cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A New Test Structure for Shallow Trench Isolation (STI) Depth Monitor

A non-destructive electrical process monitor has been developed for shallow trench isolation (STI) depth control in an advanced high voltage analog process. An implanted p-body (LDMOS back gate) pinch resistor has been demonstrated to accurately measure the depth of the shallow trench isolation. STI depth can be further correlated to critical LDMOS parameters such as Rdson (on resistance) and BVdss (off-state device breakdown). This technique can be easily implemented in the scribe line to monitor STI depth as well as to characterize variation in high voltage component.
Small deletions in the type II collagen triple helix produce Kniest dysplasia

Kniest dysplasia is a moderately severe type II collagenopathy, characterized by short trunk and limbs, kyphoscoliosis, midface hypoplasia, severe myopia, and hearing loss. Mutations in the gene that encodes type II collagen (COL2A1), the predominant protein of cartilage, have been identified in a number of individuals with Kniest dysplasia. All but two of these previously described mutations cause in-frame deletions in type II collagen, either by small deletions in the gene or splice site alterations. Furthermore, all but one of these mutations is located between exons 12 and 24 in the COL2A1 gene. We used heteroduplex analysis to identify sequence anomalies in five individuals with Kniest dysplasia. Sequencing of the index patients' genomic DNA identified four new dominant mutations in COL2A1 that result in Kniest dysplasia: a 21-bp deletion in exon 16, an 18-bp deletion in exon 19, and 4-bp deletions in the splice donor sites of introns 14 and 20. A previously described 28-bp deletion at the COL2A1 exon 12-intron 12 junction, deleting the splice donor site, was identified in the fifth case. The latter three mutations are predicted to result in exon skipping in the mRNA encoded from the mutant allele. These data suggest that Kniest dysplasia results from shorter type II collagen monomers, and support the hypothesis that alteration of a specific COL2A1 domain, which may span from exons 12 to 24, leads to the Kniest dysplasia phenotype.
MPP+-induces PUMA- and p53-dependent, but ATF3-independent cell death.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and depletion of striatal dopamine (DA), leading to a range of motor symptoms, including resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural abnormalities. The neurotoxin (MPTP) and its active metabolite, 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), cause dopaminergic cell loss in a variety of animal species and produce symptoms similar to those seen in PD. Our lab has shown that MPP+ activates cell stress pathways, including the unfolded protein response (UPR) in mouse primary mesencephalic cultures. The BH3-only protein, PUMA (p53 upregulated mediator of apoptosis), has been shown to be activated in response to many cellular stresses, including endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and UPR, and to induce cell death. Therefore, we hypothesized that PUMA may mediate MPP+ toxicity. To test this hypothesis, we compared the response of primary mesencephalic cultures from wild-type and PUMA deficient (−/−) mice to MPP+. We also utilized cultures from p53 −/− and activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) −/− mice to further elucidate the pathways involved. These studies revealed that PUMA and p53, but not ATF3, are required for MPP+-induced cell death, suggesting that UPR activation is parallel to the induction of MPP+-induced cell death.
The R402Q tyrosinase variant does not cause autosomal recessive ocular albinism

Mutations in the gene for tyrosinase, the key enzyme in melanin synthesis, are responsible for oculocutaneous albinism type 1, and more than 100 mutations of this gene have been identified. The c.1205G > A variant of the tyrosinase gene (rs1126809) predicts p.R402Q and expression studies show thermolabile enzyme activity for the variant protein. The Q402 allele has been associated with autosomal recessive ocular albinism when it is in trans with a tyrosinase gene mutation associated with oculocutaneous albinism type 1. We have identified 12 families with oculocutaneous albinism type 1 that exhibit segregation of the c.1205G > A variant with a known pathologic mutation on the homologous chromosome, and demonstrate no genetic association between autosomal recessive oculocutaneous albinism and the Q402 variant. We conclude that the codon 402 variant of the tyrosinase gene is not associated with albinism.
Aldonamides as potential bulking agents

Abstract Nine aldonamides with molecular weights and chemical structures similar to that of sucrose were synthesized. Aldonamides were synthesized by reacting 1-amino-1-deoxy-D-glucitol or 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol with monosaccharide lactones in methanol or ethanol. Eight of the aldonamides were crystalline. All were tasteless. The solubility, hygroscopicity, and solution enthalpy of four of the compounds were determined and found to vary greatly. Most of the aldonamides tested possess physiochemical characteristics similar to that of sucrose and, therefore, could potentially be used as reduced-calorie bulking agents.
Neural correlates of adolescents’ viewing of parents’ and peers’ emotions: Associations with risk-taking behavior and risky peer affiliations

