cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhanced structure determination of beta-pyrrole and N-substituted porphyrins by desorption chemical ionization mass spectrometry.

Abstract The extensive macrocycle—but minimal substituent—fragmentation occurring in the chemical ionization mass spectra of porphyrins when ammonia, rather than hydrogen, is the reagent gas leads to more detailed structure determinations.
Life history variables preserved in dental cementum microstructure

The age and season of death of mammals, as well as other aspects of their life history, can be estimated from seasonal bands in dental cementum that result from variations in microstructure. Scanning electron micrographs of goats fed controlled diets demonstrate that cementum bands preserve variations in the relative orientation of collagen fibers that reflect changes in the magnitude and frequency of occlusal forces from chewing different quality diets. Changes in the rate of tissue growth are also reflected in cementum bands as variations in the degree of mineralization.
Reduced progression of endometrial hyperplasia with oral mTOR inhibition in the Pten heterozygote murine model

Objective Phosphatase and tensin homolog ( PTEN ) mutations are associated with human endometrial cancers, and PTEN heterozygote (±) mice have a high rate of endometrial neoplasia. The objective of this study was to evaluate an oral mTOR inhibitor (mTOR-I) on the reduction of endometrial hyperplasia in an animal model. Study design Three groups of 10 female mice were treated from age 20-26 weeks: group A, Pten wild type with mTOR-I; group B, Pten ± with placebo; and group C, Pten ± with mTOR-I. Rates of hyperplasia and markers of proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated. Results Higher grade hyperplasia occurred in a significantly greater percentage of the untreated Pten ± group B (80%; 8/10) compared with groups A (0%; 0/10) and C (20%; 2/10; P Pten ± mTOR-I group C also demonstrated significantly increased apoptosis ( P P Conclusion Oral mTOR inhibition decreases the progression of endometrial hyperplasia in the Pten heterozygote murine model through decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis.
The influence of first language on the processing of wh-movement in English as a second language

Adult learners of English as a second language who speak Chinese (n = 30), Japanese (n = 28) or Spanish (n = 46) as a first language (L1), and a comparison group of native speakers (n = 22) read sentences that contain: (a) ungrammatical wh-extractions that violate island constraints; and (b) grammatical long-distance Subject and Object extractions from finite and nonfinite clauses. Word-by-word reading times for each sentence were collected using the self-paced reading technique. Results suggest that the presence or absence of wh-movement in the L1 and the headedness of the verb phrase in the L1 are unable to explain all of the variation between the nonnative speaker groups. Severe garden path effects were observed in Subject extractions from finite clauses, but not in extractions from nonfinite clauses, suggesting that two finite verbs next to one another may be an important factor in causing parsing break-down. Individual variation in reading time was not predictable from measures of reading span or wor...
A comparison of the monofilament with other testing modalities for foot ulcer susceptibility

We studied the number of testing sites and the proportion needed to be insensate for the optimal assessment of foot ulcer risk with the 10 g monofilament. Also, we compared the sensitivity and specificity of the 10 g monofilament with other methodologies. Fifty-two individuals with either a current foot ulcer, a history of a foot ulcer or the presence of Charcot neuroarthopathy and 51 individuals with no history of any of these conditions were assessed with the 10 g monofilament at four sites on each foot, the 128 Hz tuning fork at the halluces, the Biothesiometer at the halluces and the modified neuropathy disability score. Sensitivities and specificities were calculated for the various modalities. The Biothesiometer and the neuropathy disability score had the highest sensitivities (0.92 for both). The 128 Hz tuning fork tested only at the halluces (criterion: >or=1 insensate site) had the same sensitivity (0.86) as the 10 g monofilament tested at eight sites (criterion: >or=1 insensate site) with similar specificities (0.56 and 0.58, respectively). The Biothesiometer and the modified neuropathy disability score tend to be more sensitive than the 10 g monofilament for the assessment of individuals at risk for foot ulcers. The 128 Hz tuning fork tested at only two sites is as sensitive as the 10 g monofilament tested at eight sites. These data suggest that the 10 g monofilament may not be the optimum methodology for identifying individuals at risk of foot ulcers.
Optimal blending functions in linear parameter, varying control synthesis for F-16 aircraft

Presents a methodology of blending two linear parameter varying (LPV) controllers over the entire parameter spaces. Optimal blending matrix functions are calculated to preserve each performance level of the LPV controller synthesized over each parameter subspace. The design of an LPV controller for the F-16 longitudinal axes over the entire flight envelope is demonstrated using this blending approach. The nonlinear simulations of the blended LPV controller show that the desired performance and robustness objectives are achieved across all altitude variations.
A containerized staining system for mycorrhizal roots

summary A useful device for manipulating root segments during clearing and staining of VA mycorrhizal roots is described. The device is constructed by cutting the tip off of a disposable syringe and welding a polypropylene screen on to the barrel. With this system, the plunger is used to draw in or expel reagents rapidly with little or no loss of root material during the repeated changing of reagents. The system speeds the process of clearing and staining and reduces the potential for operator contact with reagents.
Examining expression of folate receptor in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck as a target for a novel nanotherapeutic drug

