cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dark current transients in thin-film CdTe solar cells

Dark current transients measured by changing the voltage bias in a stepwise fashion on CdTe cells results in minutes-long transients after each step. Transients measured at room temperature are controlled by carrier trapping that corresponds to the well known voltage transient phenomena. Transients measured on the same CdTe cell at elevated temperature (60/spl deg/C and 90/spl deg/C) show the emergence of a second much slower process. We associate this second process with "shunt" current paths induced by reverse bias and removed with forward bias. A different back contact process may produce an opposite voltage dependence. The lack of these transients may be required for the fabrication of "stable" thin-film CdTe solar cells.
Bifurcations and attractors for a boundary feedback controlled Burgers equation

In this work we consider an open loop system consisting of a viscous Burgers' equation with or without an additional forcing. Control inputs and outputs are introduced through the boundary and a closed loop system is obtained by introducing a proportional error boundary feedback law. The main point of the talk is to present several known results for this system and draw attention to some open problems. Topics discussed in the talk will include global existence and regularity of solutions, existence of local and global attractor, semiglobal and practical stabilization, and bifurcation of dynamics associated with variation of the gains in the boundary feedback law.
Hydrodynamic Models of the Cometary Atmosphere

Self-consistent transonic multifluid solutions for the dynamical and thermal structure of the two-phase dusty gas atmosphere of a comet containing a dirty H2O-clathrate ice nucleus have been obtained. This was done by solving a simultaneous set of differential equations representing conservation of number density, momentum, and energy, as well as the transfer of solar radiation responsible for the major photolytic processes and nuclear heating. The results presented include velocity and Mach number profiles of heavy species and the velocity of dust within the subsonic and supersonic regions, temperature profiles of the dust and gas in the supersonic region, and radial profiles of electron and ion densities in the collision-dominated region.
Developing a self-powered and directly digitized piezoelectric micro sensor for monitoring blood pressure change inside brain aneurysm after endovascular treatment: A feasibility study

Pathologies in blood vessels are categorized under two major classes: blockage and bleeding. Bleeding is mainly caused by aneurysm. The aneurysm can grow and become so thin that it leaks or ruptures, causing a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). With the available endovascular treatment options, studies show that the post procedural complication rate is 3% leading to delayed bleeding. The reason behind this rupture is still unclear. One of the main theories behind this rupture is: no change in the pressure within the aneurysm. Our research aims at investigating this rupture problem by designing a wireless, self-powered, passively operated micro (< 1cm) PolyVinyliDene Fluoride (PVDF) pressure sensor that can be deployed within the aneurysm, during flow diverting endovascular treatment that is very sensitive to small changes in pressure. This work presents the first step of our research, including the concept of the sensing system, a multi-striped piezoelectric PVDF pressure sensor design, its modeling, and preliminary simulation and experimental results. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed sensing structure.
Medication adherence in a nurse practitioner managed clinic for indigent patients

AbstractPurpose:Little is published in the literature about medication adherence rates among patients who are medically indigent and patients receiving primary care from nurse practitioners (NPs). This project examined adherence rates and barriers to adherence among patients at an NP-managed health
The MOZ Histone Acetyltransferase in Epigenetic Signaling and Disease

The monocytic leukemic zinc finger (MOZ) histone acetyltransferase (HAT) plays a role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It functions as a quaternary complex with the bromodomain PHD finger protein 1 (BRPF1), the human Esa1-associated factor 6 homolog (hEAF6), and the inhibitor of growth 5 (ING5). Each of these subunits contain chromatin reader domains that recognize specific post-translational modifications (PTMs) on histone tails, and this recognition directs the MOZ HAT complex to specific chromatin substrates. The structure and function of these epigenetic reader modules has now been elucidated, and a model describing how the cooperative activity of these domains regulates HAT activity in response to the epigenetic landscape is proposed. The emerging role of epigenetic reader domains in disease, and their therapeutic potential for many types of cancer is also highlighted.
Cars, Employment, and Single Mothers: The Effect of Welfare Asset Restrictions

This article measures the effect of asset rules for welfare eligibility on car ownership among single mothers without a college education, and investigates whether these changes lead to changes in employment. We combine micro-level data with data on state welfare asset rules and find that the probability of owning a car is greater in states with higher overall asset limits, states that value vehicles on an equity basis, and states with exemptions for multiple vehicles.
Dynamic Actomyosin Network Morphology in 3D Model of Cytokinetic Ring Assembly

