cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High-temperature-capable ALD-based inorganic lift-off process

Abstract Lift-off is a useful method to pattern metals or other materials in semiconductor device fabrication. Polymer photoresists are commonly used for lift-off; however, these resists cannot be used when the device fabrication requires high temperature with the lift-off materials in place. Here, we have used bilayer stacks of metal oxides deposited by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) to provide a lift-off process compatible with high temperatures (>500 °C). By using selective wet-etching techniques, we successfully created reentrant or undercut structures and achieved lift-off for micro- and nano-scale devices. We also demonstrated that the metal-oxide based inorganic lift-off process allows high-temperature material deposition and/or annealing as a part of the fabrication process. The inorganic lift-off technique overcomes temperature limits of polymer resists and provides a photoresist-residue-free and high-temperature capable process.
Can NCAA Policy Effect Student Costs? Evidence from the 2015 Adoption of Student-Athlete Cost of Attendance Stipends

In 2015, 65 universities in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I autonomous conferences changed their scholarship policy by allowing universities to give student-athletes cost...
Dietary Polyphenol and Methylsulfonylmethane Supplementation Improves Immune, DAMP Signaling, and Inflammatory Responses During Recovery From All-Out Running Efforts

Nutritional ingredients with defined mechanisms of action can be useful in the recovery of the body from the physical demands of a habitual training plan. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with optimized curcumin, pomegranate ellagitannins, and MSM (R + MSM) on immune-associated mRNA during early recovery (i.e., up to 8 h post-exercise) following all-out running efforts (5-km, 10-km, and 21.1-km). Subjects (N = 14) were randomized to either a supplement (R + MSM) or a control group using an open label design. The study was completed over a period of 31-day prior to a scheduled half-marathon race. Venous blood samples were collected into PAXgene tubes at baseline, subsequent samples were collected at 2, 4, and 8 h after each running effort. A 574-plex mRNA Immunology Array (NanoString) was measured for each sample and ROSALIND® Advanced Analysis Software was used to examined changes in 31 annotated immune response pathways and specific mRNA changes. The greatest change in immune pathways occurred at 2 h (GSS > 3) followed by 4 h (GSS 2-3) and 8 h (GSS 1-2). R + MSM was associated with an increase in innate immunity (CAMP, LTF, TIRAP, CR1, IL1R1, CXCR1, PDCDILG2, and GNLY) and a blunted/smaller increase in damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) signaling/inflammation (TLR4, TLR5, S100A8, S100A9, and IFP35). We also found changes in immune-associated mRNA that have not been previously linked to exercise recovery (SOCS1, SOCS2, MME, CECAM6, MX1, IL-1R2, KLRD1, KLRK1, and LAMP3). Collectively these results demonstrate that supplementation with a combination of optimized curcumin, pomegranate ellagitannins, and methylsulfonylmethane resulted in changes that may improve biological recovery from all-out running efforts.
Requirement of the estrogen receptor-α and aromatic hydrocarbon receptor in transcriptional regulation of BRCA-1

6123 Of the hereditary breast cancers, only 40-45% can be attributed to mutations in the BRCA-1 coding sequence. While the coding sequence is rarely mutated in sporadic breast cancer, reduced levels of wild-type BRCA-1 protein are often found in these tumors suggesting that non-mutational events, such as environmental insults may lower the expression of BRCA-1. Our investigations of the BRCA-1 promoter revealed consensus sequences for activator protein-1 (AP-1 = 5’-CTGAG-3’) and xenobiotic responsive element (XRE = 5’-GCGTG-3’). In transient transfection studies, we found that estrogen induced transcription activity of a 1.7 kb BRCA-1 promoter fragment containing the transcriptional start sites for exon 1A and 1B. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays, we found that estrogen stimulated the recruitment of c-Jun, FosB, Fra-2 and the estrogen receptor-α (ERα) and the cofactor p300 at a 237 bp promoter fragment upstream of exon 1B comprising the AP-1 element. The cotreatment with tamoxifen antagonized the recruitment of p300 and ERα to this region. Results of electromobility shift assays mapped the binding site for the ERα to a 32 bp region (-46 to -14) comprising the candidate AP-1 motif. These results support a model in which estrogen activation of BRCA-1 transcription requires the formation of an AP-1/ERα complex containing the cofactor p300. In addition, site-directed mutagenesis of the XRE site resulted in loss of estrogen stimulation of BRCA-1 expression suggesting that the XRE may act as a positive regulator of estrogen regulation of BRCA-1. ChIP assays confirmed the recruitment of the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) to a promoter fragment containing the XRE. The recruitment of the ERα and AhR respectively to the AP-1 and XRE sites is time dependent and follows a cyclical pattern. We propose that the unliganded AhR is required for estrogen induction of BRCA-1 transcription. Conversely, ligands of the AhR may repress BRCA-1 transcription possibly by stimulating competition of the AhR with the ERα for common transcription factors. A potential contribution of these findings is an increased understanding of the mechanistic pathway in which ligands of the AhR can influence BRCA-1 expression and contribute to the etiology of sporadic breast cancer.
Exploring the sensitivity in jellyfish locomotion under variations in scale, frequency, and duty cycle