Background Nanotechnology-based drug delivery approaches may help increase therapeutic efficacy and decrease side effects of chemotherapeutics. We investigated expression levels of folate receptor in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) to evaluate folate receptor as a target for nanotherapy. Methods Folate receptor expression levels in archival SCCHN tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinical parameters. Results Folate receptor was detected in 45% of primary tumors and 40% of corresponding lymph node metastases. Folate receptor expression in primary tumors of the metastatic group strongly correlated with the corresponding lymph node metastases (p = .0002). Folate receptor expression was inversely correlated with disease-free survival in nonmetastatic (p = .0048), metastatic (p = .0127), and lymph node metastases (p <.001) groups, and with overall survival in the lymph node metastases group (p <.0001). Conclusion Folate receptor is expressed in a significant proportion of primary SCCHN and corresponding lymph node metastases tissues, and correlates with worse clinical outcome. These findings provide support for folate receptor-mediated nanotherapeutics in SCCHN. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Dynamic Analysis of Renal Nerve Activity Responses to Baroreceptor Denervation in Hypertensive Rats

Abstract —Sinoaortic and cardiac baroreflexes exert important control over renal sympathetic nerve activity. Alterations in these reflex mechanisms contribute to renal sympathoexcitation in hypertension. Nonlinear dynamic analysis was used to examine the chaotic behavior of renal sympathetic nerve activity in normotensive Sprague-Dawley and Wistar-Kyoto rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats before and after complete baroreceptor denervation (sinoaortic and cardiac baroreceptor denervation). The peak interval sequence of synchronized renal sympathetic nerve discharge was extracted and used for analysis. In all rat strains, this yielded systems whose correlation dimensions converged to similar low values over the embedding dimension range of 10 to 15 and whose greatest Lyapunov exponents were positive. In Sprague-Dawley and Wistar-Kyoto rats, compete baroreceptor denervation was associated with decreases in the correlation dimensions (Sprague-Dawley: 2.42±0.04 to 2.16±0.04; Wistar-Kyoto: 2.44±0.04 to 2.34±0.04) and in the greatest Lyapunov exponents (Sprague-Dawley: 0.199±0.004 to 0.130±0.015; Wistar-Kyoto: 0.196±0.002 to 0.136±0.010). Spontaneously hypertensive rats had a similar correlation dimension, which was unaffected by complete baroreceptor denervation (2.42±0.02 versus 2.42±0.03), and a lower value for the greatest Lyapunov exponent, which decreased to a lesser extent after complete baroreceptor denervation (0.183±0.006 versus 0.158±0.006). These results indicate that removal of sinoaortic and cardiac baroreceptor regulation of renal sympathetic nerve activity is associated with a greater decrease in the chaotic behavior of renal sympathetic nerve activity in normotensive compared with hypertensive rats. This suggests that the central neural mechanisms that regulate renal sympathetic nerve activity in response to alterations in cardiovascular reflex inputs are different in spontaneously hypertensive rats from those in Sprague-Dawley and Wistar-Kyoto rats.
PATHWAYS, MECHANISMS, AND RATES OF POLYPLOID FORMATION IN FLOWERING PLANTS

Polyploidy is widely acknowledged as a major mechanism of adaptation and speciation in plants. The stages in polyploid evolution include frequent fertility bottlenecks and infrequent events such as gametic nonreduction and interspecific hybridization, yet little is known about how these and other factors influence overall rates of polyploid formation. Here we review the literature regarding polyploid origins, and quantify parameter values for each of the steps involved in the principal pathways. In contrast to the common claim that triploids are sterile, our results indicate that the triploid bridge pathway can contribute significantly to autopolyploid formation regardless of the mating system, and to allopolyploid formation in outcrossing taxa. We estimate that the total rate of autotetraploid formation is of the same order as the genic mutation rate (10 i5 ), and that a high frequency of interspecific hybridization (0.2% for selfing taxa, 2.7% for outcrossing taxa) is required for the rate of tetraploid formation via allopolyploidy to equal that by autopolyploidy. We conclude that the rate of autopolyploid formation may often be higher than the rate of allopolyploid formation. Further progress toward understanding polyploid origins requires studies in natural populations that quantify: (a) the frequency of unreduced gametes, (b) the effectiveness of triploid bridge pathways, and (c) the rates of interspecific hybridization.
Strategies for Pediatric Drug Evaluation: A View from the Trenches

Strategies for pediatric drug evaluation include nine essential areas. Ethical guidelines no longer restrain drug evaluations in children because Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines enable institutional review boards (IRBs) to protect children sufficiently while participating as research subjects. The opportunistic nature of study design across several age groups is accommodated by a team approach operating in comprehensive research facilities designed to meet the special needs of children. Technological innovations foster application of sensitive analytical methods to a disparate array of biologic fluids from children. Generally recognized as requiring more financial support, pediatric drug studies maximize data to obtain Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved labeling. Manpower has increased because of recent events for career path definition. Increased levels of institutional cooperation are identified from industry, the FDA, academic ...
The Wright stuff: reimagining path analysis reveals novel components of the sex determination hierarchy in Drosophila melanogaster.

