cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design rules for strong electro-optic materials

The explosive rise of silicon photonics has led to renewed interest in the electro-optic (EO) or Pockels effect due to its potential uses in many next generation device applications. To find materials with a strong EO response in thin film form, which are essential for low power and small footprint devices, one needs to find a general design rule for strong Pockels materials. To elucidate what makes the Pockels effect strong, we study the effect in LiB3O5 (LBO) and CsB3O5 (CBO) and use these materials as prototypical examples of where conventional wisdom breaks down. We find the Pockels tensor components to be extremely small in both materials, despite the large degree of anharmonicity in the crystals, which has been used as a proxy for the presence of nonlinear electronic effects. We relate the lack of EO response to the large optical phonon frequencies (despite the relatively large Raman susceptibility) in LBO and to the small Raman susceptibility (despite the low phonon frequencies) in CBO, respectively. We shed light on the underlying physical phenomena behind the Raman susceptibility, which we find to be intimately linked to the electron–phonon coupling strength of the near-edge electronic states, and identify a route to discovering new strong EO materials.
Can renewable generation, energy storage and energy efficient technologies enable carbon neutral energy transition?

Abstract Energy system decarbonization has been a critical measure to combat climate change, and an optimization framework modelling this process would facilitate designing cost-effective energy transition pathways. In this study, a bottom-up optimization framework for energy transitions is developed, which bridges the decarbonization processes for the power sector and the space heating sector, while considering energy system stability, climate targets and scheduled system changes. Our results show that the decarbonization goals of New York State are feasible for electricity and space heating energy system. By 2050, Offshore wind would be the main electricity source that generates 66% of power, while air source heat pumps and geothermal technologies would provide 47% and 41% of heat demands, respectively. It is also discussed how the results can facilitate developing energy transition policies regarding carbon price and geothermal technologies. Our findings reveal the feasibility of carbon neutral energy transition using renewable generation, energy storage, and energy-efficient technologies.
119 IL-6 is critical for memory responses elicited by Th17 cells to tumors

Background Translation of novel T cell therapies is limited by cost and time-consuming protocols involving long-term T cell expansion. We found that shortening ex vivo expansion of either TCR-specific murine Th17 cells or human CAR Th17 cells licenses the cell product to eradicate large tumors in low doses and generate long-lived memory against tumor.1 Therapeutic Th17 cells induce the systemic release of IL-6, IL-17, GM-CSF, and MCP-1 among other cytokines in tumor-bearing hosts, reminiscent of clinical cytokine release syndrome. As the toxicity of cytokine release is managed in patients through IL-6 blockade, we addressed the impact of IL-6 on efficacy and durability of Th17 cell therapy. We hypothesized that IL-6, induced by Th17 cells, was fueling the durable memory properties of this cell product. Methods Th17 cells were expanded ex vivo using the TRP-1 transgenic mouse model in which CD4+ T cells express a TCR that recognizes tyrosinase-related protein 1 on melanoma. Naive CD4+ T cells were polarized to the Th17 phenotype and infused into mice with B16F10 melanoma after a nonmyeloablative total body irradiation (5 Gy) preparative regimen. Results IL-6 blockade, targeting either IL-6R or neutralization of the cytokine, did not significantly impact the primary immune response of adoptively transferred Th17 cells against tumor. However, administering IL-6 blockade acutely after Th17 transfer resulted in a higher incidence of tumor relapse upon secondary tumor challenge, thereby compromising long-lived antitumor immunity.1 Mounting a secondary response to tumor was dependent on CD4+ T cells, but not CD8+ T cells, persisting in the host. Mechanistically, IL-6 blockade reduced pSTAT3 and Bcl2 in transferred T cells but did not greatly impact the concentration of other systemic cytokines. As a small fraction of Tregs remain in the Th17 cell product ex vivo, we examined the engraftment of those Tregs after transfer. IL-6 was critical to suppress engraftment of FoxP3+ donor T cells from the CD4+ T cell product. Thus, IL-6 promoted robust tumor infiltration by donor effector over regulatory cells for early Th17 cells relative to cell products expanded longer durations ex vivo.1 Conclusions Overall, short-term expanded Th17 cells uniquely induced IL-6 unlike Th17 cells expanded longer ex vivo. IL-6 promoted Th17 survival, reduced engraftment of tumor-specific Tregs, and was critical to durable memory. This work may suggest that the universal strategy to inhibit IL-6 during cytokine release syndrome may come at the expense of long-term efficacy for specific cell therapy approaches. Reference Knochelmann HM, Dwyer CJ, Smith AS, Bowers JS, Wyatt MM, Nelson MH, Rangel Rivera GO, Horton JD, Krieg C, Armeson K, Lesinski GB, Rubinstein MP, Li Z, Paulos CM. IL-6 fuels durable memory for Th17 cell-mediated responses to tumors. Cancer Res. 2020. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 32561531.
A pyrone remodeling strategy to access diverse heterocycles: application to the synthesis of fascaplysin natural products

