cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preliminary investigation of shot noise, dose, and focus latitude for e-beam direct write

Maskless electron beam lithography can potentially extend semiconductor manufacturing to the 10 nm logic (16 nm half pitch) technology node and beyond. KLA-Tencor is developing Reflective Electron Beam Lithography (REBL) technology targeting high-volume 10 nm logic performance. There are several potential applications for E-Beam Direct Write Lithography in high volume manufacturing (HVM) Lithography. They range from writing full critical layers to the use as complementary lithography in order to write cut masks for multiple patterning optical lithography. Two of the potential applications for REBL with specific requirements on the writing strategy are contact layer and cut mask lithography. For these two applications the number of electrons writing a single feature can be a concern if the resist sensitivity is high and the process latitude is small. This paper will share calculations with respect to the needed and expected shot noise, dose and focus latitude performance of a proposed REBL lithography system. The simulated results will be compared to data taken on test structures. Predicted performance based on the simulations and test results of a potential REBL system for contact layers and cut mask applications will be discussed.
Serotonin 2c receptor RNA editing in major depression and suicide

AbstractObjectives. mRNA for serotonin 2C receptor (5-HT2CR) undergoes editing which results in numerous isoforms. More highly edited isoforms exhibit decreased function. We recently found greater 5-HT2CR editing in suicide victims with prior bipolar disorder (BPD) or schizophrenia (SZ) compared with non-suicide patients and normal controls (NC). This study compares suicides and non-suicides with major depressive disorder (MDDSuic and MDDNoSuic) and non-suicide NC. Methods. mRNA editing was assessed in prefrontal cortex of 24 MDDSuic, 21 MDDNoSuic, and 56 NC using next generation sequencing. mRNA expression of 5-HT2CR and editing enzymes (ADAR1-2) was assessed by real-time PCR. Results. Editing was lower in MDDNoSuic than in MDDSuic, which did not differ from NC. No differences in the 5-HT2CR or ADAR1 expression were detected. ADAR2 expression was higher in NC than in MDD subjects, but did not differ between MDDNoSuic and MDDSuic. Conclusions. Our findings suggest the presence of two factors associated wi...
IL‐13 and TNF‐α inhibit dual‐tropic HIV‐1 in primary macrophages by reduction of surface expression of CD4, chemokine receptors CCR5, CXCR4 and post‐entry viral gene expression

We show that IL-13 in the presence of TNF-alpha effected an equal or greater antiviral activity against a dual-tropic HIV-1 (R5X4) in macrophages. A temporary or continued exposure of macrophages to both cytokines significantly decreased the infection and replication of R5X4 HIV-1(89.6) (median, 128-fold, n = 9, p = 0.024) in macrophages as compared to untreated controls when analyzed over six decreasing multiplicities of infection. A quantitative flow cytometric assay revealed that IL-13 induced a significant (approximately 50 %) reduction in the number of CD4 and CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) antibody binding sites while completely abrogating surface expression of CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). In the presence of IL-13 and TNF-alpha, expression of CCR5 was completely abrogated while the expression of CD4 and CXCR4 remained significantly reduced as compared to untreated controls. A reduction in CD4 and HIV-1 coreceptors was associated with a decrease in reverse-transcribed viral DNA at 24 h post-infection. Quantification of viral gene expression using amphotropic MLV Env pseudotyped luciferase reporter viruses suggested that IL-13 inhibited HIV-1 gene expression within 24 h by up to 90 % in the presence or absence of TNF-alpha. In conclusion, our data suggest that IL-13 is a powerful counter-regulatory agent against TNF-alpha-induced HIV-1 expression while also acting with TNF-alpha in inhibiting de novo infection of macrophages.
Ventilatory responses to carbon dioxide inhalation after vagotomy in chickens

Abstract Both vagus nerves in 7 anesthetized chickens were cut midcervically. Inspired PCO2 was increased from 0 to 28 torr by successive 3.5 or 7 torr increments and then increased directly to 70 torr. At each level of P i CO2, steady-state measures of PaCO2,[H+]a, V t , f and V e were made. When P i CO2 was raised to 7 torr, PaCO2 and [H+]a were above their control levels (i.e. P i CO 2 = 0 ); at each successive level of P i CO2 and [H+]a increased. Minute volume increased at 28 torr P i CO2 but changes in V t and f individually were not significant. At 70 torr P i CO2, V e and V t increased but f was not changed from its control value. We have previously suggested that CO2-sensitive intrapulmonary chemoreceptors mediate the arterial isocapnic hyperpnea at low P i CO2 in chickens. The observation that vagotomy abolishes regulation of PaCO2 at low P i CO2 is consistent with this hypothesis, since the afferent pathway of avian intrapulmonary chemoreceptors is predominantly vagal.
The characterization of the O-antigen of Escherichia coli 064:K99 lipopolysaccharide.

