cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An input-free NMOS V/sub T/ extractor circuit in presence of body effects

An input-free NMOS V/sub T/ (threshold voltage) extractor circuit in an n-well CMOS process is presented. The non-idealities due to NMOS body effects on the extracted V/sub T/ are automatically compensated in the circuit. PMOS difference amplifiers are developed to compute the difference of node voltages such that the V/sub T/ of the NMOS device can be extracted as a voltage, referenced to ground or VDD. The proposed NMOS V/sub 2/ extractor circuit was fabricated in a 0.25 /spl mu/m CMOS process, and the extracted V/sub T/, which had an absolute value of 0.441V, had an accuracy of 95.7%.
Auroral Kilometric Radiation Source Region Observations from ISIS 1

The ISIS 1 observations of the high-frequency portion of the auroral kilometric radiation (AKR) spectrum are considered, that is, from the minimum frequency encountered for the extraordinary mode cut-off (approximately 450 kHz) to the upper frequency cut-off (approximately 800 kHz). AKR is found to be generated in the extraordinary mode just above the local cutoff frequency and to emanate in a direction that is nearly perpendicular to the magnetic field. It occurs within local depletions of electron density, where the ratio of plasma frequency to cyclotron frequency is below 0.2. The density depletion is restricted to altitudes above approximately 2,000 km, and the upper AKR frequency limit corresponds to the extraordinary cutoff frequency at this altitude.
Thermal Diffusivity of Ammonium Perchlorate

Abstract : A method was developed to measure the thermal diffusivity of poorly conductive materials. The method is absolute and rapid, and requires only small samples; tests of materials with known thermal properties confirm its accuracy. The thermal diffusivity of compressed ammonium perchlorate powders was measured as a function of porosity, particle size, and temperature. (Author)
Extra short dental implants supporting an overdenture in the edentulous maxilla: a proof of concept

Objectives This study investigates the outcome of short implants additionally placed with longer implants to support a maxillary overdenture. Materials and methods Twelve patients received six implants to support a maxillary overdenture. Only one patient still had two molars in the maxilla, while the others had no remaining teeth. The status of the opposing arch was diverse. The distal implant in each quadrant was 6 mm in height (S) and the middle implants ranged between 10 and 14 mm (L). All implants were placed following a one-stage procedure and early loaded (6 weeks). Clinical and radiological parameters were assessed 6, 12 and 24 months after loading. Results One short implant failed 2 weeks after surgery, probably due to early mobilization by the provisional prosthesis. The mean bone loss on the rough part of the implant was 0.7 mm (S) vs. 1.3 mm (L) during the first year and 0.3 mm (S) vs. 0.2 mm (L) during the second year after loading. The mean implant stability quotient values were 67 (S) vs. 70 (L) at placement and 75 (S) vs. 78 (L) after 1 year. At the 2-year follow- up, all prostheses were still stable and comfortable. Conclusion An overdenture on six implants, of which two have a reduced length, might represent a successful treatment option. No significant difference could be found between both implant lengths at 2 years' follow-up. However, bone loss with short implants may increase the likelihood of failure.
Responding to Refusals of Requests: The Role of Requester Sex on Persistence.

This study investigates whether the obstacles expressed in refusal of a request influence sex differences in persistence after refusal. Four responses to rejection are examined: the desire to persist with the request and the use of persuasion cues, inquiries, and forgiving statements. Results suggest that males and females enact similar persistence behaviors after refusal.
Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) on iNKT Cells Mediates Lung Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury

Activation of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells and signaling through receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) are known to independently mediate lung ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury. This study tests the hypothesis that activation of RAGE specifically on iNKT cells via alveolar macrophage-produced high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is critical for the initiation of lung IR injury. A murine in vivo hilar clamp modelwasutilized,whichdemonstratedthatRAGE � /� mice were significantly protected from IR injury. Treatment of WT mice with soluble RAGE (a decoy receptor), or anti-HMGB1 antibody, attenuated lung IR injury and inflammation, whereas treatment with recombinant HMGB1 enhanced IR injury in WT mice but not RAGE � /� mice. Importantly, lung dysfunction, cytokine production and neutrophil infiltration were significantly attenuated after IR in Ja18 � /� mice reconstituted with RAGE � /� iNKT cells (versus WT iNKT cells). In vitro studies demonstrated that, after hypoxia-reoxygenation, alveolar macrophage-derived HMGB1 augmented IL-17 production from iNKT cells in a RAGE-dependent manner. These results suggest that HMGB1-mediated RAGE activation on iNKT cells is critical for initiation of lung IR injury and that a crosstalk between macrophages and iNKT cells via the HMGB1/RAGE axis mediates IL-17 production by iNKT cells causing neutrophil infiltration and lung IR injury.
PILE NEUTRON CROSS SECTIONS OF THE HEAVIER PLUTONIUM ISOTOPES

The effective pile neutron capture cross sections of the heavier Pu isotopes have been measured by irradiations, in the Chalk River Reactor (NRX) and in the Materials Testing Reactor. The values in...
Use of Animal Models in Understanding Cancer-induced Bone Pain

