cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Removal of dangling bonds and surface states on silicon (001) with a monolayer of selenium

Dangling bonds and surface states are inherent to semiconductor surfaces. By passivating dangling bonds on the silicon (001) surface with a monolayer of selenium, surface states are removed from the band gap. Magnesium contacts on selenium-passivated silicon (001) behave ohmically, as expected from the work function of magnesium and the electron affinity of silicon. After rapid thermal annealing and hot-plate annealing, magnesium contacts on selenium-passivated silicon (001) show better thermal stability than on hydrogen-passivated silicon (001), which is attributed to the suppression of silicide formation by selenium passivation.
Intimate Partner Violence and Risk of Psychiatric Symptoms: the Moderating Role of Attachment

Numerous studies have examined attachment in intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration, but less is known about adult attachment insecurity relative to victimization. This study’s objective was to evaluate attachment insecurity as a moderator of the association between IPV victimization and risk of psychiatric symptoms. Data come from a subsample (n = 215) of female healthcare workers in a longitudinal study of violence and health. Structural equation modeling was conducted to evaluate the association between IPV victimization and posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms and to examine IPV exposure and psychiatric outcomes by levels of attachment insecurity. Findings suggest that anxious attachment confers vulnerability to depression following conflict and highlight the importance of attachment security in the context of interventions for interpersonal violence.
Introduction of criticality indices into PERT instruction

A case is made for topical inclusion of criticality indices in classroom instruction on PERT networks. A probabilistic method for calculating the indices in a small network is presented, followed by a discussion of the implications and advantages of the pedagogy.
On the structure of iodine charge-transfer complexes in solution

Abstract Femtosecond transient absorption studies of charge-transfer complexes of I2 with hexamethylbenzene have been performed in a series of noncomplexing solvents. Anisotropy measurements of the bleach of the charge-transfer absorption band indicate that the geometry and electronic structure of the complex is dependent upon the solvent environment. The results are interpreted as favoring an oblique, nearly axial, geometry in alkanes and a resting geometry in chlorinated methanes.
Effects of Computer-Mediated Versus Teacher-Mediated Instruction on the Mathematical Word Problem-Solving Performance of Third-Grade Students With Mathematical Difficulties

This study compared the effectiveness of computer-mediated instruction (CMI) and teacher-mediated instruction (TMI) on the word problem-solving performance of students struggling in mathematics. Bo...
The Effect of Prior Knowledge on the Question Answering of Good and Poor Readers

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the question answering of good and poor readers when their prior knowledge for the answers to questions was determined before reading to be accurate, inac- curate, incomplete, or missing. Fifty-six fifth-grade students with equiva- lent I.Q.'s, but varying in reading ability and extent of general prior knowledge for the passage topics, participated in the study. Subjects read an expository passage written on their approximate instructional reading level. The results indicated that poor readers did not use prior knowledge to the same extent as did good readers. This was especially true when students were learning new information. The results also suggest that poor readers have difficulty answering text implicit questions even if they pos- sess adequate prior knowledge for passage topics.
Identification of regions within the four small subunits of human replication factor C required for complex formation and DNA replication.

Replication factor C (RFC) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) are processivity factors for eukaryotic DNA polymerases δ and ϵ. RFC binds to a DNA primer end and loads PCNA onto DNA in an ATP-dependent reaction. The five RFC subunits p140, p40, p38, p37, and p36, all of which are required to form the active RFC complex, share regions of high homology including the defined RFC boxes II-VIII. RFC boxes III and V constitute a putative ATP binding site, whereas the function of the other conserved boxes is unknown. To study the individual subunits in the RFC complex and the role of the RFC boxes, deletion mutations were created in all subunits. Sequences close to the C terminus of each of the small subunits are required for formation of the five subunit complex. A N-terminal region of the small subunits, containing the RFC homology box II, plays a critical role in the function of these subunits, deletion of which reduces but does not abolish RFC activity in loading PCNA onto DNA and in supporting an RFC-dependent replication reaction. The N termini of p37 and p40, although highly homologous, are not interchangeable, suggesting unique functions for the individual subunits.
Evaluation of a maximum a-posteriori slope estimator for a Hartmann wavefront sensor

The Hartmann sensor is a popular wavefront sensor (WFS) for measuring the wavefront gradient in the pupil of an adaptive optical telescope. Conventional methods for estimating the wavefront slope within each WFS subaperture rely on a centroid computation of the subaperture detector irradiance distribution. The centroid computation is equivalent to a first moment calculation. A maximum a-posteriori (MAP) slope estimator improves on the conventional centroid estimator by taking advantage of priori knowledge of the subaperture wavefront slope statistics and total irradiance falling on the subaperture array. In order to derive a closed form solution for the MAP estimator, several assumptions were made in a previously published paper. These assumptions include: infinitely small pixels on the subaperture detector arrays, no read noise in the detection process, and on irradiance spillover between adjacent subapertures. By implementing the Hartmann WFS and MAP estimator in a detailed computer simulation, the performance of the MAP estimator was evaluated using realizable WFS parameters. The simulation shows that even when the assumptions used to derive the MAP slope estimator are relaxed, the MAP estimator outperforms the conventional subaperture centroid estimator.
Positive Portrayal of Grandparents in Current Children's Literature:

