cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lattice dynamics of BaTiO 3 , PbTiO 3 , and PbZrO 3 : A comparative first-principles study

The full phonon dispersion relations of lead titanate and lead zirconate in the cubic perovskite structure are computed using first-principles variational density-functional perturbation theory, with ab initio pseudopotentials and a plane-wave basis set. Comparison with the results previously obtained for barium titanate shows that the change of a single constituent (Ba to Pb, Ti to Zr) has profound effects on the character and dispersion of unstable modes, with significant implications for the nature of the phase transitions and the dielectric and piezoelectric responses of the compounds. Examination of the interatomic force constants in real space, obtained by a transformation which correctly treats the long-range dipolar contribution, shows that most are strikingly similar, while it is the differences in a few key interactions which produce the observed changes in the phonon dispersions. These trends suggest the possibility of the transferability of force constants to predict the lattice dynamics of perovskite solid solutions.
Inter-strain differences in nitrogen use by the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi, and consequences for predation by a planktonic ciliate

Abstract Four strains of the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi (CCMP strains 370, 373, 374, 379) were tested for their ability to grow on various nitrogen sources. All strains grew on ammonium, nitrate, and urea, although growth of CCMP379 on urea was low. Responses to other dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) sources varied. CCMP379 did not grow on any DON source other than urea. All other strains grew on one of the two tested amino acids: CCMP370 and CCMP373 on glutamine, and CCMP374 on alanine. All three of these strains also grew on hypoxanthine; in addition, two grew well on acetamide and one on ethanolamine. E. huxleyi strains also differed in their susceptibility to predation by the ciliate Strobilidium sp. CCMP374 was ingested at substantially higher rates than CCMP373 regardless of E. huxleyi growth condition. Ciliate feeding rates also depended on E. huxleyi growth condition. For CCMP374, feeding rates were 2× higher on growing E. huxleyi cells than on non-growing cells (average 27.5 versus 15.6 cells ciliate −1 h −1 , respectively). For CCMP373, a relationship between E. huxleyi growth rate and ciliate feeding rate was not evident, but E. huxleyi grown on some N sources (ammonium, nitrate, urea) were ingested at consistently higher rates than E. huxleyi grown on other sources (ethanolamine, glutamine). Interstrain differences in the ability to utilize DON and resist predation may contribute to maintenance of high genetic diversity within this cosmopolitan, bloom-forming species.
Endovascular management of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas: A review

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are rare pathological entities presenting with a diverse clinical course, ranging from benign to life-threatening. Digital subtraction angiography remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of clinically suspected DAVFs. This article reviews the ethiopathogenesis, natural history, classification systems, clinical and angiographic features, and the current treatment strategies for these complex lesions. The management of DAVFs may include conservative treatment, endovascular intervention, microsurgery, and stereotactic radiosurgery. A multidisciplinary approach involving a neurosurgeon, interventional neuroradiologist, and neurologist is required before considering any type of treatment modality. The indication for the best therapeutic alternative must be individualized for each patient.
Mammalian transcription factor LSF is a target of ERK signaling.

LSF is a mammalian transcription factor that is rapidly and quantitatively phosphorylated upon growth induction of resting, peripheral human T cells, as assayed by a reduction in its electrophoretic mobility. The DNA-binding activity of LSF in primary T cells is greatly increased after this phosphorylation event (Volker et al. [1997]: Genes Dev 11:1435-1446). We demonstrate here that LSF is also rapidly and quantitatively phosphorylated upon growth induction in NIH 3T3 cells, although its DNA-binding activity is not significantly altered. Three lines of experimentation established that ERK is responsible for phosphorylating LSF upon growth induction in both cell types. First, phosphorylation of LSF by ERK is sufficient to cause the reduced electrophoretic mobility of LSF. Second, the amount of ERK activity correlates with the extent of LSF phosphorylation in both primary human T cells and NIH 3T3 cells. Finally, specific inhibitors of the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway inhibit LSF modification in vivo. This phosphorylation by ERK is not sufficient for activation of LSF DNA-binding activity, as evidenced both in vitro and in mouse fibroblasts. Nonetheless, activation of ERK is a prerequisite for the substantial increase in LSF DNA-binding activity upon activation of resting T cells, indicating that ERK phosphorylation is necessary but not sufficient for activation of LSF in this cell type.
Treatment planning for stereotactic radiosurgery with photon beams.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) has evolved as a unique discipline that combines aspects of both surgery and radiation oncology. Technological developments in the past few decades have provided a wide array of treatment techniques, including (i) the Gamma KnifeTM; (ii) Linac-based stereotactic techniques using circular collimators or using micro multileaf collimators (mMLCs); (iii) the Cyber KnifeTM, using an x-band linac mounted on a robotic arm; and (iv) serial and spiral tomotherapy. This paper provides a review of the treatment planning methods for stereotactic radiosurgery. Because of the differences in planning strategies used for each SRS technique, this paper will provide both a general review of the pre-requisites and common features of SRS treatment planning and the planning techniques specific to each of the SRS techniques.
The academic birth rate. Production and reproduction of the research work force, and its effect on innovation and research misconduct.

