cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A low power electro-optic polymer clad Mach-Zehnder modulator for high speed optical interconnects

Electro-optic (EO) polymer cladding modulators are an option for low-power high-speed optical interconnects on a silicon platform. EO polymers have inherently high switching speeds and have shown 40 Gb/s operation in EO polymer clad ring resonator modulators (RRM). In EO polymer clad RRM, the modulator’s area is small enough to be treated as a lumped capacitor; the capacitance is sufficiently low that the modulation speed is limited by the bandwidth of the resonator. A high Q resonator is needed for low voltage operation, but this can limit the speed and/or require precise control of the resonator’s wavelength, necessitating power consuming heaters to maintain optimal performance over a large temperature range. Mach Zehnder modulators (MZM), on the other hand, are not as sensitive to temperature fluctuations, but typically are relatively long and must employ power consuming terminated travelling wave electrodes. In this paper, a novel MZM design is presented using an EO polymer clad device. In this device, the electrodes are broken into short parallel segments and the waveguide folds around them. The segments of the electrode length are designed to provide good signal integrity up to 20 GHz without termination. The electrodes are driven by a single drive voltage and provide push-pull modulation. Modulators were designed and fabricated using silicon nitride waveguides on bulk silicon wafers and were demonstrated at high speed (20 GHz). A V π L as low as 1.7 Vcm is measured on initial devices. An optimized device could provide 40 Gb/s performance at 1 V drive voltages, ~100 fF total device capacitance and less than 2 dB optical insertion loss.
The economics of stepless machine-tool drives

Abstract General analyses are presented for the expenditures justified for automatically controlled stepless machine-tool drives for use on machine-tools designed for turning and for facing operations. A stepless speed drive is found to be more important for facing operations than for straight turning. Such drives are also found to be more important for machines designed for use with high-speed steel-tooling than for machines using carbide or ceramic tools. The cost optimum procedure for using a facing lathe equipped with a finite number of spindle speeds obtained by use of change gears is also presented and compared with representative practice.
Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal spore populations in sugar maple (Acer saccharum marsh. L.) forests

The numbers and types of spores of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi occurring in the top 15 cm of the soil in three maple forests in Eastern Canada were investigated using traditional wet-sieving/decanting methods. In the most acid site, at St. Hippolyte, Quebec, where the soil had been amended with base cations, after 1 year there was no effect on the numbers of spores present. Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal spores present at St. Hippolyte consisted of Glomus rubiforme, other Glomus spp. and Acaulospora spp. Although the sporocarpic species, G. aggregatum, G. macrocarpum and G. rubiforme occurred at St. Hippolyte, they were not found at the two less acid sites (Waterloo, Ontario and Lacolle, Quebec) . Spores of Acaulospora spp. were found at all three sites, but were most abundant at St. Hippolyte. At St. Hippolyte the total number of spores was much higher than at the other two sites; at Waterloo numbers were an order of magnitude lower than at St. Hippolyte. It is suggested that G. rubiforme and Acaulospora species may be adapted to acid conditions. Seasonal patterns of spore abundance suggested that Acaulospora spp. may sporulate during the spring, whereas G. rubiforme may sporulate during the fall.
Experience seeking: A subjectivist perspective of consumption

Abstract The present research examines consumer behavior from a subjectivist perspective. In a phenomenological sense consumption consists of the generation of internal thoughts and|or sensations, which constitute the content of experience. The sociopsychological characteristics of consumers who primarily seek cognitive stimulation (cognition seekers), sensory stimulation (sensation seekers), novel stimulation (noveltry seekers), or are seekers of all three forms of experience (experience seekers) are delineated. Preliminary causal rationales for each type of consumption are put forward based on these findings.
Fracture rate associated with quality metric-based anti-osteoporosis treatment in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis

Summary Anti-osteoporosis medication (AOM) use in patients exposed to glucocorticoids is thought to reduce fractures. We found post-menopausal women using glucocorticoids for at least 90 days who also used an AOM within 90 days had 48 % fewer fractures by 1 year and 32 % fewer fractures by 3 years compared to non-AOM users.
USE OF SEROLOGY AND BACTERIAL CULTURE TO DETERMINE PREVALENCE OF BRUCELLA SPP. IN FERAL SWINE (SUS SCROFA) IN PROXIMITY TO A BEEF CATTLE HERD POSITIVE FOR BRUCELLA SUIS AND BRUCELLA ABORTUS

Using serology and bacterial culture, we determined the prevalence of Brucella spp. and the antibody to Brucella spp. in a feral swine (Sus scrofa) population in proximity to a cattle herd that was culture positive for Brucella abortus and Brucella suis in north-central Texas, USA. During a prospective cross-sectional quantitative study in April 2005, we collected blood and tissue samples from 40 feral swine within a 30-km radius of the infected herd. Serum samples were tested by the Rose Bengal test, particle concentration fluorescence immunoassay, and fluorescence polarization assay. In addition, tissue samples were cultured, and the Brucella species and biovar determined. Four feral swine were Brucella positive by serology, and two were culture positive for B. suis biovar 1. Of the culture-positive swine, one was concurrently antibody and culture positive, and one was culture positive only. The presumptive source of the B. suis infection in the index cattle herd was likely the surrounding feral swine p...
Biosynthese der Ribonucleinsäuren

