cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detection and characterization of Borrelia bissettii in rodents from the central California coast

This is the first report of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in rodents from San Luis Obispo county, with most isolates obtained from a previously unreported host, Neotoma lepida Thomas. B. burgdorferi sensu lato was identified in seven rodent species, including the California vole, Microtus californicus Peale; dusky-footed woodrat, Neotoma fuscipes Baird; desert woodrat, Neotoma lepida Thomas; brush mouse, Peromyscus boylii Baird; California mouse, Peromyscus californicus Gambel; deer mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus Wagner; and western harvest mouse, Reithrodontomys megalotis Baird. Ear punch biopsies were cultured in BSK-H medium from 179 rodents trapped at six different study sites. Overall, prevalence of rodent infection was 44/179 (24.6%), with 34 of these isolates from N. lepida. Spirochete isolates were obtained from rodents at all study sites, indicating widespread prevalence of B. burgdorferi sensu lato across rodent species and habitats. Nucleotide sequences for 14 of these isolates have been submitted to GenBank. Isolates from three N. lepida and one P. boylii had identical flagellin gene sequences, and phylogenetic analysis placed these spirochetes in B. burgdorferi sensu lato group DN127, now known as B. bissettii Postic, Marti Ras, Lane, Hendson & Baranton. Additional sequencing of the intergenic spacer regions between the 5S and 23S ribosomal genes was performed on three of these isolates. Phylogenetic analysis separated these isolates into two clusters that grouped with Colorado or California isolates. The role of B. bissettii and related species other than B. burgdorferi sensu stricto Johnson, Schmid, Hyde, Steigerwalt & Brenner as human pathogens in the United States warrants further investigation.
Interactions between human communities and estuaries in the Pacific Northwest: Trends and implications for management

This paper explores social, and economic aspects of coastal communities crucial to the management of estuaries in the Pacific Northwest. These aspects include the changing demographics and economies of coastal communities, and the public perceptions, attitudes, and values pertaining to estuarine ecosystems. Information from Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor in Washington and Tillamook, Yaquina, and Coos Bays in Oregon shows that the coastal communities are growing more slowly than the states overall., that the populations are relatively old, and that, although the local economies continue to rely on them, the extractive natural resource industries (fishing, aquaculture, agriculture, forest products) are declining in importance relative to tourism, recreation, and retirement industries. These trends suggest that human uses of the estuaries are changing in character, and altering the management problems. Coastal residents choose to live in these communities to enjoy the views and scenery, to experience rural living, to be near the ocean, and to recreate outdoors. People express coherent perceptions of risks to the estuaries, especially the threats of declining fish habitats, oil spills, shoreline development, invasive species, and logging in upland areas> Residential land values are enhanced by the presence of wetlands and forests and are diminished by the presence of hazardous waste sites. We conclude that, if recent trends in population age structure, income sources, and employment status continue, public attitudes and values will move towards stronger environmental protection. Because ecosystem management involves local public participation and collaboration, estuarine managers will be faced with both increased demands and opportunities.
Pressure-induced amorphization in the α-phase of Nd2(MoO4)3 and Tb2(MoO4)3

Abstract The α-phase of Nd 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 and Tb 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 has been studied under high pressure using Raman scattering. A pressure-induced amorphization is observed in both the compounds; in Nd 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 near 13 GPa and in Tb 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 near 18 GPa. The transformation is partially reversible. The mechanism for amorphization appears to be connected with the disordering of the MoO 4 groups in the structure (Eu 2 (WO 4 ) 3 type) of the α-phase.
Functional interaction between medial thalamus and rostral anterior cingulate cortex in the suppression of pain affect

The medial thalamic parafascicular nucleus (PF) and the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) are implicated in the processing and suppression of the affective dimension of pain. The present study evaluated the functional interaction between PF and rACC in mediating the suppression of pain affect in rats following administration of morphine or carbachol (acetylcholine agonist) into PF. Vocalizations that occur following a brief noxious tailshock (vocalization afterdischarges) are a validated rodent model of pain affect, and were preferentially suppressed by injection of morphine or carbachol into PF. Vocalizations that occur during tailshock were suppressed to a lesser degree, whereas, spinal motor reflexes (tail flick and hindlimb movements) were only slightly suppressed by injection of carbachol into PF and unaffected by injection of morphine into PF. Blocking glutamate receptors in rACC (NMDA and non-NMDA) by injecting D-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (AP-5) or 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione disodium (CNQX) produced dose-dependent antagonism of morphine-induced increases in vocalization thresholds. Carbachol-induced increases in vocalization thresholds were not affected by injection of either glutamate receptor antagonist into rACC. The results demonstrate that glutamate receptors in the rACC contribute to the suppression of pain affect produced by injection of morphine into PF, but not to the suppression of pain affect generated by intra-PF injection of carbachol.
Cultural Values in Architectural Education: An Example from India

Architectural education is not simply the imparting of knowledge and skills necessary for practice, but involves the development of values and philosophical positions. Based on an examination of an...
Centering peripheral features in an indoor environment using a binocular log-polar 4 DOF camera head