The Drosophila sex determination hierarchy is a classic example of a transcriptional regulatory hierarchy, with sex-specific isoforms regulating morphology and behavior. We use a structural equation modeling approach, leveraging natural genetic variation from two studies on Drosophila female head tissues – DSPR collection (596 F1-hybrids from crosses between DSPR sub-populations) and CEGS population (75 F1-hybrids from crosses between DGRP/Winters lines to a reference strain w1118) – to expand understanding of the sex hierarchy gene regulatory network (GRN). This approach is completely generalizable to any natural population, including humans. We expanded the sex hierarchy GRN adding novel links among genes, including a link from fruitless (fru) to Sex-lethal (Sxl) identified in both populations. This link is further supported by the presence of fru binding sites in the Sxl locus. 754 candidate genes were added to the pathway, including the splicing factors male-specific lethal 2 and Rm62 as downstream targets of Sxl which are well-supported links in males. Independent studies of doublesex and transformer mutants support many additions, including evidence for a link between the sex hierarchy and metabolism, via Insulin-like receptor. The genes added in the CEGS population were enriched for genes with sex-biased splicing and components of the spliceosome. A common goal of molecular biologists is to expand understanding about regulatory interactions among genes. Using natural alleles we can not only identify novel relationships, but using supervised approaches can order genes into a regulatory hierarchy. Combining these results with independent large effect mutation studies, allows clear candidates for detailed molecular follow-up to emerge.
Heuristic evaluation of infusion pumps: implications for patient safety in Intensive Care Units.

Summary Objective: The goal of this research was to use a heuristic evaluation methodology to uncover design and interface deficiencies of infusion pumps that are currently in use in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Because these infusion systems cannot be readily replaced due to lease agreements and large-scale institutional purchasing procedures, we argue that it is essential to systematically identify the existing usability problems so that the possible causes of errors can be better understood, passed on to the end-users (e.g., critical care nurses), and used to make policy recommendations. Design: Four raters conducted the heuristic evaluation of the three-channel infusion pump interface. Three raters had a cognitive science background as well as experience with the heuristic evaluation methodology. The fourth rater was a veteran critical care nurse who had extensive experience operating the pumps. The usability experts and the domain expert independently evaluated the user interface and physical design of the infusion pump and generated a list of heuristic violations based upon a set of 14 heuristics developed in previous research. The lists were compiled and then rated on the severity of the violation. Results: From 14 usability heuristics considered in this evaluation of the Infusion Pump, there were 231 violations. Two heuristics, "Consistency" and "Language", were found to have the most violations. The one with fewest violations was "Document". While some heuristic evaluation categories had more violations than others, the most severe ones were not confined to one type. The Primary interface location (e.g., where loading the pump, changing doses, and confirming drug settings takes place) had the most occurrences of heuristic violations. Conclusion: We believe that the Heuristic Evaluation methodology provides a simple and cost-effective approach to discovering medical device deficiencies that affect a patient's general well being. While this methodology provides information for the infusion pump designs of the future, it also identifies important insights concerning equipment that is currently in use in critical care environments.
Ferrite Properties and Technology Issues for Improved Microwave Systems

Microwave device engineers continually seek materials advances to improve performance of magnetic components at reduced size and cost. Wherever possible, microstrip or stripline device configurations are adopted in preference to bulky waveguide structures. In radar and communications applications, the nonreciprocal propagation properties of ferrites are essential for realizing phase shifters, circulators, isolators, and power limiters. The introduction of superconductor circuits has led to the development of very low-loss phase shifters and circulators. Recent demonstrations of tuning reciprocal rf permeability by varying the state of magnetization at very low magnetic fields has led to the development of high-speed, high-Q tunable filters. In this paper, design issues of four classes of microwave device are reviewed from the standpoint of their ferrite material requirements: (1) low-loss microstrip phase shifters (2) microstrip tunable resonators, (3) self-biased microstrip circulators with normal or in-plane uniaxial anisotropy, and (4) high-power quasi-optical circulators.
Gamma interferon augments the intracellular pathway for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) recognition in human intestinal epithelial cells through coordinated up-regulation of LPS uptake and expression of the intracellular Toll-like receptor 4-MD-2 complex.