Die Biosynthese der Ribonucleinsauren (RNA) umfast die Polymerisation von Ribonucleotiden an Desoxyribonucleinsauren (DNA) als Matrize und die Umwandlung der primar gebildeten Gen-Kopien zu fertigen, „gereiften” RNA-Molekulen. Der vorliegende Fortschrittsbericht fast unser gegenwartiges Verstandnis dieser Prozesse kurz zusammen.
Olfactory Groove Meningioma: Surgical Outcomes Following Excision via the Subcranial Approach

Figure 1B. Axial MRI sections demonstrate the typical character of skull base meningiomas. T2 weighted imaging (T2) shows a mass along the left frontal bone inner table causing contour distortion of the left frontal lobe. FLAIR imaging (FLAIR) shows the lesion is non-edemogenic (short arrow). Non-contrast T1 weighted imaging (T1) shows the brain-like signal character of the mass as well as a nearby bony reaction (“bone” with thin arrow). T1 weighted imaging after IV contrast (GAD) shows the marked pathologic contrast enhancement of the mass and its long dural tail (long arrow). Figure 1A. Coronal T1weighted MRI sections after IV contrast demonstrate the highly invasive character of this mass with bulky peridural intracranial spread (arrow), direct intraorbital extension (“O”), and direct paranasal sinus extension (“S”).
Pharmacology and Toxicology of Scandium Chloride

The pharmacological and toxicological properties of scandium chloride have been investigated. The intraperitoneal and oral LD50's were 755 mg./Kg. and 4 Gm./Kg., respectively. Studies of chronic toxicity showed no body weight changes occurred in any group except the male rats on a 1% dietary level. The hemograms of all animals were within the normal range. Histopathological examination of the tissues revealed no damage related to the ingestion of scandium chloride. Transient ocular irritation was observed and the chemical produced extensive scar formation when applied to abraded skin. Pharmacological studies indicated that the chemical had a depressant action on all systems studied and produced lethality by respiratory paralysis coupled with cardiovascular collapse. The lethal effects could not be counteracted by atropinization or epinephrine administration.
Women's health and clinical trials

Women have traditionally been underrepresented in clinical trials. In order to translate recent advances in our understanding of the molecular and physiological bases of sex differences into new therapeutics and health practices, sound sex-specific clinical data are imperative. Since the founding of the Office of Research on Women's Health within the Office of the Director at the NIH in 1990, inequities in federally funded biomedical research, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting women in the US have been reviewed. Discussed herein is the evolution of gender-related research innovations, primarily within the last decade, and strategies and challenges involved in the success of this recent development.
Development of payload housing for temperature and pressure control of bio fuel cells for space applications

Purpose – Alternative energy sources and power generation techniques for long‐term space missions are gaining importance in recent years for future bases and colonies on the Moon or Mars. Current technologies used for manned or unmanned missions to the Moon or Mars use either solar panels (bulky, expensive/kilogram to space, and inefficient) or nuclear energy (extremely dangerous and unpopular). Enzyme based bio fuel cells can be used as alternative energy sources, but its survival depends on maintaining appropriate temperature and pressure in space. The purpose of this paper is to detail the concept design and development of a payload tank to house bio fuel cells for operations in space environment.Design/methodology/approach – Details about the development of the design methodology for such housing are discussed. A full‐scale payload tank is designed to house a small biological fuel cell using space grade materials. Requirements analysis, design, validation, and manufacturing process are covered.Finding...
Application of the Five Stages of Grief to Diabetic Limb Loss and Amputation

A potentially underappreciated member of the multidisciplinary approach to diabetic limb salvage is that of psychiatry. Diabetic patients are more likely to experience depression, and diabetic patients with depression are more likely to undergo an amputation. Also, both diabetes and depression independently increase the healthcare costs in the United States. The objective of the present investigation was to increase knowledge among diabetic foot practitioners with respect to psychiatric and other mental health patient-care issues, specifically the potential application of the 5 stages of grief to diabetic limb loss and amputation. We enlisted the assistance of a clinical professor from the psychiatry department at our institution to review the 5 stages of grief, provide context specific for application to diabetic limb loss, and offer clinically relevant guidelines for surgeons to better understand and communicate with their patients at each stage. The 5 stages reviewed were denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. We hope that the present review will increase the body of knowledge with respect to relevant psychiatric issues and the diabetic foot and provide a starting point for increased awareness with respect to this important, yet underappreciated, aspect of patient care.
EFFECTS OF CASTRATION AND TREATMENT WITH SEX STEROIDS ON THE SYNTHESIS OF SERUM CHOLINESTERASEIN THE RAT1

