cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-Energy Excitations in (KBr) 1−x (KCN) x in the Orientational Glass State

CN− ions substituting in small concentrations for Br− ions in KBr are known to possess low energy, quasirotational tunneling and librational states. For molar concentrations x>0.01, (KBr)1−x(KCN)x is believed to enter into a quadrupolar glass phase at low temperature [1,2]. We have measured the low-temperature thermal conductivity and specific heat of this mixed crystal system for x=0.25 and 0.5, and have found it to possess the same low-energy excitations as are seen in amorphous solids.
New Directions in Feminism and Human Rights

On the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, feminists are at a critical juncture to re-envision and re-engage in a politics of human rights that underscores the creative displays of grassroots resistance by women globally and affirms transnational feminist solidarity. In highlighting feminisms and human rights that are antiracist and social justice oriented, this issue highlights new research that reveals the transformative potential of a feminist human rights praxis that embraces collective justice. In this introduction, we discuss dominant critiques of human rights frameworks and explore critical human rights activism ‘from below’ in order to establish the context for this special issue on new directions in feminism and human rights.
The global demand for motorized mobility

Abstract This paper provides a data set of global and regional passenger traffic volumes between 1960 and 1990 for the four major motorized modes of transport—cars, buses, railways, and aircraft—in eleven world regions. Based on these data, global long-term trends in motorized traffic volume and modal split are projected. The underlying constraints, originally employed in urban traffic planning and never before applied to global scenarios, assume that humans invest fixed budgets of money and time for travel on average. The paper also discusses implications of rising travel demand on world passenger transport energy use, on the global automobile motorization rate, and briefly deals with the long-term implications of unlimited mobility growth.
URINARY URONATE AND SULFATED GLYCOSAMINOGLYCAN LEVELS: MARKERS FOR INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS SEVERITY

ABSTRACTPurpose:: Urologists frequently rely on symptom and problem indexes to monitor patients with interstitial cystitis (IC). Uronic acid is a component of most glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which is a protective bladder urothelium coating. We evaluated whether urinary uronate and sulfated GAG levels correlate with IC severity and we characterized urinary GAG species.Materials and Methods:: Urine samples, and a completed O’Leary-Sant IC symptom and problem index questionnaire were obtained from 37 patients with IC and 14 normal individuals. Patients with IC were in group 1–1 or 2 indexes less than 50% the maximum score or group 2–each index 50% or greater the maximum score. All patients fulfilled National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases criteria except glomerulations. Urinary uronate was fractionated using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CETAB). Uronate and sulfated GAG levels in urine, CETAB precipitates and CETAB supernatants were measured by the Bitter and Muir, and Farndale ass...
Neoliberalism in ecotourism? The new development paradigm of multinational projects in Africa

As a global phenomenon, ecotourism is influenced by numerous stakeholders ranging from local charities to international governments and non-governmental organisations (NGO). Within the continent of Africa, multinational NGO and government involvement is at the forefront of ecotourism development as a strategy for natural resource management, economic gains, and increased quality of life. While many African countries are attempting to create a ‘self-reliant’ society, they still encourage extensive direct foreign investment. This paper asserts that, as the international voice that attempts to link conservation with domestic and foreign audiences, multinational agencies control the power structures that invariantly reinforce the concept of neoliberal conservation. It is argued that there is a need to better understand a multinational agency's role in ecotourism development; therefore, through an analysis of six multinational conservation agencies headquartered in Washington, DC, this paper presents an analys...
Heterocyclic Amines: 2. Inhibitory Effects of Natural Extracts on the Formation of Polar and Nonpolar Heterocyclic Amines in Cooked Beef

: The effects of natural extracts on the formation of polar (IQ, MeIQ, MeIQx, 4,8-DiMeIQx, and PhIP) and nonpolar (norharman, harman, and AαC) heterocyclic amines (HAs) were examined in ground beef cooked at 200 and 210°C for 20 min. In experiment 1, the formation of MeIQx was effectively reduced by 77%, 75%, and 69%, respectively, for 1.0% pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®), 1.0% Oleoresin rosemary (Herbalox®), and grape seed extract (ActiVinTM) at 200°C for 20 min. No 4,8-DiMeIQx was observed in the 1.0% ActiVin. When compared with the initial concentrations, glucose and creatine significantly decreased for all treatments and the control at 200°C after 20 min. In experiment 2, IQ was not formed in any treatment when beef was fried at 210°C for 10 min/side. The formation of MeIQx was reduced by 64% and 61% at 1.0% ActiVin and 1.0% Pycnogenol. Herbalox (1.0%) more effectively decreased the amount of nonpolar HAs than other treatments. No AαC and norharman were detected at 1.0 % Herbalox. Natural extracts, ActiVin, Pycnogenol, and Herbalox, effectively decreased the formation of polar and nonpolar HAs. The results provide valuable information to inhibit the formation of HAs in cooked meats.
Thin-layer chromatographic assay for HMG-CoA reductase and mevalonic acid

