cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potential roles for tumor necrosis factor and nuclear factor-κB in seizure activity

Numerous studies have shown that neurotrophins and cytokines can be neuroprotective in the brain (for review see Mattson and Scheff, 1994). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a is a cytokine; however, TNF appears to have several functions, making its role difficult to understand. Moreover, not all investigators (Kelley et al., 2000; Venters et al., 2000; Bowie and O’Neill, 2000; Mattson and Barger, 2000) concur regarding what these functions may be, because TNF not only is involved in neuroprotection but also plays a role in cell death. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated TNF to be involved in the regulation of brain development, sleep regulation, and circadian rhythms (Merrill, 1992; Nistico et al., 1992; Floyd and Kruger, 1997), in addition to brain injury (Fig. 1). With regard to interactions linking cytokines and epilepsy, several studies provide evidence that these intercellular signaling proteins regulate seizure activity (for review see Jankowsky and Patterson, 2001). This review serves to survey briefly some of the pertinent animal and human data involving the role of TNF and nuclear factor-kappa B (NFkB) in seizure activity and in epileptic conditions.
Uranium release and secondary phase formation during unsaturated testing of UO2 at 90°C

Abstract Experimental results indicate that UO2 will readily react after being exposed to dripping oxygenated ground water at 90°C. A pulse of rapid U release, combined with the formation of dehydrated schoepite characterizes reactions between one to two years. Rapid dissolution of intergrain boundaries and spallation of UO2 granules appears to be responsible for the rapid U release. Less than 5% of the U is released in a soluble or suspended form. After two years, U release rates decline and a more stable assemblage of uranyl silicate phases form by incorporating cations from the leachant. Uranophane, boltwoodite, and sklodowskite are the final solubility-limiting phases for U in these tests. This observed paragenetic sequence (from uraninite to schoepite to uranyl silicates) is identical to those observed in weathered uraninite deposits. Dispersion of particulate matter may be an important release mechanism for U and other radionuclides in spent nuclear fuel.
Medical Apps: Public and Academic Perspectives

Medical apps have featured in popular websites and mainstream news media in recent months. However, there has been almost no mention of these tools in journals focusing on relevant ethical or social issues, including conflict of interest, the role of politics in science, and technological oversight. This essay examines the role that these philosophical issues might play in answering both public and academic questions about these pieces of emergent technology.
Water use of Thompson Seedless grapevines as affected by the application of gibberellic acid (GA3) and trunk girdling – practices to increase berry size

Abstract Seasonal water use of Vitis vinifera L. (cv. Thompson Seedless, clone 2A) was determined with a large weighing lysimeter in the San Joaquin Valley of California from 1994 to 1996. The first year of the study, the vines growing within the lysimeter were treated as would be done to produce fruit for use as table grapes; the application of gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) and trunk girdling at berry set (approximately 2 weeks after anthesis). Both practices will increase berry size of this seedless cultivar. In 1995, the vines in the lysimeter were only girdled at berry set, no application of GA 3 at that time. Reference crop evapotranspiration (ET o ) between March 15th and the end of October averaged 1124 mm across the 3 years. Water use shortly after the vines were girdled in 1994 increased as would be expected for non-girdled grapevines while in 1995 water use after girdling decreased for a period of approximately 4 weeks. Once the girdles healed (callused over) in 1995 water use increased to values similar to those of the previous year. The crop coefficient ( K c ) subsequent to girdling in 1994 remained constant for a period of 4 weeks while the K c decreased after girdling in 1995. The K c increased after the girdles healed both years and remained at a value of approximately 0.9 until the end of October. In 1996, the vines in the lysimeter received none of the treatments used the previous 2 years. The seasonal water use and maximum daily water use in 1996 of the vines in the lysimeter were greater than in 1994 and 1995. Water use of the vines was equivalent to 838, 708 and 936 mm from March 15 until the end of October while that of ET o was 1136, 1060, and 1176 during the same period in 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively. At full canopy in 1996 the K c leveled off at a value of 1.1 and remained such until the end of October. The results indicate that girdling the trunks of grapevines can affect water use when compared to non-girdled grapevines. Additionally, the K c of this perennial horticultural crop does not decrease after harvest or later in the season if the vines are fully irrigated and insect pests are controlled.
On bilevel programming, part I: general nonlinear cases

This paper is concerned with general nonlinear nonconvex bilevel programming problems (BLPP). We derive necessary and sufficient conditions at a local solution and investigate the stability and sensitivity analysis at a local solution in the BLPP. We then explore an approach in which a bundle method is used in the upper-level problem with subgradient information from the lower-level problem. Two algorithms are proposed to solve the general nonlinear BLPP and are shown to converge to regular points of the BLPP under appropriate conditions. The theoretical analysis conducted in this paper seems to indicate that a sensitivity-based approach is rather promising for solving general nonlinear BLPP.
Sputtering observations during binary alloy production by ion implantation

