cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two-dimensionally-periodic diffractive optical elements: limitations of scalar analysis

The range of validity of the scalar diffraction analysis is quantified for the case of two-dimensionally-periodic diffractive optical elements (crossed gratings). Three canonical classes of two-dimensionally-periodic grating structures are analyzed by using the rigorous coupled-wave analysis as well as the scalar diffraction analysis. In all cases the scalar-analysis diffraction efficiencies are compared with the exact diffraction efficiencies. The error in using the scalar analysis is then determined as a function of the grating-period(s)-to-wavelength ratio(s), the minimum feature size, the grating depth, the refractive index of the grating, the incident polarization, and the number of phase levels. The three classes of two-dimensional (2-D) unit cells are as follows: (1) a rectangular pillar, (2) an elliptical pillar, and (3) an arbitrarily pixellated multilevel 2-D unit cell that is representative of more complicated diffractive optical elements such as computer-generated holograms. In all cases a normally incident electromagnetic plane wave is considered. It is shown that the error of the scalar diffraction analysis in the case of two-dimensionally-periodic diffractive optical elements is greater than that for the corresponding one-dimensionally-periodic counterparts. In addition, the accuracy of the scalar diffraction analysis degrades with increasing refractive index, grating thickness, and asymmetry of the 2-D unit cell and with decreasing grating-period-to-wavelength ratio and feature size.
An easily made, low-cost phantom for ultrasound airway exam training and assessment.

Background: Recent manuscripts have described the use of ultrasound imaging to evaluate airway structures. Ultrasound training tools are necessary for practitioners to become proficient at obtaining and interpreting images. Few training tools exist and those that do can often times be expensive and rendered useless with repeated needle passes. Methods: We utilised inexpensive and easy to obtain materials to create a gel phantom model for ultrasound-guided airway examination training. Results: Following creation of the gel phantom model, images were successfully obtained of the thyroid and cricoid cartilages, cricothyroid membrane and tracheal rings in both the sagittal transverse planes. Conclusion: The gel phantom model mimics human airway anatomy and may be used for ultrasound-guided airway assessment and intervention training. This may have important safety implications as ultrasound imaging is increasingly used for airway assessment.
An XPS Study of Sphalerite Activation by Copper

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to study the kinetics and mechanisms of sphalerite activation in a 10-4 M CuSO4 solution at pH 9.2. The activation was fast during the first 10 min, after which the rate decreased exponentially. The increase in the amount of copper ion uptake was accompanied by the displacement of zinc ions from the sphalerite surface, indicating that the mechanism of copper uptake is one of displacement rather than adsorption. The XPS data show that the kinetics of activation increased considerably in a deoxygenated CuSO4 solution. Both the conventional XPS and synchrotron radiation XPS (SR-XPS) analyses show that copper activation involves a mechanism in which Cu2+ ions are reduced to the Cu(I) state, while the sulfur in ZnS is oxidized. Activation in the absence of oxygen and at an open circuit results in the formation of a CuS-like product, while in an air-saturated solution copper polysulfides are formed. The latter mechanisms are supported by the appearance of two dist...
Association of cells with natural killer (NK) and NKT immunophenotype with incident cancers in HIV-infected women.

ABSTRACT Evidence indicates that immunosupression is associated with the development of certain cancers. The pathogenesis of HIV disease includes an alteration in innate immunity, mediated through ...
Fast Optical Profiler

We present the optical design of a fast single shot profiler. A depth resolution of 0.6 micrometer RMS was achieved in an area of 1.2x0.9 mm with a 0.5 second data acquisition time.
Howard Zinn’s critical criminology: understanding his criminological perspective

Howard Zinn has been classified in a number of ways for his many social contributions. However, despite the breadth of his work, he has never been considered a criminologist. It is likely that this is the result of the inaccurate perceptions many Americans have about crime being a predominantly street‐level social problem. Zinn maintains that the social harms caused by those in positions of political and economic power are in fact crimes against humanity that are far more destructive and violent than the actions our legal system has historically deemed criminal. He also points to the ways our criminal justice system is unjust and ineffective, and has demonstrated how social inequality ensures that the disadvantaged will be further subordinated by the criminal justice system. Zinn’s critical contributions about the most significant sources of social harm, the unjust nature of the American justice system, and the influence of social inequality offer an unorthodox criminological perspective that deserves spe...
The Role of Surface Functionality in Determining Nanoparticle Cytotoxicity

Surface properties dictate the behavior of nanomaterials in vitro, in vivo, and in the environment. Such properties include surface charge and hydrophobicity. Also key are more complex supramolecular interactions such as aromatic stacking and hydrogen bonding, and even surface topology from the structural to the atomic level. Surface functionalization of nanoparticles (NPs) provides an effective way to control the interface between nanomaterials and the biological systems they are designed to interact with. In medicine, for instance, proper control of surface properties can maximize therapeutic or imaging efficacy while minimizing unfavorable side effects. Meanwhile, in environmental science, thoughtful choice of particle coating can minimize the impact of manufactured nanomaterials on the environment.A thorough knowledge of how NP surfaces with various properties affect biological systems is essential for creating NPs with such useful therapeutic and imaging properties as low toxicity, stability, biocomp...
Cardiac Muscarinic Potassium Channel Activity Is Attenuated by Inhibitors of Gβγ

