cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Storage and retrieval of optical information in levitated cavityless optomechanics

We theoretically consider light storage in a single nanoparticle levitated in an optical dipole trap and subjected to nonlinear feedback cooling. The storage protocol is realized by controlling the coupling between mechanical displacement and signal pulse by maneuvering the intensity of writing and readout pulses. The process involves writing and readout pulses at one mechanical frequency below the signal pulse. We demonstrate that during the writing pulse, a signal pulse is stored as a mechanical excitation of the nanoparticle oscillation. It is then shown that a readout pulse at later time can retrieve the stored optical information from the mechanical oscillator. A long storage lifetime of 2 ms is obtained in our system due to the absence of clamping losses. Further, we describe that our protocol can be used for wavelength conversion and shows a saturation in the conversion efficiency as a function of cooperativities of the writing and readout pulses. We also illustrate that the presence of linear feedback heating can lead to the amplification of the retrieved photon energy. Our prototype for light storage with levitated optomechanics can be used to explore the possibility of quantum memories for photonic states.
Shifts in expression of cell membrane phenotypes in childhood lymphoid malignancies at relapse.

To determine if cell membrane phenotypes change under the selective pressures of therapy we have conducted a prospective study of 54 children with lymphoid malignancies of T-like, B-like, common, and null cell types. Membrane phenotypes were determined at diagnosis in all patients and again 1–24 mo later in 18 children who either failed induction therapy or had one or more relapses. In 7 patients the cells tested were from relapse sites different than those of the original diagnoses. The data indicate that at relapse most children with lymphoid neoplasias had the same cell membrane phenotype as established at diagnosis, and suggest that the site of relapse did not affect the expression of cell surface markers. However, there were three exceptions: (1) a child initially diagnosed as having null cell acute lymphocytic leukemia had 90% T-antigen-positive blasts in her second- relapse bone marrow; (2) only membrane IgM was present on relapse blasts from a B-cell lymphoma that had both membrane IgM and IgD before initiation of treatment; (3) at diagnosis, bone marrow blasts from a child with T-like leukemia expressed both T antigen and E receptors, but at relapse, bone marrow and pleural fluid cells expressed only T antigens. We postulate that these phenotype shifts may be due to selective effects of therapy on cells at different stages of differentiattion.
GABAA and 5-HT3 Receptors Are Involved in Dorsal Root Reflexes: Possible Role in Periaqueductal Gray Descending Inhibition

The dorsal root reflex (DRR) is a measure of the central excitability of presynaptic inhibitory circuits in the spinal cord. Activation of the periaqueductal gray (PAG), a center for descending inh...
Linguistics and automatic processing of speech

To build a bridge it is helpful to know something about the physics of stress and vibration, about materials science, and so on. To cure sickness, it is helpful to know something about the nature and causes of disease, i.e., microbes, metabolism, etc. This is not to say that it is impossible to build bridges and cure sickness without such knowledge. Indeed, some bridges were built and some sicknesses cured centuries before anyone knew anything about the physical and physiological principles involved. However, it must be admitted that the bridges were modest, most sickness was not alleviated and successes in both areas owed more to trial and error or an intuitive understanding of the relevant principles than to any sort of systematic, scientific, knowledge. From the time that knowledge in these areas was put on a firm scientific basis, taking into account the factors underlying the behavior of materials and microbes, much more impressive bridges and cures were possible.
Collaborative Weeding of an Engineering Collection: Two Perspectives

Weeding an academic library can often be contentious and easily put off for years. However, in technical fields the collection should be evaluated frequently. The collection should serve faculty fo...
Social Cognition: Exchanging and Sharing Information on the Run

In this essay I consider various aspects of the rapidly growing field of cognitive ethology, concentrating mainly on evolutionary and comparative discussion of the notion of intentionality. I am not concerned with consciousness, per se, for a concentration on consciousness deflects attention from other, and in many cases more interesting, problems in the study of animal cognition. I consider how, when, where, and (attempt to discuss) why individuals from different taxa exchange social information concerning their beliefs, desires, and goals. My main examples come from studies of social play in mammals and antipredator behavior in birds. Basically, I argue that although not all individuals always display behavior patterns that are best explained by appeals to intentionality, it is misleading to argue that such explanations have no place in the study of animal cognition.
Durable Remission Following “Off-the-Shelf” Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cells in Patients with Relapse/Refractory (R/R) B-Cell Malignancies