Social reorientation from parents to same-age peers is normative in adolescence, but the neural correlates of youths’ socioemotional processing of parents and peers have not been explored. In the current study, 22 adolescents (average age 16.98) underwent neuroimaging (functional magnetic resonance imaging) while viewing and rating emotions shown in brief video clips featuring themselves, their parents, or an unfamiliar peer. Viewing self vs. other and parents vs. the peer activated regions in the medial prefrontal cortex, replicating prior findings that this area responds to self-relevant stimuli, including familiar and not just similar others. Viewing the peer compared with parents elicited activation in posterior ‘mentalizing’ structures, the precuneus, posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), bilateral posterior superior temporal sulcus and right temporoparietal junction, as well as the ventral striatum and bilateral amygdala and hippocampus. Relative activations in the PCC and precuneus to the peer vs. the ...
Activity of Aminoglycoside Antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Specificity and Site of Calcium and Magnesium Antagonism

Four aminoglycoside antibiotics were tested against five species of gram-negative bacilli in defined media with various concentrations of calcium and magnesium. A species-specific antagonism of antimicrobial action against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed. Antibiotics were not inactivated, but the bacilli became unsusceptible. Even after a long incubation in a bactericidal concentration of gentamicin, the addition of calcium stabilized P. aeruginosa and permitted bacterial replication in the presence of an otherwise lethal concentration of drug. Calcium and magnesium exerted their inhibitory effect only if the bacterial cell wall was intact. Also, the action of gentamicin on carbenicillin-induced spheroplasts of P. aeruginosa was not antagonized by calcium. It was concluded that the interaction of magnesium or calcium with P. aeruginosa, which results in its resistance to aminoglycoside antibiotics, is at a locus exterior to the bacterial membrane, probably in the cell wall or a linkage between the cell wall and membrane. Of five common species of gram-negative bacilli tested, the effect is speciesspecific for P. aeruginosa and is similar for all of the aminoglycoside antibiotics.
720 Hippocampal and cerebellar BDNF levels in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome

HealthCenter,ObstetricsandGynecology,Farmington,CT OBJECTIVE: Down Syndrome (DS) affects about one in 800 newborns and is associated with developmental delay and learning impairment. BDNFisaneurotrophinthatisessentialinnormalneuronaldevelopment and synaptic plasticity which underlie paradigms of learning andmemory.Theobjectiveofthisstudywastoevaluateifhippocampal and cerebellar levels of BDNF are altered in a DS model. STUDY DESIGN: We used a well characterized mouse model of DS (Ts65Dn). Learning and memory were assessed in the Morris watermaze with the Ts65Dn animals demonstrating a learning deficit. After completion of the behavioral testing, the brains were removed and microdissected to obtain hippocampus and cerebellum. BDNF was measured in the protein lysates using a microsphere-based multiplex immunoassay (Luminex xMAP, Millipore) and normalized to proteinlevels.Statisticalanalysisincludedthenon-parametricMannWhitney U for the BDNF data P.05 significant. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the levels (median [range])of BDNF in the hippocampus [ (386.6 [165.5-617.4] vs 367.3 [212.4-587.0]pg/mL)intheTs65Dnascomparedtotheeuploid(control)animals(Figure).Similarly,therewerenodifferencesinBDNFin the cerebellum (48.5 [33.9-104.6] vs 41.3 [28.0-71.0] pg/mL) from
Expert systems in forestry: Utilizing information and expertise for decision making☆

Abstract Expert systems are computer programs designed to simulate the problem-solving ability of human experts in specialized fields. They incorporate a knowledge base that contains the scientific knowledge and experience for solving specific types of problems, a data base for the facts pertinent to particular problems, and a control program that constructs lines of reasoning to solve the problems. They have been successfully applied in many fields, but very few forestry applications have been reported. The authors have developed an expert system, named PREDICT, to help foresters diagnose pest problems in red pine ( Pinus resinosa , Ait.) stands, based on symptoms easily observed in the field. The program recognizes 28 different causes of symptoms in red pine, and incorporates over 400 inference rules in its knowledge base. The manner in which expert systems solve problems is illustrated with an example from the pest diagnosis system. Preliminary experience with the pest diagnosis application suggests that expert systems can be very effective at solving forestry problems of this type. Other areas of forestry that might benefit from the application of expert systems include silviculture, site evaluation, reforestation, and inventory design. The authors encourage other forestry researchers to investigate possible applications of expert systems. Several topics are discussed that are of importance to anyone considering the application of expert systems to areas of forestry. Tools for developing expert systems are readily available, and they can be implemented on desk-top computers for easy access by professionals in all sectors of forestry. Expert systems provide a framework for presenting the latest scientific knowledge and decision-making expertise in a form that can be readily applied by foresters in the field.
PARTITIONING OF POLAR FATTY ACIDS INTO LYMPH AND PORTAL VEIN AFTER INTESTINAL ABSORPTION IN THE RAT