IN THE preliminary studies by Birkhauser and Zeller (1940) and Zeller and Birkhauser (1941) regarding the influence of sex in rats upon the cholinesterase content of the liver, it was stated that while female livers contain 5 to 8 times as much cholinesterase as the male, ovariectomy results in a lowering of the enzyme content in the female to a value somewhat above that found in normal males. Orchidectomy, on the other hand, was said to result in a slight elevation. They also studied the effects of injection of estradiol into castrated animals of either sex and found that after such treatment the liver enzyme content was of an order similar to that in normal females. The limitations as discussed by Sawyer and Everett (1946) with respect to the work of the Swiss investigators upon intact animals also apply to their studies on castrated rats.
Loss of Caspase-2-dependent Apoptosis Induces Autophagy after Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress in Primary Cultures of Young Adult Cortical Neurons

Mitochondrial dysfunctions have been associated with neuronal apoptosis and are characteristic of neurodegenerative conditions. Caspases play a central role in apoptosis; however, their involvement in mitochondrial dysfunction-induced neuronal apoptosis remains elusive. In the present report using rotenone, a complex I inhibitor that causes mitochondrial dysfunction, we determined the initiator caspase and its role in cell death in primary cultures of cortical neurons from young adult mice (1–2 months old). By pretreating the cells with a cell-permeable, biotinylated pan-caspase inhibitor that irreversibly binds to and traps the active caspase, we identified caspase-2 as an initiator caspase activated in rotenone-treated primary neurons. Loss of caspase-2 inhibited rotenone-induced apoptosis; however, these neurons underwent a delayed cell death by necrosis. We further found that caspase-2 acts upstream of mitochondria to mediate rotenone-induced apoptosis in neurons. The loss of caspase-2 significantly inhibited rotenone-induced activation of Bid and Bax and the release of cytochrome c and apoptosis inducing factor from mitochondria. Rotenone-induced downstream activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were also inhibited in the neurons lacking caspase-2. Autophagy was enhanced in caspase-2 knock-out neurons after rotenone treatment, and this response was important in prolonging neuronal survival. In summary, the present study identifies a novel function of caspase-2 in mitochondrial oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in neurons cultured from young adult mice.
Double-Raman gain for realizing a superluminal ring laser

We show how a dual-peak gain produced via optical pumping and non-degenerate Raman pumps in a single vapor cell can be used to realize a superluminal ring laser with enhanced sensitivity for gyroscopy and accelerometry.
Brain asymmetry and facial attractiveness: Facial beauty is not simply in the eye of the beholder

We recently reported finding asymmetry in the appearance of beauty on the face [Zaidel et al., Neuropsychologia, Vol. 33, pp. 649-655, 1995]. Here, we investigated whether facial beauty is a stable characteristic (on the owner's very face) or is in the perceptual space of the observer. We call the question 'the owner vs observer hypothesis'. We compared identity judgements and attractiveness ratings of observers. Subjects viewed left-left and right-right composites of faces and decided which most resembled the normal face (Experiment 1). Identity judgements (resemblance) are known to be associated with perceptual factors in the observer. Another group viewed the same normal faces and rated them on attractiveness (Experiment 2). In each experiment, there were two separate viewing conditions, original and reversed (mirror-image). Lateral reversal did affect the results of Experiment 1 (confirming previous findings [Bennett et al., Neuropsychologia, Vol. 25, pp. 681-687, 1987; Gilbert and Bakan, Journal of Anatomy, Vol. 183, pp. 593-600, 1993]) but did not affect the results of Experiment 2. The fact that lateral reversal did not affect the results of Experiment 2 suggests that facial attractiveness is more dependent on physiognomy (of the owner) and less dependent on an asymmetrical perceptual process (in the observer) than is facial identity. The results are discussed in the context of beauty's biological significance and facial processing in the brain.
Vietnam as a class war: Myth or reality?

This article reports an extension of the analyses of the fatalities in the Vietnam War presented by Barnett, Stanley, and Shore (1992) as printed in the September‐October 1992 Operations Research. The additional analyses involved an examination of results by Barnett et al. in numeric as well as percentage form and a consideration of how the revised analyses generalize to the population of all American fatalities in Vietnam. These analyses yielded a different conclusion about the role of economic class in the fatalities in the Vietnam War than those drawn by Barnett et al. They suggested that the term class war was not supported by their data analyses. Our analyses indicate that their conclusion is incorrect. The lower class sacrificed considerably more lives than the upper class.
Transpapillary Cholangioscopy–Directed Lithotripsy in Patients With Difficult Bile Duct Stones