Introduction CAR T-cells provide benefit in patients (pts) with R/R hematologic malignancies. Limitations including: cost, production complexity, and life-threatening toxicity impede this therapy. An "off-the-shelf" CAR product could overcome these limitations. Objectives/Methods We developed an "off-the-shelf" CD19-specific CAR T-cell by transducing the 19-28z CAR into donor EBV-specific cytotoxic lymphocytes (19-28z CAR EBV-CTL). Pts with R/R B-cell malignancies were stratified into two treatment cohorts: cohort 1 (relapse after allo/auto HSCT) or cohort 2 (CAR-EBV-CTLs as consolidative therapy after auto-HSCT; NCT 01430390). Objectives: determine dose limiting toxicity (primary endpoint), optimal dose for multiple infusions, and disease response (dz evaluation: 1 month (B-ALL/CLL) or 3 months (NHL)). Results Ten pts were treated with 19-28z CAR-EBV-CTLs with seven in cohort 1 (B-ALL n=5; Burkitt lymphoma n=1; CLL n=1), and three in cohort 2 (PMBCL n=2; DLBCL n=1). Median age at treatment was 14.7 yrs (range 1.3-70.5 yrs). Median dose infused: 2.4 × 106 EBV-CTLs/kg (range = 0.6 – 7.5 × 106 EBV-CTLs/kg) with variable transduction (median 20.5%; range 7.4-41%). Six pts received multiple doses (median 2, range 1-3) with 3 × 106 T cells/kg determined to be optimal (allowing for multiple doses per cell line). EBV-CTL source: primary HSCT donors (n=4) and 3rd Party donors (n=6). HLA-matching between (pts to donor): 10/10-match (n=3); 6/10 (n=2); 5/10 (n=1), 4/10 (n=2), and 2/10 (n=2). Eight of the pts were EBV-seropositive. Response was seen in 70% (7/10) of treated pts including pts with B-ALL (n=2), CLL (n=1) and NHL (n=4). The clinical response was striking in pts treated for NHL (100% CR; 4/4) and recipients of 3rd Party cells (83% CR; 5/6) who exhibited durable response (NHL median OS 30.8; range 8-72.9 months and 3rd Party recipient median OS 23.6, range 8-72.9 - Figure 1). CRS or neurotoxicity did not occur post infusion and no DLT was noted in the trial. Two pts developed diffuse skin rash which was biopsy positive (n=1; HLA-matched HSCT donor) and biopsy negative (n=1; haploidentical 3rd Party donor) for GVHD and one pt (cohort 2) developed reversible pneumonitis following external beam radiation/auto-HSCT/CAR T-cells. Symptoms resolved after a course of topical corticosteroids (skin rash) and systemic steroids (pneumonitis). Conclusions We have successfully treated ten pts with encouraging preliminary results: CR in 70% (7/10) of treated pts including 100% (4/4) in NHL and 83% in recipients of 3rd party products. The absence of CRS and ICANS (neurotoxicity) is a salient feature of this therapy and this trial demonstrates that a readily accessible source of "off-the-shelf" CAR T cell product can be made available for pts without alternative therapy.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and rotating disk electrode measurements of smooth sputtered Fe-N-C films

Abstract Electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) based on complexes of iron and nitrogen in a carbon matrix (Fe-N-C) are a promising alternative to platinum group metal (PGM) based catalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. Further improvements of Fe-N-C catalysts would benefit from model thin film studies of activity and stability of catalytic sites, but synthesis of Fe-N-C model thin films is challenging. Here we report on synthesis and characterization of Fe-N-C thin films produced by co-sputtering iron and carbon in a reactive nitrogen atmosphere onto removable glassy carbon rotating disk electrode (RDE) tips. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements indicate that the Fe-N-C films deposited at high temperature are smoother than the films annealed at high temperature. Electrocatalytic activity measured on the thin Fe-N-C films is greater for both high-temperature samples than for the room-temperature sample. From the analysis of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data, exposure of the films to high temperatures results in increased graphitization of the carbon within the Fe-N-C films, and increased relative amount of graphitic and hydrogenated nitrogen species. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate the feasibility of a thin film model system approach for studying active sites in PGM-free catalysts.
Expanding the role of teacher leaders: Professional learning for policy advocacy

Teacher leadership is important both within and beyond the school. Teacher leaders have the potential to expand their role beyond policy implementation in the classroom to influence educational policy development. However, few teachers receive explicit preparation or guidance for contributing their voice and providing first-hand knowledge of policy’s classroom impact. This study investigated the perceptions and experiences of educators who had completed a year-long fellowship designed to inform and guide teacher participation in state policy. The results indicate that participants perceive themselves as strong policy advocates with local stakeholders but believe they face barriers to influencing state policy leaders. The findings suggest that (1) barriers to policy advocacy must be examined and removed so that teachers can expand their expertise beyond the classroom and that (2) professional learning opportunities can develop teacher leadership skills for influencing policy formulation and adoption resulting in benefits for students.
Innovations in Urologic Surgical Training.

This review aims to summarize innovations in urologic surgical training in the past 5 years. Many assessment tools have been developed to objectively evaluate surgical skills and provide structured feedback to urologic trainees. A variety of simulation modalities (i.e., virtual/augmented reality, dry-lab, animal, and cadaver) have been utilized to facilitate the acquisition of surgical skills outside the high-stakes operating room environment. Three-dimensional printing has been used to create high-fidelity, immersive dry-lab models at a reasonable cost. Non-technical skills such as teamwork and decision-making have gained more attention. Structured surgical video review has been shown to improve surgical skills not only for trainees but also for qualified surgeons. Research and development in urologic surgical training has been active in the past 5 years. Despite these advances, there is still an unfulfilled need for a standardized surgical training program covering both technical and non-technical skills.
Boeing v. Bombardier: Material Injury Analysis at the International Trade Commission

