cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integrating Solution-Derived 3D PZT Structures on Si Mems Platform for RF and Biomedical Applications

Extensive research has been done on integrating PZT thin films (2D) on Si platform to actuate MEMS devices for RF and microfluidic applications. These typically involve PZT thin films solgel deposited or sputtered on Si to piezoelectrically actuate the device. Emerging applications need improved piezoelectric actuation than what can be designed with 2D PZT structures. For example, majority of MEMS designs use flexural mode resonators with transverse actuation (d31) of PZT films though d31 is inferior to d33 resulting in lower electromechanical performance. Integrating vertical PZT structures in Si can lead to much improved electromechanical coupling. The feasibility of filling vertical trenches with a piezoelectric material also enables fabrication of vertical BAW resonators with different widths on a single substrate. Therefore, various frequency resonators could be realized on a single chip, which is not possible with 2D integration. Vapor deposition to make 3D structures has several constraints because of the smaller deposition rates and line-of-sight deposition. Solution derived PZT structures is a cheaper alternative. This paper will describe the solution microcasting of PZT on micromachined Si. The solution deposition process was modulated for two geometries: 1. Conformal solution coating on high-aspect ratio trenches (aspect ratio of 2; 2 micron wide and 4 micorn deep) to yield high surface area capacitors with 2 times improvement capacitance density. 2. Filled 2 micron wide and 6 micron deep trenches in Si with solgel derived PZT, with a compatible process to longitudinally actuate the Si beam resonators. Control of pyrolysis was found to be a very critical step during the process. The pyrolysis and annealing profiles are designed to prevent film cracking, embedded porosity and improved properties. This paper details the process development results, potential applications and the projected performance improvements with this technology
Effects of Child Interview Tactics on Prospective Jurors' Decisions

Although decisions in child sexual abuse (CSA) cases are influenced by many factors (e.g., child age, juror gender), case and trial characteristics (e.g., interview quality) can strongly influence legal outcomes. In the present study, 319 prospective jurors read about a CSA investigation in which the alleged victim was interviewed at a child advocacy center (CAC) or traditional police setting. The prospective jurors then provided legally relevant ratings (e.g., child credibility, interview quality, defendant guilt). Structural equation modeling techniques revealed that child credibility predicted greater confidence in guilt decisions and also mediated all associations with such decisions. Having fewer negative prior opinions and rating the interview as of better quality were associated with higher child credibility ratings. Mitigating factors (e.g., interview quality), as opposed to proxy indicators (e.g., participant gender), better predicted CSA case outcomes. Similar associations across groups (e.g., CAC interviews did not make child victims more or less credible) permit a tentative conclusion that CACs do not positively or negatively affect decisions made in hypothetical CSA cases. Ideas for future studies examining factors influencing decisions in CSA cases are discussed.
Surveillance strategies for gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Although only 10-30% of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are clinically malignant, all have some degree of malignant potential. The management of high risk patients should be evidence based. However, prospective data and a consensus for guidelines concerning the screening of asymptomatic high risk patients and surveillance following multidisciplinary treatment do not exist. This review provides an overview of GIST, with an emphasis on the available data regarding screening and surveillance of certain populations with GISTs.
Corrections to the continuous time semiclassical coherent state path integral

By returning to the underlying discrete time formalism, we relate spurious results in coherent state semiclassical path integral calculations, i.e. those involving quadratic fluctuations about classical paths, to the high frequency structure of their propagators. We show how to modify the standard expressions for thermodynamic quantities to yield correct results. These expressions are relevant to a broad range of physical problems, from the thermodynamics of Bose lattice gases to the dynamics of spin systems.
Growth cones are actively influenced by substrate-bound adhesion molecules

As axons advance to appropriate target tissues during development, their growth cones encounter a variety of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and extracellular matrix molecules (ECM molecules). Purified CAMs and ECM molecules influence neurite outgrowth in vitro and are thought to have a similar function in vivo. For example, when retinal ganglion cell (RGC) neurons are grown on different CAM and ECM molecule substrates in vitro, their growth cones display distinctive morphologies (Payne et al., 1992). Similarly, RGC growth cones in vivo have distinctive shapes at different points in the pathway from the eye to the tectum, suggesting the presence of localized cues that determine growth cone behaviors such as pathway selection at choice points. In this report, time-lapse video microscopy was utilized to examine dynamic transformations of RGC growth cones as they progressed from L1/8D9, N-cadherin, or laminin onto a different substrate. Contact made by the leading edge of a growth cone with a new substrate resulted in a rapid and dramatic alteration in growth cone morphology. In some cases, the changes encompassed the entire growth cone including those regions not in direct contact with the new substrate. In addition, the growth cones displayed a variety of behavioral responses that were dependent upon the order of substrate contact. These studies demonstrate that growth cones are actively affected by the substrate, and suggest that abrupt changes in the molecular composition of the growth cone environment are influential during axonal pathfinding.
Consistency of self-reported drug use events in a mixed methods study of people who inject drugs

