cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ACR and ASRT development of the radiologist assistant: concept, roles, and responsibilities.

Abstract ACR and ASRT joined forces to address the workforce shortages of radiologists and radiological technologists with the development of a radiologist assistant. This paper discusses the rationale for the evolution and development of the radiologist assistant as designed by ACR and ASRT. With the profession of radiology experiencing workforce shortages among radiologists and radiological technologists many radiological groups were beginning to hire ancillary personnel to fill efficiency gaps in practices. Many academic institutions were in the process of considering programs to initiate advanced practice status for radiologic technologists. Several state legislatures were considering laws that would provide extended scope of practice technology with additional training. The ACR and ASRT entered into discussions to address these concerns in order to: (1) assure patient safety by allowing only properly trained personnel to provide radiological service to patients; (2) assure that these ancillary personnel are not allowed to practice without appropriate physician supervision; (3) assure that there are not 50 different state scope of practice laws based more on political expediency than quality patient care; (4) alleviate workforce shortages for radiological technologists by creating a professionally satisfying career path; (5) alleviate some of the time pressures placed on radiologists as a result of their workforce shortages. The ACR had a choice to lead on the development of the roles and responsibilities of the radiologist assistant or continue to allow the process to evolve as market and political pressures warranted. As a leader in the profession, the ACR believed that it was in the best interest of its members and the profession to be at the table with the development of the roles and responsibilities of the radiologist assistant to assure the best for our patients. The roles and responsibilities of the RA as approved by the ACR Council are presented.
Memory consolidation and glycoprotein metabolism: A failure to find a relationship

Abstract In an effort to study the role of glycoproteins in memory consolidation and stress, albino rats were trained for 3–5 minutes on a simple one trial passive avoidance of foot shock task. A three minute retention test was run 24 hours after original learning. [1−14C] Glucosamine (15 microcuries/rat) was injected intraperitoneally 15 minutes before original learning (Experiments 1 and 2), before retention (Experiment 3), or before 10 minutes of inescapable foot shock (Experiment 4). Control animals were handled in the same fashion as experimental subjects, except that the former never received foot shock. Sacrifice occured one hour (Experiments 1,3 and 4) or twenty four hours (Experiment 2) after injection. There were no significant differences between controls and experimental subjects in the incorporation of isotope into the heteropolysaccharide chains isolated from brain glycoproteins. The amount of N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA), hexose, hexosamine, and fucose in the heteropolysaccharide chains were also unchanged. The view that glycoproteins are involved in memory received no support from the present findings.
Social workers’ roles in the criminal justice system: Adapting to the USA’s changing attitudes towards the death penalty, 1953-2001

EnglishThis article examines trends in American public opinion on capital punishment between 1953 and 2002. It seems that Americans believe that the government spends too little on crime deterrence, that courts are not harsh enough with criminals, and that the death penalty is appropriate for murderers. Implications for social workers are suggested.FrenchCet article examine les tendances de l'opinion publique americaine concernant la peine capitale entre 1953 et 2002. Il semble que les americains croient que le gouvernement depense trop peu sur des strategies de prevention ou de dissuasion du crime, que les tribunaux manquent de severite face aux criminels et que la peine de mort est appropriee pour les meurtriers. Des implications pour les travailleurs sociaux sont enoncees.SpanishEste articulo examina la tendencia in la opinion publica americana con respecto a la pena capital durante 1953-2002. Parece que los americanos creen: el gobierno gasta muy poco en combatir el crimen, las cortes no son lo sufici...
Real-time 3-D face tracking and modeling framework for mid-res cam

We present a robust, real-time 3-D face tracking and modeling system providing accurate 6 degree-of-freedom head pose in the presence of large out-of-plane motion, strong expression changes, and partial occlusions. In this paper, we have extended the previous 3-D face tracking and modeling framework [10] with automatic initialization, reacquisition, and automatic pose correction. Our system first generates a 3-D face model from a single frontal image. We then extract uniformly distributed random points and track them in 2-D. Given these correspondences, the 3-D head pose is robustly estimated using a RANSAC-PnP process. As the head moves, we dynamically add new feature points to handle a large range of poses. A measure of the accumulated error over time allows an auto-correction mechanism to recover from drift when necessary. If the tracker gets lost, due to motion blur or strong occlusions, the system re-initializes. We present live demo results, which shows excellent tracking under large motion (roll: 360°, yaw: ±90°, pitch: −60° to +90°), fast movement, occlusion and facial expression variations. The system runs at 14 fps on a laptop CPU. By experiments on different datasets, our method shows state of the art results.
Terminal co-ligand directed synthesis of a neutral, non-interpenetrated (10,3)-a metal-organic framework

