cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Film Thickness And Refractive Index Standard Reference Material Calibrated By Ellipsometry And Profilometry

A Standard Reference Material (SRM) has been designed and fabricated and will be certified for thickness and refractive index using a highly accurate ellipsometer. The SRM consists of a three-inch diameter silicon wafer with a silicon dioxide film of uniform thickness. The design and preparation of the SRM are discussed and the ellipsometric measurement results and their comparisons with stylus profilometry are presented, along with the precision of the measurements. The ellipsometric accuracy depends upon the wafer oxide film, the model that represents the film-interface-substrate system, and the methods used to make the measurements. When the optical thickness, as determined by the ellipsometer, is compared with the mechanical thickness, as determined by the stylus profilometer, both the correct sample preparation and correct model are important in order to obtain high accuracy. This SRM will be available initially in three nominal oxide film thicknesses of 50, 100, and 200 nm. The SRM can be used to calibrate many different optical and mechanical thickness monitoring instruments as well as ellipsometers for which it was specifically designed.
The IR4 auxiliary regulatory protein expands the in vitro host range of equine herpesvirus 1 and is essential for pathogenesis in the murine model

IR4, an early regulatory protein of equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1), is not a DNA-binding protein, but interacts with the sole immediate-early protein (IEP) to increase both IEP site-specific DNA-binding and IEP-mediated trans-activation of EHV-1 promoters. To investigate the biological properties of IR4 and ascertain whether this regulatory protein is essential for virus growth, bacterial artificial chromosome methods were employed to generate an IR4-null EHV-1. The IR4 gene was dispensable for EHV-1 growth in non-immortalized equine NBL-6 cells, but virus replication was delayed and was reduced by greater than 10-fold. In addition, replication of the IR4 mutant was abrogated in all other cell types tested, including equine ETCC tumor cells and cells of mouse, rabbit, monkey, and human origin. Further, in contrast to the highly pathogenic parent virus, the IR4 deletion mutant failed to cause disease in the CBA mouse as judged by assessing body weight and clinical signs and was unable to replicate in the murine lung. To define the nature of the block in the replication of the IR4-null virus, molecular analyses were carried out in RK-13 rabbits' cells infected with the IR4-deleted virus and revealed that: 1) the synthesis of the sole IEP was not inhibited; 2) the synthesis of early viral proteins examined was either not affected or was delayed to late times; 3) viral DNA replication was inhibited by more than 99.9%; and 4) synthesis of essential late proteins such as glycoprotein D and glycoprotein K was prevented. These findings indicate that the IR4 protein is required for EHV-1 DNA replication in non-permissive cells, and, like its homologues in other alphaherpesviruses, contributes a function required for virus replication in a variety of cell types.
Cellular mechanisms of acid secretion in the posterior midgut of the larval mosquito (Aedes aegypti)

The gut contents of larval mosquitoes are alkalinized by the anterior midgut and reacidified by the posterior midgut. In the present study the cellular mechanisms of reacidification were studied in isolated, perfused posterior midgut by measuring the transepithelial voltage (V(te)) and the rate of acid secretion as indicated by the color change of m-cresol purple during intervals of perfusion stop. The lumen-positive V(te) and reacidification were significantly increased by serotonin (0.2 mumol l(-1)). The V-type H(+)-ATPase inhibitor concanamycin A (10 mumol l(-1)) on the luminal side inhibited acidification and decreased V(te). On the hemolymph side the carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitor acetazolamide (1 mmol l(-1)) almost abolished V(te), but had no effect on acidification. Similarly, hemolymph-side DIDS (0.1 mmol l(-1)), DPC (0.5 mmol l(-1)), amiloride (1 mmol l(-1)) and ouabain (2.5 mmol l(-1)) significantly reduced V(te), whereas Ba(2+) (5 mmol l(-1)) was without effect. DPC and amiloride also reduced V(te) when applied to the luminal side of the epithelium. Unilateral substitution of gluconate for Cl(-) affected V(te) in a way consistent with a greater permeability for Cl(-) versus Na(+). Cl(-) replacement in the lumen decreased V(te), whereas replacement on the hemolymph side increased it. Bilateral replacement left the control voltage unaffected. Na(+) replacement on either side of the tissue reduced V(te) to different degrees. Omission of luminal amino acids was followed by a significant decrease in V(te). Except for concanamycin A, none of the above manipulations impaired acidification, indicating that acidification requires only the apical proton pump. However, the chemical source of secreted H(+) is still unknown and needs to be investigated.
Suppression of the Multiplication of Heterologous Bacteriophages in Lysogenic Bacteria.

