cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MBE of wide bandgap II VI compounds

Abstract A pseudomorphic epilayer/epilayer heterojunction consisting of ZnTe on AlSb, having potential for the development of novel visible light emitting injection devices, has been grown by MBE. A variety of microstructural and optical evaluation techniques have provided evidence of high structural quality. The nonequilibrium growth capability of the MBE technique has enabled the growth of heterostructures incorporating a previously hypothetical widegap magnetic semiconductor, the zincblende phase of MnTe. Electron diffraction measurements of cross-sectional samples reveal only zincblende phases. Double barrier structures incorporating zincblende MnTe are found to exhibit 2D electron and hole confinement in CdTe and ZnTe quantum well layers, and serve to confirm the zincblende MnTe bandgap at 3.2 eV.
TU-EE-A1-06: Model for Development of Tumor Vasculature Based On Monte Carlo Simulations

Purpose: The work aims to simulate growth of tumor vascular structure, based on the anatomical and biological information obtained from a contrast‐enhanced CT and hypoxia PET images. The model would be beneficial for optimization in anti‐angiogenic therapy. Materials and Methods: The vascular structure was simulated as a two dimensional matrix. MATLAB environment was used in simulations. An upper limit on the vascular density was fixed and vessels were grown from a given root vessel into the space of a specific size. The vessel thickness was simulated variable, with vessels thinning as they grew. The vessel node selected for sprouting is the one which has the least density of oxygen around it. The direction in which the vessel sprouts is calculated by checking on the least dense direction around it using Monte Carlo simulation, and considering into account that vessels have a tendency to grow forwards. Results: The developed vasculature growth model was successfully implemented. The thicker vessels grown correspond to the thicker blood vessels and the thinnest ones to the capillaries. The density of the vasculature could be successfully controlled and modified to achieve tumor vasculature growth in the region required. A region of higher vasculature density corresponds to a less hypoxic region and vice‐versa. A known hypoxia map and an initial vasculature structure are the only requirements for the simulation. Conclusions: Micro‐PET/CT images acquired in vivo provide the basic information needed for tumor growth simulations. The model could be applied as an effective tool for optimizing anti‐angiogenic therapies, when fully benchmarked to the experimentally measured conditions. The vasculature growth in a three dimensional matrix is expected to put a much more severe restriction on the computational power needed.
Unique solutions of systems of second-order nonlinear two-point boundary-value problems

A boundary-value problem in ordinary differential equations differs from an initial-value problem in that it must satisfy conditions at two or more points. An n th order differential equation can have n conditions at one point or one condition at n points. In fluid mechanics and trajectory mechanics, systems of second-order equations with conditions specified at two points are often encountered. This paper will consider only systems of this form. The question of existence and uniqueness of solutions of the two-point boundary-value problem (a scalar D.E.) y " + f ( t , y , y ' ) = O , w i t h y ( a ) = A a n d y ( b ) = B , where f is continuous and satisfies the uniform Lipschitz condition I f ( t , y , y ' ) f ( t, z, z') I ~< K l y z I + L l y ' z' I, (1)
The effects of essential fatty acid deficiency on the skin of the mouse

Mice raised from weaning on a diet free of essential fatty acids (EFA) developed a syndrome involving scaliness and inelasticity of the skin with extensive loss of hair. Histologically, the epidermis of EFA-deficient mice became noticeably thicker within as few as ten days on the diet and reached a maximum thickness in all strata of the epidermis by 50 days. Animals on the same diet supplemented with 50 mg of purified linoleic acid every other day developed none of the symptoms of deficiency. Mitotic counts on whole-mounted epidermal sheets split from the foot pads of EFA-deficient and linoleic acid-supplemented mice revealed significantly greater mitotic activity in the deficient animals. Histochemical activity for succinic dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase was more intense and extensive in the lower stratum Malpighii of the deficient animals than in controls. Acid phosphatase activity also was more intense in the stratum granulosum of deficient animals. These observations are interpreted to indicate that in the mouse cellular proliferation and differentiation of the epidermis are accelerated by essential fatty acid deficiency.
An investigation of computer literacy as a function of attitude

A survey fo first and second year university students reveals the acceptance of a number of misconceptions about computers and computer applications, some on which indicate the presence of negative attitudes. A statistical analysis of the survey supports the proposition that previous computer experience is not always a corrective for unreasonable or even hostile attitudes. It is claimed that the achievement of computer literacy (in the sense of technical expertise) is possible for some populations only after attitudinal corrections, and that, in general, the strategy for achieving such corrections is dependent upon population characteristics.
The prediction of the hydriding thermodynamics of Pd-Rh-Co ternary alloys