Abstract The structure of the O-polysaccharide of the smooth lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produced by Escherichia coli O64:K99 was investigated by SDS-PAGE, composition, periodate oxidation, methylation, partial hydrolysis, and 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance analyses, made on the native o-chain and its reduction and periodate degradation products. The E. coli O64 antigenic O-chain was found to be a high molecular weight glycan composed of d -galactose, d -glucuronic acid, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy- d -glucose, and 2-acetamido-2-deoxy- d -mannose (2:1:1:1) and was a polymer of branched pentasaccharide repeating units having the structure:
Development of a nonlinear nanoprobe for interferometric autocorrelation based characterization of ultrashort optical pulses

Near-field scanning can achieve nanoscale resolution while ultrashort pulse diagnostic tools can characterize femtosecond pulses. Yet currently it is still challenging to nonperturbatively characterize the near field of an ultrashort optical pulse with nanofemtoscale spatiotemporal resolution. To address this challenge, we propose to develop a nonlinear nanoprobe composed of a silica fiber taper, a nanowire, and nonlinear fluorescent spheres. Using such a nanoprobe, we also report proof-of-principle characterization of femtosecond optical pulse through interferometric autocorrelation measurement.
Stability of the type A structured interview and related questionnaires in a 10-year follow-up of an adult cohort of twins.

Associations between initial and 10-year follow-up assessment of the Type A behavior pattern (TABP) were examined in a sample of adult male twins using a broad range of instruments. When assessment is made by the Structured Interview and limited to the dichotomous Types A and B rating, 67% of the subjects received the same rating on both occasions. Spearman rank correlations between repeated self-report measures of TABP ranged from .55 to .70. Overall the stability among the self-report measures was greater than between the self-reports and the Structured Interview. Utilizing the twin design the relationship of genetic and environmental factors to tracking of TABP was examined and compared between monozygotic and dizygotic twin pairs. The implication of these results to the TABP contruct is discussed.
SPLICE: A program to assemble partial query solutions from three-dimensional database searches into novel ligands

SPLICE is a program that processes partial query solutions retrieved from 3D, structural databases to generate novel, aggregate ligands. It is designed to interface with the database searching program FOUNDATION, which retrieves fragments containing any combination of a user-specified minimum number of matching query elements. SPLICE eliminates aspects of structures that are physically incapable of binding within the active site. Then, a systematic rule-based procedure is performed upon the remaining fragments to ensure receptor complementarity. All modifications are automated and remain transparent to the user. Ligands are then assembled by linking components into composite structures through overlapping bonds. As a control experiment, FOUNDATION and SPLICE were used to reconstruct a know HIV-1 protease inhibitor after it had been fragmented, reoriented, and added to a sham database of fifty different small molecules. To illustrate the capabilities of this program, a 3D search query containing the pharmacophoric elements of an aspartic proteinase-inhibitor crystal complex was searched using FOUNDATION against a subset of the Cambridge Structural Database. One hundred thirty-one compounds were retrieved, each containing any combination of at least four query elements. Compounds were automatically screened and edited for receptor complementarity. Numerous combinations of fragments were discovered that could be linked to form novel structures, containing a greater number of pharmacophoric elements than any single retrieved fragment.
Three synthetic lunar glasses

Glasses have been synthesized that have the approximate compositions of lunar rocks 61156, 68415, and 77135, respectively. The glasses have been analyzed by conventional analytical and electron microprobe techniques and have been found to be highly homogeneous. They have been used successfully as electron microprobe standards and for experimental studies of crystallization and solar-wind implantation. Small amounts of these materials can be provided to investigators who would find them useful.
Depression and geographic status as predictors for coronary artery bypass surgery outcomes.

Purpose: To examine the relationships between depression, geographic status, and clinical outcomes following a coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. Methods: Using the 2004 Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, we identified 63,061 discharge records of patients who underwent a primary CABG surgery (urban 57,247 and rural 5,814). We analyzed 7 demographic variables, 19 preoperative medical and psychiatric variables, and 2 outcome variables (ie, in-hospital mortality and length of stay). Logistic regression and multivariable regression analyses were used to assess urban-rural status and depression as independent predictors of in-hospital mortality and length of stay. Findings: Rural patients were more likely to have a comorbid depression diagnosis compared to urban patients (urban = 19.4%, rural = 21.4%, P < .001). After adjusting for confounding factors, having a comorbid depression diagnosis (B= 1.10, P < .001) and residing in a rural area (B= .986, P < .05) were associated with an increased length of in-hospital stay following CABG surgery. Furthermore, having a depression diagnosis (OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.45-2.21) and residing in a rural area (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = .896-1.45) were associated with an increased likelihood of in-hospital mortality. Conclusions: Rural patients were more likely than urban ones to have a depression diagnosis. Depression was a significant independent predictor of both in-hospital mortality and length of stay for patients receiving CABG surgery. Also, rural patients had increased lengths of in-hospital stay as well as in-hospital mortality rates compared to those who resided in urban areas.
Patient navigation to improve breast cancer screening in Bosnian refugees and immigrants.

