cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lipid composition of the developing larval fat body of Phormia regina

The lipid composition of the larval fat body of Phormia regina was analysed at different periods during third-instar development. Lipid represented 21·8 per cent of the fat-body dry weight in the early third instar, whereas in the mature larva it constituted 52·5 per cent. Fractionation of the lipid into triglyceride, partial glycerides (includes free fatty acids), and phospholipid was accomplished using column and thin-layer chromatography. Triglyceride was found as the predominant lipid class accounting for almost 90 per cent of the total lipid of the prepupal fat body. Fatty-acid analysis of the three lipid fractions, employing gas-liquid chromatography, revealed the presence of three major (palmitoleic, oleic, and palmitic) and three minor (myristic, stearic, and myristoleic) fatty acids. The major fatty acids constituted 81·6 to 96·8 per cent of the total fatty acids and in general palmitoleic acid predominated. Phospholipid exhibited a greater percentage of palmitoleic and oleic acids than did triglyceride with the exception of the prepupal fat body. The change in the pattern of distribution of fatty acids in the prepupa resulted from a decline in the percentage of palmitoleic and oleic acids of phospholipid with a corresponding increase in the percentage of palmitic acid. The distribution of fatty acids in triglyceride did not change appreciably during development.
Preparation and characterization of monolithic polyaniline–graphite composite actuators

Abstract We report here the fabrication and characterization of novel, monolithic electrochemical actuators based on polyaniline (PANI) and a micrometer-sized graphite powder. These PANI–graphite thin films have a graphite-rich layer that renders composite thin film conductive at all redox states. The asymmetric distribution of graphite also allows for a bending movement as the films are subjected to electrochemical oxidation and reduction. The unique asymmetric structure and high conductivity of the films allow the actuators to be operated at lower redox potentials, with larger bending angles and longer life cycles. Our study also shows that most of the bending movements occur during the transition between the emeraldine base and the pernigraniline base. Judging from the CV and from the current generated when the square wave potential is applied, we note that the actuators appear very stable and show no signs of degradation after 50,000 working cycles operated at 1 Hz. The life cycles of these actuators exceed 120,000 cycles (>33.6 h) in a 1.0 M CH3SO3H aqueous solution. As we extend the oxidation potential to greater than 0.8 V, the PANI–graphite thin film starts to degrade with time. These results reveal the optimum conditions under which the actuators should be operated.
Selective Detection in Gas Chromatography by Active Nitrogen-Induced Chemiluminescence

Previous work has clearly shown that metastable transfer emission spectrometry has useful applications as a general detector for hydrocarbon gas chromatography and as a detector for organometallic compounds. We report here additional progress in determining the characteristics of the system response to HCl catalyzed chemiluminescence from saturated hydrocarbons and to oxygen-containing compounds. The implications in terms of a multipurpose general and selective detector for chromatography are discussed.
Lifetime control in silicon through impact sound stressing

ISS is applied a) to produce damage on silicon surfaces in a controlled manner and b) to achieve “damage gettering” in Si. ISS damage introduced on the wafer backside is used to monitor generation-lifetime of electrical carriers during semiconductor processing. This is shown for silicon substrates, for epitaxial silicon films, and for epitaxial silicon films grown on ion-implanted surfaces. ISS improves lifetime in silicon by several orders of magnitude. Such lifetime improvements on ISS' ed silicon wafers are correlated with a reduction of crystallographic defects. ISS wird benutzt, um a) Damage auf Siliziumoberflachen in kontrollierter Weise herzustellen und b) um „Damage-Getterung” in Si zu erhalten. ISS-Damage auf der Ruckseite des Wafer wird benutzt, um die Generationslebensdauer der elektrischen Ladungstrager wahrend der Halbleiterbehandlung zu verfolgen. Dies wird fur Siliziumsubstrate, fur Silizium-Epitaxieschichten sowie fur Silizium-Epitaxieschichten gezeigt, die auf ionenimplantierten Oberflachen wachsen. ISS verbessert die Lebensdauer in Silizium um mehrere Grosenordnungen. Derartige Lebensdauerverbesserungen der ISS-behandelten Silizium-Wafer sind korreliert mit einer Verringerung der kristallographischen Defekte.
"The eyes have it": trachoma, the perception of disease, the United States Public Health Service, and the American Jewish immigration experience, 1897-1924.

L'article relate l'histoire des immigrants juifs arrives aux Etats-Unis au debut du siecle et souffrant de trachomes, une maladie contagieuse de l'oeil, qui, si elle n'etait pas traitee, causait des inflammations et a terme pour nombre de victimes, la cecite. Le ministere de la sante americain, mobilisait alors toutes ses ressources financieres et humaines pour lutter contre la propagation de cette maladie, notamment aux abords des zones portuaires.
“It-Getting” in the Colbert Nation Online Forum

Previous experimental research that has found that college students exposed to a clip of the popular Comedy Central program entitled The Colbert Report were unable to distinguish its satirical intent from its stated content. To further investigate whether the show's viewers consume The Colbert Report as a satire of conservative television or construe it as a sincere expression of conservative sentiment, the present study examines the content of the program's online discussion forum. Forum posts reflect a diversity of responses to Stephen Colbert and The Colbert Report, many of them recognizing the ironic qualities of the show and its host.
Children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome come of age: long-term outcome.