Abstract As thin layer binary alloys were being prepared by ion implantation, the surface sputtering was monitored by measuring the intensity of optical photon emission from the excited neutrals leaving the surface of the sample. Emission from both the implanted species and the substrate species was monitored throughout the implantation and has been compared with the change in the surface atomic fraction for each species monitored as predicted by a model of the sputtering process. Following the implantation the samples were profiled for the implanted species and the profiles were compared with predictions of the model. The two binary systems studied here are Cr implanted into Fe and Cu implanted into Al, both done at a beam energy of 90 keV. The observations strongly support the idea that the optical emission of these sputtered species parallels the surface atomic fractions during the preparation of the binary alloy by ion implantation. The observations confirm that to reach steady state conditions during ion implantation, a surface layer of approximately twice the mean range of the implanted species needs to be sputtered from the surface. This study reinforces the need for more extensive measurements of sputtering yields.
Submucosal dissection and isolation of a congenital tracheoesophageal fistula for potential endoscopic therapy (with video)

Congenital tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is a rare diagnosis in adults. We present our experience with an attempt at endoscopic treatment of a congenital TEF by using concepts of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Although the fistula was successfully dissected, the intended repair could not be achieved. We conclude that ESD and isolation of a TEF from the esophagus is possible in a human being; however, for successful intervention, steps to avoid an air leak and other possible complications need to be clearly defined. A diagnosis of a congenital TEF without esophageal atresia (H type) in adults is rare and is typically corrected by surgery. This report describes a transesophageal technique for endoscopic dissection and isolation of H-type TEF in an adult for possible endoscopic repair.
Coordinated peak expression of MMP-26 and TIMP-4 in preinvasive human prostate tumor

The identification of novel biomarkers for early prostate cancer diagnosis is highly important because early detection and treatment are critical for the medical management of patients. Disruption in the continuity of both the basal cell layer and basement membrane is essential for the progression of high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) to invasive adenocarcinoma in human prostate. The molecules involved in the conversion to an invasive phenotype are the subject of intense scrutiny. We have previously reported that matrix metalloproteinase-26 (MMP-26) promotes the invasion of human prostate cancer cells via the cleavage of basement membrane proteins and by activating the zymogen form of MMP-9. Furthermore, we have found that tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-4 (TIMP-4) is the most potent endogenous inhibitor of MMP-26. Here we demonstrate higher (p<0.0001) MMP-26 and TIMP-4 expression in HGPIN and cancer, compared to non-neoplastic acini. Their expression levels are highest in HGPIN, but decline in invasive cancer (p<0.001 for each) in the same tissues. Immunohistochemical staining of serial prostate cancer tissue sections suggests colocalization of MMP-26 and TIMP-4. The present study indicates that MMP-26 and TIMP-4 may play an integral role during the conversion of HGPIN to invasive cancer and may also serve as markers for early prostate cancer diagnosis.
Using a conceptual model in nursing research – mitigating fatigue in cancer patients

Title. Using a conceptual model in nursing research – mitigating fatigue in cancer patients Aim. This paper is a discussion of the use of the Levine Conservation Model to guide the investigation of an exercise intervention to mitigate cancer-related fatigue. Background. Researchers use conceptual models or theoretical frameworks to provide an organizing structure for their studies, to guide the development and testing of hypotheses, and to place research finding within the context of science. Selection of an appropriate and useful framework is an essential step in the development of a research project. Method. A descriptive approach is used to present the components of the conceptual model and details of the articulation of the study intervention and outcomes with the model. Findings. The Levine Conservation Model provided a useful framework for this investigation, conducted in 2002–2006, of the effects of exercise on fatigue and physical functioning in cancer patients. The four conservation principles of the model guided the development of the exercise intervention, the identification of salient outcomes for patients, and the selection of appropriate instruments to measure study variables. The model is also proving useful in the analysis and interpretation of data in relation to the conservation principles. Conclusion. Use of an appropriate conceptual model facilitates the design and testing of theory-based interventions and the development of science to support nursing practice.
Unsubstituted agarose as an affinity matrix for isolation of NAD-dependent α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase from the trypanosomatid Crithidiafasciculata

Summary A soluble, NAD-dependent α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase from the flagellate Crithidia fasciculata was purified to near homogeneity by substrate elution from DEAE cellulose then affinity chromatography on unsubstituted agarose. This two-step procedure permitted 124-fold purification. The crude enzyme did not bind to unsubstituted agarose, but was retained by n -alkyl-amino agarose derivatives. A molecular weight of 78,000 was obtained from the native enzyme by sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation and 66,000 for the polypeptide chain by SDS gel electrophoresis. The apparent K m for dihydroxyacetone phosphate was 1.17 mM. The enzyme is stimulated by Mg ++ ; low (1 mM) concentrations of spermidine or spermine replaced Mg ++ as activator.
Yuma desalting plant design