Jellyfish have been called one of the most energy-efficient animals in the world due to the ease in which they move through their fluid environment, by product of their bell kinematics coupled with their morphological, muscular, material properties. We investigated jellyfish locomotion by conducting in silico comparative studies and explored swimming performance across different fluid scales (i.e., Reynolds Number), bell contraction frequencies, and contraction phase kinematics (duty cycle) for a jellyfish with a fineness ratio of 1 (ratio of bell height to bell diameter). To study these relationships, an open source implementation of the immersed boundary method was used (IB2d) to solve the fully coupled fluid-structure interaction problem of a flexible jellyfish bell in a viscous fluid. Thorough 2D parameter subspace explorations illustrated optimal parameter combinations in which give rise to enhanced swimming performance. All performance metrics indicated a higher sensitivity to bell actuation frequency than fluid scale or duty cycle, via Sobol sensitivity analysis, on a higher performance parameter subspace. Moreover, Pareto-like fronts were identified in the overall performance space involving the cost of transport and forward swimming speed. Patterns emerged within these performance spaces when highlighting different parameter regions, which complemented the global sensitivity results. Lastly, an open source computational model for jellyfish locomotion is offered to the science community that can be used as a starting place for future numerical experimentation.
A Hierarchical Bayesian Analysis of Circular Data with Autoregressive Errors: Modeling the Mechanical Properties of Cortical Bone

We study a hierarchical model for circular data with covariate information. The model for the data given the first stage parameters is based on a finite Fourier series expansion of the conditional mean level for each circular curve. The dependence of the response on the covariates is incorporated through a linear regression of the parameters on the covariates. The within curve dependence is accounted for by an autoregressive error structure. In the second and subsequent stages, a hierarchical Bayes structure is imposed on the parameters of the expansion.
Universal Access and Assistive Technology

Speech technologies have been a blessing to many people with disabilities. They have allowed people with severe physical impairments to do meaningful work, blind people to access computer technology, and people with speech impairments to communicate, for example. This chapter champions the concept of universal access — employing technologies in designs that serve both those with disabilities and those without. It also discusses the ways in which speech technologies are currently being used in assistive devices, and the problems associated with the current technology. Finally, the authors describe how methodologies and techniques from the disciplines of human-computer interaction (a.k.a. user interface design, usability engineering, and human factors engineering) can be used to better design applications to serve people with disabilities and the population at large.
Memory Issues in Hardware-Supported Software Safety

Rising chip densities have led to dramatic improvements in the costperformance ratio of processors. At the same time, software costs are burgeoning. Large software systems are expensive to develop and are riddled with errors. Certain types of defects (e.g., those related to memory access, concurrency, and security) are particularly difficult to locate and can have devastating consequences. We believe it is time to explore using some of the increasing silicon real estate to provide extra functionality to support software development. We propose dedicating a portion of these new transistors to provide hardware structures to enhance software development, make debugging more efficient, increase reliability, and provide run-time security.
Seismological constraints on Earth's deep water cycle

Water can be present in the mantle in the form of hydrous melts, hydrous phases, or incorporated into the crystal structure of nominally anhydrous minerals of the major mantle mineralogy. The first two forms are likely in the uppermost mantle, where water solubility in major mantle minerals is low, whereas the latter form may be more important deeper in the upper mantle and transition zone. Seismological data contain unique and valuable information on the amount and distribution of water in the Earth's mantle. It is, however, challenging to extract this information because of limitations in the amount and density of available seismic data, multiple interpretations of similar observations, and limited quantification of the effects of water and other parameters on the seismic properties. While increased water content and elevated temperatures both lower seismic velocities, they have opposing effects on the depths of the discontinuities that bound the transition zone. And, while they both increase attenuation, they have opposing effects on the sharpness of these discontinuities. Independent geophysical observations, such a gravity, electrical conductivity, and surface heat flow, can further help to discriminate between temperature, water, and other compositional anomalies as the cause of observed seismic heterogeneity. Various types of observations have been combined to infer water content in the mantle, ranging from a few hundredths of weight percent to several weight percent. Altogether, the seismological literature suggests that the mantle is heterogeneously hydrated. However, with the limited studies available, there does not appear to be an obvious correlation between present tectonic environment and water content, though the literature shows a tendency to interpret inferred anomalously hydrous regions in the mid mantle as being related in one way or another to past subduction of oceanic lithosphere.
Dynamic Programming Via Linear Programming

Dynamic programming (DP) has been used to solve a wide range of optimization problems. Given that dynamic programs can be equivalently formulated as linear programs, linear programming (LP) offers an efficient alternative to the functional equation approach in solving such problems. LP is also utilized with DP to characterize the polyhedral structure of discrete optimization problems. In this article, we investigate the close relationship between the two traditionally distinct areas of DP and LP. Keywords: dynamic programming; value iteration; LP–DP relationship; policy evaluation; policy iteration
Lane Boundary Detection Using Deformable Templates: Effects of Image Subsampling on Detected Lane Edge