Objective Long-term outcome of steroid-sensitive idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) in children is usually considered benign, although data on follow-up into adulthood are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate adults who had childhood SSNS regarding their relapse rate, growth, and renal and extrarenal morbidity. Study design Adult patients (n = 42, 26 males) were evaluated at a median age of 28.0 (18.1 to 46.9) years and a median follow-up of 22.0 (2.9 to 39.0) years since diagnosis. Results Fourteen of 42 (33%) patients relapsed in adulthood. The number of relapses during childhood and adolescence and a complicated course—administration of steroid-sparing medication such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, and cyclosporin A—were identified as risk factors. Final adult height (median SD score −0.4, range −3.3 to +1.3) and body mass index (BMI) were normal. Renal function was normal in all patients, and overall morbidity was low. Only eight patients (three males) had children. Cytotoxic therapy was identified as a major factor contributing to childlessness. Conclusion Relapses in adulthood were common in pediatric patients with SSNS. Growth and renal function were normal, and overall morbidity was low. Yet, transition to an adult nephrologist is recommended for all children with relapsing SSNS.
The potential of cryogenic silicon and germanium X-ray monochromators for use with large synchrotron heat loads

Abstract It appears feasible to construct cryogenic silicon and germanium monochromators which may withstand 100 to 1000 times more power loading than is possible at room temperature.
Amino acids in sediments: Recovery by acid hydrolysis and quantitative estimation by a colorimetric procedure

Abstract Conventional hydrolysis of argillaceous sediments with 6 N HCl gave low recoveries of amino acids ; yields were increased considerably by prior destruction of clay with HF. Experiments with dried amino acid-clay complexes indicated that proteinaceous substances “keyed” into hexagonal holes on interlamellar surfaces of expanding-lattice clays may resist extraction with boiling 6 N HCl. A convenient and reliable colorimetric procedure was developed for the determination of amino acid—N in sediments. The technique is described in detail along with its application.
Analysis of Mathematics Competence of Learning Disabled Adolescents

Minimum competency testing is currently a reality in American education; the practice presents a number of problems for regular class and handicapped students. In this research, the mathematics performance of learning disabled (LD) students and their nondisabled peers on the Florida State Student Assessment Test-II (SSAT-II) was evaluated, and employers' opinions about the importance of mathematical skills assessed on the SSAT-II were analyzed. It was reasoned that information such as this would provide valuable benchmarks for use in planning, organizing, and implementing educational programs for high school students. Skill performance and mastery scores were tabulated and compared for adolescents classified as learning disabled and their regular class peers; the relative importance of various skills to employers was also tabulated and compared. Strengths and weaknesses in basic math competencies were identified and relations among these skill performances and employer opinions were identified. In general...
Reforming the system of incentives in developing countries

Abstract In this paper recommendations are made for reforming the system of incentives in developing countries that have established an industrial base behind high protective barriers. The recommendations concern measures of protection, the system of credit, and the pricing of public utilities. As regards protective measures, a compensated devaluation is proposed, involving the imposition of optimal export taxes, increased subsidies to non-traditional exports, and lowering the level and dispersion of import protection. Further actions for equalizing the treatment of manufacturing industries and sales to domestic and foreign markets would be taken gradually.
Asymmetry of Blinking

Humans exhibit several motor, sensory, and functional asymmetries in which one side of the body is dominant or more responsive than the other. The most evident motor asymmetry is handedness, with people typically being either right or left handed. In addition to this well-known asymmetry, human facial expressions of happiness and sadness produce larger movements of the left than the right side of the face.1,2 The accepted explanation of this facial motor asymmetry is specialization of the right cerebral hemisphere for emotional expression.3 These observations suggest that right cortical dominance over facial muscles should produce larger movements of the left than of the right eyelid with voluntary blinking. Clinical studies suggest that differences in excitability between motoneurons in the left and right facial motor nuclei may create asymmetries for reflex blinking. Facial palsy patients exhibit increased motoneuron excitability in the facial nucleus on the affected relative to the unaffected side of the face.4–6 One explanation for this increased excitability in Bell’s palsy is changes in the motoneuron membrane properties caused by axotomy. It is also possible that the increased excitability involves an adaptive increase in excitatory presynaptic drive to facial motoneurons,7 to compensate for muscle weakness. Consistent with this explanation, mimicking facial palsy with unilateral eyelid restraint in normal humans appears to increase motoneuron excitability in the restrained eyelid in the absence of axotomy.8 Our study determined whether eyelid asymmetry exists in normal individuals and investigated whether eyelid asymmetries result from cortical or brain stem mechanisms. Assessing the timing and amplitude of left and right eyelid movement with cortically controlled voluntary blinks and brain stem–generated trigeminal reflex blinks demonstrates the presence of functional eyelid asymmetry. Comparison of the eyelid asymmetry present in voluntary and reflex blinks showed that a difference in motoneuron excitability is the primary source of eyelid asymmetry in both voluntary and reflex blinks. We also showed that eyelid asymmetry is a modifiable property of the eyelid motor system.
Acute wrist and foot drop associated with hepatitis C virus related mixed cryoglobulinemia: rapid response to treatment with rituximab.

