cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimum numerical aperture for optical projection microlithography

Given a resolution requirement and the imaging wavelength, there is an optimum NA. If the NA is too low, the resolution cannot be achieved, but if the NA is too high, the depth of focus, which is inversely proportional to NA2, becomes unacceptable. There is an optimum NA where the depth of focus is maximum. In this paper the optimum NA given by the aerial image is determined unambiguously by evaluating the normalized depth of focus k2 as a function of the normalized resolution k1, then identifying the k1 at which the function k2/k12 is maximum. The optimum NA is then simply the optimum k1 multiplied by (lambda) /NA. A substantial amount of work is required to evaluate k2 as a function of k1 by means of exposure-defocus trees and windows. In this paper, all k2 and k2/k12 as functions of k1 are given for line-space pairs, isolated line openings, isolated spaces, holes, islands, combination of the 3 long features, and of all the 5 features. A 10% exposure budget is used to simulate the situation of single layer resist systems and 30% exposure budget for multilayer resist systems. The results show optimum NA for individual feature shapes much lower than expectation, gaining insights to the problems occurring in manufacturing and in reducing the usable k1. They also lead to the following observations. The optimum k1 for single resist systems ranges from 0.57 to 0.87 depending on the feature shape. That for multilayer resist systems ranges from 0.42 to 0.7. Opaque spaces have the lowest optimum k1. Line openings have the largest depth of focus. Positive resists and negative masks are preferred to delineate contact holes. Negative resists and negative masks are preferred to delineate gates and metal lines. The opaque island is the limiting feature for the line-space pair, line, space, hole, and island combination at larger k1. That for the combination of line-space pair, line, and space is the line-space pair.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A structural element that facilitates proton-coupled electron transfer in oxalate decarboxylase.

The conformational properties of an active-site loop segment, defined by residues Ser161-Glu162-Asn163-Ser164, have been shown to be important for modulating the intrinsic reactivity of Mn(II) in the active site of Bacillus subtilis oxalate decarboxylase. We now detail the functional and structural consequences of removing a conserved Arg/Thr hydrogen-bonding interaction by site-specific mutagenesis. Hence, substitution of Thr-165 by a valine residue gives an OxDC variant (T165V) that exhibits impaired catalytic activity. Heavy-atom isotope effect measurements, in combination with the X-ray crystal structure of the T165V OxDC variant, demonstrate that the conserved Arg/Thr hydrogen bond is important for correctly locating the side chain of Glu-162, which mediates a proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) step prior to decarboxylation in the catalytically competent form of OxDC. In addition, we show that the T165V OxDC variant exhibits a lower level of oxalate consumption per dioxygen molecule, consistent ...
Sensation seeking as an explanation for the association between substance use and HIV-related risky sexual behavior

Past research has shown that recreational drug use correlates with sexual behaviors that confer high risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The present study tested the hypothesis that sensation seeking, a disposition characterized by the tendency to pursue novel, exciting, and optimal levels of arousal, accounts for a majority of the variance in associations between substance use and high-risk sexual behavior. Ninety-nine homosexually active men completed measures of sensation seeking, self-reported sexual behavior, and substance use. Path analysis and hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that sensation seeking accounts for the observed relationship between substance use and high-risk sexual behavior. We conclude that personality characteristics, often ignored in high-risk sexual episodes, predict risk behavior over and above substance use, and may be useful in tailoring HIV prevention interventions.
Treatment of hypercholesterolemia in pregnancy : Risks versus benefits

Objective:To identify treatment options for hypercholesterolemia in pregnant women.Data Sources:A search was conducted of MEDLINE (1966–March 2004), EMBASE (1980–March 2004), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–March 2004). Key terms included fibric acid derivatives, plant stanol/sterols, niacin, ezetimibe, vitamin E, LDL-apheresis, and fish oil.Study Selection and Data Extraction:The articles evaluated described hypercholesterolemia during pregnancy and lipid therapy options.Data Synthesis:Elevated lipid levels in pregnant women may have a negative impact on the fetus. Case reports and clinical trials from 1966 to March 2004 were evaluated for information regarding the impact of various cholesterol-lowering agents on both the mother and fetus. These case reports and trials conclude that additional studies are needed to determine their overall safety in pregnant women.Conclusions:Lipid-lowering therapies have differing levels of safety and efficacy and are not well studied in pregnant women. ...
Evaluation of drinking patterns and their impact on alcohol-related aggression: a national survey of adolescent behaviours.

Background Although there have been a wide range of epidemiological studies examining the impact of patterns of alcohol consumption among adolescents, there remains considerable variability in both defining these patterns and the ability to comprehensively evaluate their relationship to behavioural patterns. This study explores a new procedure for defining and evaluating drinking patterns and integrating well-established indicators. The composite measure is then used to estimate the impact of these patterns on alcohol-related aggressive behaviour among Italian adolescents.
Proteolytic Activity and Protein Gatabolism of Rat Diaphragm in Hemorrhagic Shock.

