cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Iontophoretic application of tobramycin to uninfected and Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected rabbit corneas.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis was induced in rabbits to study the effects of corneal infection on the delivery of tobramycin by iontophoresis. Some rabbits were treated by use of an eye cup with no current as a control for iontophoresis, and others were treated with fortified drops (1.36%) delivered topically for comparison with results of earlier studies. One hour after treatment with tobramycin, the concentration of drug in the infected corneas was compared with that achieved in mock-infected and uninfected eyes. Iontophoresis of 25 mg of tobramycin per ml at 0.8 mA for 10 min delivered significantly more drug (P = 0.0001) to corneal tissue than did drops or use of an eye cup without current in P. aeruginosa-infected eyes mock-infected eyes, or uninfected eyes. Tobramycin concentrations in the infected corneas (605.9 micrograms/g) were not significantly different (P = 0.815) from the concentrations in mock-infected eyes (641.4 micrograms/g), but were lower (P = 0.007) than those obtained by iontophoresis in uninfected corneas (853.6 micrograms/g). Use of an eye cup without current delivered tobramycin equally to infected, mock-infected, and normal eyes, i.e., 176.5, 171.0, and 163.1 micrograms/g, respectively (P greater than 0.709). Tobramycin delivered by use of fortified drops delivered topically was detectable in mock-infected corneas (20 micrograms/g) and P. aeruginosa-infected corneas (6.0 micrograms/g). These results suggest that iontophoresis has value as an ocular drug delivery system and that an eye cup could also be useful in a therapeutic regimen for ocular infections.
Unified Theory of Bacterial Sialometabolism: How and Why Bacteria Metabolize Host Sialic Acids

Sialic acids are structurally diverse nine-carbon ketosugars found mostly in humans and other animals as the terminal units on carbohydrate chains linked to proteins or lipids. The sialic acids function in cell-cell and cell-molecule interactions necessary for organismic development and homeostasis. They not only pose a barrier to microorganisms inhabiting or invading an animal mucosal surface, but also present a source of potential carbon, nitrogen, and cell wall metabolites necessary for bacterial colonization, persistence, growth, and, occasionally, disease. The explosion of microbial genomic sequencing projects reveals remarkable diversity in bacterial sialic acid metabolic potential. How bacteria exploit host sialic acids includes a surprisingly complex array of metabolic and regulatory capabilities that is just now entering a mature research stage. This paper attempts to describe the variety of bacterial sialometabolic systems by focusing on recent advances at the molecular and host-microbe-interaction levels. The hope is that this focus will provide a framework for further research that holds promise for better understanding of the metabolic interplay between bacterial growth and the host environment. An ability to modify or block this interplay has already yielded important new insights into potentially new therapeutic approaches for modifying or blocking bacterial colonization or infection.
Liprin-α is required for photoreceptor target selection in Drosophila

Classical cadherin-mediated interactions between axons and dendrites are critical to target selection and synapse assembly. However, the molecular mechanisms by which these interactions are controlled are incompletely understood. In the Drosophila visual system, N-cadherin is required in both photoreceptor (R cell) axons and their targets to mediate stabilizing interactions required for R cell target selection. Here we identify the scaffolding protein Liprin-α as a critical component in this process. We isolated mutations in Liprin-α in a genetic screen for mutations affecting the pattern of synaptic connections made by R1–R6 photoreceptors. Using eye-specific mosaics, we demonstrate a previously undescribed, axonal function for Liprin-α in target selection: Liprin-α is required to be cell-autonomous in all subtypes of R1–R6 cells for their axons to reach their targets. Because Liprin-α, the receptor tyrosine phosphatase LAR, and N-cadherin share qualitatively similar mutant phenotypes in R1–R6 cells and are coexpressed in R cells and their synaptic targets, we infer that these three genes act at the same step in the targeting process. However, unlike N-cadherin, neither Liprin-α nor LAR is required postsynaptically for R cells to project to their correct targets. Thus, these two proteins, unlike N-cadherin, are functionally asymmetric between axons and dendrites. We propose that the adhesive mechanisms that link pre- and postsynaptic cells before synapse formation may be differentially regulated in these two compartments.
Comparison of several techniques for generating systolic arrays

Three methods for generating systolic arrays are studied. Hornick's method transforms existing systolic designs to new designs. Li and Wah's and Moldovan and Fortes' methods are used to map algorithms onto systolic solutions. A formal relationship between the mapping methods is used to prove a theorem that allows Hornick's method to be incorporated in a program called SAGE which implements Moldovan and Fortes' mapping method.
The effect of high school computer science, gender, and work on success in college computer science

Researchers have often linked factors such as mathematics ability and overall academic achievement to success in computer science. In this study, a group of students with common mathematics backgrounds was examined to determine if some other new factors were also involved in success in computer science. In particular, the roles of prior computing experience, work, and sex are discussed. A composite picture of the typical successful student is drawn and the implications for computer science departments are identified.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for infant postcardiotomy support: significance of shunt management.