Abstract This paper describes a hardware/software system that successfully detects certain stationary objects in an indoor scene. The system uses a four degree of freedom (4 DOF) pan-tilt-verge stereo camera head (built in-house) coupled with an inexpensive hardware image processor. A log-polar (LP) image mapping facilitates the detection of floor-wall-ceiling boundaries. The mapping also substantially reduces the data bandwidth of the input imagery by transforming a video resolution image into 64 × 64 pixel multiresolution image. A model matching algorithm detects the wanted object in the LP domain. If the object is in the low-resolution periphery of the LP image, the camera must be moved to center the high-resolution fovea on the object where stereo-from-vergeance can be used to calculate the distance to the object.
Mechanical Intervention for Maintenance of Cartilage and Bone

Mechanical loading provides indispensible stimuli for growth and development of the articular cartilage and bone. Interestingly, depending on loading conditions loads applied to the joint can be beneficial as well as harmful to skeletal maintenance and remodeling. Moderate loads to the synovial joint, for instance, suppress the expression levels of matrix metallproteinases (MMPs), while loads above a threshold tend to increase their destructive activities. This report focuses on two recently developed loading modalities from animal studies, joint motion and joint loading. Their unique characteristics and potential usages for maintenance of the articular cartilage and stimulation of bone remodeling are reviewed. Also described are biophysical and molecular mechanisms which likely are responsible for the load-driven maintenance of cartilage and bone, and a possibility of developing load-mediated treatments of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
Observability for two-dimensional systems

Sufficient conditions that a two-dimensional system with output is locally observable are presented. Known results depend on time derivatives of the output and the inverse function theorem. In some cases, no informaton is provided by these theories, and one must study observability by other methods. The observability problem is dualized to the controllability problem, and the deep results of Hermes on local controllability are applied to prove a theorem concerning local observability.
Rotational analysis of the BaI C2Π-X2Σ+ (8,8) band

Abstract The BaI C2Π-X2Σ+ (8,8) band has been measured and rotationally assigned using techniques of population-labeling optical-optical double resonance (PLOODR) and selectively detected laser-induced fluoresence (SDLIF). A weighted nonlinear least-squares fit has been carried out to model the positions of 891 transitions with J″ ranging from 13.5 to 271.5 to a 2Π-2Σ+ Hamiltonian which has 10 spectroscopic constants. Despite the fact that most of our data is from 6 out of the possible 12 rotational branches and is biased in favor of the C 2 Π 1 2 -X 2 Σ + subband, we are able to assign J″ quantum numbers unambiguously for all the observed transitions as well as derive the principal spectroscopic constants of the BaI C2Π and X2Σ+ states for the (8,8) band.
A method for unbiased estimation of population abundance along curvy margins

Estimating species abundance via transects and quadrats has the advantage over other methods (such as mark-recapture) that they can be less expensive and do not require handling the animals. Transect–quadrat sampling along habitat boundaries with complex geometry often leads to uneven selection probability over the sampling region. These uneven selection probabilities must be properly taken into account in constructing unbiased estimates of abundance. This requires that the selection probabilities be known by design or be computable. We discuss the implications of this requirement on sampling design and introduce a computational method based on a cubic-spline approximation to the habitat margin for estimating the selection probabilities. We present the method in the context of a study of Pacific herring ( Clupea pallasi) egg abundance along coastal southeast Alaska, and show that an unbiased estimate constructed based on the computed selection probabilities (the Horvitz–Thompson (H-T) estimator) corrects for a potential bias in the estimate for egg abundance relative to the unweighted sample mean estimate. The sampling strategy used in the herring study, together with our method for computing the sampling probabilities, provides an economical and effective way to study species abundance along curvy habitat boundaries. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal metamorphism of primitive meteorites—I. Variation of six trace elements in Allende carbonaceous chondrite heated at 400–1000°C

Determination by neutron activation of 6 trace elements retained in Allende (C3) samples heated at 400–1000°C for 1 week in a low-pressure (initially ~10−5 atm H2) atmosphere reveals loss of small proportions of Ga and Se and large proportions of Bi, In and Tl-Co being unaffected. The retentivity patterns for the 5 volatile elements differ and in no way duplicate a step-function. In contrast to these trace elements, sulfur is initially present in discrete mineral(s) and visually it appears to be released over a narrow temperature range. Elements are lost more easily from powder than from chips but the difference is ≤35 per cent. Above 600°C, the process of loss appears due to process(es) with apparent activation energies of 2 kcal/mole (Bi, Tl), 4 kcal/mole (Se) and 22 kcal/mole (In). Loss of Bi, Se and Tl below 600°C involves higher apparent activation energies. Two-element correlation diagrams involving Bi, In and Tl are consistent with the idea that trends among highly-volatile elements in enstatite chondrites arise from metamorphism.
Shape variation in a benthic stream fish across flow regimes

