cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Seasonal changes in the diet composition and prey selection of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) in the northern Gulf of Alaska

Walleye pollock, Theragra chalcogramma, are one of the dominant fishes in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) ecosystem, yet relatively little information is available on the diet and prey selectivity of pollock in the northern GOA. Stomachs of midwater trawled adult pollock were collected in April, August and November 2003 in the northern GOA. Euphausiids were the dominant prey in April, averaging 59% by number and 70% by weight. Euphausiids persisted as the dominant prey in August, averaging 84% by number and 95% by weight. Decapods were the dominant prey item in November. This was primarily due to the shrimp Pandalus borealis, which averaged 68% by number and 53% by weight. Stomach contents were also compared with available prey fields using chi-square-based resource selection statistics. This analysis revealed significant differences between the environmental and dietary distributions of prey types. Additional analysis found significant selection for euphausiids over all other categories of available zooplankton in both spring and summer. Amongst euphausiids, there was significant selection for Thysanoessa inermis in spring and T. spinifera in summer.
Green's functions associated with the edth operators

An integral representation for the inverses of the differential operators called edth is given in the two cases of particular interest. This operator plays a large role in the study ofH spaces and of self-dual solutions to the Yang-Mills field equations in the asymptotic domain.
Regulation of Hepatic Cell Mobilization in Experimental Myocardial Ischemia

Myocardial ischemia induces cardiomyocyte injury and death, resulting in impairment of cardiac function. The adult cardiomyocytes possess a limited capacity of protection in myocardial ischemia, and nonmyocytic cells can be activated to support myocardial protection. We recently demonstrated that hepatic cells were able to upregulate genes encoding secreted proteins and were mobilized to the circulatory system, potentially contributing to myocardial protection against ischemic injury. In this investigation, we tested the potential mechanisms by which hepatic cells were mobilized in experimental myocardial ischemia. Following the induction of myocardial ischemia, hepatic cells, including hepatocytes and biliary epithelial cells, were mobilized to the circulatory system with a peak population 1.9 ± 0.4% at day 5. The cytokine IL-6 was upregulated in the ischemic myocardium as well as the serum. IL-6 promoted leukocyte retention in the liver as demonstrated by an increase in liver-retained leukocytes in myocardial ischemia in wild type mice, reduced leukocytes in IL-6−/− mice, and restoration of leukocyte retention in response to IL-6 administration to IL-6−/− mice. Liver-retained leukocytes exhibited upregulation of MMP-2, which in turn mediated hepatic cell mobilization by degrading extracellular matrix. These observations suggest that IL-6-stimulated leukocytes mediate the mobilization of hepatic cells via releasing MMP-2 in myocardial ischemia.
Manufacturing Against the Odds: Small‐Scale Producers in an Andean City

Manufacturing Against the Odds: Small-Scale Producers in an Andean City, Hans C. Buechler and Judith-Maria Buechler. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1992
3D Metallo-Dielectric Photonic Crystals with Strong Capacitive Coupling between Metallic Islands

We introduce a new type of metallo-dielectric photonic band gap structure (PBG), intentionally incorporating very strong capacitive interactions between the periodic metallic islands. The band gaps become huge, with the lower band edge frequency being pushed down by the capacitive interaction between metallic islands, while the upper band edge frequency continues to depend primarily on the lattice constant, as in normal PBG’s. With this new type of photonic crystal, the spatial periodicity can be much smaller than the corresponding electromagnetic wavelength, allowing PBG structures to play a role at radio frequencies. [S0031-9007(98)05629-4] PACS numbers: 42.70.Qs, 41.20.Jb, 78.70.Gq, 84.40. ‐ x
Racial segregation and disparities in breast cancer care and mortality.

BACKGROUND. Questions have existed as to whether residential segregation is a mediator of racial/ethnic disparities in breast cancer care and breast cancer mortality, or has a differential effect by race/ethnicity. METHODS. Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare database on white, black, and Hispanic women aged 66 to 85 years with breast cancer were examined for the receipt of adequate breast cancer care. RESULTS. Blacks were less likely than whites to receive adequate breast cancer care (odds ratio [OR], 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-0.86). Individuals, both black and white, who lived in areas with greater black segregation were less likely to receive adequate breast cancer care (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.64-0.82). Black segregation was a mediator of the black/white disparity in breast cancer care, explaining 8.9% of the difference. After adjustment, adequate care for Hispanics did not significantly differ from whites, but individuals, both Hispanic and white, who lived in areas with greater Hispanic segregation were less likely to receive adequate breast cancer care (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.61-0.89). Although Blacks experienced greater breast cancer mortality than whites, black segregation did not substantially mediate the black-white disparity in survival, and was not significantly associated with mortality (hazards ratio, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.87-1.21). Breast cancer mortality did not differ between Hispanics and whites. CONCLUSIONS. Among seniors, segregation mediates some of the black-white disparity in breast cancer care, but not mortality. Individuals who live in more segregated areas are less likely to receive adequate breast cancer care. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Analysis of changes in pulmonary functions at rest following humidity changes.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of humidity changes on the values of pulmonary function at rest. [Subjects and Methods] This study was conducted with 30 young adults (9 males, 21 females; mean age 19.4 years). Participants’ mean height was 165.1 cm, and their mean weight was 60.2 kg. The experimental setting was a laboratory in which temperature was fixed at 25 °C. Using a humidifier, relative humidity was successively to adjusted 25%, 50%, and 90%, and pulmonary were measured functions at each level. Using a spirometer, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), and tidal volume (TV) were measured, and the results were compared and analyzed. [Results] Controlling for temperature, FVC and FEV1 showed statistically significant differences among different levels of relative humidity, but FEV1/FVC, TV, and ERV showed no significant difference. [Conclusion] In the case of exercises that require large respiration volumes, such as aerobic exercises or exercise load tests, it is recommended that higher than normal humidity levels should be maintained.
Mouse cytochrome P3-450: complete cDNA and amino acid sequence