Abstract Background . After repair of complex congenital heart defects in infants and children, postcardiotomy cardiac failure requiring temporary circulatory support can occur. This is usually accomplished with the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). ECMO management of patients with single-ventricle physiology and aorto-pulmonary shunts can be particularly challenging. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with postcardiotomy support with particular attention to those children with single-ventricle palliation. Methods . Thirty-five consecutive children (age 1 to 820 days, median 19 days) out of 1,020 patients (3.4%) required mechanical support (ECMO) after repair of congenital cardiac lesions from February 1994 to April 1999. Twenty-five patients underwent two ventricle repairs and 10 patients had single-ventricle palliation. Various parameters analyzed included strategies of shunt management, presence of presupport cardiac arrest, and timing of support initiation. Results . Overall hospital survival for these 35 patients was 61%. There were four additional late deaths. Hospital survival was the same for those patients in whom support was initiated for failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass in the operating room versus those patients in whom support was initiated after successful separation from cardiopulmonary bypass (6 of 10 vs 15 of 25 or 60% survival). In those patients with shunt-dependent pulmonary circulation, survival was significantly improved in those patients in which the aorto-pulmonary shunt was left open (4 of 5 with open shunt vs 0 of 4 with occluded shunt ( p = 0.048). Conclusions . The ability to readily implement postcardiotomy support is vital to the management of children with complex congenital cardiac disease. Overall survival can be quite satisfactory if support is employed in a rational and expedient manner. In patients with single-ventricle physiology and aorto-pulmonary shunts, leaving the shunt open during the period of support can result in markedly improved outcomes.
Revisits for transient random walk

Abstract For a random walk on the integers define Rn as the number of (distinct) states visited in the first n steps and Zn as the number of states visited in the first n steps which are never revisited. Here we deal with transient walks. The increments of Zn form a stationary process and various central limit results and an iterated logarithm result are obtained for Zn from known results on stationary processes. Furthermore, the limit behaviour of Rn is closely related to that of Zn; this relationship is elucidated and corresponding limit results for Rn are then read off from those for Zn.
Ultrathin polyimide films from preformed polymers

Multilayer films of preformed polyimide molecules have been obtained for the first time by the Langmuir-Blodgett technique. The pressure-area isotherm shows that the polyimide monolayers are strongly dependent on compression rate. The zero-pressure area per repeat unit is about 1.7 nm 2 when the film is compressed at 100 cm 2 /min. This value is higher than that expected (1.2 nm 2 ) for a closely packed structure. Multilayers have been investigated with X-ray reflectometry. The thickness ofa bilayer film is about 4.05 nm, which is between the average bilayer thickness of interdigitated multilayer film and that of a bilayer film containing closely packed backbones and fully extended alkyl side chains. The multilayer films do not display a distinctively periodic structure. When the films are annealed for a few hours at 180 °C, the structure relaxes somewhat and thickness decreases slightly.
Communication and creativity: methodological shifts in adult education

Societal changes in late modernity influenced what persons should learn and also influenced how education should change to support these new learning requirements. Particularly, the increasing instrumentalization of our society requires more autonomous and reflective learners. On the one hand this article describes three specific examples of such late modern learning that supports autonomy of subjects, i.e. performative, communicative and creative learning. On the other hand the article argues that these new forms of learning are not necessarily bound to just instrumentalization. Paradoxically, communicative and creative learning also open new roads for autonomous subjects to reflect on underlying normative questions: instrumentalization for what ultimate causes?
Re-determination of bound state resonance energies in He/graphite scattering

Abstract Binding energies of 4He atoms physisorbed on graphite (0001) surfaces were re-determined with improved resolution and precision. Energies are several tenths of an meV deeper than found in previous determinations, and an additional high-lying level is resolved. These results are in good agreement with recent theoretical calculations.
Pharmacodynamics of phenytoin-induced ataxia in rats.

The relationship between phenytoin-induced ataxia and its concentration was characterized in rats who received i.v. infusions of the drug at either 0.52, 0.85 or 1.70 mg/min/rat until the onset of ataxia. Phenytoin dose to ataxia did not change with infusion rate but the total and unbound serum concentrations at onset of ataxia increased with increasing infusion (input) rate. Concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid, CSF, and in brain, at this end-point, were not affected by the infusion rate. Direct i.v. infusion of phenytoin major metabolite, p-HPPH, failed to produce ataxia. Thus phenytoin in CSF and brain, unlike serum phenytoin, equilibrates rapidly with site(s) of phenytoin neurotoxicity and represents appropriate sampling sites for identifying factors affecting phenytoin neurotoxicity.
FALLOUT OF PYROCLASTIC DEBRIS FROM SUBMARINE VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS

Volcanic fallout deposits on land, being widespread and accessible for study, have received much attention and have revealed a great deal about subaerial eruption mechanisms. In contrast, virtually nothing is known about equivalent deposits produced by submarine volcanoes, despite the probable abundance of such material in today's oceans and in accreted volcanic arc terrains. Many submarine deposits may form by the fallout of debris to the sea floor downcurrent from the umbrella region of submarine eruption columns. Experiments on water-saturated pumice and pieces of rock (lithics) show that particles settling to the sea floor at terminal velocities of 10 to 50 centimeters per second will display conspicuous bimodality of particle diameters: pieces of pumice may be five to ten times as large as codeposited lithic fragments. Similar material, erupted into the air and deposited on land, displays less well-developed bimodality; pumice diameters are generally two to three times as large as associated lithics. Submarine fallout deposits are therefore distinctive and may be used to indicate a subaqueous origin for some of the great thicknesses of nonfossiliferous volcanic debris contained in ancient volcanic terrains worldwide whose environment of deposition has been uncertain.
Isolated nodular cutaneous coccidioidomycosis : The initial manifestation of disseminated disease

Cutaneous manifestations of coccidioidomycosis may be divided into primary and secondary lesions. Since such lesions may be the only evidence of infection, the distinction is important. Primary (inoculation) lesions are rare. Secondary lesions develop from primary pulmonary disease, commonly. An isolated nodule on the scalp was the presenting sign of disseminated coccidioidomycosis in our patient. Because of the rarity of primary cutaneous coccidioidomycosis, cutaneous lesions due to it should alert the physician to the presence of disseminated disease. The clinical spectrum of such lesions is wide. Our patient was an elderly man with a hyperkeratotic scalp nodule clinically felt to be an actinic keratosis or an early squamous cell carcinoma. We suggest that patients with a travel or resident history in endemic areas be viewed with a high index of suspicion for skin lesions of cutaneous coccidioidomycosis. The advent of orally administered imidazole antifungal agents makes early and aggressive diagnosis of these lesions even more important.
Determination of Sulfonic Acids Using Anion‐Exchange Chromatography with Suppressed Conductivity Detection

Abstract Accurate determination of low molecular weight sulfonic acids including cysteic acid, homocysteic acid, and taurine in aqueous solution is essential in many analyses of biological and clinical applications. These sulfonic acids are difficult to be separated and determined using reversed phase chromatography and cation‐exchange chromatography. In this research, anion‐exchange chromatography with suppressed conductivity detection is utilized in the separation and determination of these compounds. This technique has achieved excellent separation for these sulfonic acids. Among the three sulfonic acids, the calibration for taurine has demonstrated the poorest accuracy, the lowest sensitivity, narrowest linearity, and poorest limit of detection, as well as reproducibility. The inadequacy of this technique to quantify taurine is due to the low conductivity of taurine in aqueous solution. The characteristics of calibration curves for homocysteic acid and cysteic acid are exceptionally perfect. This tech...
A framework to support educational decision making in mobile learning

A task-interaction framework to support education decision making in mobile learning.Focus on relationships among learners' interactions and pedagogically relevant tasks.A case study demonstrates the application of the framework to m-learning scenarios.MeLOD, a mobile learning system supporting analytics of learner-produced data trails. Learning Analytics in Mobile Learning is a challenging research topic, due to the distinguishing features of mobile learning. In fact, mobile learning is characterized by the learners' mobility, the possibility of having localized data and information, the large amount of data that can be collected during a learning session, the affordances provided by the technologies and the social dynamics that characterize the context in which learning takes place. As a consequence, Learning Analytics in mobile learning requires original methodological approaches which enrich techniques already tested in different learning contexts (e.g., in Virtual Learning Environments) with specific strategies to deal with the complexity of mobile learning and manage the corresponding datasets. This paper presents a task-interaction framework to support educational decision-making in mobile learning. The framework is based on the relationships between the different types of interactions occurring in a mobile learning activity and the tasks which are pedagogically relevant for the learning activity. A case study has been designed to demonstrate the application of the task-interaction framework to learning scenarios based on the use of mobile devices.
Phase-diverse speckle reconstruction of solar data

Phase-diverse speckle imaging is a novel imaging modality that makes use of both speckle-imaging and phase-diversity concepts. A phase- diverse speckle data set consists of one conventional image and at least one additional image with known phase diversity for each of multiple atmospheric phase realizations. We demonstrate the use of a phase-diverse speckle data set collected at the Swedish Vacuum Solar Telescope on La Palma to overcome the effects of atmospheric turbulence and to restore a fine-resolution image of solar granulation. We present preliminary results of simultaneously reconstructing an object and a sequence of atmospheric phase aberrations from these data using a maximum-likelihood parameter- estimation framework. The consistency of the reconstructions is demonstrated using subsets of the sequence of images pairs. The use of different phase-aberration parameterization schemes and their affect on parameter estimates are discussed. Insight into the desired number of atmospheric realizations is provided.
Cis-Acting Pathways Selectively Enforce the Non-Immunogenicity of Shed Placental Antigen for Maternal CD8 T Cells