Although some intestinal epithelial cell lines are known to respond to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), understanding of the relationship between LPS responsiveness and the expression of LPS receptors or factors regulating LPS responsiveness of intestinal epithelial cell lines is incomplete. In this study, we demonstrate that commonly studied human intestinal epithelial cell lines can be classified into at least three different types on the basis of LPS responsiveness, Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) expression, and the effects of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) on LPS responsiveness. The first phenotype, which includes the HCT-116 and Caco-2 cell lines, is characterized by relative hyporesponsiveness to LPS and diminished expression of TLR4 protein. In these cells, IFN-γ does not induce LPS responsiveness. The second phenotype, which includes cell line SW480, exhibits a highly LPS-responsive phenotype and surface expression of TLR4 protein even in unprimed conditions. These lines are functionally similar to cells of monocytic lineage. In the third phenotype, which includes the HT-29 and Colo205 cell lines, TLR4 protein is largely present in the cytoplasmic fraction and the cells are hyporesponsive to LPS in an unprimed condition. However, priming of these cells with IFN-γ can induce LPS responsiveness through augmentation of LPS uptake and expression of MD-2 mRNA and intracellular TLR4 proteins. Finally, these findings suggest that the Th1 cytokine IFN-γ modulates LPS responsiveness through several mechanisms in intestinal epithelial cells and that these cells may comprise different subpopulations with distinct roles in innate immune responses.
How accurately are we coding readmission diagnoses after total joint arthroplasty

Abstract Readmission rates have been cited as an important quality measure in the Affordable Care Act. Accordingly, understanding and accurately tracking the causes for readmission will be increasingly important. We queried an electronic database for all patients who underwent primary THA or TKA at our institution from 2006 through 2010. We identified those readmitted within 90 days of surgery and analyzed 87 random de-identified medical records. We then assigned a clinical diagnosis for each readmission, which was then compared with the coder-derived diagnosis by ICD-9 code. The overall 90-day readmission rate was 7.9%. We identified 22 of 87 patients for whom there was disagreement (25.3%, 95% CI = 16.6–35.8%). The most common were procedure-related complications. Coded diagnoses frequently did not correlate with the physician-derived diagnoses. The unverified use of coded readmission diagnoses in calculating quality measures may not be clinically relevant.
Efferent projections of the neonatal cat superior colliculus: facial and cerebellum-related brainstem structures.

The superior colliculus develops its influence over eye and pinna movements gradually during postnatal maturation. Because superior colliculus cells respond earlier in postnatal life to nonvisual than to visual cues, it seemed likely that efferents involved in pinna movements would develop earlier than those involved in eye movements. In the present study, we examined the projections of the superior colliculus to structures related to the cerebellum and facial nucleus believed to be involved in eye-head coordination and pinna movements. We did this by using the autoradiographic and horseradish peroxidase tracing techniques in 11 kittens, ranging in age from several hours to 14 days postnatal, and in seven adult cats. Even in the youngest animals studied, a dense projection was observed from the superior colliculus to each of the target structures examined. These included the (1) parabigeminal nucleus, (2) paralemniscal zone, (3) dorsolateral pons, and (4) inferior olive. Surprisingly, the only projection observed to undergo any postnatal maturational changes was the one to the paralemniscal zone (involved in the pinna-movement circuit of the superior colliculus), and the changes appeared as a reorganization of the terminal field rather than an increase in the density of transported label. Thus, no evidence was obtained to support our expectation that the superior colliculus efferents involved in orientation of the pinnae would develop earlier than those involved in visual orientation. Instead, each of the efferent projections of the superior colliculus examined in this study appears to be laid down prenatally and becomes adultlike long before functional maturity is reached. Presumably, then, the formation and elaboration of synaptic connections are the protracted postnatal processes that limit the functional properties of these neonatal efferent pathways.
Aging and Prose Memory: Tests of the Resource-Deficit Hypothesis

Two experiments tested predictions that age differences in processing resources underlie age differences in prose recall. Topic familiarity, text length, and speed of text presentation were manipulated and reduced the amount recalled in a manner consistent with the hypothesis that these variables would tax processing resources. The amount of information recalled was systematically lower in older adults, but age differences were not increased by the experimental manipulations as expected. However, measures of the putative processing resources did account for some of the age-related variance in prose recall, and relative memorability functions suggested that the experimental manipulations interfered with the quality of recall in older adults more than in younger adults. The outcome did not support the resource-deficit hypothesis as originally proposed and may best be understood in terms of factors other than age-related deficits in the measured amounts of processing resources.
Exploiting Cell Cycle Pathways in Cancer Therapy: New (and Old) Targets and Potential Strategies

There is a now a large body of evidence supporting the notion that cancer cells have vastly altered cell cycle networks that serve to maintain their high rate of proliferation. Consequently, targeting these pathways pharmacologically has been long studied, but only recently have some promising compounds progressed into the clinic. In this chapter, we review cell cycle function in both normal cells and describe how cancer cells deregulate this fundamental process. Next we describe in detail the development of different classes of CDK inhibitors and review the failures and successes so far, and provide insight into some future directions for research and clinical trials in order to exploit the ever-expanding molecular characterization of tumors with the drugs available and in the pipelines. In addition, we present a short overview of using differential cell cycle characteristics of normal and tumor cells as a way of protecting normal cells from cytotoxic chemotherapies. Finally we describe other potential targets such as regulating p27, inhibiting PIM and MELK kinases as well as some of the mitotic kinases.
Genes and Cell Homeostasis