Refugee women have low breast cancer screening rates. This study highlights the culturally competent implementation and reports the outcomes of a breast cancer screening patient navigation program for refuge/immigrant women from Bosnia. Refugees/immigrant women from Bosnia age 40–79 were contacted by a Serbo-Croatian speaking patient navigator who addressed patient-reported barriers to breast cancer screening and, using individually tailored interventions, helped women obtain screening. The proportion of women up-to-date for mammography was compared at baseline and after 1-year using McNemar’s Chi-Square test. 91 Serbo-Croatian speaking women were eligible for mammography screening. At baseline, 44.0% of women had a mammogram within the previous year, with the proportion increasing to 67.0% after 1-year (P = 0.001). A culturally-tailored, language-concordant navigator program designed to overcome specific barriers to breast cancer screening can significantly improve mammography rates in refugees/immigrants.
Pretreatment with corticosteroids to prevent adverse reactions to nonionic contrast media.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients receiving a two-dose corticosteroid regimen before IV injection of nonionic contrast medium gain protection against adverse reactions to contrast material.A randomized, blinded study involving three institutions was initiated in 1988. Patients were divided into two groups. One group received a 32-mg oral dose of methylprednisolone administered 6-24 hr before and again 2 hr before injection of contrast material. The other group received placebo tablets administered in the same time periods. During a 3-year period, 1155 patients and control subjects successfully completed the protocol. Demographic characteristics, including histories of previous reactions and histories of asthma or allergy, did not differ in the two groups. All signs and symptoms that appeared after injection of contrast material were carefully recorded and graded according to an earlier scheme [1]. Patients, control subjects, and all attending personnel were blinded regarding the ...
Comparison of microCT and an inverse finite element approach for biomechanical analysis: Results in a mesenchymal stem cell therapeutic system for fracture healing

An important concern in the study of fracture healing is the ability to assess mechanical integrity in response to candidate therapeutics in small-animal systems. In recent reports, it has been proposed that microCT image-derived densitometric parameters could be used as a surrogate for mechanical property assessment. Recently, we have proposed an inverse methodology that iteratively reconstructs the modulus of elasticity of the lumped soft callus/hard callus region by integrating both intrinsic mechanical property (from biomechanical testing) and geometrical information (from microCT) within an inverse finite element analysis (FEA) to define a callus quality measure. In this paper, data from a therapeutic system involving mesenchymal stem cells is analyzed within the context of comparing traditional microCT densitometric and mechanical property metrics. In addition, a novel multi-parameter regression microCT parameter is analyzed as well as our inverse FEA metric. The results demonstrate that the inverse FEA approach was the only metric to successfully detect both longitudinal and therapeutic responses. While the most promising microCT-based metrics were adequate at early healing states, they failed to track late-stage mechanical integrity. In addition, our analysis added insight to the role of MSCs by demonstrating accelerated healing and was the only metric to demonstrate therapeutic benefits at late-stage healing. In conclusion, the work presented here indicates that microCT densitometric parameters are an incomplete surrogate for mechanical integrity. Additionally, our inverse FEA approach is shown to be very sensitive and may provide a first-step towards normalizing the often challenging process of assessing mechanical integrity of healing fractures.
Type III glycogen storage disease: An adult case with mild disease but complete absence of debrancher protein

A 54-yr-old woman who presented with chest pain and elevated serum creatine kinase levels was found to have type III glycogen storage disease. Except for a history of hepatomegaly in childhood, she was healthy and lived a normal life. There was no hypoglycemia, seizure disorder or growth retardation. Muscle weakness was not apparent until the sixth decade. Despite the mild clinical course, debranching enzyme activity was not detectable by biochemical assay, and immunoblot analysis using a polyclonal antibody showed a complete absence of debrancher protein. Thus, mild clinical manifestations in this patient could not be explained by the residual debrancher enzyme and/or activity.
How victim and execution impact statements affect mock jurors' perceptions, emotions, and verdicts

AbstractThis study examines the effects of Victim Impact Statements (VISs) and Execution Impact Statements (EISs) on death-qualified mock jurors through a 2 (VIS/no VIS) by 2 (EIS/no EIS) between-subjects design in which participants read a capital murder trial and completed an online survey. The VIS and EIS had no effect on verdicts, but the VIS increased participants’ negative emotions as well as perceptions of the victim and those who gave impact statements. Conversely, the EIS increased positive emotions and perceived remorsefulness of the defendant. Lastly, the VIS and EIS interacted to influence perceptions of the victim. Implications for victims and the legal system are discussed.
Conductance instabilities in quantum point contacts

We present low-temperature electron transport measurements on quantum point contacts defined by electrostatic constrictions in the two-dimensional electron gas of a GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure. Infrared illumination and annealing reversibly changes the nature of the electron transport through the point contact, from ideal point contact behavior to transport that shows two-level conductance fluctuations. In the ideal case, the dependence of the differential conductance on the bias across the contact is used to determine the shape of the transverse confining potential. In the non-ideal case, current-controlled negative differential conductance in the device characteristic is observed, and is shown to be the average of a two-level random telegraph signal. The random telegraph signal consists of fluctuations between two well-defined differential conductance states. We suggest the fluctuations are due to changes in the transverse confining potential caused by the dynamics of DX centers in the AlGaAs near the point contact.
Olefin radical cations in pulse radiolysis of hydrocarbons.time-resolved fluorescence-detected magnetic resonance