Maternal immune tolerance towards the fetus and placenta is thought to be established in part by pathways that attenuate T cell priming to antigens released from the placenta into maternal blood. These pathways remain largely undefined and their existence, at face value, seems incompatible with a mother's need to maintain a functional immune system during pregnancy. A particular conundrum is evident if we consider that maternal antigen presenting cells, activated in order to prime T cells to pathogen-derived antigens, would also have the capacity to prime T cells to co-ingested placental antigens. Here, we address this paradox using a transgenic system in which placental membranes are tagged with a strong surrogate antigen (ovalbumin). We find that although a remarkably large quantity of acellular ovalbumin-containing placental material is released into maternal blood, splenic CD8 T cells in pregnant mice bearing unmanipulated T cell repertoires are not primed to ovalbumin even if the mice are intravenously injected with adjuvants. This failure was largely independent of regulatory T cells, and instead was linked to the intrinsic characteristics of the released material that rendered it selectively non-immunogenic, potentially by sequestering it from CD8α(+) dendritic cells. The release of ovalbumin-containing placental material into maternal blood thus had no discernable impact on CD8 T cell priming to soluble ovalbumin injected intravenously during pregnancy, nor did it induce long-term tolerance to ovalbumin. Together, these results outline a major pathway governing the maternal immune response to the placenta, and suggest how tolerance to placental antigens can be maintained systemically without being detrimental to host defense.
SHIVs, monkeys, and anti-HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies

One of the major obstacles in developing an effective HIV vaccine has been the inability to design immunogens capable of eliciting broadly reacting neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). We have previously described the construction and properties of the pathogenic R5-tropic SHIVAD8, which expresses the envelope glycoprotein derived from HIV-1Ada strain and exhibits a Tier 2 neutralization phenotype. During its characterization, we discovered that SHIVAD8 had unique properties: nearly all infected rhesus monkeys generated broadly reacting NAbs capable of blocking the infection of Tier 1 HIV-1 isolates. Furthermore, approximately 25% of infected animals developed Nabs against Tier 2 HIV-1 strains, and one infected macaque was an “elite neutralizer”, producing potent, cross-clade NAbs that targeted the gp120 N332 glycan. We have used the SHIVAD8 macaque system as an animal model to investigate the steps associated with the production of broadly reacting anti-HIV-1 NAbs including the role of follicular helper T cells. In a final group of experiments, the role of new potent, broadly acting, anti-HIV monoclonal NAbs to block virus acquisition or as immunotherapy in chronically infected animals will be presented.
Use of Web 2.0 to Train Facilitators in Fidelity: A Case Study

Maintaining fidelity to social work interventions and research protocols is difficult in the best of situations, but even more complex when interventions are carried out in multiple sites by multiple interveners over a wide geographic span. Previous research does not exist on the use of social media to support fidelity. This article offers a case study on ways technology was harnessed to support fidelity in a federally funded practice-based research intervention project. Technology utilized in this case study includes Web 2.0 tools which support collaboration and social interaction (Murugesan, 2007) such as videologs, a blog, and other free and easy-to-access software.
Selective Oxidation of Cyclohexanol and 2-Cyclohexen-1-ol on O/Au(111): The Effect of Molecular Structure†

We combine reactivity studies with infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy to provide molecular-scale insights into the oxidation of two cyclic alcohols, cyclohexanol and 2-cyclohexen-1-ol, by atomic oxygen adsorbed on Au(111). The two alcohols share common features in their reaction pathways: they are both activated by Bronsted acid−base reactions with adsorbed oxygen. Cyclic ketones, cyclohexanone and 2-cyclohexen-1-one, are the major products, formed from cyclohexanol and 2-cyclohexen-1-ol, respectively. These ketones also undergo secondary ring C−H bond activation. The product distributions reflect a substantial difference in the secondary reactions for these two ketones, which correlate with their gas-phase acidity. The allylic alcohol (2-cylohexen-1-ol) has a greater degree of ring C−H activation, yielding the diketone (2-cyclohexene-1,4-dione) and phenol. Our results provide clear evidence for the importance of C═C functionalities in determining the reactivity of molecules in heterogeneous oxid...
ISEE-1 observations in the magnetosphere of VLF emissions triggered by nonducted coherent VLF waves during VLF waveinjection experiments

It is noted that recent data from the ISEE-1 spacecraft indicate that VLF emissions triggered by conducted coherent VLF waves often possess spectral characteristics markedly different from those of emissions triggered by ducted waves. Emission triggering by nonducted waves is found to involve a strong path selectiveness. It is also established that emission triggering by nonducted waves can take place over a wide L-range and may involve inner radiation belt particles of energy up to 200 keV. It is concluded that the VLF emission generation process can occur under much more general conditions than previously believed on the basis of the results of ground-to-ground wave-injection experiments.
Type I diabetes mellitus does not alter initial splanchnic glucose extraction or hepatic UDP-glucose flux during enteral glucose administration