At the onset of cytokinesis in fission yeast (a model organism for studying mitosis), the locations of actin filament nucleation by formins shift from the cell tips to the cell middle. These actin filaments are captured by myosin motors bound to medial cortical nodes and bundled by crosslinking proteins, in order to form a ring. The myosin motors exert forces on the actin filaments, resulting in net pulling of nodes and filaments towards the cell equator, while cross-linking interactions help align actin filaments into a single bundle. We used these mechanisms in a 3D computational model of ring assembly, with semiflexible actin filaments growing from formins at the cell tips and at the medial cell cortex, capturing and pulling of filaments by nodes, and cross-linking among filaments through attractive interactions. The model was used to predict profiles of actin density at the cortex, morphologies of condensing node-filament networks, including the transition from actin cables to ring in different conditions of myosin activity and strength of crosslinking. Results show that cross-linking interactions can lead to confinement of actin filaments that grow from medial locations of the cell cortex. We show that the ring formation region in parameter space lies close to regions leading to clumps, meshworks or double rings, and stars/cables. Since boundaries between regions are not sharp, transient structures that resemble clumps, stars and meshworks can appear in the process of ring assembly. The presence of transient nonmedial cables linking the medial region to the cell tips can further modify these boundaries. These results are consistent with prior experiments with mutations in actin filament turnover regulators, myosin motor activity and changes in the concentration of cross linkers that alter the morphology of the condensing network.
Dendritic cells fused with human cancer cells : Morphology, antigen expression, and T cell stimulation

Abstract Fusion of human dendritic cells (DC) with tumor cells is an effective approach for delivering tumor antigens to DC, and DC/tumor fusion cells are potent stimulators of autologous T cells. However, the integration and morphology of DC/tumor fusion cells has not been examined. In the present study, we fused patient-derived DC to autologous breast or ovarian carcinoma cells. The fusion cells possessed the properties of both parent cells. After fusion, the cytoplasm of the two cells was integrated, whereas their nuclei remained separate entities. Colocalization of MUC1 peptide and HLA-DR molecules was observed on fusion cells under the immunoelectron microscope. Coculture of patient-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with DC/tumor fusion cells resulted in activation of CD4 and CD8 T cells as assessed by IFN-γ secretion, HLA-A*0201-MUC1 tetramer, and standard cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) assays. The present study provides first evidence of integration of human DC and tumor cells and links their properties to T cell activation.
Reductions in Plasma Cystatin C After Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy Are Associated With Reductions in Inflammation: ACTG A5224s.

BACKGROUND Among patients with HIV infection, changes in the kidney filtration marker cystatin C after initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) may be related to changes in body composition or biomarkers of inflammation. METHODS ACTG A5224s was a substudy of A5202, which randomly assigned ART-naive HIV-infected subjects to blinded abacavir/lamivudine (ABC/3TC) or tenofovir/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) with open-label efavirenz (EFV) or ritonavir-boosted atazanavir. This analysis explored changes in cystatin C from 0 to 96 weeks. RESULTS Of the 269 subjects, 85% were male and 66% white non-Hispanics; baseline mean CD4 count was 236 cells per cubic millimeter and cystatin C was 0.89 mg/L. Cystatin C decreased significantly within each arm; however, ritonavir-boosted atazanavir attenuated the beneficial effects of ART on cystatin C compared to EFV. Compared to ABC/3TC, TDF/FTC led to a marginally significant attenuation for percent change analyses only. Higher baseline body mass index and HIV RNA were associated with larger reductions in cystatin C in multivariable models. At baseline, cystatin C was positively correlated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Spearman r = 0.25), interleukin 6 (r = 0.34), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (r = 0.36), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (r = 0.54), tumor necrosis factor α (r = 0.57), and soluble TNF-α receptor I (r = 0.70, all P < 0.001). Reductions in cystatin C from 0 to 96 weeks correlated with reductions in all inflammatory biomarkers (r = 0.39-0.58, P < 0.001) except for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (r = 0.01, P = 0.89) and IL-6 (r = 0.08, P = 0.24). CONCLUSIONS The beneficial effect of ART on cystatin C concentrations is attenuated by boosted ATV when compared to EFV. Reductions in cystatin C after ART are associated with reductions in systemic inflammation.
CELL DEATH IN THE OLFACTORY EPITHELIUM

In the nervous system of vertebrates the olfactory epithelium presents unique cytological characteristics. In the olfactory mucosa, olfactory neurons die and are replaced from undifferentiated neuroblasts over the entire life span of the animal. It remains unclear whether these neurons die as a result of a direct insult from the environment or in fulfillment of a physiological program of cell death. We have studied the distribution and the characteristics of cell death in the olfactory epithelium of normal, adult rats. The olfactory epithelium contains pycnotic bodies resembling those described for thymocytes undergoing terminal apoptotic changes. These appear at all levels in the epithelium, under both light and electron microscopes and can also be demonstrated after vital staining with acridine orange. Chromatin condensation into large blocks, often located at the nuclear periphery, is a morphological hallmark of the nuclei of mature olfactory neurons, which also present an increase in electron density of the cytoplasm. After non-radioactive in situ labeling of fragmented DNA, the nuclei of olfactory neurons are positive. Under the same reaction conditions (mild protease digestion), most of the nuclei of the supporting and basal cells are negative. In vivo incorporation of 5-bromouridine, a marker of RNA synthesis, is also lower in olfactory neurons than in basal and supporting cells. These findings suggest that olfactory neurons are committed very early to physiological cell death.
Lattice Boltzmann methods for modeling microscale flow in fibrous porous media

