cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Self-aligned AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors with 0.18 μm gate-length

To complement the gate scaling of HEMTs and also to reduce access resistance, self-aligned devices with a gate-length of 0.18 µm have been fabricated on 6H-SiC substrates using a single-step ohmic process. An Mo/Al/Mo/Au-based ohmic contact, requiring annealing temperatures around ∼550°C, was utilised. These 0.18 µm devices exhibited maximum drain current density of 900 mA/mm at a gate bias of 0 V and a drain bias of 10 V. The knee voltage was less than 2 V, showing the excellent nature of the ohmic contact. A peak extrinsic transconductance (gm) of 290 mS/mm was measured at Vgs=−2.6 V and a drain bias of 8 V. A unity gain cutoff frequency, fT of 92 GHz, and unilateral power gain frequency, fmax, were measured on these devices.
A meta-analysis of the effect of forest management for timber on understory plant species diversity in temperate forests

Many studies have examined affects of forest management—particularly regeneration treatments—for timber on understory plant diversity. These studies taken independently show no clear trends in diversity with degree and/or periodicity of disturbance from timber harvests. Here we present a meta-analysis synthesizing primary field research on response of understory plant diversity to timber harvesting in temperate forests, particularly in North America. Across a pool of 96 studies, we find no effect on understory plant species richness from managing forests for timber. When intensive regeneration harvests (e.g. clearcut, shelterwood) are separated from less intensive regeneration harvests (e.g. single tree and group selection systems) and thinnings, selection harvests show a positive effect on species richness. Intensive regeneration harvests and thinning treatments had no effect on species richness. We examined the role of stand development following regeneration treatments, and found no detectable effects on species richness for even-aged stands within the first 50 years after clearcut and shelterwood timber harvests. Stands in later successional stages, however, had lower species richness than un-logged stands. All these findings together suggest that silvicultural activities focused toward timber management are not inconsistent with conservation of understory plant diversity. We suggest site-specific characteristics (e.g. resource availability, resource heterogeneity) at various temporal and spatial scales, have a larger role to play in defining understory plant diversity than the disturbance of harvesting itself. Managers therefore should consider underlying factors of site and species composition, and should examine regionally specific studies when planning silvicultural treatments. In addition, it should be noted that our analysis makes no distinction in classifying the nature of diversity, especially between colonizing early-successional species that peak after 1–10 years and then disappear, and late successional, often more site specific and shade tolerant species, that may persist post harvest but often disappear or retract in their range and abundance. Further studies are needed to tease out differences in diversity in relation to successional stage and affects of forest management.
Hair Loss in Ovarian Tumorigenic Mice

SummaryThe ovaries of C3B6F-WXWV mice all developed tubular adenomas at about 7 months of age, but the “bald-faced mouse” appeared in all genotypes at about 2 months of age. Balding mice were significantly smaller than mice not showing hair loss. Experimental tumor-bearing mice exhibited the most extensive hair loss.
Identification of the axial heme ligands of cytochrome b556 in succinate: ubiquinone oxidoreductase from Escherichia coli.

Abstract Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and near-infrared magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) have been used to identify the ligands to the cytochrome b556 component of succinate: ubiquinone oxidoreductase (succinate dehydrogenase) from Escherichia coli. The ‘highly axial low spin’ (HALS) EPR spectrum suggests bis(histidine) ligation of the heme with the histidines in a staggered configuration. The near-infrared MCD spectrum exhibits a low energy maximum at 1600 nm which is also clearly indicative of bis(histidine) ligation of the heme iron. The data unambiguously demonstrate that the heme b556 is ligated to E. coli succinate dehydrogenase via two histidines.
Reliability among physical therapists in diagnosis and treatment of gait deviations in hemiplegics.

A questionnaire study and an observational study were conducted to investigate reliability among physical therapists in diagnosing and treating gait deviations in hemiplegics. In Study 1, groups of...
Modeling the extrafocal radiation and monitor chamber backscatter for photon beam dose calculation.

A simple analytical approach has been developed to model extrafocal radiation and monitor chamber backscatter for clinical photon beams. Model parameters for both the extrafocal source and monitor chamber backscatter are determined simultaneously using conventional measured data, i.e., in-air output factors for square and rectangular fields defined by the photon jaws. The model has been applied to 6 MV and 15 MV photon beams produced by a Varian Clinac 2300C/D accelerator. Contributions to the in-air output factor from the extrafocal radiation and monitor chamber backscatter, as predicted by the model, are in good agreement with the measurements. The model can be used to calculate the in-air output factors analytically, with an accuracy of 0.2% for symmetric or asymmetric rectangular fields defined by jaws when the calculation point is at the isocenter and 0.5% when the calculation point is at an extended SSD. For MLC-defined fields, with the jaws at the recommended positions, calculated in-air output factors agree with the measured data to within 0.3% at the isocenter and 0.7% at off-axis positions. The model has been incorporated into a Monte Carlo dose algorithm to calculate the absolute dose distributions in patients or phantoms. For three MLC-defined irregular fields (triangle shape, C-shape, and L-shape), the calculations agree with the measurements to about 1% even for points at off-axis positions. The model will be particularly useful for IMRT dose calculations because it accurately predicts beam output and penumbra dose.
Properties of tilapia carboxy- and oxyhemoglobin at postmortem pH.

