cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
19.2% Efficient InP Heterojunction Solar Cell with Electron-Selective TiO2 Contact

We demonstrate an InP heterojunction solar cell employing an ultrathin layer (∼10 nm) of amorphous TiO2 deposited at 120 °C by atomic layer deposition as the transparent electron-selective contact. The TiO2 film selectively extracts minority electrons from the conduction band of p-type InP while blocking the majority holes due to the large valence band offset, enabling a high maximum open-circuit voltage of 785 mV. A hydrogen plasma treatment of the InP surface drastically improves the long-wavelength response of the device, resulting in a high short-circuit current density of 30.5 mA/cm2 and a high power conversion efficiency of 19.2%.
Correlation of Fresnel's interface reflection coefficients of external and internal reflection at the same angle of incidence for dielectric-dielectric interfaces

The pair of Fresnel amplitude reflection coefficients for internal and external reflection, that apply when p- polarized light is incident on an interface between two transparent media form opposite sides at the same angle of incidence, are considered jointly and plotted together. This creates an interesting family of curves, with the angle of incidence as a parameter. Besides the well known characteristics of total reflection at the critical angle and total refraction at the Brewster angle, some unusual properties become apparent that pertain to light reflection at the special angles of 45 degrees and 51.827 degrees. The Stokes relations apply strictly at normal incidence, and approximately at other angles for nearly vanishing interfaces. The corresponding result for the Fresnel reflection coefficient for the s polarization, and for the ratio of p and s reflection coefficients, are also obtained.
In vitro effect of activated recombinant factor VII (rFVIIa) on coagulation properties of human blood at hypothermic temperatures.

Abstract : Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is currently administered off-label to control diffuse coagulopathic bleeding of patients with traumatic injuries. These patients are often cold, acidotic, and coagulopathic upon arrival and each responds differently to rFVIIa therapy. This study investigated the effects of hypothermia on clotting and the potential benefit of rFVIIa administration on blood coagulation at different hypo- thermic temperatures. Method: Citrated blood samples were collected from eight healthy volunteers (20 45 years old) and incubated at 37 Degrees C, 34 Degrees C, 31 Degrees C, and 28 Degrees C for 30 minutes. rFVIIa (1.26 g/mL equivalent to 90 g/kg in vivo dose) or vehicle solution (saline) was added to each blood sample, incubated (10 minutes), and analyzed at the respective temperatures by standard coagulation tests and thrombelastography. Results: The clot reaction time of blood samples, measured as prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and R time (thrombelastography analysis), was significantly prolonged at 31 Degrees C or below compared with at 37 C. The clot formation rate (angle, maximum clotting velocity Vmax ) was decreased at all cold temperatures. Maximum clot strength (maximum amplitude) was only affected (reduced) at 28 C. Addition of rFVIIa shortened the prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and R times at every temperature, surpassing the normal (37 Degrees C) temperature values in 31 Degrees C and 34 Degrees C cold samples.
The set of all m × n rectangular real matrices of rank r is connected by analytic regular arcs

It is well known that the set of all square invertible real matrices has two connected components. The set of all m × n rectangular real matrices of rank r has only one connected component when m ¬= n or r < m = n. We show that all these connected components are connected by analytic regular arcs. We apply this result to establish the existence of p-times differentiable bases of the kernel and the image of a rectangular real matrix function of several real variables
Variations in the uptake of 3H-dopamine during the estrous cycle.

Abstract The in vitro uptake of 3 H-Dopamine ( 3 H-DA) into nuclei-free homogenates from brain parts was studied during each phase of the rat estrous cycle. Across four time points (12:00, 2:00, 4:00 and 6:00 p.m.) each phase exhibits a unique pattern of uptake in the diencephalon. Differences in the level of uptake between phases are most marked at 2:00 p.m. with diestrus animals displaying the highest rate of uptake. Metestrus animals show the lowest rate of uptake (less than 50% of the diestrus rate), while estrus and proestrus show intermediate rates. At 12:00, 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. during proestrus, the average rate of uptake is significantly less than the average uptake rate of any other phase. At 6:00 p.m. proestrus, the rate of uptake is significantly elevated over the values found at the previous three time points. Kinetic analysis of the diencephalic uptake system reveals hourly changes in the kinetic properties of the uptake system (Km and Vmax) during all phases. In non-diencephalic regions (“brain minus diencephalon”), few variations in uptake are observed. The variations in the rate of uptake in the diencephalon are thought to reflect changes in the functional activity of the DA neurons. Thus, during proestrus the reduction of 3 H-DA uptake at 12:00, 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. suggests an increase in DA receptor activation.
Quark-gluon vertex model and lattice-QCD data

A model for the dressed-quark-gluon vertex, at zero gluon momentum, is formed from a nonperturbative extension of the two Feynman diagrams that contribute at one loop in perturbation theory. The required input is an existing ladder-rainbow model Bethe-Salpeter kernel from an approach based on the Dyson-Schwinger equations; no new parameters are introduced. The model includes an Ansatz for the triple-gluon vertex. Two of the three vertex amplitudes from the model provide a pointwise description of the recent quenched-lattice-QCD data. An estimate of the effects of quenching is made.
Phenotypic Plasticity in the Relative Hind-Limb Growth of Lab-Reared Anolis sagrei: Replication of Experimental Results and a Test of Perch Diameter Preference

