cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of Angus and Belgian Blue bulls mated to Hereford X Brahman cows on growth, carcass traits, and longissimus steak shear force

Steers and heifers were generated from Angus (A) and Belgian Blue (BB) sires mated to Brahman x Hereford (B x H) F(1) cows to characterize their growth, carcass traits, and LM shear force. A total of 120 B x H cows purchased from 2 herds and 35 bulls (14 A and 21 BB) produced calves during the 5-yr project. After the stocker phase, a representative sample of A- and BB-sired heifers and steers were transported to the Iberia Research Station to be fed a high-concentrate diet. The remaining cattle were transported to a commercial feedlot facility. Each pen of cattle from the commercial feedlot was slaughtered when it was estimated that heifers and steers had 10 mm of fat or greater. The BB-sired calves were heavier at birth (P < 0.01) than the A-sired calves. During the feedlot phase, the A-sired calves gained more BW (P < 0.05) than the BB-sired calves. The BB-sired calves had heavier (P < 0.01) carcass weights than the A-sired calves. This was due to a combination of a heavier final BW and greater dressing percent. Because of their greater muscling and reduced (P < 0.01) fat, carcasses from BB-sired calves had greater yield (P < 0.01) compared with carcasses from A-sired calves. Carcasses from A-sired calves had a greater (P < 0.01) marbling score and greater (P < 0.01) USDA quality grade than carcasses from BB-sired calves. Tenderness, as measured by shear force of the steaks aged for 7 d, was similar for A- and BB-sired calves. However, steaks aged for 14 d from the A-sired calves had a reduced shear force (P < 0.01) compared with steaks from the BB-sired calves. Steer calves were heavier (P < 0.01) at birth and weaning, and had more total BW gain in the feedlot, which resulted in a heavier final BW and HCW compared with the heifers. Steer carcasses also had greater marbling scores and quality grades, whereas the heifer carcasses had larger LM area per 100 kg of carcass weight. In conclusion, the BB-sired calves had heavier carcass weights and greater cutability, whereas the A-sired calves had a greater degree of marbling and greater quality grade, and steaks from carcasses of A-sired calves were more tender as measured by shear force at 14 d.
The effect of d-amphetamine and haloperidol alone and in combination on milk drinking in rats.

The effects of d-amphetamine (0.5–4.0 mg/kg IP) and haloperidol (0.015–1.0 mg/kg IP) alone and in combination on intake of a sweetened milk solution were determined in rats. Experimental sessions consisted of a 15-min access to the milk solution once a day, 7 days a week. d-Amphetamine was administered 15 min prior to the session. The interaction of these compounds was determined by repeated determination of the dose-response function for d-amphetamine in combination with different doses of haloperidol. When given alone, each drug produced a dose-dependent decrease in milk intake. In combination with haloperidol, the decrement caused by d-amphetamine was shifted to lower doses in a dose-dependent manner. Isobolographic analysis of the interaction indicates that the intermediate doses (0.03–0.06 mg/kg) of haloperidol were additive and the highest doses (0.12–0.25 mg/kg) of haloperidol were infraadditive with d-amphetamine. Dose-dependent neuropharmacological actions of these compounds may account for dose-dependent interactions.
Perceived Environmental Uncertainty: Effects of Information and Structure

The effects of environmental information (load and specificity) and group structure on perceived environmental uncertainty were studied. Significant main effects were found for information load and...
Membranolytic activities of quartz standards.

Abstract The membranolytic activity of ten quartz specimens, determined quantitatively as the percentage of erythrocytes lysed as a function of mineral concentration, varied by up to 100 times depending on particle size, method of size reduction, thermal treatment, dispersal in the experimental system, and quartz variety. Five specimens that are currently used as standard fibrogenic dusts in pneumoconiosis research laboratories were obtained as fine powders. Two other specimens obtained as large single crystals and three additional ones obtained as massive crystalline specimens required pulverization before testing. The specimens were studied as size-heterogeneous powders, and after fractionation into narrow size bands. The membranolytic activity of the size fractions increased by an average of 30 times as the Stokes' diameter of the particles decreased from 20 to 1 μm. The five specimens that were reduced to powders in a carborundum mortar and pestle lost activity after hydration in the water-fractionation process. When these inactive quartz specimens were heated to 400–500°C for 6 hr, their activities were restored. The active and inactive quartz specimens were indistinguishable by electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy. The physico-chemical properties of quartz are variable and therefore the mineral's biological potential varies considerably.
Persistence in the return and volatility of home price indices