Abstract Olefin radical cations are characterized by time-resolved fluorescence-detected magnetic resonance (FDMR) in pulse radiolysis of saturated hydrocarbons. Studies of both neat and mixed saturated hydrocarbon fluids by FDMR at low temperature(to≈ 100°C) suggest that olefin cations originate in the fragmentation of (vibrationally) excited (parent) saturated hydrocarboncations.
Pagination of B*-trees with variable-length records

A strategy is presented for pagination of B*-trees with variable-length records. If records of each length are uniformly distributed within the file, and if a wide distribution of record lengths exists within the file, then this strategy results in shallow trees with fast access times. The performance of this strategy in an application is presented, compared with that of another strategy, and analyzed.
Effect of a Vitamin B12 Concentrate and Liver Meal on Growth and Feed Efficiency of Chicks Fed an All-Plant Protein Ration

Abstract FOR some time it has been known that animal proteins contain a factor or factors essential for normal hatchability of eggs and for growth of simple-stomached animals. Parkhurst (1927) found that animal protein was necessary in the breeding rations of hens to obtain eggs of high hatchability. Numerous investigators have confirmed Parkhurst’s findings. Hammond (1942, 1944) reported that cow manure promoted chick growth. A nutrient common to dried cow manure, dried rumen contents, and sardine fish meal was not supplied in the all-plant protein diet. Rubin et al. (1946) obtained the same growth response in chicks by feeding a ration containing 5 percent urine-free hen feces as they did when a 5 percent cow manure ration was fed. The investigators concluded that the growth-promoting factor for chicks was synthesized either in the lower digestive tract or in the voided feces. McGinnis et al. (1947) showed that incubation of hen feces . . .
Resolution and quantitation of pentazocine enantiomers in human serum by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography using sulfated β-cyclodextrin as chiral mobile phase additive and solid-phase extraction

A sensitive and stereospecific HPLC method was developed for the analysis of (-)- and (+)-pentazocine in human serum. The assay involves the use of a phenyl solid-phase extraction column for serum sample clean-up prior to HPLC analysis. Chromatographic resolution of the pentazocine enantiomers was performed on a octadecylsilane column with sulfated-beta-cyclodextrin (S-beta-CD) as the chiral mobile phase additive. The composition of the mobile phase was aqueous 10 mM potassium dihydrogenphosphate buffer pH 5.8 (adjusted with phosphoric acid)-absolute ethanol (80:20, v/v) containing 10 mM S-beta-CD at a flow-rate of 0.7 ml/min. Recoveries of (-)- and (+)-pentazocine were in the range of 91-93%. Linear calibration curves were obtained in the 20-400 ng/ml range for each enantiomer in serum. The detection limit based on S/N=3 was 15 ng/ml for each pentazocine enantiomer in serum with UV detection at 220 nm. The limit of quantitation for each enantiomer was 20 ng/ml. Precision calculated as R.S.D. and accuracy calculated as error were in the range 0.9-7.0% and 1.2-6.2%, respectively, for the (-)-enantiomer and 0.8- 7.6% and 1.2-4.6%, respectively, for the (+)-enantiomer (n=3).
Symptom responses, long‐term outcomes and adverse events beyond 3 years of high‐frequency gastric electrical stimulation for gastroparesis

Abstract The aims were to determine symptom responses and long-term outcomes in gastroparetic patients receiving gastric electrical stimulation (GES) therapy beyond 3 years by presenting per protocol analysis and intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. Data collected at baseline, 1 year and beyond 3 years in 55 patients included total symptom scores (TSS), nutritional status, weight, hospitalizations, the use of prokinetic and/or antiemetic medications, HbA1c in diabetics and adverse events. Of the 55 patients, 10 died of non-pacemaker-related complications, six had the devices removed and two could not be reached. The remaining 37 patients had the device activated for a mean of 45 months. Both per protocol and ITT analysis demonstrated that TSS, hospitalization days and the use of medications were all significantly reduced at 1 year and were sustained beyond 3 years. Average TSS decreased by 62.5% for the 37 patients completing 3 years of GES. At implantation, 15/37 patients required nutritional support and only five continued beyond 3 years. Mean HbA1c level in diabetics was significantly reduced from 9.5 to 7.9% at 3 years. We conclude that a significant improvement in symptoms and all measures of clinical outcome can be maintained for greater than 3 years with GES in patients with refractory gastroparesis.
COMPARATIVE MEGASPOROGENESIS IN PAPILIONACEAE

Megasporogenesis in 16 species of Papilionaceae has been investigated. Archesporial development in Papilionaceae is usually hypodermal, but subhypodermal origin has been observed. The archesporial cell develops directly into the megasporocyte, or divides to produce a parietal cell and a primary sporogenous cell. The parietal cell is always oriented toward the micropylar end of the developing ovule. It may or mnay not divide to contribute to the nucellar mass as the primary sporogenous cell enlarges to form the megasporocyte. A single megasporocyte is produced in most species investigated. Of those species that form more than one megasporocyte, few develop more than one tetrad of megaspores, and in no case is more than one megagametophyte produced. Meiosis occurs in the megasporocyte to form a tetrad of megaspores. Several variations in tetrad patterns are explored here. Monosporic development is the prevalent condition in Papilionaceae; however, bisporic development does occur. A CONSIDERATION of relationships and phylogenetic trends within flowering plant families using embryological data is today becoming an important tool supplementing other taxonomic information. The validity of these considerations has been expressed by several authors (Ma
Enhanced Physics-Based Numerical Schemes for Two Classes of Turbulence Models