A dilute solution model (with respect to the substitutional alloying elements) has been utilized to accurately predict the hydride formation and decomposition thermodynamics and hydrogen storage capacities of dilute Pd-Rh-Co alloys. The effect of varying the rhodium and cobalt compositions on the thermodynamics of hydride formation and decomposition and hydrogen capacity of several palladiumrhodium-cobalt ternary alloys has been investigated using pressure-composition (PC) isotherms. Alloying in the dilute regime (<10 at. pct) causes the enthalpy for hydride formation to linearly decrease with increasing alloying content. Cobalt has a stronger effect on the reduction in enthalpy than rhodium for equivalent alloying amounts. Also, an increasing alloying content of cobalt reduces the hydrogen storage capacity. The plateau thermodynamics are strongly linked to the lattice parameters of the alloys. A near-linear dependence of the enthalpy of hydride formation on the lattice parameter was observed for both the binary Pd-Rh and Pd-Co alloys, as well as for the ternary Pd-Rh-Co alloys. The Pd-5Rh-3Co (at. pct) alloy was found to have similar plateau thermodynamics to a Pd-10Rh alloy; however, this ternary alloy had a diminshed hydrogen storage capacity relative to Pd-10Rh.
Combined Mechanics-Materials Based Optimization of Superplastic Forming of Magnesium AZ31 Alloy

A new optimization approach for superplastic forming of Mg AZ31 alloy is presented and experimentally validated. The proposed new optimization approach is based on a multiscale failure criterion that takes into account both geometrical necking and microstructural evolution, yielding a variable strain rate forming path instead of the commonly used constant strain rate approach. Uniaxial tensile tests and free bulge forming experiments, in conjunction with finite element analysis, are used to evaluate the proposed optimization approach. Significant reduction in forming time is achieved when following the proposed optimization approach, without compromising the uniformity of deformation.
Characterization of single‐walled carbon nanotubes synthesized using iron and cobalt nanoparticles derived from self‐assembled diblock copolymer micelles

We present a comparative study of single-walled carbon nanotubes grown using iron and cobalt nanoparticles as catalysts via the chemical vapor deposition approach. Monodispersed iron and cobalt oxide nanoparticles with an average size of 2 nm were prepared using a polystyrene-b-poly (4-vinylpyridine) diblock copolymermicelle template. The 2 nm iron oxide nanoparticles generated single-walled carbon nanotubes with an average diameter of 1.5 nm while 2 nm cobalt oxide nanoparticles produced single-walled carbon nanotubes with an average diameter of 1.0 nm. To achieve high growth yield using iron nanoparticles as catalyst, higher carbon feed rate is required. These findings demonstrate the importance of the synergic interaction between catalyst and carbon precursor in single-walled carbon nanotube formation. It also elucidates the important role of catalyst chemical composition on carbon nanotube properties. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mannopinic acid and agropinic acid catabolism region of the octopine-type Ti plasmid pTi15955.

Octopine-type Ti plasmids such as pTi15955, pTiA6 and pTiR10 direct the catabolism of at least eight compounds called opines that are released from crown gall tumours. Four of these compounds are denoted mannityl opines, each of which possesses a D-mannityl substituent on the nitrogen atom of either glutamate or glutamine. We have analysed a 20 kb region of the Ti plasmid pTi15955 that is required for the catabolism of two such opines, mannopinic acid and agropinic acid. A total of 12 genes in four operons were identified by DNA sequence analysis. Transposons Tn5lacZ and MudK were used to mutagenize these genes and to create aga–lacZ and moa–lacZ translational fusions. The expression of all fusions was induced by agropinic acid and by mannopinic acid. One of these four operons encodes an agropinic acid permease, whereas a second one encodes a mannopinic acid permease. A third operon contains three genes encoding probable catabolic enzymes, two of which (AgaF and AgaG) are thought to convert agropinic acid to mannopinic acid, while the third (AgaE) probably converts mannopinic acid to mannose and glutamate. AgaE resembles a bacterial amino acid deaminase, whereas AgaF and AgaG resemble two bacterial proteins that together catabolize substituted hydantoins, whose chemical structure resembles that of agropinic acid. The remaining operon encoded the MoaR protein, a negative regulator of itself and of the other three operons.
In vivo SPECT/CT imaging and biodistribution using radioactive Cd125mTe/ZnS nanoparticles

Radioactive cadmium telluride/zinc sulfide (Cd125mTe/ZnS) nanoparticles were targeted to mouse lung with antibody to mouse lung endothelium and quantified using radiological histology in order to test the in vivo targeting efficacy of a nanoparticle–antibody (NP–mAb) system. The nanoparticles were linked to either a monoclonal antibody to mouse lung thrombomodulin (mAb 201B) or a control antibody (mAb 33), and injected into groups of 6-week-old Balb/C female mice. Animals were sacrificed at 1, 4, 24, 72 and 144 h post-injection, and biodistribution in major organs was determined. Full body microSPECT/CT imaging was performed on a pair of mice (experimental and control) providing visual confirmation of the biodistribution. The Cd125mTe/ZnS NPs conjugated to mAb 201B principally target the lungs while the nanoparticles coupled to mAb 33 accumulate in the liver and spleen. These data provide, for the first time, a quantitative measurement of the in vivo targeting efficacy of an inorganic nanoparticle–mAb system.
Structure and function of the lysosomes of human fibroblasts in culture: dependence on medium pH.

