cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Canine biventricular performance during acute progressive pulmonary microembolization: Regional myocardial perfusion and fatty acid uptake

Abstract The cardiac output during acute pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) may be compromised by right ventricular (RV) outflow obstruction, myocardial ischemia, or adverse ventricular interactions. To study the relative contributions of these mechanisms to impaired biventricular function during PAH, we injected 75 to 105-μm glass beads into the pulmonary vasculature of 11 dogs and correlated the hemodynamic alterations with changes in biventricular function. Biventricular ejection fractions and interventricular septal motion were evaluated by gated blood pool angiocardiograms. Regional myocardial blood flow (n = 8 dogs) was measured with microspheres, and regional myocardial fatty acid metabolism during PAH (n = 8 dogs) was assessed by measuring the regional myocardial extraction of the radioiodinated fatty acid analog, 15-(p-iodophenyl)-3-methylpentadecanoic acid (3m-PIP/PDA). Following microembolization, the mean pulmonary artery pressure increased from 14 ± 1 to 48 ± 2 mm Hg ( P P
2n in scientific computation and beyond

Certain decimal numbers have special characteristics unlike those of most others. These sometimes have enormous physical significance, or very interesting mathematical/scientific properties, or both at the same time. The present article attempts to explore the significance of the decimal number 2^n, the logarithm to base 2, and the binary equivalence (representation) corresponding to 2^n both in the physical/natural world and in the pure mathematical environment, specifically in the area of computer/computational science. Also, among the number systems in different bases, the status of the base 2^n, specifically for n=1, in the realm of computational/computer science is also stressed.
Irradiation-enhanced coarsening in Ni--12. 8 at. % Al

Precipitation of ..gamma..'-Ni/sub 3/Al in Ni--12.8 at. % Al was investigated during low-dose irradiation with 3.5 MeV /sup 58/Ni/sup +/ ions at 450 to 700/sup 0/C. Mean precipitate size, number density, and volume fraction were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). At constant displacement rate, mean ..gamma..' size increased with the one-third power of irradiation dose at all temperatures investigated, consistent with a diffusion-controlled (Lifschitz-Slyozov-Wagner) model for precipitate coarsening during aging. The vol % of precipitate increased rapidly early in the irradiation, then reached and maintained a constant value consistent with coarsening during thermal aging. Log--log plots of precipitate number density vs dose are linear with slope approx. -1.0, as predicted by coarsening theory. The rate constants observed for irradiated samples were always greater than those observed at the same temperatures during thermal aging. The difference decreased at higher temperature (approx. 700/sup 0/C). The rate constants reached a plateau between 500 and 600/sup 0/C with k approx. = 10/sup 6/ A/sup 3//h, close to the value observed during electron irradiation of this alloy. The significance of the similarity between the effects of heavy-ion and electron irradiation for cascade dissolution of precipitates is discussed. Agreement between observed and calculated rate constantsmore » is good, particularly in view of the changing sink structure with irradiation temperature.« less
Cisplatin-induced imbalances in the pattern of chimeric marker gene expression in HeLa cells

The effects of the antitumor drug cisplatin on gene expression have been measured during transient transfections in HeLa cells. The results indicate a surprising diversity of response. Expression from two promoters is strongly induced, both in non-replicating plasmids and cellular integrants, whereas expression from two other promoters is strongly inhibited. The results suggest that a drug-induced imbalance in gene expression may contribute to the antitumor properties of cisplatin.
Non-Visual Navigation Using Combined Audio Music and Haptic Cues

While a great deal of work has been done exploring non-visual navigation interfaces using audio and haptic cues, little is known about the combination of the two. We investigate combining different state-of-the-art interfaces for communicating direction and distance information using vibrotactile and audio music cues, limiting ourselves to interfaces that are possible with current off-the-shelf smartphones. We use experimental logs, subjective task load questionnaires, and user comments to see how users' perceived performance, objective performance, and acceptance of the system varied for different combinations. Users' perceived performance did not differ much between the unimodal and multimodal interfaces, but a few users commented that the multimodal interfaces added some cognitive load. Objective performance showed that some multimodal combinations resulted in significantly less direction or distance error over some of the unimodal ones, especially the purely haptic interface. Based on these findings we propose a few design considerations for multimodal haptic/audio navigation interfaces.
Can the RV Be Prognostic for the Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Patient but Not the Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Patient? A Cardiovascular MRI Study

Purpose While LVEF has been shown to be prognostic in pts with ischemic CMX (ICMX), RVEF has not been systematically evaluated in either ICMX or non-ischemic CMX (NICMX) pts. We hypothesize that cardiac MRI (CMR) defined RVEF may have prognostic capabilities in CMX. Methods and Materials We retrospectively identified consecutive pts with ICMX or NICMX defined by LV/RVEF Results Via a CMR DB, of 753 pts, 87 pts (43 ICMX and 44 NICMX) were identified and followed (median 1101 days, range 39-2612) (age; 58±13 yrs, 79% males). Mean LV/RV EF in ICMX was 21±6, 38±14%, respectively while mean LV/RVEF for NICMX was 16±6 and 30±14%, (p or Conclusions Via 3D CMR, in non-ischemic CMX pts, RVEF, but not LVEF, has strong prognostic value in predicting death and Time to First MACE independent of method of stratification. [ figure 1 ]
Comparison of properties of upstream whistlers at different planets

