cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gettering Effect in Low and High Density Structural Defect Regions of the Cast Multi-Crystalline-Silicon Wafer

Two cast multi-crystalline silicon (mc-Si) sister wafers before and after solar cell processing were investigated to explore the gettering effect in low and high density structural defect regions. For the processed wafer, the minority carrier recombination lifetime was correlated to the structural defect distribution. For the low density region of as-grown wafer, Cr impurities were 3.28x1013cm-3 and they were reduced to 1.74×1012cm−3 for the processed wafer. The isolated Cr impurities dissolved from the precipitates at 900°C which is the typical gettering temperature in the solar cell processing are getterd effectively in the low density regions. Our current understanding for the gettering effect in the high density regions is that the segregated Cr impurities at defect sites are not released to the silicon matrix at 900°C resulting in the poor gettering effect.
Maximum likelihood-based estimation of parameters in systems with binary subsystems

Consider a stochastic system of multiple subsystems, each subsystem having binary ("0 or 1") output. The full system may have general binary or non-binary (e.g., Gaussian) output. Such systems are widely encountered in practice, and include engineering systems for reliability, communications and sensor networks, the collection of patients in a clinical trial, and Internet-based control systems. This paper considers the identification of parameters for such systems for general structural relationships between the subsystems and the full system. Maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) is used to estimate the mean output for the full system and the "success" probabilities for the subsystems. The MLE approach is well suited to providing asymptotic or finite-sample confidence bounds through the use of Fisher information or bootstrap Monte Carlo-based sampling.
What's wrong? Moral understanding in psychopathic offenders.

A prominent explanation for antisocial behavior in psychopathic offenders is that they cannot distinguish between right and wrong. Using a modified version of the classic Moral/Conventional Transgressions task that minimizes strategic responding, this study evaluated the hypothesis that psychopathic traits are negatively associated with moral classification accuracy. The task, which presents moral and non-moral hypothetical violations, was administered to 139 incarcerated offenders from three U.S. correctional facilities, 41 of whom met clinical criteria for psychopathy. No associations for classification accuracy were found as a function of psychopathy total score or its facets, controlling for age, gender, and race. This finding supports the argument that psychopathic offenders can demonstrate normal knowledge of wrongfulness. Implications for criminal responsibility are discussed.
Effect of insulin secretagogues and potential modulators of secretion on a plasma membrane (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase activity in islets of Langerhans.

Abstract Studies were undertaken to determine whether factors which affect insulin secretion may exert their effects by altering the activity of an islet-cell plasma membrane Ca 2+ extrusion pump. The insulin secretagogue, d -glucose, and a variety of phosphorylated hexoses, glucose 6-P, glucose 1,6-P, fructose 6-P, and fructose 2,6-P, were evaluated for their effect on an islet-cell plasma membrane (Ca 2+ + Mg 2+ )-ATPase and were found to be ineffective in altering enzyme activity. d -Glucose also did not alter the rate of ATP-dependent Ca 2+ uptake into plasma membrane vesicles. Similarly, cAMP, the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, arachidonic acid, or prostaglandin E 2 did not affect either the plasma membrane (Ca 2+ + Mg 2+ )-ATPase or the rate of ATP-dependent Ca 2+ uptake into plasma membrane vesicles. Whereas previous studies have suggested that d -glucose and/or cAMP may inhibit ATPase activities in islets, these results indicate that the agents i.e., d -glucose and cAMP, which stimulate and/or potentiate insulin secretion from the islet cell, do not modify Ca 2+ fluxes by directly regulating the islet-cell plasma membrane (Ca 2+ + Mg 2+ )-ATPase. In contrast, the acidic phospholipids, phosphatidic acid and phosphatidylserine, stimulated the enzyme activity in a concentration-dependent manner whereas phosphatidylcholine had only a minimal effect. The diacylglycerol, dilinolein, stimulated the (Ca 2+ + Mg 2+ )-ATPase activity in the presence of phosphatidylserine, but not in the absence of phospholipids. These effects were independent of phospholipid-stimulated protein phosphorylation in the islet-cell plasma membrane under the conditions of the ATPase assay.
Throwing the cops back out: The decline of a local program to make the criminal justice system more responsive to incidents of domestic violence

Evaluations of the impact of social programs are almost always a onetime undertaking. A particular social program is selected for scrutiny, data are collected and analyzed, final reports are written, and the evaluation is over. Whatever the final assessment, research teams move on to the next project; the program has been evaluated. In practice, of course, the majority of social programs outlive their evaluations. Yet few are evaluated a second time, presumably because there is no felt need, Public officials perhaps assume that social programs are sufhciently static so that evaluations from one historical period can be easily generalized to others. And while replications may be of considerable interest to the academic community, the amount of new information per dollar may be low in the eyes of people who authorize and fund program assessments. In an earlier article (Berk, Loseke, Berk, and Rauma, 1980), we reported an evaluation of an LEAA funded effort to make the Santa Barbara County criminal justice system more responsive to incidents of family violence, especially cases of wife battery. In brief, the Family Violence Program (FVP) had four related goals: (1) to encourage police officers to report all cases of family violence that came to their attention, (2) to encourage police officers to properly document such cases so that informed prosecutorial decisions could be made, (3) to increase the number of batterers sanctioned by the criminal justice system, and (4) to make
Definition of stresses in crop production−iron, plant nutrient, and non-nutrient stress interactions