Abstract Several observational and experimental studies have shown that perch diameter has an impact on the development of hind-limb length (HL) in Anolis species. This “phenotypic plasticity” in relative hind-limb growth (RHG) has implications for short-term and long-term adaptation to different structural habitats. Our study is the first to replicate research in which hatchling/juvenile Anolis sagrei were reared on narrow-diameter or broad-diameter dowels in a laboratory setting. Although subjects reared on different dowel diameters did not differ significantly in RHG at 5 weeks into the experiment, results at 15 weeks revealed a significant effect of treatment but not of sex: subjects in the broad (N = 69) treatment group exhibited significantly greater RHG than did subjects in the narrow (N = 61) treatment group. We extended this research with a novel follow-up study: we placed our lab-reared subjects into outdoor enclosures where they had a choice of narrow- or broad-diameter dowels on which to perch...
Inhibition of respiration and destruction of cytochrome A3 by light in mitochondria and cytochrome oxidase from beef heart.

Abstract Irradiation of beef-heart mitochondria and of cytochrome oxidase purified from beef-heart mitochondria with blue light inhibited electron transport from substrate (succinate for the mitochondria and reduced cytochrome c for the cytochrome oxidase) to O2. The irradiation treatment also destroyed cytochrome a3 as assayed by the absorption band for the reduced cyanide-cytochrome a3 complex at 587 nm in the low-temperature absorption spectrum. Irradiation under anaerobic conditions was not inhibitory. Cytochrome a3 was protected against photodestruction if cyanide was present during the irradiation.
2,5-Hexanedione neuropathy is associated with the covalent crosslinking of neurofilament proteins

Protein composition in different segments along nerves from rats intoxicated with 2,5-hexanedione (HD) was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by immunoblotting, using monoclonal antibodies specific for each of the three neurofilament polypeptide components (H, M, and L). Comparison with nerve protein extracts from normal (control) rats revealed a disappearance of the largest neurofilament polypeptide (H), accompanied by accumulation of higher-molecular-weight products that were immunoreactive with H-specific antibodies. Both the extent of this crosslinking and its localization in particular portions of peripheral nerves showed a correlation with HD dosage and with the known progression of ultrastructural features during HD-induced neuropathy. Similar changes were not detected for the M and L neurofilament components.
Social capital, ideology, and health in the United States.

Abstract Research from across disciplines has demonstrated that social and political contextual factors at the national and subnational levels can impact the health and health behavior risks of individuals. This paper examines the impact of state-level social capital and ideology on individual-level health outcomes in the U.S. Leveraging the variation that exists across states in the U.S., the results reveal that individuals report better health in states with higher levels of governmental liberalism and in states with higher levels of social capital. Critically, however, the effect of social capital was moderated by liberalism such that social capital was a stronger predictor of health in states with low levels of liberalism. We interpret this finding to mean that social capital within a political unit—as indicated by measures of interpersonal trust—can serve as a substitute for the beneficial impacts that might result from an active governmental structure.
Critical behavior of pure and site-random two-dimensional antiferromagnets

Quasielastic neutron-scattering studies of the static critical behavior in the two-dimensional antiferromagnets K/sub 2/NiF/sub 4/, K/sub 2/MnF/sub 4/, and Rb/sub 2/Mn.T/sub 5/Ni/sub 0/./sub 5/ F/sub 4/ are reported. For T < 0.95T/sub N/ the diffuse scattering arises principally from the noncritical transverse susceptibility chi/sup perpendicular/(Q). In all three materials chi/sup perpendicular/(Q) is found to be only weakly temperature dependent for T < T/sub N/ with a halfwidth kappa/sup perpendicular/ consistent with spin-wave theory. For abs. value - T/T/sub N/ < 0.05 the overall scattering is dominated by the critical Ising component chi/sup parallel/(Q). The total scattering is proportional to chi/sup parallel/(Q) + chi/sup perpendicular/(Q) so that, with an appropriate correction for chi/sup perpendicular/(Q), the detailed critical behavior for chi/sup parallel/(Q) may be determined. For the reduced temperature range 0.008 < T/T/sub N/ - 1 < 0.15 one finds in all three materials ..nu.. = 0.9 +- 0.1, ..gamma.. = 1.6 +- 0.15, and from the scaling relation ..gamma.. = ..nu.. (2 - eta), eta = 0.2 +- 0.05. For T < T/sub N/ one finds ..beta.. = 0.15 +- 0.015 in the three systems. Finally, in K/sub 2/NiF/sub 4/ for T < T/sub N/, chi/sup parallel/(0), and kappa/sup parallel/ aremore » consistent with two-dimensional Ising behavior with exponents ..gamma..' = 1.75, ..nu..' = 1; further chi/sup parallel/(+ abs. value epsilon ) approx. = (50 +- 10) chi/sup parallel/(- abs. value epsilon ) compared with the Ising asymmetry factor of 37. These results thus demonstrate that the site-random and pure systems have identical critical behavior in agreement with current theory. Further, the critical behavior is close to that of the two-dimensional Ising model, although there are small differences, assumedly due to the fact that the experiments do not probe the true asymptotic region. Finally a number of inconsistencies in earlier experiments are resolved.« less
Unexpected products from the reaction of the synthetic cross-linker 3,3'-dithiobis(sulfosuccinimidyl propionate), DTSSP with peptides.