Aims/hypothesis. Our aim was to determine whether an alteration in splanchnic glucose metabolism could contribute to postprandial hyperglycaemia in people with Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus. Methods. Splanchnic glucose extraction, hepatic glycogen synthesis and endogenous glucose production were compared in 8 Type I diabetic patients and in 11 control subjects. Endogenous hormone secretion was inhibited with somatostatin while insulin ( ∼ 550 pmol/l) and glucagon ( ∼ 130 ng/l) concentrations were matched with exogenous hormone infusions. Glucose containing [3-3H] glucose was infused into the duodenum at a rate of 20 μmol · kg-1· min-1. Plasma glucose concentrations were maintained at about 8.5 mmol/l in both groups by means of a separate variable intravenous glucose infusion. Results. Initial splanchnic glucose uptake, calculated by subtracting the systemic rate of appearance of [3-3H] glucose from the rate of infusion of [3-3H] glucose into the duodenum, did not differ in the diabetic and non-diabetic patients (4.1 ± 0.8 vs 3.0 ± 1.0 μmol/kg/min). In addition, hepatic glycogen synthesis, measured using the acetaminophen glucuronide method did not differ (10.7 ± 2.4 vs 10.1 ± 2.7 μmol · kg-1· min-1). On the other hand, suppression of endogenous glucose production, measured by an intravenous infusion of [6,6-2H2] glucose, was greater (p < 0.05) in the diabetic than in the non-diabetic subjects (1.7 ± 1.6 vs 5.8 ± 1.9 μmol · kg-1· min-1). Conclusion/interpretation. When glucose, insulin and glucagon concentrations are matched in individuals with relatively good chronic glycaemic control, Type I diabetes does not alter initial splanchnic glucose uptake of enterally delivered glucose or hepatic glycogen synthesis. Alterations in splanchnic glucose metabolism are not likely to contribute to postprandial hyperglycaemia in people with well controlled Type I diabetes. [Diabetologia (2001) 44: 729–737]
Quercetin attenuates cadmium-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in granulosa cells from chicken ovarian follicles

The attenuating effect of quercetin on cadmium-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis was investigated in cultured granulosa cells from chicken ovarian follicles. Results showed that exposure to 5 μM CdCl(2) induced a decrease in granulosa cell number and viability, caused chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation. Moreover, cadmium treatment markedly increased malondialdehyde level and decreased glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities. Furthermore, cadmium provoked higher BAX expression, inhibited expression of BCL2 and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) and activated caspase-3. However, simultaneous supplementation with 1 μg/ml quercetin protected granulosa cells against cadmium-induced cytotoxicity through attenuating lipid peroxidation, renewing antioxidant enzymes activities and alleviating apoptosis by modulating XIAP, BAX and BCL2 expression, and inhibiting caspase-3 activity. Therefore, these results suggested that quercetin, as a widely distributed dietary antioxidant, contributes potentially to prevent cadmium-induced cytotoxicity in granulosa cells through attenuating lipid peroxidation, elevating intracellular antioxidant status and inhibiting apoptosis to ensure reproductive health.
Quantifying energetic contributions to ground state destabilization

Abstract Vibrational spectroscopy has identified that in many cases, substrate association with enzyme active sites results in significant bond polarization. This bond polarization can be attributed to a combination of desolvation, conformational restriction, and true polarization by the local electric field. Quantum chemical calculations permit the extent of polarization to be quantified both in terms of partial charge and energy. The changes in vibrational frequency that occur during the binding process necessarily result in equilibrium isotope effects. The equilibrium isotope effect on association is one feature that differentiates isotope effects on k cat and k cat / K m . An improved chemical understanding of the changes that occur on substrate binding will help elucidate the role of substrate activation in enzyme catalysis
Structural Properties of GaN films grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy on vicinal SiC(0001)

Gallium nitride films are grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on vicinal 6H-SiC(0001) substrates with % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaagKart1ev2aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn % hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqr1ngB % PrgifHhDYfgasaacH8srps0lbbf9q8WrFfeuY-Hhbbf9v8qqaqFr0x % c9pk0xbba9q8WqFfea0-yr0RYxir-Jbba9q8aq0-yq-He9q8qqQ8fr % Fve9Fve9Ff0dmeaabaqaciGacaGaaeqabaWaaeaaeaaakeaadaWada % qaaiaaigdadaqdaaqaaiaaigdaaaGaaGimaiaaicdaaiaawUfacaGL % Dbaaaaa!3C98! $$\left[ {1\overline 1 00} \right]$$ and % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaagKart1ev2aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn % hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqr1ngB % PrgifHhDYfgasaacH8srps0lbbf9q8WrFfeuY-Hhbbf9v8qqaqFr0x % c9pk0xbba9q8WqFfea0-yr0RYxir-Jbba9q8aq0-yq-He9q8qqQ8fr % Fve9Fve9Ff0dmeaabaqaciGacaGaaeqabaWaaeaaeaaakeaadaWada % qaaiaaigdacaaIXaWaa0aaaeaacaaIYaaaaiaaicdaaiaawUfacaGL % Dbaaaaa!3C9A! $$\left[ {11\overline 2 0} \right]$$ miscut directions. The hydrogen-etched substrates display straight, or chevron shaped steps respectively, and the same morphology is observed on the GaN films. X-ray rocking curves display substantially reduced width for films on the vicinal substrates compared to singular substrates, for the same Ga/N flux ratio used during growth.
The Precision and Relative Accuracy of Profiler Wind Measurements