The cardiac muscarinic potassium channel (IK.ACh) is activated by a G protein upon receptor stimulation with acetylcholine. The G protein subunit responsible for activation (G alpha versus G beta gamma) has been disputed. We used G beta gamma inhibitors derived from the beta-adrenergic kinase 1 (beta ARK1) to assess the relative importance of G beta gamma in IK.ACh activation. In rabbit atrial myocytes, IK.ACh had a conductance of 49 +/- 6.2 pS. In inside-out patches, the mean open time was 1.60 +/- 0.57 ms, mean time constant (tau o) was 1.59 +/- 0.53 ms, and mean closed time was 3.02 +/- 1.35 ms (n = 38). beta ARK1 is a G beta gamma-sensitive enzyme that interacts with G beta gamma through a defined sequence near its carboxyl terminus. A 28-amino-acid peptide derived from the carboxyl terminus of beta ARK1 (peptide G) increased the closed time to 10.04 ms (P < .001) and decreased opening probability (NPo) by 71% (P < .001). Fusion proteins containing the entire carboxyl terminus of beta ARK1, glutathione S-transferase beta ARK1ct and hexahistidine beta ARK1ct, decreased NPo by 67% (P = .03) and 48% (P = .009), respectively. They also both significantly increased the closed time. None of the inhibitors affected mean open time or channel amplitude. A control peptide derived from a neighboring region of beta ARK1 had no significant effect on IK.ACh activity. These results provide further evidence for the role of G beta gamma in the activation of IK.ACh.
On the Accuracy of Fiber Loss Measurements

Making fiber loss measurements is one of the prime functions of an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR). But the literature on the subject lacks the characterization of the signal processing algorithms used for this purpose. In this paper, we establish a theoretical upper bound on the measurement accuracy for a given noise level. We also analyze and characterize how sampling rate, number of samples used for calculation, and fiber loss affect accuracy. This gives a yardst-ick to measure the. performance of an algorithm or an instrument. If the performance is far from the theoretical limits then one can expect to improve it by alternative means; otherwise it is as good as can be achieved. We use three fiber loss measurement techniques to gather results on measurement accuracy: (i) line-fit to log data , (ii) autoregressive modeling, and (iii) polynomial-fit to unlogged data. We then compare the measured accuracy of the three methods with the theoretical bounds for different noise levels. This clearly shows the circumstances under which their accuracy falls short of the theoretically predicted value. In those situations an improvement is possible with some other method. Finally, we illustrate how alternative techniques can not improve accuracy when it is already as good as the theoretical limit.
Evaluation of a correlation subtraction method for enhancing speech degraded by additive white noise

An intelligibility test was performed to evaluate a correlation subtraction method for enhancement of degraded speech due to additive white noise. Results indicate that such a scheme does not significantly increase speech intelligibility at the S/N ratios where the intelligibility scores of unprocessed speech range between 20 and 70 percent.
Teratogenic Effect of Cadmium and its Inhibition by Zinc

DURING a study of the teratogenic effects of heavy metals on mammalian embryos, we have been able to produce severe developmental malformations in golden hamster embryos by the intravenous injection of 2 mg/kg of cadmium sulphate into pregnant mothers on the eighth day of gestation. These malformations consisted of a specific effect on the face and upper jaw, ranging from a simple mid-line cleft to almost complete obliteration of normal facial architecture. A few other malformations apparently also induced by cadmium in this dose were occasionally found. These consisted of anophthakmia, digital and other limb defects, rib fusions and exencephaly. The simultaneous administration of 2 mg/kg zinc sulphate almost completely inhibited this marked teratogenic effect of cadmium. The particular susceptibility of the germinal epithelium of the testis and the rodent placenta to the toxic effects of cadmium has been described1,2. This toxic effect of cadmium has been attributed to alterations in the endothelium of the vascular beds in these affected organs2,3.
Central thermosensitivity and the integrative responses of hypothalamic neurons

Abstract 1. Hypothalamic thermosensitive neurons are important in the integrative regulation of body temperature. In addition to receiving afferent thermal input, their activity correlates with the stimulation of thermoregulatory mechanisms. 2. While cold sensitivity is synaptically mediated, warm sensitivity depends on inherent cellular responses. Warm sensitive neurons may also respond to other homeostatic variations, hormones, and endogenous mediators. 3. In contrast to peripheral thermoresponsiveness, which depends on conductance changes that regulate membrane potential, hypothalamic warm sensitivity relies on regulating the prepotential phase of the action potential. 4. Additionally, the recent morphologic characterization of these neurons supports the criterion for warm sensitivity.
Saturated Anionic Phospholipids Enhance Transdermal Transport by Electroporation

