cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Blood-borne interleukin-1 receptor antagonist crosses the blood-brain barrier

Recent work has shown that interleukin-1α (IL-1α) and IL-1β are transported from blood to brain across the blood-brain barrier by a saturable system. Here, we show that the endogenous IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) radioactively labeled with either 125I or 35S is also transported across the blood-brain barrier by a saturable transport system. Between 0.33 and 0.65% of an intravenous dose of labeled IL-1ra entered each gram of brain. The three cytokines inhibited each other's transport in a way suggesting that their elevated blood levels would tend to favor the entry of IL-1β at the expense of IL-1α. High performance liquid chromatography confirmed that radioactivity entering the brain represented intact cytokine. Recovery of radioactively from cerebrospinal fluid, an area without blood vessels, and from the parenchymal fraction of the cortex, an area without circumventricular organs, after capillary depletion confirmed that blood-borne IL-1ra gained entry into the brain. The transport system for IL-1ra appeared to be linked to that for IL-1α and IL-1β, but was not affected by IL-2, IL-6, TNFα, or MIP-1α. The results show that IL-1ra circulating in the blood can cross the blood-brain barrier to enter the central nervous system.
Production of recombinant AAV vectors encoding insulin-like growth factor I is enhanced by interaction among AAV rep regulatory sequences

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are promising tools for gene therapy. Currently, their potential is limited by difficulties in producing high vector yields with which to generate transgene protein product. AAV vector production depends in part upon the replication (Rep) proteins required for viral replication. We tested the hypothesis that mutations in the start codon and upstream regulatory elements of Rep78/68 in AAV helper plasmids can regulate recombinant AAV (rAAV) vector production. We further tested whether the resulting rAAV vector preparation augments the production of the potentially therapeutic transgene, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). We constructed a series of AAV helper plasmids containing different Rep78/68 start codon in combination with different gene regulatory sequences. rAAV vectors carrying the human IGF-I gene were prepared with these vectors and the vector preparations used to transduce HT1080 target cells. We found that the substitution of ATG by ACG in the Rep78/68 start codon in an AAV helper plasmid (pAAV-RC) eliminated Rep78/68 translation, rAAV and IGF-I production. Replacement of the heterologous sequence upstream of Rep78/68 in pAAV-RC with the AAV2 endogenous p5 promoter restored translational activity to the ACG mutant, and restored rAAV and IGF-I production. Insertion of the AAV2 p19 promoter sequence into pAAV-RC in front of the heterologous sequence also enabled ACG to function as a start codon for Rep78/68 translation. The data further indicate that the function of the AAV helper construct (pAAV-RC), that is in current widespread use for rAAV production, may be improved by replacement of its AAV2 unrelated heterologous sequence with the native AAV2 p5 promoter. Taken together, the data demonstrate an interplay between the start codon and upstream regulatory sequences in the regulation of Rep78/68 and indicate that selective mutations in Rep78/68 regulatory elements may serve to augment the therapeutic value of rAAV vectors.
Molecular variations in the calcium-sensing receptor in relation to sodium balance and presence of hypertension in blacks and whites

Sodium (Na) excretion is to an extent tied to calcium (Ca) excretion; increases in Ca result in increased Na excretion. We hypothesized that molecular variation in the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), which imparts certain of the influences of extracellular Ca, might be related to differences in Na balance and blood pressure. We further hypothesized that such an influence by CaSR is more pronounced in blacks than in whites, as the hypertension in blacks appears to be more dependent on Na retention. Three common molecular variants in CaSR were studied. Two were more frequent in the whites (A986S, P < .0001, and G990R, P = .093), whereas Q1011E was more frequent in the blacks (P < .0001). Two distinctly separate groups were studied: (1) healthy schoolchildren in whom levels of the renin-aldosterone axis and blood pressure were measured, and (2) normotensive and hypertensive adults. Studies of association were made separately in the whites and the blacks. No association of any of the variants with Na balance (as estimated from renin and aldosterone levels) was observed. In the black schoolchildren, Q1011E showed a marginal association with a higher blood pressure (P = .093 for systolic and P = .025 for diastolic), a relationship that was considered to be nonsignificant after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Nor was there a significant association of the variants with presence or absence of hypertension. In summary, studies of two cohorts that included whites and blacks did not suggest that molecular variations in the CaSR influence either Na balance or blood pressure.
Errors in reproducing pelvic radiation portals

Abstract Verification films were obtained at least weekly on 28 patients receiving routine pelvic irradiation for gynecologic malignancy. The patients were divided into three groups by weight: 100–125 lb, 126–150 lb, and over 150 lb. A total of 208 films were taken and evaluated for degree of accuracy and types of error for each patient group. A trend of increasing inaccuracy was found with increasing patient weight, with serious inaccuracies occurring in 14% of the films in patients under 150 lb and in 3786 of the films in those over 150 lb. Rotational errors occurred equally in all weight groups. Inferior and/or right shifts of the portal accounted for almost all other errors. Superior and/or left shifts were infrequent. This unexpected occurrence is thought to result from patient and technician positioning during portal set-up as well as weight loss in some patients during the course of treatment. Our study emphasizes the importance of documenting the accuracy of routine Pelvic portals with verification films during the course of irradiation, and also the need to be aware of sources of repetitive error in patients; if recognized, these often may be corrected easily.
Arterial Stiffness and Wave Reflection 1 Year After a Pregnancy Complicated by Hypertension