The synthesis of diverse N-fused heterocycles, including the pyrido[1,2-a]indole scaffold, using an efficient pyrone remodeling strategy is described. The pyrido[1,2-a]indole core was demonstrated to be a versatile scaffold that can be site-selectively functionalized. The utility of this novel annulation strategy was showcased in a concise formal synthesis of three fascaplysin congeners.
A laboratory course on information display technologies for remote learning

Conducting remote laboratory‐based courses in electronics is a major challenge primarily because of the hardware requirements This paper describes a laboratory course on information display technologies specially designed and implemented for remote learning The course was successfully offered during the COVID‐19 lockdown and has an online instruction component to introduce the concepts, as well as a laboratory part involving hands‐on work The course covers experiments on fundamental concepts related to perception and color, liquid crystal displays (LCD), light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), and a final project where a mechanical display is designed and built Course assessment based on an anonymous survey shows the hands‐on work enhanced the student learning and improved course understanding from an average of 2 5/5 measured at the start of the course to 4/5 at the end [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of the Society for Information Display is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use This abstract may be abridged No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract (Copyright applies to all Abstracts )
Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the Treatment of Gliomas: Scoping Review of Clinical Studies, Patient Outcomes, and Toxicity Profiles.

Introduction Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are highly used among those diagnosed with glioma. Further research is warranted, however, as it remains important to clearly delineate CAM practices that are unproven, disproven, or promising for future research and implementation. Methods A systematic review was conducted to identify all articles that investigated the effect of any CAM therapy on survival of patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent glioma. Results Eighteen papers and 4 abstracts pertaining to the effects of ketogenic diet (4), antioxidants (3), hyperbaric oxygen (4), cannabinoids (2), carbogen and nicotinamide (3), mistletoe extract (2), hypocupremia and penicillamine (1), and overall CAM use (3) on overall and progression-free survival in patients with low- and high-grade glioma were identified (Levels of Evidence I-IV). Ketogenic diets, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and cannabinoids appear to be safe and well tolerated by patients; preliminary studies demonstrate tumor response and increased progression-free survival and overall survival when combined with standard of care therapies. Antioxidant usage exhibit mixed results perhaps associated with glioma grade with greater effect on low-grade gliomas; vitamin D intake was associated with prolonged survival. Conversely, carbogen breathing and hypocupremia were found to have no effect on the survival of patients with glioma, with associated significant toxicity. Most modalities under the CAM umbrella have not been appropriately studied and require further investigation. Conclusions Despite widespread use, Level I or II evidence for CAM for the treatment of glioma is lacking, representing future research directions to optimally counsel and treat glioma patients.
LIGHT GLUINOS AND $\Gamma \left( {Z \to b\bar b} \right)$

We discuss the anomaly in the b branching ratio of the Z in the context of the light gluino scenario.
Catastrophic Cerebral Fat Embolism Syndrome Lacks Hyperacute MRI Findings

A 64-year-old female with sickle cell (hemoglobin SC) disease and prior embolic strokes was admitted for vaso-occlusive pain crisis and developed sudden onset coma. Hyperacute brain MRI showed only small areas of mismatch between diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and T2 fluid attenuated inversion recovery (T2 FLAIR) sequences that were insufficient to explain her profoundly altered level of consciousness. Repeat MRI 24 hours later showed innumerable foci of restricted diffusion and petechial microhemorrhage, confirming a diagnosis of cerebral fat embolism due to sickle cell crisis.
Helium: Investments in the Future

This article develops and implements a method for evaluating an exhaustible resource (helium) whose rate of production is governed by the rate of production of a second exhaustible resource (natural gas). We determine optimum future price and consumption paths, optimal production rates from various sources, and optimal storage policies for a number of scenarios. We conduct a sensitivity analysis to find which of several possible storage policies performs best for a variety of demand growth rates and discount rates.
Chemical effects of steric strains—XIV: The effect of ring size on the rate of reaction of the cyclanones with sodium borohydride

Abstract The rates of reaction of sodium borohydride with a number of cyclanones(4, 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, 9-, 10-, 11-, 12-, 13-, 15-, and 17-ring members) were determined at several temperatures in order to ascertain the effect of ring size on the reactivity of the carbonyl group. Cyclobutanone is the most reactive of the ketones examined, followed closely by cyclohexanone. Cyclopentanone is considerably less reactive, followed a sharp drop in reactivity in the 7-, 8-, 9-, and 10-ring derivatives. The rate reaches a minimum in the 10-ring and then increases with the larger rings to the value exhibited by the open-chain derivative, di-n-hexylketone. The trends in reactivity are very similar to those observed in the equilibrium constants for cyanohydrin formation and in other reactions of ring derivatives. The results agree with the predicted effects of ring size on the magnitude of the internal strains (I-strain).
Mechanical characterization of solder mask materials in electronic packaging applications

