cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and optimization of luminescent Si nanoparticles by CO 2 laser annealing and Si nanocrystal light emission in microcavities

We report synthesis and photoluminescence optimization of luminescent Si nanocrystals in silicon rich oxide films using a CO 2 laser beam. Laser annealing allows for a very localized heat deposition. This results in appreciable temperature rise in an area that is equivalent to only a few spot sizes. This could be important in CMOS back-end compatible processing where high temperatures on the entire wafer scale might not be acceptable. Furthermore, temperature optimization studies in furnace annealing are time consuming because the furnaces have to be programmed to each individual temperature and the stabilization takes long times. In CO 2 laser annealing, the entire temperature range for nanocrystal formation is available along the radial and axial directions of the laser spot - thereby allowing temperature optimization in a single short experiment. Presence of crystalline nanoparticles is ascertained using structural analysis techniques like transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). We also report luminescence optimization with respect to laser power and annealing time. It is observed that laser annealing in an air ambient results in two peaks in the luminescence spectrum - on in the visible at 570 nm and one in the near infra read at 800 nm. Origin of luminescence in these two peaks is probed by hydrogen passivation and time resolved measurements. In the second part of the paper, we focus on continuous wave characterization of photoluminescence from Si nanocrystals embedded in microdisk resonators. There have been numerous reports on observation of continuous-wave and transient gain in planar optical waveguides with Si nanocrystal active layer. However, there are relatively very few investigations focusing on photoluminescence emission from Si nanocrystals (quantum dots) embedded in on-chip optical microcavities. Microcavities spectrally filter the luminescence from the quantum dots and, depending on the (Q/V) ratio, can significantly alter the spontaneous photoemission from the quantum confined excitons. In our work, planar microcavities are patterned on the emitter layer by high resolution electron beam lithography and a combination of dry and wet chemical etching. Fabrication procedure is optimized to maximize the ratio of the quality factor and the mode volume. Continuous-wave photoluminescence measurements are performed by top-pumping the resonators with a 488 nm line of an argon ion laser. We study the photoemission from the microdisks for the polarization dependence, and quality factors. Contributions of various mechanisms leading to the observed loss are estimated. We believe that our studies will help gain further insight into photoemission physics of the group-IV nanostructures.
Minireview: Novel Aspects of M3 Muscarinic Receptor Signaling in Pancreatic β-Cells

The release of insulin from pancreatic β-cells is regulated by a considerable number of G protein-coupled receptors. During the past several years, we have focused on the physiological importance of β-cell M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M3Rs). At the molecular level, the M3R selectively activates G proteins of the G(q) family. Phenotypic analysis of several M3R mutant mouse models, including a mouse strain that lacks M3Rs only in pancreatic β-cells, indicated that β-cell M3Rs play a key role in maintaining blood glucose levels within a normal range. Additional studies with transgenic M3R mouse models strongly suggest that strategies aimed to enhance signaling through β-cell M3Rs may prove useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. More recently, we analyzed transgenic mice that expressed an M3R-based designer receptor in a β-cell-specific fashion, which enabled us to chronically activate a β-cell G(q)-coupled receptor by a drug that is otherwise pharmacologically inert. Drug-dependent activation of this designer receptor stimulated the sequential activation of G(q), phospholipase C, ERK1/2, and insulin receptor substrate 2 signaling, thus triggering a series of events that greatly improved β-cell function. Most importantly, chronic stimulation of this pathway protected mice against experimentally induced diabetes and glucose intolerance, induced either by streptozotocin or by the consumption of an energy-rich, high-fat diet. Because β-cells are endowed with numerous receptors that mediate their cellular effects via activation of G(q)-type G proteins, these findings provide a rational basis for the development of novel antidiabetic drugs targeting this class of receptors.
157 nm Photodissociation of a Complete Set of Dipeptide Ions Containing C-Terminal Arginine

Twenty singly-charged dipeptide ions with C-terminal arginine were photodissociated with 157 nm light and their tandem mass spectra recorded. Many of the small product ions that were observed are standard peptide fragments that have been commonly seen in VUV photodissociation studies. However, the study of a library of dipeptides containing all 20 N-terminal amino acids enabled the recognition of trends associated with the occurrence of w-, v-, and immonium ions, the observation of competition between forming N- and C-terminal fragments in dipeptide RR, and the identification of some unusual fragment ions appearing at masses of 183, 187, 196, and 197 Da. A highly accurate internal calibration of the photodissociation TOF-TOF data enabled molecular formulae for these four product ions to be derived. Their proposed structures reflect the rather high-energy nature of this fragmentation phenomenon.
Open source license alternatives for software applications: is it a solution to stop software piracy?