Abstract Phages T2, T4, T5, and T6 fail to multiply in most cells of certain strains of Escherichia coli or Shigella dysenteriae lysogenic for phage P2. Likewise, phages T1, T3, T7, and P2 cannot multiply in cells lysogenic for phage P1. P1-lysogenic cells on which phage T1 has adsorbed but has not multiplied, survive and grow normally. Phage growth is suppressed at some stage following attachment. The suppressed phages succeed in multiplying in a few exceptional cells of the lysogenic strains. With phages T1 and P2, the exceptional cells produce some phage which has been modified in such a way as to grow in P1-lysogenic cells. Certain mutations to streptomycin resistance alter the response of P1-and of P2-lysogenic cells to heterologous phages without changing the prophages themselves. Loss of prophage removes the inability to support the multiplication of heterologous phages.
Why Terra Nullius? Anthropology and Property Law in Early Australia

The British treated Australia as terra nullius—as unowned land. Under British colonial law, aboriginal Australians had no property rights in the land, and colonization accordingly vested ownership of the entire continent in the British government. The doctrine of terra nullius remained the law in Australia throughout the colonial period, and indeed right up to 1992.
Environmental science as a social process.

The felt need for better environmental information for planners and voters is based on maladaptive beliefs about the nature of knowledge and social order. Because there is not a meta-model which links the individual environmental sciences into a coherent whole, understanding complex environmental problems is necessarily a process of discourse between scientists from separate sciences—a process of gaining trust, building new patterns of thinking, and reaching toward new consensuses. By acknowledging the nature of the process, we can improve upon it and relieve the felt need for better environmental information.
Bloodstream infections in cancer patients.

The significance of bloodstream infections, or bacteremia, in the immunocompromised host with malignancy becomes increasingly confusing. The article by Castagnola and colleagues [1] brings good news about this once feared life-threatening complication of intensive anti-cancer therapy. In addition to showing a correlation between the intensity of chemotherapy and rates of infection, a more remarkable observation has been made. In the 153 bloodstream infections and 22 invasive mycoses in children with leukaemia, the fatality rate due to infection was 1.3%. Similarly favorable survival rates have been reported recently in a Canadian study [2]. Of 121 episodes of bacteremia in 76 paediatric oncology patients 100% survived the infection. Surprisingly, the fatality rates in immunosuppressed children with cancer are impressively lower than those found in otherwise healthy children with communityacquired bloodstream infections. Gray [3] reviewed data on 2364 consecutive episodes of bloodstream infections over a seven-year period at Birmingham Children s Hospital in UK and reported an overall fatality rate of 2.4% and a fatality rate in previously healthy children of 5.3% (four times that of the paediatric oncology patients). What accounts for the paradox of higher survival rates in life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients with leukemia than in otherwise healthy immunocompetent children? One can speculate on many factors, with the development of new and more effective antibiotics being only one. Over the past three decades oncology centers have developed intensive, aggressive, comprehensive, and protocol-driven approaches to empirically initiate antibiotic therapy at the earliest
Improved psychomotor performance in aged mice fed diet high in antioxidants is associated with reduced ex vivo brain interleukin-6 production

Psychomotor performance is decreased in the aged. This study investigated the relationship between brain oxidative stress, interleukin-6 (IL-6) production by brain tissue ex vivo and psychomotor deficits during aging, and the effects of feeding an antioxidant-rich diet on ex vivo brain IL-6 production and motor function in aged mice. Male BALBc mice reared in SPF conditions and ranging in age from 3 to 24 months were studied. There was a precipitous decline in motor function after 12 months of age and an increase in brain lipid peroxidation and IL-6 production by coronal brain slices ex vivo. In another study, 12-month-old mice were fed diets formulated to provide a disparate range of antioxidants. At 18 months of age psychomotor coordination, motor learning, and ex vivo brain IL-6 production were evaluated. Mice fed an antioxidant-rich diet had improved psychomotor coordination compared to mice fed diet adequate or low in antioxidants. When mice were tested on successive days, only those fed adequate and high antioxidants exhibited motor learning. Analysis of IL-6 production by coronal brain slices indicated that as dietary antioxidants increased, IL-6 production decreased. Collectively, these data indicate that antioxidants improve psychomotor performance in aged mice, and suggest antioxidants may be useful for reducing brain IL-6 production, which has been shown to increase in aged mice.
Complex exponential solutions of linear elasticity equations

We consider linear elasticity equations of the type encountered in the theory 'of small deformations superposed on large, when the large deformation leaves the material in a homogeneous configuration. Said differently, we consider cases where these are linear equations with constant coefficients. Such equations admit a variety of complex exponential solutions. As is discussed by Truesdell & Noll [1, §§ 71, 73], for example, one subset, the plane waves, has been studied in some detail. Another type is encountered in the various studies of surface waves, whose amplitude varies with position, but not time. Judging from conversations I have had with various workers, it seems not to be a matter of common knowledge that there also exist waves whose amplitude increases or decreases exponentially with time. Failure to appreciate this seems to have led to some confusion concerning elastic stability theory. I t thus seems worthwhile to at tempt a more general exploration of complex exponential solutions, hereafter abbreviated as CES. We here establish some of their properties. We restrict our attention to equations of strongly elliptic type. Various interpretations and implications of this condition are discussed by Truesdell & Noll [1, §§ 44, 45, 48, 52, 68, 71, 74, 90]. For reasons discussed by Ericksen [2, 3], elasticities violating this condition are not likely to be observed.
THE ANTARES UNDERWATER NEUTRINO TELESCOPE