Abstract A stress in crop production is considered as something that decreases yield, and a growth promoter is something the increases yield. Officially, granting and governmental agencies consider that many inputs that improve crop production as not being related to stress. In other words, a stress is an external factor that decreases crop yields from yield maximum to a lower level. Examples are diseases, insects, salinity, and excesses of trace elements. Granting agencies have not considered plant nutrients, growth regulators, or genetic limitation as being directly related to stresses; rather, these factors are considered as promoters of plant yields. This is a fallacy. When plant nutrients are not in optimum amounts and ratios, their deficiency and imbalance are true stresses; they decrease crop yields just as do other stresses. If a yield is not maximum, it is due to the additive accumulation of all stresses. If yields are increased, it is because of removal or overcoming of stresses. Nutrient defici...
Oxide networks, graph theory, and the passivity of Ni–Cr–Mo ternary alloys

The passivity of Ni–Cr–Mo ternary alloys is considered in terms of a continuous network of –Cr–O–Cr– bridges in the oxide film (which also contains Ni2+ and Mo4+ ions), or in terms of a continuous network of –Ni–O–Ni– bridges in the oxide film (which also contains Cr3+ and Mo4+ ions). The structure of the oxide is represented by a mathematical graph, and graph theory is used to calculate the connectivity of the oxide. This approach shows that a continuous network of –Cr–O–Cr– bridges occurs when the cation fraction of Cr3+ ions in the oxide is 0.35 or greater. A continuous network of –Ni–O–Ni– bridges occurs when the cation fraction of Ni2+ ions in the oxide is 0.55 or greater. Experimental results support the –Cr–O–Cr– model.
Outer-Sphere Effects on Reduction Potentials of Copper Sites in Proteins: The Curious Case of High Potential Type 2 C112D/M121E Pseudomonas aeruginosa Azurin

Redox and spectroscopic (electronic absorption, multifrequency electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and X-ray absorption) properties together with X-ray crystal structures are reported for the type 2 Cu^(II) C112D/M121E variant of Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurin. The results suggest that Cu^(II) is constrained from interaction with the proximal glutamate; this structural frustration implies a “rack” mechanism for the 290 mV (vs NHE) reduction potential measured at neutral pH. At high pH (~9), hydrogen bonding in the outer coordination sphere is perturbed to allow axial glutamate ligation to Cu^(II), with a decrease in potential to 119 mV. These results highlight the role played by outer-sphere interactions, and the structural constraints they impose, in determining the redox behavior of transition metal protein cofactors.
Experimental verification of Cr2+ models of photoluminescent transitions in GaAs:Cr and AlxGa1−xAs:Cr single crystals

Abstract LPE layers of Al x Ga 1− x As:Cr:Sn single crystals were grown and the photoluminescence band due to Cr 2+ was observed over the range 0≤ x ≤0.42 when measured at 77 K. Preliminary spectra which reveal the characteristic zero phonon line were obtained at 4.2 K for x =0.23. The experimental results support the model in which the 0.84 eV photoluminescence band in GaAs:Cr is attributed to intraimpurity transitions at Cr 2+ .
Discussion: “Exploring Effective Methods for Simulating Damaged Structures With Geometric Variation: Toward Intelligent Failure Detection” (McAdams, D. A., Comella, D., and Tumer, I. Y., 2007, ASME J. Appl. Mech., 74, pp. 191–202)

The paper of McAdams (ASME J. Appl. Mech.74, pp. 191–202) explored two different approaches for damage detection in vibrating beams having both manufacturing variations in geometry and crack damage. One of the approaches, however, has a significant error in its formulation. The effects of this error on the formulation and the analytical results are discussed.
Increasing prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the United States.

In the period 1975 to 1981, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) emerged as an important nosocomial pathogen in tertiary care centers in the United States. To determine if the prevalence of this organism has continued to increase, a questionnaire was sent to hospital epidemiologists in 360 acute care hospitals. A total of 256 (71%) of the 360 individuals responded. Overall, 97% (246/256) of responding hospitals reported having patients with MRSA in the period 1987 through 1989. Respondents in 217 hospitals provided estimates of the number of cases seen in 1987, 1988 and 1989. The percentage of respondents reporting one or more patients with MRSA increased from 88% in 1987 to 96.3% in 1989 (p = .0008). The percent of respondents reporting large numbers (greater than or equal to 50) of cases per year increased from 18% in 1987 to 32% in 1989 (p = .0006). Increasing frequency of large outbreaks was observed in community, community-teaching, federal, municipal and university hospitals.
NASA plans Pluto-Kuiper Belt Mission

