cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Junction Temperature Measurements and Thermal Modeling of GaInN/GaN Quantum Well Light-Emitting Diodes

We present a junction temperature analysis of GaInN/GaN quantum well (QW) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) grown on sapphire and bulk GaN substrate by micro-Raman spectroscopy. The temperature was measured up to a drive current of 250 mA (357 A/cm2). We find better cooling efficiency in dies grown on GaN substrates with a thermal resistance of 75 K/W. For dies on sapphire substrates we find values as high as 425 K/W. Poor thermal performance in the latter is attributed to the low thermal conductivity of the sapphire. Three-dimensional finite-element simulations show good agreement with the experimental results, validating our thermal model for the design of better cooled structures.
On-Demand Enterprise Services: Where's the Catch?

Enterprise software is plainly problematic, no matter whose perspective you take - that of the vendor selling it, the organization acquiring and operating it, or the people using it. Although software as a service promises to address some of the ills afflicting product-based enterprise software, caveats remain.
Synthesis, Characterization, Kinetic Parameters, and Diagnostic Application of a Sensitive Colorimetric Substrate for β-Galactosidase (2-Chloro-4-Nitrophenyl-β-D-Galactopyranoside)

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of 2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl β-D-galactopyranoside, an improved chromogenic substrate for β-galactosidase, is described. The important kinetic parameters ( K m , V max and K p ) for this substrate were compared with those of other substrates. The diagnostic utility of this substrate in a digoxin liposome immunoassay is discussed. The new substrate offers at least four times the sensitivity enhancement as that with ortho -nitrophenyl β-D-galactopyranoside in the assays for β-galactosidase. This substrate should find use in enzyme immunoassays where β-galactosidase is used as a label.
Consistency and Variability in Two Personality Traits over Time and across Situations

A total of 171 American college students participated in two studies of personality self-ratings. Subjects rated their conscientiousness, outgoingness, and their variability on these dimensions, then provided ratings for specific situations, or returned one day for three successive weeks to rare their daily behavior for the same traits. General self-ratings for both dimensions correlated with an average rating across 19 situations about .70 and with an average rating for three different days about .60. Ratings of subjective variability on each dimension were unrelated to actual variation across time or situations. Results suggest that general ratings do represent an «intuitive average» across finite instances but that trait variability is not accurately judged
Oximetric versus indicator dilution techniques for quantitating intracardiac left-to-right shunting in adults

Abstract In conclusion, in adult subjects with intracardiac left-to-right shunting, the oximetric technique provides estimates of shunt magnitude that are somewhat larger than those of indocyanine green (Figure 1). At the same time, the 2 techniques yield results that are within 20% of one another in almost half the patients, and they are in agreement with one another concerning the Qp/Qs being
Surgery for Primary Vertebral Tumors: En Bloc versus Intralesional Resection

The decision to select en bloc resection or intralesional resection needs to be tailored to each individual patient and circumstance. Though complete resection with long-term progression-free survival is the goal, it is not always feasible, nor advisable, depending on what the patient's expectations are and what the risk of complications may be. However, in cases with favorable circumstances and consensus agreement between physicians, surgeons, and patients, aggressive en bloc removal of spinal tumors can be extremely valuable and may offer the only chance at cure for otherwise devastating malignancies.
Down-regulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein expression during acute lytic varicella-zoster virus infection of cultured human astrocytes

The effects of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) OKA vaccine strain in producing morphologic and antigenic changes in dissociated cultures of human fetal brain was investigated. Cultures containing 80% glial acidic fibrillary protein (GFAP), GFAP+ (positive) astrocytes and 20% GFAP- (negative) fibroblastic-like cells were infected with cell-free VZV OKA at a multiplicity of infection of 0.1 plaque-forming units per cell. Cytopathic effects and significant viral antigen labeling with antibodies against VZV gpl and immediate-early (IE) protein 62 were first detected 6 to 7 days postinfection. Several observations indicated that astrocyte GFAP expression was altered and diminished as a result of VZV infection itself, thereby raising doubts about the utility of combining cell markers and viral antigenic labeling in assessing the susceptibility of neural cell types to viral infection. The down-regulation of GFAP expression by VZV appears to be mediated by early rather than late events in the viral replication cycle and may not be the result of virally induced global shut-off of host cell protein synthesis. Similar observations were made using VZV Ellen, a multipassaged, nonvaccine strain. These observations have potential in vivo implications related to histologic analysis of VZV-infected tissues and disease pathogenesis.
Analysis of the Outcome of Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis in Patients With Crohn’s Disease