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) later in life. We investigated the association of HDP with blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness 1-year postpartum. Seventy-four participants, 33 with an HDP and 41 with uncomplicated pregnancies, were examined using applanation tonometry to measure BP, carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (cfPWV) and augmentation index (AIx). On average, women with HDP had a 9 mm higher systolic BP (p<.01), 0.8 m/s faster cfPWV (p=.09), and 5.4% greater AIx (p=.09) at the 1-year exam. After adjustment for covariates, there was no significant difference in cfPWV between groups, while a 7.3% greater AIx (p<.05) remained. These findings suggest reduced endothelial function may be detected 1 year after HDP. Large prospective studies are needed to further understand of the contribution of arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction to the evolution of CVD disease after these complicated pregnancies.
INFRARED SPECTRA AND OPTICAL CONSTANTS OF NITRILE ICES RELEVANT TO TITAN's ATMOSPHERE

Spectra and optical constants of nitrile ices known or suspected to be in Titan's atmosphere are presented from 2.0 to 333.3 μm (~5000-30 cm–1). These results are relevant to the ongoing modeling of Cassini CIRS observations of Titan's winter pole. Ices studied are: HCN, hydrogen cyanide; C2N2, cyanogen; CH3CN, acetonitrile; C2H5CN, propionitrile; and HC3N, cyanoacetylene. For each of these molecules, we also report new cryogenic measurements of the real refractive index, n, determined in both the amorphous and crystalline phases at 670 nm. These new values have been incorporated into our optical constant calculations. Spectra were measured and optical constants were calculated for each nitrile at a variety of temperatures, including, but not limited to, 20, 35, 50, 75, 95, and 110 K, in both the amorphous phase and the crystalline phase. This laboratory effort used a dedicated FTIR spectrometer to record transmission spectra of thin-film ice samples. Laser interference was used to measure film thickness during condensation onto a transparent cold window attached to the tail section of a closed-cycle helium cryostat. Optical constants, real (n) and imaginary (k) refractive indices, were determined using Kramers-Kronig analysis. Our calculation reproduces the complete spectrum, including all interference effects.
Studies of electrochemically transformed ferritin adsorbed at tin-doped indium oxide electrodes using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to (1) confirm the presence of ferritin on tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) as suggested by voltammetry, (2) determine whether ferritin desorbs upon reduction, (3) verify whether iron is released when ferritin is reduced in the presence of an iron-chelating agent, and (4) ascertain whether the protein-iron complex could be electrochemically reconstituted. The N 1s signal increases dramatically after the ITO electrode is exposed to ferritin. Substantial decreases in the Fe/N peak ratio support the hypothesis that iron release can be electrochemically induced by reducing ferritin in the presence of an iron-chelating agent. These data reveal that ferritin adsorbs onto ITO from solution at controlled electrode potential and that ferritin can be electrochemically induced to release iron without the need for homogeneous reducing agents. However, following the exposure of an ITO/ferritin ("emptied") to ferrous ion at positive electrode potential, the XPS spectrum reveals a substantial increase in the iron signal and a decrease in substrate signals. These results indicate that iron deposits directly onto the ITO substrate, casting doubt on the previous conclusion that adsorbed ferritin can be electrochemically reconstituted.
Row Spacing, Plant Density, and Nitrogen Effects on Corn Silage

Dairy producers in the northeastern USA who grow corn (Zea mays L.) forage in narrow rows plant at 125 000 plants ha -1 and fertilize at 225 kg N ha -1 because they believe narrow-row corn yields best at high plant densities and N rates. We evaluated corn in 1996 and 1997 at two row spacings (0.38 and 0.76 m), two harvest densities (80 000 and 116 000 plants ha -1 ), and six N rates (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg ha -1 ) to determine if row spacing x plant density x N rate interactions existed for dry matter (DM) and calculated milk yields. No interactions existed for DM yield, forage quality characteristics, and milk yields. Corn had greater DM and milk yields at 0.38-(20.3 and 16.1 Mg ha -1 , respectively) vs. 0.76-m spacing (18.9 and 15.2 Mg ha -1 , 1 , respectively). Dry matter and milk yields had quadraticplus-plateau responses to N rates with maximum yields (20.6 and 17.1 Mg ha -1 , respectively) at an N rate of 150 kg ha -1 . Nitrogen accumulation at harvest, which had a row spacing x N rate interaction, had a linear response to N rates at 0.38-m spacing and a quadratic response at 0.76-m spacing. Dairy farmers in the northeastern USA can produce corn silage at similar plant densities and N fertility, regardless of row spacing. Dairy producers who have excess animal waste could apply slightly more N to narrow-row corn silage because it accumulates more N at harvest.
Verification and validation for a penetration model using a deterministic and probabilistic design tool