A neutral, non-interpenetrated porous metal–organic framework (MOF) having (10,3)-a topology, Cu(3,5-PDC)(DMF)(py), (DMF = N,N′-dimethylformamide, py = pyridine), has been constructed via the assembly of the achiral tri-connected building blocks 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate (3,5-PDC) and CuN(CO2)2, synthesized in situ. Similarly, a 2D structure having (6,3) topology has been generated, each by means of terminal co-ligand directed synthesis.
Protein rotational dynamics investigated with a dual EPR/optical molecular probe. Spin-labeled eosin

An acyl spin-label derivative of 5-aminoeosin (5-SLE) was chemically synthesized and employed in studies of rotational dynamics of the free probe and of the probe when bound noncovalently to bovine serum albumin using the spectroscopic techniques of fluorescence anisotropy decay and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and their long-lifetime counterparts phosphorescence anisotropy decay and saturation transfer EPR. Previous work (Beth, A. H., Cobb, C. E., and J. M. Beechem, 1992. Synthesis and characterization of a combined fluorescence, phosphorescence, and electron paramagnetic resonance probe. Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. Time-Resolved Laser Spectroscopy III. 504–512) has shown that the spin-label moiety only slightly altered the fluorescence and phosphorescence lifetimes and quantum yields of 5-SLE when compared with 5-SLE whose nitroxide had been reduced with ascorbate and with the diamagnetic homolog 5-acetyleosin. In the present work, we have utilized time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy decay and linear EPR spectroscopies to observe and quantitate the psec motions of 5-SLE in solution and the nsec motions of the 5-SLE-bovine serum albumin complex. Time-resolved phosphorescence anisotropy decay and saturation transfer EPR studies have been carried out to observe and quantitate the microseconds motions of the 5-SLE-albumin complex in glycerol/buffer solutions of varying viscosity. These latter studies have enabled a rigorous comparison of rotational correlation times obtained from these complementary techniques to be made with a single probe. The studies described demonstrate that it is possible to employ a single molecular probe to carry out the full range of fluorescence, phosphorescence, EPR, and saturation transfer EPR studies. It is anticipated that "dual" molecular probes of this general type will significantly enhance capabilities for extracting dynamics and structural information from macromolecules and their functional assemblies.
The teaching of reading and Montessori education

(1976). The teaching of reading and Montessori education. The Teacher Educator: Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 19-22.
Abstract 1255: The Mediterranean herb rosemary modulates ER stress proteins to promote androgen receptor degradation in prostate cancer cells

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Background: Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer among men, especially in the United States. Epidemiological studies have shown that consumption of natural dietary phytochemicals helps in prevention of many types of cancers. One such dietary phytochemical, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), widely used in Mediterranean cuisine is well known for its antitumor activities. However, not much is known about the effect of rosemary on pathogenesis of prostate cancer. Androgens play a critical role in progression of prostate cancer and hence androgen receptor has been a target for prostate cancer treatment since a long time. Herein we have examined the effect of rosemary on prostate cancer progression. Specifically we have examined how rosemary promotes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and modulates the activity and expression of androgen receptor (AR). Materials and Methods: Prostate cancer cell lines, 22Rv1 and LNCaP cells, were used for all experiments. Cell proliferation and cell viability were studied using BrdU and MTT assay respectively. Western blotting, ELISA and siRNA were used to determine the association between ER stress and AR degradation. Results: Rosemary inhibited growth and decreased the cell viability of 22Rv1 and LNCaP cells in a dose-dependent manner. The anti-proliferative effect was associated with apoptosis as evidenced by a significant increase in levels of cleaved caspase-3 protein and TUNEL assay. Moreover, upon treatment with rosemary we saw a dose-dependent decrease in expression of AR in 22Rv1 and LNCaP cells along with decreased PSA levels in LNCaP cells. Rosemary induced apoptosis was associated with ER stress as evidenced by up-regulation of ER stress proteins PERK, IRE1, BiP, CHOP, XBP-1 and caspase- 4. ER stress proteins are known to play an important role in folding of misfolded proteins and degrading continuously misfolded proteins. We therefore explored the relationship between ER stress and AR degradation. Interestingly, we observed that AR degradation was dependent on ER stress proteins BiP and CHOP. Conclusion: Rosemary induces ER stress-mediated apoptotic cell death in prostate cancer cell lines, 22Rv1and LNCaP cells, leading to disruption of AR expression. Our data suggests that this Mediterranean dietary phytochemical possess strong anticancer activity and should be evaluated further as potential chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic agent for controlling prostate cancer. Citation Format: Sakina M. Petiwala, Saba Berhe, Gongbo Li, Angela G. Puthenveetil, Larisa Nonn, Jeremy J. Johnson. The Mediterranean herb rosemary modulates ER stress proteins to promote androgen receptor degradation in prostate cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1255. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1255
BPD-MA-mediated photosensitization in vitro and in vivo: cellular adhesion and β1 integrin expression in ovarian cancer cells

Benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid (BPD-MA) photosensitization was examined for its effects on cellular adhesion of a human ovarian cancer cell line, OVCAR 3, to extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Mild BPD-MA photosensitization (approximately 85% cell survival) of OVCAR 3 transiently decreased adhesion to collagen IV, fibronectin, laminin and vitronectin to a greater extent than could be attributed to cell death. The loss in adhesiveness was accompanied by a loss of beta1 integrin-containing focal adhesion plaques (FAPs), although beta1 subunits were still recognized by monoclonal antibody directed against human beta1 subunits. In vivo BPD-MA photosensitization decreased OVCAR 3 adhesiveness as well. Photosensitized adhesion was reduced in the presence of sodium azide and enhanced in deuterium oxide, suggesting mediation by singlet oxygen. Co-localization studies of BPD-MA and Rhodamine 123 showed that the photosensitizer was largely mitochondrial, but also exhibited extramitochondrial, intracellullar, diffuse cytosolic fluorescence. Taken together, these data show that intracellular damage mediated by BPD-PDT remote from the FAP site can affect cellular-ECM interactions and result in loss of FAP formation. This may have an impact on long-term effects of photodynamic therapy. The topic merits further investigation.
Time-Resolved X-ray Absorption, Emission, and Scattering Probes of Molecular Dynamics

We report on laser-pump/x-ray-probe investigations of photoexcitation and photodissociation dynamics of solvated molecules using high-repetition-rate techniques at the Advanced Photon Source.
Unusual intra-cellular bacterial infection in large, free-living amoebae☆

Abstract Preliminary results on a strain of A. discoides heavily infected with bacteria are presented. The infected strain has some characters different from those of its uninfected counterpart. Experimental infection of amoebae results either in death of the infected cells or the production of permanently infected clones.
Dangerous Deception — Hiding the Evidence of Adverse Drug Effects

On September 30, the New York Times reported that the FDA had issued a warning that the antifibrinolytic drug aprotinin could cause renal failure, congestive heart failure, stroke, and death. Dr. Jerry Avorn writes that many aspects of the aprotinin saga are familiar to observers of the drug-evaluation process.
Effects of an accelerated intravenous iron regimen in hospitalized patients with advanced heart failure and iron deficiency.

Study Objective To assess the short-term efficacy and safety of an accelerated intravenous iron regimen in hospitalized patients with heart failure and iron deficiency. Design Prospective, single-arm, open-label study. Setting Large tertiary care medical center. Patients Thirteen patients with New York Heart Association class III–IV heart failure, anemia (hemoglobin level ≤ 12.0 g/dl), and iron deficiency (ferritin level < 100 ng/ml, or ferritin level of 100–300 ng/ml with transferrin saturation < 20%) hospitalized between April 2011 and December 2013. Intervention All patients received sodium ferric gluconate 250 mg in 100 ml of normal saline intravenously over 2 hours twice/day until the iron deficit was corrected or the patient was discharged. Measurements and Main Results Changes in hematologic parameters were assessed at 1–4 weeks after therapy. Patients received a mean ± standard deviation (SD) total iron dose of 1269 ± 207 mg over 3.4 ± 1.0 days. After a mean ± SD follow-up of 13.1 ± 5.6 days, intravenous iron increased hemoglobin level by 1.2 g/dl (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45–1.9, p=0.005), ferritin level by 364.2 ng/ml (95% CI 129.7–598.7, p=0.007), and transferrin saturation by 10.5% (95% CI 6.5–14.6%, p<0.001). Changes in hemoglobin level did not correlate with volume status, as determined by differences in body weight. No significant changes in blood pressure or heart rate were observed. Adverse events were few and minor in severity (e.g., nausea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort). Conclusion An accelerated intravenous iron regimen improved hematologic parameters and was well tolerated in hospitalized patients with advanced heart failure. A randomized multicenter trial comparing this regimen with placebo is warranted.
Sinfer: Inferring information flow lattices for checking self-stabilization

Self-stabilizing programs are guaranteed to recover from state corruption caused by software bugs or other events and eventually reach the correct state. Many real-world applications including embedded controllers and multimedia applications can be designed to make key components self-stabilizing. Type systems and static analyses can automatically check whether a program is self stabilizing. The existing approach for checking self-stabilization requires developers to manually annotate code. We present an annotation inference algorithm that automatically derives an initial set of annotations and therefore lowers the effort to build self-stabilizing systems. Our experience with the algorithm indicates that it effectively inferred annotations for our benchmarks.
Nucleosome disruption and enhancement of activator binding by a human SW1/SNF complex

