cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uncoupling cell fate determination from patterned cell division in the Drosophila eye

Cell proliferation and cell fate specification are under strict spatiotemporal control in the developing Drosophila eye. Cells excluded from five-cell preclusters synchronously enter a single additional cell cycle, the second mitotic wave, after which the remaining cells are sequentially recruited. When the second mitotic wave was blocked with the human cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21CIP1/WAF1, each cell type was still specified. Hence, cell fate determination is regulated independently of the division pattern of precursor cells. However, the second mitotic wave is needed to generate appropriate numbers of each cell type. Moreover, p21 can arrest precursor cell proliferation and allow appropriate fate choice in vivo.
A new species of Podapolipoides (Acari:Podapolipidae) ectoparasite of Acrida SP. in Jordan

ABSTRACT A new species of Podapolipoides from Jordan, P. jordani, is described from Acrida sp. (Acrididae) and compared with related species. The presence of an urstigmata (Claparade organ), not previously observed in Podapolipidae, is noted for female Podapolipoides.
The putative chemoreceptor families of C. elegans

Chemoreception of environmental stimuli is a major sensory system in small soil nematodes like C. elegans. As in other animals, chemoreception is mediated in C. elegans by members of the seven-transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptor class (7TM GPCRs). We summarize the many large putative chemoreceptor gene families, including the str family (which includes odr-10, the only receptor with an identified ligand), and the sra, srab, srb, srbc, srd, sre, srg, srh, sri, srj, srm, srr, srsx, srt, sru, srv, srw, srx, srxa, and srz families. Together these comprise +/-1280 apparently intact genes and +/-420 apparent pseudogenes, about 7% of the total gene count of C. elegans. These genes are unusually clustered on chromosomes, both within and between families, and are enigmatically concentrated on the large chromosome V. Comparative studies with C. briggsae have revealed extraordinary divergence of the chemoreceptor repertoire between the two species, including frequent amplifications of subfamilies in C. elegans and positive selection in the srz family. The size and complexity of the chemoreceptor gene families also facilitate studies of promoter elements using paralogous and orthologous comparisons, as well as other aspects of gene family and genome evolution.
Critical mass in the production of Ph.D.s: a multi-disciplinary study

Abstract Doctoral education in the US, while produced by not-for-profit institutions, is nonetheless carried out in a very competitive environment. We use survivor analysis to evaluate critical mass and minimum efficient scale in the production of Ph.D.s. We use data from the National Research Council's Survey of Earned Doctorates to study four academic disciplines: economics, history, physics, and psychology. We find that in economics, small programs are viable but intermediate sized programs are the norm. In history, a large number of very small programs exist, producing less than five Ph.D.s per year. Physics is characterized by somewhat larger scale production, which is not surprising given the nature of the production process in physics. Psychology seems to lend itself to large-scale production to a degree not evident in the other three disciplines. Size and quality ranking are positively correlated in economics, history, and physics, but no such relationship is apparent in psychology.
Declining Angle Effects of the Trailing Edge of a Microramp Vortex Generator

In this paper, the monotone integrated large-eddy simulation method and fifth-order weighted essentially nonoscillatory scheme are used to study the effects of the declining angles of the trailing edge of a microramp vortex generator atM 2:5 and Re 1440. Two angles are selected for study: 70 and 45 . Results show that the smaller declining angle at 45 can make the vortices closer to the wall, which is favorable to flow control. However, the improvement in the quality of the boundary layer is less obvious.
Iatrogenic perforation of retention cyst of the pancreas.

A case of iatrogenic perforation of a huge (7 L.) retention cyst of the pancreas is presented. Attention is given to pathologic characteristics of such cysts and their differentiation from pseudocysts and neoplastic cysts. The clinical presentation and problems attendant on perforation are reviewed. This lesion was treated by excision. The rationale for therapy is discussed.
Segmentation of laser range image for pipe anomaly detection

Laser-based scanning can provide a precise surface profile. It has been widely applied to the inspection of pipe inner walls and is often used along with other types of sensors, like sonar and close-circuit television (CCTV). These measurements can be used for pipe deterioration modeling and condition assessment. Geometric information needs to be extracted to characterize anomalies in the pipe profile. Since the laser scanning measures the distance, segmentation with a threshold is a straightforward way to isolate the anomalies. However, threshold with a fixed distance value does not work well for the laser range image due to the intensity inhomogeneity, which is caused the uncontrollable factors during the inspection. Thus, a local binary fitting (LBF) active contour model is employed in this work to process the laser range image and an image phase congruency algorithm is adopted to provide the initial contour as required by the LBF method. The combination of these two approaches can successfully detect the anomalies from a laser range image.
Trypsin Gene Expression by Quantitative In Situ Hybridization in Carnivorous and Herbivorous Prickleback Fishes (Teleostei: Stichaeidae): Ontogenetic, Dietary, and Phylogenetic Effects