Children's books have the potential to affect cultural norms and attitudes about older adults in many ways. The purpose of this study was to investigate the portrayal of grandparents in children's literature. Sixty-four children's books published since 1985 were randomly selected and content analyzed. In general, there was an overwhelming positive portrayal of grandparents in these books. Positive grandparent characteristics such as independence and happiness were depicted in a majority of the books the authors examined. Other characteristics such as wisdom and understanding were portrayed in slightly less than a majority of the stories. Although some of the stories depicted grandparents with various disabilities, physical impairment did not detract from the positive depiction of the grandparent. Future research might investigate the variance in the portrayal of grandparents along racial/ethnic and gender lines. For example, how are grandparents from various demographic groups portrayed in terms of status...
Finding obstacle-avoiding shortest paths using implicit connection graphs

We introduce a framework for a class of algorithms solving shortest path related problems, such as the one-to-one shortest path problem, the one-to-many shortest paths problem and the minimum spanning tree problem, in the presence of obstacles. For these algorithms, the search space is restricted to a sparse strong connection graph that is implicitly represented and its searched portion is constructed incrementally on-the-fly during search. The time and space requirements of these algorithms essentially depend on actual search behavior. Therefore, additional techniques or heuristics can be incorporated into search procedure to further improve the performance of the algorithms. These algorithms are suitable for large VLSI design applications with many obstacles.
Measurement‐based estimates of direct radiative effects of absorbing aerosols above clouds

The elevated layers of absorbing smoke aerosols from western African (e.g., Gabon and Congo) biomass burning activities have been frequently observed above low-level stratocumulus clouds off the African coast, which presents an excellent natural laboratory for studying the effects of aerosols above clouds (AAC) on regional energy balance in tropical and subtropical environments. Using spatially and temporally collocated Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), and Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System data sets, the top-of-atmosphere shortwave aerosol direct shortwave radiative effects (ARE) of absorbing aerosols above low-level water clouds in the southeast Atlantic Ocean was examined in this study. The regional averaged instantaneous ARE has been estimated to be 36.7 ± 20.5 Wm−2 (regional mean ± standard deviation) along with a mean positive OMI Aerosol Index at 1.3 in August 2006 based on multisensors measurements. The highest magnitude of instantaneous ARE can even reach 138.2 Wm−2. We assess that the 660 nm cloud optical depth (COD) values of 8–12 is the critical value above (below) which aerosol absorption (scattering) effect dominates and further produces positive (negative) ARE values. The results further show that ARE values are more sensitive to aerosols above lower COD values than cases for higher COD values. This is among the first studies to provide quantitative estimates of shortwave ARE due to AAC events from an observational perspective.
Effect of 17 days of bed rest on peak isometric force and unloaded shortening velocity of human soleus fibers

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of prolonged bed rest (BR) on the peak isometric force (P0) and unloaded shortening velocity (V0) of single Ca(2+)-activated muscle fibers. Soleus muscle biopsies were obtained from eight adult males before and after 17 days of 6 degrees head-down BR. Chemically permeabilized single fiber segments were mounted between a force transducer and position motor, activated with saturating levels of Ca2+, and subjected to slack length steps. V0 was determined by plotting the time for force redevelopment vs. the slack step distance. Gel electrophoresis revealed that 96% of the pre- and 87% of the post-BR fibers studied expressed only the slow type I myosin heavy chain isoform. Fibers with diameter > 100 microns made up only 14% of this post-BR type I population compared with 33% of the pre-BR type I population. Consequently, the post-BR type I fibers (n = 147) were, on average, 5% smaller in diameter than the pre-BR type I fibers (n = 218) and produced 13% less absolute P0. BR had no overall effect on P0 per fiber cross-sectional area (P0/CSA), even though half of the subjects displayed a decline of 9-12% in P0/CSA after BR. Type I fiber V0 increased by an average of 34% with BR. Although the ratio of myosin light chain 3 to myosin light chain 2 also rose with BR, there was no correlation between this ratio and V0 for either the pre- or post-BR fibers. In separate fibers obtained from the original biopsies, quantitative electron microscopy revealed a 20-24% decrease in thin filament density, with no change in thick filament density. These results raise the possibility that alterations in the geometric relationships between thin and thick filaments may be at least partially responsible for the elevated V0 of the post-BR type I fibers.
Role for Inhibitor of Differentiation/Deoxyribonucleic Acid-Binding (Id) Proteins in Granulosa Cell Differentiation