CHROMATIN structure can affect the transcriptional activity of eukaryotic structural genes by blocking access of sequence-specific activator proteins (activators) to their promoter-binding sites. For example, the DNA-binding domain of the yeast GAL4 protein interacts very poorly with nucleosome cores compared with naked DNA2 (and see below), and binding of other activators is even more strongly inhibited. The way in which activators bind to nucleosomal DNA is therefore a critical aspect of transcriptional activation. Genetic studies have suggested that the multi-component SWI/SNF complex of Saccharomyces cerevisiae facilitates transcription by altering the structure of the chromatin. Here we identify and partially purify a human homologue of the yeast SWI/SNF complex (hSWI/SNF complex). We show that a partially purified hSWI/SNF complex mediates the ATP-dependent disruption of a nucleosome, thereby enabling the activators, GAL4-VP16 and GAL4-AH, to bind within a nucleosome core. We conclude that the hSWI/SNF complex acts directly to reorganize chromatin structure so as to facilitate binding of transcription factors.
5.1: Invited Paper: History and Status of Organic Light Emitting Device (OLED) Technology for Vehicular Applications

With the drive to convey much more information in today's vehicles to both driver and passenger, organic light emitting device (OLED) technology has begun to capture the attention of automotive systems designers and engineers. OLED displays are bright, emissive devices that offer excellent color gamut, wide viewing angle and high contrast. Passive matrix (PM) monochrome and multi-color OLEDs have been introduced in products including an automotive audio console and cellular telephone. In the near future, full-color, high-resolution active matrix (AM) OLEDs with excellent power efficiency, particularly through the use of new high-efficiency phosphorescent materials, will also be available. Finally, continued progress toward meeting more rigorous requirements, for thermal stability and extended lifetimes, including those of the automotive environment, are foreseen. Moreover, recent technological advances such as display flexibility and transparency have created exciting new ways to integrate OLEDs into vehicles. In this paper, we discuss the status of OLED technology, highlighting some of the key features and performance measures that are most important to the automotive designer and engineer.
Continuous adjoint method for Air Traffic Flow Management

This article develops a model of Air Traffic Flow using an Eulerian description with hyperbolic partial differential equations. Existence and uniqueness (well-posedness) of a solution to the system of partial differential equations on a network is established. Subsequently, an optimal control problem is studied with the junction coefficients as control variables. We use a continuous adjoint approach and we implement it on a network with 16 links and 5 junctions, demonstrating the computational efficiency of this method.
The impact strength of polycarbonate

Abstract An important industrial property of a polymer is its impact strength, the ability to dissipate the energy of an impact, through some mechanical loss process, without breaking. This property may be enhanced through the judicious use of fillers and grafts, yet the reason why one unmodified polymer has a higher impact strength than another is not understood. It is anticipated that an understanding of this phenomenon will provide a firm foundation for the modification of polymers in order to improve their impact properties.
Adaptive computing and the internet: One step forward, two steps back?

Advances in adaptive computing technology provide opportunities for people with disabilities to access information and participate in society. But some networking tools, especially those based on graphical user interfaces, threaten to erode the accessibility of electronic resources. This paper offers a brief overview of adaptive technology for computers and networking and identifies a number of issues that must be addressed in order for people with disabilities to become full participants in online activities.
Distortion-invariant pattern recognition using synthetic discriminant function based multiple phase-shifted-reference fringe-adjusted joint transform correlation

Abstract This paper proposes a novel pattern recognition system for invariance to noise and distortions. The technique first generates a synthetic discriminant function of the target image from its different distorted versions. It then takes four different phase-shifted versions of the reference image, which are individually joint transform correlated with the given input scene. Thus the proposed algorithm produces a single cross-correlation signal corresponding to each potential target. Also a fringe-adjusted filter is designed to generate a delta-like correlation peak with high discrimination between the signal and the noise. The pattern recognition system is also designed for the identification of multiple targets belonging to multiple reference objects simultaneously in a given input scene. The proposed technique is investigated using computer simulation including real-life images in different complex environments.
Particle-bound organic matter as a cue for suspension feeding in tentaculate polychaetes

Abstract The roles of particle organic coating on feeding mode choice in two species of bitentaculate polychaete interface feeders in a laboratory oscillatory flow facility were examined. Two species, Spiochaetopterus oculatus (Webster) and Spio setosa (Verrill), were exposed to four suspended particle treatments: no particles added, uncoated glass beads, high carbohydrate coated glass beads and high protein coated glass beads. For each particle treatment, organisms were exposed to four flow treatments with peak fluid velocities of 20 cm s −1 , 10 cm s −1 , 5 cm s −1 and 3 cm s −1 . Behavioral observations of feeding behavior taken over 30 min were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and C-Matrix multiple comparisons. Both species exhibited the classic increase in suspension feeding and decrease in deposit feeding with increasing fluid velocity. For S. oculatus suspension feeding was frequent for all particle treatments, but deposit feeding was reduced in treatments with organic coated beads available for suspension. For S. setosa , deposit feeding was largely unaffected by the particle treatments, but suspension feeding was most frequent in the treatments with organic coated beads. For both species the most statistically significant differences in behavior were found comparing the no particle treatments with the high protein bead treatments. The results show that particle organic coating functions as a cue for feeding behavior, with nitrogenous compounds (e.g., protein) having an important role. This response would allow these organisms to react to variability in the food concentration and composition of the seston and perhaps increase their acquisition of nutritionally important organic compounds.
Interaction of Noncompetitive Inhibitors with an Immobilized α3β4 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Investigated by Affinity Chromatography, Quantitative−Structure Activity Relationship Analysis, and Molecular Docking