Synthetic cross-linking reagents, such as 3,3′-dithiobis(sulfosuccinimidyl propionate), DTSSP, can react with sidechains of amino acids that are within close proximity. Identification of cross-linked residues provides insight into the folded structures of proteins. However, analysis of proteolytic digests of proteins cross-linked with commercially available DTSSP is difficult because many ions cannot be attributed to reported reactions of DTSSP. To better understand the reactivity of DTSSP, products from the reaction of DTSSP with several model peptides were analyzed by HPLC electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESIMS). Several products not previously reported were identified. Sources for these unexpected products were traced to reaction of DTSSP with contaminant ammonium ions in the buffer, to reaction of contaminants present in the commercial DTSSP reagent, and to reactivity of DTSSP with serine and tyrosine residues. In addition, the collision-induced-dissociation (CID) of peptides modified by DTSSP was investigated. These results showed that certain DTSSP-peptide adducts easily undergo in-source fragmentation to give additional unexpected ions. This study of the reactions of DTSSP with model peptides has revealed the major types of ions that are likely to be found in proteolytic digests of proteins cross-linked with DTSSP, thereby facilitating identification of the cross-linked residues that can provide information about the three-dimensional structures of folded proteins.
Regional strain determination and myocardial infarction detection by three-dimensional echocardiography with varied temporal resolution.

Background: Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is a promising method for strain determination; however, there are temporal resolution concerns. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of 3DE on longitudinal and circumferential strain (LS, CS) determination and infarction detection under variable frame rates (FR) and “heart rates” (stroke rates [SR]) conditions. Methods: Latex balloons were sewn into the left ventricle (LV) of 20 freshly harvested pig hearts which were then passively driven by a pulsatile pump apparatus at stroke volumes (SV) 30–70 mL. The hearts were pumped at 2 normal limits of human heart rate. Full-volume data were acquired before and after a simulated myocardial infarction (MI) at the 2 most commonly used FRs. LS and CS values were evaluated against sonomicrometry. Results: Longitudinal strain and CS derived from high FR acquisitions showed statistically superior correlations with sonomicrometry data (LS: R 2 = 0.85, CS: R 2 = 0.84) than strain values from low FR (LS: R 2 = 0.78, CS: R 2 = 0.76) (all P < 0.01). After MI induction, LS and CS at different FRs were significantly decreased while maintaining excellent correlations with sonomicrometry data (all P < 0.001). There is no statistical difference of strain values between different SR acquisitions. Conclusion: Three-dimensional wall-motion tracking has the ability to accurately determine regional myocardial deformation and detect MI. Different heart rates within a physiologically relevant range have no effect on 3D strain accuracy. Strain values calculated from higher frame rate acquisitions were found to have a slightly better accuracy. (Echocardiography 2014;00:1–10)
A proposal for kinetic proof reading by ISWI family chromatin remodeling motors

ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling motors play fundamental roles in nuclear processes by regulating access to DNA. Yet compared to other cellular motors less is known about how these motors couple the energy of ATP to alter their substrates. Here we use recent studies on a key chromatin remodeling motor from the ISWI class, human ACF and its yeast counterpart, ISW2, to propose a model for how these motors use ATP to read structural cues presented by nucleosomal substrates. Substantial earlier work has shown that ACF activity is strongly regulated by the length of the DNA flanking a nucleosome as well as by the histone H4 tail. Recent bulk and single-molecule studies of human ACF suggest that this complex functions as a dimeric motor. These studies, together with studies of yeast ISW2 imply that at least two types of ATP hydrolysis events accompany each cycle of nucleosome movement. We propose that ISWI motors may employ a kinetic proof reading type of mechanism to favor action on nucleosomes that are poised to be in condensed chromatin while inhibiting action on nucleosomes that are in fully active or fully condensed chromatin.
Prostaglandins or prostaglandin like substances are implicated in normal growth and development in oomycetes.