The trans-Neptunian region, which contains the binary planet Pluto-Charon and the myriad planetary embryos of the Kuiper Belt, is a scientific and intellectual frontier. In recent years, the Pluto-Charon system has become recognized as a key element for understanding the origin of the outer solar system. So, too, it has become apparent that Pluto-Charon is a scientific wonderland offering insights into exotic dynamics, the nature of primitive organic material, complex volatile transport processes, and hydrodynamic atmospheric escape, as well as rich surface and atmospheric chemistry. Pluto's size, density albedo, surface composition, and atmosphere also make it a key comparator to Triton, Neptune's large and complex icy satellite.
Infinite number of local conservation laws for the self-dual SU(2) Yang-Mills system within 't Hooft's ansatz☆

Abstract We derive infinite sets of local continuity equations for the four-dimensional classical self-dual SU(2) Yang-Mills fields subjected to 't Hooft's ansatz. In striking analogy to the two-dimensional CP(n) non-linear sigma model where local conservation laws obtain either from complex Cauchy-Riemann analyticity or from a matrix Riccati equation, our local sets derive from quaternionic Fueter analyticity or a Riccati equation associated with the geometric prolongation structure implied by the Belavin-Zakharov linear spectral problem for the self-dual Yang-Mills system. Our analysis underlines the close connection between local and non-local conservation laws and suggests that infinite sets of local continuity equations should be present in the general self-(antiself-)dual gauge field case.
Automated pavement distress detection using advanced image processing techniques

In this paper, a novel, fast and self-adaptive image processing method is proposed for the extraction and connection of break points of cracks in pavement images. The algorithm first finds the initial point of a crack and then determines the crack's classification into transverse, longitudinal and alligator types. Different search algorithms are used for different types of cracks. Then the algorithm traces along the crack pixels to find the break point and then connect the identified crack point to the nearest break point in the particular search area. The nearest point then becomes the new initial point and the algorithm continues the process until reaching the end of the crack. The experimental results show that this connection algorithm is very effective in maximizing the accuracy of crack identification.
Low-complexity multiuser channel estimation with aperiodic spreading codes

Signal processing techniques for CDMA systems employing aperiodic spreading sequences have gained significant interest. Due to the time-varying nature of users' unknown signatures in a multipath communication environment, direct design of blind multiuser detectors is intractable. We focus on estimating the unknown multipath parameters for each active user in the system. The problem is solved in the correlation matching context based on correlations of both the directly received data and the outputs of a bank of matched filters. Three typical scenarios are discussed such as quasisynchronous uplink CDMA system with AWGN, with unknown interference, and downlink CDMA system with AWGN, leading to different solutions. We model the aperiodic spreading codes as random variables. For any priori-known distribution of the spreading codes, their statistics up to the fourth order can be evaluated, resulting in extremely low computational complexity of the methods. The identifiability of the channel parameters only depends on the nonsingularity of a deterministic matrix determined by known system parameters. In the case of unknown code statistics, the methods can be modified to be still applicable by estimating those code statistics from given spreading codes. However, in such a case, more computations are needed. Comparisons with other existing methods show that the proposed computationally efficient approaches can provide satisfactory results while requiring significantly less computations.
The Distribution of Na+, K+ and Glycinebetaine in Salicornia bigelovii

Stems of young actively growing Salicornia bigelovii were dissected into the three major tissue layers: vascular, spongy mesophyll and palisade. Each layer was analysed for chlorophyll, ash (salt), protein and glycinebetaine content. When glycinebetaine content was based on protein content, the vascular and spongy mesophyll layers had nearly identical values. Correction for probable RuBP carboxylase content in the palisade layer gave a glycinebetaine/protein ratio similar to that of the other tissues. All three tissue layers were found to contain significant amounts of salt.
Influence of Male Broiler Breeder Dietary Energy Intake on Reproduction and Progeny Growth

Abstract A study was conducted to test the effects of dietary energy intake on reproduction in genetically similar broiler breeder males and on the subsequent growth of their progeny. Fifty-nine 1-d-old pedigree broiler breeder male chicks were raised to breeding age. At 33 w k of age, 33 males were chosen and placed in one of three groups of 11 males per group and fed either 370, 330, or 290 kcal per bird per d. Each group contained both full and half brothers and had similar 6- and 33-wk mean body weights. There was a significant negative effect of decreased dietary energy intake on sperm concentration and total live sperm per milliliter of ejaculate, whereas there was no significant effect on ejaculate volume or percentage dead sperm per ejaculate. Four groups of hens (21 wk of age) with 18 hens per group, were randomly assigned to each male dietary treatment group. Hens were artificially inseminated with 50 μL neat pooled semen from one of the three male treatment groups. There was a significant linear effect of diet on fertility, with no significant effect on hatch of fertile, hatch of eggs set, or embryonic mortality. There was no effect of sire energy intake on offspring body weights at 0, 3, or 6 wk of age. Hens were similarly artificially inseminated and sperm penetration determined for 9 consecutive d postinsemination. There was a significant quadratic relationship between sperm penetration of the perivitelline layer overlying the germinal disc and day postinsemination for each of the three male treatment groups. In addition, mean sperm penetration was 62.3, 42.9, and 6.6 holes in the germinal disc perivitelline layer for the high, medium, and low energy groups, respectively. Following 16 wk of dietary energy treatment, there was a significant linear effect of diet on mean testes weight, mean testes weight as a percentage of male body weight, and male body weight.
Energy and Protein Relationships in the Broiler. 1. Effect of Protein Levels and Feeding Regimens on Growth, Body Composition, and In Vitro Lipogenesis of Broiler Chicks

