cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Performance of Biaxially-Textured Silicon Solar Cells

Grain boundaries (GBs) in polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) thin film solar cells are frequently found to be detrimental for device performance. Biaxiallytextured silicon with grains that are well-aligned in-plane and out-of-plane can possess fewer GB defects. In this work, we use TCAD Sentaurus device simulator and known experimental work to investigate and quantify the potential performance gains of biaxially-textured silicon. Simulation shows there can be performance gain from well-aligned grains when GB defects dominate carrier recombination or when grains are small. On the other hand, when intra-grain defects dominate recombination and grains are large, well-aligned grains do not lead to much performance gain. Another important result from our simulation is when intra-grain and GB defects are few, Jsc is almost independent of grain size while Voc drops with decreasing grain size.
J/Ψ suppression and the quark-gluon plasma

Abstract All measured Feynman xF distributions of the ratio, R, of J/Ψ production in nuclei relative to production on protons fall off with xF. They show [2] that absorption of charmonium cannot be the only source of J/Ψ suppression and that energy loss of the constituents of the incident proton prior to the J/Ψ production, because of the exponential s dependence of the charmonium cross section, should not be neglected. Including the effects of initial state energy loss we find that the latest measured Pb–Pb J/Ψ cross sections do not provide any evidence for deconfinement.
Collaborative virtual environments: from birth to standardization

Collaborative virtual environments have been around since the early '90s, and some even before as hardware-only systems; now their communication structures are being standardized by the Moving Picture Experts Group. This article provides a global overview of the most significant contributions to CVE communication and improved data transfer for these systems over the past 13 years, discussing some of the most significant methodologies used and whether their standardization is feasible.
Transhepatic mechanical thrombectomy followed by infusion of TPA into the superior mesenteric artery to treat acute mesenteric vein thrombosis.

Abbreviations: SMA superior mesenteric artery, SMV superior mesenteric vein, TPA plasminogen activator ACUTE mesenteric vein thrombosis can be caused by a variety of factors including cirrhosis, neoplastic disease, intra-abdominal inflammatory diseases (most commonly pancreatitis), and hypercoagulable states (1). The clinical presentation can be varied and includes abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, melena, or diarrhea (2). Recent advances in mechanical thrombectomy devices, such as the AngioJet catheter (3), have produced a new set of therapeutic options for treatment of vascular thrombosis. We present our experience using the AngioJet catheter to achieve rapid restoration of portal venous flow in a patient with acute thrombosis of the portal and superior mesenteric veins.
Computational Modeling and Analysis of Hemodynamic Effects of Diastolic Heart Dysfunction During the Whole Cardiac Cycle

Diastolic heart dysfunction (DHD) is a common finding in a variety of cardiac diseases including hypertension, coronary disease and cardiomyopathy. Its prevalence increases with age and it manifests as incomplete or/and delayed ventricular relaxation and a compensatory stronger atrial contraction. DHD is often associated with heart failure and contributes greatly to morbidity and hospitalizations especially in the elderly[3]. DHD is a very rich problem in fluid mechanics and it involves complex hemodynamic interactions among all of major cardiac phases during the whole cardiac cycle including ventricular filling, diastatsis, atrial filling, and systole[1]. Most studies to-date have, however, employed simple time varying volume-change profiles to model and examine the dynamics of ventricular filling[2]. Intercardiac flow effects i.e. interaction between filling and ejection have, however, not been investigated in detail. Also not studied in detail is the role of multiphasic filling which consists of early (E) filling, diastasis, and atrial (A) filling. In the current study, we will utilize three dimensional simulations to study the hemodynamics of DHD during the whole cardiac cycle. The vortex structure, filling velocity, intraventricular pressure gradient and energy budget will be analyzed to uncover the biomechanical effects and genesis of DHD.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Rosetta Structural Modeling of Tarantula Toxin Binding to Voltage Sensors

Arachnids produce inhibitory cystine knot (ICK) peptide toxins that are potent allosteric modulators of ion channel voltage sensors. This study investigates the structural basis of voltage sensor toxin interaction. Guangxitoxin-1E (GxTX) and Scodra griseipes toxin (SgTX) inhibit Kv2.1 channels by binding to the third segment of the voltage sensor (S3b), but their sequences share only the cystine residues required for their folding motif. Using Rosetta structural modeling we constructed theoretical complexes of Kv2.1 with GxTX and SgTX. These toxins were docked to the α-helical tarantula toxin receptor site on the S3b region of the activated Kv2.1 voltage sensor paddle. These amphiphilic toxins partition into lipid bilayers and modulate channels by interacting with extracellular solution and membrane lipids as well as their receptor site. To better understand the importance of solution and lipid contacts, docking simulations were preformed in both aqueous and membrane-like environments. In aqueous environments, the complexes identified energetically favorable interfaces with the receptor site. Toxin docking with an implicit membrane yielded convergent structures with SgTX, but similar complexes with GxTX did not find energetic minima. The interaction surfaces in these membrane embedded models of SgTX compare favorably with key residues identified by experimental alanine scans. Voltage clamp recordings and fluorescent measurements of toxin binding to Kv2.1 reveal that GxTX has a greatly weakened affinity for activated voltage sensors. Our results are consistent with GxTX having a lower affinity for activated voltage sensors than SgTX. We propose the binding site for GxTX, but not SgTX, is occluded when voltage sensors are activated.
Is Detection of Asymptomatic Recurrence after Curative Resection Associated with Improved Survival in Patients with Gastric Cancer