On February 13, 2018, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) determined unanimously that Boeing, the U.S. manufacturer of commercial aircraft, was not materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of commercial aircraft imported from Canada by Bombardier. By finding that material injury did not exist, Bombardier was able to complete the sale of its C Series jets to Delta Airlines without the imposition of antidumping or countervailing duties. Boeing claimed that the Canadian government’s illegal subsidization of the C Series program allowed Bombardier to sell its products in the U.S. market at an artificially low price. During its material injury analysis, the ITC found however, that Bombardier’s C Series imports would not displace sales of Boeing’s competing product, that the “launch-pricing” Bombardier offered to Delta would not set the market price for future sales of such product, and that importation of the C Series would not adversely impact future sales and development of Boeing’s competitor product, the 737 Max 7. The decision had a significant impact not only on both parties, but on the commercial aircraft industry as a whole, and international trade policy. While the dispute caused Bombardier to partner with Airbus to ensure the viability of the C Series, Boeing responded by purchasing the Brazilian jet manufacturer Embraer, one of Bombardier’s competitors. The decision also helped to smooth U.S.-Canada trade relations, supported the theory that multinational supply chains reduce incentives for tariffs, and reinforced the independence of the ITC. Moreover, the decision affirmed the U.S. commitment to a rules-based global trade system in spite of recent political support for increased protectionism.
Effects of Left Ventricular Versus Traditional Chest Compressions in a Traumatic Pulseless Electrical Activity Model.

BACKGROUND Prehospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation has commonly been considered ineffective in traumatic cardiopulmonary arrest because traditional chest compressions do not produce substantial cardiac output. However, recent evidence suggests that chest compressions located over the left ventricle (LV) produce greater hemodynamics when compared to traditional compressions. We hypothesized that chest compressions located directly over the LV would result in an increase in return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and hemodynamic variables, when compared to traditional chest compressions, in a swine model of traumatic pulseless electrical activity (PEA). METHODS Transthoracic echocardiography was used to mark the location of the aortic root (traditional compressions) and the center of the LV on animals (n = 34) that were randomized to receive chest compressions in one of the two locations. Animals were hemorrhaged to mean arterial pressure <20 to simulate traumatic PEA. After 5 minutes of PEA, basic life support (BLS) with mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated and performed for 10 minutes followed by advanced life support for an additional 10 minutes. Hemodynamic variables were averaged over the final 2 minutes of BLS and advanced life support periods. RESULTS Six of the LV group (35%) achieved ROSC compared to eight of the traditional group (47%) (P = .73). There was an increase in aortic systolic blood pressure (P < .01), right atrial systolic blood pressure (P < .01), and right atrial diastolic blood pressure (P = .02) at the end of BLS in the LV group compared to the traditional group. CONCLUSIONS In our swine model of traumatic PEA, chest compressions performed directly over the LV improved blood pressures during BLS but not ROSC.
Understanding Words That Wound

Successor and companion volume to Words that Wound, the first book to argue for recognition of hate speech as a serious social problem. The current volume greatly expands the coverage of hate speech, including chapters on children, the Internet, recent cases, campus hate speech codes, and international responses. Deals expressly with arguments against hate-speech regulation, as well as the case for it.Written by leading critical race theorists Richard Delgado and Jean Stefancic, this volume succinctly explores a host of issues presented by hate speech, including legal theories for regulating it, the harms it causes, and policy arguments pro and con suppressing it. Chapters analyze hate speech on campus, the history of hate speech in America, the careers of particular words as "nigger," "spick," "wop," and "kike," hate speech against whites, and the special case of children. Particular attention is devoted to hate on the Internet, talk radio, and to the role of white supremacist groups in disseminating it. Designed to be accessible to the general public and students, this book features reading lists, exercises, and questions for discussion. This book accompanies and expands on the prize-winning volume Words that Wound: Critical Race Theory, Assaultive Speech, and the First Amendment, also published by Westview Press.
CpG methylation is maintained in human cancer cells lacking DNMT1

Hypermethylation is associated with the silencing of tumour susceptibility genes in several forms of cancer1,2; however, the mechanisms responsible for this aberrant methylation are poorly understood3,4. The prototypic DNA methyltransferase, DNMT1, has been widely assumed to be responsible for most of the methylation of the human genome, including the abnormal methylation found in cancers5,6. To test this hypothesis, we disrupted the DNMT1 gene through homologous recombination in human colorectal carcinoma cells. Here we show that cells lacking DNMT1 exhibited markedly decreased cellular DNA methyltransferase activity, but there was only a 20% decrease in overall genomic methylation. Although juxtacentromeric satellites became significantly demethylated, most of the loci that we analysed, including the tumour suppressor gene p16INK4a, remained fully methylated and silenced. These results indicate that DNMT1 has an unsuspected degree of regional specificity in human cells and that methylating activities other than DNMT1 can maintain the methylation of most of the genome.
Effects of Coulomb interactions on the superconducting gaps in iron-based superconductors