ANTARES is the first undersea neutrino telescope. It is in its complete configuration since May 2008 at about 2.5 km below the sea surface close to Marseille. Data from 12 lines are being analyzed and are producing first results. Here we discuss first analysis results for 5 lines and 10 lines, and we also comment on the performance of the full detector. We show that the detector has capabilities for discriminating upgoing neutrino events from the much larger amount of downgoing atmospheric muons and that data and simulation are in good agreement. We then discuss the physics reach of the detector for what concerns point-like source and dark matter searches.
Gauge symmetry breaking in superconformal orbifolds

We study the construction of (2, 0) theories from orbifolds of N=2 minimal superconformal string compactifications with non-trivial Wilson loops. In particular, we exploit the connection between geometrical and exactly soluble string vacua to arrive at a mean of analyzing Calabi-Yau orbifolds containing ‘Wilson loops’ associated with non-free group actions, breaking the E6 gauge symmetry of the model as well the ‘shadow’ E8 gauge symmetry group. We apply our results to recently proposed three generation constructions of this sort and find spectra which differ from previous claims and which possess exceptionally desirable phenomenological properties.
First fossil Mecysmaucheniidae (Arachnida, Chelicerata, Araneae), from Lower Cretaceous (Uppermost Albian) amber of Charente-Maritime, France

Th e fi rst known fossil mecysmaucheniid spider, Archaemecys arcantiensis n. gen., n. sp., is described, from Lower Cretaceous (Upper Albian) amber of CharenteMaritime, France. Th is is the fi rst fossil spider to be formally described from French Cretaceous amber and extends the geological record of Mecysmaucheniidae back into the Cretaceous, the family having previously been known only from the Recent. Th e fossil diff ers from other Mecysmaucheniidae in having four, rather than two spinnerets, so it can be considered plesiomorphic with respect to modern members of the family in this character. Th e amber of the Archingeay-Les Nouillers area is uniquely considered to have a largely preserved litter fauna and our specimen corroborates this hypothesis. Archaeidae, and now their sister group the Mecysmaucheniidae, have been found as fossils solely in the northern hemisphere, yet their Recent distributions are entirely southern hemisphere (Gondwanan). Th e fi nd suggests a former pancontinental distribution of Mecysmaucheniidae.
The molecular machinery of synaptic vesicle exocytosis

At the synapse, neurotransmitters are released via Ca2+-triggered exocytotic fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic plasma membrane. Synaptic vesicle exocytosis seems to share many basic principles and homologous proteins with other membrane fusion events. Conserved components of the general fusion machinery that participate in synaptic vesicle exocytosis include soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs), ATPase N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor, Munc18/nSec1, Rab3 GTPase, and the exocyst proteins. In addition, synaptic vesicle exocytosis uses a set of unique components, such as synaptotagmin, complexin, Munc13, and RIM, to meet the special needs of fast Ca2+-triggered neurotransmitter release. This review summarizes present knowledge about the molecular mechanisms by which these components mediate and/or regulate synaptic vesicle exocytosis.
Design guidelines for an integrated PHR system: an approach for UI designers to break down individual-level barriers to PHR adoption

The significance of the quality of healthcare information has been recognized in the health care field. How will health information reach people, including patients, health care providers, employers, and etc.? How can information flow seamlessly among systems in a secure environment? In the case of individuals, how can one access, manage and share his/her health information with authorized health providers? To answer those questions, PHR (Personal Health records) plays a crucial role here. User interface design is essential for improving the usability of interactive systems like PHRs. In this study, two PHR applications are examined; rules will be applied to a PHR system design prototype to demonstrate how constructing and integrating of intuitive graphic design is carried out, and how to make PHRs more user-friendly by incorporating users' daily activities into personal health decision making and medical care.
The Oregon Death with Dignity Act: Results of a literature review and naturalistic inquiry

The Death with Dignity (DWD) Act, a physician-assisted suicide statute, was initially adopted in Oregon In November, 1994 and became operational in 1998. The purpose of this study is to: 1) determine the nature and form of the empirical literature on the Oregon DWD Act; 2) describe the effects of the DWD Act on Oregonians with disabilities according to the empirical literature; and 3) present opinions held by a group of Oregonians with disabilities about the DWD Act and its effects. A literature review and focus group were conducted for this study. Thirteen empirical studies and 11 state annual DWD reports were included in the literature review. Review of the empirical literature on DWD in Oregon reveals a number of potential concerns, including inadequate demographic profiling of DWD requesting patients, inadequate mental health evaluations, insufficient duration of physician-patient relationships, potential inaccuracy of the six month prognosis, and inadequate exploration of alternative treatment. These concerns suggest that the DWD reporting system may be inadequate and lack sufficient safeguards. The focus group revealed that there are multiple facets to the DWD issue. Within the disability community, there does not seem to be unequivocal support for one viewpoint over another.
Statistical Characteristics of a Real-Time Precipitation Forecasting Model