Hemoglobin plays an important role in the color and oxidative stability of seafoods. A recent practice in the seafood industry is to stabilize muscle color by the application of gases containing carbon monoxide. The goal of this study was to examine and compare the properties of tilapia hemoglobin complexed to either O2 (Oxy-Hb) or CO (CO-Hb) at pH 6.5, which reflects the tilapia muscle postmortem pH. CO-Hb was significantly (p < 0.01) more stable against autoxidation compared to Oxy-Hb when kept at 4 and −30 °C for 23 days. Almost no loss of CO was detected for both temperatures according to the UV−vis spectra of Hb. This stabilization was also believed to play a role in increased protein structure stabilization (p < 0.001) since less protein aggregation was seen for CO-Hb. The higher protein stabilization for Hb was linked to the heme group, which was maintained in its reduced state longer for CO-Hb vs Oxy-Hb and was likely less exposed to solvent. CO-Hb had significantly (p < 0.01) less peroxidase acti...
Validation of Backcalculated Modulus Values from Falling Weight Deflectometer through Instrumentation on I-35 in Oklahoma:

Several state departments of transportation evaluate the modulus of pavement layers from nondestructive deflection tests such as the falling weight deflectometer (FWD). Although the FWD is a widely used nondestructive testing device, it still does not fully represent the loading conditions generated by moving vehicular traffic. Therefore, the modulus values backcalculated from FWD data may be different from those values backcalculated from vehicular traffic loading data. A comparison is presented of modulus values backcalculated from FWD and strain gauge measurements collected on a 1,000-ft-long instrumented section of I-35 in central Oklahoma. The FWD data were captured at different temperatures with different loading configurations. Meanwhile, longitudinal and transverse strain data were captured from May 30, 2008, through October 28, 2009, over a wide range of middepth pavement temperatures (40°F to 110°F) under actual vehicular traffic loading. The influence of different backcalculated modulus values ...
One-Shot Library Instruction and Cambourne's Theory of Learning

Librarians who teach one-shot library instruction classes (one-time, one- to three-hour classes to students who are assumed to be novice researchers) are often torn between two pedagogic approaches: a “critical mass” pedagogy emphasizing a minimum amount of databases that must be introduced with little time for student searching, and a “use-oriented” pedagogy emphasizing the introduction of one or two databases, with the instructor providing adequate time for the student to hone their search skills through in class work time that provides for interaction with the librarian. Drawing from the learning theory of Brian Cambourne, we compare the two pedagogic approaches and argue that a use-oriented approach is a better match to Cambourne's Conditions of Learning, but that without certain preparations of and expectations from the student, librarians will struggle with both approaches in these one-shot library instruction sessions.
Ideas that Work!: Retuning the Building Automation System

ABSTRACTA building automation system (BAS) can save considerable energy by effectively and efficiently operating building energy systems (fans, pumps, chillers, boilers, etc.), but only when the BAS is properly set up and operated. Tuning or retuning the BAS is a cost effective process worthy of your time and attention.
Evaluation of the formazan extraction step of Int-dehydrogenase assay

An essential part of in vivo INT-dehydrogenase assay is quantitation of the intensely colored, water-insoluble iodonitrotetrazolium formazan (INTF) that forms intracellularly as the product of INT reduction. This procedure involves extraction of INTF from microbial cells by an organic solvent, permitting colorimetric measurement of the formazan. In the present study, it was found that dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) provided the most consistent extraction of INTF from activated sludge and filamentous bacteria. The relative efficiency of 2 + 3 tetrachloroethylene/acetone (TA) was slightly greater than that of DMSO in some cases. However, this solvent only partially extracted INTF from one of the filament types tested (type 1701) and its performance was impaired by adsorption of ferrous ion to sludge. Methanol was generally the least efficient of the solvents tested. It was particularly ineffective in extracting INTF from Fe2+-treated sludges. Permeabilization of cells with lysozyme or Triton X-100 improved the INTF yields obtained with methanol. Triton X-100,the more effective of the two permeabilizing agents, increased the INTF yield obtained with methanol to the same level as that obtained with DMSO or TA.
Self-folding polymeric containers for encapsulation and delivery of drugs☆