Recent angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements of Co-doped LiFeAs report a large and robust superconducting gap on the $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}$-centered hole band that lies 8 meV below the Fermi level. We show that, unlike a conventional superconductor described by BCS theory, a multiband system with strong interband Coulomb interactions can explain these observations. We model LiFeAs with a five-band model in which the shallow hole band is coupled with the other bands by only Coulomb interactions. Using Eliashberg theory, we find reasonable interaction parameters that reproduce the ${T}_{c}$ and all five gaps of LiFeAs. The energy independence of the Coulomb interactions then ensures the robustness of the gap induced on the shallow band. Furthermore, due to the repulsive nature of the Coulomb interactions, the gap changes sign between the shallow band and the other hole pockets, corresponding to an unconventional ${s}_{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ gap symmetry. Unlike other families of iron-based superconductors, the gap symmetry of LiFeAs has not been ascertained experimentally. The experimental implications of this sign-changing state are discussed.
The Varicella-Zoster Virus Genome

The varicella-zoster virus (VZV) genome contains at least 70 genes, and all but six have homologs in herpes simplex virus (HSV). Cosmids and BACs corresponding to the VZV parental Oka and vaccine Oka viruses have been used to “knockout” 34 VZV genes. Seven VZV genes (ORF4, 5, 9, 21, 29, 62, and 68) have been shown to be required for growth in vitro. Recombinant viruses expressing several markers (e.g., beta-galactosidase, green fluorescence protein, luciferase) and several foreign viral genes (from herpes simplex, Epstein–Barr virus, hepatitis B, mumps, HIV, and simian immunodeficiency virus) have been constructed. Further studies of the VZV genome, using recombinant viruses, may facilitate the development of safer and more effective VZV vaccines. Furthermore, VZV might be useful as a vaccine vector to immunize against both VZV and other viruses.
Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase Modulation of Hepatic Fatty Acid Metabolism and Radio-HPLC Evidence for Low Ketogenesis in Neonatal Pigs

A neonatal piglet model was used to study hepatic fatty acid metabolism during the early postnatal period. Hepatocytes were isolated from pigs at birth or after 24 h, in fed or unfed states (n = 4 pigs/group). Cells were incubated with 1 mmol/L [1- 14 C]-octanoate (C8) or -palmitate (C16) in the presence or absence of 1 mmol/L L-carnitine, carnitine plus tetradecylglycidic acid (TDGA ; 10 μmol/L) or carnitine plus glucagon (0.5 μg/L). Accumulation of radiolabel [nmol/(h.10 6 cells)] in CO 2 and acid-soluble products (ASP) was higher (3.5- and 4.5-fold, respectively) from C8 than from C16 (P 0.1). Carnitine addition tended to increase C16 flux to ASP [from 5.3 to 7.6 nmol/(h.10 6 cells) ; P < 0.1], whereas carnitine plus TDGA decreased flux (from 7.6 to 2.1 ; P < 0.001). Esterified products accounted for 70% of metabolized label in control C16 incubations ; this was reduced to 62% by carnitine (P < 0.05) and increased to 80% by the addition of carnitine plus TDGA (P < 0.0001). The 1- 14 C flux to CO 2 in cells from 24-h-old unfed piglets was 47% lower than from fed pigs (P < 0.01) but 28% higher than in pigs at birth. Radiolabel contained in ASP and total metabolized label were 48% lower from unfed pigs compared with the piglets at birth and 24-h-old fed pigs (P < 0.01) and were paralleled by changes in oxygen consumption. Radio-HPLC analysis of ASP revealed minimal radiolabel accumulation in ketone bodies. Up to 40% of radioactivity in ASP was presumptively identified as acetate. These data illustrate that hepatic C16 metabolism in piglets can be altered by changes in the activity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I during the neonatal period and that ketone bodies do not represent a major route of hepatic fatty acid carbon flux.
Model-based array processing in a fading channel

Model-based processing is a method of including physical models in the processing scheme in order to enhance the performance (smaller error variance) of the processor. The method is based on a state-space approach which leads to Kalman type estimators. A major advantage of this approach is that the stochastic aspects of the problem (system and measurement noise) can be included in a natural way, thereby allowing modeling errors to be accommodated by the processor. In the case of array processing, one can consider several types of signal models. Indeed, in the case of a standard beamformer, the linear phase or time delay progression associated with a particular signal direction or "beam" implicitly assumes a plane wave model for the signal. However, the fact that the array is moving is not considered. It has been shown that the inclusion of the array motion in the proper way results in a significantly smaller variance on the bearing error, thereby providing a passive synthetic aperture effect. In this work the model-based method is applied to simulated towed array data in a fading channel. The amplitude of the signal, along with its source frequency and bearing are considered as the elements of a state vector to be estimated in a Kalman type estimation scheme. In this manner, the Kalman filter provides a recursive type of estimator, i.e. an adaptive processor which provides estimates of the relevant parameters, even when they are varying slowly in time. Results are shown where the data were generated with a random (Rayleigh) amplitude. The results show that the processor can track the amplitude variations and render high quality estimates of the bearing angle and source frequency, even at very low signal to noise ratios.
Outcome after placement of an artificial urethral sphincter in 27 dogs.