Anionic phospholipids, but not cationic or neutral phospholipids, were found to enhance the transdermal transport of molecules by electroporation. When added as liposomes to the milieus of water-soluble molecules to be delivered through the epidermis of porcine skin by electroporation, these phospholipids enhance, by one to two orders of magnitude, the transdermal flux. Encapsulation of molecules in liposomes is not necessary. Dimyristoylphosphatidylserine (DMPS), phosphatidylserine from bovine brain (brain-PS), dioleoylphosphatidylserine (DOPS), and dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol (DOPG) were used to test factors affecting the potency of anionic lipid transport enhancers. DMPS with saturated acyl chains was found to be a much more potent transport enhancer than those with unsaturated acyl chains (DOPS and DOPG). There was no headgroup preference. Saturated DMPS was also more effective in delaying resistance recovery after pulsing, and with a greater affinity in the epidermis after pulsing. Using fluorescent carboxyl fluorescein and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled Dextrans as test water-soluble molecules for transport, and rhodamine-labeled phospholipids to track anionic phospholipids, we found, by conventional and confocal fluorescence microscopy, that transport of water-soluble molecules was localized in local transport spots or regions (LTRs) created by the electroporation pulses. Anionic phospholipids, especially DMPS, were located at the center of the LTRs and spanned the entire thickness of the stratum corneum (SC). The degree of saturation of anionic phospholipids made no difference in the densities of LTRs created. We deduce that, after being driven into the epidermis by negative electric pulses, saturated anionic phospholipids mix and are retained better by the SC lipids. Anionic lipids prefer loose layers or vesicular rather than multilamellar forms, thereby prolonging the structural recovery of SC lipids to the native multilamellar form. In the presence of 1 mg/ml DMPS in the transport milieu, the flux of FITC-Dextran-4k was enhanced by 80-fold and reached 175 microg/cm(2)/min. Thus, the use of proper lipid enhancers greatly extends the upper size limit of transportable chemicals. Understanding the mechanism of lipid enhancers enables one to rationally design better enhancers for transdermal drug and vaccine delivery by electroporation.
γ-ray bursts from thermonuclear explosions on neutron stars

It is proposed that γ-ray bursts originate from carbon detonations initiated by the accretion of matter on to the surface of a neutron star. The observations are interpreted in terms of this theory. Possible implications for the nuclear powered model of giant X-ray pulses are discussed briefly.
Quantitative mobility spectrum analysis of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures using variable-field hall measurements

Carrier transport properties of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures have been analyzed with the quantitative mobility spectrum analysis (QMSA) technique. The nominally-undoped Al0.15Ga0.85N/GaN sample was grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy. Variable-magneticfield Hall measurements were carried out in the temperature range of 4-160 K and magnetic field range of 0-6.6 T. QMSA was applied to the experimental variable-field data to extract the concentrations and mobilities associated with the high-mobility 2DEG and the relatively lowmobility bulk electrons for the temperature range investigated. For temperatures below 100 K the calculated mobility and carrier density values were close to the experimental results. No bulk conduction was observed in this temperature range. At 160 K, QMSA results show that parallel conduction in 3 mm thick GaN layer started to affect the average electron mobility.
An overview of new media research in public relations journals from 1981 to 2014

A 34-year review of communication technology research published in six public relations journals reveals applications and perceptions studies far outnumber investigations focused on usability, concerns, or theoretical contributions related to scholarly and practitioner understanding of new media. Six trends observed in the 321-article dataset are noted, along with suggestions for theory building and other areas for future research.
Proteases as Insecticidal Agents

Proteases from a variety of sources (viruses, bacteria, fungi, plants, and insects) have toxicity towards insects. Some of these insecticidal proteases evolved as venom components, herbivore resistance factors, or microbial pathogenicity factors, while other proteases play roles in insect development or digestion, but exert an insecticidal effect when over-expressed from genetically engineered plants or microbial pathogens. Many of these proteases are cysteine proteases, although insect-toxic metalloproteases and serine proteases have also been examined. The sites of protease toxic activity range from the insect midgut to the hemocoel (body cavity) to the cuticle. This review discusses these insecticidal proteases along with their evaluation and use as potential pesticides.
Evaluation of Radiolabeled Type IV Collagen Fragments as Potential Tumor Imaging Agents

The objective of this study was to examine radiopharmaceuticals that target the alpha3beta1 integrin to determine if these agents target tumors for diagnostic imaging and/or targeted radiotherapy of cancer. Prior studies had shown that residues 531-542 from the alpha1 chain of type IV collagen bind a variety of tumor cell alpha3beta1 integrins. A peptide mimic of this sequence containing all D-amino acids (designated D-Hep-III) was synthesized by solid-phase methods. The tetraazamacrocyclic chelator, TETA, was conjugated to the peptide while it was resin-bound. TETA-D-Hep-III and D-Hep-III were radiolabeled with 64Cu and 125I, respectively, in high specific activity and radiochemical purity. Heterologous competitive binding assays between D-Hep-III and either 125I-D-Hep-III or 64Cu-TETA-D-Hep-III indicated low micromolar affinity of D-Hep-III. The biodistribution of each radiolabeled analogue of D-Hep-III was carried out in rats and tumor-bearing mice. Both analogues were rapidly cleared from the blood in normal rats, with the kidneys receiving the highest accumulation of each. SKOV3 human ovarian tumor cells, known to strongly express alpha3beta1, were xenografted in SCID mice. Localization of 125I-D-Hep III and 64Cu-TETA-D-Hep III in the xenografts were low (<2% ID/g), and in the case of 125I-D-Hep III, not inhibited by a competitive dose of D-Hep III. The low tumor accumulation is likely not due to receptor down-regulation, but rather due to the weak affinity of the radioligands for the alpha3beta1 integrin.
A flowmeter for use in monitoring oxygen uptake in rat liver perfusion.