Many common cancers have a propensity to metastasize to bone. Although malignancies often go undetected in their native tissues, bone metastases produce excruciating pain that severely compromises patient quality of life. Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) is poorly managed with existing medications, and its multifaceted etiology remains to be fully elucidated. Novel analgesic targets arise as more is learned about this complex and distinct pain state. Over the past two decades, multiple animal models have been developed to study CIBP’s unique pathology and identify therapeutic targets. Here, we review animal models of CIBP and the mechanistic insights gained as these models evolve. Findings from immunocompromised and immunocompetent host systems are discussed separately to highlight the effect of model choice on outcome. Gaining an understanding of the unique neuromolecular profile of cancer pain through the use of appropriate animal models will aid in the development of more effective therapeutics for CIBP.
The Pathomorphology of Malignant Catarrhal Fever: I. Generalized Lymphoid Vasculitis

A histologic, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study of the vasculitis in the rete mirabile of 18 calves with experimental and two calves with spontaneous malignant catarrhal fever showed le...
Fatigue Crack Propagation Behavior of 2¼Cr-1Mo Steels for Thick-Wall Pressure Vessels

The fatigue crack propagation behavior of a series of thick-section [20.3 cm (8 in.)] 2 1 / 4 Cr-1Mo steels has been investigated in environments of gaseous hydrogen and ambient temperature air over a wide range of growth rates from near-threshold levels (10 - 1 1 m/cycle) to 10 - 4 m/cycle, as part of a program to characterize potential materials for coal gasification pressure vessel applications. Normalized bainitic-ferritic microstructures (ASTM A 387, Class 2, Grade 22) have been compared with quenched and tempered fully bainitic (ASTM A 542, Class 3) and fully martensitic (ASTM A 542, Class 2) microstructures, representing a range of yield strengths from 290 to 769 MPa. Although growth rates above 10 - 9 m/cycle are largely unaffected by microstructure and strength level, at near-threshold growth rates there is a marked deterioration in crack propagation resistance with increasing strength which becomes accentuated for tests in hydrogen environments. Further, the influence of gaseous hydrogen on fatigue crack propagation rates is found to be particularly severe at stress intensities far below K 1 s e c , the threshold for hydrogen-assisted growth under sustained loading. At near-threshold levels ("true corrosion fatigue" regime) the presence of hydrogen gas enhances growth rates by up to two orders of magnitude compared with air, without a significant change in fracture mechanism. At higher growth rates ("apparent stress-corrosion fatigue" regime), a second acceleration in growth rates (up to 20 times compared with air) due to hydrogen is observed above a critical K m a x -value, which is both sensitive to frequency and load ratio and is associated with a predominately intergranular fracture mode. The characteristics of these distinct regimes of hydrogen-assisted fatigue crack propagation in 2 1 / 4 Cr-1Mo steels are discussed in the light of the potential use of these steels for coal conversion pressure vessel construction.
Crop and cattle production responses to tillage and cover crop management in an integrated crop–livestock system in the southeastern USA

Abstract Integrated crop–livestock systems can help achieve greater environmental quality from disparate crop and livestock systems by recycling nutrients and taking advantage of synergies between systems. We investigated crop and animal production responses in integrated crop–livestock systems with two types of winter cover cropping (legume-derived N and inorganic fertilizer N), two types of tillage [conventional disk (CT) and no tillage (NT)], and whether cover crops were grazed by cow/calf pairs or not. The 13-ha field study was a modification of a previous factorial experiment with four replications on Ultisols in Georgia, USA. Recurring summer drought severely limited corn and soybean production during all three years. Type of cover crop had little influence and grazing of cover crops had minor influence on crop production characteristics. Cattle gain from grazing of winter cover crops added a stable component to production. No-tillage management had large positive effects on corn grain (95 vs. 252 g m −2 under CT and NT, respectively) and stover (305 vs. 385 g m −2 ) production, as well as on soybean grain (147 vs. 219 g m −2 ) and stover (253 vs. 375 g m −2 ) production, but little overall effect on winter wheat grain (292 g m −2 ) and stover (401 g m −2 ) production. Our results suggest that robust, diversified crop–livestock systems can be developed for impoverished soils of the southeastern USA, especially when managed under no tillage to control environmental quality and improve resistance of crops to drought.
Multiple-soliton solutions for the ninth-order KdV equation and sixth-order Boussinesq equation

Abstract Two nonlinear dispersive equations, namely, the ninth-order KdV equation and the sixth-order Boussinesq equation, are formally derived by generalizing the bilinear forms of the KdV and Boussinesq equations, respectively. The two equations are approached by using the tanh–coth method to obtain single soliton solutions, and by the Hirota bilinear method, to determine the multiple-soliton solutions. The study highlights the fact that both equations are completely integrable and admits N -soliton solutions.
Communication and uncertainty reduction during job transfers: Leaving and joining processes

Based on uncertainty reduction theory and a job transfer model, this longitudinal study explores the process by which communication facilitates the adjustment process for employees who transfer to new locations in the same organizations. Content analyses of interview data provided descriptions of the communication processes transferees use as they loosen relationships with coworkers at their old locations and develop relationships with coworkers at new locations. Statistical analyses examined the impact of types of communication relationships, feedback, and role development on the cognitive and affective adjustment of transferees. Results indicate that communication experiences have a significant impact on transferees, as well as other work group and organizational members, as they make sense and reduce uncertainty about their changing environments. Results support applying uncertainty reduction theory to exit phases of relationships and other transitions.
Reduction in sharpness of frequency tuning but not endocochlear potential in aging and noise-exposed BALB/cJ mice.