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an adjustable artificial urethral sphincter (AUS) in a population of dogs with acquired or congenital urinary incontinence. Study Design Case series. Animals Dogs (n = 27) with naturally occurring urinary incontinence. Methods Medical records (January 2009–July 2011) of dogs that had AUS implantation for treatment of urinary incontinence were reviewed and owners were interviewed by telephone to assess outcome. Continence was scored using a previously established analogue scale, with 1 representing constant leakage and 10 representing complete continence. Results Twenty-four female and 3 male dogs had AUS implantation. Causes of incontinence included urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (n = 18), continued incontinence after ectopic ureter repair (6), and pelvic bladder (3). Medical therapy was unsuccessful in 25 dogs before AUS implantation. Surgery was performed without major complications in 25 dogs; 2 developed partial urethral obstruction after 5 and 9 months. Median (interquartile range) follow-up for the other 25 dogs was 12.5 (6–19) months. Continence scores were significantly improved (P < .0001) between the preoperative period (2 [1–4]) and last follow-up (9 [8–10]). Overall, 22 owners described themselves as very satisfied, 2 as satisfied, and 3 as unsatisfied. Conclusions AUS implantation was successful in restoring continence in male and female dogs with both congenital and acquired urinary incontinence. Dogs that develop partial urethral obstruction may require AUS removal.
A pituitary endorphin with novel properties

Abstract We describe the further purification of an opioid peptide from a porcine pituitary concentrate. The peptide has typical naloxone-reversible opioid activity in the guinea pig ileum myenteric-plexus preparation and mouse vas deferens, and it inhibits stereospecific binding at opiate receptors. It is distinguished from β-endorphin and the enkephalins by its apparent molecular weight, its slow reversal with washing in the guinea pig ileum preparation, and the resistance of its biologic activity to cyanogen bromide treatment. In beef pituitary, slow-reversing, cyanogen bromide resistant activity is found principally in neurointermediate lobe.
A High Performance Single-Domain LCD With Wide Luminance Distribution

In this paper, we review the device structures and present the simulation results of four single-domain LCDs with a quasi-collimated backlight and a free-form optics-engineered diffuser. Such a non-emissive LCD exhibits similar luminance distribution to an emissive OLED, while keeping high transmittance, high contrast ratio over a large (80 $^{\circ}$ ) viewing cone, with low ambient reflection, indistinguishable color shift, and negligible off-axis grayscale distortion.
Origins of Mothers’ and Fathers’ Beliefs about Infant Crying

Origins of mothers' and fathers' beliefs about infant crying were examined in 87 couples. Parents completed measures of emotion minimization in the family of origin, depressive symptoms, empathy, trait anger, and coping styles prenatally. At 6 months postpartum, parents completed a self-report measure of their beliefs about infant crying. Mothers endorsed more infant-oriented and less parent-oriented beliefs about crying than did fathers. Consistent with prediction, a history of emotion minimization was linked with more parent-oriented and fewer infant-oriented beliefs about infant crying for both mothers and fathers either as a main effect or in conjunction with the partners' infant-oriented beliefs. Contrary to expectation, parents' own emotional dispositions had little effect on parents' beliefs about crying. The pattern of associations varied for mothers and fathers in a number of ways. Implications for future research and programs promoting sensitive parenting are discussed.
Novel Nonconductive Adhesives/Films With Carbon Nanotubes for High-Performance Interconnects

Novel nonconductive adhesives/films (NCAs/NCFs) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for high-performance interconnects were developed. A small amount of CNTs inside NCAs/NCFs could increase the thermal conductivities and at the same time decrease the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) for high thermomechanical reliability of the NCAs/NCFs' interconnect joints. Thermal mechanical analyzer measurements showed that the CTE value of the 0.03 wt% CNT filled NCAs/NCFs was significantly decreased. Current-voltage characterizations showed that the current carrying capabilities of the CNT (0.03 wt%) filled NCAs/NCFs were increased by 14% compared to the unfilled NCAs/NCFs due to the more efficient thermal dissipation and higher electrical conductivity by CNTs.
The EflFect of Parathyroid Hormone on Hepatic Cell Transport of Calcium

The influence of parathyroid hormone on the bidirectional transport of calcium in rat liver was assessed in vitro. An increase of 41% in the fractional coefficient for calcium influx was observed six hours after the administration of 200 USP units of parathyroid extract (PTE, Lilly), and increases of 50% and 56% were noted after two and three days of treatment with PTE. No increase was observed following one day of treatment, indicating the presence of a biphasic response to the hormone. The fractional coefficient for calcium efflux was not influenced by parathyroid hormone at any of the time intervals studied. Autoradiographic studies utilizing a cryostatic technique which prevented the translocation of calcium confirmed the intracellular locus of the transported radiocalcium. Competitive Chelex resin binding studies of liver supernates from parathyroid hormone treated animals revealed increased cytoplasmic binding of calcium which paralleled the changes in the fractional influx coefficients induced by t...
Improved performance of microbial fuel cells enriched with natural microbial inocula and treated by electrical current