Whistler mode waves have been recorded in the upstream region of Mercury, Venus, Earth and Saturn. They are elliptically polarized and observed typically at frequencies between 0.1 to 4 Hz. These intrinsically right handed waves can be left-handed polarized in the spaceframe as a result of strong negative Doppler shift. The waves propagate at an angle between 10 and 60 deg to the background magnetic field, with (Delta B)/B rarely exceeding 0.1. Comprehensive studies of these waves at Earth and Venus indicate that upstream whistlers are generated at the shock rather than locally in the foreshock. In this paper, we compare properties of upstream whistlers at all these planets. We also discuss the utilization of selected properties of these waves to evaluate the effective Alfvenic Mach number and the shock thickness at Mercury where solar wind measurements are not available.
Employee Assistance and Human Resource Collaboration for Improving Employment and Disabilities Status

Abstract This article discusses societal and employer misconceptions that are limiting individuals with disabilities from entering the workforce as envisioned by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Diversity issues in the 21st century workplace are of increasing concern to corporate America and organized labor. During the decade of the ADA existence, there is evidence that it has not moved fast enough in providing employment opportunities for many with disabilities. This article discusses disability, societal attitudes and biases, the ADA, and disability misconceptions and employment barriers. It discusses the need for collaborative efforts of employers' human resource department and employee assistance professionals to address disability and employment needs.
Some observations on Kelvin's solution in classical elastostatics as a double tensor field with implications for Somigliana's integral

Various possible component representations of Kelvin's tensor in orthogonal curvilinear coordinates are examined and discussed in light of Kelvin's solution being a two-point or double tensor field. Next, the most convenient choice of component form for the integrand of Somigliana's integral, with body force derivable from a potential, is obtained from the invariant form of that integral. Throughout, the role played by the double tensor components called “shifters” is emphasized. The explicit ingredients for all quantities of interest pertinent to a circular cylindrical coordinate system are given in the final Section.
Comparison of minimally invasive esophagectomy with transthoracic and transhiatal esophagectomy.

Hypothesis Minimally invasive esophagectomy can be performed as safely as conventional esophagectomy and has distinct perioperative outcome advantages. Design A retrospective comparison of 3 methods of esophagectomy: minimally invasive, transthoracic, and blunt transhiatal. Setting University medical center. Patients Eighteen consecutive patients underwent combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy from October 9, 1998, through January 19, 2000. These patients were compared with 16 patients who underwent transthoracic esophagectomy and 20 patients who underwent blunt transhiatal esophagectomy from June 1, 1993, through August 5, 1998. Main Outcome Measures Operative time, amount of blood loss, number of operative transfusions, length of intensive care and hospital stays, complications, and mortality. Results Patients who had minimally invasive esophagectomy had shorter operative times, less blood loss, fewer transfusions, and shortened intensive care unit and hospital courses than patients who underwent transthoracic or blunt transhiatal esophagectomy. There was no significant difference in the incidence of anastomotic leak or respiratory complications among the 3 groups. Conclusion Minimally invasive esophagectomy is safe and provides clinical advantages compared with transthoracic and blunt transhiatal esophagectomy.
The link between allergies and eosinophilic esophagitis: implications for management strategies.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) has an increased incidence of diagnosis similar to other atopic diseases. We present a recent literature review of the common features between atopic diseases (i.e., asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis) and EE. All of the disorders have allergen triggers and evidence of a possible Th2 inflammation at the site of disease. Murine models have also shown similar features with the importance of T cells and Th2 cytokines for the development of disease. The diseases share underlying inflammation with the potential for remodeling with an increase in TGF-β expression in asthma and EE. However, differences do exist between the diseases in treatment and pathogenesis. For EE, there are two basic treatment options: avoidance of the food triggers or treatment of the eosinophilic inflammation with corticosteroids.
Azimuthal anisotropy from Color Glass Condensates in proton–nucleus collisions

Abstract We explore the detailed structure of the ridge in the Color-Glass-Condensate (CGC) effective field theory of QCD. In particular, we study multiple scattering corrections to both the jet and Glasma contributions in a self-consistent framework of dilute–dense collisions.
Work Placement and Worker Fitness: Implications of the Americans With Disabilities Act for Pulmonary Medicine

