cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
STRAIN-TUNING OF OPTICAL DEVICES WITH NANOMETER RESOLUTION

Abstract We stretched diffractive gratings by thin-film piezoelectric actuators, and demonstrated observable changes in grating period with sub-nanometer resolution. Characterization of fabricated MEMS devices suggests that strain-tuning can be widely used to make silicon optical devices tunable. Due to the virtual absence of electro-optic and charge carrier effects in silicon, thermo-optics has been the only means so far to achieve tunability. Mechanical strain-tuning would provide a faster response time, a lower power consumption and better localization of tunability, permitting fine tuning to fabrication mismatches, and active compensation to external disturbances. A first tunable microcavity photonic crystal is developed with a maximum strain of 0.21% to achieve 12 nm tuning of the resonant wavelength for C-band optical signals.
Sacred Healing and Biomedicine Compared

This analysis addresses the similarities and differences between sacred healing and biomedicine along several important dimensions that bear on the differential effects of patients' experiences of their treatment, including the physical setting, etiological beliefs, diagnoses, the practitioner-patient relationship, recruitment into the healing role, treatment repertoires, and perceptions of the body. The exploration of these differences illuminates the nature of medical regimes embedded in dissimilar systems of knowledge and reveals the strengths and weaknesses of each. The analysis demonstrates the dramaturgical nature of the biomedicinepatient encounter with its inherent underlying contradictions, in contrast to the sacred healer-patient interactions where the drama is lacking. The comparison reveals the importance of treatment techniques in sacred healing in contrast to the doctor's persona in biomedical treatment. The article concludes with a consideration of contemporary sociocultural forces that have led to the emphasis on the physicians's persona in biomedical practice. [sacred healing, biomedicine, doctor-patient relationship, healing process, Mexico]
Reproducible Replacement of Elongated or Ruptured Mitral Valve Chordae

Anatomical rules that make it possible to accurately replace mitral anterior cusp chordae tendineae with tanned xenograft pericardium are defined. Anterior and posterior cusp chordae were replaced with xenograft and autologous pericardium in 11 patients who had ruptured or elongated chordae. The xenograft occasionally became calcified; however, because it did not become elongated or shortened, competence was maintained for up to 3 years. Insufficiency was corrected, and the correction maintained for up to 4 months. Degenerative disease proved easier to treat than rheumatic disease. Two-dimensional echocardiography was a valuable aid in both preoperative planning and postoperative evaluation.
A study of the frequency of analogical responses to questions in black and white preschool-age children

Abstract Recent findings of ethnographic research conducted by Heath (1983) indicate that some children, particularly nonmainstream children, may respond to questions analogically—that is, by describing the object or event they have experienced or been exposed to in terms of their own experience, as opposed to responding referentially (i.e., by providing a specific name or label). The purpose of this study was to analyze the relative frequency of analogical responses to questions in three groups: 15 inner-city black preschoolers, 15 inner-city white preschoolers, and 15 mainstream white preschoolers. Data were gathered from the language portion of a developmental screening battery that included question-answering tasks from the Blank Preschool Language Assessment Instrument (Blank, Rose, & Berlin 1978). Analysis of the data indicated that (a) there was a significant difference in the number of analogical responses between black and white children regardless of whether the white children were inner-city or mainstream and (b) the frequency of use of analogical responses to questions was highest among the black children participating in the study.
Critical design and critical theory: the challenge of designing for provocation

Constructive design research is a form of research where design activity is a central research activity. One type of constructive design research is critical design, which seeks to disrupt or transgress social and cultural norms. Critical design's advocates have turned to critical theory as an intellectual resource to support their approach. Interestingly, critical design processes remain under-articulated in the growing design research literature. In this paper, we first explain why critical design is so hard to describe as a design practice or process. We then describe two critical design case studies we undertook and the effects we observed them having when place in the field. After sharing our breakdowns and breakthroughs along the way, we offer reflections on designing for provocativeness, the value of deep relationships between researchers and research participants, and the need to plan for and go with a fluid and emergent research plan --- with the goal of helping clarify critical design as an approach.
Responses of Quechua Indians to coca ingestion during cold exposure

Fourteen Quechua men chewed coca leaves as they were exposed to a mild cold stress of 15.5°C for two hours. When compared to their own responses in a similar exposure without coca, they showed lower finger and toe temperatures. This was attributed to a mild vasoconstriction induced by coca leaf chewing. During the second hour of cold, coca users also showed a more gradual decline in core temperature which could represent greater heat conservation.
Safety of subxyphoid pericardial access using a blunt-tip needle.

