cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pearce Bailey: Shrewd Selection of the Second President of the Emerging American Academy of Neurology (S44.007)

OBJECTIVE: To study the history of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), directing particular attention to the selection of its early leaders. More broadly, to examine the institutional, social and societal forces that shaped the emergence of our medical discipline. BACKGROUND: The AAN was established shortly after World War II in a changing social climate in the United States (US). The fledgling organization, which was dubbed the “progressive middle class” of neurology, met with stiff resistance from established neurological traditions in the US, referred to as “the aristocrats”. For these reasons, the choice of leadership was particularly critical. DESIGN/METHODS: Detailed study of historical materials in the AAN Historical Collection. RESULTS: Pearce Bailey (1902 - 1976) was second president of the AAN, from 1951 - 1953, taking over from the founding president, A.B. Baker. It is likely that Bailey was carefully chosen for a number of reasons. First, were his connections with the Veteran’s Administration (VA), as Chief of the Neurology Section. The VA was a strong force behind the expansion of American neurology during the postwar period. Second, was his understanding of the public health mission of the academy, and the value of connections with the US Public Health Service. Third, were his connections with important government agencies; indeed, in 1951 he was to become the first director of the National Institute of Neurological Disease and Blindness. Finally, aside from being a “master politician”, and an activating force, Bailey’s personality was such that he was someone to be reckoned with. CONCLUSIONS: The choice of Pearce Bailey was a shrewd one, occurring during a critical time for the newly-established and politically-vulnerable AAN. Bailey was a leader with potential to empower the organization to fulfill a set of novel and challenging missions. Study Supported by: 2011 Richard Tyler Award (AAN). Disclosure: Dr. Louis has nothing to disclose.
Cardiac Pacing and Defibrillation in Children and Young Adults

The population of children and young adults requiring a cardiac pacing device has been consistently increasing. The current generation of devices are small with a longer battery life, programming capabilities that can cater to the demands of the young patients and ability to treat brady and tachyarrhythmias as well as heart failure. This has increased the scope and clinical indications of using these devices. As patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) comprise majority of these patients requiring devices, the knowledge of indications, pacing leads and devices, anatomical variations and the technical skills required are different than that required in the adult population. In this review we attempt to discuss these specific points in detail to improve the understanding of cardiac pacing in children and young adults.
Spatial coherence of solar radiation for regions in the central and eastern united states

Information from the National Climatic Data Center's Solar and Meteorological Surface Observation Network CD-ROM data set is used to study the spatial coherence of incoming solar radiation for selected regions in the United States for the 30-year period 1961–1990. Networks of nine sites are analyzed for each of five regions: North Central, Ohio Valley, New England, East Texas, and Southern Piedmont. The spatial coherence of solar radiation is examined by calculating the standard deviation of daily differences in solar radiation receipt for paired stations and subsequently determining a coefficient of variability. These are plotted as a function of distance between station pairings to establish absolute and relative solar radiation spatial-variation relationships. Comparisons are made among the five regions with the Southern Piedmont showing the most spatial coherence and New England generally having the greatest variation (i.e., greater standard deviation and coefficient of variability values with distanc...
Dissecting the smell of fear from conspecific and heterospecific prey: investigating the processes that induce anti-predator defenses

Prey use chemical cues from predation events to obtain information about predation risk to alter their phenotypes. Though we know how many prey respond to predators, we still have a poor understanding of the processes and chemical cues involved during a predation event. We examined how gray treefrog tadpoles (Hyla versicolor) altered their behavior and morphology when raised with cues from different stages of predator attack, predators fed different amounts of prey, and predators consuming different combinations of treefrog tadpoles or snails (Helisoma trivolvis). We found that starved predators and predators fed snails induced no defensive responses whereas tadpoles exposed to a predator consuming gray treefrogs induced greater hiding, lower activity, and relatively deeper tails. We also found that the tadpoles did not respond to crushed, chewed, or digested conspecifics, but they did respond to consumed (i.e., chewed plus digested) conspecifics. When we increased the treefrog biomass consumed by predators, tadpoles frequently increased their defenses when only tadpoles were consumed and always increased their defenses when the total diet biomass was held constant via the inclusion of snails. When predators experienced temporal variation in diet composition, including cues from snails to cause additional digestive cues or chemical noise, there was no effect on tadpole phenotypes. Our results suggest that amphibian prey rely on cues from both chewing and digestion of conspecifics and that the presence of cues from digested heterospecifics play little or no role in adding chemical noise or increased digestive enzymes and by-products that could potentially interfere with induced defenses.
Zooming in on the Human–Mouse Comparative Map: Genome Conservation Re-examined on a High-Resolution Scale