Evolution of fish body shapes in flowing and non-flowing waters have been examined for several species. Flowing water can select for fish body shapes that increase steady swimming efficiency, whereas non-flowing water can favor shapes that increase unsteady swimming efficiency. Benthic stream fishes often use areas near the substrate that exhibit reduced or turbulent flow, thus it is unclear which swimming forms would be favored in such environments, and how shape might change across flow regimes. To test the relationship between fish body shape and flow regime in a benthic stream fish, we used geometric morphometric techniques to characterize lateral body shape in mountain sucker (Catostomus platyrhynchus) across flow rates, using stream gradient as an indicator of stream flow. Mountain suckers from low-flow environments were more streamlined, consistent with steady swimming body shapes, whereas mountain suckers from high flows had deeper bodies, consistent with unsteady swimming body shapes. In addition, smaller individuals tended to have more robust body shapes. These patterns are opposite to those predicted for stream fishes in the mid-water column. The benthic stream environment represents a distinct selective environment for fish shape that does not appear to conform to the simple dichotomy of flowing versus non-flowing water.
Autofocus for phase-contrast microscopy: investigation of causes of nonunimodality

Autofocus functions based on the measurement of the high spatial frequency content of the image have proven most precise and robust for microscopy. In some situations, however, the through-focus response of the highpass autofocus functions exhibit local maxima, or side peaks. These violations of unimodality can produce spurious autofocus results. Through-focus phase-contrast images of a stage micrometer and their spectra were studied in order to identify the conditions under which these side peaks are generated. The through-focus spectra suggest the side peaks occur when the bandpass of the filter includes the frequencies that undergo contrast reversals. These contrast reversals occur as a fundamental characteristic imposed by the optical system. Contrast reversals, however, are not seen in the frequency range near the optical cutoff. Thus, it was possible to design narrow bandpass filters that isolated only these frequencies and produced unimodal autofocus functions. Based on unimodality, improved sharpness, and consideration of the conditions present in scanning applications, sharply defined highpass filters should prove best for general microscopy autofocus.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Accumulation of Vitamin C (Ascorbate) and Its Oxidized Metabolite Dehydroascorbic Acid Occurs by Separate Mechanisms

It is unknown whether ascorbate alone (vitamin C), its oxidized metabolite dehydroascorbic acid alone, or both species are transported into human cells. This problem was addressed using specific assays for each compound, freshly synthesized pure dehydroascorbic acid, the specially synthesized analog 6-chloroascorbate, and a new assay for 6-chloroascorbate. Ascorbate and dehydroascorbic acid were transported and accumulated distinctly; neither competed with the other. Ascorbate was accumulated as ascorbate by sodium-dependent carrier-mediated active transport. Dehydroascorbic acid transport and accumulation as ascorbate was at least 10-fold faster than ascorbate transport and was sodium-independent. Once transported, dehydroascorbic acid was immediately reduced intracellularly to ascorbate. The analog 6-chloroascorbate had no effect on dehydroascorbic acid transport but was a competitive inhibitor of ascorbate transport. The Ki for 6-chloroascorbate (2.9-4.4 μM) was similar to the Km for ascorbate transport (9.8-12.6 μM). 6-Chloroascorbate was itself transported and accumulated in fibroblasts by a sodium-dependent transporter. These data provide new information that ascorbate and dehydroascorbic acid are transported into human neutrophils and fibroblasts by two distinct mechanisms and that the compound available for intracellular utilization is ascorbate.
Clinical approaches to the near-death experiencer

The literature on near-death experiences (NDEs) and their aftereffects has focused on the positive personality transformations and spiritual development that often follow an NDE, while it has neglected the emotional and interpersonal problems sometimes precipitated by the experience. We report general guidelines and specific interventions, developed at an interdisciplinary conference, to assist NDErs in coping with psychological difficulties following their experiences.
Effect of social setting, self‐concept, and relative age on the social status of moderately and highly gifted students

This study compares the social status of highly gifted (N=42) and moderately gifted (N=86) students across academic (classroom) and social (dormitory) settings. Giftedness was not significantly related to social status in either setting. Two social statuses, popular and rejected, were significantly stable across settings. Furthermore these statuses were related to peer nominations for getting along, fighting, and being shy, to social and academic measures of self‐concept, and to age relative to the peer group. These findings are examined in light of other research on gifted‐ness and social status.
Coded aperture spectroscopy with denoising through sparsity

We compare noise and classification metrics for three aperture codes in dispersive spectroscopy. In contrast with previous theory, we show that multiplex codes may be advantageous even in systems dominated by Poisson noise. Furthermore, ill-conditioned codes with a regularized estimation strategy are shown to perform competitively with well-conditioned codes.
Discrimination between Peptide 310- and α-Helices. Theoretical Analysis of the Impact of α-Methyl Substitution on Experimental Spectra