Abstract Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are increasingly attracting attention as a sustainable technology as they convert chemical energy in organic wastes to electricity. In this study, the effects of different inoculum sources (river sediment, activated sludge and anaerobic sludge) and electrical current stimulation were evaluated using single-chamber air-cathode MFCs as model reactors based on performance in enrichment process and electrochemical characteristics of the reactors. The result revealed the rapid anodic biofilm development and substrate utilization of the anaerobic sludge-inoculated MFC. It was also found that the river sediment-inoculated MFC achieved the highest power output of 195 μW, or 98 mW m−2, due to better developed anodic biofilm confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The current stimulation enhanced the anodic biofilm attachment over time, and therefore reduced the MFC internal resistance by 27%, increased the electrical capacitance by four folds, and improved the anodic biofilm resilience against substrate deprivation. For mature MFCs, a transient application of a negative voltage (−3 V) improved the cathode activity and maximum power output by 37%. This improvement was due to the bactericidal effect of the electrode potential higher than +1.5 V vs. SHE, demonstrating a substantial benefit of treating MFC cathode after long-term operation using suitable direct electrical current.
TH-C-17A-05: Cherenkov Excited Phosphorescence Oxygen (CEPhOx) Imaging During Multi-Beam Radiation Therapy

Purpose: Cherenkov radiation is created during external beam radiation therapy that can excite phosphorescence in tissue from oxygen-sensitive, bio-compatible probes. Utilizing the known spatial information of the treatment plan with directed multiple beam angles, Cherenkov Excited Phosphorescence Oxygen (CEPhOx) imaging was realized from the reconstructions of Cherenkov excited phosphorescence lifetime. Methods: Platinum(II)-G4 (PtG4) was used as the oxygen-sensitive phosphorescent probe and added to a oxygenated cylindrical liquid phantom with a oxygenated/deoxygenated cylindrical anomaly. Cherenkov excited phosphorescence was imaged using a time-gated ICCD camera temporallysynchronized to the LINAC pulse output. Lifetime reconstruction was carried out in NIRFAST software. Multiple angles of the incident radiation beam was combined with the location of the prescribed treatment volume (PTV) to improve the tomographic recovery as a function of location. The tissue partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) in the background and PTV was calculated based on the recovered lifetime distribution and Stern-Volmer equation. Additionally a simulation study was performed to examine the accuracy of this technique in the setting of a human brain tumor. Results: Region-based pO2 values in the oxygenated background and oxygenated/deoxygenated PTV were correctly recovered, with the deoxygenated anomaly (15.4 mmHg) easily distinguished from the oxygenated background (143 mmHg). The data acquisition time could be achieved within the normal irradiation time for a human fractionated plan. The simulations indicated that CEPhOx would be a sufficient to sample tumor pO2 sensing from tumors which are larger than 2cm in diameter or within 23mm depth from the surface. Conclusion: CEPhOx could be a novel imaging tool for pO2 assessment during external radiation beam therapy. It is minimally invasive and should work within the established treatment plan of radiation therapy with multiple beams in situations where tumor pO2 measurement is a pertinent radiotherapy efficiency and dosimetric need.
INQUIRIES IN LINGUISTIC DEVELOPMENT: IN HONOR OF LYDIA WHITE

INQUIRIES IN LINGUISTIC DEVELOPMENT: IN HONOR OF LYDIA WHITE. Roumyana Slabakova, Silvina A. Montrul, and Philippe Prevost (Eds.) . Amsterdam: Benjamins, 2006. Pp. vi + 363. $156.00 cloth. As noted by one of the contributors to this Festschrift volume, Lydia White is widely regarded as the ostensible mother of research in SLA from a generative linguistics perspective. This volume consists of an introduction and 14 chapters edited and written by McGill University alumni who have studied with White. The collection covers an impressive range of topics, mostly in generative SLA, in various linguistic domains including phonology, morphosyntax, lexical and formal semantics, the syntax-discourse/pragmatics interface, and language processing. There are also chapters on first language (L1) acquisition, third language acquisition, bilingualism, and language attrition among heritage language speakers.
Preschool children's verbal responses and attitudes toward an adult with an orthopedic handicap

Preschool children were assessed to determine any differences in verbal responses or attitudes in play situations with an adult in a wheelchair as compared to an adult in a regular chair. Children were randomly assigned to one of two conditions (chair or wheelchair) in which they interacted with an examiner for two play tasks, reading and nerf basketball. Results indicated that children were able to identify a wheelchair and report that a person seated in a wheelchair could not walk. There were no differences in the children's ratings of persistence, play satisfaction, and mood when the examiner was seated in a chair or a wheelchair. Verbal responses differed between the two groups; in general, children tended to converse more and to discuss the play task more frequently when the examiner sat in a chair rather than a wheelchair. There was also a within subjects effect for play task indicating that the children were more likely to converse with the examiner during nerf basketball than reading.
Evaluation of respiratory movement during gated radiotherapy using film and electronic portal imaging