A lattice Boltzmann description of fluid flow in heterogeneous porous media is presented which is intended for modeling flow processes which occur in liquid composite molding applications. The lattice Boltzmann method is equivalent to solving a hybrid method of the Stokes and Brinkman equations, with the Brinkman equation being implemented to model flow through porous structures, while the Stokes equation is applied to the open regions outside the porous structures. The Brinkman equation is recovered through a modification of the particle equilibrium distribution function, which reduces the magnitude of momentum at specified lattice sites, while leaving the direction of momentum unchanged. As a test of the new lattice Boltzmann model, steady transverse flow (saturated) through a square array of porous cylinders of elliptical cross section is investigated. Cell permeabilities obtained from the lattice Boltzmann simulations are in excellent agreement with a lubrication model, validating the lattice Boltzman...
Review of the Thermal Conductivity of Thin Films

The thermal conductivity of thin e lms (0.01 ‐ 100 mm) governs the heat transfer characteristics and affects the performance and reliability of the microelectronic devices in which they are used. To measure the thermal conductivity of these e lms, several different steady-state and transient techniques have been developed, some involving the use of lasers. New methods of thin-e lm deposition have also been developed. This paper reviews experimental and analytical techniques and the thermal conductivity results obtained. It is shown that that the results obtained by these different measurement techniques and deposition methods vary signie cantly. This emphasizes the importance of measuring the thermal conductivity of thin-e lm materials that closely resemble those being used in specie c applications. Nomenclature A = cross-sectional area a = radius of e lm b = width C = specie c heat d = diameter of metal line E = exponential function e = electrical charge ef = thermal diffusivity f = frequency G = conductance g = ratio of e lm to substrate effusivity I = electrical current K = thermal conductivity k = Boltzmann constant L = location of e lm edge Lo = Lorentz constant l = length of line N = number of slabs of coating material q = power output ‐ input length R = resistance T = temperature t = time W = width X = location of sensor z = layer of thickness a = thermal diffusivity a9 = thermal conductivity of microcracks b = size of microcracks g = fraction cross-sectional area covered by microcracks, g < 1 D = difference « = emissivity l = mean free path of phonons n = velocity of sound r = density s = electrical conductivity t = time constant v = frequency
Occurrence of renal lesions in guinea pigs given parenteral PGA.

Summary1. The administration of PGA to the guinea pig may lead to the development of casts in the renal tubules and to dilation of the obstructed nephrons.2. The lesions may develop with parenteral doses of 1 mg of PGA daily for 21 days.3. With daily parenteral doses of 5 mg of PGA the lesions may develop in 5 days.4. The formation of these casts is not related to the feeding of tyrosine.5. Scurvy is not a prerequisite for the appearance of the injury.6. The lesions were not observed to occur on a stock diet containing cabbage. It appears that such a diet offers some protection against the development of the injury.
The Social Roles of Medicare: Assessing Medicare's Collateral Benefits

The Medicare program incorporates a number of functions that go beyond providing health insurance to its beneficiaries. These activities, which we refer to as "collateral" functions, may have important health consequences but are also an increasing source of controversy. In this essay we develop a conceptual framework for categorizing these involvements, introduce some additional options that might complement Medicare's current collateral functions, assess the reaction of policy elites and Medicare's current beneficiaries to these alternatives, and evaluate the role that collateral activities play for Medicare's core mission. A case can be made for expanding some collateral involvements, but only if the Health Care Financing Administration has the strategic direction and administrative capacity to effectively implement these activities.
A maximum-dissipation principle in generalized plasticity

It is shown that in large-deformation generalized plasticity a local maximum-dissipation postulate is equivalent to the condition that the plastic strain rate (in the sense of Rice) cannot oppose the total strain rate, when strain space is regarded as a Riemannian manifold with the instantaneous Lagrangian tangent elastic stiffness as the metric tensor. From this condition, normality conditions in strain space (in this sense) and in the space of the second Piola-Kirchhoff stress (in the usual sense) are derived. With the additive decomposition of strain, the loading surface has essentially the same properties as in infinitesimal-strain plasticity. For the multiplicative decomposition, approximate normality rules are derived.
A hierarchical model for multigranular optical networks

We present a hierarchical algorithm for grooming lightpaths into wavebands, and routing wavebands over a network of multigranular switching nodes. This algorithm focuses on lowering the number of wavelengths W and ports over the network while being conceptually simple, scalable, and consistent with the way networks are operated and controlled in practice. Our experiments indicate that this algorithm easily scales across different waveband and network sizes.
Fear of Fashion; or, How the Coquette Got Her Bad Name

(2002). Fear of Fashion; or, How the Coquette Got Her Bad Name. ANQ: A Quarterly Journal of Short Articles, Notes and Reviews: Vol. 15, No. 3, pp. 12-21.
Use of Self-Curing Resins in Repairing and Relining Dentures

1. The working time of self-curing acry­ lic denture resins is of short duration but in most cases is long enough for proper trial packing. 2. The strength of these resins is about 80 per cent of that of the heat-cured resins. They do not comply with the strength requirement of American Dental Association Specification No. 12. 3. Water solubility and sorption prop­ erties are satisfactory and meet the speci­ fication requirements. 4. The color stability of many brands of self-curing resins is relatively poor. 5. Acrylic teeth do not bond satis­ factorily to these resins, and if they are used, some mechanical means of reten­ tion must be employed.
Functional analysis of cloned opioid receptors in transfected cell lines.

