cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Focused-ion-beam-based rapid prototyping of nanoscale magnetic devices

In this tutorial, focused-ion-beam (FIB)-based fabrication is considered from a very unconventional angle. FIB is considered not as a fabrication tool that can be used for mass production of electronic devices, similar to optical and E-beam—based lithography, but rather as a powerful tool to rapidly fabricate individual nanoscale magnetic devices for prototyping future electronic applications. Among the effects of FIB-based fabrication of magnetic devices, the influence of Ga+-ion implantation on magnetic properties is presented. With help of magnetic force microscopy (MFM), it is shown that there is a critical doze of ions that a magnetic material can be exposed to without experiencing a change in the magnetic properties. Exploiting FIB from such an unconventional perspective is especially favourable today when the future of so many novel technologies depends on the ability to rapidly fabricate prototype nanoscale magnetic devices. As one of the most illustrative examples, the multi-billion-dollar data storage industry is analysed as the technology field that strongly benefited from implementing FIB in the above-described role. The essential role of FIB in the most recent trend of the industry towards perpendicular magnetic recording is presented. Moreover, other emerging and fast-growing technologies are considered as examples of nanoscale technologies whose future could strongly depend on the implementation of FIB in the role of a nanoscale fabrication tool for rapid prototyping. Among the other described technologies are 'ballistic' magnetoresistance, patterned magnetic media, magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), and magnetic force microscopy.
System-level simulation of a solar power tower plant with thermocline thermal energy storage

A thermocline tank is a low-cost thermal energy storage subsystem for concentrating solar power plants that typically utilizes molten salt and quartzite rock as storage media. Long-term thermal stability of the storage concept remains a design concern. A new model is developed to provide comprehensive simulation of thermocline tank operation at low computational cost, addressing deficiencies with previous models in the literature. The proposed model is then incorporated into a system-level model of a 100 MWe power tower plant to investigate storage performance during long-term operation. Solar irradiance data, taken from measurements for the year 1977 near Barstow, CA, are used as inputs to the simulation. The heliostat field and solar receiver are designed with DELSOL, while the transient receiver performance is simulated with SOLERGY. A meteorological year of plant simulation with a 6-h capacity for the thermocline tank storage yields an annual plant capacity factor of 0.531. The effectiveness of the thermocline tank at storing and delivering heat is sustained above 99% throughout the year, indicating that thermal stratification inside the tank is successfully maintained under realistic operating conditions. Despite its good thermal performance, structural stability of the thermocline tank remains a concern due to the large thermal expansion of the internal quartzite rock at elevated molten-salt temperatures, and requires further investigation.
Techniques for intraoperative radiation therapy for early-stage breast carcinoma

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) is a method of accelerated partial breast irradiation developed to replace other longer courses of radiotherapy with a single radiation session administered at the time of breast-conserving surgery. The purpose of this review is to summarize the advantages and disadvantages of breast IORT techniques that are currently available, as well to consider potential alternative techniques for breast IORT or ultra-short course breast radiotherapy. Furthermore, we highlight the published outcomes for the IORT treatment approaches including: electron therapy, superficial photon therapy and other techniques. Potential future directions of IORT are explored including novel IORT techniques utilizing intraoperative brachytherapy with in-room imaging and rapid treatment planning.
Semiconductor Isotope Engineering

Isotopic control of semiconductor crystals offers a wide range of scientific and technical opportunities. We review neutron transmutation doping of natural and isotopically controlled semiconductor structures, special properties of isotope superlattices, the effect of host isotopes on local vibrational modes of low mass impurities, and intrinsic properties which depend on isotope mass and isotopic composition of single crystals.
1645 RENAL BICARBONATE HANDLING IN NEONATAL PIGS DURING NORMOXIC RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS AND ALKALOSIS

1645 RENAL BICARBONATE HANDLING IN NEONATAL PIGS DURING NORMOXIC RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS AND ALKALOSIS
Analysis of total oil in soybeans: a new equilibrium extraction method and the effect of particle size.

A new method of total oil analysis is proposed in which the solvent was equilibrated with dissolved oil inside and outside of soybean particles rather than exhaustively removing all oil. By filtering, evaporating, weighing and multiplying by a factor (based on total miscella volume/sample volume) a satisfactory analysis could be done. Particle size was found to have a profound effect on amounts of oil in soybeans extracted by a conventional procedure. Sieving ground, dehulled soybeans into three particle sizes gave 15.3, 21.9 and 24.8% oil for >40 mesh, 40–100 mesh and <100 mesh, respectively, and 23.1% oil for the unsieved sample. Evidence is presented to support the idea that the amount of oil found in the smallest particle size was the true oil content of the soybeans analyzed. Using the equilibrium method to analyze the <100 mesh particles led to a rapid and economical analysis procedure. A comparison of the equilibrium and exhaustive extraction methods showed the exhaustive extraction gave a consistently larger oil content but less than 1% larger. The difference could be attributed to phospholipid.
Exploring Continuum Models of Ion and Peptide Interactions with the Membrane