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis has come to represent the procedure of choice for patients requiring surgery for mucosal ulcerative colitis. In contrast, a proven diagnosis of Crohn’s disease is generally held to preclude ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. However, patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for apparent mucosal ulcerative colitis who are subsequently found to have Crohn’s disease have a variable course. We reviewed our experience in this scenario to determine whether selected patients with Crohn’s disease may be candidates for ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. A retrospective review of the prospectively maintained ileal pouch-anal anastomosis database was undertaken to identify patients with a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Clinical outcome and quality-of-life data were obtained from the database and chart review. End points were the development of recrudescent Crohn’s disease, pouch failure, and quality of life and functional outcome at the time of data collection. Differences between groups were calculated using the chi-squared test. Cumulative incidence of recrudescent Crohn’s disease and pouch loss were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Factors predictive of development of recrudescent Crohn’s disease and pouch loss were examined by univariate analysis. Sixty patients (32 females; median age, 33 (range, 15–74) years) who underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for mucosal ulcerative colitis subsequently had that diagnosis revised to Crohn’s disease. Median follow-up of all patients was 46 (range, 4–158) months at time of data collection by which time 21 patients (35 percent) had developed recrudescent Crohn’s disease. No pre-ileal pouch-anal anastomosis factors examined were predictors of the development of recrudescent Crohn’s disease on univariate analysis. Median follow-up of the latter group was 63 (range, 0–132) months from time of diagnosis, by which time six patients underwent pouch excision and another patient was permanently defunctioned. The overall pouch loss rate for the entire cohort was 12 percent and 33 percent for those with recrudescent Crohn’s disease. Median daily bowel movements in those with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in situ at the time of data collection was 7 (range, 3–20), with 50 percent of patients rarely or never experiencing urgency and 59 percent reporting perfect or near perfect continence. Median quality of life, health, and happiness scores were 9.9 and 10 of 10. The secondary diagnosis of Crohn’s disease after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is associated with protracted freedom from clinically evident Crohn’s disease, low pouch loss rate, and good functional outcome. Such results only can be improved by the continued development of medical strategies for the long-term suppression of Crohn’s disease. These data support a prospective evaluation of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in selected patients with Crohn’s disease.
The toxicology of chemical interactions during pregnancy in the mouse: Caffeine and phenytoin

Abstract The toxic interaction of caffeine and phenytoin during pregnancy was investigated in mice of the ICR strain on E10 of gestation. Caffeine, over a range of dosages, showed limited embryotoxic activity. Phenytoin was also weakly teratogenic and dosages needed to elicit embryotoxicity were accompanied by a significant increase in maternal lethality. Pretreatment with caffeine enhanced phenytoin-induced toxicity and teratogenicity and these observations confirm that caffeine has the ability to function as a coteratogen. Pretreatment with phenytoin produced a significant increase in maternal lethality following caffeine administration but no co-teratogenic effect. It is suggested that these results are the consequence of a yet undefined interaction at critical receptor sites in the maternal-embryo unit.
A comparison of injuries sustained from recreational compared to organized motorized vehicle use in children

Abstract Purpose To examine the injury severity and patterns of injury for pediatric motorized recreational vehicle (MRV) drivers injured during organized events (OE) compared to recreational use (RU). Methods All pediatric MRV injuries between 2006 and 2012 in our institutional trauma registry were studied for mechanism of injury, initial evaluation, and treatment. Injuries with an Abbreviated Injury Scale ≥2 were categorized by body region and diagnosis. Results Out of 589 collisions, 92 (16%) occurred during an OE. Compared to RU drivers, OE drivers were more likely to wear helmets (92% vs. 40%, p p p =0.038). Conclusion Despite higher rates of helmet and protective gear use, pediatric MRV drivers participating in OEs sustain similarly severe injuries as drivers using MRVs recreationally. No differences were observed in body regions involved or outcomes. Public perception that OE use of MRV for children is safe should be addressed.
Omalizumab treatment downregulates dendritic cell FcεRI expression

Abstract Background Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells that express FceRI, the high-affinity IgE receptor. Although the downregulation of basophil FceRI during anti-IgE therapy with omalizumab is well documented, its effect on FceRI expression by DCs has not been reported. Objective We hypothesized that IgE regulates surface FceRI expression by DCs in vivo and that, consequently, anti-IgE therapy decreases FceRI expression by DCs. Methods In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial 24 subjects (16 receiving omalizumab and 8 receiving placebo) with seasonal allergic rhinitis received the study drug on days 0 and 28. Serial blood samples drawn on days 0, 7, 14, 28, and 42 were analyzed for precursor DC1 (pDC1) and pDC2 surface expression of FceRIα by using flow cytometry. Results Omalizumab caused a significant decrease in surface FceRI expression at all time points examined in both the pDC1 and pDC2 subsets. No significant change was seen with placebo. The maximum decrease in FceRI expression in the omalizumab group was 52% and 83%, respectively, for the pDC1 and pDC2 subsets. The decrease in FceRI expression by both pDC subsets correlated with the decrease in serum-free IgE and was of a similar magnitude to that found in basophils. A 10-fold decrease in IgE corresponded to a 42% and 54% decrease in surface FceRI expression by the pDC1 and pDC2 subsets, respectively. Conclusion These results demonstrate that anti-IgE therapy causes a rapid decrease in DC surface FceRI expression and establish that IgE is an important regulator of FceRI expression by DCs.
MuSK expressed in the brain mediates cholinergic responses, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation

Muscle-specific tyrosine kinase receptor (MuSK) has been believed to be mainly expressed and functional in muscle, in which it mediates the formation of neuromuscular junctions. Here we show that MuSK is expressed in the brain, particularly in neurons, as well as in non-neuronal tissues. We also provide evidence that MuSK expression in the hippocampus is required for memory consolidation, because temporally restricted knockdown after training impairs memory retention. Hippocampal disruption of MuSK also prevents the learning-dependent induction of both cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation and CCAAT enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ) expression, suggesting that the role of MuSK during memory consolidation critically involves the CREB–C/EBP pathway. Furthermore, we found that MuSK also plays an important role in mediating hippocampal oscillatory activity in the theta frequency as well as in the induction and maintenance of long-term potentiation, two synaptic responses that correlate with memory formation. We conclude that MuSK plays an important role in brain functions, including memory formation. Therefore, its expression and role are broader than what was believed previously.
Differences in Escherichia coli culture conditions can have a large impact on the induction of extreme acid resistance

A recently isolated Escherichia coli strain (3TF4) survived an acid shock that mimicked the low pH of the human gastric stomach (pH 2, 1 h), but this survival was highly influenced by prior growth conditions. Only 0.01% of the stationary phase cells that had been grown anaerobically in a carbonate medium (2 mg glucose and 0.25 mg yeast extract per ml, 40 mm sodium carbonate, final pH 6.5) survived the acid shock, and the survival of exponential phase cultures was even lower (0.0001%). Small amounts of Trypticase (1.5 mg/ml) increased the survival as much as 5000-fold, but cultures that were provided with higher concentrations of Trypticase (7.5 mg/ml) did not reach the stationary phase in 24 h and were more acid sensitive. Sodium acetate (50 mm) also increased acid resistance, and the increased acid shock survival was greater for the cells that had reached the stationary phase (100 versus 1000-fold, respectively). E. coli 3TF4 cultures that had been grown aerobically in Luria broth were already so acid resistant (survivals greater than 40%) that they did not respond to sodium acetate. E. coli 3TF4 cultures that were refrigerated (5°C, 7 days) were nearly as acid resistant as those that were immediately subjected to acid shock (pH 2.0, 1 h).
Development of the Spanish-Language Version of the National Institute of Mental Health Diagnostic Interview Schedule

• The use of the National Institute of Mental Health Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) to elicit DSM-Ill -defined mental disorders among Hispanic respondents in the Los Angeles site of the Epidemiologic Catchment Area project required development of a Spanish translation of the instrument that would be understood readily by persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Cuban origin. The translation was carried out using back translation, bilingual test respondents, a bilingual translation staff, an extensive committee of experienced bilingual clinicians as translation consultants, and revision following clinical evaluation. A study of its reliability and comparison with clinical diagnoses obtained with Spanish-speaking psychiatric outpatients indicated satisfactory equivalence of the Spanish DIS to the English version. Early international use of the Spanish DIS promises new data on the cross-cultural validity and prevalence rates of DSM-Ill -diagnosed disorders.
Electromyographic studies of human urinary bladder

Abstract Electromyographic recordings were performed on 11 conscious healthy patients at the time of cystoscopy. Standard electromyographic equipment and modified ureteral catheters were utilized, and the technique and equipment are described. A reproducible pattern of detrusor electrical activity was noted with the bladder empty at rest, during filling, and on voiding. The possible applications of this technique in clinical urologic practice are alluded to.
Photoresist-free microstructuring of III-V semiconductors with laser-assisted dry-etching ablation

The progress in manufacturing of integrated microelectronic and optoelectronic devices requires new technologies which would make possible printing of nanometer-size features and/or which would offer cost effective solutions in the fabrication of micrometer-size devices. Laser-induced direct (photoresist-free) patterning of materials has been recently investigated as a method that has some potential in that area. We have applied laser-assisted dry etching ablation for contact, proximity and projection mask lithography of III-V semiconductor films, quantum wells and superlattices. It has been shown that micrometer-size structures of those materials can be directly fabricated following the exposure to an excimer laser radiation in an atmosphere of chlorine diluted in helium. The results indicate that the process has the potential for the fabrication of high-quality quantum wire and quantum dot structures.
Reversibility of fenofibrate therapy-induced renal function impairment in ACCORD type 2 diabetic participants.