The open source movement has introduced a wealth of software applications that may challenge commercial applications in ease of use, features, and speed. Typically open source applications are available "free-of-charge", but the potential for hidden costs has slowed down their acceptance in commercial settings. In this paper we explore licensing options available to locate and acquire open source software. Finally, we will explore the impact of open source software and the Open Source Initiative approved licenses on commercial applications, and both the legal and illegal trading of software.
Utilizing a Multiprocessor Architecture - The Performance of MIDAS

The MIDAS architecture organizes multiple CPUs into clusters called distributed subsystems. Each subsystem consists of an array of processors controlled by a supervisory CPU. The multiprocessor array is composed of commercial CPUs (with floating point hardware) and specialized processing elements. Interprocessor communication within the array may occur either through switched memory modules or common shared memory. The architecture permits multiple processors to be focused on single problems. A distributed subsystem has been constructed and tested. It currently consists of a supervisor CPU; 16 blocks of independently switchable memory; 9 general purpose, VAX-class CPUs; and 2 specialized pipelined processors to handle I/O. Results on a variety of problems indicate that the subsystem performs 8 to 15 times faster than a standard computer with an identical CPU. The difference in performance represents the effect of differing CPU and I/O requirements.
Toward robot-assisted vascular microsurgery in the retina

• Background: Experimental protocol in our laboratory routinely requires the precise placement of instruments at, or near, the retina. Although manipulators for placing an instrument within the eye presently exist, none of the designs were satisfactory due to limitations on size, accuracy and operability. To overcome these limitations, we have developed a novel six degree of freedom manipulator designed specifically for retinal microsurgery. • Methods: The manipulator is parallel in structure and provides submicrometer positioning of an instrument within the constrained environment of the eye. The position of an instrument attached to the manipulator is commanded by the operator using a hand-held trackball. A computer controller interprets the trackball input and moves the manipulator in an intuitive manner according to mathematically constrained modes of operation. • Results: Over 50 retinal vessels in the live, anesthetized cat have been successfully cannulated for pressure measurement and drug injection using the described manipulator and micropuncture techniques. The targeted vessels ranged in internal diameter from 20 to 130 pm. • Conclusion: This device has applications in microsurgery where tremor and fatigue limit the performance of an unaided hand and where mechanically constrained manipulators are inappropriate due to size and operative constraints.
Three proposed "quantum erasers"

Interaction with a measuring apparatus can cause otherwise interfering paths of a particle to become distinguishable. Under some conditions, however, it is possible to ``erase'' the distinguishability, thereby restoring interference. The concept of a quantum eraser is useful for understanding the role of entanglement in interference. Several attempts to investigate the phenomenon have been made using the correlated photons from spontaneous parametric down-conversion. However, none of the experiments previously performed in connection with quantum erasure has provided an optimal demonstration. We propose three improved down-conversion schemes, each of which satisfies all the criteria for a true quantum eraser. As the proposed schemes are all modifications or combinations of previously completed experiments, they are deemed to be feasible.
Localization of c-fos, c-jun, and hsp70 mRNA expression in brain after neonatal hypoxia-ischemia.

Abstract The sites of expression of early response mRNAs were determined in the brains of 7-day-old rat pups exposed to unilateral carotid artery ligation followed by 3 h of hypoxia. Pups were sacrificed after recovery periods ranging from 10 min to 24 h. In agreement with our previous northern blot analysis18, in situ hybridization of coronal brain sections to probes for c-fos, c-jun, and heat-inducible hsp70 revealed a marked induction and subsequent disappearance of all three mRNAs during this time period. We observed co-localization of the 2 immediate early gene (IEG) mRNAs, c-fos and c-jun, which encode proteins that act in combination to regulate subsequent gene expression. These mRNAs were expressed in all regions known to be vulnerable to permanent injury in this model, such as the cortex, hippocampus, and striatum, as well as in other regions that are spared from permanent damage, such as contralateral cortex and lateral ventricular neuroepithelium. The temporal and regional co-localization of c-fos and c-jun suggests that the transcriptional regulatory activity of their protein products could play a role in plasticity associated with death or recovery from injury in the immature brain. Hsp70 mRNA expression was induced in nearly all of the animals that were positive for IEG mRNAs. Although the most frequent site of expression for all three mRNAs was the ipsilateral cerebral cortex, hsp70 expression was restricted to the ipsilateral hemisphere and absent from a number of structures that were positive for c-fos and c-jun. In addition, the patterns of expression of hsp70 within specific structures frequently differed from those of the IEGs, implying that although both cellular early response systems are activated in this model, their specific functions are carried out within different microenvironments.
Effects of Dietary Zinc upon Tissue Zinc and Percent Unsaturated Plasma-Zinc Binding Capacity