We examine the return and volatility of the Standard & Poor's/Case–Shiller (S&P/CS) real estate indices for evidence of long memory in the form of fractional differencing. Examining the long memory properties of these indices is relevant, in part, because effectively hedging real estate price risk through the construction of minimum variance dynamic hedge ratios requires proper modelling of long memory dynamics, and evidence of long memory would imply a violation of weak form efficiency. We find evidence of very persistent long memory in both the return and volatility of real estate indices. For real estate index returns, the evidence of persistent long memory contrasts sharply with other asset classes such as stocks, bonds and commodities. The evidence of long memory in real estate return volatility is in accordance with the volatility dynamics in other asset classes, although the degree of persistence is greater. We also find that some evidence of greater persistence may be due to nonlinearities in the ...
OBSERVATIONS OF THE FIRST SERVICE NON‐RETURN RATES OF THE HYPOGLYCAEMIC, CONCENTRATE‐FED DAIRY HERDS

Fourteen dairy herds which had been subjected to the Compton Metabolic Profile test on a total of 29 occasions were selected from the records of the institute for Research on Animal Diseases, United Kingdom, because they had a wide range of mean blood-glucose concentrations. Two herds had to be rejected from the study because of inadequate breeding records, leaving 12 herds (26 profile tests) to be included. The first service non-return rate of each herd was calculated from the breeding records of 10 cows mated closest to the date of each profile test. These rates were positively related to the mean blood-glucose concentrations of the lactating cows (P less than 0.01).
Using flowpaths and vector fields in object-based modeling

Object-based computer models are special types of 3D geologic block models in which idealized facies elements (objects) with well-defined geometries and stratigraphic relationships are distributed in three dimensions. Standard computer systems generate channels with sinuosity superimposed on straight trends. Depositional basins are complex features, however, so actual geologic deposits should be modeled with large-featured curvature of trends. Such curvature may be specified with a flowpath, defined to be a set of connected line segments that indicates the general direction that channels must follow in the area being modeled. Flowpaths are used to create a vector field: a 2D map-array of azimuths. An azimuth vector is located at each stack of blocks in the model. The array of vectors specifies the local direction of flow everywhere in the zone being modeled, and hence the orientation of the bodies being formed. Channels are developed by moving through the vector field in a series of short steps, with the direction of each step provided in part by the local azimuth of the vector field. Randomly modifying the azimuth provides variation in the channel's path. The resulting series of (X,Y) points defines the path of the channel, which is then used to assign facies.
Double the keys, double the control: coupled phosphorylation sites provide novel molecular targets for precise control of ion channel function. Focus on "Differential regulation of a CLC anion channel by SPAK kinase ortholog-mediated multisite phosphorylation".

ion channels are transmembrane pore-forming proteins that function as conductors of the cell to allow the flow of charged ions down their electrochemical gradient and, thus, control the voltage gradient across the plasma membrane ([2][1]). Ion channels are important for many cellular processes and
Phosphoinositides and vesicular membrane traffic

Phosphoinositide lipids were initially discovered as precursors for specific second messengers involved in signal transduction, but have now taken the center stage in controlling many essential processes at virtually every cellular membrane. In particular, phosphoinositides play a critical role in regulating membrane dynamics and vesicular transport. The unique distribution of certain phosphoinositides at specific intracellular membranes makes these molecules uniquely suited to direct organelle-specific trafficking reactions. In this regulatory role, phosphoinositides cooperate specifically with small GTPases from the Arf and Rab families. This review will summarize recent progress in the study of phosphoinositides in membrane trafficking and organellar organization and highlight the particular relevance of these signaling pathways in disease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Lipids and Vesicular Transport.
Modeling the Evolution of Incised Streams. II: Streambank Erosion

Incision and ensuing widening of alluvial stream channels is widespread in the midsouth and midwestern United States and represents an important form of channel adjustment. Streambanks have been found to contribute as much as 80% of the total suspended load. The location, timing, and magnitude of streambank erosion are difficult to predict. Results from field studies to characterize the resistance of fine-grained materials to hydraulic and geotechnical erosion, the impact of pore-water pressures on failure dimensions and shearing resistance, and the role of riparian vegetation on matric suction, streambank permeability, and shearing resistance are used to enhance the channel evolution model CONCEPTS conservational channel evolution and pollutant transport system. This paper discusses the conceptualization of the above-mentioned physical processes, and demonstrates the ability of the derived model to simulate streambank-failure processes. The model is tested against observed streambank erosion of a bendway on Goodwin Creek, Miss. between March 1996 and March 2001, where it accurately predicts the rate of retreat of the outside bank of the bendway. The observed change in average channel width within the central section of the bendway is 2.96 m over the simulation period, whereas a retreat of 3.18 m 7.4% larger is simulated. The observed top-bank retreat within the central section of the bendway is 3.54 m over the simulation period, whereas a retreat of 3.01 m 15% smaller is simulated. DOI: 10.1061/ASCE0733-94292008134:7905 CE Database subject headings: Bank erosion; Limit equilibrium; Mathematical models; Sensitivity analysis; Numerical analysis.
Food security and cardiovascular disease risk among adults in the United States: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2008.