Extract: Histochemical and ultrastructural consequences of pH variations in growth media were studied using three normal human fibroblast strains. Histochemical staining for acid phosphatase indicated increased amounts of enzyme activity in cells grown at higher pH. The ultrastructural consequences of an increase in growth medium pH was dramatic. A picture resembling storage disease developed in these cells within a few days. The cells became filled with bodies which could roughly be divided into two types. Type I had a homogeneous matrix, stained slightly with ruthenium red, was usually not membrane bound, and exhibited no acid glycerophosphatase activity. The nature and origin of these bodies is unclear. Type II bodies contained whorles of membranes and inhomogeneous matrix which was acid phosphatase positive but did not stain with ruthenium red. This type was always membrane bound and qualifies as lysosomes. Normal cells thus grown at higher pH were morphologically similar to cells cultured at neutral pH from patients with I-cell disease. These morphologic changes did not affect cell viability or cell growth. Speculation: A morphologic picture of severe storage disease can be induced in normal fibroblasts simply by increasing the medium pH. This is in agreement with our earlier observation that the lysosomal function of mucopolysaccharide degradation is progressively inhibited as pH of the growth medium increases. When attempting to diagnose genetic disease in cultured cells it is important to realize that intracellular lysosomal function is sensitive to extracellular pH. The observation of such pH sensitivity might also be a useful tool in studies on the general nature of lysosomal function.
Simulation of the climate of 18,000 years BP: Results for the North American/North Atlantic/European sector and comparison with the geologic record of North America

Abstract The large ice sheets in North America and Europe and the extensive sea-ice cover in the North Atlantic at the time of the last glacial maximum must have greatly modified the surface temperature patterns and, in turn, the location and intensity of the surface winds and jet streams. A general circulation model was used to simulate the January and July patterns of temperature, precipitation, and wind for 18 ka BP. Boundary conditions for the model, consisting of ice-sheet location and height, sea-ice location, and sea-surface temperature were prescribed from CLIMAP (1981). The model results are illustrated and described for the North American/North Atlantic/European sector. The jet stream splits around the North American ice-sheet, and the southern branch strengthens considerably (compared to present) over the southern portion of the United States, the sea-ice margin of the North Atlantic, and the southern edge of the European ice-sheet. Geologic evidence, principally from North America, of wind, temperature and moisture conditions is assessed from sand dune and loess records, estimates of snowline depression, pollen records and lake-level studies. The geologic evidence is generally compatible with the model simulation.
Solution structure of the osteogenic 1-31 fragment of the human parathyroid hormone.

The solution conformations of a selectively osteogenic 1−31 fragment of the human parathyroid hormone (hPTH), hPTH(1−31)NH2, have been characterized by use of very high field NMR spectroscopy at 800 MHz. The combination of the CαH proton and 13Cα chemical shifts, 3JNHα coupling constants, NH proton temperature coefficients, and backbone NOEs reveals that the hPTH(1−31)NH2 peptide has well-formed helical structures localized in two distinct segments of the polypeptide backbone. There are also many characteristic NOEs defining specific side-chain/backbone and side-chain/side-chain contacts within both helical structures. The solution structure of hPTH(1−31)NH2 contains a short N-terminal helical segment for residues 3−11, including the helix capping residues 3 and 11 and a long C-terminal helix for residues 16−30. The two helical structures are reinforced by well-defined capping motifs and side-chain packing interactions within and at both ends of these helices. On one face of the C-terminal helix, there ar...
Systematic study on the resolution of derivatized amino acids enantiomers on different cyclodextrin-bonded stationary phases

Abstract The chiral separation of amino acids by liquid chromatography using cyclodextrin-bonded stationary phases was studied systematically. Six types of native and chemically modified β-cyclodextrin-bonded stationary phases have been used to separate enantiomers of some derivatized amino acids in the reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography mode. Chiral separations with ( R )- and ( S )-naphthyl-ethylcarbamate-βyclodextrin (NEC-β-CD) bonded phases were compared with similar separations with the native β-CD stationary phase. Racemic dansyl amino acids were separated best on β-CD column while 3,5-dinitro-2-pyridyl-, dabsyl-, and 3,5-dinitrobenzoyl-amino acids were resolved best on the ( R )- or ( S )NEC-β-CD column. The role of the mobile phase was studied. Effects of organic modifiers, ionic strength, and pH of the mobile phase on retention and enantioselectivity of the analytes were investigated on three stationary phases. The enantiomer elution order of all dansyl amino acids on native and NEC-β-CD bonded stationary phases was L before D enantiomer, while a reverse elution order for dabsyl amino acids was observed. Hence, elution order can be controlled by choosing the appropriate functional group. This provides an alternative to the current method of changing retention order by changing the stationary phase ( i.e. , obtaining a different column). It appears that the NEC-β-CD bonded phases are highly effective multimodal chiral stationary phases. The chiral recognition model involving inclusion complexation and π-π interactions is discussed.
Abnormal neuronal distribution within the cerebral cortex after prenatal methylmercury intoxication.