Calves were fed 520 ppm zinc for 21 days, then placed on a low zinc diet (20 ppm zinc) for 35 days to determine the biological availability of zinc reserves of tissue. Concentrations of zinc in liver and kidney were elevated greatly by feeding high dietary zinc for 21 days and continued to increase with time. On the low zinc diet, the tissue burden of zinc decreased within 35 days to those comparable to calves initially fed low zinc. Likewise, both zinc in plasma and percent capacity of unsaturated plasma for binding zinc were near negative controls 21 days after removal of calves from high zinc diets. Tissue stores of zinc will not maintain adequate zinc in blood for extended periods, and hence, they probably will not sustain optimal feed intakes and growth rates of calves on low-intakes of zinc.
Natural convection in binary gases driven by combined horizontal thermal and vertical solutal gradients

An investigation of natural convection is presented to examine the influence of a horizontal temperature gradient and a concentration gradient occurring from the bottom to the cold wall in a cavity. As the solutal buoyancy force changes from augmenting to opposing the thermal buoyancy force, the fluid motion switches from unicellular to multicellular flow (fluid motion is up the cold wall and down the hot wall for the bottom counterrotating flow cell). Qualitatively, the agreement between predicted streamlines and smoke flow patterns is generally good. In contrast, agreement between measured and predicted temperature and concentration distributions ranges from fair to poor. Part of the discrepancy can be attributed to experimental error. However, there remains considerable discrepancy between data and predictions due to the idealizations of the mathematical model, which examines only first-order physical effects. An unsteady flow, variable thermophysical properties, conjugate effects, species interdiffusion, and radiation were not accounted for in the model.
Information disclosure and the role of the accountant in collective bargaining

Abstract Building on the recent literature, this article proposes an analytical framework to better understand organizational disclosure of accounting and other managerial information in collective bargaining. Particular organizational and behavioral factors are identified for assessment of information disclosure policy alternatives. It is concluded that it seems inappropriate to generally assert that a broader disclosure of information in collective bargaining is warranted. Finally, illustrative roles for the accountant in labor relations are presented and a likely role for the future is suggested.
Purification and properties of Paracoccus denitrificans Azurin.

Abstract The isolation of an azurin type Cu protein from Paracoccus denitrificans (ATCC 13543) is described and some properties are reported. The purified protein has a molecular weight of 13,790 in a single polypeptide chain and contains one Cu atom per molecule. Its spectrum is typical of Type I, “blue” Cu proteins in showing an intense band at 595 nm; but it also shows a weaker absorption band at 448 nm. Its standard reduction potential has been measured to be +230 mV, which is the lowest potential observed to date for azurins isolated from bacterial sources. The purified protein shows fivefold greater electron transport activity with membrane fragments than with the soluble nitrite reductase of Paracoccus . This argues against the latter as the primary physiological oxidase system for azurin.
Chronic hypoxia inhibits contraction of fetal arteries by increased endothelium-derived nitric oxide and prostaglandin synthesis.

Chronic hypoxia causes redistribution of fetal cardiac output by mechanisms poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that chronic hypoxia alters vascular reactivity of arteries from near-term fetal guinea pigs. Pregnant guinea pigs (50 days, term = 65 days) were exposed to either normoxia (room air) or hypoxia (12% O2) for 14 days. Carotid artery ring segments from anesthetized fetuses were mounted onto myographs for measurement of force. Contractile responses to cumulative addition of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α, 10−9 M to 10−5 M), U46619, a thromboxane mimetic (10−12 M to 12−6 M), and KCl (10 to 120 mM) were measured in the presence and absence of INDO (INDO, 10−5 M) alone and INDO plus nitro-l-arginine (LNA, 10−4 M), or INDO plus N6-iminoethyl-l-lysine (LNIL, 5 × 10−5 M, a selective iNOS inhibitor), and measured in endothelium-intact and denuded arteries. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was measured in isolated arteries by 14C-l-arginine to 14C-l-citrulline conversion. Hypoxia decreased contractile responses to both PGF2α and V46619 under control conditions. Maximal contraction to both agonists was increased in hypoxemic arteries after INDO alone and INDO + LNA compared to normoxic controls. Endothelium-denudation abolished the differences between the groups. KCl contraction was unaffected by hypoxia. LNIL potentiated maximal PGF2α contraction but was similar between groups. Hypoxia increased (P < .05) total and Ca2+-dependent NOS activities by 1.7- and 2.1-fold, respectively, but had no effect on Ca2+-independent activity. Chronic hypoxia alters vascular reactivity of fetal carotid arteries by increasing the contribution of both vasodilator prostaglandins and nitric oxide and suggests that changes in local vascular mechanisms may be altered by chronic hypoxia.
Management of an oroantral fistula in a patient with Wilson's disease: Case report and review of the literature

After removal of an impacted maxillary third molar, an oroantral fistula developed in a patient with Wilson's disease. Management consisted of antibiotics, decongestants, irrigation, and surgical closure. Complications of treatment did not directly involve the disease but, rather, were related to the therapeutic agent penicillamine. Penicillamine causes interference between the cross links of tropocollagen molecules and cleaves newly formed molecules. Reduction in dosage is recommended when surgery is planned to increase collagen formation and, thus, healing. Such a measure was undertaken in this case. The patient healed uneventfully. A review of Wilson's disease and a case report are presented.
Interhemispheric EEG Differences in Relation to Short-Term Memory