INTRODUCTION Little is known about the relationship between food security status and predicted 10-year cardiovascular disease risk. The objective of this study was to examine the associations between food security status and cardiovascular disease risk factors and predicted 10-year risk in a national sample of US adults. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis using data from 10,455 adults aged 20 years or older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2008 was conducted. Four levels of food security status were defined by using 10 questions. RESULTS Among all participants, 83.9% had full food security, 6.7% had marginal food security, 5.8% had low food security, and 3.6% had very low food security. After adjustment, mean hemoglobin A1c was 0.15% greater and mean concentration of C-reactive protein was 0.8 mg/L greater among participants with very low food security than among those with full food security. The adjusted mean concentration of cotinine among participants with very low food security was almost double that of participants with full food security (112.8 vs 62.0 ng/mL, P < .001). No significant associations between food security status and systolic blood pressure or concentrations of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed. Participants aged 30 to 59 years with very low food security were more likely to have a predicted 10-year cardiovascular disease risk greater than 20% than fully food secure participants (adjusted prevalence ratio, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.31-4.31). CONCLUSION Adults aged 30 to 59 years with very low food security showed evidence of increased predicted 10-year cardiovascular disease risk.
Estimation of Soil Parameters From Driven Rod Measurements

This paper presents a methodology for the statistical estimation of soil parameters from usual measurements. In particular, driven rod measurements and the fall of potential method are employed to estimate the parameters of an equivalent two layer soil model. Statistical estimation techniques, coupled with an accurate computer model for grounding system analysis are employed. These techniques provide a) the best estimate of the earth model parameters in the least square sense and b) a measure of the quality of the estimates. Specifically, the methodology provides a quantitative measure of error in the estimated parameters expressed in terms of probability that error will not exceed a given value. The procedure has been applied using field test data and has been shown to provide a satisfactory soil model.
Effect of heating rate on the crystallization behavior of amorphous PZT thin films

Abstract The crystallization behavior of amorphous PZT thin films during either conventional furnace annealing (CFA) or rapid thermal annealing (RTA) was studied by both dynamic and static methods. Favorable crystallization behavior was found in the RTA process owing to its very fast heating rates (on the order of 100°C s−1). During RTA, the formation of the metastable phase (pyrochlore) is avoided, and the excess free energy of the amorphous state relative to the stable crystalline phase (perovskite) is instantaneously released to facilitate the perovskite phase formation. While perovskite phase formation during CFA is a slow and sluggish process with a two-stage transition (amorphous phase to pyrochlore phase then to perovskite phase), an easier and faster single-stage transition (amorphous phase directly to perovskite phase) is realized by RTA.
MEDICAL THERAPY AND NEW APPROACHES TO MANAGEMENT OF UROLITHIASIS

The introduction of extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) has revolutionized the urologic practice in urolithiasis. 1 This technology has reduced considerably the morbidity of stone disease, by allowing relatively noninvasive removal of stones. Unfortunately, the facilitated removal of stones by ESWL has led some urologists to abandon or disparage the medical approach to stone management. This development is unfortunate, because the need for medical diagnosis and prevention has not diminished. Renal stone disease is characterized by a high rate of recurrence. 3 The propensity for stone recurrence is not altered by removal of stones with ESWL. 5 Ample evidence has accumulated, however, showing that a variety of medical treatments can prevent recurrence of stones. 9 There have been notable advances in the medical management of urolithiasis. A method for the analysis of urinary-stone risk factors in a 24-hour urine sample was described in 1985. 14 A graphic display of stone risk factors is now available commercially. A step-by-step approach to diagnosis and treatment of different causes of urolithiasis was described in 1996. 15 A simplified, nonselective treatment program was recommended in 1997. 11 Despite this progress, many urologists are confused by current guidelines on medical diagnosis and prevention. It is the objective of this article to offer practical guidelines in medical management of urolithiasis. Although borrowing from prior recommendations, 11,14,15 the current guidelines represent a simpler version directed at a practicing urologist. Described here in stepwise fashion is the approach that a practicing urologist might take in medically diagnosing and managing patients with stones, summarized as follows: Step 1. History and minimum diagnostic tests Step 2. 24-hour urinary stone risk profile(cstomary diet) Identification of abnormal dietary risk factors Short-term dietary modification Step 3. Repeat stone risk profile after dietary modification Step 4. Elucidation of causes and construction of treatment options for abnormal risk factors Relevant history and minimum diagnostic test results first are obtained. A full 24-hour stone risk profile is measured on a random diet and fluid intake. Another stone risk profile is obtained after a short-term dietary modification. From these simplified tests, potential causes are discerned and treatment options are constructed for each abnormal stone-risk factor and combined derangements.
Curvature-corrected low-noise sub-bandgap reference in 28 nm CMOS technology

A sub-bandgap circuit architecture employed to achieve a precision reference in 28 nm CMOS technology is described. The 500 mV voltage reference exhibits < 10 ppm/°C drift from −40 to 125°C and 5.5 μV of root-mean-square (RMS) noise in a 0.1–10 Hz bandwidth, dissipates 500 μW of power on a 1.2 V supply and occupies 0.09 mm².
Use of a voice-response computer terminal to generate verbal auditory-stimulus materials.