A large number of drug substances act as noncompetitive inhibitors (NCIs) of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) by blocking the ion flux through the channel. An affinity chromatography technique has been developed for investigating the interactions between NCIs and the α3β4 subtype of neuronal nAChR. The data obtained from the chromatographic study were used to construct QSAR models of the NCI−nAChR binding with both electronic and steric parameters observed as important descriptors. A molecular model of the transmembrane domain of the α3β4 subtype of nAChR was constructed and used to simulate the docking of a series of NCIs. A key aspect of the model was the discovery of the cleft produced by the incorporation of the bulky phenylalanine moiety into the nonpolar section of the lumen by the β4 subunit. Quantitatively, the results of docking simulations modeled the experimental affinity data better than QSAR results. The computational approach, combined with the modeling of NCI−nAChR interaction b...
Theophylline concentrations in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD.

Patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently report a history of theophylline use prior to arrival in the emergency department. The reliability of using this history to guide aminophylline therapy is, however, unclear. The authors studied patients with an acute exacerbation of COPD to determine the relation between the initial theophylline level and the medication history. Seventy-nine patients with a mean age of 64.3 years were entered into the study. The average theophylline level was 10.8 micrograms/mL. Forty-seven percent of the patients had subtherapeutic levels, 46% had therapeutic levels, and 7% had toxic levels. There were weak although statistically significant correlations between the theophylline level and the interval since the last theophylline dose (r = -.40, P less than .001), as well as with the last recorded outpatient theophylline level (r = .45, P less than .001). However, the theophylline level could not be predicted accurately in a number of patients. The authors conclude, because the prediction rule was often inaccurate, aminophylline therapy in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD should be based on direct measurement of the serum theophylline level.
High resolution analysis of self assembled Cu nanowires on vicinal Si(001)

This paper presents material properties of self-assembled Cu nanowires that were fabricated in the vacuum e-beam evaporation method. Diffraction patterns obtained from the Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) indicate that the Cu nanowires have two slightly different properties: single crystalline structures and polycrystalline structures with low angle grain boundary. Focused ion beam (FIB) was also used to observe the nanowires cross sectional shape.
Inhaling: endocannabinoids and food intake

Feeding effects of CB1 receptors are commonly associated with exogenous cannabinoids, but a study now identifies a circuit by which endocannabinoid activation of CB1 receptors in the main olfactory bulb regulates normal food intake.
Impact of the Good Behavior Game, a Universal Classroom–Based Behavior Intervention, on Young Adult Service Use for Problems with Emotions, Behavior, or Drugs or Alcohol

Abstract Background The Good Behavior Game (GBG) is a classroom behavior management strategy focused on socializing children to the role of student and aimed at reducing early aggressive, disruptive behavior, a confirmed antecedent to service use. The GBG was tested in a randomized field trial in 19 elementary schools with two cohorts of children as they attended first and second grades. This article reports on the impact of the GBG on service use through young adulthood. Methods Three or four schools in each of five urban areas were matched and randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1) GBG, (2) an intervention aimed at academic achievement, or (3) the standard program of the school system. Children were assigned to classrooms to ensure balance, and teachers and classrooms were randomly assigned to intervention conditions. Results This study provides evidence of a positive impact of a universal preventive intervention on later service use by males, although not by females, for problems with emotions, behavior, or drugs or alcohol. For both cohorts, males in GBG classrooms who had been rated as highly aggressive, disruptive by their teachers in the fall of first grade had a lower rate of school-based service use than their counterparts in control classrooms. Replication The design employed two cohorts of students. Although both first- and second-grade teachers received less training and support with the second cohorts of students than with the first cohort, the impact of GBG was similar across both cohorts.
Allele specificity of DNA replication timing in the Angelman/Prader–Willi syndrome imprinted chromosomal region

DNA replication within chromosome 15q11–q13, a region subject to genomic imprinting, was examined by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Asynchronous replication between homologues was observed in cells from normal individuals and in Prader–Willi (PWS) and Angelman syndrome (AS) patients with chromosome 15 deletions but not in PWS patients with maternal uniparental disomy. Opposite patterns of allele–specific replication timing between homologous loci were observed; paternal early/maternal late at D15S63, D15S10 and the γ–aminobutyric acid receptor β3 subunit gene (GABRB3); and maternal early/paternal late at the more distal γ–aminobutyric acid receptor α5 subunit gene (GABRA5). At the most distal locus examined, D15S12, both patterns of allele–specific replication timing were detected.
Modification of bearing steel surface by nitrogen plasma source ion implantation for corrosion protection

Abstract Nitrogen of doses of 5×10 16 , 1×10 17 and 5×10 17 ions cm −2 was implanted into bearing steel (52100) samples for surface corrosion protection. The implantation was performed by using nitrogen plasma source ion implantation (PSII). The nitrogen distribution and nitride identification were determined by Auger electron spectroscopy and glancing angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The corrosion resistance was monitored by using a linear polarization test. XRD measurements confirmed that a thin layer of multiphase iron nitrides was formed on top of the samples after the PSII treatment. The treated bearing steel samples showed a significantly improved corrosion resistance compared with the untreated samples.
Liquid crystal optical routing switch.