Abstract The main features under Title I of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Project, are described. The key feature is the Yuma Desalting Plant. This membrane plant, with a capacity of over 100 Mgal/d (378,500 m3/d), will be the largest plant of its type in the world. The desalting plant process selection, design and construction approach, and results of major studies undertaken in support of design and construction are presented. The Preliminary Engineering Analysis results and the Yuma Desalting Test Facility programs including pretreatment and desalting test results are presented. The water recovery, plant split, plant and river operations, and plant and equipment arrangement are described. Pretreatment descriptions include sludge handling facilities for the partial lime system. Capitol costs plus operation, maintenance, replacement, and power costs are presented. High recovery investigations and energy saving features are also discussed. Integrated operation and maintenance of the plant are discussed and the current status of the project is presented.
The Education of Instructional Designers: Reflections on the Tripp Paper

In a recent issue of this journal, Steven D. Tripp proposed some innovations in the education of instructional designers based on his analysis of education practices in other design professions. His principal proposals were that students should analyze great instructional designs of the past and that instructional design studios should form part of the educational preparation of students entering the profession. This paper proposes some extensions and modifications to Tripp's original ideas. These include extending his concept of the analysis of great lessons of the past to the analysis of current examples of expert work, the use of an expanded jury system to incorporate peer and practitioner evaluation of students' work, and the criticality of students developing solutions to actual performance problems during the instructional design studio experience. Finally, it is proposed that opportunities for critical reflection on the process of instructional design be built into the studio experience.
Empirics of health-aid, education and infant mortality: a semiparametric study

The present article uses semiparametric regression to capture the impact of foreign-aid given for health purposes on the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) of poor developing countries, after controlling for other covariates. We also investigate whether education (general awareness) helps lower IMR directly or helps improve effectiveness of health-aid in reducing IMR. In addition, the study investigates whether various disaggregated components of health-aid (for example, aid that goes for infectious disease control or nutrition) help lower IMR. We find that although adult education (awareness) always lowers IMR, the overall effect of health-aid remains insignificant. Our conclusion is robust to various disaggregated components of health-aid as well. We also check if health-aid has improved prenatal care for expecting mothers but our conclusion regarding the overall ineffectiveness of aid remains unchanged. Interestingly, we find that total health-aid as well as nutrition aid may lower IMR only after education ex...
Evaluating the Costs of Increased Lending in Low and Negative Growth Local Housing Markets

The literatures on default and the evaluation of low downpayment mortgage programs are extended by showing within an options pricing framework how differences in expected price appreciation trends across housing markets can influence default and, thereby, the cost of programs designed to increase mortgage liquidity. An equilibrium mortgage rate reflecting the risk premium required to compensate for expected default-related losses is endogenously determined within the model. Evaluating the entire process by which program losses arise strictly within a rigorous asset pricing framework has potentially important implications for policy evaluation, as the estimated present value of program losses in declining markets where expected default is high is quite sensitive to the choice of the discount rate. The implications of increased lending in low and negative price appreciation local markets are also investigated.
Specificity of antibodies produced by linear antigenic polypeptides of a known primary structure: Synthesis and use of poly(l-tyrosyl-γ-glycyl-l-glutamyl-l-alanylglycyl)glycine methyl ester

Abstract The specificity of antibodies formed in rabbits in response to the antigenic challenge of poly(l-tyrosyl-l-glutamyl-l- alanylglycyl)glycine-l-"C ethyl ester (I) was studied with respect to the role of the glutamyl residue. For this purpose the polypeptide poly(l-tyrosyl-7-glycyl-l-glutamyl-l-alanylglycyl)glycine methyl ester (II) was prepared. When using this material, it was found by cross-reaction and absorption studies that the antibodies to the antigen I possess a high affinity for the 7-carboxyl groups of the glutamyl residue.
A Monte Carlo sampling plan based on product form estimation

The author derives an improved bound on the time required to estimate the volume of a convex body in m-dimensional Euclidean space with a specified relative accuracy. >
Cyclic AMP-elevating agents inhibit proliferation of keratinizing guinea pig epidermal cells.