Summary Bipolar EEGs were recorded from left and right homologous areas and from 2 transverse derivations in 49 boys during performance of the WISC digit span (backward) test. Comparison of average period of waves recorded while digits were inputed showed that acquisition of longer lists was accompanied by increased synchrony betwen left and right hemispheres of the brain. Digit span was longer in subjects with greater interhemispheric synchrony and vice versa. Control experiments using EEG data recorded from transverse placements showed no significant differences over the same conditions.
Exploratory statistical methods, with applications to psychiatric research.

Abstract This article introduces statistical methods for describing and summarizing the results of studies and introduces statistical principles that will guide the psychiatric researcher in the evaluation and interpretation of clinical research. We discuss relatively easy-to-use and informal methods for describing and comparing data. Our aim is to develop methods for investigating relationships among variables, to learn about the effect of one variable upon another. Once we have observed an apparent relationship between variables, an important question to be addressed is whether or not this observed relationship is causal in the sense that a change in one variable causes a changes in the other. We discuss and illustrate principles related to the evaluation of the nature of the association among variables. Throughout the article, principles and methods will be illustrated by examples and case studies based on data sets primarily from the psychiatric research literature.
An Improved Neutron Transport Algorithm for HZETRN

Long term human presence in space requires the inclusion of radiation constraints in mission planning and the design of shielding materials, structures, and vehicles. In this paper, the numerical error associated with energy discretization in HZETRN is addressed. An inadequate numerical integration scheme in the transport algorithm is shown to produce large errors in the low energy portion of the neutron and light ion fluence spectra. It is further shown that the errors result from the narrow energy domain of the neutron elastic cross section spectral distributions, and that an extremely fine energy grid is required to resolve the problem under the current formulation. Two numerical methods are developed to provide adequate resolution in the energy domain and more accurately resolve the neutron elastic interactions. Convergence testing is completed by running the code for various environments and shielding materials with various energy grids to ensure stability of the newly implemented method.
Phased Array Noise Source Localization Measurements of an F404 Nozzle Plume at Both Full and Model Scale

A 48-microphone planar phased array system was used to acquire jet noise source localization data on both a full-scale F404-GE-F400 engine and on a 1/4th scale model of a F400 series nozzle. The full-scale engine test data show the location of the dominant noise sources in the jet plume as a function of frequency for the engine in both baseline (no chevron) and chevron configurations. Data are presented for the engine operating both with and without afterburners. Based on lessons learned during this test, a set of recommendations are provided regarding how the phased array measurement system could be modified in order to obtain more useful acoustic source localization data on high-performance military engines in the future. The data obtained on the 1/4th scale F400 series nozzle provide useful insights regarding the full-scale engine jet noise source mechanisms, and document some of the differences associated with testing at model-scale versus fullscale.
A game theoretic analyses for renewable resource management

Abstract Management of a two species ecosystem in which each species is gathered by a different harvester is considered here. Analysis is directed toward the general problem of determining the maximum level of harvesting which will allow the maximization of yields. For constant harvesting levels, it is shown that there is a close connection between system stability and game theoretic optimization. The general results are applied to two differennt predator-prey models.
Sex differences in cognitive/motor overload in reaction time tasks.

Abstract The three studies described in this paper were follow-ups to a previous study in which reaction time (RT) was found to be longer when the hand used was contralateral to the hemisphere presumably most involved in a cognitive task. Twenty right-handed subjects (10 males, 10 females) performed in verbal target detection/discriminative RT tasks. The results indicated that for females, engaging a hemisphere in both cognitive processing and control of motor output produces interference with task execution. The difference between males and females appeared to be a function of task difficulty.
Experimental analysis of density dependent emigration of the amphipod Rhepoxynius abronius

Laboratory experiments tested the short‐term, sex specific emigration response of the infaunal amphipod Rhepoxynius abronius (Barnard) to intraspecific density. Emigration of amphipods from the sediment into the water column increased monotonically with greater test densities. A significantly higher percentage of amphipods emigrated at a density equivalent to 16,000 m2 than at a density of 4,000 m2. No significant difference in the emigration behaviour of males and females was detected. These results suggest that there is a strong selective advantage for R. abronius to avoid high densities of potential competitors and offer one explanation for the occurrence of these amphipods and perhaps other infauna in the water column.
Effect of bone marrow suppression on granulocyte opsonin levels.