The design and experimental results of a new 2 × 2 optical routing switch based on liquid crystal is reported. The switch uses nematic liquid crystal for polarization beamsplitting and ferroelectric liquid crystal for polarization rotation. The polarization insensitive, broadcast capable, full duplex switch has a signal-to-crosstalk ratio of ~20 dB, a switching speed below 250 μs and a measured insertion loss of 1.4 dB. We show that the basic 2 × 2 switch can be extended to form a N × N rearrangeable permutation network.
On Scapegoating Teacher Education: Examining the Myths

For teacher education to be significantly improved, the current view that inadequate preparation can be improved by no prepara tion must be overcome, says this writer, who reviews what he sees as the current myths about teacher training programs.
Products of thermal degradation of dielectric fluids

Abstract Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are formed in the combustion of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), trichlorobenzene, and tetrachloroethylene transformer dielectric fluids. Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) are also observed, but at lower levels.
Comparing the functional impact of knee replacements in two cohorts.

To examine if different rates of total knee replacement (TKR) in two similar cohorts with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) were associated with different functional impact of disease. Subjects from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (MOST) and the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), persons with or at high risk of OA, had knee radiographs, completed Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) surveys and had TKRs confirmed at each visit. At each visit, subjects were defined as having symptomatic OA (SxOA) if ≥ one knee had pain and radiographic OA or if they had a TKR. WOMAC function scores at each visit were compared by analysis of covariance adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, race, site, depression, comorbidity, painful leg joints and knees affected. Post-TKR function scores were imputed to estimate scores that would have been present without TKR. Subjects with SxOA (n > 750 in MOST and in OAI) had a mean age 66 to 67 years; most were women and were White. Subjects were followed 4–5 years. Among those with SxOA, more TKRs were done in MOST (35%) than OAI (19%). Adjusted mean WOMAC function (0–68, 68 = worst) improved from 26.9 to 21.9 in MOST and from 24.5 to 22.0 in OAI (difference between MOST and OAI in change in WOMAC function, p = .01). Estimates of function without TKRs showed function would not have changed in MOST (23.2 at baseline to 22.4). Functional status of subjects with knee OA in MOST improved more than in OAI, probably because of higher rates of TKRs. The decline suggests that TKR diminishes the functional impact of OA in the community.
Oceanic heat flux in the Fram Strait measured by a drifting buoy

As one component of the Arctic Environmental Drifting Buoy, two thermistor strings were installed through the ice to measure ice temperatures and determine oceanic heat fluxes as the buoy drifted from the Arctic basin into the Greenland Sea. Ice temperature data between 14 Dec 1987 and 2 Jan 1988 were retrieved. During this period the AEDB progressed from approximately 81°N 4°E to 77°N 5°W. This constituted the most rapid displacement of the entire drift, coinciding with the entry of the floe into the marginal ice zone of Fram Strait. Once in the MIZ, water temperatures increased, most notably at a depth of 16 m, where values changed from −1.8°C to more than 2°C. Bottom ablation rates of 34 mm/day were observed between 21 and 28 Dec. During this excursion into warmer water, the oceanic heat flux increased by a factor of 18, from 7 W/m² to 128 W/m².
Structure of chondroitin sulfate on aggrecan isolated from bovine tibial and costochondral growth plates

The structure of chondroitin sulfate on aggrecan isolated from the rib and proximal tibial growth plates of bovine fetuses was investigated, and the previously reported increase in the hydrodynamic size of chondroitin sulfate chains between the reserve and hypertrophic zones of the rib was confirmed in the tibial growth plate. Superose 6 gel chromatography, calibrated for chondroitin sulfate chain length by monosaccharide analysis, showed that the average molecular mass of chondroitin sulfate in the reserve and maturing zones of both growth plates was 21,600 and 30,400, respectively. Determination by capillary zone electrophoresis of the disaccharide composition of chains following chondroitinase digestion showed that delta Di-0S, delta Di-4S, and delta Di-6S together accounted for more than 98% of the disaccharides in the digests from all zones of both growth plates; delta disulfated and delta trisulfated disaccharides were not detected. Furthermore, this analysis revealed a gradient in chondroitin sulfate composition from the reserve to the hypertrophic zone, characterized by a marked increase in the content of delta Di-6S (from about 32% to about 52%) and a marked decrease in the content of delta Di-4S (from about 53% to about 35%). Moreover, this altered pattern of sulfation was detected on chains of all sizes in the hypertrophic zone, suggesting that a proportion of the reserve zone aggrecan might be removed and replaced with aggrecan rich in chondroitin-6-sulfate synthesized during the proliferative and maturation stages of the resident chondrocytes. These data are discussed in relation to the biosynthetic mechanisms that control chondroitin sulfate chain length and sulfation on aggrecan and their modification during chondrocyte proliferation, maturation, and hypertrophy in the growth plate.
Rotary pump speed modulation for generating pulsatile flow and phasic left ventricular volume unloading in a bovine model of chronic ischemic heart failure.