Schuknecht proposed categories for human age-related hearing loss (ARHL) based upon whether the primary degeneration involves the organ of Corti (sensory ARHL), spiral ganglion cells (neural), stria vascularis (strial), or a combination of these (mixed). Genetically standardized mouse ARHL models can help validate Schuknecht's framework and clarify the underlying cellular processes. Much recent work has focused on the mouse Ahl locus, which promotes both ARHL and noise-induced hearing loss. On the C57BL/6 inbred background, Ahl has been associated with degeneration of organ of Corti, afferent neurons, and stria vascularis/spiral ligament, suggesting that it promotes mixed (sensory/neural/strial) ARHL. Some cochlear degeneration in C57BL/6 mice could be caused by genes other than Ahl, however. The question of what constitutes Ahl-related pathology can be addressed by comparing C57BL/6 mice with other strains that carry the same allele, including BALB/c substrains. We examined the effects of aging and broadband noise exposure in inbred BALB/cJ mice (1.5–13.0 mos) using measures of frequency tuning (compound action potential tuning curves) (CAPTCs), strial function (endocochlear potential recording, EP), and light microscopy. Aging and noise led to generally similar physiological and anatomical changes. Reductions in sensitivity and sharpness of frequency tuning were not consistently linked to hair cell loss, reduction in the EP, or changes in the lateral wall. Instead they appeared best explained by alterations in supporting cells in the basal half of the cochlear and in the spiral limbus in the apex. These results emphasize the importance of cell types other than hair cells in cochlear pathology. They also indicate that Ahl does not necessarily promote a strial form of ARHL.
Selective cytokine gene expression in renal cell carcinoma tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes.

The progression of tumors such as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), despite the presence of substantial lymphocytic infiltrates (TIL), suggests that the ability of the local immune response to control tumor growth is impaired. Cytokine gene expression was examined to further investigate the nature of this response. Initial studies were performed with frozen tumors using PCR-assisted mRNA amplification with cytokine-specific primers for interleukin 10 (IL-10), interleukin 2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). IL-2 mRNA was not detected, despite the presence of T cells as defined by the expression of CD3γ mRNA. In contrast, mRNA for IFN-γ was expressed in 4/9 and for IL-10 in 5/9 tumors. To confirm this, 5 fresh tumor specimens were examined, and PCR demonstrated that IL-10 mRNA was detectable in 4/5 tumors from which RNA was isolated at the time of nephrectomy. In these experiments multiple cycles and dilutions were employed to semi-quantitate the expression of IL-10. To identify potential sources of this cytokine in the tumor bed, IL-10 mRNA expression in freshly isolated lymphocytes and tumor cells, TIL lines, cultured RCC and established RCC lines was examined. Our studies demonstrate that within the tumor TIL may be one source of IL-10. Lymphocyte-enriched populations from 4/5 tumors expressed IL-10 mRNA as did 4/6 freshly isolated tumor cell preparations. IL-10 gene expression was not detected, however, in tumor cells after one passage in vitro in short-term cultured RCC tumor cells (passages 2–5) or in established RCC tumor cell lines. Finally, 4/9 CD4+ and 2/5 CD8+ TIL lines expressed IL-10 mRNA either constitutively or after stimulation with anti-CD3 antibody. This finding was associated with IL-10 production in vitro. Our studies demonstrate that IL-10 mRNA is frequently present in RCC tumors and may originate from the tumor-infiltrating mononuclear cell population. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The "Hassle Factor": what motivates physicians to manipulate reimbursement rules?

Background Some physicians are willing to misrepresent clinical information to insurance companies to circumvent appeals processes. Whether characteristics of appeals processes affect the likelihood of misrepresentation is unknown. This study sought to determine the relationship between the likelihood of a successful appeal, appeals process length, and severity of the health condition and physicians' willingness to sanction deception. Methods A random sample of 1617 physicians was surveyed by mail to assess their willingness to accept an insurance company restriction, to appeal the restriction, or to misrepresent the facts to an insurance company to obtain coverage for a patient. Results Most respondents would appeal (77%) rather than accept (12%) or misrepresent (11%) regarding a restriction on medically necessary care. Physicians' decisions were related to the likelihood of a successful appeal (χ 2 = 7.56; P = .02), the appeals process length (χ 2 = 8.53; P = .01), and the severity of the medical condition (χ 2 = 71.10; P Conclusions Physicians are more willing to sanction deception when the appeals process is longer, the likelihood of a successful appeal is lower, and the health condition is more severe. Changes in the difficulty of appeals processes may ease the tensions physicians face regarding patient advocacy and honesty.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor–Dependent Stanniocalcin 2 Induction by Cinnabarinic Acid Provides Cytoprotection against Endoplasmic Reticulum and Oxidative Stress