Abstract An improved TLC system for the isolation and quantitation of mevalonic acid is described. This method has been applied to a variety of biological systems. The identification of the biological product as mevalonic acid has been confirmed by rechromatography with mevalonic acid standards. The procedure is simple, reproducible, and suitable for large numbers of HMG-CoA reductase assays. The system equals available GLC methods in sensitivity and is decidedly faster, particularly if large numbers of analyses are to be performed. Using a purified bacterial HMG-CoA reductase we obtained excellent agreement between a spectral assay and the TLC method presented. Prior extraction of mevalonic acid may be omitted if less exact results will suffice. Although the method is proposed for assay of HMG-CoA reductase, it is applicable to isolation and quantitation of mevalonolactone from a variety of biological systems.
The development and evaluation of immunodiffusion, immunofluorescence and physiological tests for the differentiation of atypical trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes isolates

Five laboratory procedures: 1) immunodiffusion, 2) immunofluorescence, 3) in vitro hair perforation, 4) pigment stimulation, and 5) a urease test were compared for their ability to differentiateT. rubrum fromT. mentagrophytes. Of the physiological tests, thein vitro hair perforation technique was the most reliable for differentiating the two species. With the serological tests, the organisms were not differentiated by immunodiffusion, but if appropriate dilutions of the conjugates were used in immunofluorescence testing, most isolates could be differentiated.
Determination of phenylephrine in combinations with other drugs

Phenylephrine combines with di-(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid to form an ionpair which can be extracted with immiscible solvents. Application of this means of extraction in conjunction with partition chromatography provides a method for the analysis of phenylephrine in its various combinations with other drugs.
Improving Component-Swapping Modularity Using Bidirectional Communication in Networked Control Systems

Availability of low-cost electronics has led to a new breed of control system components, so-called smart components, which can perform control actions in the actuator and sensor components as well as in the controller. ldquoSmartrdquo components can communicate bidirectionally in networked control systems (NCSs). One can improve control system performance and design due to the decentralized, yet more connected, nature of these systems. Current research on NCSs primarily focuses on communication loss and delay. This paper investigates the potential benefits of bidirectional communication in a feedback control loop, which is at the heart of so many applications. First, a definition and quantification of component-swapping modularity is presented. Next, an optimal design formulation is presented for an NCS that maximizes component-swapping modularity. The approach is then demonstrated with an example of driveshaft speed control with a dc motor.
College students' social networking experiences on Facebook

Millions of contemporary young adults use social networking sites. However, little is known about how much, why, and how they use these sites. In this study, 92 undergraduates completed a diary-like measure each day for a week, reporting daily time use and responding to an activities checklist to assess their use of the popular social networking site, Facebook. At the end of the week, they also completed a follow-up survey. Results indicated that students use Facebook approximately 30 min throughout the day as part of their daily routine. Students communicated on Facebook using a one-to-many style, in which they were the creators disseminating content to their friends. Even so, they spent more time observing content on Facebook than actually posting content. Facebook was used most often for social interaction, primarily with friends with whom the students had a pre-established relationship offline. In addition to classic identity markers of emerging adulthood, such as religion, political ideology, and work, young adults also used media preferences to express their identity. Implications of social networking site use for the development of identity and peer relationships are discussed.
Three-dimensional gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography of the thoracic aorta

Our objective was to evaluate image quality and preliminary clinical experience with three-dimensional gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography of the thoracic aorta.Ninety patients with suspected thoracic aorta pathology underwent 97 MR examinations at 1.5 T with a 4-min, three-dimensional spoiled gradient-echo techniques. Gadolinium infusion was timed for maximum arterial contrast during acquisition of the central portion of K-space. No ECG gating or breath-holding was used. All MR examinations were evaluated retrospectively for intravascular signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In 30 of the 90 patients, results from surgery (n = 11), angiography (n = 12), or both (n = 7) were available. Four radiologists who were unaware of the angiographic or surgical findings assessed each of these 30 examinations for three types of pathology: dissection, coarctation, or aneurysm. The observers also assessed aortic branch vessel patency and vascular anomalies in the 19 patients who had angiographic correlation.Image quality (deter...
Further results on the asymptotic analysis of digital communications in generalized fading channels

This articles presents several new and simple closed-form asymptotic approximations for the average symbol error rate (ASER) performance measure of digital communication systems (with/without diversity transceivers) impaired by additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and multipath fading. In particular, a new class of asymptotic approximations for the ASER is derived by utilizing a normalized asymptotic probability density function (PDF) of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The resulting expressions are considerably better/tighter over a wider range of mean SNRs when compared to the existing high-SNR approximations although both techniques need only the first non-zero term of the Maclaurin (if exists) or the Poincare series expansion of the receiver output SNR. We also investigate the utility/efficacy of the Welch-Satterthwaite and Moschopoulos approximations (based on either a moments matching technique or using our proposed normalized asymptotic PDF of SNR that resembles a Gamma PDF) for yielding accurate predictions of the ASER in the low-SNR regime in a myriad of fading environments. Simple closed-form approximations for the ergodic channel capacities of different types of fading channels with/without diversity reception are also derived.
High impedance fault detection method efficiency: Simulation vs. real-world data acquisition