The way in which a cell responds to and interacts with its environment is critical for normal organ function and is given a high priority in the metabolic pathways that exist in and around each cell. Signals exchanged between normal cells and their environments control cell growth, migration, differentiation, senescence and death. Cancer cells have escaped these signals and are thus beyond the normal regulation of cell growth. In this chapter the mechanisms governing normal cell growth, migration, differentiation and death are reviewed so that the ways in which cancer cells become different to normal cells can be understood.
Is clinical recognition of respiratory syncytial virus infection in hospitalized elderly and high-risk adults possible?

Background The clinical and radiographic features of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in elderly hospitalized persons have not been described in detail, to our knowledge, despite its relative frequent occurrence. Methods Clinical characteristics of 132 RSV infections were compared with 144 influenza A virus infections and with all non-RSV infections in elderly and high-risk persons admitted to the hospital with acute respiratory illness. Radiographic findings were categorized for RSV-infected persons. Results RSV was more commonly associated with nasal congestion (68% vs. 55%; P=.03), wheezing by history (73% vs. 53%; P=.002) and on examination (82% vs. 68%; P=.02), and lower temperature (P=.004) than influenza A virus. Compared with all non-RSV-infected subjects, nasal congestion (odds ratio [OR], 2.0 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.3-2.9]), wheezing on examination (OR, 1.8 [95% CI, 1.2-2.8]), and temperature >37.9 degrees C (OR, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.1-2.4]) were independent predictors of RSV infection, although their sensitivity and specificity were poor. New radiographic infiltrates were seen in approximately half of RSV-infected persons, and pneumonic opacities were typically small and unilateral. Conclusions Although RSV causes a different clinical syndrome than influenza A virus, it is not readily differentiated on clinical grounds from influenza A nor from all non-RSV illnesses in elderly patients.
Asymptotics and Local Constancy of Characters of p-adic Groups

In this paper we study quantitative aspects of trace characters \(\Theta _{\pi }\) of reductive p-adic groups when the representation π varies. Our approach is based on the local constancy of characters and we survey some other related results. We formulate a conjecture on the behavior of \(\Theta _{\pi }\) relative to the formal degree of π, which we are able to prove in the case where π is a tame supercuspidal. The proof builds on J.-K. Yu’s construction and the structure of Moy–Prasad subgroups.
e0077 Effect of pulsed alternating microcurrentstimulation on communication junction function of cocultured rat mesenchymal stem cells and cardiac muscle cells

Objective This study was to investigate the effect of pulsed alternating micro-current (PAMC) stimulation on the communication junction function of co-cultured rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and cardiac muscle cells by simulating the physiological electrical environment for cardiac muscle cell growth. Methods Healthy SD rat bone marrow was subjected to 5-azacytidine induced culture. MSCs not induced (I PAMC ) and MSCs cultured for 7 (II PAMC ) , 14 (III PAMC ) , and 28 days (IV PAMC ) after induction were co-cultured with Hoechst33258 labelled cardiac muscle cells, and stimulated with PAMC. Morphological changes in the gap junction were observed, and the following parameters were determined in each group: intracellular Cx43 distribution and content, the function of intercellular junction communication, the intracellular free calcium concentration and CaMKII expression levels. The results were also compared with those of the group not treated with PAMC. Results There was a number of typical gap junction structures in group III PAMC . Compared to the groups not subjected to PAMC stimulation, group III PAMC showed a greater increase in the Cx43 expression (78.59±6.72 vs 66.48±9.69, p 2+ ] i (101.21±11.36 vs 96.97±9.71, p>0.05), and a significant enhancement of the CaMKII expression (734.35±20.16 vs 596.32±13.45, p Conclusions Appropriate PAMC stimulation will effectively promote the formation of typical intercellular gap junction structures, increase and accelerate the synthesis of gap junction protein, and enhance the intercellular communication junction function.
Development of a microchamber which spontaneously selects high-quality sperm for use in in vitro fertilization or micromanipulation

Background: A microchamber has been developed which allows motile sperm to swim from a central loading site to peripheral sidewells. The sidewells are designed such that oocytes may be placed within them for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or sperm may be harvested from them for use in standard IVF or micromanipulation. Because only motile sperm can reach the sidewells, the microchamber can select relatively high-quality sperm from a crude preparation. Moreover the steep walls of the sidewells create the potential to trap sperm.
High electron mobility recovery in AlGaN/GaN 2DEG channels regrown on etched surfaces