Background It is not clear if more intense surveillance is associated with improved survival after curative resection for cancer. In the context of a followup program after curative gastrectomy, recurrence and survival were investigated for patients presenting with either symptomatic or asymptomatic recurrence. Study design A prospectively maintained gastric cancer database was used to identify all patients who underwent a curative (R0) gastrectomy from July 1985 to June 2000. Survival curves were generated for patients with either symptomatic or asymptomatic recurrence, and the prognostic variables associated with outcomes were identified. Results Of 1,172 patients who underwent a curative (R0) gastrectomy, 561 patients (48%) had documented recurrence and 382 patients had complete data about symptoms. Median time to recurrence was 10.8months for asymptomatic patients and 12.4months for symptomatic patients (p = NS). Median postrecurrence survival was 13.5months for asymptomatic patients and 4.8months for symptomatic patients (p Conclusions Followup did not identify asymptomatic recurrence earlier than symptomatic recurrence. Patients with symptomatic recurrence have more aggressive disease with a shorter postrecurrence survival. The impact of detecting asymptomatic recurrence in the course of followup after curative gastrectomy could not be distinguished from the effects of four powerful biologic variables that also interact to govern outcomes.
Some Methodological Principles From Research in Practice: Validity, Truth, and Method in the Study of Lived Time

The author has spent much of the last 10 years investigating variation in the perceived passage of time. In this article, the author reflects on the conduct of that research and discusses 5 principles that are pertinent to issues of validity, truth, and method in the study of temporal experience: intellectual curiosity, systematic empiricism, analytic induction, pragmatic orientation, and commitment to progress. The article concludes with a call for a revitalization of these principles in social research.
The imperative of personal journalism: James Agee and Let Us Now Praise Famous Men

This article, applying the philosophy of Martin Buber, argues in support of personal journalism, because it is a form of journalism that provides for a productive and empowering dialogue with the public, as opposed to impersonal journalism’s monologic voice as that of the observer-knower expert that views sources as objects to be observed, mapped, and categorized. It builds on Matheson’s embrace of Gadamer’s philosophical hermeneutics to explain and analyze James Agee’s personal journalistic approach in Let Us Now Praise Famous Men. This analysis shows that Agee defends the use of personal reporting with epistemological and ethical arguments and contributes the notion of reflexivity as a necessary condition for personal journalism. Agee adopted a personal approach consciously and reflexively as more ethically and epistemologically sound than impersonal, objective journalism and in doing so developed a strong argument for personal journalism being an imperative for American journalists.
Temporal patterns of neurogenesis in avian cranial sensory and autonomic ganglia.

Avian cranial sensory ganglia are embryonically derived from neural crest and epidermal placodes. Cells from these two populations interact with each other and with other components of their environment to influence the complex structural and functional organization of the ganglia. To help understand these processes, the times of terminal mitosis of cranial sensory neuroblasts were established. Birthdate patterns within each ganglion are described with particular attention given to the structural organization of the VII-VIII ganglionic complex. Birthdate information on cranial autonomic ganglia is also included. Chick embryos ranging in age from 1 to 8 days of incubation were treated with 3H-thymidine and sacrificed on embryonic day 8, 10, or 18. Large, placode-derived neurons are generated between days 2 and 5 of incubation. Embryonically smaller, neural crest-derived cells leave the proliferative pool between days 4 and 7. Neurons of the acoustic ganglion cease their mitotic activity in an apical to basal fashion and are the only placodal neurons to form later than day 5. Of the cranial autonomic ganglia, the period of neuron production is best defined for the ciliary ganglion, where it is 2.5–5.5 days of incubation. Most later-dividing neuroblasts in the ciliary ganglion belong to the choroid cell population. Temporal patterns of neurogenesis are discussed in relationship to other aspects of sensory gangliogenesis including embryonic origin of neurons, condensation of ganglionic anlagen, cell degeneration, and cytological characteristics of mature ganglia.
An ether-based peptide analog as c-AMP-dependent protein kinase inhibitor/substrate

Abstract Ether-based peptide analog L-EP contains an ether-linkage unit in place of the Ser-Leu-Gly unit of a PKA substrate, Kemptide. L-EP is a competitive inhibitor of Kemptide phosphorylation catalyzed by PKA with a K i value of 120 μM. It also serves as a weak substrate of PKA with a K m value 25-fold higher and a V max value 3.5-fold lower than that of Kemptide.
Tailoring Electrode/Electrolyte Interfacial Properties in Flexible Supercapacitors by Applying Pressure