We tested the hypothesis that fatty acids destined for the portal vein after intestinal absorption would be diverted into lymph when infused along with a saturated long-chain fatty acid. Thoracic fistula rats were infused intraduodenally with either linolenic (18:3), lauric (12:0), or decanoic (10:0) acid, or with each fatty acid in combination with 5 mM palmitic acid (16:0), in micellar solutions of taurocholate (10 mM) and 2-mono-oleoylglycerol. Lymphatic transport of linolenic acid was enhanced by co-absorption with palmitic acid: when 0.1 mM linolenic acid was infused alone, 32 +/- 8% of that absorbed and transported beyond the mesentery was carried in lymph. The addition of palmitic acid to the infusate increased the percentage transported in lymph to 56 +/- 10% (P less than 0.005). The increment was due to enhanced intracellular re-esterification of linolenate into triacylglycerol. When 5 mM linolenic acid was infused, the comparable figures for lymphatic transport were 55 +/- 2% for linolenate infused alone and 66 +/- 6% for linolenate infused with palmitate (P less than 0.005). In contrast, the predominantly portal venous transport of lauric and decanoic acids was unaffected by co-absorption with palmitate. We conclude that the partitioning of long-chain fatty acids between portal blood and lymph is dependent on the luminal milieu, in addition to polarity of the fatty acid and the rate of absorption. Unsaturated long-chain fatty acids have a substantial portal transport under conditions which simulate normal food ingestion.
What We Can Learn of Resilience from Older African-American Women: Interviews with Women Who Worked as Maids in the Deep South

Resilience theory is increasingly informed by an in-depth study of personal narratives and story telling by survivors of personal trauma and cultural hardship. From the perspective of risk and resilience theory, this study examines the personal narratives of three older African-American women who engaged in domestic service from childhood. Collectively, their autobiographical memories describe experiences coping with the forces of an oppressive social and economic system. Our analysis of these personable narratives reveals how these women not only endured the cruelties of segregation and racism but somehow prevailed over them.
Acoustooptical approaches to radar signal processing

To realize full benefit from a radar, the analyzed echoes must be strong and sharp. Two options are available: Either the transmitted burst must be an intense, short pulse (often not a propitious arrangement) or the onus can be put on the receiver to process the echo into something more than it appears to be. One method for ``upgrading'' the received signal beyond a feeble echo from a not-too-powerful transmitted beam is acoustooptical processing, in which the reflected radar beam is converted to an acoustic wave that is used to modulate a light source. Then with the appropriate operation on the modulated light, the radar echo input is correlated against an optical filter. Of the two acoustooptic correlator classes described here, one works well below 150 MHz and the other is appropriate for frequencies above 150 MHz.
Amantadine does not reduce cocaine use or craving in cocaine-dependent methadone maintenance patients.

We tested the efficacy of amantadine to reduce cocaine use or craving in cocaine-dependent methadone maintained patients. Two doses of amantadine (200 mg p.o. daily, n = 16, and 200 mg p.o. bid, n = 21) were tested against placebo, n = 22, in a random assignment, double-blind clinical trial lasting nine weeks. Amantadine was well tolerated. However, neither dose of amantadine was more effective than placebo in reducing cocaine use and craving.
Role of Src signal transduction pathways in scatter factor-mediated cellular protection

Scatter factor (SF) (hepatocyte growth factor) is a pleiotrophic cytokine that accumulates in tumors, where it may induce invasion, angiogenesis, and chemoresistance. We have studied the mechanisms by which SF and its receptor (c-Met) protect cells against the DNA-damaging agent adriamycin (ADR) as a model for chemoresistance of SF/c-Met-overexpressing tumors. Previous studies identified a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/c-Akt/Pak1/NF-κB cell survival pathway in DU-145 prostate cancer and Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cells. Here we studied Src signaling pathways involved in SF cell protection. Src enhanced basal and SF stimulated NF-κB activity and SF protection against ADR, in a manner dependent upon its kinase and Src homology 3 domains; and endogenous Src was required for SF stimulation of NF-κB activity and cell protection. The ability of Src to enhance SF stimulation of NF-κB activity was due, in part, to its ability to stimulate Akt and IκB kinase activity; and Src-mediated stimulation of NF-κB was due, in part, to a Rac1/MKK3/6/p38 pathway and was Akt-dependent. SF caused the activation of Src and the Rac1 effector Pak1. Furthermore, SF induced activating phosphorylations of MKK3, MKK6, and p38 within the c-Met signalsome in an Src-dependent manner. The NF-κB-inducing kinase was found to act downstream of TAK1 (transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1) as a mediator of SF- and Src-stimulated NF-κB activity. Finally, the Src/Rac1/MKK3/6/p38 and Src/TAK1/NF-κB-inducing kinase pathways exhibited cross-talk at the level of MKK3. These findings delineate some novel signaling pathways for SF-mediated resistance to ADR.
Art therapy assessments and rating instruments: Do they measure up?