Abstract We determined trypsin gene sequences and compared relative levels of trypsin gene expression as influenced by ontogeny, diet, and phylogeny in four related prickleback fish species. Of these species, Cebidichthys violaceus and Xiphister mucosus shift from carnivory to herbivory at ∼45 mm standard length [SL], whereas Xiphister atropurpureus and Anoplarchus purpurescens remain carnivores. Pairwise sequence similarities among the four species were 77%–95% for the trypsin nucleotides and 69%–94% for the amino acids. Trypsin gene expression levels in small (30–40 mm SL) and larger (60–75 mm) wild‐caught juveniles and larger (60–75 mm) juveniles raised on a high‐protein artificial diet increased with ontogeny in all four species but in response to the diet only in the two carnivores. The indistinguishable expression levels in the sister taxa, X. mucosus and X. atropurpureus, represented the only apparent phylogenetic effect. Xiphister atropurpureus, however, increased both trypsin gene expression and ...
Seductive Voices: Rethinking Female Subjectivities in The Wife's Lament and Wulf and Eadwacer

This essay provides a summary of recent scholarship on the two female-voiced Old English elegies, The Wife's Lament and Wulf and Eadwacer, relating to the position or condition of women in Anglo-Saxon England as ‘witnessed’ in those poems. In doing so I make no attempt to champion a particular view, but try instead to consider the implications of reading in particular ways and think about how the questions raised by these poems may broaden our understanding of female subject positions in Anglo-Saxon England, even if we cannot ultimately come to any conclusions about what and how those poems mean.
Contact dermatitis to multiple exotic woods

Occupational contact dermatitis to individual wood species from foreign countries, such as Asia, Africa, Central America, and South America, has been described. This report concerns the case of a domestic woodworker who developed allergic contact dermatitis shortly after beginning to work with multiple exotic woods. Patch testing with domestic and exotic wood fresh sawdust samples, 1% and 10% in petrolatum, yielded strong positive reactions to six exotic woods: zericote, pao ferro, cocobolo, becote, macassar ebony, and padauk. Later testing confirmed sensitivity to the allergenic quinonoid constituents in pao ferro (R-3,4-dimethoxydalbergione), cocobolo (obtusaquinone), and macassar ebony (macassar quinone).
Dorsal horn cells in spinal and in freely moving rats

Abstract Rat spinal-cord dorsal horn was explored with microelectrodes and shown to contain, as in the cat, three horizontal laminae. The cells in the most dorsal lamina had small cutaneous receptive fields; in the middle zone, the cutaneous receptive fields expanded markedly; in the most ventral region, cells were encountered which responded to passive movement of the leg. Some differences between cat and rat were noticed. A method was developed by which recordings could be made from single cells in rat cord while the animal was freely moving. Responses of single cells to a fixed afferent volley were shown to vary with the behavioral state of the animal. Part of the variability could be attributed to impulses descending from the head and not to movement of either the stimulating or recording electrodes or to the interaction of local afferents. An anthropomorphic interpretation of the results would be that the direction of the animal's attention was affecting the response of cord cells receiving cutaneous afferent impulses.
Structural control of the excited-state dynamics of bis(dipyrrinato)zinc complexes: Self-assembling chromophores for light-harvesting architectures

The replacement of the phenyl rings at the 5,5‘-positions of a bis(dipyrrinato)zinc complex with mesityl groups transforms the molecule from a very weak emitter that deactivates rapidly after photoexcitation (Φf = 0.006; τ ≈ 90 ps) to a highly fluorescent chromophore with a long-lived singlet excited state (Φf = 0.36; τ ≈ 3 ns). The results demonstrate that steric constraints on aryl-ring internal rotation dramatically alter the excited-state properties of 5,5‘-substituted bis(dipyrrinato)metal complexes. The insights establish the foundation for tuning the photophysical properties of these chromophores for use in diverse photochemical applications.
Optical spectroscopy of the trivalent silicon defect at the Si-SiO2 interface.

Optical absorption by the trivalent silicon defect at the Si-${\mathrm{SiO}}_{2}$ interface has been measured by electroabsorption spectroscopy. On metal-oxide\char21{}silicon (MOS) capacitors, electric field modulation of the occupancy of the silicon dangling orbitals is directly detected as a synchronous modulation of the absorption of subband gap light; in passivated capacitors, a residual absorption is detectable because of free carriers in the accumulation layer of the MOS structure. Both photon energy and surface-potential controlled trap occupancy provide probes of the interface-state distribution. In addition, the results provide an estimate of ${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}17}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ (at 1 eV) for the effective optical cross section of the 0\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1 electron transition of the interfacial defect.
Reflections upon the nature and management of intracranial and intraspinal vascular malformations and fistulae.