Recent studies in the hen ovary have linked the initiation of granulosa cell differentiation at follicle selection to the alleviation of inhibitory MAPK signaling. The present studies assessed a role for individual inhibitor of differentiation (Id) protein isoforms as modulators of key transcriptional events occurring within granulosa cells at or immediately subsequent to differentiation. Findings from freshly collected granulosa cells collected at different stages of follicle development demonstrated a negative association between expression levels for Id2 mRNA compared with levels of Id1, Id3, and Id4. Elevated levels of Id2 are related to a differentiating/differentiated phenotype, whereas elevated Id1, Id3, and Id4 are associated with an undifferentiated phenotype. This negative relationship extends to cell signal transduction, because factors that promote inhibitory MAPK signaling (TGF-α and betacellulin) block expression of Id2 mRNA but increase levels of Id1, Id3, and Id4. Furthermore, overexpressi...
Local application of the cannabinoid receptor agonist, WIN 55,212-2, to spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis differentially affects nociceptive and non-nociceptive neurons

Cannabinoid receptor agonists produce analgesia for pains of non-cranial origin. However, their effectiveness for craniofacial pains is currently unclear. In the present study, the cannabinoid CB1/CB2 receptor agonist, WIN 55,212-2 (WIN), was bath applied to the brainstem while activity of spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis (Vc) neurons evoked by transcutaneous electrical stimulation was recorded in isoflurane anesthetized rats. Neurons were characterized using mechanical and electrical stimulation of the face, and were classified as either lowthreshold mechanoreceptive (LTM) or wide dynamic range (WDR). LTM neurons responded to light brushing of the receptive field and received only Ab primary afferent fiber input. WDR neurons showed a graded response to mechanical stimulation, responding maximally to noxious stimuli, and demonstrated both A- and C-fiber evoked activity. In addition, WDR neurons displayed longer latency, C-fiber mediated post-discharge (PDC) activity after repetitive stimulation. Local bath application of 2.0 mg/ml WIN significantly reduced PDC activity (3 ^ 1% control, P , 0:01), C-fiber evoked activity (58 ^ 9% control, P , 0:01), and Ab evoked activity (57 ^ 10% control, P , 0:01) in WDR neurons. In contrast, LTM Ab-fiber evoked activity increased after local administration of WIN (204 ^ 52% control, P , 0:01). SR141716A, a CB1 receptor antagonist, prevented the effects of WIN on WDR PDC and LTM Ab evoked activity. These results indicate that cannabinoid receptor agonists may be effective agents for craniofacial pain. Furthermore, the particular sensitivity of PDC activity, a measure of neuronal hyperexcitability, to cannabinoid receptor agonists may be relevant to the treatment of persistent craniofacial pain. q 2003 International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Intramolecular Condensation Reactions of α,ω-Bis(triethoxysilyl)alkanes. Formation of Cyclic Disilsesquioxanes

Under acidic sol-gel polymerization conditions, 1,3-bis(triethoxysilyl)-propane (1) and 1,4-bis(triethoxysilyl)butane (2) were shown to preferentially form cyclic disilsesquioxanes 3 and 4 rather than the expected 1,3-propylene- and 1,4-butylene-bridged polysilsesquioxane gels. Formation of 3 and 4 is driven by a combination of an intramolecular cyclization to six and seven membered rings, and a pronounced reduction in reactivity under acidic conditions as a function of increasing degree of condensation. The ease with which these relatively unreactive cyclic monomers and dimers are formed (under acidic conditions) helps to explain the difficulties in forming gels from 1 and 2. The stability of cyclic disilsesquioxanes was confirmed withe the synthesis of 3 and 4 in gram quantities; the cyclic disilsesquioxanes react slowly to give tricyclic dimers containing a thermodynamically stable eight membered siloxane ring. Continued reactions were shown to perserve the cyclic structure, opening up the possibility of utilizing cyclic disilsesquioxanes as sol-gel monomers. Preliminary polymerization studies with these new, carbohydrate-like monomers revealed the formation of network poly(cyclic disilsesquioxanes) under acidic conditions and polymerization with ring-opening under basic conditions.
Can Anyone Hear Me? Does Anyone See Me? A Qualitative Meta-Analysis of Women’s Experiences of Heart Disease:

Female heart patients are underdiagnosed and undertreated. The purpose of this qualitative meta-data-analysis was to explain how societal expectations related to gender and the treatment environment influence women's experiences and can inform optimal care. The authors used grounded theory methodology and a social constructionist gender lens to analyze 43 studies (1993-2012) of women's experiences of heart disease. The analysis illustrates how social expectations within both medical and relational contexts led to women experiencing barriers to diagnosis and treatment and inadvertent minimization of their experience and knowledge. Women's descriptions of their experiences suggest three kinds of health care strategies that have the potential to increase women's engagement with heart disease treatment and rehabilitation: (a) support give and take in relational connections, (b) identify and acknowledge unique health-promoting behavior, and (c) focus on empowerment. These findings have interdisciplinary implications for practice with women with heart disease.
Scatterometry measurement for SiGe AEI sigma-shaped gate structures of 28nm technology