(1) Standard commercially-available equipment used for the determination of oxygen saturation in blood has been modified and used in conjunction with an appropriately designed flowmeter to conveniently determine oxygen uptake in an isolated perfused rat liver. (2) The flowmeter and other instrumentation are economically built or obtained and provide accurate total blood flow and oxygen uptake determinations for any given period of an experiment without constricting the flow of blood through the organ perfused. (3) Perfusates made up of rat blood diluted equally with Tyrodes solution allowed an average oxygen uptake of 2·5 μ moles O2/g of liver per min in unsupplemented normal rat livers.
New antiretroviral agents: looking beyond protease and reverse transcriptase

The clinical utility of intervention in HIV-1 disease has been proven by inhibitors targeting reverse transcriptase and protease. However, novel approaches including inhibition of viral entry, integration and assembly would provide additional options to maintain long-term suppression. The identification of specific inhibitors for each of these processes has recently validated these approaches as viable alternatives for the development of new agents to treat HIV-1 infection. The most recent preclinical advances in novel antiretroviral agents are reviewed and promising new approaches that target viral processes are highlighted.
Home mechanical ventilation in mitochondrial encephalomyopathy syndrome

Long-term home mechanical ventilation of children has only recently become more practically feasible and ethically acceptable by the medical community. It has been particularly controversial in cases of degenerative myopathies in which quality of life has been questioned. There are no reports in the literature of long-term home mechanical ventilation of a child with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy (MELAS) syndrome despite the many descriptions of possible etiologies of the concomitant respiratory failure. The patient reported here has used home mechanical ventilation for 6 years with few medical complications, no hospitalizations in the past 3 years, and increased function in activities of daily living. Despite the ill-defined nature of the disease and uncertain prognosis, we believe that long-term home mechanical ventilation of children with early onset MELAS syndrome is a viable option for both patients and their families and results in overall improvement in quality of life for the patient.
A GREEDY ALGORITHM FOR A GENERALIZATION OF THE RECONSTRUCTION PROBLEM

Abstract The aim of the reconstruction problem is to determine from among all relevant structure systems those which allow us to reconstruct a given overall system to an acceptable degree of approximation. This paper considers a more general form of the reconstruction problem. Instead of restricting the reconstruction to structure systems, substates in general are allowed in the reconstruction. Furthermore, the overall system need not be known in its entirety to formulate a reconstruction. A very effective and efficient algorithm for this generalized reconstruction problem is presented.
Surgical Excision of Pedunculated Supernumerary Digits Prevents Traumatic Amputation Neuromas

Nine patients divided into two groups were treated for pedunculated supernumerary digits or their sequelae. The first group consisted of three patients who had among them five traumatic amputation neuromas. In each case these lesions resulted from primary suture ligation of accessory digits in infancy. Secondary surgical excision of the vestigial digit with high ligation and retraction of the accompanying nerve tissue was required in all cases. The second group consisted of six patients who had 12 pedunculated supernumerary digits. Primary surgical excision of these digits was performed with high transection and retraction of the accompanying accessory digital nerve. All patients in this group had excellent cosmetic results with no postoperative neuroma formation. Adult family members who had undergone suture ligation of similar supernumerary digits in infancy accompanied seven of the nine patients in this series. On careful examination, each of these family members had signs and symptoms attributable to traumatic amputation neuromas. We feel identification and high transection of the accessory digital nerve is essential in the treatment of pedunculated supernumerary digits. This treatment prevents traumatic amputation neuromas and yields a better cosmetic result than the traditional method of suture ligation in infancy.
Dynamic Pharyngoscopy in Predicting Outcome of Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for Moderate and Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Study objective We sought to determine whether preoperative fiberoptic pharyngoscopy (FOP) with Muller's maneuver (dynamic FOP) could be used to establish a subgroup of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with better outcome after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). Design Retrospective review of an observational cohort. Setting Tertiary care referral center. Patients Twenty-nine patients who underwent UPPP and nasopharyngeal surgery by one surgeon. Intervention The patients were divided into two groups based on the findings of preoperative dynamic FOP: group 1 (11 patients) had collapse of the velopharynx and the base of the tongue-epiglottis-hypopharynx (TEH) complex and group 2 (18 patients) had velopharyngeal collapse only. Measurements and results Surgical success was defined using a conventional definition (>50% reduction in the apnea-plus-hypopnea index [OAHI]), and a criterion for cure (>90% reduction in OAHI and postoperative OAHI Conclusions Dynamic FOP may help establish a subgroup of OSA patients with greater likelihood of successful UPPP. The high negative predictive value of dynamic FOP when a criterion for cure is used suggests that this maneuver could best be used to exclude patients with TEH complex collapse from UPPP.
Bichromatic wave mixing to reach optically lossless semiconductors