In order to be robust, a system for detecting road lane boundaries in images needs to be able to handle scenes which contain large amounts of clutter due to shadows, puddles, oil stains, skid marks, leaves and dirt on the road, etc. Many prior systems threshold the image gradient magnitude to detect edges, and then use the detected edge points to identify the lane boundaries. This can result in a very noisy edge image, as there are many situations in which there are strong edges in the image due to irrelevant clutter. There are also many situations in which the edges of the features defining portions of the lane boundaries have a lower intensity gradient than distracting clutter edges in the image. The LOIS (Likelihood of Image Shape) lane detection algorithm solves this problem by using a deformable template approach that uses image intensity gradient information in a way which does not require thresholding. This paper describes the LOIS algorithm in detail, and shows the results of applying the algorithm to a number of challenging scenes. Images are included comparing the lane boundaries detected by applying LOIS to a 240×256 image with the lane boundaries detected by applying the algorithm to a 30×32 subsampled version of the same image. Qualitatively the results are very similar, but the algorithm runs 45 times faster on the subsampled images.
SMALLTALK-80: the interactive programming environment

This book describes the process by which Smalltalk was introduced to people outside Xerox PARC, where it was developed. This book first describes the incredibly exciting history of how Smalltalk was built from scratch. It then goes on to show the way in which Smalltalk was made public. At first, this was an engineering process. Large companies were contacted and offered to participate by porting the Smalltalk VM to their machines, and then running an image provided on tape. Each of these teams then wrote a paper on their experience, and these original papers are included in this book. Xerox PARC also wrote its own paper. These papers are an invaluable source of information for any Smalltalker. They range from overall design issues down to statistics on the work of the VM and image contents.
Structure studies of direct α-transfer reactions: A general formulation for α-particle spectroscopic amplitudes in the cluster model

Abstract Applications of recently published methods for calculating α spectroscopic amplitudes are restricted to ground state configurations or to an extremely limited number of nuclei (i.e. closed-shell nuclei). The formulations for α spectroscopic amplitudes developed presently are applicable to closed, as well as partly filled shell nuclei for which one set or more of residual models has been identified in terms of L-S or j-j coupling schemes. It has been known that the task of formulating α spectroscopic amplitudes is reduced to that of formulating the (α+core) cluster normalization factor N[uλ]J identified with the Wildermuth type of model states. In this paper, two general methods for calculating N[uλ]J−1 are developed, which are applicable to a wide range of structural models associated with α-clustering phenomena. The first method includes a sequence calculation for eliminating spurious state admixtures ordinarily associated with excited shell model configurations. The second method requires prior determination of these spurious admixtures by a method other than the first, and offers the advantage of enabling the calculation of N[uλ]J−1 for all excited configurations without having to be concerned with the α-overlap factor or the four-body coefficient of fractional parentage of any of these configurations.
Secondhand Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Susceptibility to Smoking, Perceived Addiction, and Psychobehavioral Symptoms among College Students.

ABSTRACTObjective: To examine the association of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure with susceptibility to smoking, perceived addiction, and psychobehavioral effects of exposure among never- and ever-smoking college students. Participants: Participants were 665 college students at a large, southeastern university in the United States. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of online cross-sectional survey data from randomly selected students in April 2013. Results: Thirty-eight percent of the sample had moderate to high SHS exposure. Among never-smokers, SHS exposure was associated with increased susceptibility to initiating smoking. Among ever-smokers, SHS exposure was not associated with their perceived addiction to tobacco. In the total sample, SHS exposure was associated with greater psychobehavioral symptoms of exposure. Conclusions: SHS exposure may the increase risk of smoking, especially among never-smoking college students. This study strengthens the need for prevention strategies that limit SH...
Efficient Fabrication of Polymer Nanocomposites with Effective Exfoliation and Dispersion by Solid‐State / Melt Extrusion

In this communication, solid-state/melt extrusion (SSME) is introduced as a novel technique that combines solid-state shear pulverization (SSSP) and conventional twin screw extrusion (TSE) in a single extrusion system. The morphology and property enhancements in a model linear low-density polyethylene/organically modified clay nanocomposite sample fabricated via SSME were compared to those fabricated via SSSP and TSE. The results show that SSME is capable of exfoliating and dispersing the nanofillers similarly to SSSP, while achieving a desirable output rate and producing extrudate similar in form to that from TSE. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 2013, 32, 21334; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21334
Electrochemical nanoprobes for the chemical detection of neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters, acting as chemical messengers, play an important role in neurotransmission, which governs many functional aspects of nervous system activity. Electrochemical probes have proven a very useful technique to study neurotransmission, especially to quantify and qualify neurotransmitters. With the emerging interests in probing neurotransmission at the level of single cells, single vesicles, as well as single synapses, probes that enable detection of neurotransmitters at the nanometer scale become vitally important. Electrochemical nanoprobes have been successfully employed in nanometer spatial resolution imaging of single nanopores of Si membrane and single Au nanoparticles, providing both topographical and chemical information, thus holding great promise for nanometer spatial study of neurotransmission. Here we present the current state of electrochemical nanoprobes for chemical detection of neurotransmitters, focusing on two types of nanoelectrodes, i.e. carbon nanoelectrode and nano-ITIES pipet electrode.
Prospective power calculations for the Four Lab study of a multigenerational reproductive/developmental toxicity rodent bioassay using a complex mixture of disinfection by-products in the low-response region.