Abstract There are many benefits to justify the use of art therapy assessment techniques and rating instruments. However, methodological, theoretical and philosophical problems abound. These problems are explored, in relation to art therapy assessments and their corresponding rating tools. Information about the various types of rating scales is provided, including a comparison of the Diagnostic Drawing Series (DDS) rating system and that of the Person Picking an Apple From a Tree (PPAT) assessment, i.e., the Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale (FEATS). The most effective approach to assessment in the field of art therapy appears to incorporate objective measures such as standardized evaluation procedures (formal assessments; behavioral checklists; portfolio evaluation), and subjective approaches such as the client's interpretation of his or her artwork.
A Note on Shortest Prediction Intervals for Log-Linear Regression

In situations where the log transformation is used to make the assumptions of the ordinary linear regression model more reasonable, interval estimates for future observations are often desired in the scale of the original measurements. Common practice is to transfer the usual equal tail interval in the transformed scale back to the original scale. Conditions under which this procedure gives reasonably short intervals as compared with the shortest possible interval having the same content are derived, and a simple procedure that gives a reasonably short interval is suggested when it is not satisfactory. Primarily, a Bayesian point of view is taken.
Activation of syk in an immature B cell line does not require lyn activity

BKS-2 is an immature B cell lymphoma that undergoes apoptotic cell death when signaled via its surface IgM receptor. To study the signaling components of surface IgM mediated apoptosis in B lymphoma cells, we generated mutants of BKS-2 that were resistant to anti-IgM induced apoptosis. One mutant cell line, 1.B5, did not undergo apoptotic cell death upon treatment with anti-IgM antibodies and also did not exhibit elevation of intracellular Ca2+ in response to cross-linking of surface IgM. This appeared to be due to a defect in protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activity since fewer proteins were tyrosine phosphorylated in the mutant cells stimulated with anti-IgM when compared to wild type BKS-2. Subsequently, we showed that protein tyrosine kinases lyn and blk were inducibly tyrosine phosphorylated in the wild type BKS-2 but not in 1.B5 mutant cells in response to anti-IgM. Also the kinase activity of lyn was elevated in the wild type but not in mutant cells upon triggering through surface IgM. Furthermore, tyrosine phosphorylation of CD19, a known substrate of lyn, was inducible in anti-IgM stimulated BKS-2 cells but severely reduced in 1.B5 cells. In contrast, kinase activity of another src kinase, blk, was increased on anti-IgM stimulation in both wild type and mutant cells. Surprisingly, syk, a non-src protein tyrosine kinase important for surface IgM mediated signaling, was tyrosine phosphorylated in the lyn deficient mutant cells as well as in the wild type BKS-2 cells. Furthermore, anti-IgM induced increase in kinase activity of syk was similar in the mutant and wild type cells. Thus, in contrast to other studies that propose syk to be a downstream target of src family kinases, syk may act upstream of lyn in immature B cells. Consistent with a functional syk, its target, phospholipase γ2 (PLC-γ2) was normally tyrosine phosphorylated in mutant cells.
Implications of Gödel's Incompleteness Theorem on A.I. vs. Mind

In 1931, a young Austrian mathematician published a paper that sent shock waves through the mathematical community and forced mathematicians to take a fresh look at their discipline. The mathematician was Kurt Godel, and the result proved in his paper became known as the Godel Incompleteness Theorem, or more simply Godel’s Theorem—although it was by no means the only major theorem he proved during his highly successful career. He is also known as one of the inventors of the theory of recursive functions which formed part of the foundation for computers.
Information processing with longitudinal spectral decomposition of ultrafast pulses

We describe what we believe to be novel methods for waveform synthesis and detection relying on longitudinal spectral decomposition of subpicosecond optical pulses. Optical processing is performed in both all-fiber and mixed fiber-free-space systems. Demonstrated applications include ultrafast optical waveform synthesis, microwave spectrum analysis, and high-speed electrical arbitrary waveform generation. The techniques have the potential for time-bandwidth products of ≥104 due to exclusive reliance on time-domain processing. We introduce the principles of operation and subsequently support these with results from our experimental systems. Both theory and experiments suggest third-order dispersion as the principle limitation to large time-bandwidth products. Chirped-fiber Bragg gratings offer a route to increasing the number of resolvable spots for use in high-speed signal processing applications.
Property tailored perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) copolymers for optical devices

Organic polymers are increasingly attractive alternatives to inorganic materials in telecommunication devices. Polymers offer flexibility, low cost fabrication and connection, high transparency in the visible and near-infrared spectra, and versatility in structure, properties, and grades for task specific integration such as local-area-network applications. Halogenated polymers in particular show negligible transmission losses in the range desired and fluoropolymers represent the lowest loss examples of organic polymers to date. However, commercial perfluoropolymers in general are limited by poor processability, non-trivial refractive index matching, and they typically do not exhibit the thermal and thermomechanical stability required for some commercial processes and extreme environment in-use applications. Our strategy has focused on the thermal cyclopolymerization of trifunctional and bifunctional aryl trifluorovinyl ether monomers to perfluorocyclobutane (PFCB) copolymers. PFCB polymers and copolymers enjoy a unique combination of properties well suited for optical applications such as high temperature stability, precisely controlled refractive index, low moisture absorption, excellent melt and solution processability, a high thermooptic coefficient, and low transmission loss at 1300 and 1550 nm. Copolymerization reactions offer tailored thermal and optical properties by simple choice of comonomer. PFCB polymers can be solution or melt microfabricated via standard methods and can also be processed by soft-lithography techniques. Polymerization and processing parameters and characterization including thermal properties (Tg = 120-350 degree(s)C), optical loss (< 0.2 db/cm at 1550 nm), refractive index tunability (1.449-1.508 at 1550 nm), low birefringence, and optical stability is presented.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Preceptored introduction of laparoscopic techniques for cholecystectomy into a large university-affiliated medical center