Abstract Two independent wind profiles were measured every hour during February 1986 with a five-beam, UHF (405 MHz) wind Profiler at Platteville, Colorado. Our analysis of the horizontal wind components over all heights for the entire month gave a standard deviation of about 1.3 m s−1 for the measurement errors one can expect for three-beam Profilers in clear air. This study demonstrated that it is important to include the effects of large vertical motion (caused by gravity waves or precipitation in the horizontal wind component measurements. These vertical motions were large enough to raise the error in the horizontal wind components to 1.7 m s−1 in two-beam configurations where no corrections are made for the vertical motion.
High efficiency broadband power amplifier MMIC

A GaAs broadband, dual-channel, high-efficiency power amplifier monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) is presented. The average performance for a single channel of the power amplifier was 18.0-dB small-signal gain, 16% power-added efficiency, and 2-dB compressed output power of 29.4 dBm from 6 to 18 GHz at 25 degrees C. The two channels combined off chip achieved 32-dBm average output power. This 0.5- mu m ion-implanted MESFET amplifier MMIC has been demonstrated in volume production with 154 wafer starts over three months, resulting in a 30% total yield through fixtured RF test. >
How changes in the Medicare coverage process have facilitated the spread of new technologies.

ABSTRACT: The Medicare coverage decision process can affect the availability and use of new technologies. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently made advances in making i...
The Tevatron Collider Physics Legacy

The proton–antiproton Tevatron Collider at Fermilab began physics operation in 1988, and by its shutdown in 2011 it had delivered more than 10 fb−1 of data to the two general-purpose detectors CDF and D0. Thus far, these experiments have published more than 800 papers studying the character of the strong nuclear force, measuring the properties of hadrons containing heavy quarks, elucidating the nature of the electroweak force, discovering and measuring the properties of the top quark, seeking evidence for the Higgs boson, and searching for new phenomena beyond the standard paradigm of particle physics. We summarize the results that define the physics legacy of the Tevatron program.
Determining Demand for EAP Services

Abstract An effective EAP increases workplace performance and productivity by helping employees cope with behavioral and mental health issues. Although research has examined administrative support and efficacy of EAPs, few studies have addressed employees' perceptions of what they want from EAPs. This study evaluated an existing EAP and identified employees' perceptions of their critical mental health needs both inside and outside the workplace. Survey data reflected a desire for additional services beyond the scope of traditional individual or family psychotherapy and addressing topics like workplace conflict, communication skills, and family and health issues. The results demonstrate the necessity for ongoing EAP evaluation using employee input and delineate a role for graduate training clinics as EAP service providers.
Friends as a Bridge to Parental Influence: Implications for Adolescent Alcohol Use

The current study investigates the possibility that friendship networks connect adolescents to influence from a broader group of adults beyond their own families. In doing so, we combine two rich traditions of research on adult influence on children and adolescents. Family research has suggested a number of ways in which effective parenting can reduce deviant behavior among adolescents. In addition, research on neighborhoods has advanced the idea that adults outside of the immediate family can exert social control that may reduce deviance. We employ longitudinal social network analysis to examine data drawn from the PROSPER Peers Project, a longitudinal study of adolescents following over 12,000 students in 27 non-metropolitan communities as they moved from 6th through 9th grade. We find evidence that the behavior of friends' parents is linked, both directly and indirectly, to adolescent alcohol use. Findings suggest that much of the influence from friends' parents is mediated through peer behavior, but that parental knowledge reported by friends continues to be associated with alcohol use even when controlling for competing mechanisms. Furthermore, adolescents tend to choose friends who report similar levels of parenting as themselves. Our results provide support for the position that friendships in adolescence connect youth to a broader network of adults and illustrate how adults outside of the family contribute to the social control of adolescents.
Establishment & application of quantitative evaluation model for inrush water sources of coal mine

Aiming at the present insufficiencies and problems existed in the evaluation on threatening degree of water disaster of coal mines, as well as various threatening degrees, the paper, based on different threatening water sources, proposes quantitative grading evaluation technology and quantitative division standard of threatening degrees, and suggests corresponding water prevention measures and advices. With the practical application of quantitative evaluation technology of threatens caused by water disaster in Longtan coal mine in Sichuan Provinces, Lvshuidong coal mine and Liziya coal mine, threat level of water disaster during the process of advancement and recovery has been evaluated fairly precisely, thus standardized the evaluation and prevention of water disasters of coal mines and guaranteed systematic, precise, economic and orderly progressing of water prevention and treatment
Endoplasmic reticulum chaperones participate in human cytomegalovirus US2-mediated degradation of class I major histocompatibility complex molecules.