A full-length cDNA clone (1,894 nucleotides) of mouse cytochrome P3-450 was isolated with the Okayama-Berg vector and sequenced. An open reading frame spanned positions 61 to 1602. The first 25, and three of the last five, amino acids of P3-450 are identical to those found in the amino- and carboxy-terminus, respectively, of the rat P-450d protein. Mouse P3-450 protein has 513 residues, and a molecular weight of 58,223 with six cysteine residues. P3-450 nucleotides 305 to 352 exhibit 74% homology, and nucleotides 1068 to 1260, 69% homology, with portions of rat P-450b exons 2 and 7, respectively. P3-450 shows 62% homology in the so-called "highly conserved region" of 39 nucleotides in the rat P-450b and P-450e and the mouse P-450b. These results indicate that P3-450, P-450b and P-450e arose from a common ancestral gene. Cysteinyl peptide-coding regions were examined: P3-450 nucleotides 1405 to 1464 exhibit 61% homology, and nucleotides 502 to 552 exhibit 37% homology, when compared with their corresponding regions in the rat P-450b gene. These data support the likelihood that cysteine 456 is the thiolate ligand to the heme iron in the P3-450 enzyme active-site.
Analogues of anthracene, phenanthrene, and benzoflavone inhibit prostaglandin biosynthesis by cells in culture.

Abstract Prostaglandin production by methylcholanthrene-transformed 3T3 mouse fibroblasts (MC5-5), human normal fibroblasts (D550), and canine kidney (MDCK) cells was inhibited by several analogues of anthracene, phenanthrene, and benzoflavone. Among the most effective inhibitors of MC5-5's prostaglandin production were anthracene (ID50=1.7 μM), 9,10-diaminophenanthrene (ID50=0.48 μM), and 7,8-benzoflavone (ID50=0.55 μM). Under identical conditions, the ID50's for indomethacin and aspirin were 0.049 and 8.9 μM respectively. Production of radioactive prostaglandins by MC5-5 cells from tritiated phospholipids was blocked by 7,8-benzoflavone, but not the release of radioactive arachidonic acid.
Conversion of H2Os3(μ3-NCH3)(CO)9 to Os4(μ3-NCH3)(CO)12; crystal and molecular structure of the two methylnitrene cluster complexes

Abstract The complex H2Os3(μ3-NCH3)(CO)12 in decalin at 198°C in 35% yield. Crystal data for the former obtained at −158°C are: orthorhombic, space group Pmcn, a 14.113(2), b 6.605(1), c 17.683(4) », Z = 4, Dc 3.44 g cm−3. The hydrogen atoms are related by symmetry. The position of the unique hydrogen atom has been refined. It is observed asymmetrically bridging (closer to the unique Os atom) the longer edge of the isosceles triosmium triangle. The hydrogen atoms are out of the trimetal plane away from the triply-bridging nitrogen atom. Crystal data for the tetraosmium complex at 25°C are: monoclinic, space group C2/c a 30.818(9), b 8.463(2), c 16.621(2), », β 108.90(2)°, Z = 8, Dc 3.75 g cm−3. The four osmium atoms form a distorted tetrahedral framework capped by the nitrogen atom of the methylnitrene group on the face containing the three longer OsOs separations.
Long-Term Outcomes and Prognostic Factors for Patients with Endoscopy-Negative Iron Deficiency

Background and Aim Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common problem among the elderly, and often no cause is identified after routine upper endoscopy and colonoscopy exams. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term outcomes and predictors of gastrointestinal pathology and death in patients with endoscopy-negative IDA.
Task-Dependent Deficits during Object Release in Parkinson's Disease

The present study examined fingertip forces during the replacement and release of an instrumented object on a table in eight subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD) both off and on medication and eight age-matched control subjects. Subjects performed the task at (1) their preferred speeds and (2) as fast as possible. During performance of the task at preferred speed, the duration of object replacement, the rate, and duration of force decrease following table contact for PD subjects were similar to that observed in the control subjects and were unaffected by medication. In contrast, the rates were significantly lower and durations longer in the PD subjects when the task was performed as fast as possible irrespective of medication. A similar result was obtained when subjects were asked to release their pinch force from predefined force levels while the object was fixed to the table surface. These results emphasize the importance of considering task requirements in order to delineate the specific task parameters associated with the movement impairments in Parkinson's disease.
Nitric oxide-donating materials and their potential in pharmacological applications for site-specific nitric oxide delivery