At Colorado State University the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) has been used to produce real-time forecasts of precipitation for the Colorado mountain region since 1991. Originally a so-called dumpbucket scheme was used to generate precipitation, but starting in the fall of 1995 real-time forecasts used the bulk microphysics scheme available with RAMS. For the month of April 1995, a series of 24-h accumulated precipitation forecasts for the month were generated with both the dump-bucket and microphysics versions of the forecast model. Both sets of output were compared to a set of 167 community-based station reports and another set of 32 snow telemetry (SNOTEL) automatic pillow-sensor stations. The addition of microphysics improved the forecasting of the areal extent and maximum amount of precipitation, especially when compared to the SNOTEL observational set, which is found at locations more representative of the model topography. Climatological station precipitation forecasts were improved on the average by correcting for the difference between a station’s actual elevation and the cell-averaged topography used by the model. The model had more problems with the precise timing and geographical location of the precipitation features, probably due in part to the influence of other model physics, the failure of the model to resolve adequately wintertime convection events, and inadequate initializations.
Emergency Physicians' Knowledge of Cannabinoid Designer Drugs

Introduction: The use of synthetic drugs of abuse in the United States has grown in the last few years, with little information available on how much physicians know about these drugs and how they are treating patients using them. The objective of this study was to assess emergency physician (EP) knowledge of synthetic cannabinoids (SC). Methods: A self-administered internet-based survey of resident and attending EPs at a large urban emergency department (ED) was administered to assess familiarity with the terms Spice or K2 and basic knowledge of SC, and to describe some practice patterns when managing SC intoxication in the ED. Results: Of the 83 physicians invited to participate, 73 (88%) completed surveys. The terms “Spice” and “K2” for SC were known to 25/73 (34%) and 36/73 (49%) of respondents. Knowledge of SC came most commonly (72%) from non-medical sources, with lay publications and the internet providing most respondents with information. Among those with previous knowledge of synthetic cannabinoids, 25% were not aware that SC are synthetic drugs, and 17% did not know they are chemically most similar to marijuana. Among all participants, 80% felt unprepared caring for a patient in the ED who had used synthetic cannabinoids. Conclusion: Clinically active EPs are unfamiliar with synthetic cannabinoids. Even those who stated they had heard of synthetic cannabinoids answered poorly on basic knowledge questions. More education is needed among EPs of all ages and levels of training on synthetic cannabinoids. [West J Emerg Med. 2013;14(5):467–470.]
Dielectric Properties of Sweet Potato Purees at 915 MHz as Affected by Temperature and Chemical Composition

A process for rapid sterilization and aseptic packaging of sweet potato puree using a continuous flow microwave system operating at 915 MHz has been successfully developed. In microwave processing, dielectric properties have a major role in determining the interaction between purees and the electromagnetic energy. The objective of this research was to determine how dielectric properties are affected by temperature and chemical composition of purees derived from thirteen sweet potato cultivars with varying flesh colors. Results indicated that temperature, moisture, sugar and starch content had a pronounced effect (p < 0.001) on dielectric properties measured from 15°C to 145°C at 915 MHz. Dielectric constant decreased with increasing temperature, while dielectric loss factor increased quadratically. Power penetration depth of all cultivars decreased with increasing temperature. Predictive equations were developed for dielectric constant (R2 = 0.82) and dielectric loss factor (R2 = 0.90) as a function of te...
The stoichiometry of inorganic carbon and nutrient removal in the Mississippi River plume and adjacent continental shelf

Abstract. The stoichiometry of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and nutrients during biological uptake is widely assumed to follow the Redfield ratios (especially the C / N ratio) in large river plume ecosystems. However, this assumption has not been systematically examined and documented, because DIC and nutrients are rarely studied simultaneously in river plume areas and interpretation of ratios can be confounded by strong river–ocean mixing as well as intense biological activity. We examined stoichiometric ratios of DIC and nutrients (NO3-, PO43- and Si[OH]4) in the Mississippi River plume and adjacent continental shelf in June 2003 and August 2004 and calculated biological removal as the difference between observed concentrations and those predicted from conservative mixing, as determined from a multi-end-member mixing model and observed salinity and total alkalinity. Despite complex physical and biogeochemical influences, relationships between DIC and nutrients were strongly dependent on salinity range and geographic location, and influenced by biological removal. Lower C / Si and N / Si ratios in one nearshore area were likely due to localized input of high Si and low NO3- water from adjacent wetlands or preferential removal of nitrogen in the area. When net biological uptake was separated from river–ocean mixing and corrected for preferential N removal, the stoichiometric ratio of C / N / Si was similar to the Redfield ratio, thus supporting the applicability of the Redfield-type C / N / Si ratios in river-plume biogeochemical models.
Emotion regulation strategies and later externalizing behavior among European American and African American children