C57BL/6J mice were poisoned with methylmercury during pregnancy, and the location of heavily labeled neurons generated at embryonic day 16 was determined by tritiated thymidine autoradiography of the cerebral cortex of offspring at postnatal day 10. Camera lucida plotting of the distribution of radioactively labeled cortical neurons revealed statistically significant differences between control and methylmercury-treated groups. While control animals showed regular and tight packing of labeled neurons within the upper part of the cortical layer II, in methylmercury-treated animals such neurons were irregularly distributed throughout cortical layers II and III. Short-term intermittent and long-term lowdosage regimens of intoxication produced similar results. These findings support the hypothesis that prenatal methylmercury poisoning results in abnormal neuronal migration and anomalous cortical cytoarchitectonic patterning within the developing brain and provide a possible morphological basis for some of the neurobehavioral abnormalities that may be observed in association with sublethal prenatal intoxication in humans.
ScriptABLE: supporting informal learning with cases

Informal learning resources have the potential to reach millions of currently underserved learners teaching themselves about the basics of computing using the Web, example code, peer networks, books, and other materials. In this paper, we investigate the effectiveness of case-based learning aids (CBLAs) as a resource to scaffold informal education in scripting for web and graphic design. We present the design of a new CBLA called ScriptABLE and outline initial evaluation results with respect to its ability to foster both programming ability and more expert understanding of computing concepts.
Potential of zeolite supported rhodium catalysts for the CO2 reforming of CH4

Abstract Zeolite Y supported rhodium catalysts were prepared by ion-exchange starting from an aqueous solution of [Rh[(NH3)5Cl]Cl2·6H20]. Previous work in this laboratory had shown that this procedure results in a Rh dispersion of near 100%. The catalysts were tested for their activity in the CO2 reforming of CH4. They were found to combine extraordinary stability with high activity and selectivity. At 923 K, 90 mol-% of the CH4 was converted giving a H 2 CO ratio near unity. A weight loading of 0.5 to 0.93% Rh gives the highest turnover frequencies. Thermodynamic equilibrium is reached near 873 K. With a given Rh loading, the zeolite supports are superior to amorphous supports and NaY is superior to the HY. No deactivation was observed in tests of 30 h time on stream at atmospheric pressure or after repeated thermal cycles. No coke deposition was detected by temperature programmed oxidation of used catalysts. Temperature programmed reduction indicates the presence of three discernible Rh species.
CRAB PREDATION, WATERBORNE CUES, AND INDUCIBLE DEFENSES IN THE BLUE MUSSEL, MYTILUS EDULIS

Inducible defenses are found in both terrestrial and aquatic organisms and appear to be a common defensive strategy of both sessile and mobile species. Here we report the presence of previously undescribed inducible defenses in marine mussels, a dominant member of temperate rocky intertidal communities. In the Gulf of Maine, estuarine shorelines with low water flow are characterized by high crab predation on the common blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, compared to nearby shore- lines with high water flow. Mussels at these high predation sites had thicker shells, relatively more shell mass, and were more tightly attached to the substrate than mussels at low predation sites. Field and laboratory experiments were used to test whether the between- site differences in these traits were the result of phenotypic plasticity. Mussels outplanted to high predation sites produced more byssal threads and attached more firmly to the substrate than did mussels outplanted to low predation sites. In the laboratory, thicker shells were induced by waterborne cues from both the common predator, Carcinus maenus, and damaged conspecifics, and these thicker shells were mechanically stronger than thinner, noninduced ones. Our results contribute to growing evidence that inducible defenses are a pervasive feature of intertidal assemblages. In addition to the bivalve example presented here, gastropods, barnacles, bryozoans, and seaweeds are also known to have inducible defenses. Phenotypic plasticity for defensive traits has likely evolved repeatedly in intertidal organisms and appears to play a major role in the dynamics of rocky intertidal communities.
High efficiency Ka-band MMIC amplifiers

This paper describes recent progress in the Ka-band MMIC power amplifier program. New materials, material growth techniques, device designs and circuit design techniques have made it possible to design and fabricate MMIC amplifiers with both high efficiency and high power at Ka-band and higher frequencies. MMIC amplifiers using pseudomorphic AlGaAs/InGaAs/GaAs HEMT devices presently achieve 400 mW with 25 percent efficiency at Ka-band and 1 W, 35 percent efficient amplifiers are being developed.
Sequential testing decisions in product development

Timing and frequency of reliability tests is essential in product design. Testing is modeled as an activity that generates information about technical errors and customer-need related problems that will need to be redesigned. Optimal testing strategies (number and timing of tests) need to balance the tradeoff between several variables, including the cost of a test, the increasing cost of redesign when discovered at a later stage, and the relationship between sequential tests. We propose an optimal sequential testing policy based on the condition that the net marginal value obtained from a test must be higher than the cost associated with it. The optimal strategy is obtained for a general form of accumulated errors and redesign functions. The relation between design errors and rework cost has an important role on determining the optimal testing policy. Linear relation has the most number of tests compared to concave or convex. In addition, earlier tests during the project are preferred for a concave relationship. In convex relation, however, late tests are recommended.
Aortic Atherosclerosis Detected with Electron-Beam CT as a Predictor of Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease

Abstract Rationale and Objectives Several studies have demonstrated an association between coronary and aortic atherosclerosis. Aortic atherosclerosis is easily quantified by means of electron-beam computed tomography (CT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of measurement of aortic atherosclerosis with electron-beam CT as an independent predictor of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Materials and Methods Ninety-seven patients (67 men, 30 women; mean age, 61 years ± 12) were enrolled and underwent electron-beam CT with and without contrast material. Coronary artery calcification was quantified with nonenhanced electron-beam CT by means of Agatston score. CAD was defined as luminal narrowing of the coronary artery by at least 70%, as measured with electron-beam angiography. Aortic atherosclerosis was quantified by measuring raised lesions of the aortic wall (plaque) and wall thickening (volume and thickness) in the midportion of the descending thoracic aorta (10 contiguous sections), as depicted at contrast material–enhanced CT angiography. Results Aortic plaque and calcification were detected only in patients who were at least 58 years old. The presence of aortic plaque was predictive of obstructive CAD, independent of coronary artery calcification. The sensitivity of aortic plaque (raised lesions) for obstructive CAD was 89% in patients at least 58 years old, and the specificity was 63%. Aortic calcification had a sensitivity of 56% and a specificity of 72% for diagnosis of obstructive CAD. Conclusion This study demonstrated that aortic plaque detected with contrast-enhanced electron-beam CT was a more consistent predictor of obstructive CAD than other independent aortic variables. Aortic calcification depicted on nonenhanced CT images was highly specific for obstructive CAD.
Migration depths of adult steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss in relation to dissolved gas supersaturation in a regulated river system

Adult steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss tagged with archival transmitters primarily migrated through a large river corridor at depths >2 m interspersed with frequent but short (<5 min) periods closer to the surface. The recorded swimming depths and behaviours probably provided adequate hydrostatic compensation for the supersaturated dissolved gas conditions encountered and probably limited development of gas bubble disease (GBD). Results parallel those from a concurrent adult Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha study, except O. mykiss experienced greater seasonal variability and were more likely to have depth uncompensated supersaturation exposure in some dam tailraces, perhaps explaining the higher incidence of GBD in this species.
Coupling phenomena during asynchronous submaximal two-hand, multi-finger force production tasks in humans.

We studied asynchronous two-hand multi-finger force production at submaximal levels. Subjects produced constant levels of force with one hand (FREF), and started ramp force production with the other hand (FRAMP) 3 s later. The zero–maximal force–zero ramp lasted 10 s. Visual feedback was provided only for FREF during the first 3 s and only for FRAMP during the rest of the trial. The initiation of FRAMP induced a transient overshoot by FRAMP and a drop in FREF; both scaled with FREF. Later into the trial, FREF dropped slowly, while FRAMP undershot maximal force by about 15%. Two regimes of bimanual interaction are hypothesized, ‘strong interaction’ when an effector is added to a one-hand task, and ‘weak interaction’ during two-hand force production.
The distortion of Hilbert space

The unit sphere of Hilbert space, l2, is shown to contain a remarkable sequence of nearly orthogonal sets. Precisely, there exist a sequence of sets of norm one elements of l2, (C i ) =1 ∞ , and reals e i ↓0 so that a) each setC i has nonempty intersection with every infinite dimensional closed subspace of l2 and b) fori≠j,x∈C, andy∈C j , |〈x, y〉|<emin(i, j)
A Dynamic Voltage Scaling Algorithm for Dynamic Workloads

Dynamic Voltage Scaling (DVS) is a promising method to achieve energy saving by slowing down the processor into multiple frequency levels in battery-operated embedded systems. However, the worst case execution time (WCET) of the tasks scheduled by DVS must be known ahead of time to ensure their schedulability. In reality, a system's workloads may change significantly without satisfying any prediction. In other words, a task's WCET may not provide useful information about its future real execution time (RET). This paper presents a novel Dynamic-Mode EDF scheduling algorithm when workloads change significantly. One of the Single-Mode, Dual-Mode, and Three-Mode frequency setting formats can be applied, based on the RET and the accumulated slack at run-time. Only one combination of the number of modes/speeds, speed-switching transition points, and the frequency scaling factor for each mode can lead to the best energy saving. Experimental results show that, given an RET pattern, our Dynamic-Mode DVS algorithm achieves an average 15% energy savings over the traditional two-mode DVS scheme on hard real-time systems. Additionally, we also consider speed-switching or energy transition overhead, and implement a preliminary test of our proposed algorithm. With a less aggressive voltage scaling strategy (fewer speed changes for each job), deadlines can still be strictly satisfied and an average of 14% energy consumption saving over a non-DVS scheme is observed.
Puzzles, Art, and Magic with Algorithms