Over the past decade, conservation of genetic linkage groups has been shown in mammals and used to great advantage, fueling significant exchanges of gene mapping and functional information especially between the genomes of humans and mice. As human physical maps increase in resolution from chromosome bands to nucleotide sequence, comparative alignments of mouse and human regions have revealed striking similarities and surprising differences between the genomes of these two best-mapped mammalian species. Whereas, at present, very few mouse and human regions have been compared on the physical level, existing studies provide intriguing insights to genome evolution, including the observation of recent duplications and deletions of genes that may play significant roles in defining some of the biological differences between the two species. Although high-resolution conserved marker-based maps are currently available only for human and mouse, a variety of new methods and resources are speeding the development of comparative maps of additional organisms. These advances mark the first step toward establishment of the human genome as a reference map for vertebrate species, providing evolutionary and functional annotation to human sequence and vast new resources for genetic analysis of a variety of commercially, medically, and ecologically important animal models.
A simple control scheme for variable speed wind turbines

Wind turbines can operate at their maximum power coefficient under variable wind conditions if they have variable speed capabilities. A simple control scheme allows induction generators to operate at an optimal speed for a given wind speed. This scheme uses a standard V/Hz converter operated to give the frequency required for the given shaft speed and power requirement. Small signal analysis of this control shows it to be stable and have a bandwidth suitable to track the wind. Simulations and experimental results show the system to work well.
Influences of gear type and analytical methodology on fish assemblage characterisations in temperate lakes

A variety of gears and analytical methods can be used to characterise lentic fish assemblages; however, the combined influence of gear type and analysis can affect conclusions about assemblage patterns. Fish assemblages sampled with night electric fishing, gillnets and trapnets from 153 lakes were evaluated using summary indices of species composition, pairwise community similarity comparisons and multivariate ordination. For a given amount of effort, electric fishing had the highest species richness, while gillnets had higher diversity and evenness. Pairwise comparisons between gears revealed that (1) richness was positively correlated among all gears, (2) diversity and evenness were generally not correlated across gears and (3) electric fishing and trapnets captured more similar species than all other pairwise comparisons. Gear-specific multivariate correlation and ordination revealed that gillnet and electric fishing samples more similarly characterised variation in assemblages among lakes, while trapnets characterised assemblages along different gradients of species composition. These results indicate that either electric fishing or trapnetting can be used when assessing shallow-water assemblages for diversity or evenness, gillnets and either electric fishing or trapnets should be used for whole-lake assessments, and either gillnets or electric fishing should be used when evaluating regionwide variation in lake assemblages.
Progression of Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis Does Obesity Make a Difference

Background— Obesity is associated with coronary artery calcification (CAC), a marker of the presence and extent of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. Obesity adds incremental information in identifying those at higher risk of coronary heart disease to traditional risk factor assessment. The present study examined associations between obesity measures and progression of CAC in those at higher (≥10%) and lower (<10%) 10-year coronary heart disease risk according to the Framingham risk equation. Methods and Results— In this study, 443 asymptomatic white individuals >30 years of age (243 men) had baseline and follow-up CAC measurements an average of 8.9 years apart. Multivariable linear regression models were fit to determine associations of obesity measures at baseline with progression of CAC defined as loge of the difference between follow-up and baseline CAC area plus 1 divided by time (in years) between examinations, adjusting for baseline CAC quantity, age, sex, baseline hypertension status, and baseline cholesterol level. Among 329 participants (74.3%) in the lower-risk group, waist circumference ( P =0.024), waist-to-hip ratio ( P <0.001), body mass index ( P =0.036), and being overweight compared with being underweight or of normal weight ( P =0.008) were each significantly positively associated with progression of CAC. Among those at higher coronary heart disease risk, no baseline obesity measures were associated with CAC progression. Conclusions— Various measures of obesity were associated with increased progression of CAC in those at lower risk of coronary heart disease. Future studies examining the effectiveness of weight reduction strategies in reducing CAC progression among those with an otherwise favorable risk factor profile may be warranted. Received November 5, 2004; revision received January 7, 2005; accepted February 9, 2005.
Remifentanil, Fentanyl, or the Combination in Surgical Procedures in the United States: Predictors of Use in Patients with Organ Impairment or Obesity

Introduction Remifentanil has a rapid onset and short duration of action, predictable pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile, and unlike fentanyl, does not accumulate with repeated or prolonged administration. This study evaluated predictors of remifentanil use in surgical patients with renal or hepatic impairment, or obesity in the United States who received remifentanil, fentanyl, or the combination.
EXPERIENCES OF CHILDREN AND PARENTS IN A HEMODIALYSIS AND KIDNEY TRANSPLANT PROGRAM

The presentation consists of a video transfer documentary dealing with the emotional and social aspects of hemodialysis and kidney transplantation. The experiences and perceptions of children and families in the program as well as those of the medical care team are documented on film with narration composed of segments of interviews with patients, parents, staff conferences, etc. Interactions within the dialysis unit and in the operating room as well as encounters with patients in the clinics, on the wards and in patients' homes are included. The film emphasizes the need for planning treatment in light of the patient's personality, developmental stage and family background in an awareness of the patient's value system, which is not always congruent with that of the medical establishment.
An imaging system for extended ArF immersion lithography