tolic function: a comparative study of athletes and sedentary men. Am J Cardiol 2001;88:594–598. 9. Perloff D, Grim C, Flack J, Frohlich ED, McDonald M, Morgenstern BZ. Human blood pressure determinations by sphygmomanometry. Circulation 1993; 88:2460–2470. 10. Nichols WW, O’Rourke MF, Avolio AP, Yaginuma T, Murgo JP, Pepine CJ, Conti CR. Effects of age on ventricular-vascular coupling. Am J Cardiol 1985; 55:1179–1184. 11. Fisman EZ, Ben-Ari E, Pines A, Drory Y, Shiner RJ, Motro M, Kellermann JJ. Pronounced reduction of aortic flow velocity and acceleration during heavy isometric exercise in coronary artery disease. Am J Cardiol 1991;68:485–491. 12. Sahn DJ, DeMaria A, Kisslo J, Weyman A. Recommendations regarding quantitation in M-mode echocardiography: results of a survey of echocardiographic measurements. Circulation 1978;58:1072–1083. 13. Devereux RB, Reichek N. Echocardiographic determination of left ventricular mass in man. Anatomic validation of the method. Circulation 1977;55:613– 618. 14. Keul J, Dickhuth HH, Lehmann M. Effect of static and dynamic exercise on heart volume, contractility, and left ventricular dimensions. Circ Res 1981; 48(suppl I):I-162–I-170. 15. Gardin JM, Davidson DM, Rohan MK, Butman S, Knoll M, Garcia R, Dubria S, Gardin SK, Henry WL. Relationship between age, body size, gender, and blood pressure and Doppler flow measurements in the aorta and pulmonary artery. Am Heart J 1987;113:101–109. 16. Mowat DHR, Haites NE, Rawles JM. Aortic blood velocity in healthy adults using a simple ultrasound technique. Cardiovasc Res 1983;17:75–80. 17. Ikaheimo MJ, Palatsi IJ, Takkunen JT. Noninvasive evaluation of the athletic heart: sprinters versus endurance runners. Am J Cardiol 1979;44:24–30. 18. Seals DR, Hagberg JM, Spina RJ, Rogers MA, Schechtman KB, Ehsani AA. Enhanced left ventricular performance in endurance trained older men. Circulation 1994;89:198–205. 19. Fagard R, Van den Broeke C, Amery A. Left ventricular dynamics during exercise in elite marathon runners. J Am Coll Cardiol 1989;14:112–118. 20. Fisman EZ, Frank AG, Ben-Ari E, Kessler G, Pines A, Drory Y, Kellermann JJ. Altered left ventricular volume and ejection fraction responses to supine dynamic exercise in athletes. J Am Coll Cardiol 1990;15:582–588.
Native fluorescence and excitation spectroscopic changes in Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria subjected to conditions of starvation.

Fluorescence emission and excitation spectra were measured over a 7-day period for Bacillus subtilis (Bs), a spore-forming, and Staphylococcus aureus (Sa), a nonspore-forming bacteria subjected to conditions of starvation. Initially, the Bs fluorescence was predominantly due to the amino acid tryptophan. Later, a fluorescence band with an emission peak at 410 nm and excitation peak at 345 nm, from dipicolinic acid, appeared. Dipicolinic acid is produced during spore formation and serves as a spectral signature for detection of spores. The intensity of the 410-nm band continued to increase over the next 3 days. The Sa fluorescence was predominantly from tryptophan and did not change over time. In 6 of the 17 Bs specimens studied, an additional band appeared with a weak emission peak at 460 nm and excitation peaks at 250, 270, and 400 nm. The addition of β-hydroxybutyric acid to the Bs or the Sa cultures resulted in a two-order of magnitude increase in the 460-nm emission. The addition of Fe2+ quenched the 460 emission, indicating that a source of the 460-nm emission was a siderophore produced by the bacteria. We demonstrate that optical spectroscopy-based instrumentation can detect bacterial spores in real time.
Adult stem cells of the lung in organ dysfunction

A major function of the lung is proper maintenance of gas exchange, with respiration being fundamental to the survival of the organism. Lung adult stem cells (LASCs) are thought to play a key role in tissue formation and repair. However, data on the origin, characteristics, clonality and function of LASCs in restoration are scarce and often contradictory. We discuss the experimental findings and complexities concerning LASCs, and summarize the data. Moreover, based on literature results, we deliberate on the multipotent progenitors which expand and mature into distinct cellular lineages. Understanding the expansion and differentiation of LASCs is beneficial in terms of elucidating the mechanisms of pulmonary regeneration and will potentially lay the foundation for novel therapeutic breakthroughs in lung repair.
SU-E-J-207: Dosimetric Effects of Diaphragm Motion On Spine SBRT Treatments

Purpose: To evaluate the dosimetric effects of diaphragm motion on spine SBRT treatments with IMRT and VMAT deliveries. Methods: Five 4D‐CTs were acquired for lung and liver SBRT patients. The vertebral body closest to the diaphragm level was contoured as the CTV. The thecal sac was used as a surrogate for the spinal cord PRV. A 3 mm expansion was used for the PTV with the PTV cropped to the cord PRV. Plans were optimized for PTV maximal coverage at 1800 cGy and cord PRV Dmax was no more than 1200 cGy. Plans were created for 7 and 11 field IMRT and partial arc VMAT modalities, all on the average intensity CT (AvgCT) and recalculated on the 4D CT data set. D95, D1, and Davg were recorded for the different delivery methods and all 11 CT sets (AvgCT+10 phases). Dose differences were calculated for each phase versus the planning AvgCT and for the maximum difference amongst the phases to evaluate worst‐case scenarios. Results: Regarding the PTV coverage, the IMRT‐7 plans always exhibited the largest dosimetric differences amongst metrics with Davg having the largest range (Davg[max‐min]: 63 cGy) versus the IMRT‐11 (51 cGy) and VMAT (49 cGy) out of the prescription dose of 1800 cGy. All other dosimetric points had smaller differences for PTV metrics. The maximum difference always occurred between exhale and inhale phases. The cord PRV D1% had smaller differences than PTV metrics with the maximum dose difference of 44 cGy for the IMRT‐7 plans, and IMRT‐11 had a maximum of 17 cGy and VMAT 23 cGy. Conclusions: Clinically relevant spine SBRT plans display less than 4% maximum difference in PTV dose (Davg) and 3% variability in the cord PRV D1% metric between inhale and exhale phases for IMRT‐7 plans in the worst case scenario.
Effect of Half-Quantum Vortices on Magnetoresistance of Perforated Superconducting Films