Universities have been churning out PhD students to reap financial and other rewards for training biomedical scientists. This deluge of cheap labour has created unhealthy competition, which encourages scientific misconduct.
Use of Nonlinear Least Squares in Meteorological Applications

Abstract This paper derives formulas for the application of nonlinear least squares. The need for doing statistical error analyses before undertaking any system development is pointed and formulas are derived to compute the covariance matrix of the estimated parameters. The technique is illustrated with application to three systems developed by the GAMP Group at NCAR, namely the GHOST sun angle tracking system, the use of Omega navigation system in the Carrier Balloon System, and the Safesonde, a Doppler wind measuring radiosonde system. The techniques developed are general enough for a universal application of nonlinear least squares.
Active Inhibition of Stuttering Results in Pseudofluency: A Reply to Craig

Craig discussed fluency outcomes following stuttering therapy that involved retraining the speech system, on the assumption that the speech end product is truly fluent. As previously outlined by Dayalu and Kalinowski, we strongly disagree with the notion that behavioral paradigms can ever result in automatic, long lasting natural sounding fluent speech. Fluent speech is within the grasp of one who stutters as seen in the effects of choral speech and derivatives such as delayed auditory feedback.
A revealed preference test of rationing

Abstract This paper derives a revealed preference test for utility maximization under rationing and can detect, for which goods rationing is binding without specifying a functional form or imposing rationing constraints prior to estimation. For UK data from 1920–55, we find evidence of utility maximization under rationing with rationing binding for food and other services. Estimated virtual prices exceed observed food prices by 16.5% in 1947 and observed prices of other services by 10.9% in 1952.
Optimizing OLAP cube processing on solid state drives

Hardware technology has improved to a point where a solid state drive (SSD) can read faster than a traditional hard disk drive (HDD). This unique ability to retrieve data quickly combines perfectly with OLAP cube processing. In this paper, we study how to improve performance of OLAP cube processing on SSDs. The main novelty of our work is that we do not alter the internal subsystems of the DBMS. Instead, the DBMS treats the SSD as though it was a regular HDD. We propose optimizations for SQL queries to enhance their performance on SSDs. An experimental evaluation with the TPC-H database compares performance of our optimizations on SSDs and HDDs. We found that even though SSDs have slower write speeds than HDDs, their excellent read speed more than overcomes this limitation.
Platelet-derived growth factor involvement in myocardial remodeling following infarction☆

Cardiac remodeling occurs in the infarcted heart (MI). The underlying regulatory mechanisms are under investigation. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a family of growth factors that stimulates cell growth, differentiation and migration. Herein, we sought to determine whether PDGF is involved in cardiac repair/remodeling following MI. The temporal and spatial expressions of PDGF isoforms (A, B, C and D) and PDGF receptor (PDGFR)-α and β as well as cell types expressing PDGF were examined in the infarcted rat heart. Sham-operated rats served as controls. We found that the normal myocardium expressed all PDGF isoforms, and cell types expressing PDGF were primarily interstitial cells. Following MI, PDGF-A and D were significantly increased in the infarcted myocardium during 6 weeks of the observation period and cells expressing PDGF-A and D were primarily endothelial cells, macrophages and myofibroblasts (myoFb). PDGF-B and C expressions were, however, reduced in the infarcted heart. In the noninfarcted myocardium, PDGF-D expression was increased in the late stage of MI and cells expressing PDGF-D were predominantly fibroblasts. Both PDGFR-α and β were significantly increased in the infarcted myocardium in the early and late stages of MI and in the noninfarcted myocardium in the late stage of MI. Enhanced PDGF-A, PDGF-D and PDGFR are coincident with angiogenesis, and inflammatory and fibrogenic responses in the infarcted myocardium, suggesting their regulation on cardiac repair. Elevated PDGF-D in the noninfarcted myocardium suggests its involvement in the development of interstitial fibrosis that appears in the late stage of MI.
Fabrication and characterization of wavelength selective microbolometers using a planar self-aligned process for low deformation membranes

We present fabrication and characterization of wavelength selective germanium dielectric supported microbolometers using a self-alignment technique to help insure a flat microbolometer membrane. The fabricated microbolometer consists of a resistive absorber sheet on a quarter wavelength germanium layer above a half wavelength air gap, producing dielectric interference [1]. We use a self-aligned process without a polyimide patterning process that helps eliminate deformation and stress in the structure membrane. We demonstrated that the fabricated wavelength selective microbolometers have flat, robust membranes and produce excellent tunable narrowband absorption in MWIR/LWIR band with efficient multi-color IR spectral response using wavelength selective pixels.
Information Integration Practices and Performance Outcomes

Because of the importance of information integration in obtaining competitive advantage in today's information-intensive environment, many organisations continue to search for better information in...
Off-road perception testbed vehicle design and evaluation

Off-road robotics efforts such as DARPA's PerceptOR program have motivated the development of testbed vehicles capable of sustained operation in a variety of terrain and environments. This paper describes the retrofitting of a minimally-modified ATV chassis into such a testbed which has been used by multiple programs for autonomous mobility development and sensor characterization. Modular mechanical interfaces for sensors and equipment enclosures enabled integration of multiple payload configurations. The electric power subsystem was capable of short-term operation on batteries with refueled generation for continuous operation. Processing subsystems were mounted in sealed, shock-dampened enclosures with heat exchangers for internal cooling to protect against external dust and moisture. The computational architecture was divided into a real-time vehicle control layer and an expandable high level processing and perception layer. The navigation subsystem integrated real time kinematic GPS with a three-axis IMU for accurate vehicle localization and sensor registration. The vehicle software system was based on the MarsScape architecture developed under DARPA's MARS program. Vehicle mobility software capabilities included route planning, waypoint navigation, teleoperation, and obstacle detection and avoidance. The paper describes the vehicle design in detail and summarizes its performance during field testing.
Optical detection of cervical neoplasia: results from an internally-controlled multicenter study.