Abstract The prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors aspirin and indomethacin inhibit the growth of Achlya caroliniana , A. ambisexualis and Saprolegnia parasitica in a dose-related manner. In addition, the inhibitors cause the formation of a characteristic asterisk-shaped colony. This abnormal colony morphology does not appear to be dependent on medium composition, since three different nitrogen and five differentcarbon sources all support the abnormal growth in the presence of 0.1 mM indomethacin. The abnormal colony morphology is the result of abnormal branching. Inhibitor grown colonies are more densely branched than controls, with shorter distances between branches. Inhibited colonies allowed to grow for greater than ten days escape the inhibition and assume a normal gross colony morphology and size, however, they do not reproduce sexually. The addition of 2 μg/ml PGF 1α to the growth medium partially overcomes the growth inhibition caused by indomethacin. The data suggest a role for prostaglandin or prostaglandin-like compounds in oomycete development.
Elementary teacher talk in mathematics study groups

In this article, the author examines the character of the conversations generated in an elementary teacher group as they worked on mathematical problems together and analyzed their students' work. Two distinct forms of talk — exploratory and expository — were found. The first type of talk occurred most prominently when discussions centered on the teachers' own mathematical work and the second type when conversations centered on that of their students. By examining closely the few occasions when the groups' expository talk turned exploratory, the author explores how both the nature of the tasks and the range and type of facilitator conversational strategies can play significant roles in promoting and interrupting these conversational patterns to educational ends.
Identification of Multiple Novel Protein Biomarkers Shed by Human Serous Ovarian Tumors into the Blood of Immunocompromised Mice and Verified in Patient Sera

The most cancer-specific biomarkers in blood are likely to be proteins shed directly by the tumor rather than less specific inflammatory or other host responses. The use of xenograft mouse models together with in-depth proteome analysis for identification of human proteins in the mouse blood is an under-utilized strategy that can clearly identify proteins shed by the tumor. In the current study, 268 human proteins shed into mouse blood from human OVCAR-3 serous tumors were identified based upon human vs. mouse species differences using a four-dimensional plasma proteome fractionation strategy. A multi-step prioritization and verification strategy was subsequently developed to efficiently select some of the most promising biomarkers from this large number of candidates. A key step was parallel analysis of human proteins detected in the tumor supernatant, because substantially greater sequence coverage for many of the human proteins initially detected in the xenograft mouse plasma confirmed assignments as tumor-derived human proteins. Verification of candidate biomarkers in patient sera was facilitated by in-depth, label-free quantitative comparisons of serum pools from patients with ovarian cancer and benign ovarian tumors. The only proteins that advanced to multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) assay development were those that exhibited increases in ovarian cancer patients compared with benign tumor controls. MRM assays were facilely developed for all 11 novel biomarker candidates selected by this process and analysis of larger pools of patient sera suggested that all 11 proteins are promising candidate biomarkers that should be further evaluated on individual patient blood samples.
Simulation of compressible viscous flows on a variety of MPPs: computational algorithms for unstructured dynamic meshes and performance results

Abstract We report here on our effort in simulating unsteady viscous flows on the iPSC-860, the CM-5 and the KSR-1 MPPs (Massively Parallel Processors), using a Monotonic Upwind Scheme for Conservation Laws finite volume/finite element method on fully unstructured fixed and moving grids. We advocate mesh partitioning with message passing as a portable paradigm for parallel processing. We present and discuss several performance results obtained on all three MPP systems in terms of interprocessor communication costs, I/O, scability and sheer performance.
Affective responses to seeing oneself for the first time on unedited videotape

Abstract Despite the growing popularity of watching oneself on videotape, little systematic research has been conducted determine viewers' affective responses to video replay. This study addresses the question: what affective responses do women have when they view themselves for the first time on unedited videotape, in comparison to their responses when they view a peer or nature scenes on videotape? Affective responses were measured in three ways: self-report, physiological, and behavioral. Subjects who viewed themselves reported more negative feelings and anxiety, and smiled more frequently than subjects who watched another person or nature scenes on video. Subjects with high private self-consciousness had higher mean arterial blood pressures when viewing themselves than did subjects with low private self-consciousness. Overall, the implications for seeing oneself on video point to potential embarrassment but generally moderate effects.
On mechanisms controlling swelling in ferritic and martensitic alloys

Abstract Ferritic and martensitic (FM) alloys are highly resistant to swelling in fast reactor irradiations. High self-diffusion rates and low dislocation bias may contribute to their intrinsic swelling resistance. Other factors, such as high sink densities, are metallurgically mediated and may not be permanent. Further, low helium generation rates in FM alloys may contribute significantly to the low swelling observed in fast reactor irradiations. Helium generation is environmentally mediated, and higher levels generated in mixed spectrum reactors increase void swelling. FM alloys also lose their advantageous helium-to-dpa ratio in fusion spectra. The implications of these factors are evaluated with critical bubble-to-void and rate theory swelling models using austenitic alloys as a reference base.
Alkylation of 2-methoxynaphthalene with propylene oxide using titanium and zirconium containing molecular sieves

