cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interband cascade lasers at long wavelengths

We report the demonstration of InAs-based interband cascade lasers in a temperature range from 80 to 260 K operating in pulsed and continuous wave modes at wavelengths near 6.0, 7.4, and 10.3 microns.
The surface ocean productivity and bottom water oxygen signals in deep water benthic foraminiferal assemblages

Abstract A previous study of the relative abundances of benthic foraminifera in the deep Pacific revealed that surface ocean productivity and bottom water oxygen signals were strongly imbedded in the foraminiferal data. The present report examines the nature of the species associations that carry the productivity and bottom water oxygen concentration signals. Principal components analysis is used to define species associations independently of the environmental variables. Principal components analysis of the correlation and the covariance matrices of species percents, and of taxon accumulation rate indices, was undertaken. The correlation analysis gives equal weight to all taxa while the covariance analysis weights results to the more abundant species. The accumulation rate index analysis reduces the distorting effects of calculating percents, and matrix closure, on the taxon abundance patterns. Deep water benthic foraminiferal assemblages from the Eastern Pacific Ocean show species distribution patterns dominated by a response to surface ocean productivity. Principal components analysis of either relative abundances or accumulation rate indices reveals a consistent set of species bearing the productivity signal. These include species normally found at depth (e.g. hispid Uvigerina) and taxa more commonly found on continental margins which are associated with infaunal microhabitats. The principal components analysis of both relative abundance and accumulation rate indices also shows that there are no taxa which are exclusively responsive to changing bottom water oxygen concentration. Rather, this factor acts in concert with other environmental variables (productivity in this study) to control benthic assemblage abundance patterns. Using relative abundance data convolves the oxygen concentration signal with the productivity response of the benthic assemblage. However, experimentation with absolute abundance indices suggests that the oxygen signal can be extracted from the assemblage data. This result is consistent with the previous analysis (Loubere, 1994) which yielded an r2 of 0.96 for regression of assemblages against oxygen.
Analysis of Small Edge Cracks and Its Implications to Multiaxial Fatigue Theories

The near-tip fields of small edge (Case B) cracks in power-law hardening materials are investigated under generalized plane strain, mixed mode, and general yielding conditions by finite element analyses. The results of the J integral from the finite element analyses are used to correlate to a fatigue crack growth criterion for Case B cracks. The trend of constant J contours on the Γ-plane is compared reasonably well with those of the experimental results of constant fatigue life and constant fatigue crack growth rate under multiaxial loading conditions.
VARIATION IN AVERAGE SEED SIZE AND FRUIT SEEDINESS IN A FRUIT CROP OF A GUANACASTE TREE (LEGUMINOSAE: ENTEROLOBIUM CYCLOCARPUM)

Biology Department, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-4288 ABSTRACT A detailed examination of the ordinary 1980 fruit crop of an ordinary large adult guanacaste tree (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica (1980) shows that for fruits with about 6-16 seeds (range, 1-18 seeds per fruit) there is about 1 g dry weight fruit tissue per seed (seeds averaging about 820 m each). Fruits that have about 1-5 seeds on average have 1.5-3 times as much dry fruit tissue per seed as do the seed-rich fruits, and also contain seeds that weigh about 8% more on average than the seeds in the seed-rich fruits. The average seed weight per fruit was found to decrease slightly if all sizes of fruits are considered, but to remain essentially constant over the range of 7-16-seeded fruits. This category contained 78% of the fruits. These findings suggest that different parts of the seed crop may end up in different dispersers and dispersers with different preferences for fruit seediness and tolerances for seed size may remove different portions of the seed crop.
Single and double hydrogen migration in the fragmentation of 3‐methyl‐2‐butyl trifluoroacetate

Three of the main oxygen-containing fragments resulting from 3-methyl-2-butyl trifluoroacetate (11) had been identified previously as the 1-trifluoroacetoxyethyl cation (m/z 141, 12, product of simple cleavage), and the products of single (m/z 142) and double hydrogen transfer (m/z 143, protonated ethyl trifluoroacetate). Collisionally activated dissociation of m/z 142 and the isotopomers resulting from 11-2-d, 11-1-d 3 , 11-5,6-d 6 , and 11- 18 O 2 has established that m/z 142 is the oxygen protonated 1-trifluoroacetoxyethyl free radical (17) formed by hydrogen shift from a γ-methyl group to oxygen in the molecular ion, rather than in a complex (18) between 12 and the 2-propyl free radical, as expected based on a mechanistic model existing in the literature. The second hydrogen transferred originates in the other γ-methyl group; its migration may occur, but does not have to, in the complex between 17 and a molecule of propene, prior to dissociation of the two fragments. Collision-activated dissociation has now shown that the m/z 140 ion observed in the spectrum is the molecular ion of vinyl trifluoroacetate, possibly formed by a hydrogen transfer from 12 to the 2-propyl radical in the complex 18. The hydrogen migration to oxygen exhibits no isotope effect, whereas the transfers to carbon atoms exhibit small primary and α secondary kinetic isotope effects. Exclusive migration of the tertiary hydrogen from C(3) occurs in the formation of 2-methylbutene cation radical (m/z 70) from the molecular ion. The hydrocarbon ion fragments and the heteroatom-containing fragments are formed from 11 by disjoint pathways
Coexistence of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) and golden mice (Ochrotomys nuttalli) in a southeastern forest