Background. More than 30% of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 2,3) may be missed at colposcopy. Novel optical detection system (ODS) offer the potential of improving the performance of colposcopy. Our group has now completed three multicenter trails to evaluate ODS as an aid in the detection and localization of CIN 2,3 sites for cervical biopsy. In the most recent study, a single-arm internally-controlled trial comparing colposcopy with and without the benefit of ODS was evaluated. Methods. Women referred to colposcopy with an abnormal Pap test were evaluated by colposcopy with commitment to biopsy sites. Prior to biopsy, an ODS scan was performed to identify additional biopsy sites. The ODS combines fluorescence, white light backscattered spectroscopy, and video imaging in a hyperspectral detection algorithm (MediSpectra, Inc., Lexington, MA). ODS results are displayed as a colored overlay on a cervical image depicting areas suspect for CIN 2,3 to guide additional biopsies. Distinct colposcopy-directed and incremental ODS-directed biopsies were evaluated by reference pathology for the presence of CIN 2,3. Results. Of 227 enrolled subjects at 7 clinical sites, data from 193 were evaluable. Referral Pap distribution was 39.4% ASCUS, 47.2% LSIL, and 13.5% HSIL. Colposcopy detected 41 cases of CIN 2,3, and ODS detected an additional 9 cases, for a 22% gain ( P = 0.0037). For the ASCUS/LSIL group, initial colposcopy detected 24 cases of CIN 2,3, and the ODS detected an additional 6, for a 25% gain ( P = 0.0214). Conclusions. ODS increased the detection of CIN 2,3 by 25% among women with ASCUS/LSIL cytology referred to colposcopy. These results are in agreement with a prior dual-arm randomized controlled trial evaluating ODS in an intended use setting comprising 2299 women.
Corneal group refractive index measurement using low-coherence interferometry

Purpose: The goal of the study is to measure the group refractive index of the human cornea in vitro to improve the accuracy of corneal thickness measurements. Methods: Corneal buttons were trephined from 23 human cadaver eyes and the group refractive index of the cornea was measured at lambda equals 840 nm using a low-coherence Michelson interferometer and the technique proposed by Sorin and Gray (Phot. Tech. Lett. 4:105 - 107, 1992). The effect of dehydration on the measurement was studied by measuring the corneal optical thickness as a function of time. Results: Preliminary measurements of the group refractive index at 840 nm gave n g equals 1.450 plus or minus 0.024 for the human cornea, which is much higher than a calculated group refractive index of n g equals 1.387. Because of dehydration, the optical thickness of the cornea decreased at a rate of 5.5 micrometer/minute which led to an artificially high value for the group refractive index. Conclusion: The calculated group refractive index of n g equals 1.387 appears to be an accurate value for the purpose of corneal thickness measurements using low-coherence interferometry, and corneal group refractive index measurements can be performed in vitro if the measurements are performed rapidly to avoid the effect of dehydration.
Parametric studies of multi-material laser densification

Fabrication of multi-material components via a laser-assisted layer-by-layer fabrication process has been numerically simulated and analyzed using a three-dimensional thermo-mechanical model. Effects of the chamber preheating temperature, laser scanning rate, initial porosity and thickness of each powder layer on the out-of-plane warping and residual thermal stresses of a nickel/porcelain workpiece have been investigated. It is found that warping and residual thermal stresses of the laser-densified multi-material workpiece are more sensitive to the chamber preheating temperature and the thickness of each powder layer than to the laser scanning rate and the initial porosity of the powder layer. The major mechanism responsible for these phenomena is identified to be related to the change of the temperature gradient induced by these laser processing parameters.
Theory for the Hydrodynamic and Electrophoretic Stretch of Tethered B-DNA

We have developed a theory for the extension and force of B-DNA tethered at a fixed point in a uniform hydrodynamic flow or in a uniform applied electric field. The chain tethered in an electric field is considered to be subject to free electrophoresis compensated by free sedimentation in the opposite direction. This allows the use of results of free electrophoresis for including the effects of small ions. The force on the chain is derived for a sequence of ellipsoidal segments, each twice the persistence length of the wormlike chain. Hydrodynamic interaction between these segments is based on the long-range limit of flow around the prolate ellipsoids, as derived from equivalent Stokes spheres. The chain extension is derived by applying the entropic elasticity relation of Marko and Siggia (1995 Macromolecules. 28:8759-8770) to each segment for polymer chains under constant tension. We justify this procedure by comparing with extension results based on the Boltzmann averaged orientation of straight, freely jointed segments. Predicted results agree well with recent extension-flow experiments by Perkins et al., 1995. Science. 258:83-87, and with electrophoretic stretch experiments by Smith and Bendich (1990 Biopolymers. 29:1167-1173) on fluorescently stained B-DNA. We find that the equivalence of hydrodynamic and electrophoretic stretch, proposed by Long et al. (1996 Phys. Rev. Lett. 76:3858-3861; 1996 Biopolymers 39:755-759), is valid only for very small chain deformations, but not in general.
Meta-analysis: Selective estrogen-receptor modulators reduce breast cancer incidence