Background & Aims: There are limited prospective data and long-term follow-up on cholangioscopy-directed management of difficult bile duct stones. The study objectives were to evaluate the safety and efficacy of cholangioscopy-directed lithotripsy in patients who had failed standard endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) techniques and to determine the stone recurrence rate. Methods: Consecutive patients with biliary stones referred for cholangioscopy after failure of conventional stone therapy were enrolled and followed prospectively. Results: Between February 2000–October 2004, 32 consecutive patients had cholangioscopy-directed lithotripsy (30 electrohydraulic lithotripsy, 2 mechanical) after a mean of 3.3 (range, 2–14) failed ERCPs. Stones were intrahepatic (N = 8); extrahepatic (N = 18); or both (N = 6). Biliary strictures were present in 20 (63%) patients. Cholangioscopy identified additional stones not seen at ERCP in 9 (28%) patients. A mean of 1.4 lithotripsy sessions achieved complete (N = 26, 81%), partial (N = 5, 16%), or failed (N = 1, 3%) stone clearance. Follow-up was available in 28 (88%) patients for a mean of 29.2 months (95% confidence interval, 20.3–38.1 months). Stone recurrence occurred in 4 of 22 (18%) patients with complete clearance and follow-up data; 3 had primary sclerosing cholangitis. There were 2 minor periprocedural complications and 1 late complication. Conclusions: Cholangioscopy-directed lithotripsy is a safe and effective treatment in patients who have failed standard ERCP stone removal techniques. Stone recurrence is low in patients who had complete stone clearance except in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Cholangioscopy detects stones missed by cholangiography.
Evidence for the hydrodynamic origin of critical heat currents in helium II

It is found that the critical heat current measured in a modulated heat flow in superfluid He II is substantially larger than in a steady flow. The variation of critical heat current with the modulation frequency and amplitude is shown to be analogous to the enhancement of stability observed in the flow of conventional fluids.
Muon charge ratio prediction from hadronic scaling

In view of a number of contrasting results for the cosmic-ray muon ratio, a careful calculation is carried out and extended down to ${E}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}=50$ GeV. It is found that even with the large uncertainties involved the calculated $\frac{{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}}{{\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\ensuremath{-}}}$ ratio is significantly higher than the experimental values over the energy range considered. Nuclear corrections have only a small effect if a coherent production model is used and cannot remove the discrepancy, which we conclude requires some new features of high-energy interactions, a higher $\frac{n}{p}$ ratio in the primary flux, or both.
α-Aminoadipate blocks the neurotoxic action of N-methyl aspartate

Abstract The excitatory amino acids, glutamate (Glu) and N-methyl aspartate (NMA), were administered subcutaneously to mice in doses sufficient to destroy neurons of the arcuate hypothalamic nucleus (AH). Pretreatment with glutamic acid diethylester (GDEE) or α-aminoadipate (αAA), agents proposed as specific antagonist of the excitatory actions of Glu and NMA respectively, resulted in suppression by αAA of the neurotoxic activities both agonist (NMA > Glu), while GDEE exerted no detectable influence over the neurotoxic actions of either aginists. These findings, with other accumulating evidence, suggest that an excitatory mechanism underline the neurotoxicity of these agents and that AH neurons may have predominantly aspartergic excitatory inputs.
Effects of cholinergic agonists on immature rat hippocampal neurons

We have investigated the effects of acetylcholine (ACh) and the cholinergic agonist carbachol on several cell types in the developing rat hippocampus. Pyramidal cells were responsive to cholinergic applications on the first day examined (postnatal day 2), indicating that postsynaptic cholinoceptivity develops early, perhaps before functional cholinergic innervation is present. These drugs, which induce a membrane depolarization and a conductance decrease in mature pyramidal cells, had similar effects (both magnitude and pharmacology) on most immature neurons. However, a minority of cells in immature tissue exhibited decreased input resistance (Rin) during the cholinergic-induced depolarization. This response is likely a product of cholinergic action on local circuit neurons: non-pyramidal-type cells from animals as young as 8 days demonstrated excitatory responses to application of cholinergic agonists. The study revealed a number of other features of immature cells which may have functional significance. Lucifer yellow injections showed significant dye coupling among CA3 (but not CA1) pyramidal cells in immature tissue, suggesting close metabolic and/or electrotonic coupling between those cells during development. Mature CA3 cells showed less dye coupling, but increased anomalous rectification, and longer time constant. Developmental changes in intrinsic cell properties, coupled to alterations in local circuit interactions, may alter tissue responsiveness to neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, even if the receptor-mediated drug action remains stable.
HIGH-SPIN FOUR AND SIX-COORDINATE COBALT(II) COMPLEXES WITH 3,5-DIMETHYL PYRAZOLE

Abstract The reaction of cobalt dichloride hexahydrate with two equivalents of 3,5-dimethyl pyrazole under reflux in THF gave a deep blue solution of Co(3,5-dimethylpyrazole) dichloride. Suitable crystals for X-ray structural determination were grown in THF. The structural assignment of (1) was made by elemental analysis and electronic spectroscopy and confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The crystal structure reveals that compound (1) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with eight molecules in the unit cell of dimensions a = 15.012(2), b = 8.275(1), and c = 24.047(2)A, and β = 96.05 (1)°. The structure has been refined to an R(F) factor of 0.045 based on 1670 observed reflections. The geometry around the Co(II) center is best described as tetrahedral. The four ligating atoms consist of two chlorine atoms and two nitrogen atoms from the 3,5-dimethyl pyrazole. The solution electronic spectra of (1) in acetone and THF are consistent with the solid state crystal structure. Howev...
The cometary biosphere and the origin of life

