cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy ameliorates stress-impaired dermal wound healing

Psychological stress has been shown to dysregulate healing in both humans and animals. Studies indicate the possibility for decreased oxygen supply, and increased oxygen demand, in the wounds of the stressed animals. Oxygen is an important mediator of wound healing, and its availability can limit healing rate. Hence, in a mouse model of stress-impaired healing, the hypothesis that hyperbaric oxygen therapy would ameliorate the effect of stress on dermal wound healing was tested. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) twice a day during early wound healing significantly ameliorated the effects of stress, bringing healing to near-control levels. There was no significant effect of HBO on the wounds of control animals. Wound inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), modulated by psychological stress and oxygen balance, was studied for gene expression by real-time PCR. Expression of iNOS increased in stressed mice on days 1 (205%; p<.0001), 3 (96%; p<.03), and 5 (249%; p<.03), post-wounding. HBO treatment of the stressed animals decreased iNOS expression by 62.6% (p< .02) day 1 post-wounding. There was no significant effect of HBO on wound healing and iNOS expression in the control animals. Methods aimed at increasing tissue oxygenation, like HBO, have a high therapeutic potential. Their molecular mechanisms, implicated in wound healing, elude clarification due to the lack of appropriate animal models. Our current findings represent the first experimental evidence, demonstrating that HBO corrects stress-impaired dermal wound healing.
Head-wag autotomography of the upper cervical spine in infantile torticollis

Background. Infants with torticollis require evaluation of the entire cervical spine for vertebral anomalies as part of the work-up, but open-mouth views to assess occiput to C2 are difficult to obtain. Objective. To evaluate a “head wag” autotomographic technique for the frontal projection of this region. Materials and methods. Twenty infants under one year of age were evaluated using this technique. Results. Sixteen of 20 could be adequately evaluated using this simple, low-radiation-dose procedure. Conclusion. For infants with torticollis in whom vertebral anomalies need to be excluded, the “head wag” technique is useful.
Precision of micromilled x-ray masks and exposures

Micromechanical milling has been shown to be a rapid and direct method for the fabrication of structures with the geometry and size suitable for use as x-ray mask absorbers. While the micromilling process can not duplicate the size and resolution of absorber patterns created by high energy electron beam or optical lithography methods, micromilling can repeatedly create absorber line widths down to 10 micrometers, or less, with a one-sigma tolerance of 0.5 micrometers. A method for easily characterizing milling tool run out has been adapted so tool change out can be more routine. The milling process leaves some absorber burrs and the absorber is apparently tapered at the machined wall which introduce process biases, both of which add to exposure degradation. Nevertheless, based on work to date, it appears both of these effects can be reduced to acceptable limits.
A Graph Clustering Approach to Computing Network Coordinates

In the technique known as network coordinates, the network latency between nodes is modeled as the distance between points in a metric space. Actual network latencies, however, exhibit numerous triangle inequality violations, which result in significant error between the actual latency and the distance as determined by the network coordinates. In this work, we show how graph clustering techniques can be used to find regions of the network space that show low triangle inequality violation within the region. By using techniques to increase the relative edge density in these regions, we improve the accuracy of network coordinates in these regions. We reduce the relative error within a cluster by 15% on average for the Meridian dataset, and by 7% over all; when compared to a single spring relaxation over the whole network.
Diffuse interfaces with sharp corners and facets: phase field models with strongly anisotropic surfaces

Abstract We provide the general outline of an analysis of the motion of diffuse interfaces in the order-parameter (phase field) formulation which includes nondifferentiable and nonconvex gradient energy terms. Nondifferentiability leads to equilibrium and motion equations that are apparently undefined and nonconvexity leads to equations that are apparently ill-posed. The problem of nondifferentiability is resolved by using nonlocal variations to move entire facets or line segments with orientations having such facets or line segments in the underlying Wulff shape. The problem of ill-posedness is resolved by using varifolds (infinitesimally corrugated diffuse interfaces) constructed from the edges and corners in the underlying Wulff shape, or equivalently by using the convexification of the gradient energy term and then reinterpreting the solutions as varifolds. This is justified on a variational basis. We conclude that after an initial transient, level sets move by weighted mean curvature, in agreement with the sharp interface limit. We provide equations for tracking the shocks that develop as edges and corners in level sets.
Brain cellular and mitochondrial respiration in media of altered pH.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of altered pH on cellular aerobic energy metabolism in the immature and adult rat cerebral cortex. Cerebral cortical slice respiration was measured polarographically in acid and alkaline media. In separate experiments, the extracellular pH was changed by altering the HCO 3 − concentration or the intracellular pH and extracellular pH were changed by altering the CO2. Respiratory rates and oxidative phosphorylation in adult rat cerebral mitochindria also were measured in media with an altered pH. Increased intracellular pH inhibited respiratory rates in cortical slices from immature rats more than in tissue from adults. Decreasing the pH to 6.7 produced no changes in respiration in mature cortical slices and moderate inhibition of immature tissue respiration. In cerebral mitochondria, altered pH caused inhibition of State 3 respiration, respiratory control ratios, and ADP/O ratios. These changes were greater and occurred with smaller pH changes in the alkaline compared to the acid direction. From the results of these studies, we conclude that brain cellular respiration is not affected by moderate decreases in intracellular pH. With increased pH, there is inhibition of cellular and mitochondrial respiration, which may be the mechanism for the rise in lactic acid previously observed to result from hypocarbiain vivo.
Main partner factors associated with worse adherence to HAART among women in Baltimore, Maryland: a preliminary study