In this paper, the reliability of a novel high impedance fault (HIF) detection method is compared for two data acquisition cases, namely, real-world and simulation. The real-world data is collected in high current research laboratory, and the simulation data is acquired using PSCAD/EMTDC software. The real-world condition is set to the most practical conditions (noisy environment, magnetic-core CTs). It is observed that although the proposed HIF detection method shows perfect reliability for the simulated HIF, its reliability for real-world data is considerably lower. From the comparison between the proposed detection algorithm reliability between the simulation and real-world data, it is concluded that it is not sufficient to prove the method reliability solely using the data acquired from simulation or impractical real-world cases, measurement noise. In order to increase the method reliability for real-world data, four actions are proposed in this paper; using a more complex classifier, a larger feature set, a wavelet based de-noising algorithm, and decreasing the method speed.
Characterization of PdSn catalysts for electroless metal deposition

Description de methodes electrochimiques permettant de caracteriser l'activite catalytique de depots de PdSn et de determiner les concentrations d'etain et de palladium dans la solution catalytique
Where's the “Freedom” in Free Trade? Framing Practices and Global Economic Justice

This study analyzes the work of three progressive organizations—the Highlander Center, American Friends Service Committee's Praxis/Economic Justice Project, and United Students Against Sweatshops. Drawing from social movement theory's framing perspective, I explore key components of the frames and framing practices of these organizations working on global economic justice issues. Special attention is paid to the role that popular education techniques, critical consciousness-raising, and democratic organizational structures play in framing practices. These methods have proven to be vital tools for both community practitioners working on economic justice issues, particularly in the context of a globalizing economy.
Multi-resolution 3D visualization of the early stages of cellular uptake of peptide-coated nanoparticles

Using a three-dimensional multi-resolution method the early events leading to the cellular uptake of peptide-modified nanoparticles are visualized in real time.
The effects of dietary protein content on water requirements and ammonia excertion in pigeons,Columbia livia

Abstract 1. Ad lib. drinking rates, minimum water requirements, and the rates of urine flow and ammonia excertion in the pigeon vary directly with the dietary protein content. 2. Increased dietary protein content does not alter qualitatively the physiological handling of excretory ammonia. 3. Restriction of water availability fromad libitum drinking to minimum water requirements alters the physiological handling of excretory ammonia and may alter the proportion of nitrogen excreted as ammonia.
Effects of Feeding Graded Levels of Vitamin D3 on Egg Shell Pimpling in Aged Hens

Abstract Pimpled egg shells are one of the various types of egg shell problems in the industry today. In this study, graded levels of vitamin D3 (D3) (0, 138, 275, 550, 2200, 22,000, 44,000, and 88,000 ICU of D3/kg of feed) were fed in a corn-soy ration to Single Comb White Leghorn hens (78 weeks of age), randomly assigned to one of the eight treatments. Feed consumption, egg production, egg weight, egg specific gravity, and pimple score were determined at weekly or biweekly intervals for a 10-week period. At termination of the experiment, calcium, sodium, potassium, and ash content of the uterus and serum calcium levels were assayed. Results showed that a significant (P
OBSERVATION OF TWO REACTION PATHWAYS FOR WATER FORMATION FROM HYDROXYL RADICAL COVERED PT(111)

Abstract Intense molecular beams of hydroxyl radicals produced in a supersonic corona discharge source were focused and state-selected by an electrostatic hexapole. Thermal desorption spectra from a Pt(111) surface dosed with the resulting pure beam of OD radicals showed features corresponding to D 2 O and O 2 desorption. Two distinct types of adsorbed OD were observed depending on the dosing temperature. Dosing at 215 K generated a low temperature (215 K) D 2 O desorption feature. Dosing at 275 K generated a high temperature (400 K) D 2 O desorption feature. Possible origins of these two features are discussed.
Mantle devolatilization and convection: Implications for the thermal history of the Earth