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a commercial system 1 in reducing respiration-induced treatment uncertainty by gating the radiation delivery. 1Varian Medical Systems, Inc., Palo Alto, CA. Methods and Materials: The gating system considered here measures respiration from the position of a reflective marker on the patient's chest. Respiration-triggered planning CT scans were obtained for 8 patients (4 lung, 4 liver) at the intended phase of respiration (6 at end expiration and 2 at end inspiration). In addition, fluoroscopic movies were recorded simultaneously with the respiratory waveform. During the treatment sessions, gated localization films were used to measure the position of the diaphragm relative to the vertebral bodies, which was compared to the reference digitally reconstructed radiograph derived from the respiration-triggered planning CT. Variability was quantified by the standard deviation about the mean position. We also assessed the interfraction variability of soft tissue structures during gated treatment in 2 patients using an amorphous silicon electronic portal imaging device. Results: The gated localization films revealed an interfraction patient-averaged diaphragm variability of 2.8 ± 1.0 mm (error bars indicate standard deviation in the patient population). The fluoroscopic data yielded a patient-averaged intrafraction diaphragm variability of 2.6 ± 1.7 mm. With no gating, this intrafraction excursion became 6.9 ± 2.1 mm. In gated localization films, the patient-averaged mean displacement of the diaphragm from the planning position was 0.0 ± 3.9 mm. However, in 4 of the 8 patients, the mean (over localization films) displacement was >4 mm, indicating a systematic displacement in treatment position from the planned one. The position of soft tissue features observed in portal images during gated treatments over several fractions showed a mean variability between 2.6 and 5.7 mm. The intrafraction variability, however, was between 0.6 and 1.4 mm, indicating that most of the variability was due to patient setup errors rather than to respiratory motion. Conclusions: The gating system evaluated here reduces the intra- and interfraction variability of anatomy due to respiratory motion. However, systematic displacements were observed in some cases between the location of an anatomic feature at simulation and its location during treatment. Frequent monitoring is advisable with film or portal imaging.
Monitoring of an interstate highway bridge from construction thru service with a built-in fiber optic sensor system

A total of 72 long-gage (2m long) optical fiber deformation sensors, along with 36 thermocouples were installed into one span of the five span high performance prestressed concrete I-10 Bridge over University in Las Cruces, NM. The sensors were installed along the bottom and top flanges, at mid-span and quarter spans. Pairs of crossed sensors in a rosette configuration were embedded in the webs at the supports. The embedded sensors measured temperature and deformations at the supports, quarter spans, and mid-span. Data was collected from beam fabrication, thru bridge construction and service. Collected data was analyzed to evaluate in-situ material properties, prestress losses and cambers in the girders. Actual losses and camber were compared to the losses and camber predicted using available code methods. The project was funded by the New Mexico DOT and the FHWA under the Innovative Bridge Research and Construction Program.
Evening primrose oil treatment corrects reduced conduction velocity but not depletion of arachidonic acid in nerve from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The effects of evening primrose oil (EPO) treatment, a source of gamma-linolenic acid, on the proportions of arachidonoyl-containing molecular species (ACMS) in sciatic nerve phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine were determined in conjunction with alterations in nerve conduction velocity. Normal and diabetic rats were either untreated or fed a dietary supplement containing isocalorically equivalent amounts of either EPO or corn oil for the duration of the experiment. After 8 weeks of streptozotocin-induced diabetes, nerve conduction velocity was reduced 16% and this deficit was prevented by either EPO or corn oil treatment. Neither EPO nor corn oil supplementation significantly increased the depressed proportions of ACMS. The level of the linoleoyl-containing molecular species, 16:0/18:2, was elevated in the phospholipids from untreated diabetic rats and was further increased by EPO treatment. These results are consistent with decreased activity of the delta6 desaturase that is required for arachidonic acid synthesis in vivo, but suggests that an accompanying deficit in the subsequent delta5 desaturase-catalyzed reaction may be rate-limiting. These findings indicate that maintenance of normal ACMS levels is not required for prevention of diminished nerve conduction velocity and suggest that other factors influenced by an altered polyunsaturated fatty acid pattern, such as metabolites of linoleic acid or gamma-linolenic acid other than arachidonic acid, the energy state of the nerve or the degree of membrane fluidity may contribute to impaired nerve conduction velocity in diabetic neuropathy.
Effect of oxidant stress in calcium signaling in vascular endothelial cells

The endothelial cell is recognized as a critical modulator of blood vessel tone and reactivity. This regulatory function of endothelial cells occurs via synthesis and release of diffusible paracrine substances which induce contraction or relaxation of adjacent vascular smooth muscle. In response to stimulation by blood-borne agonists such as bradykinin or histamine, the endothelial cell utilizes cytosolic ionic Ca2+ as a trigger in the transduction of the stimulatory signal into a paracrine response. Considerable evidence has accumulated to indicate that various forms of biologically important oxidant stress alter vascular function in an endothelium-dependent manner. Further, oxidant stress is known to alter the mechanisms which govern Ca2+ homeostasis in the endothelial cell. Recently, we have described a model in which the oxidant tert-butylhydroperoxide is utilized to examine the effects of oxidant stress on Ca(2+)-dependent signal transduction in vascular endothelial cells. In this model, three temporal phases are evident and consist of (1) inhibition of the agonist-stimulated Ca2+ influx pathway, (2) inhibition of receptor-activated release of Ca2+ from internal stores and elevation of resting cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration, and (3) progressive increase in resting cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and loss of responsiveness to agonist stimulation. In this review, the mechanisms which characterize agonist-stimulated Ca2+ signaling in vascular endothelial cells, and the effects of oxidant stress on signal transduction will be described. The mechanisms potentially responsible for oxidant-induced inhibition of Ca2+ signaling will be considered.
Synthesis of a Macrocycle Based on Linked Amino Acid Mimetics (LAAM).