Faced with the task of introducing laparoscopic techniques for cholecystectomy into the practice of a large department composed of individuals with varied backgrounds and experience, our surgical staff decided to grant provisional provileges to five surgeons, two from the full-time faculty and three from the community, who had completed a formal course in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. These five surgeons agreed to assist one another through 10 cases a piece before performing any procedures on their own or serving as preceptors for additional surgeons. Other surgeons could obtain credentials for this procedure by satisfying the same course criteria and receiving assistance from one of the five original surgeons during their first 10 cases. In the 14 months after September 1990, 250 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were performed by 19 different attending surgeons at our hospital. One death from hemorrhage (0.4%) and two bile duct injuries (0.8%) occurred in these patients. One of the bile duct injuries occurred after conversion to open cholecystectomy, as did the hemorrhage, which was from a vessel within the parenchyma of the gallbladder bed which rebled even after temporary control through open ligature technique. The second bile duct injury, the result of injudicious application of hemoclips for hemostasis, was minor in degree and the only injury to occur in a procedure conducted exclusively through the laparoscope. This experience demonstrates that laparoscopic techniques can be safely introduced into an environment involving multiple surgeons by adherence to a careful protocol of preceptored assistance.
Cooperative Relaying with Carrier Frequency Uncertainty

We investigate the performance of several suboptimal detectors in a differential space-time coding based cooperative relaying scenario with two relays wherein the carrier frequencies of the relays are not identical due to native oscillator instability. The relays cooperate using a differential Alamouti space-time block code with QPSK symbols transmitted over an unknown quasi-static Rayleigh fading channel. In such a scenario we observe that an optimal detector is prohibitively complex to use and hence we describe various suboptimal detectors and observe that there is no loss in the diversity order which is 2 in the case of using two relays.
Echo Contrast-Enhanced Diagnosis of Atrial Septal Defect

Abstract Pulsed wave, continuous wave, and color flow Doppler imaging as well as intravenously administered agitated saline solution can detect intracardiac shunts during transthoracic echocardiography. Ultrasonographic contrast agents have greatly improved the visualization of left heart chambers and can enhance signals from blood flow within chambers and across valves, increasing the sensitivity of Doppler techniques. We describe a patient in whom the use of echo contrast media during transthoracic echocardiography allowed the detection of a previously unseen atrial septal defect. Combining such modalities may help to increase the sensitivity of transthoracic echocardiography and may eliminate the need for transesophageal echocardiography in selected patients. (J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2001;14:155-7.)
Intellectual Capital, Communication, and Information in Organisations and Communities

The focus here is on die relation of informatic systems to intellectual capital in work organisations. Intellectual capital is frequently viewed as having several ingredient capitals, for example: human capital, internal structure capital, external structure/customer capital, and innovation capital (for example, Edvinsson & Malone, 1997). Edvinsson and Sullivan define intellectual capital as knowledge that can be converted into value (1996: 358). I argue mat intellectual capital in organisations and other collectivities includes three sets of assets: core capitals of organisational actors, communication capital, and community or social capital. Informatic systems enhance intellectual capital by facilitating the development and use of core knowledge and motivation capitals and the communication and community capitals that are the principal ingredients of intellectual capital as viewed here. Defining the relatively hidden assets of knowledge, motivation, communication, and communities of practice as capital...
Transport ATPase: thimerosal inhibits the Na+ +K+-dependent ATPase activity without diminishing the Na+-dependent ATPase activity.

Abstract A guinea pig kidney membrane preparation was incubated with thimerosal and then thoroughly washed. Comparison of the properties of the native and the modified membranes showed that (a) Na + +K + -dependent activity is substantially inhibited by thimerosal; (b) thimerosal does not diminish Na + -dependent ATPase activity; and (c) the thimerosal treated enzyme, like the native enzyme, is phosphorylated in the presence of Na + and ATP, and dephosphorylated upon the addition of K + . It is suggested that thimerosal does not affect the binding of ATP to the high-affinity catalytic site, but that it blocks the binding of ATP to a low affinity modifying site the occupation of which is essential for the dissociation of the stable K + -dephosphoenzyme and the recycling of the enzyme.
Infrared magneto-optical and photoluminescence studies of the electronic properties of In(As,Sb) strained-layer superlattices.