A mechanism based on two-wave mixing to dramatically reduce optical losses in non-ohmic conductors is proposed. The losses in the probe mode are compensated due to the flow of energy from the support mode. The effect is derived from the solution of non-linear Maxwell’s equations combined with coherence conditions for two parametrically coupled waves. We provide a case which shows that this scheme can be realized experimentally in bulk semiconductors, e.g. zinc telluride (ZnTe), within the mid-IR frequency range.
Measuring the void: Theoretical study of scattering by a cylindrical annulus

In this paper, we analyze a monochromatic plane wave scattering from an infinite homogeneous cylindrical annulus. In particular, we study the effect that the inner part of the cylindrical annulus (cylindrical void, if you will) has on the scattered field. This is done by isolating the cylindrical void’s contribution to the scattered field. We show that if the cylindrical void is small, then its contribution to the scattered field may be approximated by the ‘‘screened cylindrical void’’ (SCV) approximation. We first develop the SCV approximation in a physically intuitive manner, and then show that it could also be obtained in a more mathematically rigorous manner. Numerical results comparing the SCV approximation to the exact solution are also presented.
The solubility of copper in lime-saturated and calcium ferrite-saturated liquid iron oxide

The solubility of copper in lime-saturated and calcium ferrite-saturated liquid iron oxide has been measured at 1300 °C by equilibrating copper-gold alloys with the melts in CO-CO2 atmospheres of oxygen potentials 10−7, 10−8, 10−9, and 10−10 atm. It was found that copper exhibits Henrian behavior in the oxide melts and that the solubility is given by $$wt pct Cu = 17.6a_{CuO_{0.5} } $$
George Huntington (1850-1916) and Hereditary Chorea

Although Huntington's disease has existed since at least the seventeenth century, and although several physicians provided earlier descriptions of hereditary chorea, Huntington's disease was not generally recognized until the classic description by George Huntington (1850–1916) in 1872. This paper – on the sesquicentennial of Huntington's birth – reviews Huntington's original and later contributions to the description of this disorder, his professional presentations and correspondence on the topic, and his publications, as well as his background, medical training, and clinical practice. The characteristics of Huntington's disease recognized by George Huntington in 1872 – i.e., the distinct clinical profile, midlife onset, and autosomal dominant inheritance pattern – made the disease ideal for investigation by genetic linkage analysis a century after Huntington's description. Subsequent breakthroughs have identified the genetic defect as an unstable expanded CAG trinucleotide repeat mutation in a novel gen...
The Election of Hispanics in City Government: an Examination of the Election of Federico Pena as Mayor of Denver

TW A THILE the election of ethnic and racial minorities to positions in city government has received considerable attention, there have been few analyses of the election of Hispanics (Taebel 1978; Browning, Marshall, and Tabb 1984; Henry and Munoz 1985; de la Garza 1974, 1977). The purpose of this article is to examine the election of Federico Pefia, a Mexican-American, as mayor of Denver. This is important for several reasons. Available evidence indicates that the political orientation and achievements of Hispanics have been different from those of other groups, including blacks (Browning, Marshall, and Tabb 1984; Lovrich and Marenin 1976). Secondly, the Denver mayor holds a visible and powerful position. Denver has a strong mayor system. The formal powers of the Denver mayor appear stronger than those in most other cities, such as San Antonio, where Hispanic mayors have been elected and are probably greater than in most cities where minority mayors have been elected. Thus, the Denver mayor is in a favorable position to influence city policy. Finally, Denver has a relatively small Hispanic population (18-20 percent) and its overall minority population (30-35 percent Hispanic and black) is somewhat smaller than those of most other large cities with minority mayors. How a Hispanic was elected to such a powerful position in a city with such a small minority population warrants attention. The analysis seeks to address this question as follows. First, a discussion of relevant scholarly literature is presented to provide a theoretical grounding for the subsequent analysis. The Pefia campaign strategy is then discussed, followed by a consideration of the major themes of the Pefia campaign and a general description of the campaign. This portion of the discussion draws upon a personal interview with one of the major Pefia campaign strategists, Pefia campaign materials, and a close reading of the Denver newspaper with the largest circulation, the Denver Post, between January and July, 1983. An analysis draws upon precinct-level voting data and demographic and related data purchased from a public agency and a private vendor. Finally, the analysis will provide a baseline from which to compare other elections involving
Mycoplasma Membrane Lipids: Variations in Fatty Acid Composition

The fatty acid composition of the membrane polar lipids of Mycoplasma laidlawii B can be dramatically altered. These variations reslut in characteristic morphological chlanges, and in most cases the cells remain viable. This organism should provide a useful system for clarifying the role of fatty acyl chains in biological membranes.
Immunosensor for the detection of cancer biomarker based on percolated graphene thin film

A simple and sensitive immunosensor for the detection of cancer biomarker prostate specific antigen (PSA) has been developed. Around the percolation threshold of the graphene film, the conductivity of the graphene film varies significantly with the surface adsorption of molecules, which can be used for the detection of proteins based on antibody-antigen binding.
Inorganic carbon limited growth kinetics of some freshwater algae