SummaryLevels of serum opsonin for neutrophilic granulocytes were measured in dogs made neutropenic by cyclophosphamide administration. Heat-labile opsonin became elevated within 24 hr following cyclophosphamide (P < 0.005) and remained elevated over the 4-5 day period of observation (P < 0.005). In contrast, heat stable opsonin was not significantly effected. Bone marrow suppression by X-ray and busulfan also caused serum opsonin levels to increase. Changes in the levels of IgG, C3, and total hemolytic complement during the course of bone marrow suppression did not correlate with the granulocyte opsonin levels. These findings suggest that serum granulocyte opsonin levels respond to bone marrow suppression and may provide an improved environment for the function of transfused granulocytes.We appreciate the help of Mr. Vincent Yakulis who performed the IgG and C3 assays and Mrs. Lilia Kizlai-tis who determined the hemolytic complement levels. The cyclophosphamide was generously supplied by the Mead-Johnson...
A practical synthes of α,β-unstaurated iron acyls. Chiral enoate synthesis.

Abstract A simple preparation of α,β-unsaturated iron acyls is described. The title compounds are very useful as chiral enoate synthons.
Intimate Encounters: Affective Economies in Cuba and the Dominican Republic

Drawing on research in Cuba and the Dominican Republic this paper explores the uses of intimacy in both the corporate sector and in romantic relationships. I use research with hotel workers and with people involved in sexual-affective exchanges connected to tourism to link intimacy to the political economic structures of transnational tourism. These are new spaces of analysis that present practices of transnational corporate-generated intimacy that combine love - or the exploitation of worker's emotions − and labor. The central aim is to intertwine the intimate with the global, from the formal customer service policies of transnational hotels with the informal, on-the-ground, intimate encounters between tourists and hospitality workers. The commercialization of intimacy, including sexual-affective relations in the delivery of hospitality services, is linked to political and economic processes that are part of transnational tourism practices. This paper challenges the notion that sex tour- ism and sex work are individualistic practices that exist outside of the spaces of corporate global profit. It further posits that relationships where money is exchanged are not necessarily devoid of care and intimacy. Keywords: intimate labour, sex tourism, hospitality industry, Cuba, Dominican Republic. During recent travel to the Dominican Republic I booked an online trip that in- cluded airfare and lodging. My aim was to get an inexpensive hotel for my stay during a research trip. I chose to book over the internet because the rapid consoli- dation of travel services through online search engines such as Orbitz or Traveloc- ity bundles airfare, car rentals, and lodging, offering some of the most inexpensive deals available to mass travel consumers. This limits consumers to multinational suppliers in accommodations, since the rapid monopolization of travel services is now controlled by only a handful of transnational corporations (ILO 2001, Dun- ning and McQueen 1982). 1
Infections of the Malaria Parasite, Plasmodium Floridense, in the Invasive Lizard, Anolis Sagrei, in Florida

Abstract Florida is now home to several exotic species of amphibians and reptiles, but the most prevalent is Anolis sagrei, the Brown Anole. We surveyed 28 sites across the state for infections with the saurian malaria parasite, Plasmodium floridense between 2000 and 2006. Plasmodium floridense was found at five sites, primarily along the Gulf of Mexico coast. The results of the survey allowed for two tests of possible factors contributing to the presence of the parasite. One was a set of ecological variables as implemented in the niche modeling program Maxent. We found that proximity to fresh water and urban areas were important variables in predicting the parasite. The second test examined whether A. sagrei that had originated from western Cuban populations were less susceptible to the parasite; there was no difference in infection rates of A. sagrei from western versus eastern/central Cuban populations.
Asynchrony, fragmentation, and scale determine benefits of landscape heterogeneity to mobile herbivores

Understanding the ways that resource heterogeneity shapes the performance of individuals and the dynamics of populations offers a central challenge in contemporary ecology. Emerging evidence shows that herbivores track heterogeneity in nutritional quality of vegetation by responding to phenological differences in plants, differences that result from spatial and temporal variation in conditions favoring plant growth. Theory predicts that when spatial variation in temperature, nutrients, or moisture results in spatially asynchronous pulses of plant growth, herbivores are able to prolong the period during which they have access to forage of peak nutritional value. Although this idea has substantial support from observational and modeling studies, it has not been examined experimentally. We hypothesized that access to asynchronous resources enhances nutritional status and growth of herbivores and that the magnitude of this effect depends on the scale of access relative to the grain of resources. We tested these hypotheses in mesocosm experiment using the migratory grasshopper, Melanoplus sanguinipes, feeding on young wheat and protein-rich bran as a model system. We demonstrated access to asynchronous pulses in resources enhanced the efficiency of use of high quality resource use and increased growth of individuals by 13%. Disruption of this mechanism when landscapes were fragmented lowered efficiency of resource use and caused growth of individuals to decline by 15%. However, the strength of the effects of fragmentation on herbivore performance depended on the spatial extent of fragmentation relative to the spatial and temporal grain of resource emergence. Our findings add experimental support to modeling and observational studies that have linked herbivore performance to spatial and temporal variation in plant phenology. We also offer evidence that fragmentation can impair herbivore performance, even when the total amount and quality of resources on landscapes remains unchanged.
Commodities in action: measuring embeddedness and imposing values