Long-wavelength magnetotransmission and photoluminescence measurements were performed on InAs{sub 0.13}Sb{sub 0.87}/InSb strained-layer superlattices (SLS's). The energies and reduced effective masses of several interband optical transitions were obtained from these experiments. SLS's with different layer thicknesses produced self-consistent results. With these data, the type-II band offset and band-edge strain-shift parameters were accurately determined. Consistent with a type-II offset, an extremely small, in-plane effective-mass hole ground state was observed, thus proving that the hole quantum well is located in the biaxially compressed, InSb layer. Nonparabolicity, suggesting valence-band anticrossing, was also observed.
A linkage analysis of cigarette and alcohol consumption in an unselected Mexican American population

The use of alcohol and tobacco is highly prevalent. Studying the rate of consumption in a non-selected population could contribute to the elucidation of pathways involved in addiction or to the development of prevention programs. The San Antonio Family Heart Study has approximately 1,400 members with longitudinal data and did not select the proband with regard to exposure status. The goal of this study was to perform genome-wide linkage analysis of the rate of alcohol and cigarette consumption in a "normal" population. We used SOLAR to perform variance-components based analysis of the transformed maximal rate of consumption. Despite estimated heritabilities of 0.52 (P < 0.001) for cigarette and 0.39 (P < 0.001) for alcohol consumption, univariate linkage analyses produced only suggestive LOD scores, however the second suggestive linkage peak for the alcohol phenotype was present at 148 cM on chromosome 10, in the exact vicinity of the peak for the cigarette phenotype. In a bivariate analyses, the environmental correlation between alcohol and cigarette consumption was not significantly different from zero (rho(e) = -0.15, P = 0.18) and the overall genetic correlation was not different from zero (rho(g) = 0.16, P = 0.34). The results from the bivariate linkage analysis found a maximum LOD score of 3.82 (genome-wide P = 0.0054) at 151 cM on chromosome 10, at the location of the overlapping peaks from the univariate analyses.
Extreme hypersensitiveness to heat

Abstract A case of extreme hypersensitiveness to heat is described. The outstanding features were: (1) Exposure of the chest to heat from an ordinary forty-watt desk lamp at a distance of one and one-half feet for thirty seconds invariably produced an attack of asthma. (2) An ice bag invariably relieved attacks in three or four minutes or less. (3) The patient was promptly desensitized to heat by foreign protein shocks from typhoid vaccine intravenously.
Efficiency enhancement of liquid crystal projection displays using light recycle technology

A new technology, developed at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), using low-absorption color filters with polarization and color recycle system, is able to enhance efficiency of a single panel liquid crystal display (LCD) projector to the same efficiency of a three panel LCD projector.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Autoerotic Asphyxiation: A Challenge to Death Educators and Counselors

Autoerotic asphyxiation is a form of erotic activity that has been practiced in many cultures for many years. It has been estimated that approximately 250–1000 deaths each year in the United States are the result of hangings that were intended to enhance sexual excitement. Educators and counselors may be called upon to respond to concerns about autoerotic asphyxiation both in general and in its sometimes lethal consequences. Family members and friends of people who have died in this way may have complicated grief responses because of the unanswered questions and anxieties that are likely to be aroused by autoerotic asphyxiation. Professional caregivers may also be disturbed by this seldom-discussed connection between sexuality and death. There may also be mistakes made in determining whether the death was accidental or the result of suicidal intent. Attention needs to be given to the individual's self-rescue mechanism. This article reviews the scattered literature on autoerotic asphyxiation and includes o...
Levels of α1 acid glycoprotein and ceruloplasmin predict future albumin levels in hemodialysis patients

Levels of α1 acid glycoprotein and ceruloplasmin predict future albumin levels in hemodialysis patients. Background Serum albumin concentration predicts mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. While serum albumin concentration correlates with serum concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) and is dependent upon CRP in multiple regression models in cross sectional studies, CRP does not predict future albumin levels, possibly because CRP changes rapidly, yielding large month-to-month variability in CRP. If inflammation causes rather than is simply associated with hypoalbuminemia, then changes in the levels of acute phase proteins should precede changes in serum albumin concentration. Methods The levels of long-lived positive and negative acute-phase proteins (APPs) (C-reactive protein, ceruloplasmin, α1 acid glycoprotein, transferrin and albumin) were measured longitudinally in 64 HD patients and a regression model was constructed to predict future albumin levels. Normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR) was measured monthly. The number of repeated measurements ranged from 9 to 39 in each patient (median 22 and a mean of 23 measurements). To construct a model that would predict serum albumin concentration at any time j, values of all longitudinally measured APPs, positive and negative at any time j - 1, approximately 30 days prior to time j, were used. Other demographic factors (such as, race, access type, and cause of renal failure) also were incorporated into the model. Results The model with the best fit for predicting serum albumin at time j included albumin, ceruloplasmin, and α1 acid glycoprotein measured at time j - 1. The only demographic variable with subsequent predictive value was diabetes. Conclusions The finding that changes in the concentration of the long lived APPs measured one month earlier are associated with predictable changes in the future concentration of serum albumin suggest that changes in inflammation are likely to be causal in determining serum albumin concentration in hemodialysis patients.
Low-noise active cancellation of transmitter leakage and transmitter noise in broadband wireless receivers for FDD/Co-existence