Experimental and computational studies have shown that cellular membranes deform to stabilize the inclusion of transmembrane (TM) proteins harboring charge. Recent analysis suggests that membrane bending helps to expose charged and polar residues to the aqueous environment and polar head groups. We previously used elasticity theory to identify membrane distortions that minimize the insertion of charged TM peptides into the membrane. Here, we extend our work to consider the energetics of ion and small peptide penetration into the membrane. First, we show that our continuum method accurately reproduces energy profiles and membrane shapes generated from molecular simulations of bare ion permeation at a fraction of the computational cost. Next, we demonstrate that the apparent linear dependence of bare ion insertion energy on membrane thickness arises primarily from the elastic property of the membrane. Moreover, the continuum model readily provides free energy decompositions, still an obstacle for traditional molecular dynamics (MD). Finally, we show that the energetics of membrane deformation strongly depend on membrane patch size both for ions and peptides. This work therefore presents a novel, computationally efficient method for simulating the dynamics of small molecule and peptide interactions with the membrane bilayer.
Effects of the atypical neuroleptic clozapine on micturition parameters in anesthetized rats.

Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic, has resulted in a number of reports of urinary disturbances in the clinical literature. We examined the effects of clozapine on urodynamic parameters in the anesthetized rat and compared the effects to those of the typical antipsychotic haloperidol and the selective D2 and D4 antagonists, raclopride and L-745,870, respectively. Clozapine abolished high-frequency oscillations (HFO) during the expulsion phase, and profoundly altered a number of other parameters (e.g., intercontraction interval and resting pressure). Clozapine did not affect the peak contraction pressure during cystometrograms but displayed peripheral inhibition of bladder contractions elicited by electrical stimulation of the pelvic nerve (possibly mediated via clozapine's anti-muscarinic effects). Haloperidol had less potent effects than clozapine since it reduced the amplitude of HFO to 25% of control and also affected several other parameters but without peripheral bladder inhibition. Raclopride only resulted in a modest decrease (approximately 70% of control) in the HFO and no alteration in other parameters. L-745,870 was effective only at highest dose tested suggesting that it might not be acting selectively at D4 receptors. Therefore, we propose that clozapine primarily interferes with the function of the external urethral sphincter. These effects can only be partly explained through antagonism of D2 receptors. Since both clozapine and haloperidol have interactions with other transmitter systems beside dopamine, we suggest that central antagonism of D2 receptors, coupled to central antagonism of another receptor system and peripheral muscarinic receptor blockade, may account for clozapine's potent effects on micturition. Neurourol. Urodynam. 20:623–639, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Designing for Reliability

The achievement of reliability is a goal that must be pursued from the very beginning of the system design project. The first step is to consider each individual component to be used in the system and to critically analyze its capabilities and limitations. The second step in the design project is to determine the applications of these components that tend to take advantage of the best capabilities of these components and avoid their worst limitations. This report lists brief analyses of components and the resulting component applications that have been made by the staff of Lincoln Laboratory over a period of several years. The third and final phase of the design project is the actual electronic circuit design, based on the component analyses and applications notes derived earlier and predicated on the achievement of high reliability. The thorough design method developed by Lincoln Laboratory is described in detail. This method provides reasonable component tolerances and adequate safety margins, and incorporates marginal checking throughout the design process. A detailed
Compressible response of thin liquid film/porous substrate first walls in IFE reactors

Abstract The compressible response of a thin film of liquid subjected to a rapid surface pressure pulse and isochoric nuclear heating is investigated in an attempt to determine the spallation behavior. The use of such films to protect the cavity wall of inertial confinement fusion reactors is currently envisioned. The magnitude and temporal dependence of the surface pressure impulse and nuclear heating are estimated based on data from the Prometheus-L, Osirus and Hiball design studies, all of which use the thin film wall protection concept. Compressible hydrodynamic calculations are performed with the CFDLIB code package from LANL. In both the Prometheus and Osirus cases, no spallation is predicted based on the results of these calculations. However, calculated tensile stresses are less than an order of magnitude below theoretical limits, and uncertainties in data and material behavior may push the film response closer to spallation.
Androgen deficiency: effects on body composition

Published data on the effects of androgen deficiency and testosterone administration on body composition in men and women are reviewed. In experimental paradigms, androgen deprivation decreases lean body mass and increases fat mass in men, and physiologic replacement reverses these abnormalities. The anabolic effects of testosterone administration on muscle in men are well-established, and current understanding of the underlying mechanisms are discussed. Randomized, placebo-controlled studies have been performed to investigate the effects of testosterone administration on body composition in a number of male hypogonadal states, including HIV-associated weight loss, supraphysiologic glucocorticoid administration, aging and obesity, with variable outcomes, and the results are reviewed. There are few data investigating the effects of hypoandrogenemia or androgen replacement on body composition in women, in whom endogenous testosterone levels are a fraction of those in men. A recent randomized, placebo-controlled study of physiologic testosterone replacement therapy in women with profound hypoandrogenemia due to hypopituitarism demonstrated an increase in skeletal muscle mass but no change in body fat. Further research is needed to establish the effects of endogenous androgens on the regulation of body composition in women.
Zirconium(IV) dilanthanum(III) penta­sulfide

Zirconium(IV) dilanthanum(III) penta­sulfide, ZrLa2S5, crystallizes with four formula units in the space group Pnma in the U3S5 structure type. The asymmetric unit comprises one Zr, one La and four S atoms. The Zr and three S atoms are situated on mirror planes. The structure consists of LaS8 face-sharing bicapped distorted trigonal prisms and ZrS7 edge-sharing monocapped octa­hedra.
Involucrin gene of tarsioids and other primates: alternatives in evolution of the segment of repeats.