Inhibition of cell-surface expression of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV, a β-herpesvirus) promotes escape from recognition by CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. The HCMV US2 and US11 gene products induce class I downregulation during the early phase of HCMV infection by facilitating the degradation of class I heavy chains. The HCMV proteins promote the transport of the class I heavy chains across the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane into the cytosol by a process referred to as ‘dislocation’, which is then followed by proteasome degradation. This process has striking similarities to the degradation of misfolded ER proteins mediated by ER quality control. Even though the major steps of the dislocation reaction have been characterized, the cellular proteins, specifically the ER chaperones involved in targeting class I for dislocation, have not been fully delineated. To elucidate the chaperones involved in HCMV-mediated class I dislocation, we utilized a chimeric class I heavy chain with an affinity tag at its carboxy terminus. Interestingly, US2 but not US11 continued to target the class I chimera for destruction, suggesting a structural limitation for US11-mediated degradation. Association studies in US2 cells and in cells that express a US2 mutant, US2–186HA, revealed that class I specifically interacts with calnexin, BiP and calreticulin. These findings demonstrate that US2-mediated class I destruction utilizes specific chaperones to facilitate class I dislocation. The data suggest a more general model in which the chaperones that mediate protein folding may also function during ER quality control to eliminate aberrant ER proteins.
On the Origin of the Positive Band in the Far-ultraviolet Circular Dichroic Spectrum of Fibronectin

The genesis of the positive bands in the far-ultraviolet circular dichroic spectra of human plasma fibronectin and its 31-kDa NH2-terminal heparin-binding fragment was studied. Spectra of ester derivatives of tyrosine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine and of model mixtures of these derivatives in which they are present in the same ratios as in the proteins indicate that all the aromatic side chains make substantial contributions to composite positive bands with maxima several nanometers below those of the proteins. In the presence of solvent perturbants such as polyethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, the bands of the model mixtures are red-shifted to the approximate positions they have in the spectra of the proteins. No additional red shift is seen with solvent perturbation of the proteins, suggesting that the conditions leading to this effect are satisfied within the proteins. A separate effect of solvent perturbation, an increase in amplitude of the positive band, occurs equally in solutions of free aromatic amino acid derivatives and in the proteins. This effect is used to estimate the relative accessibility of the chromophores of fibronectin and its fragment to different perturbants. The possible influence of protein secondary structure on the amplitude of the positive circular dichroic band is discussed.
Cyclooxygenases, the Kidney, and Hypertension

Selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors that are in widespread clinical use were developed to avoid side effects of conventional NSAIDs, including gastrointestinal and renal toxicity. However, COX-2 is constitutively expressed in the kidney and is highly regulated in response to alterations in intravascular volume. COX-2 metabolites have been implicated in maintenance of renal blood flow, mediation of renin release, and regulation of sodium excretion. COX-2 inhibition may transiently decrease urine sodium excretion in some subjects and induce mild to moderate elevation of blood pressure. Furthermore, in conditions of relative intravascular volume depletion and/or renal hypoperfusion, interference with COX-2 activity can have deleterious effects on maintenance of renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate. In addition to physiological regulation of COX-2 expression in the kidney, increased renal cortical COX-2 expression is seen in experimental models associated with altered renal hemodynamics and progressive renal injury (decreased renal mass, poorly controlled diabetes), and long-term treatment with selective COX-2 inhibitors ameliorates functional and structural renal damage in these conditions.
The Mass Balance of Salt and Water in Intertidal Sediments: Results From North Inlet, South Carolina

Salinity can be used as a conservative tracer of porewater turnover in circumstances when evapotranspiration is great enough to concentrate porewater salts in intertidal sediments. At two intertidal sites situated at mean high tide at North Inlet, South Carolina, porewater drainage was estimated by this method to be 9.4 m−2 d−1 and 16.6 1 m−2 d−1, depending on physical soil properties and assuming that solute losses occur by simple diffusion across the sediment surface, by uptake and excretion by vegetation, and by drainage. Mass balance simulations indicated that sediment physical properties, evapotranspiration, and elevation are important determinants of seasonal salinity extremes. At sites situated mear mean high tide, small differences in elevation significantly affect salinity and drainage rate. As site elevation increases, losses of solutes by drainage and diffusion decrease, and the variability of porewater salinity increases. This is significant because interannual changes in mean sea level, which average ±2.9 cm on the South Carolina coast, can have a great impact on the structure and function of estuaries due to changes in the solute balance of intertidal zone sediments. Mass balance simulations that used reduced evapotranspiration rates typical of colder climates significantly reduced the mean and variability of porewater salinity, which suggests that at lower latitudes salinity becomes a more dominant determinant of biological processes. This should influence a number of processes including primary productivity, strategies of water conservation and osmoregulation, and community structure. This conclusion is consistent with published data that show tropical mangroves to have lower photosynthetic rates, and presumably lower gas exchange rates in general, than mid- and high-latitude salt marsh grasses.
Features of Future Network Processor Architectures