Pulmonary physicians have a significant role in assessing the ability of individuals with respiratory impairments to be placed in jobs or retain current jobs. The Americans with Disabilities Act mandates a high level of rational thought and justification for any recommendation against placement or work retention. This article reviews criteria for determining if an individual with a respiratory impairment or disability can currently and safely perform a job and if there is substantial direct threat of future risk. In addition, methods of modifying the workplace to accommodate individuals with respiratory disabilities are discussed.
Anti-VEGF Treatment of Corneal Neovascularization

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic factor shown to be a critical secreted cytokine in tumorigenesis and retinal neovascularization (NV). Currently, there are two anti-VEGF agents, pegaptanib and ranizumab, approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for intravitreal use in the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Bevacizumab is FDA-approved for intravenous administration in the treatment of several cancers and is in widespread use, off-label, as an intravitreal injection to treat a variety of retinal pathologies. Animal studies demonstrate the role of VEGF in corneal NV. There are now a number of human case series reporting the use of anti-VEGF agents, primarily bevacizumab, to treat corneal NV. This review summarizes reports to date on the use of anti-VEGF agents in the treatment of corneal NV in humans, noting the limitations of current data and the need for further studies. The experience of one clinician with the use of an anti-VEGF drug in the treatment of active corneal NV is presented.
Reducing gun deaths in the United States.

The United States has again suffered tragic losses from gunfire within a school. As happened in Mississippi, Kentucky, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and Oregon, the students and faculty of the Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, became targets for young people carrying firearms, this time comprising an arsenal capable of killing 15 (including the assailants themselves) and wounding many more. The shooting on 20 April has been described as one of the deadliest school massacres in the nation's history. What are the options for preventing future massacres—in a nation that has steadfastly resisted the option adopted by other countries of severely restricting the ownership of guns? Gunfire in the United States now claims 34 000 lives annually. The citizens' stockpile of guns is measured at about 200 million. In the aftermath of schoolhouse slayings we have become accustomed to the litany of suggestions for prevention. These include calls for less violence on television and in movies and video games, the strengthening of family values, involvement of churches, construction of recreational facilities, and early identification and counselling of troubled youths. Though reducing exposure to media violence and teaching children to behave non-violently may be valuable, they alone will not eliminate school shootings. There are …
Behavorial criteria for evaluating performance in public speaking

The writer presents two kinds of criteria which the student must meet to earn a specified grade: general assignment and preparation requirements, and identifiable and measurable standards involving employment of appropriate rhetorical devices and evidence of speaker understanding, credibility, and involvement.
Changes in College Students' Perceptions of Use of Web-Based Resources for Academic Tasks with Wikipedia Projects: A Preliminary Exploration.

Motivated by the need to facilitate Net Generation students' information literacy (IL), or more specifically, to promote student understanding of legitimate, effective use of Web-based resources, this exploratory study investigated how analyzing, writing, posting, and monitoring Wikipedia entries might help students develop critical perspectives related to the legitimacy of Wikipedia and other publicly accessible Web-based resources for academic tasks. Results of survey and interview data analyses from two undergraduate courses indicated that undergraduate students typically prefer using publicly accessible Web-based resources to traditional academic resources, such as scholarly journal articles and books both in print and digital form; furthermore, they view the former as helpful academic tools with various utilities. Results also suggest that the Wikipedia activity, integrated into regular course curriculum, led students to gain knowledge about processes of Web-based information creation, become more cr...
Reinforcer magnitude and instrumental performance in the rat

The data from several experiments were analyzed to determine the effects of reinforcer magnitude on the performance of a simple instrumental running response. The analyses of 11 different large- vs. small-reward comparisons suggest that rate of approach to an asymptotic performance level varies positively with reinforcer magnitude.
Contact charging of organic materials: ion vs. electron transfer

In this paper we describe some of the recent literature on the contact charging (also known as tribocharging and contact electrification) of organic materials. Although it is a very familiar phenomenon, much remains to be understood about the mechanism of charging with organic materials. It has been proposed that the charging is due to the transfer of electrons and/or ions. In some studies, the correlation between the charging and the substituent constants for a substituted series of compounds has been used to support the electron transfer mechanism, and it has been proposed that the correlation reflects systematic changes in the energy levels of the highest and lowest occupied molecular orbitals of the derivatives. In others, the detection of the ions that are transferred during contact and the correspondence between their sign and that of the transferred charge have been used to support the ion transfer mechanism. In this paper, we discuss a selected number of papers that relate the charging behavior to electrochemistry and discuss the results reported in light of the transfer mechanisms.
The effects of unsaturated fatty acids on the synthesis of arachidonic acid in rat kidney cells