The depletion of volatiles from the earth's mantle over its history may have had significant effects on thermal convection, due to the effects of volatiles on silicate rheology. Experimental data suggest that the activation energy for solid-state creep in a volatile-free environment is as much as 25% greater than in a volatile-rich environment, and thus devolatilization can lead to a substantial increase in viscosity. In a devolatilizing system, gradually increasing temperatures (relative to those in a system with volatile-independent rheology) may be required to maintain moderate viscosities and convection. We investigate this postulated effect by incorporating a time-dependent increase in activation temperature, simulating progressive mantle devolatilization, in a parameterized convection model. Volatiles significantly affect the earth's thermal evolution when the dependence of mantle rheology upon volatile content is sufficiently strong, the total volatile loss is sufficiently large, and devolatilization is relatively slow and continuous. For models with an increase of 20% in activation energy over earth history, the present-day ratio of heat production to heat loss (Urey ratio) approaches or exceeds 1.0 when volatile loss is relatively continuous. With rapid early volatile loss, the upper bound on the present-day Urey ratio is about 0.8 to 0.9, comparable to the limit with volatile-independent rheology. Present uncertainties in these factors permit an earth that may be close to a steady thermal state or perhaps even warming up.
A knowledge-based user interface management system

A knowledge base which defines a user-computer interface is described. The knowledge base serves as input to a user interface management system, which implements the user interface. However, the knowledge base represents user interface design knowledge at a level of abstraction higher than is typical of user interface management systems. In particular, it represents objects, actions, attributes of objects, an object class hierarchy, and pre- and post-conditions on the actions. The knowledge base can be algorithmically transformed into a number of functionally equivalent interfaces, each of which is slightly different from the original interface. The transformed interface definition can be input to the UIMS, providing a way to quickly experiment with a family of related interfaces.
Bioreactors for extracorporeal liver support.

Hybrid extracorporeal liver support is an option to assist liver transplantation therapy. An overview on liver cell bioreactors is given and our own development is described. Furthermore, the prosp...
Method of Analysis for (-)-Epicatechin in Cocoa Beans by High Performance Liquid Chromatography

A sensitive high performance liquid chromatographic method for analysis of (-)epicatechin (3,3′,4′,5,7-pentahydroxyflavan) in cocoa beans is described. Bean samples were extracted in 80% acetone with subsequent sample clean-up on a Waters Associates C18 SEPPAK. Separation of (-)-epicatechin was accomplished on a μBondapak C18 column using a mobile phase of water:methanol:acetic acid (87:8:5). (-)-Epicatechin was detected at 280 nm and quantified by comparing peak height of sample to those of standards. The method demonstrated excellent reproducibility and recoveries of added (-)epicatechin averaged over 90%. UV scans and mass spectrometric anlaysis of collected eluate from the chromatograph provided positive identification of the compound in cocoa bean extracts.
Analyses of subensembles ofM/G/1 queueing sequences

Although many queueing processes of various principles have extensively been investigated, little attention has been paid to the sampling aspect of the theory, by which the nature of sample sequences of finite or infinite length can be examined with respect to some given ensemble of queueing sequences. In this paper we wish to identify classes of sample sequences of an M/G/1 model and investigate several hitherto unknown properties of queueing phenomenon of a given particular service system over a finite or infinite length of time. The method to be used is an extension of both the method of imbedded Markow chains, cf. D. G. Kendall [4], and semi-Markovian processes, Smith [9], Levy [5], Pyke[7,8], Fabens [2], Neuts [6], etc.
Pulsed radio frequency plasma polymerization of allyl Alcohol: Controlled deposition of surface hydroxyl groups

The utility of employing a variable duty cycle pulsed plasma polymerization technique to control film chemistry during plasma depositions is examined using allyl alcohol as monomer gas. Large scale progressive variations in film composition are observed with sequential changes in the plasma duty cycles employed, all other plasma variables being held constant. In particular, the −OH functionality of the monomer is increasingly retained in the plasma generated thin films as the radio frequency duty cycle is lowered. Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analyses of the films obtained reveal that excellent film chemistry control is achieved during plasma polymerization of this monomer. The surface density controllability of functional groups, coupled with a gradient layering technique described herein to improve film adhesion to substrate surfaces, provides ideal opportunities for molecular tailoring of surfaces via subsequent derivatization reactions.
AI And Early Vision - Part II

A quarter of a century ago I introduced two paradigms into psychology which in the intervening years have had a direct impact on the psychobiology of early vision and an indirect one on artificial intelligence (AI or machine vision). The first, the computer-generated random-dot stereogram (RDS) paradigm (Julesz, 1960) at its very inception posed a strategic question both for AI and neurophysiology. The finding that stereoscopic depth perception (stereopsis) is possible without the many enigmatic cues of monocular form recognition - as assumed previously - demonstrated that stereopsis with its basic problem of finding matches between corresponding random aggregates of dots in the left and right visual fields became ripe for modeling. Indeed, the binocular matching problem of stereopsis opened up an entire field of study, eventually leading to the computational models of David Marr (1982) and his coworkers. The fusion of RDS had an even greater impact on neurophysiologists - including Hubel and Wiesel (1962) - who realized that stereopsis must occur at an early stage, and can be studied easier than form perception. This insight recently culminated in the studies by Gian Poggio (1984) who found binocular-disparity - tuned neurons in the input stage to the visual cortex (layer IVB in V1) in the monkey that were selectively triggered by dynamic RDS. Thus the first paradigm led to a strategic insight: that with stereoscopic vision there is no camouflage, and as such was advantageous for our primate ancestors to evolve the cortical machinery of stereoscopic vision to capture camouflaged prey (insects) at a standstill. Amazingly, although stereopsis evolved relatively late in primates, it captured the very input stages of the visual cortex. (For a detailed review, see Julesz, 1986a)
Letter by Del-Carpio Munoz et al regarding article, "Masking inferior infarction by anterior myocardial injury".