Many studies have examined coexistence among similar small mammal species. Most investigations have tended to focus on interactions such as predation and competition, with less emphasis on use of habitat space, plant cover stratification, and food resource partitioning. We investigated 2 similar small mammal species, the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) and the golden mouse (Ochrotomys nuttalli) to determine how differences in 3-dimensional habitat use, vegetative cover, and food resources allow for similar species to coexist. P. leucopus was removed from 4 of 8 experimental grids within a forested riparian peninsula to assess the effect of competitive removal on population dynamics of O. nuttalli. After removal of P. leucopus, the relative abundance of O. nuttalli in removal grids did not change significantly from abundance in control grids. However, differences in use of 3-dimensional habitat appeared to provide enough niche segregation to allow these 2 species to coexist in the same habitat. Abundant resources (acorn mast crop of Quercus nigra and heavy vegetative cover of Ligustrum sinense) also appeared to dampen competition between these 2 species.
A mini review of NiFe-based materials as highly active oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrolysis, as an important reaction involved in water splitting and rechargeable metal-air batteries, has attracted increasing attention for clean energy generation and efficient energy storage. Nickel/iron (NiFe)-based compounds have been known as active OER catalysts since the last century, and renewed interest has been witnessed in recent years on developing advanced NiFe-based materials for better activity and stability. In this review, we present the early discovery and recent progress on NiFe-based OER electrocatalysts in terms of chemical properties, synthetic methodologies and catalytic performances. The advantages and disadvantages of each class of NiFe-based compounds are summarized, including NiFe alloys, electrodeposited films and layered double hydroxide nanoplates. Some mechanistic studies of the active phase of NiFe-based compounds are introduced and discussed to give insight into the nature of active catalytic sites, which could facilitate further improving NiFe based OER electrocatalysts. Finally, some applications of NiFe-based compounds for OER are described, including the development of an electrolyzer operating with a single AAA battery with voltage below 1.5 V and high performance rechargeable Zn-air batteries. Open image in new window
EFFECTS OF IMPLANTATION TEMPERATURE ON THE STRUCTURE, COMPOSITION, AND OXIDATION RESISTANCE OF ALUMINUM-IMPLANTED SIC

α-SiC crystals were implanted with aluminum to a high dose at room temperature or 800 °C. Transmission electron microscopy showed that SiC was amorphized by room temperature implantation but remained crystalline after 800 °C implantation. Crystalline aluminum carbide was formed and aluminum redistribution took place in SiC implanted at 800 °C. Implanted and unimplanted crystals were oxidized in 1 atm flowing oxygen at 1300 °C. Amorphization led to accelerated oxidation of SiC. The oxidation resistance of SiC implanted at 800 °C was comparable with that of pure SiC. The oxidation layers formed on SiC implanted at both temperatures consisted of silica embedded with mullite precipitates. The phase formation during implantation and oxidation is consistent with thermodynamic predictions. The results from our current and earlier studies suggest that there exists an optimum range of implantation temperature, probably above 500 °C but below 800 °C, which preserves the substrate crystallinity and retains the high aluminum dosage, for the enhancement of oxidation resistance of SiC.
Effects of basic site proximity on deprotonation and hydrogen/deuterium exchange reactions for model dodecapeptide ions containing lysine and glycine

Abstract The effects of basic site proximity on gas-phase deprotonation and hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange reactions were investigated for three model dodecapeptide ions in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. Each peptide contained four high basicity lysine (K) residues and eight low basicity glycine (G) residues; however, the ordering of the residues differed. In the deprotonation studies, ‘fully protonated’ peptide ions, [M + 4H] 4+ , where M = (KGG) 4 , (K 2 G 4 ) 2 , and K 4 G 8 , were reacted with reference compounds of known basicities. Reaction efficiencies were in the order: [K 4 G 8 + 4H] 4+ > [(K 2 G 4 ) 2 + 4H] 4+ ∼ [(KGG) 4 + 4H] 4+ . The facile reaction of [K 4 G 8 + 4H] 4+ is consistent with this ion having the highest Coulomb energy. For gas-phase H/D exchange reactions with d 4 -methanol, [K 4 G 8 + 4H] 4+ has the fastest exchange rate and undergoes the largest number of exchanges; 22 of the 26 labile hydrogens exchanged within the timescale studied. In contrast, [(KGG) 4 + 4H] 4+ and [(K 2 G 4 ) 2 + 4H] 4+ reacted more slowly, but at similar rates, with a maximum of 14 observed exchanges for both ions. Molecular dynamics calculations were conducted to gain insights into conformations. In the lowest energy structures for [(KGG) 4 + 4H] 4+ and [(K 2 G 4 ) 2 + 4H] 4+ , the lysine n -butylamino chains stretch out to minimize Coulomb energy; there is little or no intramolecular hydrogen bonding involving the protonated amino groups. In contrast, for [K 4 G 8 + 4H] 4+ , the proximity of the basicity residues makes minimization of the Coulomb energy difficult; instead, the structure becomes more compact with stabilization of the protonated amino groups by extensive intramolecular hydrogen bonding to heteroatoms in the peptide backbone. The calculated structures suggest that, in the H/D exchange reactions, the compact conformation of [K 4 G 8 + 4H] 4+ allows stabilization of the methanolpeptide intermediate by hydrogen bonding, thus lowering the barrier to proton transfer within the complex. The diffuse conformations of [(KGG) 4 + 4H] 4+ and [(K 2 G 4 ) 2 + 4H] 4+ have lower Coulomb energies and fewer avenues for hydrogen bonding with methanol, which may limit their rate and extent of exchange.
Proteolytic enzymes, past and future