Abstract Cultured rat kidney cells absorbed exogenous linoleic acid (cic,cis-18:2n − 6) and esterified it mostly into glycerophospholipids. As the concentration of 18:2 was increased (5–200 μM) the quantity absorbed increased linearly and the amount esterified in the triacylglycerol increased. The cells possessed active acyl 46-desaturase and elongase which facilely converted 18:2n − 6 to 20:4n − 6. At low intracellular concentrations of 18:2n − 6 other unsaturated fatty acids i.e., γ-linolenic (18:3n−6), α-linolenic (18:3n − 3), dihomo-γ-linolenic (20:3n − 6), and especially trans,trans-linoleic acid (trans,trans-18:2n − 6) at concentrations ranging from 25 to 200 μM depressed Δ6-desaturase activity. However, suppression of 20:4 synthesis even by trans,trans-18:2 was readily overcome by increasing the concentration of available cis,cis-18:2n − 6.
Fractographic examination of coupons representing aircraft structural joints with and without hole cold expansion

Abstract In an effort to establish the potential benefits of hole cold expansion and interference fit fasteners for long term fatigue performance, coupons representing three types of aircraft structural joints were designed, manufactured and assembled. These joints, manufactured using 7075-T6 aluminium alloys for main members and 7075-T73 for doublers or spacers, were representative of: No Load Transfer joints, simulating “non-structural” joints, such as brackets, supports for conduits, fuel lines, and wire bundles. Medium Load Transfer joints, simulating symmetrical doubler, stiffener and rib joints; and High Load Transfer joints, simulating symmetrical splices in major load carrying members. The joints were assembled using Hi-Lok™ interference fit fasteners, with and without hole cold expansion, and were fatigue tested to complete failure using a representative mission mix service load spectrum for a coastal patrol aircraft wing fatigue sensitive location. The failure surfaces were examined with the aid of an optical microscope at various magnifications. The fractographic descriptions for the three types of joints examined document the crack nucleation sites, mechanisms of crack formation, and extent of damage at catastrophic failure, including the effects of manufacturing, such as direction of hole cold expansion and direction of interference fit fastener insertion. Examination of fracture surfaces for fractographic evidence provides researchers and engineers with valuable insights into the failure process, which will enable them to perform more accurate and representative life predictions of joint performance.
Visually elicited turning behavior in Rana pipiens: comparative organization and neural control of escape and prey capture

High-speed videography was used to describe the initial turning movement of visually triggered escape in frogs and to compare it with the initial turn of frog prey capture behavior. These two types of turning had some general similarities, e.g. turn duration and peak velocity were positively correlated with turn angle. However, there were kinematic differences: for turns of a given angular amplitude, escape turns consistently demonstrated shorter duration and higher peak velocity than prey capture turns. There also were differences predictably matched to stimulus angles; escape turn angles were more variably related to stimulus angles. Both turning movements are believed to depend upon the optic tectum. However, given the observed differences in kinematics and spatial organization, we used lesion experiments to determine if distinct tectal efferent pathways subserve turning under each circumstance. Large unilateral lesions of the brainstem simultaneously disrupted both types of turning. However, smaller laterally placed lesions disrupted escape turning without disrupting prey capture turns. The kinematic differences in combination with the lesion results support the idea that the post-tectal circuitry for visually elicited turning movements is based upon separate descending pathways that control turning toward prey and turning away from threat.
Induced pore pressure response during undrained deformation of tuff and sandstone

Abstract Deformation under undrained conditions, in which excess fluid mass is prevented from leaving the rock mass, occurs in several situations of interest. For loading under such conditions, knowledge of the induced pore pressure response is clearly necessary for understanding and quantifying material behavior in terms of effective stress. A study was performed of the induced pore pressure response, described by the Skempton ratio B, of tuff and sandstone during undrained loading. The tuff samples, from a vertical borehole, are in varying stages of devitrification and alteration to various authigenic phases, including clay, zeolite, feldspar, and quartz. Two experiments were performed on synthetic (glass) sandstones with porosities of approximately 20 and 30%. This study differs from previous work in two significant ways. First, a highly accurate transducer was designed which allowed us to explore the range in behavior up to applied confining pressures of 400 MPa. Second, we performed simultaneous measurement of axial and radial strain, thereby allowing us to correlate the induced pore pressure response with the measured bulk compressibility. Fully saturated tuff and sandstone are characterized by a B value close to one at near-zero effective pressures. For partially to fully saturated vitric and zeolitic non-welded air-fall tuffs with high matrix compressibility, B is close to one for “effective” (i.e., confining minus pore) pressures from about 25 to 50 MPa (corresponding to applied pressures of 400 MPa). For more rigid silicified zeolotic and feldspathic tuff, B is reduced to 0.7–0.8 at intermediate effective pressures of about 10–50 MPa. For the well-indurated sandstones, B is highly pressure sensitive at low effective pressures due to the closure of low aspect ratio pores and microcracks. At higher effective pressures, B attains an approximately constant value substantially less than one, which increases with the measured drained bulk compressibility.
Acute physiological responses to recreational in-line skating in young adults.