Abstract The involucrin genes of the prosimian primates and of the anthropoid primates possess nonhomologous segments of repeats located at two different sites, P and M, within the coding region. The involucrin gene of the tarsioids alone contains repeats at both sites, for it derived repeats at site P from a common ancestor of tarsioids and prosimians and a repeat at site M from a later common ancestor of tarsioids and anthropoids. After their divergence from the tarsioids, the anthropoids added many more repeats to site M and excised the older segment of repeats from site P; in contrast, the tarsioids stopped adding repeats at site M, retained the earlier segment of repeats at site P, and enlarged it. In the revision of their involucrin genes, the two lineages followed alternative routes. The mechanisms by which the revisions took place have been subject to abrupt onset or termination.
Quantitative DFT modeling of the enantiomeric excess for dioxirane-catalyzed epoxidations

Herein we report the first fully quantum mechanical study of enantioselectivity for a large data set. We show that transition state modeling at the UB3LYP-DFT/6-31G* level of theory can accurately model enantioselectivity for various dioxirane-catalyzed asymmetric epoxidations. All the synthetically useful high selectivities are successfully "predicted" by this method. Our results hint at the utility of this method to further model other asymmetric reactions and facilitate the discovery process for the experimental organic chemist. Our work suggests the possibility of using computational methods not simply to explain organic phenomena, but also to predict them quantitatively.
Operative techniques for gliomas and the value of extent of resection

Refinement of neurosurgical technique has enabled safer operations with more aggressive outcomes. One cornerstone of modern-day practice is the utilization of intraoperative stimulation mapping. In addition to identifying critical motor pathways, this technique can be adapted to reliably identify language pathways. Given the individual variability of cortical language localization, such awake language mapping is essential to minimize language deficits following tumor resection. Our experience suggests that cortical language mapping is a safe and efficient adjunct to optimize tumor resection while preserving essential language sites, even in the setting of negative mapping data. However, the value of maximizing glioma resections remains surprisingly unclear, as there is no general consensus in the literature regarding the efficacy of extent of glioma resection in improving patient outcome. While the importance of resection in obtaining tissue diagnosis and alleviating symptoms is clear, a lack of Class I evidence prevents similar certainty in assessing the influence of extent of resection. Beyond an analysis of modern intraoperative mapping techniques, we examine every major clinical publication since 1990 on the role of extent of resection in glioma outcome. The mounting evidence suggests that, despite persistent limitations in the quality of available studies, a more extensive surgical resection is associated with longer life expectancy for both low-grade and high-grade gliomas.
Seasonal and Spatial Distribution of Bacteria, Chlorophyll, and Nutrients in Nearshore Lake Michigan

Abstract Bacterial abundances and metabolic activity were related to chlorophyll concentrations, nutrient concentrations, and the physical environment in the vicinity of the Grand River discharge into Lake Michigan. The results show that bacteria and phytoplankton displayed almost opposite seasonal and spatial distributions. Bacterial abundances were at their annual high in the late summer and early fall when chlorophyll concentrations and primary productivity were at a seasonal low and nutrient concentrations were at their annual nadir. These results indicate that bacterial populations were not highly stimulated by the presence of algae or algal extracelluar excretions. However, a complete separation of bacterial and algal dynamics was difficult because of the ecological overlap between microalgae (less than 3 μ in diameter) and bacterioplankton. Analysis of bacterial abundance, chlorophyll concentration, and glucose uptake by size fractions showed that Lake Michigan has an abundant crop of microalgae. These microalgae were difficult to separate from the bacterioplankton. The glucose uptake data by size class suggested a significant portion of dark heterotrophy was conducted by algae.
Ribonuclease P of Tetrahymena thermophila.

Abstract Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is responsible for the generation of mature 5′ termini of tRNA. The RNA component of this complex encodes the enzymatic activity in bacteria and is itself catalytically active under appropriate conditions in vitro. The role of the subunits in eucaryotes has not yet been established. We have partially purified RNase P activity from the ciliate protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila to learn more about the biochemical characteristics of RNase P from a lower eucaryote. The Tetrahymena RNase P displays a pH optimum and temperature optimum characteristic of RNase P enzymes isolated from other organisms. The Km of the T. thermophila enzyme for pre-tRNAGln is 1.6 × 10−7 M, which is comparable to the values reported for other examples of RNase P. The Tetrahymena RNase P is a ribonucleoprotein complex, as supported by its sensitivity to micrococcal nuclease and proteinase K. The buoyant density of the enzyme in Cs2SO4 is 1.42 g/ml, which suggests that the RNA component of the Tetrahymena enzyme comprises a significantly greater percentage of the holoenzyme than that determined for RNase P of other Eucarya or Archaea. The holoenzyme has a requirement for divalent cations displaying characteristics that are unique for RNase P but closely resemble preferences reported for the Tetrahymena group I intron RNA. Puromycin inhibits pre-tRNA processing by the Tetrahymena complex, and implications of the similarities between recognition of tRNA by ribosomal components and RNase P are discussed.
Repetitive doses of activated charcoal in the treatment of poisoning

Activated charcoal has found a renewed role in the management of overdosed patients. Routinely administered to reduce the gastrointestinal (GI) absorption of many drugs, growing evidence indicates that repeated doses of charcoal also may enhance drug elimination. Some drugs are excreted into the bile or gastric fluids (phencyclidine, digoxin) and are reabsorbed. Other drugs (theophylline, phenobarbital) can diffuse from the plasma into the lumen of the GI tract. Activated charcoal is administered at regular intervals to sequester these toxins in the GI tract, eventually causing their excretion in feces. This article reviews the evidence for the safety and efficacy of repetitive charcoal therapy. While supportive management remains the mainstay of therapy in poisoned patients, activated charcoal is inexpensive, effective, simple to administer, and may obviate the need for more invasive methods of toxin removal.
The effect of sequential inhalations of metaproterenol aerosol in asthma

Abstract In 19 asthmatic patients, three inhalations of metaproterenol (0.65 mg per puff) followed by placebo at 10 and 20 min were compared with one inhalation of the drug every 10 min for the same total of three doses. Metaproterenol 0.65 mg produced just as much increase of 1-sec forced expiratory volume (FEV 1 ) as did the much larger dose (1.95 mg), but each subsequent inhalation of the drug produced further, significant increase of FEV 1 suggesting better penetration of the bronchodilator aerosol after some bronchodilation had been achieved. After completion of treatment, the FEV 1 was significantly higher when the drug was given sequentially rather than all at once. These data have important implications with respect to the utilization of bronchodilator aerosols in the treatment of asthma and indicate the unsuitability of sequential inhalation for study of dose response of these agents.
A novel external electrode configuration for the electrostatic actuation of MEMS based devices

A novel external electrode concept is introduced and compared with the conventional and often used parallel plate electrode scheme for the electrostatic actuation of micro-electromechanical devices. In contrast to conventional parallel plate actuation, the presented external electrode configuration allows controlled operation of electrostatic actuators over their entire range of motion by avoiding electrostatic instability. The test vehicle for studying deflection versus voltage is a cantilevered beam with a free end, i.e. the worst-case scenario from a stability standpoint. Modeling and fabrication of test devices is discussed and experimental results are presented.
Aggressive proximal tibio-fibular joint ganglion cyst after a total knee arthroplasty--a case report.

Abstract Although the knee is a common location, a ganglion cyst arising from the proximal tibio-fibular joint (PTFJ) is relatively rarer. Unique diagnostic and management difficulties are encountered as these can extend into subcutaneous tissue, or spread along peroneal muscles and nerve, or erode adjacent bone. We report here a PTFJ ganglion cyst which was indolent for at least 12 years and then caused destructive and expansile changes in the fibula over a period of 6 years after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA), simulating a malignancy. Although no wear or foreign body reaction could be shown, this alarming progression of a PTFJ ganglion cyst in the fibula after the TKA is a noteworthy association, and has not been recognized and reported before. Awareness of such a lesion can aid in the diagnosis and prevent unnecessary aggressive management.
Apparent duration and numerosity as a function of melodic familiarity.

Measurements of the apparent duration, numerosity, familiarity, predictability, and organization of musical sequences were obtained to resolve conflicting claims about the effects of stimulus variables on duration judgments and to assess whether subjective number is an effective mediating variable underlying duration judgments. Intervals filled with perceptually familiar, organized, and predictable sequences of musical notes were judged by verbal estimation and, in most cases, by magnitude estimation to be longer and to have more notes than their perceptually unfamiliar reverse counterparts. The relationship between perceived and physical duration or number is consistent with Stevens’s law, with exponents typical of reported values. Temporal and numerosity exponents derived from verbal estimates, but not from magnitude estimates, were higher for familiar, organized, and predictable sequences, but only when sequences were not paired with their reverse counterparts. Exponents and intercepts were not independent, but were inversely related; both may be needed to describe the duration and numerosity data.
Polarized absorption spectrum and intensity analysis of trivalent neodymium in sodium β″ alumina

Abstract The polarized absorption spectra and intensities of trivalent neodymium-doped sodium β″ alumina (Nd3+ :SBA) were obtained and analyzed using a modified Judd-Ofelt theoretical approach. The sigma and pi polarized intensity parameters show that the behavior of Nd3+ ions in the uniaxial crystal is somewhat complex.
Inhibition of mTOR complex 2 induces GSK3/FBXW7-dependent degradation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) and suppresses lipogenesis in cancer cells