Abstract The Los Alamos National Laboratory Dynamic Experimentation (DynEx) program is the designing and validating steel blast containment vessels using limited experiments coupled with computational models. Through a need to design portions of the vessel to protect against breeches by projectiles, an analytical model was developed along the lines of the Walker–Anderson penetration model to predict the penetration depth of a projectile in a two- and three-layer target. The three-layer target consists of boron carbide ceramic (B4C), beryllium (Be), and aluminum. The two-layer target removes the Be. This model was integrated in the NESSUS® probabilistic analysis program to provide a deterministic and probabilistic design tool. Through a verification and validation approach, the model predictions are compared to the experimental results for both target configurations. The probabilistic analysis or uncertainty quantification is an essential part of verification and validation (V&V) and is used to provide confidence in model predictions. Overall, the V&V procedure indicates that the model predicts the two-layer target results well and is biased conservatively. The three-layer target provides reasonable predictions for thinner ceramic layers. The probabilistic results provide additional insight into the model and experimental results comparison over a deterministic analysis alone. The results show that there may be incomplete physics in the modeling of Be and thicker B4C layers. The probabilistic sensitivity factors show that the projectile density, velocity and strength, and Be strength are important variables. This information provides insight into approaches to improve the model predictions and establishes validity for use of the current model for specific configuration ranges.
The first sterically regular chiral conjugated crown ether polymer

Abstract The coupling of (S)-6,6′-dibromo-2,2′-binaphtho-20-crown-6 with 1,4-diethynyl-2,5-dioctadecyloxybenzene in the presence of Pd(PPh3)4 and CuI catalysts leads to the formation of the first sterically regular chiral conjugated crown ether polymer. This polymer is soluble in organic solvents. GPC analysis shows that the molecular weight of this polymer is Mw = 10,500 and Mn = 5,300 (PDI = 2.0). [α]D = 120.9 (c = 0.95, THF). Another soluble crown ether polymer has also been made from the racemic binaphthyl monomers. Its molecular weight is Mw = 27,900 and Mn = 11,500 (PDI = 2.4).
Emergence and Survival of Pasture Species Sown in Monocultures or Mixtures

Plant-plant interactions during seedling establishment can markedly affect the composition of pasture communities. This research examined the emergence, mortality, and early growth of four forage species commonly found in temperate northeastern U.S. pastures. Species were selected based on functional group (grass vs. legume) and relative drought tolerance. Drought-tolerant species included 'Penlate' orchardgrass (Daclylis glomerata L.) and 'Viking' birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), while drought-sensitive species included 'Basion' perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and 'Will' white clover (Trifolium repens L.). Seeds were sown as monocultures, as grass-legume binary mixtures, and as a complex, four-species mixture. Mixture complexity had only minor effects on seedling emergence. However, legume mortality was significantly reduced in the complex compared with other mixtures in a year when high temperature and drought stress limited seedling establishment. In most cases there was a negative effect of neighbors on survival as evidenced by reduced clustering of surviving compared with emerged seedlings and by a negative relationship between mortality rate and distance to the nearest neighbor. However, in a drought year, perennial ryegrass mortality decreased as distance to the nearest neighbor decreased, suggesting that survival was facilitated by the presence of neighbors. Although mixture complexity had significant effects on seedling emergence and mortality, species composition in the binary and complex mixtures could be predicted based on emergence and survival of monocultures. It appears that seedling emergence information gleaned from monocultures can be a useful tool for predicting initial species composition of more complex mixtures.
Abundances and energy spectra of corotating interaction region heavy ions observed during solar cycle 23

Using instruments on the ACE spacecraft, we surveyed the heavy-ion spectra and composition over the range He-Fe for 41 corotating interaction regions (CIRs) during 1998-2007. Below ~1 MeV nucleon^(−1) the spectra are power laws in kinetic energy nucleon^(−1) with an average spectral index of 2.51 ± 0.10, rolling over above ~1 MeV nucleon^(−1) to power-law spectra with an average index of 4.47 ± 0.17. The spectral shapes for different species are similar, leading to relative abundances that are constant over our energy range, even though the intensities cover up to 8 orders of magnitude. Relative to oxygen, the measured abundances at 385 keV nucleon^(−1) for ^4He, C, N, Ne, Mg, Si, S, Ca, and Fe are 273 ± 72, 0.760 ± 0.023, 0.143 ± 0.005, 0.206 ± 0.009, 0.148 ± 0.006, 0.095 ± 0.005, 0.028 ± 0.002, 0.007 ± 0.001, and 0.088 ± 0.007, respectively. Except for an overabundance of ^4He and Ne, the abundances are quite close to that of the fast solar wind. We have found ^3He/^4He ratios to be enhanced over solar wind values in ~40% of the CIRs. The Fe/O ratio in individual CIRs is observed to vary over a factor of ~10 and is strongly correlated with the solar wind Fe/O ratio measured 2-4 days preceding each CIR. Taken together with previous studies showing the presence of pickup He^+ in CIRs, the observational data provide evidence that CIR energetic particles are accelerated out of a suprathermal ion pool that includes heated solar wind ions, pickup ions, and remnant suprathermals from impulsive solar energetic particle events.
Development of the tracer gas method for large bore natural gas engines. Part I: Method validation