Mechanical properties of solder masks are critical in the reliability performance of flip-chip packages. Many recent studies show that the mechanical properties of solder mask materials have great influence on moisture absorption, delamination at interconnections and solder fatigue life in flip-chip packages. There are also assembly process issues related to the properties of solder masks. In this article, an experimental investigation that mechanically characterizes solder one mask material is conducted. Mechanical properties such as Young's modulus, failure strength and creep behaviors are determined based on the measured data from the experiments. The testing temperature is set at two levels: 25/spl deg/C and 80/spl deg/C. The major instrument is a sophisticated micromechanical tester.
Chapter 37 Alexia and agraphia

Studies of alexia and agraphia have played important roles in understanding how complex cognitive functions are related to brain structure and activity. Modern interests in brain-behavior relations began during the second half of the 19th century as an outgrowth of flawed correlative studies by neuroanatomist Franz Gall and subsequent clinical-pathological analyses by Jean-Baptiste Boulliaud on speech and the frontal lobes. In 1856, Louis Victor Marce drew attention to writing disorders and postulated a cerebral faculty for writing. Following Paul Broca's epochal reports on aphemia, many European physicians investigated reading and writing impairments after brain injury. Albert Pitres published the first detailed description of isolated agraphia, and Adolf Kussmaul identified alexia as an isolated symptom of brain disease. Jules Dejerine in 1892 provided the first clinical-pathological descriptions of pure alexia, and he suggested a key role for the left parietal lobe in reading and writing. In the 20th century, varieties of agraphia or alexia were linked to apraxia (Hugo Liepmann), impaired body image (Josef Gerstmann), spatial misperception, and interhemispheric disconnection. Other analyses focused on error types that defined new clinical syndromes (e.g. deep dyslexia) and provided evidence for cognitive modularity.
Low-temperature dopant activation technology using elevated Ge-S/D structure

Abstract Dopant activation annealing of an elevated Ge-S/D structure formed on Si was investigated for application in advanced CMOSFET fabrication. Due to the low melting point of Ge, dopant activation was observed below 600 °C. However, the low temperature annealing process resulted in high reverse-bias p–n junction leakage. A thermal process budget of 900 °C, 60 s was found to be the minimum necessary for achieving low junction leakage. The location of the junction after the 900 °C annealing can be as shallow as ∼20 nm beneath the original Si interface for both p+/n and n+/p diodes.
Location of saccade-related neurons in the macaque superior colliculus.

The locations of saccade-related neurons were studied in the superior colliculi of two adult rhesus monkeys (Macaco, mulatta) by placing marking lesions at the sites of physiologically characterized cells and comparing these histologically identified sites with the collicular laminae and acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-rich patches. Three major conclusions were drawn on the basis of 39 histologically identified sites at which saccade-related neurons were recorded. First, saccade-related neurons were distributed from the ventral half of the optic layer through the deep gray layer, and were most concentrated in the intermediate gray and white layers. Second, there was a clear relationship between the discharge characteristics of these saccade-related neurons and the depths at which they were found. Neurons having presaccadic bursts, defined as clipped and partially-clipped, tended to be encountered more dorsally, and neurons that did not have bursts (undipped) were encountered more ventrally. Although cells having different discharge characteristics seemed to be organized along a dorsoventral axis, there was no compelling evidence that these properties were specified by their laminar locations. Third, there was no clear correlation between the locations of saccade-related neurons and the distribution of individual AChE-rich patches. Saccade-related cells were found both in the caudal superior colliculus where patches were located and in the rostral superior colliculus where patches were not found; both within and between the two tiers of AChE-rich patches in the caudal superior colliculus; and both within and between individual AChE-rich patches. However, the depth-level at which saccade-related neurons occurred generally matched the region bounded by the two tiers of AChE-rich patches in the intermediate and deep layers, and the dorsal and ventral extent of saccade-related neurons was the same as that of the AChE-rich patches.
A note on two measures of dependence

Abstract In a paper in 1956, Dobrushin proved a central limit theorem for triangular arrays of Markov chains under certain dependence assumptions somewhat related to “Doeblin’s condition”. In a very recent paper, Peligrad proved a central limit theorem of the same type, but with dependence assumptions based on maximal correlations. This note here will give a concrete example to illustrate the extent to which Peligrad’s result goes beyond that of Dobrushin.
Phytochelatins are bioindicators of atmospheric metal exposure via direct foliar uptake in trees near Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.

Plants produce phytochelatins in response to copper and nickel, the primary metal pollutants emitted by the dominant smelting operation in Sudbury. Copper and nickel concentrations in soils decline sharply with distance from this facility, primarily as a result of early smelting practices. Phytochelatin concentrations in Sudbury-area trees, however, do not correlate with metal levels in soils. Rather, phytochelatin production in tree leaves is driven by metals currently released to the atmosphere through the 381 m emissions stack. Phytochelatin concentrations in the foliage of three tree species growing in situ are highest 20−30 km from the stack, correlated with maximum acid-leachable concentrations of deposited copper and nickel. Similar results observed in potted trees placed adjacent to indigenous trees confirm that aerially deposited metals are the source of current metal stress patterns. The addition of peat moss “filters” to potted soils did not alter this response, indicating that direct foliar me...
How reliable is the offline linkage of Weather Research & Forecasting Model (WRF) and Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model?