Children's early emotion regulation strategies (ERS) have been related to externalizing problems; however, most studies have included predominantly European American, middle-class children. The current study explores whether ERS use may have differential outcomes as a function of the mother's ethnic culture. The study utilizes two diverse samples of low-income male toddlers to examine observed ERS during a delay of gratification task in relation to maternal and teacher reports of children's externalizing behavior 2 to 6 years later. Although the frequencies of ERS were comparable between ethnic groups in both samples, the use of physical comfort seeking and self-soothing was positively related to African American children's later externalizing behavior but negatively related to externalizing behavior for European American children in Sample 1. Data from Sample 2 appear to support this pattern for self-soothing in maternal, but not teacher, report of externalizing behavior. Within group differences by income were examined as a possible explanatory factor accounting for the ethnic differences, but it was not supported. Alternative explanations are discussed to explain the pattern of findings.
Photorefractive quantum wells: Transverse Franz-Keldysh geometry

The photorefractive properties of semi-insulating AlGaAs–GaAs multiple quantum wells are described for the transverse Franz–Keldysh geometry with the electric field in the plane of the quantum wells. Combining the strong electroabsorption of quantum-confined excitons with the high resistivity of semi-insulating quantum wells yields large nonlinear optical sensitivities. The photorefractive quantum wells have effective nonlinear optical sensitivities of n2 ≈ 103 cm2/W and α2/α0 ≈ 104 cm2/W for applied fields of 10 kV/cm. Photorefractive gains approaching 1000 cm−1 have been observed in two-wave mixing under dc electric fields and stationary fringes. The transverse Franz–Keldysh geometry retains the general transport properties and behavior of conventional bulk photorefractive materials. The resonant excitation of free electrons and holes in the quantum wells leads to novel behavior associated with electron–hole competition. We demonstrate that under resonant excitation of electrons and holes the device resolution is fundamentally limited by diffusion lengths but is insensitive to long drift lengths.
Perceived Support, Knowledge Tacitness, and Provider Knowledge Sharing

This study provides a direct test of social exchange theory on knowledge sharing from the perspective of the provider by examining the role of both perceived coworker support (PCS) and perceived organizational support (POS) on the extent to which employees share their knowledge with their coworkers. Also examined is the moderating role of knowledge tacitness. Results show PCS has a strong positive relationship with provider knowledge sharing but, contrary to expectation, POS does not have a significant relationship. Further, knowledge tacitness moderates the relationship between PCS and knowledge sharing such that the relationship between PCS and knowledge sharing is stronger for providers who perceive their knowledge as tacit. However, the difference in knowledge sharing between providers with knowledge high in tacitness versus low in tacitness is greatest at low levels of PCS and decreases as PCS increases. The implications of these findings to research and practice are discussed.
802.11n under the microscope

We present an experimental study of IEEE 802.11n (high throughput extension to the 802.11 standard) using commodity wireless hardware. 802.11n introduces a variety of new mechanisms including physical layer diversity techniques, channel bonding and frame aggregation mechanisms. Using measurements from our testbed, we analyze the fundamental characteristics of 802.11n links and quantify the gains of each mechanism under diverse scenarios. We show that the throughput of an 802.11n link can be severely degraded (up ≈85%) in presence of an 802.11g link. Our results also indicate that increased amount of interference due to wider channel bandwidths can lead to throughput degradation. To this end, we characterize the nature of interference due to variable channel widths in 802.11n and show that careful modeling of interference is imperative in such scenarios. Further, as a reappraisal of previous work, we evaluate the effectiveness of MAC level diversity in the presence of physical layer diversity mechanisms introduced by 802.11n.
Supercapacitor Based on Graphene – Polyaniline Nanocomposite Electrode

This paper aims to investigate the concept of high power density and wider voltage window supercapacitors based on graphene-conducting polymer electrodes. The high conductivity, wider tunable potential window, stability of the electrode material in the doped form, faster charge transfer rate, and short charging times in graphene (G)-polyaniline (PANI) systems, contribute to the design and fabrication of high performance supercapacitors. Novel chemistries were used to synthesize a higher electronic conducting nanocomposite material based on graphene and polyaniline. The G-PANI nanocomposites were characterized, where an interesting structure was observed using different ratios of graphene with the aniline monomer. The G-PANI nanocomposite materials has shown the specific capacitance of 300 to 500 F/g at a current density of 0.1A/g. Based on the present experimental findings, it could be conclude that the G-PANI polymer nanocomposite supercapacitor technology could be transformative, and could surpass the existing technologies when the present synthesized novel material approach will be taken.
Characterisation of immune responses in healthy foals when a multivalent vaccine protocol was initiated at age 90 or 180 days