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a cytosolic ligand-activated transcription factor historically known for its role in xenobiotic metabolism. Although AhR activity has previously been shown to play a cytoprotective role against intrinsic apoptotic stimuli, the underlying mechanism by which AhR confers cytoprotection against apoptosis is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that activation of AhR by the tryptophan catabolite cinnabarinic acid (CA) directly upregulates expression of stanniocalcin 2 (Stc2) to elicit cytoprotection against apoptosis induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that CA treatment induces direct AhR binding to a region of the Stc2 promoter containing multiple xenobiotic response elements. Using isolated primary hepatocytes from AhR wild-type (AhR floxed) and liver-specific AhR conditional knockout mice, we showed that pretreatment with CA conferred cytoprotection against hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2))-, thapsigargin-, and ethanol-induced apoptosis in an AhR-dependent manner. Furthermore, suppressing Stc2 expression using RNA interference confirmed that the cytoprotective properties of CA against H(2)O(2), thapsigargin, and ethanol injury were absolutely dependent on Stc2. Immunochemistry revealed the presence of Stc2 in the endoplasmic reticulum and on the cell surface, consistent with Stc2 secretion and autocrine and/or paracrine signaling. Finally, in vivo data using a mouse model of acute alcohol hepatotoxicity demonstrated that CA provided cytoprotection against ethanol-induced apoptosis, hepatic microvesicular steatosis, and liver injury. Collectively, our data uncovered a novel mechanism for AhR-mediated cytoprotection in the liver that is dependent on CA-induced Stc2 activity.
Effect of dibutyryl cyclic AMP on intracellular levels of avian sarcoma virus specific RNA.

AVIAN sarcoma viruses readily induce neoplastic transformation of fibroblasts in culture. Genetic and biochemical studies suggest that a single gene, generally referred to as src, is responsible for transformation1–3. Nucleic acid hybridisation data, with purified src nucleotide sequences, have revealed that the majority of avian and mammalian RNA tumour viruses that are capable of transforming fibroblasts contain a species-specific src gene in viral as well as their host genomes4–7. The nature and function of the src gene product and the mechanism by which it transforms fibroblasts remain to be elucidated. Indirect evidence, derived from using conditional mutants in the transforming (src) gene, suggests that the src gene product acts directly on the surface, modulating assembly of the cells8. Cyclic AMP seems to be involved in the growth control of a variety of cells9. From studies with ts mutants in the src gene, Pastan et al.10 have proposed that the src gene product modifies adenylate cyclase activity directly or indirectly, leading to a decreased level of intracellular cyclic AMP, which in turn enhances the growth rate and alters other morphological features. Here we present evidence that led us to conclude that cyclic AMP, in the presence of the src gene product, in fact, decreases the intracellular level of virus-specific RNA.
Defects in signal transduction caused by a T cell receptor β chain substitution

An antigen-specific T-T hybridoma was mutagenized with ethylmethane sulfonate and negatively selected by anti-Ly-6 antibody-induced growth inhibition. One of the mutants generated, M4/8, had lost surface expression of a T cell receptor (TcR) V beta 8 epitope detected on the surface of the parental cell line. However, the mutant cell line did express high levels of TcR heterodimer as detected with a pan-specific anti-TcR antibody. CD3 epsilon, Ly-6 and Thy-1 were expressed at levels similar to the wild-type parental cell line. Analysis of the surface TcR/CD3 complexes by immunoprecipitation and two-dimension gel electrophoresis confirmed that the major discernable difference between the wild-type and mutant TcR/CD3 complexes resided in the TcR beta chain. The parental cell line had the potential to express two TcR heterodimers, V alpha V beta 1 and V alpha V beta 8, as determined by Northern blot analysis. Co-modulation experiments suggested that both types of receptors were expressed. However, the V alpha V beta 8 receptor was the predominant form. In contrast, the mutant M4/8 cell line did not synthesize V beta 8 mRNA and, thus, only the V alpha V beta 1 TcR was synthesized. Despite the normal surface expression of TcR/CD3 complex, the M4/8 mutant cell line did not produce interleukin 2 (IL 2) in response to antigen or soluble anti-CD3 epsilon monoclonal antibody (mAb). Furthermore, it responded poorly to concanavalin A, phytohemagglutinin and anti-Ly-6 mAb. Cross-linking of the stimulatory antibodies partially restored the IL 2 response to anti-CD3 epsilon or anti-Ly-6 to wild-type levels. Phorbol ester and ionomycin stimulated a full IL 2 response in the M4/8 cell line, demonstrating that the defect in the decreased signaling in the mutant did not result from a defect in the IL 2 gene program. In conclusion, these data suggested that the pairing of alpha/beta heterodimer not only determined antigen/MHC specificity but also the signaling efficiency of the TcR/CD3 complex.
Spontaneous assembly of subnanometre-ordered domains in the ligand shell of monolayer-protected nanoparticles