AbstractBackground: Little is known about the consistency of information provided by people who inject drugs (PWID) during quantitative and qualitative interviews in mixed methods studies.Objectives: We illustrate the use of the intraclass correlation coefficient, descriptive statistics, and regression to assess the consistency of information provided during a mixed methods study of PWID living in Los Angeles and San Francisco, California, USA. Methods: Age of first use of heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, powder cocaine, and crack cocaine and first injection of heroin, methamphetamine, and powder cocaine were collected during an interviewer administered computer-assisted personal interview followed by an in-depth qualitative interview (n = 102). Results: Participants were 63% male, racially/ethnically diverse. 80.4% between the ages of 40 and 60 years old, 89% US-born, and 57% homeless. Consistency of self-reported data was adequate for most drug use events. Exact concordance between quantitative and q...
Barriers to treatment seeking for anxiety disorders: initial data on the role of mental health literacy.

Background: Anxiety disorders represent the single largest mental health problem in the United States [Greenberg et al., 1999. J Clin Psychiatry 60:427–435; Rice and Miller, 1998. Br J Psychiatry 173:4–9]. However most individuals with anxiety disorders never seek treatment [Henderson et al., 2002. Can J Psychiatry 47:819–824; Mojtabai et al., 2002. Arch Gen Psychiatry 59:77–84; Roness et al., 2005. Acta Psychiatr Scand 111:51–58]. Deficits in the ability to recognize anxiety disorders and beliefs about them, (i.e., “mental health literacy”) may contribute to low levels of help seeking. Methods: Survey data assessing mental health literacy for multiple anxiety disorders and for depression were collected from 284 undergraduate students enrolled in psychology courses at a public university in the United States. Specifically, respondents were presented with vignettes portraying individuals experiencing various forms of mental illness and were asked to label the disorder, its cause and whether or not they would recommend treatment. Results: Findings showed that social phobia and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) were associated with recognition rates that were generally high and similar to depression (∼80%). In contrast, less than half of the respondents labeled panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) correctly. Symptoms of OCD were attributed to mental illness by approximately 50% of respondents, but such attributions were rare for the other anxiety disorders studied (<12%). Finally, data on help-seeking recommendations suggested that such recommendations are far from universal and varied between different anxiety disorders and according to perceptions of the causes of symptoms. Conclusions: Given that the current sample was well-educated young adults, mental health literacy of the general public may be even lower. Depression and Anxiety, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Defect band luminescence intensity reversal as related to application of anti-reflection coating on mc-Si PV Cells

Photoluminescence (PL) imaging is widely used to identify defective regions within mc-Si PV cells. Recent PL imaging investigations of defect band luminescence (DBL) in mc-Si have revealed a perplexing phenomenon. Namely, the reversal of the DBL intensity in various regions of mc-Si PV material upon the application of a SiN x :H anti-reflective coating (ARC). Regions with low DBL intensity before ARC application often exhibit high DBL intensity afterwards, and the converse is also true. PL imaging alone cannot explain this effect. We have used high resolution cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy and electron beam induced current (EBIC) techniques to elucidate the origin of the DBL intensity reversal. Multiple sub-bandgap energy levels were identified that change in peak position and intensity upon the application of the ARC. Using this data, in addition to EBIC contrast information, we provide an explanation for the DBL intensity reversal based on the interaction of the detected energy levels with the SiN x :H ARC application. Multiple investigations have suggested that this is a global problem for mc-Si PV cells. Our results have the potential to provide mc-Si PV producers a pathway to increased efficiencies through defect mitigation strategies.
Solvent effects in the epoxidation reaction of 1-hexene with titanium silicalite-1 catalyst

The epoxidation of 1-hexene with titanium silicalite-1 (TS-1) catalyst was investigated to gain insight into the effect of the solvent on the observed reactivity. Three different solvents were examined: methanol, acetonitrile, and acetone. Kinetic data were obtained from batch reaction experiments, with an emphasis placed on gathering more accurate initial rates than those reported in the literature. The dependencies of the rates on the concentrations of 1-hexene, water, and hydrogen peroxide were determined. The adsorption behavior of 1-hexene in TS-1 in the three different solvents was determined independently by batch sorption experiments. Results showed that the solvent has a significant effect on the adsorption of 1-hexene, and hence on the reaction kinetics. Kinetic modeling incorporating experimental and simulated quaternary adsorption isotherms to describe quasi-equilibrated steps revealed that the differences in the observed reaction kinetics may be attributed mostly, but not entirely, to differences of the partitioning of 1-hexene between the bulk and intraporous phases among the three different solvents.
Comparative Effectiveness of Senna to Prevent Problematic Constipation in Pediatric Oncology Patients Receiving Opioids: A Multicenter Study of Clinically Detailed Administrative Data