The k1 factor continues to be driven downwards, even beyond its theoretical limit 0.25 in order to enable the 32 nm feature generation and beyond. Due to the extremely small process window that will be available for such extremely demanding imaging challenges, it is necessary that each unit contributing to the imaging system be driven to its ultimate performance capability. The units in such an integrated imaging system include the projection lens, illumination optics, in-situ metrology tooling, reticle stage control, and wafer stage control. In this paper we are going to discuss the required functions especially for projection lens and illumination system and how to optimally control each unit in cooperation with the others in order to achieve the goal of 32 nm patterning and beyond.
Steroid extraction and tissue digestion in the assay of radioactivity in rat brain following tritiated estradiol — 17β

Ovariectomized female rats, half of which were pretreated with unlabeled estradiol-17β, were administered 3H-estradiol-17β and sacrificed two hours later. Paired hypothalamic and cortical samples were taken. One hypothalamic and one cortical sample from each rat was digested in NCS tissue solvent (Amersham-Searle), mixed with fluor and allowed to dissipate chemofluorescence under heat before counting. The other hypothalamic and cortical samples were subjected to one of five different treatments. Some samples were digested in NCS and counted immediately after the addition of fluor. Some samples were digested in NCS and counted after the addition of fluor and acetic acid. Some samples were homogenized in acetone and extracted with a) ethyl acetate, b) ethanol:acetone or c) acetone and methanol. With the exception of the digestion plus fluor with acetic acid treatment, all treatments yielded the same result, namely higher radioactivity levels in hypothalamus than in cortex and an inhibition of uptake by pretreatment with unlabeled estradiol in hypothalamus, but not in cortex. Counting immediately after the addition of fluor revealed the presence of chemofluorescence which dissipated in approximately 12 hours at room temperature. The three extraction procedures yielded similar results, although ethyl acetate extraction appeared to be slightly more effective than the other treatments. It was concluded that both tissue digestion and steroid extraction procedures can be used effectively in the assessment of steroid localization in brain tissue.
Vasopressin analog with extraordinarily high antidiuretic potency: a study of conformation and activity

Application of information derived from a three-dimensional model of vasopressin bound to its antidiuretic receptor has resulted in the design and synthesis of a potent analog, [1-deamino, 2-phenylalanine, 7-(3,4-dehydroproline)]-arginine vasopressin; this analog has a specific antidiuretic activity of 13,000 +/- 1,250 units per milligram; noteworthy at these doses is the absence of any detectable pressor activity. Three modifications based on conformational considerations were introduced into the vasopressin molecule in preparing the analog: (i) to enhance binding, a double bond was introduced into the side chain of an amino acid residue occupying a corner position of a beta turn in the vasopressin conformation, (ii) the hydroxyl moiety was deleted from Tyr2, and (iii) to tighten the backbone structure and to enhance the enzymatic resistance of the analog, the NH2-terminal amino group was deleted.
Photodissociation of propargyl bromide and photoionization of the propargyl radical.

Velocity map imaging was used to study the 193nm photodissociation of propargyl bromide C3H3Br as well as the photoionization dynamics of the resulting propargyl radical C3H3. Images were recorded by using single-photon vacuum ultraviolet ionization of the propargyl radical and by using two-photon resonant, three-photon ionization of the ground state Br(P3∕22) and spin-orbit excited Br*(P1∕22) atoms. Analysis of these data allowed the determination of the branching ratio Br:Br* as well as the photofragment angular distributions. Images of C3H3 produced by the photodissociation of both C3H3Br and C3H3Cl were recorded at several energies between 8.97 and 9.12eV, as well as at 9.86eV, and showed no obvious internal energy dependence of the relative photoionization cross sections.
In Situ Settling Speeds of Marine Snow Aggregates Below the Mixed Layer: Black Sea and Gulf of Mexico

Abstnct-Zn situ settling speeds of marine snow aggregates were determined with the Marine Aggregate Settling Collector and Observation Tower (MASCOT) in the central Black Sea and in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The Black Sea data showed a wide distribution in size and settling speeds of marine snow aggregates (0.5-55 mm diameter and 1.3-280 m/d) with an average settling speed of 11.7 m/d over all size classes. However, these settling speeds might have been inlhtenced by the addition of salt (0.9% above the background seawater) plus formalin to the water in one side of the acrylic chamber of the MASCOT. Data from the Gulf of Mexico had a smaller range in terms of size and speed (0.5-3.5 mm diameter and IO-89 m/d). The average settling speed over all size classes was approximately three times higher (33.8 m/d) than for aggregates measured in the Black Sea. Stokes’ Law predicts that settling speeds are determined by both density and volume of an aggregate. For both study sites no statistically significant correlation of settling speed with the equivalent spherical diameter (ESD) of the aggregates was found. It was therefore concluded that variations in density controlled the aggregate settling speeds measured in these two study areas. 0 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd
The Effects of Heterologous Platelet Transfusion on Pulmonary Function during ARDS