The discovery of various regulatory, protective and deleterious effects of nitric oxide (NO) has prompted intense research activity in the design and synthesis of NO-donating drugs and materials that can be used to modulate the effective concentrations of NO at biological targets. To date, various NO-donating compounds have been incorporated or immobilized in biocompatible polymer matrices and such materials have been used as patches, wound dressings, coatings on blood-contacting medical devices and time-release NO drugs. Recently, attention has been drawn toward light-sensitive NO donors, such as S-nitrosothiols and metal nitrosyls, which can deliver NO at selected targets under the total control of light. The pharmacological potential of such NO-donating materials including those with immobilized photoactive NO donors are reviewed in this article.
A Practical Guide to the Therapy of Narcolepsy and Hypersomnia Syndromes

Narcolepsy and other syndromes associated with excessive daytime sleepiness can be challenging to treat. New classifications now distinguish narcolepsy/hypocretin deficiency (also called type 1 narcolepsy), a lifelong disorder with well-established diagnostic procedures and etiology, from other syndromes with hypersomnolence of unknown causes. Klein-Levin Syndrome, a periodic hypersomnia associated with cognitive and behavioral abnormalities, is also considered a separate entity with separate therapeutic protocols. Non hypocretin-related hypersomnia syndromes are diagnoses of exclusion. These diagnoses are only made after eliminating sleep deprivation, sleep apnea, disturbed nocturnal sleep, and psychiatric comorbidities as the primary cause of daytime sleepiness. The treatment of narcolepsy/hypocretin deficiency is well-codified, and involves pharmacotherapies using sodium oxybate, stimulants, and/or antidepressants, plus behavioral modifications. These therapies are almost always needed, and the risk-to-benefit ratio is clear, notably in children. Detailed knowledge of the pharmacological profile of each compound is needed to optimize use. Treatment for other syndromes with hypersomnolence is more challenging and less codified. Preferably, therapy should be conservative (such as modafinil, atomoxetine, behavioral modifications), but it may have to be more aggressive (high-dose stimulants, sodium oxybate, etc.) on a case-by-case, empirical trial basis. As cause and evolution are unknown in these conditions, it is important to challenge diagnosis and therapy over time, keeping in mind the possibility of tolerance and the development of stimulant addiction. Kleine-Levin Syndrome is usually best left untreated, although lithium can be considered in severe cases with frequent episodes. Guidelines are provided based on the literature and personal experience of the author.
Efficient Spiral Search in Bounded Spaces

This correspondence defines approaches for the efficient generation of a spiral-like search pattern within bounded rectangularly tessellated regions. The defined spiral-like search pattern grows outward from a given source in a two-dimensional space, thus tending to minimize search time in many sequential tracking tasks. Efficient spiral generation is achieved by minimizing the number of operations required for interaction with boundaries. Algorithms are developed for both rectangular search regions and for arbitrary convex search regions.
Determination of coalescence frequencies in liquid—liquid dispersions: effect of drop size dependence

Abstract The size dependence of the drop coalescence frequency is investigated by measurement of transient drop size distributions in purely coalescing systems (with negligible drop break-up). A two-pronged approach is employed to estimate the bivariate coalescence frequency function, using such experimental data. First, coalescence frequency expressions derived from mechanistic models of the relative motion of the drops are evaluated based on their ability to predict the experimental transient size spectra. Second, experimental drop size distributions which exhibit a property known as self-similarity are analyzed through an inverse problem in order to extract the coalescence frequency function directly from the data. Results indicate that the coalescence frequency of small droplets (10–50 μm in diameter) is lower than that predicted from a constant coalescence efficiency model. In addition, experiments show that, given favorable initial conditions, self-similar drop size distributions can be manifest. In the cases where similarity behavior is observed, the frequencies obtained from the inverse problem are in qualitative agreement with the mechanistic models that describe the data best.
Individual Rearing of the Larvae of Neodiprion sertifer (Geoffroy) (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae)

A technique for rearing Neodiprion sertifer (Geoff.) in individual isolation from egg to adult is described. Larvae so reared under optimal conditions experience mortality only slightly greater than that sustained by larvae growing in the normal feeding aggregations. The comparative capacity of the isolated larvae to withstand even slight departures from optimal conditions of food, temperature and humidity is low. These observations together with data on the responses of isolated and normal larvae to physical factors are discussed in their ecological context.
Mathematical modeling and simulation of batch drying of foods in fixed beds with airflow reversal