Self-folding broadly refers to self-assembly processes wherein thin films or interconnected planar templates curve, roll-up or fold into three dimensional (3D) structures such as cylindrical tubes, spirals, corrugated sheets or polyhedra. The process has been demonstrated with metallic, semiconducting and polymeric films and has been used to curve tubes with diameters as small as 2 nm and fold polyhedra as small as 100 nm, with a surface patterning resolution of 15 nm. Self-folding methods are important for drug delivery applications since they provide a means to realize 3D, biocompatible, all-polymeric containers with well-tailored composition, size, shape, wall thickness, porosity, surface patterns and chemistry. Self-folding is also a highly parallel process, and it is possible to encapsulate or self-load therapeutic cargo during assembly. A variety of therapeutic cargos such as small molecules, peptides, proteins, bacteria, fungi and mammalian cells have been encapsulated in self-folded polymeric containers. In this review, we focus on self-folding of all-polymeric containers. We discuss the mechanistic aspects of self-folding of polymeric containers driven by differential stresses or surface tension forces, the applications of self-folding polymers in drug delivery and we outline future challenges.
Effect of molybdenum supplementation on N -nitroso- N -methylurea-induced mammary carcinogenesis and molybdenum excretion in rats

Molybdenum (Mo) supplementation reduces the incidence of nitrosamine-induced tumors in the esophagus and forestomach of laboratory animals, and the incidence of mammary cancer in female rats induced by N-nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU). The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of graded amounts of Mo on NMU-induced mammary carcinogenesis, and on the excretion of Mo and copper (Cu). Female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 5 wk were given ad libitum a low-Mo (0.026 mg/kg) diet and deionized water. After 15 d, a single SC injection of 50 mg NMU/kg body wt was administered to each of 30 rats in groups 2-5. Eight rats in group 1 served as untreated control. One week after the carcinogen treatment, 0.1, 1.0, or 10 mg Mo from sodium molybdate were added to each liter of drinking water for groups 3, 4, and 5, respectively. Groups 1 and 2 did not receive any Mo supplementation. After the rats had been Mo-supplemented for 38, 67, and 85 d, 48-h urine and fecal samples were collected from the same 48 rats, and Mo and Cu were determined. Molybdenum seemed to have little effect on Cu excretion. At each time interval, animals fed 0 or 0.1 mg Mo/L excreted more Mo in feces than in urine, whereas rats fed 1 and 10 mg Mo/L water excreted more Mo in urine than in feces, which indicates that Mo absorption was not easily saturated as the amount of Mo increased. However, the liver became saturated with Mo when 0.1-1 mg Mo/L was fed. The total number of palpable tumors per group 101 d after NMU administration was 109, 115, 101, and 81, and the total carcinomas per group were 92, 96, 86, and 65 for the animals in groups 2-5, respectively. The results indicate that supplemental Mo in the amount of 10 mg/L of drinking water inhibited mammary carcinogenesis.
The Prospect for a Reasonable Adult Height in Patients with 21-hydroxylase Deficiency Is Dismal...or Is it?

The Prospect for a Reasonable Adult Height in Patients with 21-hydroxylase Deficiency Is Dismal...or Is it?
Harmonizing Herbs: Managng Menopause With Help from Mother Earth

Abstract If you've been to a grocery or pharmacy, read any women's magazines, or even watched the briefest amount of television, chances are you've come face to face with messages advocating the use of herbs for everything from improving memory to restoring balance in your life. Now, more often now then ever, women are taking herbs without counsel and direction from practitioners (Eisenberg et al., 1993). Ever since the passage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act in 1994, the U.S., herbal market has boomed-with estimated 1999 sales of $5 billion in products found in almost every conceivable retail venue: pharmacies, discount retailers, supermarkets, convenience stores, and the World Wide Web, to name a few. And growth within this dynamic market is at a projected annual 30 percent (Foster & Tyler, 1999). Estimates and survey data show that approximately one in three U.S. adults reaches for alternative therapies, from time to time, to manage health and well-being. Bottom line: nurses are going to see women who are taking herbs, and who may or may not tell their practitioners about their herbal practices. But practitioners must at least ask women and chart the information they receive in medical records. As the Baby Boomer generation enters midlife, the symptoms and treatments related to menopause are increasingly discussed and debated—including the use of herbs for relief from the many symptoms often associated with perimenopause.
Gastro-intestinal symptomatology in schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia is a prevalent form of mental illness and gastro-intestinal symptomatology in relation to this illness is frequently encountered. Recognition of the personality disorder is important in order to effect a scientifically oriented therapeutic approach aimed not only at treatment of symptoms but involving the personality as a whole.
Bovine interleukin-12 and modulation of IFNγ production

Abstract The effects of IL-12 on the responses of cattle peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) antigen and ovalbumin (OVA) were tested, in vitro. IL-12 did not affect the proliferative responses of PBMC to these antigens but markedly accelerated and augmented the level of IFNγ secreted. When tested on lymphoblasts rather than resting T-cells IL-12 also enhanced proliferation. In contrast IL-4 and, to greater extent, IL-10 inhibited the response. The effect of IL-12 on IFNγ synthesis was confirmed at the level of IFNγ. mRNA expression using Taqman ® PCR. CD4 and CD8 T-cell populations produced IFNγ, however, CD4 T-cells comprised the largest contributors to the IFNγ production. γ/δ T-cells did not contribute markedly. A comparison of the species cross-reactivity showed bovine IL-12 was also active in the human system. This study shows that antigen-driven responses in cattle can be significantly influenced by exogenous cytokines and suggests the IL-12/IL-10 balance is crucial for regulation of IFNγ.
Description of a team-based job improvement process within a large geographically dispersed primary care clinical pharmacy service