Abstract We examined the physiological responses to in-line skating exercise at self-selected paces in recreationally trained adults. Seven men and 10 women performed in-line skating exercise during which oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O2) and heart rate (HR) were recorded continuously. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate concentration were also obtained at the end of exercise. Furthermore, subjects’ peak [Vdot]O2, peak HR, RPE and gas-exchange thresholds were determined in laboratory settings. The average exercise intensity during in-line skating was 90% of peak HR, 67% of peak [Vdot]O2, 84% of HR reserve and 64% of [Vdot]O2 reserve. When expressed as RPE and as metabolic equivalents (METs), the average exercise intensity was 13.1 RPE and 9.4 METs. Overall, these indicators of exercise intensity categorise in-line skating at self-selected paces as a vigorous physical activity. Notably, at similar [Vdot]O2 values, significantly higher HR (174±16 vs. 156±6 bpm; p<0.001) and RPE (13.1±1.4 vs. 11.7±1...
Evaluation and treatment of acute back pain in the emergency department.

Back pain is a common presenting complaint to the emergency department. The key to proper evaluation is a history and physical examination focused on determining if any red flags for serious disease are present. If no red flags are present, the patient most likely has nonspecific back pain and their symptoms will resolve in 4 to 6 weeks. No diagnostic testing is required. For patients with red flags, a focused history and examination in conjunction with diagnostic laboratory tests and imaging determine whether the patient has an emergent condition such as herniated disc, epidural compression, or spinal infection.
Effect of environmental noise on the accuracy of Coulomb-blockade devices.

We calculate how noise generated by a finite environmental impedance limits the ultimate performance of Coulomb-blockade devices and possible current or charge standards. We have expressed the environmental theory of the Coulomb blockade in terms of the spectral density of the voltage noise arising from the environment, and have calculated the resulting single-junction tunneling and two-junction cotunneling rates. These rates are used to predict the tunneling rate of electrons through a five-junction pump and may explain the anomalously large rates that are observed experimentally.
Condensation nucleation light scattering detection with ion chromatography for direct determination of glyphosate and its metabolite in water.

Abstract An ion chromatography–condensation nucleation light scattering detection (IC–CNLSD) method was successfully used to directly analyze glyphosate, a polar pesticide, and aminomethylphosaphonic acid, the major metabolite of glyphosate, in water without need of pre-treatment or derivatization. CNLSD gave a LOD of 53 ng/ml for glyphosate, which is much lower than the maximum contaminant level of 700 ng/ml for drinking water issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Spiked analytes in different matrixes were tested. A diluted commercial herbicide containing glyphosate was also evaluated. Compared to other reported methods, the IC–CNLSD method has no need of sample derivatization, pre-concentration, and mobile phase conductivity suppression. It is simple, fast and inexpensive. IC–CNLSD is an ideal direct detection technique for such pesticides without chromophores or fluorophores.
Spatial Error Detection and Assimilation Effects in Rapid Single and Bimanual Aiming Movements.

Abstract In 2 experiments, spatial error detection capability and movement accuracy were investigated in both single and bimanual rapid aiming movements. In both experiments, right-handed college-age participants (N = 40 [Experiment 1]; N = 24 [Experiment 2]) used light, aluminum levers to make quick single and dual reversal movements in the sagittal plane in a time to reversal of 210 ms to either the same or different target locations involving identical (Experiment 1) or mirror-image (Experiment 2) movements. In Experiment 1, the shorter-distance limb overshot the target by 15–23% when paired with a limb traveling at least 20° farther, but no spatial assimilations were shown when movements differed by 20° or less. In Experiment 2, the shorter-distance limb overshot 22–29% when paired with a limb traveling 20° farther, but spatial assimilations were not mitigated when both limbs moved to the same target position. Participants underestimated movement amplitude in all dual conditions but particularly when ...
Groundwater nitrate levels under fertilized grass and grass-legume pastures

High levels of N fertilizer applied to pastures can result in NO 3 -N concentrations in groundwater exceeding the USEPA potable water standard of 10 mg N/L. This study was conducted to determine groundwater NO 3 -N level following a change in N source from fertilizer to a legume in a grass-pasture grazed by beef cattle. For 5 yr, 224 kg N/ha was ap plied annually to small watersheds with orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) pastures used for summer-grazing and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) areas used for winter-grazing-feeding. At the beginning of the sixth year, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) was interseeded into the grass pastures and N fertilizer was no longer applied [...]
Uncertainty in Dynamic Anisotropic Strength of Sand

A statistical model is proposed here to estimate the in situ anistropic cyclic shear strength of a saturated sand deposit. Triaxial test results are used to develop the basic model; it is then modified for in situ conditions considering all the factors affecting laboratory testing conditions as well as in situ conditions, i.e., mean grain size, overconsolidation ratio, multidirectional shaking, uniform cyclic loads, and secondary factors. A comparison is made between the anistropic and isotropic shear strengths. Using these strengths, the risks of liquefaction are estimated. It is observed that neglecting the presence of structures will always give a higher probability of liquefaction. The difference between the two cases is significant for shallower depths. The difference increases as the anistropic stress ratio, Kc, increases. A considerable amount of uncertainty is expected in the estimation of the in situ anistropic cyclic shear strength. The uncertainty associated with the in situ relative density co...
Self-diffusion and impurity diffusion of fcc metals using the five-frequency model and the Embedded Atom Method