Recent cantilever magnetometry measurements of annular micron-size samples of Sr{sub 2}RuO{sub 4} have revealed evidence for the existence of half-quantum vortices (HQVs) in this material [J. Jang et al. Science 331 186 (2011)]. We propose to look for HQVs in transport measurements and calculate magnetoresistance of a perforated superconducting film close to the transition temperature in the presence of HQVs. We analyze the dependence of magnetoresistance on the thermodynamic stability of HQVs which, according to Jang et al., can be varied by the application of an in-plane magnetic field and point out features which may help to identify them.
Influence of Organic Matter Content of Soils on Insecticidal Control of the Wireworm Melanotus communis

Difficulty in controlling Melanotus communis Gyllenhal with aldrin prompted an investigation into factors affecting control. The following insecticides were evaluated in the laboratory for wireworm control: aldrin, diazinon, parathion, phorate, carbofuran, carbaryl, aldicarb, Supracide® ( O, O -dimethyl phosphorodithioate S -ester with 4-(mecaptomethyl)-2-methoxy-△2-1,3,4-thiadiazolin-5-one), and Dyfonate® ( O -ethyl S -phenyl ethylphosphonodithioate). Insecticides were applied to Bladen silt loam soil (9.0% organic matter content), organic loam soil (7.4% organic matter), and loamy fine sand (3.5% organic matter). Native wireworms from each of the 3 soil types were employed, and a loamy sand (1.3% organic matter) served as a low-organic-matter check soil. Wireworm control with aldrin and diazinon decreased with an increase in the organic matter in the soil, whereas control with phorate was not affected by organic matter, and Dyfonate and parathion were only moderately affected. This investigation revealed that poor control of M. communis with aldrin was due to organic matter content of the soil and not to acquired resistance.
Design, Synthesis, and Photochemical Properties of a Photoreleasable Ubiquinol-2: A Novel Compound for Studying Rapid Electron-Transfer Kinetics in Ubiquinol-Oxidizing Enzymes

The design and multistep convergent synthesis of the novel photoactive ubiquinol-benzoin adduct 1a,b has been accomplished. Optical spectra of the steady-state photolysis reactions showed a smooth conversion from 1a,b to 5,7-dimethoxy-2-phenylbenzofuran (13) and ubiquinol-2 with an isobestic point at 258 nm. HPLC analysis of the photoproducts was also consistent with the clean formation of the desired ubiquinol-2 (3) and the expected 5,7-dimethoxy-2-phenylbenzofuran (2). Transient photolysis at 355 nm was consistent with a rapid photolysis rate that exceeded the instrument response time (>106 s-1). Accordingly, the study of rapid electron-transfer events in ubiquinol oxidizing enzymes is now feasible. Furthermore, the synthetic methods developed herein will be of general application for the facile synthesis of a variety of photoreleasable substrates for studying rapid kinetic events in enzymatic reactions.
Retinoids synergize with insulin to induce hepatic Gck expression.

Hepatic GK (glucokinase) plays a key role in maintaining glucose homoeostasis. Many stimuli regulate GK activity by controlling its gene transcription. We hypothesized that endogenous lipophilic molecules modulate hepatic Gck expression. Lipophilic molecules were extracted from rat livers, saponified and re-constituted as an LE (lipophilic extract). LE synergized with insulin to induce primary hepatocyte, but not β-cell, Gck expression in an SREBP-1c (sterol-regulatory-element-binding protein-1c)independent manner. The dramatic induction of Gck mRNA resulted in a significant increase in GK activity. Subsequently, the active molecules were identified as retinol and retinal by MS after the purification of the active LE fractions. Retinoids synergizedwithinsulintoinduceGckexpressionbytheactivation of both RAR [RA (retinoic acid) receptor] and RXR (retinoid X receptor). Inhibition of RAR activation completely abolished the effect of retinal. The hepatic GK specific activity and Gck mRNA levels of Zucker lean rats fed with a VAD [VA (vitamin A)-deficient] diet were significantly lower than those of rats fed with VAS (VA-sufficient) diet. Additionally, the hepatic Gck mRNA expression of Sprague‐Dawley rats fed with a VAD diet was lower than that of rats fed with VA-marginal, -adequate or -supplemented diets. The reduced expression of Gck mRNA was increased after an intraperitoneal dose of RA in VAD rats. Furthermore,anintravenousinjectionofRArapidlyraisedhepatic Gck expression in rats fed with a VAS control diet. Understanding the underlying mechanism that mediates the synergy may be helpful for developing a treatment strategy for patients with diabetes.
A PSYCHOBIOLOGICAL REVIEW OF DEPRESSION DURING PREGNANCY