Objective To describe the team-based job improvement process that Primary Care Clinical Pharmacy Services (CPS) used to enhance teamwork and improve job satisfaction during a 4-year period. Setting Health maintenance organization in Colorado from 2005 through 2008. Practice description Kaiser Permanente Colorado is a group model, not-for-profit health maintenance organization that provides health services to approximately 490,000 members. Highly integrated clinical pharmacy services are offered at each of its 17 primary care medical offices in the Denver–Boulder metropolitan area. Practice innovation A written survey consisting of three open-ended questions specifically directed at perceived positive and negative job-related features within Primary Care CPS was administered to team members. Six areas of focus emerged that were addressed by Primary Care CPS members within small groups. Main outcome measures Pre- and postsurvey results from six identified focus areas were measured to address any impact of the team-based job improvement process. Results Positive responses increased from baseline by 48% for communication, 42% for new employee orientation, 25% for teamwork, and 25% for Primary Care CPS meetings ( P Conclusion Based on the initial successes with surveys and small-group discussions, Primary Care CPS continues to use this team-based job improvement process to resolve concerns or share best practices.
The Hague Convention – A Decisive Step taken by the International Community

(2005). The Hague Convention – A Decisive Step taken by the International Community. Museum International: Vol. 57, No. 4, pp. 7-31.
Policy capturing methodology in sexuality research

Many research questions in sexuality involve assessing the stimuli that influence peoples' decisions and judgments. Typically, such research relies on self‐reports of these influences, although it ...
Design, Analysis, Fabrication and Test of the LAMAR Protoflight Mirror Assembly

An X-ray telescope for the LAMAR instrument has been designed, built and tested at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. In addition, telescope performance has been verified at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Centers long X-ray beam facility. After X-ray testing and data reduction is complete, the telescope will undergo vibration testing. Post-vibration visible light tests will then verify no change in performance. The design and fabrication of this high-throughout Kirkpatrick-Baez geometry telescope incorporates the use of advanced composite materials (aluminum-graphite/epoxy) to provide a thermally stable structure. A computerized figure formation system is used to attain the approximate parabolic curve of each optic. Each optic is supported by ten titanium flexures to provide the necessary decoupling between the stiff structural support module and the glass mirrors. The design, analysis and fabrication` ofthis module will be described, as well as the numerous problems encounted and the solutions developed, in this protoflight project.
Quantitative Risk Assessment in Light of the Benzene Decision

Abstract The Supreme Court decision of July 2, 1980, overturning the OSHA benzene standard has given the scientific community the opportunity to play a more permanent role in the decisions regarding the establishment of health standards at OSHA, and possibly other agencies. The mandate by the court to demonstrate that some benefits flow from regulatory actions allows scientists to use risk assessment to provide the bridge between scientific information and regulatory decisions. It should be noted, however, that the ability to participate on the part of the scientists carries with it the obligation to deliver timely and responsive results to decision makers; absent that, it seems likely that the system will revert back to one that is far less cognizant of scientific considerations.
System Identification of a Cooling Coil Using Recurrent Neural Networks

Modelling a non-linear plant by employing first principles is a tedious task and the resulting model often does not replicate the true behaviour of the plant. The cooling coil of an air-handling unit exhibits severe non-linearity and it is difficult to develop a first-principle model which can replicate the true plant behaviour. The paper discusses the modelling of a cooling coil of an air-handling unit using first-principle approach as well as artificial neural networks. In order to capture the dynamics of the cooling coil, a type of recurrent neural network, i.e. non-linear autoregressive network with exogenous input (NARX) is used. It has been demonstrated that a recurrent neural network with sufficient training has better performance as compared to the model obtained using first principle.
Should We Still Support Untrammelled International Capital Mobility? Or are Capital Controls Less Evil than We Once Believed?

Fifteen years ago, I found it easy to be in favor of international capital mobility the free flow of investment financing from one country to another. Then it was easy to preach for an end to all systems of controls on capital that hindered this flow. Now it is harder.
INTRAMURAL GAS IN HOLLOW VISCERA.