Cultured guinea pig epidermal cells and dermal fibroblasts were chosen as model systems to study possible growth inhibition by cyclic AMP (cAMP)-elevating drugs. The rate of DNA synthesis was used to assay growth rate in control cultures and those treated with agents which increase intracellular cAMP, including dibutyryl cAMP, the phosphodiesterase inhibitors papaverine and theophylline and agents which stimulate adenylate cyclase, iso-proterenol and prostaglandin E2 methyl ester. Treatment for 24 h with dibutyryl cAMP (10−4 to 10−2 M) inhibited cell growth by 50 to 95%, whereas butyrate(10−4M) showed essentially no effect. This inhibition could not be attributed to decreased precursor transport or to drug toxicity. Papaverine (10−6 to 10−4 M) and theophylline (10−4 to 10−3 M) also gave dose-dependent growth inhibition as did isoproterenol and prostaglandinE2methyl ester. Radioautographic analysis of grain density after dibutyryl cAMP treatment and 3H-thymidine incorporation indicated no S-phase inhibition. Cyclic AMP-elevating drugs appear to inhibit growth of guinea-pig epidermal cells and dermal flbroblasts by blocking the cell cycle in G−2, M1, or G. −1
Simulation of Nanoscale Multidimensional Transient Heat Conduction Problems Using Ballistic-Diffusive Equations and Phonon Boltzmann Equation

Heat conduction. in micro- and nanoscale and in ultrafast processes may deviate from the predictions of the Fourier law, due to boundary and interface scattering, the ballistic nature of the transport, and the finite relaxation time of heat carriers. The transient ballistic-diffusive heat conduction equations (BDE) were developed as an approximation to the phonon Boltzmann equation (BTE) for nanoscale heat conduction problems. In this paper, we further develop BDE for multidimensional heat conduction, including nanoscale heat source term and different boundary conditions, and compare the simulation results with those obtained from the phonon BTE and the Fourier law. The numerical solution strategies for multidimensional nanoscale heat conduction using BDE are presented. Several two-dimensional cases are simulated and compared to the results of the transient phonon BTE and the Fourier heat conduction theory. The transient BTE is solved using the discrete ordinates method with a two Gauss-Legendre quadratures. Special attention has been paid to the boundary conditions. Compared to the cases without internal heat generation, the difference between the BTE and BDE is larger for the case studied with internal heat generation due to the nature of the ballistic-diffusive approximation, but the results from BDE are still significantly better than those from the Fourier law. Thus we conclude that BDE captures the characteristics of the phonon BTE with much shorter computational time.
A Roadmap and Plan of Action for Community-Supported Empirical Evaluation in Computer Architecture

A framework of open interoperable simulators for computer architecture is long overdue. Today there are many separate, uncoordinated efforts to develop simulation and modeling artifacts (tools) for computer architecture research. The artifacts are used to empirically evaluate new computer architecture innovations and compare them with the state of the art. The artifacts are usually developed by individual groups, often for a specific purpose, and may not be publicly released. Consequently, it is difficult to leverage investment in artifact development and to repeat or reproduce experiments. In this position paper, we present recommendations and a roadmap for sharing and building open-source, interoperable simulation and modeling artifacts. The recommendations are the outcome of a community workshop involving industry, government and academia to determine how to coordinate effort, share tools and improve methodology.
Plasma levels of the beta chemokine regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed, and secreted (RANTES) correlate with severe brain injury.

BACKGROUND The expression of the beta chemokine RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed, and secreted) has previously been shown to be elevated after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in animal models, but it was unknown whether the plasma level of RANTES was predictive of TBI in critically injured trauma patients. METHODS A prospective study was conducted on 108 critically ill trauma patients. Patients were stratified by radiologic diagnosis of TBI. Severe TBI was classified as the presence of diffuse axonal injury, midline shift, or herniation based on admission head computed tomography findings. Serum levels were evaluated at admission and hospital day 7. RANTES was measured using Luminex multiplex assays. RESULTS Fifty-four patients with and without TBI were compared. Severe TBI was diagnosed in 23 of the 54 TBI patients (43%) and mild/moderate TBI was found in 31 (57%) patients. The mean age of the study population was 43 +/- 20 years with a mean Injury Severity Score of 29 +/- 14. There was no significant difference between groups in age, sex, and Injury Severity Score. At admission, RANTES was significantly higher in patients with severe brain injury than in non-TBI patients (mean 1,339 pg/mL vs. 708 pg/mL, p = 0.046), and there was a trend toward significance when comparing patients with severe versus mild/moderate brain injury (mean 1,339 pg/mL vs. 752 pg/mL, p = 0.069). There was no statistically significant difference on day 7. CONCLUSIONS RANTES was a significant early marker of severe TBI in critically injured trauma patients, consistent with animal models. Future research on the role of RANTES in the pathogenesis of human TBI is warranted.
Sequential diagnostic trial designs

Group sequential design (GSD) as an alternative of the fixed sample design addresses both cost and ethical concerns in diagnostic trials. In this article, we review GSD methods for comparing the diagnostic accuracy of markers in diagnostic trials. We also review sample size calculation methods in such trials. WIREs Comp Stat 2011 3 79–83 DOI: 10.1002/wics.136 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website
Observations of electrons at the lunar surface