To the Editor: In the July 25th, 2006, issue of Circulation , Deng and Das1 conclude that an old inferior myocardial infarction (Figures 1 and 3 of their article) was masked by an acute anterior-wall injury pattern (Figure 2 of their article). They state that the possible mechanism is a well-known electrocardiographic principle: Electrical forces …
Construction safety performance in the United Arab Emirates

Rapid growth of the construction industry in the United Arab Emirates is often accompanied by frequent occurrences of construction accidents. A survey to determine how safe construction companies operate their site activities was conducted through questionnaires and site interviews. Over 120 construction companies in the two largest cities in the country have participated in this survey. The types of accidents that have frequently occurred are falls from higher/same elevation, struck by equipment/objects, natural causes (primarily illness), electrocution, caught by equipment/material, and drowning and fire-related accidents. The findings of this study suggest that several companies are deficient in providing worker's benefits, site orientation, personal protective equipment, accident prevention, and health and hygiene. To a certain extent, violations by foreign workers contribute to the occurrence of these accidents. Lack of regulations and codes required for safe construction operations exacerbate the pr...
Atlantic Sediments, Erosion Rates, and the Evolution of the Continental Shelf: Some Speculations

The volume of Triassic and younger sediment on and offshore from the Atlantic coast between Virginia and Nova Scotia can be estimated from the isopach map by Drake, Ewing, and Sutton (1959) of Atlantic coastal and offshore sediments. This volume is compared with that which would have been derived from the probable source area at present rates of erosion. It is found that the average rate of erosion in Triassic and later time was probably not less than three fourths and perhaps equal to the present rate. The arrangement of the sedimentary troughs identified by Drake, Ewing, and Sutton suggests that the Continental Shelf was formed in part by isostatic sinking of the offshore crust beneath the sedimentary load supplied by the rivers. But the presence of a nearly continuous median ridge in the sedimentary basin suggests that isostatic sinking is not alone responsible for the downwarp and in fact could not suffice to bring it about. The density of the sediment must be less than two thirds that of the subcrustal material displaced. If the basement had been originally horizontal or sloping uniformly seaward, the basin landward of the median ridge must have sunk by a mechanism other than isostatic depression beneath an additional 5000 feet of sediment, for the seafloor is roughly at the same depth over both ridge and inner basin. This differential depression of the basement, as well as the sinking of a former land area to form such basins, requires thinning of the crust; it is here suggested that subcrustal erosion by currents beneath the M discontinuity caused the thinning. Possibly the median ridge and the basins are due partly to instabilities produced by such currents, although they seem too large to be attributed to drag.
Spread of Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) in Indiana: Collections of Adults in 1991–1994 and Description of a Borrelia burgdorferi-Infected Population

Collection records for the adult black legged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say, in Indiana for the period 1991–1994 are presented and a new, established population of Borrelia burgdorferi -infected I. scapularis is described. The number of I. scapularis adults collected in Indiana increased progressively from 19 in 1991 to >200 in 1994, and the number of Indiana counties reporting at least 1 adult increased from 13 to 29. Also, during this period, 4 counties in northwestern Indiana yielded >10 specimens each, and B. burgdorferi-infected ticks were collected in 2 of these counties. An established population of I. scapularis , as evidenced by the presence of questing larvae, nymphs, and adults, was discovered in Jasper County in 1993. Twelve of 39 adults (31%) and 4 of 44 nymphs (9%) collected with cloth drags were infected with B. burgdorferi . Three of 49 (6%) white-footed mice, Peromyscus leucopus , collected from the site were also infected with B. burgdorferi . We believe that this focus was established at least 8 yr ago, and that a tick originating from this focus was responsible for a case of Lyme disease reported from this county in 1985.
Comparison of digital dental X-ray systems with self-developing film and manual processing for endodontic file length determination.