Opioids modulate numerous central and peripheral processes including pain perception, neuroendocrine secretion and the immune response. The opioid signal is transduced from receptors through G proteins to various different effectors. Heterogeneity exists at all levels of the transduction process. There are numerous endogenous ligands with differing selectivities for at least three distinct opioid receptors (μ, δ, κ). G proteins activated by opioid receptors are generally of the pertussis toxin-sensitive Gi/Go class, but there are also opioid actions that are thought to involve Gq and cholera toxin-sensitive G proteins. To further complicate the issue, the actions of opioid receptors may be mediated by G-protein α subunits and/or βγ subunits. Subsequent to G protein activation several effectors are known to orchestrate the opioid signal. For example activation of opioid receptors increases phosphatidyl inositol turnover, activates K+ channels and reduces adenylyl cyclase and Ca2+ channel activities. Each of these effectors shows considerable heterogeneity. In this review we examine the opioid signal transduction mechanism. Several important questions arise: Why do opioid ligands with similar binding affinities have different potencies in functional assays? To which Ca2+ channel subtypes do opioid receptors couple? Do opioid receptors couple to Ca2+ channels through direct G protein interactions? Does the opioid-induced inhibition of vesicular release occur through modulation of multiple effectors? We are attempting to answer these questions by expressing cloned opioid receptors in GH3 cells. Using this well characterized system we can study the entire opioid signal transduction process from ligand-receptor interaction to G protein-effector coupling and subsequent inhibition of vesicular release.
Wind profiling by a coherent Doppler lidar system VALIDAR with a subspace decomposition approach

The current nonlinear algorithm of the coherent Doppler lidar system VALIDAR at NASA Langley Research Center estimates wind parameters such as Doppler shift, power, wind velocity and direction by locating the maximum power and its frequency from the periodogram of the stochastic lidar returns. Due to the nonlinear nature of the algorithm, mathematically tractable parametric approaches to improve the quality of wind parameter estimates may pose a very little influence on the estimates especially in low signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) regime. This paper discusses an alternate approach to accurately estimate the nonlinear wind parameters while preventing ambiguity in decision-making process via the subspace decomposition of wind data. By exploring the orthogonality between noise and signal subspaces expanded by the eigenvectors corresponding to the eigenvalues representing each subspace, a single maximum power frequency is estimated while suppressing erroneous peaks that are always present with conventional Fourier-transformbased frequency spectra. The subspace decomposition approach is integrated into the data processing program of VALIDAR in order to study the impact of such an approach on wind profiling with VALIDAR.
A Social Exchange Model of Psychological Contract Fulfillment: Where Do Promises, Expectations, LMX, and POS Fit In?

We investigated psychological contract (PC) fulfillment using the three building blocks of the social exchange theory: content of the exchange, parties to the exchange, and the process of the exchange. Results from two studies demonstrate that PC fulfillment is related to different outcomes depending on fulfillment conceptualized in terms of promises as opposed to expectations. Expectations fulfillment is a stronger predictor of affective commitment, whereas promises fulfillment is a stronger predictor of turnover. Additionally, we tested hypotheses to examine the multisource effects of PC fulfillment. PC fulfillment by the supervisor and by the organization highlighted the relationship between PC fulfillment, leader–member exchange (LMX), and perceived organizational support (POS). Findings suggest that expectations fulfillment results in higher LMX when the source of fulfillment is perceived to be the manager and expectations fulfillment is related to higher POS when the organization is deemed as the so...
Orientation of the loci encoding RT1.B polypeptides in the major histocompatibility complex of the rat.

The major histocompatibility complex of the rat (RTI) contains genes that code for two class II histocompatibility antigens. The r12 rat strain (WRC) was derived from a mating which revealed a genetic recombination that defines the two loci, RTI.B and RT1.D, that code for the class II antigens. The RT1.B and RT1.D antigens of the RT1 complex are protein dimers consisting of an alpha and beta glycoprotein chain and are homologous to I-A and I-E genes, respectively, in the H-2 complex of the mouse. We have performed Southern blot analysis on liver DNA from the r12 and parental strains to examine the precise location of the recombinant event. After digestion with restriction enzymes, the DNA was separated on agarose gels, blotted onto nitrocellulose, and hybridized with mouse H-2 cDNA probes specific for I-A alpha and beta genes. The pattern of restriction fragment polymorphisms demonstrated that the site of recombination is between the RT1.B alpha and the RTI.B beta genes. As a result of these findings, we suggest that the sequence of genes within the RTI complex consists of RT1.A ... RT1.Bβ ... RT1.Bα ... RT1.D(α, β) ... Other class I genes, possibly corresponding to mouse Qa and Tla-like genes, were also apparent in these experiments.
Io: Evidence for Silicate Volcanism in 1986

Infrared observations of Io during the 1986 apparition of Jupiter indicate that a large eruptive event occurred on the leading side of Io on August 7, 1986, UT. Measurements made at 4.8, 8.7, and 20 micrometers suggest that the source of the event was about 15 kilometers in radius with a model temperature of about 900 K. These measurements indicate that high-temperature volcanic activity on the leading side of Io may be more frequent than previously thought. The inferred temperature is significantly above the boiling point of sulfur in a vacuum (715 K) and thus constitutes strong evidence for active silicate volcanism on the surface of Io.
Regional hyperthermia for advanced tumors: a clinical study of 353 patients.