Abstract Context Pediatric oncology patients often receive prolonged courses of opioids, which can result in constipation. Objectives Comparing patients who received senna matched with similar patients who received other oral bowel medications, determine the subsequent risk of "problematic constipation," assessed as the occurrence of the surrogate markers of receiving an enema, escalation of oral bowel medications, and abdominal radiographic imaging. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized pediatric oncology patients less than 21 years of age in 78 children's and adult hospitals between 2006 and 2011 who were started on seven consecutive days or more of opioid therapy and were started on an oral bowel medication within the first two days of opioid therapy. Clinically detailed administrative data were used from the Pediatric Health Information System and the Premier Perspective Database. After performing propensity score matching of similar patients who started senna and who started a different oral bowel medication, Cox regression modeling was used to compare the subsequent hazard of the surrogate markers. Results The final matched sample of 586 patients averaged 11.5 years of age (range 0–20 years); 41.8% (n = 245) had blood cancer, 50.3% (n = 295) had solid tumor cancer, and 7.9% (n = 46) had brain cancer. Initiating senna therapy within two days of starting the prolonged opioid course, compared with initiating another oral bowel medication, was significantly associated with a lower hazard during the ensuing five days for receipt of an enema (hazard ratio [HR], 0.31; 95% CI, 0.11–0.91) or undergoing abdominal radiographic imaging (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.55–0.98), was marginally associated with a lower hazard of oral bowel medicine escalation (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.59–1.03), and overall was significantly associated with a lower hazard of the composite end point of problematic constipation (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.56–0.88). Conclusion Initiating senna therapy, compared with other oral bowel medications, diminishes the subsequent risk of surrogate markers of problematic constipation in this population.
Mechanism Study of Excess Sludge Disintegration by Stirred Ball Mill

Stirred ball mill(SBM) method is one of the usually method which applied in large scale application cases of sludge disintegration. This study focuses on investigation the mechanism of sludge disintegration by SBM method. Besides analysis general indicators of SCOD, TN, TP and calculated the disintegration rate of COD (DDCOD). The result indicated the SCOD and DDCOD increased with the disintegration time. As DDCOD increased to the highest of 18.6% at the treated time of 60min, it shown that SBM was not more efficient in disintegration of biomass into so smaller particle that easily dissolved in water.
Soil pathogenic fungi have the potential to affect the co‐existence of two tallgrass prairie species

Summary 1 Negative feedback may exist between plant species and their biotic soil communities. Two co-occurring native tallgrass species (Andropogon gerardii, a perennial grass, and Chamaecrista fasciculata, an annual legume) were reciprocally transplanted into pots containing soil from areas dominated by one of the species. Half of the soil derived from each area was microwaved to reduce soil fungi, resulting in four different ‘soil types’. 2 Chamaecrista fasciculata plants were smaller when grown in their native soil vs. that from under A. gerardii, but were unaffected by microwaving (i.e. fungal reduction). Andropogon gerardii plants were shorter with fewer inflorescences in non-microwaved soil, with the poorest growth occurring in non-microwaved C. fasciculata soil. 3 Fungi were isolated from roots of A. gerardii growing in the different soil types. We tested whether the fungi found differed between the four soil types and whether any species characteristic of C. fasciculata soil were responsible for the poor growth of A. gerardii in this medium. 4 Fungi unique to the non-microwaved C. fasciculata soil type reduced tillering and caused an early reduction in growth of A. gerardii. These effects were partially ameliorated when potentially mycoparasitic fungi associated with A. gerardii were also included. By the end of the experiment, both fungal treatments increased above-ground biomass but greatly reduced below-ground biomass of A. gerardii compared with controls, suggesting that the exposure to potential fungal pathogens from C. fasciculata soil altered biomass allocation within plants. 5 There was no evidence of negative feedback between the prairie species and their own soils. However, fungi associated with Chamaecrista fasciculata were detrimental to A. gerardii, one of the dominant perennials in the surrounding area, and may facilitate the annual’s long-term persistence. Arbuscular mycorrhizae did not ameliorate the pathogenic effects of these fungi as there was little colonization of A. gerardii roots in C. fasciculata soil.
Evaluation of a Passive Sampler for Volatile Organic Compounds at ppb Concentrations, Varying Temperatures, and Humidities with 24-h Exposures. 2. Sampler Performance

The performance of the 3M 3520 organic vapor monitor (OVM) as a tool for monitoring inhalation exposures to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in nonoccupational community environments was evaluated by using combined controlled test atmospheres of benzene, 1,3-butadiene, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, methylene chloride, styrene, tetrachloroethylene, and toluene. Eight OVMs were simultaneously exposed to concentrations of 10,20, and 200 {micro}g/m{sup 3} in combination with temperatures of 10, 25, and 40 C and relative humidities of 12, 50, and 90% for 24 H. The results of this study indicate that the performance of the 3520 OVM is compound-specific and depends on concentration, temperature, and humidity. With the exception of 1,3-butadiene under most conditions and styrene and methylene chloride at very high relative humidities, recoveries showed a negative bias as compared to calculated chamber concentrations but were generally within {+-}25% of theory, indicating that the 3520 OVM can be effectively used over the range of concentrations and environmental conditions tested with a 24-h sampling period. Increasing humidities resulted in increasing negative bias from full recovery. Reverse diffusion experiments conducted at 200 {micro}g/m{sup 3} and five temperature/humidity combinations indicated diffusion losses only for 1,3-butadiene, methylene chloride, and styrene under increased humidity conditions. The recoverymore » rates reported in this study can be used for estimating measurement biases when using OVMs for indoor, outdoor, and personal air monitoring of VOCs in community environments.« less
SPR4-peptide alters bone metabolism of normal and HYP mice