✓ Evidence is presented that dural fistulae are preceded by sinus thrombosis and that their danger lies in arterialized venous pressure within the cranium or the orbit. Arterial side occlusion leads to recurrence, while venous side occlusion leads to permanent cure. Vein of Galen aneurysms embrace some features of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVM's), namely a reticulum, and some features of dural fistulae, namely evidence of previous sinus anomaly and direct drainage into a sinus. These aneurysms are also permanently cured by venous side thrombosis, although the dangers inherent in their reticulum demand that this be done in stages or preceded by arterial side embolization. A very limited experience with venous end occlusion of cerebral (and spinal) AVM's suggests that they, too, can be permanently cured by venous side occlusion without excision. Their reticulum demands maximum, multistage, preliminary arterial side embolization together with intraoperative hypotension during the venous occlusion...
Extending the regression-discontinuity approach to multiple assignment variables

The recent scholarly attention to the regression-discontinuity design has focused exclusively on the application of a single assignment variable. In many settings, however, exogenously imposed cutoffs on several assignment variables define a set of different treatments. In this paper, we show how to generalize the standard regression-discontinuity approach to include multiple assignment variables simultaneously. We demonstrate that fitting this general, flexible regression-discontinuity model enables us to estimate several treatment effects of interest.
LQG Control and Robustness Study for a Prestressed Membrane With Bimorph Actuators

Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) control is developed for a prestressed square membrane with bimorph actuators attached to it. The membrane is modeled using the finite element method and the membrane is assumed to be clamped on all edges. After obtaining the mass, damping, stiffness and input matrices in second order form using the weak form Finite Element Method (FEM), the problem is represented in first order form to develop the LQG controller. To study the robustness of the system, the control and observer gain matrices developed for the nominal system are applied to systems obtained from the nominal system by modifying material properties and prestress.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
The electronic and vibrational energies of the 5Σg+ state of He2 which corresponds asymptotically to the interaction of two 1s2s 3S He atoms

Abstract A reliable adiabatic potential curve for the 5 Σ g + state of He 2 which corresponds to the interaction of a pair of 1s2s 3 S atoms is determined by configuration interaction (CI) calculations comprising single and double excitations from a 31-configuration multireference base. It has a van der Waals well nearly 900 cm −1 deep which supports at least 17 bound vibrational energy levels. Reliable values for the dipole, quadrupole, and octupole polarizabilities of the triplet atom were calculated at the CI level in the course of developing our basis set.
An attachment for overlay dentures

lh’ is article presents an approach which utilizes the last few teeth remaining in a ravaged dentition. We are attempting to transfer some of the occlusal forces from an overlay denture through the periodontal ligament to the bone and, at the same time, provide a reasonable amount of retention for the overlay denture. Retention is often a problem for the overlay dentures over simple copings when only two teeth remain. Often, one cuspid or bicuspid is left on each side of the arch. This is particularly a problem when treating the mandibular arch, which has a more limited basal seat area. If the resorption pattern suggests an unfavorable prognosis for a complete denture, preservation of the remaining teeth for the longest period of time should be the goal. Attached gingiva all around each tooth and reasonably good bone should be present to warrant this approach. First, periodontal treatment is performed, eliminating pockets and excess soft tissue to provide a sulcus depth of 2 to 3 mm. if at all possible (Fig. 1, A). The patient is given a proper home-care regimen and watched for several months, since the ultimate success of the treatment is dependent upon how well the soft tissues are maintained. There is usually an unfavorable crown: root ratio present. In order to significantly alter this, endodontic treatment is next performed. The canal enlargement is kept conservative to maintain as much root structure as possible. Since many mandibular cuspids and bicuspids present a constriction of the root in cross section, the diameter of the post should be kept within safe limits. The initial post preparation can be accomplished by the endodontist following obturation of the canal. With the use of a Gates-Glidden bur, which approximates the diameter of the cervical portion of the canal, an enlargement is made to about 40 per cent of the depth of the embedded root. Cotton is then placed in the canal, and the opening is obturated with cement. Once the endodontist feels that the teeth are ready, proceed with the prepara-
An improved p-nitrophenol method for estrogen determination employing a commercial fluorimeter

Abstract 1. 1. The peak excitation and fluorescence wavelengths for acid-activated estrogens (Ittrich method) were determined with a powerful xenon arc lamp, a monochromator, and the Beckman DK-1 spectrophotometer. The values were respectively 537 and 550 mμ, close to Ittrich's values obtained with less suitable equipment. 2. 2. Chloroform was found to be the solvent of choice. 3. 3. On reading the fluorescence of such solutions at room temperature, the fluorescing power of the estrogens was found to fall off rapidly with time, as was observed previously with the Slaunwhite-Engel system in this laboratory. 4. 4. For routine determinations, the Farrand fluorimeter could be used with either micro- or macrocuvettes and the filter system primary 546 mμ (interference)/secondary 585 mμ (interference) + 600 (glass). Scattered light was negligible with this system. 5. 5. Fluorescence readings by the time-lapse method were more specific than absorbance readings with the Allen correction applied on analyzing certain tissue extracts containing highly hydrophilic material. 6. 6. Use of internal standards, to be added to an aliquot of the extract, is recommended. 7. 7. The variation with temperatures noted by Ittrich was also observed and, in agreement with Breuer and Gertz, it is recommended that the experimental conditions be closely controlled. 8. 8. The Ittrich procedure is a useful tool because of elimination of some impurities (held in the aqueous phase) and because it gives a more consistent fluorescence for the spectrum of known estrogens.
Differential expression of HER-2/NEU receptor of invasive mammary carcinoma between Caucasian and African American patients in the Detroit metropolitan area. Correlation with overall survival and other prognostic factors.