Titanium and zirconium containing molecular sieves are active catalysts for the alkylation of 2-methoxynaphthalene (2-MN) with propylene oxide (PO). Temperatures above 423 K are necessary in order to promote the alkylation reaction. A major competing reaction that deactivates the catalyst is the oligomerization of PO that provides for deposition of these oligomers on the catalyst surface. A high 2-MN to PO ratio as well as the addition of PO in a semi-batch mode of operation help minimize the oligomerization reaction. The main reaction products are an O-alkylated product (I) and four C-alkylated products: 1-(2-methoxy-1-naphthyl)-2-propanol (II), 2-(2-methoxy-1-naphthyl)propanol (III), 1-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)-2-propanol (IV) and 2-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)propanol (V). The conversion of the limiting compound (PO) can be as high as 50% with selectivities towards the desired product V ranging from 12 to 20%. The ratio of 2,6- to 1,2-product is 1.6 for Ti-BEA, while Zr-BEA shows a value of 3.0. The shape-selective effect of the molecular sieve catalysts can be enhanced by passivation or poisoning of the outer surface of the catalyst by treatment with tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), tris[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]-phosphine (TETRAPHOS-II), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or hydrogen peroxide (H_2O_2). For these cases, the 2,6- to 1,2-products ratios can reach values of up to 4. No leaching of Ti or Zr from the molecular sieve materials is observed.
Recidivism and community adjustment amongst former mental patients

Abstract This paper describes a longitudinal study of recidivism in a group of mental patients discharged or otherwise released from a large state hospital. The goal of the study was to identify some of the factors that help and hinder the patients as they attempt to find a viable alternative to rehospitalization in the community. An attempt was made to assess the role of geographical location in the community, and to test the ecological hypothesis that the environmental characteristics of the patients' residential neighborhoods can predict recidivism in the sample. Data to support the hypothesis are discussed and evaluated in the light of other research questions generated by the results of the study.
Online Pricing: Review and Directions for Research

Abstract The Internet influences prices in two ways: it is a channel for obtaining information, and it is a vehicle for transactions. This paper reviews the literature on the impact of online information on prices, and also reviews the literature on how the features of online markets influence online pricing. The major influences on online pricing that are reviewed are costly and limited search, switching costs, reputation, heterogeneity in search costs, heterogeneity in demand for services, and online–offline competition. Based on this review, suggestions for further research are outlined.
Increasing Diversity in the Geosciences: Recruitment Programs and Student Self-Efficacy

Using a conceptual framework constructed around self-efficacy, this study explores specific recruitment programs that may contribute to the development of self-efficacy for students of color in the...
Effects of traumatic brain injury on intestinal contractility

Background Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) often suffer from gastrointestinal dysfunction including intolerance to enteral feedings. However, it is unclear how TBI affects small intestinal contractile activity. The purpose of this study was to determine if TBI affects intestinal smooth muscle function. Methods Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to controlled cortical impact injury (TBI). Sham animals underwent a similar surgery but no injury (SHAM). Animals were sacrificed 1, 3, and 7 days after TBI and intestinal smooth muscle tissue was collected for measurement of contractile activity and transit, NF-kB activity, and cytokine levels. Brains were collected after sacrifice to determine volume loss due to injury. Key Results Contractile activity decreased significantly in ileum, but not jejunum, in the TBI group 7 days after injury compared with SHAM. Brain volume loss increased significantly 7 days after injury compared with 3 days and correlated significantly with the contractile activity 1 day after injury. In the intestinal smooth muscle, NF-kB activity increased significantly in the TBI group 3 and 7 days after injury vs SHAM. Wet to dry weight ratio, indicating edema, also increased significantly in the TBI group. Interleukin-1α, -1β, and -17 increased significantly in the TBI group compared with SHAM. Conclusions & Inferences Traumatic brain injury causes a delayed but significant decrease in intestinal contractile activity in the ileum leading to delayed transit. The decreased intestinal contractile activity is attributed to secondary inflammatory injury as evidenced by increased NF-kB activity, increased edema, and increased inflammatory cytokines in the intestinal smooth muscle.
Beneath the Surface: Juvenile Adjudication Disparity in a Rural County

Abstract A rural county with a high Hispanic population showed small disproportionate minority contact (citation or arrest) in initial analysis of federally required Disproportionate Minority Confinement (DMC) studies, but closer examination of a random sample of all juveniles arrested in 2000 showed that a subtle, but significant disparity still existed when a more detailed examination was conducted. While overt discrimination did not appear to be extreme, stereotypes still negatively influenced Hispanic/Law Enforcement relations at various levels, and Hispanics were still over-represented in contacts and confinement. Three areas were examined to explain/inform these lingering disparity issues: Cultural, Economic and Structural factors.
The Use of Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs to Prevent Adherence of Staphylococcus epidermidis to Medical Polymers

The effect of salicylates and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs on the production of Staphylococcus epidermidis extracellular slime was studied. A dose-related decrease in slime production was observed with increasing concentrations of salicylic acid. S. epidermidis grown in 5 mM salicylic acid were less likely to adhere to Silastic, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, and Teflon catheters (P less than .006); strains grown in 2 mM salicylic acid, ibuprofen, indomethacin, or phenylbutazone were less adherent to Silastic catheters (P less than .001). Similar results were obtained with polyurethane catheters. S. epidermidis strains were less likely to adhere (43%-82% inhibition) to polyurethane catheters treated with 500 mM salicylic acid diluted in ethanol (P less than .0001). Similar differences were not observed with acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or acetylsalicylic acid. Adherence of radiolabeled S. epidermidis to salicylic acid-treated Silastic catheters demonstrated a dose-related reduction. The use of salicylic acid to coat medical devices may decrease the incidence of device-related infection.
Printing applications of a-Si thin film transistors