Pulmonary platelet sequestration has been implicated in the pathophysiology of ARDS. Since HPTs are frequently given therapeutically to patients with ARDS, a serious concern clinically has been the possibility that platelet transfusions might worsen pulmonary function in such patients. To prospectively evaluate this issue, we assessed the effects of HPT on two parameters of pulmonary function: (1) Qs/Qt; and (2) PVR. Measurements were made immediately before and at 1 hour and 4 hours after HPT in 16 patients during 18 separate episodes of ARDS and in 11 control patients. The ARDS had been present for at least 48 hours in all patients at the time of study. Prior to HPT, patients with ARDS had significantly worse pulmonary function compared to control subjects. Although a small number of patients with ARDS had large changes in PVR and Qs/Qt after HPT, no group showed significant changes in any pulmonary parameter following transfusion. Neither individual changes in the platelet count after HPT nor the duration of ARDS before HPT was associated with changes in pulmonary function after platelet administration. We concluded that therapeutically required HPT did not significantly worsen pulmonary function at up to four hours after transfusion in this group of patients with well-defined and fully evolved (>48-hour duration) ARDS. The reason for this absence of effect was not known, but the pathogenesis of ARDS might only he susceptible to alteration during the early developmental stage.
Computerized Simulation Models: An Educational Experiment

The major purpose of Gentry's report is to “develop a rationale for use of computerized Monte Carlo simulation models in the economics and finance curricula.” In simulating the capital investment decision-making process, Gentry employed market analysis (including market size and growth), investment analysis, and fixed and variable costs. This simulation is illustrated graphically. The author explains how the sensitivity of each variable is tested, and the use of the computer in testing the relationships hypothesized among the variables. The effect of the simulation on students and on the instruction is briefly described.
Review of New Guidelines for the Management of Glucocorticoid Induced Osteoporosis

The chronic use of glucocorticoids results in osteoporosis. Several sets of guidelines have been published on the management of glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis (GIO). These guidelines vary on their focus and highlight different aspects of the current concepts in the management of GIO. In this current article, we summarize recent guidelines for management of GIO and highlight similarities and differences as well as address some of the controversies generated by these guidelines.
The effects of cations on the yield stress of ovalbumin monolayers

Abstract The effect of the binding of various cations on the two-dimensional yield stress of ovalbumin monolayers has been investigated. At low ionic concentrations in the subphase, the measured yields vary with the age of the film, and the kinetics appear diffusion controlled. When ethylenediaminetetraacetate is present along with the ions, the yields are independent of the time. In all cases, the two-dimensional yield stress is linearly related to the surface pressure at the yield point, and the extrapolation to zero yield intersects the surface pressure axis at about 4 dynes/cm. This surface pressure normally occurs at the point of minimum compressibility and has been related to the upper limit of reversibility in the isotherm. The development of a yield point at about 4 dynes/cm implies the formation of a two-dimensional structure not present at lower surface pressures. The metal ions change the strength of this structure, and the yields correlate with the charge reversal spectra for protein colloids. These measurements suggest that the mechanical strength in such biological systems as cell membranes is probably due to the interactions between the proteins present and is affected by changes in the ionic environment.
Castile, Iran, and Economic Windfall

W A HAT can happen if a traditional society receives a massive infusion of new wealth? We examine the experiences of early modern Castile and contemporary Iran. We eschew purely economic explanations such as the quantity theory of money, and stress instead the influence of social institutions and government policies on economic growth and political stability. Castile was the direct recipient of the largest transfer of wealth during the 16th and 17th centuries. The discovery of gold and silver in the New World had the greatest impact on this region of Spain which, incidentally, was not a unified state at that time.' More recently, members of OPEC were the beneficiaries of a similar windfall due to the rising price of oil. The experience of Iran is particularly interesting, because it shows vividly the destabilizing effects of rapid growth. In contrast, Castile enjoyed relative political stability, but at the cost of economic stagnation.
Evaluation of Blade Passage Analysis Using Coarse Grids