Abstract A Phase I study using deep regional hyperthermia (HT) with an annular phased array was conducted in 14 U.S. medical centers from 1980 through 1986. There were 353 patients whose average age was 57 years. All patients had advanced recurrent or persistent tumors. Prior frequently complex, multimodality anti-cancer therapy was received by 71% of the patients. Gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma was present in 146 (41%) patients, genoitourinary tumors in 86 (24%), soft tissue sarcomas in 46 (13%), malignant melanoma in 21 (6%) and 15% had other tumors. The sites treated included: pelvis 55%, abdomen 21%, liver 14%, thorax 6%, and other sites 3%. All patients received deep regional HT with an average frequency of 55 MHz. A total of 1412 HT treatments was administered to these 353 patients with an aim to increase the temperature in the volume of interest to >42°C for a30 minutes. Thermal dose (TD in equivalent minutes at 42.5°C) was 200 in 34 (10%). The remaining 150 (42%) patients had TD=0. In addition to HT, 260 (74%) received radiotherapy (RT). RT was given at 180 or 200 cGy daily with an average total dose of 33.4 Gy. A total of 42 (12%) patients were given chemotherapy (CT) with HT, and 15 (4%) CT + HT + RT/HT alone was given to 47 (13%) patients. Complete response (CR) was obtained in 35 (10%) and partial response (PR) in 59 (17%) patients. CR was 12% in patients who received RT, vs 2% in those who did not receive it, p = 0.003. Radiation dose was an important factor influencing response, p p
Cholesterol-Depleted Cells That Are Relatively Permissive for Semliki Forest Virus Infection

Semliki Forest virus (SFV), an enveloped alphavirus, Infects cells by endocytosis followed by low pH-triggered fusion of the virus and endocytic vesicle membranes. Progeny virus is released by budding from the cell plasma membrane. In vitro, SFV fusion with artificial liposomes is triggered by low pH and is dependent on the presence of cholesterol and sphingolipid in the target liposome membrane. In tissue culture, both SFV fusion and virus exit are strongly cholesterol-dependent when assayed in cholesterol-depleted insect cells. We here describe the preparation of insect cells that while not containing detectable amounts of cholesterol, have adapted to sterol-depleted conditions, resulting in a more permissive phenotype for SFV infection. Although still less efficient at supporting SFV infection than control cholesterol-containing cells, the adapted cells show a 45-fold increase in primary infection by SFV, increased release of progeny virus, and enhanced virus growth kinetics compared to nonadapted cholesterol-depleted cells. The adapted cells are also about 85-fold more permissive for low pH-induced fusion of SFV with the plasma membrane, suggesting that adaptation correlates with a change in the cell membrane.
Weak‐Beam Dark‐Field Microscopy of Complex Stress States in X7R‐Type BaTiO3 Dielectric Core–Shell Structures

X7R-type BaTiO 3 materials were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Powder XRD indicated that the materials had pseudocubic lattices, but core-shell grain structures predominated in bright-field (BF) TEM images. Electron diffraction patterns across the core-shell boundaries and convergent beam electron diffraction patterns of cores and shells indicated that coherent grain boundaries existed between cores and shells. The flat dielectric constant-temperature curves obtained from these materials can be interpreted in terms of the internal stress states in individual grains. The stress states were observed using weak-beam dark-field (WBDF) microscopy, and strain contours formed by distorted crystal planes were visible in the WBDF images. The contours observed were dependent on the stress state of the crystal instead of crystal symmetry and the stress distribution in individual grains was determined by both the thickness ratio of shell and core, and the geometrical relationship of the core and the shell. Twins observed in this material were determined to be growth rather than mechanical twins, through observation of the strain contour distribution.
Hypoperfusion Intensity Ratio Predicts Infarct Progression and Functional Outcome in the DEFUSE 2 Cohort

Background and Purpose—We evaluate associations between the severity of magnetic resonance perfusion-weighted imaging abnormalities, as assessed by the hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR), on infarct progression and functional outcome in the Diffusion and Perfusion Imaging Evaluation for Understanding Stroke Evolution Study 2 (DEFUSE 2). Methods—Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and perfusion-weighted imaging lesion volumes were determined with the RAPID software program. HIR was defined as the proportion of TMax >6 s lesion volume with a Tmax >10 s delay and was dichotomized based on its median value (0.4) into low versus high subgroups as well as quartiles. Final infarct volumes were assessed at day 5. Initial infarct growth velocity was calculated as the baseline diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesion volume divided by the delay from symptom onset to baseline magnetic resonance imaging. Total Infarct growth was determined by the difference between final infarct and baseline DWI volumes. Co...
Mammalian homolog of the yeast cyclase associated protein, CAP/Srv2p, regulates actin filament assembly.

