cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrasensitive second-harmonic generation frequency-resolved optical gating by aperiodically poled LiNbO 3 waveguides at 1.5??m

We retrieve intensity and phase profiles of 280?fs, 50?MHz optical pulses with 124?aJ coupled pulse energy (960 photons) by second-harmonic generation (SHG) frequency-resolved optical gating, using aperiodically poled LiNbO3 waveguides. The strong nonlinear interaction that is due to confinement within the micrometer-sized waveguide structure and the linearly chirped poling period contribute, respectively, to high SHG efficiency and broad phase-matching bandwidth. The achieved sensitivity is 2.7×10?6?mW2, improving on the previous record for self-referenced complete pulse characterization by 5 orders of magnitude.
Symbolic equations of motion for hybrid multibody systems using a matrix—vector formulation

Abstract A matrix—vector formulation is used to generate symbolic equations of motion for rigid and flexible multi-body systems. This approach generates a minimal set of system equations in compact matrix form conducive to the use of different analysis techniques. General procedures for generating first and second order equations of motion for complex systems as well as generalized coordinate transformation and order reduction are presented. Two examples are presented to illustrate the use of the algorithm.
Dietary fat in experimental nephrotic syndrome: Beneficial effects of fish oil on serum lipids and, indirectly, on the kidney

Three isocaloric diets with different fat composition were fed to rats for seven weeks after the production of nephrotic syndrome by adriamycin. The effects of feeding 3% and 14% fish oil were compared with those of feeding beef fat. At the fourth week of feeding the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol were lower in both fish oil fed groups. At the seventh week these levels, and the LDL cholesterol, were lower only in the 14% fish oil group. In rats fed beef fat, but not in those fed fish oil, there was a striking positive correlation of the four-week serum triglycerides and cholesterol with the seven-week serum creatinine level and with the degree of glomerular hyalinosis and endothelial swelling. The favorable effects of fish oil feeding on serum lipids may have a protective effect on the development of glomerular damage.
Blood group and blood group-related antigens in normal pancreas and pancreas cancer : Enhanced expression of precursor type 1, Tn, and sialyl-Tn in pancreas cancer

Expression of blood-group antigens A, B, Le(a), sialyl-Le(a) (sLe(a)), Le(b), Le(x), Le(y), precursor type I, Tn and sialyl-Tn (sTn) was examined in non-neoplastic pancreas (n = 37) and pancreas cancer (n = 21) using mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). Immunohistochemical assays were performed on sections of paraffin-embedded tissues using the avidin-biotin complex method. In normal pancreas, antibodies detecting Le(a), sLe(a) and Tn reacted with ductal epithelium, and antibodies detecting A and B reacted with acini and ducts, independently of secretor status. Le(x) was weakly expressed in ducts and acini, and sTn could not be detected in normal pancreas. Expression of Le(b), Le(y) and precursor type I was regulated by secretor status: Le(b) and Le(y) were expressed in ducts of secretor and Le(a-b-) individuals, but not in ducts of non-secretors; precursor type I was weakly expressed in acini and ducts of non-secretors and Le(a-b-) individuals, and was absent in acini and ducts of secretors. The following alterations in the expression of blood-group antigens were observed in pancreas cancer: (1) enhanced expression of Le(x), Tn and sTn; (2) enhanced expression of precursor type I independently of secretor status; (3) loss of regulation of Le(b) by the secretor gene; (4) decreased expression of Le(y). The weak expression of precursor type I. Tn and sTn in non-neoplastic pancreas, and their stronger expression in pancreas cancer, suggests that up-regulation of their expression is associated with malignant transformation of pancreatic duct cells.
Multi-spectral imaging with mid-infrared semiconductor lasers

Multi-spectral laser imaging can be a useful technology for target discrimination, classification, and identification based on object spectral signatures. The mid-IR region (~3-14 μm) is particularly rich of molecular spectroscopic fingerprints, but the technology has been under utilized. Compact, potentially inexpensive semiconductor lasers may allow more cost-effective applications. This paper describes a development of semiconductor-laser-based multi-spectral imaging for both near-IR and mid-IR, and demonstrates the potential of this technology. The near-IR study employed 7 wavelengths from 0.635-1.55 μm, and used for system engineering evaluation as well as for studying the fundamental aspects of multi-spectral laser imaging. These include issues of wavelength-dependence scattering as a function of incident and receiving angle and the polarization effects. Stokes vector imaging and degree-of-linear-polarization were shown to reveal significant information to characterize the targets. The mid-IR study employed 4 wavelengths from 3.3-9.6 μm, and was applied to diverse targets that consist of natural and man-made materials and household objects. It was shown capable to resolve and distinguish small spectral differences among various targets, thanks to the laser radiometric and spectral accuracy. Colorless objects in the visible were shown with "colorful" signatures in the mid-IR. An essential feature of the study is an advanced system architecture that employs wavelength-division-multiplexed laser beams for high spectral fidelity and resolution. In addition, unlike conventional one-transmitter and one receiver design, the system is based on a scalable CDMA network concept with multiple transmitters and receivers to allow efficient information acquisition. The results suggest that multi-spectral laser imaging in general can be a unique and powerful technology for wide ranging applications.
Observed and predicted responses of plant growth to climate across Canada