We present the results of a study using coarse grids to analyze the flow in the impellers of an axial flow pump and a mixed flow pump. A commercial CFD code (FLOTRAN) is used to solve the 3-D Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes equations in a rotating cylindrical coordinate system. The standard κ-e turbulence model is used. The meshes for this study use 22,000 nodes and 40,000 nodes for the axial flow impeller, and 26,000 nodes for the mixed flow impeller. Both models are run on a SPARCstation 20. This is in contrast to typical analyses using in excess of 100,000 nodes, The smaller mesh size has advantages in the design environment. Stage design parameters for the axial flow impeller are, rotational speed 870 rpm, flow coefficient Φ=0.13, head coefficient ψ=0.06, and specific speed 2.97 (8101 US). For the mixed flow impeller the parameters are, rotational speed 890 rpm, flow coefficient Φ=0.116, head coefficient ψ=0.094, and specific speed 2.01 (5475 US). Evaluation of the models is based on a comparison of circumferentially averaged results to measured data for the same impeller. Comparisons to measured data include axial and tangential velocities, static pressure, and total pressure. A comparison between the coarse and fine meshes for the axial flow impeller is included
Dual Functionality of Antimicrobial and Antifouling of Poly(N-hydroxyethylacrylamide)/Salicylate Hydrogels

The emergence and reemergence of microbial infection demand an urgent response to develop effective biomaterials that prevent biofilm formation and associated bacterial infection. In this work, we have synthesized and characterized hybrid poly(N-hydroxyethylacrylamide) (polyHEAA)/salicylate (SA) hydrogels with integrated antifouling and antimicrobial capacities. The antifouling efficacy of polyHEAA hydrogels was examined via exposure to proteins, cells, and bacteria, while the antimicrobial activity of SA-treated polyHEAA hydrogels was investigated against both Gram-negative Escherichia coli RP437 and Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis. The results showed that polyHEAA/SA hydrogels exhibited high surface resistance to protein adsorption, cell adhesion, and bacteria attachment. The polyHEAA hydrogels were also characterized by their water content and state of water, revealing a strong ability to contain and retain high nonfreezable water content. This work demonstrates that the hybrid polyHEAA/SA hyd...
“Is there a future in this past?” Analyzing 15M's intricate relation to the Transición

AbstractThe current economic recession in Spain prompted a need to reassess post-authoritarian phenomena, as in moments of deep social, political and economic crisis the recent past tends to become an issue of contention. A key question of the indignados' self-representation and understanding of self revolves around their relation to the past and, in particular, the transition to democracy. The present paper aims to analyze how these social activists perceive their relation to the Transicion and the so-called memoria historica, thus exploring the complex ways in which the troubled past is being re-signified and re-framed by social actors in the present. Based on a close reading of oral testimony, in conjunction with written and visual sources, this paper highlights the movement's rebellious attitude vis-a-vis the hegemonic memory of the “model transition.” At the same time, it underlines the indignados' dependence on models of activism that emerged during the very years of the transition to democracy.
Phytodegradation of p,p′-DDT and the enantiomers of o,p′-DDT.

The reductive dechlorination of p,p‘- and o,p‘-DDT at the μg/mL level in the presence of the aquatic plant Elodea (Elodea canadensis) and the terrestrial plant kudzu (Pueraria thunbergiana) is described; studies included analysis of the enantiomers of chiral o,p‘-DDT and its chiral degradation product, o,p‘-DDD, to determine whether the reaction was enantioselective. The degradation process was followed by GC using a γ-cyclodextrin-based chiral phase. The half-lives for degradation of both o,p‘- and p,p‘-DDT by Elodea and kudzu ranged from 1 to 3 days, apparently depending on growth conditions of the plants. The only products identified were o,p‘- and p,p‘-DDD; no DDE or DDA were detected. Phytodegradation experiments using Elodea and carbon-14 labeled p,p‘-DDT indicated that up to 22% of DDT analogues were covalently bound within the plant. DDT degradation by Elodea was only about 40% slower after γ irradiation at 300 krads, indicating the major process not to be dependent upon live microbes. Dead Elodea...
Stratigraphy and Sedimentation of Deep-Sea Oceanic Formation on Barbados, West Indies: ABSTRACT

Detailed study of the Oceanic Formation on Barbados has revealed a record of pelagic sedimentation from earliest middle Eocene through latest Oligocene (20-50 m.y. ago). A succession of diverse lithologies and lateral facies changes within contemporaneous sediments is recognized. The succession consists of foraminiferal, radiolarian, and nannoplanktonic clays and marls, radiolarites, spiculites, diatomites, cherts, brown clays, and volcanic ash beds. All are eupelagic, deep-sea sediments. Of particular interest are (1) radiolarites and cherts which correlate with middle Eocene cherts shown by Deep Sea Drilling Projects to be widespread in both the Atlantic and Pacific; and (2) regular, periodic fluctuations of carbonate sedimentation rates and Foraminifera-nannoplankton r tios, in the upper Oligocene foraminiferal marls, which are similar to those frequently observed in Pleistocene foraminiferal oozes and attributed to climatic periodicities. No evidence for progressive shallowing of the Barbados Ridge is apparent until after deposition of both the Oceanic Formation and the overlying Conset Marl. No in situ shallow-water sediments on Barbados are older than 10-15 m.y. This is consistent with the predicted arrival of the Caribbean plate into the present eastern Caribbean. Middle and late Eocene sediments exhibit lateral facies changes. These are characterized by both a decrease and an increase in absolute sedimentation rates of carbonate and terrigeneous clay, respectively, from north to south. The paleoslope determined from sedimentary structures deepens from north to south and suggests that the observed facies change may be attributed to increasing carbonate dissolution with depth. However, the accompanying increase in absolute sedimentation rate of terrigenous clays indicates that dissolution along is an inadequate explanation. Either dilution by terrigenous clays from the south, or local sediment redistribution by currents and slumping, must have occurred. End_of_Article - Last_Page 791------------
Development of Scalable and Low-Cost Polymer Solar Cell Test Platform