Electrode/electrolyte interfacial properties of flsupercapacitors assembled with nanostructured activated carbon fabric (ACF) electrodes can be tailored by applying a pressure and tuning electrolyte ion size relative to electrode pore size. Experimental results reveal that increasing pressure between the supercapacitor electrodes can signifi cantly improve capacitive performance. The ratio of solvated ion size in the electrolyte to the pore size on the electrodes determines the minimum pressure necessary to achieve an optimum performance. For a specifi c electrode material, this minimum pressure for optimum performance is primarily governed by the size of the larger solvated ions (either the anions or cations), and is lower ( ∼ 689 KPa) when the ratio of the solvated ion size to the pore size is higher than 0.6, and is higher (at least 1379 KPa) when the ratio is lower than 0.6. An analytical model capable of predicting the experimental performance data has been developed. These results together provide a fundamental understanding of pressure dependence of electrode/electrolyte interfacial properties and pave the way for practical applications of flsupercapacitors.
Sand transport in a two pass internal cooling duct with rib turbulators

Abstract Jet engines often operate under dirty conditions where large amounts of particulate matter can be ingested, especially, sand, ash and dirt. Particulate matter in different engine components can lead to degradation in performance. The focus of this study is to investigate the sand transport and deposition in the internal cooling passages of turbine blades. A two pass stationary square duct with rib turbulators subjected to sand ingestion is studied using Large Eddy Simulations (LES). Each pass has ribs on two opposite walls and aligned normal to the main flow direction. The rib pitch to rib height ( P / e ) is 9.28, the rib height to channel hydraulic diameter ( e / D h ) is 0.0625 and calculations have been carried out for a bulk Reynolds number of 25,000. Particle sizes in the range 0.5–25 μm are considered, with the same size distribution as found in Arizona Road Dust (medium). Large Eddy Simulation (LES) with a wall-model is used to model the flow and sand particles are modeled using a discrete Lagrangian framework. Results quantify the distribution of particle impingement density on all surfaces. Highest particle impingement density is found in the first quarter section of the second pass after the 180° turn, where the recorded impingement is more than twice that of any other region. It is also found that the average particle impingement per pitch is 28% higher in the second pass than the first pass. Results show lower particle tendency to impact the region immediately behind the rib in the first pass compared to the second pass where particle impingement is more uniform in the region between two ribs. The rib face facing the flow is by far is the most susceptible to impingement and hence deposition and erosion. The results of this simulation are compared to experiments conducted on an identical two pass geometry with Arizona Road Dust particles. The numerical predictions showed good qualitative agreement with experimental measurements. These results identify the damage prone areas in the internal cooling passages of a turbine blade under the influence of sand ingestion. This information can help modify the geometry of the blade or location of film cooling holes to avoid hole blockage and degradation of heat transfer at the walls.
SELECTIVE CONDITIONS AND ISOLATION OF MUTANTS IN SALT‐TOLERANT, LIPID‐PRODUCING MICROALGAE1

Suitable conditions for the isolation and selection of generic markers were determined by testing the growth of nine axenic strains of lipid-producing algae (representatives of Bacillariophyceae, Eustigmatophyceae, and Chlorophyceae) under a variety of conditions. Mixotrophic, heterotrophic, or anaerobic growth on twenty different carbon compounds was determined. In addition, ten different carbon compounds was determined. In addition, ten different nitrogen-containing compounds were supplied as the sole nitrogen source to ascertain which of these could be utilized. Resistances to various antibiotics and herbicides were also assessed. The algae utilized a variety of compounds as their sole nitrogen source, and some species also grew heterotrophically or mixotrophically on a variety of carbon compounds. This suggests that the algae are not only able to transport these compounds into the cell but that the biochemical pathways necessary for their utilization are present and could be targeted for mutagenesis. Anaerobic growth was not possible on any of the photosystem II inhibitors diuron and atrazine and the 70S ribosome inhibitors erythromycin and streptomycin. However, the diatoms were insensitive to spectinomycin and sulfometuron methyl. Information about drug sensitivities permitted the selection of drug resistant mutants. Mutagenized cultures produced colonies when plated on media containing drug concentrations that were growth-inhibiting for wild-type cultures. Mutations were recovered in Monoraphidium, Nannochloropsis and Navicula species.
Severe hypertriglyceridaemia during therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Abstract Background Asparaginase and steroids can cause hypertriglyceridaemia in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). There are no guidelines for screening or management of patients with severe hypertriglyceridaemia (>1000 mg/dL) during ALL therapy. Patients and methods Fasting lipid profiles were obtained prospectively at four time-points for 257 children consecutively enrolled on a frontline ALL study. Risk factors were evaluated by the exact chi-square test. Details of adverse events and management of hypertriglyceridaemia were extracted retrospectively. Results Eighteen of 257 (7%) patients developed severe hypertriglyceridaemia. Older age and treatment with higher doses of asparaginase and steroids on the standard/high-risk arm were significant risk factors. Severe hypertriglyceridaemia was not associated with pancreatitis after adjustment for age and treatment arm or with osteonecrosis after adjustment for age. However, patients with severe hypertriglyceridaemia had a 2.5–3 times higher risk of thrombosis compared to patients without, albeit the difference was not statistically significant. Of the 30 episodes of severe hypertriglyceridaemia in 18 patients, seven were managed conservatively while the others with pharmacotherapy. Seventeen of 18 patients continued to receive asparaginase and steroids. Triglyceride levels normalised after completion of ALL therapy in all 12 patients with available measurements. Conclusion Asparaginase- and steroid-induced transient hypertriglyceridaemia can be adequately managed with dietary modifications and close monitoring without altering chemotherapy. Patients with severe hypertriglyceridaemia were not at increased risk of adverse events, with a possible exception of thrombosis. The benefit of pharmacotherapy in decreasing symptoms and potential complications requires further investigation.
Increased Left Main Coronary Artery Dimensions in Children With Sickle Cell Disease