Novel process control methodologies are required for SiGe gate recess structures that are used in IC manufacturing to enhance device performance. Metrology measurements of 28nm SiGe after-etch inspection U-sigma shaped and V-sigma shaped gate structures must be able to track subtle variations for several critical parameters, including SiGe-to-gate width, tip-to-gate width, sigma depth and recess depth. For production process control of these structures, a metrology tool must utilize a nondestructive measurement technique, and have high sensitivity, precision and throughput. This paper explores the capabilities of a new-generation scatterometry critical dimension (SCD) metrology tool to measure critical parameters and serve as a production process monitor for 28nm and beyond complex gate structures.
Selective vulnerability of motoneuron and perturbed mitochondrial calcium homeostasis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: implications for motoneurons specific calcium dysregulation

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective degeneration of defined subgroups of motoneuron in the brainstem, spinal cord and motor cortex with signature hallmarks of mitochondrial Ca2+ overload, free radical damage, excitotoxicity and impaired axonal transport. Although intracellular disruptions of cytosolic and mitochondrial calcium, and in particular low cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+]c) buffering and a strong interaction between metabolic mechanisms and [Ca2+]i have been identified predominantly in motoneuron impairment, the causes of these disruptions are unknown. The existing evidence suggests that the mutant superoxide dismutase1 (mtSOD1)-mediated toxicity in ALS acts through mitochondria, and that alteration in cytosolic and mitochondria-ER microdomain calcium accumulation are critical to the neurodegenerative process. Furthermore, chronic excitotoxcity mediated by Ca2+-permeable AMPA and NMDA receptors seems to initiate vicious cycle of intracellular calcium dysregulation which leads to toxic Ca2+ overload and thereby selective neurodegeneration. Recent advancement in the experimental analysis of calcium signals with high spatiotemporal precision has allowed investigations of calcium regulation in-vivo and in-vitro in different cell types, in particular selectively vulnerable/resistant cell types in different animal models of this motoneuron disease. This review provides an overview of latest advances in this field, and focuses on details of what has been learned about disrupted Ca2+ homeostasis and mitochondrial degeneration. It further emphasizes the critical role of mitochondria in preventing apoptosis by acting as a Ca2+ buffers, especially in motoneurons, in pathophysiological conditions such as ALS.
The digital blood pressure. II. The brachial-to-digital systolic pressure gradient in hyperthyroidism

Abstract 1. 1. The fall in systolic blood pressure between the arm and finger (brachial-to-digital gradient) was studied in eighteen patients with hyperthyroidism. In fourteen of these patients the brachial-to-digital gradient was greater than normal with a range of gradient from 33 to 61 mm. Hg as contrasted with the normal range of 5 to 31 mm. of mercury. A normal gradient was found in the remaining four patients but each of these patients had been under treatment with iodine or propylthiouracil for at least eight days when the determinations were made. 2. 2. The digital systolic pressure was within the normal range. 3. 3. In four of the eighteen patients several determinations were made during the period of preparation for thyroidectomy and postoperatively. In all cases the brachial-to-digital systolic gradient was normal after operation. There was a decrease toward normal of the gradient during the preoperative preparation that roughly coincided with clinical improvement and lowering of the basal metabolic rate with hormonal iodine. 4. 4. The mechanism responsible for the increased gradient in hyperthyroidism is discussed.
Streaming three-dimensional graphics with optimized transmission and rendering scalability

Distributed three-dimensional (3D) graphics applications exhibit both resemblance and uniqueness in comparison with conventional streaming media applications. The resemblance relates to the large data volume and the bandwidth-limited and error-prone transmission channel. The uniqueness is due to the polygon-based representation of 3D geometric meshes and their accompanying attributes such as textures. This specific data format introduces sophisticated rendering computation to display graphics models and therefore places an additional constraint on the streaming application. The objective of this research is to provide scalable, error-resilient, and time-efficient solutions for high-quality 3D graphics applications in distributed and resource-constrained environments. Resource constraints range from rate-limited and error-prone channels to insufficient data-reception, computing, and display capabilities of client devices. Optimal resource treatment with transmission and rendering scalability is important under such circumstances. The proposed research consists of three milestones. In the first milestone, we develop a joint mesh and texture optimization framework for scalable transmission and rendering of textured 3D models. Then, we address network behaviors and develop a hybrid retransmission and error protection mechanism for the on-demand delivery of 3D models. Next, we advance from individual 3D models to 3D scene databases, which contain numerous objects interacting in one geometric space, and study joint application and transport approaches. By properly addressing the properties of 3D scenes represented in multi-resolution hierarchies, we develop a joint source and channel coding method and a multi-streaming framework for streaming the content-rich 3D scene databases toward optimized transmission and rendering scalability under resource constraints.
KRAS and NKX2-1 Mutations in Invasive Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Lung