SummaryThe induction of hemorrhagic shock in the rat is accompanied by 1) no change in dipeptidase activity of extracted or surviving diaphragm; and 2) a significant increase in net protein catabolism of surviving; diaphragm. Evidence is presented indicating that isolated diaphragms from shocked animals undergo some degree of “recovery” when exposed to an oxygen atmosphere.
The Relationship Between FAM5C SNP (rs10920501) Variability, Metabolic Syndrome, and Inflammation, in Women with Coronary Heart Disease

Introduction:The leading cause of death among women is coronary heart disease (CHD), a multifactorial disease with polygenic heritability estimated at 50%. Polymorphisms in the family with sequence similarity 5, member C′ (FAM5C) gene have been associated with myocardial infarction (MI). FAM5C also corresponds directly with the inflammatory biomarker monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and metabolic syndrome.Method:The purpose of this descriptive gene association pilot study was to investigate the variability of FAM5C (rs10920501) in 91 women with CHD. The authors also examined the associations between the variability of FAM5C (rs10920501) and metabolic syndrome, inflammatory markers, and early onset CHD.Results:No women in this study with the homozygous variant (TT) had an MI. Women with a history of MI and the heterozygous (AT) genotype had a later age of onset of CHD compared to those with the homozygous wild type (AA; F(3, 34) = 5.00, p < .01). These findings suggest a protective effect of the ...
A career at the interface of cell and developmental biology: a view from the crest

Just as neural crest cells migrate great distances through the embryo, my journey has taken me from a childhood in a distant land to a career as a biologist. My mentoring relationships have shaped not only the careers of my trainees, but also the trajectory of my own science. One of the most satisfying aspects of mentoring comes from helping to empower the next generation of scientists to do more tomorrow than is possible today. This, together with a passion for discovery and learning new things, motivates me and makes science such a rewarding career.
Prime ideals in two-dimensional domains over the integers

Let B be a finitely generated birational extension of Z[x], the ring of polynomials in one variable over the integers Z. (That is, B is a finitely generated extension of Z[x] contained in its quotient field Q(x).) Then Spec(B) is order-isomorphic to SpecZ[x]. This affirms part of a conjecture of Wiegand (1986).
Laguerre multiplier sequences and sector properties of entire functions

We show that the class of multiplier sequences which can be interpolated by rational functions is the same as the class of multiplier sequences which can be interpolated by polynomials. In addition, a result of Obreschkoff is used to show that Jensen polynomials related to the Riemann ξ-function have only real zeros up to degree 1017. Partial results are stated concerning the problem of characterizing linear transformations which take polynomials whose zeros are constrained to lie in a sector to polynomials of the same type.
Inverse modeling and its application in the design of high electron mobility transistors

An inverse modeling technique is introduced to determine the structural and physical parameters of HEMT from the desired data for maximum transconductance. The technique is based on the availability of analytical expressions describing the electron carrier concentration, the current, the transconductance, the capacitances and the unity current gain frequency of a HEMT. Empirical formulae are obtained that relate the maximum transconductance to the doped AlGaAs thickness, spacer layer thickness, dopant density and aluminum mole fraction. The technique is applied to the design of a HEMT and shows good agreement with the experimental data. >
A comparative study of sterol biosynthesis in Annelida.

1. 1. The metabolism acid has been studied in marine and terrestrial species from the Phylum Annelida with 14C substrates. 2. 2. Radioactive 3-β-hydroxy sterols were isolated from all polychaetes injected with 2-14C mevalonic acid; one of the labeled sterols found in Nereis diversicolor has been isolated and identified as cholesterol. 3. 3. In contrast, no 14C-3-β-hydroxy sterols were detected in the terrestrial species, Lumbricus terrestris, but a large amount of radioactivity was found in squalene; this species can synthesize squalene, but is unable to cyclize this intermediate to digitonin-precipitable sterols. 4. 4. Similar results were obtained both in the presence and absence of antibiotics.
Comparing personal and organisational preferences in the acquisition of information technologies: case of personal computing

Effective decision-making is essential not only for business but also for personal life. Using appropriate decision tools is the key factor of making a successful decision. Technologies are changing very fast in today' consumer electronics industry. It is extremely complicated for the buyers to differentiate one product from the other. This paper utilises a decision model, which integrated hierarchical decision-making and utility theories to identify the preferences of IT professionals for computing attributes. The paper then compares the results with those of prior research, which explored student users. The results indicate that the preferences do not change from one group to another. This suggests that the IT organisations may have aligned personal and organisational goals well.
Regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in the neonatal rat: the role of maternal behavior.