Observations of electrons at the Apollo 12 and 15 sites by the ALSEP Solar Wind Spectrometer experiments showed qualitative differences. Measurements of photoelectron currents are compared to earlier predictions and calculations. A model describing the interaction of the solar wind and the lunar photoelectron layer is then developed. The observations at the Apollo 15 site are compared to the model. Then, Apollo 12 data are examined to determine the effects of the local lunar magnetic fields. Finally, it is predicted that electron pressure decreases upstream of the moon and in certain circumstances should cause an increase in proton density.
Characteristics of the Beaufort Sea High

Abstract Characteristics of the Arctic Ocean’s Beaufort Sea high are examined using fields from the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis. At a 2-hPa contour interval, the Beaufort Sea high appears as a closed anticyclone in the long-term annual mean sea level pressure field and in spring. In winter, the Beaufort Sea region is influenced by a pressure ridge at sea level extending from the Siberian high to the Yukon high over northwestern Canada. As assessed from 6-hourly surface winds, the mean frequency of anticyclonic surface winds over the Beaufort Sea region is fairly constant through the year. While for all seasons a strong closed high can be interpreted as the surface expression of an amplified western North American ridge at 500 hPa, there is some suggestion of a split flow, where the ridge linked to the surface high is separated from the ridge to the south that lies within the main belt of westerlies. The Aleutian low in the North Pacific tends to be deeper than normal when there is a strong Beaufort Sea high. In ...
Room-Temperature Phosphorescence of the DNA Monomer Analogue 4-Thiothymidine in Aqueous Solutions after UVA Excitation

Room-temperature phosphorescence of the 4-thiothymidine DNA analogue after UVA excitation has been revealed in aqueous buffer solutions at pH 7.4. Femtosecond broad-band transient absorption measurements in combination with quantum chemical calculations that include explicit and implicit solvent effects are used to rationalize this remarkable phenomenon. It is shown that the initial excited singlet-state population bifurcates on the sub-240 fs time scale to populate the triplet state in high yield. A negligibly small fraction of the excited singlet-state population decays by photon emission.
The initiation of slow crack growth in linear polyethylene under single edge notch tension and plane strain

The kinetics and microstructural changes associated with the initiation of slow crack growth in PE were measured. The initiation process consists of an instantaneous deformation zone which grows at a constant velocity until the beginning of fracture. The velocity of the damaged zone accelerates when the fibril fracture begins at the root of the initial notch. It was found that the initial velocity of the deformation zone depended on stress to about the 4th power and had an activation energy of about 100 kJ mol−1; these results are about the same as those found by Chan and Williams for the crack growth velocity. It is concluded that both crack initiation and crack growth are governed by the same fundamental process, notably fibril thinning.
High Capacity/Spectral Efficiency 101.7-Tb/s WDM Transmission Using PDM-128QAM-OFDM Over 165-km SSMF Within C- and L-Bands

We experimentally demonstrate 101.7-Tb/s transmission over 355 km spans of standard single-mode fiber (SSMF) at a net spectral efficiency of 11 b/s/Hz. A total of 370 dense wavelength-division multiplexed (DWDM) channels spanning the optical C- and L-bands spaced at 25 GHz were used. Each 25-GHz channel were subdivided into four subbands, with each subband carrying a 73.5-Gb/s orthogonal frequency-division multiplexed (OFDM) signal modulated with polarization-division-multiplexing (PDM) 128-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) at each modulated subcarrier. This experiment was enabled by digital signal processing (DSP) pre-equalization of transmitter impairments, all Raman amplification, heterodyne coherent detection, and DSP postequalization of the channel and receiver impairments, including pilot-based phase noise compensation.
Inelastic collapse of rotating spheres.

Inelastic hard spheres can undergo an infinite number of collisions in a finite time. This process is called inelastic collapse. We consider the effect of rotation in this process and find that in contrast to the case of nonrotating spheres, collapse is possible for even large values of the coefficient of restitution and the angle formed by the colliding particles can be large. The limit to the nonrotating case is discontinuous. The three-body problem is solved analytically under the flat surface approximation and many-particle simulations are carried out. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
TOWARD A RATIONAL UNDERSTANDING OF MIGRAINE TRIGGER FACTORS

Since the 1980s, there have been great advances in understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of migraine headache. Despite such advances, a paucity of studies has been designed to answer one of the most fundamental questions: What triggers a migraine headache? An answer to this question is important for many reasons. First, it is important to the prevention of migraine headache. Through identification and avoidance of migraine trigger factors, one theoretically could prevent migraine headache. Second, patients frequently ask their physicians what led to a given headache episode. Third, knowledge to avoid potential triggers gives the patient a sense of control over the disorder. This sense of control is particularly important with a disorder that strikes episodically and often without a recognizable initiating event to the patient. This article reviews the definition, pathophysiology, epidemiology, characteristics, and scientific basis of migraine trigger factors. An approach to the identification and management of migraine trigger factors is described.
Mechanisms of criticality in environmental adhesion loss