Abstract Introduction Mucinous differentiation is observed in a subset of lung adenocarcinomas with unique clinical and pathological features, but the biology of these neoplasms is poorly understood. Methods We apply targeted next-generation sequencing to characterize the mutational profiles of 21 invasive mucinous adenocarcinomas, mixed mucinous/nonmucinous adenocarcinomas, and adenocarcinomas with mucinous features of the lung and validate key findings on 954 additional lung adenocarcinomas from our institution and 514 lung adenocarcinomas from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Results Sequencing identifies pathogenic mutations in the oncogenes Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog ( KRAS ), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha ( PIK3CA ), erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 ( ERBB2 ), and anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase ( ALK ) and recurrent mutations in tumor protein p53 ( TP53 ), serine/threonine kinase 11 ( STK11 ), NK2 homeobox 1 ( NKX2-1 ), and SET domain containing 2 ( SETD2 ). In the combined discovery and validation cohorts, we identify nine neoplasms with distinct molecular and pathological features. All are invasive mucinous adenocarcinomas or mixed mucinous/nonmucinous adenocarcinomas with mutations of KRAS and frameshift or nonsense mutations of NKX2-1 . Immunohistochemical analysis shows that these neoplasms are associated with altered differentiation states, including loss of expression of the pulmonary marker thyroid transcription factor 1 (also called Nkx2.1) and expression of gastrointestinal markers. Conclusions These findings describe recurrent NKX2-1 mutations in invasive mucinous adenocarcinomas of the lung and support NKX2-1 as a lineage-specific tumor suppressor gene in lung carcinogenesis.
Design optimization of a prescribed vibration system using conjoint value analysis

This article details a novel design optimization strategy for a prescribed vibration system (PVS) used to mechanically filter solids from fluids in oil and gas drilling operations. A dynamic model of the PVS is developed, and the effects of disturbance torques are detailed. This model is used to predict the effects of design parameters on system performance and efficiency, as quantified by system attributes. Conjoint value analysis, a statistical technique commonly used in marketing science, is utilized to incorporate designer preferences. This approach effectively quantifies and optimizes preference-based trade-offs in the design process. The effects of designer preferences on system performance and efficiency are simulated. This novel optimization strategy yields improvements in all system attributes across all simulated vibration profiles, and is applicable to other industrial electromechanical systems.
Adaptive Tracking Control of Partially Known Signals with Application to Large Wind Turbines In Region II Operation

In some applications it is necessary for the active controller to track a signal that is only partially known or measured. This arises particularly in active control of variable speed horizontal axis wind turbines for electric power generation, and is called Disturbance Tracking Control (DTC), where a plant is persistently disturbed, and the controller must cause the plant output to track a linear function of this disturbance. This control theory is related to Tip Speed Ratio Tracking for wind turbines operating in Region II. In this paper the theory of adaptively tracking a partially known signal is developed with the use of a simple estimator to approximate the unmeasured part of the tracking signal. This estimator uses no plant parameter information. The adaptive tracking control is shown to converge under fairly simple hypotheses, and is applied to form an adaptive version of the DTC Theory for wind turbines with poorly known parameters and no direct wind speed measurement. We apply the theory to create an adaptive tip speed ratio tracking controller for a horizontal axis wind turbine generator based upon a model of the NREL Controls Advanced Research Turbine (CART).
Surface marker abnormalities in myelodysplastic syndromes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal stem cell disorders associated with a variety of abnormalities of mature and maturing cells, including surface antigen abnormalities. Granulocytes and monocytes function as members of the immune system. Surface antigens serve as biological sensors allowing various cells to interact with different stimuli. Abnormalities of surface antigens may be associated with defective cell function and may indicate a more severe or more advanced stage of the disease. INFORMATION SOURCES: The author has a great interest in bone marrow changes in MDS and has several previous publications in this field. In addition, relevant articles published since 1966 were retrieved using Medline of English literature and were included. STATE OF THE ART AND PERSPECTIVES: Several surface antigens in MDS have shown abnormal expression either in the intensity of fluorescence or the percentage of positive cells. These abnormalities include increased, decreased or lineage-aberrant expression. Abnormalities of several surface markers have prognostic significance. MDS patients with a low percentage of bone marrow cells expressing CD11b had a higher risk of evolution to acute myeloid leukemia and shorter survival compared to patients with more than 53% of marrow cells expressing CD11b (29 weeks versus 160 weeks). On the other hand, an increased percentage of bone marrow cells expressing early or immature markers, such as CD 13, CD33, CD34 and HLA-DR, has been associated with a worse outcome and with progression to a higher risk MDS or to acute myeloid leukemia. However, there are numerous discrepancies and inconsistencies in the literature when reviewing surface marker changes in MDS. These discrepancies may be related, at least in part, to the presence of an intracellular storage compartment of numerous surface antigens in the granulocytes and monocytes. Because of these storage pools, the techniques of preparing more mature granulocytes and monocytes, such as density gradient separation, and the interpretation of results must be carefully evaluated. Furthermore, various methods have been used to express abnormal results including percentage of positive or negative cells, fluorescent intensity (FI) of individual patients or a group of patients using a mean fluorescent channel (256 or 1024 channel mode), and finally the expression of FI as molecules of equivalent soluble fluorochromes or antibody binding capacities. Several mechanisms may be involved in the abnormal expression of surface antigens in MDS including defective granulopoiesis, defective intracellular storage pool, abnormal membrane of cytoplasmic granules, and the effect of high levels of marrow cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha and transforming growth factor-beta. Standardization of the methods of preparing and studying mature and maturing granulocytes and monocytes in MDS has to be achieved in order to produce comparable results, thus allowing surface marker studies to be utilized as diagnostic and prognostic tools in MDS.
Grain Boundary and Cavity Surface Segregation in Crept Ni3Al + 0.2at% B AND Ni3 (AI,Hf) + 0.2at% B