The nature of the B-cell subsets associated with chronic hepatitis C virus related type II mixed cryoglobulinemia (HCV-MC) is unclear. We report the case of a 64-year-male with acute onset wrist drop and foot drop, secondary to HCV-MC related mononeuritis multiplex, who was treated with rituximab, an anti-CD20(+) antibody directed against B cells. We monitored the frequency of B-cell subsets in peripheral blood before and after rituximab, and correlated B-cell subset changes with clinical response. Significant improvements in his wrist and foot drop, as well as his vasculitic rash, depression and erectile dysfunction were evident within six days of starting rituximab and have persisted several months after B-cell recovery. More than 95% of CD20(+) B cells had disappeared from peripheral blood within 1 week, returning to baseline by week 21. CD20(+)CXCR3(+) frequency at baseline was similar to that at week 21. CD20(+)CD5(+), the human equivalent of B1 B cells and CD20(+)IgM(+)IgD(+), naive B cells were increased. By contrast, CD20(+)CD27(+) memory cell frequency was reduced. These data suggest that CD27(+) memory B cells, but not CD5(+) and IgM(+)IgD(+) B cells may play a role in the clinical manifestations of cryoglobulinemia.
Internalization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is mediated by lipid rafts in contact lens-wearing rabbit and cultured human corneal epithelial cells.

PURPOSE: The internalization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) in nasal and tracheal epithelium has recently been shown to involve the formation of cholesterol- and sphingolipid-rich plasma membrane domains (lipid rafts). The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of lipid rafts in PA internalization by corneal epithelium in vivo, in vitro, and after contact lens wear. METHODS: Lipid raft formation was evaluated in rabbit corneas with and without contact lens wear and a human corneal epithelial (hTCEpi) cell line before and after PA infection with cornea-pathogenic strains by staining with FITC-conjugated cholera toxin beta-subunit, known to bind the lipid raft component GM1. Bacterial internalization was assessed by gentamicin survival assay. The role of lipid rafts in PA internalization was evaluated by pretreatment of hTCEpi cells with cholesterol metabolism inhibitors. The interaction of PA with lipid rafts was confirmed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Contact lens wear in rabbits induced lipid raft formation in occasional surface corneal epithelial cells. Subsequent PA exposure showed preferential binding to lipid raft-forming cells, leading to lipid raft aggregation and PA internalization. A similar sequence of lipid raft formation and PA internalization was also observed in hTCEpi for all PA strains. Internalization of all PA strains was blocked by three cholesterol metabolism inhibitors (P < 0.01). Flow cytometry showed an association of PA with rafts. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that contact-lens-mediated PA internalization involves lipid raft formation. Also, hTCEpi cells may be used as an experimental model for studying further the molecular mechanism(s) of PA infection in the corneal epithelium.
Spin-Orbit Effects on the Electronic Structure of Heavy and Superheavy Hydrogen Halides: Prediction of an Anomalously Strong Bond in H[117]

The bond lengths, vibrational frequencies, and bond dissociation energies of the heavy and superheavy hydrogen halides HBr, HI, HAt, and H[117] ([117] = element 117) have been calculated by using multireference relativistic configuration interaction (MR-RCI) and coupled-cluster [CCSD(T)] electronic structure methods. The effects of spin−orbit coupling on the coupled-cluster calculations were approximated by adding a correction term that represents the spin−orbit effect on the energy in the MR-RCI calculations. The calculated values are in good accord with the available experimental and theoretical data for HBr, HI, and HAt, with the latter predicted to have a bond length of 1.74 A and a dissociation energy of 2.27 eV via the corrected CCSD(T) calculations. By using the same method, H[117] is predicted to have a bond length of 1.94 A, a vibrational frequency of 1648 cm-1, and a dissociation energy of 2.21 eV; i.e., it is predicted to have a significantly longer but only marginally weaker bond than HAt. Thi...
Real-time software testing for microprocessor-based protective relays