OBJECTIVE To assess the reversibility of the elevation of serum creatinine levels in patients with diabetes after 5 years of continuous on-trial fenofibrate therapy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS An on-drug/off-drug ancillary study to the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) Lipid Trial to investigate posttrial changes in serum creatinine and cystatin C. Eligible participants were recruited into a prospective, nested, three-group study based on retrospective on-trial serum creatinine levels: fenofibrate case subjects ( n = 321, ≥20% increase after 3 months of therapy); fenofibrate control subjects ( n = 175, ≤2% increase); and placebo control subjects ( n = 565). Serum creatinine and cystatin C were measured at trial end and 6–8 weeks after discontinuation of trial therapy. RESULTS At trial end, case subjects had the highest adjusted serum creatinine (± SE) mg/dL (1.11 ± 0.02) and the lowest adjusted estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (± SE) mL/min/1.73 m 2 (68.4 ± 1.0) versus control subjects (1.01 ± 0.02; 74.8 ± 1.3) and placebo subjects (0.98 ± 0.01; 77.8 ± 0.7). After 51 days off-drug, serum creatinine in case subjects was still higher (0.97 ± 0.02) and eGFR still lower (77.8 ± 1.0) than control subjects (0.90 ± 0.02; 81.8 ± 1.3) but not different from placebo subjects (0.99 ± 0.01; 76.6 ± 0.7). Changes in serum cystatin C recapitulated the serum creatinine changes. CONCLUSIONS Participants with significant initial on-trial increases in serum creatinine (≥20%) returned to the same level of renal function as participants receiving placebo while participants who had ≤2% increase in serum creatinine had net preservation of renal function compared with the same unselected placebo reference group. The fenofibrate-associated on-trial increases in serum creatinine were reversible, and the reversal was complete after 51 days off-drug. The similarity of the cystatin C results suggests that the mechanism of this change is not specific for serum creatinine.
Oral self-administration of methohexital in baboons

Oral self-administration of methohexital was generated in baboons that were food-restricted but not water-deprived. Stable intake of an 8% ethanol solution (two baboons) or water (two baboons) was first established in 3-h-sessions. Increasing concentrations of methohexital (0.005–10 mg/ml) then were substituted with a return to the ethanol or water baseline condition between methohexital conditions. For one baboon in the ethanol baseline condition, drinking was initially suppressed by methohexital substitution, but increased under a food-induced drinking procedure. For all baboons, an inverted U-shaped function generally described the relation between methohexital concentration and volume consumed. Anesthetization was observed at concentrations of 1.6 mg/ml and above. In two-bottle choice tests, three baboons generally drank greater volumes of methohexital than water at concentrations of 0.8 mg/ml and above. After a methohexital-free period of 1–3 months methohexital self-administration was readily reestablished.
Speak softly, but carry a big stick: On optimal targets under moral hazard☆

Abstract When managerial compensation is restricted to be constant below a certain target output level, and underlying effort is unobserved, a recent article by Liu suggests that the optimal sharing rule should be smooth and locally convex at the target. This is incorrect. If minimum payments are set exogenously, the optimal sharing rule for a risk-averse manager will be kinked at the target. If penalties are unbounded, the principal can approach the first-best full-information outcome by offering a constant payment under normal conditions but imposing a severe punishment for extremely unlikely low outcomes, i.e., by “speaking softly but carrying a big stick.”
Optimization of a tracer-based PLIF diagnostic for simultaneous imaging of EGR and temperature in IC engines

A tracer-based planar laser-induced fluorescence (TB-PLIF) imaging diagnostic using 3-pentanone has been optimized for use in IC engines. The diagnostic utilizes dual-wavelength excitation of 3-pentanone in the ultraviolet to make simultaneous measurements of exhaust gas residual mole fraction and temperature. A merit function based optimization of the diagnostic precision was performed which allowed for selection of optimal excitation wavelengths for the conditions of interest. Optimized system performance was validated in a motored optical engine over a wide range of in-cylinder temperatures and pressures. In-cylinder results verify the utility of the uncertainty estimates. Differences in magnitude between the estimated and measured precision were determined to be due to errors in parameter values used in the calculations. The observed 2.1% temperature precision at a temperature of 600 K was compared with previous TB-PLIF temperature measurements and shown to be approximately a factor of 2 better than previous results.
Separate binding sites on acetylcholinesterase for indophenyl and other esters

Abstract Acetylcholine, phenyl acetate, 1-naphthyl acetate, tetraethylammonium and decamethonium are noncompetitive inhibitors for indophenyl acetate hydrolysis but competitive inhibitors for acetylthiocholine hydrolysis. This confirms that there is a binding site on the enzyme for indophenyl acetate, which is distinct from the common binding site shared by acetylthiocholine and the other ligands. Additional evidence that indophenyl compounds in general can bind to this special site, is that enzyme diazotized by p -(trimethylammonium) benzenediazonium fluoroborate, has sharply reduced activity for substrates and inhibitors except for indophenyl acylates, indophenyl dimethylcarbamate and indophenyl diethyl phosphate.
Didanosine once daily: potential for expanded use.