Moisture attack on adhesive joints is a long-standing scientific and engineering problem. A particularly interesting observation is that when the moisture level in certain systems exceeds a critical concentration, the bonded joint shows a dramatic loss of strength. The joint interface plays a dominant role in this phenomenon; however, why a critical concentration of moisture exists and what role is played by the properties of the bulk adhesive have not been adequately addressed. Moreover if the interface is crucial, the local water content near the interface will help elucidate the mechanisms of criticality more than the more commonly examined bulk water concentration in the adhesive. To gain a detailed picture of this criticality, we have combined a fracture mechanics approach to determine joint strength with neutron reflectivity, which provides the moisture distribution near the interface. A well-defined model system, silica glass substrates bonded to a series of polymers based on poly(n-alkyl methacrylate), was utilized to probe the role of the adhesive in a systematic manner. By altering the alkyl chain length, the molecular structure of the polymer can be systematically changed to vary the chemical and physical properties of the adhesive over a relatively wide range. Our findings suggest that the loss of adhesion is dependent on a combination of the build-up of the local water concentration near the interface, interfacial swelling stresses resulting from water absorption, and water-induced weakening of the interfacial bonds. This complexity explains the source of criticality in environmental adhesion failure and could enable design of adhesives to minimize environmental failure.
A Climatology of Surface Radiation Budget Derived from Satellite Data

Abstract Climatological averages of surface radiation budget parameters, namely, the shortwave and longwave surface radiative fluxes, have been derived for each month of the year on a global scale. These climatological averages were derived from an 8-yr (96 month) time series of monthly average fluxes. The monthly averages were computed using fast radiation parameterizations and satellite data from the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project and the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment. Results are presented as time series of hemispheric and global averages and as geographical distributions and time–latitude cross sections of climatological averages. The spatial/temporal variabilities of the results were found to be clearly related to the corresponding variabilities of meteorological and other inputs to the parameterizations. Numerous comparisons of the present results were made with available surface measurements for the purpose of validation. In most cases, the differences were found to be within...
Low Temperature Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition of Aluminum Oxide Thin Films for Advanced CMOS Gate Dielectric Applications

A low-temperature metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) process for the growth of aluminum oxide for gate dielectric applications has been developed. Amorphous films were deposited on 200-mm Si(100) wafers, employing an Al β-diketonate precursor [Al(III) 2,4-pentanedionate] and H2O. Chemical and microstructural properties of films grown in a temperature range of 250-450°C were studied using x-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS), xray diffraction (XRD), Rutherford back-scattering spectrometry (RBS), nuclear reaction analysis (NRA), cross-sectional (X) scanning and transmission electron microscopy (XSEM and XTEM). A design of experiment (DOE) method was used for process mapping and optimization. An optimized process window was defined for the growth of dense, amorphous films with carbon and hydrogen inclusion as low as 1 at. % and 3 at. % respectively. Post-deposition annealing studies indicated that chemical and structural film properties are generally stable up to 650°C. The electrical performance of the films was evaluated by capacitance-voltage (C-V) and currentvoltage (I-V) measurements on metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) structures. The dielectric constant (k) obtained was 6.7-9.6 (depending on annealing conditions), with equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) as low as 1.3 nm. Leakage current densities lower than that of equivalent SiO2 films were also achieved.
Evaluation of Tracheal Intubation Difficulty in Patients with Cervical Spine Immobilization: Fiberoptic (WuScope) Versus Conventional Laryngoscopy

BackgroundThe WuScope is a rigid, fiberoptic laryngoscope designed to facilitate tracheal intubation without the need for head extension. The study evaluated the WuScope in anesthetized patients with neck immobilization.MethodsPatients were randomized to one of two groups: those receiving fiberoptic
Meddy–Seamount Interactions: Implications for the Mediterranean Salt Tongue

Abstract A quasigeostrophic point vortex numerical model is used to explore interactions of eddies and seamounts. The ultimate objective of this study is to assess the role of meddy–seamount interaction as an input to Mediterranean salt tongue maintenance. Secondary objectives are to clarify the dynamics of meddy–seamount interaction. The results suggest that meddies survive seamount collisions with 60%–70% of their initial cores remaining intact as coherent vortices. Given observed formation rates, it appears meddies, in their interactions with seamounts, inject between one-quarter and one-half of the salt anomaly necessary to sustain the Mediterranean salt tongue. Other considerations suggest the anomalous mass flux by meddies is comparable to that due to the mean flow. In summary, meddies are important to the maintenance of the salt tongue, although other mechanisms are needed. Coherent vortex transport, of which meddies are one example, is a mesoscale process not well described by the downgradient mix...
Getting It and Getting It Right