This paper describes a new practical method, the domain-partition boundary method with software probes, and a test platform for testing real-time software embedded in protective relays. The test scheme automatically and efficiently exercises all functions of a relay in all of its operating domains, especially in the error-prone domains. While the test-case generation methodology belongs to the function-test class, it uses knowledge of the software modularity, and takes into consideration system specification and behavior, critical parameter boundary values and software flow in generating the test specification. TSL/sup 1/ is used for managing the test-case generation process, and avoids redundancy. A microcomputer test platform was designed and assembled. It is a simulator which produces voltage or current levels that correspond to events in the system. A control program manages the overall process, including test case generation, wave-form production, process timing, event identification, data collection and result comparison. An implementation of the test scheme is described. Actual testing was conducted on a motor control and overload protection device for verifying its functions, but the test scheme is applicable to other microprocessor-based devices. >
Organophosphorus Resistance in An Apple Orchard Population of Typblodromus (Amblyseius) fallacis

Results of a survey of the mite fauna found in a commercial apple orchard in Wilkes Co., North Carolina, indicated that populations of a phytoseiid, Typhlodromus (Amblyseius) fallacis (Garman), and a stigmaeid, Zet-zellia mali (Ewing), were surviving azinphosmethyl applications. A strain of T. fallacis which had shown resistance in the field to azinphosmethyl was subjected to laboratory toxicity tests, and the results showed a high to moderate degree of resistance to azinphosmethyl and parathion when compared with a susceptible strain. The organophosphorus-resistant strain showed no resistance to carbaryl.
Lichen Planus—Like Histopathologic Characteristics in the Cutaneous Graft-vs-Host Reaction: Prognostic Significance Independent of Time Course After Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation

Background: The discrimination between acute and chronic graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is important because the treatment regimens and prognosis differ. Objectives: To identify whether accepted histopathologic criteria of a graft-vs-host reaction (GVHR) alone or in combination accurately reflect clinical phase of disease, to correlate patterns with clinical outcome, and to identify any concordance between inflammation and epidermal changes of a GVHR. Design: Skin biopsy specimens were analyzed according to histologically defined standards. Settings: This study was performed in a tertiary care hospital. Patients: One hundred seventy-three skin biopsy specimens (10 days before to 1326 days after BMT) from 83 patients undergoing allogeneic BMT for various malignant neoplasms were selected for study. A consecutive 12-month sample was used. Main Outcome Measures: The main measures in this study were statistical correlations between histopathologic findings and time after BMT, the outcome of BMT, and the correlations between selected histopathologic criteria. Results: Fully evolved histologic features of chronic lichenoid GVHR in the specimens occurred across a wide time range (33-832 days after BMT) and were associated with a 5.6-fold increased risk for death ( P =.02) from GVHD. Histologic features of acute GVHR in the specimens also occurred across a wide time range (14-481 days after BMT) and were associated with a 2.2-fold increased risk for death; this finding was not statistically significant ( P =.11). Inflammation of the upper dermis was significantly associated with acanthosis and epidermal cell necrosis ( P P Conclusions: This study demonstrates the following: specific histologic parameters in skin biopsy specimens do not consistently separate acute from chronic GVHD as defined by days after BMT; independent of time course, fully evolved histopathologic characteristics of a lichen planus—like GVHR is associated with a greater likelihood of death from GVHD; and identification of upper dermal inflammation correlates with the epidermal features of GVHR and should be included in the diagnostic scheme. Arch Dermatol. 1997;133:961-965
BODY TEMPERATURE AND THERMOREGULATION OF THE COLORADO POTATO BEETLE, LEPTINOTARSA DECEMLINEATA

During daylight hours adults and larvae of the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Chrysomelidae) experience body temperatures (Tb)*** elevated several degrees above ambient temperature. They apparently modify Tb by preferentially seeking sunlit substrates at low ambient temperature and by moving into the shade at high ambient temperature. Regression coefficients of Tb on air temperature near the beetles are 0.77 for adults and 0.86 for larvae, both significantly less than 1.0. Thermoregulation is more strict at high temperature. Ambient temperature is the major environmental determinant of Tb, but solar radiation intensity, relative humidity, and wind speed also significantly affect Tb. Thermoregulation and elevation of Tb are of sufficient magnitude that they may substantially affect physiological functioning and population growth of these beetles. RESUME Temperature du corps et thermoregulation du doryphore, Leptinotarsa decemlineata. La temperature du corps (Tb) de larves et adultes de Leptinotarsa decemlineata a ete mesuree dans le champ. La radiation solaire (SR), l'humidite relative (RH), la vitesse du vent (W) et differentes temperatures de l'habitat ont aussi ete mesurees, tout comme la position et le comportement de chaque insecte. Pendant la journee Tb se maintient a plusieurs degres au dessus de la temperature de l'air ambiant dans le voisinage immediat de l'insecte (Ta) et generalement aussi a 1–3° au dessus de la temperature du substrat. Les insectes sont ectothermiques et quand l'intensite de la radiation solaire depasse 0.5 kW m−2, ils sont capables de reduire lu variation de Tb moyenne en dessous de la variation concomittante de Ta. Ils y procedent en recherchant activement l'ombre aux Taelevees, et probablement, au moins pour les adultes, en recherchant prefercntiellement les zones ensoleillees aux faibles Ta. Le controle de Tb est nettement plus rigoureux aux Ta > 32° qu'aux faibles Ta. Tous les parametres ecologiques mesures etaient significativement correles avec Tb et affectaient probablement directement Tb, bien que Ta (ou ***Ts) etait de loin le plus influent. Des regressions multiples de Tb sur Ta. SR. RH et W rendent compte pour environ 90% de la variation de Tb; ces parametres peuvent ainsi etre utilises pour predire Tbdans une gamme de conditions ecologiques. Les calculs dans le champ du taux de morsures et du pourcentage de larves s'alimentant suggerent que la prise de nourriture augmente au moins jusqu'a Tb = 35°. Des donnees bibliographiques laissent penser que la sensibilite thermique de plusieurs fonctions physiologiques de L. decemlineata est semblable ou superieure a celle d'autres insectes: s'il en est ainsi, la thermoregulation, aussi bien que l'elevation passive de Tb. dans le champ peuvent etre d'importance suffisante pour affecter significativement la croissance des individus et de la population aussi bien que la consommation d'aliments.
Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy of thin graphite films grown by chemical vapor deposition