Recent approaches in political economy look at the effects of technology and social values on economic action. Combining these approaches with those of economic anthropologists, this article poses ...
Therapeutic ultrasound for glaucoma: clinical use of a low-frequency low-power ultrasound device for lowering intraocular pressure

This is a first-in-human study to determine the efficacy and tolerability ofa new method of treating glaucoma using a low-power, low-frequency, focusedtherapeutic ultrasound for glaucoma (TUG) device designed to trigger aninflammatory reaction in the anterior chamber angle and trabecular meshworkto enhance outflow. The use of the device is anticipated for mild ormoderate open-angle glaucoma as an enhancement to outflow. In a two-branch clinical trial, a total of 26 primary open-angle glaucomapatients underwent a procedure consisting of the external application of theTUG device. In branch 1, nine of these patients were naive topharmaceutical treatment or had been off of medication for over6 months. In branch 2, 17 patients were treated after a medicationwashout period. All patients in the study were followed for12 months. In branch 1, there was a decrease in intraocular pressure averaging over 20%lasting at least a year in 74% of the eyes with non-normotensive open-angleglaucoma. In branch 2, an average of two visits while on medication providedthe comparison intraocular pressure (IOP) to the effect of the TUG treatmentafter washout. It was seen that the intraocular pressure over the yearpost-treatment was equal to or better than the pharmaceutical control inclose to 80% of measurements. A novel device for lowering intraocular pressure is described with apotential for adding to our armamentarium for treating glaucoma. This is asmall cohort study which indicates beneficial trends. The study was a registered clinical trial, # ISRCTN50904302 .
Asthma and frequency of wheeze: risk factors for the persistence of atopic dermatitis in children

Background Studies have examined the development of asthma in children with atopic dermatitis (AD); however, none have looked at the association of asthma or the frequency of wheeze with respect to persistence or difficulty in achieving AD clinical improvement in children.
Georg Ohm and the Changing Character of Aortic Stenosis It's Not Your Grandfather's Oldsmobile

Severe aortic stenosis (AS) untreated by aortic valve replacement is a fatal disease with a 3-year mortality rate of 75% once the classic symptoms of the disease ensue.1–4 Approximately 15% of AS patients present with syncope, which is an ominous occurrence.2 Indeed, a master cardiologist and my former mentor, Dr Lewis Dexter, quipped that sudden death in AS was simply prolonged syncope. Although exercise-induced arrhythmia and/or a pressure-induced vasodepressor response have been invoked to explain syncope in AS, the most commonly held theory invokes Ohm's law. This well-known principle states that V=I×R, where V is voltage, I is current, and R is resistance. Applied to the circulation, the terms are substituted such that P=CO×R, where P is pressure, CO is cardiac output (L/min), and R is the vascular resistance in the area of interest. The Figure diagrams the circulation in the patient with AS as having 3 major resistors: R1, the total pulmonary resistance made up of left ventricular (LV) filling pressure plus pulmonary vascular resistance that governs LV filling; R2, the resistance offered by the aortic valve; and R3, the systemic vascular resistance (SVR). Pressure at these 3 points in the circulation is determined by the product of CO×R. If resistance drops without a concomitant increase in output, pressure must also fall. In severe AS, it has been assumed that R2 (valve resistance) exceeds R3 (SVR) substantially. As such, a fall in SVR caused by exercise or by administration of a vasodilator would cause a fall in systemic pressure because R2, the severely stenotic aortic valve, would block a compensatory increase in forward output causing systemic hypotension and syncope. Is this theory proven? Article see p 2353 Figure. Diagram of the circulation as an electric circuit. …
Modern Language Instruction and Music

Author's summary.— Modern language instruction, particularly in the colleges, often suffers from overemphasis on rational and historical aspects. Methods employed in music teaching might well prove the value of ear training and the importance of fixing mental patterns by an abundance of uniform examples.
Macroscopic Traffic Flow Propagation Stability for Adaptive Cruise Controlled Vehicles

Traffic flow propagation stability is concerned about whether a traffic flow perturbation will propagate and form a traffic shockwave. In this paper, we discuss a general approach to the macroscopic traffic flow propagation stability for adaptive cruise controlled (ACC) vehicles. We present a macroscopic model with velocity saturation for traffic flow in which each individual vehicle is controlled by an adaptive cruise control spacing policy. A nonlinear traffic flow stability criterion is investigated using a wavefront expansion technique. Quantitative relationships between traffic flow stability and model parameters (such as traffic flow and speed, etc.) are derived for a generalized ACC traffic flow model. The newly derived stability results are in agreement with previously derived results that were obtained using both microscopic and macroscopic models with a constant time headway (CTH) policy. Moreover, the stability results derived in this paper provide sufficient and necessary conditions for ACC traffic flow stability and can be used to design other ACC spacing policies.
The biochemical indices of experimental phosphorus depletion (PD): a re-examination of their physiological implications.