We present enhanced physics-based finite element schemes for two families of turbulence models, the NS-𝜔 models and the Stolz-Adams approximate deconvolution models. These schemes are delicate extensions of a method created for the Navier-Stokes equations in Rebholz (2007), that achieve high physical fidelity by admitting balances of both energy and helicity that match the true physics. The schemes' development requires carefully chosen discrete curl, discrete Laplacian, and discrete filtering operators, in order to permit the necessary differential operator commutations.
A new look at microbial leaching patterns on sulfide minerals.

Leaching patterns on sulfide minerals were investigated by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Our goal was to evaluate the relative contributions of inorganic surface reactions and reactions localized by attached cells to surface morphology evolution. Experiments utilized pyrite (FeS2), marcasite (FeS2) and arsenopyrite (FeAsS), and two iron-oxidizing prokaryotes in order to determine the importance of cell type, crystal structure, and mineral dissolution rate in microbially induced pit formation. Pyrite surfaces were reacted with the iron-oxidizing bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (at 25°C), the iron-oxidizing archaeon ‘Ferroplasma acidarmanus’ (at 37°C), and abiotically in the presence of Fe3+ ions. In all three experiments, discrete bacillus-sized (1–2 μm) and -shaped (elliptical) pits developed on pyrite surfaces within 1 week of reaction. Results show that attaching cells are not necessary for pit formation on pyrite. Marcasite and arsenopyrite surfaces were reacted with A. ferrooxidans (at 25°C) and ‘F. acidarmanus’ (at 37°C). Cell-sized and cell-shaped dissolution pits were not observed on marcasite or arsenopyrite at any point during reaction with A. ferrooxidans, or on marcasite surfaces reacted with ‘F. acidarmanus’. However, individual ‘F. acidarmanus’ cells were found within individual shallow (<0.5 μm deep) pits. The size and shape (round rather than elliptical) of the pits conformed closely to the shape of F. acidarmanus (cells) pits on arsenopyrite. We infer these pits to be cell-induced. We attribute the formation of pits readily detectable (by SEM) to the higher reactivity of arsenopyrite compared to pyrite and marcasite under the conditions the experiment was conducted. These pits contributed little to the overall surface topographical evolution, and most likely did not significantly increase surface area during reaction. Our results suggest that overall sulfide mineral dissolution may be dominated by surface reactions with Fe3+ rather than by reactions at the cell–mineral interface.
Techniques for making capillary microelectrodes

Nous decrivons un appareil facile a construire pour etirer des microelectrodes capillaires et une maniere simple de remplir ceux-ci sous pression reduite.
ARAMIS today: Moving toward internationally distributed databank systems for follow-up studies

The American Rheumatism Association Medical Information System (ARAMIS) is a consortium of North American rheumatic disease data banks. Founded in 1974, it has grown to include more than 16 centers, 22,000 patients, 140,000 patient encounters, and 80,000,000 observations. Traditionally, data storage and computer programs have resided on the IBM "2"-370 system at Stanford University. Distant peripheral centers have entered and retrieved data and performed analyses using proprietary long distance telephone networks. With growth, ARAMIS has placed strong emphasis on data quality and epidemiological soundness. "Core" groups at Stanford specifically address issues of quality control, biostatistics, health care economics, outcome assessment, study design, and administration. Advances in microcomputers and software has led ARAMIS to begin a migration from mainframe computing to distributed systems using IBM PC/XT/AT type computers and the Medlog software system. Substantial cost savings have been noted with distributed processing. The ability to easily transfer data and software forms a groundwork for international data banks and data exchange, but common vocabulary and common quality control procedures are essential for effective international cooperation and exchange.
The Stopping Cross Section of D 2 O Ice

The energy loss of protons and deuterons in D2O ice has been measured over the energy range Ep=18-541 kev using the double focusing magnetic spectrometer to measure the energy of the particles after they have traversed a known thickness of the ice target. One method of measurement is used to determine relative values of the stopping cross section as a function of energy, another method measures the absolute values. The results are in very good agreement with the values calculated from Bethe's semi-empirical formula. Possible sources of error are considered and the accuracy of these measurements is estimated to be ±4 percent.
Wavelength selection in MEMS tunable vertical-cavity SOAs

We analyze the tuning characteristics of MEMS tunable vertical-cavity semiconductor optical amplifiers. Completed devices exhibit 10 dB device gain over an 11 nm tuning range.
Initial results from the Wisconsin spherically convergent ion focus experiment