The activation energies for self-diffusion of transition metals (Au, Ag, Cu, Ni, Pd, Pt) have been calculated with the Embedded Atom Method (EAM); the results agree well with available experimental data for both mono-vacancy and di-vacancy mechanisms. The EAM was also used to calculate activation energies for vacancy migration near dilute impurities. These energies determine the atomic jump frequencies of the classic “five-frequency formula,” which yields the diffusion rates of impurities by a mono-vacancy mechanism. These calculations were found to agree fairly well with experiment and with Neumann and Hirschwald's “Tm” model.
Advances in glaucoma treatment and management: gene therapy.

Glaucoma is characterized by the death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and loss of vision. It is the second most frequent cause of irreversible blindness in the world and affects primarily the older population. 1 Projections of prevalence show that by 2020 there will be an estimated 79.6 million people worldwide with glaucoma, with a higher proportion of women than men. 1 Glaucoma can be treated but is not yet curable. Treatments currently available, such as the daily administration of eye drops, lead to high levels of noncompliance, especially in the aged population. In several laboratories, including ours, intense research is ongoing to search for alternative treatments of the disease. Using genes, we seek to develop gene drug therapies that can be many times more efficient than conventional drugs and allow less frequent administration—perhaps just once every 1 or 2 years. In cases of inherited glaucoma caused by either recessive or dominant genes, we seek gene replacement and gene knockdown strategies that could reverse the undesired outcome of the mutation. Technology for this new state-of-the-art treatment is currently available and has been successfully applied in other diseases, including conditions in the eye. 2 Most glaucomas are induced by dysfunction of the trabecular meshwork (TM) tissue, which in turn leads to increased resistance to aqueous humor outflow and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). The mechanism by which elevated IOP damages the posterior RGCs is not fully understood. Whether the elevated IOP first damages the RGC axons and then causes the cell body to die or it damages the cell body first, which then causes the axons to die is a subject of intense deliberation. Although elevated IOP is not the only factor causing RGC death, it is the most common. All currently available drugs that lower IOP slow the progression of all glaucomas, even the form referred to as normal-tension glaucoma. Because of this particular physiology, there are two main avenues to follow in approaching research in gene therapy for glaucoma. The first entails targeting the RGCs with the goal of promoting their survival and protecting them against glaucomatous insults (neuroprotection). The second entails targeting the TM with the goal of lowering IOP. Gene therapy vectors deliver the genetic material to the inside of the cells. Because viruses have been selected during evolution to cleanly and efficiently enter living cells, they have emerged as excellent carriers of any desired genetic material. Given the tools of molecular biology and recombinant DNA that are now available, a virus can be specially engineered both to remove the potentially deleterious sequences from its genome and to insert the beneficial foreign sequences to be delivered to the target cell.
High Mobility Channel Materials for Future CMOS

Channel materials with high mobility will be needed for future technology nodes . In this work we assess the performance of Si, Ge, and III-V materials like GaAs, InAs and InSb which may perform better than even very highly strained-Si.
Optimized vector quantization with fuzzy distortion measure

From the perspective of information theory, the design of vector quantizers (VQs) in optimizing the rate distortion function has been extensively studied. In practice, however, the existing VQ algorithms, often, suffer from a number of serious problems, e.g., long search process, codebook initialization, and getting trapped in local minima, inherent to most iterative processes. The generalized Lloyd algorithm, for designing VQs with embedded k-means clustering for codebook generation has been recently used by a number of researcher for efficient image coding by quantizing wavelet decomposed subimages. We present a new approach to vector quantization by generating such multiresolution codebooks using two different neuro-fuzzy clustering techniques that eliminate the existing problems. These clustering techniques integrate fuzzy optimization constraints from the fuzzy-C-means with self-organizing neural network architectures. In one of the new clustering techniques, a new distance measure has also been introduced. The resulting multiresolution codebooks generated from the wavelet decomposed images yield significant improvement in the coding process. The signal transformation and vector quantization stages together yield, at least, 64:1 bit rate reduction with good visual quality and acceptable peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) and mean square error (MSE). Additional bit rate reduction can be easily obtained by employing conventional entropy encoding after the quantization stage. The performance of this new VQ coding technique has been compared to that of the well-known Linde, Buzo, and Gray (LBG) - VQ for a variety of image classes. The new VQ technique demonstrated superior ability for fast convergence with minimum distortion at similar bit rate reduction then the existing VQ technique for several classes of images/signals including standard test images and medical images in terms of mean-squared error (MSE), peak-signal-to- noise-ratio (PSNR), and visual quality.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Chirality changes in reactions of asymmetric molybdenum complexes

