cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resolution Limits of PMMA Resist for Exposure with 50 kV Electrons

An electron beam with a diameter below 1 nm has been used to measure the resolution of PMMA. Test patterns are written in 30 nm thick PMMA layers coated onto 60 nm thick membrane substrates. Both lateral scattering of electrons in the resist and backscattering from the substrate are negligible for these samples. Preliminary results obtained with 50 kV electrons are presented in this paper. The test patterns contain nominal linewidths down to 4.4 nm. The exposure distribution is determined by measuring the exposure dose needed to open up lines with widths smaller than the width of the distribution. Samples are examined in the scanning transmission microscope mode using the same beam used to write the patterns. The width [standard deviation (σ) assuming a normal distribution] of the exposure distribution has been measured to be between 11 and 14 nm. This spread function makes it possible to resolve lines on 45 nm centers in these very thin resist layers. Spreading is assumed to be set by straggling of low energy secondary electrons into the resist although effects that may be attributable to the finite molecular size of the PMMA have also been observed. It is pointed out that thin film substrates are not essential to obtain linewidths of 50 nm. Resolution and contrast on thick substrates are discussed and compared with the resolution and contrast obtainable with light optical systems.
Wide Range Logarithmic Gradient Formation for Cell Response

Recently, the number of potential drug targets has dramatically increased because of the recent completion of the human genome sequencing and the progress in genomics and proteomics. In parallel, the number of new drugs for those targets has also been increased due to the use of combinatorial synthesis and the increased access to natural molecules [1]. However, this has not increased consequently the number of approved new drugs delivered to patients [2]. Indeed the drug discovery process is still limited by numbers of challenges; among them the need to analyze in more rapid and accurate manner precious sample of drug candidates.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Morphology of the regenerated spinal cord in the lizard, Anolis carolinensis.

The regenerated spinal cord of the lizard, Anolis, was studied with the aid of the light and electron microscopy. The regenerated cord consists of an ependymal epithelium, descending central nerve fibers and the connective tissue of meninges. The ependymal tube is a discrete entity and is separated from the surrounding connective tissue by a basement lamina. The ependymal tube is composed of a morphologically homogeneous epithelial cell population. The ependymal cell itself fits closely the previous descriptions of the ependymal tanycyte. The majority of the regenerated central nerve fibers are contained within the ependymal tube and are fasciculated in longitudinal rows between the basal processes of adjacent ependyma cells. This association of regenerated central fibers and the ependymal tube and its relation to guidance of intercentral fiber regeneration is discussed.
Dispersion-relation approach to absorptive correction in the peripheral model of high-energy physics

A successful formula for absorptive corrections to the peripheral model of high-energy elementary-particle reactions has been given by Jackson and Gottfried. An analysis is made of previous derivations of the formula and some of the implicit difficulties are pointed out. A new derivation, based upon the Omnes equation, is presented in which all assumptions are made explicit and which is free of the difficulties contained in the previous derivations. The πp→ρp reaction is used as an illustration and a complete treatment of spin is given for this system.
The nuclear magnetic relaxation time of water protons in ferrihemoglobin solutions.

Abstract Ferrihemoglobin molecules in solution decrease the nuclear magnetic relaxation time of water protons. Comparison of this effect with the larger effects due to Fe(H 2 O) 6 +++ , Fe (versene) complex, ferriheme chloride (on pyridine protons), and the smaller effects due to carbonmonoxyferrohemoglobin and ferrihemoglobin cyanide suggests that the iron atoms of hemoglobin are situated 5–10 A below the surface of the protein.
GM research labs' machine perception project

The Machine Perception project at the GM Research Laboratories is developing computer vision and manipulation techniques. The research is concentrated in particular on automatic part handling, computerized inspection, and assembly.
Pseudogap Regime in a BCS Bose-Einstein Crossover Scenario:. Experimental Consequences and Tests

We have argued that the pseudogap regime in the cuprates is characterized by the presence of metastable, long lived pairs which form the natural intermediate state between the free fermions of the BCS and bound pairs of the Bose Einstein limits. Here we investigate the experimental consequences associated with this resonant pair scattering in the normal state. The essential feature of these pair resonances is that they are dynamic pairing fluctuations. Of particular interest in distinguishing different scenarios for the cuprate pseudogap are probes which predominantly couple to the static and dynamic pair fluctuations, respectively. We therefore contrast the behavior of the diamagnetic susceptibility with the pair tunneling spectra of Superconductor-Pseudogapped cuprate junctions.
Electron microscopy of porcine synovial membrane cell layer in Streptococcus equisimilis arthritis