Summary form only given. The spherically convergent ion focus (SCIF) is an alternative plasma confinement scheme in which ions are electrostatically confined, accelerated, and concentrated at fusion-relevant energies. This concept has been recently promoted for various near-term applications including waste disposal, particle production, neutron radiography and tomography, plastic explosive detection, materials research, and medical isotope production. The Wisconsin SCIF experiments are designed to evaluate the practicality of the SCIF concept for given applications. In the experiment, a wire globe serves as a simple means of producing the trapping potential well, and the ion source consists of a cold, uniform plasma (n/sub i//spl sim/10/sup 14/ m/sup -1/) at the edge. Hydrogen ions formed from the background neutral gas (0.1-15 mtorr) are typically accelerated to energies of 5-20 kV, and measured cathode grid currents approach the space-charge limit for concentric spheres. Core size measurements utilize spectrally-filtered CCD camera images of the visible emission from the core region, and the minimal observed core radius of 0.6 cm (HWHM) is within a factor of 2-3 of the theoretical convergence ratio for the device. Neutral particle interactions and potential asymmetries imposed by the grid lead to non-ideal convergence, as evidenced by measured potential asymmetries and core size dependence on cathode grid spacing. Floating probes with 30 kV isolation have allowed unique measurements of the density, electric potential and temperature in the converged core.
Compatible host/mycorrhizal fungus combinations for micropropagated sea oats: II. Field evaluation

Sea oats (Uniola paniculata L.) are the dominant plant in the pioneer coastal dunes of Florida and are widely used for dune restoration. DNA analysis has revealed significant ecotypic variation among Atlantic and Gulf coast populations of sea oats, but little is known about the diversity of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) communities present in the dune systems. In a prior greenhouse study, we evaluated the functional diversity that exists among the AM fungal communities from divergent Florida dunes and selected effective host/AM fungus combinations for further study. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of these compatible combinations on the growth of sea oats planted at Anastasia State Recreation Area (AN) on the Atlantic coast and St. George Island State Park (SG) on the Gulf coast. Micropropagated sea oats from each site were inoculated with AM fungal communities also from AN and SG or a microbial filtrate control. The complete factorial of treatment combinations were grown in the greenhouse for 8 weeks and outplanted to the AN and SG field sites. After 1 year, root colonization was evaluated, and after 2 years, root colonization, shoot and root dry masses, and shoot- and root-P contents were determined. Overall, sea oats planted at AN had greater percent root colonization, shoot dry mass, and shoot-P content than those planted at SG. At AN, the local sea oat ecotype responded more to the fungal community from the same site relative to shoot dry mass and shoot-P content. At SG, the local fungal community produced larger plants with greater P content regardless of the origin of the host. We conclude that sea oat productivity is responsive to AM fungal ecotype as well as host ecotype, and fungal origin should therefore be taken into account when planning sea oat plantings on coastal dunes.
STUDIES OF STRIPPING AND PICKUP REACTIONS ON THE BASIS OF THE PAIRING PLUS QUADRUPOLE-QUADRUPOLE INTERACTION MODEL

Cross sections for (d,p) and (d,t) reactions in units of the single- particle cross sections (the spectroscopic factors) are calculated for spherical nuclei. It is assumed that the protons fill a closed shell and that only neutrons in an unfilled shell interact with each other through the pairing and quadrupole-quadrupole interactions. First the pairing interactions problem is solved by introducing quasi-particles according to Belyaev. Next the quadrupole- quadrupole interaction is diagonalized, taking into account two quasi-particle states for the first excited state of even-even nuclei. Using these wave functions the spectroscopic factors are obtained in simple form, and are evaluated numerically for the case of the Sn isotopes. Comparison is made with experiments for the transitions to the ground states of even-even and even-odd isotopes as well as to the vibrational states of even-even isotopes. Agreement in both cases is fairly good. (auth)
Differential effects of Cbl and 70Z/3 Cbl on T cell receptor-induced phospholipase Cγ-1 activity

We demonstrate that the differential effects Cbl and oncogenic 70Z/3 Cbl have on Ca(2+)/Ras-sensitive NF-AT reporters is partially due to their opposing ability to regulate phospholipase Cgamma1 (PLCgamma1) activation as demonstrated by analysis of the activation of an NF-AT reporter construct and PLCgamma1-mediated inositol phospholipid (PI) hydrolysis. Cbl over-expression resulted in reduced T cell receptor-induced PI hydrolysis, in the absence of any effect on PLCgamma1 tyrosine phosphorylation. In contrast, expression of 70Z/3 Cbl led to an increase in basal and OKT3-induced PLCgamma1 phosphorylation and PI hydrolysis. These data indicate that Cbl and 70Z/3 Cbl differentially regulate PLCgamma1 phosphorylation and activation. The implications of these data on the mechanism of Cbl-mediated signaling regulation are discussed.
Valproate increases glutaminase and decreases glutamine synthetase activities in primary cultures of rat brain astrocytes.