Detailed spectral simulations based on ab initio density functional theory computations of the amide I and II infrared (IR) and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra for Ac-(Ala)(4)-NH(2), Ac-(Aib-Ala)(2)-NH(2), and Ac-(Aib)(4)-NH(2) constrained to 3(10)- and alpha-helical conformations are presented. Parameters from these ab initio calculations are transferred onto corresponding larger oligopeptides to simulate the spectra for dodecamers. The differences between conformations and for different Aib substitution patterns within a conformation are reflected in observable spectral patterns where data are available. Simulated IR spectra show small frequency shifts in the amide I maxima between 3(10)- and alpha-helices, but the same magnitude shifts occur within one conformation upon Aib substitution. Thus, from a computational basis, the frequency of the amide I maximum does not discriminate between the 3(10)- or alpha-helical conformations. Calculated VCD band shapes for 3(10)-helices showed more significant changes in amplitude, with change in the fraction of Aib, than those for alpha-helices. Generally, with increasing Aib content, the overall amide I VCD intensity becomes weaker and the amide I couplet becomes more conservative, while the amide II VCD is less affected. Although the detailed band shape is shown to be sensitive to alpha-Me substitution, the basic pattern of amide I and II relative VCD intensities still differs between alpha- and 3(10)-helices and, as a consequence, successfully discriminates between them. These predictions are all borne out in experimental spectra of Aib, mixed Aib-Ala, and Ala-based helical peptides, where available.
Aldehyde dehydrogenase in 2-acetylaminofluorene-induced rat hepatomas. Characterization of antigens recognized by anti-hepatoma aldehyde dehydrogenase sera

Abstract The material in normal rat liver which cross-reacts with anti-hepatoma aldehyde dehydrogenase sera has been partially purified. The normal liver cross-reacting material is a series of proteins electrophoretically identical to the series of hepatoma-specific aldehyde dehydrogenases (aldehyde:NAD(P) + oxidoreductase, EC 1.2.1.5) induced by 2-acetylaminofluorene. The molecular weights (100 000) and the isoelectric points (6.8–7.2) of the cross-reacting material are identical to the molecular weights and pI values of the hepatoma-specific isozymes. Absorption of anti-hepatoma aldehyde dehydrogenase sera with the cross-reacting material removes an antibody population which recognizes a normal liver aldehyde dehydrogenase. This isozyme accounts for 35% of the total normal liver aldehyde dehydrogenase. A second antibody population recognizes an antigen which accounts for 10% of the total normal liver aldehyde dehydrogenase. Approx. 55% of the normal liver aldehyde dehydrogenase activity is not recognized by any antibody population. In hepatomas, 15% of the total aldehyde dehydrogenase activity is immunochemically identical to the normal liver cross-reacting material. The remaining 85% of the tumor aldehyde dehydrogenase is characterizable as hepatoma specific on the basis of these immunochemical studies.
Simultaneous effects of allowed time, teaching method, ability, and student assessment of treatment on achievement in a high school biology course (ISIS)

The simultaneous effects of teaching method (self-directed, group directed, and teacher directed), allowed time for study, and two student variables (academic ability and assessment of treatment implementation) are described for student achievement in a high school biology course (ISIS). The variable student assessment of treatment implementation was viewed as a particularly important variable for two reasons: (1) in research by Stayrook, Corno, and Winne (1978) it has accounted for as much variance in achievement as the assigned treatment; and (2) it provides a means for controlling the range of implementation of teaching methods. A between-student analysis resulted in a description of effects complicated by interactions among all the variables. While the interactions were particularly strong in the student-directed method, it may generally be concluded that as time allowed for study decreased, students who perceived the treatment as being well implemented tended to have higher achievement. Also, it was found that the main effect of ability was quite strong. The results confirmed the importance of student assessment of treatment implementation as a descriptive variable. Additionally, the results suggest a qualification in the conclusion of Cronbach and Snow (1971) that individualized instruction tends to favor high-ability students; that conclusion may need to be modified to situations in which students fully perceive their autonomy.
Persisent ocular hypertension following intravitreal ranibizumab

Background To describe the occurrence of ocular hypertension in four patients following injection of ranibizumab intravitreally.
Revamping Spacecraft Operational Intelligence

The EPOXI flight mission has been testing a new commercial system, Splunk, which employs data mining techniques to organize and present spacecraft telemetry data in a high-level manner. By abstracting away data-source specific details, Splunk unifies arbitrary data formats into one uniform system. This not only reduces the time and effort for retrieving relevant data, but it also increases operational visibility by allowing a spacecraft team to correlate data across many different sources. Splunk's scalable architecture coupled with its graphing modules also provide a solid toolset for generating data visualizations and building real-time applications such as browser-based telemetry displays.
046 AntiGlucocorticoid Effects of Androstenediol During Cutaneous Wound Healing