Abstract The aim for this research is to evaluate the ability of the offline linkage of Weather Research & Forecasting Model (WRF) and Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model to produce hydrological, e.g. evaporation (ET), soil moisture (SM), runoff, and baseflow. First, the VIC model was run by using observed meteorological data and calibrated in the Upper Mississippi River Basin (UMRB) from 1980 to 2010. Subsequently, a simulation based on an offline linkage of WRF and VIC was performed in the UMRB with the calibrated parameters established above from 2006 to 2009. Standard measured meteorological inputs to VIC were replaced by WRF meteorological variables. A spatiotemporal comparison of offline simulated ET, SM, runoff, and baseflow produced by the VIC calibrated run (base data) and by the offline linkage run was conducted. The results showed that the offline linkage of VIC with WRF was able to achieve good agreement in the simulation of monthly and daily soil moisture, and monthly evaporation. This suggests the VIC linkage should function without causing a large change in the moisture budget. However, the offline linkage showed most disagreement in daily and monthly runoff, and baseflow which is related to errors in WRF precipitation.
Pepsinogen C proteolytic processing of surfactant protein B.

Surfactant protein B (SP-B) is essential to the function of pulmonary surfactant and to lamellar body genesis in alveolar epithelial type 2 cells. The bioactive, mature SP-B is derived from multistep post-translational proteolysis of a larger proprotein. The identity of the proteases involved in carboxyl-terminal cleavage of proSP-B remains uncertain. This cleavage event distinguishes SP-B production in type 2 cells from less complete processing in bronchiolar Clara cells. We previously identified pepsinogen C as an alveolar type 2 cell-specific protease that was developmentally regulated in the human fetal lung. We report that pepsinogen C cleaved recombinant proSP-B at Met302 in addition to an amino-terminal cleavage at Ser197. Using a well described model of type 2 cell differentiation, small interfering RNA knockdown of pepsinogen C inhibited production of mature SP-B, whereas overexpression of pepsinogen C increased SP-B production. Inhibition of SP-B production recapitulated the SP-B-deficient phenotype evident by aberrant lamellar body genesis. Together, these data support a primary role for pepsinogen C in SP-B proteolytic processing in alveolar type 2 cells.
Note on the relation between Kendall's tau and the Cronholm-Revusky test

It is shown that the rank testR proposed by Cronholm and Revusky for comparing the effect of two treatments on a single group ofn subjects is a linear function of Kendall'sτ-coefficient. The asymptotic results of Bennett for the distribution ofR are also applicable to that ofτ under a class of nonnull hypotheses.
Operation for Motor Dysfunction of the Esophagus

Modern operative treatment of motor dysfunction of the esophagus began in 1949 with the recognition that anastomotic procedures that bypass or destroy the distal esophageal sphincter are associated with the development of reflux esophagitis and stricture. Thirty years later, reflux esophagitis related to esophagomyotomy or intrinsic esophageal disease remains the dominant concern and challenge. This review examines the current status of operative procedures for the management of three important primary disorders of esophageal motility: achalasia, diffuse esophageal spasm, and scleroderma. Relief of esophageal obstruction by esophagomyotomy or reconstruction is the common surgical goal. The addition of a fundoplication procedure to discourage esophageal reflux remains controversial in each disorder. Esophageal resection may become necessary when stricture persists or esophagomyotomy fails to provide lasting relief of dysphagia.
The clayton intraaural device for temporomandibular disorders

of the following years the patient underwent several reconstruction procedures. No signs of recurrence were noted at the 7-year follow-up. Conclusions. Chondrosarcoma of the TMJ typically presents with preauricular swelling, while pain and trismus may also be present, mimicking common benign TMJ disorders. Differentiation from these conditions is of paramount importance, because an early and accurate diagnosis of chondrosarcoma followed by prompt and appropriate treatment will significantly improve the prognosis.
A study of quasi-mode parametric excitations in lower-hybrid heating of tokamak plasmas

A detailed linear and non-linear analysis of quasi-mode parametric excitations relevant to experiments in supplementary heating of tokamak plasmas is presented. The linear analysis includes the full ion-cyclotron harmonic quasi-mode spectrum. The non-linear analysis, considering depletion of the pump electric field, is applied to the recent Alcator A heating experiment. Because of the very different characteristics of a tokamak plasma near the wall (in the shadow of the limiter) and inside, the quasi-mode excitations are studied independently for the plasma edge and the main bulk of the plasma, and for two typical regimes in overall density, the low (peak in density, n0 = 1.5 × 1014 cm−3) and high (n0 = 5 × 1014cm−3)density regimes. At the edge of the plasma and for the low-density regime, it is found that higher nz(nz = c kz/ω) than those predicted by the linear theory are strongly excited. Inside the plasma, the excitation of higher wave numbers is also significant. These results indicate that a large amount of the RF-power may not penetrate to the plasma centre, but will rather be either Landau-damped on the electrons or mode-converted into thermal modes, close to the plasma edge. Moreover, for sufficiently high peaks in density, it is found that all the RF-power is mode-converted before reaching the plasma centre. Inside the plasma, the power density of the excited sideband fields is shown to be always very small in comparison with their excitation at the plasma edge.
An observational study of hallucinogen-induced behavior in unrestrained Macaca mulatta.