The biochemical features observed in experimental phosphorus (P) depletion include hypercalcemia (↑P-Ca), hypophosphatemia (↓P-P), hypercalciuria (↑U-Ca), hypophosphaturia (↓U-P) and intestinal calcium (Ca) hyperabsorption (1–7). Exogenous P deprivation is the usual mode of inducing PD and has been considered fundamental in the generation of the various biochemical changes (Figure 1). However, it is entirely reasonable to postulate that these changes also may be induced or aborted by modifying the metabolic need for P. In the present study we observed that normal young rats maintained on normal P diets may develop biochemical features of PD if they undergo unusual and spontaneous acceleration in growth. On the other hand, in young rats with growth arrest induced by hypophysectomy, both the biochemical and clinical changes caused by low P diet may either be aborted or attenuated. These findings stress the importance of defining the prevailing anabolic need of experimental animals in interpreting both the adequacy of dietary P and the significance of the clinical and the biochemical changes of PD. Some relevant examples will be discussed. We also provide evidence demonstrating that in young rats PD results in a net reduction in intestinal Ca retention. Since both the synthesis of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) and its accumulation in intestinal mucosa are increased in P deprived rats (8,9), this finding may represent an example in which the physiological interrelationship between the activity of 1,25(OH)2D3 and net intestinal Ca retention is dissociated.
Relationship Among 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations, Insulin Action, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Patients With Essential Hypertension

There is substantial epidemiological evidence that low plasma concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) are associated with increased risk of developing hypertension,1,2 although not all studies agree.3 Furthermore, analysis of data from the 2001–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey with linked mortality data through 2006 indicated that concentrations of 25(OH)D were inversely associated with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in the 2,609 participants with hypertension.4 There is also a coherent rationale for vitamin D deficiency to be associated with hypertension because it has been well documented that low vitamin D levels upregulate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, increase inflammation, and cause endothelial dysfunction.5–7 However, thus far the results of interventional studies suggest that treatment with vitamin D neither substantially lowers blood pressure (BP) nor uniformly prevents CVD.8–10 The extensive literature is summarized in recent reviews.11,12 One possible explanation for this somewhat paradoxical situation is that considerable heterogeneity in CVD risk exists in patients with hypertension.13–15 More specifically, approximately 50% of patients with hypertension, treated or untreated, are insulin resistant and have the CVD risk factors usually associated with this abnormality.13 To the best of our knowledge, there is no available information regarding the relationship between 25(OH)D concentrations, specific measures of insulin action, and CVD risk factors in patients with hypertension. This study examines the relationships among these variables with the goal of providing new and clinically relevant information concerning the impact of insulin resistance and 25(OH)D concentrations on CVD risk in patients with hypertension.
Azithromycin and COPD Exacerbations in the Presence or Absence of Symptoms or Active Treatment for Gastroesophageal Reflux.

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is associated with COPD exacerbations. Since macrolides have prokinetic effects and consequently may decrease GERD, we hypothesized that azithromycin may decrease exacerbations by decreasing GERD. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of data collected in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial of azithromycin for preventing COPD exacerbations. Participants were classified as having GERD on the basis of having a history of GERD or having a history or being treated for GERD. Results: We analyzed 1116 participants, 478 (43%) and 568 (51%) had GERD on the basis of history and history or treatment respectively. Individuals with GERD developed exacerbations sooner and more frequently, and were more likely to be hospitalized than those without GERD but the difference only reached significance when GERD was defined by history or treatment (P = 0.02, 0.02, and 0.03, respectively). Azithromycin reduced exacerbations regardless of the presence of GERD, but had a greater effect in those without GERD. Conclusions: GERD is associated with more frequent and severe COPD exacerbations. Azithromycin reduces COPD exacerbations regardless of the presence or absence of GERD but does so to a greater degree in individuals without GERD.
The Role of Replication in Management Research

Replication arguably has a role to play in advancing management scholarship. In related fields such as psychology and economics, results have been challenged because other scholars could not replic...
Mentoring in Political Life: The Case of Willy Brandt *

Mentoring relationships have a qualitative impact on the transition from early to middle adulthood, as well as on adult life itself. This paper proposes that the exploration of the role of mentors in the lives of political leaders will produce suggestive results. The study is a case history which examines the mentor in the early and later life of the adult male, here Willy Brandt. Brandt had two mentors: Julius Leber and Ernst Reuter. Reuter is briefly discussed but we focus here on the first of these, Leber, a prominent Social Democrat during the Weimar era and a legendary member of the German resistance. The essay describes the origins, nature and termination of the Brandt-Leber relationship. The influence of the mentor on the mentee transcended the period of their actual interaction and, as the paper procedes to demonstrate, the intensity of the relationship ensured that Brandt's self-image as Leber's heir continued to affect both professional and ideological choices.
Clinical usefulness of electromyography.