Wound healing involves many cell types whose functions are dependent upon the coordinated production of multiple cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. Recent data show that behavioral stress disrupts the cytokine profile and slows wound closure. For example, in mice, restraint stress (RST) suppressed IL-1β, PDGF, and MCP-1 production, and delayed healing of a 3.5 mm circular wound by more than 3 days. The RST-induced delay in healing was due, in part, to elevated glucocorticoids (GC) and could be blocked by administration of the androgen hormone, androstenediol (AED). Therefore, it was hypothesized that AED would antagonize GC-mediated regulation of cytokine gene expression at the transcriptional level, prevent RST-mediated/GC-dependent suppression of cytokine expression at the tissue level, and restore healing to that of controls. Total wound RNA was collected after injury, cDNA was synthesized, and real-time PCR was used to quantify IL-1β RNA as a measure of proinflammatory gene expression and IκBα RNA as a measure of NF-κB transcriptional activation. Compared to controls, RST delayed wound closure (P < 0.001) and decreased IL-1β(P = 0.021) and IκBα expression within 12–24 hours of wounding (P = 0.021). In contrast, treatment of RST animals with AED restored IL-1β gene expression and restored wound closure to that of controls. Additionally, AED enhanced IκBα RNA postinjury (P < 0.001) suggestive of enhanced NF-κB activation. Because of the macrophage’s ability to coordinate inflammatory responses during healing, RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were used to examine modulation of NF-κB activity in AED and GC-treated cells. The data showed that dexamethasone blocked translocation of active p65 which correlated with diminished cytokine gene expression. In contrast, AED restored cytokine gene expression and nuclear p65 levels in GC-treated cultures. In sum, these data suggest that AED antagonized GC-mediated regulation of cytokine gene expression at the transcriptional level and restored cutaneous wound healing to that of unstressed controls. Supported by MH5689, AG16321, DE14304, and DE14320
Energetics of Oxygen Adatoms, Hydroxyl Species and Water Dissociation on Pt(111)

Calorimetric measurements of the adsorption enthalpy of gaseous oxygen (O2,g) to make two oxygen adatoms (2 Oad) on Pt(111) were performed by Fiorin et al.(1) However, we show that they used a calibration value for the optical reflectivity of Pt(111) that was incorrectly reported in the literature. This error in reflectivity led to a 40% error in the adsorption energies originally reported. We use our more accurate reflectivity of 76% to recalibrate their oxygen adsorption enthalpy data and show that it gives nearly identical results below 0.15 ML to the heats of adsorption determined from the temperature programmed desorption (TPD) experiments of two separate groups.(2, 3) Differences arise above 0.15 ML, but we attribute these to the very low sticking probability of O2,g on Pt(111) (<0.05) above 0.15 ML, which can lead to large errors in the adsorption energies measured by calorimetry. Given this, we propose that the most reliable values for the adsorption enthalpy of oxygen on Pt(111) up to 1/4 ML are ...
Black Marriage Through the Prism of Gender, Race, and Class:

Marriage continues to be a major life goal in the United States. The grim news about the state of Black heterosexual marriage can be found in headlines that bemoan the lack of marriageable Black me...
Statistics of avoided crossings for generic quantum systems

The distribution of isolated avoided crossings in quantum systems whose classical counterparts possess a mixed phase space of regular and chaotic dynamics is investigated. The distribution function for the width is shown to consist of two components: a near-Gaussian distribution suggested by random matrix theory for the chaotic component and an approximately 6-shaped component originating from tori in the regular portion of phase space. A statistical measure for overlapping avoided crossing based on parametric correlations of energy levels is introduced and shown to be sensitive to the fraction of classically chaotic phase space
A DINOFLAGELLATE CYST FROM ANTARCTIC SEA ICE1

The small (< 15 μm) hypnozygote of an autotrophic athecate dinofiagellate found in association with Antarctic sea ice had an external covering composed of approximately 60 plates, each of which was bounded by sutural ridging and possessed an intratabular process. A cingulum and sulcus were also evident. The ultrastructure of the cyst was increasingly dominated by storage bodies as the cyst matured, and the cell wall thickened from 0.2 to 0.8 μm over 2 months. This cyst has been encountered often but usually at low abundances (103−104 cells·L−1); however, the maximum abundances observed (106 cells·L−1) indicate that the formation of this cyst may play an important part in the ecology of sea ice communities.
Absorption Characteristics of Prolate Spheroidal Models Exposed to the Near Fields of Electrically Small Apertures

Irradiation of prolate spheroidal models of biological models by the near fields of electrically small apertures is analyzed. The solution procedure involves the replacement of the aperture source by an equivalent configuration of electric and magnetic dipoles. The specific absorption rate (SAR) induced in the irradiated object is then calculated using the extended boundary condition method (EBCM). Numerical results are presented for the exposure case where the incident electric field at the spheroid location is parallel to the major axis of the model. This polarization is associated with the maximum low-frequency absorption in biological models and, hence, is the most important polarization case in microwave dosimetry.
Protective Effects of Fish oil, Pentoxyfylline, and Vitamin E in Rats with Spontaneous Proteinuria • 1825

