2,984 research outputs found
Influence of Grass Species and Sample Preparation on Ensiling Characteristics
Laboratory silos are considered a practical method of comparing a number of treatments (O\u27Kiely, 1993). Cherney et al. (2004) reported that vacuum-sealed polyethylene bags effectively ensiled corn silage samples in the laboratory. Grasses, with their inherently higher buffering capacities and lower sugar levels, generally are more difficult to ensile. Objectives were to evaluate the influence of species and chopping (whole vs. shredded) on pH and volatile fatty acid profile of grasses ensiled in vacuum-sealed polyethylene bags and to assess the suitability of this method as a laboratory ensiling method
How to Care for Orphaned Wild Mammals
The following information has been derived from the experiences of wildlife rehabilitations specialists, as well as from journals on this topic. Itis important to note thatinformation must be adapted to accomodate the individual animal and consultation with a veterinarian is recommended. This is the first of a two-part series of articles
How to Care for Orphaned Wild Mammals Part II
The following information has been derived from the experiences of wildlife rehabilitations specialists, as well as from journals on this topic. It is important to note that information must be adapted to accommodate the individual animal and consultation with a veterinarian is recommended. This is the second of a two part series of articles on the care of orphaned wild mammals. Part I covered general information, and the care of cottontail rabbits and squirrels
Energy gap measurement of nanostructured thin aluminium films for use in single Cooper-pair devices
Within the context of superconducting gap engineering, Al-\alox-Al tunnel
junctions have been used to study the variation in superconducting gap,
, with film thickness. Films of thickness 5, 7, 10 and 30 nm were used
to form the small area superconductor-insulator-superconductor (SIS) tunnel
junctions. In agreement with previous measurements we have observed an increase
in the superconducting energy gap of aluminium with a decrease in film
thickness. In addition, we find grain size in small area films with thickness
\textbf{} 10 nm has no appreciable effect on energy gap. Finally, we
utilize 7 and 30 nm films in a single Cooper-pair transistor, and observe the
modification of the finite bias transport processes due to the engineered gap
profile
Non-linear duality invariant partially massless models?
We present manifestly duality invariant, non-linear, equations of motion for maximal depth, partially massless higher spins. These are based on a first order, Maxwell-like formulation of the known partially massless systems. Our models mimic Dirac–Born–Infeld theory but it is unclear whether they are Lagrangian
Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Programs: An International Survey of Practice
Background: In response to the need to simultaneously address multiple domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) in aphasia therapy and to incorporate intensive treatment doses consistent with principles of neuroplasticity, a potentially potent treatment option termed intensive comprehensive aphasia programs (ICAPs) has been developed. Objective: To conduct an international survey of ICAPs to determine the extent of their use and to explore current ICAP practices. Methods: A 32-item online survey was distributed internationally through Survey Monkey between May and August 2012. The survey addressed ICAP staffing, philosophy, values, funding, admission criteria, activities, family involvement, outcome measures, and factors considered important to success. Results: Twelve ICAPs responded: 8 from the United States, 2 from Canada, and 1 each from Australia and the United Kingdom. The majority of ICAPs are affiliated with university programs and are funded through participant self-pay. ICAPs emphasize individualized treatment goals and evidence-based practices, with a focus on applying the principles of neuroplasticity related to repetition and intensity of treatment. On average, 6 people with aphasia attend each ICAP, for 4 days per week for 4 weeks, receiving about 100 hours of individual, group, and computer-based treatment. Speech-language pathologists, students, and volunteers staff the majority of ICAPs. Conclusions: ICAPs are increasing in number but remain a rare service delivery option. They address the needs of individuals who want access to intensive treatment and are interested in making significant changes to their communication skills and psychosocial well-being in a short period of time. Their efficacy and cost-effectiveness require future investigation
BRST Detour Quantization
We present the BRST cohomologies of a class of constraint (super) Lie
algebras as detour complexes. By giving physical interpretations to the
components of detour complexes as gauge invariances, Bianchi identities and
equations of motion we obtain a large class of new gauge theories. The pivotal
new machinery is a treatment of the ghost Hilbert space designed to manifest
the detour structure. Along with general results, we give details for three of
these theories which correspond to gauge invariant spinning particle models of
totally symmetric, antisymmetric and K\"ahler antisymmetric forms. In
particular, we give details of our recent announcement of a (p,q)-form K\"ahler
electromagnetism. We also discuss how our results generalize to other special
geometries.Comment: 43 pages, LaTeX, added reference
Tracking the Impact of Diseases of Despair in Appalachia—2015 to 2018
Introduction: This study provides an update on mortality due to diseases of despair within the Appalachian Region, comparing 2015 to 2018.
Methods: Diseases of despair include: alcohol, prescription drug and illegal drug overdose, suicide, and alcoholic liver disease/cirrhosis of the liver. Analyses are based on National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) mortality data for individuals aged 15-64.
Results: Between 2015 and 2017, the diseases of despair mortality rate increased in both Appalachia and the non-Appalachian U.S., and the disparity grew between Appalachia and the rest of the county. In 2018, the disease of despair mortality rate declined by 8 percent in Appalachia, marking the first decline for the Region since 2012. Diseases of despair continue to impact the working-age population, and while males experience a higher burden of mortality due to diseases of despair, the disparity between Appalachia and the rest of the United States is greater for females. Overdose mortality rates in Appalachia increased between 2015 and 2017, followed by a decline in 2018. During this same time frame, suicide also increased notably within the Appalachian region, and the disparity between Appalachia and the non-Appalachian U.S. increased by 50 percent.
Implications: These findings document that the diseases of despair continue to have a greater impact in the Appalachian Region than in the rest of the United States. While the declining trends between 2017 and 2018 are promising, data has shown that these rates are likely to increase again, particularly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
Gender differences in renal responses to hyperglycemia and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition in diabetes
Gender differences in renal responses to hyperglycemia and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition in diabetes.BackgroundDiabetes mellitus reduces female gender-mediated protection against progression of renal disease but the mechanisms responsible for this loss of protection are unknown. The impact of gender on the diabetic hyperfiltration state has not previously been studied. Since hyperfiltration is a factor in the development of diabetic renal disease, and is influenced by hyperglycemia and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade, we examined gender differences in the renal response to hyperglycemia and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition in young males and females with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes mellitus.MethodsTen male and 12 female normoalbuminuric, normotensive, adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus were studied before ACE inhibition during clamped euglycemia and hyperglycemia, and then after 21 days treatment with enalapril (0.1 mg/kg daily × 1 week and then 0.1 mg/kg twice a day × 2 weeks).ResultsDuring clamped euglycemia, males exhibited significantly higher effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) and renal blood flow (RBF) and a lower renal vascular resistance (RVR). During clamped hyperglycemia, females exhibited reductions in ERPF and RBF, and increased RVR and filtration fraction (FF). Males exhibited no significant renal hemodynamic changes during hyperglycemia. After ACE inhibition treatment, both genders exhibited significant declines in arterial pressure, but only females displayed a reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and FF.ConclusionThe renal responses to hyperglycemia and ACE inhibition appear to differ between male and female adolescents with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycemia-induced changes in RVR and FF in women may account, at least in part, for the loss of gender-based protection in diabetic renal disease
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