For adults with sickle cell disease (SCD), cardiac changes are well described and may account for up to one-fourth of disease-related mortality. Much less is known about heart disease in pediatric SCD patients. This retrospective study analyzed a contemporary cohort of children with SCD followed at a single tertiary care center. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of SCD on left main coronary artery (LMCA) dimensions in the contemporary pediatric population. The echocardiography database was searched for studies of children with SCD from 2000 to 2009. The LMCA diameter was remeasured offline from digital images. Digital echocardiographic studies of 68 children (35 boys) 11.7 ± 4.6 years of age with SCD were analyzed. All the patients had normal systolic function as measured by fractional shortening. The left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) for 34 % of the pediatric SCD patients showed a dilated LV. In 24 % of the children, a LV mass index (LVMI) greater than 50 g/m2.7 denoted LV hypertrophy. Application of sex-specific normal values showed that 60 % of the boys and 33 % of the girls had an increased LVMI. The LMCA diameter was enlarged in 43 % of the SCD children, including 26 % with an LMCA z-score higher than 3. This study found a higher incidence of LMCA dilation in a pediatric referral population with SCD. The findings also validated an increased LVMI in the contemporary SCD patient population, which was noted previously. This study adds the need to include assessment of coronary arteries in cardiac evaluation of SCD patients, and special attention should be paid to patients with a high-normal to high coronary z-score.
Change in the degree of adsorption of proteins by aluminum-containing adjuvants following exposure to interstitial fluid : Freshly prepared and aged model vaccines

The ability of interstitial fluid to change the degree of adsorption of ovalbumin to aluminum hydroxide adjuvant or lysozyme to aluminum phosphate adjuvant was studied. Ovalbumin and lysozyme were almost completely eluted after exposure at 37 degrees C to sheep lymph fluid for 4h or 15 min, respectively. The ability of sheep lymph fluid to elute lysozyme from aluminum phosphate adjuvant did not change as the model vaccine aged. However, only 60% of the ovalbumin adsorbed to aluminum hydroxide adjuvant was eluted during exposure to sheep lymph fluid for 24h after the model vaccine aged for 11 weeks at 4 degrees C.
Tumour suppressor genes in disease and therapy

Work in our laboratories has been supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (CA55173 to GRS and CA56940 to JWL).
Subpicosecond (320 fs) pulses from CW passively mode-locked external cavity two-section multiquantum well lasers

Pulses from a passively mode-locked two-section multi-quantum well laser coupled to an external cavity are compressed to subpicosecond pulse widths using an external grating telescope compressor. A minimum deconvolved pulse width of 0.32 ps is measured, close to the transform limit, with peak powers of 1.9 W.
Effect of porcine-derived mucosal competitive exclusion culture on antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli from growing piglets.

While use of antimicrobial drugs in livestock production has made a significant impact on animal health, welfare, and productivity, interest in suitable alternatives such as pre/probiotics, organic acids, and cultures of normal flora or "competitive exclusion" cultures from young animals has increased significantly in the wake of the antimicrobial resistance issue. The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of porcine-derived mucosal competitive exclusion (PCE) culture on both the antimicrobial susceptibility of commensal E. coli and on growth performance in piglets. Two replicate trials were conducted using growing piglets fed standard antimicrobial- free production diets. Piglets in the treatment group were orally dosed with PCE (1010 cfu/mL) twice within 24 h of birth, at weaning, and 18–24 h post-weaning; control group piglets were dosed with sterile broth as a placebo. Fecal samples from all piglets were cultured for commensal E. coli at dosing times and when feed type was changed. A si...
The Pull-Off Force and the Work of Adhesion: New Challenges at the Nanoscale

The pull-off force required to separate two surfaces has become a convenient metric for characterizing adhesion at the micro- and nanoscales using cantilever-based force sensors, such as an atomic force microscope (AFM), e.g., as a way to predict adhesion between materials used in MEMS/NEMS. Interfacial Force Microscopy (IFM) provides unique insight into this method, because its self-balancing force-feedback sensor avoids the snap-out instability of compliant sensors, and can estimate both the work of adhesion and the pull-off force that would be measured using a compliant cantilever. Here, IFM is used to illustrate the challenges of determining the work of adhesion from the pull-off force in a nanoscale geometry. Specifically, adhesion is evaluated between a conical, diamond indenter and three surfaces relevant to MEMS/NEMS adhesion problems: silicon, a model insulator and a compliant polymer surface.
The global balance of carbon monoxide