The Origin-of-Life (OOL) is defined as an information threshold and compared to the Shannon information of the universe. It is shown that the information content of a minimally viable cell must be greater than the capabilities of the universe to calculate with a random search, and must therefore include coherence. Since No-Free-Lunch theorems argue that there are no better algorithms than random searches, we eliminate several alternate theories of OOL that rely on "smart" algorithms, including the anti-entropic "luck" solution. Then high negentropy states can only be achieved by coherent addition of pre-existing negentropy via some low-entropy mechanism. Since most cosmologists believe information is conserved, it is shown that the addition of information corresponds to a flow of information through Fourier space from large to small scales. The requirements on the information "adder" for low temporal entropy, high spatial coherence, rapid coherent addition, and dense Fourier space flow, are shown to be met by comets. We close with a speculation that the fractal dimension of the galactic matter distributed through the cosmos may reveal the details of a dark matter origin in comets.
Chronic oral anticoagulant therapy for extrahepatic visceral thrombosis is safe.

Background Patients with hypercoagulability may thrombose visceral veins with resultant portal hypertension, esophagogastric varices, and hemorrhage. The role of chronic oral anticoagulant therapy in such patients is unclear. On the one hand, such patients are prone to significant hemorrhage and thus anticoagulant therapy may seem contraindicated. On the other hand, because the causal pathophysiology is typically hypercoagulability, it would seem rational to treat these patients with chronic anticoagulant therapy in order to both prevent other visceral and systemic thromboses and perhaps, over time, reduce the degree of portal hypertension. Experience and poor prognosis associated with the more common portal hypertension due to hepatic cirrhosis may bias judgment.
Synthesis of NaxMnO2+δ by a Reduction of Aqueous Sodium Permanganate with Sodium Iodide

Abstract Reduction of sodium permanganate with sodium iodide in aqueous solutions has been investigated systematically. The products formed have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, wet-chemical analysis, and surface area and magnetic susceptibility measurements after firing at various temperatures. The results reveal that the sodium content x in the reduction products Na x MnO 2+ δ depends strongly on the reaction pH and mildly on the relative concentrations of the reactants. Na 0.7 MnO 2+ δ obtained at pH>11 followed by firing at T >500°C adopts the P 2 layer structure (hexagonal) with cation vacancies arising from a δ ≈0.3. Na 0.7 MnO 2+ δ crystallizing in a distorted P 2 structure (orthorhombic) without cation vacancies ( δ ≈0) could be obtained by annealing the hexagonal Na 0.7 MnO 2+ δ ( δ ≈0.3) in N 2 atmosphere around 600°C. While the orthorhombic Na 0.7 MnO 2+ δ ( δ T ≤180°C, the hexagonal Na 0.7 MnO 2+ δ ( δ ≈0.3) transforms to spinel-like phases due to the presence of cation vacancies. Na 0.5 MnO 2+ δ obtained at a controlled pH of 9.3 adopts a metastable layer structure on firing at 500°C and a tunnel structure isostructural with Na 4 Mn 4 Ti 5 O 18 on firing at T ≥600°C. The tunnel structure is stable to ion-exchange reactions without transforming to spinel-like phases. In addition, washing the reduction products with various organic solvents before firing at higher temperatures is found to influence the reaction kinetics, composition, and crystal chemistry.
The primase active site is on the outside of the hexameric bacteriophage T7 gene 4 helicase-primase ring.

Gene 4 of bacteriophage T7 encodes a protein (gp4) that can translocate along single-stranded DNA, couple the unwinding of duplex DNA with the hydrolysis of dTTP, and catalyze the synthesis of short RNA oligoribonucleotides for use as primers by T7 DNA polymerase. Electron microscopic studies have shown that gp4 forms hexameric rings, and X-ray crystal structures of the gp4 helicase domain and of the highly homologous RNA polymerase domain of Escherichia coli DnaG have been determined. Earlier biochemical studies have shown that when single-stranded DNA is bound to the hexameric ring, the primase domain remains accessible to free DNA. Given these results, a model was suggested in which the primase active site in the gp4 hexamer is located on the outside of the hexameric ring. We have used electron microscopy and single-particle image analysis to examine T7 gp4, and have determined that the primase active site is located on the outside of the hexameric ring, and therefore provide direct structural support for this model.
Interaction of polyene antibiotics with single and mixed lipid monomolecular layers