Human skulls were sectioned into 15 sextants. Teeth were then removed and 45 canals were instrumented to their apical foramina. Endodontic files were glued in place at random distances from the apical foramina. Image geometry was maintained by a custom mounting jig. Images were captured with self-developing film, manually processed D-speed film, and a digital radiographic system (Dexis). Digital images were read on a conventional color monitor (cathode ray tube) and a laptop screen (active-matrix liquid crystal display). Fifteen dentists measured the distance from the file tip to the apical foramen of the tooth. Results showed that the measurement error was significantly less for the digital images than for the film-based images. It is likely that these statistical differences may not be of great clinical significance because the digital images could be measured in increments
High reliability interconnect technology with tungsten-barrier metal in next generation

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the mechanism of discoloration which leads to a via open problem and to demonstrate the effect of W-barrier metal on W-stud process to prevent this problem. In this paper we describe some experiments aimed at solving the discoloration of CVD-W film. These experiments revealed the mechanism whereby this problem leads to degradation of the reliability of W-stud vias because of high via resistance. It is confirmed that using sputtered tungsten film as a barrier metal is very effective in preventing not only WF/sub 6/ attack in CVD-W process but also discoloration due to residual polymer generated in the via etching process. It seems that, in future generations of semiconductors, using sputtered tungsten film as a barrier metal will be effective in preventing high via resistance, which leads to the reliability problem of the W-stud via.
Calpain inhibition improves collateral-dependent perfusion in a hypercholesterolemic swine model of chronic myocardial ischemia

Abstract Purpose Calpain overexpression is implicated in aberrant angiogenesis. We hypothesized that calpain inhibition (MDL28170) would improve collateral perfusion in a swine model with hypercholesterolemia and chronic myocardial ischemia. Methods Yorkshire swine fed a high cholesterol diet for 4 weeks underwent surgical placement of an ameroid constrictor to their left circumflex coronary artery. Three weeks later, animals received no drug, high cholesterol control group (n = 8); low-dose calpain inhibition (0.12 mg/kg; n = 9); or high-dose calpain inhibition (0.25 mg/kg; n = 8). The heart was harvested after 5 weeks. Results Myocardial perfusion in ischemic myocardium significantly improved with high-dose calpain inhibition at rest and with demand pacing ( P = .016 and .011). Endothelium-dependent microvessel relaxation was significantly improved with low-dose calpain inhibition ( P = .001). There was a significant increase in capillary density, with low-dose calpain inhibition and high-dose calpain inhibition ( P = .01 and .01), and arteriolar density with low-dose calpain inhibition ( P = .001). Calpain inhibition significantly increased several proangiogenic proteins, including vascular endothelial growth factor ( P = .02), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 ( P = .003), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 ( P = .003), and talin, a microvascular structural protein ( P = .0002). There was a slight increase in proteins implicated in endothelial-dependent (nitric oxide mediated) relaxation, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and inducible nitric oxide synthase with calpain inhibition. Conclusions In the setting of hypercholesterolemia, calpain inhibition improved perfusion, with a trend toward increased collateralization on angiography and increased capillary and arteriolar densities in ischemic myocardium. Calpain inhibition also improved endothelium-dependent microvessel relaxation and increased expression of proteins implicated in angiogenesis and vasodilatation.
Dofetilide Dose Calculation Errors in Elderly Associated with Use of the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Equation

Objective:To report 2 cases of drug dosage calculation errors that occurred when the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation was used for initiating drug therapy with dofetilide in ei...
Nice guys finish last: same-sex sexual behavior and pairing success in male budgerigars

In budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), a social parrot in which females are socially dominant, males of all ages engage in a set of behaviors with other males that closely resembles the repertoire used in heterosexual courtship. One adaptive hypothesis for this tendency, the "courtship practice hypothesis," posits that males with greater experience in same-sex activities develop superior skills that increase their courtship success with females. To test this hypothesis, we measured individual variation in tendency of subadult males to engage in such behaviors and asked whether birds' relative participation in same-sex activities predicted adult pairing success in competitive pairing trials conducted after birds reached adulthood. Males' tendency to participate in same-sex activities was correlated across samples collected a month apart. Directly contrary to the courtship practice hypothesis, however, males that participated in same-sex interactions more often were less likely to obtain mates. Pairing success was also predicted by 2 sexually dimorphic facial traits, namely iris prominence and cere color. We hypothesize that the tendency of males to engage in same-sex interactions may represent a mechanism of mutual assessment of male abilities, especially those involved in group foraging efforts (the "leader assessment hypothesis") and suggest that increased investigation of allopreening and other seemingly affiliative behaviors that occur outside the heterosexual pair bond may advance understanding of social organization in flocking birds.
Relationships Between Dietary and Plasma Concentrations of Calcium and Phosphorus in Intact and Ultimobranchialectomized Chickens