Abstract The fine structure and cytochemistry of infected joints from Streptococcus equisimilis infected swine were studied. All infected synovial cells at three days after inoculation appeared similar. An extensively formed endoplasmic reticulum with a more prominent Golgi apparatus was evident. Between the endoplasmic membranes was a material of intermediate electron scattering ability. Vesicle formation or pinocytic vesicles were not observed. Prominent filopodia had formed with frequent blebbing of the cytoplasmic membrane. At 30 days after inoculation, all synovial cells appeared similar to the dedifferentiated tissue culture cell. They possessed large nuclei with little nucleoplasm and extensive, finely segmented endoplasmic reticulum with a clumping of ribonucleoprotein (RNP) particles of the endoplasmic membrane. Mitochondria were evident, but a Golgi apparatus was not prominent in any of the synovial cells. Acid phosphatase activity of the normal synovial cell was confined to vacuoles at the periphery and to discrete foci within the cytoplasm. At three days after inoculation there appeared to be a dispersion of the acid phosphatase particles within the cytoplasm of the synovial cells. A well developed rough endoplasmic reticulum was present in most infected synovial cells. Dedifferentiation of synovial cells and altered RNP endoplasmic reticulum relationship suggested altered protein synthesis by the synovial cells.
Two Rat Intestinal Alkaline Phosphatase Isoforms with Different Carboxyl-terminal Peptides Are Both Membrane-bound by a Glycan Phosphatidylinositol Linkage

Two cDNAs encode rat intestinal alkaline phosphatases having completely different carboxyl-terminal peptides; one is hydrophobic and fulfills the consensus requirements for glycan phosphatidylinositol linkage, and the other is neither hydrophobic nor hydrophilic, but contains a small amino acid domain (-NSASS-) just distal to a region of 17 threonine residues. Constructs were created using 80% of the amino-terminal portion of one alkaline phosphatase and the carboxyl-terminal portions of each of the isoforms. Both of the carboxyl-terminal peptides supported glycan phosphatidylinositol linkage as demonstrated by the following criteria: 1) plasma membrane targeting in transfected COS-l cells, 2) release of transfected alkaline phosphatase by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C, 3) appearance of the trypanosome variable glycoprotein cross-reacting determinant after phospholipase C treatment, 4) ethanolamine incorporation into newly synthesized enzyme, 5) loss of phospholipase C release after mutation of the ω and ω+ 2 positions in the putative linkage site, -NSA-, and 6) evidence of surface membrane localization by immunofluorescence using antibody against rat intestinal alkaline phosphatase. These data demonstrate that a predicted hydrophobic carboxyl-terminal sequence is not essential for glycan phosphatidylinositol linkage. Moreover, because both isomers are membrane-bound, the origin of soluble enzyme in the serum is likely to arise from the action of serum phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase D.
Utility assessment in TRANSTAC: using a set of complementary methods

This paper describes the methods used during formative utility assessments for speech-to-speech, real-time translation systems intended for tactical use. The systems, while still prototypical, had hardware platforms that could be exercised indoors or outdoors by study participants with pertinent backgrounds and skills that are similar to the intended target users. English-speaking and foreign language subjects participated in exercises using the systems exchanging information without the aid of a human interpreter. Feedback on subjects' experiences during the dialog interactions was collected via two primary methods: survey questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. In this paper, we describe our human-centered approach to utility assessment, how we combined the use of two feedback gathering methods, and discuss findings from use of this approach.
Apparent dissociation between myosin light chain phosphorylation and maximal velocity of shortening in KCl depolarized swine carotid artery: effect of temperature and KCl concentration.

Stimulation of swine carotid artery medial fibers with 110 mM KCl at 37°C results in increases in myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation levels and maximal shortening velocity (Vo) during the period of stress development. During the period of stress maintenance, MLC phosphorylation levels andVo are not maintained, but fall to suprabasal levels, resulting in a correlation between MLC phosphorylation andVo and suggesting that MLC phosphorylation regulatesVo. This study identifies other conditions of KCl depolarization of swine carotid medial fibers in which this relationship between MLC phosphorylation andVo is altered. A decrease in temperature from 37° to 23°C results in a similar magnitude of stress maintenance in response to 110 mM KCl and similar levels of MLC phosphorylation, but a reduction inVo by approximately 50%. This differential effect of temperature onVo and MLC phosphorylation results in a downward shift in the slope of the regression line describing the relationship between these two parameters. Decreasing [KCl] to 40 mM in the stimulating solution results again in similar magnitudes of miantained stress. MLC phosphorylation levels are not transient, but maintained at a constant value andVo is transient at levels approximately 50% of those at 110 mM KCl at 37°C. This results in a complete lack of correlation between MLC phosphorylation andVo. Thus stress can be developed to equal magnitudes under differing activation conditions with dissimilar patterns of MLC phosphorylation andVo. Therefore, there is not a strict relationship between MLC phosphorylation andVo in all cases.
Handling semantic heterogeneities using declarative agreements

The focus of this paper is on interoperability issues to achieve data integration in distributed databases for geographic applications. Our concrete application is in the context of the State of Wisconsin Land Information System (WLIS). In WLIS, data is stored in XML using independently maintained local databases. However, answers to many queries must span several databases. Our approach is based on the existence of a central ontology and on declarative transformations, called \it agreements, between the schemas of the local databases and the central ontology. Using our approach, end users can seamlessly query and aggregate semantically related data that is available throughout the state using a visual interface. An expert at the site of the local database uses another visual interface to specify the agreement between that database and the ontology. Our approach has been fully developed and tested.
Paramagnetic Ni Cu Alloys: Electronic Density of States in the Coherent-Potential Approximation