This paper argues that depression may be viewed as one of several normal affective developments of pregnancy rooted in some of the physiological events of gestation and that identification of depression during pregnancy may be difficult (but nonetheless important) because the symptoms of pregnancy and depression are confounded. Studies are reviewed that suggest variations in the incidence and course of depression during pregnancy, some biological bases for such depression when it occurs, some systems through which it might operate, and the possible need for biological and psychological interventions.
Immunological maturation and lymphoreticular cancer transformation in larvalXenopus laevis, the South African clawed toad

Summary One of the unique features of theXenopus lymphoreticular neoplasm (L-1) is that it undergoes developmental cycling in postmetamorphic hosts. The initial period of growth and spread is followed by a general necrosis of the cancer foci, even when the cells of the cancer are host derived. Recurrence of the disease then takes place. A variety of experiments had suggested that immunological factors may control the cycle. Other experiments had suggested that larvalXenopus tissues may be refractory to the development of this cancer. This report deals with the use of the tail of larvalXenopus as anin vivo culture environment to deal primarily with the following two questions: (1) How will this cancer behave in an unresponsive immunological environment? (2) Is the apparent refractory nature of larval tissue to cancer development related to the state of differentiation of the potential target cells? Four experimental series are described which were used to answer the two questions. Siblings were used for all the experiments although there was a 4-month interval between the first and the following series. Stage 52–53 larvae which develop at a normal rate were found to be immunologically neutral sites and were refractory to cancer formation. Since focal necrosis of the cancer did not occur it was concluded that the cancer does not self-destruct and that necrosis is imposed on it by the organismal environment. Slower developing, chronologically older but morphologically stage 52–53 larvae, on the other hand, were found to be partially immunologically responsive and susceptible to lymphoid cancer initiation. While metamorphic changes did not appear to determine the transformability of larval target cells, the results of a separate series in which the hosts all passed through metamorphosis suggested that growth of cancer foci in larval visceral organs may be stimulated by metamorphosis. Focal necrosis, which occurred only when frozen-killed cancer implants were used, may be related to the increased volume of cancer generated.
PLFE Lipids Stabilize Liposomal CA4P

Liposomal encapsulation using bipolar tetraether lipids such as the polar lipid fraction E (PLFE) isolated from the archaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius offer many advantages over conventional phospholipid mediated or free drug delivery. PLFE provide increased stability to lipid vesicles. Liposome mediated drug delivery can reduce the off target effects caused by anti-cancer drugs. Therefore, we hypothesize that PLFE archaeosomes, offer the anti-cancer drug combretastatin A4 disodium phosphate (CA4P) a higher therapeutic efficacy by increasing the drug's stability, circulation time, and targeting. In this study, the fluorescent properties of CA4P have been utilized for drug leakage assays with different compositions of PLFE/POPC in unilamellar vesicles of varying sizes. We have found that PLFE lipids stabilize liposomes and decrease rate of CA4P leakage. We have also shown that this effect is manifested in the cytotoxicity assay against human MCF-7 breast cancer cells. (supported by NSF DMR1105277)
Elucidating Antimicrobial Lipopeptide Action via Combined Coarse-Grained and All-Atom Molecular Dynamics

The advent of multiple drug resistant bacterial strains and the lack of novel antibiotic therapeutics to respond remains one of the pressing medical concerns of our time. Recent work has highlighted a class of synthetic compounds, known as antimicrobial lipopeptides, which show great promise as a scaffold for future drug design. One such compound, palmitoyl-Lys-Gly-Gly-DLys (C16-KGGK), has micromolar minimum inhibitory concentrations against a variety of bacterial and fungal species. Here we have used many microseconds of coarse-grained and all-atom molecular dynamics in tandem to probe the biophysical mechanism of action behind this lipopeptide with varying detail and time-scales. Our results are validated and compared to experimental data, including solid-state NMR, and suggest a possible mechanism by which lipid bilayers are disrupted.
Influence of dietary copper and ethylenediaminetetraacetate on copper concentration and oxidative stability of milk.

Abstract Effects of supplemental copper sulfate, copper ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), and sodium EDTA at levels of 5.0, 8.0, and 7.6 g, respectively, per cow daily on the concentrations of copper and tocopherol and on the oxidative stability of milk were tested in a Latin-square changeover feeding trial with four treatments and four three-week periods. The treatments did not influence the concentration of copper in the cow's blood, but milk copper was increased significantly by supplements of copper sulfate (P
Function emulation using MVQ neural networks

In earlier studies a multiclass vector quantization (MVQ)-based neural network design was explored for pattern classification. We reconsider that design here in the context of function emulation. With proper adjustment, the MVQ design demonstrates excellent performance. Moreover, the design algorithms sense discontinuities in the data and replicate them in the network.
Sympathetic neural modulation of the immune system. I. Depression of T cell immunity in vivo and vitro following chemical sympathectomy.