Abstract 1. 1. Etruscomycin, amphotericin B, and pimaricin preferentially interact with cholesterol, and not with lecithin, monolayers at low molar ratios of antibiotic/lipid. Similar results have been previously reported for filipin and nystatin. At initial surface pressures above the collapse pressures of the antibiotics, the ability of the polyenes to increase the surface pressure of a cholesterol monolayer is in the order: filipin ⪢ etruscomycin ⪢ amphotericin B > pimaricin > nystatin. These observations suggest that the ability of the polyene antibiotics to cause membrane damage may be correlated with their affinity for sterol. Derivatives of filipin, which have little or no biological activity, also prduce a much weaker interaction with cholesterol monolayers than the parent antibiotic. 2. 2. In mixed monolayers of lecithin and cholesterol, the surface pressure increase obtained with filipin is diminished as the relative content of the phospholipid is raised. This observation supports previous studies indicating that the polyene sensitivity of a membrane may be dependent on the phospholipid/sterol ratio and not on the presence of sterol per se. 3. 3. Filipin, nystatin and pimaricin can interact with monolayers of lecithin (in the absence of cholesterol) at high molar ratios of antibiotic/lipid. These observations are consistent with the results of e sessa and W weissmann that some of the polyenes can release markers from liposomes prepared with lecithin alone. Past and present experiments suggest that interaction between the polyenes and membrane phospholipid is probably without significance as regards the antifungal and hemolytic activity of the antibiotics. At high molar ratios, filipin can also increase the surface pressure of oleic acid monolayers. These results are in accord with several reports indicating that addition of fatty acids, as well as phospholipids, to the medium can antagonize the growth inhibitory and lytic properties of the polyenes. 4. 4. Filipin has only a slight effect on the surface pressure of cholesterol acetate monolayers, which is consistent with the view that a free hydroxyl group is necessary for interaction with the polynees. This conclusion is supported by the fining that filipin can also interact with monolayers of cetyl alcohol at low molar ratios of antibiotic/lipid. The inhibitory influence of urea suggests that hydrogen bond formation may play an important role in polyene sterol—interaction.
Adhesive and mechanical properties of hydrogels influence neurite extension.

Photopolymerizable polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels conjugated with bioactive ligands were examined for their use as scaffolds in peripheral nerve regeneration applications. The bioactivity and mechanical properties of PEG hydrogels can be tailored through the integration of bioactive factors (adhesion ligands, proteolytic sites, growth factors) and the alteration of PEG concentrations, respectively. For peripheral nerve regeneration, it will be important to determine the type and concentration of the bioactive molecules required to improve neurite extension. In this study, cell adhesion ligands (RGDS, IKVAV, and YIGSR) were covalently attached to PEG hydrogels. Both the type and concentration of cell adhesion ligand used affected neurite extension. Extension from PC12 cells was greater on hydrogels with RGDS incorporated than IKVAV, and the optimal concentration for each ligand was different. Cells adhered to but did not extend neurites on hydrogels with YIGSR. Cells did not adhere to hydrogels containing RGES. Furthermore, different combinations of these ligands affected neurite extension to different degrees. The mechanical properties of the hydrogels also significantly affected neurite extension. PC12 cells grown on more flexible hydrogels exhibited the greatest degree of neurite extension. PEG hydrogels have thus been developed with varying biochemical and mechanical properties that may enhance nerve regeneration. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 72A: 91–97, 2005
Effects of bilateral limb-bud extirpation on motility and prehatching behavior in chicks.

The role of sensory input in the performance of overt motility by the chick embryo has been a matter of controversy. Although it has been proven that embryonic motility is generated in the motor system of the spinal cord and does not require sensory input up to 15 days, it has been suggested that self-stimulation and related “experiences” during embryonic development are instrumental in the structuration or facilitation of normal embryonic and post-hatching motor patterns. Using microsurgical techniques, hind-limb buds were extirpated bilaterally in chick embryos at three days of incubation in order to eliminate a major source of self-stimulation to the head by the legs. The total motility of legless chicks in not significantly different from that of the control embryos between 11 and 17 days. Part of the pre-hatching and hatching behavior repertory is also performed normally by the legless embryos. However, they do not hatch, probably because the bracing of the tarsal joints against the shell is necessary for the rotatory movements during hatching. Feeding, drinking and righting after hatching are normal.
Spin waves in spin-polarized gases in the Knudsen regime

Boundary conditions are discussed for spin dynamics equations in dilute spin-polarized quantum gases. The bulk equations have the macroscopic hydrodynamic form even when mean free paths of the particles are large, and the main question is whether a supplementary hydrodynamic boundary condition is valid. Different boundary processes are considered including spin-conserving and non-conserving reflections, slip, formation of adsorbed surface layers, etc. The macroscopic boundary condition fails in the cases of very effective surface processes with violation of time-reversal symmetry (e.g. spin-lattice relaxation) or very high surface-induced diffusion rates. Otherwise, the surface processes are described by a simple boundary condition or by {delta}-type singularities in bulk equations. The meaning of different macroscopic parameters is clarified. The formation of dense adsorbed boundary layers changes the frequency shifts and linewidths of spin-wave resonances because of effective exchanges between surface and bulk particles and strong interactions within the boundary layers. Here the broadening of resonances is explained not only by additional surface dissipation (diffusion), but also by dephasing processes originating from a renormalization of the molecular field in the boundary layers. The results explain recent experiments by the Cornell group.
Select Zone Analysis for Traffic Impact Studies

Select zone analysis examines the spatial impacts of a new development and requires knowledge of the distribution of path flows or of the distribution of origin-destination (O-D) specific link flows. Because these two flow distributions may not be uniquely determined from assignment of deterministic user equilibriums, the choice of a particular flow distribution as the basis for select zone analysis remains an open question. This paper both suggests the use of the mean of all the solutions for path or O-D-specific user equilibriums as that basis and proves its stability. A sampling procedure is proposed to estimate the basis. Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the proposed concept and compare it with the entropy maximization approach.
A SUGGESTED ROLE OF AMINO-ACIDS IN DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID.