Goals. HER-2/neu overexpression in invasive mammary carcinoma is associated with more aggressive biologic behavior. Breast cancer in African American (AA) women has been associated with a shorter survival rate than that seen in Caucasians (C). This study evaluated the frequency of HER-2/neu overexpression in C compared to AA patients and the association of HER-2/neu expression with overall survival and other prognostic factors.
Mechanisms of hemolysis--the minimal red-cell defect.

THE exact cause of hemolysis in many hemolytic disorders remains obscure or incompletely established; however, premature destruction of circulating red cells appears to occur under three general co...
Regulation of DNA conformations and dynamics in flows with hybrid field microfluidics

Visualizing single DNA dynamics in flow provides a wealth of physical insights in biophysics and complex flow study. However, large signal fluctuations, generated from diversified conformations, deformation history dependent dynamics and flow induced stochastic tumbling, often frustrate its wide adoption in single molecule and polymer flow study. We use a hybrid field microfluidic (HFM) approach, in which an electric field is imposed at desired locations and appropriate moments to balance the flow stress on charged molecules, to effectively regulate the initial conformations and the deformation dynamics of macromolecules in flow. With λ-DNA and a steady laminar shear flow as the model system, we herein studied the performance of HFM on regulating DNA trapping, relaxation, coil-stretch transition, and accumulation. DNA molecules were found to get captured in the focused planes when motions caused by flow, and the electric field were balanced. The trapped macromolecules relaxed in two different routes while eventually became more uniform in size and globule conformations. When removing the electric field, the sudden stretching dynamics of DNA molecules exhibited a more pronounced extension overshoot in their transient response under a true step function of flow stress while similar behaviors to what other pioneering work in steady shear flow. Such regulation strategies could be useful to control the conformations of other important macromolecules (e.g., proteins) and help better reveal their molecular dynamics.
Reply to "Comment on `Identification of a superoxide in superconducting La 2 Cu O 4 + δ by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy"'

New and interesting results are presented which complement our previously published conclusions on the presence of a superoxide phase in the near-surface region of superconducting ceramic lanthanum cuprate. Although we disagree with some of the data interpretation of Zhou, Sinha, and Goodenough [this issue, Phys. Rev. B 39, 12331 (1989)] their Comment nevertheless emphasizes the difficulties in determining the species responsible for the observed superconductivity in the absence of a direct spectroscopic probe of excess oxygen in the bulk material.
Embeddable structural sensors for SHM of solid rocket grains

Structural Health Monitoring is essential in that any event that may compromise the solid rocket motor must be detected. The magnitude, position and time of any imposed event that may damage the propellant grain, bonding system or integrity of the case must be detected and identified for safe operation of the motor. The current embedded sensor technology has been developed to monitor the effect of these events on the propellant grain. Normal bond stress and temperature can be measured using DBST sensors and the output interpreted to confirm integrity. It has been shown that the presences of de-bond and cracks can be determined. Current work is in progress to establish if these embedded sensors can be used to determine position and size of such defects. The stress distribution in a typical propellant grain also has a shear component particularly near the ends and around any flaps, slots or stress relieving devices. This can be the critical stress under certain loads and in complex geometries. Therefore, a recent addition to the range is a sensor to measure shear stress in the same body as the DBST. Motors can be stored for long periods before being used so the sensor system must also be reliable and stable for at least twenty years of operation. Similar sensors stored for ten years have shown little change and tests are being undertaken to establish the confidence that the sensor system will last the life of the motor. This paper will review the recent development and testing of these embeddable sensors, and results to date will be discussed.
Sleep research in depressive illness: Clinical implications —a tasting menu

It is well established that sleep patterns are altered in psychiatric disorders and represent a very common presenting complaint. Even though sleep disturbance is often a key feature of many psychiatric conditions, its most prominent role has been in mood disorders. The clinical implications of disordered sleep in mood disorders represent the focus for this paper. Specifically, the following questions will be discussed: (1) How sensitive and specific are the sleep findings in depressive disorders? (2) What are the characteristics of sleep in depression and subtypes of depression? (3)Are sleep changes in depression episodic (state-like) or persistent (trait-like)? As we point to specific characteristics of sleep in subtypes, it is important to note that more sophisticated analyses of sleep measures provide an opportunity to pinpoint changes between delusional/nondelusional depression or endogenous/nonendogenous depression. Furthermore, differences among subtypes will be best understood if we realize that both age and gender affect sleep measures in a consistent manner. Therefore, for example, there is a more robust separation between patients and controls in older individuals than in younger individuals.
New thick-target technique for charged-particle radiative capture studies☆