High-quality auditory-stimulus materials for use in perceptual or human learning experiments can be produced with relative ease by recording on tape the output from an audio response unit connected to a computer. The technique gives E a high degree of control over the nuisance variables typical of verbal stimulus materials.
Feedback Seeking Following Career Transitions

We examined how inquiring and monitoring for feedback from peers and supervisors changed over time for transferees. Hypotheses were grounded in uncertainty reduction and impression management theor...
Distinct effects of contraction agonists on the phosphorylation state of cofilin in pulmonary artery smooth muscle.

We hypothesized that agonist-induced contraction correlates with the phospho-cofilin/cofilin (P-CF/CF) ratio in pulmonary artery (PA) rings and cultured smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). PA rings were used for isometric contractions and along with PASMCs for assay of P-CF/CF by isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting. The P-CF/CF measured 22.5% in PA and differentiated PASMCs, but only 14.8% in undifferentiated PASMCs. With comparable contraction responses in PA, endothelin-1 (100 nM) and norepinephrine (1 <path id="x1D707" d="M538 96q-38 -45 -84 -76.5t-71 -31.5q-44 0 -15 117q12 49 18 89h-2q-99 -128 -163 -178q-36 -28 -70 -28q-26 0 -44 38h-2q-16 -69 -16 -129q0 -43 11 -75.5t24 -42.5l1 -6q-7 -12 -24.5 -23t-37.5 -11q-40 0 -40 76q0 52 35 202l94 407l78 24l5 -5q-32 -122 -72 -310 q-7 -33 0 -55t25 -22q36 0 105.5 75t107.5 145l32 146l75 26h10q-50 -197 -78 -347q-7 -38 6 -38q7 0 31 17t47 39z" /> M) induced a 2-fold increase of P-CF/CF, while angiotensin II (1 M) induced none. All agonists activated Rho-kinase and LIMK2, and activation was eliminated by inhibition of Rho-kinase. Microcystin LF (20 nM) potentiated the angiotensin II, but not the 5-hydroxytryptamine (1 M)-mediated increase of P-CF/CF. In conclusion, all tested agonists activate the Rho-kinase-LIMK pathway and increase P-CF/CF. Angiotensin II activates PP2A and counteracts the LIMK-mediated CF phosphorylation. CF phosphorylation stabilizes peripheral actin structures and may contribute to the maximal contraction of PA.
Simple Wave Motion in Magnetoelasticity

Summary Simple one-dimensional wave motion in an infinitely conducting, electrically neutral, elastic medium in the presence of a magnetic field is studied. All physical quantities are required to depend on only one space variable and time; however, no restriction is placed on the orientations of the velocity, magnetic and strain vectors. In this paper, the stress–strain relation is assumed to be given by Hooke'sLaw so that the non-linearity of the governing equations is due essentially to the interaction of the magnetic field with the velocity field and with itself. In this case, despite the complexity of the equations, almost completely explicit simple wave solutions are obtained. As in magnetogasdynamics, there are slow, fast, and Alfven-like simple wave solutions. These waves afford a mechanism for generating intense magnetic fields and together with the corresponding magnetoelastic shocks they enable one to solve one-dimensional propagation problems with sufficiently simple initial conditions.
A First- and Second-Order Motion Energy Analysis of Peripheral Motion Illusions Leads to Further Evidence of “Feature Blur” in Peripheral Vision

Background Anatomical and physiological differences between the central and peripheral visual systems are well documented. Recent findings have suggested that vision in the periphery is not just a scaled version of foveal vision, but rather is relatively poor at representing spatial and temporal phase and other visual features. Shapiro, Lu, Huang, Knight, and Ennis (2010) have recently examined a motion stimulus (the “curveball illusion”) in which the shift from foveal to peripheral viewing results in a dramatic spatial/temporal discontinuity. Here, we apply a similar analysis to a range of other spatial/temporal configurations that create perceptual conflict between foveal and peripheral vision. Methodology/Principal Findings To elucidate how the differences between foveal and peripheral vision affect super-threshold vision, we created a series of complex visual displays that contain opposing sources of motion information. The displays (referred to as the peripheral escalator illusion, peripheral acceleration and deceleration illusions, rotating reversals illusion, and disappearing squares illusion) create dramatically different perceptions when viewed foveally versus peripherally. We compute the first-order and second-order directional motion energy available in the displays using a three-dimensional Fourier analysis in the (x, y, t) space. The peripheral escalator, acceleration and deceleration illusions and rotating reversals illusion all show a similar trend: in the fovea, the first-order motion energy and second-order motion energy can be perceptually separated from each other; in the periphery, the perception seems to correspond to a combination of the multiple sources of motion information. The disappearing squares illusion shows that the ability to assemble the features of Kanisza squares becomes slower in the periphery. Conclusions/Significance The results lead us to hypothesize “feature blur” in the periphery (i.e., the peripheral visual system combines features that the foveal visual system can separate). Feature blur is of general importance because humans are frequently bringing the information in the periphery to the fovea and vice versa.
Oxygen dependence of vitamin K-dependent carboxylase and vitamin K epoxidase.