Source Citation Cuzick J, Sestak I, Bonanni B, et al; SERM Chemoprevention of Breast Cancer Overview Group. Selective oestrogen receptor modulators in prevention of breast cancer: an updated meta-a...
Alcohol‐Induced Regulation of Nuclear Regulatory Factor‐Kβ in Human Monocytes

Acute ethanol exposure has the capacity to modulate immune functions, particularly, to down regulate monocyte production of inflammatory cytokines. However, the intracellular mechanisms for these effects of ethanol are yet to be understood. Considering that nuclear regulatory factor-kappa beta (NF-kappa B)/Rel is a common regulatory element of the promoter region of the inflammatory cytokine genes, herein, we tested the hypothesis that acute ethanol affects NF-kappa B activation in human monocytes. Adherence-isolated monocytes showed constitutive DNA binding activity of NF-kappa B. A clinically relevant dose (25 mM) of acute ethanol treatment in vitro increased NF-kappa B binding activity in monocytes with a preferential induction of the inhibitory, p50/p50, NF-kappa B/Rel homodimer, and resulted in no induction of the p65/p50 heterodimer. In contrast, lipopolysaccharide stimulation primarily induced the p65/p50 heterodimer that has been shown to result in gene activation. Thus, such unique activation of the inhibitory p50/p50 homodimer by acute ethanol treatment may result in inhibition rather than activation of NF-kappa B-regulated inflammatory cytokine genes. Consequently, these results suggest that physiologically relevant concentrations of ethanol may affect production of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6 by disrupting NF-kappa B signaling in monocytes.
Salt-dependent changes in the DNA binding co-operativity of Escherichia coli single strand binding protein

Abstract The co-operative nature of the binding of the Escherichia coli single strand binding protein (SSB) to single-stranded nucleic acids has been examined over a range of salt concentrations (NaCl and MgCl2) to determine if different degrees of binding co-operativity are associated with the two SSB binding modes that have been identified recently. Quantitative estimates of the binding properties, including the co-operativity parameter, (ω, of SSB to single-stranded DNA and RNA homopolynucleotides have been obtained from equilibrium binding isotherms, at high salt (≥0.2 m -NaCl), by monitoring the fluorescence quenching of the SSB upon binding. Under these high salt conditions, where only the high site size SSB binding mode exists (65 ± 5 nucleotides per tetramer), we find only moderate co-operativity for SSB binding to both DNA and RNA, (ω = 50 ± 10), independent of the concentration of salt. This value for ω is much lower than most previous estimates. At lower concentrations of NaCl, where the low site size SSB binding mode (33 ± 3 nucleotides/tetramer) exists, but where SSB affinity for single-stranded DNA is too high to estimate co-operativity from classical binding isotherms, we have used an agarose gel electrophoresis technique to qualitatively examine SSB co-operativity with single-stranded (ss) M13 phage DNA. The apparent binding co-operativity increases dramatically below 0.20 m -NaCl, as judged by the extremely non-random distribution of SSB among the ssM13 DNA population at low SSB to DNA ratios. However, the highly co-operative complexes are not at equilibrium at low SSB/DNA binding densities, but are formed only transiently when SSB and ssDNA are directly mixed at low concentrations of NaCl. The conversions of these metastable, highly co-operative SSB-ssDNA complexes to their equilibrium, low co-operativity form is very slow at low concentrations of NaCl. At equilibrium, the SSB-ssDNA complexes seem to possess the same low degree of co-operativity (ω = 50 ± 10) under all conditions tested. However, the highly co-operative mode of SSB binding, although metastable, may be important during non-equilibrium processes such as DNA replication. The possible relation between the two SSB binding modes, which differ in site size by a factor of two, and the high and low co-operativity complexes, which we report here, is discussed. The different SSB-ssDNA complexes that are observed to form in vitro may each function selectively in replication, recombination and repair processes in vivo.
The p60 tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated kinase (TRAK) binds residues 344-397 within the cytoplasmic domain involved in TNF signaling