[1] Using satellite observations from 1981–2000, and data interpolated from surface weather stations, we examined the association between gross photosynthetic activity (Pg) and climate across the boreal forest and tundra of Canada. The response of annual and interannual Pg was tightly coupled to climate, and seasonal associations between Pg and climate varied with plant functional types. The most important variable for modeling summer growth of conifer forests was the previous spring minimum temperature, whereas tundra responded primarily to summer maximum temperature. Using general circulation model predictors to 2050, we project that tundra will continue to grow vigorously in the coming decades while conifer forests will not. Increased tundra productivity will likely be associated with changes in vegetation composition (e.g., woody proliferation). If these biotic responses are stationary and persist as predicted, terrestrial carbon budgets will need to be modified.
An overview of paleogene molluscan biostratigraphy and paleoecology of the Gulf of Alaska region

Abstract Paleogene marine strata in the Gulf of Alaska region occur in three geographic areas and may be characterized by their molluscan faunal composition and paleoecology: a western area consisting of the Alaska Peninsula, Kodiak Island, and adjacent islands; a central area encompassing Prince William Sound; and an eastern area extending from the mouth of the Copper River to Icy Point in the Lituya district. Strata in the western area include the Ghost Rocks, Narrow Cape (in part), Sitkalidak, Stepovak, Belkofski, and Tolstoi Formations; in the central area Paleogene strata are assigned entirely to the Orca Group; Paleogene strata in the eastern area include the Kulthieth and Poul Creek Formations and several coeval units. Environments ranging from marginal marine to bathyal and from subtropical to cool-temperate are inferred for the various molluscan faunas. Sediments range from interbedded coal and marine sands to deep-water turbidites. The known Paleogene molluscan faunas of these three southern Alaskan areas permit recognition of biostratigraphic schemes within each area, preliminary correlations between faunas of the three areas, and more general correlations with faunas of the Pacific Northwest, the Far Eastern U.S.S.R., and northern Japan.
Light scattering from normal and neoplastic cells: FDTD modeling based on quantitative cytology

A finite-difference-time-domain model is used to study the influence of morphological features, DNA content, and chromatin texture on light scattering from cells. Realistic cell geometries are generated from quantitative cytological measurements of cervical specimens.
Diffusion and convection in lungs and gills

Abstract An analysis has been made of the inspired-arterial partial pressure difference of a gas transmitted, under steady-state conditions, across lungs and gills regarded as subdivided into a large number of functional units. It is shown that this overall gradient can be expressed as the simple sum of terms representing airway convection, airway diffusion, membrane diffusion, blood convection, ventitation/ perfusion inequalities and shunt — provided all but the last of these are weighted according to the ventilation rate. The analysis circumvents the use of the less tangible concepts of “physiological dead space” and “mixed alveolar air”, so avoiding the equations on which they are defined. Avoidance of this popular assumption leads to a detailed analysis of the airway convection component in terms of longitudinal dispersion and its complex interaction with sequential flow and distribution of respiratory exchange ratio.
Transcriptional regulation in Xenopus: a bright and froggy future.

Xenopus has played a key role in defining the general mechanisms that underlie early vertebrate development. Recent studies reveal how the transcriptional regulation of signaling and transcription factors is used to pattern the early dorsal–ventral axis. With the development of new methods for producing transgenic frogs, Xenopus will become a very attractive system for studying transcriptional regulation at all stages of embryogenesis.
Behavioral support for a neural taste theory.

Abstract The time required for rats to make a behavioral taste discrimination was predicted from neural discharge rates and tested using conditioned aversion. Predictions were based on the hypothesis that the responses evoked from a neural population by two different chemicals must diverge by a certain critical total number of spikes before the chemicals are discriminable. This total could be derived from the responses of all neurons in the population. Behavioral discrimination times generally supported predictions made from second-order (bulbar) neural responses, but were ambiguous concerning predictions based on fourth-order (thalamic) responses. The implications of these results for the possible functions of bulbar and thalamic taste neurons is discussed.
Anticonvulsant-induced cutaneous reactions : Incidence, mechanisms and management