The properties of materials can be created and improved either by confining their dimensions in the nanoscale or by controlling their nanostructure. We have combined these two concepts, and here we describe a new class of nanostructured nanosized materials that show ordered phase-separated domains at an unprecedented molecular length scale. Scanning tunnelling and transmission electron microscope images of monolayer-protected metal nanoparticles, with ligand shells composed of a mixture of molecules, show that the ligands phase-separate into ordered domains as small as 5 A. Importantly, the domain shape and dimensions can be controlled by varying the ligand composition or the metallic core size. We demonstrate that the formation of ordered domains depends on the curvature of the underlying substrate, and that novel properties result from this nanostructuring. For example, because the size of the domains is much smaller than the typical dimensions of a protein, these materials are extremely effective in avoiding non-specific adsorption of a variety of proteins.
Late Cenozoic plateau uplift and climate change

Sensitivity experiments with general circulation models show that uplift of plateau and mountain regions in Southern Asia and the American west during the late Cenozoic was an important factor in the evolution of Northern Hemisphere climate. The climatic trends simulated in the uplift experiments agree in direction with most trends observed in the geological record, including the tendencies toward greater regional differentiation of climate, and particularly the fragmentation into wetter and drier climatic patterns at middle latitudes. These climatic trends result from (1) increased orographic diversion of the mid-latitude westerlies, and (2) increased summer heating and winter cooling over the plateaus, which enhances seasonally reversing (monsoonal) changes in wind directions.Most previous hypotheses addressing the physical impact of orography on climate have focused on mountain ranges and have stressed relatively local responses such as upslope precipitation maxima, cooling of mountain crests due to lapse-rate effects on rising terrain, and lee-side rainshadow effects. In contrast, our results emphasise the importance of large-scale plateau orography. By redirecting the basic directions of wind flow both at surface and upper-tropospheric levels, these rising plateaux cause far-reaching climatic changes that extend across the continents as well as over the oceans.
Trace explosive detection in aqueous samples by solid-phase extraction ion mobility spectrometry (SPE-IMS).

Law enforcement agencies use ion mobility spectrometers for the detection of explosives, drugs of abuse, and chemical warfare agents. Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) has the advantages of short analysis times, detections in the parts per billion concentrations, and high sensitivity. On-site environmental analysis of explosives or explosive residues in water is possible with ion mobility spectrometers. Unfortunately, the direct analysis of low levels of explosives in water is difficult. Extraction provides a method for pre-concentrating the analytes and removing interferents. Coupling solid-phase extraction (SPE) with IMS is useful for the identification of trace amounts of explosives in water. Commercially available SPE disks were used. After extraction, the sample disk is inserted into the ion mobility spectrometer, where the analytes are thermally desorbed from the disk. Concentrations as low as one part per trillion were detected with a Barringer Ionscan® 350. An external computer and acquisition software (LabVIEW™, National Instruments) were used to collect data. SIMPLISMA (SIMPLe-to-use-Interactive Self-modeling Mixture Analysis) was applied to the data to resolve features that vary with respect to time.
Dissociable brain states linked to common and creative object use.

Studies of conceptual processing have revealed that the prefrontal cortex is implicated in close-ended, deliberate memory retrieval, especially the left ventrolateral prefrontal regions. However, much of human thought—particularly that which is characterized as creative—requires more open- ended, spontaneous memory retrieval. To explore the neural systems that support conceptual process- ing under these two distinct circumstances, we obtained functional magnetic resonance images from 24 participants either while retrieving the common use of an everyday object (e.g., ''blowing your nose,'' in response to a picture of a tissue) or while generating a creative (i.e., uncommon but plausi- ble) use for it (e.g., ''protective padding in a package''). The patterns of activation during open- and closed-ended tasks were reliably different, with regard to the magnitude of anterior versus posterior activation. Specifically, the close-ended task (i.e., Common Use task) reliably activated regions of lat- eral prefrontal cortex, whereas the open-ended task (i.e., Uncommon Use task) reliably activated regions of occipito-temporal cortex. Furthermore, there was variability across subjects in the types of responses produced on the open-ended task that was associated with the magnitude of activation in the middle occipital gyrus on this task. The present experiment is the first to demonstrate a dynamic tradeoff between anterior frontal and posterior occipitotemporal regions brought about by the close- or open-ended task demands. Hum Brain Mapp 32:665-675, 2011. V C 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Correlated optical and electrical detection of single nanoparticles on a nanopore-optofluidic chip

A nanopore is integrated into an optofluidic chip, enabling simultaneous optical and electrical detection of individual fluorescent nanoparticles. The cross correlation coefficients between the optical signal and the electrical signal for 200 nm and 500 nm nanoparticles are as high as 0.9327 and 0.7435, respectively.
Effect of surface defects on CVD diamond nucleation on 6H SiC