A technique for active cancellation of transmitter self-interference in wideband receivers is presented. The active TX leakage cancellation circuitry is embedded within a noise-cancelling low-noise transconductance amplifier (LNTA) so that the noise and the distortion of the cancellation circuitry are cancelled, resulting in a noise-cancelling, self-interference cancelling receiver (NC-SIC RX). A second-point cancellation of TX noise in the RX band is performed after the LNTA so that the noise impact of the second canceller is reduced. Theoretical analyses related to the benefits and limits of active self-interference cancellation as well as the simultaneous cancellation of the noise and distortion of the cancellation circuitry are presented. A 0.3-1.7 GHz receiver with the proposed active cancellation is implemented in 65 nm CMOS. The proposed scheme can cancel up to +2 dBm peak TX leakage at the receiver input. The triple beat at +2 dBm peak TX leakage is 68 dB and the effective IIP3 is +33 dBm, representing increases of 38 and 19 dB, respectively, over the receiver without cancellation. The associated increase in receiver NF is less than 0.8 dB. In addition, the scheme effectively suppresses TX noise in RX band by up to 13 dB. The technique can be more generally viewed as an active combining structure that has ideally no noise penalty and is able to handle large signals without generating distortion and can be applied to any scenario where a replica of an interference signal can be generated.
Diffusion barrier properties of nitride-based coatings on fuel cladding

Abstract In this work, titanium nitride (TiN) and zirconium nitride (ZrN) coatings are proposed as diffusion barriers between stainless steel nuclear fuel cladding and lanthanide fission products. TiN and ZrN have been coated as barrier materials between pure Fe and Ce, i.e. diffusion couples of Fe/TiN/Ce and Fe/ZrN/Ce, annealed up to a temperature of 600 °C, and compared to the diffusion behavior of uncoated Fe/Ce. Backscattered electron images and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurements confirm that, with a 500 nm TiN or ZrN layer, no obvious diffusion is observed between Fe and Ce. Basic diffusion characteristics of the Fe/Ce couple have also been measured and compared with the TiN and ZrN coated ones. These preliminary results strongly advocate that TiN and ZrN coatings may be feasible as diffusion barriers against Ce and possibly other lanthanide fission products.
Chemistry of thienopyridines. XXX. Elaboration of the substituent in 6-cyanothieno[2,3-b]pyridine

Ten derivatives of thieno[2,3-b]pyridine bearing substituents at the 6-position are obtained from transformations which start with 6-cyanothieno[2,3-b]pyridine (2). Treatment of 2 with sodium alkoxide-alkanol gives imidates (3) in ca. 85% yield. Methyl imidate 3a reacts, in turn, with ammonium chloride to produce a carboxamidine (84%), with 1,ω-alkyldiamines to form cyclic amidines, and with Meldrum's acid to give an aminoester intermediate (4) (36%). Various reagents then convert 4 into the acetyl derivative (86%) (also obtained directly from 2), an unsaturated aminoester (6) (80%), and a β-ketoester (7) (39%). Spectral data are reported for these compounds.
Optimal subcooling in vapor compression systems via extremum seeking control: Theory and experiments

Abstract With vapor compression systems consuming a significant portion of the overall U.S. energy consumption each year, extensive efforts have been made toward the development of control strategies which aim to maximize system efficiency while providing the desired cooling. However, previous control strategies under-utilize a degree of freedom corresponding to the amount of refrigerant in the system, which is related to condenser subcooling and can significantly affect system efficiency. In this paper, an alternative system architecture, which utilizes a receiver and an additional electronic expansion valve, is used to provide independent control of condenser subcooling. Simulation and experimental results show there exists an optimal subcooling which maximizes system efficiency; however, this optimal subcooling changes with operating conditions. Therefore, extremum seeking control is implemented to find the optimal subcooling in an adaptive, model-free manner. Experimental results demonstrate a 9% increase in efficiency using the alternative architecture and extremum seeking control.
Mineral sample preparation in sub-sieve size ranges

Abstract The described procedure combining grinding, screening, rescreening, settling and decanting can produce discrete samples in the micron particle size ranges. Methods of minimizing contamination are discussed.
When a Library Shuts Its Doors: Collections and Information Services After a Library Closure

Column Editor’s Note. Though special libraries share concerns with their more general academic, public, and school counterparts, they also have unique characteristics which merit separate considera...
Holographic multichannel radio-frequency correlator

We introduce a multichannel radio-frequency (RF) correlator capable of correlating a received RF signal simultaneously against a library of known reference waveforms stored as angularly multiplexed holograms in a photorefractive crystal. The system's operation is inher- ently two-dimensional and may yield a compact, robust, and efficient device through integrated optical techniques, in contrast to previous op- tical multichannel schemes. Operation of a 16-channel system is experi- mentally demonstrated. © 2000 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. (S0091-3286(99)02512-X)
EFFECT OF DEFECT STRUCTURE ON GAS SENSITIVITY OF LACRO3