Male broiler chicks were fed ad libitum diets containing 18, 23, or 30% protein for 3 weeks. In addition, chicks were fed diets containing 12, 23, or 30% protein on a 3-day rotation. Finally, chicks were fed either the 23 or 30% protein on a schedule of 2 days on feed and 1 day off feed. These feeding schemes allowed chicks to consume low to excess protein coupled with either adequate or inadequate energy intake. Feed intakes were equal for the 18, 23, and rotational percent protein dietary groups and lower (P less than .05) for the 30% ad libitum group. Chicks fed the 18% protein diet ad libitum were the least efficient (P less than .05) at utilizing feed and the most efficient (P less than .05) at utilizing protein for weight gain. Compared to the ad libitum situation, restricted feeding improved feed and protein efficiency of chicks fed 30% protein diets but not of chicks fed 23% protein diets. Body composition data on a dry matter basis supported a positive relationship between dietary protein and percent lean tissue. Conversely, expressing data on a whole bird basis indicated that lean body mass was favored by feeding the diet containing 23% protein. In vitro lipogenesis was greatest (P less than .05) in chicks fed a 18% protein diet ad libitum and least (P less than .05) in chicks fed a 30% protein diets ad libitum.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effect of Magnetic Nanoparticles on Improving Doxorubicin Treatment of T47D Breast Cancer Cells

Chemotherapeutic and anticancer therapeutics face restricted usage at higher concentrations, because of potential serious side effects on healthy cells. Therefore, finding more effective delivery mechanisms may enhance the efficacy of the compounds and decrease side effects. Recently, Magnetic Nanoparticles (MNP) have been demonstrated to increase the performance of some anticancer drugs. In the current study the effect of MNPs used in tandem with an anticancer drug was studied on breast cancer cell lines with and without the effect of external magnetic field.MNP (functionalized and biocompatible Fe3O4 NPs 160 nm diameter) was coupled with Doxorubicin (DOX), a commonly used anti-breast cancer drug, and magnetically delivered to T47D breast cancer cells. Control studies were performed with the intrinsic MNP and it was observed that they are not toxic to the cells. 50% cell viability was observed with a 1 μg/ml concentration of DOX and this concentration was further used for MNP studies. The MNPs combined with DOX were magnetically delivered to the cancer cells, both as a function of time and magnetic field. Optical and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) were used to study the effect of these external parameters on the MNP penetration into the cell. From these microscopy studies. It was observed that more MNP entered the cells with increasing time and magnetic field until a saturation point was reached. Also it was observed that there was a 20% increase in cell mortality for the cells treated with DOX l MNPs. This study was then modelled with variable permeability medium and thus an optimum value of the time and magnetic field was obtained.
Communication Complexity with Synchronized Clocks

We consider two natural extensions of the communication complexity model that are inspired by distributed computing. In both models, two parties are equipped with synchronized discrete clocks, and we assume that a bit can be sent from one party to another in one step of time. Both models allow implicit communication, by allowing the parties to choose whether to send a bit during each step. We examine trade-offs between time (total number of possible time steps elapsed) and communication (total number of bits actually sent). In the synchronized bit model, we measure the total number of bits sent between the two parties (e.g., email). We show that, in this model, communication costs can differ from the usual communication complexity by a factor roughly logarithmic in the number of time steps, and no more than such a factor. In the synchronized connection model, both parties choose whether or not to open their end of the communication channel at each time step. An exchange of bits takes place only when both ends of the channel are open (e.g., instant messaging), in which case we say that a {\em connection} has occurred. If a party does not open its end, it does not learn whether the other party opened its channel. When we restrict the number of time steps to be polynomial in the input length, and the number of connections to be polylogarithmic in the input length, the class of problems solved with this model turns out to be roughly equivalent to the communication complexity analogue of P^{NP}. Using our new model, we give what we believe to be the first lower bounds for this class, separating P^{NP} from Sigma_2 intersect Pi_2 in the communication complexity setting. Although these models are both quite natural, they have unexpected power, and lead to a refinement of problem classifications in communication complexity.
Lyman-α observations of astrospheres

