16 x 25 Ge:Ga Detector Arrays for FIFI LS

We are developing two-dimensional 16 x 25 pixel detector arrays of both unstressed and stressed Ge:Ga photoconductive detectors for far-infrared astronomy from SOFIA. The arrays, based on earlier 5 x 5 detector arrays used on the KAO, will be for our new instrument, the Far Infrared Field Imaging Line Spectrometer (FIFI LS). The unstressed Ge:Ga detector array will cover the wavelength range from 40 to 120 microns, and the stressed Ge:Ga detector array from 120 to 210 microns. The detector arrays will be operated with multiplexed integrating amplifiers with cryogenic readout electronics located close to the detector arrays. The design of the stressed detector array and results of current measurements on several prototype 16 pixel linear arrays are reported. They demonstrate the feasibility of the current concept. ***This paper does not include Figures due to astro-ph size limitations. Please download entire file at http://fifi-ls.mpe-garching.mpg.de/spie.det.ps.gz ***Comment: 8 pages, SPIE Proceedings, Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation 200

Comparison of oral iron and injectable iron for the prevention of iron deficiency anemia in baby pigs

One of two oral iron compounds or an injectable iron (100 mg iron per treatment) were administered to pigs on d 1 and 15 postfarrowing, and they were compared with untreated littermates. There was no significant difference between the pigs receiving the oral iron and the negative controls in serum iron or total iron binding capacity. Pigs that received iron by injection had higher serum iron and packed cell volume and a lower total iron binding capacity compared with pigs given oral iron or untreated controls.; Swine Day, Manhattan, KS, November 19, 199

Stressed detector arrays for airborne astronomy

The development of stressed Ge:Ga detector arrays for far-infrared astronomy from the Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO) is discussed. Researchers successfully constructed and used a three channel detector array on five flights from the KAO, and have conducted laboratory tests of a two-dimensional, 25 elements (5x5) detector array. Each element of the three element array performs as well as the researchers' best single channel detector, as do the tested elements of the 25 channel system. Some of the exciting new science possible with far-infrared detector arrays is also discussed

Si photocathode with Ag-supported dendritic Cu catalyst for CO2 reduction

Si photocathodes integrated with Ag-supported dendritic Cu catalysts are used to perform light-driven reduction of CO2 to C2 and C3 products in aqueous solution. A back illumination geometry with an n-type Si absorber was used to permit the use of absorbing metallic catalysts. Selective carrier collection was accomplished by a p+ implantation on the illumination side and an n+ implantation followed by atomic layer deposition of TiO2 on the electrolyte site. The Ag-supported dendritic Cu CO2 reduction catalyst was formed by evaporation of Ag followed by high-rate electrodeposition of Cu to form a high surface area structure. Under simulated 1 sun illumination in 0.1 M CsHCO3 saturated with CO2, the photovoltage generated by the Si (∼600 mV) enables C2 and C3 products to be produced at -0.4 vs. RHE. Texturing of both sides of the Si increases the light-limited current density, due to reduced reflection on the illumination side, and also deceases the onset potential. Under simulated diurnal illumination conditions photocathodes maintain over 60% faradaic efficiency to hydrocarbon and oxygenate products (mainly ethylene, ethanol, propanol) for several days. After 10 days of testing, contamination from the counter electrode is observed, which causes an increase in hydrogen production. This effect is mitigated by a regeneration procedure which restores the original catalyst selectivity. A tandem, self-powered CO2 reduction device was formed by coupling a Si photocathode with two series-connected semitransparent CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells, achieving an efficiency for the conversion of sunlight to hydrocarbons and oxygenates of 1.5% (3.5% for all products)

Facilitating Effective Communication Between First Responders and Older Adults During Fall Incidents: An Educational Intervention

PURPOSE. The purpose of this project was to provide first responders with communication strategies for older adults that may help when responding to fall- related calls. General information was also provided to First Responders on working with older adults with a focus on the aging process, fall risk factors, and communications strategies. METHODS. A series of educational sessions to first responders at a local fire district were developed and presented by occupational therapy students. Materials were developed by presenters from evidence-based resources and tailored to the target population. Each presentation focused on statistics about older adults, the aging process, fall risk factors, and effective communication strategies for older adults. Each two hour presentation consisted of a lecture, role play, and a discussion period. RESULTS. Evaluations were completed by participants upon the conclusion of each educational presentation. Evaluations included rating the quality and information provided, and whether participants recommend this training to other first responders. The average rating was 92-98% which indicated participants strongly agree and the training was useful and would recommend it to other first responders. CONCLUSION. As the older adult population increases, more individuals wish to “age in place”, leading to an increased number of falls among older adults, and requiring emergency care from first responders. Information and communication strategies provided through educational presentations to first responders may help facilitate effective communication during an emergency call with an older adult and also prevent future falls. Collaboration with first responders can help occupational therapists develop new role regarding fall prevention and communication with older adults