Summary Intramural gas in the hollow viscera is a rare phenomenon but is easily recognised radiologically. For descriptive purposes, it is divided into three categories, viz.:— 1. Cystic pneumatosis which affects mainly the intestines and vagina. This condition is usually secondary to (a) pyloric or duodenal ulceration and stenosis or (b) chronic pulmonary disease. 2. Interstitial emphysema.—Non-cystic collections of gas, usually in the stomach or bowel wall and apparently caused by obstruction of the lumen and devitalisation of the mucosa. 3. Gas-forming infections which, in general, are much more serious and may affect any hollow viscus. Cystic pneumatosis may be expected to resolve if the primary condition is reversible or remediable, but if secondary to chronic pulmonary disease is likely to persist. Interstitial emphysema rapidly resolves when the obstruction is relieved or the intraluminal pressure lowered. The radiological appearances of the different types are, to a large extent, characteristic and when considered together with the clinical data permit accurate pre-operative diagnosis. These appearances have been described together with brief details of the clinical, pathological and aetiological features. Seven illustrative case histories are recorded. The literature has been reviewed briefly and a selected bibliography is given.
The distinction between commercial and non-commercial bus services in Germany: Given by nature?

Abstract German public transport services by bus are characterized by a regulatory framework that distinguishes between commercial and non-commercial services. Contrary to the apparent views of legislators, this paper shows that costs and revenues are not the only parameters determining whether or not operators are able to provide services in a commercially viable way. Apart from the local characteristics of the specific service, we show that the classification of services as commercial versus non-commercial is determined in large part by the public transport authorities that set minimum quality standards to be provided by operators. Our analysis shows that the authorities awarding the contracts in some cases affect market organization significantly depending on how they make use of this power. Furthermore, market organization differs substantially with respect to the awarding structure and the contractual relationships, thus creating a challenge for operators and authorities in an embryonic market.
Introductory Lecture: Basic quantities in model biomembranes

One of the many aspects of membrane biophysics dealt with in this Faraday Discussion regards the material moduli that describe energies at a supramolecular level. This introductory lecture first critically reviews differences in reported numerical values of the bending modulus KC, which is a central property for the biologically important flexibility of membranes. It is speculated that there may be a reason that the shape analysis method tends to give larger values of KC than the micromechanical manipulation method or the more recent X-ray method that agree very well with each other. Another theme of membrane biophysics is the use of simulations to provide exquisite detail of structures and processes. This lecture critically reviews the application of atomic level simulations to the quantitative structure of simple single component lipid bilayers and diagnostics are introduced to evaluate simulations. Another theme of this Faraday Discussion was lateral heterogeneity in biomembranes with many different lipids. Coarse grained simulations and analytical theories promise to synergistically enhance experimental studies when their interaction parameters are tuned to agree with experimental data, such as the slopes of experimental tie lines in ternary phase diagrams. Finally, attention is called to contributions that add relevant biological molecules to bilayers and to contributions that study the exciting shape changes and different non-bilayer structures with different lipids.
Current Status of the Biological Control Agent Neomusotima conspurcatalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), on Lygodium microphyllum (Polypodiales: Lygodiaceae) in Florida

Summary The brown Lygodium defoliating moth, Neomusotima conspurcatalis Warren (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), was released beginning in 2008 to control Old World climbing fern, Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R. Br (Polypodiales: Lygodiaceae). The moth readily established in Jonathan Dickinson State Park, but at other sites populations remained at low densities or were locally extirpated. In 2012 and 2013, we recovered N. conspurcatalis populations at all original release sites except Everglades National Park and those treated with herbicide. The original releases of 4,000 or more individuals per site were entirely successful, pointing to a strategy that focuses on numbers at this target level or beyond for future releases in Florida.
Long-term outcome and the use of revascularization in patients with heart failure, suspected ischemic heart disease, and large reversible myocardial perfusion defects.

Abstract Background The potential role of coronary revascularization in the management of patients with congestive heart failure and suspected ischemic heart disease remains to be defined. Myocardial perfusion imaging can identify patients with ischemic heart disease as the etiology for left ventricular dysfunction who might benefit from revascularization. Methods We retrospectively identified heart failure patients with suspected ischemic heart disease who had large reversible perfusion defects to determine their long-term outcome and rate of revascularization. The study group consisted of 77 patients with congestive heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction Results The 5-year mortality rate was 57.6%. The revascularization rate was only 13% for 5 years of follow-up. The number of patients undergoing revascularization was too small to assess its impact on outcome. Conclusion These results indicate a high 5-year mortality rate and a low utilization of coronary revascularization in patients with heart failure and large reversible perfusion defects. The low rate of revascularization reflects at least in part the absence of the generalizability of the existing literature to the optimal means of treating patients with heart failure and myocardial ischemia and points to the need for a randomized clinical trial. (Am Heart J 2002;143:904-9.)
WATER VAPOR SORPTION ON KAOLINITE: ENTROPY OF ADSORPTION

Water vapor adsorption isotherms at five temperatures between 0 and 40°C were obtained on Li and Na kaolinite. By a careful experimental technique, the error in the determination of weight of water adsorbed was reduced to + 0.01 mg/g and that of equilibrium vapor pressure was reduced to ± 0.0002 mm Hg. The data were used to calculate the integral and differential entropy of the adsorbed water phase.
Evaluation of sciatic nerve function after ultrasonic and electrocautery muscle dissection: an electromyographic study.