Abstract. Charge-exchange reactions between outflowing stellar wind protons and interstellar neutral hydrogen atoms entering a stellar astrosphere produce a region of piled-up-decelerated neutral hydrogen called the hydrogen wall. Absorption by this gas, which is observed in stellar Lyman-α emission lines, provides the only viable technique at this time for measuring the mass-loss rates of F–M dwarf stars. We describe this technique, present an alternative way for understanding the relation of mass-loss rate with X-ray emission, and identify several critical issues.
Interrogating Classroom Relationships and Events: Using Portraiture and Critical Race Theory in Education Research:

This article explores the use of the methodology of portraiture and the analytic framework of critical race theory (CRT) to evaluate success and failure in urban classrooms. Portraiture and CRT share a number of features that make the two a viable pair for conducting research in urban schools. In combination, portraiture and CRT allow researchers to evoke the personal, the professional, and the political to illuminate issues of race, class, and gender in education research and to create possibilities for urban school reform as social action.
The sinuous microstrip antenna

Multioctave microstrip antennas recently developed by the authors (1990) for a spiral geometry have been extended to a sinuous geometry with good performance over a 5:1 bandwidth. The motivation for using the sinuous configuration is to achieve polarization diversity. Dual linear polarizations or dual circular polarizations can be obtained from a single sinuous antenna. Other desirable performance improvements over the loaded-cavity configuration of the sinous antenna, such as that of antenna gain, were also achieved. Measured results are presented which show that the sinuous microstrip antenna is capable of performance similar to that of the spiral microstrip antenna over a multioctave bandwidth with polarization diversity. >
Alterations in the Colonic Microbiota of Pigs Associated with Feeding Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles

In an effort to reduce feed costs, many pork producers have increased their use of coproducts of biofuel production in commercial pig diets, including increased feeding of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS). The inclusion of DDGS increases the insoluble fiber content in the ration, which has the potential to impact the colonic microbiota considerably as the large intestine contains a dynamic microenvironment with tremendous interplay between microorganisms. Any alteration to the physical or chemical properties of the colonic contents has the potential to impact the resident bacterial population and potentially favor or inhibit the establishment of pathogenic species. In the present study, colonic contents collected at necropsy from pigs fed either 30% or no DDGS were analyzed to examine the relative abundance of bacterial taxa associated with feeding this ingredient. No difference in alpha diversity (richness) was detected between diet groups. However, the beta diversity was significantly different between groups with feeding of DDGS being associated with a decreased Firmicutes:Bacteriodetes ratio (P = .004) and a significantly lower abundance of Lactobacillus spp. (P = .016). Predictive functional profiling of the microbiota revealed more predicted genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism, protein digestion, and degradation of glycans in the microbiota of pigs fed DDGS. Taken together, these findings confirm that alterations in dietary insoluble fiber significantly alter the colonic microbial profile of pigs and suggest the resultant microbiome may predispose to the development of colitis.
Building Sebastos: the Cyprus connection

Cet article est consacre a la construction du port israelien de Sebastos. Il s'inscrit dans le projet de Herode Ier le Grand de bâtir une nouvelle cite greco-romaine, Cesaree. Pour cela, il fit venir de Rome des maitres-bâtisseurs et des architectes. L'A explique le choix de l'emplacement puis presente les problemes generes par le site et les solutions apportees. Certaines elements semblent attester d'une relation avec Chypre.
Effect of oral pancreatic enzymes on the course of cholera in protein-deficient vervet monkeys.

Abstract The effect of pancreatic extract on the course of cholera infection in protein-deficient vervet monkeys ( Cercopithecus aethiops ) was studied. Eleven animals were made protein deficient by diet. Their intestinal pancreatic enzyme concentration decreased as they became protein depleted. These animals were then challenged with Vibrio cholerae . Four control animals given a standard diet were similarly challenged. Immediately after challenge, 6 of the protein-deficient monkeys were given a highly purified pancreatic extract at a dose of 500 mg per day, and the other 5 protein-deficient animals received heat-inactivated pancreatic extract. Pancreatic extract significantly reduced the severity and duration of diarrhea in the treated animals so that they resembled the controls. The period of fecal excretion of vibrios was prolonged in the group of monkeys which received inactivated pancreatic extract. In addition, the response of intestinal antibody titers to cholera toxin was also significantly lower in this latter group. These observations suggest that exocrine pancreatic secretion is involved in the local defense mechanism against cholera during protein deficiency.
Silvae 3.1 and Statius' Poetic Temple

In the preface to each book of his collected poems, the Silvae , Statius writes in the apologetic mode. Addressing his friend Arruntius Stella in the preface to Book 1, he claims that his poems are mere impromptu productions, ‘qui mini subito calore et quadam festinandi voluptate fluxerunt’, and he worries that by the time they reach publication they may have lost their only charm, that of speed, ‘celeritas’. Statius makes the same claims for impromptu production with the poem I will be discussing in this article, Silvae 3.1, which celebrates the remodelling of the temple of Hercules on the private Campanian estate that belonged to Statius' friend Pollius Felix: ‘nam primum limen eius Hercules Surrentinus aperit, quern in litore tuo consecratum, statim ut videram, his versibus adoravi’ (praef. 3).
Methylglyoxal, advanced glycation end products and autism: is there a connection?