SEVERAL investigators have found amino-acids among the hydrolysis products of DNA's from many sources and some have suggested that small peptides may play a part in DNA structure and/or function. These have been reviewed by Bendich and Rosenkranz1. We have considered the possibility that such small peptides are concerned with the regulation of enzyme synthesis. For this reason we have examined the amino-acid residues found in samples of DNA from Escherichia coli grown in ‘minimal’ and in ‘complete’ media. Bacteria grown in minimal media must synthesize large numbers of compounds not made by those grown in complete media. Therefore, more enzymes should be formed and more DNA should be functional in bacteria grown in minimal media. If control of DNA function is exerted through firmly bound amino-acids and peptides, then DNA from bacteria grown under these two sets of conditions should contain different amounts of amino-acids.
Modification of radiosensitivity of mammalian cells by cyclic nucleotides.

Abstract Some in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that adesosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) may be one of the important factors in determining the radiosensitivity of certain mammalian cells; however, the role of guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) in radiosensitivity of mammalian cells is completely unknown. Recent data also suggest that the mechanism of radiation protection afforded by moderate hypoxia and SH-containing compounds may involve an alteration in the intracellular level of cyclic AMP. At least one in vivo study shows that cyclic AMP protects hair follicles and gut epithelial cells against radiation damage; however, it does not protect lymphosarcoma and breast carcinoma in mice. If a similar phenomenon is found in humans, an elevation of the intracellular level of cyclic AMP during radiation exposure may improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy in those cases where the radiation damage of normal tissue becomes the limiting factor for a continuation of the therapy program. More in vitro and in vivo studies on normal and cancer cells are needed to substantiate the role of cyclic nucleotides in radiosensitivity.
The vagus nerve and the nicotinic anti-inflammatory pathway

Physiological anti-inflammatory mechanisms are selected by evolution to effectively control the immune system and can be exploited for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Recent studies indicate that the vagus nerve (which is the longest of the cranial nerves and innervates most of the peripheral organs) can modulate the immune response and control inflammation through a 'nicotinic anti-inflammatory pathway' dependent on the alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7nAChR). Nicotine has been used in clinical trials for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, but its clinical applications are limited by its unspecific effects and subsequent toxicity. This article reviews recent advances supporting the therapeutic potential of selective nicotinic agonists in several diseases. Similar to the development of alpha- and beta-agonists for adrenoceptors, selective agonists for alpha7nAChR could represent a promising pharmacological strategy against infectious and inflammatory diseases.
50 years of engineering management through the lens of the IEEE transactions

As the IEEE (nee IRE) Transactions on Engineering Management celebrates its 50th anniversary, we look back to see how the journal has progressed over the years... Begun as an outlet for the thoughts on management of IRE members primarily from industry, the Transactions soon became a recognized scholarly journal. At the same time, in the opinion of the authors, it has retained its relevance to practitioners, while maintaining academic rigor. Tracing the frequency of occurrence of various topics contained in the pages of the Transactions provides an interesting history of the field that we call Engineering or Technology Management. It is interesting to see how different subjects grew and occasionally receded in interest.
H 2 ( p , n )2 p spin transfer from 305 to 788 MeV

Measurements of the spin-transfer parameter ${\mathit{K}}_{\mathit{L}\mathit{L}}$ for $^{2}\mathrm{H}$(p,n)2p at 0\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to calibrate the neutron-beam polarization clarify a normalization discrepancy affecting np data at LAMPF. The new data are in good agreement with theoretical predictions.
Fluid mechanics leads to life in the universe

The standard (old) cosmological model ΛCDMHC is flawed by fluid mechanical simplifications of the Jeans 1902 theory of gravitational structure formation. Corrections result in HydroGravitational Dynamics (HGD, new) cosmology and early, cosmos-wide, life termed the biological big bang. Kinematic viscosity, turbulence and diffusivity as well as fossil turbulence and fossil turbulence waves of new cosmology require early and massive plasma-epoch fragmentation by voids. Old cosmology gives no stars or planets for 400 million years (the dark ages) and can only result in extremely rare, intermittent, and highly localized life, if any, with no cosmic distribution mechanism. At the plasma to gas transition time 300,000 years, new cosmology produces 30,000,000 planets per star in dense, Jeans-mass, proto-globular- star-cluster clumps (PGCs) that host the formation of stars by planet mergers. Supernovae seed the small hydrogen planets with oxides to form deep-water oceans, giving life at two million years and evolved complex life in freezing cold oceans by eight million years. Cosmic distribution of HGD life is assured by jets from supernovae and active galactic nuclei. Old biology becomes a new extraterrestrial cosmic biology. Herschel-Planck-Spitzer-WMAP space telescope images show these PGCs by the infrared light of their planet mergers.
A COMPARISON OF RADIOGRAPHIC AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FINDINGS IN 31 DOGS WITH MALIGNANT NASAL CAVITY TUMORS