Solving and designing puzzles, creating sculpture and architecture, and inventing magic tricks all lead to fun and interesting algorithmic problems. This paper describes some of our explorations into these areas.
NADPH: Phenanthrenequinone oxidoreductase in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Abstract The toxicity of certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons has been related to the phenomenon of oxidative stress. Recent studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (PQ) is an efficient redox cycling agent in cytosols of several organs of the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Stomach cytosol demonstrated a high level of dicoumarol-sensitive PQ reduction which was at least tenfold greater than that seen in kidney, liver or gill. In the presence of stomach cytosol, PQ stimulated production of Superoxide union in-vitro at rates several fold higher than did menadione, a model redox active quinone. The active component from stomach cytosol has been purified, and is termed NADPH: phenanthrenequinone oxidoreductase, which the authors believe represents a novel quinone-reducing enzyme in this species.
European Corn Borer: Yield Losses and Damage Resulting from a Simulated Natural Infestation

A method of producing a Poisson distribution of egg masses over plants and time was developed for artificial infestation of field corn that simulates natural oviposition by Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner). Data were collected for 2 yr on the length of cavities (cm) and subsequent yield losses by using different levels of infestation in a Poisson distribution. Yield losses and damage were greater during stage 5 (pollen-shedding) than during stage 2 (early whorl) of plant development. Statistically, significant correlations were obtained between shelled weight and ear weight (0.986), shelled weight and total cavities (-0.323 and -0.112), ear weight and total cavities (-0.321), shelled weight and entrance holes (-0.075), and entrance holes and total cavities (0.906).
Breaking the Silence About Sexual Abuse of Deaf Youth

Sexual abuse of deaf youth is a serious problem that needs to have attention given to it in a way that will lead to real changes in the lives of the boys and girls affected. Through the use of an emancipatory approach to research, this study investigated the various theories that people hold as to why sexual abuse occurs in this population and what can be done to prevent it. Data were collected at one residential school through document review, observation, interviews, and a survey of staff. The results revealed that some participants held theories that blame the victim or the culture and that such theories would not lead to positive, meaningful change. Other theories that recognize the power inequities inherent in a sexual abuse situation are discussed as leading to potentially fruitful political and social actions.
Prediction of sexual trauma via disruption of sex-aggression associations

A variant of the Implicit Association Test focusing on the association of sexual and aggressive themes was administered to 90 college students (61 women) and correlated with a series of variables based on participant history of sexually traumatic events. A history of sexual abuse was correlated with increased difficulties in processing sexual and aggressive concepts simultaneously. Furthermore, this relationship remained significant after controlling for general level of emotional distress, and even after controlling for self-reported aggressiveness and positive feelings towards sex. The findings provide grounds for further exploration of deficits in associations between sexual and aggressive concepts as a possible indicator of the cognitive effects of sexual abuse.
Cobalt(II) and copper(II) binding of Bacillus cereus trinuclear phospholipase C: a novel 1H NMR spectrum of a 'Tri-Cu(II)' center in protein.

The phosphatidylcholine-preferring phospholipase C from Bacillus cereus (PC-PLC(Bc)) is a tri-Zn enzyme with two 'tight binding' and one 'loose binding' sites. The Zn2+ ions can be replaced with Co2+ and Cu2+ to afford metal-substituted derivatives. Two Cu2+-substituted derivatives are detected by means of 1H NMR spectroscopy, a 'transient' derivative and a 'stable' derivative. The detection of sharp hyperfine-shifted 1H NMR signals in the 'transient' derivative indicates the formation of a magnetically coupled di-Cu2+ center, which concludes that the Zn2+ ions in the dinuclear (Zn1 and Zn3) sites are more easily replaced by Cu2+ than that in the Zn2 site. This might possibly be the case for Co2+ binding. Complete replacement of the three Zn2+ ions can be achieved by extensive dialysis of the enzyme against excess Cu2+ to yield the final 'stable' derivative. This derivative has been determined to have five-coordinated His residues and an overall S'=1/2 spin state with NMR and EPR, consistent with the formation of a tri-Cu2+ center (i.e. a di-Cu2+/mono-Cu2+ center) in this enzyme. The binding of substrate to the inert tri-Cu2+ center to form an enzyme-substrate (ES) complex is clearly seen in the 1H NMR spectrum, which is not obtainable in the case of the native enzyme. The change in the spectral features indicates that the substrate binds directly to the trinuclear metal center. The studies reported here suggest that 1H NMR spectroscopy can be a valuable tool for the characterization of di- and multi-nuclear metalloproteins using the 'NMR friendly' magnetically coupled Cu2+ as a probe.
The Walker Circulation with Observed Zonal Winds, a Mean Hadley Cell, and Cumulus Friction.