There is a growing literature that indicates that exposure to elevated levels of glucocorticoids can result in long term consequences for the developing brain. In the developing rodent there is a period from about day 4–14 when the adrenal response to stress is either minimal or non-existent thus resulting in stable low levels of circulating glucocorticoids. This has been designated as the stress hypo-responsive period (SHRP). Numerous experiments have demonstrated that maternal factors are critical for the regulation of the pup's hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the maintenance of the SHRP. Following 24h of maternal deprivation the neonatal rat shows elevated basal levels of corticosterone and exhibits a robust corticosterone and ACTH response to mild stress. Further c-fos mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus is enhanced following stress in deprived pups. At least three aspects of maternal behavior play a role in the regulation of the HPA axis during development. Tactile stimulation appears capable in inhibiting most of the brain-related changes that occur following maternal deprivation. Feeding is essential for maintaining the adrenal unresponsive and reduces the sensitivity of the adrenal to ACTH. Passive contact suppresses the response to stress. In the adult cordicotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is the major neuropetide that controls pituitary ACTH secretion. In the maternally deprived pup CRH gene transcription is down regulated and arginine vasopressin (AVP) appears to assume the major regulatory hormone that modulates ACTH. These data all indicate that maternal factors are responsible for actively inhibiting the endocrine responses to stress postnatally. Further, maternal deprivation also results in increased cell death in several brain regions. This during development most of the peripheral and central stress reponsive systems are capable of being activated. However, under conditions of normal dam—pup interactions these responses are mostly supressed by the dam's behavioral interaction with the pups thus preventing the potential toxic effects of increased secretion of glucocorticoids during critical periods of brain development.
Dynamic communities in evolving network graphs

This work presents applied research using spectral graph partitioning to examine potential community structures in evolving graphs. In our early experiments, evolving graphs represent time varying models of mobile wireless communication networks but they could also represent more abstract architectural representations such as middleware topologies or social network dynamics. While in its technical infancy, mobile network community analysis is an important capability in network planning, management, and adaptation strategies. We first present some discussion and technical background required to describe the analytical components and dynamic network modeling techniques. A set of mobile network scenarios are then described and applied to demonstrate the use of the dynamic spectral partitionign methods. We also develop and present a potential aid to dynamically establish partition set size and introduce a heuristic metric for partitioning quality. Our dynamic network experiments are represented by a series of evolving weighted graphs with dynamic attribute data that we plan to use in future work to represent network neighbor quality effects or other metrics as deemed appropriate to the scenario. We conclude by reviewing results and discussing future work.
Clumsiness in autism and Asperger syndrome: a further report

Clumsiness has been proposed as a diagnostic feature of Asperger syndrome (AS), a type of pervasive developmental disorder recently introduced in the ICD-10 and DSM-IV. However, the extent to which this symptom is specific to AS is not clear. To investigate this issue, we compared a sample of AS children with age- and sex-matched groups of children with autistic disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDDNOS). Twelve subjects with AS (ICD-10/DSM-IV; 11 males; average age 11.4 years; mean full-scale IQ 104.9) were compared with 12 subjects with autistic disorder (DSM-III-R; II males; average age 10.3 years; mean full-scale IQ 78.4) and 12 subjects with PDDNOS (DSM-III-R; 10 males; average age 10.1 years; mean full-scale IQ 78.2). The BruininksOseretsky test, a standardized test of motor coordination, was administered blind by the same investigator to all the three groups. While coordination deficits were found in all three groups, children with AS were found to be less impaired than those with autistic disorder and PDDNOS. However, no significant relationship was found between coordination scores and diagnosis after adjusting for the level of intelligence. These findings suggest that some patients with AS may be less clumsy than those with autistic disorder and that this difference may be the result of their higher level of intelligence. Studies based on larger samples using multiple measures of coordination are needed to further clarify the role of clumsiness in the classification of pervasive developmental disorders.
Investigating the encoding and retrieval of intentions with event-related potentials.

Strong evidence exists in the literature that remembering to complete intentions involves executive processing subserved by the frontal lobes. Event-related potentials were measured during the encoding of actions with the intention to perform versus more neutral material about which there was no such intentionality. Event-related potentials were also measured in a two-alternative discrimination task requiring identification of the to-be-performed actions and to-be-memorized actions. The results suggest that formation and retrieval of intentions differs from encoding and retrieval of similar material committed to memory. Additionally, the results suggest that right frontal areas may play an important role in the formation of prospective actions and that intentions are kept active in memory by processing mediated by the left frontal pole.
Medium range order in amorphous silicon and germanium

Abstract Experimentally determined bond length and bond angle deviation have values in agreement with models based on the continous random network for tetrahedrally coordinated systems. The minimum strain energies computed from the measured minimum bond angles prior to crystallization compare favorably with the measured enthalpy of crystallization. Structurally the hydrogenated amorphous silicon is close to the anneal-stabled state. There is no evidence of medium range order in Raman studies.
Towards a NMR implementation of a quantum lattice gas algorithm