Graphene has been the subject of an extraordinary upsurge of interest due to its intriguing properties and potential applications. Recent work has shown that excellent electronic properties are exhibited by large-scale ultrathin graphite films, grown by chemical vapor deposition on a polycrystalline metal and transferred to a device-compatible surface. The properties of such multilayered graphene films could depend strongly on film thickness and uniformity. Unlike the other common methods for analysis in the literature, cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) would provide direct, straightforward analysis of film thickness and quality, as well as provide a means to investigate specific defect structures (e.g. wrinkles). However, this approach has not often been pursued due to the sensitivity of graphite to the electron and ion beam damage in such a procedure. Here, an approach to creating cross-sectional TEM samples using a focused ion beam lift-out method is presented, along with the resulting TEM images of thin graphite films and several wrinkle defects. Samples removed from as-grown films on polycrystalline nickel and films removed from measured devices are presented. The benefits and limitations to this approach are discussed.
Dose reduction by moving a region of interest (ROI) beam attenuator to follow a moving object of interest

Region-of-interest (ROI) fluoroscopy takes advantage of the fact that most neurovascular interventional activity is performed in only a small portion of an x-ray imaging field of view (FOV). The ROI beam filter is an attenuating material that reduces patient dose in the area peripheral to the object of interest. This project explores a method of moving the beam-attenuator aperture with the object of interest such that it always remains in the ROI. In this study, the ROI attenuator, which reduces the dose by 80% in the peripheral region, is mounted on a linear stage placed near the xray tube. Fluoroscopy is performed using the Microangiographic Fluoroscope (MAF) which is a high-resolution, CCD-based x-ray detector. A stainless-steel stent is selected as the object of interest, and is moved across the FOV and localized using an object-detection algorithm available in the IMAQ Vision package of LabVIEW. The ROI is moved to follow the stent motion. The pixel intensities are equalized in both FOV regions and an adaptive temporal filter dependent on the motion of the object of interest is implemented inside the ROI. With a temporal filter weight of 5% for the current image in the peripheral region, the SNR measured is 47.8. The weights inside the ROI vary between 10% and 33% with a measured SNR of 57.9 and 35.3 when the object is stationary and moving, respectively. This method allows patient dose reduction as well as maintenance of superior image quality in the ROI while tracking the object.
Giardia intestinalis: expression of ubiquitin, glucosamine-6-phosphate and cyst wall protein genes during the encystment process.

Abstract We determined the relative expression of ubiquitin (ub), glucosamine-6-phosphate-isomerase (gn6pi) and cyst wall protein (cwp) genes during encystment of the Portland-1 and Portland-1R strains of Giardia intestinalis . Encystment was induced with bile for different time periods. The presence of encystment-specific vesicles (ESVs) and the relative expression of genes (log 10 ΔRn) were determined by transmission electron microscopy and real-time PCR, respectively. Our results demonstrated the gene expression and the presence of ESVs after 6 h of encystment. Values of cwp2 gene expression increased by 591-fold in strain Portland-1 and 78.2-fold in strain Portland-1R at this time point compared to values at 0 h, after which values gradually decreased until reaching basal values between 8 and 18 h after the encystment started. Expression of gn6pi was 43.5- and 46.3-fold higher than basal values, in Portland-1 and Portland-1R, respectively. Ub gene expression was 82.25-fold higher than its basal levels at 4 h, after which expression decreased gradually until reaching basal values after 16 h. Conclusions: This work showed the relationship between the presence of ESVs and encystment gene expression at 6 h, and resistance to albendazole does not inhibit the encystment process. The results revealed important knowledge with implications in the control of parasite dissemination for preventing parasite transmission.
From marrow to matrix: novel gene and cell therapies for epidermolysis bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa encompasses a group of inherited connective tissue disorders that range from mild to lethal. There is no cure, and current treatment is limited to palliative care that is largely ineffective in treating the systemic, life-threatening pathology associated with the most severe forms of the disease. Although allogeneic cell- and protein-based therapies have shown promise, both novel and combinatorial approaches will undoubtedly be required to totally alleviate the disorder. Progress in the development of next-generation therapies that synergize targeted gene-correction and induced pluripotent stem cell technologies offers exciting prospects for personalized, off-the-shelf treatment options that could avoid many of the limitations associated with current allogeneic cell-based therapies. Although no single therapeutic avenue has achieved complete success, each has substantially increased our collective understanding of the complex biology underlying the disease, both providing mechanistic insights and uncovering new hurdles that must be overcome.
Observation of second-harmonic generation induced by pure spin currents