Abstract Autism is a complex and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder of unknown etiology but very likely resulting from both genetic and environmental factors. Recent estimates suggest that it affects 1 in 100–150 individuals in the US. Oxidative stress, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction have all been suggested to play key roles in autism and may be linked via alterations in cellular redox homeostasis. The glutathione/glutathione disulfide (GSH/GSSG) redox pair forms the major redox couple in cells and as such plays a critical role in regulating redox-dependent cellular functions. A number of studies have shown that variations in genes involved in GSH metabolism are associated with autism. GSH also modulates the activity of glyoxalase 1 (Glo-1), the rate-limiting enzyme for the removal of reactive dicarbonyls such as methylglyoxal (MG). MG is the major precursor for the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Both MG and AGEs can induce oxidative stress, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction and are implicated in diabetic complications and multiple, age-related neurological diseases. Dietary consumption of AGEs and MG correlates with food intake which has increased 20–30% over the past 20 years. Both MG and AGEs are orally absorbed, leading to increased levels in the blood. Furthermore, in humans, increased MG and AGE levels in maternal blood correlate with increased MG and AGE levels in newborn blood, potentially exposing infants to high oxidative stress and inflammation. It is hypothesized that diet derived MG and AGEs in combination with inborn genetic vulnerabilities that affect the cellular redox status are major contributors to the development of autism and provide a causal link between oxidative stress, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction. If future research supports this hypothesis, then by reducing the exposure to these diet-derived factors, it might be possible to decrease the prevalence of at least a subset of autism cases.
A New Bootstrapping Method to Improve Classification Performance in Learning Classifier Systems

A new technique for improving the classification performance of learning classifier systems (LCS) was developed and applied to a real-world data mining problem. EpiCS, a stimulus-response LCS, was adapted to perform prevalence-based bootstrapping, wherein data from training and testing sets were sampled according to the prevalence of the individual classes, rather than randomly using the class distribution inherent in the data. Prevalence-based bootstrapping was shown to improve classification performance significantly on training and testing. Furthermore, this procedure was shown to enhance EpiCS's classification performance on testing compared to a well-known decision tree inducer (C4.5) when similar bootstrapping procedures were applied to the latter.
Anomalous Diffusion of Hydrogen and the Dependence of the Diffusion Constants on Hydrogen Content in Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon

The diffusion constant of hydrogen DH(t) in hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) is strongly dependent on the Si-bonded H content CH of the films. It increases by over four orders of magnitude for CH ranging from 1 to 19 at. %. In an rf sputter-deposited film of CH 5 at. % it increases with time at 300 ≤ T ≤ 362°C. The dispersion parameter α in DH(t) = D00(ωt)−α is thus negative. This observation and the increase of α with T above a sample-dependent temperature Tt are discussed in relation to low temperature structural relaxation processes in the amorphous network.
Caveolin-1 maintains activated Akt in prostate cancer cells through scaffolding domain binding site interactions with and inhibition of serine/threonine protein phosphatases PP1 and PP2A

Previously it has been reported that caveolin-1 (cav-1) has antiapoptotic activities in prostate cancer cells and functions downstream of androgenic stimulation. In this study, we demonstrate that cav-1 overexpression significantly reduced thapsigargin (Tg)-stimulated apoptosis. Examination of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K)/Akt signaling cascade revealed higher activities of PDK1 and Akt but not PI3-K in cav-1-stimulated cells compared to control cells. We subsequently found that cav-1 interacts with and inhibits serine/threonine protein phosphatases PP1 and PP2A through scaffolding domain binding site interactions. Deletion of the cav-1 scaffolding domain significantly reduces phosphorylated Akt and cell viability compared with wild-type cav-1. Analysis of potential substrates for PP1 and PP2A revealed that cav-1-mediated inhibition of PP1 and PP2A leads to increased PDK1, Akt, and ERK1/2 activities. We demonstrate that increased Akt activities are largely responsible for cav-1-mediated cell survival using dominant-negative Akt mutants and specific inhibitors to MEK1/MEK and show that cav-1 increases the half-life of phosphorylated PDK1 and Akt after inhibition of PI3-K by LY294002. We further demonstrate that cav-1-stimulated Akt activities lead to increased phosphorylation of multiple Akt substrates, including GSK3, FKHR, and MDM2. In addition, overexpression of cav-1 significantly increases translocation of phosphorylated androgen receptor to nucleus. Our studies therefore reveal a novel mechanism of Akt activation in prostate cancer and potentially other malignancies.
γ-Actin is required for cytoskeletal maintenance but not development

