cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Beauveria bassiana on embryos of the inland silverside fish (Menidia beryllina).

Abstract A chemical toxicity and teratogenicity test was adapted to assess potential adverse effects of a microbial pest control agent on a nontarget fish. Developing embryos of the inland silverside, Menidia beryllina, were exposed to conidiospores of the insect-pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. Embryo rupture and death were observed. Embryo rupture did not always result in death, nor was death always associated with embryo rupture. Adherence of spores to the chorion, followed by germination and penetration by the germ tube, probably caused the embryos to rupture. Statistically significant (P less than or equal to 0.05) responses were observed in tests in which conidiospore concentrations were greater than or equal to 8.3 x 10(4) or less than or equal to 1.5 x 10(6)/ml. Conidiospores treated with a dispersant (biological detergent) showed significantly less binding (P less than or equal to 0.01) to embryos than did untreated spores. Both detergent-treated and heat-killed spores failed to cause significant adverse effects.
A Case for the Twenty-First Century Constitutional Canon: Schneiderman v. United States

This Article examines a generally underappreciated 1943 Supreme Court case, Schneiderman v. United States. Schneiderman raises a variety of issues related to disparate subjects, such as the role of courts during wartime, the place of the Constitution in the American "civil religion," constitutional limitations on immigration regulation, and so on. Because this case discusses all of these issues (and had a major impact on the evolution of some of these issues), it is a case of substantial importance and interest that has belonged in the constitutional canon for some time. However, this Article argues that, because of the new issues posed by September 11th, Schneiderman belongs in the constitutional canon now more than ever. This Article examines what makes this case a good candidate for the constitutional canon, and in doing so attempts to suggest some modifications of the current framework used for discussing what makes a case a good candidate for the constitutional canon.
Long-term follow-up of portopulmonary hypertension patients after liver transplantation

Portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) occurs in 5.3% to 8.5% of patients with advanced liver disease. The rate of survival in the absence of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is reportedly 38% at 3 years and 28% at 5 years. Moderate to severe POPH [mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) ≥ 35 mm Hg] is associated with a perioperative mortality rate of 50%. Single-center series have demonstrated the feasibility and short-term efficacy of OLT after POPH is controlled with vasodilators, but long-term outcomes have not been reported. Our aim was to determine graft and patient survival rates and the effects of OLT on pulmonary hypertension (PHT) in patients undergoing transplantation for POPH at our center. Four hundred eighty-eight adult patients underwent transplantation between June 2004 and January 2011, and 7 underwent transplantation for POPH after their MPAP was reduced to ≤35 mm Hg with vasodilators. These 7 patients included 3 men and 4 women with ages ranging from 39 to 54 years at the time of OLT. All patients received IV EPO or inhaled EPO during the perioperative period, and all were weaned off EPO over the course of 3 days to 8 months. Both the graft and patient survival rates were 85.7% after a median follow-up of 7.8 years. One patient had recurrent hepatitis C virus cirrhosis and recurrent POPH and died from multiorgan failure unrelated to PHT. Four of the remaining 6 patients required oral vasodilator therapy for persistent PHT. Only 2 of the 7 patients (4.4 and 8.5 years after OLT) did not have PHT. In conclusion, patients with POPH responsive to vasodilator therapy may have excellent long-term graft and patient survival after OLT. Despite the alleviation of portal hypertension by OLT, most patients have persistent or recurrent PHT that can be controlled with oral vasodilators. Liver Transpl 20:724-727, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Identification of RNA sequences and structural elements required for assembly of fission yeast SRP54 protein with signal recognition particle RNA

Signal recognition particle (SRP) is a ribonucleoprotein composed of six polypeptides and a single RNA molecule. SRP RNA can be divided into four structural domains, the last of which is the most highly conserved and, in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, is the primary location to which deleterious mutations map. The ability of mammalian SRP54 protein (SRP54p) to bind Escherichia coli 4.5S RNA, a homolog of SRP RNA which contains only domain IV, suggested that SRP54p might interact directly with this region. To determine whether domain IV is critical for SRP54p binding in fission yeast cells, we used a native immunoprecipitation-RNA sequencing assay to test 13 mutant SRP RNAs for the ability to associate with the protein in vivo. The G156A mutation, which alters the 5' residue of the noncanonical first base pair of the domain IV terminal helix and confers a mild conditional growth defect, reduces assembly of the RNA with SRP54p. Mutating either of the two evolutionarily invariant residues in the bulged region 5' to G156 is more deleterious to growth and virtually abolishes SRP54p binding. We conclude that the conservation of nucleotides 154 to 156 is likely to be a consequence of their role as a sequence-specific recognition element for the SRP54 protein. We also tested a series of mutants with nucleotide substitutions in the conserved tetranucleotide loop and adjoining stem of domain IV. Although tetraloop mutations are deleterious to growth, they have little effect on SRP54p binding. Mutations which disrupt the base pair flanking the tetraloop result in conditional growth defects and significantly reduce association with SRP54p. Disruption of the other two base pairs in the short stem adjacent to the tetranucleotide loop has similar but less dramatic effects on SRP54p binding. These data provide the first evidence that both sequence-specific contacts and the structural integrity of domain IV of SRP RNA are important for assembly with SRP54p.
CORRELATION OF MONITOR–DEFIBRILLATOR TIMES WITH COMPUTER AIDED DISPATCH CENTER TIMES WITHIN AN EMS SYSTEM