Abstract The thin SiC layer often observed between a Si substrate and a diamond film has led to the belief that the formation of this SiC layer precedes diamond nucleation. However, the nucleation of diamond on a clean, undamaged SiC surface is difficult. Some of the defects introduced by abrading the surface of many substrate materials with diamond powder before deposition appear to serve as nucleation sites. Atomic-scale defects (vacancies, interstitials) and impurities can be introduced by ion implantation. Single-crystal 6H SiC with the external face composed of Si or C were implanted with silicon (150 keV) and carbon (55 keV) ions at fluences between 2 × 10 14 ions cm −2 and 2 × 10 15 ions cm −2 . Nucleation did not occur on as-received or implanted samples. Abrasion with diamond powder using an ultrasonic cleaner bath caused profuse nucleation on all samples. It was found that nucleation density on abraded samples decreased when implanted with increasing fluence of ions. Fluences of 2 × 10 14 Si + ions cm −2 (150 keV) and 4 × 10 14 C + ions cm −2 (55 keV) did not effect the nucleation of diamond on silicon carbide. However, a fluence of 2 × 10 15 Si + ions cm −2 completely suppresses the nucleation of diamond. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry/channeling studies on the high-fluence-implanted silicon carbide sample showed the presence of an amorphous surface layer suggesting that CVD diamond does not nucleate on amorphous SiC.
Recent advances in arginine metabolism: roles and regulation of the arginases

As arginine can serve as precursor to a wide range of compounds, including nitric oxide, creatine, urea, polyamines, proline, glutamate and agmatine, there is considerable interest in elucidating mechanisms underlying regulation of its metabolism. It is now becoming apparent that the two isoforms of arginase in mammals play key roles in regulation of most aspects of arginine metabolism in health and disease. In particular, work over the past several years has focused on the roles and regulation of the arginases in vascular disease, pulmonary disease, infectious disease, immune cell function and cancer. As most of these topics have been considered in recent review articles, this review will focus more closely on results of recent studies on expression of the arginases in endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells, post-translational modulation of arginase activity and applications of arginase inhibitors in vivo.
Antithetic variates and quasirandom points as variance reduction techniques

This talk describes how one can transform uniformly distributed quantities to achieve substantive variance reduction in Monte Carlo sampling experiments. An abbreviated historical account of the theory of antithetic variance and the theory of quasirandom points will be presented with emphasis on the identification of circumstances in which results for accelerated error convergence are known in both the univariate and multivariate cases for antithetic variates and quasirandom points. The presentation includes extensions of the theory of antithetic variates to the simulation of Markov chains and semi-Markov processes and the application of quasirandom points to the analysis of stochastic networks. As a special topic, the talk describes how these techniques might fare in the setting of parallel processing.
Not "molecular patterns" but molecules.

Abstract In this issue of Immunity , Weber et al. show that LBP is multifunctional: able to sense not only LPS but peptidoglycan as well. The study helps to demystify the physical interactions that occur between host sensors and microbial inducers, and hints at one mechanism by which a limited number of receptors may engage a larger number of target molecules.
5-Hydroxytryptamine (5HT) Receptors in the Heart Valves of Cynomolgus Monkeys and Sprague-Dawley Rats

5-Hydroxytryptamine-2B receptor (5HT2BR) stimulation is known to cause fibroblast mitogenesis, and the mitogenic effect has been proposed to trigger valvular heart disease in humans. In this study, we used real-time polymerase chain reaction (TaqMan) to quantify transcript levels of 5HT2B, 5HT2C, and 5HT1B receptors and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect the tissue localization of these receptors in the normal heart valves of cynomolgus (CM) monkeys and Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats. In both species, positive immunostaining was noted for 5HT1B and 5HT2B receptors in mitral, tricuspid, aortic, and pulmonary valves, and the cell types showing positive staining were interstitial cells and endothelial cells lining the valve leaflet. In CM monkeys, 5HT2CR was expressed only in the endothelial cells lining the leaflet, whereas S-D valves were negative for this receptor. IHC results were correlated with 5HT2B and 5HT1B receptor transcripts for all four valves. However, 5HT2C receptor transcripts were lower than 5H...
Google search patterns suggest declining interest in the environment

Public interest in most aspects of the environment is sharply declining relative to other subjects, as measured by internet searches performed on Google. Changes in the search behavior by the public are closely tied to their interests, and those interests are critical to driving public policy. Google Insights for Search (GIFS) was a tool that provided access to search data but is now combined with another tool, Google Trends. We used GIFS to obtain data for 19 environment-related terms from 2001 to 2009. The only environment-related term with large positive slope was climate change. All other terms that we queried had strong negative slopes indicating that searches for these topics dropped over the last decade. Our results suggest that the public is growing less interested in the environment.
Studies on Aryl Boronic acids I: Synthesis of Naphthalene-1,4-dibdronic acid

A new aryl boronic acid, naphthalene-1,4-diboronic acid, was synthesized via a Grignard reaction and conveniently characterized by its neopentyl glycol and diethanolamine derivatives. A preliminary infrared correlation chart for three aryl boronic acids is also presented.
PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AMONG CRIMINAL LAWYERS

A profession is particularly appropriate for sociological investigation because it manifests a degree of closure from the remainder of society, its purpose is relatively specific, and because there are comparable groups to study within the same cultural area. It is consequently not surprising that the professions are being studied by contemporary sociologists. What aspects of a profession are of interest to the sociologist? Among topics for investigation are the careers of its members, including the relationship between types of training, requirements for admission, paths to advancement and aspirations of participants. Under organization the researcher may consider types of membership, leadership, its authoritarian or democratic structure, and the system of rules. Regarding relationship to society, its authority and functions, quality of relation to clients, its control and encouragement by government, and its position vis-a-vis changing social conditions may be selected for study.**
Thin algebras of embedding dimension three