Compared to US men, US women have worse HAART and HIV health outcomes. The study examined main partner factors associated with women's HAART adherence. The community sample comprised 85% African-Americans; 63% had a main partner and 32% relied on their partner for emotional support. Adherence was highest (92%) among those without a main partner and lowest (57%) among those with an HIV seropositive main partner. In adjusted analysis, adherence was 75% less likely among women with an HIV seropositive main partner and 78% less likely among those relying on their partner for emotional support. Furthermore, HIV seropositive versus other serostatus main partners were most likely to provide medication taking assistance and to be preferred in helping participants deal with HIV, yet were no more likely to be nominated as the most helpful to them. Findings reveal women's perceived unmet support needs from HIV seropositive main partners in this population and the need for interventions to promote their HAART adheren...
Design Of A New High Precision Computer Numerical Control

The purpose of this project is to produce a generic high precision computer numerical controller (CNC) for use on microinch- and sub-microinch-resolution machine tools at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. In order to fully utilize the potential of these machine tools, the CNC must include the ability to use multiple feedback sensors on each machine axis, incorporate corrections for quasistatic geometric errors (such as straightness, and squareness), be able to function over a relatively large range of motion (in excess of 60 inches per axis), and be able to produce motion updates at a rate sufficient to take advantage of the high bandwidth of the servo systems. At present, no commercially available CNC can presently meet all of the resolution, feed rate, and length of travel requirements of these machines. In order to minimize the complexity of the system, and thereby increase its reliability and maintainability, the programming was done in a high level language. The number of processors was kept as small as possible while still maintaining the performance requirements. We also used commercially available hardware in preference to building, in order to increase both reliability and maintainability. Special emphasis was given to making the CNC's operator interface asmore » friendly as possible. We have completed a prototype control. We plan to install and test it in 1988. 4 figs.« less
Developing a Marketing Research Process for Religious Organizations

Churches that cannot attract new members may lock themselves into a pattem of gradual decline. To survive, they must attract new faces while holding on to their present members. Marketing research becomes essential in any industry when customers are hard to find and difficult to understand. The purpose of this paper is to examine the current state of marketing research in churches, to explore the various inhibiting factors against the use of marketing research by churches, and finally to offer a marketing research process appropriate for church marketing.
Synthesis of glutathione-capped CdS quantum dots and preliminary studies on protein detection and cell fluorescence image.

A series of glutathione (GSH)-capped aqueous CdS quantum dots (QDs) with strong photoluminescence (PL) were prepared by changing the reaction temperatures and times on the basis of optimization of the mole ratio of S to Cd. The reaction time was shortened to about 1/10 compared with that reported previously by increasing the reaction temperature. The absorption and fluorescence spectra indicated good optical properties with PL full width of half-maximum (FWHM) of about 100 nm. The excitation spectrum was broad and continuous in the range 200–480 nm. The PL quantum efficiency (QE) of the prepared QDs was about 36% compared with rhodamine 6G (95%). The shape and size of the CdS QDs were characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The prepared QDs were conjugated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and onion inner pellicle cells and used as fluorescence probes for the first time. The results demonstrated that the fluorescence of CdS can be enhanced by BSA and the enhanced fluorescence intensity is proportional to the concentration of BSA in the range 1.0–10 mg/L. The aggregation of CdS in onion inner pellicle cells and its fluorescence images indicated that the QDs can aggregate around cells soaked for 8 h in CdS solution but enter the interior of cells and become aggregated to the nucleus when they are soaked in CdS solution for longer, e.g. 98 h. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Superconducting axisymmetric finite elements based on a gauged potential variational principle—I. Formulation

The present work is part of a research program for the numerical simulation of electromagnetic (EM) fields within conventional Ginzburg-Landau (GL) superconductors. The final goal of this research is to formulate, develop and validate finite element (FE) models that can accurately capture electromagnetic thermal and material phase changes in a superconductor. The formulations presented here are for a time-independent Ginzburg-Landau superconductor and are derived from a potential-based variational principle. We develop an appropriate variational formulation of time-independent supercontivity for the general three-dimensional case and specialize it to the one-dimensional case. Also developed are expressions for the material-dependent parameters alpha and beta of GL theory and their dependence upon the temperature T. The one-dimensional formulation is then discretized for finite element purposes and the first variation of these equations is obtained. The resultant Euler equations contain nonlinear terms in the primary variables. To solve these equations, an incremental-iterative solution method is used. Expressions for the internal force vector, external force vector, loading vector and tangent stiffness matrix are therefore developed for use with the solution procedure.
The Effects of Methylene Blue and Oxygen Concentration on the Photoinactivation of Qβ Bacteriophage