Abstract A study of the oxygen requirements of the rat liver microsomal vitamin K-dependent carboxylase and vitamin K 2,3-epoxidase indicated that both enzymes had a K m for O 2 in the range 60–80 μM. This value was not influenced by vitamin concentration, alterations in carboxylase substrate, Mn 2+ , or dithiothreitol, and is consistent with the hypothesis that both activities are catalyzed by the same enzyme.
Dental Plaque Toxins are not Lymphotoxins

A major portion of the toxic activity of plaque extracts to cells in culture is due to macromolecules which might be lymphotoxins derived from antigen or mitogen-activated lymphocytes in the gingiva. Assays of sensitivity to aL929 and HeLa cells, and of the effect of neutralizing antibody, indicated that the plaque toxins did not have the properties of the lymphotoxins. The results are consistent with other findings and suggest that the toxins are microbial exotoxins.
Operation of a commercial solar gel pond

The solar gel pond is an innovative concept which overcomes many of the shortcomings of the conventional salt-gradient solar pond. In this paper, the design, construction and start-up details of a commercial scale pond (400 m2), built for a publishing company in Albuquerque, New Mexico will be presented. A pond with trapezoidal cross section was designed so that shadowing could be minimized and also the ratio of surface area to the volume of the storage zone could be maximized. The publishing company required a minimum of 1 GJ/day (1MBTU/day). Generally it has been noted that in ponds with large volume a lesser percentage of retained energy is lost as edge losses. Based on the above consideration a pond size of 400 m2 and 5 m deep with a gel thickness of 60 cm and a mass flow rate (for the heat extraction loop) of 1 × 10−4 to 1 × 10−3 kg/m2·sec was determined to be the optimum size for the publishing company's needs. Two to seven percent salt water was used mainly to keep the gel bags floating on the surface. Tedlar bags were used to contain the gel. During the first year of operation, while the pond was still heating up, the pond obtained a temperature of 60°C and the gel showed no signs of degradation.
Choosing between Logistic Regression and Discriminant Analysis

Abstract Classifying an observation into one of several populations is discriminant analysis, or classification. Relating qualitative variables to other variables through a logistic cdf functional form is logistic regression. Estimators generated for one of these problems are often used in the other. If the populations are normal with identical covariance matrices, discriminant analysis estimators are preferred to logistic regression estimators for the discriminant analysis problem. In most discriminant analysis applications, however, at least one variable is qualitative (ruling out multivariate normality). Under nonnormality, we prefer the logistic regression model with maximum likelihood estimators for solving both problems. In this article we summarize the related arguments, and report on our own supportive empirical studies.
The diverse role of inhaled nitric oxide in experimental BPD: reduced fibrin deposition and improved lung growth

dramatic improvements in neonatal care over the past decade have improved the overall survival of premature infants; however, more than one-third of infants born at less than 1,250 g will ultimately be diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a complex, multifactorial disease ([21][1]).
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation of ceftaroline fosamil

Introduction: Ceftaroline fosamil is a 5th generation cephalosporin with an in vitro spectrum of activity including Streptococcus agalactiae, penicillin- and cephalosporin-resistant S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, methicillin-susceptible S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella oxytoca, K. pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis. It is currently approved by the FDA for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) in adults.Areas covered: This review covers the mechanism of action; bacterial resistance; pharmacokinetic characteristics in various patient populations; pharmacodynamic data in animal and in vitro models as well as human studies; efficacy observed in clinical trials for ABSSSI and CABP; and adverse effects.Expert opinion: Ceftaroline provides in vitro bactericidal activity against methicillin-, vancomycin-, daptomycin-, and linezolid-resistant Gram-positive organisms and select Gr...
Minimizing delay and maximizing lifetime for wireless sensor networks with anycast