Let R = R0 ⊕ R1 ⊕ R2 ⊕ … be a finitely generated commutative graded k-algebra, with Hilbert series HR(λ) = ∑∞n = 0dimk(Rn)λn. Suppose we require that R have a presentation as R ≈ k[x1,…, xg][α1,…,αr], where g and r and the degrees d1,…, dr of the homogeneous polynomials α1,…, αr are specified in advance. No one knows precisely which Hubert series such an R may have. A lower bound is the coefficient-wise inequality HR(λ) ⩾ ¦(1-λ) gПi=1r(1-λdi) ¦, absolute value symbols denoting the initial non-negative segment of a power series. Can this lower bound always be attained? This deceptively simple-sounding question has been answered affirmatively only when g = 2 (R. Froberg, Report No. 37, Department of Mathematics, University of Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden, 1982; A. Iarrobino, Memoir No. 188, Amer. Math. Soc., Providence, R. I., 1977), when r ⩽ g, and when r = g + 1 and char(k) = 0 (A. Iarrobino, Compressed Algebras, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 285 (1984), 337–378. This paper considers the case g = 3, settling it affirmatively whenever k is an infinite field.
First day post-operative review following uncomplicated phacoemulsification.

Purpose To determine whether the first day review is essential in management of patients following uncomplicated phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Patients are routinely seen on the day following surgery. This can produce logistical problems in patient attendance that can necessitate an overnight stay. If the first day review were abandoned this would lead to an increased uptake of day case surgery and a reduction in health care costs. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed on all cases of uncomplicated phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implant surgery over a 6 month period. Slit lamp examination findings on the first postoperative day were reviewed. Visual acuity, corneal clarity, anterior chamber activity, intraocular pressure and configuration of the pupil were recorded. Any cases that failed to meet predetermined criteria underwent full case-note review. The subsequent management of these patients was analysed. Results Of the 201 cases of uncomplicated surgery, 74 cases (37%) failed to meet the study criteria and underwent review. Of these only 12 (6%) had their management altered as a result of the first day post-operative findings. This was entirely due to raised intraocular pressure. Visual acuity, corneal oedema and activity in the anterior chamber all improved on subsequent follow-up. Conclusions The first day review of uncomplicated phacoemulsification with lens implant surgery provides the opportunity to treat raised intraocular pressure. A prospective randomised study is needed to identify means to prevent the post-operative intraocular pressure rise before we are able to consider abandoning the first review.
The Pineal Gland is Critical for Circadian Period1 Expression in the Striatum and for Circadian Cocaine Sensitization in Mice

Sensitization to psychostimulants can be influenced by circadian rhythms. The pineal gland, the main source of circadian melatonin synthesis, may influence behavioral sensitization to cocaine; mice with normal melatonin rhythms do not get sensitized at night. Clock genes such as Period1 (Per1) show rhythmic region- and strain-dependent expression in the mouse brain, and mice mutant for the Per1 gene lack cocaine sensitization. Here, for the first time we show circadian changes of PER1 protein levels in the mouse striatum, a brain region crucial for the development of locomotor sensitization to cocaine. In male C3H/HeJ mice, we found peak striatal PER1 protein levels during the day; this was preceded by a Per1 mRNA peak 16 h earlier. Pinealectomized mice did not show this circadian pattern. We analyzed circadian cocaine sensitization at times when striatal PER1 protein levels in control mice (naive and sham-pinealectomized) were high and low, respectively. Only mice with circadian changes in striatal Per1 expression showed the night-time absence of cocaine sensitization, whereas pinealectomized mice were without circadian changes in striatal Per1 and were sensitized to cocaine regardless of diurnal rhythm. Our results indicate that both the striatal circadian Per1 expression and diurnal locomotor cocaine sensitization are strongly influenced by pineal products. Since we found evidence for the expression of melatonin receptor mRNA in the striatum, we suggest that further studies on pineal-driven mechanisms will help us better understand the mechanisms of drug abuse and identify novel targets for the prevention and/or treatment of addictions.
NASA strategic roadmap: origin, evolution, structure, and density of the universe

The NASA strategic roadmap on the Origin, Evolution, Structure and Destiny of the Universe is one of 13 roadmaps that outline NASA s approach to implement the vision for space exploration. The roadmap outlines a program to address the questions: What powered the Big Bang? What happens close to a Black Hole? What is Dark Energy? How did the infant universe grow into the galaxies, stars and planets, and set the stage for life? The roadmap builds upon the currently operating and successful missions such as HST, Chandra and Spitzer. The program contains two elements, Beyond Einstein and Pathways to Life, performed in three phases (2005-2015, 2015-2025 and >2025) with priorities set by inputs received from reviews undertaken by the National Academy of Sciences and technology readiness. The program includes the following missions: 2005-2015 GLAST, JWST and LISA; 2015-2025 Constellation-X and a series of Einstein Probes; and >2025 a number of ambitious vision missions which will be prioritized by results from the previous two phases.
Beyond Community Violence: Loss and Traumatic Grief in African American Elementary School Children