Control of cell shape and motility requires rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton. One cytoskeletal protein that may regulate actin dynamics is CAP (cyclase associated protein; CAP/Srv2p; ASP-56). CAP was first isolated from yeast as an adenylyl cyclase associated protein required for RAS regulation of cAMP signaling. In addition, CAP also regulates the actin cytoskeleton primarily through an actin monomer binding activity. CAP homologs are found in many eukaryotes, including mammals where they also bind actin, but little is known about their biological function. We, therefore, designed experiments to address CAP1 regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. CAP1 localized to membrane ruffles and actin stress fibers in fixed cells of various types. To address localization in living cells, we constructed GFP-CAP1 fusion proteins and found that fusion proteins lacking the actin-binding region localized like the wild type protein. We also performed microinjection studies with affinity-purified anti-CAP1 antibodies in Swiss 3T3 fibroblasts and found that the antibodies attenuated serum stimulation of stress fibers. Finally, CAP1 purified from platelets through a monoclonal antibody affinity purification step stimulated the formation of stress fiber-like filaments when it was microinjected into serum-starved Swiss 3T3 cells. Taken together, these data suggest that CAP1 promotes assembly of the actin cytoskeleton.
Functionalized DNA materials for sensing and medical applications

The U.S. Army has strong interests in nanoscale architectures that enable enhanced extraction and controllable multiplication of the THz/IR regime spectral signatures associated with specific bio-molecular targets. Emerging DNAbased nano-assemblies (i.e., either materials or structural devices) will be discussed that realize novel sensing paradigms through the incorporation of organic and/or biological molecules such that they effect highly predictable and controllable changes into the electro-optical properties of the resulting superstructures. Results will be given to illustrate the utility of functionalized DNA materials in biological (and chemical) sensing, and to demonstrate how the basic science can be leveraged to study and develop synthetic antibodies, reporters and vaccines for future medical applications.
Does negative symptom change relate to neurocognitive change in schizophrenia? Implications for targeted treatments

Abstract Negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction are among the most challenging obstacles in the treatment of schizophrenia. It is unknown to what extent they are overlapping or independent disease processes. In the search for targeted treatments of negative symptoms and cognitive impairments, it is imperative to determine their longitudinal relationship. 267 stable outpatients with schizophrenia in a work and cognitive rehabilitation program were evaluated using symptom measures and a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery at baseline and at the conclusion of rehabilitation, 6 months later. Baseline negative symptom, neuropsychological variables and change scores from intake to follow-up on these variables were correlated. These analyses were repeated with a subsample (n = 161) who had clinically significant negative symptoms at baseline. ANCOVA's were performed to compare patients whose negative symptoms improved by 5 points or more (n = 69) with those whose negative symptoms got worse by 5 points or more (n = 26) on their neurocognitive performance at follow-up. Intake negative symptoms were significantly associated with theory of mind and visuomotor processing. Results failed to support a lawful relationship between change in negative symptoms and neurocognition. These findings suggest that negative symptoms and neurocognition should be viewed as relatively independent targets for intervention.
Effects of Environment on Creep Behavior of Nextel 720/Alumina-Mullite Ceramic Composite at 1200 deg C

Abstract : The creep behavior of an oxide-oxide ceramic matrix composite (CMC) was investigated at 1200 deg C in Laboratory air, in steam and in argon. The composite consisted of a porous alumina-mullite matrix reinforced with laminated, woven mullite/alumina (Nextes/720) fibers. The composite had no fiber coating and relied on its porous alumina/mullite matrix for flaw tolerance. Tensile stress-strain behavior was investigated and the tensile properties were measured at 1200 deg C in laboratory air. Tensile creep behavior of the CMCs was examined for creep stress level of 73, 91, 1114 and 136 MPa. Creep run-out, set to 100 h, was achieved for stress levels <= 91 MPa in air. The presence of steam or argon accelerated the creep rates the N720/AM composite. Optical and scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs were used to examine fracture surfaces and to evaluate failure mechanisms. Fracture surfaces of the N720/AM composite were predominately planar. Limited areas of short fiber pull-out were observed for specimens tested at low creep stress levels in air.
Endothelin-1-mediated signaling in the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in astrocytes.