Factors affecting patient adherence to therapy, such as frequent daily dosing and complex dosing schedules, are widely understood to be key obstacles to the durability of effective anti-HIV therapy. Didanosine, a nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) that is a core component of combination antiretroviral regimens, is currently indicated for twice-daily dosing. However, the active metabolite of didanosine (2',3'-dideoxyadenosine-5'-triphosphate) has a long intracellular half-life that supports the use of didanosine in a more patient-friendly, once-daily dosing schedule. Clinical studies in which didanosine was administered either once or twice daily, as monotherapy or in combination with another NRTI, have demonstrated the equivalence of both dosing schedules, with respect to safety and tolerability, virologic and immunologic endpoints, and short-term clinical effects (e.g., weight gain). Preliminary results from recent studies support the clinical efficacy and utility of once-daily didanosine in combination antiretroviral regimens that provide maximal drug exposure, while allowing for once- or twice-daily dosing of all component drugs.
Culture of microalgae Chlorella minutissima for biodiesel feedstock production

Microalgae are among the most promising of non-food based biomass fuel feedstock alternatives. Algal biofuels production is challenged by limited oil content, growth rate, and economical cultivation. To develop the optimum cultivation conditions for increasing biofuels feedstock production, the effect of light source, light intensity, photoperiod, and nitrogen starvation on the growth rate, cell density, and lipid content of Chlorella minutissima were studied. The fatty acid content and composition of Chlorella minutissima were also investigated under the above conditions. Fluorescent lights were more effective than red or white light-emitting diodes for algal growth. Increasing light intensity resulted in more rapid algal growth, while increasing the period of light also significantly increased biomass productivity. Our results showed that the lipid and triacylglycerol content were increased under N starvation conditions. Thus, a two-phase strategy with an initial nutrient-sufficient reactor followed by a nutrient deprivation strategy could likely balance the desire for rapid and high biomass generation (124 mg/L) with a high oil content (50%) of Chlorella minutissima to maximize the total amount of oil produced for biodiesel production. Moreover, methyl palmitate (C16:0), methyl oleate (C18:1), methyl linoleate (C18:2), and methyl linolenate (C18:3) are the major components of Chlorella minutissima derived FAME, and choice of light source, intensity, and N starvation impacted the FAME composition of Chlorella minutissima. The optimized cultivation conditions resulted in higher growth rate, cell density, and oil content, making Chlorella minutissima a potentially suitable organism for biodiesel feedstock production.
Determining Effective Teaching Behaviors through the Hiring Process.

Purpose – One bad hiring decision can lead to low student achievement. Research supports that teachers are the most influential factor in student success. As a result, principals’ current practice of hiring teachers based on intuition and likeability must change. Given the current high stakes era, principals need reassurance that the teachers they hire can indeed meet the needs of the students and the goals of the school. The purpose of this paper is to determine which interview protocol questions would predict high levels of effective teaching behaviors exhibited by teachers in the classroom. Design/methodology/approach – A convenience sample of 600 working teachers responded to a 93-item Likert-scale online questionnaire related to the four domains of effective teaching behaviors: classroom management, organizing instruction, implementing instruction, and monitoring progress and potential. The researchers first analyzed the teacher responses to assess their reliability and validity. A regression analysi...
ACTION OF FUSICOCCIN ON THE POTASSIUM BALANCE OF GUARD CELLS OF PHASEOLUS VULGARIS

Fusicoccin induces stomatal opening in both the light and dark. The stomatal aperture and K content of guard cells was measured to determine whether the action of fusicoccin in inducing stomatal opening is directly related to the uptake of K by the guard cells. Both detached and attached epidermis was treated with fusicoccin and the K content was determined by staining with cobalt sodium nitrite or by electron probe microanalysis. The K content of guard cells in detached epidermal strips floated on 10 uM fusicoccin in 10 mM KCI and aqueous CH30H (0.02 %, v/v) increased in the light and dark as the stomata opened. After exposure to fusicoccin for 6 hr in the light, however, the stomata were closed and no K could be detected in the guard cells. The K content of guard cells of attached epidermis painted with fusicoccin also increased as the stomata opened, but the concentration of K in the subsidiary cells was not significantly altered by fusicoccin-stimulated opening. Moreover, painting with fusicoccin did not significantly change the Ca and P content of the guard or subsidiary cells. Stomata of epidermal strips, opened to their maximum width by fusicoccin, showed only a small and temporary closure when transferred to a solution of 10 UM abscisic acid. The use of metabolic inhibitors suggested that energy for the uptake of the K may be provided by both photophosphorylation and oxidative phosphorylation.
Pseudohypoparathyroidism and selective deficiency of thyrotropin: An interesting association

Abstract A patient with both pseudohypoparathyroidism and hypothyroidism due to selective deficiency of thyrotropin is presented. A review of the reported cases of pseudohypoparathyroidism revealed two additional patients with isolated thyrotropin deficiency. Thus, three of twenty-one reported cases of hypothyroidism secondary to selective thyrotropin deficiency have occurred in patients with pseudohypoparathyroidism. It is further noted that hypothyroidism has frequently been suspected in patients with pseudohypoparathyroidism but in most cases this possibility has not been adequately evaluated. In view of these observations, it is suggested that pituitary and thyroid function be investigated routinely in other patients with pseudohypoparathyroidism.
Freeform diffractive structure writing through maskless lithography