βcyto-Actin and γcyto-actin are ubiquitous proteins thought to be essential building blocks of the cytoskeleton in all non-muscle cells. Despite this widely held supposition, we show that γcyto-actin null mice (Actg1−/−) are viable. However, they suffer increased mortality and show progressive hearing loss during adulthood despite compensatory up-regulation of βcyto-actin. The surprising viability and normal hearing of young Actg1−/− mice means that βcyto-actin can likely build all essential non-muscle actin-based cytoskeletal structures including mechanosensory stereocilia of hair cells that are necessary for hearing. Although γcyto-actin–deficient stereocilia form normally, we found that they cannot maintain the integrity of the stereocilia actin core. In the wild-type, γcyto-actin localizes along the length of stereocilia but re-distributes to sites of F-actin core disruptions resulting from animal exposure to damaging noise. In Actg1−/− stereocilia similar disruptions are observed even without noise exposure. We conclude that γcyto-actin is required for reinforcement and long-term stability of F-actin–based structures but is not an essential building block of the developing cytoskeleton.
Learning Theories & Their Application to Science Instruction for Adults

It has become apparent through the work of many researchers and practitioners that adults learn differently than their younger counterparts in the educational system. This is especially important to those educators teaching in colleges and universities in the sciences. Biology education in the post-secondary setting is inundated with teachers who know biology backward and forward but lack the skills to effectively teach that knowledge to others. By applying the theories of andragogy, transformational learning, and experiential learning, and by integrating practices of self-directed learning and critical reflection, we can improve the effectiveness of biology education in American colleges and universities.
ANTIBODY AND IMMUNOGLOBULIN PRODUCTION AT THE CELLULAR LEVEL IN BURSECTOMIZED-IRRADIATED CHICKENS

The effect of bursectomy combined with sublethal X-irradiation in the newly hatched chicken on the immunoglobulin and antibody producing capacity in later life was investigated. The previous findings of a significant incidence of hypogammaglobulinemia in such animals were confirmed. Spleen cells from severely hypogammaglobulinemic animals synthesized and secreted little or no immunoglobulin. Such spleen lymphoid cells contained fewer immunoglobulin antigenic determinants than spleen cells from irradiated control animals as evidenced by their relative inability to respond by an increased DNA synthesis after in vitro culture with rabbit antiserum to chicken immunoglobulin. Therefore, the deficiency in the immunoglobulin synthesis extends not only to actively secreting cells such as plasma cells, but to the entire lymphoid cell population. As expected, most irradiated-bursectomized chickens, irrespective of plasma immunoglobulin levels failed to produce detectable amount of circulating antibodies to Brucella abortus antigen in the primary immune response. Severely hypogammaglobulinemic animals were completely unable to elaborate any plaque forming cells (PFC) in the primary response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC). The results of this investigation support the contention that in the severely hypogammaglobulinemic bursectomized-irradiated chicken the entire antibody producing and immunoglobulin producing cell line is absent. The possibility remains that precursor or stem cells are present but are not appropriately directed to antibody synthesis by other cell types.
Mutational Study of Heparan Sulfate 2-O-Sulfotransferase and Chondroitin Sulfate 2-O-Sulfotransferase

Heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) are highly sulfated polysaccharides with a wide range of biological functions. Heparan sulfate 2-O-sulfotransferase (HS-2OST) transfers the sulfo group from 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) to the 2-OH position of the hexauronic acid that is adjacent to N-sulfated glucosamine, whereas chondroitin sulfate 2-O-sulfotransferase (CS-2OST) transfers the sulfo group to the hexauronic acid that is adjacent to N-acetylated galactosamine. Here we report a systematic mutagenesis study of HS-2OST and CS-2OST based on their structural homology to estrogen sulfotransferase and HS 3-O-sulfotransferase isoform 3 (3-OST3), for which crystal structures exist. We have identified six residues possibly involved in binding to PAPS. HS-2OST carrying mutations of these residues lacks sulfotransferase activity and the ability to bind 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphate, a PAPS analogue, as determined by isothermal titration calorimetry. Similar residues involved in binding to PAPS were also identified in CS-2OST. Additional residues that participate in carbohydrate substrate binding were also identified in both enzymes. Mutations at these residues led to the loss of sulfotransferase activity but maintained the ability to bind to phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphate. The catalytic function of HS-2OST appears to involve two histidine residues (His140 and His142), whereas only one histidine (His168) of CS 2-OST is likely to be critical. This unique feature of HS 2-OST catalytic residues directed us to characterize the Drosophila heparan sulfate 2-O-sulfotransferase. The results from this study provide insight into the differences and similarities various residues play in the biological roles of the HS-2OST and CS-2OST enzymes.
Nutritional support and the surgical patient.