In this paper, we are interested in minimizing the delay and maximizing the lifetime of event-driven wireless sensor networks for which events occur infrequently. In such systems, most of the energy is consumed when the radios are on, waiting for a packet to arrive. Sleep-wake scheduling is an effective mechanism to prolong the lifetime of these energy-constrained wireless sensor networks. However, sleep-wake scheduling could result in substantial delays because a transmitting node needs to wait for its next-hop relay node to wake up. An interesting line of work attempts to reduce these delays by developing "anycast"-based packet forwarding schemes, where each node opportunistically forwards a packet to the first neighboring node that wakes up among multiple candidate nodes. In this paper, we first study how to optimize the anycast forwarding schemes for minimizing the expected packet-delivery delays from the sensor nodes to the sink. Based on this result, we then provide a solution to the joint control problem of how to optimally control the system parameters of the sleep-wake scheduling protocol and the anycast packet-forwarding protocol to maximize the network lifetime, subject to a constraint on the expected end-to-end packet-delivery delay. Our numerical results indicate that the proposed solution can outperform prior heuristic solutions in the literature, especially under practical scenarios where there are obstructions, e.g., a lake or a mountain, in the coverage area of the wireless sensor network.
Dental Implant Fixation by Electrically Mediated Process II. Tissue Ingrowth

The effect of electrical stimulation on the interfacial strength of the porous polymethylmethacrylate implant/oral tissue union and the amount of tissue growth was investigated in the fourth premolars of dogs.The study indicates the interfacial strength peaks at about three weeks and decreases thereafter for both control and the stimulated specimens. The stimulated side showed consistently higher strength than its paired control. There was a positive relationship between implant period and amount of tissue in the pores although the latter was not correlated with the interfacial strength.Microradiographs showed a different pattern of new bone formation on the stimulated side when compared to the control. On both sides, bone formation occurred upward from the bottom of the tooth socket while on the stimulated side, new bone also developed from the sides of the tooth socket which was minimal in the controls.It is proposed that the direction of oral tissue formation is responsible for the different results ob...
Work in progress - design and creation of longitudinal assessment study on the effectiveness of engagement

An emphasis of Western Kentucky University is student engagement which is defined in a variety of ways by different groups across campus. The Department of Engineering at WKU is home to three ABET accredited program that have missions of project-based engineering education. The three programs in the department; civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering; have created individual assessment programs in order to continuously improve the programs. Project courses and design experiences play an integral role in the delivery of the project based courses at WKU. The mission of Western Kentucky University Electrical Engineering (EE) Program is to produce graduates who have been engaged in a variety of project experiences throughout the curriculum. In the Western Kentucky University EE program, student engagement is achieved through project-based activities. The objective of this project is to develop a longitudinal study that will examine the effectiveness of engagement through the project based curriculum. An important question to be answered is whether or not project based engineering is effective in student learning. Through the results of this study, it is hoped that student learning through projects will be improved.
Micro- and Nanotechnology for HIV/AIDS Diagnostics in Resource-Limited Settings

Thirty-four million people are living with HIV worldwide, a disproportionate number of whom live in resource-limited settings. Proper clinical management of AIDS, the disease caused by HIV, requires regular monitoring of both the status of the host's immune system and levels of the virus in their blood. Therefore, more accessible technologies capable of performing a CD4+ T cell count and HIV viral load measurement in settings where HIV is most prevalent are desperately needed to enable better treatment strategies and ultimately quell the spread of the virus within populations. This review discusses micro- and nanotechnology solutions to performing these key clinical measurements in resource-limited settings.
Reversal by Green Light of Blue Light-stimulated Stomatal Opening in Intact, Attached Leaves of Arabidopsis Operates Only in the Potassium-dependent, Morning Phase of Movement

Green light reversal of blue light-stimulated stomatal opening was discovered in isolated stomata. The present study shows that the response also occurs in stomata from intact leaves. Arabidopsis thaliana plants were grown in a growth chamber under blue, red and green light. Removal of the green light opened the stomata and restoration of green light closed them to baseline values under experimental conditions that rule out a mesophyll-mediated effect. Assessment of the response to green light over a daily time course showed that the stomatal sensitivity to green light was observed only in the morning, which coincided with the use of potassium as a guard cell osmoticum. Sensitivity to green light was absent during the afternoon phase of stomatal movement, which was previously shown to be dominated by sucrose osmoregulation in Vicia faba. Hence, the shift away from potassium-based osmoregulation in guard cells is further postulated to entail a shift from blue light to photosynthesis as the primary component of the stomatal response to light. Stomata from intact leaves of the zeaxanthin-less, npq1 mutant of Arabidopsis failed to respond to the removal or restoration of green light in the growth chamber, or to short, high fluence pulses of blue or green light. These data confirm previous studies showing that npq1 stomata are devoid of a specific blue light response. In contrast, stomata from intact leaves of phot1 phot2 double mutant plants had a reduced but readily detectable response to the removal of green light and to blue and green pulses.
Scope and epidemiology of cancer therapy-induced oral and gastrointestinal mucositis