Abstract Context ASARM-peptides are substrates and ligands for PHEX, the gene responsible for X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets (HYP). PHEX binds to the DMP1-ASARM-motif to form a trimeric-complex with α5β3-integrin on the osteocyte surface and this suppresses FGF23 expression. ASARM-peptide disruption of this complex increases FGF23 expression. We used a 4.2 kDa peptide (SPR4) that binds to ASARM-peptide and ASARM-motif to study DMP1–PHEX interactions and to assess SPR4 for treating inherited hypophosphatemic rickets. Design Subcutaneously transplanted osmotic pumps were used to infuse SPR4-peptide or vehicle into wild-type mice (WT) and HYP-mice for 4 weeks. Results Asymmetrically distributed mineralization defects occurred with WT-SPR4 femurs. Specifically, SPR4 induced negative effects on trabecular bone and increased bone volume and mineralization in cortical-bone. Markedly increased sclerostin and reduced active β-catenin occurred with HYP mice. SPR4-infusion suppressed sclerostin and increased active β-catenin in WT and HYP mice and improved HYP-mice trabecular mineralization defects but not cortical mineralization defects. Conclusions SPR4-peptide has bimodal activity and acts by: (1) preventing DMP1 binding to PHEX and (2) sequestering an inhibitor of DMP1–PHEX binding, ASARM-peptide. In PHEX defective HYP-mice the second pathway predominates. Although SPR4-peptide improved trabecular calcification defects, decreased sclerostin and increased active β-catenin it did not correct HYP-mice cortical mineralization defects on a normal phosphate diet. Thus, for inherited hypophosphatemic rickets patients on a normal phosphate diet, SPR4-peptide is not a useful therapeutic.
Energy-efficient Runtime Adaptive Scrubbing in fault-tolerant Network-on-Chips (NoCs) architectures

As Networks-on-Chips (NoCs) continue to become more susceptible to process variation, cross-talk, hard and soft errors with technology scaling to sub-nanometer, there is an urgent need for adaptive Error Correction Coding (ECC) schemes for improving the resiliency of the system. The goal of adaptive ECC schemes should be two fold; decrease power consumption when errors are infrequent, thereby maximizing power savings and increase the fault coverage when errors are frequent, thereby improving application speedup while consuming more power. In this paper, we propose Runtime Adaptive Scrubbing (RAS), a novel multi-layered error correction and detection scheme for Networks-on-Chips (NoCs) architectures that intelligently adjusts fault coverage at the physical layer using variable strength encoders to scrub (protect) flits, thereby preventing faults from accumulating and propagating up to the logical layer. RAS successfully permits graceful network degradation while improving the overall network speedup, fault granularity, and wider fault coverage than traditional static schemes. Simulation results indicate that RAS improves network latency by an average of 10% for Splash-2/PARSEC benchmarks on a 8 × 8 mesh network while incurring 6.6% power penalty per flit and saving 15% in area overhead.
Production of a decoupled neutral gauge boson at the SSC

We consider an extension of the standard model with an extra neutral gauge bosonV which does not couple to the usual fermions or mix with the standardZ boson. A new fermion, which is either a color-triplet (Q) or a color-singlet (L), and a singlet Higgs scalar (X) are generic particles required for the extension group.V can be produced copiously by the process $$gg \to Q\bar QV$$ . We find 0760 0712 V 3 that there will be at least a few hundredV's produced at the SSC per year if the masses ofV andQ are less than 1 and 0.3 TeV respectively. Although the mixing of the standard and new Higgs scalars is small, the decay of the standard model Higgs scalar,H 1→2V, is comparable to the corresponding standard processes,H 1→2Z. A heavy standard model Higgs may open an important channel for the study of a new neutral gauge boson.
Voronoi diagrams from convex hulls