Background Rotary blood pumps operate at a constant speed (rpm) that diminishes vascular pulsatility and variation in ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes, which may contribute to adverse events, including aortic insufficiency and gastrointestinal bleeding. In this study, pump speed modulation algorithms for generating pulsatility and variation in ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes were investigated in an ischemic heart failure (IHF) bovine model (n = 10) using a clinically implanted centrifugal-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Methods Hemodynamic and hematologic measurements were recorded during IHF baseline, constant pumps speeds, and asynchronous (19-60 cycles/min) and synchronous (copulse and counterpulse) pump speed modulation profiles using low relative pulse speed (±25%) of 3,200 ± 800 rpm and high relative pulse speed (±38%) of 2,900 ± 1,100 rpm. End-organ perfusion, hemodynamics, and pump parameters were measured to characterize pulsatility, myocardial workload, and LVAD performance for each speed modulation profile. Results Speed modulation profiles augmented aortic pulse pressure, surplus hemodynamic energy, and end-organ perfusion (p Conclusions Pump speed modulation increases pulsatility and improves cardiac function and end-organ perfusion, but the asynchronous mode provides the technologic advantage of sensorless control. Investigation of asynchronous pump speed modulation during long-term support is warranted to test the hypothesis that operating an LVAD with speed modulation will minimize adverse events in patients supported by an LVAD that may be associated with long-term operation at a constant pump speed.
Commercial policy, the terms of trade and the real exchange rate revisited

Abstract We estimate the effects of commercial policy and changes in the external terms of trade on the real exchange rate for four Latin American economies using data on internal relative prices. We find that the greater the elasticity of the non-traded price level with respect to the price of importables, the larger is the real exchange rate effect of import restrictions but the smaller is the real exchange rate effect of changes in the external terms of trade.
US money supply announcements and Pacific Rim stock markets: evidence and implications

This paper documents variation across Pacific Rim countries in the response of equity values to US M1 announcement suprises. We relate the difference across countries to measures of capital mobility, export trade with the USA, foreign exchange and money market arrangements, and correlation with the US stock market. We find that The response to US M1 suprises is best explained by the country's degree of integration with international capital markets. The flexibility of the exchange rate and interest rates may also be significant. While the evidence is supportive of the 'anticipated Fed reaction' theory of the effect of money announcement suprises, the differing response ro M1 shocks across Fed policy regimes remains unexplained.
Effects of Diet on Growth Depensation and Cannibalism among Intensively Cultured Larval Striped Bass

Abstract Larvae of intensively cultured striped bass (Morone saxatilis) were fed several diets to investigate the relationship between diet, growth, and cannibalism. Fish fed large amounts of brine shrimp nauplii (Artemia salina) and then converted to a combination of nauplii and formulated feed exhibited high growth rates without growth depensation (divergence in size of individuals of the same age) or cannibalism. Larvae fed large amounts of formulated feed but few nauplii exhibited both growth depensation and cannibalism. In our experiments, differences in the ability of same-age fish to adapt to formulated feeds was a major cause of growth depensation. To minimize growth depensation and cannibalism (for predatory species), culturists must ensure that the proffered diet satisfies the diet and ration requirement of all fish.
No-Till Corn Productivity in a Southeastern United States Ultisol Amended with Poultry Litter

Corn (Zea mays L.) producers in the southeastern United States must overcome soil and water limitations to take advantage of the expanding corn market. In this 2001 to 2005 study on a Cecil sandy loam (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludult) near Watkinsville, GA, we compared dry land corn biomass and yield under conventional tillage (CT) vs. no-tillage (NT) with ammonium nitrate or sulfate (based on availability) as conventional fertilizer (CF) vs. poultry litter (PL). In a randomized complete block split plot design with three replications, main plots were under tillage and subplots under fertilizer treatments. The cover crop was rye (Secale cereale L.). Over 5 yr, NT and PL increased grain yield by 11 and 18%, respectively, compared with CT and CF. Combined, NT and PL increased grain yield by 31% compared with conventionally tilled and fertilized corn. Similarly, soil water was 18% greater in NT than CT in the 0- to 10-cm depth. In 2 yr of measurements, dry matter of stalks and leaves and leaf area index under PL were an average of 39 and 22% greater, respectively, than under CF during reproduction. Values were 21 and 6% greater, respectively, under NT than CT but during tasseling. Analysis of 70 yr of daily rainfall records showed that supplemental irrigation is needed to meet optimal water requirement. Our results indicate that corn growers can use rainfall more efficiently, reduce yield losses to drought, and expect increased corn yields with a combination of no-tillage management and long-term use of poultry litter.
5'TG3' interacting factor interacts with Sin3A and represses AR-mediated transcription.