The tracer gas method is investigated as a means to study scavenging in fuel-injected large-bore two-stroke cycle engines. The investigation is performed on a Cooper-Bessemer GMV-4TF natural gas engine, with a 36-cm bore and a 36-cm stroke. Two important parameters are evaluated from the tracer gas measurements, which are scavenging efficiency and trapped A/F ratio. Measurements with the tracer gas method are compared with in-cylinder sampling techniques to evaluate the accuracy of the method. Two different tracers are evaluated, monomethylamine and nitrous oxide. Monomethylamine is investigated because of its common use historically as a tracer gas. Nitrous oxide is a new tracer gas that overcomes many of the difficulties experienced with monomethylamine. The tracer gas method with nitrous oxide is determined to be accurate for evaluating scavenging efficiency and trapped A/F ratio in comparison to the in-cylinder sampling techniques implemented.
Are the Recently Observed Soft γ-Ray Bursts from Stellar Superflares

Recently, Klebesadel, Strong and Olsen1 reported the exciting discovery of γ-ray bursts having a typical duration of the order of seconds and typical photon energies of the order of hundreds of keV. This observation has now been confirmed by Cline, Desai, Klebesadel and Strong using the detector aboard the satellite IMP-6 (T. Cline et al.2).
Disruption of C-Terminal Cytoplasmic Domain of βPS Integrin Subunit Has Dominant Negative Properties in Developing Drosophila

We have analyzed a set of new and existing strong mutations in the myospheroid gene, which encodes the betaPS integrin subunit of Drosophila. In addition to missense and other null mutations, three mutants behave as antimorphic alleles, indicative of dominant negative properties. Unlike null alleles, the three antimorphic mutants are synthetically lethal in double heterozygotes with an inflated (alphaPS2) null allele, and they fail to complement very weak, otherwise viable alleles of myospheroid. Two of the antimorphs result from identical splice site lesions, which create a frameshift in the C-terminal half of the cytoplasmic domain of betaPS. The third antimorphic mutation is caused by a stop codon just before the cytoplasmic splice site. These mutant betaPS proteins can support cell spreading in culture, especially under conditions that appear to promote integrin activation. Analyses of developing animals indicate that the dominant negative properties are not a result of inefficient surface expression, or simple competition between functional and nonfunctional proteins. These data indicate that mutations disrupting the C-terminal cytoplasmic domain of integrin beta subunits can have dominant negative effects in situ, at normal levels of expression, and that this property does not necessarily depend on a specific new protein sequence or structure. The results are discussed with respect to similar vertebrate beta subunit cytoplasmic mutations.
Potential of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to grow on field-cored lettuce as impacted by postharvest storage time and temperature

A recent development in iceberg lettuce harvesting is field coring, the technique of removing the outer leaves and the cores of the lettuce heads at the time of harvesting in order to reduce shipping waste and maximize production yield. However, this method may increase the potential for contamination during field procedures and therefore, it is important to evaluate the survival and growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on pre-cored lettuce under simulated field conditions. Using a coring knife artificially contaminated with 2 × 105 cells of E. coli O157:H7, the transfer of the pathogen to lettuce heads and subsequent growth of the pathogen at simulated field and refrigerated temperatures (30 and 5 °C) were examined. No significant (P > 0.05) growth or loss of viability of E. coli O157:H7 was noted at 5 °C during an 8 h incubation period. However, at 30 °C, significant (P < 0.001) increases in E. coli O157:H7 populations occurred between 0 to 4 h and 4 to 8 h. Regardless of whether E. coli O157:H7 were cold-stressed prior to use as inoculum, E.coli O157:H7 populations increased by more than 2.0 log cfu/g at 30 °C from 0 to 8 h. A single contaminated coring knife was found to successively inoculate at least nineteen lettuce heads. These findings suggest that preventing contamination of the coring knife and cored lettuce, as well as prompt chilling of freshly cored lettuce heads, are necessary steps to ensure the safety of field-cored iceberg lettuce.
Improving the effectiveness of collaborative recommendation with ontology-based user profiles

Collaborative recommendation is effective at representing a user's overall interests and tastes, and finding peer users that can provide good recommendations. However, it remains a challenge to make collaborative recommendation sensitive to a user's specific context and to the changing shape of user interests over time. Our approach to building context-sensitive collaborative recommendation is a hybrid one that incorporates semantic knowledge in the form of a domain ontology. User profiles are defined relative to the ontology, giving rise to an ontological user profile. In this paper, we describe how ontological user profiles are learned, incrementally updated, and used for collaborative recommendation. Using book rating data, we demonstrate that this recommendation algorithm offers improved coverage, diversity, personalization, and cold-start performance while at the same time enhancing recommendation accuracy.
Observations on the microcirculatory bed in rat mesocecum using differential interference contrast microscopy in vivo and electron microscopy