PURPOSE. Endothelin (ET)-1 levels are increased in aqueous and vitreous humor in patients with glaucoma and animal models of glaucoma. Whether the elevated ET-1 induces extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in the optic nerve head is still unknown. In the present study, the regulation of matrix metalloproteinases/tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs/TIMPs) and ECM remodeling in ET-1-activated human optic nerve head astrocytes (hONAs) were determined. METHODS. Primary hONAs were exposed to ET-1 for 1 day and 4 days. Incubation media were subjected to zymography and Western blot to detect activity and expression of MMPs and TIMPs. Fibronectin (FN) was monitored by Western blot and immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS. ET-1 increased the activity of MMP-2 and the expression of TIMP-1 and -2 in hONAs. The expression of TIMP-1 and -2 induced by ET-1 was abolished by application of inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) or PKC, leading to enhanced activity of MMP-2. Knockdown of MMP-2, by using small interfering (si)RNA, not only decreased the activity of MMP-2 but also decreased the expression of TIMP-1 and -2. ET-1 increased the soluble (s)FN expression as well as FN matrix formation. However, the accumulation of sFN did not enhance FN matrix formation. Unlike ET-1’s effects on MMP-2, blockade of MAPK and PKC did not alter the expression and deposition pattern of FN in hONAs. CONCLUSIONS. ET-1 increased the expression and activity of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 and -2. The ERK-MAPK and PKC pathways are involved in the regulation of expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-1 and -2. ET-1’s effects on MMPs/TIMPs may be important, not only in regulating the expression of MMPs and TIMPs, but also in influencing ECM remodeling. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2007;48:3737‐3745) DOI:10.1167/iovs.06-1138
Access for persons with neurogenic communication disorders: Influences of Personal and Environmental Factors of the ICF

Background: Access for persons with acquired communication disorders is an important area that has been evaluated and discussed using many different theoretical frameworks. Clinicians and researchers need practical frameworks and more direction to guide specific assessments of the issues influencing access. Aim: This article discusses the issue of access through the framework of the Personal and Environmental Factors of the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Main Contribution: The ICF's Personal and Environmental Factors are discussed in relationship to access and their interactions with each other. A fuller understanding of the complexities of access issues can be achieved though the ICF framework and this article uses clinical examples to demonstrate this complexity. The clinician's role in promoting or hindering access for their clients is discussed. Lastly, the challenge of evidence‐based practice and research with access issues is ad...
Test of the neoclassical theory of radiation in a weakly excited atomic system

The neoclassical theory of radiation predicts that the decay rate of an excited atomic state depends on the population density of the lower state. Experimental evidence is presented here which shows that in the case of $^{39}\mathrm{K}$ the decay rate is in agreement with the predictions of quantum electrodynamics and definitely in disagreement with the neoclassical theory.
The Initial Outpatient-Physician Encounter in Group A Streptococcal Necrotizing Fasciitis

Of 15 patients in whom the diagnosis of streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis was missed at initial outpatient evaluation, 8 died. Although influenza-like and gastrointestinal symptoms were common, the most consistent clinical clue was unrelenting pain out of proportion to the physical findings. Necrotizing fasciitis should be considered in patients presenting with the latter complaint, even if there is only mild or no fever or erythema.
A unified index for power distribution reliability/power quality indices

There is much current interest in electric power distribution system reliability and power quality. Reliability is increasingly assessed using the indices SAIFI, SAIDI, and CAIDI. More recently, a similar index, MAIFI, has been proposed to assess the level of momentary interruptions on a distribution system. Power distribution companies are being asked to improve their performance by lowering these indices. The indices, however, can give conflicting results to system changes, and designers find it difficult to compare competing design options. This paper proposes a single index which combines the performance information captured by SAIFI, SAIDI, CAIDI, and MAIFI. This index incorporates customer preferences on interruption frequency and duration, and is readily adaptable to local conditions and preferences. The paper includes a detailed case study that demonstrates the performance of the proposed index relative to these existing reliability and power quality indices.
Selective Stimulation of the Spinal Cord Surface Using a Stretchable Microelectrode Array

By electrically stimulating the spinal cord, it is possible to activate functional populations of neurons that modulate motor and sensory function. One method for accessing these neurons is via their associated axons, which project as functionally-segregated longitudinal columns of white- matter funiculi (i.e., spinal tracts). To stimulate spinal tracts without penetrating the cord, we have recently developed technology that enables close-proximity, multi-electrode contact with the spinal cord surface. Our stretchable microelectrode arrays (sMEAs) are fabricated using an elastomer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate and can be wrapped circumferentially around the spinal cord to optimize electrode contact. Here, sMEAs were used to stimulate the surfaces of rat spinal-cords maintained in vitro, and their ability to selectively activate axonal surface tracts was compared to rigid bipolar tungsten microelectrodes pressed firmly onto the cord surface. Along dorsal column tracts, the axonal response to sMEA stimulation was compared to that evoked by rigid microelectrodes through measurement of their evoked axonal compound action potentials (CAPs). Paired t-tests failed to reveal significant differences between the sMEA’s and the rigid microelectrode’s stimulus resolution, or in their ranges of evoked CAP conduction velocities. Additionally, dual-site stimulation using sMEA electrodes recruited spatially-distinct populations of spinal axons. Site-specific stimulation of the ventrolateral funiculus—a tract capable of evoking locomotor-like activity—recruited ventral-root efferent activity that spanned several spinal segments. These findings indicate that the sMEA stimulates the spinal cord surface with selectivity similar to that of rigid microelectrodes, while possessing potential advantages concerning circumferential contact and mechanical compatibility with the cord surface.
Who Owns Community

AbstractAs our organizational life becomes more complex and busy, the likelihood of fragmentation and isolation among campus members increases. Conditions such as these call for greater attention to nurturing a sense of community. However, it is not always clear where responsibility for leading the development of campus community resides.
Exegesis, Theology, and Spirituality: Reading the Dvaya Mantra According to Vedānta Deśika