Printing of diffractive structures on 3D surfaces has been demonstrated using focal adjustment during i-line maskless lithography. A diffractive pupil for asymmetric astrometric distortion correction was fabricated on spherical mirrors with diameters up to 50mm.
ON and OFF Unipolar Brush Cells Transform Multisensory Inputs to the Auditory System

Summary Unipolar brush cells (UBCs) of the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) and vestibular cerebellar cortex receive glutamatergic mossy fiber input on an elaborate brush-like dendrite. Two subtypes of UBC have been established based on immunohistochemical markers and physiological profiles, but the relation of these subtypes to the response to mossy fiber input is not clear. We examined the synaptic physiology of auditory UBCs in mouse brain slices, identifying two response profiles, and correlated each with a specific UBC subtype. One subtype had a striking biphasic excitatory response mediated by AMPAR and mGluR1α. The second was mGluR1α negative and was dominated by a strongly inhibitory outward K + current. These two subtypes upregulated or downregulated spontaneous firing, respectively. By analogy to the retina, we propose that UBCs comprise ON and OFF cells with respect to their response to glutamatergic input and may therefore provide distinct parallel processing of multisensory input to their targets.
Hypnotic efficacy of a modified triazolodiazepine, brotizolam

Fifty-nine outpatients with insomnia were treated in a 3-week study to assess the safety and efficacy of a new triazolothienodiazepine with a short t1/2, brotizolam. Therapy was initiated with 0.25 mg at night, but by the end of the study all subjects who were receiving brotizolam were taking 0.50 mg. Results indicate brotizolam efficacy as measured by daily subject and weekly physician questionnaires in essentially all sleep parameters, including global subject and physician evaluation of treatment efficacy, sleep latency and sleep maintenance, and quality of sleep. Tolerance to the hypnotic action of brotizolam was not observed after 21 days of daily dosing.
Acoustic data analysis and scenario over watch from an aerostat at the NATO SET-153 field experiment

The purpose of the NATO SET-153 field experiment was to provide an opportunity to demonstrate multiple sensor technologies in an urban environment and determine integration capabilities for future development. The Army Research Laboratory (ARL) experimental aerostat was used primarily as a persistent over watch capability as a substitute for a UAV. Continuous video was recorded on the aerostat and segments of video were captured of the scenarios on the ground that the camera was following manually. Some of the segments showing scenario activities will be presented. The captured pictures and video frames have telemetry in the headers that provides the UTM time and the Inertial Navigation System (INS) GPS location and the inertial roll, pitch, and yaw as well as the camera gimbal pan and tilt angles. The timing is useful to synchronize the images with the scenario events providing activity ground truth. The INS, GPS, and camera gimbal angle values can be used with the acoustic solution for the location of a sound source to determine the relative accuracy of the solution if the camera is pointed at the sound source. This method will be confirmed by the use of a propane cannon whose GPS location is logged. During the field experiment, other interesting acoustic events such as vehicle convoys, platoon level firefights with vehicles using blanks, and a UAV helicopter were recorded and will be presented in a quick analysis.
In vitro evaluation of bevacizumab toxicity on a retinal ganglion cell line.

. Purpose: The effects of bevacizumab on cell viability and proliferation in a commonly used retinal ganglion cell line, RGC-5, were examined. Methods: RGC-5 cells were exposed to 0.1 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml of commercially available bevacizumab in vitro. To examine the specificity of effects, cells were also cultured with increasing and comparable concentrations of proteins (increasing the concentration of proteins in the culture media by 0.1 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml and 2 mg/ml by using additional fetal bovine serum [FBS] and bovine serum albumin [BSA]). Cell proliferation was assessed using a WST-1 kit, crystal violet staining and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. Cytotoxic effects were assessed by quantifying cell numbers in proliferation-deficient RGC-5 following exposure to bevacizumab using the WST-1 kit, microscopic examination of cells stained with propidium iodide (PI) cells and flow cytometry for differential staining with PI. Results: Bevacizumab was not toxic to RGC-5 cells in the tested concentrations. It had a stimulatory effect on cell proliferation. A stimulatory effect on proliferation was also noted when equivalent amounts of proteins from FBS or BSA were used, which suggests that bevacizumab may stimulate proliferation non-specifically by increasing the protein contents of the cell growth environment. Conclusions: Results suggest that intravitreal injection of bevacizumab could alter the internal milieu of the eye by increasing protein concentrations to elicit functional responses in retinotypic cells. This may be especially relevant for cells outwith the control of vascular endothelial growth factor.
Sound Attenuation and Dispersion near the Liquid-Gas Critical Point