This paper reports high two-dimensional electron gas mobility attained from the regrowth of the AlGaN gating layer on ex situ GaN surfaces. To repair etch-damaged GaN surfaces, various pretreatments were conducted via metalorganic chemical vapor deposition, followed by a regrown AlGaN/GaN mobility test structure to evaluate the extent of recovery. The developed treatment process that was shown to significantly improve the electron mobility consisted of a N2 + NH3 pre-anneal plus an insertion of a 4 nm or thicker GaN interlayer prior to deposition of the AlGaN gating layer. Using the optimized process, a high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) device was fabricated which exhibited a high mobility of 1450 cm2 V−1 s−1 (R sh = 574 ohm/sq) and low dispersion characteristics. The additional inclusion of an in situ Al2O3 dielectric into the regrowth process for MOS-HEMTs still preserved the transport properties near etch-impacted areas.
Database query optimization based on semantic caching

To improve database manipulation efficiency with intelligent way, the distributed database accessing platform is constructed based on multi-agent, and the key problems are researched and solved, including the structure of the platform, the design of various agents, collaboration mechanism among the agents, and also the wrapper of database. Distributed semantic caching is studied as regards the optimization strategy, and an intelligent pre-fetching algorithm is proposed in agent-based platform, so the defects of the traditional optimization technologies is compensated, including the lack of intelligence, pre-mobility, and difficulties in reuse. Lastly, test on large-scale database system shows that the manipulation efficiency for large-scale database is improved markedly.
The Pineal and Endocrine Function

Recognition that levels of hormonal secretion vary markedly from day to night has triggered intensive investigation into the influence of environmental light upon endocrine function. These studies have pointed to the pineal gland as a major mediator of a wide variety of hormonal responses involving the gonads, thyroid, and pituitary, and the hypothalamus and other regions of the brain.
Oncolytic viruses on the cusp of success?: proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Oncolytic Virus Therapeutics

Boston, Massachusetts, was the site of the 9th International Conference on Oncolytic Virus Therapeutics held 13–16 June 2015. An overarching theme of the meeting was the continued development of combinatorial treatment regimens to bolster the therapeutic potential of oncolytic viruses (OVs). Several talks focused on combining OVs with immune checkpoint inhibitors in a wide array of tumors, signaling an experimental and thematic shift toward driving immune activation to clear a tumor versus relying on direct viral oncolysis. An important aspect of the meeting was the variety of ongoing OV clinical trials. Topics ranged from basic virology to clinical trials and from academic research to intellectual property and biotechnology. There was much excitement due to the US Food and Drug Administration’s recent consideration of talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) for the treatment of advanced melanoma (T-VEC was approved in October, following the conference). Here, we summarize the meeting’s primary themes, which reflect the current state of the field.
Device implications of enhanced diffusion caused by the electrical deactivation of arsenic

In this paper, we present experiments designed to show that electrical deactivation of arsenic enhances the diffusion of dopants for implanted arsenic or arsenic in-diffused from polysilicon. Results show a clear enhancement of diffusion in a nearby boron layer as well as an enhancement for the arsenic itself. Simulations and device measurements reveal this can have a considerable effect on the electrical characteristics of bipolar transistors. >
Comparative coagulation performance study of Moringa oleifera cationic protein fractions with varying water hardness

Abstract Extracts containing cationic proteins from Moringa oleifera seeds are used to reduce drinking water turbidity in developing regions where the plant grows. To identify the active components in the seed extract, high performance liquid chromatography was employed, and eight M. oleifera cationic protein fractions were isolated. The protein fractions were characterized using gel electrophoresis (native molecular weights range from 12 to 48 kDa, reduced molecular weights range from 7 to 30 kDa), dynamic light scattering (radii of strongly cationic fractions are 1.2 to 1.5 nm), and circular dichroism (strongly cationic fractions are mainly comprised of alpha helices). Coagulation performance experiments were conducted using a coagulation micro-assay that was validated by comparison to a standard jar test. Fraction coagulation performances were compared individually and in various combinations against kaolin clay suspensions in model freshwaters of varying hardness. Ionic strengths of the model freshwaters ranged from 2.29 to 18.33 mM, and protein fraction concentrations ranged from 0 to 20 μg/mL. A combination of the weakly cationic fractions did not show coagulation activity. In diluted soft through moderately hard water, the individual strongly cationic fractions were effective at low dosages across a narrow range. Combinations of the strongly cationic fractions, of all cationic fractions, and of all cationic and non-cationic fractions were effective across broad ranges that encompassed low and medium dosages. The range of effective coagulant concentrations broadened for all individual fractions and combinations as water hardness increased. In model hard water, kaolin is inherently unstable, so protein additives are unnecessary to induce flocculation.
A comparative study of distribution system parameter estimation methods