The coherent-potential approximation (CPA) is extended to study general band shapes and systems having orbital degeneracy. This permits its application to realistic systems, in particular the $\mathrm{Ni}\mathrm{Cu}$ alloys. The effects of alloying on a highly asymmetric model density of states characteristic of some of the features of the density of states in fcc transition metals are considered in detail. A model Hamiltonian for paramagnetic $\mathrm{Ni}\mathrm{Cu}$ is constructed using a basis of orthogonalized plane waves and tight-binding $d$ functions. Orbital degeneracy and hybridization are treated as in paramagnetic Ni. Effects of alloying are assumed to be restricted to the diagonal elemensts of the $d\ensuremath{-}d$ block. The model is applicable to the Ni-rich alloys, as is the approximation used to obtain simple solutions of the full CPA equations. The results are consistent with recent photoemission data on $\mathrm{Ni}\mathrm{Cu}$, and with the "minimum polarity" hypothesis used by Lang and Ehrenreich. They are incompatible with the rigid-band model because the scattering potential of the random alloy is strong compared to the peak widths. Rather than a rigid shift of the density of states, the calculated concentration dependence shows that the main peaks remain stationary while changing magnitude and shape. Decomposition of the total density of states into Ni and Cu contributions confirms that, for the expected position of the Fermi level, the $d$ holes are located primarily on Ni sites.
On the conformation of the alpha sarcin stem-loop of 28S rRNA.

Abstract A synthetic RNA that is a substrate for the cytotoxin α sarcin has been examined by NMR. The molecule in question includes the entire sequence of the so-called α sarcin loop from rat 28S rRNA (U4316-C4332), and it is cleaved at the residue that corresponds to G4325, the site of α sarcin cleavage in 28S rRNA. The data show that the terminal stem designed into the molecule's sequence exists, as expected, and that is loop has a definite structure, which is stable to at least 40°C under ionic conditions compatible with its cleavage by α sarcin.
Investigation of electron parallel pressure balance in the scrapeoff layer of deuterium-based radiative divertor discharges in DIII-D

Abstract Electron density, temperature and parallel pressure measurements at several locations along field lines connecting the midplane scrapeoff layer (SOL) with the outer divertor are presented for both attached and partially-detached divertor cases: Ip = 1.4 MA, q95 = 4.2 and Pinput ∼ 6.7 MW under ELMing H-mode conditions. At the onset of the Partially Detached Divertor (PDD), a high density, low temperature plasma forms in the divertor SOL (divertor MARFE). The electron pressure drops by a factor of 2 between the midplane separatrix and the X-point and then an additional ∼ 3–5 times between the X-point and the outboard separatrix strike point. These results are in contrast to the attached (non-PDD) case, where electron pressure in the SOL is reduced by, at most, a factor of two between the midplane and the divertor target. Divertor MARFEs generally have only marginal adverse impact on important H-mode characteristics, such as confinement time. In fact, PDD discharges at low input power (i.e., approximately twice the L-H-mode threshold power) maintain good H-mode characteristics until a high density, low temperature plasma abruptly forms inside the separatrix near the X-point (X-point MARFE). Concurrent with the appearance of this X-point MARFE is a degradation in both energy confinement and the plasma fueling rate and an increase in the carbon impurity concentration inside the core plasma. The formation of the X-point MARFE is consistent with a thermal instability resulting from the temperature dependence of the carbon radiative cooling rate in the range ∼ 7–30 eV.
Preclinical evaluation of AMPLICOR hepatitis C virus test for detection of hepatitis C virus RNA.

We compared a single-enzyme, combined reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR; AMPLICOR HCV Test; Roche Molecular Systems, Branchburg, N.J.) with an independent, two-enzyme, standard RT-PCR (SRT-PCR) assay for the detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in serum and plasma. Test samples included a proficiency testing panel consisting of 10 undiluted plasma samples, three separate dilution series, and sera from 99 patients with chronic liver disease. The quantity of HCV RNA in each patient serum sample was determined by a branched DNA (bDNA) signal amplification assay (Quantiplex HCV-RNA assay; Chiron, Emeryville, Calif.). There was complete concordance between the results of the RT-PCR assays with the 10 undiluted plasma samples used for proficiency testing (3 positive and 7 negative samples). However, the analytical sensitivity of SRT-PCR was 4- to 10-fold greater than that of the AMPLICOR test in the dilution series. HCV RNA was detected in 44, 45, and 40 of the patient serum samples, by SRT-PCR, the AMPLICOR test, and the bDNA assay, respectively. There was 97% agreement between the results of the RT-PCR assays, with only three discrepancies. Review of the patients9 medical records resolved all three discrepancies in favor of the AMPLICOR results (two false-negative SRT-PCR results and one false-positive SRT-PCR result). The quantity of HCV RNA in sera from five (11%) patients with viremia detected by AMPLICOR was below the bDNA assay cutoff (
Interference with ubiquitination in CFTR modifies stability of core glycosylated and cell surface pools.