Creep strengths and ductilities of boron-doped nickel aluminides are significantly improved by small additions of hafnium. Since creep failure in these alloys proceeds by growth and coalescence of grain boundary cavities, effects of Hf additions on the compositions of grain boundaries and creep cavity surfaces were examined using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). In order to facilitate intergranular fracture in the AES analysis chamber, gage sections from creep specimens were hydrogen charged and copper plated. Grain boundaries in crept specimens were not flat, and the grains did not exhibit a normal polyhedral appearance. The overall levels of boron detected on the fracture surfaces of the creep specimens were significantly higher than those from uncrept specimens. Additionally, boron was found to segregate more strongly to the grain boundaries while higher concentrations of residual sulfur and phosphorus were detected on the cavity surfaces in both alloys. These results are discussed in terms of the effects of impurity segregation on high temperature grain boundary cavitation.
Over 500 GHz InP heterojunction bipolar transistors

Single heterojunction bipolar transistors (SHBTs) with cutoff frequencies as high as 520 GHz operating at current densities over 1400 kA/cm/sup 2/ have been demonstrated. We compare state-of-the-art HBT technologies, focusing on the aspects of scalability and speed, breakdown voltage, thermal properties, and the demands future applications will require from these high-performance devices.
Design of Lightning Information System Based on MVC

With the increasing users of Lightning location system increasing and the growing complexity of the system,the MVC development pattern is applied,which gives a new design to separate lightning information system from performance layer,business logic layer and data layer,and the processing efficiency of the massive data of thunder and lightning has been improved.Lightning information system based on the three-layer structure of the MVC pattern is researched.The system is used extensively on the scheduling sector and the operation sector of provincial power company.The research shows that the development efficiency,maintainability and scalability of the new system are greatly improved,and the early warning and emergency response capabilities are also enhanced when the power grid has been struck by lightning,thus the safety of the power grid operations has been protected.
Analysis Report on Singapore Photographs of Mr. Kuntapong Sawangjiravit in the Concept-Theory Practicum

This article analyses the photographs taken by the professional photographer, Mr. Kuntapong Sawangjiravit, to check whether his photographic endeavors are in accordance with photography theory and concepts and to ascertain if a strategic creation of city photographs is feasible in accordance with Mr. Kuntapong Sawangjiravit’s photography theory and concepts. This research model combines Mr. Kuntapong Sawangjiravit’s photos that were snapshot with digital single lens reflex (DSLR) and the concepts of photography theory. This study was conducted with a selected sample of 10 photographs from a total of 2,358 that are considered to be outstanding and taken on the basis of the concepts of city landscape theory presentation that emphasize on the study of urban scape under the academic discipline photography theory concept. It is found from the research that each of the photos has different creative strategy depending on 1. Location. 2. Light. 3. Nature of the Photo. 4. Particular Technique. 5. Surrounding. However, each photo has photo component arrangement process, especially in giving preference in the concepts of Symmetry, Asymmetry, Balance and Space. Nevertheless, it is because photos that appeared have also involved in architecture work that create highlights and meanings to the photos. Besides, researcher has brought minor concept of component arrangements, no matter that they are in which Form, Shape, Pattern, Texture, Frame, Tone, Foreground and Background, Line, or even Perspective that will be appeared in the sample photos.
[Comparative studies of the muscular action-potential time in alcoholics and healthy persons].