The current study examined loss and childhood traumatic grief (CTG) in a sample of 403 African American school children in grades 6–8. Three out of four of these children reported the death of a close family member or friend, with deaths more than twice as likely to occur from illness and disease as from violence. Almost one-quarter of the children reporting a loss from any source scored in the severe traumatic grief range. After statistically controlling for witnessing violence, victimization and family violence, CTG was a significant contributor to PTSD, internalizing behavior problems, depression and poor academic achievement for girls, and particularly so for boys for whom it also predicted acting out. These data indicate that loss and traumatic grief are pervasive in the lives of these inner-city children who appear to be more affected by these events than the often-studied exposure to community violence.
Reactivity of chemisorbed oxygen atoms and their catalytic consequences during CH4-O2 catalysis on supported Pt clusters.

Kinetic and isotopic data and density functional theory treatments provide evidence for the elementary steps and the active site requirements involved in the four distinct kinetic regimes observed during CH4 oxidation reactions using O2, H2O, or CO2 as oxidants on Pt clusters. These four regimes exhibit distinct rate equations because of the involvement of different kinetically relevant steps, predominant adsorbed species, and rate and equilibrium constants for different elementary steps. Transitions among regimes occur as chemisorbed oxygen (O*) coverages change on Pt clusters. O* coverages are given, in turn, by a virtual O2 pressure, which represents the pressure that would give the prevalent steady-state O* coverages if their adsorption–desorption equilibrium was maintained. The virtual O2 pressure acts as a surrogate for oxygen chemical potentials at catalytic surfaces and reflects the kinetic coupling between C–H and O═O activation steps. O* coverages and virtual pressures depend on O2 pressure when...
Monoclonal antibodies against the presynaptic calcium channel antagonist ω-conotoxin GVI A from cone snail poison

Monoclonal antibodies have been prepared against omega-conotoxin GVI A, a peptide isolated from marine snails of the genus Conus (Conus geographus and Conus magus). This toxin is a blocker of select presynaptic Ca2+ channels in the central nervous system. Antigenic omega-conotoxin GVI A was synthesized as a covalent conjugate with bovine serum albumin and injected s.c. An ELISA assay combined with a competitive inhibition assay was used to select and characterize monoclonal antibodies able to recognize and bind the free toxin. Several of the antibodies were found to block omega-conotoxin GVI A inhibition of 45Ca transport into rat brain synaptosomes and to block omega-conotoxin GVI A binding to membranes from the same preparation. The antibodies recognize native, synthetic toxin, and are useful for analysis of toxin in biological fluids.
Binary Pseudo-random Grating Standard for Calibration of Surface Profilometers

We suggest and describe the use of a binary pseudo-random (BPR) grating as a standard test surface for measurement of the modulation transfer function (MTF) of interferometric microscopes. Knowledge of the MTF of a microscope is absolutely necessary to convert the measured height distribution of a surface undergoing metrology into an accurate power spectral density (PSD) distribution. For an'ideal' microscope with an MTF function independent of spatial frequency out to the Nyquist frequency of the detector array with zero response at higher spatial frequencies, a BPR grating would produce a flat 1D PSD spectrum, independent of spatial frequency. For a'real' instrument, the MTF is found as the square root of the ratio of the PSD spectrum measured with the BPR grating to the'ideal,' spatial frequency independent, PSD spectrum. We present the results from a measurement of the MTF of MicromapTM-570 interferometric microscope demonstrating a high efficiency for the calibration method.
Long-runout landslides and the long-lasting effects of early water activity on Mars: REPLY

Long-runout subaerial landslides (>50 km) are rare on Earth but are common features shaping Mars’ Valles Marineris troughs. In this study, we investigated the highly debated emplacement mechanisms of these Martian landslides by combining spectral and satellite-image analyses. Our results suggest that hydrated silicates played a decisive role in facilitating landslide transport by lubricating the basal sliding zone. This new understanding implies that clay minerals, generated as a result of water-rock interactions in the Noachian and Hesperian (4.1–3.3 Ga), exert a long-lasting influence on geomorphic processes that shape the surface of the planet.
Culture of Stentor coeruleus on Colpidium campylum

SYNOPSIS. A method is described for culturing Stentor coeruleus in agar-lined petri dishes using the smaller ciliate Colpidium campylum as food organism.
Use of landmark features and geometry by children and adults during a two-dimensional search task

Abstract Three- to six-year-old children ( n = 28) and adults ( n = 46) participated in a two-dimensional search task that included geometry and feature conditions. During each of 24 trials, participants watched as a cartoon character hid behind one of three landmarks arranged in a triangle on a computer screen. The landmarks and character then disappeared and reappeared in the same or a new position on the screen. During feature condition trials participants could use unique features of the landmarks to locate the hidden character, while during geometry trials participants could only use the geometry of the triangle. In both conditions, adults’ performance was near ceiling while children’s performance was significantly worse. Children’s performance was worse in the geometry condition than in the feature condition but search accuracy improved with age for both types of information. Findings are considered in the context of the broader literature on spatial cognition and development.