Extending KIDs to the Mid-IR for Future Space and Suborbital Observatories

The galaxy evolution probe (GEP) is a concept for a probe-class space observatory to study the physical processes related to star formation over cosmic time. To do so, the mid- and far-infrared (IR) spectra of galaxies must be studied. These mid- and far-IR observations require large multi-frequency arrays, sensitive detectors. Our goal is to develop low NEP aluminum kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs) for wavelengths of 10-400  μ m for the GEP and a pathfinder long-duration balloon (GEP-B) that will perform precursor GEP science. KIDs for the lower wavelength range (10-100  μ m ) have not been previously implemented. We present an absorber design for KIDs sensitive to wavelengths of 10 μ m shown to have around 75-80% absorption efficiency through ANSYS HFSS (high-frequency structure simulator) simulations, challenges that come with optimizing our design to increase the wavelength range, initial tests on our design of fabricated 10 μ m KIDs, and theoretical NEP calculations.

Foot placement of the equine forelimb: Relationship between foot conformation, foot placement and movement asymmetry

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

Hoof conformation, foot placement and movement asymmetry are routinely assessed as part of the lameness examination. However, to date, few studies have described these parameters, or the interplay between them, in the general horse population.

OBJECTIVES

To assess foot conformation and foot placement in the forelimbs of a group of general purpose horses and investigate the relationships between foot placement, foot conformation and movement asymmetry.

STUDY DESIGN

Observational cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Forty-three horses were included in the study. Measurements were taken from photographs of each forelimb to assess foot conformation. Video footage was recorded simultaneously from perpendicular cameras at both walk and trot and used to categorise foot placement. Inertial sensor data were used to assess head movement asymmetry in trot.

RESULTS

There was a high degree of variation in foot placement between and within horses, but a 'lateral heel' placement was most common in walk and a 'lateral' placement most common in trot. Foot placement was associated with dorsal and palmar hoof angles but there was no relationship between foot placement and the other conformation parameters, nor with movement asymmetry. Moderate negative correlations were found between several of the conformation parameters and movement asymmetry.

CONCLUSIONS

A relationship exists between foot conformation and movement asymmetry with decreasing hoof width and hoof length related to increasing amount of movement asymmetry. In the population of horses studied here--deemed to be 'well functioning' by their owners/riders--foot placement was found to be independent of movement asymmetry and, to a large extent, independent of foot conformation.

Horn-coupled, commercially-fabricated aluminum lumped-element kinetic inductance detectors for millimeter wavelengths

We discuss the design, fabrication, and testing of prototype horn-coupled, lumped-element kinetic inductance detectors (LEKIDs) designed for cosmic microwave background studies. The LEKIDs are made from a thin aluminum film deposited on a silicon wafer and patterned using standard photolithographic techniques at STAR Cryoelectronics, a commercial device foundry. We fabricated 20-element arrays, optimized for a spectral band centered on 150 GHz, to test the sensitivity and yield of the devices as well as the multiplexing scheme. We characterized the detectors in two configurations. First, the detectors were tested in a dark environment with the horn apertures covered, and second, the horn apertures were pointed towards a beam-filling cryogenic blackbody load. These tests show that the multiplexing scheme is robust and scalable, the yield across multiple LEKID arrays is 91%, and the measured noise-equivalent temperatures for a 4 K optical load are in the range 26±6 μK√s.

The Crystal Structure of Potassium Nickel Arsenate; KNiAsO4

The crystal structure of potassium nickel arsenate. KNiAsO4 has been determined by high resolution powder neutron diffraction at 30 K. The unit cell of KNiAsO4 is rhombohedral. space group R3̄, with hexagonal cell constants, a = 4.97208(2) (Å). c = 28.52606(10) (Å). The compound is isomorphous with NaNiAsO4.

The effect of premature extraction of primary teeth on the subsequent need for orthodontic treatment

AIM

To investigate if premature extraction of primary teeth was associated with orthodontic need in the permanent dentition.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a case-control study based on retrospective dental records.

METHODS

As part of NHS (UK) Dental Epidemiology Programme a sample of 366, 12-year-old children from Bradford and Airedale were examined. The survey collected data on patient demographics, dental health status including orthodontic need. Data linkage was undertaken for those children participating in the NHS Dental Epidemiology Programme who had previously accessed the local Salaried Dental Service (SDS). For these children, retrospective dental information was collected about premature extraction of primary teeth.