Concentration effects of methylene blue (MB) and oxygen on the photoinactivation rate of Q beta bacteriophage were examined. The effect of initial virus concentration was verified on the similar f2 phage. The inactivation rate, kappa, is an increasing function of MB and O2 concentration and shows saturation with respect to MB concentration. Thus the results suggest that MB must adsorb to Q beta sites and oxygen must be present for photoinactivation to occur. The inactivation rate is independent of the initial number of phage particles present before inactivation, indicating that inactivation does not depend upon interaction among viral particles or on surface effects. The results indicate that at least two different viral phenotypes exist within the wild-type Q beta and f2 populations: one susceptible and the other resistant.
Early experience with the use of rhomboid excision and Limberg flap in 16 adolescents with pilonidal disease.

Abstract Background Rhomboid excision with Limberg flap (RELF) repair has been shown to be effective in the management of pilonidal disease (PD) in adults. Wide excision allows complete removal of diseased tissue, and the rotational flap allows tensionless coverage as well as helps flatten the natal crease, which is believed to contribute to the recurrence of PD. Methods This study is a retrospective review of all adolescents who underwent excision of pilonidal disease using RELF at a single institution for a period of 18 months. Results Sixteen adolescents with PD were treated with RELF during this period. All procedures were completed with no intraoperative complications. Mean operative time and hospital stay were 92 ± 30 minutes and 1.8 ± 0.29 days, respectively. Mean follow-up was 11 ± 6.0 months. One patient had recurrence of his disease, and one needed prolonged wound care after wound breakdown. Six others had minor complications including 4 patients (25%) who had superficial wound separation that resolved promptly with dressing change. One patient had a superficial wound infection. One patient had residual pain. Conclusion Rhomboid excision with Limberg flap is effective in the management of PD in adolescents. The 6% recurrence rate is similar to that reported in the adult literature. Despite the limitations of this study, the low morbidity, hospital stay, and recurrence rate noted with our initial experience are very encouraging.
Engineering bacterial processes for cellulosic ethanol production

Over the past decade, ethanol has emerged as the single most-important alternative fuel to gasoline. In many countries, a blend of gasoline and alcohol (gasohol) is being supplied as a liquid fuel for transportation. Bioethanol produced from agricultural feed stocks is renewable in nature and reduces the problem of ghg emissions associated with petroleum-derived gasoline. While most current processes for production of bioethanol are dependent on microbial fermentation of food feedstocks (e.g., corn and sugarcane), second-generation technology based on the fermentation of nonfood feedstocks (e.g., corn stover and switch grass) is under development. Successful commercialization of bioethanol production requires an efficient microbe, rapid hydrolysis of feedstock into fermentable sugars and an optimized fermentation process. This article consolidates the current state of the art in upstream processing of cellulose for bioethanol production with bacteria. Recent advances in microbial cocultures involving one ...
Multidimensional B-trees: Analysis of dynamic behavior

The MultidimensionalB-tree (MDBT) is a new method for multiple attribute indexing which uses B-trees to maintain the filial sets at each level and imposes an ordering on these filial sets in order to ensure efficient searching for various associative queries. In this paper, we show that the MDBT provides an attractive alternative to other indexing structures when frequent changes to the database occur. We present algorithms for maintaining the MDBT structure when insertions or deletions are posted which also account for some storage reclamation. Procedures for evaluating the average and worst-case times of our algorithms are given, showing that the maintenance of the MDBT structure can be done at a relatively low cost.
Particle bombardment (keV) mass spectra of ethylene glycol, glycerol, and water at sub-ambient temperatures

Abstract The spectra produced by the title substances when bombarded by a mixed beam of argon atoms and ions with a nominal energy of 8 keV have been obtained at various temperatures ranging downward from ambient temperature. For ethylene glycol and glycerol, the dominant ions in the higher portion of their temperature range were protonated clusters but in the lower portion of the range, the spectra become featureless, consisting of ions at more or less every mass. Similar behavior has been observed previously for methanol. For water, the dominant ions were protonated clusters at −97 and −154°C, i.e. markedly lowering the temperature did not change the spectrum. A quite different spectrum at −54°C was shown to be produced by charge exchange between Ar + and water vapor. Speculation about a possible cause for this behavior is given.
Role of ADAM17 in the ectodomain shedding of TNF-α and its receptors by neutrophils and macrophages