Abstract The inorganic carbon limited growth kinetics were determined for three green and three blue-green algae over a range of light and temperatures. Anabaena flos aquae was found to be the only algae to grow at 39°C. Selenastrum capricornutum and Scenedesmus quadricauda were favored at low temperatures with Selenastrum growing best at high light and carbon levels while Scenedesmus was the most rapidly growing algae under low light, carbon and temperature conditions. Chorella was the fastest growing alga at temperatures from 27 to 33°C under all light and inorganic carbon concentrations. Neither Oscillatoria nor Microcoleus were found to be the dominant algae under the conditions tested. However, under reduced light and temperature conditions, Oscillatoria grew well at high inorganic carbon concentrations.
Limitation of N2 fixation in coastal marine waters: relative importance of molybdenum, iron, phosphorus, and organic matter availability

Phytoplankton growth in many coastal and pelagic marine waters is chronically limited by nitrogen availability. Such conditions potentially favor the establishment of N,-fixing microorganisms (eubacteria and cyanobacteria). However, planktonic and benthic N, fixation is often either absent or present at ecologically insignificant rates. It has been proposed that deficiencies in inorganic nutrient (specifically molybdenum) availability could help explain this paradox. We examined both inorganic and organic nutrient limitations of marine N, fixation in nitrogen-deficient coastal North Carolina waters. Inorganic nutrient (phosphorus, iron, and molybdenum) availability consistently exceeded demands by N, fixers. In contrast, enrichment with the sugars fructose, glucose, sucrose, and maltose and the sugar alcohol mannitol either elicited N, fixation or enhanced existing rates of N, fixation. Supplementation with particles (organic detritus) also enhanced N2 fixation potentials; the combined addition of particles and organic compounds yielded maximum rates of N, fixation. This combination promotes the development of O,-reduced microenvironments (microzones) in which N, fixers can reside. A functional explanation for the observed stimulation of N, fixation is that it is an anaerobic process which, in aerobic marine waters, can only proceed in O,-poor microzones. Hence, deficiencies in organic matter rather than inorganic nutrient availability may play key roles in limiting and regulating marine N, fixation. Nitrogen availability is a key factor regulating primary productivity in pelagic, coastal marine, and estuarine waters (Dugdale 1967; Mann 1982). Chronic nitrogen deficiencies in such systems would appear to offer a selective advantage to N,-fixing microorganisms, which by way of the enzyme complex nitrogenase, are able to convert Nz to ammonia, a biologically utilizable form of nitrogen (Stewart 1974; Postgate 1978). However, previous studies of pelagic, coastal, and estuarine N, fixation have ’ This study was supported by the National Science Foundation (OCE 8500740 and BSR 83-14702) and North Carolina Sea Grant (R/MER-5). 2 Present address: Dept. of Biological Sciences, Univ. California, Santa Barbara 93 106. come to two common conclusions; N2 fixation is often absent in such nitrogen-depleted waters (Carpenter and Capone 1983) and when detectable, N2 fixation rates generally satisfy only a fraction of plant and animal community nitrogen demands (Carpenter 1973; Mague et al. 1977; McCarthy and Carpenter 1979). It must therefore be concluded that factors other than the mere presence of nitrogen depletion regulate marine N, fixation. Recently, Howarth and Cole ( 1985) proposed that insufficient MO availability, with respect to nitrogenase molybdenum requirements, may explain the lack of appreciable N2 fixation rates in N-depleted waters. In the same study they postulated that constraints on molybdenum assimilation by Nz-fixing microorganisms
The Price of Friendship: When, Why, and How Relational Norms Guide Social Exchange Behavior

This article critically examines McGraw and Tetlock's (2005) notion of relational framing and offers directions for future development of the conceptual model. I begin by discussing the inherent limitations of scenario studies and show how the emergence of attribution analysis in real interpersonal interactions may qualify the results obtained in these studies. I then discuss the norm consistency and social identity maintenance mechanisms proposed in the article and advance several alternative mediators of the phenomenon, including affect and anticipated interaction. I recommend experimental designs that could be used to isolate the role of the different mediators and suggest the incorporation of process measures. I end with a discussion of conditions under which relational framing may not matter and propose a research agenda for consumer researchers interested in building on the solid foundation laid by McGraw and Tetlock.
Ordovician conodonts from metamorphosed carbonates of the Salton Trough, California

About 70 poorly preserved conodonts were recovered from a sample of marble from the Coyote Mountains, southern California. The specimens are all highly altered coniform elements of Early Ordovician age and indicate that lower Paleozoic marble, schist, and quartzite occurs in the Salton Trough, west of the San Andreas–Gulf of California plate boundary.
Is Freud's Model of the Mind Autopoietic?

(1999). Is Freud's Model of the Mind Autopoietic? The Germanic Review: Literature, Culture, Theory: Vol. 74, Psychoanalysis and Systems Theory, pp. 67-77.
Effect of inorganic lead on rat brain mitochondrial respiration and energy production.