RESULTS

From the 366 children who were surveyed, 116 children had received treatment at the local SDS in the past. Significantly more children from ethnic minorities, low socioeconomic backgrounds and high caries rate (p < 0.001) were seen in the SDS. For the 107 children who attended SDS, an increased total number of primary teeth extractions was positively associated with orthodontic need (odds ratio:1.18, CI -1.01 to 1.37).

STATISTICS

Multilevel modelling was undertaken to identify variables associated with orthodontic need.

CONCLUSIONS

In the study group, orthodontic need was significantly associated with the number of primary teeth extracted.

Forces applied with a hoof tester to cadaver feet vary widely between users

Hoof testers are commonly used in equine practice. In this study, we determined the intraoperator and interoperator reliability of force application with hoof testers for different groups: experienced veterinarians, novices and farriers. For this purpose, we have developed and validated an instrumented hoof tester. Forces varied significantly between the different regions of the foot for experienced operators applying the highest forces to the heels, then the frog, then the toe, and the lowest forces to the quarters. Novices applied significantly more force to the toe versus the frog. Intraoperator reliability varied significantly between regions and operators. Novices had the narrowest width of limits of agreement for the frog and heel, but the widest for the toe and the quarters, whereas farriers had the narrowest width of agreement for the toe and quarter. Force application differed significantly between groups for the frog and heel regions, but not the toe and quarters. Veterinarians applied higher forces to the frog compared with farriers and novices, and higher forces to the heel compared with novices. This study showed that hoof tester forces vary widely within and between operators, and standardisation of hoof tester use is needed to make this diagnostic test more reliable.

A national study of neighbourhood access to gambling opportunities and individual gambling behaviour

OBJECTIVE

To investigate associations between neighbourhood accessibility to gambling outlets (non-casino gaming machine locations, sports betting venues and casinos) and individual gambling behaviour in New Zealand.

DESIGN

A Geographical Information Systems (GIS) measure of neighbourhood access to gambling venues. Two-level logistic regression models were fitted to examine the effects of neighbourhood access on individual gambling behaviour after controlling for potential individual- and neighbourhood-level confounding factors.

SETTING

38,350 neighbourhoods across New Zealand.

PARTICIPANTS

12,529 respondents of the 2002/03 New Zealand Health Survey.

RESULTS

Compared with those living in the quartile of neighbourhoods with the furthest access to a gambling venue, residents living in the quartile of neighbourhoods with the closest access were more likely (adjusted for age, sex, socio-economic status at the individual-level and deprivation, urban/rural status at the neighbourhood-level) to be a gambler (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.15) or problem gambler (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.03 to 7.05). When examined independently, neighbourhood access to venues with non-casino gaming machines (gambling: OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.18; problem gambling: OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.45 to 5.07) and sports betting venues (gambling: OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.18; problem gambling: OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.45 to 5.07) were similarly related.

CONCLUSIONS

Neighbourhood access to opportunities for gambling is related to gambling and problem gambling behaviour, and contributes substantially to neighbourhood inequalities in gambling over and above-individual level characteristics.

UK National Clinical Guidelines in Paediatric Dentistry: stainless steel preformed crowns for primary molars

This revised Clinical Guideline in Paediatric Dentistry replaces the previously published sixth guideline (Fayle SA. Int J Paediatr Dent 1999; 9: 311-314). The process of guideline production began in 1994, resulting in first publication in 1997. Each guideline has been circulated widely for consultation to all UK consultants in paediatric dentistry, council members of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD), and to people of related specialities recognized to have expertise in the subject. The final version of this guideline is produced from a combination of this input and thorough review of the published literature. The intention is to encourage improvement in clinical practice and to stimulate research and clinical audit in areas where scientific evidence is inadequate. Evidence underlying recommendations is scored according to the SIGN classification and guidelines should be read in this context. Further details regarding the process of paediatric dentistry guideline production in the UK is described in the Int J Paediatr Dent 1997; 7: 267-268.