The p60 form of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor lacks motifs characteristic of tyrosine or serine/threonine protein kinases. Our recent observations have indicated that a p60 TNF receptor-associated kinase (p60-TRAK) from U-937 cells physically interacts with and causes the phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic domain of the TNF receptor. To define which region of the cytoplasmic domain is necessary for physical interaction with p60-TRAK, we constructed a series of deletions (grouped into three sets delta 1-delta 5, delta 6-delta 12, and delta 13-delta 16) of the p60 cytoplasmic domain, expressed them as glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion proteins, and used them in affinity precipitations, followed by in vitro kinase assays. Our detailed analysis indicated that a serine-, threonine-, and proline-rich region (residues 243-274, delta 2) and the N-terminal half of the cytoplasmic domain (residues 243-323, delta 3) neither associated with p60-TRAK nor underwent phosphorylation. We found that out of 222 residues (205-426) in the cytoplasmic domain, only 54 (344-397, delta 12) were sufficient for binding p60-TRAK and for phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic domain. A region of approximately 30 residues (397-426) at the C-terminal end was found to interfere with optimal binding of the p60-TRAK activity. Thus, our results indicate that the minimal region of the cytoplasmic domain necessary for interacting with p60-TRAK and for phosphorylation resides within the domain previously reported to be needed for signaling the cytotoxic effect of TNF.
The American Girl Company and the Uses of Nostalgia in Children’s Consumer Culture

Since the mid-1980s, thousands of girls have encountered history through the American Girl books, dolls, and merchandise. Drawing on the work of Fredric Jameson and Arjun Appadurai, both of whom comment on the ways in which historical narratives are always imbued with nostalgia, this paper argues that by creating purchasable “artifacts” for dolls, American Girl has drawn on nostalgic consumer impulses to create longing for an imagined and sanitized history. As American Girl has changed its focus from historical dolls to contemporary dolls, its message has become more focused on individuality, fashion, and personal improvement.
The Relationship of Pain Catastrophizing to Heightened Feelings of Distress

Abstract This study examined pain catastrophizing in individuals experiencing chronic pain conditions. Total score on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) was examined, along with its relationship to several clinical scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Inventory–Second Edition to answer the question of which scale would have the strongest relationship with total score on the PCS. These three scales have been most commonly implicated in chronic pain conditions. Overall results supported the importance of pain catastrophizing in helping to create heightened feelings of distress. Individuals higher in catastrophizing tend to experience increased pain, distress, anxiety, and depression with lower levels of functioning. A quick measure of catastrophizing is supported that will allow the professional more knowledge of the role of pain in the individual's condition and how pain-related thoughts may modify their quality of life.
SUBGENERIC AND SECTIONAL NAMES FOR INTERMOUNTAIN PENSTEMON (SCROPHULARIACEAE)

Some of the earliest validly published subgeneric and sectional names forPenstemon that have been overlooked or disregarded in recent years are recalled. Lectotype species are designated for sectionsGentianoides G. Don andSaccanthera Benth.
Scalable QoS provision through buffer management

In recent years, a number of link scheduling algorithms have been proposed that greatly improve upon traditional FIFO scheduling in being able to assure rate and delay bounds for individual sessions. However, they cannot be easily deployed in a backbone environment with thousands of sessions, as their complexity increases with the number of sessions. In this paper, we propose and analyze an approach that uses a simple buffer management scheme to provide rate guarantees to individual flows (or to a set of flows) multiplexed into a common FIFO queue. We establish the buffer allocation requirements to achieve these rate guarantees and study the trade-off between the achievable link utilization and the buffer size required with the proposed scheme. The aspect of fair access to excess bandwidth is also addressed, and its mapping onto a buffer allocation rule is investigated. Numerical examples are provided that illustrate the performance of the proposed schemes. Finally, a scalable architecture for QoS provisioning is presented that integrates the proposed buffer management scheme with WFQ scheduling that uses a small number of queues.
Neural protection by naturopathic compounds—an example of tetramethylpyrazine from retina to brain

Given the advantages of being stable in the ambient environment, being permeable to the blood–brain and/or blood–eye barriers and being convenient for administration, naturopathic compounds have growingly become promising therapeutic candidates for neural protection. Extracted from one of the most common Chinese herbal medicines, tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), also designated as ligustrazine, has been suggested to be neuroprotective in the central nervous system as well as the peripheral nerve network. Although the detailed molecular mechanisms of its efficacy for neural protection are understood limitedly, accumulating evidence suggests that antioxidative stress, antagonism for calcium, and suppression of pro-inflammatory factors contribute significantly to its neuroprotection. In animal studies, systemic administration of TMP (subcutaneous injection, 50 mg/kg) significantly blocked neuronal degeneration in hippocampus as well as the other vulnerable regions in brains of Sprague–Dawley rats following kainate-induced prolonged seizures. Results from us and others also demonstrated potent neuroprotective efficacy of TMP for retinal cells and robust benefits for brain in Alzheimer’s disease or other brain injury. These results suggest a promising prospect for TMP to be used as a treatment of specific neurodegenerative diseases. Given the assessment of the distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity information that is already available on most neuroprotective naturopathic compounds such as TMP, it would not take much preclinical data to justify bringing such therapeutic compounds to clinical trials in humans.
APPLICATION OF DESIGN OF EXPERIMENTS TO A SYSTEM ENGINEERING TASK A PERFORMANCE TRADEOFF CASE STUDY