An attempt was made to develop an objective behavioral profile that could be used to distinguish the behavioral effects of hallucinogens from those of other classes of drugs. Saline, bromo-lysergic acid diethylamide, and two doses each of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), diemethyltryptamine (DMT), chlorpromazine, and d-amphetamine sulphate were administered to solitary adolescent rhesus monkeys whose behavior was observed, videotaped, and scored in a number of categories. Hallucinogens (LSD and DMT) could be distinguished from other drugs by the increased frequency of unusual behaviors such as spasms, stereotypy, and inappropriate behavior, and the decreased amount of exploration time. Hallucinogens also produced distinctive qualitative changes in behavior.
The effect of aging on hypothalamic function in oophorectomized women.

To detect age-related changes intrinsic to hypothalamic-pituitary function, we studied plasma gonadotropin levels in 12 oophorectomized women ages 27 to 64 years who were not undergoing hormone replacement therapy. Blood drawn from an indwelling catheter every 10 minutes for 5 hours was assayed for follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and prolactin concentrations. All estradiol levels were
Effect of size of inoculum on the apparent vitamin requirements of lactic acid bacteria.

SummaryDiscrepancies in the findings of various investigators relative to the requirement of certain lactic acid bacteria for pantothenic acid, nicotinic acid, and biotin have been resolved, Recognition of the essential nature of these and other vitamins may be prevented by use of heavy inocula, from cultures grown in vitamin-rich media. This appears due to the fact that some organisms store certain vitamins in excess of their requirements, and thus are able to grow to a limited extent when subsequently transferred to media free of the essential vitamin or growth factor.
Piccolyte investments for better section cutting.

Piccolyte 115 (β-pinene polymers) added to Tissuemat, Paraplast or Peel-Away embedding media is recommended for investment of paraffin infiltrated tissues. Mixed with paraffin at 3% and 10% and used for double embedding of paraffin infiltrated tissues, Piccolyte 115 permits good, complete sections virtually free of folds or wrinkles in less time and with less effort than with paraffin embedding alone.
Unifying Concepts in Social Responsibility

Business can deal with social responsibility by: (a) avoiding the issue and encountering more regulation whenever adverse social impacts occur, (b) decentralizing and thus reducing authority and responsibility over individual lives, or (c) adopting public interest criteria into its decision process. Consequences of these options are explored through propositions designed to make social responsibility capable of disciplinary research and coherent analysis. Thus social responsibility may become more of a force in public policy, social costs more tractable, and the economy more adaptable.
Spectroscopic characterization of a Ni-organic radical intermediate in the aerobic oxidation of methanol catalyzed by a Ni(II)(polyoximate) complex

Abstract In the aerobic oxidation of methanol catalyzed by a Ni(II)(TRISOX) complex [H3TRISOX = tris(1-propan-2-onyl oxime)amine], an intermediate is observed spectroscopically. The intensities of both the UV–Vis absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra associated with this intermediate maximize during the time period of maximum formaldehyde production, and decrease as the methanol oxidation activity decreases. The UV–Vis spectrum has prominent features at 350, 420, and 535 nm. The EPR spectrum is centered at g = 2.00 and shows splittings of 28 ± 5 G. Both of these spectra are consistent with characterization of the intermediate as including one or more iminoxyl radicals derived from the oximate groups of the TRISOX ligand. Spectroscopic features very similar to those in the air-oxidized intermediate are observed in electrochemically oxidized samples, suggesting that the electrochemically generated complex will be a useful model for the intermediate observed during catalytic turnover. The crystal structure of a Ni(II) complex with an intermediate protonation state of the ligand, [Ni(II)2(H2TRISOX)2(μ2:η1-ONO2)](NO3) · (CH3CN) · 5(H2O), 4, has been structurally characterized. Comparison to the previously reported [Ni(II)(H2TRISOX)(CH3CN)]2(ClO4)2, 3, shows that bis(μ-oximate) dimers can form either with or without an additional bridging ligand. Addition of the nitrato bridge decreases the Ni–Ni distance from 3.5752(13) A in 3 to 3.2014(4) A in 4. It is intriguing to note that the reactions catalyzed by the Ni(II)(TRISOX) complex, the net transfer of two hydrogen atoms from an alcohol or amine substrate to O2, are the same reactions catalyzed by several different metalloenzymes that also incorporate both a redox active metal and a redox active organic component in their active sites.
Beam focusing for field-emission flat-panel displays