The problem of construction of planar Voronoi diagrams arises in many areas, one of the most important of which is in nearest neighbor problems. This includes clustering [ 141, contour maps [6] and (Euclidean) minimum spanning trees [23]. Shamos [22] gives several more applications. An JZ(N log N) time worst case lower bound can be shown for this problem by reducing it to sorting [2 11. The challenge is to construct an O(N log N) time algorithm. Shamos [213 and Shamos anti Hoey [23] describe an O(N log N) time divide-and-conquer algorithm for construction of the planar Euclidean Voronoi diagram. Lee and Wong [ 161 describe an O(N log N) time algorithm for the L1 and L, metrics in the plane, and Drysdale pnd Lee [8] present an O(N@g N)l/*) t’ rme algorithm for the Voronoi diagram of N line segments (which they have since improved to O(N(log N)*) time). Shamos [2 11, Lee and Preparata [ 151, and Lipton and Tarjan [ 171 have produced fast algorithms for searching a Voronoi diagram (or any other straight-line planar graph). In this paper we describe an O(N log N) time algorithm for constructing a planar Euclidean Voronoi diagram which extends straightforwardly to higher dimensions. The fundamental result is that a K-dimensional Euclidean Voronoi diagram of N points can be constructed by transforming the points to K + I-space,
Multiple-output agency incentives in data production: experimental evidence

Abstract This paper interprets the production of sample surveys as a multiple output agency problem in which interviewers act as agents for the principal investigator of the survey. The central aspect of data production that gives rise to the agency problem is that sampling error cannot be separated out from interviewer performance. We argue that contract effects on data production are important because the quality-quantity incentives facing interviewers affect the survey, in terms of its bias and its sample size. Direct evidence pertaining to these quality-quantity tradeoffs in the production of attitudinal surveys is examined through consideration of an experiment in which piece-rate and fixed wage contracts were randomly assigned across interviewers. Using these randomly assigned contracts, we find that observable quality dimensions do not respond to quantity incentives but unobservable quality dimensions do respond weakly in a negative way.
ELEVATED CAFFEINE AND ETHYNYLESTRADIOL BLOOD LEVELS IN HYPERTENSIVE ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE USERS

The relationship between oral contraceptive (OC) associated hypertension and blood levels of ethynl estradiol and caffeine was investigated. 5 hypertensive and 5 normotensive women who has been taking OCs for 3-6 years were the subjects (Ss). All had normal blood pressures before OC use; the 5 hypertensive had readings of at least 135 mm Hj sgstolic or 90 mm Hg diastolic for 3 consecutive visits during the study. All Ss were asked to refrain from consuming caffeine for 12-18 hours before taking blood samples which were drawn 10-12 hours following OC intake. Ethynyl estradiol levels were measured by radioimmunoassay and caffeine levels were determined spectrophotometrically. The blood levels of ethynyl estradiol and caffeine were significantly elevated (p less than .01) in the hypertensive group as compared the normotensive group suggesting that the metabolism of these 2 compounds may be interrelated.
Cloud-free sea surface temperature and colour reconstruction for the Gulf of Mexico: 2003–2009

The data interpolating empirical orthogonal function (DINEOF) method is applied to concurrent MODIS sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a (chl-a) data to produce daily, 4 km, cloud-free SST and chl-a analyses for the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) from 2003 to 2009. Comparisons between SST analysis and in situ buoy temperature measurements indicate that the DINEOF method can accurately resolve temperature variability and solve the cloud-cover problem, which is a typical issue of remote-sensing observations. Based on significant correlations between cloud-free chl-a, SST and sea surface height (SSH) data in the GOM, a simple chl-a statistical prediction model is further developed. Favourable comparisons between model solutions and independent satellite chl-a observations indicate that the statistical model provides a feasible means to predict GOM chl-a field based on existing SST and SSH information, allowing for observational gap fillings when concurrent chl-a data were not available.
High-Speed Mach-Zehnder Modulator

We have designed and fabricated an integrated-optics Mach-Zehnder interferometric modulator. The electrodes are 3 μm thick asymmetric coplanar striplines, formed by ion-beam etching techniques. Complete modulation is achieved with 6.5 volts for the 6 mm long device at 0.83 μm wavelength and with 18 volts at 1.3 μm wavelength. The modulator's optical characteristics have been measured up to 3 GHz and its rf characteristics up to 18 GHz. The rf characteristic of the stripline electrodes are highly sensitive to fabrication and packaging. In fact, by electroplating instead of sputter-depositing the gold stripline electrodes and by modifying the device package, the 3 dB bandwidth of our device increased from 3.5 GHz to 16.5 GHz. In addition, resonances, commonly observed in previous devices, were eliminated after the modifications, yielding for the first time, smooth frequency response up to 17 GHz. Since this particular modulator retains a dc electrical bias, it performs either as an intensity modulator by applying a π/2 dc phase bias to achieve maximum linearity or as a frequency shifter by changing the dc bias point to π. In addition, we analyzed the principle of operation of the Y-junction by observing both the in-phase and the out-of-phase modes of a multimode waveguide modulator.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Imaging the irradiance distribution in the optical near field

This letter describes the use of a sensitive photoresist for direct imaging of optical intensity profiles in near-field photolithographic experiments. A comparison between experimental patterns in exposed, developed photoresist and calculated profiles of intensity shows that this procedure provides a reliable semiquantitative image of the irradiance distribution in the near field; experiment and theory correlate adequately. A potential use of the superficial diffraction contrast recorded in photoresist as the basis for a new method of the fabrication of nanostructures is discussed.
Sound envelope extraction in cochlear nucleus neurons: modulation filterbank and cellular mechanism