Abstract: It has been proposed that hyperammonemia may be associated with valproate therapy. As astrocytes are the primary site of ammonia detoxification in brain, the effects of valproate on glutamate and glutamine metabolism in astrocytes were studied. It is well established that, because of compartmentation of glutamine synthetase, astrocytes are the site of synthesis of glutamine from glutamate and ammonia. The reverse reaction is catalyzed by the ubiquitous enzyme glutaminase, which is present in both neurons and astrocytes. In astrocytes exposed to 1.2 mM valproate, glutaminase activity increased 80% by day 2 and remained elevated at day 4; glutamine synthetase activity was decreased 30%. Direct addition of valproate to assay tubes with enzyme extracts from untreated astrocytes had significant effects only at concentrations of 10 and 20 mM, When astrocytes were exposed for 4 days to 0.3, 0.6, or 1.2 mM valproate and subsequently incubated with l-[U-14C]glutamate, label incorporation into [14C]glutamine was decreased by 11, 25, and 48%, respectively, and is consistent with a reduction in glutamine synthetase activity. Label incorporation from l-[U-14C]glutamate into [14C]aspartate also decreased with increasing concentrations of valproate. Following a 4-day exposure to 0.6 mM valproate, the glutamine levels increased 40% and the glutamate levels 100%. These effects were not directly proportional to valproate concentration, because exposure to 1.2 mM valproate resulted in a 15% decrease in glutamine levels and a 25% increase in glutamate levels compared with control cultures. Intracellular aspartate was inversely proportional to all concentrations of extracellular valproate, decreasing 60% with exposure to 1.2 mM valproate. These results indicate that valproate increases glutaminase activity, decreases glutamine synthetase activity, and alters Krebs-cycle activity in astrocytes, suggesting a possible mechanism for hyperammonemia in brain during valproate therapy.
Social networking and professionalism in otolaryngology residency applicants.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To assess compliance with Accreditation Council for Graduation Medical Education standards of professionalism among otolaryngology residency applicants with publicly searchable Facebook profiles. Study Design: Case series. Methods: Applicants to an otolaryngology residency program were searched on the Facebook website. Multiple matches were narrowed by available information until the correct individual was identified. Searches were performed in a manner that would not allow access to restricted information, thus showing only what would be accessible publicly. Four reviewers evaluated all profiles and generated a professionalism score. Scores were collated with National Resident Matching Program data and match results to identify significant associations. Results: Of the 234 applicants to our institution, 119 had Facebook profiles. Of these, 85 profiles contained information beyond simple demographics. Eleven percent of applicant profiles contained pictures or text that at least one reviewer felt could be perceived as unprofessional. There were six profiles with content considered to be concerning and one profile that contained clear violations of professional boundaries. Professionalism score did not correlate with whether the applicant matched, was interviewed, or received a place on the rank list. Age, gender, marital status, and Step 1 score did not correlate with a lower professionalism score. Our series included 61% of all otolaryngology applicants. Conclusions: Publicly available Facebook profiles with questionable content existed for 11% of otolaryngology applicants in this series. This finding did not affect applicants' match outcomes, nor was it predicted by any data available on the applicants' applications. Laryngoscope, 2012
Direction-specific improvement in motion discrimination

With training, an observer's ability to discriminate similar directions of motion gradually improves. A series of studies reveals that this improvement, (1) is restricted to the trained direction and other, similar directions, (2) persists for at least several months, (4) shows appreciable, but not complete, transfer between the two eyes, and (5) is largely restricted to the stimulated region of the field. Moreover, the improvement in direction discrimination does not produce a concomitant change in detection thresholds. In all likelihood, most of the improvement in direction discrimination represents a change in visual function, rather than changes in nonsensory processes.
Effects of azetazoleamide (diamox) upon blood sugar of normal and diabetic patients.

Conclusions1. The influence of azetazoleamide upon fasting blood sugar and the glucose tolerance curve was studied in a group of diabetic and normal subjects. Azetazoleamide was given either as a single dose or for a period of 3 weeks. 2. No significant alteration of the fasting blood sugar or the glucose tolerance curve was noted following the administration of azetazoleamide.
Simultaneous measurement of oxidative phosphorylation and adenylate kinase in plant mitochondria

Abstract An assay system capable of simultaneously measuring ATP, ADP, and AMP concentrations was used for the measurement of oxidative phosphorylation and adenylate kinase (5′-ATP:5′-AMP phosphotransferase) activities in mitochondria which were isolated from etiolated corn, soybean, or cucumber seedlings. Data obtained by this system was correlated with colorimetric Pi uptake and spectrophotometric NADH oxidation measurements. Adenylate kinase was active in both phosphorylating and nonphosphorylating mitochondria. Studies using NaCN, 2,4-dinitrophenol, atractyloside, and 2′-AMP as inhibitors indicated that exogenously supplied [14C]AMP was converted to [14C]ADP either by NADH-linked phosphorylation or by translocation and transphosphorylation from intramitochondrial nucleotides.
Experimental hysteretic loss for a series of superconducting filamentary NbTi wires and a field dependent critical state model

Abstract Analytic expressions for hysteretic loss have been developed for half-cycle and full-cycle field sweeps for rod geometries for a critical state model with critical current inversely proportional to field. Bulk effects with surface-like character are discussed along with surface shielding fields and the demagnetizing factor. The loss expressions of various models are compared to experimental loss data made on a series of NbTi superconducting wires. Universal loss curves constructed from experimental loss curves by appropriate normalization are obtained and used to predict loss accurately. Bias field ripple losses are also reported.
Conditionally ordered distributions