Abstract A technique is described wherein radiative capture cross sections can be measured over a wide range of energies, in a single run, using thick targets and high-resolution gamma-ray detectors. Results from 12C(p,γ)13N are presented.
A review of kinetic studies on the formation of interpenetrating polymer networks

Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) are unique alloys of crosslinked polymers. This article reviews the studies on kinetic effects involved in IPN formation. Several investigators have studied the effect of kinetics of curing reactions on the morphology and properties of IPNs. It was found, in general, that the faster the rates of the respective chain extension and crosslinking reactions are and the closer they are to simultaneity, the more homogeneous are the IPNs. Other investigations revealed that the individual components sometimes can polymerize more rapidly in the IPN than alone, due to a “solvent effect” of the IPN. Effects of changing reaction variables, such as NCO/OH ratio, composition activators and temperature were used to study reaction kinetics as well as phase morphology by the Fourier transform infrared technique. Thermochemical techniques have been utilized to study the kinetics of IPN formation which influence phase separation. Small-angle X-ray scattering and small-angle neutron scattering techniques were used to estimate the extent of microheterogeneity of the phase domains in a study of the kinetics of phase separation in the IPNs.
Laboratory Column Test for Predicting Changes in Flow with Changes in Various Biofilter Mixtures

The performance of biofiltration and other infiltration systems in urban areas is affected by factors such as media particle size distributions and uniformity,…
Biologic responses to nanomaterials depend on exposure, clearance, and material characteristics

Nanomaterials create challenges for the toxicology and risk assessment communities. While some nanomaterials are not new, such as colloids and the nano fractions of polydisperse aerosols such as welding fume, others are novel and unexplored. In addition to elucidating biologic responses, we also need to characterize human exposure, and to better understand the pharmacokinetics and translocation potential of nanomaterials. For example, do the smallest nanoparticles cross the air-blood barrier more readily, and can they enter cells via non-endocytic mechanisms? To what extent do nanofibers share the remarkable properties of asbestos fibers? Can carbon nanotubes find their way to the pleural space or not? More generally, we need to craft the laws of nanotoxicology. How do the size, shape, and surface chemistry of nanoparticles influence their anatomic fate and biologic consequences? Parallel to the rapid growth of nanotechnology must be a thoughtful development of the field of nanotoxicology.
Turbulence energy distributions in bubbling gas–liquid and gas–liquid–solid flow systems

Abstract The turbulence energy distributions in the gas–liquid bubble column system and the effect of solids on the turbulence are investigated using the laser Doppler velocimetry and the particle image velocimetry. The superficial gas velocity employed ranges from 0.025 to 7.5 cm/s , covering such bubble-flow conditions as single-bubble chain, bubbly flow and churn-turbulent flow. Turbulence induced by rising bubbles through bubble wakes is also examined. Experimental results indicate that the bubble-induced turbulence dominates over the liquid shear-induced turbulence in turbulence generation under the operating conditions of this study. The development of the flow field and the turbulence energy of the liquid-phase in the nozzle region are probed. Furthermore, a self-similarity phenomenon is observed in a two-phase flow system. The analysis of the power spectra in gas, liquid and solid phases indicates that the Kolmogorov −5/3 law is obeyed in the inertial range. The presence of solids reduces the transition frequency from the energy-containing range to the inertial range. The effect of the solids on the liquid-phase turbulence is complex. It depends on solids properties and flow field around particles. A criterion based on the variation of a parameter defined by U g ( r )/ u mf is proposed to account for the effect of the solids on the liquid-phase turbulence. The prediction based on this criterion matches well with the experimental results.
Diabetes-associated mutations in human insulin : Crystal structure and photo-cross-linking studies of A-chain variant insulin Wakayama

Naturally occurring mutations in insulin associated with diabetes mellitus identify critical determinants of its biological activity. Here, we describe the crystal structure of insulin Wakayama, a clinical variant in which a conserved valine in the A chain (residue A3) is substituted by leucine. The substitution occurs within a crevice adjoining the classical receptor-binding surface and impairs receptor binding by 500-fold, an unusually severe decrement among mutant insulins. To resolve whether such decreased activity is directly or indirectly mediated by the variant side chain, we have determined the crystal structure of Leu(A3)-insulin and investigated the photo-cross-linking properties of an A3 analogue containing p-azidophenylalanine. The structure, characterized in a novel crystal form as an R(6) zinc hexamer at 2.3 A resolution, is essentially identical to that of the wild-type R(6) hexamer. The variant side chain remains buried in a nativelike crevice with small adjustments in surrounding side chains. The corresponding photoactivatable analogue, although of low affinity, exhibits efficient cross-linking to the insulin receptor. The site of photo-cross-linking lies within a 14 kDa C-terminal domain of the alpha-subunit. This domain, unrelated in sequence to the major insulin-binding region in the N-terminal L1 beta-helix, is also contacted by photoactivatable probes at positions A8 and B25. Packing of Val(A3) at this interface may require a conformational change in the B chain to expose the A3-related crevice. The structure of insulin Wakayama thus evokes the reasoning of Sherlock Holmes in "the curious incident of the dog in the night": the apparent absence of structural perturbations (like the dog that did not bark) provides a critical clue to the function of a hidden receptor-binding surface.
The contribution of traditional Chinese medicine to modern pharmacology