Like other nuclear receptors, the AR exerts its transcriptional function by binding to cis elements upstream of promoters and interacting with other transcriptional factors (e.g. activators, repressors, and modulators). Among them, histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) play critical roles in altering the acetylation state of core histones, thereby regulating nuclear hormone receptor-mediated transcription. The nuclear receptor corepressor can repress the TR and RAR in the absence of ligand through either a Sin3A-dependent or -independent manner by recruiting HDACs. AR and some other steroid hormone receptors cannot silence transcription through a similar mechanism in that they are located in the cytoplasm as complexes with heat-shock proteins before exposure to ligand. It has been shown that AR can bind to p160/SRC, cAMP response element-binding protein-binding protein (CBP)/P300 and other coactivators to increase the AR-mediated transcription. However, the molecular mechanism for turning AR from transcriptionally active into silent states is unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that the transcription repressor, 5'TG3' interacting factor (TGIF), selectively represses AR-mediated transcription from several AR-responsive promoters. The repression is mediated through binding of TGIF to the DNA binding domain of AR and is trichostatin sensitive. We also identified a direct protein-protein interaction between TGIF and a transcription corepressor, Sin3A, which suggests a novel pathway for TGIF recruiting HDAC1 to the repression complex. These results provide fresh insight into understanding the mechanism for repressing AR-, and perhaps other steroid hormone receptor-, mediated transcriptions.
The electrical characteristics of ion implanted compound semiconductors

Abstract In this review, the important parameters that affect the electrical characteristics of ion implanted layers in compound semiconductors are discussed. Applications of this technology to the fabrication of microwave and electrooptical devices are discussed and a state-of-the-art summary of implantation results in the III–V, II–VI and IV–VI semiconductors presented.
Formal Verification Successes at Motorola

Formal tools are either too labor intensive or are completely impractical for industrial-size problems. This paper describes two formal verification tools used within Motorola, Versys2 and CBV, that challenge this assertion. The two tools are being used in current design verification flows and have shown that it is possible to seamlessly integrate formal tools into existing design flows.
Thermoregulatory cold-defense deficits in rats with preoptic/anterior hypothalamic lesions

Abstract This paper discusses the course of recovery from the thermoregulatory deficits produced in rats by electrolytic lesions in the preoptic/anterior hypothalamic area. Severe damage rendered rats ectothermic, that is, unable to maintain their body temperatures at normal levels unless they were incubated at an ambient temperature of 30°C. Less severe damage produced rats that maintained subnormal but stable body temperatures at 23°C, but that did not increase metabolic rate or shiver and whose body temperatures dropped drastically in the cold (5°C). As the animals recovered, nonshivering thermogenesis returned. Eventually the rats became excessively hyperthermic in normal room temperatures, due to very high metabolic rates. They were still unable to shiver or increase metabolic rate further in the cold and were therefore still unable to prevent a large drop in body temperature. Muscle tonus and shivering recovered gradually, and oxygen consumption returned to near normal levels. The data are described in terms of levels of integration of the nervous control of thermoregulation.
Robert Angus Smith, F. R. S. , And 'Chemical Climatology'

Recently A. Gibson and W. V. Farrar presented, in this journal, a biography of Robert Angus Smith, F. R. S. (1817—1884) that dealt chiefly with his contributions to ‘sanitary science’. Although they concluded that he played a useful role in this new field, they stated that he ‘was not a great scientist’. Moreover: ‘He started many hares and caught none; one cannot point to him as the author of any major discovery or innovation. His theories were often wrong and his quantitative results unreliable’.
Post-concussive syndrome

Purpose Over 85% of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are considered “mild”, also referred to as “concussion”. Mild TBI is increasingly recognized as an important public health problem. Despite their designation as “mild”, adverse outcomes from such injuries are significant, with 25% of patients still impaired at one year. Visual difficulties are common, reported by two-thirds of patients in a Veterans Administration study. Methods Visual symptoms of mild TBI typically include blurring, light sensitivity, eyestrain, difficulty with near focus, trouble tracking, seeing haloes around lights, and diplopia (monocular and binocular). Results Despite the high incidence of visual symptoms, results of standard eye examination and neuro-ophthalmic testing are typically normal. Conventional neuro-imaging also fails to demonstrate objective evidence of neurologic dysfunction in most cases. Recent developments in neuroimaging (particularly diffusion tensor imaging) and serologic testing (S-100B) have provided some correlates of such injury. Conclusion New information from neuroimaging and serologic testing has helped to provide some objective markers for post-concussive syndromes. The diagnosis of such post-traumatic syndromes remains largely clinical.