Abstract A mathematical model based on the heat and mass transfer mechanisms between the air and the product was developed in order to simulate the fixed bed drying process of foods conducted with and without periodical reversals of the airflow direction. The proposed model considers the fixed bed of the product as a series of ideal stirred stages connected in series, and was validated with the experimental data obtained during the packed bed drying of carrot cylinders with various times of application of the airflow reversals (15 min, 30 min, and without air flow reversal). The drying experiments were performed using an air velocity of 2 m/s and two different particle thickness/bed height combinations (0.001/0.05 and 0.01/0.1 m/m) at the air temperatures of 50 and 70 °C. A good agreement was found between the experimental and the predicted data. Furthermore, the results showed that the proposed model is able to predict the distributions of moisture content and temperature within the packed bed of the food and a higher frequency of application of the airflow reversal promote slightly shorter drying times and flatter moisture and temperature profiles in the bed than those obtained without it.
Machine learning and predictive data analytics enabling metrology and process control in IC fabrication

Integrate circuit (IC) technology is going through multiple changes in terms of patterning techniques (multiple patterning, EUV and DSA), device architectures (FinFET, nanowire, graphene) and patterning scale (few nanometers). These changes require tight controls on processes and measurements to achieve the required device performance, and challenge the metrology and process control in terms of capability and quality. Multivariate data with complex nonlinear trends and correlations generally cannot be described well by mathematical or parametric models but can be relatively easily learned by computing machines and used to predict or extrapolate. This paper introduces the predictive metrology approach which has been applied to three different applications. Machine learning and predictive analytics have been leveraged to accurately predict dimensions of EUV resist patterns down to 18 nm half pitch leveraging resist shrinkage patterns. These patterns could not be directly and accurately measured due to metrology tool limitations. Machine learning has also been applied to predict the electrical performance early in the process pipeline for deep trench capacitance and metal line resistance. As the wafer goes through various processes its associated cost multiplies. It may take days to weeks to get the electrical performance readout. Predicting the electrical performance early on can be very valuable in enabling timely actionable decision such as rework, scrap, feedforward, feedback predicted information or information derived from prediction to improve or monitor processes. This paper provides a general overview of machine learning and advanced analytics application in the advanced semiconductor development and manufacturing.
An invitation to participate in a North American sediment‐monitoring network

An informal collaboration has been established to encourage the development of a North American network for the collection, analysis, and interpretation of fluvial-sediment data. The principal objective of the network is to define continental-scale gradients of mean yield, variability of loads, particle-size distributions, and natural regimes for suspended and bed sediment released during unstressed to minimally stressed conditions of land use. Extending that goal, a second objective is to identify stream reaches where fluxes of sediment and associated contaminants now are elevated to levels at which water quality and ecological integrity are compromised.
Current noise in Josephson point contacts

Abstract : The dependence and magnitude of noise currents in superconducting point contacts on dc current and voltage has been measured. The results are in good agreement with the theoretical predictions of Scalapino and Stephen. As expected, in the shot-noise limit at sufficiently high junction voltage the noise current does not vary with temperature. (Author)
DIFFERENCES IN CHILD AND PARENT ASSESSMENT OF DISEASE IMPACT OF JUVENILE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (JRA). • 2338

In pediatric studies of chronic disease impact and health status, it is controversial whether to gather information from the child or the parent. Therefore, we examined whether children with JRA and their parents agreed on the degree of pain and functional disability due to JRA. We compared which areas of disease impact were most critical to the children and to their parents. Subjects were 60 children ages 8-17 (44F;16M) with definite JRA and their parents. The children were followed in the pediatric rheumatology clinic with disease duration >6 months. The child and parent were each given a pain visual analog scale (VAS) and the Functional Disability Inventory (FDI). Each was asked to answer an open-ended question asking What are the 3 most difficult things for you (your child) about having JRA? Each answer to the open question was assigned to one of 5 areas of disease impact.RESULTS: Pain rating on the VAS was not significantly different between children [mean 2.25] and parents[mean 2.79]. There was a trend for parents to rate their child as more disabled on the FDI [child mean 7.40; parent mean 8.70; p=0.06]. Striking differences were found between children and parents in the areas of greatest disease impact in response to the open question. Children with JRA most frequently report difficulties in participation in functional activities, whereas parents report impairment in their child's psychological or social functioning. These data indicate that the impact of JRA is perceived differently by the child and the parent, especially in the areas of functional activities and psychosocial adjustment. Therefore, accurate assessment of health-related quality of life in children with JRA may require collecting data from both children and their parents.Table
Adaptive neural methods for multiplexing oriented edges

Edge linearization operators are often used in computer vision and in neural network models of vision to reconstruct noisy or incomplete edges. Such operators gather evidence for the presence of an edge at various orientations across all image locations and then choose the orientation that best fits the data at each point. One disadvantage of such methods is that they often function in a winner-take-all fashion: the presence of only a single orientation can be represented at any point multiple edges cannot be represented where they intersect. For example the neural Boundary Contour System of Grossberg and Mingolla implements a form of winner-take-all competition between orthogonal orientations at each spatial location to promote sharpening of noisy uncertain image data. But that competition may produce rivalry oscillation instability or mutual suppression when intersecting edges (e. g. a cross) are present. This " cross problem" exists for all techniques including Markov Random Fields where a representation of a chosen favored orientation suppresses representations of alternate orientations. A new adaptive technique using both an inhibitory learning rule and an excitatory learning rule weakens inhibition between neurons representing poorly correlated orientations. It may reasonably be assumed that neurons coding dissimilar orientations are less likely to be coactivated than neurons coding similar orientations. Multiplexing by superposition is ordinarily generated: combinations of intersecting edges become represented by simultaneous activation of multiple neurons each of which represents a© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Possible role for oxygen free radicals in the regulation of renal nitric oxide synthesis and blood flow.