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history. Our forefathers began to gain knowledge of diseases and materia medica several thousand years ago. Records concerning medicinal herbs, animals and minerals for medical use appeared long before the fifth century BC in the famous poetry anthology The Book of Songs. Between the fourth and the first century BC, there was a rapid development in TCM. At that time, some monographs, including Shen Nong's Herbal, appeared. The ancient books recorded that Shen Nong had tasted hundreds of herbs before they were used as medicine. It may be there was no person actually called Shen Nong, but it is true that the traditional pharmacology of China began with tasting.
Ethanol withdrawal results in aberrant membrane properties and synaptic responses in periaqueductal gray neurons associated with seizure susceptibility.

The midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) is implicated as a component of the neuronal network for ethanol withdrawal (ETX) seizures and in other forms of audiogenic seizure (AGS) in rats. Previous in vivo experiments suggest that neurons in the ventrolateral PAG (VL PAG) are required for generation of the clonic and tonic seizure behaviors of AGS. During these seizures, PAG neuronal firing rates increase markedly, but the intracellular events, contributing to this phenomenon, have not been characterized. In the present in vitro study, intracellular current-clamp recordings were obtained from 115 control VL PAG neurons and 71 neurons during ETX. The amount of depolarizing current that needed to be injected into ETX neurons in order to generate an action potential (AP) (N=40) was significantly less than control (N=52). ETX also yielded a significant leftward shift in the frequency–current curve of VL PAG neurons. VL PAG neurons during ETX had significantly enhanced spike firing tendencies, but the firing pattern was similar in ETX and control. ETX significantly increased the incidence of spontaneous APs and the frequency of firing above those in control. A number of cellular properties [e.g. resting membrane potential (RMP), amplitude of AP, AP width at half-height, input resistance and time constant] did not differ significantly between ETX and control neurons. The current–voltage (I–V) relationships of the ETX and control VL PAG neurons were nearly linear between RMP and 80 mV more negative than RMP, whereas the I–V relation was non-linear beyond this range. Stimulation in the dorsolateral PAG in either ETX or control neurons evoked a fast excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) and a slow inhibitory postsynaptic potential (IPSP). The stimulus intensities required to evoke EPSPs were significantly lower than control in neurons during ETX. Epileptiform firing was observed commonly (20%) during ETX but was never seen in control rats. Paired-pulse responses evoked paired-pulse inhibition in ∼80% of VL PAG neurons from control rats (N=38), which was significantly above the incidence (12%) of this pattern during ETX (N=25). Paired-pulse facilitation was significantly more common (88%) in VL PAG neurons (N=25) during ETX compared to ∼20% in controls (N=38). These aberrant membrane and synaptic properties provide direct evidence regarding the basis of the hyperexcitability observed in VL PAG neurons in vivo that contribute to propagation mechanisms of clonic and tonic convulsions, occurring during ETX.
Electromagnetic field for a focused light sheet incident on a plane surface

A solution procedure is developed for the determination of the electromagnetic field that results from the interaction of a focused light sheet with a plane surface. The effects of angle of incidence, relative index of refraction, polarization, and incident light sheet profile on the resulting electromagnetic field distribution are demonstrated.
Lower sintering temperature tungsten alloys for space research

Abstract In the early 1900s the sintering temperature for tungsten was 2800 °C or higher. At that time direct electrical discharge (self-heating) was used to induce sintering densification. A reduced sintering temperature for tungsten arose in forming radiation containment structures. By 1938 the sintering temperature was 1500 °C for tungsten alloyed with Ni–Fe or Ni–Cu using liquid phase sintering. Activated sintering arose between 1946 and 1961, relying on low concentrations of Pd, Pt, Ni, or other late transition metal additions, enabling densification at temperatures in the 1200 to 1400 °C range. In 1991, W–Ni–Mn alloys were identified and became the precursor to W–Ni–Cu–Mn alloys that densify at 1200 °C, a temperature associated with steel sintering. The lower sintering temperature W–Ni–Cu–Mn system is now critical to research on microgravity processing (densification, distortion, and coarsening) since it matches with furnace capabilities on the International Space Station. Details on the experiments are given in this article.
Localized measurement of image fractal dimension using gabor filters