Abstract Amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin film transistors (TFT) have been used to drive the printing transducers in three different types of printers: ionographic, electrographic and liquid crystal shutter printers. In the ionographic printer application, arrays with both digital and analogue a-Si TFT circuits have been made to produce black-and-white and grey-scale prints. In the electrographic printer application, high voltage a-Si TFTs capable of switching 400 to 500 volts were utilized to initiate the air breakdown required by the printing mechanism. In the liquid crystal printer application, each pixel has a four-TFT sample-and-hold circuit to allow synchronized reversal of the applied voltage across the liquid crystal shutter as required by long life operation. These three printing applications of a-Si TFT will be described in this paper.
Highly visible response from large-area Indium gallium arsenide detectors

Vapor grown indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) detectors are normally1 fabricated with an indium phosphide (InP) cap layer which passivates the InGaAs and is transparent to light of a wavelength beyond 920 nm. Shorter wavelengths are strongly absorbed by this cap, and only ~5% of visible light is transmitted through a 2-μm thick InP cap. Previous work2 with 0.1- and 0.5-mm diam mesa detectors has shown that the visible response of these devices can be improved by utilizing thin (<1-μm) InP caps which allow significant transmission of visible light. The present work3 demonstrates that vapor grown planar InGaAs detectors with 2-, 3-, and 5-mm diam active areas can be made with quantum efficiencies as high as 38% at 400 nm, 42% at 600 nm, 50% at 800 nm, and 70% at 1300 and 1550 nm. Such detectors are unique and for the first time provide a usable large area high QE single-element detector for the 400-1700-nm spectral range, suitable as a traceable laboratory standard.
Rapid Thermochemical Analysis VIA Immobilized Enzyme Reactors

Abstract A thermochemical technique for urea determination has been developed based on the measurement of heat production as a sample flows through an adiabatic column filled with urease immobilized on controlled porosity glass. While in the column, the urea in the sample is completely converted to products by the catalytic action of the urease and heat is stoichiometrically generated. This heat raises the effluent temperature which is monitored at the column exit using a 100K ω thermistor.
Expression and localization of villin, fimbrin, and myosin I in differentiating mouse F9 teratocarcinoma cells☆

F9 embryonic carcinoma cells are a multipotent cell line which can be induced to differentiate into cells resembling the visceral endoderm, an extraembryonic absorptive epithelium characterized by apical microvilli. We have examined the role of villin, fimbrin, and myosin I, the major actin-binding proteins in the intestinal and visceral yolk sac microvilli, in the development of epithelial polarity and the assembly of the microvillus cytoskeleton in differentiating F9 cells. By immunoblot analysis villin was first detected at 4 days of differentiation. Confocal microscopy localized villin at Day 4 to the apical surface and by Day 6 to the basolateral surfaces as well. In comparison, fimbrin and myosin I were both present in undifferentiated F9 cells and became associated with the apical surface after villin during differentiation to visceral endoderm. The accumulation of villin, fimbrin, and myosin I at the apical surface in differentiating F9 cells correlated with the appearance of microvilli containing organized actin filament bundles. Two mouse villin cDNAs were isolated and characterized to examine villin expression during F9 differentiation. Mouse villin was encoded by two transcripts (3.8 and 3.4 kb) which differ in their 3'-noncoding region. Both villin mRNAs were first detected by Day 4 of differentiation and their appearance coincided with expression of the visceral endoderm marker alpha-fetoprotein. The pattern of expression and order of accumulation of villin, fimbrin, and myosin I in differentiating F9 cells are common to developing gut and yolk sac epithelium. This suggests that microvillus assembly is directed by a sequence of temporally and spatially regulated localizations of these actin-binding proteins.
Maximum algebraic connectivity augmentation is NP-hard

The algebraic connectivity of a graph, which is the second-smallest eigenvalue of the Laplacian of the graph, is a measure of connectivity. We show that the problem of adding a specified number of edges to an input graph to maximize the algebraic connectivity of the augmented graph is NP-hard.
Inositol hexaphosphate represses telomerase activity and translocates TERT from the nucleus in mouse and human prostate cancer cells via the deactivation of Akt and PKCα