(2004). CORRELATION OF MONITOR–DEFIBRILLATOR TIMES WITH COMPUTER AIDED DISPATCH CENTER TIMES WITHIN AN EMS SYSTEM. Prehospital Emergency Care: Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 105-105.
Transfection of human skeletal muscle cells with SV40 large T antigen gene coupled to a metallothionein promoter

We have undertaken to increase the proliferative capacity of cultured human skeletal myocytes by transfection with a plasmid construct that contains the immortalizing and transforming large T antigen gene of simian virus 40 (SV40) under the control of a zinc-sensitive metallothionein promoter. This construct was chosen to permit rapid growth of transformants in zinc-containing medium, which induces high levels of T antigen expression, and muscle-specific differentiation after withdrawal of exogenous zinc, which reduces levels of T antigen. When grown in 100 microM Zn2+, transformed myocytes expressed the large T antigen, divided rapidly, and acquired an apparently unlimited proliferative capacity. Transfer of these cells to a zinc-poor medium resulted in decreased T antigen immunofluorescence, growth rate, and saturation density as well as a return to a physiological spindle morphology. Despite transformation, these cells expressed differentiation markers characteristic of myoblasts: the B isoform of creatine kinase, and surface antigens 5.1H11, D5, and Thy 1 in the presence or absence of Zn2+. When grown to high density in a serum-poor medium, these cells differentiated further into typical multinucleated myotubes that expressed the M isoform of creatine kinase and increased levels of surface antigen 5.1H11, creatine kinase, and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, but no detectable Thy 1 antigen. The specific activity of these differentiation markers was higher when the cells were grown in the absence of added zinc. These results indicate that transformation of human skeletal myocytes with a regulatable SV40 large T antigen gene allows an increase of the proliferative capacity of these cells with preservation of their capacity to differentiate in a physiological manner.
Immunopathology of Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis

Abstract Conjunctival biopsies from 11 patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) and from 13 age-matched healthy individuals undergoing cataract surgery were analyzed by light microscopy and immunohistochemical techniques. Histology of AKC specimens showed goblet cell proliferation, epithelial pseudotubular formation, eosinophil and mast cell invasion of the epithelium, and pronounced mononuclear cell infiltration of the substantia propria, often with frank granuloma formation. Epithelium of AKC conjunctiva showed significantly more T cells (CD3+, CDS+), T-helper cells (CD4+), macrophages (Mac-1+, CD14+), activated T cells, (CD25+), and dendritic cells (CD1+), and a higher helper/ suppressor ratio than did control subjects. In the substantia propria, AKC specimens showed dramatically increased inflammatory cell infiltration with significantly more cells staining, in order of frequency, for T-cells (CD3+, CDS+), Thelper cells (CD4+), T-suppressor/cytotoxic cells (CD8+), macrophages (CD14+, Mac-1 +) activated T cells (CD25+), B cells (CD22+), and dendritic cells (CD1+, HLA-DR+). Fifty-three percent of T cells in the substantia propria expressed the interleukin-2 receptor protein (CD25+). These findings indicate that the chronic conjunctivitis of AKC is complex, with activated T-cells and macrophages dramatically participating in the process. Successful long-term control of the potentially blinding conjunctiva) inflammation of this disease is likely to require therapeutic strategies directed toward more than just the mast cell component of the process.
Structure of Hypotrichomonas acosta (Moskowitz) (Monocercomonadidae, Trichomonadida) as revealed by electron microscopy.

SYNOPSIS. The fine structure of Hypotrichomonas acosta resembles in many respects that of Trichomonadidae, and especially of members of the sub-family Trichomonadinae which have been examined to date by electron microscopy. In addition, the flagellate has certain ultrastructural differences from the latter organisms, some of which are of phylogenetic significance. Among these, the structure of the undulating membrane and the apparently occasional presence of a fine filament which may be considered as homologous to the costa of Trichomonadidae are the most important. The undulating membrane is represented by a rather low and otherwise poorly developed dorsal cytoplasmic fold with an ill-defined distal marginal lamella; the recurrent flagellum is applied near the dorsum of the fold. In a very few preparations a relatively short filament, of a diameter falling below the resolution limits of light microscope, is seen in a position which corresponds to that of the costa of Trichomonadidae. The identity of the filament as a probable rudimentary costa is supported also by the character of its periodicity. The rare appearance of the rudimentary costa among hundreds of sections may be explained either by its minute dimensions or by its absence from many hypotrichomonads. Other structures recorded for the first time in trichomonads are: the fine filamentous connections of the axostylar microtubules; the branching of parabasal filament 2; and the unusually organized, perhaps helical, polysomes, which are found in addition to the ribosomal complexes associated with the endoplasmic reticulum and commonly found in trichomonads. A detailed analysis of interconnections among various mastigont structures is presented and several kinds of cytoplasmic inclusions are described. H. acosta is of interest in the study of the nuclear envelope and presence of nuclear pores, which are numerous and conspicuous in this flagellate. The fine structure of the hypotrichomonad is discussed in relation to that of other trichomonads and in some instances to that of other protozoa.
Electrochemistry of concentrated organic redox solutions