The main advantage of organic or polymer solar cells is their compatibility with conventional printing and coating techniques, making them highly cost-effective and suitable for large scale manufacturing. This work describes a simple, scalable, low-cost platform designed to test polymer solar cell devices. Custom built instrumentation and software were developed to analyze the current–voltage characteristics and quantum efficiency (QE) of the solar cells. The test set-up is modular and can be adapted to test solar cells under varying atmospheres (inert and ambient). The solar energy source comprises of an Oriel 91160 300 W class C solar simulator with air mass (AM) 1.5 G filter for spectral shaping and solar intensity variation between 1 and 3 suns. Custom software developed using labview allows for testing to be carried out at high speeds reproducibly with minimal operator intervention. Software-controlled timer functionality allows programmable testing of solar cells over durations ranging from seconds to days, allowing for the evaluation of solar cell operational lifetimes. The facile design of the test set-up presented here provides an opportunity for different laboratories to set-up similar systems and tweak them for performing a host of photovoltaic measurements.
Dependence and reversal of nitric oxide production on NF-κB in silica and lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages

Abstract In this report the differential regulation of NF-κB and nitric oxide (NO) was investigated in the mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 following exposure to a mineral dust (silica) and/or an endotoxin (Lipopolysaccharide, LPS). The results indicated that silica and LPS can significantly induce the activation of NF-κB as well as elicit enhanced production of NO in RAW 264.7 cells as part of an early inflammatory response mechanism. A 24-hour time-course study showed that NO release from these cells continued to increase following the initial stimulus by LPS or silica. In contrast, activation of NF-κB was maximal at 6 hours and then showed a steady decline to 24 hours. The production of NO was suppressed by protease inhibitor and antioxidant, both of which block the activation of NF-κB. Surprisingly, the use of an NO synthase inhibitor resulted in an enhancement of NF-κB activation. These findings suggest that NO produced in macrophage cells in response to an inflammatory stimulus like silica or LPS my be linked to a negative feedback role on the activation of NF-κB.
Admissible uncertainty in the intertemporal asset pricing model

Abstract We embed the Sharpe-Lintner, two-parameter asset pricing theory in an intertemporal general equilibrium model. The investment opportunity set changes stochastically over time; in general the short-term and long-term interest rates and the distribution of the rate of return of the market portfolio are non-stationary. This non-stationarity, which is admissible in the Sharpe-Lintner model, has two implications: First, it may bias econometric methods which fail to explicitly take into account the non-stationarity. Second, the sequential application of the Sharpe-Lintner model in the discounting of stochastic cash flows becomes computationally complex and of little practical use.
Differential behavioral effects of the antidepressants reboxetine, fluoxetine, and moclobemide in a modified forced swim test following chronic treatment.

Rationale The forced swim test (FST) is the most widely used model for assessing potential antidepressant activity in rodents following acute or short-term treatment. However, few studies have compared the effects of short- and long-term antidepressant treatment on behaviors in the test, despite the need to treat patients chronically to produce clinical effects.
Effect of oversulfation on the chemical and biological properties of fucoidan

Abstract Fucoidan was sulfated using chlorosulfonic acid–pyridine complex and isolated as the sodium salt. Infrared analysis of the native and sulfated fucoidans gave identical results in respect to the O–H stretching, hemiacetal stretching and S O stretching. Absorption around 840 cm−1 was also present in both the fucoidans representing the sulfate at the axial C-4 position except for a shoulder at 820 cm−1, which was present only in the sulfated compound indicating the presence of sulfate groups at the equatorial C-2 position. The sulfated compound showed four times higher anticoagulant activity in doubling prothrombin time of normal citrated human plasma in comparison with native fucoidan. Earlier studies using native fucoidan showed that the activation of glutamic plasminogen (Glu-Plg) by tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) or by urokinase (u-PA) was enhanced when the in vitro studies were conducted using 0.05 M Tris buffer (pH 7.4) and that the addition of physiological concentration of NaCl (0.9%) to the buffer reversed the activation. The results of the current studies showed that sulfated fucoidan gave higher stimulations of Glu-Plg activation by u-PA and by t-PA in comparison to native fucoidan when the in vitro studies are conducted using Tris buffer containing 0.9% NaCl.
Ascorbic acid in bronchoalveolar wash.

The ascorbic acid concentration of bronchoalveolar wash has not been measured directly in the past. When attempts were made to measure this vitamin in the wash, it was found that the existing methods were not sensitive enough to measure the ascorbic acid in these highly dilute samples. Using ascorbic acid standards at concentrations approximating those of sequential wash samples, we have developed an accurate microassay method. The major feature of this new method is reduction of sample dilution by the reagents with the use of trichloroacetic acid in lieu of H2SO4. Using this method, we measured ascorbic acid in the first to the sixth sequential bronchoalveolar wash, the values ranging from about 5.0 µg/ml to 0.3 µg/ml. Pooled lavage content of ascorbic acid constituted approximately 10–12% of the whole lung ascorbate. The close agreement between the content of reduced ascorbic acid and the total ascorbic acid in the bronchoalveolar lavages establishes that the ascorbic acid in the airway is present in the reduced state.
SU-CC-J-6C-06: A Generalized Field Splitting Algorithm for Optimal IMRT Delivery Efficiency

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to develop an algorithm for optimally splitting a large intensity‐modulated field for delivery with a MLC into two or more adjacent subfields that maximizes MU efficiency, and to provide mathematical proofs that the algorithm is optimal in the most general cases. Method and Materials: The field split can be stated as the following mathematical problem: given a fluence matrix which exceeds the largest field size limitation of the delivery system, find two or three subfields, each of which satisfies the field size limitation constraint, that combine to give the original fluence map, and with the additional constraint that the sum of the delivered MUs of the subfields be minimized. In this general formalism, the subfields can overlap and the field split does not have to be in a straight line. We first construct an optimal MU leaf sequence for the large field ignoring the width constraint. The optimal field split is then generated by appropriate partitioning of the optimal leaf sequence into leaf sequences for the subfields. The overlapping region of the subfields creates a natural feathering area which is clinically desirable. Results: Compared to a simple field splitting that cuts through the center of a fluence map, our algorithm showed an average decrease in total MU of about 19% on 32 clinical fluence maps with the largest decrease in total MU of 45%. In many cases, the total MU of the split fields does not increase from the MU of the original sequence when the width constraint is ignored. Conclusion: We have developed an algorithm that solves the most general version of the field splitting problem for large intensity modulated fields. We provide rigorous mathematical proofs that the proposed algorithm for field splitting is optimal in MU efficiency.
Factors delaying the diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal carcinomas

Most squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity and oropharynx are not diagnosed until they have attained at least the T2 stage (greater than 2.0 cm). This study identifies factors which may contribute to the delayed diagnosis of these tumors, despite the fact that they frequently arise at sites readily accessible to examination. Personal interviews of 149 patients with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma revealed delays by patients of one day to more than one year (mean, 17 weeks) before seeking care. Furthermore, delay by doctors occurred in 45 instances (30%). Neither short nor long delays had a statistically significant relationship to tumor T stage at the time of diagnosis. The length of patient delay was also not related to age, gender, amount of education, or history of alcohol consumption. The authors concluded that the early carcinomas were probably asymptomatic and subsequent manifestations were commonly misinterpreted as benign or innocuous oral/dental problems. These inconspicuous or misleading perceptions may be primarily responsible for the advanced stages of these tumors at the time of discovery. Emphasis must, therefore, be placed upon gaining access to high-risk individuals for periodic oral and oropharyngeal examinations and upon educational efforts to increase the skill of primary health care providers in recognizing this problem.
Invited Paper Fundamental Limit Of The Speed Of Photorefractive Effect

This paper deals with the fundamental limit of speed of the photorefractive effect at a given power level. Such a limit is derived by counting the number of photons needed for the formation of a photorefractive index grating.
Measurement and analysis of bath-side interfacial concentration gradients during phase inversion

Abstract An optical technique is presented for measurement of interfacial concentration gradients following quenching of polymer films into a liquid coagulation bath; the process commonly referred to as phase inversion. Refractive index gradients on the bath side of the film-bath interface are monitored through analysis of the far-field diffraction pattern of a light beam transmitted through the bath. These are converted to bath-side interfacial concentration gradients. Monitoring light intensity through the film side allows simultaneous determination of the phase separation time. Data for delayed precipitation of the cellulose acetate/N,N-dimethylformamide/ethanol system, and rapid precipitation (less than 1 sec) of the cellulose acetate or polysulphone/N,N-dimethylformamide/water systems are presented. Variations in the process conditions: initial cast film thickness, and initial coagulation bath and/or cast film composition were tested. Changes in the observed variables (interfacial solvent gradient, time for phase separation, and change in film thickness) associated with each of the process variables are consistent with qualitative and quantitative considerations of the mass transfer process. The lack of correlation of the data with diffusion-controlled modeling parameters indicates that the bath-side processes are convection domination. Gradient data for rapid precipitation conditions are quantified in terms of a two-parameter mass transfer model.
Collaboration and telecollaboration in design

A new characteristic of design in the 20th century is the dominant use of teams to do design. We design with teams both because we are in a hurry and because our creations require more skills than one mind can master. Yet we want our designs to have excellence, and that requires conceptual integrity. Achieving conceptual integrity in team design is then a formidable challenge.Telecollaboration is now, in the 21st century, not only possible but even fashionable. The mantra of "telecollaboration" assumes implicitly that collaboration is a good thing per se. The more one collaborates, the better. This is far from self-evident; it probably is not true. Nevertheless, there are parts of the design process where collaboration not only shares out the work, but also produces a better design. Here telecollaboration can be most fruitful. Analysis of these aspects of design inevitably generates opinions on how design should be done and taught.
Abrogation of TGFβ Signaling in T Cells Leads to Spontaneous T Cell Differentiation and Autoimmune Disease

Targeted mutation of TGFbeta1 in mice demonstrated that TGFbeta1 is one of the key negative regulators of immune homeostasis, as its absence leads to activation of a self-targeted immune response. Nevertheless, because of the highly pleiotropic properties of TGFbeta and the presence of TGFbeta receptors on most cell types, its biologic role in the regulation of immune homeostasis is not yet understood. To limit the consequences of TGFbeta effects to a single cell type, we developed a transgenic approach to abrogate the TGFbeta response in key immune cells. Specifically, we expressed a dominant-negative TGFbeta receptor type II under a T cell-specific promoter and created a mouse model where signaling by TGFbeta is blocked specifically in T cells. Using this transgenic model, we show that T cell homeostasis requires TGFbeta signaling in T cells.
Photoemission of the SiO2–SiC heterointerface

Photoelectron spectroscopy has been performed on SiC surfaces to investigate the valence band characteristics during SiO2 formation. Various stages of the oxide development were investigated. The √3×√3R30° surface is used as the initial surface for the oxidation experiments. The substrates were exposed to a succession of a 30 s oxygen exposure, two 30 s oxygen plasmas, and finally, a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition SiO2 deposition. Ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy was employed to measure the valence band discontinuity for the oxide on n-type 6H and n-type 4H SiC substrates for each step in the oxidation process. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy was used to confirm the valence band offset. The valence band discontinuity was determined to be 2.0 eV. Furthermore, the location of the valence band maximum of the SiC to the conduction band minimum of the SiO2 is determined to be a constant (∼7.0 eV) between 6H and 4H SiC. Band bending effects are directly measured from ultraviolet photoemission ...
Extended Trochanteric Osteotomy for the Treatment of Vancouver B2/B3 Periprosthetic Fractures of the Femur

Periprosthetic femur fractures after total hip arthroplasty are a growing concern as their prevalence is expected to rise. A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing revision total hip arthroplasty with an extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO) for treatment of a Vancouver B2/B3 fracture at our institution. Fourteen patients were identified having a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed for all patients. At a mean 44.5 months of follow-up, mean modified D'Aubigne and Postel scores were 8.6. In all cases the ETO and fracture healed with radiographic evidence of osseointegration of the femoral component. Use of an ETO for the treatment of periprosthetic femur fractures provides excellent exposure, facilitates component implantation, and is compatible with fracture healing and good short-term clinical results. Key words: revision hip arthroplasty, periprosthetic fracture, osteotomy.
Experimental Measurement of the Persistence of Permeability Reduction in Porous Media Treated With Xanthan/Cr(III) Gel Systems

This paper reports on a series of long-term experiments that was conducted to determine the persistence of flow resistance in unconsolidated sandpacks treated with xanthum/Cr(III) gels. Gels were prepared with 2,000 ppm xanthum and Cr(III) concentrations from 25 to 200 ppm. These systems exhibit various degrees of swelling or syneresis. The experiments were conducted by first allowing a gel to set up in a sandpack and then continuously flushing the sandpack with brine for up to 4 months at a constant pressure drop of 13.3 psi/ft. Flow rate was monitored to calculate permeability changes with time. Flow experiments indicated that the measurement of swelling and syneresis in bulk-gel tests is not a good predictor of gel response in unconsolidated sandpacks. Excellent permeability reduction was obtained in sandpacks when gels that exhibited 35% to 60% reduction in volume in bulk tests owing to syneresis were used. Gels were most effective at retaining flow resistance in the range of 35 to 75 ppm Cr(III), where the sandpacks regained {lt} 0.1% of their original 4,000 md permeability during the experiments. These observations were supported by experiments in which the pH of the injected brine was varied between 3.0 and 6.5. The swelling testsmore » on the bulk gel indicated that permeability would decrease as pH increased and would increase as pH decreased.« less