are able to assess their own efficacy in comparison to an expert information seeker. Students have responded favourably to the seminars.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents. V. Amylose from Pinellia ternata

AbstractAn amylose was isolated from “Ban Xia”, the dried tuber of Pinellia ternata, which demonstrated marked anti-inflammatory activity in mice at 25 mgAg. This amylose demonstrated nmr characteristics consistent with a standard amylose of a molecular weight of 4,100, which also demonstrated antiinflammatory activity in the same potency range as the isolated product from “Ban Xia” in mice.
Phonon anomalies in some iron telluride materials

The detailed temperature dependence of the infrared-active mode in ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{1.03}\mathrm{Te}$ (${T}_{N}\ensuremath{\simeq}68$ K) and ${\mathrm{Fe}}_{1.13}\mathrm{Te}$ (${T}_{N}\ensuremath{\simeq}56$ K) has been examined, and the position, width, strength, and asymmetry parameter have been determined using an asymmetric Fano profile superimposed on an electronic background. In both materials the frequency of the mode increases as the temperature is reduced; however, there is also a slight asymmetry in the line shape, indicating that the mode is coupled to either spin or charge excitations. Below ${T}_{N}$ there is an anomalous decrease in frequency, and the mode shows little temperature dependence, at the same time becoming more symmetric, suggesting a reduction in spin- or electron-phonon coupling. The frequency of the infrared-active mode and the magnitude of the shift below ${T}_{N}$ are predicted reasonably well by first-principles calculations; however, the predicted splitting of the mode is not observed. In superconducting ${\mathrm{FeTe}}_{0.55}{\mathrm{Se}}_{0.45}$ (${T}_{c}\ensuremath{\simeq}14$ K) the infrared-active ${E}_{u}$ mode displays asymmetric line shape at all temperatures, which is most pronounced between 100 and 200 K, indicating the presence of either spin- or electron-phonon coupling, which may be a necessary prerequisite for superconductivity in this class of materials.
TUBERCULOSIS OF THE KNEE JOINT IN THE ADULT

This paper is based on the study of the records of 211 patients for whom the knee joint had been resected for tuberculosis. Definite information as to the end results was obtained concerning 194 patients. There was no operative mortality. One hundred and seventy-one patients (88.3 per cent.) secured firm bony union with good function. Union failed in twenty-two cases (11.3 per cent.). In four of these the bones were induced to unite by a bone graft, thus leaving eighteen (9.2 per cent.) in which union did not occur. The use of the bone graft as a routine and the improved technique of operation should give a lower percentage of non-union than is presented in the foregoing data. In five cases of the group, amputation was performed subsequently; in four, on account of continued drainage and non-union, and in one case, on account of non-union which might have been remedied by a bone graft. Of the 194 patients traced 177 are living; seventeen (8.7 per cent.) are dead. All but two of the seventeen died from extension of the tuberculosis; they lived an average of four and one-half years. The operation relieves the patients of a painful, distressing condition and restores them practically to full activity, so they can again take their place in industrial life.
The iron content of jejunal mucosa obtained by Crosby's biopsy in hemochromatosis and hemosiderosis.

Perls’ test for iron (Prussian blue) has been performed on duodenal and jejunal specimens obtained by the Crosby capsule from healthy persons, as well as from patients affected with congenital hemochromatosis or acquired hemosiderosis (transfusion type). The small intestine was biopsied after an 18 hour fast. As far as normal human beings are concerned, no hemosiderin was found in the epithelial cells of duodenum or jejunum, nor in the tunica propria of duodenum. On the other hand, the tunica propria of a number of jejunal villi showed siderotic macrophages which seemed to be storing or moving iron from the tips of the villi into the gut lumen. In hemosiderosis, iron granulations were never found in the columnar epithelium, whereas siderotic macrophages, storing or removing iron, were much more numerous and iron-positive than in the normal, and these macrophages were not only in the tunica propria of jejunum, but also in that of the duodenum. In hemochromatosis, the columnar epithelium of some duodenal villi had iron-containing granules, and many villi had siderotic macrophages in the tunica propria. These macrophages were not confined to the tips of villi, but were randomly distributed in the tunica propria. Furthermore, no macrophages appeared to be traversing the columnar epithelium or outside it.
Deficits in Visual System Functional Connectivity after Blast-Related Mild TBI are Associated with Injury Severity and Executive Dysfunction

INTRODUCTION: Approximately, 275,000 American service members deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan have sustained a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), with 75% of these incidents involving an explosive blast. Visual processing problems and cognitive dysfunction are common complaints following blast-related mTBI. METHODS: In 127 veterans, we examined resting fMRI functional connectivity (FC) of four key nodes within the visual system: lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), primary visual cortex (V1), lateral occipital gyrus (LO), and fusiform gyrus (FG). Regression analyses were performed (i) to obtain correlations between time-series from each seed and all voxels in the brain, and (ii) to identify brain regions in which FC variability was related to blast mTBI severity. Blast-related mTBI severity was quantified as the sum of the severity scores assigned to each of the three most significant blast-related injuries self-reported by subjects. Correlations between FC and performance on executive functioning tasks were performed across participants with available behavioral data (n = 94). RESULTS: Greater blast mTBI severity scores were associated with lower FC between: (A) LGN seed and (i) medial frontal gyrus, (ii) lingual gyrus, and (iii) right ventral anterior nucleus of thalamus; (B) V1 seed and precuneus; (C) LO seed and middle and superior frontal gyri; (D) FG seed and (i) superior and medial frontal gyrus, and (ii) left middle frontal gyrus. Finally, lower FC between visual network regions and frontal cortical regions predicted worse performance on the WAIS digit-symbol coding task. CONCLUSION: These are the first published results that directly illustrate the relationship between blast-related mTBI severity, visual pathway neural networks, and executive dysfunction - results that highlight the detrimental relationship between blast-related brain injury and the integration of visual sensory input and executive processes. Language: en
Identification of tocopherols, tocotrienols, and their fatty acid esters in residues and distillates of structured lipids purified by short-path distillation.

The fate of endogenous vitamin E isomers during production and purification of structured lipids (SLs) was investigated. Two SLs involving tripalmitin, stearidonic acid soybean oil, and docosahexaenoic acid were synthesized by transesterification catalyzed by Novozym 435 (NSL) and acidolysis by Lipozyme TL IM (LDHA) and purified by short-path distillation (SPD). The electron impact and chemical ionization mass spectra of tocopheryl and tocotrienyl fatty acid esters in the distillates measured by GC-MS in synchronous scan/SIM mode demonstrated that these esters were formed during acidolysis as well as transesterification. The predominant esters were tocopheryl palmitate, tocopheryl oleate, and tocopheryl linoleate homologues, and no tocopheryl or tocotrienyl linolenate, stearidonate, or docosahexaenoate was found. Meanwhile, none of these esters were detected in the residues for either NSL or LDHA. Less than 50% of vitamin E isomers were present in residues after SPD. This loss played a major role in the r...