The microvascular bed of the rat mesocecum has been examined in vivo using differential interference (Nomarski) optics and subsequently by electron microscopy. The preferential channel, from terminal arteriole to collecting venule, has been examined. In the terminal arteriolar segment the endothelial layer is covered by a continuous layer of smooth muscle cells which, in turn, are surrounded by adventitia. In the metarteriolar segment the periendothelial cells still resemble smooth muscle cells but the tunica media is discontinuous. In the distal segment periendothelial cells are more scattered and have the appearance of pericytes. There appears to be a continuous transition of the periendothelial cell layer from terminal arteriole to distal segment. Nerve endings were seen in both the terminal arteriolar and metarteriolar segments. During contraction smooth muscle cells, oriented circumferentially, shorten and thicken. Endothelial cells appear anchored by myoendothelial junctions. Endothelial cells have filaments which show increased banding during vasoconstriction, suggesting that such cells may contract. Capillary offshoots leave the preferential channel, usually at right angles. Smooth muscle cells are oriented to form a sphincter and there are many myoendothelial junctions at the branch point. Within a short distance the capillary branch loses its periendothelial coat.
A single poly EEPROM cell structure for use in standard CMOS processes

A single poly EEPROM cell structure implemented in a standard CMOS Process is developed. It consists of adjacently placed NMOS and PMOS transistors with an electrically isolated common polysilicon gate. The common gate works as a "floating gate". The inversion layer as "control node (gate)". Test chips which were fabricated in a 0.8 /spl mu/m/150 /spl Aring/ standard CMOS logic process showed 5-9 V of threshold voltage shift and more than 10000 cycles of endurance with good data retention under high temperature. This EEPROM cell can be easily integrated with CMOS digital and analog circuits. >
The multicast address allocation problem: theory and practice

In this paper, we perform the first comprehensive study of the multicast address allocation problem. We analyze this problem both within its context as a classic resource allocation problem and with respect to its practical use for multicast address assignment. We define a framework for the problem, introduce complexity results, and formulate several new allocation algorithms. Despite the theoretical superiority of these algorithms, our performance evaluation demonstrates that a common, prefix-based algorithm is better under a range of workloads. We conclude by illustrating the conditions under which dynamic address allocation should be used and provide insight into how to further improve the performance of prefix-based allocation.
Conspecific attraction in a grassland bird, the Baird's Sparrow

Territorial songbirds generally use song to defend territories and attract mates, but conspecific song may also serve as a cue to attract other male songbirds to a breeding site. Although known to occur in some colonial and forest-associated species, only recently have investigators examined conspecific attraction in grassland species. We used a playback experiment to examine the possible role of conspecific attraction for males searching for potentially suitable breeding habitat in a grassland specialist, the Baird's Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii). Experimental playback plots and control plots with similar landscape and vegetation characteristics were established at two sites in North Dakota. Baird's Sparrows colonized three of six experimental plots and none of six control plots. Males on experimental plots established territories adjacent to the playback stations and were sometimes observed counter-singing with the playback of conspecific songs. Vegetation characteristics were similar on all study plots, and did not explain differences in bird density on our treatment plots. Although we found that playback of conspecific songs attracted male Baird's Sparrows to previously unoccupied, potentially suitable habitat, further experiments are needed to examine the importance of conspecific attraction relative to other cues that birds may use, such as vegetation features. The conservation and management implications of conspecific attraction are not completely understood, but the presence of conspecifics should be considered as a potential cue in habitat selection by all species of birds. SINOPSIS. Atracci´ on de cong´ eneres en aves de hierbazales Ammodramus bairdii Las aves canoras territoriales generalmente usan su canto para defender sus territorios y atraer parejas prospectivas. Sin embargo, el canto de congtambise puede usar como una pista para atraer a otros machos a ´ areas
Overview of Plant Biotechnology from Its Early Roots to the Present

In this chapter, we first define what is meant by plant biotechnology. We then trace the history from its earliest beginnings rooted in traditional plant biotechnology, followed by classical plant biotechnology, and, currently, modern plant biotechnology. Plant biotechnology is now center stage in the fields of alternative energy involving biogas production, bioremediation that cleans up polluted land sites, integrative medicine that involves the use of natural products for treatment of human diseases, sustainable agriculture that involves practices of organic farming, and genetic engineering of crop plants that are more productive and effective in dealing with biotic and abiotic stresses. The primary toolbox of biotechnology utilizes the latest methods of molecular biology, including genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and systems biology. It aims to develop economically feasible production of specifically designed plants that are grown in a safe environment and brought forth for agricultural, medical, and industrial applications.
Gelation, Consolidation, and Rheological Properties of Boehmite‐Coated Silicon Carbide Suspensions