The concepts of conditionally more positively quadrant dependent, and conditionally more dispersed are introduced and studied. Based on these two concepts, new conditions are given for multivariate cdfs F and G so that EFh(X) ≥ EGh(X) for suitable h(X). Special cases include the multivariate normal distribution and elliptically contoured distributions. Conditional positive and negative dependence concepts as well as applications to the Farlie-Gumbel-Morgenstern distribution are also considered.
A review of the status of forest elephants Loxodonta africana in Central Africa

Abstract The status of elephants Loxodonta africana in the central African forests in 1989 is reviewed. These elephants accounted for about one-third of the continental total. However, there are few data on numbers, for only one of the six countries in the region has been censused. The estimates for the other countries came from a limited set of dung-counts or a model based on those dung-counts. Poaching for ivory was widespread in four of the six countries, but the lack of census data makes it difficult to assess its impact. The distribution of elephants was determined by the intensity of poaching, the distribution of roads and settlements, and the distribution of secondary forest. Ivory exports from central Africa accounted for about one-third of the continental total in 1979–1988, but this included an unknown proportion of ivory from savanna elephants. While poaching is the most urgent short-term threat, the problems posed by expanding human activities in the forest zone need to be addressed by national elephant conservation plans. The main constraints on elephant management are the general lack of information on basic forest elephant biology, the weakness of government wildlife departments, corruption, the vast areas to be covered, the difficulty of access to remote forests, and the impossibility of surveillance from the air.
Rebuilding the Foundations of Offense-Defense Theory

The relative ease of attack and defense-the offense-defense balance-is a widely used planatory concept in international politics, playing an important role in literatures ranging from war causation and alliance formation to the determinants of system structure, the importance of relative gains from cooperation, or the causes of World War I. Yet the concept of the balance itself remains radically underdeveloped theoretically, clouding the predictions of the numerous theories that rest upon it and undermining rigorous empirical work on the many hypotheses these theories imply. I address this problem by presenting and testing a systematic theory of the balance that emphasizes military strategic and tactical choices as its key determinants, by contrast with orthodox offense-defense theory's focus on technology. This new theory outperforms the orthodox view and has broad implications for international relations theory.
Exercise capacity and all-cause mortality in prehypertensive men.

BACKGROUND Prehypertension is associated with increased riskfor mortality, a fact that generated a debate regarding the use of antihypertensive therapy in prehypertensives. Increased exercise capacity is associated with lower mortality risk, but little is known about its effects in prehypertensives.Thus, we evaluated the association between exercise capacity and all-cause mortality in prehypertensives. METHODS A graded exercise test was performed in 4,478 prehypertensive men at the Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in Washington, DC and Palo Alto, CA. Four fitness categories (quartiles) were defined based on peak metabolic equivalents (METs) achieved. All-cause mortality was assessed for both younger (≤60 years) and older individuals.The mean follow-up period was 9.0 ± 6.0 years. RESULTS Exercise capacity was a strong predictor of all-cause mortality, independent of traditional riskfactors.The adjusted riskfor all-cause mortality was reduced by 15% for every 1-METincrease in exercise capacity in the entire cohort, 18% for younger and 12% for older individuals. Compared to the Very-Low-Fit individuals (≤6 METs) the adjusted mortality risk was 40% lower in Low-Fit (6.1-8.0 METs); 58% lower in Moderate-Fit (8.1―10 METs), and 73% lower in High-Fit individuals (>10 METs).The trends were similar but more pronounced among younger than older individuals. CONCLUSIONS A strong, inverse and graded association between exercise capacity and all-cause mortality was observed in prehypertensive individuals. The protective effects of increased fitness were more pronounced in youngerthan older individuals, suggesting that age should be more closelyconsidered when assessing fitness and mortality relationships.
Myocardial performance index is a predictor of outcome after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Objective: Perioperative measurement of the myocardial performance index (MPI) with transesophageal echocardiography in patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and its association with outcome. Design: A prospective observational study. Setting: A tertiary care university hospital. Participants: Patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Intervention: Perioperative transesophageal echocardiography. Measurements: Fifty-one consecutive patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair were enrolled in the study. The MPI was calculated by using pulse-wave Doppler from the midesophageal window and the deep transgastric position of the probe. In addition, diastolic function was measured as the slope of the transmitral flow propagation velocity, and ejection fraction was calculated as a measure of ventricular systolic function. Comparisons between subjects with uncomplicated versus adverse outcomes were made by using a Mann-Whitney U test. Comparison of the incidence of adverse outcome among subjects with normal and elevated MPIs was made by using a Fisher exact test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: It was possible to calculate MPI in all patients with transesophageal echocardiography perioperatively. Patients with adverse postoperative outcomes had an elevated MPI as compared with those without any adverse outcome (0.50 v 0.30, p < 0.001). Also, an MPI of ≥0.36 was associated with a statistically significant higher incidence of complications (congestive heart failure/prolonged intubation) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The MPI is an easily obtained echocardiographic measure of global ventricular performance, which can be measured perioperatively and may be useful as a prospective risk stratification index for patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery.