cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“Unerschütterlich”: Kafka's Proceß, Wittgenstein's Tractatus, and the Law of Logic

This paper offers an “analytic analysis” (that is, one that uses both the sources and methodology of the early analytic tradition in philosophy) of Kafka's Der Proces. Specifically, the author uses the formal logic Ludwig Wittgenstein charted out in the Tractatus logico-philosophicus to show that while Josef K.'s arrest, trial and “execution” may seem unjust or even invalid when we refuse to consider pre-existing or self-determined guilt, Kafka's portrayal of logical contradiction actually reveals the proceedings to be entirely logically valid. The author accomplishes this through an identification of several key contradictions in Kafka's text combined with an exploration of Wittgenstein's proof (using truth-tables) that contradictions, though senseless (sinnlos), still belong to logical symbolism. Thus, while the Law (das Gesetz) of the novel's enigmatic and terrifying Court (das Gericht) remains as inscrutable as ever, Der Proces does indeed heed another sort of law-the laws of formal logic.
Effects of caffeine on chromosomal loss and nondisjunction in Drosophila melanogaster

Three types of male larvae, normal X males and two types with structurally abnormal X chromosomes (ring X and short X sc4sc3, y) were treated during the third instar with 0.5 per cent caffeine in nutrient medium. Upon eclosion, these males were mated to yellow and Oregon-R wild type females. The F1 generation of each cross was scored for normal (XX and XY) and abnormal (XO and XXY) progeny. Statistical analyses of data demonstrate that caffeine increases chromosomal loss for all genotypes tested. The effect of caffeine on nondisjunction, however, is not clear. There are at least marginal increases in all cases when Oregon-R females are used. Slight increase and decreases noted for offspring of yellow females appear to be dependent upon the genotype of the inseminating male.
Chemokine receptor down regulation induces impairments of dendritic cell migration in murine neuroblastoma

Abstract Background. CCR7 signaling regulates recruitment of dendritic cells (DC) from sites of antigen uptake to lymphoid organs for T cell priming. Many aggressive tumors may inhibit CCR7 expression and impair DC migration to escape immunosurveillance. Previous work from our lab has demonstrated dysfunctional DC migration in mice with advanced neuroblastoma (NB). However, the role of NB on CCR7 expression by DC has not been studied. We hypothesize that NB down regulates CCR7 expression by DC. Methods. A/J mice (n = 48) were injected with saline (control) or an aggressive NB (TBJ) and sacrificed at 7, 14, 21, or 28 days. DC were isolated from bone marrow precursors and matured in vitro. PCR and Western blot were used to analyze CCR7 mRNA and protein, respectively. CCR7 expression by DC was also measured by flow cytometry. Findings. CCR7 mRNA expression by DC was down regulated at 7 and 14 days, but returned to control at 28 days (see below). CCR7 expression by DC from control mice and NB-bearing mice at day 7 was 13.1 ± 8.4% and 21.0 ± 3.3% (P = 0.18), respectively. By day 14, 10.7 ± 0.8% versus 6.0 ± 0.80% DC expressed CCR7 in the control and tumor groups, respectively (P = 0.0007). The delayed changes seen in CCR7 protein expression paralleled those seen in the mRNA. This may represent tumor effects on CCR7 gene regulation that lead to changes in protein expression. Splenic CCR7 mRNA paralleled changes in protein expression NB-bearing mice. Conclusions. Aggressive murine NB sequentially impairs CCR7 mRNA and then protein expression during tumor establishment and growth. These alterations may explain the in vivo and in vitro impairments in DC migration seen in this tumor. Further studies of chemokine receptor gene regulation may improve immunotherapy for NB. Download : Download full-size image
Black Morality Politics Preachers, Politicians, and Voters in the Battle Over Same-Sex Marriage in Maryland

In recent years, there have been a number of examples of African Americans mobilizing around morality politics issues. In Maryland, Black churches and church leaders mobilized against legalizing same-sex marriage. This entailed a more extensive mobilization than for any issue in recent memory. Despite this unprecedented mobilization, a majority of Black state legislators supported a measure legalizing same-sex marriage as the vast majority voted on the basis of their personal attitudes on the issue. This suggests Black legislators may serve as a buffer against Black social conservatism. Examination of this issue yields some important insights in terms of how Black churches mobilize in the contemporary context, perceptions of the political power of the Black church, how conceptions of “civil rights” intersects with this particular issue, and the inadequacy of labels like “progressive” or “conservative” to fully describe many Black political actors—especially when it comes to morality politics.
Single-Molecule Imaging Reveals the Translocation Dynamics of Hepatitis C Virus NS3 Helicase

Worldwide, over 185 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), facing risks of developing liver diseases, such as hepatocarcinoma. There is no vaccine available. New therapies without side effects are highly needed. HCV encodes a superfamily 2 helicase (NS3h) in the C-terminal portion of nonstructural protein 3. This enzyme is essential for virus replication. Previous studies have well characterized the unwinding properties of the helicase. The ensemble approaches, however, have largely limited the understanding of the translocation dynamics. Here, we used optical traps to stretch kilobase-size single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), the single-molecule tracking of fluorescence-labeled NS3 enables us to directly determine the translocation speed, processivity, binding duration and the stoichiometry of translocating complex. Interestingly, we observed NS3h-mediated repetitive looping of ssDNA in the range of hundreds nucleotides. We further applied single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) to the analysis of repetitive looping behavior. By tuning the fluorophore pair position between protein and nucleic acids, more structural information has been revealed. The dual-ways of movements observed by single molecule analysis may play roles in HCV life cycle.
Managing culture matters: genre, aesthetic elements, and the international market for exported television

Abstract Our research analyzes the international market for exported television. As a culture industry it is complicated by product uniqueness, culturally-based differences in understandings of desirable product attributes, and the considerable uncertainty of successful reception as programs cross regional, national, and international borders. We draw upon the concept of a culture world to examine both the ways in which matters of cultural production and distribution are “managed” through the business arrangements industry participants rely upon and the ways that the attributes of the products themselves are configured and interpreted by buyers and sellers as they cross borders.
Lattice thermal conductivity of nanostructured thermoelectric materials based on PbTe

We report the through-thickness lattice thermal conductivity Λl of (PbTe)1−x/(PbSe)x nanodot superlattices (NDSLs) over a wide range of periods 5 nm≤h≤50 nm, compositions 0.15≤x≤0.25, growth temperatures 550 K≤Tg≤620 K, and growth rates 1 μm h−1≤R≤4 μm h−1. All of our measurements approach Λl of bulk homogenous PbTe1−xSex alloys with the same average composition. For 5 nm≤h≤50 nm, Λl is independent of h; a result we attribute to short mean-free paths of phonons in PbTe and small acoustic impedance mismatch between PbTe/PbSe. We alloyed the PbTe layers of four NDSLs with SnTe up to a mole fraction y=18%; Λl is reduced by <25%.
Compact surface-cluster diffusion by concerted rotation and translation

First-principles calculations show that a pseudomorphic Ir monolayer on Ir(111) has an unexpected metastable on-top configuration only slightly above the stable fcc configuration. The energy required for any translation of the monolayer parallel to the surface is small. This opens the possibility that whole clusters can move by rotation and/or translation through configurations with many atoms in on-top sites. One such diffusion mechanism, the ``cartwheel shuffle'' could explain otherwise mysterious long jumps and high prefactors seen in the diffusion of 19-atom Ir clusters on Ir(111).
A Clinician's Guide to Specification and Sampling

This article will describe and discuss the implications of various steps in the process of selecting a sample for a research study and should assist clinicians in deciding whether and how to apply specific research findings to clinical care.
Stimulation of human periaqueductal gray for pain relief increases immunoreactive beta-endorphin in ventricular fluid

Immunoreactive beta-endorphin was measured in the ventricular fluid of six patients with chronic pain. Stimulation of the periaqueductal gray matter in three patients with pain of peripheral origin resulted in significant increases (50 to 300 percent) in the concentration of ventricular immunoreactive beta-endorphin. In three other patients suffering deafferentation dysesthesia, stimulation of the posterior limb of the internal capsule did not alter the concentration of this peptide. These results provide evidence of the release of human immunoreactive beta-endorphin in vivo and suggest that naloxone-reversible pain relief achieved by stimulation of the periaqueductal gray matter may be in part mediated by the activation of beta-endorphin-rich diencephalic areas.
An odor-specific threshold deficit implicates abnormal cAMP signaling in youths at clinical risk for psychosis

Abstract Background While olfactory deficits have been reported in schizophrenia and youths at-risk for psychosis, few studies have linked these deficits to current pathophysiological models of the illness. There is evidence that disrupted cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP) signaling may contribute to schizophrenia pathology. As cAMP mediates olfactory signal transduction, the degree to which this disruption could manifest in olfactory impairment was ascertained. Odor-detection thresholds to two odorants that differ in the degree to which they activate intracellular cAMP were assessed in clinical risk and low-risk participants. Method Birhinal assessments of odor-detection threshold sensitivity to lyral and citralva were acquired in youths experiencing prodromal symptoms ( n = 17) and controls at low risk for developing psychosis ( n = 15). Citralva and lyral are odorants that differ in cAMP activation; citralva is a strong cAMP activator and lyral is a weak cAMP activator. Results The overall group-by-odor interaction was statistically significant. At-risk youths showed significantly reduced odor detection thresholds for lyral, but showed intact detection thresholds for citralva. This odor-specific threshold deficit was uncorrelated with deficits in odor identification or discrimination, which were also present. ROC curve analysis revealed that olfactory performance correctly classified at-risk and low-risk youths with greater than 97% accuracy. Conclusions This study extends prior findings of an odor-specific hyposmia implicating cAMP-mediated signal transduction in schizophrenia and unaffected first-degree relatives to include youths at clinical risk for developing the disorder. These results suggest that dysregulation of cAMP signaling may be present during the psychosis prodrome.
Suppression of Neuronal and Cardiac Transient Outward Currents by Viral Gene Transfer of Dominant-Negative Kv4.2 Constructs