Radioactive carbon-14 monoxide produced by cosmic ray neutrons provides a useful tracer to deduce the residence time of carbon monoxide in the troposphere. From the steady-state equations for stable carbon monoxide and radioactive carbon monoxide, the production rate of stable carbon monoxide can also be derived. This rate is an order of magnitude greater than that estimated for CO sources such as the oceans, combustion, and chlorophyll decay. The oxidation of tropospheric methane initiated by hydroxyl radicals has been postulated to account for this predominant source of CO in nature. Estimates of the steady-state hydroxyl radical concentration in the troposphere are of sufficient magnitude to support this possibility. Furthermore, the hydroxyl radical can also provide the major removal mechanism for carbon monoxide by oxidation to CO 2 to maintain the carbon monoxide balance in nature. A critical review of the above theories is given, and some possibilities for experimental verification are discussed. The earlier computations are modified to refer to the northern troposphere in view of differences recently found for CO concentrations in the northern and southern troposphere. Observations of the stable isotope composition of methane, 12 CH 4 and 13 CH 4 , and of carbon monoxide, 12 C 16 O, 13 C 16 O, and 12 C 18 O are also of significance to the proposed theory for the carbon monoxide balance. These data will be reviewed and discussed in terms of kinetic isotope effects in the reaction sequence, CH 4 to CO to CO 2 . The results of this analysis of the stable CO isotope data will be shown to be consistent with the conclusions drawn from the analysis of the radiocarbon data. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1974.tb01957.x
Electrolocation and jamming avoidance in the electric fishGymnarchus niloticus (Gymnarchidae, Mormyriformes)

The African electric fish, Mormyriformes, evolved electric organs and electroreceptors independently from the South American electric fish, Gymnotoidei. Like other electric fish,Gymnarchus is able to electrolocate objects which differ in conductivity from the surrounding water. Its performance in electrolocation can be measured by different behavioral methods (Figs. 1, 2 and 3). Similarly to the gymnotoid fishEigenmannia, Gymnarchus fires its electric organ in a nearly sinusoidal manner at a fairly stable frequency near 300 to 400 Hz, with considerable interindividual variation. Electrolocation deteriorates when sinusoidal signals of sufficient intensity approach the frequency of the animal's electric organ discharges (EODs) (Figs. 4 and 5).Gymnarchus improves its performance by shifting its EOD frequency away from stimulus frequencies and thereby maintaining differences of at least 4 Hz. Thus, in another example of convergent evolution,Gymnarchus andEigenmannia have developed the same behavioral strategy to protect their electrolocation ability from jamming signals.
Fifty-two polymorphic microsatellite loci in the rust fungus, Cronartium quercuum f.sp. fusiforme

We report on 52 microsatellite markers for use in Cronartium quercuum f.sp. fusiforme. The markers were developed from di-, tri-, and tetranucleotide repeat-enriched genomic libraries. In 46 isolates collected from two natural populations in the southeastern USA, the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 20 (mean 6.94) with gene diversity values ranging from 0.043 to 0.933 (mean 0.537). The markers should prove highly useful for genetic ‘fingerprinting’ of single-spore isolates commonly used in host–pathogen gene interaction studies, as marker loci for linkage mapping studies, and for examining fine-scale population genetic structure in natural populations of the fungus.
The mucoprotein of the fat/plasma interface of cow's milk. II. Immunochemical characterization.

Abstract The sialic acid-containing mucoprotein from the fat/plasma interface of cow's milk functioned as a strong antigen. The mucoprotein preparation induced formation of antibodies in rabbits to the mucoprotein and to at least two contaminating proteins from whey. Absorption of the antiserum with a preparation of whey proteins resulted in a homogeneous antibody system specific for the mucoprotein. This mucoprotein was distinguished immunologically from other, previously recognized proteins of milk.
Concurrent Development of the Head and Pinnae and the Acoustical Cues to Sound Location in a Precocious Species, the Chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera)

Sounds are filtered in a spatial- and frequency-dependent manner by the head and pinna giving rise to the acoustical cues to sound source location. These spectral and temporal transformations are dependent on the physical dimensions of the head and pinna. Therefore, the magnitudes of binaural sound location cues—the interaural time (ITD) and level (ILD) differences—are hypothesized to systematically increase while the lower frequency limit of substantial ILD production is expected to decrease due to the increase in head and pinna size during development. The frequency ranges of the monaural spectral notch cues to source elevation are also expected to decrease. This hypothesis was tested here by measuring directional transfer functions (DTFs), the directional components of head-related transfer functions, and the linear dimensions of the head and pinnae for chinchillas from birth through adulthood. Dimensions of the head and pinna increased by factors of 1.8 and 2.42, respectively, reaching adult values by ~6 weeks. From the DTFs, the ITDs, ILDs, and spectral shape cues were computed. Maximum ITDs increased by a factor of 1.75, from ~160 μs at birth (P0-1, first postnatal day) to 280 μs in adults. ILDs depended on source location and frequency exhibiting a shift in the frequency range of substantial ILD (>10 dB) from higher to lower frequencies with increasing head and pinnae size. Similar trends were observed for the spectral notch frequencies which ranged from 14.7–33.4 kHz at P0-1 to 5.3–19.1 kHz in adults. The development of the spectral notch cues, the spatial- and frequency-dependent distributions of DTF amplitude gain, acoustic directionality, maximum gain, and the acoustic axis were systematically related to the dimensions of the head and pinnae. The dimension of the head and pinnae in the chinchilla as well as the acoustical properties associated with them are mature by ~6 weeks.
MO‐A‐141‐01: Memorial to Fearghus O'tFoghludha ‐ Memorial Lecture