Abstract Electrochemical reduction of nitrobenzene (NB) at Pt microdisk electrodes (12.5 μm radius) is reported for solutions from 0.00026 to 1.0 mole fraction NB. In the absence of an inert solvent, e.g., acetonitrile, a well-defined current plateau is observed corresponding to the mass-transport limited reduction of undiluted NB. Limiting currents and diffusion coefficients are also reported for NB reduction in the following mixed solutions: NB/acetonitrile (NB mole fraction, χNB = 0−1.0); NB/benzonitrile (χNB = 0–0.65); and NB/toluene (χNB =0.4–1.0). Maximum NB mass-transport limited reduction currents are observed at χNB = 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 in acetonitrile, benzonitrile, and toluene solutions, respectively. The resuls are discussed in terms of the combined effects of concentration, solution viscosity, and migration on limiting currents in concentrated redox solutions.
A nurse-run inpatient pain consultation service.

Abstract As hospitals across the country work to improve pain management in the face of ever-shrinking resources, one challenge that must be addressed is the delineation of specialized pain management services. Although pain management is an interdisciplinary process, nurses are in a unique position to provide leadership in both the organization and delivery of clinical services. This article describes the development and 2-year experience of a nurse-run inpatient pain management consultation service in an academic tertiary care hospital. The structure of the service, and nature and volume of consults is discussed along with recommendations for institutions considering this strategy. © 2000 by the American Society of Pain Management Nurses
Conformational stability of 1-bromo-2-fluoroethane from temperature dependent FT-IR spectra of rare gas solutions

Abstract Variable temperature (−55 to −135°C) studies of the infrared spectra (3500–400 cm −1 ) of 1-bromo-2-fluoroethane, BrCH 2 CH 2 F, dissolved in liquid krypton and xenon have been recorded. From these data, the enthalpy difference has been determined to be 108±9 cm −1 (1.296±0.113 kJ/mol ) and 112±8 cm −1 (1.346±0.098 kJ/mol ) from the krypton and xenon solutions, respectively, with the trans conformer the more stable rotamer. Complete vibrational assignments are presented for both conformers which are consistent with the predicted frequencies obtained from the ab initio MP2/6-31G ∗ calculations. The optimized geometries, conformational stabilities, harmonic force fields, infrared intensities, Raman activities, and depolarization ratios have been obtained from RHF/6-31G ∗ and/or MP2/6-31G ∗ ab initio calculations. These quantities are compared to the corresponding experimental quantities when appropriate. Structural parameters and conformational stability have also been obtained from MP2/6-311+G ∗∗ calculations. Combining the ab initio predicted structural parameters with the microwave rotational constants, r o parameters have been obtained for the gauche conformer.
Unidirectional Measurements of the Cosmic-Ray Latitude Effect

Cosmic-ray intensities in the vertical direction, and in two inclined directions, 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} eastwards and 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} westwards from the zenith, have been recorded as a function of latitude. The apparatus, embodying several coincidence counter trains, was arranged for unattended operation and automatic recording. It has made several voyages between New York and southern Chile through the Panama Canal on ships of the Grace Line. A latitude effect of 12 percent was found in the eastern direction compared with 4 percent in the western direction. Two values for the vertical latitude effect have been found, one about 12 percent and the other about 20 percent, and it is uncertain in the present measurements which one is correct. The intensity in the vertical and western directions is strongly influenced by local anomalies in the earth's magnetic field, whereas eastern intensities agree more closely with the distribution expected if the earth's field were that of a dipole. Shower intensities, recorded on one voyage, showed less of a latitude effect than vertical rays.
An Expanded Biological Repertoire for Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 through its Modulation of ClC-3 Function

Ins(3,4,5,6)P(4) inhibits plasma membrane Cl(-) flux in secretory epithelia [1]. However, in most other mammalian cells, receptor-dependent elevation of Ins(3,4,5,6)P(4) levels is an "orphan" response that lacks biological significance [2]. We set out to identify Cl(-) channel(s) and/or transporter(s) that are regulated by Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 in vivo. Several candidates [3-5] were excluded through biophysical criteria, electrophysiological analysis, and confocal immunofluorescence microscopy. Then, we heterologously expressed ClC-3 in the plasma membrane of HEK293-tsA201 cells; whole-cell patch-clamp analysis showed Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 to inhibit Cl(-) conductance through ClC-3. Next, we heterologously expressed ClC-3 in the early endosomal compartment of BHK cells; by fluorescence ratio imaging of endocytosed FITC-transferrin, we recorded intra-endosomal pH, an in situ biosensor for Cl(-) flux across endosomal membranes [6]. A cell-permeant, bioactivatable Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 analog elevated endosomal pH from 6.1 to 6.6, reflecting inhibition of ClC-3. Finally, Ins(3,4,5,6)P(4) inhibited endogenous ClC-3 conductance in postsynaptic membranes of neonatal hippocampal neurones. Among other ClC-3 functions that could be regulated by Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 are tumor cell migration [7], apoptosis [8], and inflammatory responses [9]. Ins(3,4,5,6)P4 is a ubiquitous cellular signal with diverse biological actions.
Covalent molecular functionalization of diamond thin-film transistors