To probe the molecular identity of transient outward (A-type) potassium currents, we expressed a truncated version of Kv4.2 in heart cells and neurons. The rat Kv4.2-coding sequence was truncated at a position just past the first transmembrane segment and subcloned into an adenoviral shuttle vector downstream of a cytomegalovirus promoter (pE1Kv4.2ST). We hypothesized that this construct would act as a dominant-negative suppressor of currents encoded by the Kv4 family by analogy to Kv1 channels. Cotransfection of wild-type Kv4.2 with a beta-galactosidase expression vector in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells produced robust transient outward currents (Ito) after two days (14.0 pA/pF at 50 mV, n = 5). Cotransfection with pE1Kv4.2ST markedly suppressed the Kv4.2 currents (0.8 pA/pF, n = 6, p < 0.02; cDNA ratio of 2:1 Kv4.2ST:wild type), but in parallel experiments, it did not alter the current density of coexpressed Kv1.4 or Kv1.5 channels. Kv4.2ST also effectively suppressed rat Kv4.3 current when coexpressed in CHO-K1 cells. We then engineered a recombinant adenovirus (AdKv4.2ST) designed to overexpress Kv4.2ST in infected cells. A-type currents in rat cerebellar granule cells were decreased two days after AdKv4. 2ST infection as compared with those infected by a beta-galactosidase reporter virus (116.0 pA/pF versus 281.4 pA/pF in Ad beta-galactosidase cells, n = 8 each group, p < 0.001). Likewise, Ito in adult rat ventricular myocytes was suppressed by AdKv4.2ST but not by Adbeta-galactosidase (8.8 pA/pF versus 21.4 pA/pF in beta-galactosidase cells, n = 6 each group, p < 0.05). Expression of a GFP-Kv4.2ST fusion construct enabled imaging of subcellular protein localization by confocal microscopy. The protein was distributed throughout the surface membrane and intracellular membrane systems. We conclude that genes from the Kv4 family are the predominant contributors to the A-type currents in cerebellar granule cells and Ito in rat ventricle. Overexpression of dominant-negative constructs may be of general utility in dissecting the contributions of various ion channel genes to excitability.
The Body Problem

L'A. etudie le probleme de la nature du physique qui se pose de maniere prealable au debat sur le probleme esprit-corps. Au-dela de l'apparente evidence qui permet de connaitre les objets physiques comme on connait le terme table, l'A. montre que le physicalisme se definit d'abord contre l'idealisme et contre la substance non-physique, consideree comme ce qui n'est pas compose de la meme matiere que les objets ordinaires qui nous entourent. Soulevant la question du spectre inverse, des qualias et de la causation mentale, l'A. examine le physique par comparaison avec le non-physique (les fantomes), d'une part, et analyse le phenomene de dependance microphysique chez C. Hempel, A. Melnyk et N. Chomsky, d'autre part
iPSCs: Induced Back to Controversy

Several recent reports (Mayshar et al., 2010; Laurent et al., 2011; Lister et al., 2011; Gore et al., 2011; Hussein et al., 2011) uncover genetic and epigenetic alterations in induced pluripotent stem cells, stimulating debate about their future. However, will these important findings really impact what we hope to gain?
Characterization of an additional anthocyanin pigment in extracts of strawberries, Fragaria

Abstract Investigation of the anthocyanin pigments of forty lots of strawberries representing thirteen selections and five varieties revealed the presence of a third pigment in most samples not previously identified. The pigment is not a chromatographic artifact as it is unchanged upon rechromatography. It is composed of pelargonidin and glucose in a 1:1 molar ratio. During acid hydrolysis the pigment readily forms pelargonidin-3-glucoside as an intermediate before pelargonidin formation. Infrared and ultraviolet-visible spectral properties eliminate the possibility of acylation with organic acids. Radiotracer experiments eliminate the possibility of incorporation of methanol as an ether or acetal into the pigment. On the basis of spectral data, chromatographic properties, and hydrolysis experiments, it is suggested that the pigment is either the furanose form or the alpha anomer of pelargonidin-3-glucoside.
THE PHENOMENON OF ANTAGONISM BY PITUITARY EXTRACT IN THE ABSENCE OF THE THYROID GLAND1

SINCE THE DEMONSTRATION by Smith (i) that crude extracts of the anterior hy pophysis,when injected intraperitoneally, inhibit the gonadotropic action of pituitary implants, it has been shown (2, 3) that purified pituitary extracts exhibit this action against the gonadotropins of urine, pregnant mares' serum and of the pituitary gland. Efforts have been made to establish the antagonistic principle as a separate entity. Evans et al. (2) reported that they were able to prepare an 'antagonist' substantially free of gonadotropic, thyrotropic, adrenotropic, and lactogenic factors. More recently however, a report from the same laboratory (4) identifies the antagonistic action as a property of both the follick-Stimulating and luteinizing hormones, especially the former. The claim of Bunde and Hellbaum (5) that the antagonistic principle shows a heat stability not possessed by the gonadotropic activity of the same extracts has been denied by Bischoff (6) and by Jensen and Tolksdorf (7).
Determination of Enantiomeric Composition by Fluorescence Anisotropy