We have studied the gelation, consolidation, and rheological properties of boehmite-coated SiC suspensions. A boehmite-coated SiC suspension consists of SiC particles covered with a boehmite layer of a few nanometers in thickness in the suspension. Similar to boehmite suspensions, the boehmite-coated SiC suspension can gel over time. The gelation, as well as the rheological behavior of the boehmite-coated SiC suspension with respect to pH, is shown to be similar to that of a boehmite suspension. However, because of the particle-size difference, a boehmite-coated SiC suspension gels more slowly than suspensions of smaller boehmite particles. The boehmite coating improves the consolidation density of SiC, increasing the sediment density from 39 to 52 vol% and the centrifuged density from 50 to 60 vol%. It, also, makes the consolidation behavior of a boehmite-coated SiC suspension with respect to pH more consistent with the rheological behavior; i.e., lower suspension viscosity and storage modulus correlate with a higher consolidated density. In contrast, suspensions containing SiC particles partially covered with boehmite and individual boehmite particles in the suspensions show no improvement in the sediment density and no systematic correlation between the consolidation density and the rheological properties. This indicates that the complete coating of boehmite on the SiC particles is critical to the improvement in consolidation density.
Mode-locked 2-μm wavelength fiber laser using a graphene-saturable absorber

Soliton-like pulses with a 1984-nm center wavelength are pro- duced from a Tm-doped mode-locked fiber laser. The linear cavity has a graphene saturable absorber mirror at one end and a fiber Bragg grating as the output coupler. The laser operates without dispersion compensa- tion, and the repetition rate was tuned from 20 to 5 MHz by the addition of SMF-28 fiber. The dry transfer process used to place the graphene on a mirror could be extended to any optical substrate. This enables integration of graphene with optics such as an optical window coated with a graphene filter or a graphene-saturable absorber placed directly on a semiconductor laser facet. © The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. Distribution or reproduction of this work in whole or in part requires full attri- bution of the original publication, including its DOI. (DOI: 10.1117/1.OE.52.7.076101)
Working together: Lessons learned from school, family, and community collaborations

Recent advances in treatment modalities and the manner in which services are organized have made it possible to serve children with severe emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD) in a more responsive and less restrictive manner. Current approaches rely on collaboration among child-serving agencies as well as between parents and service providers. In this article, we explore the role of schools in collaborative efforts on behalf of children with EBD. The demands on school personnel in local school districts are examined, the elements required for effective collaboration are articulated, and an exemplary model of comprehensive collaboration is described. Impediments to effective collaboration are summarized, and suggestions for how to create and sustain reliable partnerships are offered at the level of individual provider and child-serving organization. Attention is given to contextual factors, such as financing and organizational structure, and also to programmatic issues. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 43: 419–428, 2006.
Automotive electrical systems-the power electronics market of the future

The automobile is undergoing a revolution in the design of its electrical system. This is the result of increasingly sophisticated engine and body controls, as well as the introduction of new, electrically controlled functions. The main electrical bus of the future will be 42 V, and it will be buffered by a 36 V battery. As many devices and electronic control units require voltages different from 42, conversion from the 42 V bus to these other voltages will be necessary. Some anticipated features, such as electromechanical engine valves, will demand both conversion and sophisticated control at power levels in the 2 kW to 10 kW range. These, and other developments in automotive engineering, are promising to create a vital and challenging new market for power electronics in the next decade.
From Tools to Teammates: Joint Activity in Human-Agent-Robot Teams

Coordination is an essential ingredient of joint activity in human-agent-robot teams. In this paper, we discuss some of the challenges and requirements for successful coordination, and briefly how we have used KAoS HART services framework to support coordination in a multi-team human-robot field exercise.
Techniques for improving power flow convergence

The power flow calculation provides the starting point for most power systems analysis. This paper identifies a few common challenges to power flow convergence that typically arise when working with automatic controls and heavily loaded systems. It introduces new techniques and enhancements to existing methods that enable power flow algorithms to handle automatic control adjustments, generator voltage regulation, and problematic contingency events more deftly. Its recommendations can help improve the performance of power flow solution engines in handling the rigors of modern power systems analysis.
Ultra-low Power Frequency Conversion in Silicon Micro-ring Resonators

We demonstrate ultra-low-power frequency conversion in a micrometer-sized photonic silicon structure via microcavity-enhanced four-wave mixing. Using continuous-wave pump powers of 5mW, we achieve frequency conversion across the C-band in a compact 50-μm radius ring.
The Human Side of Factory Automation: Managerial and Human Resource Strategies for Making Automation Succeed

The article presents a review of the book “The Human Side of Factory Automation: Managerial and Human Resource Strategies for Making Automation Succeed,” by Ann Majchrzak.
A small collection of chiggers (Acari: Trombiculidae) from mammals collected in Paraguay.