The chemical functionalization and the resulting electrical properties of diamond thin-film transistors (TFTs) modified with organic monolayer films have been explored. Chemical processing steps were developed to produce amine-terminated surfaces in a manner compatible with pre-existing front-surface metal contacts and dielectric protecting layers. The electrical properties of the monolayer-modified TFTs fabricated using different procedures were investigated. Interchanging the order of the functionalization and contact deposition steps changes the devices transconductance by a factor of 100. Electrical measurements of thin-film transistor devices with three different molecular terminating groups show significant changes in threshold voltage that correspond with the expected charges of the functional groups.
Flows induced by the surface motions of a cylindrical sheet

Fluid flows induced by the surface stretching or shearing motion of cylindrical sheets are investigated. Steady and unsteady exact solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations are found for periodic axial shearing of an impermeable sheet and for periodic azimuthal stretching of a permeable sheet. Steady Stokes-flow solutions induced by the periodic axial stretching and the periodic azimuthal stretching of impermeable cylindrical sheets are also reported. In each case flows interior and exterior to a cylinder are considered, as well as the flow in the annulus between concentric cylinders.
Enhanced Plasmin Inhibition by a Reactive Center Lysine Mutant of the Kunitz-type Protease Inhibitor Domain of the Amyloid β-Protein Precursor

Abstract The Alzheimer's disease related protein, amyloid β-protein precursor (AβPP), contains a domain homologous to Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitors (KPI). The recombinant KPI domain of AβPP is a potent inhibitor of coagulation factors XIa and IXa and functions as an anticoagulant in vitro. Here we report the expression, purification, and characterization of a reactive center lysine mutant of the KPI domain of AβPP (KPI-Lys). An expression plasmid for the KPI-Lys domain of AβPP encoded amino acids 285-345 of the AβPP cDNA containing a lysine substitution at arginine 17 in the KPI domain. The secreted 61-amino acid product was purified to homogeneity and functionally characterized. The protease inhibitory properties of the KPI-Lys domain were compared to those of the native KPI domain of AβPP. Both KPI domains equally inhibited trypsin, chymotrypsin, and coagulation factors IXa and Xa. However, the KPI-Lys domain was an ≈25-fold less effective inhibitor of coagulation factor XIa resulting in markedly less prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin time compared to the native KPI domain of AβPP. On the other hand, the KPI-Lys domain was an ≈10- and 5-fold better inhibitor of plasmin in a chromogenic substrate assay and in a fibrinolytic assay, respectively, than the native KPI domain of AβPP. Together, these studies suggest that the KPI-Lys domain has enhanced anti-fibrinolytic and diminished factor XIa inhibitory properties compared to the native KPI domain of AβPP.
The Composition of Some Bronze Statuettes in the Hermitage Museum

The collection of the Ancient Department of the State Hermitage Museum contains some bronze statuettes of undocumented origin. The stylistic analysis of the statuettes and the spectral analysis of the metal allow us to suggest that they were produced on the territory of ancient Italy, presumably in some areas of Central Italy (Umbria, Picenum, Sabellian region). The more detailed stylistic research combined with analyses carried out on some of these statuettes gives an idea about the manufacturing processes employed by the ancient artisans who produced them.
Triazolam and zolpidem: effects on human memory and attentional processes.

Rationale: The imidazopyridine hypnotic zolpidem may produce less memory and cognitive impairment than classic benzodiazepines, due to its relatively low binding affinity for the benzodiazepine receptor subtypes found in areas of the brain which are involved in learning and memory. Objectives: The study was designed to compare the acute effects of single oral doses of zolpidem (5, 10, 20 mg/70 kg) and the benzodiazepine hypnotic triazolam (0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/70 kg) on specific memory and attentional processes. Methods: Drug effects on memory for target (i.e., focal) information and contextual information (i.e., peripheral details surrounding a target stimulus presentation) were evaluated using a source monitoring paradigm, and drug effects on selective attention mechanisms were evaluated using a negative priming paradigm, in 18 healthy volunteers in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design. Results: Triazolam and zolpidem produced strikingly similar dose-related effects on memory for target information. Both triazolam and zolpidem impaired subjects’ ability to remember whether a word stimulus had been presented to them on the computer screen or whether they had been asked to generate the stimulus based on an antonym cue (memory for the origin of a stimulus, which is one type of contextual information). The results suggested that triazolam, but not zolpidem, impaired memory for the screen location of picture stimuli (spatial contextual information). Although both triazolam and zolpidem increased overall reaction time in the negative priming task, only triazolam increased the magnitude of negative priming relative to placebo. Conclusions: The observed differences between triazolam and zolpidem have implications for the cognitive and pharmacological mechanisms underlying drug-induced deficits in specific memory and attentional processes, as well for the cognitive and brain mechanisms underlying these processes.
Organizational strategy and tacit collusion in oligopoly with agency