A new method is developed whereby the enantiomeric composition of a chiral analyte is determined by steady-state fluorescence anisotropy. A theoretical model is presented showing that the measured ...
On the 4-rank of the Tame Kernel K2(O) in Positive Definite Terms

Abstract The paper is about the structure of the tame kernel K 2 ( O ) for certain quadratic number fields. There has been recent progress in making explicit the 4-rank of the tame kernel of quadratic number fields and even in obtaining results about the 8-rank. The emphasis of this paper is to determine the 4-rank of the tame kernel in definite terms. Our characterizations are in terms of positive definite binary quadratic forms X 2 +32 Y 2 , X 2 +2 pY 2 , 2 X 2 + pY 2 over Z . The results make numerical computations readily available, and the characterizations might generate some interest in “density results” concerning the 4-rank of tame kernels.
Worry Versus Anxiety Is There Really a Difference

The similarities and distinctions between the constructs of worry and anxiety were examined in a sample of 189 university students. Three worry scales and four measures of anxiety were compared in ...
Detection and Processing of Individual Components in the VEP

This paper describes a new technique for use in the field of evoked potentials research. The technique makes use of the latency corrected average method for identification of the components of the single evoked potential. Examples are presented in which this technique is utilized to separate homogeneous subsets of potentials within a set of tests.
Coronary Blood Flow in Relation to Angina Pectoris

The first portion of this paper represents a critical analysis of methods used in the determination of coronary blood flow in man. Coronary flow in man can be measured with the use of diffusible gases such as nitrous oxide, a procedure based on the Fick principle. In the presence of inhomogeneous perfusion, the time of equilibrium with coronary vein blood is difficult to establish, contributing to possible errors in the use of this method. Procedures which utilize substances which actively enter the cell, such as 84rubidium, 86rubidium, 42potassium, and 24sodium, are also employed. Only when the blood-tissue permeability is great in comparison to blood flow, is the exchange between blood and tissue a flow-limited process and can be used as an estimate of the nutrient circulation. Since the technic is based on the assumption that there must be equality of integrated mixed venous and coronary sinus tracer concentration after injection until the measurements are complete, any inequality in the extraction rat...
The effect of carbon on wetting of aluminum oxide by aluminum

Vapor-deposited carbon films on sapphire enhance its wettability by high-purity aluminum. A reduction in the terminal contact angle of 30 deg, to a value of 31 deg, occurs at 1223 K under vacuum conditions. This effect is related to either the dissolution of carbon in aluminum or the formation of aluminum carbide. Etching of the sapphire by molten aluminum is greatly enhanced by the presence of carbon, as revealed by profilometry of substrates following removal of the aluminum sessile drops.
Effects of a Pharmacist-to-Dose Computerized Request on Promptness of Antimicrobial Therapy

Objectives: To examine the effects of computerized requests for pharmacist-to-dose (PTD), an advanced clinical decision support tool for dosing guidance, on antimicrobial therapy with vancomycin and aminoglycosides, describe PTD request utilization, and identify factors that may prolong this process. Design: A retrospective review was conducted of patients hospitalized from Jan 2004 to Jun 2006 with suspected pneumonia who received vancomycin, tobramycin, or gentamicin via PTD (study) or routine provider order entry (control). Measurements: The primary endpoint was time to pharmacist completion of PTD request. Secondary data points included medication turn-around times for first doses of vancomycin or aminoglycosides and for first doses of any antibiotic, dose adjustment for renal dysfunction, medication errors, and time of order entry. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify predictors of total time to pharmacist verification and time to administration of first doses of vancomycin or aminoglycosides. Results: Median time for pharmacist completion of PTD requests was 29 minutes. Delays were noted in the study group (n 49) by comparison with the control group (n 48) for median time to first dose of vancomycin or aminoglycoside (185 vs. 138 min, p 0.45) and for any antibiotic (134 vs. 118 min, p 0.42), respectively. Fewer medication errors were reported in the study group (5 vs. 18 errors, p 0.002). In a multivariate model, PTD was not significantly predictive of time to pharmacy verification or medication turn-around time. Conclusions: Pharmacists completed pharmacist-to-dose consultations for dosing guidance of vancomycin and aminoglycosides within a median of 30 minutes. Implementation of a computerized request for clinical pharmacists to provide medication-related clinical decision support increased medication turn-around time of vancomycin and aminoglycosides and reduced medication errors. Consultation of clinical pharmacists by computerized request for initial antibiotic dosing of medications with narrow therapeutic windows is an option for medication-related clinical decision support but providers should be aware that consultation may delay medication turn-around time.
Microscopy flowcells: perfusion chambers for real-time study of biofilms.