In complex mixture toxicology, there is growing emphasis on testing environmentally representative doses that improve the relevance of results for health risk assessment, but are typically much lower than those used in traditional toxicology studies. Traditional experimental designs with typical sample sizes may have insufficient statistical power to detect effects caused by environmentally relevant doses. Proper study design, with adequate statistical power, is critical to ensuring that experimental results are useful for environmental health risk assessment. Studies with environmentally realistic complex mixtures have practical constraints on sample concentration factor and sample volume as well as the number of animals that can be accommodated. This article describes methodology for calculation of statistical power for non-independent observations for a multigenerational rodent reproductive/developmental bioassay. The use of the methodology is illustrated using the U.S. EPA’s Four Lab study in which rodents were exposed to chlorinated water concentrates containing complex mixtures of drinking water disinfection by-products. Possible experimental designs included two single-block designs and a two-block design. Considering the possible study designs and constraints, a design of two blocks of 100 females with a 40:60 ratio of control:treated animals and a significance level of 0.05 yielded maximum prospective power (~90%) to detect pup weight decreases, while providing the most power to detect increased prenatal loss.
Disappearance of human diphtheria antitoxin from human passive transfer skin sites.

SummaryThis paper has described further experiences with a passive transfer technic which depends upon the ability of intradermal antitoxin to neutralize Schick toxin introduced simultaneously or later at the same sites. Partial, total or no inhibition of toxic reactions indicates the amount of antitoxin remaining at the skin sites. The amount of antitoxin which has disappeared may be calculated by difference, assuming that 1 Lf toxin = 1 Unit of antitoxin. On the basis of this test 50% of antitoxin introduced at skin sites was generally found to disappear in 10 to 14 hours. No difference in disappearance from the skin was observed between precipitating antitoxin, non-precipitating antitoxin and skin sensitizing antitoxin.
The Role of Inflammatory Cells and Cytochrome P450 in the Potentiation of CCl4-Induced Liver Injury by a Single Dose of Retinol

Abstract Evidence suggests that 7 days of retinol pretreatment potentiates chemical-induced liver injury by a mechanism that involves activation of Kupffer cells (KC). These studies were designed to determine if shorter dosing regimens of retinol potentiate carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ). Initially, a single dose of retinol was shown to potentiate the hepatotoxicity of CCl 4 . Male Sprague–Dawley rats were pretreated with all- trans -retinol (75 mg/kg p.o.) 24 hr prior to KC isolation or administration of CCl 4 (0.2 ml/kg i.p.). KC isolated at 24 hr after retinol released increased amounts of superoxide anion when stimulated with zymosan or phorbol myristate acetate. At 24 hr after CCl 4 , plasma ALT activities and histological sections of liver were examined. Retinol-pretreated rats showed a significant elevation in both enzyme leakage and centrilobular to midzonal necrosis compared to retinol vehicle controls following CCl 4 . Although complete protection was not seen, depletion of KC or neutrophils (PMNs) (by gadolinium chloride (GdCl 3 ) or a PMN-depleting antibody, respectively) significantly reduced the hepatotoxicity of 1 day retinol/CCl 4 liver injury. Immunohistochemical analysis of livers showed significant elevations in positive staining for ED2, ED1, and HIS48 in retinol-pretreated rats given CCl 4 . GdCl 3 effectively reduced ED2 staining but did not greatly affect HIS48 staining. Additional studies were performed to estimate the effect of retinol on noninflammatory processes. While total cytochrome P450 was not increased, the activity and concentration of CYP2E1 were both significantly elevated after a single dose of retinol. Hepatocytes isolated from 1-day retinol-treated rats were also more susceptible to CCl 4 injury, a consequence that is most likely related to elevated CYP2E1 activity. These findings suggest that a single pretreatment with retinol may potentiate CCl 4 hepatotoxicity by multiple mechanisms which involve increased biotransformation and inflammatory cell activities.
Loss of the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Tumor Suppressors Triggers the Unfolded Protein Response to Regulate Insulin Signaling and Apoptosis

Mammalian target of rapamycin, mTOR, is a major sensor of nutrient and energy availability in the cell and regulates a variety of cellular processes, including growth, proliferation, and metabolism. Loss of the tuberous sclerosis complex genes (TSC1 or TSC2) leads to constitutive activation of mTOR and downstream signaling elements, resulting in the development of tumors, neurological disorders, and at the cellular level, severe insulin/IGF-1 resistance. Here, we show that loss of TSC1 or TSC2 in cell lines and mouse or human tumors causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activates the unfolded protein response (UPR). The resulting ER stress plays a significant role in the mTOR-mediated negative-feedback inhibition of insulin action and increases the vulnerability to apoptosis. These results demonstrate ER stress as a critical component of the pathologies associated with dysregulated mTOR activity and offer the possibility to exploit this mechanism for new therapeutic opportunities.
Sarcolipin, the "proteolipid" of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum, is a unique, amphipathic, 31-residue peptide.