TNF-alpha and its receptors TNFRI and TNFRII are cleaved from the surface of leukocytes by a proteolytic process referred to as ectodomain shedding. The role of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17) in this process by the major professional phagocytes neutrophils and macrophages, the primary producers of TNF-alpha during inflammation induction, is based entirely on indirect evidence, and other sheddases have been implicated as well. As Adam17 gene-targeting in mice is lethal, we assessed the protease's relative contribution to TNF-alpha, TNFRI, and TNFRII shedding using radiation chimeric mice with leukocytes lacking functional ADAM17. We report ablated, soluble TNF-alpha, TNFRI, and TNFRII production by neutrophils and macrophages stimulated with various microbial antigens and greatly reduced TNF-alpha levels in vivo following inflammation induction. This is the first simultaneous analysis of TNF-alpha, TNFRI, and TNFRII shedding by neutrophils and macrophages and the first direct evidence that ADAM17 is a primary and nonredundant sheddase.
Hyperdistorted Tungsten Allyl Complexes and Their Stereoselective Deprotonation to Form Dihapto-Coordinated Dienes

Several π-allyl complexes of {TpW(NO)(PMe3)} are investigated as possible sources of η2-diene complexes. In order to prepare the diene complex as a single diastereomer, the allyl complex must undergo deprotonation stereoselectively. Allyl complexes of this tungsten system are highly distorted, with the difference between the W−C bond lengths for the two allyl termini being as much as 0.69 A. DFT calculations and several crystal structures are presented that collectively suggest that one terminus, C1, distal to the PMe3 group, tends toward an sp2 carbocation. Consistent with this interpretation, deprotonation preferentially occurs at a carbon adjacent to this allyl terminus for six-membered rings. However, in the presence of base the five-membered cyclic analogue [TpW(NO)(PMe3)(C5H7)]+ fails to form either isomer of the corresponding η2-diene complex.
Rural Clinical Experiences for Emergency Medicine Residents: A Curriculum Template

Rural emergency departments (EDs) in the United States are less likely to be staffed with emergency medicine (EM) residency-trained and American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM)-certified physicians than urban EDs. Rural EM clinical experiences during residency training have been suggested as a strategy to encourage future rural practice, but past Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Residency Review Committee for Emergency Medicine program requirements and a lack of familiarity with rural rotations in the EM graduate medical education (GME) community have limited their availability. To provide a template for the development and implementation of a rural EM clinical experience, Kern's six-step approach was followed.
Innervation of the urinary bladder in higher primates.

Stimulating electrodes were placed on the terminal branches of the pelvic nerves to the urinary bladder and the pudendal nerve to the sphincters in seven Rhesus monkeys and two chimpanzees. The proximity of the electrodes to these structures assured organ specificity. Evoked responses produced by stimulation of these terminal nerve branches were recorded in the fascicles and rootlets of the lower thoracic, lumbar, and sacral nerve roots. During identifical stimulating and recording conditions, the amplitude as well as presence or absence of the evoked responses recorded was variable within the various roots. The amplitude of the evoked responses or their absence depended on the number of fibers within a particular fascicle which conducted impulses to the urinary bladder or the urethral and anal sphincters. By this method, it was determined that there was segregation or compartmentalization of the nervous innervation to the urinary bladder and sphincters within the spinal roots. In addition, the segmental spinal cord origin of the innervation of the urinary bladder was determined for the Rhesus monkey and chimpanzee. In the Rhesus monkey, the pelvic nerves to the urinary bladder arose from the first and second sacral segments and to a much lesser extent from the seventh lumbar segment. In the chimpanzee the sacral segments one to four gave rise to innervation of the urinary bladder.
Gas Chromatographic Analysis of C 1 –C 4 Hydrocarbons with open Tubular Columns

SINCE their invention by Golay1, the use of open tubular columns with liquid phase coating on the inside wall became one of the most important techniques of gas chromatography. The use of open tubular columns permits the analysis of complex mixtures with high efficiency. It was, however, felt that the use of such columns for low-boiling hydrocarbons (below C4) is possible only at ‘very low’ temperatures2. According to our best knowledge, the separation of methane, ethane and ethylene with open tubular columns was not yet reported.
Metabolic Syndrome: A Multiplex Cardiovascular Risk Factor