PURPOSE: Data on the impact of nutritional support (NS) on outcomes in surgical patients are reviewed. SUMMARY: While most patients will progress to oral nutrition after surgery and require little or no intervention, major surgery or postoperative complications can delay the prescription of an oral diet. In such patients, nutritional requirements are often increased to support wound healing and hypermetabolism associated with surgical recovery. Without adequate nutrition, muscle wasting, immune dysfunction, and declining visceral protein status are observed. While it would seem intuitive that early nutritional intervention is warranted for most patients, the literature to date suggests that early parenteral nutrition (PN) does not improve clinical outcomes. An exception may be for severely malnourished patients if NS is provided for at least seven days preoperatively. Such patients should be identified early through nutritional assessment. Early enteral nutrition (EN) may potentially improve patient outcomes compared with PN, but there are insufficient data to confirm this. High-dose parenteral glutamine may reduce infectious complications and the length of hospitalization for surgical patients, but a significant reduction in mortality has not been observed. Early EN with immune-enhancing formulas appears promising for general surgery patients. However, their use in the critically ill surgical patient is not unanimously supported, and some studies suggest potential harm. CONCLUSION: Surprisingly little evidence is available to support a significant impact of early NS on postoperative clinical outcomes.
A tracer study for assessing the interactions between hydraulic retention time and transport processes in a wetland system for nutrient removal

In this study, a new-generation subsurface upflow wetland (SUW) system packed with the unique sorption media was introduced for nutrient removal. To explore the interface between hydraulic and environmental performance, a tracer study was carried out in concert with a transport model to collectively provide hydraulic retention time (7.1 days) and compelling evidence of pollutant fate and transport processes. Research findings indicate that our pollution-control media demonstrate smooth nutrient removal efficiencies across different sampling port locations given the appropriate size distribution conversant with the anticipated hydraulic patterns and layered structure among the sorption media components. The sizable capacity for nutrient removal in this bioprocess confirms that SUW is a promising substitute for an extension of traditional on-site wastewater treatment systems.
Effects of Olanzapine, Risperidone and Haloperidol on Prepulse Inhibition in Schizophrenia Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Prepulse inhibition (PPI), whereby the startle eyeblink response is inhibited by a relatively weak non-startling stimulus preceding the powerful startle eliciting stimulus, is a measure of sensorimotor gating and has been shown to be deficient in schizophrenia patients. There is considerable interest in whether conventional and/or atypical antipsychotic medications can "normalize" PPI deficits in schizophrenia patients. 51 schizophrenia patients participated in a randomized, double-blind controlled trial on the effects of three commonly-prescribed antipsychotic medications (risperidone, olanzapine, or haloperidol) on PPI, startle habituation, and startle reactivity. Patients were tested at baseline, Week 4 and Week 8. Mixed model regression analyses revealed that olanzapine significantly improved PPI from Week 4 to Week 8, and that at Week 8 patients receiving olanzapine produced significantly greater PPI than those receiving risperidone, but not haloperidol. There were no effects of medication on startle habituation or startle reactivity. These results support the conclusion that olanzapine effectively increased PPI in schizophrenia patients, but that risperidone and haloperidol had no such effects. The results are discussed in terms of animal models, neural substrates, and treatment implications.
A Standardized Case Study Framework and Methodology to Identify “Best Practices”

A review of the literature reveals limited information on how to conduct a facility-based case study yielding useful information for architectural practice. In the wake of an “evidence-based design ”movement, it is imperative for architects to think about case study research within a performance-based framework that links design decisions to measurable outcomes. Building on this premise, the objective of this paper is to argue for a standardized approach for case studies, present a framework and methodology providing guidance on how to conduct case studies, and conclude with an example. A six-step case study research process is presented including the purpose and activities for each step as well as possible deliverables. The authors claim that a standardized case study approach would allow for cross-case comparisons using a set of performance indicators. A desired end goal of case study research is to develop a facility database that could be used to inform the development of design guidelines, rules of thumb and “best practices.”
Solitary fibrous tumor of the pancreas

Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms of fibroblastic origin. Most commonly they affect the pleura but they been described in other viscera. SFT of the pancreas is extremely rare, and only eight cases have been reported to date. We perform a literature review and report a ninth case. The patient is a 54-year-old African-American female who presented with several months of abdominal pain. Abdominal radiography demonstrated a lesion in the head of the pancreas, and she underwent a Whipple operation. Pathology demonstrated SFT of the pancreas. She is alive and well 1 year post-operatively. SFT of the pancreas predominately affects middle-aged women. These tumors are difficult to distinguish radiologically from neuroendocrine tumors. While SFT of the pancreas tend to have an indolent course, there is the potential for malignancy. We recommend complete surgical excision.
Manual Control Adaptation to Changing Vehicle Dynamics in Roll-Pitch Control Tasks

This paper investigates how pilot control behavior adapts to time-varying vehicle dynamics in a roll–pitch control task. Nine general aviation pilots performed eight experimental conditions in which the axis containing the time-varying controlled dynamics and the rate of change of the dynamics varied. To characterize time-varying human control behavior, a maximum likelihood estimation procedure was used to estimate the parameters of a pilot model with time-dependent sigmoid functions. Pilot control behavior in both axes was significantly affected by the time-varying controlled dynamics in roll and pitch and by the rate of change of the dynamics. Control behavior was mainly affected in the axis containing the time-varying controlled dynamics. However, control behavior in the axis not containing the time-varying dynamics was also affected, indicating cross coupling in human perception and control processes between roll and pitch. The maximum likelihood estimation method provided accurate parameter estimatio...