Management of patients receiving anticonvulsant drugs is often a matter of balancing medication efficacy against untoward effects. Cutaneous drug reactions (CDRs) to anticonvulsants are a widely recognised idiosyncratic effect. In spite of almost 60 years’ experience with phenytoin and greater than 80 years’ experience with phenobarbital (phenobarbitone), anticonvulsant-induced CDRs remain one of the most difficult challenges in optimising the care of patients with epilepsy and mood disorders. Epidemiological evaluation is complicated by lack of consensus on reporting and systematic classification of these reactions. Many clinicians choose to discontinue a suspected agent at the first sign of a skin eruption, without confirmation. Time-honoured catalogues are useful for identification of common skin reactions. Broad classification of CDR as mild vs severe reactions seems to aid the clinician in managing the patient. Both immunological and non-immunological factors contribute to CDRs. Immunological mechanisms consist of 4 types (types I through IV reactions). The most serious eruptions result from a type I or type IV immunological process. Non-immunological mechanisms have great variability, but are believed to include activation of effector pathways, as well as the alteration of pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic variables. Epidemiological data suggest that non-immunological CDRs are more predominant and largely reflect the incidence of mild CDRs. While there is general agreement about discontinuation of suspected agents, issues pertaining to rechallenge and management of severe life-threatening reactions remain controversial. Of the new anticonvulsants, lamotrigine has received much attention following CDR reports. While rare severe CDRs with lamotrigine have been reported, the drug has been successfully reintroduced without precipitation of CDRs. Severe CDRs require the successful management of fluids, nutrition and infection, and can be best managed in burn centres. Fluid and nutrition balance are typically well controlled with close monitoring of hydration and laboratory values. Prophylactic antibacterial administration is not recommended. Immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids to limit the extent of CDRs has received much attention. General recommendations from burn centres suggest this approach may actually promote a negative patient outcome.
Substrate inhibition kinetics for microbial growth and synthesis of poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid by Alcaligenes eutrophus ATCC 17697

The specific growth rate of Alcaligenes eutrophus ATCC 17697 was observed to depend upon the ratio of ammonium sulfate (nitrogen) and fructose (carbon) concentration used for production of poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid (PHB). The growth rate was stimulated at low concentration ratios and inhibited at higher ratios. A mathematical expression was then proposed to fit the substrate inhibition kinetics: $$\mu = \mu _m \frac{S}{{K_s + S}}\left[ {1 - \left( {\frac{S}{{S_m }}} \right)^n } \right]$$ Together with the Luedeking-Piret product formation equation, the proposed model describes the experimental data as well as literature data, for substrate consumption, growth of A. eutrophus, and poly-β-hydroxybutyric acid formation.
Regularity and nonexistence results for some free-interface problems related to Ginzburg-Landau vortices

We study regularity and nonexistence properties for some free-interface problems arising in the study of limiting vorticities associated to the Ginzburg‐Landau equations with magnetic field in two dimensions. Our results imply in particular that if these limiting vorticities concentrate on a smooth closed curve then they have a distinguished sign; moreover, if the domain is thin then solutions of the Ginzburg‐Landau equations cannot have a number of vortices much larger than the applied magnetic field.
A bridge to somewhere: William Freudenburg, environmental sociology, and disaster research

For decades, disaster research and environmental sociology have proceeded more or less on parallel tracks, with little overlap between the two research communities. The work of William Freudenburg is an exception. This paper focuses on Freudenburg’s contributions in two areas: theorizing distinctions between the social dimensions and impacts of natural disasters and those associated with technological hazards; and conceptualizing disasters of all types as outcomes of longer-term historical, political, and economic processes operating at different scales.
Separation of phospholipids using a diethylaminoethyl-silica gel column and thin-layer chromatography

Phospholipids derived from egg yolk are readily separated by DEAE-silica gel column chromatography using stepwise gradient elution. The overall recovery of phospholipids from the column is 85-95% at a loading capacity of 120 mg of lipids per 10 g of DEAE-silica gel. The complete separation of eight phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine and lysophosphatidylserine; 5 micrograms each) is also achieved by one-dimensional DEAE-silica gel thin-layer chromatography with the solvent system chloroform-methanol-water-pyridine-58% ammonia solution (130:55:8:4:4, v/v).
Bioresorbable hydrogel microspheres for transcatheter embolization: preparation and in vitro evaluation.

Abstract Purpose To develop and evaluate a bioresorbable spherical material for embolization. Materials and Methods New bioresorbable hydrogel microspheres were prepared from carboxymethyl cellulose and chitosan by using an inverse emulsion method. Size distribution of the microspheres was determined with a microscope, and the colorability was tested with Evans blue dye. The compressibility was examined with a texture analyzer. After sieving, the suspendability of the microspheres was tested in saline solution/contrast agent mixture in different ratios, and then the injectability was tested with microcatheters (lumen sizes of 0.0165, 0.019, and 0.027 inches). The in vitro degradability tests were performed in a lysozyme solution. Cell culture study of the microspheres was performed with human fibroblasts. Results The microspheres exhibit diameters of 100–1,550 μm with a transparent appearance. Their fracture force can reach 0.58–0.88 N, and fracture deformation varies from approximately 70% to 95% of their original size. These microspheres can be colored by Evans blue dye, and uniform subgroups of microspheres can be readily obtained by sieving. Within 3 minutes, the microspheres form a stable suspension in a 4:6 contrast agent/saline solution mixture, which can be easily injected through microcatheters without aggregating or clogging. These microspheres are biodegradable, with degradation times varying from 2 weeks to 1 month, depending on their composition. Cell culture studies reveal no adverse effect on the growth of human fibroblasts in the presence of the microspheres. Conclusions A biodegradable and noncytotoxic microsphere was successfully prepared. It can be well suspended in the contrast solution and easily injected through a microcatheter.
Intertrial interval and sequential effects in magnitude scaling.