Chemical sympathectomy of adult mice with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) either prior to or following epicutaneous sensitization with the trinitrophenyl (TNP) hapten decreased the delayed hypersensitivity (DH) response to ear challenge. To determine if uptake of 6-OHDA into sympathetic nerve terminals, and their subsequent destruction, was required for suppression of DH, the catecholamine uptake blocker, desipramine, was employed to block 6-OHDA-induced sympathetic denervation. Pretreatment with desipramine prevented the depression of DH. In vivo treatment with the β blocker, propranolol, did not after the 6-OHDA effect, eliminating the potential contribution of released catecholamines, acting on β-adrenoceptors, to DH reduction. Sympathectomy before sensitization also diminished hapten-specific T cell reactivity of sensitized lymph node (LN) cells, as measured in vitro by IL-2 production and CTL generation. In vivo DNA synthesis in draining LN in response to immunization was modestly decreased following 6-OHDA. Thus, sympathetic denervation appears to impair T cell activity in vivo and in vitro. Overall, these results indicate the SNS plays a role in generation of cell-mediated immunity.
Analysis of thick rectangular plates laminated of bimodulus composite materials

Abstract : A mixed finite-element analysis is presented for static behavior of rectangular plates having finite transverse shear moduli and different elastic properties depending upon whether or not the fiber-direction strains are tensile or compressive. As a benchmark to evaluate the validity and accuracy of the finite-element analysis, a closed-form solution is presented for the particular case of an unsymmetric-cross-ply plate having freely supported edges and subjected to a sinusoidally distributed normal-pressure loading. (Author)
Chemical polishing of diamond

Abstract New chemical processes for etching diamond have been explored in order to find economical methods to shape and polish chemical vapor deposition diamond for optical applications. Chemical reagents with the potential for oxidizing or dissolving carbon were evaluated by contacting the reagent with diamond surfaces at 500–1000°C. Molten lanthanum-nickel eutectic (melting point 480°C) in bulk form exhibits a high activity for etching diamond. Etch rates of 78, 113, and 215 μm h -1 were observed at 700, 800 and 900°C respectively. Although fast, the etching process can be non-uniform. The metals iron, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and palladium were found to etch diamond at 1–5 μm h -1 at 900–1000°C, while other metals and metal oxides gave little or no etching of diamond.
A Limited Capacity to Treat: Examining the Effects of Prison Population Control Strategies on Prison Education Programs

The number of prisoners across the country has increased dramatically throughout the 1980s. Texas is one state that has felt the strain of prisoner population pressures. To keep abreast of demand, more state prison units were built. However, new prisons were soon filled to capacity. This situation forced policymakers to implement a population cap and an allocation formula. To keep the prisoner population within the cap, prisoners were released early and time served declined rapidly over the course of the 1980s. These latter consequences severely affected the ability of the Windham School System to deliver prison education programs. The data showed that one in seven inmates was released prior to taking a vocational certification test. Various policy options are then explored.
Integration of RF MEMS switches with the reconfigurable reflectarray element: A novel patch-slot implementation

MEMS actuated reconfigurable reflectarray element design has been demonstrated which can be used to synthesize the scattered wavefront adaptively. The reflectarray element - patch with variable length slot was characterized in detail. Certain design issues were investigated. RF MEMS switches were mounted on the slot and the sample was tested for reconfigurablity. A simulation model of the switch was designed and good agreement between measurement and simulation results was observed.
Quantitative differences in dental microwear between primate species with different diets and a comment on the presumed diet of Sivapithecus

Studies of dental microwear have been used to relate tooth form to function in a variety of recent and extinct mammals. Probably the most important aspect of microwear analysis is the possibility of using it to deduce the diet of extinct animals. Such deductions must be based on comparative studies of modern species with known diets, but to date, only qualitative studies have been attempted and all have been based on small samples. Here we report quantitative differences in dental microwear between primate species that are known to have different diets. Occlusal facets with different functions have previously been shown to exhibit different microwear patterns. However, the differences between facets of one species are shown to be far less than those between homologous facets of different species. Study of seven species of extant primates shows that enamel microwear can be used to distinguish between those with a mainly frugivorous diet and those with a mainly folivorous one. Microwear can also distinguish hard-object feeders from soft-fruit eaters. The microwear of Miocene Sivapithecus indicus cannot be distinguished statistically from that of the chimpanzee, but it is different from that of the other species. On this evidence S. indicus was not a hard-object feeder and the adaptive significance of its thick molar enamel is at present unknown.
A Comparison of Tunneling Through Thin Oxide Layers on Step-free and Normal Si Surfaces

Surface and interface morphology may play an important role in the electrical performance of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices with small characteristic dimensions. In previous work we showed how steps on the silicon surface influence the Si-SiO2 interface morphology and the outer oxide surface morphology following thermal oxidation [1]. The Si-SiO2 interface morphology is largely determined by the starting silicon substrate step distribution and atomic steps at the Si surface cause an inherent variation in oxide thickness after thermal oxidation. In the present study we report how roughness caused by increased interfacial step density may affect the electronic tunneling characteristics of an MOS device structure. To determine the extent to which the step morphology plays a role in the tunneling behavior of such devices, similar arrays of capacitors were fabricated on both Si surfaces with reduced step density and surfaces which had not undergone any special surface step removal treatment. The leakage currents due to tunneling for the two types of capacitors were measured and compared. Atomic steps cause an effective decrease in oxide thickness in those capacitors without reduced step density and this leads to increased leakage current.
Impact of temozolomide on gonadal function in patients with primary malignant brain tumors