It’s late November on California’s central coast and the sky, like just about everything else, is insistently blue. Some of us seek inspiration in the Bush Survival Bible,1 while others among us look eastward, to the red-washed heartland, for a sense of national belonging. And all of us, in the aftermath of a bruising election season, are still wading through the popular uses and abuses of history, accumulated in red or blue color-coded formats: books and broadsides; games, videocassettes, and DVDs; newspapers, magazines, and websites. That these representations of the past persuade people to take action in the present is a core principle of our field, but animating that principle is our commitment, as historians, to “get it right” with valid and verifiable evidence and, beyond that, to ensure that the tools for “getting it right” are available to our audiences, both among the general public and among our professional peers in other fields. Herein lies the sharing of authority that Michael Frisch2 described as public history’s distinctive strength. The collaborations that are part and parcel of shared authority are highlighted in the articles featured in this issue. These articles, as a group, illustrate why public history has long resisted categorization in strict, disciplinebound terms. This resistance, to my mind, is a good thing. For, as much as definitional ambiguity has been a source of consternation, it stems, in good measure, from the collaborative and communicative dimensions of our field.
Autocrine Motility Factor Receptor as a Possible Urine Marker for Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder

AbstractPurpose: To determine whether autocrine motility factor receptor (AMFR) is detectable in the urine of patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder.Materials and Methods: We assayed the urine of 89 patients with bladder pathology and 28 normal controls for AMFR. A monoclonal antibody to AMFR was used.Results: All patients with muscle-invasive TCC tested positive for AMFR. Autocrine motility factor receptor was detectable for 80 percent of superficial tumors, with a correlation between AMFR and tumor grade. Seventy-five percent of control urines tested negative.Conclusions: Autocrine motility factor receptor is detectable in the urine of patients with TCC. Long-term follow-up and refinements in the assay should define the marker's utility for detection and prognosis.
Stockholding Behavior of U.S. Households: Evidence from the 1983–1989 Survey of Consumer Finances

Most households persistently invest in riskless assets but not stocks, and may do so because they perceive information required for market participation to be costly relative to expected benefits. In a Consumption Capital Asset Pricing Model (CCAPM) increased risk aversion, income risk, and lower resources reduce the information expense sufficient to deter stockholding. Bivariate probit analysis using the 1983–1989 Survey of Consumer Finances shows that households with lower risk aversion, higher education, and greater wealth who were nonstockholders in 1983 had an increased conditional probability of entering by 1989, whereas 1983 stockholders with lower resources, more limited education, and greater risk aversion were more likely to be nonstockholders by 1989.
S-RaP: a concurrent prototyping process for refining workflow-oriented requirements

This paper defines a highly concurrent, yet integrated software prototyping process for defining requirements. The process is particularly aimed at developing user-interface intensive, workflow-centered software. The Software Engineering Department and User Interface Design Center at Siemens Corporate Research (SCR) have successfully practiced this process in prototyping a healthcare information system over the last year to identify a set of preliminary functional requirements for the corresponding product. The prototype developed is intended to be of high quality, customizable and thus it can aid the communication between a company's marketing team and Siemens customers to further refine the product requirements. Our experience with this process demonstrates that it is feasible and effective to carry out the requirements definition and prototyping in a highly concurrent fashion given stable prototype software architecture and the readily available domain knowledge.
The Asian monsoon, the tropospheric biennial oscillation, and the Indian Ocean zonal mode in the NCAR CSM

The interaction of the Indian Ocean dynamics and the tropospheric biennial oscillation (TBO) is analyzed in the 300-yr control run of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Climate System Model (CSM). Sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies and equatorial ocean dynamics in the Indian Ocean are associated with the TBO and interannual variability of Asian‐Australian monsoons in observations. The air‐sea interactions involved in these processes in the coupled ocean‐atmosphere model are analyzed, so as to diagnose the causes of the SST anomalies and their role in the development of a biennial cycle in the Indian‐Pacific Ocean region. By using singular value decomposition (SVD) analysis, it is found that the model reproduces the dominant mechanisms that are involved in the development of the TBO’s influence on the south Asian monsoon: largescale forcing from the tropical Pacific and regional forcing associated with both the meridional temperature gradient between the Asian continent and the Indian Ocean, as well as Indian Ocean SST anomalies. Using cumulative anomaly pattern correlation, the strength of each of these processes in affecting the interannual variability of both Asian and Australian monsoon rainfall is assessed. In analyzing the role of the Indian Ocean dynamics in the TBO, it is found that the Indian Ocean zonal mode (IOZM) is an inherent feature of the Asian summer monsoon and the TBO. The IOZM is thus a part of the biennial nature of the Indian‐Pacific Ocean region. The coupled ocean‐atmosphere dynamics and cross-equatorial heat transport contribute to the interannual variability and biennial nature of the ENSO‐monsoon system, by affecting the heat content of the Indian Ocean and resulting SST anomalies over multiple seasons, which is a key factor in the TBO.
Do brominated natural products defend marine worms from consumers? Some do, most don't