Bei 33 Alkoholikern ohne klinische Zeichen einer neuromuskularen Erkrankung wurden die elektromyographisch von den Mm. gastrocnemius, deltoides, opponens pollicis und mentalis abgeleiteten Muskelaktionspotentiale mit den unter gleichen Untersuchungsbedingungen an einer Gruppe von gesunden Probanden ermittelten Parametern verglichen. Die Dauer der Potentiale motorischer Einheiten lag bei Alkoholikern signifikant niedriger als in der Vergleichsgruppe. Abgesehen von diesem Befund waren bei den Alkoholikern keine Abweichungen festzustellen. Es wird die Moglichkeit diskutiert, das die relative Verkurzung der Muskelpotentiale bei Alkoholikern Ausdruck einer leichten toxischen Muskelaffektion (subklinische alkoholische Myopathie) ist. Die in der Literatur beschriebenen Formen der alkoholischen Myopathie verschiedener Schwere und Akuitat zeigen, das als Folge schweren chronischen Alkoholmisbrauchs nicht nur Storungen des peripheren Nervensystems, sondern auch elektrodiagnostisch und morphologisch verifizierbare primare Muskelschadigungen vorkommen.
Dynamic DNA methylation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the development of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetes elevates matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the retina and its capillary cells, and activated MMP-9 damages mitochondria, accelerating retinal capillary cell apoptosis, a phenomenon which precedes the development of retinopathy. Diabetes also favors epigenetic modifications regulating the expression of many genes. DNA methylation is maintained by methylating-hydroxymethylating enzymes, and retinal DNA methyltransferase (Dnmt) is activated in diabetes. Our aim is to investigate the role of DNA methylation in MMP-9 regulation. The effect of high glucose on 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine (5hmC), and binding of Dnmt1 and hydroxymethylating enzyme (Tet2) on MMP-9 promoter were quantified in retinal endothelial cells. Specific role of Tet2 in MMP-9 activation was validated using Tet2-siRNA. The results were confirmed in the retina from streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse. Although glucose increased Dnmt1 binding at MMP-9 promoter, it decreased 5mC levels. At the same promoter site, Tet2 binding and 5hmC levels were elevated. Tet2-siRNA ameliorated increase in 5hmC and MMP-9 transcription, and protected mitochondrial damage. Diabetic mice also presented similar dynamic DNA methylation changes in the retinal MMP-9 promoter. Thus, in diabetes transcription of retinal MMP-9 is maintained, in part, by an active DNA methylation-hydroxymethylation process, and regulation of this machinery should help maintain mitochondrial homeostasis and inhibit the development/progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Chitin receptor CERK1 links salt stress and chitin‐triggered innate immunity in Arabidopsis

In nature, plants need to respond to multiple environmental stresses that require the involvement and fine-tuning of different stress signaling pathways. Cross-tolerance, in which plants pre-treated with chitin (a fungal microbe-associated molecular pattern) have improved salt tolerance, was observed in Arabidopsis, but is not well understood. Here, we show a unique link between chitin and salt signaling mediated by the chitin receptor CHITIN ELICITOR RECEPTOR KINASE 1 (CERK1). Transcriptome analysis revealed that salt stress-induced genes are highly correlated with chitin-induced genes, although this was not observed with other microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) or with other abiotic stresses. The cerk1 mutant was more susceptible to NaCl than was the wild type. cerk1 plants had an irregular increase of cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+ ]cyt ) after NaCl treatment. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and co-immunoprecipitation experiments indicated that CERK1 physically interacts with ANNEXIN 1 (ANN1), which was reported to form a calcium-permeable channel that contributes to the NaCl-induced [Ca2+ ]cyt signal. In turn, ann1 mutants showed elevated chitin-induced rapid responses. In short, molecular components previously shown to function in chitin or salt signaling physically interact and intimately link the downstream responses to fungal attack and salt stress.
Generation of endoderm lineages from pluripotent stem cells

Definitive endoderm is the cellular precursor to respiratory- and digestive-related organs such as lungs, stomach, liver, pancreas and intestine. Endodermal lineage cells derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) in vitro are a potentially unlimited resource for regenerative medicine. These cells are useful tools for studying the physiology, pathogenesis and medical therapies involving these tissues, and great progress has been achieved in PSCs differentiation protocols. In this review, we will focus on the most common and/or advanced differentiation strategies currently used in generating endodermal lineage cells from PSCs. A brief discussion about the effect of early definitive endoderm differentiation on the final development products will follow.
Characterization of Bortezomib Resistant Human Multiple Myeloma Cell Line (HMCL): A Clinically Relevant Model for Novel Drug Development in Multiple Myeloma (MM).

Introduction: Bortezomib (B) is the first in class proteasome inhibitor that received FDA approval for the treatment of MM patients with relapsed or refractory disease. Despite impressive clinical activity all patients develop resistance to B. The underlying mechanism of resistance to B remains undetermined. Mechanisms to overcome B resistance or development of new therapeutic agent(s) with activity in context of B resistance are limited due to unavailability of established preclinical B resistant MM models. To overcome this challenge we developed a B resistant HMCL. Methods: we chronically exposed the OPM-2 HMCL to sub-lethal doses of B. Surviving cells were harvested, re-cultured and dose of B incrementally increased over prolong period of time. The resulting resistant cells were further characterized using array Comparative Genomic Hybridization (aCGH), spectral karyotyping (SKY) and gene expression profiling. Results: After several passages we were able to induce B resistance in this HMCL. Final clone (OPM-2BR) demonstrate resistance to 2 × IC 50 dose of B. While SKY and aCGH analysis demonstrated significant differences when compared with parent OPM-2WT (wild type) HMCL, gene expression profiling of the resistant and parental lines demonstrated significant upregulation in the expression of a number of ATP-binding cassette transporters. For example, the breast cancer resistance protein (ABCG2) is upregulated 4-fold in the resistant cell line compared to the parental cell line. This data suggests that drug efflux mediated by drug transporters represents one potential mechanism of resistance to B. Conclusion: Chronic in vitro B exposure results in induced resistance in HMCL-OPM-2BR. Resistant cell line demonstrates cytogenetic variability when compared to the parent cell line. Induction of resistance is stable and provides an important preclinical tool to investigate mechanism(s) of B resistance as well as new drug development for B resistant myeloma patients. Detailed analysis of this cell lines including therapeutic interventions investigating resistance reversal will be presented at the meeting.
CD103+ CD8 T Cells in the Toxoplasma-Infected Brain Exhibit a Tissue-Resident Memory Transcriptional Profile.