A combination of finite element and finite difference techniques have been used to simulate the performance of micro-fabricated gated field emitters for flat-panel display applications. The computer model has been verified against both analytic models and experimental data for unfocused devices and then applied to the study of focused structures for which sufficient models and data are not yet available. Quantitative results include electrode current-voltage characteristics and electron beam widths as a function of distance from the cathode. Practical issues such as visual image quality, electrical stress and fabrication complexity are considered to identify a practical design for use in conjunction with existing high-efficiency cathode ray tube phosphors. It is found that the addition of an integrated aperture electrode to focus the emitted electrons increases the cathode-gate drive voltage by about 30% over the case of unfocused emitters. A concentric electrode design results in only 15% increase and promises simpler fabrication. Both approaches demonstrate electron beam widths of tens of microns at anode distances of several millimeters, allowing for full-color resolution in excess of 100 lines per inch with proven color phosphors. >
Pattern density and pitch effects on chemical-mechanical polishing

Test masks for characterizing pattern dependent variations in the thickness remaining after chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) were designed taking the experimentally obtained interaction distance into consideration. Polishing behaviors were characterized with layout pattern density and pitch variations using these masks. The deposition profile effects were also compared between PETEOS (Plasma Enhanced Tetra Ethyl Ortho Silicate) and HDP (High Density Plasma) oxide. Both measured post-CMP thickness and the expected oxide pattern density from a consideration of the deposition profile effects showed good correlation with respect to pitch variation for a constant layout pattern density. Also, the relationship between the remaining thickness and true layout pattern density were deduced. Secondly, chip-level CMP modeling was investigated to obtain the post-CMP thickness distributions across a die from its design layout and a few oxide film and CMP parameters. The experimental CMP results agreed well with the modeling results. The effective dummy filling results were shown to achieve a smaller pattern density variation, which resulted in uniformly better post-CMP thickness. Finally, whether the resulting oxide thickness can be predicted for any location on a die for an arbitrary layout if the effective pattern density distributions are calculated is discussed.
Synaptic strength and postsynaptically silent synapses through advanced aging in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons.

Synaptic dysfunction is thought to contribute to age-related learning impairments. Detailed information regarding the presence of silent synapses and the strength of functional ones through advanced aging, however, is lacking. Here we used paired-pulse minimal stimulation techniques in CA1 stratum radiatum to determine whether the amplitude of spontaneous and evoked miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs and eEPSCs, respectively) changes over the lifespan of rats in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons, and whether silent synapses are present in adult and aged rats. The amplitudes of both sEPSCs and eEPSCs at resting membrane potential (i.e., clamped at −65 mV) initially increased between 2 weeks and 3 months, but then remained constant through 36 months of age. The potency of the eEPSCs at depolarized membrane potentials (i.e., clamped at +40 mV), however, was highest among 36-month old rats. Additionally, presynaptically silent synapses in CA1 stratum radiatum disappeared between 2 weeks and 3 months, but postsynaptically silent synapses were present through advanced aging. The similarity of silent and functional synapses in CA1 hippocampus at resting membrane potentials throughout adulthood in rats may indicate that impairments in the mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and its subsequent stabilization, rather than deficient synaptic transmission, underlie age-related cognitive decline. Such a notion is consistent with the increased amplitude of synaptic currents at depolarized potentials, perhaps suggesting an upregulation in the expression of synaptic NMDA receptors once rats reach advanced age.
Quantized flux states of superconducting cylinders

We have measured the magnetic flux trapped in hollow superconducting cylinders ($14\ensuremath{-}56\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\mu} \mathrm{i}.\mathrm{d}.,0.1\ensuremath{-}5\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\mu}$ walls, 0.5-2.5 cm long) as a function of the applied magnetic field in which the cylinder was cooled through its transition temperature. For most applied fields, the entire cylinder is in the same quantum state; for some fields there is a mixed state with bands along the cylinder in states differing by one flux quantum. In cylinders with walls thick with respect to the penetration depth, the trapped flux is an integral multiple of $\frac{\mathrm{hc}}{2e}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}\frac{1}{2}%$. We have measured the temperature dependence of the trapped flux in a cylinder containing a single flux quantum and find a continuous reversible change by just the amount required to maintain the constancy of the fluxoid.
Wide-angle X-ray solution scattering as a probe of ligand-induced conformational changes in proteins.

Abstract A chemical genetics approach to functional analysis of gene products utilizes high-throughput target-based screens of compound libraries to identify ligands that modulate the activity of proteins of interest. Candidates are further screened using functional assays designed specifically for the protein—and function—of interest, suffering from the need to customize the assay to each protein. An alternative strategy is to utilize a probe to detect the structural changes that usually accompany binding of a functional ligand. Wide-angle X-ray scattering from proteins provides a means to identify a broad range of ligand-induced changes in secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure. The speed and accuracy of data acquisition, combined with the label-free targets and binding conditions achievable, indicate that WAXS is well suited as a moderate-throughput assay in the detection and analysis of protein-ligand interactions.
Fourth-order asymmetric-top Hamiltonian sum rules

Abstract Asymmetric-top energy eigenvalue sum rules are presented. These are based on a fourth-order vibration-rotation Hamiltonian. The reduction of the Hamiltonian to forms that involve no more than the maximum number of combinations of constants that can be determined from experiment is discussed.
Modulation of androgen receptor-dependent transcription by resveratrol and genistein in prostate cancer cells.