Andalgalomacarus , n. gen., with A. paraguayensis , n. sp., as type species and Paratrombicula , n. gen., with P. enciscoensis , n. sp., as type species are described from small mammals collected in Paraguay. Paraguacarus abrelli, Microtrombicula pearsoni , and Quadraseta brennani are described from specimens collected from small mammals in Paraguay. Eutrombicula batatas, Loomisia peruviensis , and Microtrombicula nicaraguae are reported for the first time from Paraguay.
Iteration of Conditionals and the Ramsey Test

Expose des differences d'interpretations du test de Ramsey (celle de Gardenfors notamment) pour les conditionnels (principe du changement minimal du systeme de croyances) et des divergences qui en decoulent pour l'interpretation generale des modeles de revision de croyances. L'A. expose sa propre theorie de la contraction et de l'expansion des croyances. Il considere un ensemble de croyances (belief set) comme une base pour la deliberation
Synthesis, Structure, Dynamics, and Selective Methylation of Platinum and Palladium Diphosphametallacyclobutane Complexes

Treatment of M(dppe)Cl2 (M = Pd, Pt) or Pt((R,R)-Me-DuPhos)Cl2 with IsHPCH2PHIs (1; Is = isityl = 2,4,6-(i-Pr)3C6H2) and 2 equiv of NaOSiMe3 gave the mononuclear diphosphametallacyclobutane complexes M(dppe)(IsPCH2PIs) (M = Pd (2), Pt (3)), or Pt((R,R)-Me-DuPhos)(IsPCH2PIs) (4). Dynamic processes involving phosphorus inversion and rotation about the P–C(Is) bonds in 2–4 were characterized by variable-temperature NMR spectroscopy, which suggested that each existed as a single C2-symmetric diastereomer in solution, consistent with their solid-state structures determined by X-ray crystallography. The MiniPhos derivative IsMePCH2PMeIs (5) was prepared as a 5.5/1 rac/meso mixture by sequential arylation and methylation of Cl2PCH2PCl2. Alternatively, the catalyst precursor Pt((R,R)-Me-DuPhos)(Ph)(Cl) mediated alkylation of secondary phosphines in the presence of NaOSiMe3 to yield selectively meso-5 either from PHMe(Is) and CH2I2 or from 1 and MeI. Recrystallization and chromatography yielded diastereomerically ...
The spotted spleen: CT and clinical correlation in a tertiary care center.

Purpose The goal of our study was to examine the prevalence of multiple hypodense splenic nodules and their associated diagnoses and to correlate CT appearance with clinical presentation and diagnosis. Method Records of all patients undergoing contrast-enhanced CT from July 1994 through September 1997 were reviewed. Charts and CT scans of patients with multiple (more than five) hypodense splenic nodules were then evaluated. Results During the search period, there were 8,764 patients examined. Multiple hypodense splenic nodules were identified in 45 patients. Sixteen patients had malignant neoplasia as an etiology, with two patients having a benign tumor. Ten patients had an infectious etiology; nine patients had an inflammatory but noninfectious etiology; in eight patients, a diagnosis was not established; five of these patients were followed for > 18 months. Conclusion Multiple hypodense splenic nodules are uncommon. Lymphoma, infection, and sarcoid were the three most common disorders in the symptomatic patient, with infection strongly correlated with a compromised immune system. In the asymptomatic patient, nonlymphomatous metastatic disease, benign tumor, and sarcoid were most common. Although overlap exists between diagnostic groups, lymphoma tends to have larger, more variable nodules, whereas infection tends to occur with smaller, more uniform nodules. Sarcoid is intermediate in appearance.
NI-46THE IMPACT OF INTEGRATING VOLUMETRIC MR SPECTROSCOPIC IMAGING IN RADIATION TREATMENT PLANNING FOR GLIOBLASTOMA

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) has emerged as a molecular imaging modality which may better define active tumor compared to conventional anatomic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To date, using MRSI for radiation treatment (RT) planning has been challenging due to processing and resolution limitations. Here, we evaluate the feasibility of integrating 3-dimensional (3D) high-resolution full-brain MRSI into the RT planning process for glioblastoma, and determine the degree to which MRSI can modify RT targets and predict progression. METHODS: Six patients with newly-diagnosed glioblastoma participated in our institutional study in which a pre-RT MRSI was obtained. 3D MRSI was acquired using a volumetric spin-echo EPSI sequence and parallel imaging (GRAPPA), with a 32-channel head coil on a 3T (Siemens TRIO/TIM) system, and processed to give full-brain metabolite maps with 0.108 cm3 resolution. Each MRSI voxel map, representing relative choline (Cho) to N-acetylaspartate (NAA) ratios, was registered to a corresponding T1-weighted post-contrast MRI (T1c). An MRSI-defined 60 Gray planning target volume (mrsiPTV60) was created independently by two radiation oncologists based on spatial quantitative assessment of elevated Cho/NAA ratios, and analytically compared to the RT target defined by conventional T1c abnormalities (convPTV60). RESULTS: Using MRSI to aid target definition increased the convPTV60 by a median of 78% (range: 22%-1149%). The median dice similarity coefficient between conPTV60 and mrsiPTV60 was 0.72 (range: 0.15-0.91), indicating decreased spatial overlap. Expanded targets in two of six cases encompassed regions of tumor recurrence, which were not originally covered by the convPTV60. CONCLUSIONS: Integration of 3D high-resolution full-brain MRSI into RT planning is feasible, resulted in considerably modified RT target volumes, and predicted post-RT recurrences. Thus, MRSI may serve as an additional treatment planning tool for improving RT target definition for the benefit of glioblastoma patients.
Three Case Western Reserve Giants: Arthur Austin, Henry King, and Morry Shanker