Recent theoretical results suggest that an array of quantum information processors communicating via classical channels can be used to solve fluid dynamics problems. Quantum lattice-gas algorithms (QLGA) running on such architectures have been shown to solve the diffusion equation and the nonlinear Burgers equations. In this report, we describe progress towards an ensemble nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) implementation of a QLGA that solves the diffusion equation. The methods rely on NMR techniques to encode an initial mass density into an ensemble of two-qubit quantum information processors. Using standard pulse techniques, the mass density can then manipulated and evolved through the steps of the algorithm. We provide the experimental results of our first attempt to realize the NMR implementation. The results qualitatively follow the ideal simulation, but the observed implementation errors highlight the need for improved control.
Electromagnetic resonances of immersed dielectric spheres

The complex natural resonances (CNR) for lossless dielectric spheres in a lossless dielectric medium are investigated. Significant differences between the external and internal resonances are presented. The external resonances are related to the external creeping waves and the internal resonances to the internally reflected waves. The internal resonances are more important in practice because of their smaller damping factors. A simple physical interpretation for predicting the resonance behavior of a general dielectric sphere is obtained.
A two-phase free boundary problem with discontinuous velocity: Application to tumor model

Abstract We consider a two-phase free boundary problem consisting of a hyperbolic equation for w and a parabolic equation for u , where w and u represent, respectively, densities of cells and cytokines in a simplified tumor growth model. The tumor region Ω ( t ) is enclosed by the free boundary Γ ( t ) , and the exterior of the tumor, D ( t ) , consists of a healthy normal tissue. Due to cancer cell proliferation, the convective velocity v → of cells is discontinuous across the free boundary; the motion of the free boundary Γ ( t ) is determined by v → . We prove the existence and uniqueness of a solution to this system in the radially symmetric case for a small time interval 0 ≤ t ≤ T , and apply the analysis to the full tumor growth model.
Long-haul analog links tutorial

The principles of radio-frequency analog photonics are reviewed with special attention to long-haul analog links. Novel analog modulation formats are demonstrated as alternatives to the intensity-modulation, direct-detection technique. Photodiode limitations and receiver designs are discussed.
Immunological observations following vasectomy.

Lymphocytotoxic antibodies (LCA) against panels of normal lymphocytes and leukemic B-cells were demonstrated in vasectomized men. Since vasectomy is known to induce antibody formation to spermatozoa, the demonstration of these lymphocytotoxic antibodies may be related to antigenic constitutents of spermatozoa such as HLA or B-cell alloantigens. Long term follow-up is needed to clarify the clinical significance of these antibodies.
Cross-hatching - A coupling of gas dynamics with the ablation process.

Hypersonic wind tunnel investigation of cross hatched ablation surface patterns due to coupling of gas dynamics with ablation process
Toward image based visual servoing for aerial grasping and perching

This paper addresses the dynamics, control, planning, and visual servoing for micro aerial vehicles to perform high-speed aerial grasping tasks. We draw inspiration from agile, fast-moving birds, such as raptors, that detect, locate, and execute high-speed swoop maneuvers to capture prey. Since these grasping maneuvers are predominantly in the sagittal plane, we consider the planar system and present mathematical models and algorithms for motion planning and control, required to incorporate similar capabilities in quadrotors equipped with a monocular camera. In particular, we develop a dynamical model directly in the image space, show that this is a differentially-flat system with the image features serving as flat outputs, outline a method for generating trajectories directly in the image feature space, develop a geometric visual controller that considers the second order dynamics (in contrast to most visual servoing controllers that assume first order dynamics), and present validation of our methods through both simulations and experiments.
A geometric integration of the extended Lee homomorphism

Abstract We give a geometric integration of the extended Lee homomorphism, yielding a homomorphism on the group of automorphisms of a locally conformal symplectic manifold and interpret its kernel as quotient of a group of symplectic diffeomorphisms of a canonically associated symplectic manifold, on which we construct the Calabi invariants in terms of the c A -cohomology. The value of this global Lee homomorphism on an automorphism is the similitude ratio of some lifting on the associated symplectic manifold. Applications to mechanics are given.
Immunofluorescence of adenovirus type 7 T-antigen(s) and virion antigens in infected KB cells.