BackgroundCumulative exposure to alkylating agents may produce impaired reproductive function. Temozolomide is an alkylating agent approved for treating malignant gliomas.ObjectiveA pilot study was undertaken to investigate the effects of temozolomide on semen integrity in men with newly diagnosed or recurrent malignant gliomas.MethodsEligible patients had no known fertility problems or impotence. Comprehensive semen analysis and serum sex hormones were obtained at baseline and following 3 and at least 6 months of temozolomide.ResultsThirteen men were recruited. Mean age was 42 years (28–58). Three had recurrent and 10 newly diagnosed malignant glioma. Four were unable to ejaculate or were azoospermic at baseline. Four provided samples at baseline and after at least 6 months of temozolomide. Five were unable to complete the study. Two of four patients with paired baseline and 6-month samples received 6 months of standard monthly temozolomide. Two patients received standard radiation and concurrent temozol...
Fostering Teacher Candidates' Reflective Practice through Video Editing

Recently, interest in using video to promote the reflective practice in preservice teacher education has increased. Video recordings of teaching incidents inspire the reflective practice in preservice teachers by allowing them to analyze instruction and view teaching in an objective light. As an extension of video recording, video editing has become a powerful tool for creating teaching vignettes that communicate students' growth as professionals. This article presents a specific pre and post video editing assignment used to promote the reflective practice during a pedagogy skills course within a teacher education program. This assignment enables preservice teachers to record, identify, isolate, edit, and reflect on preferred pedagogical practices (PPPs) of teaching in order to illustrate their growth as teachers over the course of a semester. This type of assignment results in the recognition and representation of key PPPs to foster deep, critical reflection among preservice teachers, which helps to impr...
Variation in GIGYF2 is not associated with Parkinson disease

Objective: A recent study reported that mutations in a gene on chromosome 2q36-37, GIGYF2 , result in Parkinson disease (PD). We have previously reported linkage to this chromosomal region in a sample of multiplex PD families, with the strongest evidence of linkage obtained using the subset of the sample having the strongest family history of disease and meeting the strictest diagnostic criteria. We have tested whether mutations in GIGYF2 may account for the previously observed linkage finding. Methods: We sequenced the GIGYF2 coding region in 96 unrelated patients with PD used in our original study that contributed to the chromosome 2q36-37 linkage signal. Subsequently, we genotyped the entire sample of 566 multiplex PD kindreds as well as 1,447 controls to test whether variants in GIGYF2 are causative or increase susceptibility for PD. Results: We detected three novel variants as well as one of the previously reported seven variants in a total of five multiple PD families; however, there was no consistent evidence that these variants segregated with PD in these families. We also did not find a significant increase in risk for PD among those inheriting variants in GIGYF2 ( p = 0.28). Conclusions: We believe that variation in a gene other than GIGYF2 accounts for the previously reported linkage finding on chromosome 2q36-37. GDS = Geriatric Depression Scale; MMSE = Mini-Mental State Examination; NCRAD = National Cell Repository for Alzheimer’s Disease; PD = Parkinson disease; PSG = Parkinson Study Group; UPDRS = Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale.
Intelligent pH control using fuzzy linear invariant clustering

This study explores the application of a fuzzy clustering algorithm in the field of chemical process control. The control problem considered is a two level cascade control of the pH of a chemical stream. The pH is controlled by the addition of two chemicals-sulfuric acid (to lower the pH) and caustic (to increase the pH). The fuzzy clustering algorithm developed by Bezdek et al. (1993), and independently by Kundu and Chen (1994) is used in this study to identify fuzzy rules from numerical I/O data points. The algorithm replaces the notion of a single representative point of a cluster with a more general notion of a hyperplane for each cluster. In this study, a simulation of the control problem has been generated and a menu driven GUI has been developed which enables the user to simulate different states of the control problem by modifying the tuning parameters. Preliminary experiments show that the rules learned by the fuzzy clustering perform well. These results provide support for the use of fuzzy clustering algorithms in process control.
Effects of lipoprotein biogenesis mutations on flagellar assembly in Salmonella

Flagellar assembly requires the expression of a large number of flagellum-specific genes. However, mutations in a number of other genes in Salmonella and Escherichia coli have been shown to have pleiotropic effects that affect flagellar assembly. FlgH (the L-ring subunit of the flagellar basal body) is a lipoprotein whose modification is important for L-ring assembly. We therefore tested whether the lack of motility of Salmonella mutants defective in lipoprotein biogenesis is a result of inability to modify FlgH. Our results show that temperature-sensitive apolipoprotein N-acyltransferase [lnt(Ts)] mutants are nonflagellate at 42°C. However, the flagellar assembly defect occurs at a much earlier step in the pathway than L-ring assembly. These mutants failed to assemble even an MS ring, presumably because of the observed decrease in transcription of fliF. In contrast, temperature-sensitive diacylglycerol transferase [lgt(Ts)] mutants were motile at 42°C, provided the strains carried an lpp (Braun lipoprotein) mutation to permit growth. We have isolated second-site mutants from an lgt(Ts) lpp+ strain that grow but are nonflagellate at 42°C. Thus, lipoprotein biogenesis is a factor that is important for flagellar assembly.
FIXATION OF TISSUE CULTURE CELLS FOR ULTRASTRUCTURAL CYTOCHEMISTRY.