Publisher Summary Flowcells are defined as perfusion chambers for the observation of growth/physiology of stationary cells. Flowcells offer many advantages. A defined, constant environment is provided by laminar flow. They can be made inexpensively and, therefore, can be disposable. As with all methodology, flowcells do have some disadvantages. Sterilization can be difficult because many of the common materials used for flowcell construction do not respond well to autoclaving, especially to repeated autoclaving. In cases of high biomass within the flowcell, it is conceivable that a gradient in nutrients could be established over the length of the flowcell. Flowcells seem to be the best approach for most studies of bacterial biofilms. Flowcells for biofilm microscopy have been built around two designs. The most commonly used design is one in which parallel grooves are milled into a plexiglass base—the grooves stop a few millimeters before the ends of the plexiglass. A second design is one in which the coverslip is used for the top and the bottom of a channel that is formed by a molded silicone rubber gasket.
Core-satellite nanocomposite catalysts protected by a porous silica shell: controllable reactivity, high stability, and magnetic recyclability.

The development of more efficient and stable catalysts hasbeen an increasingly important goal for chemists andmaterials scientists for both economic and environmentalreasons. Much attention has been paid recently to nano-particlesoftransitionmetals,particularlynoblemetals,asaresult of significant progress in synthetic methods forcontrollingtheircomposition,size,andshape.Thisdevelop-ment should lead to the design of catalysts with superiorperformance that take advantage of nanoparticles highsurface-to-volume ratio and their shape-dependent surfacestructure.
Virtual Deviance: Swinging and Swapping in an On-Line Network

The purpose of the current research is to study the virtual presentation of self in on-line profiles, specifically within a deviant subculture. The study explores the social construction of deviant identities using the on-line community of “swingers.” Our research explored what self-presentation strategies are employed by participants in their profiles to develop credibility to attract others to their profiles and what major concerns, expectations, and values characterize the profiles of the on-line swinger community. Most on-line profiles focus on developing credibility. We used Aristotle's notions of goodwill, practical intelligence, and virtue to categorize the specific means used in profiles to develop credibility.
Serum alters the uptake and relative potencies of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons in cell culture bioassays.

1The effects of many chemicals on cellular processes are governed by their ability to enter the cell, which is in turn a function of the composition of the cell’s external environment. To examine this relationship, the effect of serum in cell culture medium on the bioavailability of cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A)-inducing compounds was determined in PLHC-1 (Poeciliopsis lucida hepatocellular carcinoma) cells. The presence of 10% calf serum in the medium increased the EC50 (effective concentration to achieve 50% maximal response) for induction of ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) 20-fold as compared to treatment in serum-free medium. Measurement of [ 3 H]TCDD uptake and Ah receptor binding indicated that the apparent difference in potencies was a result of decreased bioavailability in the presence of serum, effectively reducing the concentration of TCDD within the cells. Induction of EROD and CYP1A protein in response to treatment with each of three coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB congeners 77, 126, and 169) was similarly affected by serum, although the magnitude varied among inducers and assays. Relative potencies (calculated as EC50TCDD / EC50PCB) for EROD induction by the three PCBs were significantly higher in the absence of serum. However, serum showed no significant effect on the relative potencies for CYP1A protein induction. These results demonstrate that measured inducing potencies, and relative potencies for EROD induction, by halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons are strongly dependent on the
Immunologic sensitization in recipients of left ventricular assist devices

Abstract Objective: Left ventricular assist device implantation is associated with an increased risk of development of circulating anti-HLA class I and II antibodies (sensitization). We investigated the impact of sensitization on posttransplantation outcomes in 105 consecutive left ventricular assist device recipients. Methods: Five hundred twenty-one consecutive adult cardiac allograft recipients between 1992 and 1999 were retrospectively studied. Of these, 105 were supported with a left ventricular assist device. Pretransplantation and posttransplantation antibody production, time to transplantation after listing, rejection, freedom from transplant coronary artery disease, and survival were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Among sensitized left ventricular assist device recipients, 26 were treated with a pretransplantation immunomodulatory regimen consisting of intravenous immunoglobulin and cyclophosphamide. Results: There were no significant differences between left ventricular assist device recipients and nonbridged recipients with respect to pretransplantation demographic characteristics and ABO and HLA matching. Among left ventricular assist device recipients, 66% (69/105) were sensitized before transplantation; in contrast, only 6% (24/399) of nonbridged recipients were sensitized ( P Conclusions: Left ventricular assist device recipients have survival outcomes similar to those of nonbridged recipients after cardiac transplantation, despite their significantly higher immunologic risk. The reduced rate of transplantation and the increased incidence of rejection observed in sensitized left ventricular assist device recipients are prevented by immunomodulatory therapy. Sensitization will remain an important issue with increased use of left ventricular assist devices, and improved understanding of this is essential to achieve better outcomes in the management of patients with end-stage heart failure. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2003;125:578-91
Epitaxial lift-off GaAs/AlGaAs metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors with back passivation

High-performance thin-film epitaxial lift-off (ELO) photodetectors have potential for integration with independently optimized integrated circuits and waveguides. In this paper, the dark current, responsivity, and frequency response of GaAs/AlGaAs metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetectors that remain on the growth substrate are compared to ELO detectors with and without back passivation. The passivated ELO detectors perform comparably to the on-wafer devices, while the unpassivated devices exhibit performance degradation. In addition to demonstrating the importance of back passivation, this paper presents the lowest ELO MSM dark current (5 nA at 5 V) for a 200- mu m-diameter device published to date. >
Influence of rising atmospheric CO2 since 1900 on early growth and photosynthetic response of a noxious invasive weed, Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense).