Background This study examines the hypothesis that oxygen radicals down-regulate renal nitric oxide synthesis and contribute to renal vasoconstriction after hemorrhage/reperfusion injury. Methods Arterial pressure and renal artery blood flow were measured in anesthetized rats subjected to sham or hemorrhage (30 nun Hg for 30 minutes) followed by blood reperfusion without or with superoxide dismutase, an oxygen radical scavenger. Animals were sequentially injected with 10 mg/kg NG-nitro- l -arginine methyl ester ( l -NAME), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, and 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg l -arginine, a nitric oxide precursor. Results The l -NAME treatment increased arterial pressure and decreased renal artery blood flow whereas l -arginine decreased arterial pressure and decreased renal blood flow in the sham animals. Hemorrhage/reperfusion injury attenuated the pressure and renal blood flow changes following l -NAME and l -argininene treatment, which was reversed by superoxide dismutase. Conclusions These data suggest that oxygen radicals contribute to the regulation of renal nitric oxide synthesis, contributing to renal artery vasoconstriction following hemorrhage/reperfusion injury.
Electron velocity overshoot in GaAs studied by subpicosecond Raman spectroscopy: carrier density dependence

Electron transient transport in a GaAs-based p-i-n nanostructure under the application of an electric field has been studied by transient Raman spectroscopy at T equals 80 K. The non-equilibrium electron distribution function and electron drift velocity were measured at an applied electric field intensity of E equals 25 kV/cm and for various injected electron-hole pair densities ranging from 1017 cm-3 to 1019 cm-3. Our experimental results show that, the electron distribution is very much out of equilibrium for n is congruent to 1017 cm-3; however, as the electron-hole pair density increase the electron distribution function approaches that of the equilibrium case, in particular, as the carrier density increases to n is congruent to 1019 cm-3, electron distribution becomes very much in equilibrium and electron drift velocity becomes almost zero. These results have been explained by the effects of momentum randomization and screening of effective electron field by the injected electron-hole pairs.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Reduced expression and proteolytic susceptibility of lubricin/superficial zone protein may explain early elevation in the coefficient of friction in the joints of rats with antigen-induced arthritis.

Objective To investigate the effect of arthritis development and progression on the integrity and function of lubricin and the relationship of lubricin to cartilage damage in a rat antigen-induced arthritis model. Methods Arthritis was induced in the right knee joints, using methylated bovine serum albumin and Freund's complete adjuvant. Whole joint friction measurements were performed ex vivo with a modified Stanton pendulum configuration, and coefficients of friction (μ) were determined. Levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) for lubricin, cathepsin B, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in synovial tissue from control and affected joints were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Lubricin staining in cartilage was performed using a lubricin-specific monoclonal antibody. Results The μ values in excised right joints following arthritis induction were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than those in excised left joints. Lubricin mRNA expression levels in synovial tissue on days 4 and 7 after arthritis induction were significantly (P < 0.001) lower in the right joints compared with the left joints, whereas levels of cathepsin B and IL-1β mRNA expression on days 4, 7, and 14 were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in the right joints than the left joints. Lubricin staining was diminished in cartilage from the right joints compared with the left joints. Conclusion Elevated coefficients of friction in arthritic joints occur concurrently with enhanced proteolytic degradation by up-regulated cathepsin B and other proteases, as well as decreased lubricin synthesis by synovial fibroblasts and superficial zone chondrocytes. Loss of joint lubrication is an early event in inflammatory arthropathy. Restoring chondroprotection and preventing potential wear-induced cartilage degradation may require lubricin supplementation in synovial fluid.
Optical Indices of Pyrolytic Tin-Oxide Glass

SnO2:F is a widely used transparent conductor and commercially available in a multilayer structure as Tech glass. Current applications include photovoltaics, electrochromics and displays. Optical design of these and other applications requires knowledge of the optical constants, in some cases, over the whole solar spectrum. Various optical property measurements were performed including variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry, and spectral transmittance and reflectance measurements. This material is deposited in several steps and has a fairly complex structure. The measured data were fit to models based on this structure to obtain the optical indices. Atomic force microscopy confirmed the optically modeled surface roughness.
Solving graph problems with dynamic computation structures