Abstract The sarcoplasmic reticulum of rabbit skeletal muscle contains a small “proteolipid,” i.e., a protein which is soluble in acidic CHCl 3 CH 3 OH . We propose the name sarcolipin for this small protein, to signify its lipid-like solubility and association with the sarcoplasmic reticulum. We have determined the following amino acid sequence for sarcolipin, using protein chemistry methods: M E R S T R E L C L N F T V V L I T V I L I W L L V R S Y Q Y. This 31-residue sequence includes a 19-residue hydrophobic segment which probably spans the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane. The molecular weight calculated from the sequence, 3733, agrees with that measured by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, showing that sarcolipin contains no attached fatty acyl or other prosthetic groups.
Chronic renal disease: A growing problem

A 13-year-old Hispanic adolescent had presented at the age of 4 years with an initial diagnosis of minimal change nephrotic syndrome and growth failure. However, he was unresponsive to therapeutic courses of steroids, cyclophosphamide, and cyclosporine. Serial renal biopsies performed over 18 months eventually revealed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) with a worsening chronicity index. Renal function gradually deteriorated and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) ensued. He had an intractable nephrotic syndrome that warranted bilateral nephrectomy prior to renal transplantation. At age 7, he received a living related allograft, which was lost following delayed graft function, multiple acute rejection episodes, and recurrence of FSGS within 4 weeks after transplantation. Immediate plasmapheresis produced no remarkable clinical improvement. After transplantation, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) deteriorated from 57 mL/min/1.73 m to 22 mL/min/1.73 m within 6 months to 6.5 mL/min/1.73 m by 12 months. Hemodialysis (HD) was begun but was replaced with continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) by 18 months post transplantation. He developed a cytomegalovirus infection within 6 months after the transplant surgery. Other complications included uremic pericarditis, severe hypertension, septicemia, and a virusinduced hemorrhagic anemia, necessitating 10 hospitalizations per year in the first 2 years. Serial nutritional evaluations revealed persistent growth failure with weight below the fifth, and
Cascade model: A solvable field theory

A fully solvable quantum theory in which the spectrum of scattering states shifts with the strength of the interaction is presented. Inelastic processes in which two particles go into three are obtained in this cascade model. By using the formalism of analytic continuation of the state spaces, resonances and redundant poles are identified. The completeness of the states is explicitly demonstrated and the eigenchannels when two- and three-particle channels are open are determined. This is one of the few models of scattering of an unstable particle.
Molecular identification and expression of the NMDA receptor NR1 subunit in the leech

The N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is involved in a number of physiological and pathophysiological processes in vertebrates, but there have been few studies examining the role of invertebrate NMDA receptors. In the leech, pharmacological evidence suggests that NMDARs contribute to synaptic plasticity, but there has been no molecular identification of NMDA receptors. In this report, a partial cDNA encoding the leech NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor (HirNR1) is presented. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction from single neurons of the leech central nervous system confirms HirNR1 expression in the Retzius (R), Anterior Pagoda (AP), Pressure (P), and Touch (T) neurons. Immunoblotting with an anti-NR1 antibody yielded a ~110 kDa protein, similar to the expected weight of the NR1 subunit (~116 kDa). Finally, pairing pre- and postsynaptic activity elicited long-term potentiation in synapses between neurons expressing NR1 mRNA (P-to-AP synapse) and this potentiation was blocked by the NMDAR antagonist AP5.
Mechanical Behavior of High Temperature Hybrid Carbon Fiber/Titanium Laminates

The aim of this paper was to investigate the tensile and flexural properties of hybrid laminates made with titanium sheets and high modulus carbon fiber composites. Grade II titanium was used, which exhibits great high-temperature performance and creep resistance, low weight, and high strength. An inorganic fireproof matrix, known as geopolymer, was used to fabricate the high modulus carbon fiber composites. Previous studies have shown that these composites are strong, durable, lightweight, and can exhibit excellent performance up to 400°C. In the present study, a number of specimens were tested in uniaxial tension and four-point bending after exposure at elevated temperatures. The results indicate that the addition of carbon fibers can reduce the weight and increase the stiffness of the pure titanium. Moreover, the hybrid laminates are stronger and stiffer than the sum of the individual strengths and stiffnesses of the parent materials. An important finding is that the interlaminar bond is strong, and as a result no delamination failures were observed.
Intimate Partner Violence During the Transition from Prison to the Community: Perspectives of Incarcerated African American Men