Context: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multiplex risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The syndrome develops through interplay of obesity and metabolic susceptibility. Objective: This article addresses whether the MetS construct has clinical utility. Position: The National Cholesterol Education Program and other organizations have proposed that the MetS can be recognized clinically by a clustering of simple clinical measures including waist circumferences, blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins, and glucose. People with this clustering have most or all of the components of the MetS. Identifying the MetS has several advantages. It discovers persons who are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. A diagnosis focuses more clinical attention on the underlying causes, notably obesity and other lifestyle factors; it thereby reinforces the utility of lifestyle changes in clinical practice. A diagnosis further informs physicians on choice and intensity of drug therapy for elevated cholesterol, aspirin prophylaxis, and blood pressure and glucose control. The introduction of the MetS has led to a large number of epidemiological, metabolic, and genetic studies that have heightened our understanding of the condition’s prevalence and pathogenesis. It has been a stimulus to the development of new drugs or drug combinations that will modify multiple risk factors simultaneously. Conclusions: This author holds that the MetS counts as a multiplex cardiovascular risk factor that is clinically useful and will lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment of an important cause of cardiovascular disease. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 92: 399–404, 2007)
Nanometer-Level Comparison of Three Spindle Error Motion Separation Techniques

This work demonstrates the state of the art capabilities of three error separation techniques for nanometer-level measurement of precision spindles and rotationally-symmetric artifacts. Donaldson reversal is compared to a multi-probe and a multi-step technique using a series of measurements carried out on a precision aerostatic spindle with a lapped spherical artifact. The results indicate that subnanometer features in both spindle error motion and artifact form are reliably resolved by all three techniques. Furthermore, the numerical error values agree to better than one nanometer. The paper discusses several issues that must be considered when planning spindle or artifact measurements at the nanometer level.
Why Networks Enhance the Progress of New Venture Creation: The Influence of Social Capital and Cognition

Why does social capital influence the progress of new venture creation for some entrepreneurs more than others? Our investigation suggests that social capital is not enough; that the type of person involved in network relationships matters to new venture creation. We test the effects of the interplay of social capital and cognition on a sample of 269 entrepreneurs. Our results confirm that social networks and relational capital enhance levels of illusion of control, which is directly related to the progress of new venture creation. We find marginal support for the relationship between social capital and risk propensity.
Possible Compartmentalization of Hepatitis C Viral Replication in the Genital Tract of HIV-1–Coinfected Women

Background. We estimated the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in cervical cytobrush samples from HCV/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–coinfected women and analyzed the HCV quasi species in both cytobrush and plasma samples. Possible compartmentalization of viral quasi species in the genital tract and plasma was evaluated by comparison of genetic heterogeneity and use of phylogenetic analysis. Methods. Paired plasma and cytobrush samples were obtained from 85 HCV/HIV-coinfected women. The presence of HCV in cytobrush samples was evaluated by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction of the 5 � untranslated region. Viral quasi species were analyzed by cloning and sequencing the highly variable region–1 in 8 patients. Results. HCV was detected in 27% of cytobrush samples. The composition of viral quasi species was different in the 2 body compartments at both the nucleotide and amino acid level. In fact, the mean complexity was significantly lower in cytobrush samples, and a similar trend was observed for the other parameters of heterogeneity. Phylogenetic analysis and amino acid alignment identified several viral variants that were unique to each body compartment. Conclusions. Our data suggest that the genital and plasma quasi species represent distinct subpopulations, which possibly reflects compartmentalized viral replication. Alternatively, cell carriers harboring viral quasi species in the genital tract that are distinct from those in plasma could transfer the virus through the barrier separating the 2 body sites.
Sustained Cognitive Decline in HIV Infection: Relationship to CD4+ Cell Count, Plasma Viremia and p24 Antigenemia

To determine the clinical and virological correlates of neuropsychological test performance decline in HIV infection, we measured viral burden in blood in 272 HIV-seropositive men without dementia in the Baltimore arm of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS). These measures were then related to neuropsychological (NP) decline, defined as a decline relative to prior best performance of 2.0 standard deviations or more on one or more neuropsychological tests. A short battery of NP tests (Mini-Screen Battery) was administered to all 272 men. NP test performance decline was identified in 53/272 (19.5%) of participants on the Mini-Screen Battery. Follow-up NP data were available for 204 participants who had undergone the Mini-Screen. The frequency of sustained NP test performance decline was 7.8% for the Mini-Screen Battery. A lower CD4+ cell count was weakly associated with sustained NP test performance decline. After adjustment for CD4+ cell count, hemoglobin, body mass index, and presence of AIDS, none of the viral burden measures (p24 antigenemia, plasma viremia, quantitative culture) correlated with sustained NP test performance decline. We conclude that these measures of blood HIV viral burden are not markers for NP decline, but that a lower CD4+ cell count is.
Low-power high-performance non-binary CMOS arithmetic circuits

This paper presents several novel CMOS, low-power, high-performance arithmetic circuits for parallel counter and multiplier designs, which are developed based on a previously proposed non-binary shift switch logic scheme. Compared with the existing well-known counterpart designs, the new circuits significantly reduce power dissipation through the use of 4-bit state signals, where no more than half of the signal bits are subject to value-change at any logic stage, while achieving high speed and small VLSI area. SPICE simulations with a 0.25 micron, 2.5-V supply process have demonstrated the superiority of the circuits.
Conditional Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD): GFP knockout mice reveal FADD is dispensable in thymic development but essential in peripheral T cell homeostasis.

Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD)/mediator of receptor-induced toxicity-1 is required for signaling induced by death receptors such as Fas. In earlier studies, FADD-deficient mice died in utero, and a FADD deficiency in embryonic stem cells inhibited T cell production in viable FADD−/−→RAG-1−/− chimeras. To analyze the temporal requirement of FADD in the development and function in the T lineage, it is necessary to establish viable mutant mice producing detectable FADD-deficient T cells. We generated mice that express a functional FADD:GFP fusion gene reconstituting normal embryogenesis and lymphopoiesis in the absence of the endogenous FADD. Efficient T cell-specific deletion of FADD:GFP was achieved, as indicated by the presence of a high percentage of GFP-negative thymocytes and peripheral T cells in mice expressing Lck-Cre or CD4-Cre. Sorted GFP-negative thymocytes and peripheral T cells contained undetectable levels of FADD and were resistant to apoptosis induced by Fas, TNF, and TCR restimulation. These T cell-specific FADD-deficient mice contain normal thymocyte numbers, but fewer peripheral T cells. Purified peripheral FADD-deficient T cells failed to undergo extensive homeostatic expansion after adoptive transfer into lymphocyte-deficient hosts, and responded poorly to proliferation induced by ex vivo TCR stimulation. Furthermore, deletion of FADD in preactivated mature T cells using retrovirus-Cre resulted in no proliferation. These results demonstrate that FADD plays a dispensable role during thymocyte development, but is essential in maintaining peripheral T cell homeostasis and regulating both apoptotic and proliferation signals.
Growth of Yb: S-FAP [Yb3+:Sr5(PO4)3F] crystals for the Mercury laser

Abstract Crystals of Yb:S-FAP [Yb 3+ :Sr 5 (PO 4 ) 3 F] will be used as the gain medium for the Mercury Laser, a gas-cooled amplifier system intended to yield 100 J, 10 Hz and 10% efficiency in 3 ns when completed, for inertial fusion energy. Growing high optical quality crystals is a challenge due to a number of growth issues, including: cloudiness, bubble core defects, anomalous absorption, low-angle grain boundaries, cracking, and crystal inclusions. At this time, a growth process has been developed to simultaneously eliminate or diminish each of the defects.
Requirements for noise parameter measurements in superconducting electronic systems

General considerations on the measurement of noise parameters in highly mismatched systems are discussed. In particular, the problem of noise characterization of active superconducting microwave devices is addressed. A measurement technique that includes an error analysis is presented along with current data for a superconducting flux flow transistor. >
Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation: Anatomic Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction (ACCR) $

The acromioclavicular (AC) and coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments are the principal stabilizers of the AC joint. AC joint injuries are common in contact sports and are graded according to the severity of injury to AC and CC ligaments and radiographic displacement of the AC articulation. Complete AC joint dislocation involves disruption of the AC and CC ligaments and the deltotrapezial fascia. Lower-grade injuries (types I and II) are initially managed nonoperatively and most patients do well. Operative treatment is indicated for higher-grade dislocations (types IV, V and VI). The management of type III AC joint dislocation is controversial and a matter of ongoing debate. A large number of surgical procedures and their modifications have been described in literature, but there is no consensus on the ideal procedure of choice for the treatment of AC joint dislocation. The anatomic coracoclavicular reconstruction (ACCR) restores stability to the AC joint by reconstructing the CC and AC ligaments. In this surgical technique, allograft or autograft tissue is used as biologic graft, and a suture or tape is used as a nonbiological method of fixation. Postoperative immobilization and rehabilitation is an essential component of the AC joint reconstructive process. In this article, we describe in detail the indications, surgical technique, postoperative rehabilitation, and outcomes of open anatomical CC ligament reconstruction for AC joint dislocation.
Torsion and bending periodic boundary conditions for modeling the intrinsic strength of nanowires

We present a unified approach for atomistic modeling of torsion and bending of nanowires that is free from artificial end effects. Torsional and bending periodic boundary conditions (t-PBC and b-PBC) are formulated by generalizing the conventional periodic boundary conditions (PBC) to cylindrical coordinates. The approach is simpler than the more general objective molecular dynamics formulation because we focus on the special cases of torsion and bending. A simple implementation of these boundary conditions is presented and correctly conserves linear and angular momenta. We also derive the virial expressions for the average torque and bending moment under these boundary conditions that are analogous to the virial expression for the average stress in PBC. The method is demonstrated by molecular dynamics simulation of Si nanowires under torsion and bending, which exhibit several modes of failure depending on their diameters.
A Placenta-Specific Enhancer of the Human Syncytin Gene