Today’s knowledge is based on yesterday’s research, which, for me, started some 60 years ago. In the introduction to this colloquium, the past history of proteolytic enzymes is briefly reviewed against the background of simultaneously developing concepts and methodologies in protein chemistry. This history is followed by a sketch of more recent developments of the role of proteolytic enzymes in physiological regulation and an outlook of future trends apparent from current research.
Wind And Nadir Angle Effects On Airborne Lidar Water Surface Returns

The reflection of optical energy from the air/sea interface and by the volume backscattering immediately below involves a number of complex phenomena which have critical effects on the design and performance of airborne laser hydrography systems. Both of these reflections can be considered as "surface" return, because when the interface return is weaker than the volume return, the latter will be detected, although at a somewhat biased location, as found during lidar/sonar depth measurement intercomparisons. The character of the surface return depends on the ratio of the peak volume backscatter power and the peak interface reflection power. Analytic expressions are derived for mean values of these quantities. The functionalities of the volume-to-interface peak power ratio on wind speed and direction, off-nadir beam incidence angle, and water clarity parameters are examined to determine the parameter ranges for which the a priori origin of surface returns is uncertain. Depth measurement error magnitudes are calculated for the case of a volume return being mistaken for an interface return. The error model sucessfully predicts the shoal bias observed in field data. Potential methods for reducing this error are discussed. An expression for the temporal profile of a volume backscatter return is presented, and a potential method of estimating a key water clarity parameter from the airborne data is reported.
Discrete-trials heroin self-administration produces sensitization to the reinforcing effects of cocaine in rats.

The prevalence of cocaine use in opioid-dependent individuals is reportedly high, and the associated negative health and social consequences are severe and well documented. Sensitization of the reinforcing effects of cocaine has been demonstrated following noncontingent opioid exposure in animals; however, no preclinical studies have investigated the impact of opioid self-administration on cocaine’s reinforcing effects. Experiments were designed to investigate whether access to heroin self-administration altered the subsequent reinforcing effects of cocaine. Baseline responding for cocaine under a progressive ratio schedule was first established. Heroin was then self-administered under a 24-h discrete-trials procedure (DT5; access to heroin five times per hour). Subsequently, cocaine-maintained responding was reassessed. Here we demonstrate that 10 days of DT5 heroin self-administration (50 μg/kg per infusion) resulted in an increase in cocaine’s reinforcing effects at several doses across the cocaine dose–effect curve (0.38–3.0 mg/kg per infusion). These increases were relatively long lasting, exceeding the time course of a mild withdrawal syndrome. The DT5×10-day history of heroin self-administration resulted in an upward shift in the cocaine dose–effect curve, suggesting that DT5 heroin self-administration produced an increase in potency and sensitization of the maximal effectiveness with which cocaine functions as a reinforcer. The present experiments contribute to a growing amount of preclinical evidence suggesting an impact of opioid exposure on the reinforcing effects of cocaine, which may partially explain the high incidence of cocaine use in opioid-dependent individuals.
Transcutaneous teflon® injection for paralytic dysphonia†

Transcutaneous Teflon augmentation of the vocal cord was performed 21 times in 19 patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis. The larynx was visualized using flexible fiberoptic video-endoscopy and, after local anesthesia to the skin over the cricothyroid membrane, an 18-gauge 2-inch needle was introduced through the cricothyroid membrane. Under fiberoptic visualization, the needle was inserted into the paralyzed vocal cord through its undersurface. Teflon was injected with a syringe to produce medialization of the vocal cord. The position of the vocal cord and voice quality were monitored throughout the procedure. No complications were encountered. All patients experienced a reduction in breathiness of voice that was rated as a significant improvement by the patient and surgeon. Two patients required reinjection of Teflon for optimal improvement.
Review of clinical and endoscopic features of metastatic tumors of the gastrointestinal tract