There are a variety of methodologies available to the system engineer to assist him in the execution of the processes of the system development cycle. Emerging software tools are making these methodologies increasingly accessible to the system engineer. Design of Experiments (DOE) is a powerful statistical methodology described by (Schmidt 1992) that has recently become more accessible to the statistics layman because of software that handles the complicated statistical computations and allows the user to focus on the planning of the experiment and the interpretation of the experimental results. DOE has been used extensively in the optimization of manufacturing processes, parts and system components. It also has potential for significantly enhancing the system concept development process in the Concept Exploration phase. We will describe how DOE methodology has been used in the execution of a conceptual design configuration trade study.
Tungsten chemical vapor deposition using tungsten hexacarbonyl: microstructure of as-deposited and annealed films

Abstract Tungsten (W) films were deposited on Si(100) from tungsten hexacarbonyl, [W(CO)6], by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (CVD) in an ultra-high vacuum (UHV)-compatible reactor. The chemical purity, resistivity, crystallographic phase, and morphology of the deposited films depend markedly on the substrate temperature. Films deposited at 375°C contain approximately 80 at.% tungsten, 15 at.% carbon and 5 at.% oxygen. These films are polycrystalline β-W with a strong (211) orientation and resistivities of >1000 μΩ cm. Vacuum annealing at 900°C converts the metastable β-W to polycrystalline α-W, with a resistivity of approximately 19 μΩ cm. The resultant α-W films are porous, with small randomly oriented grains and nanoscale ( 95 at.%) polycrystalline α-W, with low resistivities (18–23 μΩ cm) and a tendency towards a (100) orientation. Vacuum annealing at 900°C reduces the resistivity to approximately 10 μΩ cm, and results in a columnar morphology with a very strong (100) orientation.
Ductility of a Zr-based bulk-metallic glass with different specimen's geometries

Abstract The ductility of a Zr 52.5 Cu 17.9 Ni 14.6 Al 10 Ti 5 bulk-metallic glass with different specimen's geometries in quasistatic compression experiments was investigated. The length ( l ) to diameter ( d ) ratio, l / d , of specimens significantly affects the demonstration of the ductility. The specimens with the l / d larger than 0.75 exhibit a poor ductility, while those with the l / d equal to and smaller than 0.75 show an excellent ductility. The maximum elongation before the failure was observed to be up to about 80%. This difference in ductility is a result of the geometrical constraints. The present study demonstrates that the bulk-metallic glass has the outstanding intrinsic ductility.
Investigation of mercury adsorption on gold films by STM

SUMMARY Scanning tunnelling microscopy, combined with complementary electrical and analytical measurements, provides a powerful method for examining the behaviour of mercury on gold-film sensors under actual sensor operating conditions. The films exhibit a linear increase in resistance upon adsorption of mercury, and this resistive change is accompanied by a decrease in measured barrier height at submonolayer coverages of mercury. STM studies of changes in the effective barrier height upon mercury adsorption provide evidence that mercury migrates to grain boundaries for films exposed at submonolayer coverages. Coverages in excess of a monolayer result in a nearly constant, reduced effective barrier height across the entire surface, which is indicative of a more uniform distribution of mercury over the surface. This behaviour is interpreted in terms of the adsorption of mercury onto defective, contaminated gold surfaces.
Attitudes toward older adults: The perceived value of grandparent as a social role

The present study examined the discrepancy between young and middle-aged adults' persistently negative attitudes toward older adults in general and their consistently positive attitudes toward grandparents. Two hundred-twenty young and middle-aged college students completed the Aging Semantic Differential and indicated or estimated (where appropriate) the average age for three categories of older adults: old people in general, typical (i.e., hypothetical, prototypical) grandparents, and their own grandparents. A pattern of results emerged in which students viewed older adults less positively than typical grandparents, who generally were viewed less positively than known grandparents. Because older people in general and typical grandparents were estimated as being similar in age, the positive attitudes expressed toward typical grandparents may be attributed to the social role of grandparent over and above any bias against increased age. Because students were most positive about their own grandparents, aspects of their individual grandparental relationships appear to have an additional, additive effect.
Developmental change in aggregation, defense and escape behavior of buckmoth caterpillars, Hemileuca lucina (Saturniidae)

Changes in response to attack and the tendency to aggregate were examined in the six larval instars of the buckmoth, Hemileuca lucina (Saturniidae). In response to simulation of attack by a parasitoid and of biting by a predator, early instars (I, II, and III) exhibited defensive behavior much more often than escape behaviors, whereas late instar larvae (IV, V, and VI) usually resorted to escape rather than defend themselves. The situations in which attacked larvae were most likely to stimulate other group members to respond were: second and third instar larvae thrashing in response to simulation of a parasitoid or headrearing in response to simulation of a biting predator; and fourth, fifth and sixth instar larvae dropping in response to either stimulus. An index of reaggregation indicated that first instar larvae had difficulty reaggregating; second, third and fourth instar larvae reaggregated quickly; and fifth and sixth larvae dispersed. As larvae developed, the change from predominantly defense to escape behaviors paralleled the decline in tendency to aggregate.
EVOLUTION OF EXTREMIST OPINIONS IN A POPULATION OF INTERACTING AGENTS

We have studied various spatial models of temporal evolution of opinions of a population of agents, located in a finite closed space, in which, at each time step, a given agent adopts, subject to a probability condition, a new opinion which depends upon the opinions of some of its neighbors. Moreover, at each time step each agent moves to a random neighboring location distributed according to a normal distribution with zero mean and a small standard deviation. The purpose of the paper is to find which types of interactions reduce the number of extremists.
Analytics for resiliency in the mainframe