Nasal cavity radiographs and CT images from 31 dogs with nasal cavity cancer were compared. All dogs had abnormal clinical signs relating to -nasal cancer and histologic confirmation of malignant nasal cavity neoplasia. No dog had cyto reductive surgery prior to imaging. All radiographic and CT examinations were abnormal. CT was more accurate than radiographs in identifying unilateral versus bilateral nasal cavity disease and tumor extension into adjacent structures such as the cranial cavity, hard palate, and pterygopala-tine fossa. The improved accuracy of CT in these respects was not of benefit in the confirmation of nasal cavity disease because radiographs were abnormal in every instance. However, CT may be useful for more accurate tumor staging, predicting possible treatment-related complications, and planning of surgery and radiation therapy. It was also determined that one dorsally located radiation therapy portal bounded laterally by the medial ocular canthi, as described in previous reports, would not have been adequate for encompassing all abnormal tissue in 28 of the 31 dogs evaluated.
Leaky-wave optical radiation from subwavelength metamaterial or plasmonic arrays

We discuss in this paper the leaky-wave propagation properties for one- and two-dimensional arrays of metamaterial or plasmonic inclusions with subwavelength transverse cross section. Our analysis is based on the rigorous dynamic dipolar coupling among the array elements. We show that an isolated array of plasmonic nanoparticles supports leaky wave modes and may operate as a frequency-scanning leaky-wave nanoantenna. Extending these concepts to parallel linear arrays, we show that the modal spectrum splits into symmetric and anti-symmetric modes, with increased versatility in their radiation and guidance properties. Finally, we extend our analysis to two-dimensional arrays and connect the typical scattering resonances of planar arrangements of nanoparticles to their leaky-wave spectrum.
Two-Point Boundary Value Problems for ODEs

Many problems in applied mathematics require solutions of differential equations specified by conditions at more than one point of the independent variable. These are called boundary value problems; they are considerably more difficult to deal with than initial value problems, largely because of their global nature. Unlike (local) existence and uniqueness theorems known for initial value problems (cf. Theorem 5.0.1), there are no comparably general theorems for boundary value problems. Neither existence nor uniqueness is, in general, guaranteed.
INSTRUMENTAL VARIABLE ESTIMATION OF A THRESHOLD MODEL

Threshold models (sample splitting models) have wide application in economics. Existing estimation methods are confined to regression models, which require that all right-hand-side variables are exogenous. This paper considers a model with endogenous variables but an exogenous threshold variable. We develop a two-stage least squares estimator of the threshold parameter and a generalized method of moments estimator of the slope parameters. We show that these estimators are consistent, and we derive the asymptotic distribution of the estimators. The threshold estimate has the same distribution as for the regression case (Hansen, 2000, Econometrica 68, 575–603), with a different scale. The slope parameter estimates are asymptotically normal with conventional covariance matrices. We investigate our distribution theory with a Monte Carlo simulation that indicates the applicability of the methods.We thank the two referees and co-editor for constructive comments. Hansen thanks the National Science Foundation for financial support. Caner thanks University of Pittsburgh Central Research Development Fund for financial support.
A volume change index for forest growth and sustainability

Summary A volume change index is suggested that is derived from growth components that can be estimated from remeasured plots. The new index incorporates more information than the traditional growth over removals ratio. The new index directly indicates whether the standing volume will be increasing or decreasing if current conditions persist, whereas the ratio of growth over removals obscures the impact of mortality. The details of estimating the components of growth are discussed with regard to interpreting the new index. The effect of spatial scale on the index is explored and a variance estimator is suggested. The new index is estimated from US Department of Agriculture Forest Service annual inventory data for two example applications. The first application looks at spatial trends in the index. The second application applies the index to a mill working circle.
Unmitigated agency and unmitigated communion: An analysis of the negative components of masculinity and femininity

The negative components of masculinity and femininity, conceptualized by Spence and her colleagues (1979) as unmitigated agency and unmitigated communion, were explored by examining dominant and submissive acts used in their expression. In three separate sessions, subjects (N=129) completed scales designed to measure these constructs, a Dominance Act Report, and a Submissiveness Act Report. Dominant acts used in the expression of unmitigated agency involved the formation of separations (e.g., making decisions without consulting the others involved in them), narcissistic self-assertion (e.g., telling others to perform one's menial tasks), and self-protection (e.g., bluffing one's way out of an embarrassing situation). Submissive acts used in the expression of unmitigated communion involved failing to make normatively appropriate agentic responses (e.g., walking out of a store knowing that one had been short-changed) and subjugating personal desires to group wishes (e.g., giving up vacation plans in deference to the preferences of others). Discussion focuses on elaborating the concepts of unmitigated agency and unmitigated communion.