BACKGROUND The androgen receptor (AR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates the biological responses of androgens in the prostate gland. This study focuses on the chemopreventive agents, resveratrol and genistein, on AR-mediated transcription in prostate cancer cells. RESULTS We found that resveratrol and genistein activated AR-driven gene expression at low concentrations, whereas they repressed the AR-dependent reporter gene activity at high concentrations. We determined that resveratrol and genistein induced AR-driven gene expression by activating the Raf–MEK–ERK kinase pathway. The ERK1 kinase phosphorylated the AR on multiple sites in vitro, but this phosphorylation event did not contribute to the resveratrol-induced AR transactivation. CONCLUSIONS In vitro and in vivo studies have indicated that resveratrol and genistein are promising chemopreventive agents. Given the clear evidence that AR pathways are involved in the development and progression of prostate cancer, these data showed that the ability to modulate AR function would contribute the observed chemopreventive activity of resveratrol and genistein. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hug Tightly and Say Goodbye: Role of Endothelial ICAM-1 in Leukocyte Transmigration

Stable adhesion of leukocytes to endothelium is crucial for transendothelial migration (TEM) of leukocytes evoked during inflammatory responses, immune surveillance, and homing and mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells. The basis of stable adhesion involves expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), an inducible endothelial adhesive protein that serves as a counter-receptor for beta(2)-integrins on leukocytes. Interaction of ICAM-1 with beta(2)-integrins enables leukocytes to adhere firmly to the vascular endothelium and subsequently, to migrate across the endothelial barrier. The emerging paradigm is that ICAM-1, in addition to firmly capturing leukocytes, triggers intracellular signaling events that may contribute to active participation of the endothelium in facilitating the TEM of adherent leukocytes. The nature, duration, and intensity of ICAM-1-dependent signaling events may contribute to the determination of the route (paracellular vs. transcellular) of leukocyte passage; these aspects of ICAM-1 signaling may in turn be influenced by density and distribution of ICAM-1 on the endothelial cell surface, the source of endothelial cells it is present on, and the type of leukocytes with which it is engaged. This review summarizes our current understanding of the "ICAM-1 paradigm" of TEM with an emphasis on the signaling events mediating ICAM-1 expression and activated by ICAM-1 engagement in endothelial cells.
Resolution of a CBI precursor and incorporation into the synthesis of (+)-cbi, (+)-CBI-CDPI1, (+)-CBI-CDPI2: enhanced functional analogs of (+)-CC-1065. A critical appraisal of a proposed relationship between electrophile reactivity, DNA binding properties, and cytotoxic potency.

Abstract Details of the resolution of an immediate CBI precursor, (+)− and (−)- 8 , and its subsequent incorporation into (+)− and (−)-CBI-CDPI n, optically-active enhanced functional analogs of (+)-CC-1065, are described. In marked contrast to a previously detailed direct relationship between electrophile reactivity and cytotoxic potency, an inverse relationship between the properties is detailed.
PRODUCTION AND DECAY OF INTERMEDIATE VECTOR MESONS

The decay of the intermediate vector meson of the weak interactions $W$ is discussed with emphasis on the modes $W\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2\ensuremath{\pi}$, $W\ensuremath{\rightarrow}K+\ensuremath{\pi}$. It is noted that if the $W$ mass is in the neighborhood of the observed $\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\pi}$ resonance at $\ensuremath{\sim}30{{m}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}}^{2}$, then the mode $W\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2\ensuremath{\pi}$ will dominate all others. The production of $W'\mathrm{s}$ by $\ensuremath{\pi}'\mathrm{s}$ and $K'\mathrm{s}$ is also discussed in terms of a "peripheral collision" model.
Phonon-induced phase transition in a classical Heisenberg chain

The linear chain of classical Heisenberg spins coupled to phonons is studied. The coupling arises from the phonon-modulation of the nearest-neighbor exchange integral and the cases of both direct exchange and superexchange are treated. The phonons lead to an effective biquadratic interaction between spins, with important physical consequences. Thermodynamic functions at finite temperatures and zero field are evaluated exactly and discussed. It is shown that antiferromagnetically coupled spins in an external field at $T=0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$K can undergo a first-order phase transition; as the field crosses a critical value, the magnetization and lattice spacing change discontinuously.
Travel Choices and Links to Transportation Demand Management: Case Study at Ohio State University

This study examined the transportation choices of individuals in a large campus setting at the Ohio State University, Columbus. A web-based survey was conducted to understand the travel patterns of the campus community and to inform recommendations to reduce single-occupancy vehicle travel there. Mode choice and the most important factors that affected it were the focus of the survey. The survey included questions about respondent attitudes toward auto use and the factors that would encourage them to carpool and take transit to campus. Discrete choice models were estimated to analyze commuter mode choices to travel to campus. The results showed that proximity to bicycle lanes and trails and bus stops increased the propensity to choose these modes. Students were more likely to travel by alternative modes than faculty and staff members. Individuals concerned about travel time, flexibility of departure time, safety, and the ability to stop on the way to and from campus were more likely to drive alone to camp...
An activation-deactivation model for catalytic deposition of carbon