We study a model that integrates organizational structure and agency withdynamic price competition in oligopoly. Workers in different levels of the organizational structure have asymmetric information and heterogeneous objectives; i.e., there are agency conflicts within the firm. The organizational strategy of the firm is to determinesequentially the decision power relating to price and non-price competition instruments at each level. We examine the equilibrium organizational and competitive strategy of firms in a duopoly, and characterize the extent of noncooperative tacit collusion (with respect to price and non-price competition) that is feasible. We identify two sets of sufficient conditions that guarantee, (i) the monopoly solution is sustainable at any discount factor (rate of impatience of the workers), or (ii) the monopoly solution is not sustainable for any level of the discount factor. Interestingly, tacit collusion may be feasible when either the agency problem is non-existentor very severe; i.e., firm profits in equilibrium may be non-monotone in the extent of the agency conflict. Our analysis indicates that intrafirm learning and agency will have a stronger impact on feasible tacit collusion in markets where non-price competition plays a strong role. Moreover, there is an intimate connection between the firm's organizational strategy and the extent of tacit collusion with the (industry) business cycle.
Toward more user-friendly electronic endoscopy information systems: Role of accessories

The needs placed on today's physician to improve efficiency in the endoscopy unit are nowhere more apparent than in transcribing endoscopy reports. In spite of the constant progress made in currently available electronic endoscopy information systems, the systems lack efficiency and ease of use. Both of these problems could be addressed through the linkage of electronic endoscopy information systems to currently available accessory systems. We review how the linkage of tablet personal computers, voice recognition systems, and web connectivity software, which facilitates communication with electronic-based medical records, can be helpful. The final answer, however, will have to await clinical trials.
Compact Carrier Injection Based Mach-Zehnder Modulator in Silicon

CMOS-compatible, PIN diode Mach-Zehnder modulators have been fabricated. The devices operate at 10 GHz with a modulation depth of 25% at an input power of 100 mW. Compensated frequency response is flat to 5 GHz.
Index of Predation on Juvenile Salmonids by Northern Pikeminnow in the Lower Columbia River Basin, 1994–1996

Abstract We estimated relative abundance of northern pikeminnow Ptychocheilus oregonensis and relative consumption of juvenile salmonids Oncorhynchus spp. by northern pikeminnow at standardized sites in the lower Columbia and lower Snake rivers from 1994 to 1996. Indexes of abundance and consumption were compared with indexes measured from 1990 to 1993 to evaluate changes in predation concurrent with a predator control program in the lower Columbia basin. Reductions in indexes of northern pikeminnow abundance, consumption, or both resulted in mean 1994–1996 predation index values that were 44–91% lower than mean 1990–1993 values throughout the lower Columbia basin. Consumption of juvenile salmonids by surviving northern pikeminnow has not increased in response to predator control efforts. Spatial patterns were consistent among years, being greatest downstream from Bonneville Dam, intermediate in lower Columbia River reservoirs, and lowest at Snake River sites. Reductions in relative predation were consist...
Control of secretion of thyrocalcitonin in the rabbit as evaluated by radioimmunoassay.

Thyrocalcitonin was detected in the peripheral blood of the normal rabbit through the use of a recently developed sensitive radioimmunoassay for the hormone. Hormone was not detected in the plasma of thyroidectomized animals even after challenge with hypercalcemia. Studies on the rate of disappearance of injected thyrocalcitonin indicated that the turnover of the peptide in blood is rapid. Simultaneouschanges in hormone and blood calcium concentration were measured in 7 intact rabbits during calcium infusion. A directly proportional relationship between calcium and thyrocalcitonin concentrations was established. These findings support the concept that thyrocalcitonin is an important mammalian hormone. (Endocrinology 84: 36, 1969)
Product reliability in 90nm CMOS and beyond

While 90nm and 45nm CMOS matures from the lab to the manufacturing floor, the reliability of the product becomes more important as defect densities and degradation mechanisms that affect microprocessors may not be observable in sufficient quantities or magnitude at the macro level. There is a need to understand that the interaction between design and manufacturing, as it relates to field reliability, is moving beyond test-site measurements and design simulation alone. Only via the integration of reliability methodologies throughout the entire product development cycle will tomorrow's products be successful. Understanding the product reliability and performance metrics through the useful life of the product is imperative. This requires knowledge of the most sensitive circuits and the mechanisms that are most likely to negatively affect them. The most time efficient way to do this is by tracking these metrics through an accelerated life stress and evaluating fails accordingly
Characterization of Human Cortical and Trabecular Bone Structural Change by NMR and Micro-CT