Cancer cells feature increased de novo lipogenesis. Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), when presented in its mature form (mSREBP1), enhances lipogenesis by increasing transcription of several of its target genes. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, are master regulators of cellular survival, growth and metabolism. A role for mTORC1 in the regulation of SREBP1 activity has been suggested; however, the connection between mTORC2 and SREBP1 has not been clearly established and hence is the focus of this study. mTOR kinase inhibitors (for example, INK128), which inhibit both mTORC1 and mTORC2, decreased mSREBP1 levels in various cancer cell lines. Knockdown of rictor, but not raptor, also decreased mSREBP1. Consistently, reduced mSREBP1 levels were detected in cells deficient in rictor or Sin1 compared with parent or rictor-deficient cells with re-expression of ectopic rictor. Hence it is mTORC2 inhibition that causes mSREBP1 reduction. As a result, expression of the mSREBP1 target genes acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty-acid synthase was suppressed, along with suppressed lipogenesis in cells exposed to INK128. Moreover, mSREBP1 stability was reduced in cells treated with INK128 or rictor knockdown. Inhibition of proteasome, GSK3 or the E3 ubiquitin ligase, FBXW7, prevented mSREBP1 reduction induced by mTORC2 inhibition. Thus mTORC2 inhibition clearly facilitates GSK3-dependent, FBXW7-mediated mSREBP1 degradation, leading to mSREBP1 reduction. Accordingly, we conclude that mTORC2 positively regulates mSREBP1 stability and lipogenesis. Our findings reveal a novel biological function of mTORC2 in the regulation of lipogenesis and warrant further study in this direction.
Interaction of nitrate and folate on the risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women.

Ingested nitrate can be endogenously reduced to nitrite, which may form N-nitroso compounds, known potent carcinogens. However, some studies have reported no or inverse associations between dietary nitrate intake and cancer risk. These associations may be confounded by a protective effect of folate, which plays a vital role in DNA repair. We evaluated the interaction of dietary and water nitrate intake with total folate intake on breast cancer risk in the Iowa Women's Health Study. Dietary intake was assessed at study baseline. Nitrate intake from public water was assessed using a historical database on Iowa municipal water supplies. After baseline exclusions, 34,388 postmenopausal women and 2,875 incident breast cancers were included. Overall, neither dietary nor water nitrate was associated with breast cancer risk. Among those with folate intake ≥400 μg/day, breast cancer risk was significantly increased in public water users with the highest nitrate quintile (HR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.05–1.87) and private ...
Synstatin: a selective inhibitor of the syndecan-1-coupled IGF1R-αvβ3 integrin complex in tumorigenesis and angiogenesis.

The syndecans are a family of heparan-sulfate-decorated cell surface proteoglycans, matrix receptors with roles in cell adhesion and growth factor signaling. Their heparan sulfate chains recognize “heparin-binding” motifs ubiquitously present in the extracellular matrix (ECM), providing the means for syndecans to constitutively bind and cluster to sites of cell-matrix adhesion. Emerging evidence suggests that specialized docking sites in the syndecan extracellular domains may serve to localize other receptors to these sites as well, including integrins and growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases. A prototypic example of this mechanism is the capture of the αvβ3 integrin and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) by syndecan-1 (Sdc1) – forming a ternary receptor complex in which signaling downstream of IGF1R activates the integrin. This Sdc1-coupled ternary receptor complex is especially prevalent on tumor cells and activated endothelial cells undergoing angiogenesis, reflecting the upregulated expression of αvβ3 integrin in such cells. As such, much effort has focused on developing therapeutics that target this integrin in various cancers. Along these lines, the site in the Sdc1 ectodomain responsible for capture and activation of the αvβ3 or αvβ5 integrins by IGF1R can be mimicked by a short peptide called “synstatin” (SSTN), which competitively displaces the integrin and IGF1R kinase from the syndecan and inactivates the complex. This review summarizes our current knowledge of the Sdc1-coupled ternary receptor complex and the efficacy of SSTN as an emerging therapeutic to target this signaling mechanism.
Characterization of Glycosylation Profiles of HIV-1 Transmitted/Founder Envelopes by Mass Spectrometry