SummaryReasons for performing study Protection from infectious disease requires antigen-specific immunity. In foals, most vaccine protocols are delayed until 6 months to avoid maternal antibody interference. Susceptibility to disease may exist prior to administration of vaccination at age 4–6 months. Objectives The aim of this investigation was to characterise immune activation among healthy foals in response to a multivalent vaccine protocol and compare immune responses when foals were vaccinated at age either 90 or 180 days. Study design Randomised block design. Methods Twelve healthy foals with colostral transfer were blocked for age and randomly assigned to vaccination at age 90 days (treatment) or at age 180 days (control). Vaccination protocols included a 3-dose series and booster vaccine administered at age 11 months. Results Immune response following vaccination at age 90 or 180 days was comparable for several measures of cellular immunity. Antigen specific CD4+ and CD8+ expression of interleukin-4, interferon-γ and granzyme B to eastern equine encephalomyelitis, western equine encephalomyelitis, West Nile virus, tetanus toxoid, equine influenza and equine herpesvirus-1/4 antigens were evident for both groups 30 days after initial vaccine and at age 344 days. Both groups showed a significant increase in antigen-specific immunoglobulin G expression following booster vaccine at age 11 months, thereby indicating memory immune responses. Conclusions The data presented in this report demonstrate that young foals are capable of immune activation following a 3-dose series with a multivalent vaccine, despite presence of maternal antibodies. Although immune activation does not automatically confer protection, several of the immune indicators measured showed comparable expression in foals vaccinated at 3 months relative to control foals vaccinated at age 6 months. In high-risk situations where immunity may be required earlier than following a conventional vaccine series, our data provide evidence that foals respond to immunisation initiated at 3 months in a comparable manner to foals initiated at an older age.
Prognostic Importance of Pretransplant Functional Capacity After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Background.The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic importance of functional capacity in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for hematological malignancies. Patients and Methods. Using a retrospective design, 407 patients completed a 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) test to assess functional capacity before HCT; 193 (47%) completed a 6MWD test after hospital discharge. Cox proportional hazards regressionwasusedtoestimatetheriskofnonrelapsemortality (NRM)andoverallsurvival(OS)accordingtothe6MWDcategory (,400 m vs. $400 m) and the change in 6MWD (before HCT to discharge) with or without adjustment for Karnofsky performance status (KPS), age, and other prognostic markers. Results. Compared with ,400 m, the unadjusted hazard ratio for NRM was 0.65 (95% confidence interval, 0.44–0.96) for a 6MWD $400 m. A 6MWD of $400 m provided incremental information on the prediction of NRM with adjustment for age (p 5 .032) but not KPS alone (p 5 .062) or adjustment for other prognostic markers (p 5 .099). A significant association was found between the 6MWD and OS (p 5 .027). A 6MWD of $400 m provided incremental information on the prediction of OS with adjustment for age (p 5 .032) but not for other prognostic markers (p . .05 for all). Patients presenting with a pre-HCT 6MWD of ,400 m and experiencing a decline in 6MWD had the highest risk of NRM. Conclusion.The 6MWD is a significant univariate predictor of clinical outcomes but did not provide prognostic information beyond that of traditional prognostic markers in HCT.The Oncologist2015;20:1290–1297
Value-based control of the observation-decision process

Sensing in support of combat teams may be performed both by human elements and by UAVs. With the increasing pace of modern combat operations, and the developing networked-management of such, the problem of how to task sensor assets is entering the realm where automated decision-support tools should be applied. The objective by which the relative value of possible future sensor tasks should be compared is the value that they bring to the combat operation, with adjustment by the possible costs of these sensing operations. A mathematical theory allowing for the determination of the minimax value as a function of information state (where this information state is described by a probability distribution) has recently been obtained. Possible future sensing tasks are mapped into the (stochastic) observation outcomes, and these are further mapped into potential a posteriori probability distributions. The value to the combat operation is the expectation of the minimax value as a function of these potential future probability distributions. This is used as an objective function, according to which optimal sensing-platform tasking is computed. Both open-loop and observation-feedback sensing-platform tasking controllers are developed. A simple example is studied.
Comparative Genomics of Flatworms (Platyhelminthes) Reveals Shared Genomic Features of Ecto- and Endoparastic Neodermata