The cis- and trans-acting factors that are critical for placentaspecific expression of the human syncytin gene are unknown. We identified a 146-base pair (bp) region of the 59-flanking region of the human syncytin gene from nt2294 to 2148 that is essential for basal gene expression in human BeWo and JEG3 choriocarcinoma cell lines but not in hepatoblastoma and kidney cell lines. Ligation of the 146-bp fragment to a SV40 promoter or a human b-globin minimal promoter markedly enhanced promoter activity in the placenta cells but not in the liver and kidney cells. DNase I footprint assays indicated that nuclear extracts from BeWo cells but not HepG2 cells protected four regions (FP1‐FP4) of the 146-bp fragment. Site-directed mutagenesis of an SP1-binding site in FP3 and a GATA-binding site in FP4 significantly repressed promoter activity in the placenta cells. Overexpression of SP1 (Sp1 transcription factor) and GATA2 (GATA binding protein 2) and GATA3 induced syncytin promoter activity but had little or no effect on the activities of syncytin promoter fragments containing mutations in the SP1and GATA-binding sites. GATA2 and -3 mRNA levels increased markedly during spontaneous in vitro differentiation of human cytotrophoblast cells when the cytotrophoblast cells fused to form a syncytium. These findings strongly suggest that the 146bp region of the 59-flanking region (nt2294/2148) of the human syncytin gene acts as a placenta-specific enhancer. Binding of SP1 and GATA family members to this enhancer is critical for cell-specific expression of the syncytin gene.
Issues in the utilization of low molecular weight heparins

Abstract Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) are parenteral anticoagulants that are widely used for the prevention and treatment of thromboembolic disease. These agents possess several advantages compared to standard heparin, including a more predictable anticoagulant response, better bioavailability allowing for subcutaneous therapy, and a longer half-life. Laboratory monitoring of the LMWHs uses an anti–factor Xa assay, but monitoring is generally not necessary for most patients. However, certain patient populations do benefit from an individualized approach to therapy and, in some cases, therapeutic monitoring, because of an increased bleeding risk and/or relative contraindications to anticoagulant therapy. For example, since LMWHs are cleared by the kidney, they must be used with caution in renal insufficiency. LMWHs are safe and effective during pregnancy but may not be the optimal antithrombotic agent in pregnant women with prosthetic valves. In addition, management around the time of delivery can be difficult because of the bleeding risk, particularly associated with epidural anesthesia. Therapeutic monitoring also may be useful for the morbidly obese, in children, and for patients with malignancy. Semin Hematol 39:172-178. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Process variation in nano-scale memories: failure analysis and process tolerant architecture

In this paper, we analyze the impact of process variation on the different failure mechanisms in SRAM cells. We also propose a process tolerant cache architecture suitable for high performance memory. This technique surpasses all the contemporary fault tolerant schemes such as row/column redundancy and ECC in handling failures due to process variation. Experimental results on a 64K cache show that the proposed technique can achieve 94% yield compared to its original 33% yield (standard cache) in 45nm predictive technology.
Cognitive–Affective Styles Associated With Position on War:

This study examined cognitive–affective styles associated with position on the Iraq war by analyzing responses posted on an online discussion forum using a computerized text-analysis program (Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count). Overall, the results were consistent with those obtained in narrative-coding studies. The pro-war group was associated with an external focus and a simplistic style of information processing. The anti-war group was associated with an internal focus and high levels of cognitive processing and negative emotion words. The “neither” group scored the highest on cognitive complexity and positive emotion words, and it was also the most balanced in terms of internal and external focus.
Numerical modeling of photon recycling in solar cells

The incorporation of a detailed model for the photon recycling effect into an exact numerical solar cell simulation code is described. The commonly encountered radiative lifetime multiplication factor is shown to have both a spatial and bias point dependence. Example simulations show that photon recycling can significantly reduce the effective recombination current and thereby have a large effect on the open circuit voltage of a solar cell. Possible ways to capitalize upon this effect are discussed. >
Application of MIMO direct adaptive control to gas metal arc welding

This paper presents the design of a direct model reference adaptive control (DMRAC) for a gas metal arc welding process (GMAW). Recently developed highly nonlinear fifth order mathematical model for the GMAW process is used. Simplifications and linearization yield the process to be modeled as two-input two-output second order system. Current and arc voltage as being the process outputs are controlled by open circuit voltage and wire feed speed, which are chosen as the process control inputs. Considering wide range of operating conditions, process parameters are allowed to vary within their prescribed ranges. Simulations are performed on the fifth order nonlinear process and satisfactory results are obtained.
Sources of inorganic carbon for phytoplankton in the eastern Subtropical and Equatorial Pacific Ocean