Abstract We present a method for making accurate, optimally localized measurements of the fractal dimension of images modeled as locally fractal Brownian surfaces. Fractal Brownian surfaces are good models for the multiscale and irregular image textures arising from natural scenes and for elevation maps of terrain. To obtain accurate local values of the fractal dimension, spatio-spectrally localized measurements are necessary. Our method employs Gabor filters, which optimize the conflicting goals of spatial and spectral localization as constrained by the functional uncertainty principle. The outputs from multiple Gabor filters are fitted to a fractal power-law curve whose parameters determine the fractal dimension. The algorithm produces a local value of the fractal dimension at every point in the image. We also introduce a variational technique for enforcing a smoothness constraint on the computed fractal dimension function. This technique is implemented using an iterative relaxation algorithm. We demonstrate the method on synthetic images, real images of natural textures, and U.S. Geo-Data digital elevation maps of real terrain. We discuss the ways in which real images depart from the fractal Brownian surface model.
Yield and Woody Biomass Traits of Novel Shrub Willow Hybrids at Two Contrasting Sites

Shrub willow has great potential as a dedicated bioenergy crop, but commercialization and adoption by growers and end-users will depend upon the identification and selection of high-yielding cultivars with biomass chemistry and quality amenable to conversion to biofuels and bioenergy. In this study, critical traits for biomass production were evaluated among new genotypes of shrub willow produced through hybrid breeding. This study assessed the variation in yield, pest and disease resistance, biomass composition, and wood density in shrub willow, as well as the impact of genotypic and environmental factors on these particular phenotypes. Analysis of clonal genotypes established on two contrasting sites in New York State, Tully and Belleville, showed statistical differences by site for all of the traits. The greatest yield was observed at Belleville, NY, for two cultivars, ‘Fish Creek’ (41 Mg ha−1) and ‘Onondaga’ (40 Mg ha−1). Yields of Salix eriocephala genotypes were lowest, and they displayed susceptibility to rust and beetle damage. Variation in cellulose content in the stem biomass was controlled by environmental factors, with the majority of the genotypes displaying greater cellulose content at Belleville compared with Tully. In contrast, wood density was significantly greater at Tully than Belleville, and cellulose content was correlated with wood density. There were no significant correlations between biomass yield and density or any of the composition traits. These trials demonstrate that new genotypes produce improved yield and pest and disease resistance, with diverse compositional traits that can be matched with conversion technologies.
SU‐FF‐J‐112: Radiobiologically Motivated Margin Prescriptions

Purpose: The celebrated formula of Van Herck et al. prescribes a target margin of at least 2.5 times systematic standard error plus 0.7 times random standard setup error, in order “to ensure a minimum dose to the CTV of 95% for 90% of the patients” (van Herk et al., IJROBP (2000) 47:1121–1135). However, minimum dose is an imprecise and biased surrogate for local control. The question we address is whether this margin formula is consistent with radiobiological principles. Method and Materials: To address this issue we make the connection between outcomes and dose distributions using radiobiological modeling and computer simulations of tumor control probability under varying conditions of systematic and random (fraction to fraction) setup errors. We consider an idealized case of a circular cross‐section tumor which is shifted systematically and randomly with respect to a fixed dose distribution which falls off rapidly within the plane. Tumor control probability (TCP) is simulated using the Webb‐Nahum model. Cohorts of patient treatments were simulated with varying target margins for varying conditions of systematic and random setup shifts. The threshold for a clinically important improvement in TCP was set at 0.01 (absolute). Results: The radiobiological simulations consistently indicate that the dose‐based Van Herk formula produces margins which are unnecessarily large. In our simulations, margins equal to 1.2 times the setup error + 0.7 times the random error consistently produced TCP values which were within 0.01 of the large margin limit. Conclusion: Although the details of the margin prescription depend on the characteristics of the test cases, radiobiological, as opposed to purely dosimetric principles, support using tighter margins around gross tumor volumes than those indicated by the Van Herk equation. This research was partially supported by NIH grant CA85181.
Hg(1-x)CdxTe from short to long wave infrared on Si substrates grown by MBE

In this paper, we show the power of using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for the growth of the mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) system. Abrupt composition profiles, changes in doping levels, or switching doping types are easily performed. It is shown that high quality material is achieved with Hg(1-x)CdxTe grown by MBE from a cadmium mole fraction of x =0.15 to x =0.72. Doping elements incorporation as low as 1015 cm-3 for both n-type and p-type material as well as high incorporation levels >1018cm-3 for both carrier types were achieved. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) data, x-ray data, Hall data, the influence of doping incorporation with cadmium content and growth rate, etch pit density (EPD), composition uniformity determined from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) transmission spectroscopy, and surface defect maps from low to high x values are presented to illustrate the versatility and quality of HgCdTe material grown by MBE. (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The 2003 AACSB Accreditation Standards and Implications for Business Faculty: A Short Note.