We report the synthesis of a macrocycle utilizing a novel framework of standard amino acids in combination with subunits that we have named as Linked Amino Acid Mimetics (LAAMs). Macrocycles based on the LAAM concept provide both a peptide targeting region and two independently variable functional regions. In the prototype structure, the commonly known Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) sequence was used for the targeting region. The functional regions contain a phenyl group, and the linkage was formed via a Ring-Closing Metathesis (RCM) reaction.
The environmental fate of organophosphorus nerve agents: A review

This review evaluates the environmental fate of three extremely toxic chemical warfare agents containing the organophosphonate moiety: sarin, soman, and VX. The nerve agents and their more persistent degradation products, the alkyl methylphosphonates, may undergo hydrolysis, catalyzed reactions in solution or on solid phases, volatilization, photolysis, biodegradation, and reactions in soils. Although the current data are limited, degradation rates are estimated and applied to a simple first order fate model.
Emergency battlefield cricothyrotomy complicated by tube occlusion

Emergency cricothyrotomy is a technique used to secure an otherwise compromised or inaccessible airway and has been recommended for use in the battlefield under certain circumstances. This case reports an acute complication of emergency cricothyrotomy. An Iraqi soldier, injured in an improvised explosive device blast received an emergency battlefield cricothyrotomy. At the Combat Support Hospital, the patient became more difficult to ventilate and was taken to the operating room for tracheostomy. The cricothyrotomy tube was found to be occluded with blood.
Factors affecting transient gene expression in protoplasts isolated from very slowly growing embryogenic callus cultures of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Protoplasts isolated from embryogenic (‘Mustang’ and ‘Chinese Spring’) and non-embryogenic (‘Mit’) calli of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes transiently expressed β-glucuronidase (GUS) activity when electroporated with a plasmid containing the GUS gene and driven by an enhanced 35S promoter and a TMV leader sequence. Conditions for the maximum expression of GUS activity were: electroporation of the freshly isolated protoplasts at 250 Vcm-1 and 250 μF for 2 s using 50 μg/ml of plasmid DNA; incubation of the protoplasts with the plasmid before the pulse for 2 h; and a 15-min recovery period on ice after the pulse. In general, a higher GUS activity was obtained in protoplasts of non-embryogenic (NE) callus origin than in those of embryogenic (E) callus origin. Only GUS constructs containing a duplicate 35S promoter derivative resulted in a significant level of GUS expression. The presence of the TMV viral leader sequence in the pAGUS1-TN2 plasmid construct resulted in a significant increase of GUS activity in the electroporated protoplasts of both callus types. On the other hand, protoplasts electroporated with the Adh1 promoter and intron showed a threefold less GUS activity than those electroporated with pAGUS1-TN2. Optimized conditions for DNA uptake and expression were very similar for protoplasts of both callus types. The importance of these findings for the successful regeneration of transgenic and fertile wheat plants is discussed.
Simultaneous Determination of Thiamin and Riboflavin in Selected Foods by High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography

A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) system that makes it possible to accurately and simultaneously quantitate low levels of riboflavin and thiamin (thiochrome) from single extracts following oxidation and sample preconcentration steps is described. Several food matrices were analyzed and the results compared to the AOAC method now in use. Within the range of standard deviations, both methods gave comparable values. This method is rapid, accurate, sensitive and economical, making it attractive to those who require routine analysis of thiamin and riboflavin.
A Quantitative Study of Accountability in Wireless Multi-hop Networks

In this paper, we explore a quantitative approach to accountable wireless multi-hop networks. We propose using hierarchical P-Accountability to adapt the requirements of modeling a complex network environment and assess the degree of accountability in a fine-grained manner. We have defined P-Accountability and demonstrated its use in the hierarchical network environment. In addition, we apply P-Accountability to a wireless multi-hop network system. Both numerical and simulation results show that our approach is applicable to most accountable systems and that it provides a flexible and comprehensive view of the degree of accountability.
Photographic Surveillance Of Highway Safety Devices

Increasing awareness of roadside hazards, primarily in the form of rigid fixed objects, has given rise to the development of sophisticated devices designed either to replace unsafe, outmoded, but essential roadway items, or to enhance the safety of existing difficult-to-replace items. Classed with the former group are such devices as breakaway light poles, weak-post guide railing and the New Jersey concrete median barrier, while various types of crash cushions, otherwise known as impact-attenuation devices, are referred to the latter group. Most promising among the crash cushions are the Rich system, consisting of a network of water filled rubber cells, and the Fitch system, which is made up of a number of sand-filled plastic barrels.© (1973) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.