: Toxicologically significant amounts of inorganic lead were added to rat brain mitochondrial preparations that did not contain EDTA or Pi. The binding of the lead to the mitochondria was measured by anodic stripping voltometry. In the presence of lead, the respiratory control ratios decreased, implying a decrease in the degree of dependence of respiration on a phosphate acceptor. Nucleotide contents were also measured, and in the presence of inorganic lead the actual amounts of ATP formed from ADP were found to be significantly decreased as well.
No Easy Walk to Freedom: Reconstruction and the Ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment

The Remembered Past of the Fourteenth Amendment Ratification in Tennessee Ratification in Mississippi Ratification in North Carolina Ratification in Louisiana Ratification in Alabama Ratification in South Carolina Ratification in Virginia Ratification in Florida Ratification in Arkansas Ratification in Texas Ratification in Georgia The Imagined Future of the Fourteenth Amendment Bibliography Index
A genetically engineered cell line resistant to subgroup J avian leukosis virus infection (C/J).

A cell line (DF-1?J) expressing the envelope protein isolated from the ADOL-Hc1 strain of the avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J) was used to analyze receptor interference to six different isolates of ALV-J as well as ALV subgroups A-D. The traditional gag-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as well as flow cytometry was used to evaluate viral infection. The parental cell line (DF-1) was susceptible to all ALV subgroups tested while the DF-1?J cell line was selectively resistant to the subgroup J isolates. The DF-1?J cell line was resistant to infection by all six ALV-J isolates as determined using the gag-specific ELISA. There was no interference with the other ALV subgroups (A-D) induced by the expression of the ADOL-Hcl envelope. The ALV-J isolates used in this analysis are serologically distinct when analyzed by flow cytometry. Convalescent sera to ADOL-Hcl cross-reacts with all of the ALV-J isolates tested; however, sera to HPRS-103 did not bind to four of the six isolates. Based on the intensity and differential binding of these antisera using flow cytometry, the six ALV-J isolates used can be grouped into four categories. Thus the DF-1?J cell line is resistant to infection by a serologically and genetically diverse group of ALV-J isolates and should be useful as a diagnostic tool.
A phase I trial of CEP-701 + gemcitabine in patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas

Introduction: Current standard therapy for advanced pancreas cancer includes the use of gemcitabine or a gemcitabine-based chemotherapy regimen. Based on pre-clinical data, the combination of CEP-701, an inhibitor of tyrosine kinases including Flt-3, TRK-A/B and JCK-2, with gemcitabine appeared promising. Methods: Two clinical sites were chosen for this phase I trial, one scheduled to start gemcitabine prior to CEP-701 and one scheduled to start CEP-701 prior to gemcitabine. Gemcitabine was given at a dose of 1,000 mg/m2 over 30 min each week for 3 weeks in a row followed by 1 week off. CEP 701 was taken orally twice daily at doses ranging from 20 mg bid to 40 mg bid. Pharmacokinetics of both drugs were determined to assess for any drug–drug interactions. Results: Eighteen patients were enrolled and 17 received at least one dose of study drug. Nine patients experienced serious adverse events, but only one patient’s toxicity was attributed as possibly secondary to study drug. No radiologic responses were seen. No significant pharmacokinetic interactions were observed between gemcitabine and CEP 701. The combination was well-tolerated, and the MTD was not reached in this study. Conclusions: No unexpected toxicities were seen for this combination. Although too few patients were enrolled to fully evaluate efficacy, there was not significant evidence for pursuing this combination further in pancreas cancer. The maximum tolerated dose of the combination was not determined secondary to the early termination of the study.
Evaluation of Potential for Mercury Volatilization from Natural and FGD Gypsum Products Using Flux-Chamber Tests

Synthetic gypsum produced by flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) in coal-fired power plants (FGD gypsum) is put to productive use in manufacturing wallboard. FGD gypsum wallboard is widely used, accounting for nearly 30% of wallboard sold in the United States. Mercury is captured in flue gas and thus is one of the trace metals present in FGD gypsum; raising questions about the potential for mercury exposure from wallboard. Mercury is also one of the trace metals present in "natural" mined gypsum used to make wall board. Data available in the literature were not adequate to assess whether mercury in wallboard from either FGD or natural gypsum could volatilize into indoor air. In this study, mercury volatilization was evaluated using small-scale (5 L) glass and Teflon flux chambers, with samples collected using both iodated carbon and gold-coated sand traps. Mercury flux measurements made using iodated carbon traps (n=6) were below the detection limit of 11.5 ng/m2-day for all natural and synthetic gypsum wallboard samples. Mercury flux measurements made using gold-coated sand traps (n=6) were 0.92 +/- 0.11 ng/m2-day for natural gypsum wallboard and 5.9 +/- 2.4 ng/m2-day for synthetic gypsum wallboard. Room air mercury concentrations between 0.028 and 0.28 ng/m3 and between 0.13 and 2.2 ng/m3 were estimated based on the flux-rate data for natural and synthetic gypsum wallboard samples, respectively, and were calculated assuming a 3 m x 4 m x 5 m room, and 10th and 90th percentile air exchange rates of 0.18/hour and 1.26/hour. The resulting concentration estimates are well below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reference concentration for indoor air elemental mercury of 300 ng/m3 and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry minimal risk level (MRL) of 200 ng/m3. Further, these estimates are below background mercury concentrations in indoor air and within or below the range of typical background mercury concentrations in outdoor air.
Critical Care Nutrition for Feline Patients