Electromyographic examination includes two stages: (1) determination of conduction velocity in motor nerves and conduction time in sensory fibers, and (2) needle electrode determination of spontaneous electric activity in resting muscle and of the state of contracting muscle. Recording characteristic patterns of certain diseases aids the physician in differential diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases.
Protocol for a population-based molecular epidemiology study of tuberculosis transmission in a high HIV-burden setting: the Botswana Kopanyo study

Introduction Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is transmitted from person to person via airborne droplet nuclei. At the community level, Mtb transmission depends on the exposure venue, infectiousness of the tuberculosis (TB) index case and the susceptibility of the index case's social network. People living with HIV infection are at high risk of TB, yet the factors associated with TB transmission within communities with high rates of TB and HIV are largely undocumented. The primary aim of the Kopanyo study is to better understand the demographic, clinical, social and geospatial factors associated with TB and multidrug-resistant TB transmission in 2 communities in Botswana, a country where 60% of all patients with TB are also infected with HIV. This manuscript describes the methods used in the Kopanyo study. Methods and analysis The study will be conducted in greater Gaborone, which has high rates of HIV and a mobile population; and in Ghanzi, a rural community with lower prevalence of HIV infection and home to the native San population. Kopanyo aims to enrol all persons diagnosed with TB during a 4-year study period. From each participant, sputum will be cultured, and for all Mtb isolates, molecular genotyping (24-locus mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units-variable number of tandem repeats) will be performed. Patients with matching genotype results will be considered members of a genotype cluster, a proxy for recent transmission. Demographic, behavioural, clinical and social information will be collected by interview. Participant residence, work place, healthcare facilities visited and social gathering venues will be geocoded. We will assess relationships between these factors and cluster involvement to better plan interventions for reducing TB transmission. Ethics Ethical approval from the Independent Review Boards at the University of Pennsylvania, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Botswana Ministry of Health and University of Botswana has been obtained.
Surveillance for hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Quzhou,Zhejiang,2005-2012

Objective To understand the epidemiological characteristics of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome( HFRS) in Quzhou,Zhejiang province. Methods The analysis was conducted on surveillance data of HFRS in Quzhou from 2005 to 2012. Results A total of 424 HFRS cases,including 2 deaths,were reported during this period. The average annual incidence was 2. 28 / lakh and the case fatality was 0. 47%. The incidence declined by year. Most cases were aged 30-69 years( 85. 38%). The cases in farmers accounted for 79. 95%. The male to female ratio of the cases was 2. 50∶ 1. Incidence peaks were in summer and in winter. The highest incidence was found in Kaihua mountain area. Rattus norvegicus was the predominant indoor host animal( 57. 39%),and Apodemus agrarians was the predominant outdoor host animal( 76. 04%). The hantavirus carrying rate was 2. 02% in rodents,and the serum antibody positive rate of hantavirus in rats was 4. 35%. Conclusion HFRS epidemic area with Apodemus as predominant host animal exists in Quzhou. It is still necessary to strengthen HFES surveillance,deratization and vaccine immunization.
Ab Initio Calculation of Phonons, Effective Charges, and Dielectric Tensor in α -Quartz

Understanding the lattice dynamics of α-quartz has important consequences, not only because α-quartz is of technological interest, but also because it is the simplest tetrahedrally bonded form of silica, and can help to understand silica glasses. Although experimental data are numerous, the generation of models is difficult due to the complexity of the interaction between silicon and oxygen ions. In this context, a parameter-free ab initio study proves valuable.
Typologies of Homicide

IN THE story of Cain and Abel, an omniscient narrator explores Cain's responsibility for Abel's death by constructing conversations between God and Cain, in which God explains the capricious and potent impulse to murder and Cain reacts to God's reference to Abel and to the declaration of his punishment. In contrast, three biblical legal texts, Exod 21:12–14, Num 35:9–34, and Deut 19:1–13, analyze the responsibility of the killer by extrapolating the intent of the killer from the manner of killing or from the prior relationship between victim and murderer. They do not have the luxury of omniscience as does the author of Genesis 4. These three legal texts manifest the intent to articulate more precisely and accurately a distinction between intentional and unintentional killing. They provide conflicting typologies of homicide, probably for two interrelated reasons: 1) Without direct access to a person's thoughts, it is fiendishly difficult to know what he intended; and 2) although the positing of ground rules is easy, the difficulty comes in applying these rules to actual persons and events. At the same time, the legal texts share the principle that only intentional killing by direct action is culpable, and they divide acts of homicide into two categories, one for which the penalty is death and the other for which it is not. Accidental homicide is defined in Exod 21:12–14 as “if [the killer] did not do it by design, but God caused it to meet his hand” (Exod 21:13).