Medical Physics community lost one of its prominent members, Fearghus O'tFoghludha, in July 2012. Fearghus O'tFoghludha was the editor of Medical Physics from 1985 to 1987 and the President of the AAPM from 1971 to 1972. Born in 1927 in Dublin, Fearghus studied at University College Dublin, National University of Ireland, Royal University of Uppsala (Sweden), and the University of Lund (Sweden). He served as Senior Physicist at St. Luke's Hospital in Dublin and the head of Radiation Physics at the Medical College of Virginia till 1970 when he joined Duke University. Noteworthy among his accomplishments are the design and optimization of modern mammography equipment, and the design of an experiment on solar radiation for the Apollo 13 lunar mission. He was one of the pioneers in designing imaging equipment so that radiation dose can be minimized. During his distinguished career, he had working affiliation with the Oak Ridge National Lab, NIH, NSF, ACR, the Atomic Energy Commission, CERN, and NASA.
In-flight performance of the Mercury Laser Altimeter laser transmitter

The Mercury Laser Altimeter (MLA) is one of the payload instruments on the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) spacecraft, which was launched on August 3, 2004. MLA maps Mercury's shape and topographic landforms and other surface characteristics using a diode-pumped solid-state laser transmitter and a silicon avalanche photodiode receiver that measures the round-trip time of individual laser pulses. The laser transmitter has been operating nominally during planetary flyby measurements and in orbit about Mercury since March 2011. In this paper, we review the MLA laser transmitter telemetry data and evaluate the performance of solid-state lasers under extended operation in a space environment.
p75NTR expression in rat urinary bladder sensory neurons and spinal cord with cyclophosphamide‐induced cystitis

A role for nerve growth factor (NGF) in contributing to increased voiding frequency and altered sensation from the urinary bladder has been suggested. Previous studies have examined the expression and regulation of tyrosine kinase receptors (Trks) in micturition reflexes with urinary bladder inflammation. The present studies examine the expression and regulation of another receptor known to bind NGF, p75(NTR), after various durations of bladder inflammation induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP). CYP-induced cystitis increased (P < or = 0.001) p75(NTR) expression in the superficial lateral and medial dorsal horn in L1-L2 and L6-S1 spinal segments. The number of p75(NTR)-immunoreactive (-IR) cells in the lumbosacral dorsal root ganglia (DRG) also increased (P < or = 0.05) with CYP-induced cystitis (acute, intermediate, and chronic). Quantitative, real-time polymerase chain reaction also demonstrated significant increases (P < or = 0.01) in p75(NTR) mRNA in DRG with intermediate and chronic CYP-induced cystitis. Retrograde dye-tracing techniques with Fastblue were used to identify presumptive bladder afferent cells in the lumbosacral DRG. In bladder afferent cells in DRG, p75(NTR)-IR was also increased (P < or = 0.01) with cystitis. In addition to increases in p75(NTR)-IR in DRG cell bodies, increases (P < or = 0.001) in pericellular (encircling DRG cells) p75(NTR)-IR in DRG also increased. Confocal analyses demonstrated that pericellular p75(NTR)-IR was not colocalized with the glial marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). These studies demonstrate that p75(NTR) expression in micturition reflexes is present constitutively and modified by bladder inflammation. The functional significance of p75(NTR) expression in micturition reflexes remains to be determined.
Quantitative incorporation of steroid samples into potassium bromide for infrared microspectrophotometry

Abstract Incorporation of samples into KBr by lyophilization can be extended to include -water insoluble steroids by dissolving them in a suitable organic solvent, dispersing the organic phase in aqueous potassium bromide, and freezing the suspension. The frozen suspension is lyophilized without permitting melting to occur. Data showing substantially quantitative Incorporation of hydrocortisone and hydrocortisone acetate are presented. Good infrared spectra have been obtained starting with as little as 3.3 micrograms of hydrocortisone and 1.0 mg of potassium bromide.
A review of the contrasting behavior of two magmatic volatiles: Chlorine and carbon dioxide

Abstract Chlorine (Cl) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are common magmatic volatiles with contrasting behaviors. CO2 solubility increases with pressure whereas Cl solubility shows relatively little pressure or temperature effect. CO2 speciation changes with silicate melt composition, dissolving as carbonate in basaltic magmas and molecular CO2 in more silicic compositions. In H2O-bearing systems, the strongly non-ideal behavior of alkali chlorides causes unmixing of the volatile phase to form a H2O-rich vapor and a hydrosaline phase with important implications for the maximum concentration of Cl in magmas. Addition of CO2 to magma hastens immiscibility at crustal pressures (
Elemental abundance analyses with coadded DAO spectrograms – VI. The mercury–manganese stars Nu Cancri, Iota Coronae Borealis and HR 8349

The elemental abundances of three mercury-manganese stars, Nu Cancri, Iota Coronae Borealis, and HR 8349, were found to be consistent with previous analyses of this series. As Iota CrB is a double-lined spectroscopic binary with a small velocity amplitude for most of its period, its study required determining whether the observed lines were produced in the primary or secondary or both. The derived abundances and effective termperatures were used along with those of mercury-manganese stars previously analyzed in order to extend the study of probable correlations between abundances, with the effective temperature and surface gravity in accordance with radiative diffusion explanations.
Tumor Treating Field Therapy in Combination with Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Recurrent Glioblastoma