The intertrial interval (ITI) was varied within subjects in magnitude estimation and cross-modality matching experiments. Fits of a recently proposed time series regression model show that the influence of the previous stimulus intensity on the current response decreases when the ITI is increased. The results can be interpreted as showing that an assimilative or additive perceptual or memory effect decreases with an increase in ITI. Fits of an earlier model, on the other hand, suggest that the influence of the previous stimulus intensity increases with an increase in ITI, which is counter to expectations. The new regression model (a) provides a simple explanation for the counterintuitive results obtained with the earlier model, (b) shows that assimilation in perception or memory can appear as contrast, and (c) reduces to a simpler model for longer ITIs. Language: en
Sex distribution in cardiac myxomas.

Shabtai E, Shapira I, Avitzour D, Arber N, Zeltser D. The feasibility of estimating the erythrocyte sedimentation rate within a few minutes by using a simple slide test. Clin Lab Haematol 2001;23:21–25. 4. Fusman R, Zeltser D, Rotstein R, Chapman J, Avitzour D, Shapira I, Eldor A, Elkayam O, Caspi D, Arber N, Berliner S. INFLAMET: an image analyzer to display erythrocyte adhesiveness/aggregation. Eur J Intern Med 2000;11:271–276. 5. Gamzu R, Rotstein R, Fusman R, Zeltser D, Berliner AS, Kupferminc MJ. Increased erythrocyte adhesiveness and aggregation in peripheral venous blood of women with pregnancy-induced hypertension. Obstet Gynecol 2001;98:307– 312. 6. Rifai N, Tracy RP, Ridker PM. Clinical efficacy of an automated highsensitivity C-reactive protein assay. Clin Chem 1999;45:2136–2141. 7. Weng X, Cloutier G, Beaulieu R, Roederer GO. Influence of acute-phase proteins on erythrocyte aggregation. Am J Physiol 1996;271:H2346–H2352. 8. Talstad I, Scheie P, Dalen H, Roli J. Influence of plasma proteins on erythrocyte morphology and sedimentation. Scand J Haematol 1983;31:478–484. 9. Talstad I, Haugen HF. The relationship between the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and plasma proteins in clinical materials and models. Scand J Clin Lab Invest 1979;39:519–524. 10. Ridker PM. Should statin therapy be considered for patients with elevated C-reactive protein? The need for a definitive clinical trial. Eur Heart J 2001;22: 2135–2137. 11. Dujovne CA, Harris WS, Altman R, Overhiser RW, Black DM. Effect of atorvastatin on hemorheologic-hemostatic parameters and serum fibrinogen levels in hyperlipidemic patients. Am J Cardiol 2000;85:350–353.
The anuran mauthner cell and its synaptic bed

Abstract We have performed a general study of the premetamorphic anuran Mauthner cell using anatomical techniques. Anatomical findings confirm that, as in other amphibia, the tadpole Mauthner cell possesses a large soma, a principle lateral dendrite, a secondary medial dendrite, and a large decussating, spinally directed axon. Afferent terminals completely cover the surface of the unmyelinated portion of the cell. An unusually dense neuropile of spiral fibers surrounds the initial axon segment. Six general types of afferent contact are found: (1) club endings which establish mixed junctions with the distal lateral dendrite; (2) Gray's Type 1 junctions; (3) Gray's Type 2 junctions; (4) mixed junctions; (5) spiral fiber endings; (6) a previously unknown type of junction found upon the medial dendrite. Type 1, Type 2, and mixed junctions are dispersed upon the whole receptive surface of the cell excluding the axon hillock and initial segment, where only spiral fiber endings are found. The spiral fibers synapse with the initial segment and with each other. Some of the latter contacts are symmetrical synapses forming presynaptic-to-presynaptic profiles. This Mauthner cell is therefore quite similar to that of the teleost, the major difference being the absence of unmyelinated club endings associated with the axon cap. Electrophysiological recordings reflect this difference in anatomy.
Violence by U.S. labor unions

During the early 1800s, most violence connected with labor disputes was committed spontaneously by unorganized groups of workers. During the twentieth century, the pattern changed and most violence was caused by workers organized into unions. Although no statistics have been completed on how much violence has been committed by labor unions in the United States until recently, some indication may be obtained by examining National Labor Relations Board charges of violence filed against unions. Theories of striking and violence are discussed and an evaluation of theories on future trends in violence is made.
Effect of prenatal ethanol and stress on levels of β-endorphin in different brain regions of the rat