The thematic findings presented in this paper emerged from a pilot study designed to inform the Safe Return Initiative, a U.S. Office of Violence Against Women federally funded technical assistance project intended to enhance the capacity of domestic violence and prisoner reentry federal grantees to more effectively address relationship conflict and domestic violence during a man's transition from prison to the community. A series of focus groups were conducted with African American men who were incarcerated, African American men on parole supervision, and African American women who were currently or formerly involved in an intimate relationship with a incarcerated man or a man on parole to uncover respondents' perspectives on the sources of conflict between men under correctional supervision and their female partners during and following incarceration.
Can Lone Pairs Bind to a π System? The Water···Hexafluorobenzene Interaction

Ab initio calculations reveal a significant binding interaction between water and hexafluorobenzene in a geometry that points the oxygen lone pairs directly into the face of the π system. The geometry is as anticipated from electrostatic arguments emphasizing the substantial quadrupole moment of the aromatic. A second, off-axis geometry is also found which is also consistent with a substantial electrostatic interaction.
Effects of forced flavor exposure on food neophobia

Abstract Food neophobia was reduced by forcing animals to ingest a novel flavor in their water. Eighteen water-deprived rats were assigned to one of three conditions: forced-exposure to mint-flavored water, forced-exposure to strawberry-flavored water, or plain water. When subsequently given access to mint-flavored food, which was a novel experience, the rats in the mint-water condition ingested significantly more (P
Estradiol Ameliorates Diabetes-Induced Changes in Vaginal Structure of db/db Mouse Model

Abstract Introduction Women with diabetes experience diminished genital arousal, reduced vaginal lubrication, vaginal atrophy, dyspareunia, and increased infections. Limited studies are available investigating the effects of diabetic complications on the vagina. Aims The goals of this study were to investigate type 2 diabetes-induced changes in vaginal structure, and to determine if estradiol treatment ameliorates these changes. Methods Eight-week-old female diabetic (db/db) mice (strain BKS.Cg-m+/+ Lepr db /J) and age-matched control normoglycemic female littermates were used to investigate the effects of type 2 diabetes on vaginal tissue structural integrity. Diabetic animals were divided into two subgroups: diabetic treated with vehicle only and diabetic treated with pellets containing estradiol. At 16 weeks, the animals were sacrificed, and the vaginal tissues were excised and analyzed by histological and immunohistochemical methods to assess diabetes-induced changes in vaginal tissue and the extent by which these parameters are restored by estradiol treatment. Main Outcome Measures The effects of type 2 diabetes and estradiol supplementation were investigated on vaginal histoarchitecture. Results Diabetic animals exhibited high blood glucose levels (>600 mg/dL), increased body weight (43.0 ± 6.0 g vs. 24.4 ± 2.0 g), and reduced plasma estradiol levels (65.5 ± 6.6 pg/mL vs. 80.77 ± 13.2 pg/mL) when compared to control animals. Diabetes resulted in significant thinning of the epithelium ( P ≤ 0.05), marked decrease in the muscularis area ( P ≤ 0.05), distinct truncation of elastic fibers, and significant reduction of the nitrergic immunoreactive nerve fibers ( P ≤ 0.05). Treatment of diabetic animals with estradiol restored epithelial thickness ( P ≤ 0.05), muscularis area ( P ≤ 0.05), and elastic fiber distribution, and partially restored the density of nitrergic nerve fibers. Conclusions The data in this study demonstrate that type 2 diabetes disrupts vaginal structural integrity and that estradiol supplementation ameliorates the diabetes-induced vaginal pathology. Cushman TT, Kim N, Hoyt R, and Traish A. Estradiol ameliorates diabetes-induced changes in vaginal structure of db/db mouse model. J Sex Med 2009;6:2467–2479.
Prophylaxis in Caesarean section with cefmetazole and cefoxitin

A prospective, randomized, open comparison of three 1 g doses of cefmetazole with three 2 g doses of cefoxitin for non-elective Caesarean section was performed. Sixty-nine patients were evaluated. The two groups were comparable with respect to labour characteristics that might influence risk of postoperative infectious morbidity. Similarly, the nature of the bacterial contamination/infection of the amniotic fluid at the time of Caesarean section was comparable in the two groups. The only infectious morbidity noted was endomyometritis. The incidence was the same in both groups, 5/50 (10%) in the cefmetazole group and 2/19 (10.5%) in the cefoxitin group. Febrile morbidity, as reflected in the fever index, was not significantly different between the groups, 10.2 +/- 18.5 degree hours in the cefmetazole group and 7.5 +/- 11.7 degree hours in the cefoxitin group. Cefmetazole appeared to be equivalent to cefoxitin in reducing post-Caesarean section endomyometritis.
Interference Alignment: A New Look at Signal Dimensions in a Communication Network