It is recognized that both wild-type and mutant CFTR proteins undergo ubiquitination at multiple lysines in the proteins and in one or more subcellular locations. We hypothesized that ubiquitin is added to specific sites in wild-type CFTR to stabilize it and at other sites to signal for proteolysis. Mass spectrometric analysis of wild-type CFTR identified ubiquitinated lysines 68, 710, 716, 1041, and 1080. We demonstrate that the ubiquitinated K710, K716, and K1041 residues stabilize wild-type CFTR, protecting it from proteolysis. The polyubiquitin linkage is predominantly K63. N-tail mutants, K14R and K68R, lead to increased mature band C CFTR, which can be augmented by proteasomal (but not lysosomal) inhibition, allowing trafficking to the surface. The amount of CFTR in the K1041R mutant was drastically reduced and consisted of bands A/B, suggesting that the site in transmembrane 10 (TM10) was critical to further processing beyond the proteasome. The K1218R mutant increases total and cell surface CFTR, which is further accumulated by proteasomal and lysosomal inhibition. Thus, ubiquitination at residue 1218 may destabilize wild-type CFTR in both the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and recycling pools. Small molecules targeting the region of residue 1218 to block ubiquitination or to preserving structure at residues 710 to 716 might be protein sparing for some forms of cystic fibrosis.
"Making special": a framework for understanding the art of holistic nursing.

Holistic nurses demonstrate interest in and concern for aesthetics in nursing; however, the relationship of holistic nursing to aesthetics in nursing lacks clarity. Challenges to the study of aesth...
Effects of hydrocortisone acetate and estradiol in normal and adrenalectomized salt deficient rabbits.

These experiments were undertaken to determine the involvement of the adrenocortical hormones in the inhibition by estrogens of the polyuric-polydipsic syndrome induced by salt deficiency in the male rabbit. Daily measurements were made of body weight, water intake and urinary volume, Na† and K† during 10 consecutive days of food deprivation in normal and adrenalectomized male rabbits receiving 17β-estradiol (100 µg/day) and/or hydrocortisone acetate (Fac, 2.5 mg/day) for the first 5 days. Normal males, when deprived of food, developed the typical polyuria and polydipsia which were accompanied by a marked rise in urinary Na†. The administration of Fac further enhanced significantly the fluid exchange during the first 5 days. The administration of estradiol completely inhibited the polyuriapolydipsia, and this effect per sisted into the second 5 days. Estradiol administration to the Fac treated rabbits not only abolished the enhancement due to Fac but depressed water intake and urine volume to values less ...
Synergistic activation of CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase by phosphatidylethanolamine and oleic acid.

CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase present in rat liver cytosol was activated almost 30-fold when assayed in the presence of liposomes containing 60 mole % dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE). During the assay, some of the DOPE was degraded to lysoPE and oleic acid. Whereas cytidylyltransferase activity was not affected when assayed in the presence of liposomes containing lysoPE, liposomes containing oleic acid activated the enzyme. Activation by oleic acid could be eliminated by the addition of fatty acid-free bovine serum albumin (BSA) to the assay. When cytidylyltransferase activity was measured in the presence of both BSA and liposomes containing DOPE, enzyme activity was increased almost 20-fold, as compared with assays performed in the absence of added lipid. The 1.5-fold difference in cytidylyltransferase activity observed when cytosol was assayed with DOPE containing liposomes in the absence or presence of BSA (30-fold stimulation vs 20-fold stimulation) cannot be explained by the loss of activation attributable to oleic acid alone. Activation of the enzyme in the presence of liposomes containing DOPE and oleic acid is several-fold greater than the sum of the activations caused by the individual compounds. These data suggest that PE and oleic acid act synergistically in activating the cytidylyltranferase.
Propofol infusion syndrome or not? A case report.

Background Propofol is commonly used and well tolerated for induction of general anesthesia and is also used as a sedative in the intensive care unit. However, in rare cases, the agent may cause a fatal condition known as propofol infusion syndrome (PRIS). Case Report We present a case of PRIS that could have been fatal in a previously healthy male patient with multiple gunshot wounds. Conclusion Because patients typically exhibit other potentially fatal comorbidities, PRIS is always a diagnosis of exclusion. The true incidence of PRIS remains unknown, and more objective criteria for its diagnosis need to be established.
Who’s Who from Kant to Hegel I: In the Kantian Wake

While almost all of Kant’s contemporaries agreed that the Critique of Pure Reason effected a philosophically epochal change, there was far less consensus about what precisely Kant’s new critical philosophy had brought about. In large part, this uncertainty was a result of a methodological crisis that Kant’s work had sparked: the Critique had shown that traditional dogmatic metaphysics was suspect at best, but what new methods needed to be adopted in the wake of Kant’s ‘Copernican Revolution’? The Critique stood as the lighting rod at the center of a complicated and especially lively set of debates and disputes that erupted in Germany in the late 1780s and early 1790s: empiricists and rationalists, threatened by the ‘all-destroying Kant’, leapt to challenge the new critical system; skeptics attacked Kant’s claims to have secured a sure footing for empirical knowledge; a few ambitious thinkers sought to complete the critical system by revealing a foundational first principle on which Kant’s system could rest. All of these elements conspired to make the early stages in post-Kantian thought one of the richest, most vibrant – and most fascinating – periods in the history of philosophy. The present essay looks at the various figures of the move from Kant to Fichte, and presents some of the excellent new research on the era that has appeared in the last decade or so. The sequel takes up the period from Fichte to Hegel, with an eye toward understanding how Kantian critical philosophy gave way to Hegelian Absolute Idealism.
An Integrated Model of Corporate Strategic Entrepreneurship in Service and Manufacturing Contexts

This study relates entrepreneurial orientation to new venturing and strategic renewal through opportunity identifying behavior. Two behaviors are contrasted: adaptive searching (opportunity discove...
The Role of Communication in Managing Perceived Inequity

Many destructive behaviors in the workplace result from a person's perception of unfair treatment and the attempt by that person to restore a feeling of equity in his or her life. This article proposes that the factors that affect the redress of inequity by the underrewarded person can be categorized, and that only one category is both tangible and manageable. Suggestions are made for applications of effective managerial communication as a tool to deter undesirable behavior resulting from the perception of inequity.
Aggregation of silver nanoparticle-Dextran adducts with Concanavalin a and competitive complexation with glucose

Tiopronin-protected silver nanoparticles (average diameter = 5 nm) were partially displaced by (2-mercapto-propionylamino) acetic acid 2,5-dioxo-pyrrolidin-1-ylesters via ligand exchange, and the succinimide-terminated silver particles were bound to amine-labeled Dextran 3000 (1 amine/per chain) or Dextran 10 000 (2.5 amine/per chain), respectively. The particle−Dextran 10 000 adducts were self-aggregated by interactions of multiple amines on Dextran and multi-functionalized ligands on the particle. The transverse plasmon band was blue shifted while the longitudinal plasmon at 575 nm increased, corresponding to the compact aggregation of particles. The particle−Dextran 3000 adducts, which were not aggregated, were coupled to Concanavalin A (Con A) to facilitate the aggregation of particles. The aggregated particles displayed an absorbance spectral change depending on the mole ratio of Con A/particle−Dextran 3000. The particle−Dextran 3000 adduct was released by a competitive complexation of glucose. This ...
PREDICTION OF SENSORY RESPONSE TO TEXTURAL PARAMETERS OF BREADED SHRIMP SHAPES USING INSTRON TEXTURE PROFILE ANALYSIS

A method for objective measurement of textural parameters of fabricated comminuted shrimp-binding matrix agent mixtures using the universal testing maching (Instron) has been developed. An abbreviated Instron texture profile analysis (TPA) of fabricated cqoked shrimp patties was used to predict sensory textural scores on subsequent mechanically extruded shrimp shapes. The technique eliminates expensive and time consuming pilot plant operation of equipment to produce a sufficient quantity of shrimp shapes required to measure single formula and process parameters.
Central nervous system anomalies in Seckel syndrome: Report of a new family and review of the literature

Seckel syndrome (SS) is a rare, heterogeneous form of primordial dwarfism. The clinical delineation of this disorder has been inconsistent, using even Seckel's original criteria. As a result, probably fewer than one-third of reported cases are truly affected with SS. Among these, there have been only six familial cases, all of whom were born to normal parents, and in only one case has a detailed description of the central nervous system (CNS) anomalies been given. We describe a family in which three of eight children were affected with SS. CNS anomalies seen in our patients included agenesis of the corpus callosum, a dysgenetic cerebral cortex, a large dorsal cerebral cyst, and pachygyria, suggesting an underlying neuronal migration disorder. The parents are first cousins, representing only the second instance of consanguinity, supporting an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.
Extracting Physiologically Relevant Parameters of Vocal Folds From High-Speed Video Image Series

In this paper, a new method is proposed to extract the physiologically relevant parameters of the vocal fold mathematic model including masses, spring constants and damper constants from high-speed video (HSV) image series. This method uses a genetic algorithm to optimize the model parameters until the model and the realistic vocal folds have similar dynamic behavior. Numerical experiments theoretically test the validity of the proposed parameter estimation method. Then the validated method is applied to extract the physiologically relevant parameters from the glottal area series measured by HSV in an excised larynx model. With the estimated parameters, the vocal fold model accurately describes the vibration of the observed vocal folds. Further studies show that the proposed parameter estimation method can successfully detect the increase of longitudinal tension due to the vocal fold elongation from the glottal area signal. These results imply the potential clinical application of this method in inspecting the tissue properties of vocal fold
Cooperative Diversity in Wireless Networks with Stochastic and Bursty Traffic

This work investigates the asymptotic error performance of outage-limited communications in cooperative wireless relay networks, with fading that is quasi-static, with an information-arrival process that is stochastic and bursty, and with bits that have a strictly limited lifespan. Employing large- deviation techniques, we analyze the probability of bit error where such errors are due to both erroneous decoding as well as due to delay violation. We derive a tradeoff between, on one hand, the optimal negative SNR exponent of the total probability of error, and on the other hand, the ratio of the average bit- arrival rate to the ergodic capacity of the channel. This is for the case of the orthogonal amplify-and-forward protocol, constant system loading, many flows and asymptotically high values of SNR. The tradeoff holds for any delay limitation. As a practical consequence, the tradeoff tells us how to better balance the effects of channel atypicality (outage) and burstiness atypicality, by proper choice of transmission rate and by optimizing the cooperative cluster size, i.e., limiting the cooperation to a specific subset of the cooperative users.
A quantitative approach to a weight-based scanning protocol for PET oncology imaging

The dominant effect on whole-body PET image quality is attenuation, which is determined by patient thickness. Increasing patient thickness exponentially decreases the number of photons detected. This can be partially compensated for by adjusting scan duration. To derive quantitative relationships between patient thickness, scan duration, and lesion detectability we simulated PET acquisitions of an anthropomorphic phantom with spherical target lesions. Three different phantoms were simulated, with effective abdominal diams of 20 cm, 27 cm, and 35 cm. Poisson noise was added to raw sinogram data to simulate scan durations of 1 to 10 min per bed position. Noise levels were based on count rates measured using a countrate phantom with additional attenuation sleeves. Simulated lesions varied from 1.0 to 3.0 cm in diam, and contrast ratios varied from 1.5 to 4.0. Average detectability of each target lesion was calculated from 25 noisy realizations using a non-prewhitening matched filter. Results using model observers demonstrate that detectability was proportional to the square root of the accumulated NEC density for all abdominal thicknesses. For image quality to remain constant for patients with larger cross-sectional areas, acquisition times should be increased accordingly, although in some cases this may not be possible due to practical constraints. In addition we found an inverse-linear relationship between log(diam) and log(contrast) for constant sphere detectability.
Preparation and physicochemical characterization of a novel water-soluble prodrug of carbamazepine

N-acyl-urea derivatives of carbamazepine (CBZ) were synthesized through the reactions of iminostilbene with acyl-isocyanates to form N-glycyl-carbamazepine (N-Gly-CBZ, after a deprotection step) or N-acetyl-carbamazepine (N-acetyl-CBZ). N-Gly-CBZ was isolated as its water-soluble HCl salt and was designed to act as a prodrug and convert to CBZ and glycine in vivo by enzymatic cleavage of the acyl-urea bond. The stability pH-rate profiles for N-Gly-CBZ and N-acetyl-CBZ were determined. The stability of N-Gly-CBZ was found to range over four orders of magnitude with its greatest stability at pH 3-4 and a t(90) value of 5.9 day at pH 4 at 25 degrees C. From the fit of the pH rate profile two pK(a) values were estimated to be 7.2 (terminal amine) and 10.0 (imide), which were independently verified using UV-visible spectroscopic analysis. The solubility of N-Gly-CBZ in aqueous solution was determined in the range of pH 5.5-7.5. The intrinsic solubility of the neutral form of the prodrug was found to be 4.4 mg/mL, and the solubility of the prodrug increased exponentially (log linear) as pH was decreased below its pK(a1) value. N-Gly-CBZ was found to have an aqueous solubility in excess of 50 mg/mL at pH 4. The presence of N-Gly-CBZ was found to increase the aqueous solubility of CBZ, a degradation product. CBZ showed an 8.6-fold greater solubility in an aqueous solution containing 23 mg/mL of N-Gly-CBZ than in water alone. The solubilization of CBZ by N-Gly-CBZ was investigated by examining the diffusion coefficients of the predominant species in D(2)O and was found to be more consistent with stacking complex formation than micelle formation. The stability of N-Gly-CBZ makes a ready-to-use parenteral formulation impractical, but a freeze-dried preparation for reconstitution appears to be feasible.
Rehabilitation of Infants with Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Experience gained over twelve years of treating infants with Osteogenesis Imperfecta is described. Emphasized are the facts that no child, including those with OI Sillence II, is too severely involved to not benefit at least from positioning to prevent severe secondary deformities; the Sillence classification does not predict functional ability, particularly regarding patiens with type III OI; disuse weakness and osteoporosis due to immobilization may be more handicapping than the underlying disease itself.
A Renal Size Nomogram for the Patient With Myelomeningocele

AbstractPurpose: Renal anatomy and function are usually monitored in the myelomeningocele population using routine ultrasound as the child grows. Clinical questions arise when a renal unit is of marginal size when evaluated with nomograms derived from normal patient populations. Our goal was to construct a renal size nomogram using ultrasound for the myelomeningocele population to help the clinician identify abnormal growth.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the charts and radiological files of 96 patients with myelomeningocele followed at our institution. Images of 930 renal units were included to construct the nomogram. Patients were excluded from study due to hydronephrosis or hydroureter, solitary kidney, recurrent symptomatic urinary tract infection, vesicoureteral reflux, reconstructive surgery or known high bladder storage pressure.Results: A renal size nomogram was constructed by plotting patient age against maximal renal length on real-time ultrasound. Expected mean and standard deviations were c...
Evaluación del paciente con vértigo: examen físico del sistema vestibular*

Dizziness and imbalance are common presenting complaints to the neurologist. The lack of a systematic approach to the examination and laboratory evaluation of the vestibular system often leads to incorrect diagnoses and suboptimal care. With a basic understanding of vestibular physiology and proper examination techniques, a correct diagnosis can generally be made at the bedside. We review the principless of the neuro-otological examination, including assessment for static vestibular imbalance, dynamic vestibular function, provocative maneuvers, ocular motor examination, and vestibulospinal testing. The use of additional vestibular laboratory testing and neuroimaging is then considered to further localize and quantify abnormalities.
Manipulation of Weighted Voting Games and the Effect of Quota

The Shapley-Shubik, Banzhaf, and Deegan-Packel indices are three prominent power indices for measuring voters’ power in weighted voting games. We consider two methods of manipulating weighted voting games, called annexation and merging. These manipulations allow either an agent, called an annexer to take over the voting weights of some other agents, or the coming together of some agents to form a bloc of manipulators to have more power over the outcomes of the games. We evaluate the extent of susceptibility to these forms of manipulation and the effect of the quota of a game on these manipulation for the three indices. Experiments on weighted voting games suggest that the three indices are highly susceptible to annexation while they are less susceptible to merging. In both annexation and merging, the Shapley-Shubik index is the most susceptible to manipulation among the indices. Further experiments on the effect of quotas of weighted voting games suggest the existence of an inverse relationship between the susceptibility of the indices to manipulation and the quotas for both annexation and merging. Thus, weighted voting games with large quota values closer to the total weight of agents in the games may be less vulnerable to annexation and merging than those with corresponding smaller quota values.
A review of the Nearctic species of Erythmelus (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae), with a key and new additions to the New World fauna

The 12 Nearctic species of the fairyfly genus Erythmelus Enock (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) are revised, and the described species in the Neotropical region are reviewed. A key to females of the 30 named, valid species of Erythmelus in the New World is provided. Erythmelus vladimir S. Triapitsyn & Fidalgo is transferred from subgenus E. (Parallelaptera) Enock to the nominate subgenus as E. (E.) vladimir comb. n. Erythmelus dentatus Ogloblin is synonymized under E. (E.) brachialis Ogloblin, E. empoascae Subba Rao is synonymized under E. (E.) flavovarius (Walker), E. flandersi Doutt is synonymized under E. (E.) picinus (Girault), E. gracilipes (Girault) and E. io (Girault) are synonymized under E. (E.) gracilis (Howard), and E. longicornis Dozier is synonymized under E. (E.) noeli (Dozier). A lectotype is designated for E. (E.) picinus. The following new species are described: E. (E.) burtik S. Triapitsyn (Canada), E. (E.) coviellai S. Triapitsyn (Argentina), E. (E.) fidalgoi S. Triapitsyn (Argentina), E. (E.) gak S. Triapitsyn (Chile), E. (E.) klopomor S. Triapitsyn (USA), E. (E.) logarzoi S. Triapitsyn (Argentina), E. (E.) mikrob S. Triapitsyn (Canada), E. (E.) mudrila S. Triapitsyn (Mexico and USA), E. (E.) podaypodnos S. Triapitsyn (Bolivia), and E. (E.) toreador S. Triapitsyn (Argentina). A synopsis of the included species is given, with emphasis on their distributional records and known host associations in the families Miridae and Tingidae (Hemiptera).
SGK1 is modulated by resistin in vascular smooth muscle cells and in the aorta following diet-induced obesity.

Objective Enhanced serum and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) activity contributes to the pathogenesis of vascular disease. This study evaluated SGK1 modulation in vascular smooth muscle cells by the adipokine resistin and in aortic tissue in a murine model of diet-induced obesity (DIO). Methods Modulation of SGK1 by resistin was assessed in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HAoSMC) in vitro by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot analyses. To induce the lean or obese phenotype, mice were fed a 10 kcal% low-fat or 60 kcal% high-fat diet, respectively, for 8 weeks. Upon study completion, plasma resistin was assessed and aortic tissue was harvested to examine the effect of DIO on regulation of SGK1 in vivo. Results Resistin increased SGK1 mRNA, total protein abundance, and its activation as determined by phosphorylation of its serine 422 residue (pSGK1) in HAoSMC. Resistin-mediated SGK1 phosphorylation was dependent upon phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and Toll-like receptor 4. Furthermore, inhibition of SGK1 attenuated resistin-induced proliferation in HAoSMC. DIO led to up-regulation of total SGK1 protein levels and pSGK1 in association with increased plasma resistin. Conclusions These data suggest that high levels of resistin observed during obesity may activate SGK1 in the vasculature and contribute to the development of obesity-related vascular disease.
The Facebook Paradox: Effects of Facebooking on Individuals' Social Relationships and Psychological Well-Being.

Research suggests that Facebooking can be both beneficial and detrimental for users’ psychological well-being. The current study attempts to reconcile these seemingly mixed and inconsistent findings by unpacking the specific effects of Facebooking on users’ online-offline social relationship satisfaction and psychological well-being. Using structural equation modeling, pathways were examined between Facebook intensity, online-offline social relationship satisfaction, perceived social support, social interaction anxiety, and psychological well-being. Personality differences on each of those causal paths were also assessed. Employing a sample of 342 American university students, results indicated that intensive Facebooking was positively associated with users’ psychological well-being through online social relationship satisfaction, and simultaneously negatively linked to users’ psychological well-being through offline social relationship satisfaction. Multiple group analyses revealed that the linkage between perceived social support and psychological well-being was stronger for introverts than for extraverts. Our findings indicate that the benefits or detriments of Facebooking are contingent upon both personality characteristics and online-offline social contexts.
Nanoparticulate Film Precursors to CIS Solar Cells: Spray Deposition of Cu-In-Se Colloids

The use of nanoparticle colloids for spray deposition of Cu-In-Se precursor films and subsequent thermal treatment to form CuInSe2 (CIS) films has been investigated. In the present study, the metathesis reaction between Na2Se in methanol and metal salts (i.e., Cu(BF4)2 and/or InI3) in pyridine produced CuSe, In2Se3, and CuInSe2.5 nanoparticle colloids. Purified colloid was sprayed onto heated molybdenum-coated sodalime glass substrates to form CuInSe2.5/Mo and In2Se3/CuSe/Mo precursor films. These precursor films were subjected to various thermal treatments in an effort to produce large-grained CIS films from the nano-sized precursors. The annealed CIS films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Results of this continuing effort will be discussed.
Progress on Genetic Resources and Breeding Improvement of Leucaena

The genus Leucaena(sub-family Mimosoideae,family Leguminoseae)comprises 22 recognized species,of which 18 are diploid and four are tetraploid.Many hybrids are sterile triploid.Leucaena cultivars are planted for fuelwood,lumber,paper,charcoal,shade and green manure.The expanded production of the unproved cultivars is notable in Australia and in India,Paraguay,Thailand,and South East Asia.Leucaena reseach including taxonomy,germplasm,interspecific hybridization,increasing genetic diversity,breeding fro psyllid resistance,breeding for cold,frost and drought tolerance,breeding for forage quality and yield,breeding for wood quality and yield,and breeding seedless trees is reviewed in this paper.
Evaluation of Alternatives to Winter Closure of Black Sea Bass Pot Gear: Projected Impacts on Catch and Risk of Entanglement with North Atlantic Right Whales Eubalaena glacialis

AbstractTime–area closures have been widely used in fisheries management to prevent overfishing and reduce the bycatch of protected species. Due to quota overages and concerns about entanglement of federally protected North Atlantic right whales Eubalaena glacialis, the commercial harvest of Black Sea Bass Centropristis striata using pot gear has been prohibited in the southeastern United States in winter since 2009. Following the rebuilding of the Black Sea Bass stock and a change to the start date of the fishing year, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) increased the commercial annual catch limit (ACL) and is considering twelve alternatives to the pot gear closure that would revise the timing and/or spatial extent of the closure. Changes to this closure could affect the annual catch of Black Sea Bass and increase the risk of right whale entanglement in pot gear. Using historical fishing effort, landings, and right whale sightings data, we projected Black Sea Bass landings and the relat...
Glucocorticoids Selectively Decrease the Synthesis of Hydroxylated Collagen Peptides

Multiple daily injections of triamcinolone diacetate to newborn rats result in decreased body and skin weight gain, which is related to a specific decrease of collagen polypeptide synthesis. The effects of glucocorticoid administration on protein synthesis of the dermis was determined by measurement of the incorporation of labeled proline. The percentage decrease in collagen synthesis in triamcinolone-treated animals was greater than that of non-collagen protein synthesis at all doses examined, indicating a selective effect of glucocorticoids on collagen synthesis. This selective decrease of collagen synthesis was greatest after multiple injections at higher doses of the steroid. DNA synthesis was also suppressed after multiple injections of steroid. Steroid administration resulted in a decrease in prolyl hydroxylase activity (EC 1.14.11.2) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Lysyl hydroxylase activity (EC 1.14.11.4) was decreased to the same extent as prolyl hydroxylase activity, while glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity (EC 1.1.1.49) was unchanged and tyrosine aminotransferase activity (EC 2.6.1.5) was slightly elevated. Collagenase digestion of nascent polypeptide chains released from dermal polysomes demonstrated a selective, dose-dependent decrease in collagen polypeptide synthesis. Furthermore, collagen nascent chain synthesis was decreased to the same extent as hydroxyproline formation, indicating that glucocorticoids do not cause the synthesis and subsequent accumulation of underhydroxylated collagen.
Higher-order Coulomb correlation effects in semiconductors

Publisher Summary This chapter is devoted to a review of recent research into such high order Coulomb correlations (HOCs). It outlines the basic physics of ultrafast excitation and the measurement of Coulomb correlations in semiconductors, and defines the state of the field before the advent of techniques specific to measurements of high-order correlations. Optically excited semiconductors provide an ideal model system for the study of many body interactions. The recent breakthroughs in theory and experiment have revealed unique signatures of individual Coulomb-correlated many-body interactions, up to the six-particle level. Experiments are performed using ultrafast spectroscopy, so that the Coulomb-correlated quasi-particles can be measured on time scales short compared with their dephasing times. The simultaneous progress in theory and experiment in this field has resulted in a burst of collaborative activity, yielding detailed understanding of the influence of each many-body term. This chapter presents the new experimental and theoretical techniques which have allowed such rapid progress. The chapter summarizes the results which has been achieved thus far, and presents the outstanding questions which are the subject of current study.