We present the results of a field study examining inorganic carbon utilization by phytoplankton assemblages in the eastern Subtropical and Equatorial Pacific Ocean. Data from isotope disequilibrium experiments demonstrate that HCO was the principal form of inorganic carbon taken up by all of the in situ phytoplankton populations we 2 3 sampled. In a cyanobacteria-dominated assemblage, HCO uptake occurred chiefly through a direct transmembrane 2 3 transport mechanism. Diatom-dominated assemblages expressed extracellular carbonic anhydrase and transported CO2 derived from the catalyzed dehydration of HCO . Direct HCO transport by the diatoms may have also 22 33 occurred. In a 3-d incubation experiment, we observed the CO2-dependent regulation of inorganic C uptake in diatom-dominated phytoplankton assemblages. Phytoplankton assemblages grown at 150 ppm CO2 possessed external carbonic anhydrase activity and took up HCO following its dehydration to CO2. In contrast, the assemblages 2 3 cultured with 750 ppm CO2 appeared to lack external carbonic anhydrase activity and rely solely on CO2 as an exogenous source of carbon for photosynthesis. The CO2 effect on inorganic C utilization occurred in the absence of a detectable difference in phytoplankton growth rates between the 150 and 750 ppm CO2 treatments. Our field data provide compelling evidence that HCO utilization is prevalent in natural marine phytoplankton communities 2 3 and is regulated by ambient CO2 concentrations. We discuss the ecological and biogeochemical implications of these results.
Evidence Based Medicine: Quality of Evidence and Evaluation Systems

Clinical care is increasingly informed by clinical practice guidelines. Well-formulated guidelines are transparent and actionable, and provide guidance through quality-rated evidence resulting into graded recommendations. In this chapter, we discuss a methodologically rigorous, yet simple rating system. Prior rating systems consisted of rigid, study type driven hierarchies. In contrast, the GRADE framework is outcomes-centric and explicit in its evidence rating criteria. GRADE also emphasizes that final guideline recommendations should not solely rely on the quality of evidence, but also on the balance between benefits and downsides, and consider patient values and preferences and resource use.
“To Make a Curry the India Way”: Tracking the Meaning of Curry Across Eighteenth-Century Communities

With attention to the cultural mobility of local and global foodstuffs, this study examines the movement of curry as a product of England's colonization of India. The concept of a curry was developed by the British East India Company while stationed in India. Members of the EIC would describe any saucy Indian dish as a “curry,” and when these men returned to England, they brought back their desire for Indian food. The movement of curry helped to shape its definition as a colonial product of India incorporated into English cuisine. By tracking curry and curry powder from its inception as an East India Company staple to the cookbooks and kitchens of eighteenth century Britain, this study shows how the distinct locality of curry changed its meaning over time.
Designing for nomadic work

Nomadic work, an extreme form of mobile work, is becoming increasingly prevalent in organizations. Yet so far there has not been enough research attention on the particular challenges that nomadic workers face in order to design support for their work practices. We employed ethnographic interviews and observations to understand nomadic work practices. Drawing from strategies for survival of pastoralist nomads to guide our design investigation, we focus on an integrated perspective of nomadic work involving challenges related to assembling actants, seeking resources, and integrating with others in the organization. We discovered that nomadic workers need to continually seek out and compete for resources to maintain their mobile offices. They also face challenges in integrating into the organization to maintain visibility and to synchronize with others for meeting. We discuss the design recommendations that emerged from our investigation.
Parametric Translation of a Phase-Coded Signal over a Record Spectral Range

A phase-modulated optical signal was translated over record 1065nm, from the near-infrared band to the visible band. A Gbps phase-modulated signal was received in an error-free manner in the visible band for the first time.
Leadership, Critical Thinking and Social Cohesion in Nigeria

This paper contributes to the debate about the role of transformational leadership in national development by exploring how the principles of "critical thinking" could be infused into the process of education and training of future transformational leaders in Nigeria, with particular focus on early career military officers. I argue that a “crisis of leadership” or leadership failure has afflicted Nigeria and, indeed much of Africa, since independence. This crisis of leadership is traceable to the lack of, or the inadequate prior preparation of those who suddenly found themselves in leadership roles; and more fittingly, due to the failure of those who were ostensibly prepared both through education and training but failed to rise to the occasion and provide the kind of leadership expected of them. Pursuant to these theses, therefore, the paper first conceptualizes “leadership” and “critical thinking,” situating the latter concept within the theory of liberal education from where it is derived. This is followed with a discussion of the relationship or nexus between leadership and critical thinking. Critical thinking leadership which often results in the dismantling of existing, comfortable order, however, comes at a huge cost, to both the arrow head of change and to the subjects of change, especially if the new social order fails to achieve results or gain following by the intended beneficiaries. These costs are explored in the third section of the paper. What kinds of questions might we ask and what issues could be interrogated should the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and civil authorities embrace and embed the principles of critical thinking into the leadership education and training curriculum of their academies and tertiary institutions? These questions are explored in the penultimate section. The paper ends with some remarks about the constraints and opportunities for embracing the worldwide movement towards the infusion of critical thinking in any serious project of leadership formation for the twenty-first century.