Interference alignment is a radical idea that has recently emerged out of the capacity analysis of interference networks. In a relatively short time, this concept has challenged much of the conventional wisdom about the throughput limits of both wired and wireless networks. The technique is based on the idea that if interference or undesired signals are collectively engineered to occupy as low a dimensional space as possible, the desired signals can be more efficiently conveyed and recovered. Interference Alignment: A New Look at Signal Dimensions in a Communication Network introduces the concept via a series of simple linear algebraic examples that very effectively convey the central idea of interference alignment. The ideas behind the various communication theoretic instantiations and applications of the technique are illustrated through simple examples that come across as neat little puzzles which enables the reader to quickly understand the topic. Interference Alignment: A New Look at Signal Dimensions in a Communication Network provides both a tutorial and a survey of the state-of-art on the topic. The numerous concretely stated open problems sprinkled throughout tee up issues for further research for the reader. The presentation style of this tutorial is informal, favoring broad intuition over mathematical rigor and is written to be accessible to graduate students, researchers and professionals working in communication, signal processing, networking or information theory.
Rehearsal in the Treatment of Recurring Nightmares in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders and Panic Disorder: Case Histories

AbstractFour patients (three with the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD] and one with panic disorder) with recurring and extremely distressing nightmares were treated with one session in which the patients were advised to rehearse the nightmare, and to imagine a different ending. In three patients the nightmares ceased abruptly with no recurrences on follow-up. None of the three patients who recovered managed to imagine a favorable ending of the nightmare, so factors other than a triumphant ending appeared to be the effective ingredient of the treatment.
An estrogen-regulated protein in normal and malignant endometrium.

Abstract The presence and distribution of a protein with a mol. wt of 24,000 (24K) was determined in endometrial biopsies from regularly cycling women and in women with endometrial carcinoma. This protein, of as yet unknown function and originally found in a breast cancer cell line, was detected by immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody. In regularly cycling women, the 24K protein began to appear in the glandular epithelium during the late proliferative phase and decreased after ovulation. In contrast, in the superficial epithelium, the strongest immunostaining was observed during the secretory phase. Superficial epithelial cells expressed maximal 24K immunoreactivity around day 21 of the cycle and it was clearly seen in the bulbous projections of the apical cytoplasm. These results suggest that the 24K protein may be a marker for hormonal events in the endometrium during the menstrual cycle. In endometrial carcinoma, 24K was correlated with low tumor histologie grade, few mitotic figures, few nucleoli and a low degree of nuclear pleomorphism. These data suggest that 24K may be a potential marker of tumor differentiation.
On-line capillary electrophoresis/microelectrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry using an ion trap storage/time-of-flight mass spectrometer with SWIFT technology.

The development of a system capable of the speed required for on-line capillary electrophoresis-tandem mass spectrometry (CE-MS/MS) of tryptic digests is described. The ion trap storage/reflectron time-of-flight (IT/reTOF) mass spectrometer is used as a nonscanning detector for rapid CE separation, where the peptides are ionized on-line using electrospray ionization (ESI). The ESI produced ions are stored in the ion trap and dc pulse injected into the reTOF-MS at a rate sufficient to maintain the separation achieved by CE. Using methodology generated by software and hardware developed in our lab, we can produce SWIFT (Stored Waveform Inverse Fourier Transform) ion isolation and TICKLE activation/fragmentation voltage waveforms to generate MS/MS at a rate as high as 10 Hz so that the MS/MS spectra can be optimized on even a 1−2 s eluting peak. In CE separations performed on tryptic digests of dogfish myelin basic protein (MBP) where eluting peaks 4−8 s wide are observed, it is demonstrated that an acquisit...
Comparison of the effects of two fatigue protocols on triceps surae musculotendinous stiffness

Introduction: Although some studies have investigated the effects of muscle fatigue [1], there is no report about the effect of fatigue on musculotendinous stiffness of the triceps surae or on the duration of this effect. This study was designed to compare the effect of two fatigue protocols onmusculotendinous stiffness of the triceps surae up 15min flowing procedures. Patients/materials and methods: Twenty university students participated in this study. Musculotendinous stiffness of the triceps suraewasmeasured before and after a fatigue protocolswhich comprised continuous isometric voluntary plantar flexion contraction (25% maximum voluntary contraction and 70% maximum voluntary contraction) until contraction could no longer be maintained [1,2]. The free oscillation technique was used to measure musculotendinous stiffness of the triceps surae [3]. A Kistler force plate was used to measure the force applied. Results: Musculotendinous stiffness decreased immediately after both fatigue protocols (P 0.05). Discussion and conclusions:Musculotendinous stiffness of the triceps surae decreased significantly after both fatigue protocols. This may reflect a creep event for the tendon during prolonged isometric contractions. Change in musculotendinous stiffness last for 15min after the fatigue task. This may reflect long lasting effect of fatigue on musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems.
An extremely thermophilic Methanococcus from a deep sea hydrothermal vent and its plasmid