The ectoparasitic Monogenea comprise a major part of the obligate parasitic flatworm diversity. Although genomic adaptations to parasitism have been studied in the endoparasitic tapeworms (Cestoda) and flukes (Trematoda), no representative of the Monogenea has been investigated yet. We present the high-quality draft genome of Gyrodactylus salaris, an economically important monogenean ectoparasite of wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). A total of 15,488 gene models were identified, of which 7,102 were functionally annotated. The controversial phylogenetic relationships within the obligate parasitic Neodermata were resolved in a phylogenomic analysis using 1,719 gene models (alignment length of >500,000 amino acids) for a set of 16 metazoan taxa. The Monogenea were found basal to the Cestoda and Trematoda, which implies ectoparasitism being plesiomorphic within the Neodermata and strongly supports a common origin of complex life cycles. Comparative analysis of seven parasitic flatworm genomes identified shared genomic features for the ecto- and endoparasitic lineages, such as a substantial reduction of the core bilaterian gene complement, including the homeodomain-containing genes, and a loss of the piwi and vasa genes, which are considered essential for animal development. Furthermore, the shared loss of functional fatty acid biosynthesis pathways and the absence of peroxisomes, the latter organelles presumed ubiquitous in eukaryotes except for parasitic protozoans, were inferred. The draft genome of G. salaris opens for future in-depth analyses of pathogenicity and host specificity of poorly characterized G. salaris strains, and will enhance studies addressing the genomics of host-parasite interactions and speciation in the highly diverse monogenean flatworms.
A Novel Saw Device in CMOS: Design, Modeling, and Fabrication

The design, finite element modeling, fabrication, and characterization of a novel surface acoustic wave (SAW) delay line for bio/chemical and telecommunication applications in CMOS technology are introduced. A full modeling was carried out. The devices are designed in a standard semiconductor foundry 1.5-mum two-metal two-poly process. A unique maskless postprocessing sequence is designed and completed. The three postprocessing steps are fully compatible with any standard integrated circuit technology such as CMOS. This allows any signal control/processing circuitry to be easily integrated on the same chip. ZnO is used as the piezoelectric material for SAW generation. A thorough characterization and patterning optimization of the sputtered ZnO was carried out. The major novelties that are introduced in the SAW delay line features are the embedded heater elements for temperature control, compensation, and acoustic absorbers that are designed to eliminate edge reflections and minimize triple transit interference that is amplified by edge reflections. Both of these attributes are designed by using CMOS materials without disturbing SAW performance
Use of the random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) to detect DNA polymorphisms in aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae)

We have used a new technique to identify discrete genetic markers in aphids, a family in which biochemical and morphological genetic polymorphisms are rare. The new technique uses the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify random regions of aphid genomes (random amplified polymorphic DNA) and has been termed RAPD-PCR. We demonstrate the use of the technique in revealing genetic variation in four aphid species, the greenbug (Schizaphis graminum (Rondani)), the Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko)), the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris)), and the brown ambrosia aphid (Uroleucon ambrosiae (Thomas)). In contrast with allozyme surveys, RAPD-PCR revealed large amounts of genetic variation among individuals in each of these species. Variation was detected among biotypes, populations, colour morphs and even individuals on a single plant. We also explored the utility of RAPD-PCR in the detection and identification within aphid bodies of two endoparasitic wasps, Diaeretiella rapae (McIntosh) and Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson). The use of RAPD-PCR in species diagnostics, parasitoid detection, and population studies is discussed.
Mechanics and energetics of overstretch: the relationship of altered left ventricular volume to the Frank-Starling mechanism and phosphorylation potential.

Abstract Isovolumic perfused rat hearts containing an intraventricular balloon were used to assess the effects of incremental balloon volumes on developed pressure, oxygen consumption, coronary flow, phosphorylation potential obtained by P-31 nuclear magnetic resonance, wall thickness obtained by two-dimensional echocardiography, and diastolic wall stress. Three phases in developed pressure were noted: (1) volumes from 0 to 150 μl resulted in a continuous increase in developed pressure; (2) with volumes from 150 to 250 μl, developed pressure remained constant whereas developed (systolic) and diastolic wall stress rose sharply; and (3) with volumes from 250 to 400 μl, developed pressure fell whereas developed (systolic) and diastolic wall stress continued to rise. The in [ (PCr) (Pi) ] was in synchrony with oxygen consumption at 0 and 50 μl balloon volumes, and then diverged at volumes greater than 100 μl. Oxygen consumption increased from 0 to 50 μl, was constant from 50 to 250 μl balloon volume, and then declined. The in [ (PCr) (Pi) ] fell precipitously at balloon volumes greater than 100 μl, most likely limited by oxygen consumption. Coronary flow did not change significantly until 250 μl or more of water was added to the balloon, and then it started to decline. Volumes greater than 100 μl result in overstretch of myofibers, as observed by the precipitous decline in in [ (PCr) (Pi) ], and the steep increase in diastolic wall stress. With excessive volume loading, the drop in phosphorylation potential, in [ (PCr) (Pi) ], appears to contribute to the decrease in developed pressure.
Integrated diamond sapphire laser

We use analytic expressions and simulations to examine a model laser gain element formed by integrating diamond and a solid state laser material, such as, Ti:sapphire. The gain element is designed to provide in a single composite structure the thermal management capabilities of diamond and the optical amplification of the laser material. The model results indicate low temperature and a specific radial dependence of the heat transfer coefficient at the material interfaces are needed to access the highest average powers and highest quality optical fields. We outline paths designed to increase average output power of a lowest order mode laser oscillator based on these gain elements to megawatt levels. The long term goal is economically viable solar power delivered safely from space. The short term goal is a design strategy that will facilitate “proof of principle” demonstrations using currently accessible optical pump and thermal management capabilities.
Twelfth Night: New Critical Essays

The fifteen scholarly essays in James Schiffer’s Twelfth Night—including his own introductory review of the play’s critical and performance histories—act as an excellent annotated bibliography of c...
Annals of gay sexuality: The contemporary HIV zeitgeist

This review is written from the perspective of mental health and the visual images are reviewed without the lens of an art critic, rather as a collection to be viewed in tandem with the written wor...
New Consortial Model for E-Books Acquisitions.