Inositol hexaphosphate (IP6) has anti-proliferative effects on a variety of cancer cells, including prostate cancer. However, the molecular mechanism of anti-proliferative effects of IP6 is not entirely understood. Since the activation of telomerase is crucial for cells to gain immortality and proliferation ability, we examined the role of IP6 in the regulation of telomerase activity in prostate cancer cells. Here, we show that IP6 represses telomerase activity in mouse and human prostate cancer cells dose-dependently. In addition, IP6 prevents the translocation of TERT to the nucleus. Since phosphorylation of TERT by Akt and/or PKCalpha is necessary for nuclear translocation, we examined phosphorylation of Akt and PKCalpha after IP6 treatments. Our results show that IP6 inhibits phosphorylation of Akt and PKCalpha. These results show for the first time that IP6 represses telomerase activity in prostate cancer cells by posttranslational modification of TERT via the deactivation of Akt and PKCalpha.
Disentangling the importance of ecological niches from stochastic processes across scales

Deterministic theories in community ecology suggest that local, niche-based processes, such as environmental filtering, biotic interactions and interspecific trade-offs largely determine patterns of species diversity and composition. In contrast, more stochastic theories emphasize the importance of chance colonization, random extinction and ecological drift. The schisms between deterministic and stochastic perspectives, which date back to the earliest days of ecology, continue to fuel contemporary debates (e.g. niches versus neutrality). As illustrated by the pioneering studies of Robert H. MacArthur and co-workers, resolution to these debates requires consideration of how the importance of local processes changes across scales. Here, we develop a framework for disentangling the relative importance of deterministic and stochastic processes in generating site-to-site variation in species composition (β-diversity) along ecological gradients (disturbance, productivity and biotic interactions) and among biogeographic regions that differ in the size of the regional species pool. We illustrate how to discern the importance of deterministic processes using null-model approaches that explicitly account for local and regional factors that inherently create stochastic turnover. By embracing processes across scales, we can build a more synthetic framework for understanding how niches structure patterns of biodiversity in the face of stochastic processes that emerge from local and biogeographic factors.
Meropenem: activity against resistant Gram-negative bacteria and interactions with β-lactamases

The activity of meropenem, a new carbapenem, was determined against 82 Gram-negative bacteria in agar dilution tests. Many of these isolates were resistant to one or more beta-lactam antibiotics and the mechanisms responsible for the resistance had been characterized. The production of beta-lactamases had little influence on susceptibility to either meropenem or imipenem except in tests with Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas (Xanthomonas) maltophilia. These species produced metalloenzymes capable of hydrolyzing the carbapenems, and strains expressing high levels of these enzymes were resistant to both meropenem and imipenem. Clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa that had developed resistance to imipenem during therapy with the drug were two- to 32-fold less susceptible to meropenem than the corresponding pretreatment isolates. Alterations in outer membrane proteins were associated with this change in susceptibility to the carbapenems. Meropenem was a less potent inducer of Class I beta-lactamases than imipenem but was still a better inducer than ceftazidime or piperacillin. Overall, meropenem showed excellent activity against bacteria producing a variety of beta-lactamases, but cross-resistance between meropenem and imipenem due to enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms did occur.
Multifractal structure of the large-scale heliospheric magnetic field strength fluctuations near 85AU

Abstract. During 2002, the Voyager 1 spacecraft was in the heliosphere between 83.4 and 85.9AU (1AU is the mean distance from the Sun to Earth) at 34° N heliographic latitude. The magnetic field strength profile observed in this region had a multifractal structure in the range of scales from 2 to 16 days. The multifractal spectrum observed near 85AU is similar to that observed near 40AU, indicating relatively little evolution of the multifractal structure of the magnetic field with increasing distance in the distant heliosphere in the epoch near solar maximum.
HijackGL: reconstructing from streams for stylized rendering

This work shows that intercepting a low-level graphics library command stream and reconstructing a declarative representation is practical and useful, especially for exploring new rendering styles. We show not only how the basic mechanics of intercepting an OpenGL command stream lead to a non-invasive extension mechanism for graphics applications, but also how simply manipulating the stream severely limits the kinds of styles we can consider. We describe how our system efficiently reconstructs a declarative representation of the geometry implicit in the graphics library command stream. We present a set of application extensions built with this framework including several stylized renderers. Extensions built using our system are capable of changing the rendering style of applications on the fly at interactive rates.
Ribosomal Gene Localization and Distribution (Arrangement) within the Nucleolar Organizer Region of ZEA MAYS.

Cytogenetic and molecular hybridization techniques were used to examine the arrangement of rRNA genes at the nucleolar organizer region (NOR) of maize. TB-6a stocks involving a reciprocal translocation between a B chromosome and the NOR of chromosome 6 were used. The amount of rDNA in the different stocks used varied from 1.5 to 4 NOR equivalents depending on the number of B6 choromosomes present. Cytological measurements show that the medial break through the NOR results in an equal partitioning of the heterochromatic knob (the NOR) between chromosome 6 and the B chromosome to which it was translocated. DNA-rRNA hybridization experiments show a linear relationship between the amount of rRNA capable of hybridizing with DNA and the number of NOR equivalents present. The data confirm McClintock's conclusion that the heterochromatic knob, rather than the constricted portion, is the true NOR region. Further, they show that the number of ribosomal genes is correlated with the amount of cytologically visible NOR, suggesting a uniform distribution of genes throughout the locus.
A survey of several finite difference methods for systems of nonlinear hyperbolic conservation laws