Recent initiatives by the AACSB International— The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) have resulted in the creation of an alternative "experimental" process and a new set of standards to achieve reaffirmation. The experimental accreditation maintenance process is designed to achieve three outcomes: quality, continuous improvement, and better stakeholder management. The new standards were issued during January 2003, ratified on April 25, 2003, and will affect all subsequent AACSB accreditation and affirmation visits. In this article, the authors discuss (a) how these experimental processes and the new standards differ from the previous accreditation process and standards and (b) the implications for business school faculty members.
A simple and efficient finite element for general shell analysis

A simple, efficient and versatile finite element is introduced for shell applications. The element is developed based on a degeneration concept, in which the displacements and rotations of the shell mid-surface are independent variables. Bilinear functions are employed in conjunction with a reduced integration for the transverse shear energy. Several examples are tested to demonstrate the effectiveness and versatility of the element. The numerical results indicate that the shell element performs accurately for both thick and thin shell situations.
A silicon electro-mechano tissue assay surgical tweezer

Surgeons make decisions on the use of different surgical tools providing a spectrum of contact forces to cut and manipulate tissue. These decisions are mostly made without quantitative data about the mechanical integrity and mechanical properties of the tissue. Here we report on an instrumented silicon tweezer for characterizing the electromechanical properties of tissue that is being tweezed by the device. The tweezer is designed for characterizing tissue during surgical procedures. This silicon tweezer was designed with a spring constant of 9 N/m, and maximum silicon stress of 80.7 MPa during the tweezing motion to prevent silicon fracture. Multiple thin-film sensors are integrated along with the silicon tweezer, four sets of strain gauges, two sets of permittivity sensors and sixteen platinum bio-potential recording electrodes. Therefore, insertion force, permittivity and electrical properties of tissue can be monitored simultaneously at different locations provide fast information in time critical surgeries. A set of piezoelectric transducers is attached on the legs of the tweezer for gap monitoring with 20 μm displacement resolution. The tissue stiffness can then be estimated by the measured through applied force and distance variation. This device addresses a key problem during intestinal anastomoses surgical operation where stapling devices are used to seal tissue.
Temporal decline in defibrillation thresholds with an active pectoral lead system

OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to characterize temporal changes in defibrillation thresholds (DFTs) after implantation with an active pectoral, dual-coil transvenous lead system. BACKGROUND Ventricular DFTs rise over time when monophasic waveforms are used with non-thoracotomy lead systems. This effect is attenuated when biphasic waveforms are used with transvenous lead systems; however, significant increases in DFT still occur in a minority of patients. The long-term stability of DFTs with contemporary active pectoral lead systems is unknown. METHODS This study was a prospective assessment of temporal changes in DFT using a uniform testing algorithm, shock polarity and dual-coil active pectoral lead system. Thresholds were measured at implantation, before discharge and at long-term follow-up (70 ± 40 weeks) in 50 patients. RESULTS The DFTs were 9.2 ± 5.4 J at implantation, 8.3 ± 5.8 J before discharge and 6.9 ± 3.6 J at long-term follow-up (p < 0.01 by analysis of variance; p < 0.05 for long-term follow-up vs. at implantation or before discharge). The effect was most marked in a prespecified subgroup with high implant DFTs (≥15 J). No patient developed an inadequate safety margin (<9 J) during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The DFTs declined significantly after implantation with an active pectoral, dual-coil transvenous lead system, and no clinically significant increases in DFT were observed. Therefore, routine defibrillation testing may not be required during the first two years after implantation with this lead system, in the absence of a change in the cardiac substrate or treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs.
Are older patients comfortable discussing sexual health with nurses

b Background: Sexual health is an important component of quality of life, yet practitioners do not routinely query older adults about their sexual health concerns. b Purpose: The aims of this study were to ascertain whether older adults (a) have unanswered questions about their sexual health; (b) are asked about their sexual health, disease, and medications that could affect their sexual health and their knowledge of STDs and HIV/AIDS; (c) would welcome a care provider initiating the conversation about their sexual health; (d) would be comfortable with discussing their sexual health with a nurse; and (e) identify some barriers to discussing sexual health for the older adult. b Method: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study that used a 24-item investigator-developed survey which was distributed to residents of retirement communities and participants in fitness classes in the Puget Sound, Washington, region. b Results: A total of 101 surveys were completed. The participants’ average age was 81 years (range = 62Y96 years); 70.3% were women (n = 71) and 25.7% were men (n =2 6). When asked what sexual health meant, participants said it encompassed physical pleasure with one’s partner or oneself and psychological and physiological health; 47.1% (n = 41) want to be asked about their sexual health at their healthcare visit, and 86% (n = 78) reported that they were comfortable discussing sexual health and were not embarrassed or offended. Male respondents preferred discussing with a physician rather than a nurse (52.2%, p =. 01,n =1 2), whereas female respondents indicated that they were willing to talk with either a physician or a nurse (56.9%, p = .01, n =3 7). b Implications: The results of this study have the potential to inform treatment approaches, improve outcomes, and enhance communication with older adults regarding issues of sexual health that impact quality of life.