Abstract Adjustment of the osmolality of buffered gluteraldehyde to isotonic levels allows cytochemical studies of tissue culture cells with the electron microscope. This method will permit similar studies on cells obtained from blood or other body fluids.
Optimistic parallel discrete event simulation of the event-based transmission line matrix method

In this paper we describe a technique for efficient parallelization of digital wave guide network (DWN) models based on an interpretation of the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method for discrete event simulation. Modeling methodologies based on FDTD approaches are typically constrained in both the spatial and time domains. This interpretation for discrete event simulation allows us to investigate the performance of DWN models in the context of optimistic parallel discrete event simulation employing reverse computation for rollback support. We present parallel performance results for a large-scale simulation of a 3D battlefield scenario, 100 km and at a height of 100 m with a resolution of 100 m in the X-, Y-planes, and 10 m in the Z-plane for 754 simultaneous radio wave transmissions.
Deletion of the Cl−/HCO3− exchanger pendrin downregulates calcium-absorbing proteins in the kidney and causes calcium wasting

Background. The epithelial calcium channel (ECaC) (TRPV5) and the Cl � /HCO3 � exchanger pendrin (SLC26A4) are expressed on the apical membrane of tubular cells in the distal nephron and play essential roles in calcium re-absorption and bicarbonate secretion, respectively, in the kidney. Methods. A combination of functional and molecular biology techniques were employed to examine the role of pendrin deletion in calcium excretion. Results. Here, we demonstrate that deletion of pendrin causes acidic urine [urine pH 4.9 in knockout (KO) versus 5.9 in wild-type (WT) mice, P < 0.03)] and downregulates the calcium-absorbing molecules ECaC and Na/Ca exchanger in the kidney, as shown by northern hybridization, immunoblot analysis and/or immunofluorescent labeling. These changes were associated with a ~100% increase in 24-h urine calcium excretion in pendrin null mice. Subjecting the pendrin WT and KO mice to oral bicarbonate loading for 12 days increased the urine pH to ~8 in both genotypes, normalized the expression of ECaC and Na/Ca exchanger and reduced the urine calcium excretion in pendrin-null mice to levels comparable to WT mice. Conclusions. We suggest that pendrin dysfunction should be suspected and investigated in humans with an otherwise unexplained acidic urine and hypercalciuria.
Pyruvate improves redox status and decreases indicators of hepatic apoptosis during hemorrhagic shock in swine

Previous studies have shown that the liver is the first organ to display signs of injury during hemorrhagic shock. We examined the mechanism by which pyruvate can prevent liver damage during hemorr...
HCSA: A Hybrid Client-Server Architecture

The HCSA (Hybrid Client-Server Architecture), a flexible system layout that combines the advantages of the traditional Client-Server Architecture (CSA) with those of the Shared Disk Architecture (SDA), is introduced. In HCSA, the traditional CSA-style I/O subsystem is modified to give the clients network access to both the server and the server’s set of disks. Hence, the HCSA is more fault-tolerant than the CSA since there are two paths between any client and the shared data. Moreover, a simulation study demonstrates that the HCSA is able to support a larger number of clients than the CSA or SDA under similar system workloads. Finally, the HCSA can run applications in either a CSA mode, an SDA mode, or a combination of the two, thus offering backward compatibility with a large number of existing applications.
Functional Genomics of Plasmodium falciparum: a new approach for identifying therapeutic targets against malaria

In 1996, an international consortium was established to determine the sequence of the 26 Mb Plasmodium falciparum genome. Six years later, the genome sequence was published with an estimation of 5,268 genes. However, 60% of these predicted genes encode hypothetical proteins that share little or no sequence similarity with proteins from other organisms. Elucidation of function using traditional forward and reverse genetic techniques with these hypothetical P. falciparum genes is proving challenging and time consuming. As a result, high-throughput genomic and proteomic techniques have emerged as important tools to elucidate gene function more rapidly and cost-effectively. Despite the major challenges posed by the wealth of data generated by high-throughput genomics and proteomics, we have developed methods to optimize the analysis of these large data sets. Here, we describe how we interpret the data to generate biologically relevant conclusions, which will improve the general understanding of the biology of the malaria parasite as well as lead to the identification of new promising targets for drug and vaccine developments.
The epidemiology of depression across cultures

Epidemiological data are reviewed on the prevalence, course, socio-demographic correlates, and societal costs of major depression throughout the world. Major depression is estimated in these surveys to be a commonly occurring disorder. Although estimates of lifetime prevalence and course vary substantially across countries for reasons that could involve both substantive and methodological processes, the cross-national data are clear in documenting meaningful lifetime prevalence with wide variation in age-of-onset and high risk of lifelong chronic-recurrent persistence. A number of sociodemographic correlates of major depression are found consistently across countries, and cross-national data also document associations with numerous adverse outcomes, including difficulties in role transitions (e.g., low education, high teen childbearing, marital disruption, unstable employment), reduced role functioning (e.g., low marital quality, low work performance, low earnings), elevated risk of onset, persistence and...
Cueing training in persons with Parkinson's disease