A novel device that employs TTF therapy has recently been developed and is currently in use for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM). It was FDA approved in April 2011 for the treatment of patients 22 years or older with rGBM. The device delivers alternating electric fields and is programmed to ensure maximal tumor cell kill. Glioblastoma is the most common type of glioma and has an estimated incidence of approximately 10,000 new cases per year in the United States alone. This tumor is particularly resistant to treatment and is uniformly fatal especially in the recurrent setting. Prior to the approval of the TTF System, the only FDA approved treatment for rGBM was bevacizumab. Bevacizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeted against the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein that drives tumor angiogenesis. By blocking the VEGF pathway, bevacizumab can result in a significant radiographic response (pseudoresponse), improve progression free survival and reduce corticosteroid requirements in rGBM patients. Bevacizumab however failed to prolong overall survival in a recent phase III trial. A pivotal phase III trial (EF-11) demonstrated comparable overall survival between physicians' choice chemotherapy and TTF Therapy but better quality of life were observed in the TTF arm. There is currently an unmet need to develop novel approaches designed to prolong overall survival and/or improve quality of life in this unfortunate patient population. One appealing approach would be to combine the two currently approved treatment modalities namely bevacizumab and TTF Therapy. These two treatments are currently approved as monotherapy, but their combination has never been evaluated in a clinical trial. We have developed an approach for combining those two treatment modalities and treated 2 rGBM patients. Here we describe a detailed methodology outlining this novel treatment protocol and present representative data from one of the treated patients.
Protection from livestock fails to deter shrub proliferation in a desert landscape with a history of heavy grazing

Desertification is often characterized by the replacement of mesophytic grasses with xerophytic shrubs. Livestock grazing is considered a key driver of shrub encroachment, although most evidence is anecdotal or confounded by other factors. Mapping of velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina) shrubs in and out of exclosures in 1932, 1948, and 2006 in semiarid grasslands of southeastern Arizona, USA, afforded the opportunity to quantify livestock grazing effects on mesquite proliferation over 74 years in the absence of fire to test the widespread assumption that livestock grazing promotes shrub proliferation. In 1932, shrub cover, density, and aboveground biomass were compared on grazed (12%, 173 plants/ha, 4182 kg/ha) and newly protected areas (8%, 203 plants/ha, 3119 kg/ha). By 1948, cover on both areas increased to ;18%; yet, density on the protected area increased 300% (to 620 plants/ha), nearly twice that of the grazed area (325 plants/ha). From 1932 to 1948, differences in recruitment of new plants and growth of existing plants were reflected in biomass, which was higher on the protected area (415 plants/ha, 8788 kg/ha) relative to the grazed area (155 plants/ha, 7085 kg/ha), although mortality was equally low (;0.06%). In 2006, 42 years after an herbicide application reset mesquite cover to ;10% on both areas, aboveground mesquite mass was comparable on both areas (;4700 kg/ha), but cover and density on the protected area (22%, 960 plants/ha) exceeded that on the grazed area (15%, 433 plants/ha). Mesquite mass in 2006 was substantially below 1948 levels, so continued accrual is likely. That shrub recovery from herbicides on a biomass basis was much less than recovery on a cover basis suggests that remotely sensed biomass estimates should integrate land management history. Contrary to widely held assumptions, protection from livestock since 1932 not only failed to deter woody-plant proliferation, but actually promoted it relative to grazed areas. Results suggest (1) that thresholds for grassland resistance to shrub encroachment had been crossed by the 1930s, and (2) fire management rather than grazing management may be key to maintaining grassland physiognomy in this bioclimatic region.
Thumbs up: anthropometry of the first digit

A need was identified for data concerned with maximum possible and maximum comfortable angular displacement of the thumb. These measures, along with thumb reach data, were collected from a sample of 105 subjects. It was found that thumb reach was not correlated with either maximum or most comfortable degree of angular displacement. In addition, angular displacement was not correlated with age. Design guidelines for angular displacement of the thumb are provided.
Direct Percutaneous Gene Delivery to Enhance Healing of Segmental Bone Defects

Background: Healing of segmental bone defects can be induced experimentally with genetically modified osteoprogenitor cells, an ex vivo strategy that requires two operative interventions and substantial cost. Direct transfer of osteogenic genes offers an alternative, clinically expeditious, cost-effective approach. We evaluated its potential in a well-established, critical-size, rat femoral defect model. Methods: A critical-size defect was created in the right femur of forty-eight skeletally mature Sprague-Dawley rats. After twenty-four hours, each defect received a single, intralesional, percutaneous injection of adenovirus carrying bone morphogenetic protein-2 (Ad.BMP-2) or luciferase cDNA (Ad.luc) or it remained untreated. Healing was monitored with weekly radiographs. At eight weeks, the rats were killed and the femora were evaluated with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, micro-computed tomography, histological analysis, histomorphometry, and torsional mechanical testing. Results: Radiographically, 75% of the Ad.BMP-2-treated femora showed osseous union. Bone mineral content was similar between the Ad.BMP-2-treated femora (0.045 ± 0.020 g) and the contralateral, intact femora (0.047 ± 0.003 g). Histologically, 50% of the Ad.BMP-2-treated defects were bridged by lamellar, trabecular bone; the other 50% contained islands of cartilage. The control (Ad.luc-treated) defects were filled with fibrous tissue. Histomorphometry demonstrated a large difference in osteogenesis between the Ad.BMP-2 group (mean bone area, 3.25 ± 0.67 mm2) and the controls (mean bone area, 0.65 ± 0.67 mm2). By eight weeks, the Ad.BMP-2-treated femora had approximately one-fourth of the strength (mean, 0.07 ± 0.04 Nm) and stiffness (mean, 0.5 ± 0.4 Nm/rad) of the contralateral femora (0.3 ± 0.08 Nm and 2.0 ± 0.5 Nm/rad, respectively). Conclusions: A single, percutaneous, intralesional injection of Ad.BMP-2 induces healing of critical-size femoral bone defects in rats within eight weeks. At this time, the repair tissue is predominantly trabecular bone, has normal bone mineral content, and has gained mechanical strength. Clinical Relevance: Direct administration of adenovirus carrying BMP-2 could provide a straightforward and cost-effective treatment for large osseous defects with adequate surrounding soft-tissue support. This local in vivo genetherapy approach avoids the cost and complexity of ex vivo methods that require artificial scaffolds and autologous cell culture.
Incident Wave and Dislocation Acceleration Effects in Dislocation Emission From Cracks