ABSTRACT The analysis of HIV-1 envelope carbohydrates is critical to understanding their roles in HIV-1 transmission as well as in binding of envelope to HIV-1 antibodies. However, direct analysis of protein glycosylation by glycopeptide-based mass mapping approaches involves structural simplification of proteins with the use of a protease followed by an isolation and/or enrichment step before mass analysis. The successful completion of glycosylation analysis is still a major analytical challenge due to the complexity of samples, wide dynamic range of glycopeptide concentrations, and glycosylation heterogeneity. Here, we use a novel experimental workflow that includes an up-front complete or partial enzymatic deglycosylation step before trypsin digestion to characterize the glycosylation patterns and maximize the glycosylation coverage of two recombinant HIV-1 transmitted/founder envelope oligomers derived from clade B and C viruses isolated from acute infection and expressed in 293T cells. Our results show that both transmitted/founder Envs had similar degrees of glycosylation site occupancy as well as similar glycan profiles. Compared to 293T-derived recombinant Envs from viruses isolated from chronic HIV-1, transmitted/founder Envs displayed marked differences in their glycosylation site occupancies and in their amounts of complex glycans. Our analysis reveals that the glycosylation patterns of transmitted/founder Envs from two different clades (B and C) are more similar to each other than they are to the glycosylation patterns of chronic HIV-1 Envs derived from their own clades.
Rational Curves on Smooth Cubic Hypersurfaces

We prove that the space of rational curves of a fixed degree on any smooth cubic hypersurface of dimension at least four is irreducible and of the expected dimension. Our methods also show that the space of rational curves of a fixed degree on a general hypersurface in of degree 2d ≤ min (n + 4, 2n − 2) and dimension at least three is irreducible and of the expected dimension.
Dithienosilole- and dibenzosilole-thiophene copolymers as semiconductors for organic thin-film transistors.

The synthesis and physicochemical properties of a new class of thiophene/arenesilole-containing π-conjugated polymers are reported. Examples of this new polymer class include the following: poly(2,5-bis(3‘,3‘ ‘-dihexylsilylene-2‘,2‘ ‘-bithieno)thiophene) (TS6T1), poly(2,5‘-bis(3‘ ‘,3‘ ‘‘-dihexylsilylene-2‘ ‘,2‘ ‘‘-bithieno)bithiophene) (TS6T2), poly(2,5‘-bis(2‘ ‘,2‘ ‘‘-dioctylsilylene-1‘ ‘,1‘ ‘‘-biphenyl)thiophene) (BS8T1), and poly(2,5‘-bis(2‘ ‘,2‘ ‘‘-dioctylsilylene-1‘ ‘,1‘ ‘‘-biphenyl)bithiophene) (BS8T2). Organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) with hole carrier mobilities as high as 0.02−0.06 cm2/V s in air, low turn-on voltages, and current on/off ratios >105−106 are fabricated using solution processing techniques with the above polymers as the active channel layer. OFETs based on this polymer class exhibit excellent ambient operational stability.
Hydroceles identified prenatally : Common physiologic phenomenon?

Though the reported frequency of infant hydrocele has varied, the frequency of hydrocele in the fetus has not been studied. Our purpose was to determine the frequency of fetal hydrocele in the third trimester and subsequent outcome. Of the 123 fetuses studied, 19 fetuses had hydroceles. Of these, 14 babies were normal at follow-up, one baby had a persistent hydrocele, and four babies were lost to follow-up. Our study suggests that hydrocele is a relatively common finding in the third trimester in utero. Moreover, it suggests that parents can be reassured that, in the absence of other abnormalities, a hydrocele is usually a physiologic finding which resolves spontaneously.
Drug Use among Primary Alcoholic Veterans

Many people with alcohol dependence use other drugs. However, not much is known about the relationship between their past drug use (not necessarily dependence) and their prognosis following treatment. The goal of this study is first to determine the drug use rates among primary alcoholic men and then to evaluate the possible relationship between past drug use and future alcohol or drug use relapse. As a result, 630 primary alcoholic veterans were recruited from a 28-day inpatient Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program at the San Diego VA Medical Center. Among them, almost two-thirds also had a history of drug use. Subjects were divided into the following four groups which were determined by their lifetime drug use histories: Group I (N = 226) consisted of drug abstainers, Group 2 (N = 142) was made up of alcoholics who had used only marijuana, Group 3 (N = 210) contained stimulant users who had never used opiates, and Group 4 (N = 52) included all opiate users. Comparisons of the four groups at a 3-month foll...
Faculty Views on the Appropriateness of Teaching Undergraduate Psychology Courses Online.

This study examines faculty views concerning the appropriateness of teaching specific undergraduate psychology courses in an online format. Faculty express concern about teaching methodology and counseling/clinical content courses online, but endorse teaching introductory and nonclinical content courses in either format; faculty report diverse views on the extent to which capstone and integrative experiences in psychology can be facilitated in a virtual format. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the growing demand for online psychology course offerings.
Experiments with file accessing techniques

This paper describes a series of experiments designed to be carried out by students in an introductory file processing class. The experiments were class assignments that involved student teams implementing various file accessing techniques. For each implementation, teams had to run a set of benchmark tasks and obtain software metrics. In addition each team was required to write a report analyzing the results of their experimentation. Our four objectives were to provide students with experiences in: file processing, team programming dynamics, generating software metrics, and the experimental evaluation of different solutions to a set of problems.
Endovascular Repair of Traumatic Cervical Internal Carotid Artery Injuries: A Safe and Effective Treatment Option