Worms and other marine invertebrates living in soft sediments commonly produce brominated natural products that have been hypothesized to function as defenses against consumers, but this hypothesis has not been tested directly. When 16 species of worms from a Georgia mud flat were fed to two sympatric fishes (Fundulus heteroclitus, Leiostomus xanthurus) and a crab (Callinectes similis), 15 species (94%) were palatable to all three predators. Only the hemichordate Saccoglossus kowalevskii was unpalatable to both fishes, but even it was readily consumed by the crab. Bioassay-guided chemical investigations demonstrated that Saccoglossus kowalevskiiwas rejected by fishes because it contained 2,3,4-tribromopyrrole at 0.2% of worm dry mass. This is the first direct test of brominated worm metabolites as defenses against sympatric consumers. The deterrence of 2,3,4-tribromopyrrole in S. kowalevskii may explain why densities of this worm increase 40-fold during seasons when predation is high and densities of palatable worms decline sharply. To more broadly examine the effects of brominated metabolites on worm palatability, we collected from North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida 14 species reported to produce brominated metabolites. These species were fed to sympatric consumers to assess palatability and also analyzed for brominated metabolites by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Nine of the fourteen species contained brominated metabolites, but only two were unpalatable. In a final test, five additional brominated metabolites produced by marine worms were added to palatable foods at natural concentrations and at up to 20 3 natural concentrations. None deterred feeding at natural concentrations, one was deterrent at 5‐153 natural concentration, and four had no effect at even 203 natural concentration. Thus, while one worm was defended by a brominated compound, most worms containing brominated metabolites were palatable, and brominated natural products seldom functioned as chemical defenses against consumers.
Call for more research on injury from the developing world: results of a bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Injury prevention is a daunting health challenge as public health systems particularly in the developing world are least prepared to respond to this issue. In 2005, an estimated 5.4 million people worldwide died from injuries over 90 per cent in low- and middle-income countries. The main objective of this bibliometric analysis was to document injury literature published on low- and middle- income countries, and also to quantify literature on road traffic injuries by countries before and after the World Health Day on Road Safety celebrated in April 2004. METHODS: A systematic search was done using MeSH terms on PubMed. Papers on road traffic injuries were assessed by country/cluster and by publication date for two periods (March 2001-March 2004) and (April 2004-April 2007). The rate of articles published per million population was calculated. Finally, a comparison was made between disease burden in disability adjusted life years (DALYs) and quantum of papers published. The search was performed on April 29, 2007. RESULTS: PubMed had 8.26 million articles listed; of which, 72 per cent were in English and only 2 per cent were on unintentional injuries. For papers in all languages including English on road traffic injuries, 41 per cent were from US, 36 per cent from Europe (other than Eastern Europe). Two most populous countries, China and India contributed only 0.9 and 0.7 per cent papers on road traffic injuries, respectively. On neoplasm there were 280 articles published per million population whereas for road traffic injuries, rate was 4 articles per million population. Northern Africa, India and China had less than one article on road traffic injuries per 1,000 road traffic related deaths. The percentage change in English papers on road traffic injuries for the period 2004-2007 in comparison to period 2001-2004 was +191 per cent for China, +118 per cent for India, and +106 per cent for Middle East. Unintentional injuries overall represented 18 per cent of the burden in terms of DALYs and represented only 2 per cent of all published articles. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The results noticeably reflected the small proportion of papers on injuries, the dominance of US, and the apparent increase in percentage of road traffic injuries papers from low- and middle- income countries after World Health Day on Road Safety in 2004. Policies on injury prevention and safety in developing countries will be effective if based on local evidence and research, and designed to suit the social, political, and economic circumstances found in developing countries. Language: en
Vibrational thresholds in covalent networks

Abstract Vibrational thresholds in covalent networks predicted theoretically have been observed in chalcogenide glasses. The experiments have included Mossbauer-Debye-Waller factors, inelastic neutron scattering, Raman scattering and ultrasonic elastic moduli.
Multiple Roles of Carbonic Anhydrase in Cellular Transport and Metabolism

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is a central enzyme to both transport and metabolic processes at the cellular level. In metabolically active tissue such as muscle, CA in the cytoplasm and on the sarcolemma appears to be important in facilitating CO2 transport out of the cell. Membrane-associated CA, with an extracellular orientation, also appears to be important in acidifying the outer boundary layer through the catalyzed hydration of excreted CO2. This facilitates cellular ammonia transport by providing H+ ions for the protonation of NH3, thus maintaining the trans-membrane NH3 gradient. Mitochondrial CA is known to supply HCO3- for the initial reactions of gluconeogenesis and ureagenesis in mammalian tissues, but systematic comparative studies of CA as a metabolic enzyme are lacking. CA probably evolved as an enzyme of trans-membrane facilitated CO2 transport and took on a secondary metabolic role later in metazoan evolution.