Milan normotensive rats (MNR) develop spontaneous proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis (GS) and chronic renal failure for which there is no known therapy. Glomerular injury in MNR is a non-immune and non-toxic model of glomerular injury. The protective effects of Fish oil (FO) which reduces glomerular thromboxane A (TXA) as well as Pentoxyfylline (P) and Vitamin E(E), both antioxidants were evaluated in developing MNR since FO, P, and E are protective in toxic models of GS. Soy Oil (SO) was used for control diet. At 3 months of age, non-proteinuric MNR received 12% SO alone, 12% SO plus P(100mg/kg/day), 12% SO plus E (500 ppm) or 12% FO alone, 12% FO plus P or 12% FO plus E. Diets were isocaloric and the rats were aged matched. Results are expressed as mean ± S.E. After 5, 7 and 9 months respectively, urine protein excretion (UPE) was similar between the groups. Results after 10 months are given in the Table.
Panel Conditioning in Longitudinal Social Science Surveys

University of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation. July 2013. Major: Sociology. Advisor: John Robert Warren. 1 computer file (PDF); viii, 126 pages.
Afm Studies of Surface Roughness of Borophosphosilicate Glass (BPSG) Films and Their Impact on Defect Detection Capability for Sub Micron Vlsi Technology

Chemically vapor deposited borophosphosilicate glass (BPSG) has been widely used in microelectronic device fabrication as interlayer dielectric film due to its excellent planarization, gettering and flow properties. With device geometry reducing to sub micron levels, there is an increasingly greater emphasis on detection and elimination of sub micron defects particularly on deposited film. In this paper, we report on the evaluation and characterization of the surface roughness of BPSG films of various thicknesses and film compositions deposited on Si substrates using the Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The effects of high temperature densification process on the surface roughness are presented. The defect detection capabilities of conventional laser-based particle counters with respect to the surface roughness of BPSG films are investigated.
Electrothermal Pumping With Thin Film Resistive Heaters

The ability to manipulate small amounts of fluid is important for a variety of lab-on-a-chip applications. Electrokinetic microfluidic actuation methods, such as electrothermal pumping, are popular due to their simple implementation and reliability from no moving parts. Electrothermal motion in aqueous solutions results from the electric field acting upon dielectric inhomogeneities in the liquid induced by temperature gradients. The most traditional method of inducing temperature gradients is through direct Joule heating of the fluid itself, which is a function of the electrical conductivity of the liquid. In this case, the microelectrode geometry controls both the location of the Joule heating and the nature of the electric field. Therefore, it is impossible to independently control temperature and electric field with a single set of electrodes. A novel electrothermal microfluidic pump is demonstrated herein. The distinguishing feature of this electrothermal pump is an independent heating source using resistive heating of microfabricated metal traces. A second set of electrodes for electrothermal pumping have been layered on top of the electrically isolated heating elements. An arrangement of coplanar electrode strips with an additional resistive heating electrode was used to demonstrate electrothermal pumping. Fluid motion results were compared to established theory.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Price strategies in dynamic duopolistic markets with deregulated electricity supplies using mixed strategies

While effective competition can force service providers to seek economically efficient methods to reduce costs, the deregulated electricity supply industry still allows some generators to exercise market power at particular locations, thereby preventing the deregulated power market to be perfectly competitive. In this paper, we investigate the interdependence of pricing mechanisms and strategy behaviors of the suppliers. A multiperiod dynamic profit-maximizing problem is converted to a bimatrix game that is solved in the framework of mixed strategies. By this procedure, we have at least one Nash solution. Instead of considering only perfectly competitive price and monopoly price, we introduce other prices between these two to simulate the real market better. Numerical examples show that the new entrant that maximizes its profit will not choose the perfectly competitive price even as an entry price.
A simple technique for solving E -field integral equations for conducting bodies at internal resonances

A simple but effective method is presented to analyze electromagnetic radiation and scattering from condueting bodies at frequencies corresponding to internal resonances of a cavity of the same shape. The advantage of this technique is that it requires only the E -field integral equation and hot both E -field and H -field as required by the combined fields formulation. It is shown theoretically that this method produces a solution with minimum norm and converges monotonically as the order of the approximation is increased. The minimum norm solution for the current density given by the E -field integral equation is not the correct current density as there is a portion of the resonant current that exists on the body. However, the minimum norm solution indeed provides the true scattering fields. This technique may also be utilized for obtaining a minimum norm solution for nearly singular and singular matrix equations. Examples are presented to illustrate the application of this technique.
Fluorescence properties of tetrahydrofolate and related compounds.