SummaryThe production of adenovirus type 7 T-antigen(s) and virion antigens in infected KB cells has been detected by immunofluorescence and correlated with the one-step growth curve. The T-antigen first appears at 4 hr as small discrete intranuclear dots and flecks which extend with time to form stellate configurations and eventually long branching filaments by 12 hr after infection. Virion antigens appear at 9-10 hr and new infectious virus is detected by 12 hr. The appearance and morphology of the T-antigen is unaffected by the presence of FUDR; however, the synthesis of virion antigens is delayed until about 7 hr after reversal of the inhibition with thymidine. The growth kinetics of adenovirus 7, a member of the weakly oncogenic group of human adenoviruses, are similar to those of the “nononcogenic” types 2 and 5 in contrast to the longer time required for the growth of the highly oncogenic adenovirus 12.
OPINION ADVERTISING AND THE FREE MARKET OF IDEAS

This study assesses how well the advertising policies and practices of the major market mass media correspond to the standards set by the Commission on Freedom of the Press and the American Civil Liberties Union. Specifically, to what extent do the media have an "open" policy toward opinion advertising? What types of restrictions do they place on opinion ads? Do they view opinion advertising differently from commercial advertising? And are there policy differences between the print and the broadcast media? The author is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radio, Television, and Motion Pictures, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
2010 Special Issue: Applying machine learning to infant interaction: The development is in the details

The face-to-face interactions of infants and their parents are a model system in which critical communicative abilities emerge. We apply machine learning methods to explore the predictability of infant and mother behavior during interaction with an eye to understanding the preconditions of infant intentionality. Overall, developmental changes were most evident when the probability of specific behaviors was examined in specific interactive contexts. Mother's smiled predictably in response to infant smiles, for example, and infant smile initiations become more predictable over developmental time. Analysis of face-to-face interaction - a tractable model system - promise to pave the way for the construction of virtual and physical agents who are able to interact and develop.
An implicit finite element time-domain method with unconditional stability

Volume discretization techniques have been used extensively for the full wave analysis of microwave circuits and resonators. Most predominately, the finite-difference time-domain method, has proven to be a highly efficient technique. Finite element methods have also been used in the frequency domain and in the time domain using implicit methods. For an implicit method to be competitive computationally with an explicit method, the number of time iterations required to converge to a final solution must be significantly less. Unfortunately, the implicit finite element time-domain (FETD) methods presented are all conditionally stable. An unconditionally stable FETD algorithm is presented. The variational formulation is based on the vector wave equation. A time integration technique is proposed which leads to an unconditionally stable solution. Some numerical examples based on a cavity resonator problem are presented to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the method.
MACE: A Compact Deployable, Lightweight Electric Energy Storage System with Multi-Megamp and Gigajoule Delivery Capability

A new concept for the storage of large amounts of electric energy that can be delivered in milliseconds at multi megamp current levels, is described. The MACE (magnetic cable energy) uses a multi-turn superconducting cable loop to store the electric energy. The primary superconducting cable is very closely coupled inductively to a single-turn normal metal, non-superconducting, open circuited secondary loop that does not carry current during the storage phase. Upon demand, the secondary loop is connected to the load and the superconductor material in the MACE cable is driven into the normal, non- superconducting high resistance state by a very short, intense heating pulse. Virtually all, >98%, of the total ampere turns of current in the MACE superconducting loop then instantly transfers inductively to the normal metal loop. As an example, if the multi-turn superconducting, loop carries three million ampere turns of current [e.g., 300 turns of 10,000 ampere superconductor], the single-turn normal metal loop would then carry three million amperes. Depending on application, the output current can be designed to deliver whatever level is appropriate. For electric rail guns, output currents of several megamps are desirable. For Maglev launchers, a lower current at higher voltage using a multi-turn secondary loop, is desirable. The MACE cable would be transported as a compact coiled package on existing transport vehicles. At the operating site, it would be uncoiled and deployed as a loop, either directly at ground level, or in a protective enclosure. Large amounts of energy can be stored in MACE. For example, a 50 centimeter diameter MACE cable could carry six million ampere turns of current cable. Formed into a 10 meter diameter loop, it would store ~400 megajoules of electric energy. More than 95% of the stored energy could be delivered to an electric gun. The MACE-1 system uses the liquid helium cooled niobium-titanium superconductors that have been used for decades, while the MACE-2 system uses the recently developed liquid nitrogen cooled YBCO high temperature superconductor. Both systems appear practical, and can be cycled many times. The Nb-Ti superconductors in MACE-1 operate at higher current density, >105 A/cm2, but require more refrigeration. For both systems, the temperature rise in the superconductor during the delivery pulse is very small, ~20 K, and it is not damaged by the pulse. Illustrative designs are described.
Chaotic causal trajectories associated with a single stationary state of a system of noninteracting particles

Abstract It is shown that causal trajectories associated with a single stationary state of a system of noninteracting particles may exhibit deterministic chaos. The example considered is that of two particles, either fermions or bosons, moving in a two-dimensional isotropic harmonic oscillator potential.
Quantum Monte Carlo simulations of bosonic and fermionic impurities in a two-dimensional hard-core boson system.

A two-dimensional lattice hard-core boson system with a small fraction of bosonic or fermionic impurities is studied. The impurity hopping and interactions are identical to those of the dominant bosons, so that effects due to quantum statistics can be isolated. A quantum Monte Carlo scheme is developed in which bosonic paths are sampled and the impurities are introduced at the level of summing over permutation cycles. For both types of impurities, an anomaly in the effective impurity interaction energy is found at the Kosterlitz-Thouless temperature; it changes from attractive for $Tg{T}_{\mathrm{KT}}$ to repulsive for $Tl{T}_{\mathrm{KT}}$, suggesting that impurities strongly affect the vortex physics.
Abnormal foveal avascular zone in nanophthalmos.