Metastatic tumors may occur at any site within the digestive tract. Most of these metastasis are observed in the stomach, small bowel, duodenum, and rarely in the esophagus and colon. The progress in cancer treatment, improved survival of cancer patients combined with increased use of endoscopy is likely going to increase the findings of secondary tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. As such the endoscopist has to be aware about the clinical and endoscopic features of these lesions, maintain high index of suspicion in proper clinical settings and alert the pathologist about the possibility of metastatic tumor.
HIF-1 inhibitors for cancer therapy: From gene expression to drug discovery

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a heterodimeric protein composed of HIF-1alpha and HIF-1alpha subunits, which is activated in response to reduced O2 availability. HIF-1 transactivates genes encoding proteins that are involved in key aspects of the cancer phenotype, including cell immortalization and de-differentiation, stem cell maintenance, genetic instability, glucose uptake and metabolism, pH regulation, autocrine growth/survival, angiogenesis, invasion/metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy. Increased HIF-1alpha levels, as determined by immunohistochemical analysis of tumor biopsy specimens, is associated with increased mortality in many human cancers. Drugs that inhibit HIF-1 activity and have anti-cancer effects in vivo have been identified and clinical trials are warranted to establish the contexts in which addition of such agents to therapy protocols will result in increased patient survival.
Ethnography, the Ecological Fallacy, and the 1995 Chicago Heat Wave

In Chicago in July 1995, the Cook County Medical Examiner classified 739 heat-related deaths after one week of record high heat and humidity. In the 2002 book Heat Wave, Eric Klinenberg provides an influential account of these deaths. Klinenberg specifically contrasts mortalities in two neighboring communities, black North Lawndale and Latino South Lawndale. He explains the mortality difference by focusing on how elderly black residents, including those in “literal isolation,” were impacted by neighborhood conditions. However, Klinenberg's book provides no data on the individuals who died. The author of this Research Note reports more data obtained by traveling to these two communities and to the bordering white community of Archer Heights. The author compares his findings against data available on death certificates for all decedents. At the time of the heat wave, many of the people who died were not elderly and only two elderly victims in North Lawndale were living alone. In the bordering white communit...
A case report of inflammatory nonscarring alopecia associated with the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor erlotinib

Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs) are new anticancer agents that act by inhibiting EGFR signaling transduction pathways, thus decreasing tumor growth. In more than 30 countries, EGFRIs are currently used in the treatment of a number of solid tumors, and other indications are being sought. In the United States, select EGFRIs have been approved in certain patients with non-small cell lung cancer, metastatic colorectal carcinoma, and advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Various cutaneous side effects of EGFRIs have been reported, including acneiform eruptions, chronic paronychia, xerosis, a seborrheic dermatitis-like eruption, changes in hair texture, and nonscarring alopecia. We present a 60-year-old woman with non-small cell lung cancer who developed a persistent generalized itchy eruption and progressive nonscarring alopecia shortly after initiation of erlotinib (Tarceva). Scalp biopsy showed near-equal number of anagen and catagen/telogen hair follicles, and a superficial and deep perivascular lymphoplasmocytic infiltration. These changes are typical of the nonscarring alopecia induced by EGFRIs. Because it is likely that EGFRIs will be increasingly used, dermatopathologists are likely to see more reactions from these agents. Familiarity with their side effects is essential to accurate diagnosis and effective patient management.
Comparative feedstock analysis in Setaria viridis L. as a model for C4 bioenergy grasses and Panicoid crop species.

Second generation feedstocks for bioethanol will likely include a sizable proportion of perennial C4 grasses, principally in the Panicoideae clade. The Panicoideae contain agronomically important annual grasses including Zea mays L. (maize), Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (sorghum), and Saccharum officinarum L. (sugar cane) as well as promising second generation perennial feedstocks including Miscanthus x giganteus and Panicum virgatum L. (switchgrass). The underlying complexity of these polyploid grass genomes is a major limitation for their direct manipulation and thus driving a need for rapidly cycling comparative model. Setaria viridis (green millet) is a rapid cycling C4 Panicoid grass with a relatively small and sequenced diploid genome and abundant seed production. Stable, transient and protoplast transformation technologies have also been developed for S. viridis making it a potentially excellent model for other C4 bioenergy grasses. Here, the lignocellulosic feedstock composition, cellulose biosynthesis inhibitor (CBI) response and saccharification dynamics of S. viridis are compared with the annual s00orghum and maize and the perennial switchgrass bioenergy crops as a baseline study into the applicability for translational research. A genome-wide systematic investigation of the cellulose synthase-A (CesA) genes was performed identifying eight candidate sequences. Two-developmental stages; a) metabolically active young tissue and b) metabolically plateaued (mature) material are examined to compare biomass performance metrics.
Detection of microscopic disease: comparing histology, immunocytology, and RT-PCR of tyrosine hydroxylase, GAGE, and MAGE.