Background Minimally invasive surgery has been developed with various innovative surgical tools. Ultrasonic (US) blades have been introduced as an alternative to conventional electrocautery (EC) monopolar device. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of surgical devices used for muscle dissection close to peripheral nerves on motor nerve function using electromyographic (EMG) recordings. Materials and Methods A total of 24 rats were used in this study. The rats were assigned to the following three groups: Control ( n = 8), EC ( n = 8), and US ( n = 8). A stimulus electrode was placed under the sciatic nerve at a sciatic notch. A pair of recording electrodes was implanted into the midbelly regions of the gastrocnemius muscle. To evoke compound muscle action potentials (CMAPs), 3-V stimuli with 0.3-ms duration were applied to the sciatic nerve at a frequency of 1 Hz. After the recording of the baseline, a monopolar surgical device (EC or US) was applied to cut the muscle 10 mm in length and 2 mm away on both sides of the sciatic nerve. Amplitude and latency of the evoked CMAPs were measured. CMAPs were monitored until 3 hours after the device application. Results The EC device caused a marked drop in the amplitude of CMAP with no recovery at the end of the experiment. In the US group, the amplitude of CMAP was stable and constant CMAP over 3 hours, similar to the control group could be measured. In all three groups, the latency of CMAP showed no significant changes through the experiment. Conclusion The study showed that the EC device resulted in injury to several motor units in the sciatic nerve. The US device may be a safe tool for muscle dissection around peripheral nerves.
Role of Diacylglycerol in PKD Recruitment to the TGN and Protein Transport to the Plasma Membrane

Protein kinase D (PKD) is a cytosolic serine-threonine kinase that binds to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and regulates the fission of transport carriers specifically destined to the cell surface. PKD was found to bind diacylglycerol (DAG), and this binding was necessary for its recruitment to the TGN. Reducing cellular levels of DAG inhibited PKD recruitment and blocked protein transport from the TGN to the cell surface. Thus, a DAG-dependent, PKD-mediated signaling regulates the formation of transport carriers from the TGN in mammalian cells.
Understanding privacy behaviors of millennials within social networking sites

Creating and defining an online persona is something most Millennials will find themselves doing as they transition into adulthood. Today having an online profile is almost essential to fully network with friends, family, and employers. Despite the popularity of this technology amongst teenagers, not a lot is understood in terms of their privacy behaviors or attitudes regarding privacy within social networking sites (SNS). To investigate this, we designed an interview-based study, in which we questioned several high school students about their thoughts and privacy practices, and habits. We found, contrary to popular thought, that privacy is a concern for most Millennials and manifests itself in both attitudes and practice for young users. Popular media, and often times concerned parents, have assumed teenagers do not understand the nuances of Social Networking Sites and believe Facebook is a danger-ridden landscape for young people's well being and reputation. This study however found a group of savvy Millennials that understood the potential dangers affiliated with low privacy settings, and took precautions with their identity and online personas. The findings from this study, along with guidelines set forth for practice and additional research, will help the information community better evaluate Millennial behaviors and serve their online needs.
Increased expression of MICA in serum of pancreatic cancer patients

Introduction: Major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related A (MICA) is a stress-inducible glycoprotein that is expressed as a transmembrane protein or released as a soluble protein. MICA binds to NKG2D, an activation receptor expressed in natural killer cells and various T cells. MICA expression is increased in a variety of epithelial malignancies, including melanomas, breast, gastric, and colon cancers. We investigated whether serum MICA levels are increased in patients with pancreatic cancer. Methods: Serum of 61 pancreatic cancer patients and 33 healthy volunteers were analyzed for MICA expression using an ELISA kit. Serum MICA levels were correlated with patient demographic and clinicopathologic parameters. Mann-Whitney U test was used to test siginificance. Results: Serum MICA levels of pancreatic cancer patients were significantly higher than in controls (1107 pg/mL vs. 215 pg/ml, p 0.05). Serum MICA levels in patients with resected tumors (n = 24) were significantly lower than in unresected patients (n = 37)(390 pg/mL vs. 1572 pg/mL, p < 0.05). Survival in resected patients (n = 23) was significantly better than in unresected patients (n = 34)(17 months vs. 11 months, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Serum MICA levels are significantly increased in pancreatic cancer patients, and correlate with extent of tumor burden. Surgery may decrease serum MICA levels and improve survival.
Microlensing of the Lensed Quasar SDSS 0924+0219*