The IBM System z® mainframe computer is a direct descendant of the IBM System/360 family of computing systems initially made available in 1965. With each release of an IBM mainframe, its developers include new reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS) functions. This paper describes recent technology added to the System z and z/OS® operating system to enhance the ability to provide high levels of availability. Specifically, we discuss the use of machine-learning algorithms to analyze log messages. We also describe combining temporal and textual information for system log-file analysis. Finally, we discuss the results of this analysis and the assistance it provides to mainframe users.
Flexible calibration technique for fringe-projection-based three-dimensional imaging

Fringe projection profilometry (FPP) has evolved dramatically, with many highly demanded features for three-dimensional (3D) imaging, such as high accuracy, easy implementation, and capability of measuring multiple objects with complex shapes. A vital component for an FPP-based 3D imaging system is the calibration process. The existing calibration methods lack the ability to be flexibly compatible with various scales of the field of imaging. In this Letter, a technique to cope with this issue is presented; it employs a checkerboard along with practical considerations to ensure reliable and accurate calibration. The validity and practicality of the technique are verified by experiments.
Stimulation of NMDA receptors activates calpain in cultured hippocampal slices

The hypothesis that intense stimulation of NMDA receptors activates calpain was tested in long-term cultures of hippocampus. Slices prepared from 10-day-old rats were maintained for periods of up to 6 weeks and then assayed for a stable breakdown product that results from the proteolysis of spectrin by calpain. The breakdown product increased dramatically during the first 24 h after tissue preparation and then decreased to a low level that remained unchanged for weeks. NMDA caused a 2- to 3-fold increase in breakdown product that rose linearly with time (5-30 min) and was blocked by the receptor antagonist MK-801. The effect of NMDA was the same throughout the culture period and was dependent upon the concentration of extracellular calcium with no effect at 2 mM and maximal effect at 4 mM calcium. These results indicate that rapid activation of calpain occurs in undamaged hippocampal neurons following stimulation of NMDA receptors.
Multiscale fiber reinforced composites based on a carbon nanofiber/epoxy nanophased polymer matrix: Synthesis, mechanical, and thermomechanical behavior

Abstract Vacuum assisted resin infusion molding (VARIM) was used to produce multiscale fiber reinforced composites (M-FRCs) based on carbon nanofibers dispersed in an epoxy resin. Flexural, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and thermomechanical tests are presented for the 0.1 wt% and 1 wt% M-FRCs and compared with the neat fiber reinforced composites (FRCs). Flexural strength and modulus increased (16–20%) and (23–26%), respectively for the 0.1 wt% and 1 wt% M-FRCs when compared to the neat FRCs. ILSS properties increased (6% and 25%) for the 0.1 wt% and 1 wt% M-FRCs, respectively when compared to neat FRCs. The glass transition temperatures ( T g ) of both M-FRC samples were 25 °C higher than the neat FRC. Coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of the M-FRC samples improved compared to the neat FRC. The improved T g and CTE properties in the M-FRC samples are attributed to synergistic interactions between the CNF/PNC matrix and glass fibers.
Aesthetics: If not from Below, Whence?:

Fechner's attempt to build an aesthetics from below, admirable in its context, is beset with difficulties. Four kinds are examined here: empirical problems in obtaining clear results, definitional problems in deciding what elements it is appropriate to study, contradictions that follow the establishment of rules of combination, and the ultimate paradox for aesthetics of the certainty of outcomes. They are severe enough to require radically different approaches, some of which are suggested here.
Selective Etching of Wide Bandgap Nitrides

HIGH-DENSITY PLASMA ETCHING HAS BEEN AN EFFECTIVE PATTERNING TECHNIQUE FOR THE GROUP-III NITRIDES DUE TO ION FLUXES WHICH ARE 2 TO 4 ORDERS OF MAGNITUDE HIGHER THAN MORE CONVENTIONAL REACTIVE ION ETCH (RIE) SYSTEMS. GAN ETCH RATES EXCEEDING 0.68 MICROMETER/MIN HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN C12/H2/AR INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMAS (ICP) AT -280 V DC-BIAS. UNDER THESE CONDITIONS, THE ETCH MECHANISM IS DOMINATED BY ION BOMBARDMENT ENERGIES WHICH CAN INDUCE DAMAGE AND MINIMIZE ETCH SELECTIVITY. HIGH SELECTIVITY ETCH PROCESSES ARE OFTEN NECESSARY FOR HETEROSTRUCTURE DEVICES WHICH ARE BECOMING MORE PROMINENT AS GROWTH TECHNIQUES IMPROVE. IN THIS STUDY, WE WILL REPORT HIGH-DENSITY ICP ETCH RATES AND SELECTIVITIES FOR GAN, ALN, AND INN AS A FUNCTION OF CATHODE POWER, ICP-SOURCE POWER, AND CHAMBER PRESSURE. GAN:ALN SELECTIVITIES {gt} 8:1 were observed in a C12/Ar plasma at 10 mTorr pressure, 500 W ICP-source power, and 130 W cathode rf-power, while the GaN:InN selectivity was optimized at approx. 6.5:1 at 5 mTorr, 500 W ICP-source power, and 130 W cathode rf-power.
Multiple quantum well PIN optoelectronic devices and a method of restoring failed device characteristics