“Arthur D. Austin,” 62 Case Western Reserve Law Review 3 (2011), “Henry King,” 60 Case Western Reserve Law Review 603 (2010), “Professor Morris Shanker,” 61 Case Western Reserve Law Review 13 (2010). These are tributes to three professors who had an enormous impact on the Case Western Reserve University School of Law and on the larger society: Arthur Austin, distinguished antitrust scholar, observer of the legal-academic scene, and Faulkner fanatic; Henry King, who combined expertise in business law with a passion for international law and human rights (honed during his time as a Nuremberg prosecutor); and Morry Shanker, a preeminent student of commercial law and bankruptcy and a defender of all things Mozartian. Their years of service to school and community make Methuselah look like a youngster.
Prevalence of Food Addiction Among Low-Income Reproductive-Aged Women.

Abstract Background: Hyperpalatable foods (i.e., high in salt, sugar, or fat) have been shown to have addictive properties that may contribute to overeating. Prior studies conducted on food addiction behaviors are mostly based on white and middle-aged women. Data are not available, however, on reproductive-aged women from other races/ethnicities or low-income women. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of food addiction among multiethnic women of low socioeconomic status. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of health behaviors, including food addiction according to the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) between July 2010 and February 2011 among 18- to 40-year-old low-income women attending reproductive-health clinics (N = 1,067). Results: Overall, 2.8% of women surveyed met the diagnosis of food addiction. The prevalence of food addiction did not differ by age group, race/ethnicity, education, income, or body mass index categories, tobacco and alcohol use, or phy...
Preanaiytic Variables: A Management Problem

The problem of preanalytic variables in patient testing is a serious one. Although these considerations are often neglected, they can and do cause the best performed laboratory tests to yield completely spurious information. The laboratory director, by training and responsibility, is the appropriate individual to establish controls for eliminating errors. In this article the proper handling of specimens for common tests is outlined for every area of the laboratory except the blood bank.
Will You Recall What You Knew

This chapter discusses employee recall due to training presentations. Recall is an employee’s ability to remember what they knew or have learned via a training activity. This recall is improved when one utilizes structured training material. This eliminates selective scanning and provides program control for the training material. This chapter is specifically concerned with the transition from the externalization phase to the combination phase of the SECI model where the authors turn organizational tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge. They use these explicit knowledge materials to train employees for the purpose of organizational improvement. Research into employee recall is somewhat limited at this point, but the economic and personal impact for the employee and the organization are considerable when compared to the over US$2 trillion dollars spent annually by organizations on employee training worldwide. The motivation then is to design our explicit training materials so that we receive maximum benefit from improved employee recall leading to overall improvement of our organizations.
Case studies of developing resilience in elite sport: Applying theory to guide interventions

ABSTRACTResilience, or the ability to bounce back and subsequently flourish following adversity, is an area of research rapidly gaining attention in sport psychology. While recent resilience research in sport has investigated factors involved in the process of exhibiting individual and team resilience, practitioner-focused literature on “how to” utilize resilience research when consulting with athletes has yet to be explicated. The purpose of this article is to describe sport psychology consultant experiences developing resilience with elite athletes using theory. Based on the framework and case studies, suggestions are provided for facilitating resilience in athletes.
Reliability-Based Multiobjective Design Optimization of Reinforced Concrete Bridges Considering Corrosion Effect

AbstractChloride-induced corrosion is known as the dominant cause of premature damage in reinforced concrete (RC) bridges in the United States. However, the current corrosion management strategies ...
Reliability of thin SiO/sub 2/ at direct-tunneling voltages

We investigate the factors that impact thickness scaling of silicon dioxide gate insulators in VLSI technology. At low voltages, the direct-tunneling mechanism is shown to result in oxide leakage current orders-of-magnitude higher than predicted by Fowler-Nordheim theory. Both intrinsic and defect oxide breakdown reliability is accurately predicted at low voltages using the anode hole injection model. The stability of device parameters is investigated to show feasible MOSFET operation in the low voltage, direct-tunneling regime. >
Bacteremia induced by Bifidobacterium breve in a newborn with cloacal exstrophy

Bifidobacterium breve is an effective probiotic agent used in the field of neonatology. Although B. breve has been considered safe, a case of B. breve bacteremia has been reported. The pathogenic mechanism underlying the bacteremia is unknown. Herein, we report a second case of B. breve bacteremia that developed in a neonate with multiple abdominal organ anomalies. Following surgical repair immediately after birth, B. breve treatment was started. After 1 week, the infant developed B. breve bacteremia following the onset of adhesive ileus. The bacteremia was thought to have been associated with an intestinal obstruction. A pediatric culture bottle is theoretically unsuitable for incubating B. breve because B. breve is an obligate anaerobic bacterium. It was, however, cultured from pediatric culture bottles in the present case, suggesting that pediatric culture bottles may be useful for procuring B. breve and for determining antimicrobial susceptibility for screening purposes in neonatal patients.