Purpose To evaluate the foveas of nanophthalmic patients. Design Retrospective observational case series. Methods Four nanophthalmic patients examined between April 2005 and April 2006 were included. Visual acuity (VA), refractive correction, axial length, corneal diameter, presence or lack of foveal light reflex, as well as fluorescein angiograms (FAs), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans of the maculae were evaluated. Results None of the eight eyes had a foveal light reflex, corresponding to lack of a normal foveal pit on OCT. Fluorescein angiography showed no normal foveal avascular zones; all were either completely absent or small and rudimentary. Conclusions Nanophthalmic patients rarely have best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) better than 20/40 at any point in their lives, even with an absence of known complications, such as uveal effusion or glaucoma. In many patients, this visual deficiency may correspond to an absent or rudimentary foveal avascular zone and lack of a normal foveal pit.
Soft-defect detection (SDD) technique for a high-reliability CMOS SRAM

A complete data retention test of a CMOS SRAM array accomplished at room temperature using the soft-defect detection (SDD) technique is reported. The SDD technique uses a connectivity analysis and cell-array current test to detect physical open faults that can cause data retention failures. An extensive circuit analysis was made to establish the operation theory and special circuit design features required for SDD. Complete SDD circuits have been developed and implemented into a 16 K CMOS SRAM module for a 32-b microcontroller. Full operation and effectiveness of the SDD technique were verified from a special experimental 16 K CMOS RAM module with built-in defective cells. the SDD technique can accomplish not only the retention test at room temperature, but also the detection of other defects that were heretofore impractical to detect using the conventional retention test technique of high-temperature bakes and functional tests. >
Playback-Theater – ein dynamischer Spiegel

Im Playback-Theater besteht – wie im Psychodrama – ein klarer Rahmen, es gibt Regeln und Rituale. Im Unterschied zum Stegreifspiel und zu psychodramatischen Szenen stehen die Erzahlenden nie auf der Buhne, sie bleiben immer Zuschauende am Buhnenrand. Anhand von den Spielformen des Playback-Theaters und mit Beispielen aus Auffuhrungen wird die Befreiung von belastenden Geschichten durch die Spiegelwirkung von Playback-Theater gezeigt. Die erzahlten Geschichten, dynamisch gespiegelt und gemeinsam erlebt, verbinden Publikum und Spielende in einem sozialen Dialog. Es entsteht ein thematischer „Roter Faden“.
R1 Region of P97 Mediates Adherence of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae to Swine Cilia

Adherence of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae to the swine respiratory tract is mediated by the membrane protein P97. This protein is located on the outer membrane surface, and its role in adherence has been firmly established. The general region of P97 that mediates adherence to swine cilia is thought to be the R1 region near the carboxy terminus of the protein, but it was not clear if this region could mediate adherence to swine cilia independently of other P97 sequences. To examine this in more detail, a series of R1 repeat sequences containing different numbers of repeating units cloned in frame with lacZ was used to produce R1–β-galactosidase fusion proteins. These proteins were then tested for adherence to swine cilia and for reactivity to the adherence-blocking monoclonal antibody F2G5 and convalescent-phase swine sera. In this way it was possible to accurately define the cilium binding epitope of P97 and the minimal epitope recognized by antibody. Our results indicate that eight R1 repeating units are required for cilium binding and that three repeating units are needed for antibody recognition. These results could lead to more effective therapeutic measures against this important swine pathogen.
UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF DEBT IN THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM 1

Money markets are fundamentally different from stock markets. Stock markets are about price discovery for the purpose of allocating risk efficiently. Money markets are about obviating the need for price discovery using over-collateralized debt to reduce the cost of lending. Yet, attempts to reform credit markets in the wake of the recent financial crisis often draw on insights grounded in our understanding of stock markets. This can be very misleading. The paper presents a perspective on the logic of credit markets and the structure of debt-contracts that highlights the information insensitivity of debt. This perspective explains among other things why opacity often enhances liquidity in credit markets and therefore why all financial panics involve debt. These basic insights into the nature of debt and credit markets are simple, but useful for thinking about policies on transparency, on capital buffers and other regulatory issues concerning banking and money markets as illustrated in the paper.
Cystic fibrosis and estrogens: A perfect storm