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To discuss the scope and epidemiology of cancer therapy-induced mucositis. DATA SOURCE: Peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. CONCLUSION: Mucositis is a frequent and costly complication of cancer treatment. The risk of cancer therapy-induced mucositis varies depending on a number of patient- and treatment-related factors. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: An awareness of the risk factors associated with mucositis will allow nurses to identify cancer patients at greatest risk and incorporate supportive care measures into their management plans.
Self-Reported Learning Gains: A Theory and Test of College Student Survey Response

Recent studies have asserted that self-reported learning gains (SRLG) are valid measures of learning, because gains in specific content areas vary across academic disciplines as theoretically predicted. In contrast, other studies find no relationship between actual and self-reported gains in learning, calling into question the validity of SRLG. I reconcile these two divergent sets of literature by proposing a theory of college student survey response that relies on the belief-sampling model of attitude formation. This theoretical approach demonstrates how students can easily construct answers to SRLG questions that will result in theoretically consistent differences in gains across academic majors, while at the same time lacking the cognitive ability to accurately report their actual learning gains. Four predictions from the theory are tested, using data from the 2006–2009 Wabash National Study. Contrary to previous research, I find little evidence as to the construct and criterion validity of SRLG questions.
Formation of lithified micritic laminae in modern marine stromatolites (Bahamas); the role of sulfur cycling

Microbial mats on the surfaces of modern, marine stromatolites at Highborne Cay, Bahamas, were investigated to assess the role of microbial processes in stromatolite formation. The Highborne Cay stromatolitic mats contain Schizothix as the dominant cyanobacterium and show millimeter-scale lamination: Some layers in the mat are soft (unlithified), whereas other layers are crusty (lithified). Lithified layers within the mats correspond to micritic horizons composed of thin (20‐50 mm) micritic crusts, which commonly overlie truncated, micritized carbonate sand grains. These features are identical to lithified laminae in the underlying stromatolite; the micritic crusts are similar in thickness to micritic laminae in many ancient stromatolites. Biogeochemical parameters in a representative stromatolitic mat from Highborne Cay were measured to identify the role of bacteria in precipitation and dissolution of CaCO3. Depth distributions of O2 ,H S 2 , and pH were determined with microelectrode measurements in the field. Oxygen profiles were used to calculate photosynthesis and aerobic respiration. Sulfate reduction was determined using 35 SO4 22 and sulfide oxidation potential was measured in homogenized samples. Our results indicate that cyanobacterial photosynthesis, sulfate reduction, and anaerobic sulfide oxidation in stromatolitic mats at Highborne Cay are responsible for CaCO3 precipitation, whereas aerobic respiration and aerobic sulfide oxidation cause CaCO 3 dissolution. A close coupling of photosynthesis and aerobic respiration in the uppermost few millimeters of the mats results in no, or very little, net lithification. Sulfur cycling, on the other hand, shows a close correlation with the formation of lithified micritic layers. Photosynthesis, combined with sulfate reduction and sulfide oxidation results in net lithification. Sulfate reduction rates are high in the uppermost lithified layer and, on a diel basis, consume 33‐38% of the CO2 fixed by the cyanobacteria. In addition, this lithified layer contains a significant population of sulfide-oxidizing bacteria and shows a high sulfide oxidation potential. These findings argue that photosynthesis coupled to sulfate reduction and sulfide oxidation is more important than photosynthesis coupled to aerobic respiration in the formation of lithified micritic laminae in Highborne Cay stromatolites.
Multidimensional complex BIFORE transform

Complex BIFORE transform (CBT) is extended to multiple dimensions. Basic properties of multidimensional CBT are developed and a fast algorithm for its computation is applied.
Lensed Fiber Raster Scanner for a Large Field-of-View, High-Resolution Microendoscope

A lensed fiber is used in a miniaturized fiber-raster scanner for a microendoscope with large field-of-view and high-resolution. Paired with a miniature lens, the scanner achieves a 1.1-um lateral resolution with a 440-um-diameter FOV.
Difficulty Factors in Homemaking Tasks: Implications for Environmental Design

Homemakers were asked what made the work more or less difficult in tasks they named as high and low in cognitive requirements. Most frequently responses for high and low cognitive tasks and for more and less difficult work concerned housing and facilities in the home. The adequacy of equipment and space were noted often as were adequacy of work surface and storage, availability of equipment and supplies, and room arrangement. Each task was rated for complexity, difficulty, and preference. The results suggest that functional design criteria should be put to greater use. The implications for dwelling design are that difficulty factors are a source of annoyance, and minimizing them is important to the productivity and satisfaction of the homemaker.
Prostaglandins and control of breathing in newborn piglets