Abstract A sequence of reaction steps that corresponded to the fundamental phenomena of adsorption/desorption of a hydrocarbon and hydrogen, hydrogenation/dehydrogenation surface reactions, carbon diffusion and precipitation, catalytic site activation, and deactivation involved in catalytic deposition of carbon from hydrocarbons is proposed. Rate expressions derived from the reaction sequence yielded a kinetic model for simultaneous carbon deposition, catalytic site activation, and catalyst deactivation, which exhibited trends qualitatively similar to experimental results for Ni-catalyzed catbon deposition from propylene/hydrogen mixtures. It was found that increasing the H 2 concentration decreased the rates of deposition and poisoning but did not affect the rate of site activation. Thus, higher H 2 concentrations lead to lower initial deposition rates, but the total level of deposition increases because of reduced deactivation rates. The hydrocarbon concentration affected the rates of activation, poisoning, and deposition similarly so that the ultimate level of deposition was independent of the hydrocarbon concentration. However, as the hydrocarbon concentration increased, the time over which deposition occurred decreased due to an increased rate of deactivation. Optimized fits of the model to experimental data at various temperatures showed that the model agreed well with data at H 2 concentrations from 0.0 to 45%, propylene concentrations up to 3%, and temperatures up to 550°C.
Comparative humoral responses to Escherichia coli and sheep red blood cell antigens introduced via the respiratory tract.

The numbers of specific antibody-forming cells (AFC) in mediastinal lymph nodes (MLN) and spleen were determined in Balb/cByJ mice following inhalation or intratracheal (IT) injection of acetone-dried E. coli or its lipopolysaccharide (LPS). These responses were compared with those obtained using sheep red blood cells (SRBC), an antigen previously used in studies of pulmonary immunity. Inhalation of aerosolized E. coli for as little as 2 min produced significant numbers of AFC in both MLN and spleen, while equivalent administrations of SRBC produced few AFC at either site. Similarly, IT instillations of E. coli resulted in recovery of AFC from MLN and spleen, while IT SRBC produced AFC in MLN but few splenic AFC. IT installations of radiolabeled SRBC and E. coli were used to examine antigen dissemination, and no differences were found in the amounts of radiolabel recovered from various tissues following instillation of either antigen. Experiments using endotoxin resistant mice, and using administrations o...
Brain Mapping as a Tool to Study Neurodegeneration

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder for those 65 years or older; it currently affects 4.5 million in the United States and is predicted to rise to 13.2 million by the year 2050. Neuroimaging and brain mapping techniques offer extraordinary power to understand AD, providing spatially detailed information on the extent and trajectory of the disease as it spreads in the living brain. Computational anatomy techniques, applied to large databases of brain MRI scans, reveal the dynamic sequence of cortical and hippocampal changes with disease progression and how these relate to cognitive decline and future clinical outcomes. People who are mildly cognitively impaired, in particular, are at a fivefold increased risk of imminent conversion to dementia, and they show specific structural brain changes that are predictive of imminent disease onset. We review the principles and key findings of several new methods for assessing brain degeneration, including voxel-based morphometry, tensor-based morphometry, cortical thickness mapping, hippocampal atrophy mapping, and automated methods for mapping ventricular anatomy. Applications to AD and other dementias are discussed, with a brief review of related findings in other neurological and neuropsychiatric illnesses, including epilepsy, HTV/AIDS, schizophrenia, and disorders of brain development.
Pressure and flow changes in the pulmonary circulation in exercising sheep: Evidence for elevated microvascular pressure

The purpose of this study was to measure hemodynamic and transvascular filtration changes in the lung during strenuous exercise in sheep. The specific goals were (1) to determine the nature of the reduction in pulmonary arterial pressure (Ppa) after its initial peak rise with onset of exercise; (2) to use a pulmonary artery catheter distal wedge technique ("microwedge") to better assess longitudinal changes in resistance in the pulmonary circulation with exercise; and (3) to compare lung lymph flow and protein concentration changes at comparable estimated microvascular pressure (Pmv) (mean Ppa - mean left atrial pressure) (Pla) x 0.4 + mean Pla) during exercise versus passive left atrial hypertension to determine whether exercise causes a higher than expected lymph flow. We found that cardiac output rises quickly and thereafter remains constant with constant-rate exercise, and, thus, the secondary reduction in Ppa was due to vasodilation and/or recruitment. The microwedge pressure rose more than did Pla, suggesting that actual Pmv was probably higher than that estimated. With hypoxia, most of the change in pulmonary vascular resistance was in upstream vessels (arteries and capillaries), as was most of the exercise-induced vasodilation. Lymph flow rose more quickly and was much higher during brief exercise than during left atrial hypertension at a comparable calculated Pmv, and lymph protein content decreased more quickly. The data point to a Pmv with strenuous exercise that is higher than expected.