Background We first explored the use of multiple molecular markers to overcome tumor heterogeneity. Sixty-seven neuroblastoma (NB) tumors were tested for the expression of GAGE, MAGE-1, MAGE-2, MAGE-3, and MAGE-4 by RT-PCR and then chemiluminescence; 82% of tumors had detectable GAGE, and 88% expressed at least one of the four MAGE genes. Procedure and Results By combining GAGE and MAGE, 64 of 67 (95%) of tumors became detectable; 17 of 67 coexpressed all five molecular markers. Neither GAGE nor MAGE expression correlated with stage. GAGE was found to have the broadest (18 of 18) expression among stage 4 tumors. Two hundred fifty-nine bone marrows from 99 patients were then studied for NB positivity by four detection methods: histology, immunocytology, and molecular detection by GAGE and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA. Two hundred seven samples were NB-positive by one detection method. All four techniques were comparable in detecting tumor cells at diagnosis and at relapse. GAGE and immunocytology were far more sensitive than histology and TH mRNA when marrows were sampled during chemotherapy and at the time of clinical remission. Conclusions By combining multiple molecular markers and independent screening techniques, we may be able to overcome tumor heterogeneity and expedite the detection of microscopic disease in the clinical management of neuroblastoma. Med. Pediatr. Oncol. 36:210–212, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Intentional Mathematics Teaching in Early Childhood Classrooms

Studies and discussions around “good teaching practices” have often identified intentionality as the chief characteristic of outstanding teachers. Intentional teachers are identified as maintaining the habit of informed reflection as they plan, teach, reflect on, and revise the effectiveness of their practices. Intentional teaching strategies are much discussed in reading instruction and are currently being adopted in other disciplines, such as mathematics and science instruction. Myoungwhon Jung and Gregory Conderman's article provides examples of how the intentional instruction approach can be used to teach mathematics in early childhood classrooms. Although this study is situated within the context of U.S. classrooms, it has implications for early childhood instruction across borders.
Expression of neu and Neu differentiation factor in the olfactory mucosa of rat.

Abstract The growth and differentiation of olfactory sensory neurons are regulated tightly. We had shown previously, by immunohistochemistry, that transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor are present in the olfactory epithelium of untreated adult rats and that TGF-α is a potent mitogen of olfactory epithelium in vitro . Expression of EGF receptor and TGF-α was detected primarily in horizontal basal cells and supporting cells but rarely in globose basal cells, which suggested that EGF receptor is not a likely candidate for the mitotic regulator of sensory neurons. In order to expand the search for candidate regulators, we have now examined other members of the EGF family of receptors and ligands. By utilizing reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methodology, we have detected the messenger RNA encoding the protein of the neu gene (p185 neu ) and Neu differentiation factor (NDF) isoforms in the olfactory mucosa. Immunohistochemical localization of p185 neu and NDF indicates expression of these proteins in the olfactory epithelium of adult rats in regions where globose basal cells and immature sensory neurons are found, as well as in the ensheathing cells of the olfactory nerve. The presence of neu and NDF transcripts in the olfactory tissue and the localization of their encoded polypeptides to proliferative regions of the epithelium suggest involvement of these gene products in the regulated proliferation/differentiation of the sensory neurons.
Minor and trace sterols in marine invertebrates. 1. General methods of analysis.

Abstract 3β-Hydroxy sterols occurring at a concentration of at least 0.001% of the sterol mixtures of Pseudoplexaura porosa and Plexaura homomalla have been fractionated using a series of refined techniques and subsequently analyzed using combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in the development of a procedure for examining the minor and trace components of marine sterol mixtures. A total of 49 sterols were found4 which spanned a molecular weight range of 274 to 440. In addition Δ — 3-keto analogs of cholesterol, 24-methylcholesterol and gorgosterol were found in the extracts of P . homomalla . Initial separation of various natural sterol-containing conjugates and free sterols was found to have a number of advantages. Fractional digitonin precipitation and alumina column chromatography were found to possess greater sterol separation abilities than previously recognized. Many of the minor sterols were found to possess novel structures including a series of short side chain sterols, 19-nor sterols, 5β-stanols and 4-monomethyl sterols for which structure elucidation work is continuing.
Approximate analysis of a dynamic priority queueing method for ATM networks

A scheduling discipline for multiple classes of traffic in an ATM network is discussed and analyzed. The scheduler has the desirable property of providing minimum bandwidth guarantees for each class of traffic. Its simplicity makes it particularly well suited for high speed implementation. The scheme is a modification of static head-of-line priority queueing, and was originally presented in a slightly different form by Huang and Wu. We begin by considering a system with two queues which is analyzed by decoupling the system into separate M/G/1 queues. The analysis is found to provide a very good estimate for the mean response time of customers in each queue. The applicability of the analysis to a system with multiple queues is also demonstrated.
ANTI-NANOBACTERIAL THERAPY FOR MEN WITH CHRONIC PROSTATITIS/CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN SYNDROME AND PROSTATIC STONES: PRELIMINARY EXPERIENCE