Abstract Multiple quantum well (MQW) optical modulators have a wide range of applications in fiber-optic and remote communication systems. One of the challenges in producing reliable devices is maintaining the necessary PIN electrical characteristics while having large areas of complex MQW structures for optical processing. We report the first direct correlation between crystalline material imperfections and reverse bias behavior in MQW PIN devices. Molecular beam epitaxy grown GaAs/AlGaAs and strained InGaAs/AlGaAs MQW PIN structures are examined. Defects originating in the epitaxial material provide a conducting path along the PIN junction degrading the device performance and lowering the yield. Defectectomy, a method of eliminating the crystalline defects and restoring the device characteristics and improving the yield is described.
Reversed-phase boronate chromatography for the separation of O-methylribose nucleosides and aminoacyl-tRNAs.

Abstract Boronate forms an anionic complex with the cis -2′,3′ hydroxyls of unsubstituted ribonucleosides and the 3′-terminal adenosine of unacylated tRNAs, but not with ribosesubstituted nucleosides such as 2′- O -methylnucleosides and aminoacyl-tRNAs. We have synthesized phenyl boronates with hydrophobic side chains of about 1-nm-long and coated inert 10-μm solid beads of polychlorotrifluoroethylene with this material. This matrix complexes easily with compounds containing free cis -hydroxyls, but not with their O -alkyl or O -acyl derivatives. This permits the separation of mammalian and bacterial amino-acyl-tRNAs from uncharged tRNAs and O -methyl nucleosides from ribose-unsubstituted nucleosides in one chromatographic step, as the substituted members of each group do not undergo boronate complex formation and are thus not as much retarded in passing through the column. Complex formation between ribofuranoses and the boronate matrix appears to be enhanced by the hydrophobic “tail” of the boronate compound, by the high ionic environment of the solvent, and by the hydrophobic nature of the inert support. This method of one-step purification of tRNAs on reversed-phase boronate columns has been tested for several tRNAs specific for amino acids of different hydrophobicity and ionic character. The results indicate that each tRNA tested can be purified with appreciable purity (70–95%) and high yield (80%). However, recovery of the queuine base containing aminoacyl-tRNAs is only about 6% of the applied material. Several other boronate matrices have also been synthesized using cellulose, agarose. Sepharose, or porous glass beads as the inert support with different lengths of the spacer arm. Cellulose with a 1-nm-long spacer arm is satisfactory not only for the separation of aminoacyl-tRNAs and O -methylribose nucleosides, but also for the separation as a group of tRNAs containing the base of Q, queuine. However, other inert supports are unsatisfactory because of a non-specific binding of the tRNAs.
Infection studies of Discula quercina, an endophyte of Quercus garryana.

Discula quercina is a ubiquitous endophyte in Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana). We determined which tree parts were infected with this endophyte, censused how infection levels in leaves varied o...
Breech presentation associated with anticonvulsant drugs

SummaryIn a 2-year prospective study of anticonvulsant therapy in pregnancy, 5 term breech presentations (12 per cent) were discovered in 42 patients who took anticonvulsant drugs throughout pregnancy to term. This incidence of breech presentation was statistically greater (P<0-025) than in a control hospital population (4 per cent). There was a strong correlation between maternal and cord serum drug concentrations at delivery (r = 0-95) indicating the degree of fetal exposure to the drug. No other predisposing factors were discovered and it was concluded that there is an association between anticonvulsant drug use in pregnancy and breech presentation.
T3 Thyrotoxicosis Due to Metastatic Thyroid Carcinoma

An unusual case of T3 thyrotoxicosis clue to metastatic follicular carcinoma of the thyroid is presented. The primary tumor and normal thyroid tissue were ablated previously by thyroidectomy and large therapeutic doses of 131I iodide. Subsequent tracer studies showed no uptake of 131I in the neck. Serum levels of total and free thyroxine were normal, and the serum T3 concentration was abnormally high at a time when no normal thyroid tissue remained and exogenous T3 had been discontinued. Therefore, the thyrotoxicosis in this patient was most likely due to overproduction of T3 by the metastatic tumor.
Transplants of purified astrocytes promote behavioral recovery after frontal cortex ablation

Ablation of the medial frontal cortex produces a learning deficit on a reinforced alternation task. Recovery from this deficit was significantly accelerated in rats by transplantation of either cultured purified astrocytes or Gelfoam that had remained the previous 5 days in a brain wound in another animal (wound-Gelfoam). Cell-free extracts of wound-Gelfoam did not enhance behavioral recovery. Embryonic frontal cortex was effective only if transplanted with a delay after ablation. It appears from these results that transplants can facilitate functional recovery by more than one mechanism, including promotion of survival and reactive synaptogenesis of host neurons, stabilization of the damaged environment and replacement of lost neurons. In this study, glial cells were capable of facilitating recovery from central nervous system damage to the same extent as neuronal transplants.