The techniques of low-field pulsed proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin relaxation and Micro-CT are described for assessment of structural changes of human cortical and trabecular bone in vitro. The technique involves spin-spin relaxation measurement and inversion spin-spin spectral analysis methods for NMR. From NMR measurement, the CPMG T2 relaxation data can be inverted to T2 relaxation distribution and this distribution then can be transformed to a pore size distribution with the longer relaxation times corresponding to larger pores. In Micro-CT measurement, each trabecular bone specimen was individually scanned using a micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) system and 12 micron dimensionally-isotropic voxels were reconstructed. Due to the resolution limitation, Micro-CT measurement on cortical bone was not success, however, NMR measurement was success for both cortical and trabecular bones.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Modeling and simulation of an amplified structural damping system in a seismically-excited truss tower

In the present work, numerical simulations are carried out to investigate a passive amplified structural damping system, the scissor-jack damper, for controlling vibrations in a seismically-excited truss tower. To reduce computational effort, a bi-model method is employed to represent the 3D truss tower as a dynamically equivalent 2D lumped-mass model. For the scissor-jack damper, a new formulation for the amplification factor equation of the device is presented, and then validated using CAD. The new formulation accounts for the large deformations experienced by the device as a result of the large displacements present in the flexible tower during seismic loading. In order to capture the interaction between the structure and control device, the displacement-dependent amplification factors of the scissor-jack devices, and velocity-dependent forces of the dampers, are calculated at each time step. The resulting amplified damper force is then applied back to the structure to determine its response at the next time step. The response of the tower with scissor-jack damper systems is simulated for the El Centro and Northridge earthquakes, and time-histories of the displacement and absolute acceleration at each level of the tower are obtained. These results indicate that the system is effective in reducing overall response of the tower without exceeding practical limits on the stroke capacity of the scissor-jack dampers.
Factors Controlling Long-Term Survival and Growth of Naturalized Escherichia coli Populations in Temperate Field Soils

While Escherichia coli is widely used as an indicator of fecal contamination of waterways, recent studies suggest that this bacterium may become “naturalized” to soils. In this study, we investigated the survival and growth of naturalized E. coli in temperate soil in northern Minnesota. A spontaneously-occurring, antibiotic resistant E. coli strain, KS7-NR, was added to a field site at 10 3 cells (g soil) �1 . The survival and growth of E. coli KS7-NR were followed from June to October, by using colony counts on agar plates supplemented with antibiotics, and by using quantitative PCR (qPCR) with strain-specific primers developed based on suppressive subtractive hybridization. Both plate count and qPCR analyses indicated that E. coli KS7-NR survived for more than 2 months in the field soil. Laboratory experiments showed that soil temperature, moisture, nutrients, and the presence of other soil organisms influenced growth and survival of E. coli KS7-NR in soil. Moreover, our results indicated that summer drought conditions that occurred during the field study likely limited in situ growth of E. coli at the field site. Taken together, these results suggest that E. coli strains can survive long-term and grow in soils, provided that abiotic factors are within their tolerance limits.
The Language of State Agency Executive Transitions

Destructive metaphors used by one state's agency directors in describing the executive transition experience justify the initial anxiety typically felt by employees during periods of leadership change. Awareness of the words leaders use to grasp and deal with phases of organizational disruption can lead to an understanding of the dysfunctions of organizational change—and possibly to the substitution of metaphors leading to greater organizational health.This article calls attention to the destructive potential of current transition metaphors and suggests some substitute metaphors. It also provides an example of metaphorical analysis.
Confessions of two applied researchers in search of principles

Abstract The principles of social research are reasonably clear. They are important not only as standards of practice, but also as an expression of a moral code. But how well are they actually carried out? This paper focuses on the discrepancy we have personally experienced between the stated principles of social research and our experience with several applied social research projects over the last 10 years. Three cases of applied social research are presented and critiqued. Simply put, the ideals of research were rarely approximated in what turned out to be a much more complex and compromised business. Two types of structural problems were found: first, the positivist conception of science, and second, the goals and reward systems of the institution of social science itself. Our experience and disillusionment is examined from two perspectives: first, using Habermasian critical theory and second, from a Mertonian deviance perspective. We close with suggested structural changes in the form of oversight committees and revitalized dialogues about means and ends in applied research.
Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomic Is Changing the Field of Nutrition

Epidemiological nutrition research has established the correlation between dietary intake and chronic diseases. Today, several years after the mapping of the human genome, vast amounts of knowledge generated from genetics and health research have prompted a new evolutionary field in nutrition: nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics. Much is being revealed about the way genes affect dietary intake (nutrigenetics) and how foods influence one’s genetics (nutrigenomics). This article looks at this new “frontier” in nutrition science.
A comparison of guidance cues in desktop virtual environments