The combination of prenatal ethanol exposure and footshock stress was investigated for its effects on brain β-endorphin levels. Subjects were offspring of rats that received 1 of 3 prenatal dietary treatments: an ethanol-containing liquid diet, a identical liquid diet with ethanol substituted isocalorically with maltose-dextrin (pair-fed group), and standard laboratory rat chow (chow-fed group). Two different stress paradigms were used : a short (30-sec) footshock stress paradigm and a prolonged (180-sec) footshock stress paradigm. Levels of β-endorphin were measured with radioimmunoassay in eight brain regions of unstressed (baseline) rats, and of stressed rats at 3 and 30 min following termination of the stress. Seven brain regions containing high densities of β-endorphin axons and terminals were chosen, as well as the arcuate region of the hypothalamus, the only brain region where both β-endorphin perikarya and terminals are located. Following the short footshock stress paradigm, there were no changes in β-endorphin levels, except for a trend toward increased levels in the pair-fed group. After the prolonged stress paradigm, levels of β-endorphin in both the pair-fed and chow-fed groups tended to be decreased in several brain regions, including the arcuate region, at 3 min after termination of the stress. In contrast, for the prenatally ethanol-exposed group, β-endorphin levels were increased significantly in the arcuate region, and moderately increased in the septal/preoptic region and medulla/pons at 3 min after the prolonged stress paradigm. In the hypothalamus, there was a modest decrease in β-endorphin levels in all three treatment groups, and little change in β-endorphin levels at any time after stress in the amygdala, thalamus, and midbrain regions. The decrease in peptide levels in pair-fed and chow-fed rats following stress is interpreted as release of the peptide from terminal stores. The failure of the prenatally ethanol-exposed group to demonstrate this release in the arcuate region, the septal/preoptic region, and the medulla/pons may be related to loss of homeostatic control, seen in behavioral studies of prenatally ethanol-exposed rats, and in human children with the fetal alcohol syndrome.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-induced severe acute pancreatitis

Background/Aims: There is scant information in the literature about the outcomes of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-induced severe acute pancreatitis (ESAP). Compared to other causes, higher morbidity and mortality have been reported in ERCP-induced acute pancreatitis. We undertook this study to determine the differences between ESAP and SAP due to other causes (OSAP). Methods: We retrospectively identified all cases of SAP admitted to our institution during the years 1992–2001. We reviewed the medical records of all SAP patients to obtain information on demographics, interventions, local and systemic complications and outcomes. Results: We identified 207 patients with SAP, of whom 16 (7.7%) had ESAP and 191 OSAP. There was no difference between ESAP and OSAP with regard to demographics, clinical interventions, local and systemic complications and outcomes. Both groups had a similar mortality (25 vs. 18%). Conclusion: ESAP has a similar morbidity and mortality compared to OSAP.
The serratus sling: A simplified serratus-sparing technique

A partial muscle-sparing technique is presented that combines the advantage of muscle sparing with the wide exposure offered by a posterolateral incision. The technique is simple and quick, does not require elaborate equipment, and facilitates thoracotomy closure.
Feeding, drinking and temperature responses to intracerebroventricular β-endorphin in the domestic fowl

Abstract Four experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of β-endorphin (β-END) on feeding, drinking and colonic temperature in rapidly growing (Rock-Cornish; RC) and slow growing (Single-Comb White Leghorn; SCWL) stocks of chickens. In the first experiment RC cockerels were injected intracerebroventricularly (ICV) with 0, 1.5, 3.0 and 6.0 μg of β-END. In the second experiment RC cockerels were injected ICV with 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 μg of β-END. Experiments 3 and 4 were conducted identically to Experiment 1 and 2, respectively, except SCWL were used. Administration of β-END at levels between 1.5 and 6.0 μg produced a significant curvilinear increase in feeding in both RC and SCWL chicks. In RC chicks, feeding was significantly elevated at 45 min and from 90 through 240 min postinjection, whereas in SCWL chicks feeding was increased from 90 through 300 min postinjection. Water intake was depressed in RC and SCWL from 60 through 90 min and from 30 through 60 min postinjection, respectively. Significant increases in water occurred at 180 and 300 min postinjection in SCWL. β-END also induced a significant hyperthermia in RC and SCWL from 30 through 240 min and from 15 through 180 min postinjection, respectively. At low levels of β-END, i.e., 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 μg, feeding, drinking and body temperature were significantly increased in both stocks. Feeding in RC chicks was stimulated in linear fashion from 180 through 300 postinjection while feeding in SCWL was stimulated in a curvilinear manner from 180 through 240 min postinjection. Water intake in RC chicks was increased in a linear manner from 120 through 240 min postinjection while drinking in SCWL was initially decreased from 45 through 90 min but significantly increased from 150 through 180 postinjection. Lower levels of β-END also induced a significant increase in body temperature. A significant hyperthermic response was observed from 15 through 240 min and from 30 through 180 min postinjection in RC and SCWL, respectively. These results suggest that β-END acts at sites within the central nervous system of the domestic fowl to increase feeding, drinking, and body temperature. Furthermore, these responses are similar in stocks of chickens which exhibit vast differences in growth.
8.5-μm room temperature quantum cascade lasers grown by gas-source molecular beam epitaxy

ABSTRACT We report room-temperature pulsed-mode operation of 8.5 im quantum cascade lasers grown by gas-sourcemolecular beam epitaxy. The theory necessary to understand the operation ofthe laser is presented and current problems areanalyzed. Very good agreement is shown to exist between theoretical and experimental emission wavelengths. The high-temperature operation is achieved with 1 pts pulses at a repetition rate of 200 Hz. Peak output power in these conditions is inexcess of700 mW per 2 facets at 79 K and 25 mW at 300 K. Threshold current as a function oftemperature shows anexponential dependence (- exp(T/T0)) with T0 1 88 K for a 1 .5 mm cavity.Keywords: Intersubband Laser, Semiconductor Laser, Room Temperature 1. INTRODUCTION Intersubband semiconductor devices have been investigated for a variety of purposes. Partly due to the largeresearch and industrial success ofthe quantum well intersubband photodetector (QWIP), the intersubband laser has alsobecome an attractive candidate for development. While the QWIP has been the subj ect of at least 10 years of work ,
Malignant hyperthermia: fatigue characteristics of skeletal muscle.