Nutritional treatment in critical care patients is an important component of the complete treatment plan. Assessment of nutritional status and careful consideration of the disease course will help guide the selection of the most appropriate assisted-feeding method. Enteral nutrition is favored over parenteral nutrition when the gastrointestinal tract is functional. Common routes of enteral feeding include nasoesophageal, esophagostomy, gastrostomy, and jejunostomy feeding tubes. Parenteral nutrition is indicated for patients who cannot tolerate enteral feedings, or are poor anesthetic candidates for proper feeding tube placement. Appropriate diet selection and implementation of proper feeding guidelines and monitoring will aide in limiting complications associated with enteral and/or parenteral feeding.
MiR-21 is induced in endothelial cells by shear stress and modulates apoptosis and eNOS activity

Mechanical forces associated with blood flow play an important role in regulating vascular signaling and gene expression in endothelial cells (ECs). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs that posttranscriptionally regulate the expression of genes involved in diverse cell functions, including differentiation, growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. miRNAs are known to have an important role in modulating EC biology, but their expression and functions in cells subjected to shear stress conditions are unknown. We sought to determine the miRNA expression profile in human ECs subjected to unidirectional shear stress and define the role of miR-21 in shear stress-induced changes in EC function. TLDA array and qRT-PCR analysis performed on HUVECs exposed to prolonged unidirectional shear stress (USS, 24h, 15 dynes/cm(2)) identified 13 miRNAs whose expression was significantly upregulated (p<0.05). The miRNA with the greatest change was miR-21; it was increased 5.2-fold (p=0.002) in USS-treated versus control cells. Western analysis demonstrated that PTEN, a known target of miR-21, was downregulated in HUVECs exposed to USS or transfected with pre-miR-21. Importantly, HUVECs overexpressing miR-21 had decreased apoptosis and increased eNOS phosphorylation and nitric oxide (NO(*)) production. These data demonstrate that shear stress forces regulate the expression of miRNAs in ECs, and that miR-21 influences endothelial biology by decreasing apoptosis and activating the NO(*) pathway. These studies advance our understanding of the mechanisms by which shear stress forces modulate vascular homeostasis.
Mn(II) and Cu(II) Complexes of a Dithiadiazolyl Radical Ligand: Monomer/Dimer Equilibria in Solution

Complexes of the 4-(2‘-pyridyl)-1,2,3,5-dithiadiazolyl radical bidentate ligand with bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonato)manganese(II) and with bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonato)copper(II) have been prepared. Unlike the previously reported cobalt(II) complex, these complexes form dimers via intermolecular S···S contacts in the solid state. The spectroscopic and magnetic properties of these species in the solid state and in solution are reported and compared to the previously reported Co(II) complex, with emphasis on the elucidation of the a monomer/dimer equilibrium in the solution. The electrochemical properties of these species in solution are also presented and discussed.
"Broadcast and select" OADM in 80 x 10.7 Gb/s ultra-longhaul network

We report the first experimental realization of a dynamically reconfigurable ultra-longhaul network using a "broadcast and select" optical add-drop-multiplexer (OADM) architecture. We achieve 80 /spl times/ 10.7 Gb/s nonreturn-to-zero C-band dense wavelength-division-multiplexing networking with 50-GHz channel spacing over 4160 km (52 spans /spl times/ 80 km each) of all-Raman-amplified symmetric dispersion-managed fiber and 13 concatenated OADMs with 320-km spacing. Measured Q values exhibit more than 2 dB margin over the forward-error-correction threshold for 10/sup -15/ bit-error-rate operation. These results are obtained for the channels passing through the 320-km spaced OADMs when 50% add-drop occurs at an intermediate OADM located along the transmission path, as well as for the channels added at the intermediate OADM. Penalties due to filter concatenation and crosstalk are quantified. The Q factor is also characterized after 8000-km transmission.
Phylogenomics of Horned Lizards (Genus: Phrynosoma) Using Targeted Sequence Capture Data

New genome sequencing techniques are enabling phylogenetic studies to scale-up from using a handful of loci to hundreds or thousands of loci from throughout the genome. In this study, we use targeted sequence capture (TSC) data from 540 ultraconserved elements and 44 protein-coding genes to estimate the phylogenetic relationships among all 17 species of horned lizards in the genus Phrynosoma. Previous molecular phylogenetic analyses of Phrynosoma based on a few nuclear genes, restriction site associated DNA (RAD) sequencing, or mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have produced conflicting relationships. Some of these conflicts are likely the result of rapid speciation at the start of Phrynosoma diversification, whereas other examples of gene tree discordance appear to be caused by active and residual traces of hybridization. Concatenation and coalescent-based species tree phylogenetic analyses of these new TSC data support the same topology, and a divergence dating analysis suggests that the Phrynosoma crown group ...
Challenges in Mechanics and Materials Research in the Twenty-First Century

Mechanics and materials engineering are essential elements in all of the transcendent technologies of the twenty-first century and the new economy. The transcendent technologies include nanotechnology, microelectronics, information technology, and biotechnology. Research opportunities and challenges in theoretical and applied mechanics combined with materials engineering in the exciting information age are presented and discussed herein.