There is a significant body of literature on the meaning and use of mantras in Hindu and other Indian traditions (see, for example, Alper 1989; Coward and Goa 1991; Padoux 2003; Patton 2005).2 Much is known today about Vedic mantras and their use and their interpretation in the systematic analyses of the Mimamsa (see Clooney 1990: 116?22); the importance of mantras in ancient and contemporary devotional traditions too is clear, and texts such as the Laksml Tantra instruct us amply on the use of mantras in certain Tantric traditions (see Gupta 2000: particularly 391-98). But we still require a better sense of how mantras fit into the worldview and practice of specific communities in accord with their own self-understanding. There is a limit to how much of this richer understanding can be acquired from texts, apart from the living traditions of speech and practice; but it would be a mistake to overlook how traditions have explained mantras and highlighted their significance in their written texts, often at great length. In this essay I take a single example from the Srivaisnava Hindu tradition, an ancient tradition of South India, devoted to worship of Narayana as the sole God, along with his consort, Sri Laksml. I will show that its sources give us very ample information by which to understand how and why particular mantras (though I give just one extended example) are meaning ful for that ancient and continuing community. In Srivaisnava sources we find three particularly cherished mantras1, that encode in three ways prapatti or saranagati, the act of taking refuge with the divine couple: the Tiru Mantra, awn namo narayanaya (aum, praise to Narayana), a confession of the utter dependence of all beings on that divine person; the Carama Sloka, sarvadharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja, aham tva sarvapapebhyo moksayisyami ma sucah (Having completely given up all modes of righteousness, to Me alone come for refuge. From all sins I will free you. Do not grieve), as the divine invitation to take refuge with the divine person and live one's life without self-righteousness; and the Dvaya Mantra, srimannarayanacaranau saranam
A1 receptor mediated myocardial infarct size reduction by endogenous adenosine is exerted primarily during ischaemia.

Objective: The aim was to test the hypothesis that A1 receptor mediated cardioprotection by endogenous adenosine is exerted during ischaemia rather than reperfusion. Methods: Anaesthetised open chest rabbits were subjected to 30 min regional ischaemia and 120 min reperfusion, and randomised to one of six groups: group I — saline vehicle (VEH) (n=12) to allow A1 and A2 adenosine receptor interactions during ischaemia and reperfusion: group II — both A1 and A2 receptors were antagonised during ischaemia and reperfusion with 8-p-sulphophenyltheophylline (SPT) (10 mg·kg−1) (SPTIR, n = 14); groups III and IV — the selective A1 adenosine receptor antagonist 8-(3-noradamantyl)-l,3-dipropylxanthine (KW-3902) was given during ischaemia-reperfusion in low dose (1 mg·kg−1. LA1-IR, n = 11) and higher dose (2 mg·kg−1, HA1-IR, n = 6); group V - KW-3902 (1 mg·kg−1) was given only during reperfusion (A1-R, n = 12); group VI — SPT was given only at reperfusion (SPTR, n = 11). Results: In in vitro studies, (1) KW-3902 completely inhibited negative inotropic effects of the A1 agonist R(-)N6-(2 phenylisopropyl) adenosine (R-PIA) in catecholamine stimulated papillary muscles, and (2) had no effect on concentration dependent vasorelaxation to adenosine or R-PIA. In in vivo studies, transmural myocardial blood flow in the area at risk (determined using 15 μm radiolabelled microspheres) was reduced by 98% in all groups from 139(SEM 15.8) to 2.7(1.1) ml·min−1·100 g−1 (p<0.001). At 120 min of reperfusion. blood flow in the area of necrosis was significantly less in groups LA1-IR [48.6(6.2)], HA1-IR [36.1(7.1)], SPTIR [35.9(6.4)]. and SPTR [25.1(5.4)] compared to groups VEH [69.1(15.8)] and A1-R [77.2(11.8)]. The area at risk (Ar) was equivalent among groups. SPT treatment during ischaemia-reperfusion in the SPTIR group increased the area of necrosis (An. assessed by triphenyltetrazolium chloride) relative to Ar (An/Ar) to 51(1.9)% v 26.0(1.7)% in VEH group. KW-3902 in LA1-IR and HA1-IR during both ischaemia and reperfusion increased An/Ar to 35.2(2.5)% and 35.2(2.1)% of area at risk, respectively, both of which were significantly less than the SPTIR group. With A, blockade at reperfusion (A1-R), An/Ar was equivalent to that in VEH [27.0(1.9)%], while an infarct size of 46.7(2.1)% was still observed in SPTR. Conclusions: While adenosine exerts its predominant modulation of infarct size during reperfusion, the cardioprotection mediated by A, receptor mechanisms is modest and exerted principally during the ischaemic time period. Cardiovascular Research 1994; 28 :270-279
A Statistical Analysis of Pupil Noise

The random fluctuations of human pupillary area provide an interesting example of a stochastic process in a biological system. Statistical theory and system analysis have guided the authors in performing experiments which reveal important properties involved in the random process.