A pure spin current has no net charge current and is therefore difficult to detect. A new technique that takes advantage of nonlinear optical effects can measure pure spin currents non-invasively, non-destructively and in real-time.
Fully conservative leak-proof treatment of thin solid structures immersed in compressible fluids

Abstract We propose a novel high resolution conservative advection scheme that is suitable for thin, embedded moving solid structures. The scheme works by coupling together a high order flux-based method with a conservative semi-Lagrangian solver that is similar in spirit to that of Lentine et al. [26] , but modified to treat the cut cells and partial volumes that arise near a thin solid structure. The conservative semi-Lagrangian scheme is unconditionally stable, and so unlike previous methods no cell merging is required to compensate for the small cell volumes that arise. Furthermore, as the semi-Lagrangian scheme works via tracing characteristic curves, no special treatment is required either to enforce non-penetration through thin, moving solid structures, or to populate swept or uncovered degrees of freedom. For the flux-based solver, we use finite-difference ENO with Lax–Friedrich’s diffusion (although any flux-based scheme works), and in doing so we found that a modification to the diffusion calculation leads to improved stability in its third order accurate variant. We integrate this novel hybrid advection scheme into a semi-implicit compressible flow solver, and modify the implicit pressure solver to work with cells of variable size. In addition, we propose an improvement to the semi-implicit compressible flow solver via a new method for computing a post-advected pressure. Finally, this hybrid conservative advection scheme is integrated into a semi-implicit fluid–structure solver, and a number of one-dimensional and two-dimensional examples are considered—in particular, showing that we can handle thin solid structures moving through the grid in a fully conservative manner, preventing fluid from leaking from one side of the structure to the other and without the need for cell merging or other special treatment of cut cells and partial volumes.
Very fast adaptive array processing

We consider the problem of detection of a signal in the presence of some interference plus white gaussian noise. The proposed improved detector rapidly eliminates coherent interference. We present the results of an approximate probability distribution for the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the improved detector. The noise consists of two components, a strong interference component, which has a rank-one or rank-two covariance matrix, plus white noise. Weight vectors are computed using the principal eigenvectors of the estimated covariance matrix of the interference. The statistics of our improved method and the conventional adaptive detector based on the inverse of the estimated covariance matrix are presented. The advantage of the new method over the conventional method is that less observed data are required to produce a desired SNR with high probability. These results extend earlier results of Kirsteins and Tufts which appeared in the 1985 IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing.
Novel Technology for the Preparation of Sterile Alginate-poly-l-lysine Microcapsules in a Bioreactor

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to develop a method that may be suitable for the commercial manufacture of sterile alginate-polylysine-alginate microcapsules in a bioreactor. A Turbotak atomizing device in conjunction with a Bellco Bioreactor was used to prepare sterile microcapsules. Aseptic procedures were followed using sterilized equipment and materials. Sodium alginate solution was sprayed into calcium chloride solution using the Turbotak, with nitrogen as the atomizing gas. The resultant gelled alginate microcapsules were coated with polylysine and alginate to produce alginate-poly-l-lysine microcapsules. In-process contamination of the atomizing gas and microcapsules was investigated using modified USP sterility tests. Microcapsule size was determined using a light blockage technique (Accusizer) which measures both number and volume weighted mean diameters. The microcapsules prepared passed a modified USP sterility test, and the Bellco Bioreactor was found to minimize the possibilities of env...
Lateral mode control of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers using two-dimensional photonic crystal structure

The 2-dimensional photonic crystal (2-D PhC) structure has been investigated as a method of lateral mode control of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs). The 2-D PhC structures were designed using an equivalent index model developed for photonic crystal fibers combined with a plane wave expansion method. The etching depth dependence of the PhC effect was incorporated for the first time to design practical devices. 2-D PhC confied VCSELs with a 7-point defect structure are demonstrated to operate in single PhC confined mode.
Using quality mapping to predict spatial variation in local properties and component performance in Mg alloy thin-walled high-pressure die castings: an ICME approach and case study