In this paper, we compare two parameter estimation methods for distribution systems: 1) residual sensitivity analysis and 2) state-vector augmentation with a Kalman filter. These two methods were originally proposed for transmission systems, and are still the most commonly used methods for parameter estimation. Distribution systems have much lower measurement redundancy than transmission systems; therefore, estimating parameters is significantly more difficult. To increase the robustness of parameter estimation, the two methods are applied with combined measurement snapshots (measurement sets taken at different points in time) so that the redundancy for computing the parameter values is increased. The advantages and disadvantages of both methods are discussed. The results of this paper show that state-vector augmentation with a Kalman filter is a better approach for parameter estimation in distribution systems. Simulation studies are done on a modified version of IEEE 13-Node Test Feeder with varying levels of measurement noise and non-zero error in the other system model parameters.
Impact-generated winds on Mars

Abstract Bright and dark wind streaks across Mars record wind patterns related to atmospheric circulation. In some cases these streaks represent erosion of a surface veneer; in others, they indicate sand grains mobilized by strong vortices shed off of positive relief, such as crater rims. While many streaks change length or orientation over time, others not only remain unchanged but also may indicate a completely different wind direction. These permanent streaks could reflect past circulation patterns in response to conditions related to orbital forcing (e.g., Thomas and Veverka, 1979; Veverka et al., 1981). Here, however, we focus on a subset of permanent wind streaks unrelated to global circulation, rather to impact-generated winds that can extend more than 500 km away from the crater. Nighttime images from the Mars Odyssey's Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) reveal certain large craters (> 15 km in diameter) having sets of thermally bright streaks that radiate from certain fresh impact craters. These streaks extend from pre-existing topographic highs (crater rims, wrinkle ridges) beyond the continuous ejecta deposits to more than 6 crater radii, unrelated to secondary craters. For illustration, this contribution primarily focuses on the 20 km-diameter Santa Fe crater in Chryse Planitia. Context Camera (CTX) images reveal that these streaks correspond to zones of erosion. The thermally bright rays in nighttime images correlate with regions where coarser materials have been exposed, not always resolved even in HiRISE images. Models of the impact process indicate impact-generated vapor most likely generated intense winds that scoured the region, well before arrival of secondary craters and later ejecta run-out flows. Pre-existing relief (such as crater rims) disturbed this flow and generated intense cross-flow instabilities resulting in long parallel streaks.
The End of the Dichotomy: The Effect of Social Proximity to Prototype and Periphery Group Members on Political Attitudes*

Objective We extend prototype theory to explain why nonmembers who are socially connected to group members hold political attitudes that differ from nonmembers lacking that connection. We anticipate that the intensity of nonmember attitudes varies by connection to a prototype or periphery group member. Methods Using data from the 2006 Cooperative Congressional Election Study (CCES), we model group-salient political attitudes for veterans, union members, and their family members. Results We find social distance from group members is theoretically linked to within-group variation that distinguishes prototype from periphery group members. Conclusion Analysis of political attitudes is enhanced beyond the traditional member/nonmember dichotomy by accounting for nonmembers’ social distance from group members.
The ethics of HRD practice

ABSTRACTProfessional fields are guided by the search for reasoned answers to the question of what to do, and this both in the exercise of daily practice and in the education and training of future practitioners. In educational theory and in management, the framework of virtue ethics has received much attention as an alternative to duty-based and result-oriented approaches of considering what to do in professional practice. Virtue ethics dates back to Greek philosophy and is concerned with practical wisdom, defined as acting virtuously in pursuit of a good and worthwhile form of living. This article outlines the major tenets of virtue ethics in the context of working and work organization and posits that the focus on practical wisdom should be seen as a central concern of HRD practice and HRD education.
Mapping Conceptions of Wolf Hunting onto an Ecological Worldview Conceptual Framework—Hunting for a Worldview Theory

Revered, reviled, or reduced to an economic commodity, wolves have long served as cultural icons evoking strong emotional responses. Because wolf hunting is at the center of many vexing questions related to ecological and social systems, it is a suitable topic for inclusion in science education that aims to equip students with critical thinking skills needed to navigate controversial socio-environmental issues. This chapter introduces a promising ecological worldview conceptual framework adapted from Wals and Bawden’s conceptual framework for worldviews related to sustainable agriculture (Wals, A. E. J. & Bawden, R. 2000. Integrating sustainability into agricultural education: Dealing with complexity, uncertainty, and diverging worldviews. Gent, Belgium: EU Socrates Thematic Network for Agriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture and the Environment) . The adapted framework includes four dimensions: egocentrism (Us vs. Nature), technocentrism (Us over Nature), ecocentrism (Us in Nature), and resiliocentrism (Us within Nature). These dimensions are situated within the context of three components: an ontological axis, ranging from reductionism to holism; an epistemological axis, ranging from pragmatism to idealism; and an axiological continuum, ranging from anthropocentrism to biocentrism. To further clarify these four dimensions, I map juxtaposed responses to the dilemma of wolf hunting onto the framework. This adapted ecological worldview conceptual framework captures important dimensions of worldview orientations toward nature, and can elucidate valuable aspects of ontological, epistemological, and axiological assumptions that underpin perspectives on wolf hunting and other thorny socio-environmental issues.
Cytokine response patterns to complex biofilms by mononuclear cells discriminate patient disease status and biofilm dysbiosis

Localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP) is a rare form of periodontal disease with site-specific rapid tissue destruction. A lipopolysaccharide (LPS) hyper-inflammatory response was shown in LAP using peripheral whole blood, although responses to other bacterial surface components or complex oral biofilms have not been evaluated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 14 LAP patients, 15 healthy siblings (HS), and 13 unrelated healthy controls (HC) were stimulated with: LPS, lipoteichoic acid, or peptidoglycan; intact or sonically dispersed in vitro-grown biofilms from a LAP disease site, a LAP healthy site, or a healthy control site. Cell culture supernatants were assayed for 14 cyto/chemokines. Discriminant function analysis determined cyto/chemokines that discriminate disease status by response patterns to different stimuli. Qualitative differences in the cytokine response pattern among patient groups were observed to intact and dispersed biofilms, yet responses to healthy and diseased biofilms could not be discriminated. Despite an equivalent magnitude of response, LAP-derived PBMCs demonstrated a qualitatively different pattern of response to LPS and dispersed biofilms. PMBCs from each group responded distinctly to stimulation withsubgingival biofilms. Multiple underlying mechanisms related to bacterial-induced inflammatory responses can culminate in LAP disease initiation and/or progression, and biofilm homeostasis could play an important role.
Reach of the high-energy LHC for gluinos and top squarks in SUSY models with light Higgsinos

We examine the top squark (stop) and gluino reach of the proposed 33 TeV energy upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC33) in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) with light Higgsinos and relatively heavy electroweak gauginos. In our analysis, we assume that stops decay to Higgsinos via ${\stackrel{\texttildelow{}}{t}}_{1}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}t{\stackrel{\texttildelow{}}{Z}}_{1}$, ${\stackrel{\texttildelow{}}{t}}_{1}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}t{\stackrel{\texttildelow{}}{Z}}_{2}$, and ${\stackrel{\texttildelow{}}{t}}_{1}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}b{\stackrel{\texttildelow{}}{W}}_{1}$ with branching fractions in the ratio $1\ensuremath{\mathbin:}1\ensuremath{\mathbin:}2$ (expected if the decay occurs dominantly via the superpotential Yukawa coupling), while gluinos decay via $\stackrel{\texttildelow{}}{g}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}t{\stackrel{\texttildelow{}}{t}}_{1}$ or via three-body decays to third-generation quarks plus Higgsinos. These decay patterns are motivated by models of natural supersymmetry where Higgsinos are expected to be close in mass to ${m}_{Z}$, but gluinos may be as heavy as 5--6 TeV, and stops may have masses up to $\ensuremath{\sim}3\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{TeV}$. We devise cuts to optimize the signals from stop and gluino pair production at LHC33. We find that experiments at LHC33 should be able to discover stops with $g5\ensuremath{\sigma}$ significance if ${m}_{{\stackrel{\texttildelow{}}{t}}_{1}}l2.3$ (2.8) [3.2] TeV for an integrated luminosity of 0.3 (1) $[3]\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{ab}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. The corresponding reach for gluinos extends to 5 (5.5) [6] TeV. These results imply that experiments at LHC33 should be able to discover at least one of the stop or gluino pair signals even with an integrated luminosity of $0.3\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{ab}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$ for natural supersymmetry models with no worse than 3% electroweak fine-tuning and quite likely both gluinos and stops for an integrated luminosity of $3\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{ab}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$.
"Be the Change You Want to See": A Three-Part Semester-Long Assignment in an Interracial Communication Class.

ABSTRACTCourses: This three-part semester-long assignment was designed for an undergraduate course in interracial communication. While interracial communication is the primary focus of this assignment, it could easily be adapted to a variety of courses focused on diversity with the goals of improving communication and connectedness among members of other social and cultural groups.Objectives: The interracial communication course seeks to promote a better understanding of, and sensitivity to, the communication dynamics of interracial interactions.
Shallow water propagation of mid-frequency cross-shelf acoustics on the Chukchi Shelf

The shallow water Canada Basin Acoustic Propagation Experiment (SW CANAPE) was conducted to study the effects of oceanographic variability on broadband acoustic fields in the Arctic. The physics of the acoustic waveguide on the northeastern edge of the Chukchi Shelf are influenced by dynamic boundary conditions and spatio-temporal fluctuations in the water column temperature and salinity profiles. Several oceanographic and acoustic receiving arrays were deployed across the Chukchi Shelf out to the shelf break region. Linear frequency modulated (LFM) signals were transmitted by two sources on the shelf for a long period of time. The influence of small scale, short-term water column variability, and dynamic upper boundary conditions including open water, marginal, and solid ice zones on shallow water propagation is shown for a 10 km source-receiver separation with well-defined water column properties measured at the source, receiver, and a mid-point along the cross-shelf acoustic path. [Work supported by ON...