Using climate-controlled growth chambers, the growth, morphology and photosynthetic response of Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense L. Scop.), a recognized invasive weed, was determined at CO2 concentrations ([CO2]) of 285, 382 and 721 μmol mol-1 during the vegetative state. These concentrations correspond roughly to ambient [CO2] from 1900, 2001 and those projected for 2100, respectively. At the end of the vegetative stage, leaves grown at 721 μmol mol-1 still had significantly higher photosynthetic rates under the growth conditions, relative to the 285 or 382 μmol mol-1 CO2 treatment. Significant differences in leaf morphology, particularly the number and length of leaf spines, were also observed, with spine number and length increasing as a function of [CO2]. At the end of the vegetative stage, at 54 d after sowing (DAS), whole plant biomass had increased by 69% for the elevated (720 μmol mol-1) CO2 treatment relative to current ambient CO2. However, biomass had increased by 126% for current ambient (380 μmol mol-1) relative to the concentration that existed in 1900 (285 μmol mol-1). Data from this study indicate that rising [CO2] may have already had a substantial influence on the vegetative development of Canada thistle, by significantly stimulating growth and photosynthesis, as well as altering leaf defenses to potential herbivory. Overall, these changes could have important implications for growth and control of this noxious weed as atmospheric CO2 continues to increase.
Sulfonation of polystyrene: Toward the “ideal” polyelectrolyte

Sulfonation of narrow polydispersity polystyrene, PS, standards remains the method of choice for generating polystyrene sulfonate, PSS, samples with defined composition. Although a variety of sulfonation techniques have been described, relatively little is reported on the material obtained, which is used for so many studies on the fundamental behavior of polyelectrolytes. Here, we show that powdered polystyrene treated with concentrated sulfuric acid (96%) at 90 °C without catalyst yields fully sulfonated PSS. Extensive characterization with 1H and 13C NMR as well as size exclusion chromatography coupled with static and dynamic light scattering shows no evidence of sulfone crosslinking or chain degradation under the conditions used. Though mono-sulfonated as soon as it dissolves in the acid, the PSS contains about 6% meta substitution. Sulfonation kinetics for this heterogeneous reaction depend strongly on particle size, sulfuric acid content and temperature. For preparing perdeuterated PSS from the corresponding PS it is essential to employ D2SO4, as about half of the aromatic units undergo H/D exchange during sulfonation. The remaining ortho H/D may be exchanged with extended exposure to the concentrated sulfuric acid, but the meta site is deactivated. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 2416–2624
Dynamic paired comparison models with stochastic variances

In paired comparison experiments, the worth or merit of a unit is measured through comparisons against other units. When paired comparison outcomes are collected over time and the merits of the units may be changing, it is often convenient to assume the data follow a non-linear state-space model. Typical paired comparison state-space models that assume a fixed (unknown) autoregressive variance do not account for the possibility of sudden changes in the merits. This is a particular concern, for example, in modeling cognitive ability in human development; cognitive ability not only changes over time, but also can change abruptly. We explore a particular extension of conventional state-space models for paired comparison data that allows the state variance to vary stochastically. Models of this type have recently been developed and applied to modeling financial data, but can be seen to have applicability in modeling paired comparison data. A filtering algorithm is also derived that can be used in place of lik...
Induction of Marine Mollusc Stress Proteins by Chemical or Physical Stress

The cellular stress responses of most organisms in part involve the induction of a class of proteins called heat shock or stress proteins (HSPs) as a result of damage to existing proteins. Cellular proteins can be damaged by chemical exposures known to induce various HSPs. In these experiments, we examine the HSP responses of mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and abalone (Haliotis rufescens) tissues to both thermal and chemical exposures. HSP70 isoforms, HSP60, and HSP90 all show varying induction capabilities. The results demonstrate that the extent of stress exposure as both a time- and dose-dependent phenomena can be ascertained by examining changes in mollusc HSP protein levels. We also examined the relationship between HSP induction and levels of a mussel cytochrome P450 (CYP4Y1) mRNA in dose-response experiments with the products of biologically degraded weathered crude oil. The increases in HSP70 isoforms and HSP90 were correlated with decreases in CYP4Y1 expression levels in a dose-dependent manner. HSP responses may therefore be a valuable part of a suite of biomarkers in biomonitoring for hydrocarbon exposures in nearshore environments.
EFFECT OF CHRONIC HIGH-DOSE EXOGENOUS CORTISOL ON HIPPOCAMPAL NEURONAL NUMBER IN AGED NONHUMAN PRIMATES