Efficiently encoding sound features, e.g. temporal fine structure or envelope, is critical for perception tasks such as sound localization and identification. Whereas the auditory nerve (AN) fibers convey all information transduced at the cochlea, the pathway bifurcates in the cochlear nucleus, the first station after AN. The auditory system of the barn owl is a good example of such functional differentiation, where one subdivision of the cochlear nucleus (Nucleus Angularis, NA) is thought to encode sound intensity information used for interaural intensity difference processing whereas the other (Nucleus Magnocellularis) encodes temporal fine-structure information necessary for interaural time difference processing [1]. The fact that NA responses to frozen broadband sounds are very reproducible on a slow time-scale [2] led to think that this center is also involved in the encoding of the slow-time-varying sound envelope. By using coherence and phase-locking analysis of NA responses to amplitude-modulated broadband sounds, we show that NA indeed encodes the envelope better than AN at the cost of losing the fine -structure information. A detailed analysis of the modulation filters estimated using reverse correlation on the envelope signal shows that NA neurons low-pass or band-pass filter the envelope with time constants of an order of magnitude faster than in higher centers (e.g. [3]). Population-wide there is a heterogeneous distribution of the center frequencies of those filters that does not depend on the best frequency of the neurons. This suggests that NA could implement a bank of modulation filters, each with different center frequencies (up to 600 Hz) and bandwidths. Because the AN encodes sounds through frequency-selective channels that exhibit low-pass modulation sensitivity the question then arises as to how NA cells, receiving a few (around 5 [4]) AN inputs, can implement band-pass modulation filtering. While most existing models of such temporal modulation rely on delayed inhibition (e.g. [5]), there is no evidence of time-locked GABAergic input to NA. We therefore hypothesize this function can be based on cellular mechanisms. Using a model fitting approach [6] we show that a spiking neuron model including an adaptive threshold based on sodium inactivation [7] can predict the spike timing and the response statistics of NA neurons. In particular we hypothesize that the high-pass filtering effect of the dynamic threshold on the membrane potential, in conjunction with the low-pass filtering properties of the cell, serve as a neural substrate for implementing the observed band-pass filtering properties of AN neurons. Population heterogeneity in the model parameters, especially in the time constant of the threshold dynamics, would ensure to have a bank of filters with different frequency responses. This finding indicates that a basic cellular mechanism, in our case spike threshold adaptation, is sufficient to implement neural band-pass filtering.
Susceptibility to Distraction During Reading in Young, Young-Old, and Old-Old Adults

Background/Study Context: Susceptibility to distraction during reading may increase with age, resulting in comprehension errors. Neurological integrity and cognitive reserve are possible covariates of age-related distraction susceptibility. The current study investigated distraction susceptibility in three age groups (young, young-old, and old-old), and examined the covariation patterns of variable sets associated with neurological integrity and cognitive reserve. Methods: Participants responded to comprehension questions after reading stories that included semantically related or semantically unrelated distractors. Neurological integrity measures consisted of Mini-Mental State Examination, Selective Reminding, and Category Fluency. Cognitive reserve measures consisted of education and vocabulary. Results: Old-old adults were more likely than young and young-old adults to select distractors when responding to comprehension questions (24.02%, 11.95%, 3.68%, respectively). Age-related distraction variance s...
Ultrasonic Attenuation in Superconducting Molybdenum

Measurements have been made on the attenuation of 10-, 30-, and 50-MHz longitudinal sound waves in normal amd superconducting molybdenum single crystals. These measurements were made for the ultrasound propagated in the [100], [110], and [111] directions. The measured attenuation changes have been analyzed in terms of the BCS theory of superconductivity. An effective minimum energy gap has been determined and has been found to be anistropic. We have also observed a frequency-dependent behavior in the measured values of the ratio of the ultrasonic attenuation in the superconducting state over that in the normal state alpha a/ alpha n hence in the values of the energy gap DELTA (T), calculated by fitting the data to the BCS model. Superconducting properties and electrical resistivities of NbN thin films have been studied as a function of sputtering parameters, film structure, and composition. A good correlation exists between superconducting Tc,'s and film structure and composition regardless of the sputtering conditions used to achieve this structure. The most important parameters affecting Tc are lattice parameter, crystal structure island structure, and impurity content. Substrate temperature, Ar/N2 ratio, and impurity content are the prindipal sputtering parameters affecting film structure, and thus Tc.
Methods for describing ordinal data with cardinal models

Abstract Several methods, both new and old, for describing ordinal data with a cardinal model are discussed in a newly developed and general context which broadens their applicability beyond their traditional use in multidimensional scaling. The relationships between the methods is investigated. It is shown that the two most commonly used methods (Guttman's rank-image principle and Kruskal's least-square monotonic transformation) are the boundary conditions of a newly proposed single parameter family of methods. An additional method is proposed which is shown to yield an equal-density model space. The commonly made distinction between “transformation” methods and “transformation-free” methods is shown to be a pseudodistinction. It is observed that all the methods can be stated as matrix operations on the model space with the conclusion that they try to optimize a linear combination of the model space.
The multi-heat addition turbine engine