Irreversible destruction and widening of the airways due to acquired infections or genetic mutations as well as those of unknown cause are more severe in females. Differences between male and female anatomy, behavior, and hormonal state have been proposed to explain the increased incidence and severity in females with airway disease such as cystic fibrosis (CF); however, a mechanism to explain a sex-related difference has remained elusive. In this issue of the JCI, Coakley et al. report that elevations in the major estrogen hormone in humans--17beta-estradiol--reduce Ca2+-activated Cl- secretion by airway epithelial cells in culture, thereby disrupting ion and water balance (see the related article beginning on page 4025). They measure a similar diminution of nasal epithelial Ca2+-activated Cl- secretion in women with CF during the menstrual cycle phase at which 17beta-estradiol level is at its highest. These data suggest that for about one week of a four-week menstrual cycle, women with CF will have a reduced ability to efficiently clear airway secretions, the buildup of which is a hallmark of CF. The authors suggest that these data warrant the testing of antiestrogen therapy in females with CF and propose an alternative avenue for CF therapeutic development.
Secrecy when the eavesdropper controls its channel states

This work investigates providing information theoretically secure communication in a scenario where the eavesdropper is more powerful as compared to models considered to date. Specifically, we consider the setting where the eavesdropper, based on signals it received in the past, modifies its channel state in order to benefit its reception of the legitimate parties' messages. Natural to this setting is that the legitimate parties do not have any knowledge of the eavesdropper's channel state. In this setting, we study the Gaussian two-way wiretap channel, namely two legitimate nodes connected by a bi-directional link in the presence of an eavesdropper that receives the superposition of signals from both nodes. We show that a positive secrecy rate in the sense of strong secrecy is achievable even under these assumptions. The secrecy rate obtained scales with transmit power. The achievable strategy involves cooperative jamming pointing out to its robustness to the adaptive nature of the eavesdropper channel.
Confucian Stakeholder Theory: An Exploration

Originated in the West, stakeholder theory is normatively anchored in Western value systems. Differences in value orientations and ethical systems in this global age call for culturally pertinent stakeholder theory. In this article, we argue that Confucianism forms an additional normative basis for stakeholder theory, appropriate for a Confucian context. We demonstrate it through application of Confucianism in major stakeholder relationships. The Confucian stakeholder theory provides a meaningful addition to the corpus of stakeholder literature.
Time course of reverse remodeling of the left ventricle during support with a left ventricular assist device.

Abstract Background: Support with a left ventricular assist device leads to normalization of left ventricular chamber geometry, regression of myocyte hypertrophy, alterations in left ventricular collagen content, and normalized expression of genes involved with excitation-contraction coupling in patients with heart failure. The objective of this study was to investigate the time course of these processes. Methods: Passive left ventricular pressure-volume relationships were obtained from explanted hearts of 19 patients with heart failure undergoing transplantation without left ventricular assist device support, 25 patients with heart failure supported before transplantation (duration of support ranging between 8 and 155 days), and 5 normal human hearts not suitable for transplantation. Left ventricular size was indexed by the volume at which left ventricular pressure reached 30 mm Hg. Left ventricular tissue samples were probed for sarcoplasmic endoreticular calcium adenosine triphosphatase 2a expression and processed for analysis of myocyte diameter and relative myocardial collagen content. Results: The volume at which left ventricular pressure reached 30 mm Hg was not significantly different between hearts without and with assist device support for less than 40 days. However, the volume at which left ventricular pressure reached 30 mm Hg in patients with assist devices supported for more than 40 days was significantly smaller than that of the hearts without assist devices but was larger than that of normal hearts. A similar pattern was observed for myocyte diameter. Sarcoplasmic endoreticular calcium adenosine triphosphatase 2a expression increased to normal levels by about 20 days of support with an assist device. Relative collagen content was significantly increased in hearts supported for more than 40 days. Conclusion: Maximum structural reverse remodeling by left ventricular assist devices is complete by about 40 days. Molecular reverse remodeling of sarcoplasmic endoreticular calcium adenosine triphosphatase 2a expression is quicker, being complete by about 20 days. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2001;121:902-8)
Evidence for the Presence of Abnormal Proteins in the Urine of Recurrent Stone Formers

AbstractTwo-thirds of matrix of all urinary stones consists of proteins. Despite intense research, their relationship to calculogenesis remains controversial. In an attempt to study excretion of proteins in stone formers, their urinary profiles were analyzed and compared with those of healthy subjects. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis was employed to obtain high resolution separation of proteins.The urine of patients with histories of idiopathic calcium oxalate (CaOx) calculi contained 7 unique proteins, and 2 others that appeared to be overexpressed. Except for alpha1 -acid glycoprotein, the remaining 8 proteins are previously unknown constituents of urine with molecular weights of approximately 43, 39.5, 29, 26, 25.5, 26.5, 27 and 18.5 kD. Their isoelectric points range from 5.5 to 8.0. Coelectrophoresis of pooled urinary proteins of male and female stone formers disclosed that all 9 proteins had identical charges and molecular weights, regardless of the donors' sex. Analyses of urines of idiopathic ...
Synergistic toxicity of atrazine and organophosphate insecticides contravenes the response addition mixture model