An extremely thermophilic methanogen was isolated from a hydrothermal vent core sample from Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California, at a depth of 2003 m. The isolate, designated strain AG86, was a coccoid autotroph using H2-CO2 as energy and carbon source with a growth temperature range of 48 to 92°C, optimum, 85°C. AG86 required NaCl and Mg2+ and trace amounts of selenite and tungstate. Vitamins were not required. However, yeast extract, Casamino acids and Trypticase stimulated growth significantly. When grown in the presence of these stimulants and at the optimal growth temperature and pH 6.5, the minimum doubling time was 20 min. Cells were fragile and readily lysed by detergents. The mol% G+C was 33%. These results and partial 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that AG86 belonged to the genus Methanococcus and closely resembled Methanococcus jannaschii. Tests for extrachromosomal DNA revealed a plasmid in AG86 and two plasmids in M. jannaschii. Different patterns were obtained from restriction endonuclease digestion of the three plasmids, and no homology was observed with DNA-DNA hybridization.
Earlobe crease in women: Evaluation of reproductive factors, alcohol use, and quetelet index and relation to atherosclerotic disease

BACKGROUND : The diagonal earlobe crease (ELC) has been found to be associated with atherosclerotic heart disease. Although atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is less prevalent among women than among men, no studies have been reported for women on the possible relationship of reproductive factors, contraceptive and menopausal estrogen use, and alcohol use on the expression of the ELC. SUBJECTS AND METHODS : The presence of ELC was determined in 625 white women who were seen as part of a breast research project. Information was obtained on age, height, weight, age at menarche, parity, age at first full-term pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives or menopausal estrogens, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Statistical methods used included estimation of the age-adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals, and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS : No association was found between the ELC and reproductive factors and smoking. Only age, Quetelet index, and alcohol use were associated with the ELC. The ELC was negatively associated with alcohol use, and was more marked in women under 59 years of age. The positive association of ELC with the Quetelet index progressively became more marked with advancing age, especially after 60 years of age. CONCLUSION : The negative association found between the ELC and alcohol use is of interest because of the reported protective effect of moderate alcohol consumption on risk of coronary heart disease. No significant association was found between the ELC and' reproductive risk factors. Based on events occurring during the embryonic development of the earlobes, a new hypothesis is proposed for the formation and peculiar diagonal localization of the ELC in adult earlobes in association with atherosclerotic vascular disease.
Characterization of DNA uptake by the cyanobacterium Anacystis nidulans

The binding and uptake of nick-translated 32P-labeled pBR322 by Anacystis nidulans 6301 have been characterized. Both processes were considerably enhanced in permeaplasts compared to cells. The breakdown of labeled DNA was not correlated with binding or uptake by permeaplasts or cells. Uptake of DNA by permeaplasts was unaffected by: Mg2+ or Ca2+, light, or inhibitors of photophosphorylation such as valinomycin or gramicidin D in the presence or absence of NH4Cl. ATP at 2.5–10 mM inhibited both binding and uptake of labeled DNA by permeaplasts of A. nidulans whereas the ATP analog adenyl-5-yl imido-diphosphate was non-inhibitory in the same concentration range. In contrast to transformation of A. nidulans 6301 cells to ampicillin-resistance by pBR322, transformation to kanamycin-resistance by the plasmid pHUB4 was considerably enhanced in the dark. The transformation efficiency for permeaplasts by the plasmid pCH1 was 59% and 8% in the dark and light, respectively, whereas transformation of permeaplasts by pBR322 at an efficiency of 16% was absolutely light-dependent.
Magnetic impurity pairs in dilute Cu(Fe) alloys

Abstract Further analysis of our measurements of the magnetization of dilute Cu(Fe) alloys reveals new results which reinforce our interpretation of those data in terms of the fundamental behavior of impurity pairs.
Tissue specific modulation of salt inducible gene expression: Callus versus whole plant response in salt tolerant alfalfa

We have cloned several genes that were continuously induced by salt in our salt-tolerant alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) callus. These genes were not induced by 24 h salt stress in the parent salt-sensitive cell line. To investigate the extent to which salt-stress regulation of these genes is influenced by a program of tissue specific regulation we have characterized another one of the cloned cDNAs, pA18, determined the expression of the transcript it encodes and compared its salt-inducible tissue-specific expression in plants with MsPRP2, another single or low copy gene induced in the salt-tolerant cells. While pA18 and MsPRP2 transcripts are similarly salt-induced in callus, comparisons of tissue specific expression between these two genes demonstrate that regulated tissue specific expression can override salt inducibility of mRNA accumulation for individual genes.
Strong-field molecular alignment for quantum logic and quantum control

We discuss an approach to quantum control based on initial adiabatic tuning of the field-free Hamiltonian by a strong laser field to optimize the system for the desired transitions induced by the control laser pulse. As an illustration, we describe single-qubit, two-qubit, and some qudit logical gates within rotational and vibrational states of a diatomic molecule. Gate operations use resonant Raman transitions, and the prior adjustment of the Hamiltonian is done by a strong nonresonant aligning field.