A study was made of multiheat addition turbine engines (MHATE) which incorporate multiple burners and turbines. The types of engines studied were a MHATE two-spool duct burning turbo fan and a single-spool turbojet. A conventional duct burning turbofan and a TBE turbojet were studied for comparison. Comparisons of the thrust and specific fuel consumption of the engines were made for maximum burner temperatures of 2400 F and 2900 F. The results of the study show that the MHATE engines with maximum burner temperatures of 2400 F obtain the same thrust and specific fuel consumption as the conventional engines having maximum burner temperatures of 2900 F. This would have the potential for significant reductions in harmful emissions of NO(x). When the MHATE and conventional engines have the same maximum burner temperatures, the MHATE engines achieve 15 to 50 percent more thrust.
Hierarchical Bayesian Calibration of Untested Devices

We consider calibration of mass-produced measuring devices and extend inferences from tested devices to untested ones. When the reference instrument is subject to measurement error, and particularly when point and interval predictions from an untested device are desired, Landes et al. (2006) appear to be the first to introduce a suitable method. Landes et al. employed a Bayes hierarchical model for this problem, but omited a full description of the method and its statistical properties. This work provides the details of the method, an abbreviated illustration of a real calibration experiment, and the method's statistical properties.
FTIR microspectroscopy for improved prostate cancer diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis and prognosis is essential for cancer management but is subject to sampling and inter-observer error. In a recent study, Baker et al. compared Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy with histological pathology to evaluate prostate tissue for disease severity. The authors found that biochemical changes associated with prostate cancer could be discriminated by FTIR to classify confined and locally invasive prostate cancers. These findings could enable the development of improved diagnostic and prognostic methods for the detection and treatment of prostate cancers.
Modulation of Inactivation Kinetics of the Bacterial Sodium Channel Nachbac Suggests a Complex Mode of Inhibition by Isoflurane

The bacterial sodium channel NaChBac is a prokaryotic ancestor of eukaryotic voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav), which are critical for action potential generation and propagation in nervous and cardiac tissue. Like all mammalian Nav isoforms examined thus far, NaChBac is inhibited by clinically relevant concentrations of the inhaled volatile anesthetic isoflurane, and inhibition is accompanied by enhancement of slow or C-type inactivation (Ouyang et al., 2007). However, a detailed mechanistic explanation of the interplay between C-type inactivation and isoflurane inhibition is lacking. To shed light on the relationship between inactivation and inhibition, we introduced point mutations known to alter inactivation in NaChBac (G219A, G219P, G229A, and S195E), expressed the channels in HEK293FT cells, and applied isoflurane during whole-cell patch clamp recording. Preliminary data support the idea that isoflurane acts by multiple mechanisms invovling multiple sites on NaChBac. Channel mutations that enhance inactivation show greater current reduction by isoflurane, suggesting that isoflurane binds more favorably to inactivated channels. However, isoflurane exhibits both tonic and use-dependent block of the essentially non-inactivating NaChBac G219P mutant, indicating that binding also occurs in the closed/resting and open/conducting states. A detailed biophysical and pharmacological profile of these NaChBac inactivation variants together with a recent molecular dynamics simulation study showing isoflurane interacting with NaChBac at three distinct binding sites (Carnavale et al, 2013) supports multiple mechanisms of state-dependent inhibtion. Such functional data help clarify the complex pharmacological effects of volatile anesthetics on Nav channels, and contribute to better understanding of C-type inactivation in these proteins.Supported by NIH grant GM 58055 (RS and HH) and German Research Foundation fellowship 5767/1-1 (TM).
AI-related dissertations

The following are citations selected by title and abstract as being related to Al, resulting from a computer search, using the BRS Information Technologies retrieval service, of the Dissertation Abstracts International (DAI) database produced by University Microfilms International.The online file includes abstracts, which are not published in this listing, but the citations below do include the DAI reference for finding the abstract in the published DAI. Other elements of the citation are author; university, degree, and, if available, number of pages; title; UM order number and year-month of DAI; and DAI subject category chosen by the author of the dissertation. References are sorted first by the initial DAI subject category and second by the author. In addition the database includes masters abstracts, denoted by MAI (Masters Abstracts International) instead of DAI as the reference to the abstract in the published MAI.Unless otherwise specified, paper or microform copies of dissertations may be ordered from University Microfilms International, Dissertation Copies, Post Office Box 1764, Ann Arbor, MI 48106; telephone for U.S. (except Michigan, Hawaii, Alaska): 1-800-521-3042, for Canada; 1-800-268-6090. Price lists and other ordering and shipping information are in the introduction to the published DAI.
A review of fungus infections of the central nervous system