Abstract Two experiments were conducted with cockerels to determine whether the presence or absence of the ultimobranchial glands would influence the relationship between dietary and plasma calcium and phosphorus. Broiler type cockerels, 16 weeks of age which had been sham operated (SHAM) or ultimobranchialectomized (UBX) 1 to 3 weeks earlier, were fed diets containing 0.8 or 2.4% calcium and 0.13 to 0.33% phosphorus. The SHAM cockerels fed diets containing 0.8% Ca and 0.13% P did not develop hypercalcemia whereas the UBX cockerels fed this diet developed slight significant hypercalcemia after 17 to 21 days. In Experiment 1, SHAM cockerels fed the diet containing 2.4% Ca and 0.13% P developed mild, chronic hypercalcemia (12.7 mg./l00 ml.) with a plasma phosphorus of 3.03 mg. P/100 ml., whereas the UBX cockerels fed the same diet developed severe hypercalcemia (16.0 mg./100 ml.) and hypophosphatemia, 1.68 mg. P/100 ml. In Experiment 2 the following plasma values were observed after 17 days of consuming the experimental diets: SHAM fed 2.4% Ca and 0.13% P had 10.6 mg. Ca/100 ml. and 3.59 mg. P/100 ml., whereas UBX fed the same diet had 12.8 mg. Ca/100 ml. and 2.24 mg. P/100 ml. The UBX fed 2.4% Ca and 0.33% P for 17 days had plasma values of 10.8 mg. Ca/100 ml. and 4.48 mg. P/100 ml. It is concluded that the presence of the ultimobrancial glands are essential to the regulation of plasma calcium and phosphorus in chickens which consume high calcium-low phosphorus diets.
USE OF GRADED FINITE ELEMENTS TO MODEL THE BEHAVIOR OF NONHOMOGENEOUS MATERIALS

A finite element with a spatially varying material property field is formulated and compared to a conventional, homogeneous element for solving boundary value problems involving continuously nonhomogeneous materials. The particular element studied is a two-dimensional plane stress element with linear interpolation and an exponential material property gradient. However, the main results are applicable to other types of elements and property gradients. Exact solutions for a finite rectangular plate subjected to either uniform displacement or traction either perpendicular or parallel to the property gradient are used as the basis for comparison. The results show that for identical meshes with equal number of degrees-of-freedom, the graded elements give more accurate local stress values than conventional elements in some boundary value problems, while in other problems the reverse is true.
Allograft Update: The Current Status of Tissue Regulation, Procurement, Processing, and Sterilization

Allografts are commonly used during sports medicine surgical procedures in the United States, and their frequency of use is increasing. Based on surgeon reports, it is estimated that more than 60 000 allografts were used in knee surgeries by members of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine in 2005. In the United States, there are governmental agencies and other regulatory bodies involved in the oversight of tissue banks. In 2005, the Food and Drug Administration finalized its requirements for current good tissue practice and has mandated new rules regarding the "manufacture" of allogenic tissue. In response to well-publicized infections associated with the implantation of allograft tissue, some tissue banks have developed methods to sterilize allograft tissue. Although many surgeons have significant concerns about the safety of allografts, the majority believe that sterilized allografts are safe but that the sterilization process negatively affects tissue biology and biomechanics. However, most know very little about the principles of sterilization and the proprietary processes currently used in tissue banking. This article will review the current status of allograft tissue regulation, procurement, processing, and sterilization in the United States.
Aminopeptidase P isozyme expression in human tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cell fractions.

Abstract Aminopeptidase P (APP) isoforms specifically remove the N-terminal amino acid from peptides that have a proline residue in the second position. The mRNA levels of three different isoforms, each coded by a different gene, were determined in 16 human tissues and in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) fractions by RT-PCR. The cytosolic isoform, APP1, and the cell surface membrane-bound isoform, APP2, are expressed in all of the human tissues and PBMC fractions examined. The very high expression of APP2 mRNA in kidney compared to other tissues was confirmed by enzyme activity measurements. Among the PBMC fractions, APP2 expression is highest in resting CD8 + T cells, but decreases in these cells following their activation with phytohemagglutinin; in contrast, expression of APP2 increases in CD4 + T cells upon activation. The third isoform, APP3, is a hypothetical protein identified by nucleotide sequencing. A detailed analysis of its amino acid sequence confirmed that the protein is an aminopeptidase P-like enzyme with greater similarity to Escherichia coli APP than to either APP1 or APP2. Two splice variants of APP3 exist, one of which is predicted to have a mitochondrial localization (APP3m) while the other is cytosolic (APP3c). Both forms are variably expressed in all of the human tissues and PBMC fractions examined.
Targeting multiple pathways in gliomas with stem cell and viral delivered S-TRAIL and Temozolomide.