A toxic unit (TU) approach was used to test the response addition model for mixtures of pesticides with differing modes of action. Atrazine was tested in binary and ternary combinations with the organochlorine insecticide methoxychlor and organophosphate insecticide methyl-parathion. Atrazine was also tested in binary combinations with additional organophosphates. The TU for atrazine was set slightly below its water solubility limits (TU = 20 ppm), which is well below its 96-h 50% effective concentration for the fourth instar of the midge, Chironomus tentans. In 96-h acute toxicity tests using C. tentans, atrazine was found to produce synergistic (greater than additive) toxicity in a binary mixture with methyl-parathion. Less than additive toxicity was found for the combination of atrazine with methoxychlor (likely due to the low TU assigned to atrazine). The ternary combination of atrazine + methyl-parathion + methoxychlor was found to be marginally synergistic. Results of toxicity tests with atrazine in binary combinations with other organophosphates indicate more than additive toxicity for all compounds except mevinophos. Possible hypotheses are presented in an attempt to explain the noted synergistic relationship between atrazine and various organophosphorous insecticides. These results suggest that the response addition model does not always accurately predict mixture toxicity for chemicals with differing modes of action.
Ultrasonic-Assisted Dilute Acid Pretreatment of Poplar Wood Biomass for Biofuel Manufacturing: A Preliminary Study

For the first time, this study demonstrated that the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis of poplar wood biomass was drastically enhanced after being pretreated with ultrasonic-assisted dilute acid pretreatment comparing to dilute acid pretreatment only. Three levels of ultrasonic power (0%, 30%, and 70%) were used in pretreatment. Approximately 10–40% improvement in the sugar yield was attained by using ultrasound-assisted dilute acid pretreatment for 15 min. XRD analysis revealed that poplar wood biomass pretreated ultrasonically had lower biomass crystallinity than that pretreated with dilute acid only. The combination of ultrasound irradiation and dilute acid can be a key factor in the disruption of rigid cellulose structures and contributes to the improvement of cellulose saccharification in enzymatic hydrolysis.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
The New Bilayer Lipid Membrane System: Prospects for Applications in Biomolecular Electronic Devices

The bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) system has been extensively investigated as a model of biological membranes since the early 1960s. However, until recently, relatively few attempts have been made to exploit their potential in practical applications such as sensors and molecular devices. From the viewpoint of membrane biophysics and physiology, biological membranes are essentially the basic structure of nature’s sensors and devices. As examples: the thylakoid membrane of green plants functions as an energy transducer, converting sunlight into electrical/chemical energy; in visual perception, the photoreceptor membrane of a rod’s outer segment detects photons; and the plasma membranes of cells and organelles possess the ability to sense ions, for instance differentiating Na+ and K+ with great specificity. Further, the plasma membrane provides sites for a host of ligand receptor contact interactions such as antigen-antibody formation. In view of the fact that these and numerous other vital functions are associated with cell membranes, it is not surprising that the past two decades or so have witnessed an enormous research effort directed toward membranes. Reconstituted planar BLMs and spherical liposomes have played a primary role in this research. In this paper, a new BLM system is described, which, with its ease of formation, its stability, and its long life, offers new possibilities for applications in biosensors and molecular electronics.
Processes Involving Perceived Instructional Support, Task Value, and Engagement in Graduate Education

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relations among perceived instructional support (provision of relevance and involvement), subjective task value beliefs (utility, attainment, and intrinsic value), and engagement (behavioral and emotional) over the course of a semester for graduate students enrolled in an introductory research methods course in a college of education (N = 217). Structural equation modeling (SEM) results suggested that each source of perceived support exerted unique influence on students' beliefs about utility value, intrinsic value, and attainment value of their research methods coursework. In turn, midsemester value beliefs predicted semester-end student reports of behavioral and cognitive engagement. Direct and indirect effects between perceived provisions of support and engagement were inconsistent. This study supports the notion that different patterns of predictors and outcomes may occur for different aspects of value beliefs and that multiple sources of instru...
Learning Outcomes From Design of Wind Turbines Carried Out by Underserved High School Mentees Participating in DREAM

The fall 2011 DREAM design project required teams to design and build a working wind turbine. The turbines were tested at three wind speeds, with the most points awarded for power production at the lowest speed, forcing mentees to optimize their blade designs. The Pre-engineering Concept Inventory (PCI) and Intuition Inventory (II), which focus on wind energy, were used to measure pre- and post-content knowledge of high school mentees. The use of mini-lectures to convey content simultaneously with design is discussed.The Inventories show that participation in DREAM generally increases mentees’ understanding of wind energy concepts. However, insufficient mathematics foundations hamper their ability to understand algebraic representations and evaluate numerical predictions. Results provide feedback on current practices and help pinpoint specific areas for improvement to increase the efficacy of DREAM in future years.Copyright © 2012 by ASME