A sample distribution programme for erythropoietin

A survey was sent to laboratories participating in the United Kingdom External Quality Assessment Service (UKNEQAS) Haematinics Scheme about the measurement of serum erythropoietin (EPO). Six laboratories, from a total of 120 that returned the survey, were measuring serum EPO concentrations by commercially available immunoassays on site in the United Kingdom. The workload of the laboratories varied from up to 100 specimens per month to more than 100 specimens analysed per week. All laboratories included control material in the assays and none of the laboratories was participating in an external quality assessment scheme for serum EPO. Four laboratories agreed to take part in the first sample distribution programme, with five and six laboratories participating in distributions 2 and 3 respectively. The results from eight kits were compared from the three distributions over a 2-year period. The serum EPO concentrations for the methods showed some variation across the range of 2.9-200 U/l when the serum EPO concentrations for each method were compared with the whole method mean. The results from this scheme have identified a role for an external quality assessment scheme for serum EPO measurements.

Open vs. closed lateral internal sphincterotomy for idiopathic fissure-in-ano: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial

PURPOSE

Internal sphincterotomy remains the "gold standard" for treatment of anal fissure but is associated with a risk of imperfect continence. Recent studies have suggested that surgical technique (open vs. closed) may influence incontinence rates after sphincterotomy. This study was designed to assess the short-term and long-term incidence of incontinence after open and closed internal sphincterotomy.

METHODS

Seventy-nine patients were randomly assigned to open or closed internal sphincterotomy, performed in standardized fashion by trainee staff. Standardized questionnaires assessing continence (modified Wexner score) were administered preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 52 weeks. Postoperative stay, pain scores, complications, and fissure healing were prospectively assessed by an independent observer.

RESULTS

Three patients were lost to follow-up, leaving 36 closed (16 males; mean age, 45.1 years) and 40 open (21 males; mean age, 47.9 years) internal sphincterotomy patients for assessment. All operations were performed as day case procedures with no readmissions. At six weeks postoperative, 96 percent of fissures had healed. There were no significant differences in pain scores between closed and open internal sphincterotomy at Day 1 or Day 3 postoperative. New incontinence of any grade was seen in 6.8 percent of patients at 52-week follow-up. Three patients (4.1 percent, 1 closed, 2 open) suffered major incontinence at 52 weeks. There were no significant differences in continence at 1, 6, or 52 weeks, although more open patients experienced minor imperfections at 1 week.

CONCLUSIONS

Incontinence after internal sphincterotomy is not insignificant. The technique (closed vs. open) does not seem to influence incontinence rates.

Bulk Spontaneous Magnetization in the New Radical Cation Salt TM-TTF[Cr(NCS)4(isoquinoline)2] (TM-TTF = Tetramethyltetrathiafulvalene)

A new organic-inorganic hybrid salt [TM-TTF][Cr(NCS)(4)(isoquinoline)(2)] (1) (TM-TTF = Tetramethyltetrathiafulvalene) has been synthesized. Compound 1 crystallizes in the triclinic P space group with a = 8.269(1), b = 10.211(2), and c = 11.176(2) A, alpha = 89.244(9), beta = 88.114(6), and gamma = 74.277(7) degrees, V = 907.6(3) A(3), and Z = 1. The crystal structure was resolved in the temperature range between 223 and 123 K, showing that changes in the crystal structure at low temperature result in stronger interactions between anions and cations. The packing of 1 consists of mixed anion-cation layers in the bc plane containing S.S and pi-pi anion-cation interactions, the layers being connected by very short S.S contacts between anions and cations. Magnetic measurements in a small external field show bulk spontaneous magnetization with a T(c) of 6.6 K consistent with the presence of weakly coupled ferrimagnetic order in compound 1. The EPR measurements also demonstrate the interaction between the d and pi electrons and the presence of an internal magnetic field brought about by the magnetic ordering.

Outcomes for root-fractured permanent incisors: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to assess the outcomes for treated root-fractured permanent incisors with respect to pulp vitality, root tissue union, and tooth survival and to examine the effects of clinical and radiographic parameters and rigid splinting on the outcome.

METHODS

Eighty-four teeth were identified and data extracted from case notes prior to transfer to an SPSS data base for analysis. The odds ratios for each factor were calculated and the significance of differences was determined. Tooth loss and relevant risk variables were examined using Cox's regression model and Kaplan-Meyer survival curves.