This paper explores the use of quality mapping for the prediction of the spatial variation in local properties in thin-walled high-pressure die castings (HPDC) of the magnesium alloy AM60. The work investigates the role of casting parameters on local ductility and yield strength and presents a model for predicting local ductility and yield strength in a cast component. A design of experiment (DOE) was created to examine the role of various casting parameters on local properties such as ductility and yield strength. Over 1,200 tensile samples were excised from cast parts and tested. Casting simulations were also conducted for each experimental condition. Local properties were predicted, and the local property (quality map) model was compared with a prototype production component. The results of this model were used as input to a performance simulation software code to simulate the component-level behavior under two different loading conditions. In this study, the authors bypassed the traditional Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME; process-microstructure-properties) approach in favor of a semi-empirical quality mapping approach to provide estimates of manufacturing sensitive local properties for use in process and component design.
TSH Is a Negative Regulator of Skeletal Remodeling

The established function of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is to promote thyroid follicle development and hormone secretion. The osteoporosis associated with hyperthyroidism is traditionally viewed as a secondary consequence of altered thyroid function. We provide evidence for direct effects of TSH on both components of skeletal remodeling, osteoblastic bone formation, and osteoclastic bone resorption, mediated via the TSH receptor (TSHR) found on osteoblast and osteoclast precursors. Even a 50% reduction in TSHR expression produces profound osteoporosis (bone loss) together with focal osteosclerosis (localized bone formation). TSH inhibits osteoclast formation and survival by attenuating JNK/c-jun and NFκB signaling triggered in response to RANK-L and TNFα. TSH also inhibits osteoblast differentiation and type 1 collagen expression in a Runx-2- and osterix-independent manner by downregulating Wnt (LRP-5) and VEGF (Flk) signaling. These studies define a role for TSH as a single molecular switch in the independent control of both bone formation and resorption.
The Arpes Experiment and the Gap Symmetry: How Far Can We Determine the Gap Symmetry Really?

In this contribution, the peak position of the spectral function in the ARPES spectrum has been calculated for several gap symmetries and electronic band structures. As a result, the d–wave, s + id and s* + id symmetries appear to be consistent with ARPES results. An additional comparison with previous calculations of the specific heat in normal and superconducting states as well as the single particle tunnelling current, reveals the existence of two characteristic temperatures, intrinsically associated with the Van Hove Singularity.
Accessibility by demonstration: enabling end users to guide developers to web accessibility solutions

Few web developers have been explicitly trained to create accessible web pages, and are unlikely to recognize subtle accessibility and usability concerns that disabled people face. Evaluating web pages with assistive technology can reveal problems, but this software takes time to install and its complexity can be overwhelming. To address these problems, we introduce a new approach for accessibility evaluation called Accessibility by Demonstration (ABD). ABD lets assistive technology users retroactively record accessibility problems at the time they experience them as human-readable macros and easily send those recordings and the software necessary to replay them to others. This paper describes an implementation of ABD as an extension to the WebAnywhere screen reader, and presents an evaluation with 15 web developers not experienced with accessibility showing that interacting with these recordings helped them understand and fix some subtle accessibility problems better than existing tools.
Importance of Relating Efficacy Measures to Unbound Drug Concentrations for Anti-Infective Agents

SUMMARY For the optimization of dosing regimens of anti-infective agents, it is imperative to have a good understanding of pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD). Whenever possible, drug efficacy needs to be related to unbound concentrations at the site of action. For anti-infective drugs, the infection site is typically located outside plasma, and a drug must diffuse through capillary membranes to reach its target. Disease- and drug-related factors can contribute to differential tissue distribution. As a result, the assumption that the plasma concentration of drugs represents a suitable surrogate of tissue concentrations may lead to erroneous conclusions. Quantifying drug exposure in tissues represents an opportunity to relate the pharmacologically active concentrations to an observed pharmacodynamic parameter, such as the MIC. Selection of an appropriate specimen to sample and the advantages and limitations of the available sampling techniques require careful consideration. Ultimately, the goal will be to assess the appropriateness of a drug and dosing regimen for a specific pathogen and infection.
The relationship between bronchiolitis and allergic asthma. A prospective study with allergy evaluation.

Abstract A long-term prospective study has been made of twenty-four infants with the diagnosis of “bronchiolitis” in 1960–1961. Three to four years after the “bronchiolitis” episode, 50 per cent of the children were still wheezing. A very strong correlation was found between the persistence of wheezing and (a) family history of allergy and (b) presence of other allergies in the patients. There was also a strong correlation between the persistence of wheezing and increased number of eosinophils in the nasal secretions. In those patients available for study, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of peripheral eosinophilia between the two groups of patients. The significance of these findings with etiologic and prognostic implications is discussed.
On third base but not home yet.