Abstract The term Walker Circulation is used to refer to the zonal overturning across the equatorial Pacific driven by enhanced convection over the Indonesian region. In this work, an attempt is made to simulate the Walker Circulation using a linear model that includes a cumulus friction parameterization. The work of Geisler is extended by including a realistic mean zonal wind field obtained from the FGGE dataset and a prescribed mean Hadley cell that is computed from an analytical streamfunction. The model is forced by a stationary tropical heat source. The sensitivity of the model circulation to changes in the basic state is examined. Model results show that the inclusion of a nonzero mean zonal wind field tends to enhance the extratropical response in the winter hemisphere. Including a cumulus friction parameterization tends to damp the zonal wind response near the heating center and also lower the level of zero zonal wind in the model Walker Circulation. Including a mean Hadley cell in the basic state...
Trajectory Optimization for the Engine–Generator Operation of a Series Hybrid Electric Vehicle

This paper presents a methodology of calculating the optimal torque and speed commands for the engine-generator system of a series hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). In series HEVs, the engine-generator subsystem provides electrical energy to the dc link. This paper proposes an optimal control strategy of the engine-generator subsystem to generate a desired amount of energy within a given period of time. The optimization algorithm, based on trajectory optimization, determines the torque and speed reference signals for the engine-generator subsystem that achieve maximum efficiency. A simplified version of the controller is also presented for online implementation. The proposed control strategy is compared with nonoptimized control techniques, and simulation results show the improvements in energy efficiency.
Modeling the Interaction between Cumulus Convection and Linear Gravity Waves Using a Limited-Domain Cloud System–Resolving Model

Abstract A limited-domain cloud system–resolving model (CSRM) is used to simulate the interaction between cumulus convection and two-dimensional linear gravity waves, a single horizontal wavenumber at a time. With a single horizontal wavenumber, soundings obtained from horizontal averages of the CSRM domain allow the large-scale wave equation to be evolved, and thereby its interaction with cumulus convection is modeled. It is shown that convectively coupled waves with phase speeds of 8–13 m s−1 can develop spontaneously in such simulations. The wave development is weaker at long wavelengths (>∼10 000 km). Waves at short wavelengths (∼2000 km) also appear weaker, but the evidence is less clear because of stronger influences from random perturbations. The simulated wave structures are found to change systematically with horizontal wavelength, and at horizontal wavelengths of 2000–3000 km they exhibit many of the basic features of the observed 2-day waves. The simulated convectively coupled waves develop wit...
The Optical Properties of Greater Florida Bay: Implications for Seagrass Abundance

Water column optical properties of Greater Florida Bay were investigated in the context of their impacts on seagrass distribution. Scattering played an important role in light attenuation throughout the shallow water system. The northwest region was characterized by an absence of seagrasses and the highest scattering by particles, mostly from resuspended carbonate sediments. Higher seagrass densities were observed in the open waters just north of the Florida Keys, where absorption coefficients were dominated by colored dissolved organic material and scattering was lower than in the northwest region. Patchy dense seagrass meadows were observed in the clear waters south of the Keys where scattering and absorption were low and contributed equally to light attenuation. In general, seagrasses were observed in areas where >7.5% of surface irradiance reached the plants and where optical properties were not dominated by scattering. Although the prevention of eutrophication and nuisance algal blooms may be necessary for preserving seagrass meadows in this system, our observations and model calculations indicate that nutrient control alone may be insufficient to permit seagrass recolonization if optical properties are dominated by particulate scattering from resuspended sediments.
Simulated wave propagation and traceback in vascular extraction

We present an approach for the extraction of vasculature from angiography images by using a wave propagation and traceback mechanism. We discuss both the theory and the implementation of the approach. Using a dual-sigmoidal filter, we label each pixel in an angiogram with the likelihood that it is within a vessel. Representing the reciprocal of this likelihood image as an array of refractive indices, we propagate a digital wave through the image from the base of the vascular tree. This wave 'washes' over the vasculature, ignoring local noise perturbations. The extraction of the vasculature becomes that of tracing the wave along the local normals to the waveform. While the approach is inherently SIMD, we present an efficient sequential algorithm for the wave propagation, and discuss the traceback algorithm. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our integer image neighborhood-based algorithm and its robustness to image noise.
Impact of Diuraphis noxia and Rhopalosiphum padi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on primary physiology of four near-isogenic wheat lines.

ABSTRACT The impact of feeding injury by the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), and bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphidi-dae) on susceptible and resistant wheat, Triticum aestivum L., near-isogenic lines ‘Tugela’ (susceptible), Tugela-Dn1 (antibiotic), Tugela-Dn2 (tolerant), and Tugela-Dn5 (antixenotic) was evaluated by assessing photosynthetic parameters. Photosynthesis and closely related parameters, pigment composition, and nonstructural carbohydrates were measured at 1, 3, and 9 d after aphids were introduced on plants maintained under greenhouse conditions. Overall, R. padi had a higher reproductive capacity within a period of 9 d compared with D. noxia on all lines except Tugela-Dn2. Although the visible injury symptoms associated with aphid injury can be highly species specific, the data indicate that photosynthetic reduction is a common physiological pattern of wheat response to aphid feeding, irrespective of chlorosis elicitation....
Prostate Cancers of Different Zonal Origin: Clinicopathological Characteristics and Biochemical Outcome After Radical Prostatectomy