ABSTRACTPurpose:: Category III chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is a common debilitating condition of unclear etiology. Patients often have prostatic calcifications but a link to symptoms is controversial. Nanobacteria are implicated in stone formation in the urinary tract and, therefore, therapy to eliminate nanobacteria and the stones that they produce might have an impact on CPPS symptoms.Materials and Methods:: A total of 16 men with recalcitrant CPPS refractory to multiple prior therapies were treated with comET (Nanobac Life Sciences, Tampa, Florida), which consists of 500 mg tetracycline, a proprietary nutraceutical and an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid suppository daily. The National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), transrectal ultrasound, and blood and urine tests for nanobacterial antigen were performed at the start and conclusion of 3 months of therapy. One patient was lost to followup.Results:: Mean NIH-CPSI total score ± SD decreased fr...
Bringing copyright into the information age

Reviewing current literature about the Internet reveals broad interest in copyright enforcement techniques. It appears to be concentrated in software and music. Current copyright statutes promote an outdated, industrial-age approach to intellectual property. We still need copyright to protect creative efforts. Structural changes in the premises underpinning industrial cultural, such as those exemplified in potential alterations to existing copyright statutes, require that computing professionals participate more openly in the relevant social and cultural debate. We should operate in a way that does not restrict development of computer systems on a massive scale, but also make them available to other entities, from nonprofit organisations to advocacy groups.
Cocaine Metabolism in Man: Identification of Four Previously Unreported Cocaine Metabolites in Human Urine

Cocaine and 11 of its metabolites were identified in a urine specimen from a cocaine user. Four of the metabolites are reported for the first time: ecgonidine, norecgonidine methyl ester, norecgonine methyl ester, and m-hydroxy-benzoylecgonine. The structures of the newly identified metabolites were confirmed by comparison of their gas chromatographic retention times and their electron ionization and chemical ionization mass spectra with the corresponding data obtained on synthesized standards. Other metabolites present were benzoylecgonine, ecgonine methyl ester, ecgonine, ecgonidine methyl ester, norcocaine, p-hydroxycocaine, and m-hydroxycocaine.
Group II mGluR agonist LY354740 and NAAG peptidase inhibitor effects on prepulse inhibition in PCP and d-amphetamine models of schizophrenia

Rationale Group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonists represent a novel approach to the treatment of schizophrenia. Inasmuch as the peptide neurotransmitter N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) activates these receptors, NAAG peptidase inhibitors conceptually represent a parallel path toward development of new antipsychotic drugs. While group II agonists are effective in several animal models of schizophrenia, they are reported to lack efficacy in moderating the effects of phencyclidine (PCP) on prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle in animal models of sensory processing deficits found in this disorder.
Transparent vs. translucent optical network design with mixed line rates

We propose new design models for mixed-line-rate (MLR) optical networks with no regeneration (transparent) and selective regeneration (translucent). Our results show the interplay between transponder cost and regenerator card cost using mixed line rates.
3.55 keV line from exciting dark matter without a hidden sector

In this study, models in which dark matter particles can scatter into a slightly heavier state which promptly decays to the lighter state and a photon (known as eXciting Dark Matter, or XDM) have been shown to be capable of generating the 3.55 keV line observed from galaxy clusters, while suppressing the flux of such a line from smaller halos, including dwarf galaxies. In most of the XDM models discussed in the literature, this up-scattering is mediated by a new light particle, and dark matter annihilations proceed into pairs of this same light state. In these models, the dark matter and the mediator effectively reside within a hidden sector, without sizable couplings to the Standard Model. In this paper, we explore a model of XDM that does not include a hidden sector. Instead, the dark matter both up-scatters and annihilates through the near resonant exchange of an O(102) GeV pseudoscalar with large Yukawa couplings to the dark matter and smaller, but non-neglibile, couplings to Standard Model fermions. The dark matter and the mediator are each mixtures of Standard Model singlets and SU(2)W doublets. We identify parameter space in which this model can simultaneously generate the 3.55 keV line and the gamma-ray excessmore » observed from the Galactic center, without conflicting with constraints from colliders, direct detection experiments, or observations of dwarf galaxies.« less
Advanced intersection management for connected vehicles using a multi-agent systems approach

Transportation is responsible for approximately a third of greenhouse gases (GHG) and a major source of other pollutants including hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technology can be used to lower vehicle emissions and fuel consumption, in addition to reducing traffic congestion, smoothing traffic flow, and improving roadway safety. As wireless communication advances, connected-vehicles-based Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) have gained significant research interest due to their high potential. In this study, we examine the concept of ATMS for connected vehicles using a multi-agent systems approach, where both vehicle agents and an intersection management agent can take advantage of real-time traffic information exchange. This dynamic strategy allows an intersection management agent to receive state information from vehicle agents, reserve the associated intersection time-space occupancies, and then provide feedback to the vehicles. The vehicle agents then adjust their trajectories to meet their assigned time slot. Based on preliminary simulation experiments, the proposed strategy can significantly reduce fuel consumption and vehicle emissions compared to traditional signal control systems.
Ligand Migration and Cavities within Scapharca Dimeric HbI: Studies by Time-Resolved Crystallo- graphy, Xe Binding, and Computational Analysis