During chronic infection memory T cells acquire a unique phenotype and become dependent on different survival signals than those needed for memory T cells generated during an acute infection. The distinction between the role of effector and memory T cells in an environment of persistent antigen remains unclear. Here, in the context of chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection we demonstrate that a population of CD8 T cells exhibiting a tissue resident memory (TRM) phenotype accumulates within the brain. We show that this population is distributed throughout the brain in both parenchymal and extraparenchymal spaces. Furthermore, this population is transcriptionally distinct and exhibits a transcriptional signature consistent with the TRM observed in acute viral infections. Finally, we establish that the CD103+ TRM population has an intrinsic capacity to produce both IFN- and TNF-, cytokines critical for parasite control within the central nervous system (CNS). The contribution of this population to pro-inflammatory cytokine production suggests an important role for TRM in protective and ongoing immune responses in the infected CNS.
Graphite grain-size spectrum and molecules from core-collapse supernovae

Abstract Our goal is to compute the abundances of carbon atomic complexes that emerge from the C + O cores of core-collapse supernovae. We utilize our chemical reaction network in which every atomic step of growth employs a quantum-mechanically guided reaction rate. This tool follows step-by-step the growth of linear carbon chain molecules from C atoms in the oxygen-rich C + O cores. We postulate that once linear chain molecules reach a sufficiently large size, they isomerize to ringed molecules, which serve as seeds for graphite grain growth. We demonstrate our technique for merging the molecular reaction network with a parallel program that can follow 10 17 steps of C addition onto the rare seed species. Due to radioactivity within the C + O core, abundant ambient oxygen is unable to convert C to CO, except to a limited degree that actually facilitates carbon molecular ejecta. But oxygen severely minimizes the linear-carbon-chain abundances. Despite the tiny abundances of these linear-carbon-chain molecules, they can give rise to a small abundance of ringed-carbon molecules that serve as the nucleations on which graphite grain growth builds. We expand the C + O-core gas adiabatically from 6000 K for 10 9 s when reactions have essentially stopped. These adiabatic tracks emulate the actual expansions of the supernova cores. Using a standard model of 10 56 atoms of C + O core ejecta having O/C = 3, we calculate standard ejection yields of graphite grains of all sizes produced, of the CO molecular abundance, of the abundances of linear-carbon molecules, and of Buckminsterfullerene. None of these except CO was expected from the C + O cores just a few years past.
Joan Johnson-Freese, Space Warfare in the 21st Century: Arming the Heavens

For as long as humans have pursued access to space, military interest has followed close behind. The early history of humankind’s quest of space dominance is littered with instances where military ...
Implementation of an interprofessional error disclosure experience: A multi-institutional collaboration

Abstract Creation of educational experiences to promote interprofessional education (IPE) and collaborative practice team skills can be resource-intensive and beyond the capacity of many institutions. Implementation of developed IPE curricular elements to other institutions is a promising means of expanding access to IPE. This paper describes the process of implementing an IPE error disclosure experience used at one academic health center to three additional centers during 2012–2013. Participating institutions found that implementing an existing IPE curricular experience to their institutional sites required minimal resource investment in case development, allowing them to focus their efforts on implementation and evaluation. Student and faculty feedback were positive and participating institutions continue to use the activity as part of their IPE offerings.
Viv Dechoukaj, Long Live Uprooting! Aristide’s Politico-theology of Defensive Violence in the Struggle for Democracy in Haiti*

ABSTRACTThe essay has a twofold objectives. First, it analyzes the complex relationships of popular violence, gansterization, and chimerization associated with Jean-Bertrand Aristide’s political leadership and actions during his second presidential administration. Secondly, it examines Aristide’s first politico-theological treatise, 100 Vese Dechoukaj Va T’en Satan! to study whether he has formulated or articulated a theology of violence and aggression that will later shape his political leadership during his second presidential administration. It is evident in this early text, Aristide has perfected a rhetoric of bellicosity, framed within a particular theo-political hermeneutics and discourse, to damn the Duvalierists and Macoutes, and uproot the oppressors and distractors of the Haitian people. In other words, this essay argues that the popular violence and gangsterism associated with Aristide’s second-term presidency and his Fanmi Lavalas supporters have deep roots in Aristide’s revolutionary theology...