We analyze V-, I-, and H-band HST images and two seasons of R-band monitoring data for the gravitationally lensed quasar SDSS 0924+0219. We clearly see that image D is a point-source image of the quasar at the center of its host galaxy. We can easily track the host galaxy of the quasar close to image D because microlensing has provided a natural coronograph that suppresses the flux of the quasar image by roughly an order of magnitude. We observe low-amplitude, uncorrelated variability between the four quasar images due to microlensing, but no correlated variations that could be used to measure a time delay. Monte Carlo models of the microlensing variability provide estimates of the mean stellar mass in the lens galaxy (0.03 h2 M☉ M 2.0 h2 M☉), the accretion disk size (the disk temperature is 5 × 104 K at 1.3 × 1014 h-1 cm rs 4.7 × 1014 h-1 cm), and the black hole mass (6.6 × 106 M☉ MBH h3/2 η (L/LEdd)1/2 4.4 × 107 M☉), all at 68% confidence. The black hole mass estimate based on microlensing is mildly inconsistent with an estimate of MBH = (2.8 ± 0.9) × 108 M☉ from the Mg II emission-line width. If we extrapolate the best-fitting light curve models into the future, we expect images A and B to fade and images C and D to brighten. In particular, we estimate that image D has a roughly 16% probability of brightening by a factor of 2 during the next year and a 40% probability of brightening by an order of magnitude over the next decade.
Intrapartum Considerations in Prenatal Care

The epidemic of obesity continues to grow undaunted, promising to affect the lives of more women of childbearing age. The challenges facing those charged with obstetrical care of the obese may require variation in care from forethought and planning, to consultation or referral for care at specialized centers. The routine management of late pregnancy must take into account the increase in risk for late fetal loss, failed induction and trial of labor after cesarean delivery, and postcesarean complications, such as wound-related morbidity and venous thromboembolism. Awareness of prolonged labor curves and the risk of shoulder dystocia must also be part of the management of labor. The data regarding many interventions attempted on behalf of these at risk gravidas are rudimentary but may allow for modifications in care that will positively impact outcomes for mother and child.
Mechanical actuator to suppress vibration

The object of this study is to investigate the feasibility of construction of a mechanical actuator to be used for vibrational control of finite-dimensional dynamical systems. The actuator will produce the forces generated by two oppositely rotating eccentric masses of variable eccentricity and equal but opposite angular velocities (omega) .© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Interaction of environmental light and eye pigmentation with inherited retinal degenerations

Abstract The effects of eye pigmentation and light deprivation on the rate of photoreceptor degeneration have been explored in rodents with inherited photoreceptor degenerations. In pink-eyed RCS rats with inherited retinal dystrophy, the rate of degeneration is slowed when the animals are dark-reared. Fully pigmented RCS rats reared in cyclic light show the same degree of slowing as seen in dark-reared, pink-eyed RCS rats. Dark-rearing in fully pigmented rats fails to result in any further slowing of the degeneration. In albino nervous mutant mice with a slow form of photoreceptor degeneration, darkrearing fails to slow the rate of degeneration. The findings are compared with those of similar experiments in mice with the retinal degeneration mutation and human retinitis pigmentosa patients. In all forms of inherited retinal degeneration tested thus far, light deprivation fails to retard the disease, at least if the eyes are pigmented and in some cases even if they are not.
Is health literacy an example of construct proliferation? A conceptual and empirical evaluation of its redundancy with general cognitive ability

Abstract During the last 20 years, health literacy has been promoted as an important determinant of individual and group differences in health outcomes. Despite a definition and pattern of associations with health outcomes highly similar to ‘g’ (i.e., the general cognitive ability factor), health literacy has been conceptualized as a distinct construct. This study evaluates the conceptual and empirical distinctiveness of health literacy. A sample of 167 students from a southeastern urban university (117 females and 50 males) between the ages of 18 and 53 (M = 21.31, SD = 5.61) completed a cognitive ability battery, three health literacy tests, two knowledge tests, and a questionnaire assessing 12 health behaviors and health outcomes. Across 36 tests of criterion-related validity, cognitive ability had an effect in all 36 cases, where the health literacy tests only showed measureable incremental validity in 6 of 36 cases. Factor analysis revealed only three factors defined by the traditional ability tests with the health literacy measures loading on the ability factors as predicted by the content validity analysis. There was no evidence of a health literacy factor. The combined results from a comparative content analysis, an empirical factor analysis, and an incremental validity analysis cast doubt on the uniqueness of a health literacy construct. It is suggested that measures of health literacy are simply domain-specific contextualized measures of basic cognitive abilities. Implications for linking these literatures and increasing our understanding of the influence of intellectual factors on health are discussed.
Transactivation of Adenovirus E2-early Promoter by E1A and E4 6/7 in the Context of Viral Chromosome