We introduce dynamic computation structures (DCS), a compilation technique to produce dynamic code for reconfigurable computing. DCS specializes directed graph instances into user-level hardware for reconfigurable architectures. Several problems such as shortest path and transitive closure exhibit the general properties of closed semirings, an algebraic structure for solving directed paths. Motivating our application domain choice of closed semiring problems is the fact that logic emulation software already maps a special case of directed graphs, namely logic netlists, onto arrays of field programmable gate arrays (FPGA). A certain type of logic emulation software called virtual wires further allows an FPGA array to be viewed as a machine-independent computing fabric. Thus, a virtual wires compiler, coupled with front-end commercial behavioral logic synthesis software, enables automatic behavioral compilation into a multi-FPGA computing fabric. We have implemented a DCS front-end compiler to parallelize the entire inner loop of the classic Bellman-Ford algorithm into synthesizable behavioral verilog. Leveraging virtual wire compilation and behavioral synthesis, we have automatically generated designs of 14 to 261 FPGAs from a single graph instance. We achieve speedups proportional to the number of graph edges - - from 10X to almost 400X versus a 125 SPECint SparcStation 10.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Case report 824

Tuberculosis presenting as a soft tissue mass is rare. The diagnosis should be considered in patients with radiographic findings of massive soft tissue swelling and cortical bone destruction. Such patients may present with few clinical findings and have no evidence of prior exposure to tuberculosis or history of immunosuppression. Computed tomography may be of use in distinguishing infection from malignancy.
Tenidap sodium does not alter the clearance or plasma protein binding of tolbutamide in healthy male volunteers.

Abstract 1 This randomised, double-blind, parallel group study in 12 healthy young men compared the effects of tenidap sodium 120 mg day-1, at steady state, with placebo on the plasma protein binding and clearance of tolbutamide. 2 Each subject received a 1000 mg intravenous infusion of tolbutamide given over 5 min on day 1 of the study, and again on day 30 following 22 days of successive tenidap or placebo administration. 3 The percentage of unbound tolbutamide in plasma was determined immediately before each infusion. Mean pharmacokinetic parameters (system plasma clearance, terminal phase rate constant, apparent volume of distribution at steady state) of tolbutamide were derived from individual tolbutamide plasma concentrationtime curves generated after infusion. The within group day 30 minus day 1 differences were compared between treatment groups. 4 Tenidap was shown to have no statistically or clinically significant effects on any of the parameters assessed. These results indicate that tenidap does not induce or inhibit the P450IIC9 isozyme which metabolises tolbutamide and that tenidap does not displace tolbutamide from plasma protein binding sites. 5 Both tenidap and tolbutamide were well tolerated. No severe treatment-related adverse events were reported, no subject withdrew from the study, and there were no reports of treatment-related laboratory abnormalities, or significant variations in vital signs.
Population imbalanced Fermi gases in quasi two dimensions

We study s-wave pairing of population imbalanced Fermi atoms in quasi two dimensions using a mean-field theory. At zero temperature, we map out the phase diagram in the entire Bardeen, Cooper and Schrieffer?Bose?Einstein condensation (BCS?BEC) crossover region by investigating the effect of weak atom tunnelling between layers. We find that the superfluid phase stabilizes as one decreases the atom tunnelling between layers. This allows one to control the superfluid?normal first-order phase transition by tuning a single experimental parameter. Further, we find that a tunnelling induced polarized superfluid phase appears in a narrow parameter region in the BEC regime. At finite temperatures, we use a Landau?Ginzberg functional approach to investigate the possibility of a spatially inhomogeneous Fulde?Ferrel?Larkin?Ovchinnikov (FFLO) phase in the weakly interacting BCS limit near the tricritical point of spatially homogenous superfluid, FFLO and normal phases. We find that the normal?FFLO phase transition is the first-order transition as opposed to the continuous transition predicted in zero-temperature theories.
Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of antibody to the parasitic dinoflagellate Amyloodinium ocellatum in Oreochromis aureus

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using antibody to affinity-purified Oreochromis aureus immunoglobulin and antigens from the parasitic dinoflagellate amyloodinium ocellatum was developed. The ELISA was then used to evaluate the immune response of the tilapine fish to immunization with the parasite. Fish immunized with antigens of the dinospore stage, either live or sonicated, produced a specific immune response that was detectable by this ELISA. Combinations of serial dilutions of A. ocellatum antigen and fish anti-A. ocellatum serum were examined to determine which dilutions provided optimal differentiation of seropositive from seronegative fish. Fresh and heat-inactivated serum from both seropositive and seronegative fish produced similar results.
A reflection principle with applications to proper holomorphic mappings

j = l holomorphic mappings from B, into B k. We then apply this principle to the problem of characterizing the proper holomorphic mappings from B, into B k. Two such mappings f and g are said to be equivalent if there exist holomorphic automorphisms ~b and ~p of B, and Bk, respectively, such that f=~pogo49. There are at present three significant papers on the subject. The first by Alexander [1] proves that i f f is a proper holomorphic mapping of B, into B, then f is a holomorphic automorphism of B,. Webster I-5] proved that for n > 3, i f f is a proper holomorphic mapping of B, into B,+ 1 which is C3(/]) then f maps B, into a hyperplane in r Hence using Alexander's result and properties of the holomorphic automorphisms, f is equivalent to the mapping (zl ,z2, . . . ,z , ) "--~(ZI,Z2,...,Zn, O ). Alexander's example (zl ,z2)-~(z2,]/~zlz2,z 2) shows that Webster's result does not hold for n = 2. In a recent paper, Faran [2] has characterized all proper holomorphic mappings f from B 2 to B 3 that satisfy the additional smoothness condition feC3(/~2). He proves that such mappings are equivalent to one of the four mappings (z, w) --,(z, w, 0), (z, w)---~(z, zw, w2), (z, w)---r(z 2, l/~zw, w2),
Effects of design parameters on geared two-link mechanisms