The isopropyl alcohol gas sensitivity of LaCrO{sub 3} at 250{degree}C is found to depend on the amount of TiO{sub 2} content and cation stoichiometric ratio of the sample. The gas sensitivity enhancement is related to the defect structure and electrical conduction behavior of {ital p}-type donor-doped semiconductive oxides. The high resistivity coupled with the increasing point defects by the donor dopants are responsible for the high gas sensitivity of TiO{sub 2} doped LaCrO{sub 3}. It is believed that the positively charged ionic-type defects created by dopants act as trapping sites to adsorb oxygen. {copyright} {ital 1996 Materials Research Society.}
Managing sibling aggression: Overcorrection as an alternative to time-out

The present study compared the efficacy and treatment acceptability of two interventions for sibling aggression: time-out and overcorrection. Thirty mothers and their aggressive sibling dyads participated in one of three group assignments: time-out, over-correction, and control. Parent training procedures were conducted individually in the clinic. Frequency of sibling aggression, recorded by mothers, served as the dependent variable. The results indicate that both time-out and overcorrection significantly reduced sibling aggression rates as compared to a control group. Treatment effects were maintained one month following participation. Generally, parents rated the acceptability of their respective intervention higher after treatment implementation than before. Treatment acceptability ratings for time-out and overcorrection were not significantly different. It was concluded that overcorrection is a socially valid, viable alternative to time-out for managing sibling aggression in oppositional children.
Evaluation of the Physician's Ability to Recognize the Presence or Absence of Anemia, Fever, and Jaundice

Objective The evaluation of the patient through a comprehensive history and physical examination is considered the cornerstone of medical diagnosis, but many studies suggest that physicians have inadequate physical examination skills. It is unknown whether these skills are reliable and whether they can be adequately acquired through training. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of the clinician to detect the presence and discriminate the extent of clinical anemia, fever, and jaundice in an ED or hospitalized patient. Methods This was a prospective observational study of a convenience sample of patients presenting to the ED or admitted to the hospital who had a rectal temperature measurement within 30 minutes prior to the observation, serum hematocrit measurement on the day of observation, or serum bilirubin measurement one day prior to the day of observation. Observers' (emergency medicine attending physicians', resident physicians', and rotating medical students') estimated serum hematocrit, rectal temperature, and serum bilirubin values were obtained after each observation. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and mean absolute difference between actual and estimated values were calculated for each observer. Results The physicians detected the presence or absence of anemia, fever, and jaundice in patients with sensitivities and specificities of approximately 70%. Their predictions varied from the measured value on average by 6.0 +/- 4.6% for serum hematocrit, 1.3 + 1.1 degrees F for rectal temperature, and 3.4 +/- 5.3 mg/dL for serum bilirubin. Observer accuracy decreased when evaluating patients with high and low measured values. Conclusions The ability to correctly perform and interpret the physical examination appears to be independent of the observer level of training, patient ethnicity, or patient gender. The examination for pallor, warmth, and jaundice is unreliable in predicting the corresponding laboratory or electronic measurement. Certain anemic, febrile, or jaundiced patients may not be reliably detected solely by a focused physical examination.
Designing injury surveillance system for National Highways & Motorway police of Pakistan

Objectives To design a comprehensive road traffic injury surveillance system for National Highways & Motorway Police of Pakistan on the basis of WHO Injury Surveillance Guidelines and keeping in view several Police Accident Databases. Methods The Injury Surveillance System for National Highways & Motorway Police of Pakistan has been designed keeping in view the Injury Surveillance Guidelines published by World Health Organisation and several Police Accident Databases being used in different countries. Important variables have been included in the Injury Surveillance System as per WHO Injury Surveillance Guidelines and other Police Accident Databases. Result The newly devised injury surveillance system for National Highways & Motorways Police of Pakistan has been designed based upon important variables such as use of alcohol or psychoactive substance have been adopted from WHO Injury Surveillance Guidelines and several Police Road Accident Databases which are helpful in carrying out comprehensive analysis of road traffic accidents and associated injury. Conclusions A new injury surveillance system has been designed which will be helpful in estimating true magnitude of road traffic accidents and associated injury, and analysing causes of road traffic accidents to devise effective preventive measures. It will also be helpful in establishing an effective coordination between National Highways & Motorways Police of Pakistan and other important stakeholders so that effective Road Traffic Injury Prevention policies can be devised to tackle the problem.
VLSI architecture design for reconfigurable block size motion estimation

This paper presents a VLSI architecture to support full-search motion estimation with reconfigurable block size, which is well needed in video based surveillance applications. Experiment results show that the proposed architecture achieves the flexibility of adjustable block size at the expense of only 5% hardware overhead compared to the traditional design.
A Framework for Teaching Social and Environmental Sustainability to Undergraduate Business Majors

The authors outline an undergraduate exercise to help students more fully understand the environmental and social justice aspects of business sustainability activities. A simple hierarchical framework, based on Maslow's (1943) work, was utilized to help the students understand, analyze, and judge the vast amount of corporate sustainability materials and publications. The students achieve a deeper understanding of related issues facing organizations, what some organizations have done to date, and what remains to be done. This experience also helps students to further develop communication and critical thinking skills that can aid the assurance of learning process required by many accreditation bodies.