As network applications are becoming increasingly sophisticated and internet traffic is getting heavier, future network processors must continue processing computation-intensive network applications at line rates. In this paper, we identify and describe in detail the specific computational features of network applications such as packet parallelism and dependency, the categorization and kernels of network applications, and the design issues for the next generation of network applications such as deep packet classification processing and security-related processing. We investigate the candidate baseline architectures of network processors to support the next generation of network applications, the desired cache and memory organization for these same applications, and how some packet dependency solutions require the processing of packets in a multiprocessor or a multithreaded environment.
FlrA, a σ54-Dependent Transcriptional Activator in Vibrio fischeri, Is Required for Motility and Symbiotic Light-Organ Colonization

Flagellum-mediated motility of Vibrio fischeri is an essential factor in the bacterium's ability to colonize its host, the Hawaiian squid Euprymna scolopes. To begin characterizing the nature of the flagellar regulon, we have cloned a gene, designated flrA, from V. fischeri that encodes a putative σ54-dependent transcriptional activator. Genetic arrangement of the flrA locus in V. fischeri is similar to motility master-regulator operons of Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. In addition, examination of regulatory regions of a number of flagellar operons in V. fischeri revealed apparent σ54 recognition motifs, suggesting that the flagellar regulatory hierarchy is controlled by a similar mechanism to that described in V. cholerae. However, in contrast to its closest known relatives, flrA mutant strains of V. fischeri ES114 were completely abolished in swimming capability. Although flrA provided in trans restored motility to the flrA mutant, the complemented strain was unable to reach wild-type levels of symbiotic colonization in juvenile squid, suggesting a possible role for the proper expression of FlrA in regulating symbiotic colonization factors in addition to those required for motility. Comparative RNA arbitrarily primed PCR analysis of the flrA mutant and its wild-type parent revealed several differentially expressed transcripts. These results define a regulon that includes both flagellar structural genes and other genes apparently not involved in flagellum elaboration or function. Thus, the transcriptional activator FlrA plays an essential role in regulating motility, and apparently in modulating other symbiotic functions, in V. fischeri.
A light scattering study of alfin polybutadiene

The weight average molecular weights, Mu, of some unfractionated Alfin polybutadienes ranged from 5 to 20 million. The ratio of the mean-square radius of a linear polybutadiene molecule to its molecular weight in a thermodynamically neutral solvent is estimated to be R2/M = 2.2 (±0.3) × 10−17 cm.2g.−1 mole. The relationship [η] = 0.125 Mv0.77 between intrinsic viscosity and molecular weight is estimated for linear polybutadiene in cyclohexane at 25°. The average value of Φ′, the parameter in the Flory-Fox theory of intrinsic viscosity, is found to be 3.6 × 1024 mole−1 (or Φ = 2.5 × 1023 mole−1) for linear molecules and appears to increase with branching. Branching is found to decrease with increasing conversion for this polymer. Values of the osmotic second virial coefficient, A2, are discussed in connection with theoretical predictions. Various corrections to measured quantities required because of polydispersity in polymer samples are presented.
Hand Hygiene Deficiency Citations in Nursing Homes

Hand hygiene (HH) is recognized as an effective way to decrease transmission of infections. Little research has been conducted surrounding HH in nursing homes (NHs). In this research, deficiency citations representing potential problems with HH practices by staff as identified in the certification process conducted at almost all US NHs were examined. The aims of the study were to identify potential relationships between these deficiency citations and characteristics of the NH and characteristics of the NH environment. We used a panel of 148,900 observations with information primarily coming from the 2000 through 2009 Online Survey, Certification, And Reporting data (OSCAR). An average of 9% of all NHs per year received a deficiency citation for HH. In the multivariate analyses, for all three caregivers examined (i.e., nurse aides, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Registered Nurses) low staffing levels were associated with receiving a deficiency citation for HH. Two measures of poor quality (i.e., [1] Qualit...
Hydrogel matrix to support stem cell survival after brain transplantation in stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability. Stem/progenitor cell transplantation improves recovery after stroke in rodent models. These studies have 2 main limitations to clinical translation. First, most of the cells in stem/progenitor transplants die after brain transplantation. Second, intraparenchymal approaches target transplants to normal brain adjacent to the stroke, which is the site of the most extensive natural recovery in humans. Transplantation may damage this tissue. The stroke cavity provides an ideal target for transplantation because it is a compartmentalized region of necrosis, can accept a high volume transplant without tissue damage, and lies directly adjacent to the most plastic brain area in stroke. However, direct transplantation into the stroke cavity has caused massive death in the transplant. To overcome these limitations, the authors tested stem/progenitor transplants within a specific biopolymer hydrogel matrix to create a favorable environment for transplantation into the infarct cavity after stroke, and they tested this in comparison to stem cell injection without hydrogel support. A biopolymer hydrogel composed of cross-linked hyaluronan and heparin sulfate significantly promoted the survival of 2 different neural progenitor cell lines in vitro in conditions of stress and in vivo into the infarct cavity. Quantitative analysis of the transplant and surrounding tissue indicates diminished inflammatory infiltration of the graft with the hydrogel transplant. This result indicates that altering the local environment in stem cell transplantation enhances survival and diminishes cell stress. Stem cell transplantation into the infarct cavity within a prosurvival hydrogel matrix may provide a translational therapy for stroke recovery.