Although the defects in cellular Ca(2+) homeostasis associated with malignant hyperthermia (MH) have been extensively studied, the functional consequences of the MH mutation are not clear. We used continuous and intermittent high-frequency stimulation to determine whether this mutation might alter the fatigue resistance of muscle from MH susceptible (MHS) pigs. Force decline with 10 s continuous stimulation (150 Hz) was significantly less in MHS muscle (58.4 +/- 1.0%) than in normal muscle (50.5 +/- 3.0%). With intermittent stimulation, there was no significant difference in tension decline between muscle types. Post-stimulation twitch and tetanus responses were similar in MHS and normal muscles except: 1) twitch potentiation was significantly greater in normal muscle after continuous stimulation, and 2) recovery of tetanic tension was slowed in MHS muscle. Although the MH defect does not cause major functional abnormalities, subtle differences in MHS muscle response to fatiguing stimulation are apparent. Therefore, it is unlikely the work capacity of MH patients would be limited by any MH associated defect within the muscle.
Occupancy Modeling for Improved Accuracy and Understanding of Pathogen Prevalence and Dynamics

Most pathogen detection tests are imperfect, with a sensitivity < 100%, thereby resulting in the potential for a false negative, where a pathogen is present but not detected. False negatives in a sample inflate the number of non-detections, negatively biasing estimates of pathogen prevalence. Histological examination of tissues as a diagnostic test can be advantageous as multiple pathogens can be examined and providing important information on associated pathological changes to the host. However, it is usually less sensitive than molecular or microbiological tests for specific pathogens. Our study objectives were to 1) develop a hierarchical occupancy model to examine pathogen prevalence in spring Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and their distribution among host tissues 2) use the model to estimate pathogen-specific test sensitivities and infection rates, and 3) illustrate the effect of using replicate within host sampling on sample sizes required to detect a pathogen. We examined histological sections of replicate tissue samples from spring Chinook salmon O. tshawytscha collected after spawning for common pathogens seen in this population: Apophallus/echinostome metacercariae, Parvicapsula minibicornis, Nanophyetus salmincola/ metacercariae, and Renibacterium salmoninarum. A hierarchical occupancy model was developed to estimate pathogen and tissue-specific test sensitivities and unbiased estimation of host- and organ-level infection rates. Model estimated sensitivities and host- and organ-level infections rates varied among pathogens and model estimated infection rate was higher than prevalence unadjusted for test sensitivity, confirming that prevalence unadjusted for test sensitivity was negatively biased. The modeling approach provided an analytical approach for using hierarchically structured pathogen detection data from lower sensitivity diagnostic tests, such as histology, to obtain unbiased pathogen prevalence estimates with associated uncertainties. Accounting for test sensitivity using within host replicate samples also required fewer individual fish to be sampled. This approach is useful for evaluating pathogen or microbe community dynamics when test sensitivity is <100%.
Toward a unified science of the Earth’s surface:Opportunities for synthesis among hydrology,geomorphology, geochemistry, and ecology

[1] The Earth's surface is shaped by the interaction of tectonics, water, sediment, solutes, and biota over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales and across diverse environments. Development of a predictive science of Earth surface dynamics integrates many disciplines and approaches, including hydrology, geomorphology, ocean and atmospheric science, sedimentary and structural geology, geochemistry, and ecology. This paper discusses challenges, opportunities, and a few example problems that can serve as pathways toward this integration.
North American microtektites in Deep Sea Drilling Project cores from the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico

Several thousand microtektites (125 to 1,000 µ m in diameter) have been found in cores from two Deep Sea Drilling Project sites: site 94 in the Gulf of Mexico and site 149 in the Caribbean Sea. The microtektites occur in upper Eocene sediments associated with the last occurrence of at least five species of Radiolaria. X-ray diffraction data, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and petrographic studies indicate the presence of inclusions of quartz, cristobalite, and lechatelierite. Major-element compositions were determined for 57 of the microtektites using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. The geographical location, age, petrography, and chemistry of the microtektites indicate that they belong to the North American tektite strewn field (∼34 m.y. old). Calculations indicate that there may be as much as 10 9 t (metric tons) of microtektites in this strewn field.
Role of cytosolic vs. mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation in burn injury-related myocardial inflammation and function

This study was designed to examine the role of mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis in burn-related myocardial inflammation. We hypothesized that mitochondrial Ca2+ is a primary modulator of cardiomyocyt...
Wnt signalling in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a symmetrical polyarticular disease of unknown aetiology that affects primarily the diarthrodial joints. Characteristic features of RA pathogenesis are synovial hyperplasia and inflammation accompanied by cartilage loss and joint destruction. Synovial hyperplasia and inflammation are a consequence of an increase in the macrophage-like and fibroblast-like synoviocytes of the synovial intimal lining associated with infiltration of leucocytes into the subintimal space. Although therapeutic interventions are available, the disease persists despite therapy in a significant fraction of patients. Several lines of evidence have substantiated a crucial role of activated fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) during RA pathogenesis. The hyperplastic FLS population potentially promotes leucocyte infiltration and retention. The rheumatoid synovium eventually transforms into a pannus that destroys articular cartilage and bone. There are no approved drugs that are known to target the FLS in RA, and the underlying mechanisms driving FLS activation remain unresolved. In this review, the importance of Wnt-frizzled (Fz)-mediated signalling in the autonomous activation of FLS is discussed. Anti-Wnt/anti-Fz antibodies, Fz receptor antagonists or small-molecule inhibitors of Wnt-Fz signalling might be useful for therapeutic interventions in refractory RA.
Stabilized low-order finite elements for coupled solid-deformation/fluid-diffusion and their application to fault zone transients

Finite element simulations of coupled solid-deformation/fluid-diffusion occurring in earthquake fault zones often require high-fidelity descriptions of the spatial and temporal variations of excess pore water pressure. Large-scale calculation of the coupled fault zone process is often inhibited by the high-order interpolation of the displacement field required to overcome unstable tendencies of the finite elements in the incompressible and nearly incompressible limit. In this work we utilize a stabilized formulation in which the balance of mass is augmented with an additional term representing a stabilization to the incremental change in the pressure field. The stabilized formulation permits equal-order interpolation for the displacement and pore pressure fields and suppresses pore pressure oscillations in the incompressible and nearly incompressible limit. The technique is implemented with a recently developed critical state plasticity model to investigate transient fluid-flow/solid-deformation processes arising from slip weakening of a fault segment. The accompanying transient pore pressure development and dissipation can be used to predict fault rupture and directivity where fluid flow is an important driving force.
Molecular Genetics of Substance Abuse Vulnerability: Remarkable Recent Convergence of Genome Scan Results

Classical genetic studies document strong complex genetic contributions to abuse of multiple addictive substances. Goals of molecular genetic studies of addiction include: (1) locating chromosomal regions that contain allelic gene variants that contribute to vulnerability to drug dependence and (2) discovering which alleles of which gene markers and which genes provide these enhanced vulnerabilities. Genome scanning provides an approach to these goals. Until recently, data from genome scanning studies did not convincingly identify chromosomal positions for allelic variants predisposing to substance dependence. Nominal results of initial genome scans for alcohol and nicotine dependence failed to display much agreement; no two studies' results seemed to identify the same chromosomal regions for addiction vulnerability alleles. However, recent data from our association-based genome scans for illegal addictions, reanalyses of prior linkage-based results, and data from even newer linkage-based genome scans now provide a striking body of converging results. Sixteen chromosomal regions are identified by reproducible positive results obtained in multiple populations. These 16 regions are thus good candidates to harbor common allelic variants that confer human vulnerability to addiction to several classes of substances. Genomic markers that identify allelic variants that reproducibly alter addiction vulnerability in studies in several populations provide powerful tools for clinical research in addictions and addiction treatments.
Construction scheduling and progress control using geographical information systems

Traditional scheduling and progress control techniques such as bar charts and the critical path method (CPM) fail to provide information pertaining to the spatial aspects of a construction project. A system called PMS-GIS (Progress Monitoring System with Geographical Information Systems) was developed to represent construction progress not only in terms of a CPM schedule but also in terms of a graphical representation of the construction that is synchronized with the work schedule. In PMS-GIS, the architectural design is executed using a computer-aided drafting (CAD) program (AutoCAD), the work schedule is generated using a project management software (P3), the design and schedule information (including percent complete information) are plugged into a GIS package (ArcViewGIS), and for every update, the system produces a CPM-generated bar chart alongside a 3D rendering of the project marked for progress. The GIS-based system developed in this study helps to effectively communicate the schedule/progress information to the parties involved in the project, because they will be able to see in detail the spatial aspects of the project alongside the schedule.
Visualization of Transition in the Flow over an Airfoil Using the Smoke-Wire Technique

The smoke-wire technique was used for visualization of the transition of the free shear layer associated with the laminar separation bubble of a NACA 663-018 airfoil section at low Reynolds number (Rec = 50,000120,000). The smoke-wire technique allows for the introduction of fine smoke streaklines into the flowfield through the electrical resistive heating of a very fine wire which has been coated with oil and which is located upstream from the leading edge of the airfoil section. Streakline data were collected using both high speed still and motion picture photography.
Impact of Antipsychotic Treatment on Attention and Motor Learning Systems in First-Episode Schizophrenia