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The appropriate choice of treatment for traumatic extracranial carotid artery injury is still debated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of endovascular carotid repair with regard to vessel patency and retreatment rates. METHODS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records of patients who underwent endovascular treatment for acute traumatic internal carotid artery dissection with or without pseudoaneurysm formation. The Biffl classification of blunt carotid arterial injuries with an additional modification to stratify grade 2 and 3 injuries into no-flow-limiting (2a/3a) and flow-limiting (2b/3b) was used to classify injuries. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients underwent 50 endovascular interventions. Forty-four were treated with stents alone, 4 required both stent and coil treatments, and 2 were treated with coils alone. Initial treatment resulted in complete restoration of the normal vessel lumen diameter in 25 (50%) treated vessels and good-to-acceptable restoration in 25 (50%) vessels. A single patient had complete stent occlusion. Three patients required stent and/or coil retreatment. There was no mortality or permanent morbidity relating to endovascular carotid artery repair. Twenty-one patients initially treated with medical management ultimately required endovascular treatment. Eighteen (87.5%) of these injuries were initially classified as grade 3a and 3 (14.3%) were initially grade 2a. Injury progression necessitating treatment was identified, on average, within 5 weeks of the initial injury. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, endovascular therapy was a safe and effective option for restoring luminal caliber and eliminating flow within pseudoaneurysms related to traumatic injuries. Imaging follow-up of all cervicocerebral vascular injuries is especially important within the first 45 days, a critical interval during which most lesions demonstrate healing or progression.
Perceived Risk versus Fear of Crime: Empirical Evidence of Conceptually Distinct Reactions in Survey Data

The conceptualization and measurement of fear of crime have received considerable attention in the research literature. Nevertheless, most sample surveys use indicators that only tap a general, cognitive assessment of safety - assumed to represent fear of violence. This article examines whether there are conceptually and empirically distinct dimensions offear of crime by comparing the micro- and macrolevel antecedents of such a general, cognitive "fear" - which we call "perceived risk" - with thosefor a more emotionally based, burglary-specific fear. Hierarchical logistic regression models for both types offear are presented. Some similarities were found between fear and risk in terms of various predictors, but results generally provide further empirical evidence that the two constructs are quite distinct. At the individual-level, the effect of gender is different across models, and routine-activities variables are somewhat better predictors of burglary-specific fear in comparison to risk perception. At the contextual level, neighborhood integration serves to diminish respondents' perceptions of neighborhood danger, yet this variable is positively related to burglary-specific fear.
Decreased blood antioxidant capacity and increased lipid peroxidation in young cigarette smokers compared to nonsmokers: Impact of dietary intake

Background Blood of cigarette smokers routinely displays decreased antioxidant capacity and increased oxidized lipids compared to nonsmokers. This is thought to be due to both chronic exposure to cigarette smoke in addition to low intake of dietary antioxidants, and is a routine finding in veteran smokers. No study to date has determined the independent and combined impact of dietary intake and cigarette smoking on blood antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress in a sample of young, novice smokers.
THE PRESENT STATUS OF EPHEMERELLA BORAKENSIS (EPHEMEROPTERA: EPHEMERELLIDAE)

Ephemerella uenoi Allen & Edmunds was described but not named by Ueno (1953) from a single nymph collected by the Japanese Himalayan Expedition in Nepal in 1952. Allen & Edmunds (1963) named this mayfly from Ueno's description and figure, and placed the species in the subgenus Drunella Needham.
Genetic diversity in the oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis: molecular mechanisms and biological consequences.

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium that colonizes the human oral cavity. It is implicated in the development of periodontitis, a chronic periodontal disease affecting half of the adult population in the USA. To survive in the oral cavity, these bacteria must colonize dental plaque biofilms in competition with other bacterial species. Long-term survival requires P. gingivalis to evade host immune responses, while simultaneously adapting to the changing physiology of the host and to alterations in the plaque biofilm. In reflection of this highly variable niche, P. gingivalis is a genetically diverse species and in this review the authors summarize genetic diversity as it relates to pathogenicity in P. gingivalis. Recent studies revealing a variety of mechanisms by which adaptive changes in genetic content can occur are also reviewed. Understanding the genetic plasticity of P. gingivalis will provide a better framework for understanding the host–microbe interactions associated wi...
Interaction effects on wavelength-multiplexed soliton data packets

Optical soliton interactions cause spectral intensity distortions that may cause performance degradations in wavelength-multiplexed soliton data packet communications systems. We investigate these interactions both numerically and analytically and propose three distinct techniques for determining transmitted data from the spectral intensity functions of received multisoliton ensembles using fast and simple detection components. We also deduce that the spectral effect of collisions between even many solitons can be negligible provided the spacing between their undistorted carrier wavelengths is greater than five times their spectral width.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Inhibition of Flagellin-Activated NF-κB and Interleukin-8 by Human Airway Epithelial Cells

Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced activation of NF-B and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by airway epithelial cells require that the bacteria express flagellin. We tested whether P. aeruginosa and human airway epithelial cells secrete factors that modulated this response. Experiments were performed with both the Calu-3 cell line and primary cultures of tracheal epithelial cells. P. aeruginosa strain PAK fliC (flagellin knockout) did not activate NF-B or interleukin-8 (IL-8) but inhibited flagellin-activated NF-B by 40 to 50% and IL-8 secretion by 20 to 25%. PAK fliC also inhibited NF-B induced by IL-1 and Toll-like receptor 2 agonist Pam3CSK4. Similar inhibitions were observed with strains PAK, PAO1, and PA14. The inhibitory factor was present in conditioned medium isolated from PAK fliC or Calu-3 plus PAK fliC, but it was not present in conditioned medium isolated from Calu-3 cells alone or from PAK fliC that had been heat treated. Inhibition by PAK fliC-conditioned medium was exerted from either the apical or the basolateral side of the epithelium, was enhanced in simple Ringer’s solution over that in tissue culture medium, and did not result from altered pH or depletion of glucose. The inhibitory effect of conditioned medium was abolished by boiling and appeared from filtration studies to result from effects of a factor with a molecular mass of <3 kDa. These and further studies with isogenic mutants led to the conclusion that the NF-B and IL-8 response of airway epithelial cells to P. aeruginosa results from a balance of proinflammatory effects of flagellin and antiinflammatory effects of a small (<3-kDa), heat-sensitive factor(s) that is not lipopolysaccharide, C12 homoserine lactone, alginate, CIF, or exotoxin A, S, T, U, or Y. The gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa commonly infects the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients and contrib
Two-exciton states and spectroscopy of phenylacetylene dendrimers

The two-exciton wave functions of conjugated dendrimers with fractal geometries are calculated using the Frenkel-exciton model. Self-similarity and the high degree of symmetry make it possible to express the two-photon spectra of these chromophore aggregates in a compact form using irreducible representations of optical excitations, single-exciton states, and an effective two-exciton transition dipole moment. The explicit calculation of the complete manifold of two-exciton states which involves an expensive l3×l3 diagonalization, l being number of generations, is totally avoided. A real space analysis shows that the two-exciton states and resonances are dominated by periphery chromophores due to their exponentially large number.
Clinical implications of the echo enhancement artifact in volume sonography of the uterus.

Objective. The purpose of this report is to present a 3-dimensional (3D) imaging artifact, the echo enhancement artifact, which may have important clinical implications in the display of the midcoronal plane of the uterus in volume sonography and to suggest a technologic modification to current 3D equipment that may help the user in the identification of such an artifact. Methods. Three coronal planes were retrieved out of a 3D volume of a uterus obtained during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle by standard postprocessing techniques. The effect of the echo enhancement artifact on the display of the coronal planes was compared. Results. Coronal planes, obtained in the posterior myometrium, below the endometrial cavity, appeared to show what looked like endometria and could potentially be confused with the anatomic midcoronal plane of the uterus by an inexperienced operator because of the echo enhancement artifact. Conclusions. Physicians reviewing diagnostic images retrieved out of a sonographic volume should be aware of this artifact and should review the anatomic plane that corresponds to the retrieved image before a clinical diagnosis is rendered. A technologic modification to current 3D equipment is suggested.
Generalized symmetries in boolean functions

In this paper we take a fresh look at the notion of symmetries in Boolean functions. Our studies are motivated by the fact that the classical characterization of symmetries based on invariance under variable swaps is a special case of a more general invariance based on unrestricted variable permutations. We propose a generalization of classical symmetry that allows for the simultaneous swap of ordered and unordered groups of variables, and show that it captures more of a function's invariant permutations without undue computational requirements. We apply the new symmetry definition to analyze a large set of benchmark circuits and provide extensive data showing the existence of substantial symmetries in those circuits. Specific case studies of several of these benchmarks reveal additional insights about their functional structure and how it might be related to their circuit structure.
Effect of Taurine and Guanidinoethane Sulfonate on Glutathione Metabolism in the Rat

Taurine is synthesized via the oxidation and decarboxylation of cysteine (Cys), a precursor for glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis. GSH is the major intracellular nonprotein sulfhydryl compound and is important in various biochemical processes, including detoxification of reactive oxygen species and electrophilic metabolites formed from xenobiotics. It is known that dietary sulfur amino acids, such as Cys or methionine, significantly influence the synthesis of taurine9,27 and GSH9,29. However, the effect of dietary taurine on Cys or GSH metabolism has long been ignored.
The Limits to the Imagineered City: Sociospatial Polarization in Orlando

Postindustrial city development has become increasingly privatized, in addition to being based more and more on "imagineering" place for sale to foot- loose producers and consumers. As a result, cities have taken on many of the char- acteristics generally associated with theme parks. Themed built environments envelop highly selective communities essentially isolated from others, both socially and spatially. I argue that these sociospatial results of Disneyesque urban develop- ment do not bode well for urban social relations. I substantiate this claim by docu- menting the evolution of sociospatial isolation and polarization in Orlando, Florida, which has grown quite rapidly since the arrival of Disney World in the early 1970s. This "other" Orlando is proving to be ever more difficult to imagineer away and, indeed, represents the social limits to Disneyesque development.