To investigate the possible role of prostaglandins in regulation of postnatal breathing, phrenic neural activity (PMO) was recorded as an index of breathing in 42 anesthetized, paralyzed piglets less than 30 days of age (weight 2.4 +/- 0.2 kg, age 9.9 +/- 1.5 days) who were mechanically ventilated with 100% O2 at a fixed tidal volume (8-10 ml/kg). End-tidal CO2 was held constant by an electronic servocontroller which adjusted ventilator rate; ventilator rate was monitored as an index of CO2 production. Rectal temperature was maintained at 39.0 +/- 0.2 degrees C. The effects on PMO of intravenous and brain ventricular injections of NaCl and agents active in the prostaglandin cascade were compared. Intravenous (0.25-1.0 mg/kg, n = 9) and brain (5-33 micrograms/kg, n = 6) indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, doubled PMO within 30 min. Intravenous (1-10 micrograms/kg, n = 6) and brain (1-40 micrograms/kg, n = 6) prostaglandin E1 inhibited PMO by one-half at 10 and 30 min.
Risk Factors for Arachnoid Cyst Hemorrhage

Neurosurgeons at Primary Children's Medical Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, evaluated factors that are associated with rupture of arachnoid cysts (intracystic hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, or adjacent subdural hygroma) in children with previously asymptomatic arachnoid cysts.
Hypoxia differentially regulates arterial and venous smooth muscle cell migration

Objective Intimal hyperplasia (IH) is a clinical concern leading to failure of up to 50% of vein grafts and 10% of arterial grafts after 10 years with no known current treatment. Recent studies have shown that hypoxia differentially regulates proliferation of vein derived smooth muscle cells (V-SMC) compared to artery derived smooth muscle cells (A-SMC). The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of hypoxia on cellular migration and the mechanisms underlying the differential effects of hypoxia on A-SMC and V-SMC migration. Methods and results Hypoxic treatment (3-5% O2) of Smooth Muscle Cells (SMC) resulted in differential migration in scratch wound and electric cell substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) assays. Hypoxia led to greater migration compared to normoxia with venous derived wound closure (V-SMC 30.8% Normoxia to 67% Hypoxia) greater than arterial wound closure (A-SMC 6.2% Normoxia to 24.7% Hypoxia). Paracrine factors secreted by hypoxic endothelial cells induced more migration in SMC compared to factors secreted by normoxic endothelial cells. Migration of V-SMC was greater than A-SMC in the presence of paracrine factors. Neutralizing antibody to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor -1 (VEGFR-1) completely inhibited V-SMC migration while there was only partial inhibition of A-SMC migration. A-SMC migration was completely inhibited by Platelet Derived Growth Factor BB (PDGF-BB) neutralizing antibody. p38 Mitogen Activated Protein kinase (p38 MAPK) inhibitor pre-incubation completely inhibited migration induced by paracrine factors in both A-SMC and V-SMC. Conclusion Our study determines that SMC migration under hypoxia occurs via both an autocrine and paracrine mechanism and is dependent on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGF-A) in V-SMC and PDGF-BB in A-SMC. Migration of both A-SMC and V-SMC is inhibited by p38 MAPK inhibitor. These studies suggest that pharmacotherapeutic strategies directed at modulating p38 MAPK activity can be exploited to prevent IH in vascular grafts.
Multistability of spontaneously curved anisotropic strips

￻￻ Multi-stable structures are objects with more than one stable conformation, exemplified by the simple switch. Continuum versions are often elastic composite plates or shells, such as the common measuring tape or the slap bracelet, both of which exhibit two stable configurations: rolled and unrolled. Here, we consider the energy landscape of a general class of multi-stable anisotropic strips with spontaneous Gaussian curvature. We show that while strips with non-zero Gaussian curvature can be bistable, and strips with positive spontaneous curvature are always bistable, independent of the elastic moduli, strips of spontaneous negative curvature are bistable only in the presence of spontaneous twist and when certain conditions on the relative stiffness of the strip in tension and shear are satisfied. Furthermore, anisotropic strips can become tristable when their bending rigidity is small. Our study complements and extends the theory of multi-stability in anisotropic shells and suggests new design criteria for these structures.
Where are we?: camera movements and the problem of point of view

AbstractThis essay explores several types of camera movements that involve perceptual play with point of view, arguing that such shots pose challenges to the theories that ought to be able to explain them. I argue that theories of both cinematic point of view and camera movement mistakenly take the epistemic relation between viewer and camera, and between camera and world, to have interpretive priority, and that this focus obscures what camera movements do. Working through a variety of examples, I offer an alternate approach: the viewer’s apparent position(s) within the world of the film is not determined by the logic of the camera, however construed, but is an expressive effect of the formal construction of the shot. Ultimately, I argue that theoretical claims about a set relation between viewer and film world are best understood as epistemological fantasies, fantasies which can be – and often are – exploited in and by camera movements for various ends.