Abstract The design of a specialized agricultural harvesting machine required the use of a path generation mechanism that was compact, accurate, inexpensive to manufacture and difficult attempts involved the use of a cam and follower, but they were expensive to manufacture and difficult to operate. This paper discusses an alternative method of using a coupled, open loop, two-link mechanism to generate a polygon-like closed path (pseudo-polygon) with an integer number of curved sides and apexes. A complete development of the path and path curvaturei equations are presented. The influence of the design variables on the coupler shape (flatness of each side) is shown in equation and design chart form. An example of a successful application of this design method applied to a plant cutting mechanism is presented.
Response to Comment on “Beyond Medications and Diet: Alternative Approaches to Lowering Blood Pressure: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association”

We thank Dr Hudnut1 for the letter and important points on our review of acupuncture in the recent American Heart Association scientific statement “Beyond Medications and Diet: Alternative Approaches to Lowering Blood Pressure.”2 In the introduction, we did forthright acknowledge the difficulties inherent in performing trials for many of the alternative approaches, such as identifying appropriate control groups.2 These barriers hinder the capacity and reliability to objectively determine the independent efficacy of these approaches to lower blood pressure, in particular acupuncture. An additional concern seems to be the relatively few citations in the article to support our conclusions on …
A polarity-correlation system for fast-reactor noise studies

Abstract A system consisting of a detector signal amplifier, polarity sampler and associated gating circuitry has been designed and tested in a fast reactor application to do noise studies by polarity correlation techniques. System versatility and accurate signal processing were emphasized. Noise studies and reactivity measurements have been done with this equipment utilizing the cross correlation and low frequency coherence techniques.
Adaptive input shaping for maneuvering flexible structures

In the control of flexible structures many methods are used to reduce residual vibration due to the excitation of flexible modes. Input shaping, a feed-forward method, typically convolves the input with a sequence of impulses that are independent of the system maneuver. While reducing the residual vibration, input shaping extends the duration of the maneuver command by the length of the input shaper. This paper explores the idea of adaptive input shaping which allows a fast input shaper to be used while providing robustness to parameter uncertainty by tuning the shaper to the flexible mode frequency. The adaptive input shaping method presented can adapt between maneuvers or during maneuvers. Analysis yields a large range of convergence that is verified by simulation and shows this method to be less complex than other adaptive approaches.
Leishmania amazonensis: the phagocytosis of amastigotes by macrophages

In the present study, we examine the cell biology of Leishmania amastigote uptake by mammalian cells and compare this process to the phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized erythrocytes. We report that many aspects of amastigote uptake into macrophages resemble classical receptor-mediated phagocytosis. Parasite uptake requires energy expenditure by macrophages but not by parasites. Treating macrophages to prevent either energy metabolism or actin polymerization prevents amastigote uptake. The uptake of amastigotes by macrophages involves the colocalization of f-actin, paxillin, and talin to phagocytic cups that are formed around amastigotes during internalization. Treatment of macrophages with genestein, to inhibit protein phosphorylation, prevents amastigote uptake, indicating that this process, like receptor-mediated phagocytosis, depends on protein tyrosine phosphorylation. However, the amount and the pattern of protein tyrosine phosphorylation observed during amastigote uptake by macrophages is reduced relative to that observed during IgG-erythrocyte phagocytosis. The uptake of viable, but not heat-killed amastigotes, is associated with a decrease in the intensity of several specific macrophage proteins that are phosphorylated on tyrosine residues. In summary, although many features of amastigote uptake by macrophages resemble classical receptor-mediated phagocytosis, differences in macrophage protein phosphorylation during amastigote phagocytosis may contribute to the unique aspects of amastigote uptake and intracellular survival in macrophages.
Visualization of nucleolar organizer regions im mammalian chromosomes using silver staining

A simple ammoniacal silver staining procedure, designated Ag-AS, differentially stains the chromosomal locations of ribosomal DNA in certain mammalian species. This was critically demonstrated by Ag-AS staining of the nucleolus organizer regions in karyotypes of the same species and cell lines used for locating the ribosomal cistrons by DNA/RNA in situ hybridization. With Ag-AS, silver stained NORs (Ag-NORs) are visualized as black spherical bodies on yellow-brown chromosome arms. Ag-NORs were visualized throughout mitosis at the secondary constrictions in the rat kangaroo, Seba's fruit bat, Indian muntjac, and Rhesus monkey. The Chinese hamster and cattle have telomeric Ag-NORs, the mouse subcentromeric Ag-NORs, and the field vole Ag-NORs as minute short arms or choromosomal satellites. Ag-NORs occur at both secondary constrictions and at telomeres in the cotton rat. Variability in Ag-NOR pattern included differences in the number of Ag-NORs per cell within a cell population, size of Ag-NORs among chromosomes of a complement, and presence of Ag-NOR on particular chromosomes in two cell lines of the Chinese hamster. The available cytochemical data suggest that the Ag-AS reaction stains chromosomal proteins at the NOR rather than the rDNA itself.
Integrating music into small-group book reading activities increases the engagement of students with autism