A groundbreaking study challenges misconceptions about cueing training in Parkinson’s disease The traditionally held belief about the treatment of patients with neurodegenerative conditions is that they cannot benefit from exercise training.2 For people with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, it was feared that exercise would increase the underlying muscle tone. Exercise might worsen the condition and so was to be avoided. The paper by Niewboer et al 1 (see p 134) challenges this assumption. It is groundbreaking in several important aspects. Firstly, with 153 participants, the study is the largest trial on gait training in Parkinson’s disease. Results from previous …
Genetics of brain structure and intelligence.

Genetic influences on brain morphology and IQ are well studied. A variety of sophisticated brain-mapping approaches relating genetic influences on brain structure and intelligence establishes a regional distribution for this relationship that is consistent with behavioral studies. We highlight those studies that illustrate the complex cortical patterns associated with measures of cognitive ability. A measure of cognitive ability, known as g, has been shown highly heritable across many studies. We argue that these genetic links are partly mediated by brain structure that is likewise under strong genetic control. Other factors, such as the environment, obviously play a role, but the predominant determinant appears to genetic.
Temperature Prediction in 3013 Containers in K-Area Material Storage (KAMS) Facility Using Regression Methods

3013 containers are designed in accordance with the DOE-STD-3013-2004. These containers are qualified to store plutonium (Pu) bearing materials such as PuO2 for 50 years. DOT shipping packages such as the 9975 are used to store the 3013 containers in the K-Area Material Storage (KAMS) facility at Savannah River Site (SRS). DOE-STD-3013-2004 requires that a comprehensive surveillance program be set up to ensure that the 3013 container design parameters are not violated during the long term storage. To ensure structural integrity of the 3013 containers, thermal analyses using finite element models were performed to predict the contents and component temperatures for different but well defined parameters such as storage ambient temperature, PuO{sub 2} density, fill heights, weights, and thermal loading. Interpolation is normally used to calculate temperatures if the actual parameter values are different from the analyzed values. A statistical analysis technique using regression methods is proposed to develop simple polynomial relations to predict temperatures for the actual parameter values found in the containers. The analysis shows that regression analysis is a powerful tool to develop simple relations to assess component temperatures.
Increased renal ENaC subunits and sodium retention in rats with chronic heart failure

Renal tubular dysfunction could be involved in the increased sodium and water reabsorption in chronic heart failure (CHF). The goal of the present study was to examine the molecular basis for the increased renal sodium and water retention in CHF. We hypothesized that dysregulation of renal epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) could be involved in the pathogenesis of CHF. The left coronary ligation-induced model of heart failure in the rat was used. Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis indicated that the mRNA and protein abundance of α-, β-, and γ-subunits of ENaC were significantly increased by in the cortex (mRNA: α-ENaC Δ104 ± 24%, β-ENaC Δ47 ± 16%, γ-ENaC Δ55 ± 18%; protein: α-ENaC Δ114 ± 28%, β-ENaC Δ150 ± 31%, γ-ENaC Δ39 ± 5% compared with sham rats) and outer medulla (mRNA: α-ENaC Δ52 ± 18%, β-ENaC Δ38 ± 8%, γ-ENaC Δ39 ± 13%; protein: α-ENaC Δ88 ± 16%, β-ENaC Δ94 ± 28%, γ-ENaC Δ45 ± 9% compared with sham rats) of CHF compared with sham-operated rats. Immunohistochemistry microscopy confirmed the increased labeling of α-, β-, and γ-ENaC subunits in the collecting duct segments in rats with CHF. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in diuretic (7-fold compared with sham) and natriuretic responses (3-fold compared with sham) to ENaC inhibitor benzamil in the rats with CHF. Absence of renal nerves produced a greater contribution of ENaC in sodium retention in rats with CHF. These results suggest that the increased expression of renal ENaC subunits may contribute to the renal sodium and water retention observed during CHF.
The Maddy‐Petrillo controversy

(1970). The Maddy‐Petrillo controversy. Journal of Broadcasting: Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 287-296.
Comparison of Damage Diagnosis Algorithms on a Spatial Frame Using Vibration Data

Structural damage can be induced by short-term abnormal stresses as well as long-term natural aging. Detection of changes in a structure's ability to withstand subsequent loads can aid decisions on safety, repair, rehabilitation, and demolition. Dynamic property shifts can show internal cracks and minor damage before propagation or failure occurs, but only if a proper indicator is selected. In order to evaluate potential damage indices, a model three-story metal frame building was constructed and incrementally damaged. An as-built baseline was used for both sequential and cumulative comparisons to ten scenarios with removed bracing. Identical data sets are mined via twelve algorithms using six unique damage indicators, and each algorithm's performance is evaluated. Of all implemented schemes, frequency response function subtraction using frequency content differentials as a direct indicator is the most accurate damage detection scheme for the three-story test structure.