The attenuation and dispersion of sound near the gas-liquid critical point are studied theoretically using the author's extended mode-mode coupling theory. The results differ in the different regions of the sound-wave frequency $f$ expressed in a dimensionless unit and of $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$, the dimensionless temperature distance from the critical point. The attenuation behaves as ${f}^{2}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{\ensuremath{-}3\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{-}\frac{\ensuremath{\alpha}}{2}}$ for $0\ensuremath{\le}f\ensuremath{\ll}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{3\ensuremath{\nu}}$, and as ${f}^{2\ensuremath{-}\frac{2p}{3}}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{3\ensuremath{\alpha}}{2}}$ for ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{3\ensuremath{\nu}}\ensuremath{\ll}f\ensuremath{\ll}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{\ensuremath{\nu}}$, where $p$ is the exponent which appears in the wave-number ($\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{k}}$)-dependent correlation of the order parameter expressed as ${A}_{1}{k}^{\ensuremath{-}2+\ensuremath{\eta}}+{A}_{2}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{1\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}}{k}^{\ensuremath{-}2+\ensuremath{\eta}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\rho}}$, when $k$ is much greater than the inverse correlation range of critical fluctuations. The relative sound-velocity change with $f$ behaves as ${f}^{\frac{3}{2}}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{\ensuremath{-}\frac{9\ensuremath{\nu}}{2}}$ for $0\ensuremath{\le}f\ensuremath{\ll}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{3\ensuremath{\nu}}$, as ${f}^{1\ensuremath{-}\frac{2p}{3}}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}}$ if $p\ensuremath{\le}\frac{3}{2}$, and as ${f}^{0}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{0}$ if $pg\frac{3}{2}$ for ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{3\ensuremath{\nu}}\ensuremath{\ll}f\ensuremath{\ll}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{\ensuremath{\nu}+\frac{\ensuremath{\alpha}}{2}}$. The explicit expressions for the attenuation and dispersion are given for $f\ensuremath{\sim}{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{3\ensuremath{\nu}}$.
Comparison Between Two Quantiles: The Normal and Exponential Cases

We consider the problem of interval estimation and testing for the difference between the quantiles of two populations. Inferential procedures based on the generalized variable approach are given for the normal and exponential cases. The generalized variable approach produced exact procedures for the normal case with some restrictions on the parameter space and exact procedures for the exponential case. Applications and two illustrative examples are given.
Foley catheter practices and knowledge among Minnesota physicians

Background Urinary catheter use is common, and physicians are often unaware of the presence of a catheter in a patient. Despite this, and despite a recent policy change classifying catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) as nonreimbursable, little is known regarding physicians' knowledge and attitudes regarding catheters, or their responses to the policy change. Methods Licensed Minnesota physicians were sent an Internet-based survey regarding indications for Foley catheter placement, effectiveness of interventions for preventing CAUTI, and knowledge of and response to the changed reimbursement policy. Results Overall, respondents exhibited good knowledge regarding indications for catheterization, with the 2 indications most widely accepted as being valid (critical illness with tenuous volume status and urinary obstruction) receiving the highest appropriateness scores. Most respondents reported awareness of the changed reimbursement policy for CAUTI; fully one-third indicated that because of this change, they now removed catheters earlier than previously. The responses from primary care physicians and surgeons differed significantly in terms of indications for catheterization, methods to prevent CAUTI, and the impact of the policy change on their practice patterns. Conclusion Respondents demonstrated relatively good knowledge regarding Foley catheter use, and most were aware of the changed CAUTI reimbursement policy. Surgeons and primary care physicians may have different approaches to catheter management. Efforts are needed to translate catheter-related knowledge into good clinical practice.
High School Is Not Too Late: Developing Girls' Interest and Engagement in Engineering Careers

Although experts increasingly call for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education to begin in middle and elementary schools, a 3-year intervention beginning with high-achieving female high school sophomores demonstrated that young women can develop a serious interest in engineering in high school. However, subsequent post-high school study of the participants showed that interest in engineering was not enough for lower-income minority women to pursue engineering in college. It should be noted that their decision against pursuing engineering in college was not due to their lack of academic preparation or interest in the field, but to a lack of financial resources and social support for engineering, as well as fears of failure. Career counselors and college recruiters have an important role to play in the recruitment and retention of girls of color in engineering and other STEM college majors, including facilitating support and access to appropriate programs and resources at pivotal times.
An ESD kinetic energy distribution study of trimethylsilane adsorbed on Si(100)

Abstract Electron-stimulated desorption (ESD) kinetic energy distributions (KEDs) of H+ and H- have been obtained from trimethylsilane-dosed Si(100) as a function of trimethylsilane exposure. Both H+ and H- KEDs exhibit bimodal KEDs, suggesting that hydrogen is bound in two distinct states for trimethylsilane-covered Si(100). ESD KED and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) data suggest that most species present on the freshly dosed surface are still present in residual amounts after gentle anneals to 173 K, indicating that molecularly adsorbed trimethylsilane is only weakly bound to the surface and that some trimethylsilane dissociates on the Si(100) surface. Additionally, the low-energy H- KED peak intensity behaves like the high-energy H+ KED peak intensity as a function of trimethylsilane exposure, and vice versa.
Manufacturing and Flexure Properties Characterization of Hybrid Nano-/Micro-Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites

We report an approach for the deposition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on carbon fabrics (CFs) en route for the development of hybrid nano-/micro-fiber composite structures. Ultrasonic atomization process was utilized for the direct deposition of CNTs on the surface of carbon fiber fabric. A dilute solution of CNTs was prepared by dispersing very small amount of multi walled CNTs (MWNT) in N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) using a low frequency ultrasonic water bath. The dispersed solution was then fed into the ultrasonic atomizer probe using a syringe pump and sprayed directly on the carbon fiber fabric rested on a hot plate. The dispersion of MWNTs in DMF solvent was characterized using UV spectroscopy and the distribution of CNTs on CF was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VRTM) was used to manufacture composite laminates using several layers of CNTs hybrid CF fabrics. We prepared hybrid composite laminates containing 0.03-wt% of CNTs. Dispersion of CNTs in DMF and distribution of CNTs on CFs was found to be very good which we believed to be resulted in about 15% improvement in flexure strength and about 12% improvement in strain to failure compared to neat composites. Such improvements in composite properties with only 0.03% CNTs are very promising in hybrid composite structures.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Pharmacogenetics of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

With the beginning of the Human Genome Project, an emerging field of science was brought to the forefront of the pharmaceutical community. Pharmacogenetics facilitates optimization of the current patient-centered care model and pharmacotherapy as a whole. Utilizing these ever-expanding branches of science to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can provide novel opportunities to affect patient care. With a wide range of NSAID choices available as treatment options for relieving pain and/or reducing inflammation or fever, a more systematic way of selecting the ideal agent for the patients based upon their genetic information could spare them from a potentially permanent health-care condition. Furthermore, if a patient possesses or lacks certain alleles, serious adverse events can be anticipated and avoided. The tailoring of drug therapy can be achieved using the published data and cutting-edge genetic testing to attain a higher standard of care for patients.
Protection for underwater instruments

Waterproof cases for instruments, especially cameras, electronic flash lamps, and sonar drivers, are considered for external pressures up to 20,000 psi (pounds per square inch) which is adequate for the greatest known depths in the sea. Equations, charts, and experimentally determined values of failure are given for cylinders, end caps, and windows of various materials. Several types of pressure-resisting electric connections are shown and a pressure-testing facility is described.
Measurements of Bovine Chromosomes

WE recently had an opportunity to study the karyogram of a cell from a bovine male. Since we are interested in sperm nuclear areas in connexion with estimates of DNA in individual sperm nuclei, it was of interest to measure the projected areas of the chromosome images. The comments that follow all derive from the planimetric measurements (three times as complete sets by one observer, without reference to previously recorded measurements) from one karyogram.
Teenage Parents on Welfare

through the policy process. They are policy choices that can be implemented through federal and state involvement. Their chances of success, however, are dependent on community involvement and commitment. Local communities need to create a demand for these programs and to exhibit a willingness to implement and support some fundamental normative changes in their communities. In most low-income communities, and certainly among the youth, having children at a very early age is not only accepted but is often expected. Teenage parenthood is a status position for both the young fathers and mothers. Community leaders, parents, and the young people themselves need to create a change in the normative expectations of their communities. These changes cannot be forced upon people. They have to come from within. To expect changes to occur without an increase in educational and employment opportunities for low-income youths is unrealistic. If we are concerned about protecting vulnerable children, a commitment to breaking the poverty cycle that goes beyond punishing the poor is not only desirable but required. []
Craft and Community as Metaphors for Social Inquiry Curriculum

I. INTRODUCTION During the last decade, educators have renewed their interest in developing a social inquiry curriculum. The intent of this type of curriculum is to provide students with disciplined modes of social analysis and tends to focus upon certain logical qualities of inquiry, (Apple, 1972, Popkewitz, 1976) wherein educators seek to abstract certain rules, procedures, standards, and ideas from the social disciplines or from the philos- ophy of scientific inquiry. The concepts and precise sets of inquiry procedures which emerge become the foundation of the new curriculum materials. The California State Curriculum Guide (1968), for example, divides inquiry into such categories as integration, analysis, and policy. In turn, each of these is sub- divided into discrete processes, such as problem formulation, classification, infer- rence, comparison, etc. Similarly, the University of Minnesota Social Studies project (1968) assumes that only the logical relationships of social scientific ideas provide the order to curriculum: “The Center has chosen to identify important concepts and generalizations from the various social sciences and has tried to provide for sequen- tial development in the K-12 curriculum.” In each case it is believed that certain predetermined, formal qualities define social inquiry. The intent of this paper is to question the assumptions of these curriculum models by examining inquiry as a social system. It will be argued that to understand adequately the nature of research, attention must be given to its potentially conflicting social dimensions, that is, the qualities of personal craftsmanship and community affiliation expressed in a scientist’s work. The craft-quality of inquiry refers to the personal autonomy and responsibility an individual must exercise to practice re- search. This autonomy is concerned with assembling knowledge, processes, and practical skills in a meaningful way. However, the individual researcher belongs to a community which maintains certain standards and norms, formal prescriptions which can deprive the individual scientist of control. Understanding the interplay between social order and personal autonomy provides a way