RESULTS

Fourteen (17%) had fractures in the apical third, 47 (56%) in the middle third, and 23 (27%) in the coronal (gingival) third. Twenty-four (29%) also had crown fractures involving enamel and dentine. Crown fractures were identified as significant risk factors for pulp vitality. Loss of pulp vitality, horizontal displacement, and extrusive displacement of the coronal fragment were significant risk factors for hard root tissue union. Survival was poorest with gingival third fractures with 14 (61%) of these teeth being lost. Splinting rigidly had no significant effect on pulp vitality and type of root tissue healing.

CONCLUSIONS

Loss of pulp vitality was significantly associated with enamel-dentine crown fracture. Hard root tissue union was significantly affected by pulp necrosis and luxation of the coronal fragment. Survival was poorest for root fractures within the gingival third of the root. Splinting with rigid fixation had no significant effect on pulp vitality and type of root tissue union.

Crystal and magnetic structures of afeIIFeIII(C2O4)3 (A = organic cation): two-dimensional honeycomb ferrimagnets

Ferrimagnetic tris-oxalato-ferrate(II,III) salts with general formula AFeIIFeIII(C2O4)3 (A = quaternary ammonium, phosphonium) all crystallise in two-dimensional hexagonal honeycomb lattices but while some show conventional Néel type Q magnetisation at low temperature others show negative Néet type N magnetisation below a compensation temperature Tcomp. The compounds having negative magnetisation show a discontinuity in the magnetisation at a temperature between Tcomp and Tc suggesting a magneto-strictive transition. For the type Q compounds, hysteresis and frequency dependent AC susceptibility show that the low temperature magnetic state is glassy, either because of frustration of random anisotropy domains below a blocking temperature, or imbalance in the fractions of FeII and FeIII.

Dynamics of Epstein-Barr virus DNA levels in serum during EBV-associated disease

A real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for quantitation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA in serum was developed. This assay detected EBV DNA in 24 (89%) of 27 sera from patients with infectious mononucleosis, but only in 9 (18%) of 51 sera from EBV carriers (P < 0.001) and in none of the sera from 32 EBV-seronegative individuals. EBV DNA levels were higher in sera from infectious mononucleosis (median 8,000, range 1833-150,069 copies/ml) than from carriers (median < 2, range < 2-2980; P < 0.001). In sera of 36 children with infectious mononucleosis followed prospectively, EBV DNA levels correlated inversely with the duration of symptoms. Among 18 children with tumors including Hodgkin's disease (n = 7), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (n = 6), Burkitt's lymphoma (n = 1), lymphoproliferative disorder (n = 4), and osteosarcoma (n = 1), EBV DNA was detected in serum from those 9 (100%) expressing EBV in the tumor (Hodgkin's disease, 3; non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 2; lymphoproliferative disorder, 4), the levels peaking at diagnosis and correlating with disease activity. Quantitation of EBV DNA in serum may offer a simple means of monitoring patients at risk of EBV-associated lymphoproliferation.

Non-invasive markers of bone turnover and plasma cytokines differ in osteoporotic patients with multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance

AIMS

To determine whether various markers of bone turnover and/or plasma cytokines differ in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) compared with patients with monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance (MGUS).

METHODS

We studied 22 MM patients and 18 MGUS patients presenting over an 18-month period and compared their data with those from 20 age- and sex-matched patients presenting with primary osteoporosis. According to the Salmon and Durie classification, there were eight patients with stage I, nine with stage II and five with stage III disease. All patients had densitometric evidence of osteoporosis and were classified according to bone marrow evidence of plasma cell dyscrasia. Measured variables included markers of bone formation and bone resorption, and plasma cytokines.