565 IN 28 YEARS of a busy and rewarding medical career I have had the opportunity to work in three different environments during three distinct stages of my career and life. As with many other young professionals I had some reasonable knowledge about how and when I would get to first base (medical degree and specialty). However, I was not able to predict when or where the next stage would take me. In most cases professional decisions are greatly influenced by personal circumstances and therefore one of the life long challenges is to continuously adapt professional and personal goals to a changing environment. This paper summarizes the first three bases in my run for home and some things I have learned along the way.
CADD softwares in engineering and technology education

This paper deals with the use and application of computer aided drafting and design (CADD) within the curriculums of electronics technology and electrical engineering. It explains how a survey course is often used to introduce the students to a wide range of information and functions, without the intention or expectation of the students becoming electrical and/or electronic professional drafters. The paper discusses how such a course is developed, topics to be included, the selection of an appropriate text and the selection of a software package(s).
Dynamics of transcapillary fluid exchange.

Fluid balance at the capillary level has been simulated with an analogue computer program, based on experimental data on regional differences in capillary permeability, surface areas, and hydrostatic pressures. The program takes into account fluid and protein fluxes into and out of the interstitial space. Solutions are obtained for tissue hydrostatic pressure, tissue fluid osmotic pressure, interstitial space volume, and lymph flow. Simulation of a variety of physiological experiments and clinical disease states has yielded reasonable agreement between experimental data and data obtained by computer analysis. Dilution of the interstitial plasma protein pool with a consequent reduc6tion of its oncotic pressure appears to be a major factor, which prevents edema unless plasma oncotic pressures are reduced by 10–15 mm Hg or, alternatively, venous pressures are elevated by a similar amount. The computer analysis in all instances yields positive values for tissue pressure, in agreement with experimental data obtained by needle puncture. The negative tissue pressures observed in subcutaneous capsules can be reproduced in the computer program, if the interface between the capsule and the surrounding interstitial space is assumed to have the properties of a semipermeable membrane.
Millimeter and terahertz detectors based on plasmon excitation in InGaAs/InP HEMT devices

Recent progress in the investigation of millimeter-wave and THz detectors based on plasmon excitation in the twodimensional electron gas (2DEG) of a high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) is reported. A tunable resonant polarized photoresponse to mm-wave radiation in the frequency range of 40 to 110 GHz is demonstrated for a gratinggated InGaAs/InP based device. The gate consisted of a metal grating with period of 9 µm specifically designed for excitation of sub-THz plasmons. The resonant excitation of plasmons, which shifts with gate-bias, changes the channel conductance. This resonant change in channel conductance enables potential applications in chip-scale frequency-agile detectors, which can be scaled to mid-THz frequencies.
WDM-compatible mode-division multiplexing on a silicon chip

Significant effort in optical-fibre research has been put in recent years into realizing mode-division multiplexing (MDM) in conjunction with wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) to enable further scaling of the communication bandwidth per fibre. In contrast, almost all integrated photonics operate exclusively in the single-mode regime. MDM is rarely considered for integrated photonics because of the difficulty in coupling selectively to high-order modes, which usually results in high inter-modal crosstalk. Here we show the first microring-based demonstration of on-chip WDM-compatible mode-division multiplexing with low modal crosstalk and loss. Our approach can potentially increase the aggregate data rate by many times for on-chip ultrahigh bandwidth communications.
Correlation of transepidermal water loss with skin barrier properties in vitro: comparison of three evaporimeters.

Aim: This study investigates the relationship between transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin permeability to tritiated water as a rapid assessment of the integrity of the barrier properties of skin as part of in vitro skin permeation studies. Methods: TEWL values before and during the experimental period were measured using three evaporimeters (A, B, and C) representing different measuring principles and technologies. Single application of tritiated water was dosed on dermatomed human skin samples in a flow-through diffusion cell system. Radioactivity of the absorbed dose and the removable dose residues was counted to determine percent dose and flux rate. These data were further combined with TEWL values to analyze the correlation. Results: Evaporimeter C, a closed chamber–condenser technology, had higher measurement capacity than other instruments, evaporimeter A, an open chamber, and evaporimeter B, a closed chamber (P<0.001). The baseline TEWL value correlated with tritiated water flux (r=0.34, P=0.04). The pattern of tritiated water expressed as percent dose permeated into receptor fluid was similar to that of TEWL values. Conclusion: These data indicate that TEWL can be ascribed to be a measure of skin water barrier function. Further work should be conducted to interpret the significance of measuring TEWL by evaporimetry.
44 Gb/s WDM transmission for transoceanic distance using π2 alternate-phase RZ modulation scheme

We have explored the feasibility of 44 Gb/s WDM transmission over a transoceanic distance using π2-alternate-phase RZ modulation format. We find that π2-alternate-phase RZ performs more than 3 dB better than regular RZ or carrier-suppressed RZ.