Chronic exposure to increased glucocorticoid concentrations appears to lower the threshold for hippocampal neuronal degeneration in the old rat. It has been proposed that increased brain exposure to glucocorticoids may lower the threshold for hippocampal neuronal degeneration in human aging and Alzheimer's disease. Here, we asked whether chronic administration of high-dose cortisol to older nonhuman primates decreases hippocampal neuronal number as assessed by unbiased stereological counting methodology. Sixteen Macaca nemestrina (pigtailed macaques) from 18 to 29 years of age were age-, sex-, and weight-matched into pairs and randomized to receive either high-dose oral hydrocortisone (cortisol) acetate (4-6 mg/kg/d) or placebo in twice daily palatable treats for 12 months. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activity was monitored by measuring plasma adrenocorticotropin and cortisol, 24 hr urinary cortisol, and CSF cortisol. Urinary, plasma, and CSF cortisol were elevated, and plasma adrenocorticotropin was reduced in the active treatment group. Total hippocampal volume, subfield volumes, subfield neuronal density, and subfield total neuronal number did not differ between the experimental groups. These findings suggest that chronically elevated cortisol concentrations, in the absence of stress, do not produce hippocampal neuronal loss in nonhuman primates.
Current Status of Strong-Motion Monitoring and Notification at the United States Bureau of Reclamation

Acquisition of strong motion data at the Bureau of Reclamation provides near real time notification of strong shaking at our structures as well as recordings of earthquakes for use in the dynamic analyses of large, engineered structures. To facilitate rapid notification following strong ground shaking, we have developed a low-cost, automated system to retrieve event-triggered seismic waveform data from digital data loggers at remote sites. Only a modest infrastructure investment is required. The method relies on standard dial-up telephone circuits, a custom-designed serial interface device, and communications software that runs under a UNIX operating system. Event wave- forms can be retrieved in near real-time from strong-motion accelerographs as well as from general-purpose seismic data loggers. The system can perform automatic remote configuration and periodic state-of health monitoring of the field instrumentation. The system presently retrieves data from 70 digital strong-motion instruments at 49 dams and other lifeline facilities located throughout the western United States. It has also been successfully used in temporary site-response and aftershock studies to provide remote access to seismic data loggers with broadband seismometers. Deployment of instrumentation is also focused on acquiring the detailed recordings necessary for validating the increasingly sophisticated dynamic analyses of dams.
A new theory of heterogeneous ice nucleation for application in cloud and climate models

A new formulation is presented of the thermodynamical theory of heterogeneous ice crystal nucleation in clouds by freezing. This theory unifies and explains the empirical ice nuclei dependence on temperature and supersaturation, predicts crystal formation via condensation-freezing at a subsaturation over water. The theory also explains observations of high nucleation rates and crystal concentrations at warm (-5 > -12 °C) temperatures when the splintering mechanism may be not effective. This theory can be applied to parameterizations for use in cloud and climate models.
Italian Americans in the ‘Bocce Belt’: ‘Old World’ memories and ‘New World’ identities

This essay examines the development of an ethnically and racially segregated resort landscape in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York in the twentieth century. Focusing on the history of Italian American resorts clustered primarily in Greene County, New York, it demonstrates that ethnicity continued to shape the social and cultural lives of many European immigrant New Yorkers and their families well after World War II. Ethnic resorts provided vacationers with an insulated recreational environment in which group identity and transatlantic ties – both real and imagined – could be fostered and sustained. However, the flexibility of these ethnic identities and the pervasive discrimination against African Americans at ethnic resorts in the 1940s and 1950s reveals the extent to which European Americans had largely internalized a sense of white ethnic identity by the postwar decades. The history of ethnic resorts in the Catskills sheds light on the process by which generations of European Americans in New ...
Dietary Fiber Reduces Peripheral Arterial Disease Risk in Men

We prospectively evaluated the relationship between dietary fiber and peripheral arterial disease risk (PAD) among 46,032 men, aged 40 to 75 y, in 1986. Subjects answered a vascular disease questionnaire and completed a validated 131-item food frequency questionnaire, and were free of PAD, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. During 12 y of follow-up 308 incident PAD cases were documented. After adjusting for age, smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, family history of early coronary heart disease, alcohol consumption, BMI, physical activity and energy intake, PAD risk in each quintile of cereal fiber intake compared with the lowest quintile was 0.69, 95% CI 0.49-0.97 for quintile 2; 0.65, 95% CI 0.45-0.94 for quintile 3; 0.68, 95% CI 0.47-0.98 for quintile 4; and 0.67, 95% CI 0.47-0.97 for quintile 5. In a nonlinear model the overall inverse association (P = 0.02) and nonlinear components (P = 0.03) were significant. Fruit, vegetable and total fiber intakes were not associated with PAD risk. These results suggest an inverse association between cereal fiber intake and PAD risk in men. Increasing cereal fiber intake may prevent PAD.
Drug Distribution and Pharmacologic Effect: Relation to Drug Therapy in the Elderly

Pharmacokinetic studies of drug disposition in old age so far have emphasized agerelated changes in elimination and clearance. However, alterations in body habitus associated with the aging process can lead to changes in patterns of drug distribution, which are independent of changes in clearance. Since drug distribution, rather than drug clearance, may be the most important determinant of the time-course and intensity of pharmacologic action after single doses, altered drug distribution in the elderly may contribute to age-related changes in clinical drug activity particularly after single doses.
Post-Stall Performance Improvement through Bio-inspired Passive Covert Feathers