Abstract A survey of fluorescence characteristics of tetrahydrofolate and related compounds has been carried out with an Aminco-Bowman Spectrophotofluorometer. Dihydrofolate and all the tetrahydrofolate derivatives examined, except 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate, show maximum excitation between 300 to 320 mμ and maximum fluorescence between 360 to 425 mμ. On the other hand, folate and the related compounds exhibit an excitation maximum at 360 to 380 mμ and a fluorescence maximum at 450 to 460 mμ. The fluorescence intensity of tetrahydrofolate increases markedly in acidic solutions. This property provides a simple and a highly sensitive method for a quantitative determination of tetrahydrofolate.
Synthesis of a cradle cyclodextrin

Abstract Attachment of an aza crown ether at the (A,D) positions on the primary side of β-cyclodextrin (CD) has been achieved to provide a multifunctional assembly whereby a metal receptor site is cradled at the bottom of the hydrophobic receptor site of the CD cup.
Histotripsy of the Prostate: Dose Effects in a Chronic Canine Model

Objectives To develop the technique of histotripsy ultrasound therapy as a noninvasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia and to examine the histotripsy dose-tissue response effect over time to provide an insight for treatment optimization. We have previously demonstrated the feasibility of prostate histotripsy fractionation in a canine model. Methods Various doses of histotripsy were applied transabdominally to the prostates of 20 canine subjects. Treated prostates were then harvested at interval time points from 0 to 28 days and assessed for histologic treatment response. Results The lowest dose applied was found to produce only scattered cellular disruption and necrosis, whereas higher doses produced more significant regions of tissue effect that resulted in sufficient fractionation of tissue so the material could be voided with urination. Urethral tissue was more resistant to the lower histotripsy doses than was parenchymal tissue. Treatment of the urethra at the lowest doses appeared to heal, with minimal long-term sequelae. Conclusions Histotripsy was effective at fractionating parenchymal and urethral tissue in the prostate, in the presence of a sufficient dose. Further development of this technique could lead to a noninvasive method for debulking the prostate to relieve symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Focus on multiple myeloma

Supported by the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (C.S.M., N.M.), Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (C.S.M.), International Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation (C.S.M.), Fund to Cure Myeloma (K.C.A.), and NCI SPORE grant Career Developmental Award (C.S.M.). The authors apologize in advance for the inability, due to space limitations, to reference all studies relevant to the scope of this article.
Algorithm for studying inversion in gas dynamic systems

Solutions of the binary master equations for the state populations in an expanding gas are facilitated by the use of a flow similarity variable. This similarity variable accounts for the density and velocity variation associated with a gas dynamic expansion and can be expressed as a function of the local Mach number, the stagnation conditions, and a nozzle geometry parameter. With the similarity variable, the master equations are transformed into a form which is independent of the nozzle shape and similar to those for a non-flow system. This simplification facilitates both numerical solutions and closed form approximations for populations in nozzle flow. With solutions in terms of the similarity variable the design conditions leading to a population inversion can be presented as a simple algorithm. An illustration is presented for a wedge nozzle expansion. The conditions for inversion are determined by the expansion Mach number at a stagnation pressure. With the algorithm these conditions for a range of nozzle sizes are presented as an inversion criteria curve.
Sorghum and kenaf biomass yield and quality response to nitrogen fertilization in the Northern Great Plains of the USA

There is increasing interest in reducing the inputs in potential biomass crops for bioenergy production, especially in areas with limited rainfall. Two sorghum types, forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), and sorghum × sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor var. sudanense (Piper.) Stapf.), and kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) were studied for their potential as feedstocks for biofuel production as they can be integrated into existing cropping systems. The objective was to evaluate the response to different N rates in their subsequent biomass output and quality components in four environments, Fargo and Prosper, ND, in 2010 and 2011 and at three growth stages (V8, R1, and harvest). The design was an RCBD with a split-plot arrangement and three replicates, with the crops as the main plots, and N rates as the subplots. Results indicated that both sorghums tested produced between 14 and 15 Mg ha−1 of dry matter biomass averaged across N rates, while kenaf biomass yield was significantly lower at 7.4 Mg ha−1. There was a significant response in biomass yield with increasing N rates. Ash content for all three crops decreased significantly at the later growth stages, decreasing from 119 mg kg−1 at the earliest growth stage down to 79 mg kg−1 at harvest. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and hemicellulose increased at later growth stages for both crops. Kenaf had the greatest increase in NDF and ADF, from stage V8 to harvest. Forage sorghum and sorghum × sudangrass both had higher NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose than kenaf at each growth stage. Forage sorghum may serve as a feedstock for bioenergy production in the Northern Great Plains of the USA due to its high biomass yield and low lignin content.
Nematic order near a tricritical nematic-smectic a phase transition

Abstract A symmetric tricritical point (TCP) is demonstrated for the nematic-smectic A transition by blending two nearly identical isomers and by showing that the difference in coexistence values of the nematic order parameter S goes to zero with TCP exponent β 2 = 1 as T TCP is approached. A horizonta λ-line is associated with an observed universal behavior of S when a new scaling of T is used.
Synthesis of high specific activity 80mBr and 123I labeled 5‐halodeoxyuridines and other 80mBr compounds for the study of auger electron toxicity

Convenient preparations of 80mBr and 123I-labeled 5-halodeoxyuridines, required for basic investigations of Auger electron radiotoxicity, are described. These radioactive thymidine analogs were synthesized from deoxyuridine, radiohalide and N-chlorosuccinimide in dilute sulfuric acid. Yields were 50–60% for 80mBr and 60–70% for 123I. Apparent specific radioactivities (based on UV absorption under the radioactive HPLC peaks) were 150–550 Ci/mmol and over 2000 Ci/mmol for 80mBr and 123I, respectively. 5-[80mBr]bromouracil was produced in 89% yield when uracil was used. [80mBr]Bromoantipyrine was produced in higher yield and specific activity using peroxyacetic acid, rather than N-chlorosuccinimide as oxidant (90% and 4,000 Ci/mmol versus 50% and 2000 Ci/mmol).
Energetics and oxidative stress in synaptic plasticity and neurodegenerative disorders.