Abstract Optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism studies have allowed the determination of the changes in configuration at the molybdenum center upon displacement of carbonyl and iodide in neomenthylcyclopentadienyl—Mo(allyl)(NO)X systems. Displacement of carbonyl by iodide occurs with retention of configuration. Replacement of iodide with benzenesulfonate followed by replacement of the sulfonate with iodide occurs stereospecifically with net retention of configuration. In the case of cyclopentadienylMo(cyclooctenyl)(NO)I, the enantiomers were separated via a spontaneous resolution through crystallization of the complex in the space group P 2 1 2 1 2 1 . These studies have allowed the correlation not only of the absolute configuration at the metal center with CD studies, but also have established that a long wavelength optically active transition at approximately 400 nm can be correlated with endo-exo isomerism. Comparison of the rates of interconversion suggest that endo to exo isomerization occurs via a clockwise rotation of the allyl in the ( R )-isomer. Crystallographic details: (—)-( S )-(NMCp)Mo(allyl)(NO)I crystallizes in the space group P 2 1 2 1 2 1 with a 7.221(1), b 12.686(7), c 21.603(7) A, Z = 4, V = 1979(2) A 3 ; R 1 = 0.039, R 2 = 0.046; (—)-( S )-(Cp)Mo(cyclooctenyl)(NO)I crystallizes in the space group P 2 1 2 1 2 1 with a 8.466(1), b 10.449(2), c 16.372(2) A, Z = 4, V = 1448.3(6), R 1 = 0.038, and R 2 = 0.046.
Adaptation to Addison's disease in a child: a case study.

Abstract Introduction Addison's disease is a rare chronic illness caused by adrenocortical insufficiency. Understanding the process of family adaptation to this chronic illness in a child will help practitioners enhance the ability of the child and family to cope with this stressful diagnosis. Method A qualitative descriptive case study methodology was used to explore the process of family adaptation to this chronic illness. Eight interviews were conducted with a newly diagnosed 11-year-old White girl with Addison's disease, along with her parents, grandparents, and siblings. Participant observations were made in the family's home. Drawings by the girl with Addison's Disease were included in the data analysis, along with an interview with the child. Results The overall theme of adaptation to this chronic illness is living a normal life. The family noted that after reaching some acceptance, they began learning how to manage the disease. This process was enhanced by seeking information about the disease and receiving the support of others; in addition, the child was affected by the acceptance of her peers. Discussion Recognizing factors that may influence the family's adjustment to the diagnosis of Addison's disease in a child will help to direct educational and support efforts by practitioners.
Linguistic correlates of second language literacy development: Evidence from middle-grade learner essays

Abstract This paper compares the development of linguistic fluency in the writing of 5th–8th grade, U.S. students enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL, n = 189) and regular language arts (RLA, n = 546) classes. Linguistic fluency is defined as the use of linguistic structures appropriate to rhetorical and social purposes and is measured using five sets of features shown by Reppen (1994, 2001) [Reppen, R. (1994). Variation in elementary student language: A multi-dimensional perspective. Doctoral dissertation, Northern Arizona University.] [Reppen, R. (2001). Register variation in student and adult speech and writing. In S. Conrad & D. Biber (Eds.), Variation in English: Multi-dimensional studies (pp. 187–199). Harlow, UK: Longman.] to vary in relation to age and topic differences in a large corpus of texts produced by and for 5th grade English L1 writers. The same broad variational patterns found by Reppen in her corpus are shown to exist in the writing of the ESL and RLA students; however, more careful analysis of the individual features associated with each set indicates that the RLA students hold stronger associations between the features and the rhetorical and social functions identified for the set as a whole. It is suggested that the ESL students’ lack of fluency results from both limitations in grammatical competency and a lack of practice in writing for varying purposes and audiences.
Incident Angle Invariance In Surface Scatter

Several authors claim and use the concept that the BRDF of a good, clean optical surface is invariant with the angle of incidence. Data and theory are presented to show the conditions under which such an assumption is valid.
The low temperature magnetoresistance of arsenic-doped silicon near the metal—Insulator transition

Magnetoresistance measurements on uncompensated Si:As samples in the concentration range (6.6 × 1018 to 10.2 × 1018/cc) spanning the MI transition have been made in the temperature range 0.050 K < T < 4.2 K and in magnetic fields up to 23 Tesla. The zero-field temperature dependence of σd.c for barely insulating samples exhibits Mott variable range hopping behavior. Insulating samples show a strong magnetoresistance characteristic of the percolation model, but with a much strong density dependence and a weakening temperature dependence as N → Nc. Metallic samples show a crossover from weakly metallic magnetoresistance behavior characteristic of Coulomb interactions to percolative behavior at a density-dependent crossover field suggesting the samples have been driven to a different type of conduction mechanism.
Integrated modular propulsion for launch vehicles