RESULTS

Patients with MM and MGUS did not differ with respect to their mean age, male : female sex ratio, height, weight, serum calcium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone concentrations. Patients with MM had significantly lower concentrations of haemoglobin (109 vs 135 g/L) and serum transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta (261 vs 348 pg/mL) than patients with MGUS, and higher concentrations of serum paraproteins (31.1 vs 7.4 g/L), beta2-microglobulin (3.5 vs 2.2 g/L), % plasma cell numbers (35.3 vs 2.1%) and urinary deoxypyridinoline excretion rates (u-DPYD; 7.7 vs 5.9 nmol/mmol creatinine; P < 0.05 for all comparisons). In multivariate analysis, the serum paraprotein (beta coefficient = -0.067; 95% confidence intervals (CI), -0.019 to -0.005; P = 0.0012), u-DPYD excretion rates (beta coefficient = -0.012; 95% CI, -0.113 to -0.02; P= 0.0058) and serum TGF-beta concentrations (beta coefficient = -0.002; 95% CI, -0.0002 to -0.02; P= 0.02) were the most important variables differentiating between MM and MGUS, after excluding lytic bone lesions, % plasma cell numbers and haemoglobin concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

The well-established criteria for diagnosing MM include the presence of lytic bone lesions, plasmacytosis, haemoglobin and paraprotein concentrations. The u-DPYD excretion rate, a sensitive non-invasive marker of bone resorption, may help in differentiating between MM and MGUS, as well as serving as a marker of underlying bone disease activity in these patients.

Crystal chemistry and physical properties of superconducting and semiconducting charge transfer salts of the type (BEDT-TTF)(4)[A(I)M(III)(C2O4)3]*PhCN (A(I) = H30,NH4,K; M(III) = Cr, Fe, Co, Al; BEDT-TTF = bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene

Synthesis, structure determination by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and physical properties are reported and compared for superconducting and semiconducting molecular charge-transfer salts with stoichiometry (BEDT-TTF)(4)[A(I)M(III)(C(2)O(4))(3)].PhCN, where A(I) = H(3)O, NH(4), K; M(III) = Cr, Fe, Co, Al; BEDT-TTF = bis(ethylenedithio) tetrathiafulvalene. Attempts to substitute M(III) with Ti, Ru, Rh, or Gd are also described. New compounds with M = Co and Al are prepared and detailed structural comparisons are made across the whole series. Compounds with A = H(3)O(+) and M = Cr, Fe are monoclinic (space group C2/c), at 150, 120 K a = 10.240(1) A, 10.232(12) A; b = 19.965(1) A, 20.04(3) A; c = 34.905(1) A, 34.97(2) A; beta = 93.69(1) degrees, 93.25(11) degrees, respectively, both with Z = 4. These salts are metallic at room temperature, becoming superconducting at 5.5(5) or 8.5(5) K, respectively. A polymorph with A = H(3)O(+) and M = Cr is orthorhombic (Pbcn) with a = 10.371(2) A, b = 19.518(3) A, c = 35.646(3) A, and Z = 4 at 150 K. When A = NH(4)(+), M = Fe, Co, Al, the compounds are also orthorhombic (Pbcn), with a = 10.370(5) A, 10.340(1) A, 10.318(7) A; b = 19.588(12) A, 19.502(1) A, 19.460(4) A; c = 35.790(8) A, 35.768(1) A, 35.808(8) A at 150 K, respectively, with Z = 4. All of the Pbcn phases are semiconducting with activation energies between 0.15 and 0.22 eV. For those compounds which are thought to contain H(3)O(+), Raman spectroscopy or C=C and C-S bond lengths of the BEDT-TTF molecules confirm the presence of H(3)O(+) rather than H(2)O. In the monoclinic compounds the BEDT-TTF molecules adopt a beta' ' packing motif while in the orthorhombic phases (BEDT-TTF)(2) dimers are surrounded by monomers. Raman spectra and bond length analysis for the latter confirm that each molecule of the dimer has a charge of +1 while the remaining donors are neutral. All of the compounds contain approximately hexagonal honeycomb layers of [AM(C(2)O(4))(3)] and PhCN, with the solvent occupying a cavity bounded by [M(C(2)O(4))(3)](3-) and A. In the monoclinic series each layer contains one enantiomeric conformation of the chiral [M(C(2)O(4))(3)](3-) anions with alternate layers having opposite chirality, whereas in the orthorhombic series the enantiomers form chains within each layer. Analysis of the supramolecular organization at the interface between the cation and anion layers shows that this difference is responsible for the two different BEDT-TTF packing motifs, as a consequence of weak H-bonding interactions between the terminal ethylene groups in the donor and the [M(C(2)O(4))(3)](3-) oxygen atoms.