The finite difference methods of Godunov, Hyman, Lax and Wendroff (two-step), MacCormack, Rusanov, the upwind scheme, the hybrid scheme of Harten and Zwas, the antidiffusion method of Boris and Book, the artificial compression method of Harten, and Glimm's method, a random choice method, are discussed. The methods are used to integrate the one-dimensional Eulerian form of the equations of gas dynamics in Cartesian coordinates for an inviscid, nonheat-conducting fluid. The test problem was a typical shock tube problem. The results are compared and demonstrate that Glimm's method has several advantages.
Magnetic polarity stratigraphy and paleolatitude of the Triassic^Jurassic Blomidon Formation in the Fundy basin (Canada): implications for early Mesozoic tropical climate gradients

A magnetic polarity stratigraphy is established for a continuously cored 360 m thick section of the entire cyclical lacustrine sequence and part of the sandy fluvial and eolian basal sequence of the Late Triassic Blomidon Formation in the Fundy basin in Nova Scotia (Canada). In conjunction with published results for the Newark and Dan River basins, the Fundy basin record allows us to precisely map the spatio^temporal distribution of climate-sensitive continental lithofacies along a paleolatitudinal transect in eastern North America corresponding to the tropics of Pangea in the Late Triassic. Indicators of high humidity such as coals and black shales tend to occur within 5‡ of the paleoequator and eolian dunes and other evidence of aridity occurs within 10‡ of the paleoequator. Although steep, the latitudinal climate gradient in the interior of the Pangea supercontinent is not that different from the average modern zonal variation in the balance of evaporation to precipitation even though the distribution of continents was radically different and there is no evidence of continental ice sheets in the Late Triassic. We suggest that the common perception of a dry paleoequator in the Triassic is largely an artifact of observational bias because compilations of paleoclimate proxies usually have spatio^ temporal resolutions that are inadequate to delineate narrow zonal climate belts, giving an aliased impression of ancient climate. fl 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Understanding Experiences of Spousal Caregivers with Health as Expanding Consciousness

The purpose of this study was to recognize a unitary pattern within the lives of spousal caregivers following their spouses' discharge from the hospital after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The unitary pattern emerged through four themes: dyadic relationship life patterns influenced caregivers' roles and responsibilities, life patterns of caring for self and others were altered, life patterns of certainty and knowing were limiting, awareness of life pattern gave meaning, and new perception on life left to live. The study added empirical support to the theory of health as expanding consciousness and provided a new way to examine the spousal caregiving experience.
Rearing in darkness changes visually-guided choice behavior in Drosophila.

To test whether visual experience can affect development of visual behavior in the fruitfly, Drosophila, we measured the visually-guided choice behavior of groups of flies reared in complete darkness, compared with controls reared in a normal light/dark cycle. We used a simple visual preference test, i.e. choice among four different visual targets each consisting of vertical black lines of a particular width on a white background, using a blind testing procedure so that the individual rearing histories were not known by the tester. Both groups of flies were strongly attracted to the vertical lines; however, generally the dark-reared flies were more attracted to the wider stimulus lines than were the control flies. Control experiments in which normally reared adults were kept for several days in darkness showed that the effects of dark-rearing were not simply due to being in darkness, but depended upon the timing of the deprivation. The results indicate that the development of visual behavior can be affected by visual experience in Drosophila and thus open the possibility of using Drosophila for genetic dissection of mechanisms of visual plasticity.
Widely tunable sampled grating DBR laser with integrated electroabsorption modulator

We report on the development of the first widely tunable semiconductor laser with an integrated electroabsorption modulator. The laser is a four-section buried-ridge sampled-grating distributed Bragg reflector design. It has a 41-nm continuous tuning range with a maximum tuning current of 23.5 mA for the hack mirror and 21 mA for the front mirror. The modulator is based on a 0.87-eV bandgap bulk waveguide structure. It is capable of producing more than 22 dB of optical extinction over the entire tuning range of the laser with a -4.0-V bias.
Boiler-turbine control system design using a genetic algorithm

This paper discusses the application of a genetic algorithm to control system design for boiler-turbine plant. In particular we study the ability of the genetic algorithm to develop a proportional-integral (PI) controller and a state feedback controller for a nonlinear multi-input/multi-output (MIMO) plant model. The plant model is presented along with a discussion of the inherent difficulties in such controller development. A sketch of the genetic algorithm (GA) is presented and its strategy as a method of control system design is discussed. Results are presented for two different control systems that have been designed with the genetic algorithm.
Location-based services in Internet telephony

Many applications used in the Internet today benefit from using location information. To better handle location information in Internet telephony applications, we did a comprehensive application-layer analysis of location information and location-based communication services. We first summarize and categorize end-user-oriented location description and location detection approaches. We then summarize and categorize how to use location information to provide communication services and introduce several interesting location based communication services. Based on the analysis, we have incorporated location-based service handling in our session initiation protocol (SIP) based Internet telephony infrastructure and our language for end system services (LESS).