For an exact solution to the problem of screw dislocation emission from a crack subjected to plane SH-wave diffraction, the result is an equation of motion for the dislocation. The dislocation is found to accelerate during glide to a high but subcritical speed, before decelerating to its arrest position
Interactions between beta-2 adrenoceptor gene variation, cardiovascular control and dietary sodium in healthy young adults.

Key points Common single nucleotide polymorphisms in the beta-2 adrenoceptor (ADRB2) gene influence cardiovascular function, but they exist in combinations (haplotypes), so it is crucial to characterize the haplotypes to improve the functional predictive power of ADRB2 gene variation. Dietary sodium affects ADRB2 function. In a large randomized cross-over phenotyping trial that administered low, normal and high dietary sodium, we determined the interactions between ADRB2 haplotype, receptor density on lymphocytes, cardiovascular haemodynamics during stress manoeuvres, forearm blood flow vasodilator responsiveness and dietary sodium. Healthy young adults were recruited based on the homozygous haplotypes of the ADRB2 gene: Arg16+Gln27, the rare Gly16+Gln27 and Gly16+Glu27. Independent of dietary sodium, the Gly16+Glu27 haplotype had the greatest ADRB2 density and Arg16+Gln27 had the least, suggesting that ADRB2 haplotype influences ADRB2 protein expression, yet the haemodynamic consequences appear modest in healthy humans, necessitating larger trials that explore variation in multiple candidate genes. Abstract Dietary sodium affects function of the beta-2 adrenoceptor (ADRB2). We tested the hypothesis that haplotype variation in the ADRB2 gene would influence the cardiovascular and regional vasodilator responses to sympathoexcitatory manoeuvres following low, normal and high sodium diets, and ADRB2-mediated forearm vasodilation in the high sodium condition. Seventy-one healthy young adults were grouped by double homozygous haplotypes: Arg16+Gln27 (n = 31), the rare Gly16+Gln27 (n = 10) and Gly16+Glu27 (n = 30). Using a randomized cross-over design, subjects were studied following 5 days of controlled low, normal and high sodium with 1 month or longer between diets (and low hormone phase of the menstrual cycle). All three visits utilized ECG and finger plethysmography for haemodynamic measures, and the high sodium visit included a brachial arterial catheter for forearm vasodilator responses to isoprenaline with plethysmography. Lymphocytes were sampled for ex vivo analysis of ADRB2 density and binding conformation. We found a main effect of haplotype on ADRB2 density (P = 0.03) with the Gly16+Glu27 haplotype having the greatest density (low, normal, high sodium: 12.9 ± 0.9, 13.5 ± 0.9 and 13.6 ± 0.8 fmol mg−1 protein, respectively) and Arg16+Gln27 having the least (9.3 ± 0.6, 10.1 ± 0.5 and 10.3 ± 0.6 fmol mg−1 protein, respectively), but there were no sodium or haplotype effects on receptor binding conformation. In the mental stress trial, there was a main effect of haplotype on cardiac output (P = 0.04), as Arg16+Gln27 had the lowest responses. Handgrip and forearm vasodilation yielded no haplotype differences, and no correlations were present for ADRB2 density and haemodynamics. Our findings support cell-based evidence that ADRB2 haplotype influences ADRB2 protein expression independent of dietary sodium, yet the haemodynamic consequences appear modest in healthy humans.
Linear and nonlinear responses of intersubband lasers

We present a many-body theory for intersubband lasers, based on the Maxwell-semiconductor Bloch equations and detailed treatment of scattering processes. Applications involving high excitation and fast modulation conditions are presented.
Learning from textbook knowledge: a case study

One of the "grand challenges for machine learning" is the problem of learning from textbooks. This paper addresses the problem of learning from texts including omissions and inconsistencies that are clarified by illustrative examples. To avoid problems in natural language understanding, we consider a simplification of this problem in which the text has been manually translated into a logical theory. This learning problem is solvable by a technique that we call analogical abductive explanation based learning (ANA-EBL). Formal evidence and experimental results in the domain of contract bridge show that the learning technique is both efficient and effective.