Transcription from adenovirus E2-early promoter is controlled by a unique array of four cis-acting elements which include an atypical TBP site, two E2F sites present in an inverted orientation relative to each other, and an ATF site. In virus-infected cells, this promoter is transactivated by E1A and the E4 6/7 proteins. In addition, it is also stimulated by the DNA-binding protein (DBP) in transient transfection assays. Here we describe a genetic analysis of the E2 transcriptional regulation in the context of the viral chromosome. By using genetically engineered mutant adenoviruses we have determined the interrelationship between the different cis-acting elements of the E2-early promoter during basal transcription, the extent to which E1A and E4 6/7 contribute to the E2 promoter activation and the E2 promoter elements that respond to these transactivators. We show that at eight hours following infection, E1A can transactivate the promoter about 21-fold whereas E4 6/7 can induce the promoter by only fivefold. DBP does not induce the promoter in the chromosomal context. Our mutational analysis suggests that the unique architecture of the E2-early promoter necessitates the concerted interaction of all three host transcription factors with their cognate recognition elements to form a stable and functional transcription complex. E1A mediated transactivation is dependent on this stable basal transcription complex and transactivation may involve simultaneous interaction of E1A with each of the three transcription factors present in the multicomponent basal transcription complex. The E4 6/7 protein can transactivate the E2-early promoter in the absence of ATF presumably by promoting the DNA binding capacity of transcription factor E2F and thereby stabilizing the basal transcription complex. We discuss some of the possible protein-protein interactions that may take place at the level of the multicomponent transcriptional complex at the E2-early promoter during transcriptional activation and the discrepancies that arise when a promoter is analyzed in infection versus transfection assays.
Intracellular glutathione in stretch-induced cytokine release from alveolar type-2 like cells.

Objective: Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) is characterized by release of inflammatory cytokines, but the mechanisms are not well understood. We hypothesized that stretch-induced cytokine production is dependent on oxidant release and is regulated by intracellular glutathione (GSH) inhibition of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) binding. Methodology: Type 2-like alveolar epithelial cells (A549) were exposed to cyclic stretch at 15% strain for 4 h at 20 cycles/min with or without N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or glutathione monoethylester (GSH-e) to increase intracellular GSH, or buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), to deplete intracellular GSH. Results: Cyclic stretch initially caused a decline in intracellular GSH and a rise in the levels of isoprostane, a marker of oxidant injury. This was followed by a significant increase in intracellular GSH and a decrease in isoprostane. Stretch-induced IL-8 and IL-6 production were significantly inhibited when intracellular GSH was further increased by NAC or GSH-e (P < 0.0001). Stretch-induced IL-8 and IL-6 production were augmented when intracellular GSH was depleted by BSO (P < 0.0001). NAC blocked stretch-induced NF-κB and AP-1 binding and inhibited IL-8 mRNA expression. Conclusions: We conclude that oxidant release may play a role in lung cell stretch-induced cytokine release, and antioxidants, which increase intracellular GSH, may protect lung cells against stretch-induced injury.
Deception of trans fats on Food and Drug Administration food labels: a proposed revision to the presentation of trans fats on food labels.

Ingestion of trans fats (TFs) is a public health concern, and it has been suggested by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), American Diabetes Association, and American Heart Association that they be ingested in limited quantites. This document covers what a TF is, how TFs are harmful, and current labeling guidelines; it additionally recommends changes in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) food labeling guidelines to improve awareness of TFs in foods.
Problems in estimating maternal effects

Abstract The basic problems inherent in the estimation of maternal effects are considered. A maternal effect is defined as an effect contributed to the phenotypic value of an offspring by his dam. The two most important problems are the confounding of the maternal effect of the dam and her genetic contribution to the genotypic value of her offspring and the possibility of a negative genetic correlation between the direct and maternal effect. The literature on maternal effect theory is reviewed. A general genetic model for the study of maternal effects is developed. Then problems arising in the estimation of genetic variance and covariance using covariances between relatives are studied and the examination of problems arising in the estimation of maternal effects for genetic groups and their cross combinations are considered.
The solar abundance of gold.

From 13 scans obtained with a double-band pass spectrograph at the Snow telescope at Mount Wilson, interpreted by the method of spectral synthesis, the abundance of gold turns out to be log [N(Au)/N(H)] + 12 = 0.70, assuming loggf = − 0.57.
Lower Bounds for Agnostic Learning via Approximate Rank

We prove that the concept class of disjunctions cannot be pointwise approximated by linear combinations of any small set of arbitrary real-valued functions. That is, suppose that there exist functions $$\phi_{1}, \ldots , \phi_{r}$$: {− 1, 1}n → $${\mathbb{R}}$$with the property that every disjunction f on n variables has $$\|f - \sum\nolimits_{i=1}^{r} \alpha_{i}\phi_{i}\|_{\infty}\leq 1/3$$ for some reals $$\alpha_{1}, \ldots , \alpha_{r}$$. We prove that then $$r \geq exp \{\Omega(\sqrt{n})\}$$, which is tight. We prove an incomparable lower bound for the concept class of decision lists. For the concept class of majority functions, we obtain a lower bound of $$\Omega(2^{n}/n)$$, which almost meets the trivial upper bound of 2n for any concept class. These lower bounds substantially strengthen and generalize the polynomial approximation lower bounds of Paturi (1992) and show that the regression-based agnostic learning algorithm of Kalai et al. (2005) is optimal.