Facilitating Effective Communication Between First Responders and Older Adults During Fall Incidents

PURPOSE. The purpose of this project was to provide first responders with communication strategies for older adults that may help when responding to fall- related calls. General information was also provided to First Responders on working with older adults with a focus on the aging process, fall risk factors, and communications strategies. METHODS. A series of educational sessions to first responders at a local fire district were developed and presented by occupational therapy students. Materials were developed by presenters from evidence-based resources and tailored to the target population. Each presentation focused on statistics about older adults, the aging process, fall risk factors, and effective communication strategies for older adults. Each two hour presentation consisted of a lecture, role play, and a discussion period. RESULTS. Evaluations were completed by participants upon the conclusion of each educational presentation. Evaluations included rating the quality and information provided, and whether participants recommend this training to other first responders. The average rating was 92-98% which indicated participants strongly agree and the training was useful and would recommend it to other first responders. CONCLUSION. As the older adult population increases, more individuals wish to “age in place”, leading to an increased number of falls among older adults, and requiring emergency care from first responders. Information and communication strategies provided through educational presentations to first responders may help facilitate effective communication during an emergency call with an older adult and also prevent future falls. Collaboration with first responders can help occupational therapists develop new role regarding fall prevention and communication with older adults.https://scholar.dominican.edu/ug-student-posters/1019/thumbnail.jp

Peptide profiling: Correlating estrogen receptor conformation with biological response

Abstract only availableChemicals found in the environment have been found to behave like the body's natural estrogen, estradiol. These exogenous estrogen-mimicking compounds have been termed xenoestrogens. Both estradiol and xenoestrogens can bind two estrogen receptors (ERs), ER alpha and ER beta, to elicit biological responses. The receptors are ligand inducible transcription factors that exhibit unique biological actions. While estradiol binds both receptors equally, some xenoestrogens have been shown to bind ER beta preferentially. When the ER is bound, the ligand induces a unique ER shape and in turn causes an array of tissue-specific biological responses. For example, the ligand tamoxifen, a commonly used breast cancer pharmaceutical, exhibits an ER antagonist response in the breast and an ER agonist response in the bone. This dual ligand quality characterizes what is now known as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). Peptide profiling, a novel ER ligand screening assay, is a method that can potentially identify SERMS by correlating in vitro ER conformation with in vivo biological response. Each ligand is screened using a two-hybrid fusion protein reporter gene assay. Upon ligand binding, the ER assumes a conformation; with this induced shape, some ER-interacting peptides will be able to bind while others will not. After screening a ligand against a library of fifteen different peptides, a unique peptide profile will figuratively illustrate the induced ER conformation. Eight xenoestrogens were screened in this experiment: estradiol, a natural physiological estrogen; resveratrol and genistein, two phytoestrogens; MPP, bisphenol A, and 4-hydroxytamoxifen, all synthetic estrogens; α-endosulfan and methoxychlor, both insecticides used on crops. Each ligand was found to have a unique peptide profile and, implicitly, a distinct ER conformation. The next step will be to determine each ligand's tissue specific activity and identify the unique peptide fingerprint that predicts its in vivo biological response. By correlating a ligand's tissue specific estrogenic activity with its unique ER conformation, peptide profiling will not only further elucidate tissue-specific ER activity differences but could also be used as a high-throughput screening tool for other potential environmental xenoestrogens and identify novel therapeutic SERMs.Life Sciences Undergraduate Research Opportunity Progra

Scintillating double beta decay bolometers

We present the results obtained in the development of scintillating Double Beta Decay bolometers. Several Mo and Cd based crystals were tested with the bolometric technique. The scintillation light was measured through a second independent bolometer. A 140 g CdWO_4 crystal was run in a 417 h live time measurement. Thanks to the scintillation light, the alpha background is easily discriminated resulting in zero counts above the 2615 keV gamma line of Thallium 208. These results, combined with an extremely easy light detector operation, represent the first tangible proof demonstrating the feasibility of this kind of technique.Comment: 15 pages, 8 figure