Designers of educational and entertainment desktop virtual environments (VEs) have employed a variety of cues for motivating users to perform actions or adopt particular viewpoints. However, there has been little formal study comparing user responses to such cues. This paper reports the results of a preliminary study of five cues (agents, signs, man-made landmarks, environmental landmarks, and trails) for motivating actions in virtual environments. Given a sample task of navigating to a target destination, no significant differences between the cues were observed in terms of overall success or speed. However, significant differences between the cues were found on other measures, including minimization of detours (trails) and awareness of guidance (agents, signs, trails). Frequency of desktop VE usage was also found to influence performance.
BEOL lithography for early development at the 65-nm node

This paper will present results obtained during the early development of a lithography process to meet the requirements of the 65 nm node in the BEOL. For the metal levels, an IBM/JSR jointly developed trench level resist was characterized and implemented. Resist image profile, process window, through pitch performance, image shortening and the effect of illumination conditions are discussed. Results from focus - exposure monitor (FEM) wafers are shown which were characterized for minimum resolution, process window and electrical continuity through a maze structure. For the via levels, results from another IBM/JSR jointly developed resist with high resolution and process windows are described. Process windows for nested and isolated vias are given, as well as results showing the improvement in process window and resolution due to the ARC etch. The results also include FEM measurements showing the electrical continuity through simple via chain structures versus the dimension of the via.
An empirical refutation of cartesian scepticism

i. This paper is concerned with a version of the Dream Argument of Descartes' First and Sixth Meditations. Most philosophers have assumed that because such sceptical arguments are intended to question whether empirical observation can justify beliefs about physical objects, it would be illegitimate to appeal to empirically supported beliefs in reply. Our contention is that, contrary to this assumption, the Cartesian argument is susceptible to empirical refutation.
Lipid-Based Drug Carriers for Prodrugs to Enhance Drug Delivery

The combination of lipid drug delivery systems with prodrugs offers several advantages including improved pharmacokinetics, increased absorption, and facilitated targeting. Lipidization and use of lipid carriers can increase the pharmacological half-life of the drug, thus improving pharmacokinetics and allowing less frequent dosing. Lipids also offer advantages such as increased absorption through the intestines for oral drug absorption and to the CNS for brain delivery. Furthermore, the use of lipid delivery systems can enhance drug targeting. Endogenous proteins bind lipids in the blood and carry them to the liver to enable targeting of this organ. Drugs with significant side effects in the stomach can be specifically delivered to enterocytes by exploiting lipases for prodrug activation. Finally, lipids can be used to target the lymphatic system, thus bypassing the liver and avoiding first-pass metabolism. Lymphatic targeting is also important for antiviral drugs in the protection of B and T lymphocytes. In this review, both lipid-drug conjugates and lipid-based carriers will be discussed. An overview, including the chemistry and assembly of the systems, as well as examples from the clinic and in development, will be provided.
Earth system science and the western worldview

Abstract Earth system science has influenced and continues to influence our understanding of the relationship between humans and nature. The first important lessons were that our planet is not the center of the universe and we are not the goal and culmination of evolution. Awareness of earth system evolution liberated humankind from the constraints of a world once thought to be unchanging and unchangeable. But the discovery of change in nature raises questions about limits. Quantitative exploration of the natural world has taught us that there are material limits on what humans can do, and that humans suffer when these limits are ignored. We are beginning to see indications that we may not be able to understand, predict, and control the natural world as we can understand, predict, and control what happens in the laboratory. There may be intellectual as well as material limits on human aspirations.
Increased Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation in the Liver Is Associated With Obesity and Insulin Resistance

Obesity is the result of excess energy intake relative to expenditure, however little is known about why some individuals are more prone to weight gain than others. Inbred strains of mice also vary in their susceptibility to obesity and therefore represent a valuable model to study the genetics and physiology of weight gain and its co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes. C57BL/6J mice are susceptible to obesity and insulin resistance when fed an obesogenic diet, whereas A/J mice are resistant despite increased caloric intake. Analysis of B6- and A/J-derived chromosome substitution strains and congenic strains revealed a complex genetic and physiological basis for this phenotype. To improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying susceptibility to metabolic disease we analyzed global gene expression patterns in 6C1 and 6C2 congenic strains. 6C1 is susceptible whereas 6C2 is resistant to diet-induced obesity. In addition, we demonstrate that 6C1 is glucose intolerant and insulin resistant relative to 6C2. Pathway analysis of global gene expression patterns in muscle, adipose, and liver identified expression level differences between 6C1 and 6C2 in pathways related to basal transcription factors, endocytosis, and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). The OxPhos expression differences were subtle but evident in each complex of the electron transport chain and were associated with a marked increase in mitochondrial oxidative capacity in the livers of the obese strain 6C1 relative to the obesity-resistant strain 6C2. These data suggests the importance of hepatic mitochondrial function in the development of obesity and insulin resistance.
CD40 ligand enhances immunogenicity of vector-based vaccines in immunocompetent and CD4+ T cell deficient individuals