As in other cells, neurons use adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as an energy source to drive biochemical processes involved in various cell functions, and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) as “by products” of oxidative phosphorylation. However, the electrical excitability and structural and synaptic complexity of neurons present unusual demands upon cellular systems that produce or respond to ATP and ROS. Mitochondria in axons and presynaptic terminals provide sources of ATP to drive the ion pumps that are concentrated in these structures to rapidly restore ion gradients following depolarization and neurotransmitter release. Mitochondria may also play important roles in the regulation of synaptic function because of their ability to regulate calcium levels and ROS production. ROS generated in response to synaptic activity are now known to contribute to the regulation of long-term structural and functional changes in neurons, and the best-known example is the nitric oxide radical. The high-energy demands of synapses, together with their high levels of ROS production, place them at risk during conditions of increased stress, which occur in aging, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and after acute traumatic and ischemic insults. Energy depletion and/or increased oxidative damage to various synaptic proteins can result in a local dysregulation of calcium homeostasis and synaptic degeneration. Accordingly, recent studies have shown that dietary and pharmacological manipulations that improve energy efficiency and reduce oxyradical production can prevent synaptic degeneration and neuronal death in experimental models of neurodegenerative disorders. A better understanding of the molecular control of subcellular energy production and utilization, and of the functional relationships between energy metabolism, ion homeostasis, and cytoskeletal and vesicular dynamics, will provide novel insight into mechanisms of neuronal plasticity and disease.
Semaphorin II can function as a selective inhibitor of specific synaptic arborizations

Previous studies showed that grasshopper semaphorin I, a transmembrane semaphorin, functions in vivo to steer a pair of growth cones, prevent defasciculation, and inhibit branching; and that chick collapsin, a secreted semaphorin, can function in vitro to cause growth cone collapse. Semaphorin II, a secreted semaphorin in Drosophila, is transiently expressed by a single large muscle during motoneuron outgrowth and synapse formation. To test the in vivo function of semaphorin II, we created transgenic Drosophila that generate ectopic semaphorin II expression by muscles that normally do not express it. The results show that semaphorin II can function in vivo as a selective target-derived signal that inhibits the formation of specific synaptic terminal arbors.
Multilayer hard carbon films with low wear rates

Abstract Vacuum arc deposition has been used to grow thin, ultrahard carbon films. Multilayer structures consisting of four alternating double layers of carbon with sp 3 contents of 80 and 40%, respectively, were grown using a pulse bias technique for ion energy control. The relative proportion of the soft layer (40% sp 3 content) in the multilayer structure was varied from 10 to 90%. The hardness of the multilayer structure is a weighted average of the hardnesses of the component layers. The overall compressive growth stress is less than would be expected from the proportions of the layer components. Pin-on-disk wear testing showed that multilayer films have a lower wear rate than monolithic films, especially at higher loads. The lowest wear rate was measured in a film with alternating layers of approximately equal thicknesses of the hard and soft layers.
Work in progress - reexamining the problem of engineering persistence for African-American female students

This paper describes a mix-method study designed to examine the experiences and factors that influence African-American female studentspsila decision to leave engineering degree programs for other academic majors. Using the Students Leaving Engineering Instrument developed by the Assessing Women in Engineering (AWE) project, data is being collected from female students who entered Prairie View A&M University, a historically black university, as freshman engineering, computer science or technology majors during the 2003, 2004, and 2005 academic years, but have subsequently switched to other degree programs. The factors being examined include initial commitment and preparation for studying engineering, confidence in completing an engineering degree program, course workload and institutional climate, relationships with faculty and peers, and financial concerns.
A novel technique for remote sensing of thunderstorm electric fields via the Kerr effect and sky polarization

[1] Quantitative knowledge of the magnitude as well as spatial and temporal structure of quasi-static electric fields above a thunderstorm, both prior to and immediately after a lightning discharge, is crucially important for understanding the electrodynamic effects of tropospheric weather on the upper atmosphere. At present, such electric fields are typically only measurable by balloon- or aircraft-borne electric field meters launched near, above, or into the cloud. We herein propose a new low-cost ground-based spatially- and temporally-resolved technique for measurement of near-thunderstorm electric fields via electrically-induced birefringence (Kerr) effects on natural sky polarization, providing detection in clear air near or above thunderclouds. Such measurements would greatly help understand the effects of lightning and thunderstorms in the upper atmosphere, including sprites, blue jets, and terrestrial gamma-ray flashes.