As in many other hemoglobins, no direct route for migration of ligands between solvent and active site is evident from crystal structures of Scapharca inaequivalvis dimeric HbI. Xenon (Xe) and organic halide binding experiments, along with computational analysis presented here, reveal protein cavities as potential ligand migration routes. Time-resolved crystallographic experiments show that photodissociated carbon monoxide (CO) docks within 5 ns at the distal pocket B site and at more remote Xe4 and Xe2 cavities. CO rebinding is not affected by the presence of dichloroethane within the major Xe4 protein cavity, demonstrating that this cavity is not on the major exit pathway. The crystal lattice has a substantial influence on ligand migration, suggesting that significant conformational rearrangements may be required for ligand exit. Taken together, these results are consistent with a distal histidine gate as one important ligand entry and exit route, despite its participation in the dimeric interface.
BLOOD FLOW THROUGH CHANNELS AND CLEARANCES IN IMPLANTABLE PUMPS

Implantable rotary blood pumps are very effective at supporting patients with heart failure. New designs demonstrate distinct advantages over their predecessor diaphragm type pumps and have generated vast interest in the medical devices community, as demonstrated by hundreds of technical publications and newer commercially available devices. In addition to mechanical design criteria, these pumps share the requirement of moving a relatively large amount of blood through a miniaturized pump without damaging the blood cells. The fluid channels within the impeller are typically 1-3 mm wide and the clearance between the blades, rotating at 2,00010,000 rpm, and the stationary housing is approximately 100300µm. This paper gives examples of experimental and numerical methods to characterize the flow field, and a summary of how the flow affects blood cells and design strategies to minimize blood damage.
Grand Challenge for Movement Science and Sport Psychology: Embracing the Social-Cognitive–Affective–Motor Nature of Motor Behavior

Movement is critical to surviving and thriving, to expression, to thought. It is a foundational capability, enabling many other human activities, and sometimes the vehicle for extraordinary human achievement. Movement is a product of the events and processes of the mind, brain, and body, as well as a reflection of diverse influences, from the physical, social, and cultural environment to the body's structure and function. Movement has often been a subject of philosophical discourse, part of the triumvirate of mind, brain, and body. Despite this history, in many ways, movement may never have been so integral in psychological thought as it is today, as reflected in the burgeoning research related to the concept of embodiment, as well as the revelations regarding the mirror neuron system. In embodiment, motor actions precede and sometimes influence thought, language, and emotions (see Glenberg, 2010, for a review). Embodiment highlights the shared architecture and interconnectedness of motor, emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of behavior – a principal theme in this essay.
Crohn's Disease Causes a Catastrophe

Patients with Crohn’s disease are at higher risk of developing antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), of which 1% develop life-threatening, rapidly progressive clotting known as catastrophic APS (CAPS). A 17-year-old male presented with intermittent bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. He developed myopericarditis, alveolar hemorrhage, left frontal and parieto-occipital infarct, superior sagittal sinus venous thrombosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and a pulmonary embolus. He was treated with high-dose pulse steroids, anticoagulation, and plasma exchange. Colonoscopy revealed a flare of Crohn’s disease, and azathioprine was initiated.
The gradient type LS algorithm for adaptive spectrum estimation

The authors develop a novel adaptive implementation of V.F. Pisarenko's (1973) high-resolution spectrum estimation method using the least-squares (LS) criterion. This algorithm is compared to P. Thompson's (1979) LMS algorithm and the LMS algorithm of V.U. Reddy et al. (1982). It is also shown that the proposed algorithm has no bias. A multiprocessor architecture for implementing the algorithm is presented. >
Laser properties and carrier collection in ultrathin quantum-well heterostructures

Stimulated emission from a series of AlGaAs-GaAs single-quantum-well heterostructures is demonstrated for well-widths as thin as 8.5 AA at 22 K. These undoped samples, grown by molecular beam epitaxy, are the thinnest single quantum wells reported to support stimulated emission. Laser thresholds are quite low despite the fact that the single well is undoped and of dimensions that were previously thought to be too small to collect excess carriers effectively (L/sub z/ >
An Epidemiological Study of Headache Among the Monks of Athos (Greece)

SYNOPSIS The Monks of Athos in Greece constitute a particular group with unusual sleep schedule and specific diet. In order to study the frequency of headache among them, a special questionnaire was designed. Four hundred forty-nine monks below the age of 50 were approached, 39 of whom suffered from frequent (more than one episode per month, in the last 6 months) headaches (8.68%). The prevalence of migraine was 1.78% (0.66% with aura and 1.11% without) and of tension-type headache 3.34% (1.33% chronic and 2% episodic). Furthermore, 1.87% of monks suffered from mixed headaches (tension-type and migraine attacks as well). Cluster headache was not traced.
Failed Markets, Failing Government, or Both? Learning from the Unintended Consequences of Utah Consumer Credit Law of Vulnerable Debtors