Objective To evaluate the effect of prostate cancer zonal origin on the biochemical outcome after radical prostatectomy, to analyze clinicopathological features of tumors arising in different zones and to test the ability of the nomogram to predict the probability of transition zone cancer at radical prostatectomy. Methods Our cohort consisted of 1441 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy who did not receive neoadjuvant treatment. Clinicopathological characteristics and biochemical outcomes were compared between the groups of men with different zonal location of prostate cancer. Performance of the nomogram in predicting cancer location was evaluated with respect to discrimination and calibration. Results The rates of positive margin were similar in men with transition zone and mixed tumors and were significantly higher than those with peripheral zone tumors. Most of the positive margins in patients with transition zone and mixed cancers were located at the apico-anterior part of the gland. On multivariate analysis, transition zone cancer location was associated with better biochemical recurrence-free survival ( P = .043). The Harrel c-index of the models that did and did not include zonal origin of cancer was 0.810 and 0.807, respectively. Performance of the nomogram was poor. Conclusion The association between transition zone tumor origin and the risk of biochemical recurrence does not add important predictive value to the standard prognostic factors. Although information about the risk of prostate cancer involvement of the transition zone may be important for surgical planning, our ability to predict this risk preoperatively is limited.
On synchronizable circuits and their synchronizing sequences

Synchronizing sequences are important in facilitating the test generation process for detectable faults, and in identifying undetectable faults. Synchronizing sequences are also important in determining whether an undetectable fault can be removed from a circuit without affecting its normal operation, i.e., in determining whether a fault is "redundant." In this work, we show a class of faults such that a synchronizing sequence for a faulty circuit can be obtained by repeating the synchronizing sequence of the fault-free circuit. Identification of such faults can be done by simulating the faulty circuits under the repeated synchronizing sequence of the fault-free circuit. We present experimental results to demonstrate the existence of such faults in benchmark circuits.
Left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy secondary to left pulmonary artery stent in a child.

We report a 10-year-old girl who developed persistent hoarseness after stent placement for the treatment of left pulmonary artery stenosis. Laryngoscopy performed 21 months after stent placement revealed left vocal cord paralysis, presumed secondary to compression of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve by the stent. Pediatric cardiologists should be reminded of this possible rare complication after stent placement. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reliability in assigning ICF codes to children with special health care needs using a developmentally structured interview.

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine if two teams of raters could reliably assign codes and performance qualifiers from the Activities and Participation component of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) to children with special health care needs based on the results of a developmentally structured interview.Method. Children (N = 40), ages 11 months to 12 years 10 months, with a range of health conditions, were evaluated using a structured interview consisting of open-ended questions and scored using developmental guidelines. For each child, two raters made a binary decision indicating whether codes represented an area of need or no need for that child. Raters assigned a performance qualifier, based on the ICF guidelines, to each code designated as an area of need. Cohen's κ statistic was used as the measure of inter-rater reliability.Results. Team I reached good to excellent agreement on 39/39 codes and Team II on 38/39 codes. Team I reached good to ...
Education For Democracy by Young People in Community-Based Organizations

At a time when many young Americans have reduced their civic engagement, and public schools have de-emphasized their civic mission, some youth are taking initiative at the community level, and some...
Blood Pressure Destabilization on Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Agents Acetaminophen Exposed

It has been conventional wisdom for some time now that nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), whether selective for inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) or nonselective, increase blood pressure (BP) or interfere with BP control and that acetaminophen should not have this effect.1,–,4 Controlled clinical trials have shown that NSAIDs have heterogeneous effects on clinic and 24-hour BP in normotensive and hypertensive subjects.3 The inhibition of COX-2 by NSAIDs results in decreased actions of both vasodilatory and natriuretic prostaglandins.3 In most individuals, homeostasis of plasma volume is reestablished by small, nearly undetectable increases in BP,5 whereas in patients with impaired excretory function, more substantial volume retention occurs that may be associated with hypertension, edema, and congestive heart failure.3,5 Article see p1789 Before 2002, little was known about the effects of NSAIDs on 24-hour BP in patients with arthritis who also had hypertension and/or vascular diseases.6,–,8 Because ambulatory BP has improved reproducibility compared with clinic measurements, detection of small but clinically meaningful differences in drug treatment groups9,10 is more likely to occur. Ambulatory monitoring also allows improved evaluation of pharmacodynamic effects of any drug, including the NSAIDs.6,7 For example, in the Celecoxib Rofecoxib Efficacy and Safety in Comorbidities Evaluation Trial (CRESCENT), destabilization of systolic BP control occurred for ≈18 of the 24 hours after dosing of rofecoxib at standard osteoarthritis doses of 25 mg each morning.8 In contrast, no changes from baseline in 24-hour systolic BP were observed with celecoxib or naproxen at …
Wide-band 0.25μm CMOS passive mixer

This paper describes a wide-band resistive ring mixer fully integrated in 0.25μm CMOS process. This mixer exhibits broadband RF impedance matching with return loss better than −10 dB from 2.2 to 8.3 GHz, and better than −15 dB from 3 to 6.2 GHz. The best conversion loss (CL) of 6.4 dB is achieved at 3.2 GHz. The input P1dB is better than 4 dBm, and the IIP3 is better than 11.4 dBm over the entire RF bandwidth of 2 – 9 GHz. Compared to other published CMOS wide-band resistive mixers, this mixer achieves the best linearity between 2 and 9 GHz. In addition, with a small gate bias a moderate CL is achieved at very low LO power levels.