The paper proposes a modular approach to rocket propulsion which offers a versatile method for realizing the goals of low cost, safety, reliability, and ease of operation. It is shown that, using practical modules made up of only 4-6 individual elements, it is possible to achieve thrust levels of 2-3 mln lbf and more, using turbomachinery, thrust chambers, lines, and valves about the size of SSME hardware. The approach is illustrated by a LOX/LH2 configuration.
Steroid Chemistry and Hormone Controls during the Hair Follicle Cycle

Human hair follicles contain several steroid enzymes capable of transforming weak androgens, such as dehydroepiandrosterone, into more potent target tissue androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Kinetic constants have been evaluated for the 3-alpha, 3-beta, and 17-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes, 5a-reductase, and the aromatase enzyme in isolated human HF from scalp of men and women with androgenetic alopecia. The apparent Km values did not differ for each enzyme whether present in bald, receded HF or thick, anagen HF of men or women. However, levels of specific activity varied greatly in the frontal versus occipital HF analyzed. The androgen receptor content and activation factors also differ between men and women. The steroid mechanisms influencing AGA in men and women may be similar, but differences in the specific activity/amounts of enzymes, receptors, and activation factors differ between men and women. These findings may explain the varied clinical presentations of men and women with AGA, and may shape treatment options for the future.
Altretamine (Hexamethylmelamine) in Platinum-Resistant and Platinum-Refractory Ovarian Cancer: A Gynecologic Oncology Group Phase II Trial

Abstract Objectives. In an effort to critically examine the antitumor activity of altretamine (hexamethylmelamine) as salvage therapy of platinum-refractory ovarian cancer, the Gynecologic Oncology Group initiated a Phase II trial of the agent administered in this clinical setting. Methods. Altretamine was administered at a dose of 260 mg/m 2 orally for 14 days in a 28-day course. Treatment was continued until disease progression or unacceptable side effects prevented further therapy. A total of 36 patients (median age: 56.5) were treated on this trial, of whom 33 were evaluable for toxicity and 30 for response. All patients had previously received either cisplatin or carboplatin and paclitaxel. Results. The major side effect was emesis (grade 3–4,733, 21%). The objective response rate was 10% (one complete response, two partial responses). Conclusion. We conclude that altretamine has limited activity in platinum-refractory ovarian cancer.
Grain boundary dislocation sources in nanocrystalline copper

Atomistic simulations of dislocation nucleation from grain boundaries provide an insight into dislocation sources in nanocrystalline copper. Simulations show that dislocation sources emit single partial dislocation loops, with half absorbed into the boundary and half emitted into the lattice. The specific boundary dislocation content determines whether the absorbed half-loop annihilates pre-existing boundary dislocations or increases boundary dislocations. Atomistic studies of this type provide details of the emission sequence that enhance our understanding of dislocation sources in high angle boundaries.
Continuous Magnetophoretic Separation of Blood Cells from Plasma at the Microscale

We present a method for the direct and continuous separation of red and white blood cells from plasma at the microscale. The method is implemented in a microfluidic system with magnetic functionality. The fluidic structure within the microsystem consists of an inlet and a single microfluidic channel with multiple outlets. The magnetic functionality is provided by an array of integrated soft-magnetic elements that are embedded transverse and adjacent to the microchannel. The elements are magnetized using an external field, and once magnetized they produce a magnetic force on blood cells as they flow through the microchannel. In whole blood, white blood cells (WBCs) behave as diamagnetic microparticles, while red blood cells (RBCs) exhibit diamagnetic or paramagnetic behavior depending on the oxygenation of their hemoglobin. We study the motion of blood cells through the microchannel using a mathematical model that takes into account the magnetic, fluidic and gravitational forces on the cells. We use the model to study blood cell separation, and our analysis indicates that the microsystem is capable of separating WBC-rich plasma, deoxygenated RBC-rich plasma and cell-depleted plasma into respective outlets.
Influence of Canthaxanthin Supplementation on Broiler Pigmentation in Open and Windowless Houses

Abstract Shank skin pigmentation of broilers grown in open and windowless houses and fed diets containing 48.4 mg/kg total xanthophyll supplied by yellow corn, Xanthoglo®, and either 0, 1.1, 2.2, or 4.4 mg/kg canthaxanthin (Roxanthin®) was evaluated. Pigmentation was evaluated using a MacBeth MC-1010® reflectance colorimeter. Xanthophyll consumption and apparent deposition, as correlated with excitation purity, did not differ between broilers from open and windowless houses. Broilers fed no canthaxanthin or 1.1 mg/kg exhibited significantly lower shank skin dominant wavelength (DWL) values when grown in windowless houses. However, the addition of either 2.2 or 4.4 mg/kg canthaxanthin to the broiler diet resulted in no significant differences in DWL of shank skin from broilers grown in the two housing types. The addition of red pigments will resolve the adverse effect on pigmentation of windowless housing without involving higher total dietary xanthophyll levels.