Abstracted from: Carnahan, S., Basham, J., & Musti-Rao, S. (2009). A low technology strategy for increasing engagement of students with autism and significant learning needs. Exceptionality, 17, 76–87. Source of funding: No funding sources were reported by the authors.
Novel antioxidant compounds from tart cherries (Prunus cerasus)

As indicated by an Fe(II)-induced liposome peroxidation bioassay, the EtOAc extract of tart cherries (Prunus cerasus) was found to have strong antioxidant activity. Purification of this extract afforded chlorogenic acid methyl ester (1) and three novel compounds, 2-hydroxy-3-(o-hydroxyphenyl) propanoic acid (2); 1-(3‘,4‘-dihydroxycinnamoyl)-cyclopenta-2,5-diol (3), and 1-(3‘,4‘-dihydroxycinnamoyl)-cyclopenta-2,3-diol (4), as determined by their spectral data. At a 20-μM concentration, the antioxidant activities of compounds 3 and 4 were comparable to the antioxidant activities of caffeic acid, whereas compound 1 showed activity similar to chlorogenic acid. Also, these compounds showed antioxidant activities similar to the commercial antioxidants tert-butylhydroquinone and butylated hydroxytoluene. However, compound 2 was not active when tested at a 100-μM concentration.
Bone mineral content and mineral metabolism during cyclosporine treatment of nephrotic Syndrome.

Objective Although cyclosporine (Cy) has been associated with bone loss following transplantation, its effects on bone in growing children are largely unknown. Study design Thirty-seven patients (2-16 years of age) with remitting nephrotic syndrome (NS), n = 16 receiving Cy for 39 ± 27 months and n = 21 without Cy, underwent mineral metabolism and bone turnover assessment. In 28 of 37 patients, bone mineral density (BMD) was obtained while off corticosteroid therapy (Rx). Results Urinary calcium (Ca), phosphate (PO 4 ), and magnesium (Mg) excretion was normal, but serum Mg was lower in patients receiving Cy (1.8 ± 0.1 v 1.95 ± 0.2 mg/dL, P Z scores were similar at the spine (−0.45 ± 0.74 v 0.04 ± 0.9) and femur (−0.17 ± 0.52 v 0.38 ± 1.28) with no Z score P Z scores. Length of Cy-Rx and time elapsed from onset of NS did not correlate with BMD, height Z score, or markers of bone turnover. Conclusions In growing children with NS, during long-term Cy-Rx urinary wasting of Ca and Mg was absent and bone density was preserved.
Chloroplast and cytoplasmic enzymes. II. Pea leaf triose phosphate isomerases.

Abstract 1. 1. The predominant forms of pea (Pisum sativum) leaf chloroplast and cytoplasmic triose phosphate isomerases ( d -glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate ketol-isomerase, EC 5.3.1.1), separated by isoelectric focusing, have been characterized. 2. 2. With glyceraldehyde-3-P as substrate the two isoenzymes have broad, but not identical pH activity curves; the pH optimum for the chloroplast enzyme is 7.8, for the cytoplasmic enzyme, 7.1. The Km for d - glyceraldehyde -3-P is 0.42 mM for the chloroplast, and 0.20 mM for the cytoplasmic enzyme. For dihydroxyacetone-P the Km's are 1.1 and 0.39 mM, respectively. 3. 3. Both forms of the enzyme are inhibited competitively (with glyceraldehyde-3-P as substrate) by several common metabolites. The number and nature of these compounds suggests that metabolic intermediates exert a cumulative effect on the activity of the triose-P isomerases, acting concertedly to modulate the activity of these enzymes in the green leaf.
Morphological Analysis of Pancreatic Cystic Masses

Rationale and Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the morphology of pancreatic cystic masses detected on multi–detector row computed tomography (MDCT) to determine whether single-dimension measurements of these masses are accurate reflections of their volumes. Materials and Methods Twenty-five pancreatic cystic masses detected on MDCT in 25 patients were evaluated. Pancreatic cysts were segmented on MDCT using commercially available software. All measurements were obtained twice by two independent investigators, and the means of values for segmented cyst volume (Vs) (milliliters), maximum transaxial diameter (millimeters), and elongation value (defined as 1 − [width/length], where 1 = ellipsoid and 0 = spherical) were reported for each cystic lesion. The volume of each cyst was also calculated (Vc) using the maximum transaxial diameter, with the hypothesis that the cyst was spherical. Student's t test was used to analyze the differences between values of Vs and Vc. Bland-Altman plots and Lin's concordance correlation were used to assess agreement between different measurement techniques. A P value Results There was a significant difference between Vs and Vc (P Conclusions The results suggest that pancreatic cystic masses are not spherical. Therefore, a cyst's single largest transaxial dimension is not an accurate surrogate of its actual volume.