Inspired by birds’ covert feathers, previous research has shown that artificial self-deployable flaps placed on the suction surface of wings can act as a passive boundary layer flow control mechanism improving post-stall wing lift performance by as much as 15%. Parametric variations are performed in this study, to investigate the range of effectiveness of these artificial flaps. Experiments were performed at the University of Dayton Low Speed Wind Tunnel at a Reynolds number of 2.0x10 5 . A NACA-0012, an intermediate camber USA-28 and a highly cambered Eppler-423 were studied. Flap settings (flap length and chordwise placement) informed by previous research by the authors at another facility did not result in similar improvement in the present study. Subsequent experiments and complementary XFoil investigations revealed that each wing will respond differently to the placement of the artificial feathers depending on the wing’s stall characteristics, boundary layer thickness, and pressure distribution. No universally effective flap configuration was discovered, however, an optimum flap configuration was ascertained for each wing resulting in post-stall lift performance improvements on the order of 5% to 30%. This was true even for the NACA 0012 which experienced a leading edge stall at the Reynolds number tested. Segmenting the flap in the spanwise direction was found to be beneficial in the case of trailing edge stall. Finally, some insight into the physics underlying the effectiveness of these flaps can be gained through careful evaluation of the pressure gradients along the upper surface. This insight can ultimately inform optimal flap placement.
COMPARISON OF FOUR SIMILAR FUNGI FROM JUNIPERUS AND RELATED CONIFERS

A disease of eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) causing serious losses in Christmas tree plantings in the southeastern United States was described in 1960 (12). The causal organism was tentatively identified as Exosporium glomerulosum H6hn.; however, thirteen other species of fungi reported previously from Juniperus spp., mostly species belonging to Cercospora and Exosporium, were listed as being similar to or synonymous with E. glomerulosum. At that time, no authentic specimens of any of those fungi listed were examined. During the time that this study was underway, Hughes (11), in a comprehensive study of a large number of Hyphomycetes, transferred E. glomnerulosum to Stigmina glomerulosa (Sacc.) Hughes, and Ellis (5) presented a detailed description of the fungus based on the type. On the basis of Ellis' description and illustrations, the fungus causing needle blight of redcedar could not be considered S. glomerulosa. A specimen of the fungus was sent to Dr. Ellis, who indicated that the fungus in question on redcedar was probably Cercospora sequoiae Ell. & Ev. var. juniperi Ell. & Ev. previously described on J. virginiana in Wisconsin in 1887 (4). The primary purpose of this study is to resolve the identity of this particular fungus causing needle blight of eastern redcedar. During the investigation, however, examination of numerous fresh and herbarium specimens revealed four distinct, although superficially similar, species of fungi on Juniperus and related conifers which were being confused with one another. This paper presents the description, host range and distribution of these fungi.
Research progress on the transmission route of Ebola virus and personal protective equipment of healthcare workers

Ebola virus disease is an acute infectious disease.Contact transmission is the most important transmission route;however,Ebola virus is likely aerosol transmissible under appropriate conditions,and the possibility of gastrointestinal and sexual transmission can not be completely excluded.It is necessary for healthcare workers to select much safer personal protective equipment in the environment polluted by Ebola virus;meanwhile,healthcare workers should master its using methods.The results suggest that choosing powered air purifying respirator(PAPR)based on the situation of the environment may have a better protective effect.
Debugging Analysis for Bypass Control System of Supercritical Unit

This paper summarizes the debugging process and steps for bypass control system of supercritical unit,and analyzes some common questions in debugging process,and puts forward methods and improvement measures.This paper can be used for reference for debugging of similar systems.
Upregulation of COX-2 in cerebral microvascular endothelial cells by smooth muscle cell signals

Cyclooxygenase (COX) isoform expression, intracellular localization, and function in endothelial cells from the newborn pig cerebral microvessels were investigated using COX-1- and COX-2-specific antibodies and the COX-2 inhibitor NS-398. Cerebral microvessels, microvascular endothelium, and cultured endothelial cells constitutively express both COX-1 and COX-2. NS-398 inhibits 70-90% of endothelial prostanoid production. Endothelial cells grown in noncontact coculture with smooth muscle cells for 24-48 h demonstrate a stable induction of COX-2 protein and an NS-398-sensitive increase in prostanoid synthesis. The induction of endothelial COX in mixed cell coculture is accompanied by intracellular redistribution of COX-2. In cocultured endothelial cells, COX-2 is observed in the nucleus, nuclear envelope, and cytoplasm, compared with the mainly intranuclear localization of COX-2 in cells cultured separately. No changes were observed in COX-1 protein, localized in endothelial cell cytoplasm and the nuclear envelope. These results indicate that smooth muscle cells may modify endothelial function by upregulating COX-2, which is a major functional COX isoform in cerebral microvascular endothelial cells.