The hitherto bleak picture seen in fungus infections of the nervous system is brightening with the advent of newer and more powerful medications which are resulting in fungal and clinical arrests plus long remission periods. With this recent surge of interest in the management of these illnesses, we can now look ahead to continuing advances in the field of mycology.
Protein Kinase R as Mediator of the Effects of Interferon (IFN) γ and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) α on Normal and Dysplastic Hematopoiesis

IFNγ and TNFα are potent inhibitors of hematopoiesis and have been implicated in the pathophysiology of bone marrow failure and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). We examined the role of protein kinase R (PKR) in the generation of the inhibitory effects of these myelosuppressive cytokines on hematopoiesis. Our data demonstrate that PKR is rapidly phosphorylated/activated in response to engagement of IFNγ or TNFα receptors in normal human hematopoietic progenitors. Such engagement of PKR is important for the suppressive effects of these cytokines on normal hematopoiesis. Pharmacological targeting of PKR using a specific inhibitor or siRNA-mediated PKR knockdown results in partial reversal of the suppressive effects of IFNγ and TNFα on normal human CD34+-derived myeloid (colony-forming unit-granulocyte-monocytic) and erythroid (burst-forming unit-erythroid) progenitors. Importantly, inhibition of PKR activity or expression increases hematopoietic colony formation from human MDS progenitors, suggesting that drugs that target PKR may provide a novel approach for the treatment of MDS and marrow failure syndromes. Altogether, our data establish that beyond its key role in the induction of IFN-antiviral responses, PKR plays important roles in signaling for IFNγ and other myelosuppressive cytokine receptors as a common mediator of signals for hematopoietic suppression.
Fourier‐transform infrared study of the reversible interaction of water and a crosslinked epoxy matrix

Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy is utilized to characterize the interaction of a crosslinked epoxy matrix with sorbed water vapor. The perturbations of the epoxy vibrational spectrum are evidence for weak H bonding between water molecules and polar groups in the resin. The epoxy-water interactions are reversible.
Increased Growth and Germination Success in Plants following Hydrogen Sulfide Administration

This study presents a novel way of enhancing plant growth through the use of a non-petroleum based product. We report here that exposing either roots or seeds of multicellular plants to extremely low concentrations of dissolved hydrogen sulfide at any stage of life causes statistically significant increases in biomass including higher fruit yield. Individual cells in treated plants were smaller (∼13%) than those of controls. Germination success and seedling size increased in, bean, corn, wheat, and pea seeds while time to germination decreases. These findings indicated an important role of H2S as a signaling molecule that can increase the growth rate of all species yet tested. The increased crop yields reported here has the potential to effect the world's agricultural output.
Effects of Exogenous Calcium Salt Treatments on Inhibiting Irradiation-Induced Softening in Diced Roma Tomatoes

: Freshly diced tomatoes were dipped into either 0.2% or 1% calcium chloride or 2% calcium lactate solution and exposed to γ-irradiation at 1.25 kGy. With increasing levels of calcium, firmness was enhanced, water-soluble pectin was decreased, and oxalate-soluble pectin was increased. Irradiation decreased instrumental firmness in all samples; however, the 1% calcium chloride and 2% calcium lactate-dipped samples remained firmer than the water-dipped control. Irradiation alone did not have a significant impact on pectic substances. Trained sensory panelists did not detect a significant loss of firmness due to irradiation in the calcified tomatoes, but some judges detected a change in flavor following the calcium dips.
SIMULATION OF WATERWAY RESPONSE TO POLLUTANT DISCHARGES

A simulation of the response of a flowing waterway when a polluting material is discharged into it is based on the same distributed-parameter mathematical description as a flow reactor. Correlation was obtained with experimental data when dye was fed into a river and the dye concentration was measured downstream. The model is capable of correlating river response at all points over a considerable reach, with empirical correction of only one factor to account for tributary and tidal influx.
Medical management of benign oesophageal disease in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Abstract Oesophageal diseases are common in human immunodeficiency virus infection, and Candida is the most frequent cause. Empiric therapy with oral antifungal therapy is cost-effective in most patients presenting with oesophageal symptoms. The “gold standard” of diagnosis, endoscopy with brushings and biopsies, is reserved for non-responders within 2 weeks. Since the use of empiric antifungal drugs, the percentage of viral and idiopathic ulcers has increased. The latter frequently recur after treatment, and have been associated with the development of oesophageal strictures. More information is needed on the role of maintenance therapy particularly for viral infections.
A Grading System for Composition Papers

(1996). A Grading System for Composition Papers. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas: Vol. 69, No. 5, pp. 280-282.
Invariant differential operators on Grassmann manifolds

For a Lie group G and a closed subgroup H c G let D( G/H) denote the algebra of differential operators D on the manifold G/H which are invariant under the action of G. In this note we determine this algebra in the case when G is the group M(n) of rigid motions of the Euclidean space R” and H is the subgroup of M(n) leaving a certain p-dimensional plane in R” invariant. Here 0 6 p 6 II - 1 and is the space