Although for millennia the Western tradition looked upon the taking of interest with a jaundiced eye, consumer credit has become an integral and accepted part of the American economy. Nevertheless, throughout the twentieth century federal and state government institutions have struggled with the dual needs of facilitating creditors' business ventures and simultaneously protecting vulnerable debtors from onerous obligations.
Female friendly DSP curriculum for expanding women's opportunities

The paper presents a female -friendly engineering education in digital signal processing (DSP) at Northern Illinois University (NIU), more generally, revising the negative value traditionally placed upon electrical engineering achievement for women. Important tasks are as follows: (1) Design the DSP curricula in female-friendly way. (2) Establish an interactive DSP learners' community by developing appropriate teaching strategies in the class. (3) Offer teaching supplements for the enrolled students.
Parasitic coupling of ion Bernstein waves with ICRF fast wave excitation in tokamaks

Summary form only given, as follows. Analysis and computer simulation is presented for investigating the coupling of ion cyclotron range of frequency (ICRF) waves to tokamak plasmas using phased coil antenna arrays. The model accounts for three-dimensional antenna, and feeder current effects, an idealized Faraday shield, an antenna cavity which is finite in all three dimensions and warm plasma effects. The WIGS computer code, developed by the authors, is used to calculate the antenna radiation resistance and the spectrum of the ICRF power coupled to the plasma. Parasitic coupling to the ion Bernstein wave during fast wave heating experiments is investigated. Parasitic coupling to the ion Bernstein wave in the edge plasma region is shown to be important for low parallel wavenumbers during minority ion heating with large gradients in the plasma density near the edge of the plasma. The sensitivity of the parasitic coupling to changes in the cavity dimensions, current feeder configuration, coil current phase velocity and edge plasma profiles is discussed. The fraction of the launched power coupled to the ion Bernstein wave is to vary substantially with the antenna and plasma parameters and the phase difference between the excitation of adjacent antenna coils. Specific results are shown for the antenna and plasma parameters of the TFTR and JET tokamaks.
Implications of citrate concentration during the seeded growth synthesis of gold nanoparticles

Increasing the citrate concentration during the seeded growth synthesis of gold nanoparticles yields materials with decreased aspect ratios and increased defect densities. The stability of these nanoparticles is attributed to variations in their overall Gibb's free energy.
Time, Constancy, and Change in American Municipal Police Organizations

The present study investigates the relationship between organizational age and the structure of 334 police departments in the United States. Unfortunately, though the relationship between age and various aspects of organiza tions has been studied, these findings and theories have not been applied to police departments. The present study rectifies this oversight. The concept of organizational age is defined and two theories of organizational age are explained These two theories are tested with 334 municipal American police departments using survey data and the 1990 LEMAS data. The analyses indicate that the effect of organizational age on police departments is slight; however, support is found for two theories of organizational age. First, it appears that most municipal police agencies were formed during the same era. Second, use of civilian employees is negatively related to departmental age. The implications of these findings for police agencies and police histori ans are discussed.
Combined aerodynamic-propulsive orbital plane change maneuver

Abstract : Due to the relative expense of the orbital plane-change maneuver when it is accomplished by means of impulsive thrust, other techniques have been sought that would be more economical from the standpoint of required characteristic velocity. Two techniques that make use of combined aerodynamic and propulsive forces have been proposed by London and Nyland. These are reviewed, and their limitations, which are due in part to certain simplifying assumptions made in their analyses, are presented. This investigation demonstrates that both analyses, while valuable because they are presented in closed form, are limited to plane changes below 30 to 40 degrees. It is also shown that the combined maneuver is superior to the impulsive-thrust plane change for vehicles with lift-to-drag ratios greater than 1.5 and that the velocity savings that result as a consequence of using such maneuvers are on the order of 4000 to 5000 ft/sec, at most. As a result, it is concluded that, for certain situations, the combined aerodynamicpropulsive maneuver appears to be an attractive and available means for reducing the characteristic velocity requirement of the orbital plane change.
19% efficient screen- printed cells using a passivated transparent boron back surface field

Boron back surface field is a promising replacement for the industry standard screen-printed Aluminum. However, the use of boron back surface fields is largely confined to laboratory scale solar cells. In order to increase its industrial applicability, we present a method for achieving a high quality boron back surface field using a cheap and safe boron source and short diffusion time. Metal contacts are fabricated using screen-printing, and degradation of rear passivation after contact firing is minimized through optimized screen-printing of local (point) contacts on the rear. On p-type silicon wafers, this process technology has been utilized to achieve, on 4 cm2 cells, efficiency of up to 19.1% with open-circuit voltage of 650 mV.