E-books constitute major challenges for library collections generally and present fundamental problems for consortial collection development specifically. The Triangle Research Libraries Network (TRLN) and Oxford University Press (OUP) have created a mutually equitable and financially sustainable model for the consortial acquisition of e-books coupled with print titles needed to support instruction and research across the disciplinary spectrum within a transitional framework that is acceptable to users while moving both libraries and publishers to a decidedly electronic environment for monographs. Working with YBP Library Services, TRLN and OUP developed a flexible vending model for systematically increasing e-books acquisitions in tandem with reducing print intake over time and keeping net costs constant that other consortia and publishers would find useful. This article focuses on creating an acceptable and sustainable model that allows libraries to shift to e-books and the implications for traditional cooperative collection development. The research reports on the principles undergirding the pilot, how it developed, challenges encountered and lessons learned, librarian and user reactions to this format shift, and resulting philosophical and practical evolutions in consortial approaches to monographic acquisitions and understandings of what constitutes cooperative collections success in a digital environment.
A Qualitative Study of the Black Mother-Daughter Relationship: Lessons Learned About Self-Esteem, Coping, and Resilience

The mother-daughter bond is a complex, diverse, lifelong, intimate connection that significantly affects development. While studies of intergenerational relations during old age have increased, as ...
Implementation Issues in Multicultural Education: What Are Secondary Public School Educators Facing?

This mixed method study sought to explore the issues that faced secondary teachers in a rural central Georgia public high school when attempting to implement a multicultural education program. The key issues of this study centered on the teachers’ multicultural education training and the school’s multicultural education program. Data were gathered from a total of thirty randomly chosen teachers in the Social Studies, Math and English departments at the school. Twenty-five of the thirty teachers received a hard copy four question Likert scale survey to complete. The remaining 5 participants took part in face-to-face interviews discussing six open-ended questions. The findings pointed to several issues facing the teachers such as the lack of an officially implemented multicultural education program, the lack of support from school administrators, no in-service training available for teachers, parental and student misapprehension, and a lack of an officially defined policy on implementation and support of a multicultural education program from administrators locally and district-wide.
Towards a Strategy for FDI Statistics in Egypt

This a presentation to UNCTAD's Expert Meeting on Capacity Building in the Area of FDI: Data Compilation and Policy Formulation in Developing Countries. The presentation outlines efforts towards a strategy to implement a more reliable FDI statistics in Egypt.
A High-Performance Radiation-Immune GaAs Technology Using Low-Temperature Grown GaAs

Experimental measurements and 2-dimensional computer simulations illustrate that the use of a low temperature grown GaAs (LT GaAs) buffer layer in GaAs FETs reduces ion-induced charge collection by two orders of magnitude. A similar reduction in collected charge is observed for above-band-gap pulsed laser excitation, in which the bulk of the carriers are deposited above the LT GaAs buffer layer, reiterating the central role of charge-enhancement (gain) mechanisms in determining the single-event vulnerability of GaAs FET-based circuitry.
Splitting of a two-dimensional liquid plug at an airway bifurcation

Certain medical treatments involve the introduction of exogenous liquids in the lungs. These liquids can form plugs within the airways. The plugs propagate throughout the branching network in the lungs being forced by airflow. They leave a deposited film on the airway walls and split at bifurcations. Understanding the resulting distribution of liquid throughout the lungs is important for the effective administration of the prescribed treatments. In this paper, we investigate numerically the splitting of a liquid plug by a two-dimensional pulmonary bifurcation under the influence of a transverse gravitational field. The splitting is characterized by the splitting ratio, which is the ratio of volume of the liquid plug in the daughter channels and depends on the capillary number and the orientation of the bifurcation plane with respect to a three-dimensional gravitational field. It is observed that gravity induces asymmetry in the splitting, causing the splitting ratio to be reduced. This effect is mitigated as the capillary number is increased. It is also observed that there exists a critical capillary number where the plug will not split and will instead propagate entirely into the gravitationally favoured daughter channel. We also compute the wall stresses on the bifurcation walls and observe the locations where stresses and their gradients are the highest in magnitude.
Cushing's syndrome: easy to see, tricky to diagnose.

The difficulty lies in determining whether the syndrome has a pituitary or nonpituitary cause.