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) selectively kills tumor cells. However, its short half-life, poor delivery, and TRAIL-resistant tumor cells have diminished its clinical efficacy. In this study, we explored whether novel delivery methods will represent new and effective ways to treat gliomas and if adjuvant therapy with the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide would enhance the cytotoxic properties of TRAIL in glioma lines resistant to TRAIL monotherapy. We have engineered adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors encoding recombinant secreted TRAIL (S-TRAIL) and bioluminescent-fluorescent marker fusion proteins and show that AAV-delivered S-TRAIL leads to varying degrees of killing in multiple glioma lines, which correspond with caspase-3/7 activation. In vivo , dual bioluminescent imaging revealed efficient delivery of therapeutic AAV vectors directly into the tumor mass, which induced marked attenuation of tumor progression. Treatment of glioma cells with the chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide alone lead to a significant accumulation of cells in G2-M phase, activated the cell cycle checkpoint protein Chk1, and increased death receptor expression in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, combined treatment with AAV-S-TRAIL or neural stem cell-S-TRAIL and temozolomide induced cell killing and markedly up-regulated proapoptotic proteins in glioma cells least sensitive to TRAIL. This study elucidates novel means of delivering S-TRAIL to gliomas and suggests combination of clinically relevant temozolomide and S-TRAIL may represent a new therapeutic option with increased potency for glioblastoma patients. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(11):3575–85]
Validation of a Four-Factor Model of Career Indecision

Two studies were designed to explore whether a meta-analytically derived four-factor model of career indecision (Brown & Rector, 2008) could be replicated at the primary and secondary data levels. In the first study, an initial pool of 167 items was written based on 35 different instruments whose scores had loaded saliently on at least one factor in the Brown and Rector meta-analysis. These items were then administered to a sample of undergraduate college students and the resultant inter-item correlation matrix was subjected to principal axis factoring with oblique rotations. A four-factor solution was uncovered that resembled the four-factor meta-analytically derived solution but with a few theoretically and practically interesting exceptions. A second study used two existing correlation matrices derived from Gati and colleagues’ cognitive and personality/emotional models of career indecision. Exploratory factor analyses of these matrices revealed that the current four-factor model could, in part, be unc...
Analyzing Nasal Septal Deviations to Develop a New Classification System: A Computed Tomography Study Using MATLAB and OsiriX

IMPORTANCE Accurately characterizing nasal septal deviations is valuable for surgical planning, classifying nasal septal deviations, providing a means to accurately perform outcomes research, and understanding the causes of chronic conditions. OBJECTIVE To determine and quantify regions of septal deformity that can be used to develop a comprehensive classification system. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A retrospective case series study was conducted at an academic tertiary care hospital. Sixty-four participants were selected based on a convenience sample of computed tomography (CT) scans of the paranasal sinuses and midface available between June 29, 2011, and August 16, 2012. Exclusion criteria consisted of incomplete or inadequate CT series. The most recent CT scans were chosen for analyses regardless of the indication for imaging. Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine format bitmap file–formatted data were obtained and analyzed using MATLAB and OsiriX. The line to curve ratio, deviation area, and root mean square (RMS) values of the septal contour vs the ideal straight septum fit were calculated. Analysis was performed to detect significant differences (P < .05) using the 3 measures.MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Quantitative analysis of nasal septal deviation.RESULTS The population consisted of 50 male and 14 female patients aged 3 to 83 years(mean, 42 years). Mean line to curve ratios, areas, and RMS values were highest in contours that intersected the perpendicular plate–vomer junction, with a mean line to curve ratio of1.04 and mean deviated area of 627.16 arbitrary units (P = .02). Maximal deviation areas were also seen midway from the perpendicular plate–vomer junction to the nasal spine with a mean area of 577.31 arbitrary units (P = .01). The RMS values were significantly elevated along the crista galli and perpendicular plate–vomer junction (P < .05).CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Maximum septal deviation is seen at the perpendicular plate–vomer junction and in the regions near the crista galli and anterior nasal spine.Deviation area and RMS values are important measures to characterize septal deviations.Understanding septal deviations can aid in developing a functional classification system of nasal septal deviations for clinical use and a means to better record and compare surgical outcomes.
Assessing the emergence and reliability of cognitive decline over the life span in Fisher 344 rats using the spatial water maze.

The spatial water maze is routinely used to investigate hippocampal-dependent spatial memory and the biological mechanisms that underlie variability in cognitive decline during aging. The utility of the task for repeated testing in order to examine the trajectory of cognitive decline and to prescreen animals prior to therapeutic interventions maybe limited due to carryover effects of repeated training. The current study examines the role of carryover effects, as well as the reliability of individual differences, in determining age-related impairment on episodic and reference memory versions of the water maze task. Results indicate that impaired acquisition of episodic spatial information emerges in middle-age and the propensity for impairment increases with advancing age. While learning was variable across animals, acquisition deficits for episodic information were reliable across training sessions in middle-age and aged rats. A significant impairment in the 24 hr retention of episodic spatial information was observed in aged animals. When animals were trained to the same location (i.e. reference memory), an impairment was limited to the rate of acquisition in aged animals. However, with continued training, all aged animals were able to acquire a reference memory and no age differences were observed in the 24 hr retention of a spatial reference memory. Together, the results point to a progressive impairment in episodic spatial memory with advancing age and suggest that tests of episodic spatial memory are reliable and more sensitive than reference memory for detecting cognitive decline.