Background: Antipsychotic medications have established clinical benefit, but there are few neuroimaging studies before and after initiating antipsychotic medication to assess drug influence on brain circuitry. Attention and motor learning tasks are promising approaches for examining treatment-related changes in frontostriatal systems. Methods: Twenty-one unmedicated first-episode schizophrenia patients (14 antipsychotic-naive) participated in functional imaging studies while performing visual attention (prosaccades) and motor learning tasks (predictive saccades). Posttreatment testing was completed in 14 patients after 4–6 weeks of antipsychotic treatment. Matched healthy controls were studied in parallel. Results: Pretreatment, patients had reduced activation in the dorsal neocortical visual attention network. Activation deficits were significantly reduced posttreatment. Higher medication dose was associated with greater caudate activation at follow-up. For the motor learning task, patients’ dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was unimpaired prior to treatment but showed significantly reduced activation after treatment. Conclusion: Impairments in dorsal cortical attention networks are present in untreated first-episode schizophrenia patients. These impairments are reduced after antipsychotic treatment, suggesting a beneficial effect on neural systems for attention. Treatment-emergent decreases in DLPFC activation observed for the motor learning task are consistent with other clinical and preclinical evidence suggesting that antipsychotics can have adverse effects on prefrontal function.
Warfarin Pharmacogenetics: An Illustration of the Importance of Studies in Minority Populations

Translation of pharmacogenetics to clinical practice is increasingly common. However, most data arise in people of European ancestry, so clinical translation in non-Europeans can be challenging. Depending on the population being assessed, a polymorphism’s effect can differ in magniture or be absent. Studies in minorities are therefore essential as they present opportunities for discovery that would be missed through European-only studies, and they ensure that all populations benefit from clinical pharmacogenetics.
Virtual reality and the unfolding of higher dimensions

As virtual/augmented reality evolves, the need for spaces that are responsive to structures independent from three dimensional spatial constraints, become apparent. The visual medium of computer graphics may also challenge these self imposed constraints. If one can get used to how projections affect 3D objects in two dimensions, it may also be possible to compose a situation in which to get used to the variations that occur while moving through higher dimensions. The presented application is an enveloping landscape of concave and convex forms, which are determined by the orientation and displacement of the user in relation to a grid made of tesseracts (cubes in four dimensions). The interface accepts input from tridimensional and four-dimensional transformations, and smoothly displays such interactions in real-time. The motion of the user becomes the graphic element whereas the higher dimensional grid references to his/her position relative to it. The user learns how motion inputs affect the grid, recognizing a correlation between the input and the transformations. Mapping information to complex grids in virtual reality is valuable for engineers, artists and users in general because navigation can be internalized like a dance pattern, and further engage us to maneuver space in order to know and experience.
Scimitar syndrome: Its diagnosis by digital subtraction angiography and an anatomical review

A case of scimitar syndrome is used to demonstrate the application of digital subtraction angiography in the diagnosis of anomalous pulmonary venous drainage. The authors also review the literature on scimitar syndrome.
Activation of Hex and mEg5 by retroviral insertion may contribute to mouse B-cell leukemia

AKXD recombinant inbred mice develop a variety of leukemias and lymphomas due to retrovirally mediated insertional activation of cellular proto-oncogenes. We describe a new retroviral insertion site that is the most frequent genetic alteration in AKXD B-cell leukemias. Multiple genes flank the site of viral insertion, but the expression of just two, Hex and mEg5, is significantly upregulated. Hex is a divergent homeobox gene that is transiently expressed in many hematopoietic lineages, suggesting an involvement in cellular differentiation. mEg5 is a member of the bim-C subfamily of kinesin related proteins that are necessary for spindle formation and stabilization during mitosis. Our data provide the first genetic evidence for the activation of these genes in leukemia, and suggest that unscheduled expression of Hex and mEg5 contributes to the development of B-cell leukemia. In addition, this work highlights the use of genomic approaches for the study of position effect mutations.
A tunable VHF gas discharge tube resonator

A plasma-based tuning technique based on a gas discharge tube (GDT) integrated in a resonant structure is introduced in this paper. Specifically, the GDT is implementing a variable capacitor in a lumped LC resonator. The electron number density and consequently the electromagnetic properties of plasma are controlled by varying the magnitude of the excitation field. In this work we also theoretically and experimentally investigate the tunability-RF loss trade-off. The fabricated GDT LC resonator at 305 MHz shows 26% of tunability while the discharge current increases up to 75 mA. The resonator's quality factor varies between 43.7–2.0 for the same range. However, a quality factor above 10 can be maintained if the tuning range is reduced to 4%. The results reveal that this technique could be a suitable tuning scheme for applications where other technologies fail due to high-power or harsh-environment requirements.
Rare B Decays and CP Violation

We review the physics motivation for studying rare B decays and the increasing possibility that cP violation can be experimentally observed in the B meson system. 29 refs., 3 figs.
High Performance Photocathode Guns for ERLs and FELs

Significant performance’s improvements of photoemission sources have been recently realized with the photocathode research playing an ever increasing role in generating high brightness beams for ERL and FEL based light sources.