Impairment of host immunity, particularly CD4+ T cell deficiency, presents significant complications for vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy. CD40 ligand (CD40L or CD154), a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF), is an important co-stimulatory molecule and, through interactions with its cognate receptor CD40, plays a pivotal role in the generation of host immune responses. Exploitation of CD40L and its receptor CD40 could provide a means to enhance and potentially restore protective immune responses in CD4+ T cell deficiency. To investigate the potential adjuvanticity of CD40L, we constructed recombinant plasmid DNA and adenoviral (Ad) vaccine vectors expressing murine CD40L and the mycobacterial protein antigen 85B (Ag85B). Co-immunization of mice with CD40L and Ag85B by intranasal or intramuscular prime-boosting led to route-dependent enhancement of the magnitude of vaccine-induced circulating and lung mucosal CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses in both normal (CD4-replete) and CD4+ T cell deficient animals, including polyfunctional T cell responses. The presence of CD40L alone was insufficient to enhance or restore CD4+ T cell responses in CD4-ablated animals; however, in partially depleted animals, co-immunization with Ag85B and CD40L was capable of eliciting enhanced T cell responses, similar to those observed in normal animals, when compared to those given vaccine antigen alone. In summary, these findings show that CD40L has the capacity to enhance the magnitude of vaccine-induced polyfunctional T cell responses in CD4+ T cell deficient mice, and warrants further study as an adjuvant for immunization against opportunistic pathogens in individuals with CD4+ T cell deficiency.
Child and Family Benefits in Eastern and Central Europe and in the West: Learning from the Transition

As countries in Eastern and Central Europe attempt the transition to market economies, they challenge the theoretical and applied repertoires of political economy. It is the premise in this paper that the transition tests the social policy ‘wisdom’ of the pluralistic, democratic ‘Western’ societies and offers scholars the opportunity for monitoring and learning. The paper is focused on family benefits, a component of social policy, and is concentrated on Hungary, Poland, and the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic. A contrast is made to European countries of the European Community and the European Free Trade Association. The United States is also covered. The discussion is concentrated on maternity and parental leave, care for infants, toddlers, and preschool children, and family allowances. One important question addressed is whether with current financial constraints the East will be forced to relinquish its family benefit policies as the West expands such policies. Or, to the contrary, will these policie...
The breastfeeding teen.

The benefits of breastfeeding to the health of infants and mothers have been well documented. A less quantifiable positive effect of breastfeeding is the increase in the mothers self-esteem and confidence as a mother if she has successfully initiated breastfeeding. This boost to self-esteem is particularly noticeable in the teen mom. A common characteristic of teens who either consciously or unconsciously choose to become pregnant is a sense of failure of never having achieved something worthwhile. Pregnancy and childbirth provides them with a sense of accomplishment but they absolutely beam with pride when they successfully initiate and persevere with breastfeeding their baby. (excerpt)
SU-E-T-227: Feasibility of Collision Avoidance Using In Room 3D Camera

Purpose: To determine the feasibility of detecting potential collisions between hardware and patient without the need of a CT scan. Methods: A 3D camera (Kinect for Windows, Microsoft) was mounted onto an on board imaging arm and 3 depth images at different angles were taken of an anthropomorphic phantom in a treatment position. A convex hull was then calculated from the depth vertices for use in a computer collision simulation. Positive collisions were then determined by manually moving the couch and gantry over a sample of their motion ranges. The results were compared with a computer simulation that calculated the positive collisions from the scanned geometry. Results: The simulation calculated 64,620 collision potential configurations of the phantom/couch and gantry at 1 degree increments in 4.36 sec using an Intel Core i3 processor with 8GB of ram. The accuracy of the calculation was assessed by dividing up the results into four different groups: true positive (correctly predicted collision), true negative (correctly predicted no collision), false positive (wrongly predicted collision), false negative (wrongly predicted no collision). There were 3949 measured data points, which resulted in TP = 1131, TN = 2437, FN = 275, and FP = 106 points. The receiver operating curve accuracy metric (TP+TN)/(TP+TN+TN+FN)) was then calculated from these groups as 90.35 %. Conclusion: We have successfully demonstrated a framework that could be used to scan patient geometry on the treatment table for use in collision avoidance. This could also be used in the simulation step of treatment to avoid planning geometrically infeasible setups. Collision prediction inaccuracies are attributed to inadequate point cloud data to accurately describe phantom geometry. Better sampling with improved reconstruction software should enable the ability to completely avoid planning of non‐deliverable beams or collisions during treatment.
The effects of alloy purity on the mechanical behavior of soft oriented NiAl single crystals

Preliminary results of the effects of alloy purity on the mechanical properties of NiAl single crystals are presented. Two stoichiometric NiAl single crystals with different impurity contents were studied. It is concluded that reductions in the interstitial and substitutional levels cause reduced yield strengths in NiAl. Heat treatment also results in reduced yield and flow stresses in both CP-NiAl and Hp-NiAl which are considered to be due to a reduction in the concentration of thermal vacancies due to vacancy coalescence during heat treatment.